Title: Reborn
Rating: NC-17
Author: Ellixer
Pairing: X/G
Disclaimer: Characters and show are owned by Universal and others. The story is mine. I make nothing.
Note: What could have been had the plan in Looking Death in The Eye succeeded. Love the feedback!
For a moment I forget where I am, no actually I don't know where I am. It's dark and it's cool, no fire to heat or illuminate. My body is stiff as I try to sit up, it hurts to fall off a cliff. At least that's what I think happened. I drank the essence first, so I can only hope that things went according to plan. My eyes slowly adjust to the darkness. I sit on the edge of the cot I'm on and try to make out my surroundings. I can barely make out just a foot or two from me, a shape laying on another cot.
I drop down to my knees, leaning over the form. It's Xena, a sudden relief washes over me, nearly bringing me to tears. I check her pulse to verify she is still alive, and I'm rewarded with a gentle beat against my fingers. I lie my head down on her chest, listening to her heart at work. So far so good. We should be in Octavius' camp, but I hear few noises around me. There is a small shaft of light peaking through a crack in the tent flap.
I use this as my guide and make my way towards the exit. The night is cool, the moon is high up in the sky, large and bright. Camp fires burn, but only a few guards remain on patrol. I stop to listen, I can hear the faint crying of Eve a few tents down. Tears spring to my eyes and I take off in a jog towards the sound of life. Her cries grow louder as I get closer, assailing me when I push the tent flap aside.
Joxer is trying to quiet the baby by bouncing her on his knee, contorting his face to try and get a smile. It's not working by any means. I make my way over reaching out for the upset child. Joxer looks at me in surprise and elation. I cradle Eve in my arms, her tears slowly stopping. I'm sure she wants her mother, but Xena has yet to awaken.
'I didn't believe him.' Joxer gasps standing up. He places a hand on my arm as if to see if I'm real.
'What?' I rock the baby back and forth, humming softly.
'He said you two weren't dead.' I give him a small smile.
'Nope, not dead.'
'Where's Xena?' As if on cue, the tent flap flies open, a hysterical looking warrior standing in the entrance. I turn, giving the biggest smile I can. Xena's face goes from worry to elation as she rushes over. She looks at me, kissing the top of my head, her hand caressing my cheek. Then she turns to Eve, the happiness overwhelming her. A few tears begin to drop from her eyes. I shift, handing Xena the bundle in my arms.
'It worked.' She whispers. Her eyes fly up to Joxer. 'Do they think we're dead?' He looks confused.
'Who the God's, yeah.' He shakes his head as he looks from her to me and back. 'I'm glad you're alive.' He touches Xena's arm as he walks out. I lay my head against Xena's shoulder, looking at Eve and just standing, enjoying this small moment. I wonder if we can really disappear from the eyes of the God's. But if they think we're dead, no one should be looking. I hear a shuffle of feet, and the young Roman soldier we entrusted our lives to walks in. He smiles as I rush over and hug him, saying thank you over and over.
'We can escort you anywhere you want to go.' He looks to Xena.
'No, it's better to travel alone.' She rocking her baby back and forth. 'We'll leave in the morning. Do you have those papers?'
'Oh yes.' He walks over to a table and grabs a bundle of parchment. 'Everything should be in order.' He hands them to me and I look them over. They're new documents for me, Xena, and Eve to live under other names, new lives on a piece of parchment. There are not enough words to thank him for all he's done.
'You can stay here as long as you need. I'll post a guard so no one disturbs you. And here.' He hands Xena a pouch. His smile is large as he back out of the tent, securing the flap behind him. I look to Xena, unsure if I should really be elated. She reaches out, cupping my chin as her thumb runs across my lips. Neither of us says a word for the longest time, but I'm beginning to feel the pain that I hadn't noticed thus far.
'I know we just woke up, but I'm tired.' My eyelids are heavy and I can't stop the yawns that keep hitting me. Xena gives me a small smile and walks to the bed. We lay down on our sides facing each other, Eve in between, our fingers laced. In seconds I'm asleep, I'm too tired to even dream.
Morning comes much too early for me. I open my eyes to see Eve playing with her toes, drool on her lips as she giggles to herself. Xena is still asleep, a rarity in my experience, so I don't move in case it should wake her. I try to wipe the drool from Eve's face but she is refusing to co-operate. I give up as the spittle continues to plop down on the bed.
'You drool that much when you sleep.' Xena's eyes pop open, mirth in her voice.
'I do not!' I can't believe she said that. A small grin tugs at her lips.
'It's cute.' This does not make it any better. I grumble to myself which only causes Xena to laugh at me. I refuse to look at her. Xena however, gets up pulling Eve into her arms. 'I think my little girl is hungry.' She tickles the babies belly as she walks over to a table to change her diaper. 'Whew!' Xena exclaims as she waves her hands in the air, trying to dismiss the smell. She tosses the dirty cloth outside the tent, a yelp follows as it lands on the guard. Xena shrugs and goes back to her motherly duties.
Sighing, I get up, a bit stiffly at first but my muscles begin to relax. We had left some bags with Octavious so that we would have supplies and clothes. We can't go walking around in our battle gear anymore, especially not Xena. I change into a thin cotton dress and a different pair of boots. I think it looks sexy, not that I should be calling attention to myself. I keep my Sais in my boots and pack my battle clothes at the bottom of our bag. I feel Xena wrap her arms around me from behind, her chin rests on my shoulder.
'Like the dress.' I lean back into her.
'Feels weird. No not weird, just different.' I'm so used to being in a constant battle ready state I wonder if I'll easily adjust to the life I once knew. She kisses my cheek and grabs for her clothes. A top and a skirt that allows for plenty of movement has become her new wardrobe. I think this looks better than leather personally. Xena sighs as she looks at her breast plate and leathers.
'I guess I should leave these.' She stares down at her armor.
'You're starting a different chapter, a different Xena.' I rub her arm affectionately.
'Not that different.'
'Well no more warrior princess.' She huffs, grabbing a nearby bag and shoving her gear inside. I put her chakram in with my things; it wouldn't be a good idea to flash it around. After a time, we make our way outside with our gear. A stallion and a mare are waiting for us, as is Octavius and Joxer. Xena pulls him aside as Octavius and I say our goodbyes. Soon we are on the road, a few tears and hugs later.
