Author: Sierra

Disclaimer: Characters from this story belong to Studios USA and Renaissance Pictures. No copyright infringement intended. I’m only borrowing them for this piece of fiction.

Genre: Xena/Hercules

Timeline: There is no real timeline on this. The story is not directly connected to any of the episodes on either series. Let’s just say Season 5 of Xena never happened. Gabrielle still has her long hair and carries her staff.

"Gabrielle, oh gods Gabrielle, I’m so sorry!" Xena wept as she examined the wound on her best friend. The bard was lying on a narrow bed in her mother’s inn currently fighting for her life. The arrow had pierced right through her, inches away from her heart. She had lost so much blood; it was a miracle that she was still alive. But for how long? Gabrielle looked up at Xena, her lips moved, but not a sound came out. A look of pain passed over the delicate features of the bard as she lay there unable to form a single word.

"Let me take a look at it." Hercules tried to pull Xena away from the bard, but she refused to budge.

"I can’t believe this has happened. This is all my fault."

"Xena, she’s going to be alright. Stop blaming yourself, this isn’t your fault." Hercules said gently still trying to remove her so that he could get a better look at the bard’s injury.

"It wouldn’t have happened if I were still here with her." Instead of stepping away, Xena pulled Gabrielle into her arms and sobbed loudly, "Gabrielle, you can’t die. Please…"

Hercules, being the more rational of the two, forcibly separated the Warrior Princess from the bard. "First thing first, we need to patch up that wound." He gave the arrow a quick tug, pulling it out in its entirety. Gabrielle moaned softly and fainted.

While Xena just sat there and watched, Hercules cleaned out her wound and bandaged it up. He then wrapped a blanket around the bard and gently set her back on the bed. He then pulled another blanket up over her unconscious form and stepped away from the bed. He turned around to see Xena still sitting on the floor with her arms wrapped around her knees silently rocking back and forth on her heels. The tears continued to stream down her pale face. He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms. Xena looked up at him briefly and turned her face into his shoulder, finding comfort in his warm embrace, and yet unable to control the flow of tears.

After what seems like ages, she finally managed to stop the tears long enough to question, "will she be O.K.?"

"I hope so. We should know for sure in the morning." Hercules tried to comfort her. In all honesty, he had no idea if the bard will pull through or not.

"I should never have left her." Xena berated herself. "I should have known that she would not be contented to just go home and spend the rest of her life in Poteidaea."

"Xena, don’t do this to yourself."

"What have I done to her?"

"This isn’t your fault. Gabrielle made her choice just like we all do."

"No, she was forced into it. I should have been there for her just as she had always been there for me. I left her because I wanted to be with you. I should have known…" Once again the tears ran unchecked down her face.

"Xena…" Hercules just held her as she continues to weep.

Xena sighed as she watched Gabrielle turned over in her sleep and mumbled something too soft for her to hear. While she is unable to sleep even though they have been on the road for 3 days straight, nothing seems to trouble the young bard. But Xena knows that even in her slumber, Gabrielle is always ready for whatever trouble comes their way. Her staff lies just within her reach, and the slightest sound of danger would have immediately woken her. Xena smiled, these are things that she had learned in her travels with Xena. That wide-eyed innocent tag-a-long is gone; this is a woman fully capable of taking care of herself.

Her train of thoughts brought Xena face to face with her real dilemma; can she really leave her? Is Gabrielle really strong enough of a warrior to be left on her own? The dancing blue eyes and calm soothing voice lured her back to her daydream. How many chances of happiness does a person get in life? She’s tired of the constant traveling, the constant battle. She wants to settle down, have a family, and there is only one person with whom she wants to spend the rest of her life with, and he’s there patiently waiting for her.

Once more she sees before her the laughing blue eyes, the tall, muscular hero of Greece. Hercules, the man who started her on her road of self-discovery. It was his belief in her worthiness that had enabled her to give up her villainous past and became the defender of good and just. Knowing what she needed to accomplish before she can embark on a life with him, she had reluctantly left to forge out that new life even though she had wanted nothing more than to just hold on to him and never let go. But it wasn’t the right time; there were still obligations that both of them had to fulfill. Over the years their paths had crossed infrequently, but circumstances had always dictated that they continue on separate ways. Every time they parted, she had felt such sadness and loneliness that even Gabrielle quick wit and laughter cannot obliterate. Just as right now, she misses him, she misses him so much. She sighed and closed her eyes hoping for Morpheus to claim her. Perhaps she could be reunited with him in her dreams.

In the morning Xena woke up tired and restless while Gabrielle was full of energy after a good night’s sleep. As usual she was talking a mile a minute. As she held up a loaf of bread, "I asked for nut bread, and look what he gave me…" she looked at Xena and her lips twitched in amusement. "This fish will go really well with the cheese, don’t you agree?"

"Huh, yes, of course." Xena nodded without even listening.

"O.K. just what is going on?" Gabrielle put down the loaf of bread.

"What?" Xena looked up, finally paying attention to what the bard was saying.

"You haven’t even been listening to me, have you? As a matter of fact, you haven’t really been listening to anything I’ve said for the last of couple of days." The bard accused.

"I’m sorry Gabrielle, I guess I’m just too tired."

"You’ve been too tired ever since we set out on this journey." She looked at her friend critically, "you are not sick, are you?"

"No, I’ve told you. I’m just tired."

"You were perfectly well until we left…oh…is Hercules, isn’t it?" The bard stammered a little uncertainly.

"No, I…"

"It’s o.k. I understand." Gabrielle said gently. "What I don’t understand is if you feel this way about him, why aren’t you there with him?"

"Because I’m here with you." Xena said unthinkingly then quickly added, "and I want to be here with you."

"Xena, you are my best friend, and I love nothing more than for us to continue like this. But to be lucky enough to find someone that you can truly be in love with is a rare and precious thing. Don’t throw it away. I want you to be happy, and I know Hercules will make you happy."

"Gabrielle, I am happy with you. We are making a real difference in the lives of a lot of people." Xena looked at the bard, "I admit that I miss Hercules, but I can never give up on this life with you."

"You don’t have to give it up. You just need a different partner, that’s all." Gabrielle smiled at her friend, "think about all the good that the two of you can do together."

"Gabrielle, I don’t think…"

Without giving her a chance to finish Gabrielle cut in with her most determined tone of voice. The voice that shows her stubbornness and strong will, something that a lot of people tended to overlook. "No, you listen to me Xena, I’ve never seen anybody more in love than the two of you. I feel like I’m engulfed with love just by watching you two together. Whatever it is that is keeping you two part is simply ridiculous. Life is too short; you need to embrace every moment of it. You need to spend it wisely with the one that you truly love. I know you love me, but it isn’t the same, is it? I’m not the one that makes you go weak at the knees and your stomach all tied up in knots, am I?"

"Gabrielle, I do love you."

"I know you do. There have never been any doubts in my mind, but you love Hercules more. He is the other half of you. Your life will never be complete without him." The bard told her softly. "Go to him, go find the other half of your soul."

The idea was too tempting, but…"But what about you? How can I just leave you?"

"Listen Xena, if I ever find my other half, I would leave you without a second thought." The bard said teasingly.

"I still don’t think…"

"I’ve been away from home for a long time. I’ve seen the world, grown so much and learned so much, perhaps now it the time for me to go home. I do miss my family, maybe this is where the adventure should end." Gabrielle hugged her; "you got to go on with your life. You have a man that loves you, and he is a good man. If you pass that up, I will never speak to you again." She told her sternly.

Xena looked at her friend, know that she was sincere, and finally nodded.

Gabrielle had traveled with Xena until they caught up with Hercules again. There was no doubt in her mind that she made the right decision when she saw how her friend had lighted up as soon as they came into contact with the demigod. She stayed for a couple of days just to make sure that everything were o.k. After carefully watching the two together, she came to the conclusion that those two were made for each other. She wasn’t happy to leave Xena, but she was glad that friend had finally found true happiness. She announced that she would be leaving, traveling on her own back to Poteidaea. It was a tearful goodbye as Xena, standing next to Hercules, watched her best friend rode out of sight.

As soon as Gabrielle was gone, uncertainty came flooding in. Xena looked at Hercules and questioned herself over her decision. Did she do the right thing? Did she assume too much? Does Hercules really care for her? There were a million questions that demanded answers, but she was too afraid to ask. Hercules, witnessing the mixed emotions passing over her lovely face, quickly put her mind to rest. With his arm around her shoulders, he turned her to him and kissed her tenderly. "You have no idea how happy you have made me by staying. I could never in a million years get over the miracle that brought you into my life."

"Do you really mean that?" She had asked uncertainly.

He smiled and simply pulled her into his arms and showed her.

In the beginning Xena had missed the bard, but soon she was missing her less and less, for Hercules had dominated all her thoughts and actions. They started off by spending their time renewing their friendship, which quickly turned into romance. Xena was happy, more so than she had ever been before, more so than she thought she deserves to be. They continued to help those who needed help, but just the thought of Xena and Hercules together had kept even the most vicious warlord away. For the first time in her life, Xena found peace and fulfillment.

Hercules was so easy to talk to, and best of all, he listens to her. He looks at her as if she were the most beautiful woman on earth. They were like two halves of a whole. The closeness that they share was unbelievable. Laughter filled their days and passions filled their nights. The mild spring days quickly gave way to summer. The day that she had waited for what seems like forever finally came as Hercules tentatively asked her to marry him. She saw the fear of rejection in his eyes, and without even a second thought, she had given him the answer that he so desperately hoped for.

Hercules couldn’t believe it. She said yes, she actually said yes. This beautiful, brave, loving woman had agreed to be my wife, to spend the rest of her life with me. "What did I do to deserve you?" He had asked gently.

"By being you, by loving me, by seeing me as I truly am." She had answered in the same gentle tone.

The wedding was a joyous affair. They had returned to Amphipolis for the wedding because Xena wanted her mother to organize the celebration. Seeing her mother again had brought tears to her eyes which quickly turned to laughter. Cyrene had always approved of Hercules, and to think, he’s finally going to become her son-in-law. She planned an elaborate wedding and sent invitations out to all their friends.

The days quickly flew by and there was still no sign of Gabrielle. Xena was afraid that she would miss the wedding, but the bard showed up, alone with just her staff as her companion. Xena was so thrilled to see her friend that she didn’t even notice that difference in the bard. It was Hercules’ comments that made her realize the change in her friend.

"So just what have you been up to? By the look of you, you couldn’t have been just sitting around writing." Xena smiled at her friend while continuing to bombard her with questions. "Why didn’t you come sooner? How’s everyone at home? Why didn’t you bring Lila?"

"Well…actually I didn’t come from Poteidaea. That’s why I came so late, it took a while before I got the message." Gabrielle licked her lips and said carefully. "I haven’t been home a while."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"Well, I’ve been sort of just traveling around on my own."

Xena looked at her friend, and for the first time, took in her appearance. The lithe body now held more muscles than before. She inspected her carefully and noticed the faint scars that marred the soft skin of her arms. There were even a few faint bruises on her legs and arms. Xena looked at her in concern, "what happened?"

"I’ve been in a few fights, that’s all." Gabrielle prevaricated.

"Oh, my gods, you’ve been continuing the battles on your own, haven’t you?" Xena questioned in astonishment.

"I wouldn’t call them battles. A few bandits here and there, that’s all." Seeing the look of horror on the Warrior Princess, she quickly added, "I’ve been very careful, and I would like to think that I’ve done some good."

"Oh Gabrielle!"

"Listen Xena, the world doesn’t change just because our lives have changed. There are still people out there that needed our protection. Don’t worry, I never let myself get into a situation that I cannot handle." Gabrielle smiled reassuringly at her friend.

"But Gabrielle…"

"I’ve grown up Xena. You have taught me so well; I’m not a little girl anymore. Trust me on this, I can take care of myself."

"I don’t like this, Gabrielle."

"But you are going to leave it alone, right?"

"I don’t know…"

"Hey, this is your wedding. Concentrate on your husband and leave the bard alone."

It was while Xena and Hercules took some time off after the wedding to be by themselves that tragedy struck. A group of bandits rode into Amphipolis terrorizing the village. Knowing that Gabrielle had traveled with Xena, the whole village looked to her for guidance. Apprehension aside, the warrior bard took on the task of ridding the village of the bandits. She had carefully organized the villagers to defend their homes, but unfortunately being farmers, the villagers were reluctant to take on the bandits, leaving Gabrielle on her when the fighting started. Being forced into a corner, the bard put on an admirable job and actually drove the bandits out of town. Thinking that she had won, Gabrielle had let her guard down for a brief moment, just time enough for one of the bandits to turn around and shoot the unsuspecting bard with an arrow. Xena and Hercules rode in just as the bandits were leaving. One look at them was enough to make the Warrior Princess gallop home. Her heart beat quickened when she saw Gabrielle in the arms of her mother. She had jumped off her horse and rushed toward them, crying uncontrollably. It was Hercules who calmly told her that they need to get the bard inside, and proceeded to carry her into the inn.

The morning sunshine woke Xena. When she remembered what had happened, she quickly turned to look at her friend. Gabrielle was still pale, her breathing was shallow, but at least she was still breathing. Xena let out a sigh of relief at finding her friend still alive. It was when she was sitting by the bard whispering another apology that Hercules walked in. He checked the bard’s wound and turned to give Xena a quick kiss on the forehead. He smiled at her, "she’ll be o.k. She is a lot tougher than I thought."

Tears of relief ran down her face. She turned to look at Hercules, and the words which she never thought she would say came tumbling out. " I’ve made a decision. When Gabrielle is well enough to leave, I am leaving with her."

Hercules felt his heart stopped beating. "You don’t mean that!"

"Yes, I do. Last night I made a promise to any god out there listening that if she survives this, I will never leave her again."

Hercules couldn’t believe what he was hearing. All of a sudden his whole world is falling apart. "But you can leave me? After all that we have been through? After the vows that we have exchanged? Do I mean so little to you?" There was anger as well as disbelief in his voice. "We pledged our lives to each other, how could you even think of giving up on us?"

"I’m not giving up on us." Xena said tearfully. "But Gabrielle needs me. You saw what happened to her. She almost died."

"And I’m dying right now. Don’t you think that I need you?"

"You are strong, capable, nothing can hurt you. You can take care of yourself; you don’t need anybody."

Hercules had always understood the tie between the two women. All the hardships that they had endured together had somehow formed an unbroken bond between them. There were times when he was jealous of Gabrielle, but the past months had proven to him that there was no need for him to be jealous. He loves Gabrielle, if for no other reason than the fact that she had brought him back Xena. But now, he couldn’t believe she could seriously consider leaving him. The thought was unbearable. He felt this excruciating pain in his heart. "Except you, don’t you know that I’m incomplete without you? You are the other half of my soul. I’m lost without you. How could you even for one second think that I don’t need you?"

The pain in his voice came through to her loud and clear. Xena threw herself into his arms still crying. "I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to leave you, but it breaks my heart to see her like this. What am I going to do?"

"Don’t leave me Xena, please. I don’t think I can go on without you."

"But Gabrielle…"

"We’ll figure something out, I promise. Just don’t leave me." He held on to her tightly, murmuring into her hair over and over again.

"Gabrielle, I want you to stay here with us." Xena watched as Gabrielle leaned back against the pillow. The bard was recovering quickly. She still feels a tinge of pain when she moves too quickly, but apart from that, she’s as good as new.

"Xena, you can’t protect me for the rest of my life. I’ve learned so much form you. I can finally stand on my own feet." She smiled. "So I got hurt, big deal. How many times have you been hurt? Life holds no promises Xena. I’m happy doing what I’m doing, and even a fool can see how truly happy you two are together."

"But Gabrielle, I worry about you. Hercules does too. We both want you to stay."

"I know you do, and I thank you for it, Hercules too, but I’m all grown up now. I want a life of my own, not an extension of yours." She leaned forward and grabbed hold of Xena’s hand, "I know you worry about me, just as I worry about you everyday, but we both have different lives now, and we need to move on."

"You are going to give up are you? You are still going to go back out there trying to help people, aren’t you?"

"Yes, I’ve learned that from you."

"Gabrielle, what if I ask you not to?"

"But you won’t because you understand how important it is to me. There is a need inside of me to fight for justice, to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. You don’t have to worry about me. That arrow, call it a wake up call, call it an accident, but it taught me to be careful. It happened because of an error in judgement on my part; I’ve learned from that incident. It will not happen again."

Looking at the determined glint in those green eyes, Xena had to admit that the bard had finally came into her own. Even if she doesn’t agree with her decision, she needs to respect her for it. She swallowed and let out a long sigh; "I will miss you. Promise me that you won’t take any unnecessary chances?"

Gabrielle nodded. "And I will miss you. Promise me that you will be happy?"

Hercules’ image flashed into mind, "that would be so easy."

The bard smiled, "make me an auntie soon?"

An answering grin, "is already on the way."

Gabrielle let out a small squeal and jumped out of bed. She quickly sat down again as she felt the shooting pain in her chest. But still she ignored the pain and hugged her friend.

Once again Xena stood next to Hercules as she watched Gabrielle rode away until the dust has settled. Xena had insisted that the bard stay until she was fully recovered. She sighed, as much as she hated the thought of Gabrielle out there on her own, she understood her friend’s need to continue her quest. Gabrielle is no longer just a bard from a little known village, she is now also a warrior.

Hercules pulled her into his arms, silently offering whatever kind of comfort she needs. She smiled at his ability to understand her. Yes she will always worry about her friend, but her life could not possibly be any better than right now. She placed a protective hand over her stomach; this is what life is all about. I’ve come full circle, back in the arms of the man I love more than anything else in the world. She put her head on her husband’s shoulder with a feeling of total contentment. Thinking out loud, "I’m so lucky to have you."

"WE are lucky to have each other." Hercules corrected her softly.

The End.