Title: Bloodlines
Rating: M
Author: Ellixer
Pairing: X/G
Disclaimer: Characters and show are owned by Universal and others. The story is mine. I make nothing.
Note: So I'm sure I missed something, but I got confused about Xena and Gabrielle having descendants. Don't you have to have kids? Eve could have, but she was more of the prophet than anything. And Gabrielle would have needed to have a kid to have a true descendant. Anyhoo, my flawed theory thus follows. This takes place after my story Crystal Clear Blue.
Ammend: I am rewriting this story as I've decided to change some stuff.
Bloodlines
Eli leans forward placing his hands on both of our foreheads. The touch burns but it doesn't really hurt, more like tingles. It's something I've never really felt before so I can't really put it into words. His face is so serene, the smile so genuine.
'You both will be given a gift when the time is right. Your bloodlines must be carried on.' Xena and I look at each other from the corner of our eyes. This can't be what I think. His hands move to our hearts. 'Not only your blood, but your essence will be passed on for generations to come. While your soul will not always be brought back to these bodies, they will be there when they are needed.' His hands move down to our abdomens. 'I must ask you when the time comes to let them go.' This part stings. I finally can have a child, but I can't even keep it.
'What about Eve?' We both ask at the same time.
'Her path is different. Remember , love is the strongest bond of all.' He removes his hands and slowly disappears.
I shoot up in my bed, panting and sweating. I look over at Xena and she's doing the same in her bed. We look at each other not sure if we want to confirm what just happened.
'Xena… was that a dream.' She shakes her head slowly at me.
'I don't think so.' Both of us touch our stomachs at the same time.
Several Years After Japa in Amphipolis
"Gabrielle, what was in that stew?" Xena is hunched over grabbing her stomach.
"Fish you caught." If she's trying to say it was bad, it's not my fault. "Besides I feel fine." She merely grumbles. "I'll make sure the path is clear to the outhouse." Xena does not appreciate this joke, but I do and can't help but giggle at myself.
"You're trying to kill me aren't you?" She lurches forward a little, moaning.
"You know Xena, you haven't been feeling good the past couple of days." Xena isn't one to get sick often. Of course when she does she tends to be a bit over dramatic. "Why don't you go see the healer?" She just mumbles under her breath then runs out of the room. At the same time there's a knock on the front door. I walk over expecting it to be Lilla or Sara, but when I pull it open Eve is standing there.
'What are you doing here?' I pull her into a hug and look her over. She looks good, if a bit thin.
'Eli has told me its time.' I'm confused.
'Time for what?' She's smiling like a fool.
'It's time for yours and mothers bloodlines to continue.' For a moment I stop breathing, the words that Eli spoke to us years ago comes rushing back. 'It won't be at the same time, but I am here to help, however long it is deemed to take.' I'm rooted to the spot in shock. I'd actually forgotten about this, too many things have happened to us.
'Umm, come in.' I move aside letting her through the door. She seems completely unfazed by this but then again she has complete faith in Eli and his God. Panic is beginning to race through me like poison from an arrow. I sit back in my chair as Eve pulls her robes about her as she sits in front of the fire. Silence prevails tills Xena comes sauntering back in. Eve pops back to her feet, meeting her mother in a hug.
'Eve, what are you doing here?' I cringe inwardly, already knowing the answer. Xena brushes hair off her daughters face.
'Mother, Eli has told me the time has come for your bloodline to continue. You are with child.' Xena goes completely white as she glances over to me.
'Is she talking about…..' Her words fade away before she finishes. I just nod as she grabs at her stomach in sudden realization. She collapses down in a chair behind her, eyes never moving from her stomach. The silence is tense and uncomfortable, with Eve standing between us, looking back and forth with a smile still plastered on her face.
'Ummm Eve, there's an empty room down the hall where you can stay.' I can give her a silent plea to give me and Xena a few moments alone. She simply nods and walks out.
'Xena?' The normally strong stoic woman looks at me with red eyes. I know this will be just as hard for her as it will be for me. Getting up, I walk over to her and kneel down between her legs, my hands resting on her thighs.
'Is this some kind of torture that we will have to live over and over.' A tear slides down her cheek so I reach up to wipe it away.
'No, a child is never torture, no matter how long we may or may not have them.' She grabs my hand kissing my palm.
'I'm sorry, if it wasn't for me, there would probably be a bunch of little Gabrielle's running around.' I laugh a little at this thought.
'Well if it wasn't for you I might also be a slave.' She gives me a small smile.
'I don't know if I can do this.' Her voice is nearly silent, weak and full of fear.
'I don't know that we have a choice.'
'I'm not strong enough anymore.' I caress her face with my fingers, her eyes close at my touch.
'I'll be strong for you, and you be strong for me.' Leaning up, I place the softest of kisses on her lips. She drops her forehead against mine and we both just let time flow around us.
'I think I'm going to throw up.' She finally whispers. I can't help but laugh, but stand up, pulling her to her feet.
'Come on, I'll hold your hair back.'