I've had story ideas for Xena floating around in my head since the original airing of the fifth season. Only now am I getting any "writing it out" accomplished. However, this is one of my more recent ideas, though I have been bouncing back and forth between a couple key points. Actually, that should be bouncing back and forth between two ideas for the main plotline. But I will have it all sorted out before I get too far into the story.

There will be three prologues. I, hopefully, will have the next one up by the weekend.

The story focuses on our favorite triplets, but Xena and Gabrielle also have a crucial part to play. Other characters may even appear throughout.

This is my first fanfic for this show. I hope you enjoy it.

Just Beneath the Dawn

Prologue One

Following a single leaf as it falls gently to the earth is fairly easy—as long as you are not distracted by anything. However, following a single leaf as it falls gently to the ground among a plethora of leaves is a little more difficult. Especially if that leaf is similar in color to the other leaves.

He let out a puff of air at a golden-red leaf as it floated towards his face; the one he had been following. The leaf swirled away from him, hitting his blonde companion in the back of the head. She turned around, grimacing. He gave her a cock-eyed grin and shrugged. As she turned back to face the road before them, his grin turned into a broad smile.

Another leaf floated toward him. He had the urge to bat it around like a cat. Memories of himself and his brothers jumping around in the leaves when they were young flooded his mind. Autumn where he grew up was always beautiful. The golden-red and orange leaves seemed to entwine themselves with the golden colors of the rising sun. That was beautiful enough, but when those autumn leaves were cast against a crystal-blue sky….

All of the seasons were wonderful. The newness of spring. The warmth of the summer sun. The pure-white snow of winter. He began to whistle as he strolled along behind his two companions. The cool autumn air felt so good on his face. A sudden gust of wind pulled a mass of leaves off the trees (almost stripping a few bare) and stirred up those lying on the ground, sending the aureate blades swirling around them. Then, just as sudden as the gust had come, he felt something that unnerved him.

He flexed his hands. "No, not now," he said to himself. "This can't be happening."

"Did you say something, Joxer?" Gabrielle asked, looking back at him.

"No, no. Nothing at all," he said quickly, hiding his anxiety. Changing his tone he continued, "Are we almost there?"

"We're still half a day out," Xena replied as Gabrielle shook her head.

"Oh. That's good."

He took a deep breath and flexed his hands again. This can't be happening. Not now. It was just a dream. Looking at his companions he sighed, falling into an almost meditative state. But his thoughts were not on the two women walking in front of him.

He assimilated his surroundings.

I sure hope they haven't become too complacent.

The loud cry of a bird pulled him from his thoughts. He glanced up to see a large raptor perched on a limb of a tree just a few feet in front of them. The trio stopped in front of the tree and looked up at the bird.

"Is that a hawk?" Gabrielle queried.

"Yes, it is," Xena answered, studying the bird.

"I didn't know they were found out here."

"They're not," Xena said. "At least they shouldn't be."

"Where do you think it came from?"

"Who knows."

I do, Joxer thought. The hawk cocked its head to look at him. He stiffened slightly as the bird stared. What do you want?

"Who cares," he said aloud. "It's just a stupid bird." Walking away, he glanced back at the two women. "You coming?"

They looked at each other.

"That was weird," Gabrielle said.

Xena shrugged and followed after him with Gabrielle right behind.

"Are you okay, Joxer?" Xena asked.

"I'm fine," he replied, drifting back to his thoughts. So, you've finally found us. He glanced back. The hawk was watching him. Well then, come and get us.

Xena: Warrior Princess

The hawk was a last minute addition. I wanted to make this chapter a little longer than what I had. And the idea for the hawk fits in quite well and will make more sense to the story than a raven or crow would have.

Well, I hope you liked the first opening. Until, next time.