XENA
Come on Gabrielle, just breathe.
Xena continued to try and get Gabrielle to breathe again after she had begun having a difficult time getting air, before she had suddenly stopped breathing completely.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Why is this happening? Did the infection somehow spread to her lungs? How? She seemed to be getting better. Damn it! Breathe!
Xena kept going for several minutes. Until after what felt like so much longer Gabrielle gasped as she finally took a deep breath and began breathing on her own again. Though it was still labored, Xena was beyond relieved that Gabrielle was breathing again. Xena held Gabrielle's face in her hands as she tried to gently wake her.
XENA
Gabrielle, can you hear me?
Gabrielle didn't respond as she still seemed to struggle to inhale enough oxygen.
XENA
That's it I'm getting to the bottom of what's going on.
With that Xena picked Gabrielle up and carried her downstairs and outside. She quickly looked around for the nearest person to watch Aurora. Xena spotted the small group of Ephiny, Skyla and Willow. She hastily walked over. Seeing Xena the three immediately became concerned when they noticed Gabrielle in her arms.
EPHINY
Xena what's wrong?
XENA
I don't know. But I need one of you to watch Aurora while I deal with this.
SKYLA
I'll go watch her for you.
Before anyone could say anything more Gabrielle gasped again as she struggled for air.
SKYLA
Go, I'll head to the house.
Xena gave a quick nod and hurried to the healers building with Ephiny and Willow following close behind. Xena entered the infermery with a kick to the door, not waiting for anyone to open it for her. Hearing the loud thud of the door smacking the wall, the village's main healer jumped slightly before sighing to herself. Already knowing the only person who made such a ruckus every time they came in was Xena. Leaving the healer with mixed feelings towards her. The healer didn't look up from the paper she was looking over as she spoke.
HEALER
Hi Xena. I'd say help yourself to whatever you need but I know you already will.
Xena didn't even hear the passive-aggressive comment as she carried Gabrielle to the nearest bed and got to work. Willow got right to work as well with helping Xena with anything she needed. Meanwhile Ephiny stood in front of the healers desk as she slammed her hands down in front of her, startling the woman who finally looked up from her paper and saw a very unhappy look on Ephiny's face.
HEALER
What?
EPHINY
(Irritated tone) You would think you'd be more concerned when someone barges in here like that. Especially when it involves your queen.
Ephiny saw an immediate look of concerned appear on the healers face.
HEALER
Something's wrong with Gabrielle again?
EPHINY
(Irritated tone) Maybe you should get up and go find out.
The healer felt ashamed that she had let her annoyance with Xena at times take away from her focus and duty to help those who came in when Xena was around. She pushed down her wounded pride as she stood up and moved to see what was happening. Meanwhile Xena and Willow were already giving Gabrielle a thorough examination as Xena filled Willow in on Gabrielle's symptoms. Overhearing the conversation the healer gave her own imput as she joined them. The three worked tirelessly as Ephiny waited silently nearby becoming increasingly concerned about her queen and friend. It took some time but eventually it was discovered that the infection Gabrielle had come down with had spread to her lungs and other parts of her body. It also seemed to be resistant to the remedy that she had been given. Which ment that they had to try and find something that would hopefully work. Finally after some time Gabrielle's breathing seemed to somewhat improve. In the sense that she wasn't gasping for every breath. Though it was still clearly difficult. And she still had a fever which was also concerning if it didn't go down soon. Finally Gabrielle layed in bed in the infermery asleep as Xena, Ephiny, Willow and the healer spoke.
HEALER
I think it's best if Gabrielle stays here for a while so we can keep an eye on her better.
XENA
I agree. This way if something else happens I don't have to waste time bringing her back here again.
EPHINY
Is she gonna be okay?
HEALER
It's hard to say right now.
Xena glared at the healer for a moment not wanting to even consider the possibility that Gabrielle wouldn't recover.
XENA
(Stern tone) She's going to be fine.
HEALER
Xena I know you don't wanna hear it, but as much as I really hate to admit it you probably know more than I do when it comes to medical know how. So you know that it doesn't look good for Gabrielle.
XENA
You just said it yourself you don't know what I know. And that includes Gabrielle. She's a fighter, she's gotten through worse. She'll get through this too.
Xena didn't say anything else as she walked over and sat on the edge of the bed next to Gabrielle as she switched the cloth that was on Gabrielle's forehead for a fresh one that was soaked in cool water to try and keep Gabrielle's fever down. Meanwhile the healer silently motioned for Ephiny to follow her out of the room. Once away from Xena the healer spoke.
HEALER
Obviously Xena doesn't want to accept this but maybe since you two are friends she'll listen to you.
EPHINY
Is it really that bad?
HEALER
Unfortunately yes. I don't know how it got this way but Gabrielle's not in good shape at all. She was injured badly, which ment that her body had already taken a massive amount of trauma and was working hard to recover. But now with this infection... I know Gabrielle is stronger than alot of people give her credit for, but this might just be too much for her to fight. Especially given the state she's in.
EPHINY
You really think Gabrielle might die?
HEALER
I want to be wrong, but yes.
EPHINY
Gabrielle's been lucky so far when things have looked bad before.
HEALER
True but how long until that luck finally runs out?
Ephiny sighed knowing that the woman had a point. There was a moment of silence as the situation sunk in. Finally Ephiny spoke.
EPHINY
Why don't you go do whatever else you have to do. I'll talk to Xena.
HEALER
Okay. Good luck Ephiny.
The healer gave Ephiny a friendly pat on the shoulder as she left knowing that she was in for a very difficult task. Xena raised her head when she heard a knock on the door, seeing Ephiny standing in the doorway.
EPHINY
You want some company?
Xena looked back down at Gabrielle who remained unconscious.
XENA
She can't die Ephiny.
Ephiny walked in and stood leaning against the wall on the other side of Gabrielle's bed across from Xena.
EPHINY
I'm guessing you heard my conversation with the healer.
XENA
Yes.
EPHINY
Then I don't need to say anything do I?
XENA
I'd rather you didn't.
The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence as the reality of her situation finally began to truly hit Xena. Unable to fight back her fears Xena lowered her head and cried. Ephiny didn't say anything as she walked over and put her hand on Xena's shoulder giving what little comfort she could, but knowing that there wasn't really anything she could do to ease the pain that Xena must've been feeling. After a bit Xena calmed down. She wiped away her tears as she looked at Ephiny.
XENA
What am I supposed to do without her?
EPHINY
I wish I knew what to say Xena. But I'm here for you for anything.
XENA
Thanks it means alot.
There was another moment of silence. But this time it was broken by Gabrielle who quickly groaned. Quickly both Xena and Ephiny's attention was drawn to her.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) Xena...
XENA
I'm here Gabrielle. I'm here.
Xena held Gabrielle's hand as Gabrielle noticed that she wasn't in their bedroom.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) Where are we?
XENA
You weren't doing so great so I had to bring you to the healers.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) Where's Aurora?
XENA
She's fine. Skyla's watching her.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) Okay.
Gabrielle looked over and noticed Ephiny.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) What are you doing here Ephiny?
EPHINY
I saw Xena bring you here and thought I'd see if you were okay.
Gabrielle coughed as Xena got up and rubbing her back to try and help. After a couple moments the coughing fit stopped and Xena layed Gabrielle back down. Gabrielle looked at Xena who had a sad expression in her eyes and knew that her condition must've been bad.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) I'm not doing so great am I?
Xena didn't know what to say as she looked at Gabrielle's face which looked so tired. She could almost physically feel her heart breaking as Gabrielle saw her answer in Xena's sorrowful expression. Gabrielle took Xena's hand and lightly squeezed it.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) It's okay Xena.
Silent tears began streaming down Xena's face as Gabrielle reached up and brushed her thumb against Xena's cheek. Whipping away some of her tears.
XENA
You can't leave me like this. What about our little girl?
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) She still has you. I know with you as her mother, Aurora will grow up to be a great woman.
Gabrielle paused as she fought to take several deep breaths. She then looked at Ephiny for a moment as she thought of something else that as the Amazon queen she had to do.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) Ephiny.
Ephiny stepped forward.
EPHINY
Gabrielle before you say what I think you're going to say, just know that I never had any desire to become queen. I only accepted while you were away because we're friends and I knew it was permanent. But I just don't think I'm suited to be the full-time queen of the Amazons. I think you should consider someone else who's more qualified.
Gabrielle gave a weak smile.
GABRIELLE
(Weak/ Joking tone) If you were to ask certain people I was never qualified to be queen either.
EPHINY
I'm serious Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) I know. And I'm sorry for putting you in that position when you didn't really want it.
EPHINY
Don't be. I was more than happy to stand in for you.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) Thanks Ephiny. And you don't have to worry about being queen full-time.
EPHINY
Okay? Not that I'm complaining but if I'm not your choice of successor who is? I get that Aurora's your daughter but she's far too young yet.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) I know, which is why it's not her either.
EPHINY
Then who?
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) The person I choose to give my right of caste to is someone who I know without a doubt will always have the Amazon's best interest at heart and that I trust more than anyone else in this world. The person I know will make an amazing queen.
Gabrielle looked to her side seeing an expression of disbelief, but was still completely convinced that she was making the right decision. Not just for her or this village, but for all of the Amazon people as a whole. Regardless of what the soon to be new queen of the Amazons might think.
GABRIELLE
And that person is Xena.
TO BE CONTINUED...