To Find the Light

by Debir

Picking up where Enter the Dark ended, Xena and Gabrielle search for Deerdra who is doing some searching of her own. Their respected journeys will impact their lives forever.

14. Chapter 14

"To Find the Light"

by

Debir

Chapter Fourteen: "New Frontiers"

FUTURE: Gabrielle's first full day in 1995.

Deerdra is downstairs making pancakes and bacon and eggs for breakfast. Gabrielle is still upstairs enjoying a hot bath, that is until the scent of bacon wafts through the air ducts.

Gabrielle comes bounding down the stairs, "Mmm. Bacon and eggs."

"And pancakes. I see my clothes fit. How did you sleep?"

"After I wound down, like a baby." She snatches a piece of bacon off the plate and examines the oven's cook top, "Another flameless wonder, I see."

"Yep. Down below is called an oven and up here, these four round things are called burners."

Gabrielle shakes her head, "Amazing. Carts without horses, cold and hot water without pumping, and flameless...everything. I can't imagine what's next."

Deerdra smiles, "Plenty. Have a seat, it's ready. Breakfast, not the seat."

"What? Oh! Ha!"

As they chow down, Deerdra thinks, "Is this really happening? I'm having breakfast with the only woman I've ever given my heart to. The woman I married fifteen centuries ago and who has been dead nearly as long. This has to be an elaborate dream. If it is, I hope I never wake."

Gabrielle notices Deerdra staring at her, "Am I holding my fork wrong?"

That snaps Deerdra back, "Oh, no. I was just thinking. I need to be mindful of giving you too much sugar and processed food. You're body isn't used to it."

The phone rings. Gabrielle jumps to her feet, butter knife in hand, "What in the gods names is that?"

"That's the telephone. It's how people who live apart communicate. It should be my pilot. Come listen."

Deerdra picks up the receiver and holds it so both women can hear, "Hello? Yes, Mike. What's the departure time? Good, good. That gives us and hour. Thank you. Bye."

Gabrielle can't believe it, "That's amazing! I'm going to have to come up with word, but it is. You were actually talking to another person. Wow! Xena's never going to believe me."

Deerdra doesn't comment. "The airport is forty- five minutes away. We'll have just enough time to eat and clean up. Chow down!"

Forty-five minutes later, they arrive at the airport. Deerdra gives Gabrielle a quick primer on aircraft. "See that large metal thing over there? That's an airplane. That one holds probably two-hundred people. Now, that smaller one. That's a jet. My jet. It holds five people and moves a lot faster than the bigger one."

Gabrielle's not sure she believes Deerdra, "You're trying to tell me that that large metal thing can fly, with people? You have got to be pulling my leg."

"Nope." She grabs Gabrielle's hand, "Come on. Captain Mike is waiting."

They dash across the tarmac to the jet. Captain Mike greets them at the top of the stairs, "Good morning, Ms. Reese. We're clear for takeoff just as soon as you and your guest are seated."

"Thank you, Captain. This is Gabrielle. This will be her first time on a plane."

He tips his hat, "Ma'am. You picked a good day to fly. The weather is clear all the way to our destination so it should be a bump-free ride."

Deerdra leads Gabrielle inside, "Sit here by the window and fasten this belt around your waist."

Gabrielle doesn't let go Deerdra's hand, "Where are you going to sit?"

Deerdra smiles, "Right here beside you." She pushes the intercom button, "We're ready when you are, Captain."

"Yes ma'am. Here we go!"

The jets engines rev up and it starts to move. Gabrielle tightens her grip on Deerdra's hand but is totally fascinated at the same time. She can't take her eyes off the window. "By the gods, we're moving!"

Their speed increases and the Captain eases the jets nose up. Gabrielle's grip has become a vise around Deerdra's hand. She's frozen to her seat, terrified. The jet reaches altitude and levels off. Deerdra tries to reassure her, "Everything's okay. We're in the air."

Gabrielle's terror just shot up, "There's something wrong with my ears! I can't hear you!"

Deerdra shouts, "It's just the pressure!" She unwraps a stick of gum, "Hear, chew this, but don't swallow it!"

"Mmm, it tastes like blueberries."

"Yep, but without the stained teeth and hands."

"Wow. It's like I'm eating without actually eating. Interesting."

Deerdra chuckles, "Now that you can hear me. Look out the window. We're in the air.

Gabrielle's afraid to look out the window, "We are?"

"Yes. Look out the window."

Gabrielle slowly turns her head. She sees the clouds and her fear turns back into fascination. "By the gods, we are! The last time I flew above the clouds there was flapping involved." She looks at Deerdra, "I just can't get over your world."

"It has it's good points." Deerdra gets up, walks over to the couch and plops down.

Gabrielle joins her couch plopping, "You don't seem very happy here. Is it just your wife's death or something more?"

"We weren't married and life's been tough." Deerdra's voice cracks.

Gabrielle takes Deerdra's hand, gently this time, "Do you want to talk about it? Her?"

The tender warmth of Gabrielle's hand on her's brings back a host of memories and feelings. Deerdra wants to spill her guts about how hurt she was that night. How hurt she still is. She also knows not to play around with the natural order of things. If they were meant to break up, then they were meant to break up. She talks about Lyn instead.

She takes a sip of water to get rid of that lump in her throat, "Her name was Lyn. We were together for thirty years. We were never married. It isn't legal. I'm not sure I would have even if it were."

Gabrielle's surprised to hear her say that, "Didn't you love her?"

"Oh, yes. I loved her and I was faithful to her. But, I wasn't truly in love with her. I haven't been in love in a long time. Lyn knew. Before she died, she told me she knew my heart belonged to another and probably always would. Don't get me wrong. We were happy. We were very happy."

"Your first wife must have been very special to have this tight a hold on your heart."

Deerdra looks at Gabrielle, "Yes, she does." She clears her throat, "Hileiah was special." A warm smile makes its way across Deerdra's face, "We met when we were sixteen. She survived the sinking of a slave ship and washed up on our shore. We were smitten with each other from the beginning. Gosh, we got married a month later. We were beyond happy." Her smile fades.

Since it was so long ago, Gabrielle thinks it safe to ask, "What happened to her?"

Deerdra goes back to that dark emotional place she tends to stay in. "She was four months pregnant when we got married." A smile momentarily graces her face, "I found out on our wedding night." Then the smile leaves. "She went into labor at seven months." She whispers, "It was too soon."

Gabrielle regrets pressing for more information, "Oh, Deerdra. I'm so sorry."

Deerdra stares off into space remembering, "He was so small. Everything was where it was supposed to be. But..." Gabrielle tightens her grip. Deerdra half smiles at her and continues, "He took one breath then...he was gone. The midwives tried, but we didn't have all this modern stuff to save him. Then Hileiah started to convulse. We were all so focus on the baby, no one saw that she was still bleeding."

Gabrielle gasps, "No."

"Yeah. She bled to death, cradled in my arms. My son and my wife, gone." She clears her throat again, "After that, Mother decided we needed to get off that island, pronto."

Gabrielle wraps Deerdra in her arms, "I am so, so sorry."

Deerdra whispers in her ear, "She's not the one who still has my heart."

Gabrielle backs up to ask who and Deerdra plants a big kiss on her. She hesitates then returns the kiss with oomph. Deerdra's the one who pulls away, "I shouldn't have done that."

"You were full of emotions. I understand and I didn't mind." Gabrielle grins.

"But still. I shouldn't be...not until..." Deerdra pushes the intercom button, "Are we in Kansas yet?"

Captain Mike answers, "The airport is coming into view now, ma'am. Time to fasten your seat belts."

Gabrielle is a tad confused by Deerdra's behavior, "What's wrong?"

"Come and buckle up. Before I say or do anything else, I need to talk to this woman." Deerdra sits next to Gabrielle and clicks her belt. "Oh, and don't say witch. The more accurate description is Wicca."

Captain Mike sets them down with a minimum of bounce. Gabrielle still digs her fingers into the armrests. The Captain's voice booms over the speakers, "Welcome to Kansas! As soon as we come to a complete stop, you may deplane and enjoy the plains." Before he cuts his mic, they can hear him chuckle.

"What's he laughing about?" Gabrielle asks.

"He made a joke. It's a play on words. Plane like what we're in is spelle e. Kansas is located in the plains, spelle s."

"Ohhh. That's cute."

"Humor him and say you liked his joke. He will be flying us home."

"Got it."

The jet stops and Captain Mike opens the door and lowers the stairs. "Did you enjoy your first flight, Gabrielle?"

"Yes-and your joke."

Captain Mike grins. I beautiful woman liked his joke. "Thank you. Just a little pilot humor to calm the nerves."

Deerdra shakes his hand, "Thank you, Mike. That was the smoothest ride yet."

He puffs up. A compliment from the owner! "Thank you, Ms. Reese. How long will we be staying?"

"Gosh, I don't know. Let's plan on leaving tomorrow. I'll call and tell you where we're going from here."

"Yes, ma'am. Enjoy your stay." He tips his hat then ducks back into the cockpit.

"Now what, Deerdra?"

"Now we get a rental car, check into the hotel, then check out the town."

Deerdra takes care of the car business. Gabrielle has more questions as they look for the rental. "All that paper you gave him. Is that what money looks like now? Paper instead of coin?"

Deerdra spots the red four door sedan. "There it is. We use both. Paper is just easier to carry."

They get in and buckle up. Gabrielle isn't through with her questions. "Okay. Now the big one. How are we going to find this Wiccan? We don't know what she looks like."

Deerdra pulls out of the parking lot and heads for town. (she got directions from the rental agent). "I have the ability to see good and evil."

Gabrielle's surprised, "Since when? Have you always?"

"Since Margret."

Now Gabrielle tenses up, "What about Margret?"

"Everyone has an aura around them. An invisible glow. Margret's spells allow me to see this aura. Good is bright. Evil, not so much."

"Huh. That must come in handy in your line of work. What do you see when you look at me?"

Deerdra wants to say, "The woman who captured my heart and never let it go." But she doesn't. Instead she says something just as sweet, "The beautiful Battling Bard from Potedaia, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle blushes, "You know what I mean."

Deerdra smiles, "It only works on people with special powers, sweetheart."

"Oh. How about people like you?"

"Immortals? No, they make my nose itch."

Gabrielle wasn't expecting that answer. "Ha! You don't glow at all? That's too funny!"

"I don't think it's that funny."

They pull into downtown. Not too small, but far from being a big city. A bright light distracts Deerdra, nearly causing her to wreck. "Oh, sh..!" She finds a parking space and parks it.

Her reaction, not the swerving, scares Gabrielle, "What? What happened?"

Deerdra's scanning the people walking on the sidewalk, "I saw a light. A Wicca light."

Gabrielle cranes her neck to look, "Where!"

Deerdra's still scanning, "There! The brunette that just walked into that store. Come on!"

Gabrielle takes Deerdra's hand and they dash across the street. They scan store windows until Deerdra sees her in a teenage clothing/jewelry store.

The woman is admiring a peacock necklace when they walk up to her. Deerdra notices that she stiffens up as they approach. Deerdra doesn't think anything of it and starts up a conversation with her, "That's a pretty necklace."

"Yes, it is. I'm thinking of getting it for my daughter. She turns fifteen in two weeks." She slowly turns around and looks at Deerdra. Her eyes widen, "You're her, aren't you?"

Deerdra whispers, "Yes. We'd like to talk to you, in private."

The woman isn't sure what to do. What if all of the things she's heard aren't true? Maybe she isn't an ally but an enemy of the Wicca.

Deerdra touches her arm sending a warm and exhilarating sensation through out her body that puts her to ease. Deerdra whispers to her, "Don't be afraid. "We just want to talk to you about a spell."

The tall brunette perks up, "A spell?"

Deerdra smiles, "Yes. I'll pay for the necklace and you wait outside with Gabrielle."

Gabrielle takes her by the arm, "Come on. You look like you could use some air."

Deerdra stops Gabrielle, "Wait for me." Her tone is dead serious.

Gabrielle nods, "I will."

Outside, the woman is still acting nervous. She asks Gabrielle, "Are you sure it's just a spell she wants from me?"

"Yes. Why are you so nervous?"

She looks at Gabrielle like she just told her the sun's surface wasn't all that hot, "She's Deerdra Reese." She gasps, "And you're Gabrielle!" She looks Gabrielle over, "You shouldn't be here."

Deerdra joins them holding a small gift bag. "Here you go."

Brunette is still dumbfounded, "Oh. Um. Thank you."

"You're welcome..." She holds the last word waiting for a name.

"Oh. Mrs.. M. Just M."

"Like in James Bond. Okay, M. About the spell."

"Not here. I'll give you my address and you meet me there in an hour, okay?"

"Okay. We need to check in and grab a bite anyway."

M takes both of Deerdra's hands into her own, "This is such an honor. I'll see you in an hour. Goodbye."

They watch her practically sprint away from them. Deerdra asks, "What's up with her?"

Gabrielle nudges her, "We have a fan."

Deerdra chuckles, "Seriously? I guess that means she won't be turning us down then."

They check into their room, nothing fancy, but nice, then grab a quick lunch before heading back out of town. They pull up to a two-story farm house.

Gabrielle comments on the houses' location, "That's a nice house out in the middle of nowhere. Oh, our fan awaits!"

Deerdra parks and unbuckles, "Be nice."

M. waves, "Come in. Come in. I'm glad you came. I was beginning to think I had imagined the whole thing. You know how origin stories can get spiced up to make them more interesting."

Gabrielle turns to Deerdra, "Origin story?"

Deerdra replies, "Margret wrote a lot of the spells that are used today."

"Really? How do you fit in?"

M. chimes in, "Oh, she and Margret-."

Deerdra cuts her off, "Can we discuss the spell now?" Deerdra hands her the scroll.

M. reads through it, "Time travel." She looks at Gabrielle, "So that's how you're here."

Deerdra asks, "Can you do it?"

"Hmm. With the strength of you and your family channeled through my mother's crystal-yes, it can be done."

"Great. Does that mean we don't have to do or find anything special?" Deerdra asks.

"No. Did she write this?" She asks in a quiet reverential tone.

"It kind of looks like her handwriting, but I'm not sure. Is the spell really that simple?"

"Yes. It's really that simple. Whoever wrote it wanted as few a problems as possible."

Gabrielle joins in, "And you believe it's safe?"

"Well, as Deerdra can attest. No spell is perfect. This one will wipe Gabrielle's memory clean when she arrives back in her time."

That's what Deerdra wanted to know. "She won't remember anything from this time?"

"You may have dreams you don't understand, Gabrielle. Or have a strong feeling about something or someone." She glances at Deerdra. "Or even occasional Deja Vu. But you won't remember anything specific."

Deerdra smiles, "Well, then. I have a phone call to make." She whips out her cellular phone.

Gabrielle teases, "I wondered what was in your pants pocket."

Deerdra chuckles, "It's a portable phone, nut. Excuse me." She goes outside for privacy.

M. isn't sure what to say. She opts for some small talk. "It must be quite a shock to see how everything has changed over the centuries."

"Oh, it is. I wouldn't mind taking some of this electricity back with me. The biggest surprise is the change I see in Deerdra."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. In my time, she's happy and playful. She had a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. And now when I look in her eyes, all I see is sadness. And she's way more serious."

"Well, she has seen and survived many terrible things in her long life. It may have started with Margret's death."

"Deerdra was with her when she died? Of course she was. They were flirting like crazy when we were at her house. How did she die?"

M lets out a sad sigh, "They were burned at the stake."

Gabrielle's jaw drops, "They were burned alive? Why would Deerdra let ...? Wow."

"The story that's told is that it was either because of Margret's witchcraft or their relationship."

Deerdra startles them, "It was part of one and most of the other."

Gabrielle spins around. "Deerdra! I"m so sorry you had to go through that."

"That's all right. You see, some egotistical jackass had his pride hurt so he turned the townspeople against us. It had very little to do with witchcraft and a lot to do with people's fears."

Gabrielle's heart breaks for her. "The pain must have been unbearable."

"It was, but that's in the past. I'd rather concentrate on the here and now."

"I agree. So, who did you call?"

"Mike. Since we have a few days to kill, I want to take you on a little trip."

Gabrielle gets excited, "Where are we going now?"

Deerdra grins, "Well, we never did make it to Paris. Although, we do only have five days. How does Greece and Italy sound?"

Gabrielle smiles, "Like an adventure."

"Then Greece it is! I'll make the hotel happy and cancel our room, then we're off!" Deerdra shakes M.'s hand, "I know I'm asking a lot from you and I am grateful. After the spell is completed, ask for practically anything and it's yours."

"It's me who is grateful and honored to help out two living legends such as you two. If it's alright, I'd like my daughter Tara to be at the spell casting."

"Is she a Wicca as well?" Gabrielle asks.

"Yes, but she's just learning how to control her powers."

"Then she's very welcome. Thank you again." Deerdra says and Gabrielle agrees.

They get settled on the jet. Gabrielle still has questions. "Why were you so surprised that the spell was so easy?"

"Just about all of them have some sort of counter. A Yin and Yang if you will. This one-Oh, that's it."

"What?"

"The Yin is you being here, safe. The Yang is Xena and me in the past. I didn't want to upset you, but I have had a memory flash. The portal allowed the demons to see my future and they want to prevent it from happening. So, for as long as you are here, Xena and I get to fight those demons until you return."

Deerdra was right, Gabrielle isn't happy with her, "Why didn't you...? I have to go back, now!"

"You can't. Not for five days."

"Five days. Five days I get to worry. Thanks a lot."

"That's why I didn't tell you. I wanted you to enjoy the peace and quiet while you could. Lord knows you've earned it."

"How can I enjoy all this knowing Xena is in danger because of me, again?"

"She's in danger because of me. We both are. You could have some faith in our fighting skills, you know."

"I know. It just doesn't seem fair."

"Hence the dangers of magic."

They don't say much on this flight. Gabrielle's thoughts and emotions go back and forth between worrying about Xena and having a good time with Deerdra. She is curious about Deerdra's past, but if it's as bad as what happened to Margret, she isn't sure if she should ask or even if she wants to know.

Deerdra, on the other hand is absorbing every detail and every moment she spends with Gabrielle. She knows these five days will fly by and fully intends to live each day to the fullest. She has come to the conclusion that the gods want her to get close to Gabrielle in this time. She just doesn't know why nor does she care.

After a while, exhaustion takes over and the women curl up on the couch. (It doesn't fold out). Deerdra lays behind Gabrielle, her arm draped over her waist. They nod off to dreamland, resting up for their next 'adventure'.

PAST: It's the same day. Xena's leg is still numb.

Deerdra attempts to be nice. She asks Xena, "Do you need anything?"

Xena holds her sarcasm, "No, I'm fine."

"Good. I think I'll take a nap before the next attack." She sprawls out on her blanket, "Ah, It's good to be immortal."

Xena mumbles and grumbles under her breath. Deerdra can hear her fiddling with something, but isn't curious enough to open her eyes to see what she's doing, until she hears a twig snap. Her eyes spring open. It's just Xena. She's adjusting the length of a stick. Deerdra tells her, "We could strap that to your leg to free up your hands."

Xena stops and considers her idea, "Yeah, one on either side, like a brace."

Leaves crinkle, breaking up the pleasantry fest.

Deerdra helps Xena to her feet, "After we deal with this."

Both women grab their weapons and wait. With each rustle, the warrior's anxiety levels rise. Just as they reach the point of bursting, there's one final rustle and out pops-a deer. A doe to be precise.

The women remain frozen. Deerdra states the obvious, "That's a deer."

Xena's not relaxing just yet, "Yeah and what else?"

Deerdra looks up in time to see a Harpy barreling down on them. "Harpy!" She nudges Xena to the ground and slices the flying demon's underbelly. It screeches and crashes into the trees. It's attack wasn't for naught, unfortunately. It's talons opened a sizable gash across her left shoulder, exposing muscle and bone. Deerdra cries out in pain and drops to one knee. She attempts to block out the pain, but it isn't an easy thing to do with blood spurting in her face each time her heart beats.

Xena, still on the ground yells out, "Deerdra! You have to get up!"

She answers with a weak, "I'm coming."

Now the Harpies smell blood. Four more move in on Deerdra. Xena grabs her Chakram, "I don't think so."

With a flick of her wrist, the Chakram flies, tearing through all four. More Harpies join in. Xena yells at Deerdra again, "We're not alone!"

Deerdra pushes herself up to her feet and with her arm limp beside her, makes her way over to Xena and extends her good hand to help her up. Xena has another way of getting up. While seated, she raises her arms then quickly and with much force brings them down. She uses the momentum to flip forward and land on her good leg. She teeters a bit, but Deerdra is close enough to steady her.

Deerdra is in excruciating pain, but of course has time to comment, "You just had to show off, didn't you?"

"Yeah, well, I got tired of waiting for you to drag yourself over here." She grimaces at Deerdra's wound, "Are you gong to be able to fight?"

"I can if you can-if we wrap my arm up before I bleed to death."

Xena rips the sleeve off Deerdra's arm and tightens it above the gash, "You needed a new shirt anyway. That should do for now. Let me take care of these overgrown mosquitoes then I'll finish dressing your wound."

Deerdra has lost too much blood. Her knees buckle. Xena sets her down, propping her up against a rock. The Harpies screech with delight. They've almost completed their mission...they think. Xena grabs her Chakram and whirls around, but doesn't throw it yet. The Harpies back off, they know what the round thing can do. Xena smiles, pleased. She faces away from them then hurls the Chakram. The Harpies are confused. Do the humans have a death wish? No matter. They regroup and fly straight for Xena. Xena crosses her arms, defiant. Unbeknownst to the Harpies, the Chakram changes course and heads right for them. Xena takes one step to the left. The Chakram zooms past her and nails the Harpies, slicing off their heads slicker than snot. Xena catches her Chakram then turns her attention back to Deerdra.

She kneels next to Deerdra, "It looks like they're gone for the day."

Deerdra is fading fast. Barely conscious, she slowly slides sideways. Her head comes to rest on Xena's hip, "I was wrong. That is handy."

Xena lays Deerdra's head down then puts her ear to her chest to try and hear a heartbeat. There's a faint beat. Not strong at all.

Deerdra's not quite out of it. She teases Xena, "Don't... get...fresh," then enters dreamland.

Xena sits back on her heels, "I don't know what to make of you. You want to kill me. Then you save my life. Do I trust you or don't I? Guess I'm just going to have to take my chances. We do have one thing in common, though. We both want Gabrielle back." She examines Deerdra's arm. "That's looking pretty bad. Maybe if I cover it with something slick and skin-like you'll heal faster." She looks around, "Hmm." She sees the solution and grins.

Evening arrives with no more attacks and with Xena back on two good legs. She's sitting at the campfire and enjoying a meal of roasted Harpy while waiting for Deerdra recover.

What was her solution? She cut the wing off a Harpy and wrapped it around Deerdra's arm fastening it with Deerdra's other sleeve. For fun, she fashioned the Harpy's arm in the wrap so when Deerdra moves, the hand will wave at her.

After what seems like an eternity, Deerdra begins to stir. Xena leans back and enjoys the show.

As Deerdra wakes, so does her arm. She yells out feeling the residual pain and starts to rub her arm only to run across something a bit scaly and slick. She opens her eyes all the way and sees the Harpy's hand waving at her. Thinking she's been caught, she grabs her sword and jumps to her feet. She spins around and around looking for the enemy. All she sees is Xena sitting by the fire with her hand to her face hiding a huge grin.

Xena plays it cool, "Oh, you're awake. I saved you some dinner."

Deerdra rips the hand off and throws it at her, "Not funny!"

"It gave me a laugh. Need a hand unwrapping your arm?" Xena waves the shriveled appendage at her.

Deerdra's still miffed, "No, I can get it." She moves her arm up, down and around working the stiffness out. She grabs a hunk of meat then sits down. "I gather it's been quiet around here?"

"Yep. Maybe you should die more often."

"Har, har. I suppose I should thank you for bandaging my arm."

"It was nothing. You did the same for me."

"I guess that means we're even now."

"I suppose it does. Probably the first of many the way things are going."

"Yeah, about that." Deerdra takes a deep breath, "What do you say we call a truce until Gabrielle comes back. I won't try to kill you and you don't try and retaliate."

Xena wipes her hands, "That's fine with me."

Deerdra reaches out so they can shake on it, "We can still speak our minds, though."

Xena agrees, "Oh, that's a given."

"Good. Since you missed out on keeping watch last night you can tonight." Deerdra lays back on her blanket, "Dying sure takes a lot out of you." Her turn to roll over with a grin on her face while Xena grumbles.

CONTINUED