ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Bloodlust II

by WordWizard

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: Xena learns a secret about Gabrielle that could destroy their friendship forever.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I was inspired to write this story after reading a Buffy/Xena crossover called Dark Promise.

WARNING: This story contains subtext.  If a relationship between the same sex offends you.  Do not read this story.

DISCLAIMER:  Xena, Gabrielle, Ephiny and all related characters and locales in this story are owned by Renaissance Pictures and MCA/Universal and are used without permission.  No money is being made from this. FOR ENTERTAINMENT ONLY.

       Xena held the lovely bard to her bosom and wept in grief and anger.  She rocked back and forth, chastising herself.

        'If only I had gotten here sooner, Gabrielle would still be alive.  I've lost the only person I ever truly loved.  I will never forget you, my love.' she thought to herself.

        She gently kissed the bard on the lips and looked up at the sky.  Off to the east, the sun was just beginning to rise.  Suddenly, Xena heard a moan and felt the bard's body twitch.  She looked down.  Gabrielle moaned and slowly opened her eyes.  She looked up and saw Xena's tear-stained face looking down at her in surprise.

        "What?  What happened?" she asked, coughing dryly.

        "You were attacked and killed.  But, how did you come back?"

        "Must be another one of the "perks" of being this thing." the bard answered.

        She looked down and saw the handle of the dagger still protruding from her stomach.

        "Xena, would you do me a favor?" she asked.

        "Anything." the warrior replied.

        "Pull this dagger out.  It's really starting to itch!" she said.

        Xena began to cry again as she pulled the dagger from the wound.  The blonde girl grimaced and cried in pain as the blade was withdrawn from her body.  Xena threw the dagger off to the side.

        "Thanks." the bard said, trying to sit up.

        A wave of dizziness and weakness overcame her and she collapsed back into the arms of her friend.  The burning and pulling in her throat was unbearable.

        "You've lost a lot of blood.  You need to feed." the warrior said, pulling Gabrielle's head up to her neck.

        "No!" the bard protested weakly.

        "Yes.  I need you, Gabrielle.  You complete me.  I refuse to see you die again." she said, baring her neck.

        "I might not be able to stop." the bard warned.

        "We'll worry about that when the time comes." the dark woman answered.

        Gabrielle, unable to resist the urge any longer, drove her fangs into Xena's neck and sighed as the hot blood gushed into her mouth and ran over her tongue.  She fed greedily.  She felt Xena growing weak.  She could hear the warrior's heartbeat slowing down, still yet she fed.  She felt the dark warrior's hands trying to push her away.  She reluctantly released Xena and lay on the ground, eyes closed as she felt her strength returning.

        The wound itched unbearably for a few moments.  She tentatively touched the wound and gasped with surprise.  Xena looked at her with a worried expression on her face.

        "What is it?"

        "My wound.  It's completely healed." the bard said.

        "Another perk?" Xena said with a small lopsided grin.

        She sat on the ground, letting her strength return.  For a moment she had been afraid.  Afraid that Gabrielle would not be able to stop.  She had felt relief as Gabrielle stopped feeding on her and withdrew.  But, she had also felt disappointment.  As the bard was feeding on her, she was connected to her.  She felt as the bard felt, and for the first time, she saw the world through the eyes of her lover.  She silently thanked the Gods for bringing Gabrielle into her life.  Gabrielle walked over to Xena and helped her to her feet and began leading her back to camp.

        "Come on.  I'll fix you something to eat, then you sleep.  You need to let your  strength return."

        Xena was too drained, emotionally and physically to argue, so she let the bard lead her back to camp.  When they arrived, she lay on her bedroll and closed her eyes.  Soon, she drifted off to sleep.  Gabrielle began to prepare a meal as quietly as possible so as not to awaken the sleeping warrior.  As she waited for the water to begin boiling, she gazed at the warrior.  Her heart felt like it would burst with the love that she held for her Xena.  She thought back to that day, so long ago, when she had first met Xena.  She shook herself out of her reverie and saw that the water was boiling.  She gathered some herbs and roots that were growing nearby and threw them into the pot.  She stirred the concoction until it was a thick broth.  She poured some into a wooden bowl and walked over to the warrior.  She knelt beside her and gently shook the dark form until Xena groaned and opened her eyes.

        Xena sat up and the bard pushed the bowl into her hands.

        "Here, drink this."

        She turned and rooted around in her pack.  She found some dried bread and broke off a chunk.  This she handed to Xena, who dipped it in the broth and ate it greedily.  Food had never tasted so good.  When she was through, she handed the bowl to Gabrielle and lay back down on her bed roll.  Morpheus soon claimed her once more.  Gabrielle lay down on her pallet and yawned. 

        'Being dead sure takes a lot out of you.' she thought to herself.

        She closed her eyes and sank into slumber.  She awoke a few hours later.  She opened her eyes to a bright and sunny afternoon.  A slight breeze was blowing through the clearing.  She lay there for a moment and listened to the songs of the birds.  Then, she rose and looked over at Xena.  The warrior was still fast asleep.

        'For once, I woke up before Xena.' the girl thought with a little chuckle.

        She went to the bank of the small brook to catch some fish for lunch.  After a short time, she had enough fish for a fairly decent meal.  She returned to camp, where she scaled and cleaned the fish.  She started a fire and set the fish to fry.  Xena awoke to the smell of frying fish.  She sighed and sat up.  The world swam out of focus for a moment, then cleared.  She was still weak.  It exhausted her to move.  Gabrielle had taken more blood than she first thought.  The bard glanced up from the pan and saw her lover sitting on the ground.  Xena still looked tired and weak.  Gabrielle was worried.  What if she had drained the warrior of too much blood?  She put on a smile to hide her worry from the woman.

        "The sleeping warrior has awoken. Hungry?"

        "Starved." the dark warrior responded.

        Gabrielle skewered a hunk of fish on a stick that she had sharpened and handed it to Xena.  The warrior dove into the fish with relish.  She knew they would have to spend at least another day here.  She was still too weak to travel.  She hated this feeling of weakness.  Of knowing that if trouble found them, that she would be too weak to fight.  Gabrielle looked to her to keep her safe, and here she was, too weak to even fend for herself, much less keep her lover safe.

        When they were finished eating, they talked.  As they talked, the bard noticed that the warrior's eyelids were drooping.  She put a hand on the woman's shoulder.

        "You're still weak, Xena.  Get some sleep."

        "No.  We have to find Bacchus.   We break camp then move on." the warrior stated.

        She stood up.  The world began to spin and she slumped back to the ground.  The bard caught the dark woman as she began to fall.  She picked her up like a child and carried her to her bedroll and gently laid her upon it.

        "Gabrielle, I'm sorry.  I should've gotten there sooner.  You never would've been kill........" Xena said as she passed out.

        "Shhhhh.  It's not your fault.  Sleep." the blonde woman said quietly.

        Soon, she could hear the snores of her lover as she slept the sleep of the dead.  She doubted if even a horde of crazed Romans could wake Xena now.  She sat back against a fallen log.  Her mind drifted back to Quentin.  She wondered how he was making out.  She had only known him for a short time, but she already cared for him like a son.  As she was daydreaming, she heard a slight rustling in the bushes behind her.  If she did not have a heightened sense of hearing, she would never have heard it.  She stood and grabbed her staff.  With her new skills, she stalked to the bushes without making a sound.  She saw movement on her right.  She raised the staff and thrust it at the lurking figure.  She gasped and pulled the staff up short of her target.

        A small boy was huddled in the bushes with his arms covering his head.

        "Don't hit me, please!" he begged.

        "Quentin?  What are you doing here?  How did you find us?" the surprised woman asked, helping him to his feet.

        "I wanted to be with you.  I snuck out of the village in the middle of the night.  I followed your footprints for awhile.  I was almost ready to give up and turn back when I heard your voice.  Please don't be mad."

        Gabrielle sighed.

        "It's too late to take you back now.  So, I guess you'll be coming with us.  Xena's not going to like this." she said leading him to camp.

        They sat against the log.  Quentin threw his arms around the bard and hugged her tight.

        "I missed you!"

        "I missed you too," Gabrielle said, kissing the top of his head, "but, you shouldn't have followed us.  It's too dangerous."

        "I'm sorry." he said, beginning to sob.

        "Hey, don't cry.  I'm not mad at you.  I just don't want you to get hurt, that's all.  We've come too far to turn back now, so you'll have to do everything Xena and I say, understand?"

        He nodded.  Gabrielle heard a faint rumbling sound.

        "Have you had anything to eat today?"

        He shook his head.

        "No.  Not since I left the village a couple of days ago."

        She handed him what was left of the fish.  He tore at it hungrily.  When it was gone, he licked his fingers.  He leaned back against the bard and sighed in contentment.  She gazed down upon his young face.  She stroked his hair as they talked quietly.  Twilight was coming on and Gabrielle decided it was time for them to turn in.  Xena had not awoken since she had passed out on her bedroll.  The blonde bard lay down on her bedroll and the boy snuggled up close to her and draped his arm around her waist, pressing his face into her shoulder and closing his eyes. 

        "Gabrielle.....wake up." a voice said quietly.

        She stirred, moaned quietly and began to snore again.

        "Wake up, love." the warrior whispered into the young girl's ear.

        The bard moaned opened her eyes and turned over on her back.  Xena's annoyed face greeted her.  It was morning.  Quentin still lay beside Gabrielle, sleeping.  The blonde sat up and stretched.

        "Morning already?  How are you feeling?"

        "I'm fine.  Mind explaining what he is doing here?" she said pointing at the sleeping youngster.

        "Umm...yeah."

        Gabrielle explained how she had found Quentin hiding in the bushes and how she had fed him and told him to follow their instructions.

        "You were right.  We can't take him back now.  So, I guess we take him with us.  But you're responsible for him, understand?" the warrior said in a no nonsense voice.

        Gabrielle nodded and stood up.  The warrior and her bard went to the stream to catch breakfast.  As they stood knee deep in the clear, cold water, Xena placed her hands on the slim girl's tanned shoulders.  She turned Gabrielle around to face her.

        "Gabrielle, holding your dead body in my arms yesterday made me realize how much I love you.  No one has ever touched me that deep before.  Not even Marcus.  I want you to promise me that you'll never leave me.  I want us to stay together forever.  Promise." she said with a pleading look.

        The bard looked at her confused for a moment, then smiled.

        "I love you too, Xena, and I'll never leave you.  Even death won't be able to keep me away from you.  We are soulmates.  We'll be together forever.  Now, come here you big hunk of warrior you."

        Saying this, she pulled Xena into her and kissed her gently on the lips.  When she felt the woman kiss her back, she licked Xena's lips.  The warrior opened her mouth slightly, allowing the bard's skilled tongue to enter and caress every inch.  Xena moaned into the bard's mouth and Gabrielle smiled against her lover.  She broke the kiss, and gazed at the vision of dark beauty standing before her.

        "Let's get some fish. I'm starved!" she said turning once more to her task.

        Xena laughed and said smiling,

        "Big surprise there!  Gabrielle, the bard of Poteidaia, hungry?   Never!" she began to fish again.

        "Very funny." the bard replied sarcastically.

        They fished for some time.  Finally, they had enough fish for a good breakfast.  Gabrielle got a small fire going while Xena prepared the fish for the pan.  Soon the smell of frying fish assailed their nostrils.  The bard's mouth began to water.  Quentin moaned, sniffed the air and sat up, wiping the sleep from his eyes.

        "Good morning, sleepyhead." the young girl said, smiling at him.

        The warrior glanced up at him from where she was polishing her sword and chakram.  He could tell that this imposing warrior was not at all pleased to find him there.  He glanced from Xena to Gabrielle and back to Xena.  The bard noticed the look of fear on his face.  She went and knelt beside him and kissed his cheek.

        "Don't worry about Xena.  She won't bite. But it would be a good idea to do what she says and stay quiet until she's had a chance to cool down for awhile. Okay?"

        He nodded.  She ruffled his hair smiling.

        "Good.  Hungry?"

        He sniffed the air again and nodded his head enthusiastically.  He went to the small stream and washed up.  By the time he had returned, the fish was done.  They sat around the dying remains of the campfire, eating, while Xena outlined their plans for the day.

        "We'll head north from here.  There is a small village about a half day's ride from here.  Maybe someone has seen or heard something of Bacchus." she said between mouthfuls of trout. 

        When they were through, they broke camp.  The warrior lifted the boy onto Argo.  She took the reigns and began leading the horse down the road.  Gabrielle followed at her side.  As they walked, the bard slipped into her travel chatter.  Xena loved her bard, but sometimes she wished the girl would lose her voice for a week.  She was still pissed at having awaken to find Quentin sleeping next to Gabrielle.  She just hoped that when the time came, the boy would have enough sense to hide somewhere, should trouble arise.  When they faced the dark god, all of her attention would have to be focused on defeating him.  She couldn't worry about protecting the boy.  She knew that with her new powers, the bard would be able to take care of herself.

        At midday, they stopped for a bite to eat before continuing on to the village.  The grove where they ate was peaceful.  Birds sang their songs as the breeze carried the sweet sounds to their ears.  The grove was shaded by a group of gigantic oak trees.  When they were done, Xena still somewhat weak lay down for a quick nap.  She gave the girl explicit instructions to wake her in an hour.  Quentin and the girl moved off to allow the warrior to sleep in peace.  As they sat relaxing against a tree, the bard began to tell the youngster a story.  She was careful to leave out the violent gory details, no need in upsetting the boy.  He smiled at her happily as he listened to her tale.  Her soft, sweet voice lulled him to sleep.

        "....so the village was saved and everyone lived happily after." she said.

        She looked down to see a sleeping boy.  She kissed his cheek, then retrieving one of her scrolls, began to write.  Later, the bard woke them up and they travelled on their way.  Xena mounted Argo, pulling the boy up behind her.  He placed his arms around her waist.  As dusk was approaching, they arrived at the village of Medara.  They left Argo with the local blacksmith and went to the town inn to procure lodging for the night.  Gabrielle went to the innkeeper and using her bartering skills soon had obtained two rooms  in exchange for her services to entertain the boarders.

        They found a table and ordered refreshments.  After the food and ale was put on the table, they began to eat.  Gabrielle began to tell Xena about the new story she was writing, but she could tell that the warrior was paying her no attention.  The dark woman was lost in thought.  Gabrielle decided to bring the warrior back to earth.  Still chatting away, she used the toes of her left foot to push the boot off of her right foot.  Then, she began to run her foot up Xena's legs.  She inserted her small foot between the warrior's legs and gently began to massage the woman's center.

        Xena jumped almost knocking over her mug.  Gabrielle giggled and Quentin looked at her confused.   Xena leaned over the table and whispered in the bard's ear.

        "Gabrielle, uh, as much as I love what you're doing, you have to stop.  We're not exactly alone." she said nodding toward the boy.

        Gabrielle glanced over at Quentin, then back to her lover.

        "Uh, good point.  I forgot about him." she whispered back.

        They continued with their meal.  Quentin was gazing around him, eyes wide, trying to take in everything at once.  Gabrielle looked at him for a moment, amused.

        "Haven't you ever been to a village before?" she asked.

        He shook his head no.

        "Father would never let me go to the village with him.  I had to stay and do my chores."

        "Quentin, you don't have to talk about this if you don't want to, but did he beat you a lot?" the bard asked quietly.

        "Yes. Every time I messed up he would." he replied hanging his head.

        "Hey, no need to hang you head.  It wasn't your fault." she consoled him, putting her arm around his thin shoulders.

        Xena watched this exchange silently.  She could easily see the bond between her lover and the young boy.  She couldn't help but smile.  Just then, the door of the inn burst open and Quentin's father came storming in.

        "There you are, you whore!  Give me my boy!" he thundered coming toward them.

          He grabbed Quentin by the shoulder in a painful hold.  The boy flinched with pain.  Xena was up in a flash.  She grabbed him and shoved him against the wall, her hand around his throat.  She leaned in until their noses were almost touching.

        "Grab him like that again and I'll kill you!" she hissed at him menacingly.

        He glared at her defiantly.  She released him and stepped back, never taking her eyes off of him.  He stood, gasping for breath.  He slinked out of the inn like a dog with its tail between its legs.  Xena went back to the table and sat down.  She gulped a draught of ale and went back to her meal as if nothing had happened.  Slowly, the rest of the patrons returned to their own affairs.

        "I think we should turn in." Xena said, rising and heading for the stairs.

        Quentin and Gabrielle followed her.  The bard showed the boy to his room and turned to go with the warrior.  A small hand stopped her and she looked at the boy.  He had a frightened look on his face.

        "Want to stay with you." he said in a quivering voice.

        The blonde looked from Quentin to the warrior and back to Quentin in indecision.  Xena grinned.

        "Go on, Gabrielle.  He needs you more than I do right now."

        Gabrielle grinned and walked into the room with the boy, closing the door behind her.  Xena went into her room.  Gabrielle walked to the bed and pulled back the covers.

        "In you go." she said.

        Quentin took off his boots and climbed into the big feather bed.  Gabrielle tucked him in and then walked around to the other side of the bed.  Sitting on the edge, she removed her boots and slipped between the covers, fluffing her pillow as she did so.  Quentin sat up and looked at the blonde.

        "I love you, Gabrielle." he said, kissing her on the cheek and lying back down.

        "I love you too, my little one." Gabrielle said with a smile.

        She lay down and draped an arm over the small body next to her.  Soon, she drifted off into slumber.  Xena lay on the bed with her hands behind her head, thinking.  As much as she didn't like the boy tagging along, she had to admit that she was growing quite attached to him.  She knew that having him around was making her lover happier than she had seen her in the last few months.  She thought of the day, when this was all over, when they would take Quentin to a good family and leave him in their care.  She was used to goodbyes and would be able to handle it.  But, it would tear Gabrielle apart.  Her bard and the boy were inseparable.  

        She thought about settling down with Gabrielle and raising the boy themselves.  But, she knew this would never be.  She was a warrior.  She detested staying in one place for any length of time.  She craved the travel, the danger, the rush of pure adrenaline she experienced with every battle.  She also knew that keeping the boy would only put him in danger.  She had made many enemies in the course of her life, enemies that would harm the boy just to get to her.  No, she couldn't risk it.  She drifted off as these thoughts ran through her head.

        Gabrielle awoke to find Quentin's arms firmly around her.  The burning and pulling in her throat was undeniable.  She had to feed.  She gently extricated herself from the boy's arms and crept out of the room.  She left the inn and wandered through the village.  While she still hated killing, she was learning to accept it.  She knew that she would die if she didn't kill and feed, and like any other living thing, she wanted to live.  She caught a flicker of movement off to her right.

        She snuck over to investigate.  In the darkness, she saw a man stuffing squawking chickens into a bag.  Every few minutes, he would look toward the house behind him.  The bard recognized immediately that this was a chicken thief.  He would do.  She had vowed never to kill children or innocent people to satisfy her bloodlust.  She silently crept up behind him.  Sensing someone behind him, the thief turned.  The young woman grabbed him by the throat.  He gasped as he saw the yellow eyes staring at him longingly.  The girl bared her fangs and the man fainted.  She drove her teeth into his neck and drank.  After she disposed of the body, she returned to the inn and quietly got back into bed.

        Xena, having awaken from a terrifying memory, was looking out the window, trying to push the memory from her mind.  She had seen Gabrielle sneaking back into the inn.  Closing her eyes, the warrior made a vow.

        'I will save you, my love.  I will remove this curse if it's the last thing I ever do.'

        She lay back down on her bed and stared up at the ceiling.  Sleep once more claimed her.

        The next morning, she awoke and went into the bard's room to wake her.  She stood at the bedside, looking down with a smile.  Gabrielle and Quentin were holding each other in sleep.  The sight was so peaceful.  She kissed the bard on the cheek and whispered in her ear.

        "Gabrielle, darling, time to wake up.  Rise and shine."

        The blonde stirred and opened her eyes.  She turned over and saw Xena looking radiant as the sunlight from the window caught in her dark hair.  She smiled.

        "Mmmm.....morning." she said, stretching.

        "Time to get up, sleepyhead."

        Gabrielle got out of bed and put on her boots.  She stood and reached over to wake the boy.  Xena grabbed her wrist.

        "Let him sleep.  We'll come back for him later.  We have a lot to do."

        They went downstairs and grabbed a quick bite before leaving the inn.  They went  all through the village, questioning the villagers.  No one had seen Bacchus.  After an hour of talking to the villagers with no results, they gave up and made their way back to the inn.

        "Gabrielle, I was thinking, maybe when this is over you should consider settling down and starting a family."

        "What do you mean, Xena?" the girl asked puzzled.

        "Well, I mean we can't take the boy back to his father that's for sure.  And besides, I can tell how much you love him.  You have a way with him.  He adores you.  I just want to see you happy.  You've suffered so much since we started traveling together.  You've been captured, crucified, beaten up, almost killed, and now you've become a Bacchae all because of me.  If you had never come with me, you would still be innocent, still be human." the warrior said, her eyes tearing up.

        "Xena," the girl said soothingly, "I know that you are thinking of my well-being, and I'm grateful.  But, you've brought so much into my life.  You mentioned some of the bad things, but none of the good things.  They far outnumber the bad.  I've gotten to see places I never thought I'd see.  I've done things I never thought I would be able to do.  I've met wonderful people like Hercules, Iolaus, and yes, even Joxer.  All because of you.  Because you let me tag along.  And I found the love of my life, my soulmate, you.  Yes, I love Quentin like my own son, and I do want to raise him, see him grow into a fine young man.  But, I want us to raise him.  You and me together.  I won't settle down and live without you.  So you can forget about trying to convince me otherwise.  I've made up my mind."

        Xena, knowing that the bard could be stubborn when she wanted to be, knew that the girl had given her final answer.  She respected Gabrielle more in that moment than she ever had in all their years of traveling together.  She put her arm around Gabrielle's shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze.

        "I love you, Gabrielle.  We'd better get back, before he misses us."

        They returned to the inn and went up to their rooms.  Quentin was still sleeping soundly.  Gabrielle went over to the bed and gently shook the boy.

        "Sweetie, time to rise and shine."

        The boy moaned, yawned, stretched, and opened his eyes.  He sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

        "Did you sleep well?" the bard asked, smiling.

        "Uh, huh." he answered sleepily.

        "Well, get your boots on and we'll go grab some chow."

        He put on his boots and followed the two women down the stairs and into the common room.  They sat at a table, Xena taking her usual position, back to the wall where she could watch the room.  When a barmaid came over, they ordered some food.

        They ate quietly.  Soon, they were back on the road, searching for the dark god that had cursed the young girl.  They travelled for hours before finally stopping to rest and water Argo.  Xena sat against a tree, half dozing, while Gabrielle and the boy played in a nearby clearing.  They were playing tag, when the bard suddenly stopped.  She stood listening intently.

        "Quentin, climb up into that tree, quickly!" she whispered urgently.

        He did as he was told as Gabrielle hurried over to Xena and shook her.  The warrior opened her eyes and sat bolt upright at the worried look on her lover's face.

        "What is it, Gabrielle?" she asked.

        "Someone is trying to sneak up on us." she said pointing toward the brush a few yards away.

        "I don't hear anything." Xena said.

        Suddenly, she jumped up drawing her sword as the bushes began to rustle ever so gently.  The young bard grabbed her staff and stood at the ready beside her friend.  From out of the dense undergrowth, Quentin's father burst forth followed by two burly men.  They were all armed and their faces were the faces of murderers.  They attacked viciously.  The two women fought bravely, but the superior numbers were winning out.  Gabrielle did not want to show her true nature in front of Quentin in fear of frightening the boy.  But, now she had no choice.  If she did not use her powers, Xena would die.  She still wasn't sure if she could die, but she did not want to lose her lover.  One of the men let out a sudden and loud scream.  Xena chanced a glance over at the bard.  She gasped as she saw Gabrielle's yellow eyes harden in determination.  The small fangs peeking from under her top lip.

        The bard knocked her opponent to the ground.  She quickly grabbed him and sank her fangs into his neck.  She drank quickly then threw him back to the ground.  He was dead.  She felt power surge throughout her body with the fresh infusion of blood.  She grabbed another of the men and threw him against the very tree where the boy was hiding.  He slumped to the ground unconscious.  The warrior landed a kick to the stomach of Quentin's father.  He doubled over, and Xena caught him with a quick uppercut, knocking him out cold.  He dropped like a ton of bricks.  Gabrielle stood breathing heavily, her face a mask of anger. 

        "You can come down now, Quentin." Xena called.

        He dropped to the ground and hid behind the tall woman, looking fearfully at the blonde.  Gabrielle looked at him and smiled reassuringly.  Her fangs ascended and her eyes returned to their normal color.  She knew that he was scared out of his wits.  She walked slowly over to Xena.  He moved behind the warrior.

        "Don't worry, Quentin.  I won't hurt you.  It's me, Gabrielle.  Don't be scared." she cooed softly.

        He peered around the side of the warrior.  The bard extended her hand and waited patiently.  He timidly took her hand and moved to stand next to Xena.

        "I'm sorry you had to see that.  But I didn't really have a choice." the bard apologized. 

        She knelt down and kissed him on the cheek.  He smiled in spite of his fear and confusion.

        "We'd better move out before they come to." the warrior said, flatly.

        They quickly gathered their things and started out once more.  Quentin and Gabrielle walked alongside Argo.  Xena sat rigid in the saddle, scanning their surroundings for anymore surprise attacks.  After half a day's travel, they came to the outskirts of a small village.  They halted and their jaws dropped open as they stared at the carnage that greeted them.  The village had been burnt to the ground.  Bodies were scattered about the ruins.  Huge carrion birds circled overhead, while some pecked and pulled at the corpses.  The bard quickly pulled the boy to her and turned his face into her body to prevent him from seeing the destruction.

        "Gods,  who could have done this?" the bard asked shocked and saddened.

        "I don't know." Xena replied coldly.

        The warrior dropped from the saddle and entered the remains of the village.  She scoured the rubble for survivors.  She was about to give up when she heard a feeble moan behind her.  She turned and saw an old man laying on the ground.  A huge beam was laying across his lower body, pinning him.  She tried to move the wooden beam, but it was too heavy.  She knelt beside the man and held his head on her lap.

        "Who did this?" she asked him.

        "B.....Ba....Baaa.....BACCHUS!" the man said weakly.

        "Do you know where he went?" she asked.

        The man opened his mouth to reply, then fell back, dead.  The warrior closed his eyes, and gently laid his head back onto the ground.  She returned to where her lover and the boy were standing.  She mounted Argo.  She motion for the boy to be lifted into the saddle.  She pulled him up behind her.

        "Quentin, close your eyes tight and don't open them until I tell you to, okay?" she said.

        "Yes." the youngster replied, doing as he was instructed.

        They passed through the village as quickly as possible.  They did not stop for the night until the village was far behind them.  Later that night, the bard and her warrior sat around the fire.  Quentin had long ago fallen asleep on the bard's bedroll.

        "I wonder who destroyed that village and why." Gabrielle wondered aloud.

        "Bacchus." the warrior replied coldly.

        She related to the bard what the dying man had said.  The girl sat in stunned silence as she mourned for the dead.  In that moment, she hated Bacchus even more than she hated Ares.  Gabrielle turned in, unable to hold her eyes open any longer.  Xena sat by the fire thinking.  The thought that she had tried to repress all day, finally came to the surface, unable to be ignored any longer.

        'What if we find Bacchus and kill him and nothing changes?  What if Gabrielle remains a Bacchae?  Then what?' she thought.

        She pushed the thought from her mind as she doused the fire.  She lay on her bedroll and was soon snoring quietly.  None of them slept well that night.  Xena awoke the next morning to the sound of sobbing.  She sat up and looked around.  Quentin's bedroll was empty.  Her senses pricked as she grabbed her sword.  She scanned the camp, looking for the boy.  Then she spotted him sitting a little ways from the camp.  His back was to her, so he didn't see her walking over to him.  She sat beside him and studied him for a moment.

        "What's wrong, Quentin?" she asked softly.

        "Y..You hate me....don't you?" he asked between sobs.

        Xena sighed.

        "No, I don't hate you.  What made you think that?"

        "You won't talk to me.  You look like you're mad at me.  What did I do?"

        She put her arms around his slim shoulders.

        "You didn't do anything.  I'm not a very talkative person.  At least not like some blonde bard I know.  I am mad though, but not at you.  So dry those eyes.  We don't want Gabrielle to wake up to see you crying, now do we?"

        He wiped at his eyes with his sleeve and shook his head.  The warrior gave him a little squeeze and stood.  He stood and together they walked back to camp.  The bard was still snoring quietly when they returned.  The warrior sat and began sharpening her sword.  He watched her for a moment before he spoke.

        "What is that round thing on your side?" he asked pointing at her chakram.

        "It's called a chakram."

        "What's it do?"

        "It's a weapon.  You throw it.  Watch."

        She stood and threw her chakram.  It ricocheted off of trees and cut through the stem of an apple that hung in the tree above them.  She caught the chakram in one hand and the apple in the other.  She held the apple out to the boy.  He just stood there his eyes wide and mouth gaping.

        "Wow." he said slowly, taking the apple from her.

        He watched as she took her sword and began her morning drills.  When she was finished, she sheathed her sword and turned to him.

        "Come on, let's go catch some breakfast.  There's one thing in this world you never want to see.  Gabrielle when she's hungry." Xena said with a lopsided grin.

        Quentin followed her to the river that was nearby.  They removed their boots and stepped into the cold water.  After awhile, they had enough fish for breakfast.  They carried their catch back to the camp.  As they entered the clearing, Xena dropped the fish and somersaulted in the air with her trademark war cry.  She landed, spun around drawing her sword.  She neatly blocked the staff that was aimed for her midsection.  She swept her arm up and the staff went flying into the air.

        "Darn!  Almost had you!" the bard said, stepping out of her hiding place.

        "Uh huh." Xena said, rolling her eyes.

        She picked up the fish and walked over to a nearby rock and began cleaning them.  The boy looked at Gabrielle with a questioning look.  She looked at him and smiled.

        "You probably want to know why I attacked Xena, huh?"

        He nodded.

        "It's kind of a game between us.  No one can sneak up on her.  I hope one of these days, I can say that I was the one that caught the mighty Xena by surprise."

        Quentin shrugged his shoulders and smiled.  She ruffled his hair.  She went to start a fire while Xena finished with the fish.  Xena was smiling as she filleted the trout, but her face suddenly grew serious.  She stood.

        "Show yourself, Ares!"

        A blue sparkle appeared in the air next to the warrior.  A man materialized out of the air.

        "Xena, Xena.  I never could catch you off guard.  That's what I like about you." he said in a suave voice.

        "Cut the crap, Ares.  What do you want?"

        "To help you.  I know where Bacchus is.  And I'm willing to take you and your annoying friend to him....in exchange for a small favor that is."

        "What do you want?" Xena responded, her eyes narrowing down to slits.

        "What I've always wanted.  You back at my side, conquering villages just like the old days."

        "Give it up.  I'll never come back to you."

        "Well then, you'll just have to find Bacchus on your own.  But, think about it.  The offer still stands.  If you change your mind, just call." he said as he vanished.

        She picked up the fish and walked over to where the bard and the boy knelt by the fire.  She handed the fish to Gabrielle silently.

        "I can't believe the nerve of Ares!" the blonde fumed.

        "We've got enough to worry about without Ares distracting us." the warrior responded.

        They ate in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.  Quentin stared at Gabrielle.  She was the most beautiful person he had ever seen.  And she was nice to him.  No one had treated him like this since his mother had died.  He was also experiencing something he had never felt before.  Everytime he was near her, his stomach got all fluttery inside and his palms got sweaty.  She was all that he could think about.  Xena glanced at the boy.  She recognized the look on his face.  She had seen it enough times from the village boys. 

        'Uh, oh.  He's in love with her.  Can't say I blame him though.  She is one of a kind.' the warrior thought to herself.

        After they were finished eating, Xena handed the boy their waterskins.

        "Quentin, why don't you go fill the skins while Gabrielle and I pack up?"

        He took the skins from her and headed for the river.  When he was out of earshot, the dark woman spoke.

        "Love, we have a small problem."

        "What is it?" Gabrielle asked her full attention on the woman at her side.

        "I think Quentin has fallen head over heels for a certain blonde headed bard." Xena said with a smirk.

        "Oh no.  I have to break his heart.  Poor kid." the bard said softly.

        Quentin returned with the skins and they continued with their search.  As they traveled, Gabrielle secretly observed the boys behavior.  She saw him stealing glances at her when he thought she wasn't looking.  She saw the dreamy expression on his face.

        'Boy, he has it hard for me.  Too bad I have to bust his bubble.'

        The bard picked up speed until she was even with Xena.

        "Xena, Quentin and I are going to drop back a bit.  We need to talk."

        "I understand," the warrior said smiling, "just try to let him down easy."

        "I will." the blonde responded, slowing until she dropped back to Quentin's side. 

        Xena urged Argo a little faster, leaving her lover and the boy in some relative privacy.  Gabrielle took a deep breath and began.

        "Quentin, we have to talk about something."

        "What?" asked the boy.

        "I know you have feelings for me."

        "You do?" he asked, looking embarrassed.

        "Yes.  But don't be embarrassed.  I'm flattered, really.  But, I'm afraid that I can't return the feeling.  My heart belongs to someone else.  You understand?"

        "Yes." he mumbled, hanging his head.

        The woman put a hand on his shoulder.

        "I do love you, Quentin.  Just not the way you want me to.  Don't worry, you'll find the right girl someday."

        The boy sighed.  Gabrielle took hold of his hand and smiled at him reassuringly.  She saw a single tear flow from his eye.  She sighed.  It tore at her heart to see him so disappointed.  They sped up until they caught up with Xena.  The youngster was unusually quiet the rest of the day.  Later that night, after he had wept himself to sleep, the two women sat by the fire.

        "He took it hard, huh?" the dark woman asked her companion.

        "Yeah.  It killed me to have to break his heart.  I might have fell for him if I were younger and didn't already love a certain tall, dark warrior."

        "He'll get over it."

        "I know.  But, it still hurts me to see him so sad."

        The warrior took the bard in a firm, loving embrace.  She gave her a gentle squeeze and kissed the top of her blonde head.  They sat for a few more minutes, staring at the boy's sleeping form.  Then, Xena stood and threw some more wood on the fire.

        "We should turn in.  We've got a lot of ground to cover tomorrow." she said heading for her bedroll.

        "Yeah, you're right." the blonde sighed as she stood.

        They lay down beside each other and Gabrielle gave the woman beside her a quick peck on the lips.

        "Good night, my love." she said quietly.

        "Good night, my angel." the warrior replied, closing her eyes.

        The bard lay there for awhile, thinking about Quentin.  She turned over in her mind what Xena had said earlier in the village.  She did want to raise the boy.  But, she didn't want to leave Xena.  She knew that it was impossible for her warrior to settle down.  The road was in her blood.  She wouldn't be happy unless she was travelling, righting some wrong.  Besides, she knew as well as Xena that the warrior's prolonged presence near the boy would put him in constant danger.  There were many enemies that would go after Quentin just to get to the warrior.  Gabrielle didn't want to put the boy in that situation.  Neither did Xena.  What to do,what to do?  As this last thought crossed her mind, she closed her eyes and slipped into a restless slumber.

        She awoke early the next morning to the sound of sobbing nearby.  She looked to her left.  Xena lay beside her, still sound asleep.  Then, she looked over at Quentin's bedroll.  It was empty.  She stood and looked around, searching for the boy.  She spotted him a little distance away, sitting on the ground.  His shoulders moved up and down in time with his sobs.  The bard's heart was breaking.  She walked over and sat beside him.  He was absently scratching in the dirt with a stick.  She put her arm around his slim shoulders and pulled him into her.

        "What's the matter?" she asked with concern.

        "Nothing." he answered without taking his eyes from the ground.

        "Come on, you can tell me.  Maybe I can help."

        He looked up at her.  His eyes were red and puffy as the tears flowed freely.

        "When this is over you're gonna leave me and I'll never see you again!  I know you will." Quentin said, between sobs.

        Gabrielle sighed.

        "Yes, when this is over I will leave you with a good family.  But Xena and I will visit.  I want to take you with us.  I want to raise you as I would my own, but I can't.  It's too dangerous.  Besides, you deserve a stable home life, not being shuffled off to somewhere new everyday.  Do you understand?"

        He nodded.

        "Can I ask you something?" he asked.

        "Anything, sweetheart."

        "Yesterday you said that your heart belonged to someone else.  Is it Xena?"

        The young woman looked perplexed for a moment, then answered.

        "Yes.  I love Xena, and she loves me.  Why?"

        "Just wondering.  Are you happy?"

        "Yes.  I'm with two people that I love.  Now, cheer up okay?  I can't stand to see a child cry."

        He threw his arms around her and hugged her fiercely.

        "My, my.  Such a touching picture."

        The bard spun around.

        "What do you want Ares?!"

        "I want to help you.  I can take you to Bacchus.  But, not for free.  I'm willing to make you a deal.  I take you to Bacchus, and in return all you have to do is convince Xena to come back to me." the god said with a smug expression.

        "Never.  Xena will never join you.  Now, why don't you buzz off?"

        An angry expression crossed his face for a moment before he regained his composure and put on a serious face.

        "Fine.  But tell me Gabrielle, how long do you think you can resist the thirst.  Be honest.  You can't tell me that you don't find the boy.......tempting.  I'm offering you an easy way to end your suffering.  This is your last chance."

        The bard turned her back on the God of War without answering.  She hugged Quentin and kissed the top of his head.  They stood and walked back toward the camp.

        "Don't say I didn't give you a chance!" Ares yelled after them before vanishing in a blue sparkle.

        "Was that a God?!" Quentin asked, wide-eyed.

        "Yeah, that was a God." Gabrielle replied wearily.

        As much as she hated to admit it, Ares was right.  It was getting harder and harder to ignore the craving, and the boy was tempting her enormously.  It was only with every ounce of her will that she restrained the urge to sink her fangs into his young throat and feel his hot blood spurt into her mouth.  She tried to push the image from her mind, as she sent Quentin down to the river to wash up while she started breakfast.

        Quentin returned a little later and help Gabrielle finish cooking breakfast.  When the food was done, the bard went over to wake the warrior, only to find her strapping on her armor.  The lithe blonde kissed the dark warrior and stared into her eyes.

        "Good, morning, Xena.  Sleep well?"

        "Usual." the warrior replied.

        They rejoined the boy at the campfire and sat down to eat a light breakfast.  Xena noticed that the bard was quiet though the entire meal.  Soon, they were back on the trail.  Xena was walking beside Gabrielle, leading Argo, while Quentin dozed in the saddle.  The warrior decided it was time to find out what was troubling her soulmate.

        "Gabrielle, is something wrong?  You're awfully quiet."

        The bard told the warrior about Ares' visit.

        "The terrible thing is that what he said is true.  I can barely ignore the craving, and Quentin is testing my limits.  It's taking everything I have not to feed on him.  What am I going to do?"

        The warrior stopped and turned to her lover.

        "Gabrielle, if you need to feed we can stop and let you hunt."

        "I think that's a good idea." the bard said, feeling her fangs descending at the thought of blood.

        They walked over to the side of the trail and Gabrielle started into the woods.

        "Be back soon." she called over her shoulder as she vanished between the trees.

        Xena sat down in the shade and retrieved her breast dagger from between her ample cleavage.  She fidgeted with it impatiently.  Quentin stirred and opened his eyes.  He looked around.

        "Where's Gabrielle?" he asked sleepily

        "She had to do something.  Go back to sleep." the warrior replied.

        The boy fell asleep again.  Soon, Gabrielle emerged from the forest.  She looked a little better.  They began walking again.  The bard was able to concentrate better now that the thirst had been sated for awhile.

        As they walked, Gabrielle thought out loud.

        "It's almost like Bacchus wants us to find him now."

        "I know.  I smell a trap." the warrior said.

        They traveled all that day, until they came to the village of Polaris.  They decided to spend the night at the local inn and rethink their plan.  They had to find Bacchus, but how?  The bard was getting desperate.  She was now seriously considering Ares' offer.  The three travellers sat down at a table to enjoy a hot meal.  As they were eating, the short blonde began to rub her foot up and down Xena's muscular leg.  The warrior gave her a mischievous grin.

        'So, the bard is feeling frisky, huh?  Well now, I'll just have to take care of that won't I?' she thought to herself.

        Silently, she mouthed the words.

        Tonight, you're mine, bard.  I hope you're rested.

        She gave the girl her lopsided grin.

        Gabrielle melted every time she saw that grin.  She couldn't help but stare at her lover for a few minutes, losing herself in the ice blue of Xena's eyes.  They were like pools of clear water, her lips like delicate rose petals.  The bard felt herself growing wet and smiled as she thought of what was to come when they went to bed.  She licked her lips seductively and returned to her meal.

        Xena was hopelessly captivated in the presence of Gabrielle.  She understood fully how Quentin felt.  Thinking of him, she glanced to her left and saw that he hadn't touched his food.  He was just sitting there, head hung low and picking at the venison on his plate.  He looked like someone who had just been told that the sun would never rise again.  The warrior's heart broke at the sight of the dejected boy.  She put a hand on his shoulder and smiled at him reassuringly.  He just hung his head lower and said nothing.

        When they were through eating, they stood and Xena and Quentin turned to go to their rooms.  Gabrielle said.

        "I'll be up in a little while.  I promised the innkeeper that I would tell some stories."

        "Okay," the warrior said with a smile, "knock 'em dead."

        The warrior and Quentin climbed the stairs.  Xena went into her room, only to be followed by Quentin.

        "Quentin, your room is next door." she said softly.

        "I know.  Can I talk to you about something?"

        Xena sat on the bed and patted the mattress beside her.  The boy sat next to her on the plush bed.

        "Sure.  What's on your mind?"

        "You know Gabrielle better than I do.  I'm in love with her Xena.  But, how do I make her love me too?"

        The warrior sighed and looked at him a moment before speaking.

        "Quentin, you can't make someone love you.  They either do or they don't.  You're going to fall in love with a lot of girls that won't return the feelings, and some girls will fall in love with you that you won't be in love with.  Gabrielle is in love with me.  I don't know why or how, but she is.  That's the way love works.  When you're around the right person, you have this chemistry, this spark that tells you this is right.  Gabrielle loves you, but not like that.  I know it's hard.  You probably feel like giving up on love, but let me tell you from experience that there will be other girls.  You have your whole life ahead of you.  You'll meet the right girl someday, don't worry."

        Quentin looked at her for a moment.  He hung his head and said something that even with her acute ears, Xena almost missed it.

        "I'll always love her, no matter what."

        "I know you will.  I need you to do me a favor.  Gabrielle is upset to see you so sad, so at least around her try to look happy, okay?  Can you do that for me?"

        He nodded, wiping tears from his eyes.

        "Good.  Now, off to bed with you.  We leave early in the morning."

        He stood and walked to the door, but stopped just inside it.  He turned.

        "Xena?"

        "Yes?" the warrior replied, looking up from taking off her boots.

        "Thanks." he said.

        "You're welcome." Xena said, smiling.

        He left, closing the door behind him.  She sat on the bed some time thinking.

        'I remember my first crush.  Tyris, he was intriguing.  Gods, has it been that long ago?  It hurt when I finally told him how I felt and he told me that he didn't feel the same way.  Quentin, I know exactly how you feel.'

        The dark warrior was shaken from her thoughts by the sound of the door opening.  She looked up and saw a beaming golden-haired young woman slip in and shut the door behind her, sliding the latch in place.

        The bard turned and froze.  Xena was sitting on the bed, staring at her.  The lust and arousal plainly visible on the warrior's face.  Gabrielle felt her pulse quicken and a growing wetness between her legs.  How she wanted to touch her warrior.  She ran and threw herself on top of Xena, kissing her passionately.

        "Oh, Xena!  It's been so long!  I need you!  You don't know how hard I had to fight to keep from jumping you right there at the table."

        Xena kissed the girl back and whispered in her ear.

        "I'm yours, take me."

        Gabrielle began to lick and suck on an earlobe, causing the warrior to sigh.  Then, she moved to the sensitive spot at the base of Xena's neck.  When she kissed this spot, she felt Xena pull her closer, her nails digging into the slim girl's shoulders.  The bard began to grind herself against her friend.  Gabrielle broke the kiss and stared into Xena's eyes.

        "These have got to go." she said.

        Within minutes, she had Xena's armor and leathers stripped off the muscular body and piled on the floor.  She attacked the warrior's breasts with feverish abandon.  Xena tangled her hands in blond hair as the girl gently raked her teeth across one of the hardened points.  No one fulfilled her like Gabrielle.  Around Gabrielle, she could drop her guard, and enjoy the girl's company.  Xena would go to the ends of the earth to make her bard happy.  She said a silent prayer to Aphrodite for giving her this wonderful gift that was Gabrielle.

        The bard had moved from Xena's breasts to the junction of the warrior's well developed thighs.  Xena arched her back when she felt the bard's tongue caress her in her most sensitive area.  Gabrielle certainly knew what turned her on.  Xena could feel her climax approaching.  The bard inserted two fingers inside the warrior's hot sex.  That was all it took.  The warrior arched with a strangled cry as the pleasure overtook her entire body.  She was in Elysia and loving every second of it.  Gabrielle held her lover until Xena collapsed on the bed, spent.  The blonde lay beside her lover, gently stroking her cheek.

        "Wow." was all the warrior was able to get out.

        "You like?" the girl playfully asked.

        "Oh, yeah. Now, it's your turn my young friend."

        Gabrielle quickly shed her clothing and lay on her back with her eyes closed and arms stretched above her head.

        "Do your worst." she challenged.

        "Okay, you asked for it." Xena said mischievously.

        Hours later, the two lovers slept peacefully in each other's arms.  In his room, Quentin tossed and turned in the midst of a nightmare.  He cried out in his sleep.  Gabrielle was snapped awake by his cry.  She had discovered that since Quentin had been with them, she was sleeping unusally light.  She silently got out of bed and slipped her shift over her head.  Then, she went to see what was wrong with Quentin.

        When she entered his room, she saw the boy asleep, but thrashing about and crying.  She went to him and gently woke him.

        "Quentin.  Quentin, wake up.  It's just a dream." she cooed.

        "No, father!  Please not the strap!  I've been a good boy!  NO!"

        He sat bolt upright in a cold sweat.  The tears were flowing down his cheeks.  Gabrielle gathered him into her arms and rocked him.

        "Shhhh.  It was just a nightmare.  Everything's okay.  I'm here."

        He threw his arms around her and buried his face in her chest.

        "Oh, Gabrielle!  It was so real!  I dreamt that father was beating me and yelling at me!"

        "Shh.  It's okay.  He won't lay a hand on you again.  Cm'on and dry those eyes.  Lay down and I'll tell you a story."

        The boy wiped his eyes, sniffed, and lay down, closing his eyes.  Gabrielle began telling him the story of a lovely princess and her evil stepmother.  Halfway through the story, she was interrupted by Quentin's snoring.  She smiled and kissed his forehead.

        "Sweet dreams, Quentin." she whispered before returning to her room.

        She slipped between the sheets and soon she too was snoring.  When Xena awoke the next morning, she found a very sexy bard sprawled across her snoring peacefully.  The warrior just lay there luxuriating in the feel of her lover's body pressed against her.  She felt herself growing aroused, but she knew they didn't have time for that now.  She reluctantly slipped from beneath Gabrielle and quietly dressed and left the room.  She went downstairs to get something to eat.

        As it was still early in the morning, the common room was nearly empty.  There were a few boarders scattered here and there at various tables, but overall, the room was empty and quiet.  The dark warrior sat down at a table and soon one of the inn's waitresses approached.  Xena gave her order and sat waiting for the food.  As she waited, she lost herself in thought.  Up til now, Bacchus couldn't be found.  Now, he was carelessly leaving an obvious trail for them to follow.  Xena knew that he was trying to lead them into a trap, but what kind of trap?  That was what worried the warrior.  Usually, she could predict what her opponets would do, but Bacchus was completely unpredictable.

        Soon, the food arrived and Xena ate without tasting the food.  When she was through, she stood and left the inn to gather some information.  Gabrielle tossed and turned and slowly opened her eyes.  She stretched and smiled as the memories of last night came back to her.  They hadn't made love that passionately in a long time.  Just thinking about it was having an effect on the short blonde.  She glanced over and saw the bed empty.  She would just have to take matters into her own hand.  She began to massage her breasts, closing her eyes and imagining that it was the hands of her lover caressing her.  She moaned low in her throat.  Before long one hand glided down to the triangle of honey-blonde hair at the apex of her thighs.

        She gently stroked the outer lips and felt her moisture coat her fingers.  Her thumb stole to the hard nubbin at the top of her slit. It pressed and rubbed slowly, causing the girl's back to arch in pleasure.  After some time of this, she slipped two fingers into her dripping snatch and began to softly thrust into herself.  She gradually increased the speed and strength of her thrusts.  She could feel the wave building slowly.  In her mind Xena caressed her as those sweet lips pressed against hers.  She could feel the warrior's tongue in her mouth.

        "Unnnnnghhhhhhh..........aaaah....ooooo..Gods!!"

        With a strangled cry she released, squirting her pleasure on her hand.  She lay on the bed, gasping for breath with a smile on her face.  When she was able to catch her breath, she got out of bed and walked over to a small table on the other side of the room.  On this table, sat a basin and a pitcher of water.  She poured some of the water into the basin and washed up. After she had dried herself, she donned her cropped tunic and skirt.  Then, slipping on her boots, she left the room.  She walked to the next room and knocked on the door.  When she got no response, she opened the door a crack and peeked in.  Quentin was still in bed, gently snoring.  She slipped in and walked over to him.  She shook him gently.

        "Quentin, time to get up.  Come on."

        He moaned and opened his eyes and looked at her blearily, wiping the sleep from his eyes.  He yawned and sat up.  The bard left the room and waited outside while the boy washed and dressed.  When he emerged from his room, they went downstairs and sat at an empty table and ordered food.  They ate in silence.  Gabrielle noticed that the boy looked sullen.  She looked at him with concern.

        "What's wrong, Quentin?"

        "Nothing." he replied quietly.

        The blonde was about to push the subject but thought better of it.  He would talk when he was ready.  She returned to her meal without a word.  As they were finishing breakfast, Xena entered the inn and spotting them, approached the table.  She sat down next to her lover.

        "Good morning.  You two sleep well?" she asked.

        "You know I did." Gabrielle replied with a knowing smile.

        "Yeah." the boy replied.

        The warrior noticed that Quentin looked a little sad.  She shook her head slightly.

        "Well, hurry and get your things together.  I know where Bacchus is."

        "Where?" asked Gabrielle excitedly.

        "In a cave about three miles from here.  If we hurry, we should reach it by midday."

        They hurriedly finished their meal and gathered their things.  In no time they were back on the road.  Gabrielle could barely contain her excitement.  She might actually become human again.  She looked to her right and saw Quentin walking with his head down.  She slipped her hand into his and squeezed it gently.  They walked that way for awhile, hand in hand.  Xena rode beside them on Argo.

        As the sun reached its zenith in the sky, they approached a large cave.  They stopped.

        "This is it." the stoic warrior said.

        She dismounted and turned to Quentin.

        "Quentin, I want you to take Argo and and wait over there by those trees and stay hidden.  Okay?"

        He shook his head and took the reigns from Xena and led the horse over to a clump of trees a little distance off.  The warrior and her bard turned back to the cave and steeled themselves for the battle ahead.  The warrior drew her sword and they approached the cave.

        "You still have that hind's blood dagger, Xena?" the perky blonde asked quietly.

        "Yeah." was all the warrior gave in reply.

        They entered the dark, dank cave.  Torches flickered brightly in the darkness.  Gabrielle removed one from a sconce and held it aloft as they moved farther into the cave.  Suddenly, they were surrounded by five Bacchae.  Xena's sword sliced through the neck of one of the charging creatures, neatly separating head and body.  The dead bacchae thumped to the ground as the warrior turned to meet the next charge.  Gabrielle swept the feet out from under one of the monsters with her staff.  Soon they dispatched all of the foul creatures and continued to go farther into the cave.

        Soon, they entered what appeared to be a natural chamber carved by some river long ago.  Sitting on a granite throne in the middle of this chamber sat the dark god himself.  He stood when they entered.

        "Ah, at last we meet again!  Now I can finish you off once and for all!" Bacchus said with an evil laugh.

        "The only one that's finished is you, Bacchus!" Xena replied as she charged the god.

        He smacked her aside as if she were a pesky fly.  He turned his attention to Gabrielle.

        "Join me.  Join me and taste unlimited power."

        Gabrielle stared at him like one in a trance.  Shaking herself out of the enthrallment she replied,

        "NEVER!"

        She ran at him, staff raised to deliver a mighty blow.  Bacchus raised his hand and the bard flew backward and slammed into a wall.  She slumped to the ground, trying to shake away the cobwebs.

        "GABRIELLE!!!" the warrior cried, jumping up and rushing toward the god with her battle cry.

        The god raised his hand again and the warrior slammed against the wall with an audible thump.  He advanced on her menacingly.

        Quentin, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, entered the cave.  He saw the dead bacchae laying motionless on the floor.  He adverted his eyes but continued on.  Soon, he came to the chamber and saw Xena and Gabrielle fighting.  Xena was on the ground with a monster approaching her, while Gabrielle was struggling to her feet.  Quentin entered the chamber and shouted,

        "You leave them alone!"

        His voice echoed throughout the chamber as Bacchus turned to see who had dared to interrupt his fun.  What he saw was a slim dark-haired boy standing at the opening of the chamber.

        He laughed.

        "Quentin, get out of here!" the warrior shouted, trying to regain her feet.

        Bacchus raised his hand toward the ceiling and a fireball flew from his hand, dislodging a large rock that was falling toward the boy.

        "QUENTIN!!!" Gabrielle shouted, diving at him and knocking him out of the way.

        As she pushed Quentin out of the way, the rock struck her in the head, knocking her unconscious.   She fell to the ground with a moan and lay there motionless.  The boy knelt over her, trying to revive her with tears streaming down his face.  Xena, seeing her opening, withdrew the hind's blood dagger from her cleveage and threw it at Bacchus.  The blade embedded itself in the dark god's chest.  He cried out in pain.  He staggered around the chamber in agony, bouncing off walls and and fell to his knees in the center of the great chamber.  He gave one last cry as he vanished in a pillar of fire and lightning.

        Xena quickly went to Gabrielle's side.  She knelt beside her lover and tried to bring her to.  There was no response.  She picked up the blonde girl and they made their way out of the cave and over to where Argo waited patiently.  The warrior gently placed the bard on the ground.  Taking her waterskin, the dark woman splashed water in the girl's face.  Finally, Gabrielle's eyelids fluttered and opened.  She sat up, holding her head.

        "Oww!  I've got such a headache!"

        Suddenly remembering what happened in the cave, she asked,

        "Is Quentin okay?!"

        "I'm okay." the boy replied hugging her tight.

        She hugged him back and kissed the top of his head.  She looked at Xena.

        "Is it over?"

        "It's over.  Bacchus is dead."

        "I don't feel different.  I'm still craving blood!" the bard said with agony.

        The warrior's face fell.  The had failed.  Gabrielle was still a bacchae.  Suddenly, a golden sparkle appeared before them.  When the flash was gone, Artemis stood in the clearing.  She looked at Gabrielle with a benevolent smile.

        "You are a brave warrior, Gabrielle and a true Amazon.  Your selfless act in saving the boy even though your own life was in danger has shown me once again that you are worthy of my favor.  As a reward, I will take from you the corruption that Bacchus had placed in you."

        Kneeling, she placed her hand on the bard's forehead and closed her eyes.  A bright golden light spread out from her hand and enveloped Gabrielle.  After a few moments, she removed her hand and stood.  The glow that had surrounded the bard faded.  Gabrielle's face show astonishment.  The bloodlust was gone, her enhanced senses were gone.  She was human again!  She looked at Artemis and stood. 

        "Thank you." she said.

        "You are welcome.  You deserve it."

        The goddess turned to Xena.

        "Xena, I know the love you have for Gabrielle.  Take care of her always."

        "I will." Xena solemnly pledged.

        Artemis smiled.

        "I know you will."

        In a flash of golden light, she was gone.  Xena embraced the bard and hugged her tight.  Gabrielle was weeping with joy.

        "I'm free!  I'm human again!"

        "I love you, Gabrielle." Xena said.

        "I love you too." the bard replied.

THE END

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