Disclaimer: I do not own the Xena and Hercules gangs, Gods, etc.

Warning: This story takes place in our time period and in ancient Greece... It's a bit confusing but you'll soon see what I mean. I've made it pretty obvious who the characters are but if you get stuck on one that you can't figure out don't be afraid to ask. There is also no subtext. This is my first Xena fic so please let me know what you think.

CHAPTER 11

"Gabrielle wake up!", Xena said trying to wake up her sleeping friend.

"Wh-what? Xena can't you see that I'm kind of sleeping?", Gabrielle said annoyed that she had been awoken from a very good dream.

"Gabrielle!... Look I'm sorry but it's not safe here. We have to get a move on", Xena said quickly looking around.

"What's wrong Xena? You're acting really strange. I haven't seen you like this in a while, what's going on?", Gabrielle asked looking strangely at her best friend.

"I'll tell you when we're up and out of here, but for now just do what I say", Xena explained putting all their things on her horse Argo.

Gabrielle was slightly frightened, but did as she was told. She desperately wanted to know what was the matter with her friend.

In a short half hour the girls were on the road heading towards Thebes.

"Xena can you now tell me what's going on?", Gabrielle asked impatiently.

"Gabrielle an evil force has been let into the world. I know it sounds same ol' same ol'... but this time it's different. It's worse than Dahak, he just wanted to wipe out everything in a matter of seconds... this evil wants to turn love against love, make Mothers brutally murder their innocent children, pit every brother against brother in a battle to the death", Xena stopped and turned around to see how Gabrielle was taking in the news. She looked a little pale, but only smiled and waited for Xena to go on.

Xena half smiled in return and continued. "It wants to make the whole world hate until there is nothing left and when it's been accomplished it will do away with the world for play. It needs to be stopped before it can do anymore damage than it already has... we need to reach Thebes to get some help from a friend", Xena explained quietly to her friend.

"Hercules is there?", Gabrielle asked knowing exactly who Xena was talking about.

"And Iolaus as well. They're the only ones that can help us... we can't do this alone", Xena said turning back to Gabrielle to see how her friend was taking everything.

"Even though you'd like to admit that you can do anything by yourself... right?", Gabrielle smiled smugly.

"This is no time to be independent... even though I'd like to and plus... I can never do anything without you", Xena smiled and rushed Argo into a light gallop.

Gabrielle smiled softly at Xena's comment and tried to desperately keep down her dinner.

The girls reached Thebes in less than a day. Xena stopped Argo and pet her down. She checked Argo's shoes and helped Gabrielle off the horse.

"I was waiting for you to do that!", Gabrielle scolded playfully.

"Just be happy I got ya' off!", Xena retorted and chuckled a bit looking off towards a big house.

She smiled at the thought of seeing Hercules again. 'It would be a nice reunion', she thought to herself quietly but soon regain some composure and began serious mode once again. 'This isn't what this is about, we here to slay a big bad ugly... and it ain't going to be pretty.'

Xena and Gabrielle walked toward the big door and knocked, only to find that no one answered. Xena looked around and tried again. It was the same response.

"Where in Hades is everybody?", the warrior princess yelled impatiently, a frown making it's way upon her beautiful face.

Gabrielle smiled at her friend sympathetically. "Let's check around the back", she said and led Xena around the huge house.

"Be careful where you step Gabrielle! Hercules is very over protective of his mother. Who knows what kind of traps he has set out for intruders.

"Oh don't worry Xena I'll be real care-", Gabrielle started, but stopped suddenly after hearing a sudden cracking noise at her feet.

Xena saw what Gabrielle had stepped on and quickly tried to push her out of the way. A huge tree log was coming straight for them and she didn't want her friend to get hurt. She finally got Gabrielle out of harms way, there was only one problem... it was now too late for herself.

"XENA!", Gabrielle yelled but it seem like there was nothing she could do.

Xena turned quickly around only to come face to face with a huge swinging log. She squeezed her eyes tightly...

"BEEEEEP!", the alarm clock went off once again.

Lena hit the alarm clock button and sighed. "You are really starting to make me mad my friend", she smirked slightly motioning to the clock and made her way for the bathroom.

"I gotta' stop waking up like this!", she replied rolling her eyes and shutting the door behind her.