ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

The Lion And The Panther

by Sarah Miller

Disclaimer: You know who these two characters belong to so I don't think that I have to say all the stuff.

Violence: There is a small amount of violence but nothing that a normal episode doesn't have.

Subtext: The characters in this story are in love but they are the only ones who don't know it yet. There may be a relationship here or there may not be but isn't it fun not knowing? I know, its not but that's all in the writing business.

Starting slow up the side of the hill, the two figures, cautioned as they neared, not knowing what
lay in store for them. They had been traveling all day long and were tired. The smallest of the two grunted as she sat down.

"Xena, I need to rest for a second."

"Gabrielle, we need to hurry."

"What use am I going to be to you if I'm dead. I can see it now, we are attacked and I drop dead at the scene from pure exhaustion."

Xena had to smile. The little redhead sure knew how to get her out of a bad mood. And she had definitely been in one all day long. "Okay then. We'll stop for awhile."

"My poor, tired, feet thank you." She grabbed for the water bottle and took a big swallow, then handed it back to Xena, who just closed it up and put it back on Argo. "Don't you ever get tired? Or thirsty. I'm not sure you even get hungry."

"You know I do. I just don't need to have something to eat or drink every five minutes like you do."

"Oh, Xena. Was that a joke? Very funny." She clapped her hands and laid her back down against the soft grass. "I'm sorry, I know we have to hurry and all, but I'm beat." She closed her eyes and tried to relax.

Xena watched the bard begin to slowly drift into a soft sleep. 'Fine. Not like its a matter of importance.' She walked away and sat down on a fallen tree trunk. She scratched her face and looked around. She spotted an object and had to smile.

A fresh field of small purple and yellow flowers covered the green clovers. Gabrielle ran about and
laughed at the small children running by. She sat down on the ground and looked up at the blue sky. Every color was alive. She knew that it was a dream but it was so beautiful. She laid back and peered up at the sky again, when an image appeared over her, blocking the sun from reaching her. She looked hard and smiled.

"How did you get here?" She sat up and watched the figure sit down besides her. "This is my dream."

"So."

"Xena. Are you you or am I imagining you."

"Imagining Gabrielle."

"So I can do anything in this dream?"

"Yes."

"Good." She laid down across Xena's lap. "Mmm. Much better. And you?"

"Fine." She stroked Gabrielle's hair from her face and trailed her fingers down her throat.

"I wish this wasn't just a dream. There are lots of things I can imagine right now but I want the real
Xena."

"Suit yourself." The figure stood up and walked away leaving Gabrielle with an open jaw.

The dream ended just as quickly as it had started. Gabrielle looked up at the real sky to see a figure once again standing over her. "Oh, no not another one." She rolled onto her side.

"Excuse me."

The voice was too real to be a dream. "Oh Xena. Hi." She sat up and looked up at Xena. "Was I asleep long?"

"No just a few minutes. Gabrielle, what did you mean by oh no not another one?"

"Another dream. You were in the one I just had and you had stood over me just like you just did." She stood. "Are we ready?"

"I've been waiting for you."

"Oh, blame it all on me." She walked past Gabrielle and smiled as she heard Xena follow without a word.

+++

 Few candle marks later the sun was gone and Xena couldn't see where they were going. They made camp and switched into their nightly routines.

Xena heard Gabrielle laugh from across the fire and peered up from what she was doing. "What's so funny?"

Gabrielle looked up confused. "Oh did I laugh out loud?"

"Uh yeah."

"Sorry." She peered back down to the scroll.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

"Are you going to tell me what is so funny?"

"Its nothing. I'm just...." She glanced back down at the scroll and again erupted with laughter.

Xena had gotten impatient now and stood, then walked over to her friend. "What is it?"

"I said it was nothing."

Xena grabbed the parchment out of Gabrielle's hands. "Let me see." She read over a few lines. "Gabrielle this is about the furies."

"Yeah I know."

"What's so funny about them?"

"Not them you."

"Me?"

"You were really out of it Xena."

"I was huh."

Gabrielle nodded. "It was funny."

"And what did I do that was so funny?"

"Well for starters, you jumped onto Argo backwards and said 'I like this, I can see where I've been.'"

"I did now."

"Yes Xena, you did."

"What else?"

"You also put flowers into you hair and danced with a tree."

Xena covered her face with her hands and shook her head. "By the gods."

"Like I said, it was pretty funny."

"Did anyone else see this?"

"No. Luckily I made you stay in camp."

"Thank you."

"Your welcome." She watched Xena return to her blades. "Xena, do you really think I smell wonderful?"

"What?"

"You said that you loved the way I smell."

"When?"

"While you were crazy. You also said that....well you said a lot of things." She continued to read the scroll.

"Go on."

"No, you don't want to know."

"You're right I don't." She continued with her blade when a memory flashed in front of her. She looked up at Gabrielle. "Gabrielle."

"Hmm."

"Did I try to tie you to a tree?"

"Yes. Actually you did tie me to a tree. But I got away. You also tried to chop my head off."

"So I tied you to a tree and told you that you smelled great. That doesn't mean anything."

"I know that." She saw Xena's look. "Did you think that it did?"

"No, of course not. I was just stating the facts."

"Oh."

Xena put down her weapons and stood up, heading for the forest.

Gabrielle looked up just in time to see her friend disappear into the darkness of the forest. She stood and walked to find her friend. "Xena."

She didn't receive an answer and looked around for her friend. Shaking her head, she turned to head back towards camp, when she heard a noise above her. She looked up and saw the pale color of Xena's skin. "I should of known you'd be up there." She gave a laugh. "Well, why are you out here?"

"No reason. Just go back to camp."

"Come on Xena tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing is wrong. I just...there is a...just go back to camp Gabrielle."

"No."

"Now."

"You can't just order me around. Now tell me what's wrong."

"No."

"Xena tell me."

"Just go back to camp and I'll be there in a bit."

"Fine."

Xena watched Gabrielle head back and dropped what she had been holding. A corpse. The remains of some innocent villager that had been hung out here for the wolves. She had almost walked into it and had but a second to hid it from Gabrielle. It was so unrecognizable that she couldn't tell if it was male or female. She cut it down and headed off to bury it.

Back at the camp, Gabrielle sat down and started to read the scroll again. She knew that something was bothering Xena and needed to find out. She wouldn't get an answer out of Xena, she already tried that. She would just have to find out what she was doing. She nodded and stood to find Xena.

The soil was carefully dug to a deep three feet. The best she could do without tools. She picked it up and laid it down in the hole. She gently covered the body with the dirt and patted it firmly down. She stood and wiped the dirt off of her hands and knees, then turned around only to come face to face with Gabrielle.

"Gabrielle what are you doing?"

"No, that's my question."

Xena turned back around to the fresh soil then back to Gabrielle. "I was..uh.."

"I know. Who was it?"

Xena turned and faced the dirt grave again. "I don't know. I found it hanging from a tree. That's why I couldn't come down. I'm sorry for yelling at you, but I didn't want you to see it. It was too awful Gabrielle."

"Thank you for keeping me from seeing it. I'm sorry if I got upset."

"It isn't safe to stay here. Whatever did this to it might come back and finish the job."

"Is it some kind of warning?"

"Perhaps."

Gabrielle nodded and turned to ready their things back at camp, leaving Xena with the grave.

She stared at the grave for a few minutes and then moved to the side of a tree. The dead figure upset her in a way she couldn't place. It was dangerous for them to be here. She sensed that something or someone was close. She peered over her shoulder to see if she was being watched then turned back to the grave.

The presence was definitely here. Whoever had done this was still here. Watching her every move to figure out what she was going to do next.

Xena took one more look around then headed toward camp.

Gabrielle looked up just in time to see Xena enter the camp slowly. She finished rolling up the bedroll. Standing up, she glanced at Xena again and headed over towards Argo. She tied them to the saddle and walked over to Xena.

"We need to hurry."

"I know. You told me that..."

"We don't have much time." With that said, she walked past Gabrielle and began to load her belongings. "You have everything?"

"Yes, all packed." Her smiled faded when she looked at Xena. "What is it?"

"Let's just go and hope that we never have to deal with that okay."

Gabrielle shrugged her shoulders and finished with the package.

+++

The gates to the village came into view just before dawn.

Xena gripped the reins tighter and looked up at Gabrielle, who was collapsed on Argo's back. Xena smiled and shook her head as she continued.

A man cam into view and waved as he walked closer. "Xena, I thought you wouldn't make it."

"You doubted me Morris?"

"No never, I just wasn't sure. Things are all a bit confusing around here lately that its hard to depend on anyone to do what they are supposed to. That's all."

"I see."

Morris glanced up at the saddle and saw the young woman deep in sleep.

Xena saw his gaze and rushed forth. "Gabrielle."

"She's cute. New apprentice?"

"Something like that."

"Anything like your old apprentice?"

"Its not like that Morris."

"Okay." He smiled and led them into the village.

+++

Gabrielle opened her eyes to see ceiling above her. Getting up instantly, she saw that she had been taken to a small room. No one else was in the room that she could tell. She stood up and headed for the door. As she reached for the handle, the door opened, knocking her down on her butt. "OW!" She looked up to see Xena.

"Sorry. You all right?" She extended her hand to help Gabrielle up. "I figured that you might be awake by now. Sleep well?"

"Yes. Where are we?"

"The village."

"When did we get here?"

"Early this morning. You were asleep. I didn't want to wake you."

Gabrielle looked out the window. "I've been asleep half the day."

"Yep."

"So, what about the warlord?"

"Don't know. I didn't get to talk to Morris that much. All I know is that he is coming tomorrow. Not today."

"So now what?"

"We wait."

"And figure out a plan of action."

"Yep."

"So who is this Morris?"

"An old friend."

"A soldier in your army?"

"No."

Gabrielle let out a breath of relief which Xena caught.

Opening the door, Gabrielle shielded her eyes from the rays of the sun and looked around at the people shuffling by. "They look busy." She looked behind her and saw Xena was no where to be seen. Taking a minute to find her, she spotted her over by a table talking with a woman. With her busy, Gabrielle was free to do a little shopping.

Xena finished her conversation with the woman and looked over to find Gabrielle gone. "Gabrielle." She looked around but couldn't see the redhead anywhere among the crowd. "Gabrielle." She raised higher on her toes and looked over the heads of the villagers. Finally, she spotted her near a fabric booth. "Oh no you don't." She moved fast and reached out to grab Gabrielle's hand. "What are you doing?"

Gabrielle jumped. "I hate it when you sneak up on me." She tried to read the expression on Xena's face but it was hopeless. "I was just looking."

"And what are you buying now?"

"I told you that I was just looking." She saw the raised brow. "Okay, I want that." She pointed to an object in front of her.

Xena grabbed the object off of the table and studied it. "So, what is it?" She looked at Gabrielle.

"The woman said that it was a Cubius."

"A what?"

"A Cubius. A small cube."

"What's it for?"

"Don't know. But isn't it neat?"

"Yeah, its great." She handed it back to Gabrielle. "Wanna get it fine. Don't ask for anything else."

"Yes mother." She smiled and saw Xena smile as well. "I promise."

"Good." Xena started to walk off when a woman cleared her throat. Xena turned and saw an old woman with graying hair, and a silver necklace. She wore a long blue dress.

The woman read the look of question in Xena's face. "My dear child. Why do you look so troubled?"

"Excuse me."

"Thoughts are over clouding you. Let them out and things may not seem so hard."

"Do I know you?"

"No, but I now you."

"And how is that?"

"My secret to know and never others to read from me that I keep."

"Enough with the riddles old woman."

The woman smiled and extended her hand. In it she held a small necklace with a green stone, with an object hidden in the stone. She watched as Xena peered closer to see what was in it.

"Its a panther," said Gabrielle.

"That it is. It's to symbolize strength and power." She held out another stone. This one with the same color only a lion in the stone. "And this symbolizes purity, love, and promise."

"How much?" asked Gabrielle.

"For you. Nothing." She handed the stones to Gabrielle. As Gabrielle and Xena were looking at the
stones she spoke softly. "The truth me known. Love is always there and always hidden. Look into your heart to find the answer to your questions."

"What?" asked Gabrielle, but the woman was gone. "Hey, where did she go."

"A classic nut if you ask me." She turned and headed in the direction of the medic hut.

Gabrielle watched her leave and turned back to the two stones. They were beautiful. Slipping them into the pouch at her side, she looked at the Cubius again. Turning it onto its top to look at the bottom, she noticed a small square plug. Pulling at it, she was instantly given a smell of what lay inside. Some kind of blue powder. It glowed as if on fire. She took one more sniff and closed it up. As she did, she felt a sense of calmness wash over her. She smiled and headed to the next booth.

+++

Xena entered the medic hut slowly, as she looked around for any trouble. A woman noticed her walking in and motioned with a wave of her hand for Xena to come over to the table.

"May I help you?"

"I'm looking for green Tobiac leaves."

"Green?"

"Yeah."

The woman walked into the back room, then returned with a package. It was handed to Xena and she opened it up to look in.

"Don't trust me?"

"Don't trust anyone."

The woman nodded. "Anything else?"

"Do you have any Proboc dust, purple mushrooms, two bags of tea leaves, and a few red Sintic leaves."

"Quite some list. You a doctor? Healer?"

"Yeah."

"Well, which is it?"

"Healer."

The woman left and returned again with the items. She collected the money and watched as Xena exited the hut as slowly as she had come in.

+++

Gabrielle saw Xena come out of the hut with a bag. She walked over to her. "What's that?"

"Just some things we were out of."

"Oh."

"You hungry?"

"Yes."

"Lets drop these off in the stables and get something to eat."

They headed toward the stables.

"Xena, have you figure out what to do with the warlord?"

Xena took a breath. "Morris lied to us."

"What? Why?"

"There was never any warlord threatening this village."

"Then why did..."

"He was summoned by some woman to bring us here. He didn't get her name."

"I don't understand."

"The funny thing is Gabrielle, that when we were given the message, where were we?"

"Near Athens, why?"

"The town was hit with a strange illness shortly after we had left." She glanced over at Gabrielle. "No, we didn't do it but the strange part is that if she hadn't of sent for us, we would have gotten it and possibly died. It was a deadly disease."

Gabrielle's jaw dropped. "Then she saved us, whoever she was."

"Guess so."

"So we leave to find out who she is and..."

"I leave yes, you stay here."

"Xena."

"Something isn't right here and I'm not going to have you in the middle of this understand."

"Yes I understand. You're leaving me behind again."

"You don't understand."

Gabrielle ran a hand over her face. "Fine, what don't I understand?"

"Are you angry at me?"

"No, I just don't understand how you can say that we're partners and leave me behind every time things get too hard or dangerous."

"You need to understand that I care for you're safety."

"And you need to understand that I will never be able to prove I can do things if you never give me a chance."

"You've proven enough."

"Yeah fine."

"Gabrielle."

"What? Sorry. Just promise me something."

"What?"

"Promise me that you'll come back to me."

Xena gave her a confused look. "Why wouldn't I come back?"

"Just promise me."

"I promise."

Gabrielle started to walk away when Xena grabbed her arm. "If this is as dangerous as we both think I may have to break that promise."

Gabrielle panicked. "You will. I know it."

They walked toward the tavern. Gabrielle gripped her staff hard and winced which wasn't unnoticed by Xena. She said nothing and continued to the tavern.

+++

They grabbed a table in the back and ordered the drinks and food. Waiting for their meal to arrive,
Xena glanced around the room to take notice of anyone that might cause trouble.

She looked over at Gabrielle to see her watching the three actors on the stage. "Why don't you ask them if you can tell a story?"

"No, I uh...I just want to relax and sit here."

"You feeling okay?"

"Fine, why?" She wiped her brow with the back of her hand.

Xena moved a hand over Gabrielle's forehead and gave Gabrielle a look. "You're running a fever Gabrielle."

"No I'm not. Its just hot in here that's all."

"Gabrielle."

"I'm fine Xena."

"You've acted funny for a few days. Why haven't you told me?"

"I didn't want to give you any problems. You were in a hurry already."

"You still should of told me."

"Its all over now okay."

"No, its not okay. I told you to tell me whenever something was wrong. You're warm, anything else
wrong?"

"My back hurts a bit, but I'm fine."

"Perhaps you should get a room and lie down for a while."

"I can't do that."

"Why?"

"Because you're leaving and I won't be able to say good bye."

"I'm not going anywhere for awhile."

Gabrielle nodded and sat back. She turned her attention back to the stage but didn't watch what was going on. She just sat there with a far away look on her face.

Xena noticed this. "You should...."

She was interrupted when the food arrived along with their drinks.

Gabrielle looked at the food and grabbed a fork. She was hungry but she didn't want to raise the fork to her face. Her arms felt weak and heavy. Her legs felt shaky but still had movement to them. She moved the fork around with the fork and sighed.

Xena watched as Gabrielle played with her food and shook her head. "You're not hungry. Why don't you go lie down?"

"Okay." Gabrielle slid out of the seat and stood up only to stumble forwards. She saw the ground coming hard and closed her eyes when she felt to strong hands grabbed her around the waist and pick her up. She opened her eyes to see Xena. "Thanks."

Xena carried to the bar and ordered a room, then carried her up the stairs. She opened the room door and laid Gabrielle on the bed. Gabrielle didn't move and Xena sat down next to her. "You okay?"

"No. My arms feel like heavy. I can't move them that much anymore." She rolled over and curled next to Xena. "What's wrong with me?"

"You're fine. You're just tired. Sleep it off and then it'll be better."

"Why don't I believe you?"

"You should."

Gabrielle moved onto her back again. "Xena, there's something wrong isn't there?"

"No."

"Don't lie to me."

"Your symptoms are like....." She stopped and looked at Gabrielle's face. So trusting and patient. She had to tell her what was going on. "You may have gotten some poison into your system."

"Bad?"

"Could be."

"What else? I see something else is wrong?"

"You are having the same symptoms as the villagers in the other village."

"That's bad. What do we do?"

"Find an antidote."

"How?"

"Don't know."

"So I just lay here till we figure out what to do?"

No answer.

Xena stood up.

"No don't go."

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm just going to get you some herbs. Maybe they'll help. I'm coming back. I promise." She smoothed the hair out of Gabrielle's face and kissed her on the forehead, then walked out of the room.

Once outside, she leaned against the door. She had no idea what was wrong. She had seen this sickness before and had lost to its power. She didn't know any antidote and felt helpless. She couldn't lose Gabrielle. Not now. She would be lost with out her to as a guide. She laid her head back against the door and closed her eyes to think.

Gabrielle used her strength to roll onto her side. She had to get some water but when she tried to stand she fell instantly to the floor. She tried to break her fall by pushing her arms out in front of her but ended up landing on one. She heard a crack and grew sick to her stomach. The wrist grew hot and she could see it begin to swell. She laid her head back against the floor and closed her eyes. Xena would definitely be mad at her now.

Xena climbed the stairs, bowel of soup in hand. and a loaf of bread in the other. She paused when she came to the door.

Gabrielle tried to moved over to the door when she heard footsteps. "Xena. Help." The pain was evident in her voice.

The door opened fast and Xena saw Gabrielle lying on the floor clutching her wrist in one hand. "What happened?"

"I fell."

Xena knelt down next to her and grabbed her left wrist. She squeezed two fingers along the bone and felt Gabrielle jump. "Its broken Gabrielle. I need to move the bone. Its gonna hurt." She saw Gabrielle nod her head and clutched the bone again, then twisted. Gabrielle screamed her pain, then was silent. Xena pulled her into her arms and tried to comfort her.

"I messed up huh?"

"No, Its fine. Gonna be sore for a while but its fine now." She kissed the top of Gabrielle's head and took a big breath.

"I'm sorry I'm such a pain."

"Its not your fault your sick, and you are not a pain. You understand me? Never would be. I lo... You'll be okay." She picked her up and carried her over to the bed.

After she was covered up, she instantly fell asleep.

Xena sat down on a chair next to the bed and watched as Gabrielle slept. She tried to clear her thoughts but couldn't. Her fear for Gabrielle's safety was always first. Nothing else mattered right now but her bard. She scratched her head and stood up to get some fresh air. As she neared the door, she heard Gabrielle mumble in her sleep. She turned and took a seat in the chair once again.

"..No, I can't....its too far," Gabrielle mumbled. "Where are you? I can't see you. Come back please. No, no, nooooo!" She sprang awake and was face to face with Xena. "Xena, I uh..had a..bad dream."

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No, I don't think you'd.... No."

"Gabrielle, you can tell me."

Gabrielle took a breath and hesitated. "You were in it. There was a field and a woman. You were on a hill and I couldn't climb up it to get to you. You approached her and I kept screaming for you to come back but you didn't listen. You walked  into some darkness and I couldn't see you. I started running toward you and fell. I looked up and saw the woman reaching out. Then you disappeared. Xena. I....you can't go on this trip."

"I have to."

"Why?"

"I need to find out what the woman wanted and why she sent for us."

"Even if I told you it was dangerous?"

"Yes."

"Please don't go. I know I sound crazy but please listen. It was so real Xena."

"Gabrielle, it was just a dream. There is no danger."

"What if it wasn't a dream? You've been wrong before."

"Yeah I know but we've always gotten out of things."

"What happens if you don't? What if you die? Then what?"

"That's not going to happen."

"But if it does. Are you going to go there and risk it. I'm pleading Xena. Don't go."

"I know this is bothering you but I need to go."

"Then take me with you."

"Gabrielle, you are in no condition to go anywhere."

"I don't want you dying out there or getting hurt and me not being able to know about it."

"I don't want you going. You could get killed. If this is so dangerous. I'd rather not have you in it. I can't have you get hurt. Too risky."

"And if you're killed. I'm just supposed to wait here worry if your coming back to me."

"Gabrielle, what has gotten into you?"

"I'm scared."

"Of what?"

Gabrielle was silent for a minute. "That I'm not going to be able to..." She stopped.

"Able to what?"

"Nothing. I'm just worried that you'll leave and never come back."

"I always have before."

"Yes," Gabrielle started. "but one day you won't. I can't take it. I love you too much." She whispered the last part.

Xena heard it and closed her eyes. She opened them and looked into Gabrielle's eyes trying to pull what information she held out of them. The eyes were kind and yet they held fear of something unknown. She saw worry cross over Gabrielle's face and knew she had to do something. She softened her gaze and leaned forward.

Gabrielle could feel Xena's breath on her face, when there was a knock at the door, making them both jump.

"What is it?" asked Xena.

"Its Morris. I need to speak with you."

"Okay. Meet me downstairs." She heard him leave. "I need to go see what he wants. Stay here and try to get some rest." She smiled, stood, opened the door, and was gone.

Gabrielle laid down and sighed. 'Xena almost kissed me. She does love me.' She smiled and with some struggle, managed to roll onto her side and fall asleep.

Xena walked down the stairs, following Morris and looked back toward the room. 'How could I have got so carried away there. I almost kissed her. Stupid. She doesn't love you like that. It would never work.' She sighed and walked to a table. "What's wrong?"

"The woman you need to see is too far."

"How far?"

"Xena, its on the mountain top."

"Olympus?"

"Yes."

"She lives on Mt. Olympus. What a thing."

"Yeah I guess."

"Well I guess I had better get my things together."

"You can't be serious. Its over a hundred miles."

"So."

"I sympathize really I do, but really Xena. Its too far. Not to mention that the temperature is below
freezing."

"Then what do I do?"

"If she wanted you then she'll come for you. I'm sure."

"Fine." She stood and headed outside.

+++

The night came quickly and Gabrielle found herself awake when a huge call was heard. Someone in a fight outside. She tried to roll over and remembered earlier today. Her wrists. She sighed and laid back down. Hopefully Xena would come and help her.

Her wish was true because at that moment, Xena opened the door holding a candle. "You awake?"

"Yes."

Xena came farther in the room. "Just wake up?"

"Yeah. Where have you been?"

"Took a walk."

"Oh. Xena can we talk?"

"Yes."

"This woman. How do we find her?"

"Can't."

"Why?"

"She lives too far away. I guess we wait for her to show."

"And if she doesn't?"

Xena bit her lip.

"That's what I thought."

"We'll get through this. We always have."

"I know. Its just that I feel so weak."

"Can you feel your legs?"

"No. My waist is tingling so I guess that's next to go. It would be nice for my arms to go out. My wrist hurts." She rubbed it.

"We'll find her. I promise." She sat down on the chair and waited.

"I know." She closed her eyes.

"Gabrielle."

"Hmm."

"Stay with me."

"I'm trying." She opened her eyes only to close them again.

"Gabrielle come on." She shook her awake. She saw Gabrielle again open her eyes and felt her pulse. It was terribly low and unsteady. Panic seized her immediately. "No." She saw Gabrielle close her eyes again. "Wake up Gabrielle."

"I'm tired Xena."

"Gabrielle you need to keep your eyes open. Don't give in. Your pulse is too low. You sleep you might not wake up."

Gabrielle started to cry.

"Its okay."

"You tell me that I might die then tell me that its okay."

"I know." She made Gabrielle sit up and positioned pillows behind her for comfort. "Comfy?"

"Yeah."

"I need to go find a healer. I have no idea what this illness is. Promise me that you'll stay awake?"

"I'll try."

No sooner had Xena stood, when Gabrielle's eyes closed again. "Gabrielle come on wake up." She shook Gabrielle but she didn't open her eyes. "Gabrielle, hey." She still didn't wake up. "Come on your scaring me. Gabrielle. Gabrielle." Tears were lining her eyes. "Please." Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked at Xena. "There's nothing you can do Xena."

"Stop talking like that."

"I need to tell you something before I..."

"Gabrielle stop it. You're fine. We'll just get some medicine and you'll be fine."

"Xena, I've enjoyed being with you. Traveling with you and being your friend. I never asked for that but you gave me your friendship and I thank you. I will never forget you. You'll get along without me. Think of it this way, it'll be a lot more quite. I know you never liked my chattering.."

"I never said that."

"I need you to know that the only thing I will regret is that I didn't tell you how much I love you."

"Gabrielle, you just did."

"Then I'm fine. Please tell me you love me."

"I love you. Always have." She reached for Gabrielle and saw her close her eyes and her shoulders relax. "Gabrielle." She shook her. "Come on. Wake up again like last time." She felt the tears slid down her face. "Gabrielle, Gabrielle."

+++

The wind blew lightly, picking up speed, but Xena didn't notice. Even as the rain began to fall, she
didn't notice. All she could think of was Gabrielle. She looked up. "We were summoned here. Why? Was there some purpose besides Gabrielle leaving me. I don't get it. Why do you gods think its right to just interfere with the lives of mortals. Its not your place."

"You're wrong."

Xena turned her head in the direction of the voice and saw a figure appear. "What do you want?"

She had long brown hair and wore a small crown on her head. Her necklace was some kind of round designs and she had a tattoo that ran from her shoulders down her arms. She wore nothing but a simple tunic. "My my my. Is that anyway to greet me?"

No reply.

"Very well."

"What do you want?"

"You have no idea how much I had to go through for you."

"Oh really. Why don't you let me know."

"Xena, why do you think I summoned you here?"

"No, that's my question."

"I knew that the town was dangerous because of the illness and...."

"An illness that Gabrielle got anyway."

"You have the remedy." She disappeared.

"I don't."

"You do, you just need to know where to look."

"Who are you?"

"My name is Nadika and perhaps you should listen to me."

"No."

"Do you always have to fight with whoever you see as an enemy. I'm not an enemy. I'm the one who summoned you here."

Xena laughed. "You summoned us here to get away from a disease and Gabrielle dies anyway and you tell me that you're here to help me. Good one. Sorry Nadika but the gods never help."

"I'm not a god."

"Really?" Xena angry mood showed through her voice. She looked up at the woman again and noticed something about her eyes. "You...you're the woman at the...at the booth. The one who sold Gabrielle the...whatever it was. And the stones."

"Yes, the stones. They are important. Spirit jewels. It's to symbolize animal strengths in the heart of
everyone. Everyone has one."

"Panther and the Lion. What do they mean?"

"Panther is dark and secret, but loyal and cunning. The lion is proud and strong but also giving and wise. Spirit animals Xena, come from your heart. Not your actions or your reputation. Turn to the strength of the panther inside of you and you will find the answer you are looking for." She disappeared.

Xena sat where she was trying to figure out what the woman had said. 'So I'm the panther. Then that means that Gabrielle is the Lion.' She stood and walked into the tavern, and somehow found herself in front of the door to their room. She opened the door and saw Gabrielle on the bed. She walked closer and sat down on the chair. "I don't have the remedy. She said I did but I don't. I'm sorry I ever got you into this. If I had just made you stay home then you would be alive today. I don't know where my life would be without you but I thank you for everyday you have given me. You are the most important thing in this world to me. I just wish that we had had enough time to tell each other how we felt." She laid her head down on the bed and grabbed Gabrielle's hand. It was cold. She let the tears come as they pleased. She couldn't hold them back even if she tried.

She stood and walked around the room. She noticed something glowing in the dark. She walked over to it and picked it up. She brought it close and saw that it was the Cubius. She ran a hand over the smooth object and smiled to herself at how happy it made Gabrielle to have such a simple thing. She carried it over to the window and sat down. It was so beautiful in the light. The colors seemed to glow. A different color each time she looked at it. She moved her hands to the bottom and looked out the window.

She felt a latch open in the bottom and quickly flipped it over. She looked in and saw some strange
blue powder. It glowed like the rest of the object but much more brighter. Perhaps this was why the object glowed in the first place. She stuck a finger into the powder and was surprised when it felt warm to the touch. 'Was this what the woman meant. Was this the antidote that the woman was talking about?' She didn't know what it was but was determined to find out. She moved to a table and grabbed a bowel. She poured some of the powder out and watched the blue change to a bright orange. "What now?"

She grabbed some water and poured it into the bowel until the water turned red. A strong smell of cinnamon rose  up to her nose. She stirred it with a spoon and turned to Gabrielle. "Well here goes."

Setting the bowel on the table next to the bed, she moved Gabrielle to a sitting position again. She
opened her mouth and tipped her head back, then poured some of the liquid into her mouth. At first nothing happened. But when she had finished draining the bowel, a glow seemed to envelope Gabrielle. Xena looked away and then back to see Gabrielle still sitting the same as she had before. Nothing had changed. She felt for a pulse and didn't find one. She slumped back onto the chair. "I guess it didn't work. I tried. I really did. I don't know what to do now Gabrielle. I always had you to help me with everything. Who will I turn to for help now that you're gone. I can't do this. Fight to return to me. Just tell me what I have to do. I'll do it. I'd do anything for you to come back. I love you more than life itself and if you're gone I have no reason to live anymore. Life just doesn't have any meaning anymore. Gabrielle you can't leave me. Not now that I know you love me." She hid her face in her hands.

Far from Xena's gaze, Gabrielle's hand twitched.

+++

The next morning, Xena was ready to go. She had Argo saddled and packed. She had wrapped Gabrielle up in a sheet. She wanted to bring her a proper burial and intended on burning her so her soul would be free. She loaded Gabrielle up on the saddle then climbed on. She started Argo into a gentle trot, when she heard a click. She stopped Argo and looked around. Something told her to look down and as she did she saw two stones laying by a rock. She hopped off of Argo and bent to retrieve the stones when she saw that one was glowing. The panther. She smiled and grabbed them both, placing them in the pouch at her waist. She looked up at Gabrielle and saw her pouch open. They must of fallen out.

She grabbed the stones back out and looked at them closely. The stone glowing was the panther but she couldn't figure out why the other one wasn't glowing.

"You figure it out yet?" Came a voice over her shoulder.

Xena turned and saw Nadika. "No."

"The lion isn't glowing Xena because Gabrielle no longer lives."

"Go away."

"You know where to go?" She disappeared.

Xena shook her head and put the stones back into her pouch then climbed back onto Argo.

The ride was long and slow. She had gotten used to the noisy chatter that Gabrielle made and the quite bugged her now. She looked behind her and for a moment saw Gabrielle walking behind Argo, staff in hand, chatting away a new story. Then the figure vanished leaving Xena empty. She had never felt so empty. "Its true what they say. You don't know what a good thing you have until you lose it."

She soon that she found comfort in talking to herself. The quite she had once craved, the silence she once liked, was now so cold that she needed to break it.

+++

As the sun began to rise, Xena came to an open field. She had no idea where she was and headed into the field with no reason of why she was doing it. She reached a hill and stopped. There was something in her mind, telling her to stop and camp, and another part telling her to just stop. Stop living and stop feeling sorry for herself. She shook her head to clear the thoughts and hopped off of Argo. She grabbed her sword sheath off of the saddle and walked away into the forest.

She didn't see the small fingers twitch and flex, or hear the loud thump as she walked away.

+++

Two candle marks later, Xena emerged from the forest. She didn't feel one bit better but all together exhausted. She reached a point in the field next to Argo and collapsed. She looked up at the sky and stretched her arms behind her, and felt something. She sat up and looked behind her to see a white sheet. She pulled it up and shook it. Where was Gabrielle? She looked around and slumped to the ground. "Bandits. Why did they take her why couldn't they have taken Argo? She would fetch a price much better than...."

"Xena."

Xena looked up to see the most beautiful sight. "price. Gabrielle?"

"It's me Xena."

Xena pulled herself up and ran to Gabrielle, knocking her down. "This isn't a dream. Please tell me your real and alive."

"I'm alive Xena. Thanks to you."

"Me?"

"That powder helped me. My body had shut down and it brought it back."

Xena hid her face in Gabrielle's neck and tried to catch her breath. "I'm never letting you out of my
sight again."

Gabrielle gave a soft laugh. "I hope not. Because right now there's nothing more that I'd like to do
then just hold you." She tightened her grip.

Xena raised her head to look at Gabrielle. "Are you tired?"

"No why?" She saw the gleam in Xena's eyes and swallowed. "I uh, Xena we've..." She was silenced by a finger placed in front of her lips.

"Shh." Xena ran her fingers across Gabrielle's lips. "So soft." She raised higher and lightly grazed
Gabrielle's lips.

Gabrielle placed a hand at the back of Xena's neck and pulled her back down as she covered her mouth with her own. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"Xena."

"What?"

"Make love to me."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

Xena smiled and lowered her head to Gabrielle's offered lips. All her love was put forth in the one
kiss. She ran a hand up Gabrielle's side, resting on a breast, and when Gabrielle gasped she plunged her tongue through. When she met Gabrielle's own questing tongue she moaned and raised another hand to squeeze a breast. Gabrielle gasped. "Tell me what you want Gabrielle."

Gabrielle raised a knee between Xena's legs causing Xena to moan.

"Mmm. Very well."

Xena smiled as she lowered her head, placing soft kisses along Gabrielle's jaw, trailing down her neck and shoulders. When she started to unlace Gabrielle's shirt, she glanced at her. "You sure about this?"

"Yes."

Xena finished and slid the fabric off of Gabrielle's arms. She watched Gabrielle's chest rise and fall in simple rhythm. She ran a hand over one breast and saw the nipple harden. She circled the outside with a finger and watched the goose bumps form. She turned her attention to the other breast and gave it the same attention.

Gabrielle brought a hand to Xena's head and pushed her down where she wanted.

Xena had no problem. She covered one breast with her mouth and felt Gabrielle arch into her touch. She twirled a tongue around the nipple and gently bit it. Gabrielle jumped. She moved to the other one and repeated the same thing. She trailed a hand down to Gabrielle's stomach and rubbed the small hairs. She moved lower and grazed her nails against the inside of Gabrielle's thighs.

Gabrielle moaned and opened her thighs wider for invitation. "Mmm. Xena now."

Xena smiled and shifted her weight so her waist was in between Gabrielle's legs. She could feel how ready Gabrielle was and rubbed gently against her. Gabrielle groaned.

"Mmm. Xena now."

Xena moved up and placed two fingers at Gabrielle's opening, slowly sliding them along the length of her. Gabrielle thrust her hips each time. Now or never. She entered her with one finger then two. She moved her thumb and gently rubbed against her nub. Gabrielle thrust with Xena and when Xena increased her pumping so did Gabrielle.

Xena could soon feel Gabrielle's inner muscles tighten and release. With one final thrust, she heard
Gabrielle call out her name. Then she was still. Xena looked at Gabrielle and smiled.

"Xena, that was....."

"I know." She laid her head down on Gabrielle's chest. And soon they both fell asleep.

Xena woke to the sound of an owl calling and opened her eyes to see Gabrielle tucked under her arm. She smiled and moved out of Gabrielle grasp, then stood. She looked up at the sky then remembered something. Grabbing her pouch she took out the two stones, and in the light of the moon, two animals glowed strong. The Lion and the Panther.

THE END

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