Started: October of 2000

Section Three

~*~*~*~

Xena kept Gabrielle close, against her body.

The warrior-bard opened her eyes and raised her head off the warrior's chest. "I better head back."

The Warrior Princess gazed down with a soft smile. "Yeah." She brushed back blond hair. "So, are we at an understanding?"

Gabrielle grinned but nodded. "Yes."

"Good." The older woman held her soul mate's sides. They stood in front of the door; Gabrielle getting ready to leave. "We'll leave here soon but first we have unfinished business."

The smaller woman sighed. "How are we going to work this?" She tilted her head. "I don't want to leave the Conqueror... heartbroken."

"She's a big girl," teased the warrior but she went serious. "The other Gabrielle is here in Athens with a few Amazons."

Gabrielle's look went into question.

Xena grinned. "She's going to try and setup a peace treaty with the Conqueror."

"And that'll do what?"

The Warrior Princess sighed. "If she did what I said, it'll get a treaty up and hopefully get the Conqueror to fall for her."

The younger warrior's eyebrows shot up. "You're serious?"

"Come on, she is you and the Conqueror is me." The warrior smirked. "They'll fall for each other."

Gabrielle chuckled deeply. "True, let's hope love beats the anger."

"It will, I promise." Xena paused. "The Conqueror has been changed enough to see better." She took a deep breath. "Just as long as Gabrielle showed her forgiveness, it'll work."

The warrior-bard did a double-take. "Showed?"

Xena grinned because her partner caught her this time. "The Conqueror sent out Draco to find her and the Amazons. I heard her order Draco while we were sparring."

The smaller warrior grinned. "So, you think the Conqueror has already talked to Gabrielle?"

"Probably." The warrior lowered her head and pressed her forehead against Gabrielle's. "We'll finish what you started, starting at sunrise."

Gabrielle chuckled. "I'll talk to the Conqueror tonight."

"Do that, because you can convince her to be with this world's Gabrielle."

"I hope I can."

"You can," insisted the warrior. "Stay with her tonight too, that'll be important."

The small woman nodded. "You don't mind?"

"No," whispered the Warrior Princess. "I'll be fine. You'll need to reassure her."

Gabrielle grinned evilly. "Yeah, she is a bit of baby like somebody else I know."

"Don't mention names," growled the warrior with a grin. She lifted her head up. "Be careful huh?"

"I will." Gabrielle reached down and took one of her soul mate's hands. "Thank you, Xena." She peered up. "You helped me so much and you understood everything."

Xena smiled tenderly and tilted Gabrielle's head up. "That's because I love you." She sighed. "I'm sorry about my fears holing me back... us."

The warrior-bard reached up and took the hand from under her chin. "And I understand them... I had them for awhile but I realized that they just don't matter. My way is you. I'm not going to waste my precious time on a sack of stupid fears. I rather spend that time on you."

"You're right," whispered Xena. She lowered her head again. "Thank you."

"My pleasure." Gabrielle grinned.

The warrior sealed her lips over Gabrielle's delicately. Then she broke the kiss and lifted her head. "I love you."

"I love you too." Gabrielle smiled and reluctantly stepped out of her warrior's arms. "Sleep well huh?"

"I will, let's plan on heading back tomorrow."

The warrior-bard nodded and grasped the door's handle. "Wait, how are we going to get back?"

Xena shrugged. "I think if we go back to that same spot in the forest somehow we'll just be..."

"Zapped back," finished Gabrielle.

"Basically."

"Interesting."

"That too." The warrior laughed quietly.

Gabrielle opened the door and walked out.

Xena followed and stood in the doorway. "Sleep well tonight too."

"Yeah." The short warrior headed down the hall, she glanced back. "Don't cause any trouble without me."

The Warrior Princess smirked. "No, you just cause the trouble without me."

Gabrielle laughed, spun around, and walked backwards. "That's how it's suppose to work, so then you can come jumping in to save the day."

"Always." Xena grinned. "Goodnight."

"See you tomorrow, partner." The short warrior winked, spun back around, and disappeared around the corner.

"Huh." The warrior chuckled and went back inside her room.

~*~*~*~

The Conqueror looked at the door when it opened.

Gabrielle came in.

The Conqueror noticed the new glow to her lover and read what Gabrielle's eyes held. She voiced what Gabrielle couldn't. "You're leaving with her."

The small warrior sighed and dropped her head while coming up to the ruler. "Can we talk?" She looked up with sincere eyes.

Xena turned around and walked towards the balcony where the sunset was beginning.

Gabrielle's eyes widened. Not that sunset. She sprung forward and grasped the other woman's hand. "Conqueror, please don't watch the sunsets anymore."

The dark Warrior Princess slowly turned back.

"Stick to the sunrises, please."

The ruler corked an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yeah, they're better for your health."

The Conqueror let a tiny grin tweak her lips.

Gabrielle sighed. "Please, can we talk."

The ruler held her free hand out to the sofas.

The warrior-bard still held Xena's hand and she led her over to a sofa. She sat down and faced her past lover.

The Conqueror settled back and folded her arms. "What was resolved?"

"You were right."

"About which part?"

"Everything."

The older woman nodded and didn't voice anything.

Gabrielle reached out and took the other woman's hands. She held them tightly. "Is Gabrielle here?"

Xena nodded.

"What happened?"

The Conqueror sighed. "I may be setting a treaty up with the Amazons."

The smaller woman smiled at that. "Xena, you should."

The ruler huffed and stared at her hands being held by Gabrielle.

"You know I'm right." Gabrielle squeezed the larger hands. "Please do it, Xena."

"I don't know yet truly." The Conqueror looked up quickly with hard eyes.

Gabrielle closed her eyes and whispered, "Please... for me."

"Now that's interesting."

The small warrior opened her eyes with remorse. "Xena, I know I'm hurting you by this. I'm not going to go around acting like everything is jim-dandy." She shook her head. "But you must keep fighting some of the Conqueror in you. Are my efforts... my love that lost on you?" she whispered in pain. "That cheap that they haven't changed you whatsoever?"

Xena breathed deeply and sighed. "No."

"Thank you." Gabrielle relaxed. "Do a treaty and let her stay here with you."

The ruler was about to object but Gabrielle cut her off before she could.

"Don't say it." The warrior-bard narrowed her eyes. "You know, as I do, that this Gabrielle here is made for you. You won't be able to escape it, I can promise you that. It'll just turn you inside out." She squeezed the larger hands. "I just got through yelling at my Xena for this I don't feel like doing it again with you."

The Conqueror laughed quietly. "The stubbornness never fails."

"It doesn't seem to," mumbled the younger woman. "Please do this."

The ruler huffed. "I am honestly not sure."

Gabrielle licked her lips before saying, "Please try, for me and for yourself. If you love me then you'll promise me you'll try. I don't want to go back to my world knowing I screwed up and that you were left in deep anger."

Xena looked up at the ceiling and tried to calm down.

"Xena," whispered the small woman, "I promise it'll all come out right if you believe."

The Conqueror closed her eyes while trying to think.

"Please Conqueror, I love you."

The Conqueror opened her eyes and leaned forward. She kissed Gabrielle gently and released one of the small hands. She caressed the other woman's cheek carefully at the end of the kiss. She smiled warmly. "I'll try... I promise you."

"Thank you." Gabrielle smiled. "Thank you for everything."

Xena nodded. "Thank you for unchaining my heart."

The small warrior smiled even more. "It was real, it was fun but it wasn't real fun."

"Smartass," mumbled the Conqueror.

Gabrielle snickered and shifted. She pulled her past love in for a long hug. "Thank you for letting me unchain your heart," whispered Gabrielle. "It's very rewarding to see you become a new person."

The Conqueror sighed and said, "Don't rub it in too much."

"Yes, my liege." The younger woman grinned as she pulled away. She reached up and brushed back black bangs. "Let's get some sleep."

The ruler narrowed her eyes. "And you're not staying with Xena?"

"I am." Gabrielle kept her eyes locked on Xena.

The Conqueror arched an eyebrow. "Remember my words."

"You may not be Xena but you have pieces of her in you." The short warrior stood up and held a hand out. "Come on."

The Conqueror sighed and accepted what Gabrielle said earlier. She took the small hand and stood up.

Together the pair removed their boots and weapons then crawled into bed.

The Conqueror, for once, slept in Gabrielle's arms. She was vulnerable tonight and she never had been like this before. She needed a place to feel safe and that was right in Gabrielle's arms where she could reshape herself. Tomorrow at the sunrise a new Conqueror would be born from the ashes of the old.

~*Part 13*~

"Draco, bring in the Amazon Queen." Xena stood tall in the throne room but on common, level ground and not on the divan. She glanced to her right when she saw Gabrielle and Xena come out together.

The soul mates listened to Draco yelling at the guards to escort Queen Gabrielle in.

The warrior-bard glanced at the Conqueror but the Conqueror wasn't looking at her.

The ruler of this realm folded her arms when the Amazon Queen came in with her Amazons.

Queen Gabrielle glanced at Xena and Gabrielle then back at the Conqueror. "And your decision is, Conqueror?"

The Conqueror stepped closer. "Upon your request on a treaty, after considering the idea, and... a little convincing from a third party. I have decided to grant your request."

The warrior-bard let her breath out in relief.

The warrior, however, just grinned. That's Gabrielle's touch.

The Amazon Queen nodded. "Thank you, Conqueror." She bowed her head in respect.

"Upon accepting this, Queen Gabrielle," added on the ruler, "you are invited to stay here in my castle till the treaty is setup. Your Amazons may stay as well."

"Queen Gabrielle-"

Queen Gabrielle held up her hand for Solari to stay silent. "Never insult, Solari." She glanced back at the Conqueror. "That is one thing I have learned with the Conqueror."

The Conqueror let a hint of grin tug at the corner of her lips. "Your answer?"

"We would be honored," replied Gabrielle. "It'll beat the tavern."

The ruler grinned faintly but dropped it when looking at Draco. "Have a few men sent to the tavern and pick up Queen Gabrielle's things."

Draco nodded and walked off.

"Now then." The Conqueror looked over at the soul mates. "We must settle everything."

The warrior-bard felt her soul mate's hand come up to her back and signal for her to move. She walked closer to the Conqueror with Xena. "What's left?" she asked.

"Sending you back," whispered the Amazon Queen.

Both Gabrielles smiled to each other.

The ruler quickly cut into the exchange. "Exactly." She followed her arms. "Today I will take you and Xena back."

The Amazon Queen looked up. "Threw Amazon territory?" She questioned with protection in her voice.

The Conqueror grinned at the Queen. "With your permission and help."

Queen Gabrielle glanced at her regent. "Who did we leave in charge?"

"The head council member."

The Queen sighed and said, "We'll need to send word that we're coming through. I know they'll automatically attack."

Ephiny nodded. "You're right."

Solari grumbled and spoke up, "I'll send word even though..." she trailed off and huffed.

Eponin chuckled and patted the second in command's back. "That's big of you."

"Zip it," growled Solari lowly.

The Amazon Queen sighed at her Amazons. "Alright, we'll send word." She glimpsed back at the Conqueror.

"Thank you." The ruler turned to the soul mates. "Are you both ready to get back?"

"Just as long as I know things here will be fine," stated the small warrior.

The Conqueror slipped a smile onto her lips. "They'll be perfectly fine," she whispered.

Everybody in the room fell silent; they had to hold tight to this rare moment in this world's history.

"Thank you," whispered the short warrior sincerely.

The Conqueror nodded and looked across the throne room to a guard. "Guard, bring me a scroll and quill."

The guard left in search of his liege's request.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle rode on horseback with her soul mate. She couldn't remember the last time she rode with her warrior, holding her. The warrior was given back her sword and chakram by the Conqueror.

The Conqueror rode beside them on Argo while the Amazons were on the opposite side escorting Queen Gabrielle. Behind were a few of the ruler's guards for protection. Solari had left numerous candlemarks earlier to deliver the message about their arrival in the territory and that Queen Gabrielle along with Ephiny and Eponin were staying with the Conqueror.

"We should be entering Amazon territory soon," stated Ephiny.

The ruler nodded and glanced back at her men. "Tighten up," she ordered.

The men followed orders and fell into a tiny formation.

The warrior glanced over at Ephiny. "The area is to the north?"

The regent thought for a moment. "Yes." She turned to her left a little and headed that way. Everybody else followed her lead. And within a half of candlemark she found the area. She came to a stop and faced the soul mates. "Do you think you can get back by just stepping into the same spot?"

The warrior dismounted and said, "Yes."

The shorter warrior hopped off and watched the Conqueror dismount.

The ruler turned to her men. "Stay here," she commanded. Walking over, she studied the forest. "Over here?"

The small warrior nodded and neared the dark Warrior Princess. "Yes."

The warrior joined her Gabrielle, as did the Amazons with their Queen.

The warrior-bard turned to the Conqueror and lost her smile. "Thank you for everything, Xena. Thank you for understand and helping me."

The Conqueror smiled warmly. "One turn deserves another."

Gabrielle chuckled and stepped forward. She pulled the Conqueror in for a strong, long hug.

The warrior glanced over at Queen Gabrielle. She moved closer and whispered, "The best thing you can do to get your way with the Conqueror is to smile at her."

The Amazon Queen chuckled quietly. "I'll remember that." She smiled at Xena. "Thank you for your help, Xena." She grinned. "Gabrielle is right, you are the hero."

"Just don't tell anybody huh?"

Queen Gabrielle laughed and hugged the Warrior Princess.

The weapons master leaned towards the regent. "I can't believe this worked out," muttered Eponin.

Ephiny laughed and grinned. "I said it would." She shook her head. "Doubting your regent is bad for your health, Ep."

"I'm noticing."

"Eph, Ep," said the warrior as she came over to them.

"Oh no," grumbled Eponin. "Here comes the sappy stuff," she teased.

The warrior gave a stoic expression. "No sappy stuff here."

"I want sappy," stated Ephiny and she now gave Xena a hug.

The warrior-bard released the Conqueror but took her hands. "I'll always love you, Conqueror."

The Conqueror grinned and lowered her head. "You mean Xena." She received a chuckle. "Just don't forget me, Gabrielle."

"I couldn't," whispered the small warrior. "Don't forget me either huh? I'll always be with you."

"I know," uttered the ruler. "Say goodbye to everybody else." She nodded.

Gabrielle nodded back and released the Conqueror's hands. She walked over to Queen Gabrielle. She laughed a little. "Was something else huh?"

The younger Gabrielle grinned. "I know I wont be the last to agree to that." She smiled. "You made me believe... both you and Xena. I think things will work out."

"They will, just keep trying. Love will repair everything," promised the warrior.

Xena came to face the other darker Xena. She folded her arms and blue locked on blue. "Conqueror, don't forgot who you can be."

The Conqueror grinned. "Fortunately a short blond warrior showed me a door."

The warrior shot a grin back. "She tends to do that."

"She does," agreed the darker Warrior Princess.

"Glad you decided to step through the door," stated Xena.

The ruler tilted her head. "I heard you stepped through one just yesterday too."

Xena laughed deeply. "Funny how that works huh?"

"Very," stated the Conqueror.

Gabrielle pulled back from the hug with Ephiny. "I'll miss you, Ephiny."

"What happened to... your Ephiny?" asked the regent.

"She was killed several years ago," whispered Gabrielle. "She was dear to me."

"She is dear to you," corrected the regent. "She's still with you."

The warrior-bard nodded with a smile. "You're right. Thank you for your help, Eph. I knew I could count on you."

Ephiny chuckled. "I'm loyal to you, no matter what world or time."

"I know." Gabrielle leaned forward and kissed her friend's cheek. "Take care of yourself and keep Gabrielle and Xena in-line."

Ephiny grinned and shrugged. "I'll try my best."

"What was that I heard?" asked the Queen as she joined them. She glanced over at Gabrielle. "You better go."

"You're right."

"Besides." The Amazon Queen nodded at the two Warrior Princesses talking.

"Oh no," whispered Gabrielle. "They're probably trading secrets."

"Or telling stories," added the Queen.

"Something like that," joked the small warrior.

Both Gabrielles laughed together. The group walked over to the ruler and warrior.

The Conqueror held out her arm while saying, "Well I'm still up for that sparring match, Xena."

The warrior grinned and took the arm briskly. She held tightly and tried to make her hold strong. "I'll keep that in mind."

The ruler smirked and made her grasp very strong too. "Good."

"Alright you two." Gabrielle rested her right hand on top of the two locked arms. "Be nice."

They both chuckled and released arms.

The warrior turned to her soul mate and grasped her shoulder. "I'll be waiting." She strolled near the area.

Gabrielle faced the Conqueror. "This is it."

"For now," stated the ruler.

The small warrior corked an eyebrow. "And you're suggesting...?"

"That maybe you should try visiting," teased the Conqueror.

The warrior-bard grinned. "If I could, I would."

"That cave may work again."

The younger woman chuckled. "Maybe we'll find out." She took her friend's large hands. "Take care of yourself."

"I will, promise." The ruler sighed and whispered, "Where was that cave?"

Gabrielle titled her head in bewilderment at the question. "Just north of Stagira." She raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"For reference."

Gabrielle's eyes widened. "Don't you even think about it."

The Conqueror smiled. "No, its incase I need you, I know how to get to you."

"You won't need me... because you already have me." She nodded at Queen Gabrielle.

The ruler sighed and lowered her head. "I know." She paused. "I love you, Gabrielle."

"I love you too, Conqueror." Gabrielle smiled. "And I mean Conqueror."

The Conqueror chuckled and closed in the distance. She gently kissed her friend and lifted her head back up. "Go."

The warrior-bard nodded, squeezed the large hands and released them. She walked backwards. "You're beautiful when you're the Conqueror." She grinned and turned around.

Xena stood waiting for her soul mate.

The Conqueror grinned at Gabrielle's words and she looked over at the warrior. "Take care of her," she called.

The warrior nodded and smiled. "You know I will." She looked at Gabrielle and held her hand up.

The ruler chuckled deeply.

The small warrior joined her partner and took her hand.

The Amazon Queen moved and stood beside the Conqueror.

Together, the soul mates walked into the same spot they had first arrive in this world. They faced each other and laced their hands together.

"Think I should click my heels while saying, 'there's no place like home' three times?"

The warrior laughed and squeezed her soul mate's hands. "No, I have a better idea." She moved in close, kept their hands together between their bodies, and leaned down. Her lips captured Gabrielle's lips in a passionate kiss.

Gabrielle moaned softly, released her soul mate's hands, and wrapped her arms around Xena.

The warrior did the same and encircled her Gabrielle's waist.

The Amazon Queen's eyes widened as she watched the soul mate's bodies beginning to light up like lightening.

The two Amazons gaped.

The Conqueror, however, stood stoically.

Suddenly the soul mates became too bright to see and the group shielded their eyes. When the light died out they all looked back and the soul mates were... gone.

"That's one way to make an exit," joked Eponin.

Ephiny chuckled. "They have many skills."

"So, back to Athens?" asked the Conqueror.

Gabrielle looked up at the Conqueror. "Yes, we have a number of things to settle... my liege."

The ruler arched an eyebrow slowly but grinned.

Gabrielle smiled.

~*~*~*~

The soul mates pulled back from the kiss and opened their eyes.

Gabrielle gazed around. "We're back?" she whispered.

Xena looked at her surroundings in the cave. "I think so."

Suddenly there was a horse's whine outside the cave.

The smaller woman laughed. "Yup, we're back."

The Warrior Princes sighed and noticed the dead campfire she had before leaving. "That was something else."

"Tell me about it," stated the younger woman. "Thank you for saving me."

The warrior focused her attention back on her partner. "You know I'll do anything for you."

"Yeah." Gabrielle smiled. "I just didn't think it included coming to an alternate world."

"Let me tell you, there are so many finer details in this contract between us," joked the warrior.

The warrior-bard laughed and shook her head. "I didn't know I signed."

"No, I did." Xena drew her soul mate in close. "We have a lot ahead of us," she whispered.

"We do," agreed the small woman. "Like sex."

The Warrior Princess laughed. "Interesting how you pick that among things."

"Isn't it?"

Xena pulled back and went serious. "Give me a little time to get rid of the last of my fears."

"I know." Gabrielle nodded. "I'm here."

"I'll only need a couple of days." The warrior grinned.

The warrior-bard grinned back. "Good." She leaned in and kissed her partner.

Xena lost herself into Gabrielle's love. She had been through the battle and won. Winning is sweet.

Gabrielle kept her eyes close and her lips brushing Xena's after the kiss. "I love you, Xena."

"I love you, Gabrielle... forever." She promised that in her kiss to follow.

They had been a world away from each other but now the soul mates were locked in an eternal kiss.