There was an uneasy silence as Gabrielle tried to think of what she could say to bring Xena to her senses. Xena stood in front of her expecting an explanation for why she was acting as if they knew each other.
XENA
I'm waiting.
Gabrielle could tell by the tone in Xena's voice that she had better start talking. She took a breath as she hoped that what she was about to say would somehow reach Xena and bring back everything that she had apparently lost.
GABRIELLE
I know that this isn't gonna make much sense right now but you see the two of us actually know each other. We met years ago when you saved me from Draco's men.
XENA
Draco huh.
GABRIELLE
That's right. And afterwards we started traveling together. We went around helping people as you searched for a way to redeem yourself.
Xena snickered.
XENA
To redeem myself? From what?
GABRIELLE
This.
Gabrielle gestured at Xena.
GABRIELLE
You hate this person that you were. After a long time of living this way something inside you changed. You left this life behind and then you found me.
XENA
So let me get this straight. You're saying that I willingly gave all this up so I could run around playing hero with you.
Xena laughed.
XENA
That's quite the story there. I'll give you one thing, you have one Hades of an imagination. Points for being creative.
GABRIELLE
It's the truth.
XENA
Oh yeah. Well if that's true then why are we here?
Gabrielle got a sad expression on her face as she remembered the worst day of her life.
GABRIELLE
Because almost 9 years ago you died.
Xena's amusement seemed to wear off.
XENA
I'm warning you girl. Don't push my patience. Either stop spouting nonsense or I will kill you.
GABRIELLE
It's true. You sacrificed yourself in order to save hundreds of souls.
Xena was tired of hearing what she thought was complete garbage. She roughly grabbed Gabrielle's shirt and pulled her close to look directly into her eyes.
XENA
Look at me. I'm getting very close to loosing my temper here. And trust me you do not want that to happen. Now as you can see I'm very clearly not dead. So I'm only going to ask you one more time. Who are you? And what do you want from me?
Gabrielle looked at Xena and saw nothing of the person that she knew. She lowered her eyes in defeat as she realized that the Xena she loved was gone.
GABRIELLE
(Sad tone) I don't want anything from you. I just, wanted you.
XENA
Not interested.
Xena shoved Gabrielle back as she looked at her sternly.
XENA
Now if you know whats good for you, you'll leave me alone. Or else.
Xena turned away as she began walking towards the village. Gabrielle stood there knowing that if the Xena she loved wasn't coming back, she couldn't let the Xena in front of her continue to wreak havok on innocent people. After all Xena had died to right wrongs like this that she had done. Gabrielle wasn't going to let Xena's sacrifice be in vain. She was about to chase after Xena to stop her, when Gabrielle saw Xena drop to a knee.
GABRIELLE
Xena.
Gabrielle ran over to her. She crouched down beside her as she tried to help her.
GABRIELLE
Xena whats wrong?
XENA
(Angry tone) Get away from me.
Xena shoved Gabrielle back as she forced herself to her feet. Xena walked a few feet before she was brought back down to her knees as she yelled in pain. She didn't notice Gabrielle rush to her side.
XENA
Damn it. Not again.
Gabrielle saw as Xena grasped at her chest.
XENA
Why does this keep happening?
GABRIELLE
Xena please let me help you.
Gabrielle tried reaching for Xena again but her hand was slapped away.
XENA
(Angry tone) Don't touch me. I don't need your help. What part of leave me alone don't you get?
Gah!
Xena tried to stand but collapsed to the side as another jolt of pain hit her.
GABRIELLE
No Xena.
Gabrielle remembered that this was what happened in her dream. She didn't know what to do as Xena's body jumped with each apparent jolt of pain that ripped through her.
GABRIELLE
No why? What's happening?
Gabrielle rolled Xena to her back as she franticly tried to find out what was wrong with her. She looked down at Xena who had slowly begun to stop convulsing from the pain.
GABRIELLE
Xena are you okay?
Xena didn't respond as she seemed to get a faraway look in her eyes.
GABRIELLE
Xena?
Gabrielle turned Xena's head to look at her. As she did she could see the light was just about gone from Xena's eyes.
GABRIELLE
No...
Gabrielle quickly put her ear to Xena's chest. She could hear Xena's heart beating but it was weak. And for an unknown reason seemed to be getting slower. In that moment the grim reality of what was happening began to sink in for Gabrielle. Xena was dying.
GABRIELLE
No. No. Not again.
With no idea on what else to do and her own heart breaking once more. Gabrielle leaned down and kissed Xena goodbye as she began to cry. As she pulled back she saw Xena slowly and weakly open her eyes. Gabrielle watched as Xena appeared to struggle to focus.
XENA
(Weakly) Gabrielle?
Gabrielle looked at Xena in amazement.
GABRIELLE
You know who I am?
Xena smiled a little as she reached up and gently brushed the back of her hand on her cheek.
XENA
(Weakly) I don't know how I could've forgot. After all you're a part of me. The very best part.
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
Xena...
Overjoyed that Xena had gotten her memories back Gabrielle hugged her.
GABRIELLE
I can't believe you're really back. You don't know how much I've missed you.
Gabrielle smiled as she pulled away and looked down at Xena whose smile began to fade as her eyes closed.
GABRIELLE
Xena?
Gabrielle quickly checked Xena's heartbeat again. It was barely auditable at that point.
GABRIELLE
No Xena wake up.
Gabrielle tried doing everything she could think of to save Xena but nothing seemed to be working. Gabrielle cried as felt Xena slipping away from her.
GABRIELLE
Please Xena I just got you back. You can't leave me again.
×××
Gabrielle knelt in the snow as she continued to try to wake Xena who layed in front of her unresponsive.
GABRIELLE
Come on Xena. Open your eyes. Come on!
Gabrielle tried doing chest compressions to get Xena's slowing heart pumping properly. After a bit she paused and checked to see if it was working.
GABRIELLE
No, damn it!
Gabrielle repeatedly her actions again and again. Though it soon became apparent that it wasn't doing any good. As Gabrielle checked Xena's heart again and could barely hear it at all anymore. Gabrielle noticed that Xena's breathing had also become barely noticeable.
GABRIELLE
Xena....
Gabrielle's face was streaked with tears as she looked at Xena who layed there is a near lifeless state. She didn't know how she was going to go on if she was going to have to go through Xena dieing again. And this time right in front of her.
GABRIELLE
Please, Xena...
With no response Gabrielle layed her head on Xena's chest as she held her and cried. Her heart breaking as she Xena's ever so faintly. Until she could no longer hear it at all.
GABRIELLE
I'll always love you.
Gabrielle layed there for a few moments until she felt something warm agienst her own chest. Wiping her tears she pulled back from Xena a little as she looked down to investigate the strange sudden heat. As she did Gabrielle noticed something strange. The pendant around her neck had suddenly begun to glow slightly.
GABRIELLE
What?
Gabrielle sat back as she looked at the object. As she did the soft glow seemed to become weaker. Confused but to emotional to think about it Gabrielle ignored it as she leaned closer to Xena again to kiss her goodbye. As Gabrielle was just about to reach Xena's lips with her own she saw the light become brighter. She stopped as she held the pendant between her fingers and looked at it. Then she moved in slightly further away from Xena and saw the light dim. She brought it back closer and saw it becoming brighter again.
GABRIELLE
Why's it glowing like this? It's just the pendant I've had for years. It's not like there's anything special about it or anything. The only thing in it is a bit of...
Gabrielle paused as she suddenly had a stampede of thoughts run through her head. Xena's behavior when she came back. The way Xena could communicate with Gabrielle in her dreams. It all made sense. The reason Xena was dying right now wasn't actually because of her heart or any other part of her body failing. But because when Xena came back, she didn't come back whole. She was missing the bit of herself that Gabrielle had kept with her since after Xena had died. And now the time without it had taken its toll on the resurrected Xena. Though she now seemed to have solved the mystery of why things had played out as they did, Gabrielle didn't know how this new information could help her now. She focused on the strange light that to object was emitting. The fact that it became stronger the closer it was to Xena made Gabrielle think that it must've been reacting that way knowing that was where it belonged. But Gabrielle wondered how could she possibly return the missing piece of Xena now. With no time to think Gabrielle just acted out of instinct. She ripped the pendant from her neck and placed it in the center of Xena's chest. She then took Xena's hand and layed it over the pendant and held both of hers on top. As she did the light become even stronger. Gabrielle watched as the bright light beamed from under their hands. After a few moments passed the light faded. Gabrielle looked at Xena who still hadn't moved. She took both her and Xena's hands away to see what happened. When she did Gabrielle was shocked to see that the pendant was completely gone. As Gabrielle looked on stunned she saw Xena beginning to move.
GABRIELLE
Xena?
She looked at Xena's face as she slowly opened her eyes. Xena smiled as she saw Gabrielle looking down at her.
XENA
Hey.
Gabrielle smiled as she practically jumped on Xena, hugging her.
GABRIELLE
Xena.
Xena put her arms around Gabrielle as Gabrielle cried tears of joy. After a few moments Gabrielle pulled back allowing Xena to sit up as her strength returned. Gabrielle looked at Xena unable to keep the giant smile from her face.
GABRIELLE
You're really back.
Xena smiled as she wiped the tears from Gabrielle's face.
XENA
Because of you.
Gabrielle had so much that she wanted to say. She was about to when she and Xena heard screams. This brought Gabrielle back to the reality of what was happening below. She quickly stood up and raced to the ledge of the cliff.
GABRIELLE
The village.
XENA
We better hurry.
Gabrielle turned around as saw Xena walking up to her to look for herself.
GABRIELLE
Are gonna be okay to fight right now?
Xena smirked.
XENA
Only one way to find out.
With that Xena took off running as she drew her sword and let out her battle cry.
GABRIELLE
Gods I've missed that.
Gabrielle quickly raced after her as both she and Xena returned to the village. Upon arrival the soldiers cheared as they saw Xena. Still unaware of her return to her heroics, one of them walked up to her.
SOLDIER
Xena we've rounded up all the people and secured the valuables as you instructed.
Xena smirked.
XENA
Nice job.
The soldier smiled until he felt a hard punch in his stomach and groaned.
XENA
Now give it all back.
SOLDIER
What?
XENA
You heard me. Give everything you took back and then leave.
SOLDIER
Have you lost your damn mind?!
Xena pointed her sword at the soldier.
XENA
Quite the opposite actually. Now are we gonna do this the easy way? Or would you prefer I make things difficult?
The soldier looked at Xena's expression and could tell that fighting her would not end well for him. He slowly backed away from Xena as he raised his hands in surrender.
SOLDIER
I'm gonna go start getting the stuff from the carts waiting outside the village.
XENA
Smart man.
As he ran off Xena and Gabrielle fought off a number of other soldiers. It wasn't long until the rest of the army began retreating from the village. As the men ran out Xena shouted after them.
XENA
And don't bother going back to fortress. I have no further interest in returning there or for an amy. So if you're smart you'll try finding a more decent line of work going forward. Don't make me come find you.
Gabrielle smiled as she looked at her while the last of the soldiers left. Xena glanced over and saw Gabrielle smiling at her.
XENA
What?
GABRIELLE
It's just been a long time since I've gotten to see you like this.
Xena smiled back as the village finally cleared of the soldiers. The town folk cheared as they surrounded the two thinking them from saving the village. Later that night Gabrielle and Xena sat in a room at the village's inn. Showing their gratitude for saving them the inn's owner offered them a hot meal and a room for free. The villagers didn't get a good look at Xena the short time she was there when the attack began. So they had no clue that she was the one in charge of the army that was raiding their homes. Xena was going to tell them but Gabrielle thought it was a better idea not to. No one had died and there were only a few people who suffered relatively minor injuries. So with everything that was taken returned she saw no reason to cause more problems. Even though Xena didn't particularly like the idea she decided to do it Gabrielle's way and kept her part in the attack between them.
XENA
There that should be good for now.
Xena stood up from crouching beside the small fireplace that had a nice little fire going. She turned around, walked over and sat beside Gabrielle on the bed in their room. Gabrielle smiled contently as she held Xena's arm as rested her head on her shoulder.
XENA
I can't believe you actually kept my old leathers and armor all this time.
Gabrielle casually fiddled with one of the strips of Xena's skirt that she had changed into. Along with her old top that went with it. Xena left the actual armor part off figuring she didn't need it at the moment.
GABRIELLE
I guess I just couldn't bring myself to get rid of it.
Xena smiled at the obvious sentimental value Gabrielle had placed on her things. She looked at the chakrum sitting on the table next to the bed.
XENA
You could've kept the chakrum you know. You've gotten pretty good with that thing after all.
GABRIELLE
No it's yours Xena. I was just holding on to it for you. I want you to have it back.
XENA
If that's what you want, okay.
There was a bit of silence between them. Both seeming to try and find the words to express everything they were feeling due the unexpected turn of events that had happened over the past number of days. Finally Xena decided to start.
XENA
You know I can't tell you how proud I am of what you've been doing these past years.
Gabrielle sat up straight and looked at Xena.
GABRIELLE
Wait you know what I've been doing?
XENA
I do. And I've been with you through everything. Though I can't say I'm surprised. You've always been quite the amazing person ever since the day I met you.
GABRIELLE
So I guess all that time I spent talking to my pendant you heard what I was saying didn't you?
Xena turned and took Gabrielle's face in her hands.
XENA
Every, last, word.
Xena punctuated each of those words with a light kiss. Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
I guess that's not too surprising. You've always said that the daed can hear our thoughts after all.
XENA
That's right. I just wish you could've heard mine from the other side.
Gabrielle reached up and placed her hand on Xena's.
GABRIELLE
Why what were you thinking of all this time?
XENA
You.
Xena kissed Gabrielle again. As they kissed Xena pulled Gabrielle against her. After pulling away from the intense kiss, Gabrielle moaned slightly feeling Xena's hands on her body like this again. All the years since Xena had died Gabrielle hadn't been with anyone else. In all honesty she didn't really think about it all that much. Though when she did in her mind and heart she was always with Xena. But now that she was in Xena's arms once more, all the feelings and desires that Xena had always sparked within her returned. She suddenly discovered just how much she had missed Xena's touch. Xena looked into Gabrielle's eyes almost as if she could sense what Gabrielle was thinking and feeling. Though that didn't surprise Gabrielle either. Xena always seemed to be able to read her fairly well. Xena didn't say anything as she kissed Gabrielle, pulling her onto her lap. Xena ran her hands up Gabrielle's stomach before slipping them under her top. Gabrielle moaned softly as she felt Xena began to lightly squeeze and masage her chest. While Xena doing this Gabrielle pulled off her shirt and threw it to the floor. Then she held Xena's face as she kissed her in heated passion. Afterwards she moved from Xena's lap to lay back on the bed. She,looked up at Xena who turned to face her as she threw off her own boots as she climbed completely on the bed. Xena knelt over Gabrielle as she ran her hand down Gabrielle's chest and stomach. She slid her hand into Gabrielle's skirt and lightly touched her. Gabrielle moaned as Xena slowly ran her finger up and down her feminine treasure.
GABRIELLE
...Xena.
Xena kissed her as she took her hand away and began pulling off the rest of Gabrielle's clothes. Once she was fully undressed Gabrielle sat up helped Xena out of her leathers and everything else. With both fully nude, Gabrielle layed back as Xena layed her body on top of her. Gabrielle ran her fingers through Xena's hair while Xena positioned her mound against Gabrielle's. As she began slowly moving her hips Xena moaned. She kissed Gabrielle feeling Gabrielle moan into her mouth. Xena put a her hand on Gabrielle's hip and pulled her tighter against her as Gabrielle slid her own hands down Xena's back while Xena moved. Their heat meeting as Xena thrust. She gripped the sheet under them as she pushed against Gabrielle. Gabrielle moaned Xena's name. Xena kissed her as she began to move a little faster. After a few moments Xena got up to her knees and placed one of Gabrielle's legs on her shoulder as she strattled the other. She held Gabrielle's leg as she put her free hand on the bed for leverage while beginning to move again. Gabrielle looked up at Xena as she felt their cores meet once more. She looked into Xena's eyes that burned with love and desire for her. Certain that her own reflected the same for the woman looking down at her.Gabrielle began moving up against Xena as she began to feel her climax approaching. Xena continued to thrust as she began moving faster. After a few moments stopped. Gabrielle watched as Xena smiled the kind of smirk that told Gabrielle that she had something in mind that she wanted to do. Gabrielle watched as Xena moved her nether region away from Gabrielle's slightly. She took one hand, brought it down to Gabrielle's womanhood and gently.opened her. Then Xena used her other hand and did the same to her own. She held them both open as she pushed herself back against Gabrielle. Gabrielle threw her head back as she realized and felt what Xena was doing. The action itself was nearly enough to throw Gabrielle over the edge right then. Xena chuckled knowing that Gabrielle seemed to be enjoying the feeling and knowledge of their clits rubbing against each other like this. Xena moved herself against Gabrielle as Gabrielle began to arch her back. She clung to Xena as she felt her her orgasism rapidly approaching. Xena held Gabrielle's hips as she continued to move. She began going faster as she too could feel herself ready to go over the edge. Gabrielle yelled Xena's name over and over as she felt her center suddenly pulsate as she came. She let out a blissful cry as wave after wave of her orgasism hit her. Xena thrust hard a few more times before she was also thrown into the sea of extacy when her orgasism crashed through her. She yelled as she bucked shaply against Gabrielle. Xena moved a little a few more times as the aftershocks between her legs slowly faded. Afterwards Gabrielle reached up and brought Xena's face to hers and kissed her softly a few times. Xena moved to lay beside Gabrielle as she took the blanket and pulled it up to cover them. She moved the pillows so she was laying at an elevated angle as Gabrielle layed her head on Xena's shoulder while she cuddled close to her. Xena smiled as she put her arm around Gabrielle and kissed the top of her head. Gabrielle smiled as she sighed.
XENA
Something wrong?
GABRIELLE
No. I'm just so happy right now. I almost feel like this isn't real and I'm going to wake up at any moment and you'll still be gone.
Xena smiled as as held Gabrielle a little tighter as gently ran her fingertips along Gabrielle's shoulder.
XENA
Oh trust me it's real.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) I guess you're right. My dreams were never THAT good.
Xena chuckled.
XENA
I'm happy to hear that I apparently haven't lost my touch after being gone for so long.
GABRIELLE
Oh no you're definitely just as good as I remember.
Xena and Gabrielle laughed a bit. A few moments later Xena could tell that Gabrielle appeared to become lost in thought.
XENA
Wanna tell me what's on your mind?
GABRIELLE
Honestly there's quite a bit.
XENA
We've got no where to be. So talk to me.
GABRIELLE
Just thinking about how amazing it is that you actually came back.
XENA
Yeah. Sorry I can't tell you how. I'm still in the dark about that one.
GABRIELLE
Actually that's something that I think I actually figured out.
XENA
Oh yeah?
Gabrielle told Xena about the old woman who told her the story of the phoenix and that some people might even be born with the souls of the immortal bird.
XENA
Huh that's definitely something. And you think that I might have the soul of one of these immortal birds?
Gabrielle shrugged.
GABRIELLE
Maybe. I mean it would explain how you keep coming back from the dead. If you remember this isn't the first time it's happened.
XENA
True.
As they spoke Gabrielle had a curious thought.
GABRIELLE
Huh...
XENA
What?
GABRIELLE
Xena do you remember that story about soulmates?
XENA
Of course I do. You were the one who told me. Plus I know that story's always been one of your favorites.
GABRIELLE
It is. But but I just thought of something interesting about it.
XENA
Mmm?
GABRIELLE
Well if soulmates are two people who share the same soul, and we're soulmates. Then if you have the soul of a phoenix, then...
XENA
Then that would mean that you do too.
Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other as they realized what that meant.
GABRIELLE
Xena you don't think that we're both really immortal?
XENA
Well you have come back from the dead before too.
Gabrielle and Xena smiled at each other as they thought about the possibility of neither of them ever truly dying.
GABRIELLE
Do you remember anything about coming back this time?
XENA
No. Like I said I had no clue how it even happened.
This time it was Xena who thought of something. She remembered the whole reason why she had stopped Gabrielle from bringing her back in the first place. Gabrielle saw a look of concern on Xena's face.
GABRIELLE
What?
XENA
The souls. The whole reason I had to stay dead. Gabrielle..
Gabrielle lightly put a finger on Xena's lips to quiet her.
GABRIELLE
Xena it's been nine years. They're fine now. They're all resting in piece on the other side just like they have been. You avenged them long ago. You don't need to worry about that anymore. Everything's okay now Xena. You're back. Back where you belong. Besides it's not like you chose to come back so I'm pretty sure they'll understand giving everything that you did to save them.
Xena looked at Gabrielle hoping that she was right. They were quiet for a couple moments.
GABRIELLE
Xena are you happy that you're back?
XENA
What kind of question is that? Of course I'm happy. Do you know how much I've missed you and wished that I could've been with you all these years we were apart.
GABRIELLE
Good. Then I don't wanna hear you worrying about anything about what happened before. You're hear now and no one had any control over it. So if anyone on the other side has a problem with you being back they can take it up with me and see what happens.
Xena laughed as she gave Gabrielle a little squeeze.
XENA
You really have grown into quite the fierce woman since I've been gone. I think people might start thinking of me as your sidekick now.
GABRIELLE
(Chuckle) I doubt that.
But I don't really care either way. People can think whatever they want and it won't matter. As long as I have you with me.
Xena smiled as she lightly kissed the top of Gabrielle's head and smiled.
XENA
And you always will Gabrielle. Always.
Xena and Gabrielle talked long into the night about all sorts things until eventually falling asleep in each other's arms. Their journey together picking up and beginning again where it seemed as though it had ended. Much like the phoenix raising from the ash to burn bright time and time again. So would Xena and Gabrielle's souls go on together. In an endless cycle. Connected and intertwined as two halfs of the same whole. Forever moving together as soulmates for all of eternity and beyond.
THE END ❤️
Email:
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