Xena and Ephiny stood by Gabrielle's bed as both were momentarily stunned completely speechless by Gabrielle's announcement. Finally Ephiny was the first to snap out of her shocked state and spoke.

EPHINY

Did you just say you're picking Xena to take your place as queen?

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) I'm sorry Ephiny. I thought you didn't want to be queen.

EPHINY

It's not that. I don't. I'm just surprised that you chose Xena is all.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Why.

XENA

(Stern tone) Because it's a bad idea.

Gabrielle and Ephiny looked at Xena. Xena sighed as she realized that she had taken a much rougher tone then she intended to. The stress of everything was wearing on her and Gabrielle's decision had taken Xena completely off guard. Xena took Gabrielle's hand.

XENA

Sorry I didn't mean it like that, I just don't think you're thinking clearly right now. I think you should wait to make such a big decision like this.

Gabrielle looked at Ephiny.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Ephiny could you give me and Xena a moment to talk?

EPHINY

Sure. Take your time. I'll be outside if you need anything.

Ephiny gave Xena a supportive squeeze on her shoulder as she walked by and left the room, shutting the door behind her. Now with only Gabrielle and herself in the room, Xena tried to sort through the multiple thoughts that were racing through her head. After a moment Gabrielle decided to start.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Xena...

XENA

I won't do it.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Xena...

XENA

(Stern tone) No.

Xena stood up and walked to the foot of the bed as she folded her arms across her chest and looked out the window, avoiding eye contact.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Xena please. Just look at me.

Xena let out a defeated sigh and turned to face Gabrielle.

XENA

Gabrielle have you seriously thought through what you're doing?

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Do you really think I would make such a big decision like this on a whim.

XENA

You have been known to be impulsive at times.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) I'm serious Xena. I'm not the same girl that made those choices before thinking things through. I thought you saw that.

XENA

I know. I just... Gabrielle I really don't think this is a good idea. Besides why plan for something that isn't going to happen.

Gabrielle held out her hand, gesturing for Xena to come to her. Reluctantly Xena walked back over to Gabrielle as she sat on the edge of the bed and took Gabrielle's hand.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Xena I heard you and the healers talking. I already know I'm dying.

XENA

You are not going to die.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) I know it's hard to hear but you have to accept it. We're not immortal. We're both gonna die at some point. And you know people like us who run towards danger instead of away from it don't tend to live very long lives. My time is just gonna be sooner than we exspected.

Xena couldn't fight the tears as they fell. Knowing deep down that what Gabrielle was saying was true.

XENA

Gabrielle. I can't.I need you.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) I love you Xena. You're gonna be just fine without me. You'll have Aurora. Our beautiful girl.

XENA

But giving me your right of caste. Gabrielle you know I can't become queen of the Amazon's. It should go to Ephiny. Or someone else who's more deserving.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) This is actually something I've thought about this for a while now. I just never found a good time to bring it up.

XENA

But why me? I'm not an Amazon.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Maybe not technically, but you've done so much for the Amazon's. Plus I wasn't one before I became an Amazon princess.

XENA

This is different and you know it. You know about my history with the Amazon's. The horrific things I did to them. I'm one of the last people who should ever be given an Amazonian title of any kind. Especially queen.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) You can't hold yourself hostage to your past for the rest of your life Xena.

XENA

Yes, I can. And I deserve much worse.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) You know I don't like it when you talk like that. You're not that person who did those things anymore.

XENA

Maybe not but it still doesn't change what I've done.

Gabrielle took a labored deep breath.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Look I'm not gonna waste what little time I have left trying to convince you that you can leave your past behind you. I already know I won't get anywhere. But I stand by my decision regardless.

XENA

Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Please Xena. I know you don't think so, but I can't think of anyone who would be better suited to rule over the Amazon's. You've done so much good for the Amazon's since I've known you. You know even more about Amazonian culture than I do. Plus with your vast knowledge in so many areas I know you can lead the Amazon's to be even better.

XENA

You're really serious about this aren't you?

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Yes. Plus think about it Xena, wouldn't it be nice to raise Aurora somewhere safe. And around people who love her.

XENA

I guess I can't argue with you there.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) And once she's old enough if you still don't like being queen, you can give the title to her.

Xena sighed knowing that Gabrielle was making a lot of good points. Especially when it came to giving Aurora a stable home. But she still didn't like the idea of becoming queen for multiple reasons.

XENA

I don't know Gabrielle. You say I should let go of what happened in the past, but even if I did I'm not the only one who remembers all the crimes I've committed against the Amazon's. I just don't think they'd accept me as their queen.

EPHINY

Well if it matters any, you'd have my support.

Xena looked over her shoulder to see Ephiny walking back in the room.

EPHINY

Sorry I just wanted to check in and couldn't help but over hear.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) It's okay.

XENA

What do you think about this?

EPHINY

I trust Gabrielle's judgment. Plus I've known you long enough to know that if you put your mind to something, there really isn't anything you can't do.

XENA

(Sarcasm) Thanks for the pep talk.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) So it's settled then. Ephiny how exactly would Xena becoming queen work? When I became an Amazon I didn't became queen until later, after Melossa died.

EPHINY

Well providing she accepts, it wouldn't really be different from when you were crowned. Well minus that drama with Valassca.

GABRIELLE

(Weak/ Sarcastic tone) Don't remind me.

Gabrielle brushed away the memory of the drama involving Valassca during her crowning ceremony. Briefly wondering how she still didn't see Valassca's betrayal and attempt to take her place as queen coming before returning her focus to Ephiny as she continued her explanation.

EPHINY

You would first give your right of caste to Xena, thus giving your title to her. Then like with you we would hold an official crowning. And that's pretty much it.

XENA

Have you ever thought that your people make it far too easy for someone to take control of the throne?

EPHINY

Oh please give us some credit Xena. The majority of people still have to accept whoever's named queen.

XENA

That's what I'm afraid of.

Gabrielle gave a weak smile.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) I know they will.

Xena returned her attention to Gabrielle.

XENA

You're really sure about this?

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) I don't wanna make you feel like you're being forced into anything. So if you really don't wanna do this I'll give the title to Ephiny. But I really think you could do so much good as queen Xena. I know you have reservations and I understand why. But I know this will be a good thing for both you and the Amazon's.

Xena felt a tear escape her eye.

XENA

How can losing you possibly be good for anyone?

Gabrielle reached up and gently wiped away the tear before resting her hand on Xena's cheek.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Come on Xena we've seen it plenty of times. That good things can come from something painful.

Xena was silent for a moment.

XENA

Okay I'll do it. But just promise me you'll keep fighting until the end.

Gabrielle smiled.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Don't worry I have no intention of leaving you any sooner than I have to. I love you Xena.

XENA

I love you too Gabrielle. Always.

Xena took Gabrielle's hand from her cheek and kissed it before holding it tightly in her hands. Ephiny decided to take the tender moment between Xena and Gabrielle as her cue to leave.

EPHINY

I'm gonna go. I have work to do to prepare for Xena's coronation. I'll stop by later to see how your doing.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) See you later.

XENA

See ya.

Ephiny left. Xena sat bedside unsure of what to say or do. Sure she and Gabrielle have faced deadly situations numerous times, but this time felt different. Maybe because there was no adrenaline coursing through Xena's veins. No immediate threat that she could just cut down with her sword. She couldn't protect Gabrielle from this kind of enemy. Time and death. For all of Xena's numerous skills, she was forced to admit that there were just some things that even she couldn't do. Gabrielle was dying and there was nothing Xena could do to change that. Xena was pulled from her painful thoughts as Gabrielle got her attention.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Xena?

Xena looked at her.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Can you take me home?

XENA

I don't think that's a good idea. It's better if you stay here where we have everything that can help you.

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) Xena we both know nothing here is gonna do me much good now. Please I just wanna be in our own house, our own bed, with you and our daughter.

XENA

I don't know what if you have trouble breathing or get a fever again? Or something else?

Gabrielle smiled

GABRIELLE

(Weak tone) You're the best healer I know. I'm confident that I'll be in very capable hands. So please just take me home.

Xena knew that she couldn't refuse Gabrielle anything. Especially not now.

XENA

Okay Gabrielle. Let's go home.

After talking to the healers and gathering some medical things she might need, Xena carried Gabrielle to their house. After releaving Skyla of babysitting duty, Xena tended to Aurora before putting her to bed. Then she got in bed with Gabrielle holding her close as Xena felt the reality of what her life was about to become. Xena layed in bed that night unable to sleep feeling her heart breaking. As the sun began to set on the rule of one queen and dawn on another.

TO BE CONTINUED...