A Life Worth Living Part 9

                                                A New Life by Cheeya.

Disclaimer : The characters of Xena and Gabrielle belong to Renaissance/Universal/MCA, not me. No copyright infringement was intended. This story is based on the loving relationship between two consenting adults of the same gender. If you find this offensive, if you're too young to read it or if it's illegal where you are, well then please don't read on. There's a little bit of violence, but hell, it's Xena after all!

Dedication : For Tomihawk, who showed the first three eps of season six in Belfast this weekend. He has just managed to stave off my XWS for another few weeks. Thanks Mate!

Bard's Note : This is part 9 of the 'A Life Worth Living' series. The other parts can be found at http://www.geocities.com/cheeya_2000 along with some of my other fic.

Comments/Constructive Criticism to cheeya@xenafan.com

"Gabrielle, are you sure about this?"

Xena gazed into her soulmate's eyes and waited.

            "I… I think so… I'm… I guess I'm scared," the bard replied.

            "This is your choice, Sweetheart. If you decide you don't want to do it, I'll understand."

Gabrielle smiled and shook her head.

            "I want to do this. Xena, I want us to have a child together," she said softly.

The Warrior Princess hugged her lifebond and nodded toward the temple.

            "Aphrodite is waiting for you," she said and kissed Gabrielle on the temple before watching her walk up the steps to the huge stone building. Xena perched her hands on her hips and grinned.

            "I'm going to be a Mother," she said excitedly. Then she looked around and sighed. There was no one else around so she sat down on a large rock and waited.

            "Aphrodite, thank you for doing this," Gabrielle said and hugged the goddess.

            "It's like my pleasure, Gab. You and the Warrior-Babe deserve this after what happened to your other kids."

            "I'm trying not to think about that," the bard replied with a frown. "Hope was evil. She was never my daughter, not really."

            "No, she wasn't… but this kid is gonna be awesome! So tell me, what way do you want to do this?"

Gabrielle took a step back in surprise.

            "Excuse me?" she asked, wide-eyed.

            "Relax, Gab! I don't mean you and me! Ha! As if! Although, maybe… Anyway, I meant do you want this child to come to term quickly or do you want to go through the whole nine months of hell? Do you want a girl or a boy? Do you…"

Gabrielle held up her hand to stop the goddess' ramblings.

            "I'd like the full term and surprise me with the sex," she stated. "Just surprise me with everything please, 'Dite."

            "Aright, Babe. Let's do it!"

Aphrodite moved toward her and Gabrielle took a deep breath. She was trembling slightly and the goddess smiled and cupped her cheek.

            "It's ok. Just relax. Trust me, Gabrielle. Close your eyes."

The bard let her eyes close and released the breath, trying to calm down. Aphrodite placed her hand on her bare stomach and Gabrielle jerked a little as she felt a jolt of power flow through her. She opened her eyes to Aphrodite's smiling face.

            "It's done, Gabrielle," she said softly and the bard returned the smile.

            "Thank you. I owe you so much, I can never repay you."

            "You're my friend, Babe. I look after my friends. Now go and see that warrior of yours. She's nearly going out of her mind out there!"

            "Goodbye, 'Dite," the bard called as she ran from the temple and almost laughed as she saw Xena spring up from the rock she was sitting on and run toward her.

            "Well? Did it work?" she asked and Gabrielle fell in love with her all over again at the sweet, hopeful look on her face.

            "It worked. We're going to have a baby, Honey," she replied.

Xena grabbed her and lifted her into the air, spinning her around and yelling at the top of her voice.

            "It worked! Oh gods, it worked! I'm gonna be a mother!"

Gabrielle laughed helplessly as she began to get dizzy.

            "Xena, put me down. You're making me seasick!"

The warrior lowered her gently to the ground and hugged her tightly, kissing her on the top of the head.

            "Thank you," she whispered hoarsely as tears welled up in her eyes.

            "Thank Aphrodite," Gabrielle said and wiped her own face. "I feel amazing, Xena. I feel so full of life. It's exhilarating!"

            "It is, isn't it. I remember when I was pregnant with Solon, I felt full of energy until I came near the end of my term. I got dog tired then and it was hell because I was at war with the Centaurs at the time." Her eyes glazed over as she thought back to that time, but she suddenly shook herself back to reality. "But things are going to be different this time. I'm going to take care of you, I promise."

            "You're already doing that, Honey, but thanks."

Xena winced as Gabrielle threw up once again into a nearby bush.

            "Morning nausea sucks!" the bard stated as she rinsed her mouth out with water. She took a deep breath and then flopped down on her bedroll. Over the previous few weeks, they had begun to stay later at their campsites until the bard was feeling better and well enough to travel.

            "Are those herbs not helping?" Xena asked.

            "I think I keep throwing them back up," Gabrielle replied with a grimace. She lay down and rested her hand on her stomach. Xena lay down beside her and placed her hand on top of her soulmate's.

            "Hopefully, this will pass soon. It's been two and half months now."

            "How long did your nausea last?" the bard asked, turning slightly to face the warrior.

            "Uh, most of the pregnancy, I'm afraid but don't think about that Gabrielle. Just try to…"

She trailed off and raised an expressive eyebrow as Gabrielle bolted for that bush again. Xena got up and rubbed her soulmate's back as she hurled the rest of her breakfast. She saw that the bard was shaking and held her close, stroking her short, blonde hair.

            "Easy. Easy now," she whispered and Gabrielle took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself.

            "Yeah," the bard replied as she felt the warmth and strength of her soulmate's love.

            "Xena! Stop that! You're driving me crazy!"

The warrior sighed and wondered what she had done this time. It was as if she couldn't do anything right lately.

            "What am I doing?" she asked softly, as the bard clenched her fists in frustration.

            "You're just sitting there, saying nothing. You're driving me insane, Xena! I always have to do the talking and all I get from you is a grunt or a three word sentence!"

She was yelling at the top of her voice and Xena was beginning to get irritated.

            "Gabrielle, take it easy," she said trying to keep an even voice. "Just sit down and relax."

            "RELAX? YOU'RE TELLING ME TO RELAX! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M GOING THROUGH!"

            "Of course I do," Xena replied "and stop yelling, Gabrielle. It's not good for you or the baby to get this agitated."

The bard opened her mouth to yell again but she paused and suddenly burst into tears.

            "I'm sorry, Xena. I don't know what's wrong with me," she sobbed. The warrior pulled her down into her lap and rocked her gently.

            "It's ok. Your hormones are going crazy. It's making you emotional but it's a natural thing, Gabrielle."

            "I didn't mean what I said. I know you know what I'm going through. I couldn't do it without you."

            "It's alright. Why don't you try to get some rest." She ran her hand over the bard's small bump and smiled. "You're going to have to get some bigger clothes soon."

This brought a grin to Gabrielle's face as an idea came to her.

            "We need to do some shopping," she stated, happily.

Uh oh! "Uh, I guess so. We'll stop off at the next village and get some supplies and a new outfit for you. I need to buy a boot dagger too. I lost mine in that fight the other day."

            "Yeah, it's a bummer when you lose your boot dagger. I hate when that happens," the bard teased.

            "Sarcasm will get you nowhere," Xena replied with a scowl but the look on her partner's face wasn't lost on her.

            "Oh no! Not here, Gabrielle. There could be…"

She was rudely interrupted when Gabrielle kissed her passionately. The warrior cupped her face with her hand and returned the kiss but then broke away from her.

            "We can't, Gabrielle. Not here."

            "Why?" the bard asked, slipping her hands under Xena's breastplate.

            "Because it's dangerous out here," the warrior replied. "It's a bad area."

Gabrielle frowned and Xena saw the hurt look on her face.

            "You don't find me attractive anymore," she whispered and quickly stood up but Xena was on her feet in an instant and grabbing her by the arm.

            "It's not that, Gabrielle. I think you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen but I can't risk it out here. Please understand."

            "Alright," Gabrielle conceded and picked up a stick to poke their fire. "What do you want for dinner?"

            "Why don't you let me cook?" Xena offered, trying to make peace but Gabrielle smiled and shook her head.

            "I'm pregnant, not suicidal," she chuckled. "I'll cook. Go catch us a rabbit or something, ok Honey?"

            "Alright," Xena replied and trudged off into the forest muttering under her breath about really hating bardic mood swings.

The next morning, for the first time in weeks, Gabrielle wasn't feeling sick. She got up before Xena and made some breakfast and then she cleaned up the camp, trying to blow off her excess energy. She was rebuilding the fire when her senses picked up something she didn't like. Someone was approaching the camp. She glanced over at her soulmate who was still asleep and then saw her sais sitting on her saddlebag.

            "Damn," she cursed softly as she realised that she would have to cross the camp to reach them. Xena's sword, on the other hand, was much closer. She closed her hand around the handle and slowly stood, hearing the rustle as the intruder stepped into the clearing.

            "Don't move," she cried as she spun, the sword outstretched in her hand. She was faced with a middle-aged, unshaven man who grinned at her revealing yellow teeth. "What do you want?" she asked coldly.

            "I'm looking for Xena," he replied.

            "You've found me. It's alright, Gabrielle. I know this man." The warrior appeared at her partner's side, took her sword from her and edged the bard over to stand slightly behind her. "It's been a long time, Sersties."

            "That it has, Xena. I've come to find you because my village needs your help. I know you've changed, that you're fighting for good now and I hoped you'd come with me."

            "Sersties, I'd really like to help but I have other responsibilities now. I can't do it. I'm sorry," the warrior replied, glancing at Gabrielle.

            "Xena, please. My village is being attacked by a warlord."

            "And?" Xena urged.

            "It's Barrellus, Xena."

The Warrior Princess' eyes went wide and she took a step forward.

            "Barrellus? I thought he was dead. I thought I killed him."

Sersties shook his head.

            "No, he survived and now he's on a rampage of destruction."

Xena turned and walked away a few paces. She stood with her back to the man and perched her hands on her hips, shaking her head.

            "Dammit," she whispered and then looked around, catching Gabrielle's eye. The look that passed between them spoke volumes and Gabrielle nodded. "Alright, Sersties," Xena said, still holding her partner's gaze. "I'll do it."

            "Thank you, General. Thank you."

Xena and Gabrielle quickly packed up their camp and led their horses out onto the road. Sersties was walking on the opposite side of Argo and Xena was able to speak to Gabrielle in a low voice.

            "I know what you're thinking and yes, it's related to my past… but this time, I'm not the monster. Sersties was an old soldier of mine. He was loyal and was in fact a good friend to me. I was badly injured after my battle against Bacchus' army and he helped me get well. Shortly after that, he came to me and asked me if he could leave the army. He wanted to go back to his wife and young children. I felt that I owed him a debt so I let him go. You know, it was probably the only compassionate thing I did back then."

Gabrielle placed a hand on her soulmate's forearm and smiled.

            "Yeah, anyway, Barrellus was my lieutenant at the time and, when I told him I was letting Sersties go, he wanted me to make him run the Gauntlet. I refused of course and told Sersties to go but Barrellus went after him without my knowledge. When I eventually found out, I followed him to Sersties home village and found him there. He had… assaulted… Sersties' wife and beaten his young children half to death."

Xena closed her eyes as she remembered the children's battered bodies and tear-streaked faces. "I lost it, Gabrielle. I went for him and beat him the way he had beaten those kids. I really thought I had killed him until Sersties showed up here this morning. Now, it looks as if Barrellus is looking for a little payback. He expects me to show up and I'm not going to disappoint him."

            "Xena," Gabrielle said softly. "We have to stop this guy before he causes anymore destruction."

The warrior's face changed and she held her partner by the shoulders.

            "Oh no, Gabrielle. There's no 'we' this time. I'm not letting you fight until after the baby is born."

To her surprise, the bard agreed.

            "You're right. I'll keep behind the scenes."

            "What? Is that it?"

            "Yep. Honey, I don't want anything to happen to the baby either."

Xena's eyes narrowed suspiciously. She had expected more of an argument from the bard and was wondering what she was up to. Gabrielle shook her head and shot her partner a quirky grin.

            "Really, Xena. I have no intentions of jumping into a fight in my condition. Besides, I'm carrying extra weight and I would be slower than I should be in a fight. I know what I'm talking about."

            "I know you do," Xena replied. "I'm just glad that we see eye to eye on this."

            "We do. Trust me. I have too much to lose, including you, so you be careful, ok?"

            "Yeah, I will. I'm gonna get this over with as quickly as possible and get back to you."

That afternoon, they were only an hour away from Sersties' village so Xena found Gabrielle a safe place to camp. She scouted the area half a dozen times until she was happy that it was ok to leave her there.

            "I'll be back soon," Xena said and Gabrielle hugged her.

            "I miss you already. Xena, please, I meant what I said. Be careful."

She lowered her eyes and pretended to fix the leather strips on the warrior's skirt, not really wanting to let her go but Xena hooked a finger under her chin and lifted it so she could look into her eyes.

            "Please, don't cry," she whispered.

            "I won't," the bard replied as a tear crept down her cheek. "Now go on before I start getting all emotional on you."

Xena nodded and then kissed her on the forehead.

            "I'll be back as soon as I can. Goodbye, Gabrielle." The bard smiled and then the tears came in earnest as the warrior knelt and kissed her stomach. "I love you too," she whispered and then walked to her horse, mounting gracefully. Sersties took Gabrielle's horse and the two headed to his village.

After the bard had finally calmed down, she laid out her bedroll and lit a campfire. She pulled out her scroll and quill and lay down on her side, her head propped up on her left hand as she chewed the quill thoughtfully.

            Things have been happening so fast over the past few months. I've become Xena's lifebond and a soon-to-be mother and, happy as I am, I'm scared too. I keep thinking about Hope, about what she was and even though I know this baby will be born of the love Xena and I share, I can't help feeling terrified. I want to talk to Xena about this but I'm afraid of digging up the bad memories that we've managed to bury. Am I crazy? I don't know but I really need to talk to someone.

Gabrielle sighed and shook her head.

            "Great bard you are. You can't even talk to Xena about this," she said, angry with herself. "You know Xena would go crazy if she knew you were scared and didn't tell her."

The bard made up her mind that she would talk to Xena when she got back.

Xena and Sersties rode into his village and the Warrior Princess' face hardened into anger when she saw the damage done to the buildings and people. She looked at her friend and saw the upset on his face, so she reached out a hand and squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.

            "I'll handle everything," she promised. "He's not going to touch your people again."

            "Thank you, Xena," the man replied sincerely.

An hour later, the warrior was striding through the village. She had organised the men of the village into repair teams and she was supervising the clearing of the rubble and rebuilding of salvageable homes. She was pleased with the progress and went to see Sersties. He was in his home with his family and welcomed the warrior with open arms. His wife, Violet hugged Xena tightly.

            "Xena, it's so good to see you again!"

            "You too, Violet. How are your little ones?"

            "Not so little anymore, Xena. It's been ten years since you were last here. Jorel is sixteen and Marga is almost nineteen."

            "Nineteen, huh?" Xena replied with a frown. "Gods, I feel old."

Violet laughed and took Xena's hand, squeezing it slightly.

            "What about you, Xena. Do you have any children?"

The warrior smiled.

            "I had a son, who died a few years ago…"

            "Oh, Xena, I'm so sorry."

            "Thanks, and my partner is expecting our first child at the moment. She's due in another five months."

            "Is she here?" Violet asked, looking out the open door.

            "No, I wanted to keep her away from the fighting. She's camping about an hour from the village."

            "I'm pleased for you, Xena. I've heard about the way you've turned your life around. Did your partner have anything to do with that, I wonder?"

She smiled as Xena nodded

            "Gabrielle helped me to stay on the right path when I wanted to give up. I owe her everything," she replied simply.

            "I understand. Now, you'll stay for dinner won't you? The kids will want to see you again."

Xena shifted uncomfortably as she thought about everything she had to do, but the hopeful look on the woman's face made the decision for her.

            "I'd love to," she said and followed her friend into the kitchen.

Gabrielle chewed on a piece of dried meat and grimaced.

            "I really hate trail rations," she stated and then patted her stomach. "You are not making things easy for me," she told the baby. "I can't be eating twenty-four hours a day, you know! You have me hungry all the time and even your Mom, with her many skills, is finding it hard to keep me fed!"

Her stomach growled as if on cue and she rolled her eyes.

            "Great! Just great! Alright, you win. I'll go to the village and get something to eat at the inn there. Besides, I'd really like to see your Mom. Weird huh? She's only been gone a few hours and I miss her like crazy but you know what's even weirder? I'm talking to my stomach!"

She chuckled to herself and packed up her bag to start the walk to the village.

Xena turned down another mug of port and smiled.

            "Thanks, Violet, that was great but I really should get back to work. I want to make sure the buildings are all shored before nightfall."

Sersties nodded.

            "I'll join you, Xena. I might be able to help."

The warrior smiled gratefully.

            "Thanks, we'd better go. Goodbye, Marga, Jorel."

The two young people looked at her with hero worship and stood up to shake her hand.

            "Goodbye Xena," Jorel said, lifting her hand to kiss it gently. Marga rolled her eyes and then hugged the warrior, giggling softly.

            "He's got a crush on you," she whispered.

            "I know," Xena whispered back with a grin. "Better not tell my partner, huh? Gabrielle would kill me!"

She released the young woman and followed Sersties to the door.

            "See you all soon," she called as she pulled the door closed behind her and followed the small man to the nearest building. "So, any idea when Barrellus may be back?"

            "No, he likes hit and run raids. I think he learned that from you, General."

            "Please don't call me that, Sersties," Xena replied. "It brings back bad memories, but yes, you're right. He did learn that from me. I've learned to clean up after myself though so I'm going to stop him once and for all."

The warrior suddenly stopped as she heard her name.

            "XENA!"

She turned and scowled as she saw her partner running to catch up to her.

            "Gabrielle! What are you doing here?"

            "I'm sorry, Xena but I'm starving. I had to come to get a proper meal."

The warrior couldn't help but smile, despite her annoyance.

            "Alright," she said, wrapping her arm around her shoulders and hugging her close. "Sersties, can I bring Gabrielle back to your house?"

            "Of course. Violet will give her a good meal."

            "Thanks," the warrior replied and led the bard back the way they came. She knocked on the door of the house and Violet answered it.

            "Xena? Is everything ok?" she asked.

            "Yes, just fine. Violet, this is my lifebond, Gabrielle. Would you mind if I troubled you for a meal for her?"

The older woman laughed and took Gabrielle by the hand.

            "By the gods, of course not. Welcome to my home, Gabrielle. Come on inside. You will both stay here until this warlord has been defeated, I insist."

            "Thank you. You're very kind," Gabrielle replied with a sincere smile.

            "I owe Xena my life and my children's lives. I can never repay her."

Violet led Gabrielle into the house and Xena went back to Sersties to begin their review of the repairs.

            "You!" the warrior barked. "Be careful of that beam!"

            "Yes, Ma'am," the man replied respectfully and Xena smiled at him, surprising the Hades out of him.

            "Thanks," she said and walked on. Sersties laughed and patted her shoulder.

            "You really have changed, Xena," he said. "You would never have thanked anyone like that before."

            "Let's just say that I don't just take what I want anymore. I ask."

            "I have a feeling that your lass wouldn't stand for it," he replied with a knowing grin and Xena chuckled.

            "You know, you're right. She'd kick my butt up and down the street!"

            "Not yours, Xena."

            "Wanna bet. Don't be deceived by her looks. She's a damn good fighter. She's been Ares' Chosen."

Sersties was so shocked that he almost couldn't speak.

            "I thought she was a bard," he said quietly.

            "Oh, she is a bard. She's also one of the most skilled warriors I've ever had the pleasure of fighting with. She's really…"

Xena trailed off as she heard approaching hoof beats. She took off at a run and, as she reached the edge of the village, she saw Barrellus and his army approach. She stood her ground and drew her sword, resting the blade idly on her shoulder as the warlord reined his horse in, in front of her.

            "Hello Barrellus," she said, smiling coldly. "Long time, no beat up, huh?"

            "Xena," he got out through gritted teeth. "What a pleasure to see you again after all these years."

            "Pity it's not mutual. I had hoped never to see your stinking carcass again," she replied, flicking her hair back from her face with the tip of her sword. She perched her left hand on her hip and scowled.

            "What do you think you're doing attacking these people? If you wanted me, all you had to do was ask!"

The warlord shifted in his saddle and grinned.

            "Where's the fun in that?" he replied and slid down from the saddle. "I've been looking forward to the this day, Xena. I'm going to be known from now on as the man who killed the Warrior Princess."

Xena spun her sword in her hand and took her fighting stance.

            "I wouldn't count on it," she growled and ducked as he roared and swung his sword at her head. She parried the next blow and then jumped as he tried to take her knees out from under her.

            "No good, Barrellus. I taught you these moves," she said.

            "Good thing I've got a few of my own then," he replied and pulled a dagger, slashing her thigh and leaving a deep gash. She staggered back a few paces and looked at the wound. The blood was already running down to her knee and collecting in her knee guard. A feral grin rose to her face and she shook her head.

            "Bad mistake," she said and went on the offensive, sparks flying as their swords clashed again and again. Barrellus saw an opening and lunged at her but Xena leapt into the air and flipped over him, trilling her war cry and planting her boots in his face as she passed. The warlord spat blood and realised that he had lost a couple of teeth. He kicked her sword out of her hand and grabbed her by the shoulders as he tried to get a grip to strangle her but she head butted him and then kneed him in the groin. Barrellus cried out in pain and dropped to his knees but he suddenly rolled out of the way as she tried to punch him and she grudgingly admitted to herself that he had learned a lot since the last time they had fought. She bent to the left and kicked out with her right leg, but he caught her foot and twisted it painfully, forcing her to drop to the ground to avoid having her ankle broken. She banged her head hard off a small rock and lay there dazed for a few seconds before shaking her head to clear her foggy brain. She sat up but he kicked her in the face, knocking her back. Again she tried to sit up and again he kicked her so she rolled out of the way to flip to her feet. Barrellus was expecting this, however and moved to intercept her. He punched Xena in the stomach and then kicked her in the face as she doubled over, sending her flying into a wall. She hit her back hard and slid to the ground, groaning quietly. Blood was running from her nose and badly split lip and she fought to stay conscious as her vision began to blur. She could hear the noises around her start to fade away but she gritted her teeth and dug into her energy reserves, forcing her aching muscles to respond. Barrellus approached Xena's still form and raised his sword, intending to plunge it into her chest but as he lowered his arms, Xena's chakram was suddenly there to intercept it. He roared with frustration and the warrior separated the weapon, holding a half in each hand. She got to her feet and grinned at him, wiping the blood from her nose with the back of her hand.

            "You're gonna have to do better than that," she spat, giving him a dirty look.

            "I hate to point something out to you, Xena, but you're a looking a little worse for wear," the warlord replied.

            "Awww and I just had my hair done today," she said sarcastically. "I'm only getting started. Come on, you murdering bastard!"

Again, he lunged at her and again, she flipped over his head, landing next to her sword. She locked her chakram together and hooked it back at her side before kicking her sword into the air and catching it one handed. She spun it in a figure of eight in front of her and then attacked. They fought hard until both warrior and warlord were exhausted. Xena stepped back, breathing hard and then noticed that Barrellus' soldiers were moving into the village.

            "Sersties! Now!" she yelled and suddenly, the men of the town attacked with swords, scythes and staves. The soldiers were caught completely off guard, as was Xena when Barrellus dagger plunged into her back. She dropped to her knees as the pain overwhelmed her but, as he approached her from behind to finish her off, she grasped her sword in both hands and thrust it under her right armpit with all her remaining strength, right into his stomach. She heard the gurgle as blood rose to his mouth and then he collapsed on top of her, pinning her under his dead weight. As Xena's world started to go black, she closed her eyes and whispered one name.

            "Gabrielle."

Sersties walked back to his home with a heavy heart. He had a terrible task to perform. If only he hadn't brought Xena to the village. She would still be alive if he hadn't asked for her help and tears rose to his eyes as the burden of guilt weighed heavily on him. Now he had to tell the warrior's pregnant partner that her lifebond was dead. He opened the door to his house and was met by his wife.

            "Sersties, did it work? Is he gone?"

            "Yes, Violet, he's dead."

The woman laughed and hugged him but she pulled back as he didn't return the hug.

            "Husband, what's wrong?" she asked, fearfully.

He took her hand and led her into another room away from the others.

            "Violet, Xena's dead. Barrellus killed her but she got him just before she died. She saved us all but paid a terrible price."

            "NO!"

The couple spun and found Gabrielle standing at the door. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and her hands were clenched into fists.

            "No! She can't be dead! You're lying!"

Violent went to her and pulled her into an embrace.

            "Gabrielle, I'm so sorry," she whispered as the bard sobbed into her shoulder.

            "No, she wouldn't leave me, not now. We're having a baby. She couldn't leave me."

            "Gabrielle, listen to me. She didn't want to leave you. She had no choice. Her wound was just too bad."

The bard wiped her face and stared at Sersties defiantly.

            "I want to see her," she said so he took her by the hand and led her to the healer's hut, but halfway there, the healer ran up the road to meet them.

            "Sersties, you're not going to believe this," he said. "Xena's not dead… anymore. It was the damnedest thing. One minute, there was no pulse and the next minute, she just starts breathing and opens her eyes. Scared the Hades outta me!"

Gabrielle looked Sersties straight in the eye.

            "I told you she wouldn't leave me," she stated and ran off toward the healer's hut. Sersties shook his head, grinned and ran after her.

            "Hey," said Gabrielle softly.

            "Hi," Xena croaked and then coughed.

            "You gave me quite a scare," the bard went on, stroking the warrior's dark hair away from her eyes. "Honey… I…"

            "Gabrielle, I'm sorry."

            "Don't be. You came back to me."

            "I had to. I'm not giving up a life worth living easily. I promised I'd take care of you and the baby."

            "And you did, Xena. Try to get some rest now, ok?"

Xena nodded slowly, her exhaustion evident in her piercing blue eyes.

            "Stay with me?" she asked.

            "I'm not going anywhere." Gabrielle took off her boots and climbed into the bed beside her lifebond. "I'm right here, Xena."

She snuggled up to the warrior and smiled as she heard her breathing deepen and regulate.

            "I love you, Xena," she whispered and joined in partner in sleep.

The next morning, the Warrior Princess woke to a pounding headache. She groaned as she pressed her hand against her head and then smiled as Gabrielle stirred and snuggled deeper into her. Her back was throbbing and she could have cheerfully cut her head off to stop the pain but she was happy. She was happy to be alive and to be here with Gabrielle.

She placed her hand on the bard's stomach and felt the growing bump there and knew she would never leave her family. Family… wow… she thought and once again thanked Aphrodite with all her heart.

            "Xena?"

            "Yeah?"

            "Can we talk about something?"

The tall warrior slid down in her chair a little to get comfortable. Her back was still sore but she was well on the way to recovery. They were still in Sersties' village. They had decided to stay there until Xena's wound was healed and it was now a month since the warrior had killed Barrellus.

            "Of course. What is it?" she asked.

            "Xena, what I'm going to say will sound… well… ridiculous… but I want… I mean… I need to talk to you about it. It's important."

            "It's those dreams you've been having, right?"

Gabrielle nodded seriously.

            "Well, partly. The dreams are happening because of something that has been on my mind. Xena, I'm scared."

            "Scared of what, Sweetheart?"

            "I'm scared that something will happen to you, or the baby, or even me but mostly I'm scared because of Hope."

Understanding hit Xena in the gut and she took her partner's hand, kissing her knuckles gently.

            "Gabrielle, are you afraid that this baby will turn out like Hope?" she asked softly.

            "No, I know it won't but I have this gnawing fear in my heart. I know Hope is dead but I'm still afraid of her. It's so silly, Xena. I love her even though I hate her for what she did."

The warrior was silent for a moment but then she spoke her heart to her soulmate.

            "Gabrielle, I hate Hope for what she did to my son, but I know you love her. She was your child, your flesh and blood and I can't blame you for loving her. What I feel for our child is so strong that I don't think I could ever hate it and you felt the same way about Hope. This child is going to be a beautiful soul. It has your light, Gabrielle. It has to be good."

            "Xena? What will we call the baby?"

The warrior smirked and then shot her partner a quirky grin.

            "Weeeellllll, I've been thinking about that actually. Now that we've only four months to go, we should start getting ready. You're growing out of that new outfit already and we really should start collecting some baby clothes. As for names, well, I have a few ideas. Here's what I came up with…"

                                                            The End

Continued in part 10.