Violence Disclaimer: This story depicts scenes of violence and/or their aftermath. Readers who are disturbed by its depiction may wish to read something other than this story.

Love/Sex Disclaimer: This story depicts a love/sexual relationship between two consenting adult women. If you are under 18 years of age or this type of story is illegal in the state or country in which you live, please do not read it. If depiction's of this nature disturb you, you may wish to read something other than this story.

Copyright 1998 by Mythe. All rights reserved.

Feedback: mythe_bgon@hotmail.com

This story contains a relationship between Xena and a lost love. Gabrielle is in it, but they're best friends only.

Morgana rode her mount, harder than before. I need to distance myself from Xena and those Amazons... Realizing that her steed was overly exhausted. She slowed her pace down and completely stopped. "Sorry, boy..." she whispered into his ear and got off, "We'll rest here for awhile." She led him off the trail and into the awaiting forest. She brought him to a small stream and waited as he drank from it. "There you go, boy..." Morgana praised, as she scanned the area. A throbbing sensation erupted within her mind, then began to rub her temples as to relieve the pain.

"This will do for now," she grumbled. Her glowing eyes changed to dark, almost black ones. She undid the straps to her saddle and took it off. She sat it down and began to set up camp. Morgana's head commenced to throb again. Sierra's soul tried to gain control over her possessed body. "Oh, no you don't!" Morgana roared and successfully shoved her further into the darkness.

"GET OUT OF MY BODY, MORGANA!!!"

"No way, I'm having to much fun with it!"

"You won't win..."

"Oh, but I already have..."

MEANWHILE

"Can we take a break?" Gabrielle whined, then held onto Xena's waist for dear life.

Xena grumbled, "I guess..." She slowed Argo down and suggested, "Argo needs a rest, anyway."

"Xena, I think we all could use a rest!" she sighed, then climbed off of Argo and stretched out.

Xena climbed off too and scanned the area for Sierra's tracks. She's not covering her tracks at all... "I would think Morgana would be smarter than that," as she shook her head. Sierra's behind this...she wanted me to follow. "Fight her, Sierra..." She examined the ground for tracks, then revealed, "She's half a day ahead of us."

"Only, half a day?" "Yes...lets make camp," Xena turned to Argo and proceeded to take off her saddle. "I'm sorry that I rode you hard today," she whispered and continued, "I didn't want to lose Sierra again."

Argo neighed and bobbed her head in acknowledgment.

"Thank you, girl..." she sat her saddle down and commenced to brush her.

Gabrielle came back with a stack full of branches. She laid them down next to the fire and sat down. "Xena, we'll get her back..." she smiled.

"I know..." Xena glanced over at her. "I'm going to find us dinner," she grinned, then entered the dark forest.

An idea formed within her mind as she watched her leave. "Oh!" she gasped, then grabbed her bag of scrolls and pulled out a fresh one. "Sierra's life would be a great story..." she declared and began to write it out, "I hope she wouldn't mind."

"I'd think she would be honored, little one..." Artemis's gentle voice echoed through the wind.

Gabrielle's startled, then inquired, "Who's out there?"

A bright light appeared before her. "It's only me," Artemis stated, then stepped out from the light, "You have nothing to worry about, little one..."

"I'm so sorry, Artemis!" she fell to one knee, then bowed her head. "It was just..."

"Don't worry about that..." smiled Artemis, then gazed over their campsite for Xena. "Is Xena around?"

"Yeah...she went hunting," she got up, then pointed towards the forest.

"Thank you," Artemis turned, then entered her forest.

"Your welcome," Gabrielle grinned back, then sat back down and continued to write. This is going to rock...Fourteen winters ago, a young warrior named Sierra...

Xena's crouched in some bushes observing a rather large rabbit munching away on some grass. She slowly pulled out her chakram and flung towards their dinner. It decapitated the rabbit, bounced off a rock, ricocheted off a tree trunk and flew into her awaiting hand. She grinned and walked over to the rabbit. Then picked it up and began to get a feeling of someone watching her. "SHOW YOURSELF!" Xena ordered, as she held up her chakram.

Artemis stepped out from behind a tree and greeted, "Hello, Xena.."

"Artemis?" she recognized, then put her chakram away.

"I see, your putting the chakram to good use."

"Well, you know..." she smiled, then held up the rabbit. "So, what can I do for you?"

"I want you to save my baby."

"I know," Xena nodded and commenced to clean the rabbit.

"I know my brother..." Artemis sighed. Her beautiful eyes showed the sadness within them. "Which means..."

"We don't have much time!" she finished, then hung the rabbit up.

"Before, he changes her life forever..." she advised, then sat down on a large rock. "He's been after her ever since she was little," Artemis revealed and added further, "I've done my best to protect her..."

"Sierra, is a very strong woman..." Xena illustrated, then sat down next her. "I don't think you have anything to worry about there." "I know...she takes it from her father's side!" she gently grinned and whispered, "Along with many other skills..."

"Huh?" Xena raised an eyebrow to the last statement. I wonder what she meant by that comment... Artemis broke from the thought of her babies father. A very handsome man wearing black leathers...dark hair and eyes...those eyes. "Anyway, her body's possessed by an evil entity."

Xena lowered her head, "Morgana..."

"Yes, but...there's something else..." Artemis sighed and continued, "She's been trying to conjure this evil entity for some time now. Before your battle...she's been unsuccessful in doing so. Until now...."

"How?"

She lowered her head too, "She needs a an Immortal or a god to release it...but, it's forbidden for a god to do so."

"Sierra..." Xena shook her head.

Artemis took a deep breathe and exhaled, "Yes..."

"Tell me about this Entity?"

"The Ancient One...an evil that's been around since the beginning of time itself."

"I've never heard of this Ancient..." Xena stated.

"The Titans entombed it, because it became a god. Its powers were too great for them to control anymore. It's a secret that the gods only whispered about and rarely talk about."

"What kind of powers?"

"When it kills, it takes the mortal's soul and so it grows. The more souls it possesses, the more power it has!" revealed Artemis.

"How do we stop it?"

"Well...the Ancient One, has the powers of a god. So, if it's released..."

"The only way you can kill a god...is hyndes blood."

"And to do so, you must stop..."

"Morgana..." Xena whispered, then turned to Artemis, "Before she releases it!"

"Yes," Artemis nodded, "Just don't hurt my only child..."

"You know I wouldn't...there's another way."

"Alas, if we fail. Our world..." she gestured around her and continued, "as we know it, will be one of pure darkness and evil." Artemis turned to Xena and stated further, "That is why Ares, is helping her. He thinks he can control the Ancient One." Then ran her fingers through her long hair and finished her story, "But, he's so blinded that he doesn't see the whole picture."

"Which is?

"That its only desire is to destroy...gods...mortals...this world and anything else that gets in it's way!" Artemis decreed.

"I won't let that happen..."

"I know...Ares has all the cards."

"Well, not all..." retorted Xena as a sly smirk began to form.

Artemis turned her gaze to Xena and probed further, "Do you have a plan?"

"Yes..."

MEANWHILE

Sierra broke down the final barrier that Morgana had built within her body. There's another darker entity that's surrounding Morgan's soul. One that seemed to be in control of her...I've got to get them out!

Morgana sat in front of her fire, as she sharpened her sword. A familiar presence was felt within her gut. "Ares..."

"Good evening..." he greeted, then appeared in front of her, "How's the new body?"

"Just fine..." Morgana replied and put her sword away, "she's in great shape." She began to flexed her biceps, then stretched.

"Just, don't damage it!" Ares warned.

"Why?" she inquired, then glared over at him. "Does she mean something to you?"

"Yes, lets just say...I have an interest in her."

"What could that be?"

"It's none of your business!" he bellowed.

"Ouch!" Morgana sighed, "That hurt..."

"I want to remind you of our deal."

"I know...your new way," she gestured, then took a sip from her wine skin. "I won't forget it...I've got a few things I have to do first." I've found my sacrifice, Ancient one...she's young and innocent...

"NO! LEAVE HER OUT OF THIS!" SIERRA WARNED.

"Be quite!" she grumbled, "The blond will do nicely..."

"What?"

"Never mind, nothing that concerns you, yet..."

"Fine..."

"But, there are a few things that I could use..."

"What?" Ares impatiently waited for her response.

"Give me an army...for starters," the glowing desire for power formed within her devious mind.

"NO!!!" Sierra roared from her prison.

"SHUT UP!" Morgana shouted, then rubbed her temples.

Noticing her discomfort and grinned, "Having problems with Sierra?"

"Nothing you have to worry about..."

"Don't underestimate her," Ares decreed, as he disappeared "She possesses many talents."

MEANWHILE Xena returned with their dinner. She stopped at the edge of camp and observed Gabrielle writing. I've been taking all my frustrations out on her...I have to stop. "Dinners up," she gestured.

"Xena!" Gabrielle turned and noticed the rabbit, "Rabbit, yummy!" Then took the rabbit, skewered it and placed it over the fire to cook.

"Gabrielle, I'm so sorry..."

"Don't worry," Gabrielle smiled, "The love of your life is in trouble."

"I know, but I had no reason too-"

"Xena, it's all right..." she laid her hand on her arm, "really."

Xena nodded and grinned, "Thank you..."

"No problem," she smiled back, then sat down.

"What are you working on?"

"Oh, I'm writing a scroll about Sierra's life..." she youthfully grinned at this test of her ability. "Since, you know more than I do....do you mind if I ask you some questions about her?"

"Sure, go head..." Xena replied, as she pulled her sword out. Then sat across from her and began to sharpen her sword.

"So, who's Sierra's father?"

"She's never really talked about him..."

"Nothing?"

"Nope..." Xena shook her head. There was a rumor that some of the Amazons had said. "well, I heard a rumor..."

"What?"

"That he was a Warrior that fell in battle...trying to save one of Artemis's temples."

"Really?"

"So, they say...Artemis fell in love with him as he lay there dying in her arms. He expressed to her, that he was the last of his family. Furthermore, he revealed that he never experienced true love, nor the love of a child...which he always dreamed of having, but never had time for. Alas, he decreed the only love he had was for nature...."

"How sad," Gabrielle wiped a tear from her sad eyes, then turned the rabbit over.

"Artemis fell even more for him..." she sighed, " then gave him what he desired the most," Xena stopped sharpening her sword, then stared into the fire.

"What?"

"A real love and a daughter..." she smiled. The thought of infant Sierra...Oh, how cute she would be...gods! What am I thinking!

"That's so romantic!" Gabrielle expressed and apologized, "Sorry, not his death of course...but of what love could do!"

"Yes, but like I said...it could be just a tall tale," she shrugged and finished sharpening her sword. "If you want the truth, you'll have to ask Sierra yourself."

"I will..."

LATER THAT EVENING

Sierra noticed that her cell door was ajar and stepped out. "Finally, she's let her guard down...Drinking to much was always her weakness!" She gained control over her body and began to feel the buzz of wine... "Thank the gods, she doesn't know I can drink like a fish!" she laughed, "Ahhh...it feels so good to be back in control..." she remembered Morgana's plan, "I've got to warn her! I know Xena will be following my tracks. She shouldn't be too far, I hope..." Then bolted into the forest in search of her lover.

A FEW CANDLEMARKS LATER

Xena suddenly, woke from her light sleep, as the fire crackled loudly. She threw another branch into the fire and glanced over at her best friend. At least one of us will have a good nights rest... She got up, then proceeded to do another perimeter check.

Sierra entered the camp, and noticed Gabrielle sleeping soundly. "I won't let anything happen to you, my Queen..." A sharp pain erupted throughout her head. She fell to her knees in pain and groaned, "Not now...."

Xena paused at a large boulder and sat down. She scanned the valley, as the Moon's rays shined upon it. "This is so, beautiful..." she sighed. I wish Sierra was here to enjoy this view...she would just love it! "Not as beautiful as you are..."

Xena turned and noticed Sierra standing a few feet from her. "Sierra!" she leapt off the boulder and hugged her tightly. Then kissed her on the cheek and whispered, "I've missed you, lover."

"And I of you," she replied with a grin and remembered, "I've got to warn you-"

Xena placed her finger on her lips, "Shh..." She pulled her towards her awaiting lips and gently kisses them. Suddenly, the kiss turned passionate and hard, as they fell into one another. Nothing else mattered now, except the loving touch of one another.

Sierra's mind clouded and became dark, "No..." she groaned and pulled away. "Xena...you have to listen me," Sierra decreed, then raised her hands up.

"What?" Xena gasps, as she tried to gain control over her hunger.

"I don't have much time..." Sierra explained, as another sharp pain erupted, "NOOOO!!!" She dropped to her knees in pain and stuttered out, "S..Stay...out...of.. "

Xena rushed to her aid, "Sierra, what's happening?"

"NO!" Sierra warned, then pulled away from her again, "Stay back..."

"Let me help you."

"I don't want to hurt you," she expressed. Morgana's coming back... "Xena, she's after Gabrielle..." No...not again...

"Gabrielle, why?"

"A...sacrifice," revealed Sierra, who slowly rose to her feet.

"ENOUGH!!!" Morgana roared, as she shoved Sierra to the side.

"Fight her!" Xena ordered, then helplessly watched her lover struggle within herself. "Don't let her win!" I wish I could help you...

"I'm trying..." Sierra whispered, "I'm so tired..."

Xena noticed the exhaustion in her sad brown eyes. She finally realized that she's losing the battle, "I love you, Sierra..."

"I...love...you...too..."

Morgana struggled again and finally took control over their body. She shoved the exhausted Sierra into her prison again. Then slammed the door and locked it behind her. "Ahhh...how touching..." Morgana grumbled, as her eyes returned to black.

"Morgana..."

Morgana sighed, "The one and only!"

"Your not going to get away with this!" she warned.

"Oh, but I will...see I might have something that you hold dear," Morgana evilly grinned back.

"Gabrielle..."

"Maybe..." she shrugged and sighed, "Either way, I'm outta here!" Morgana flipped backward, then bolted into the safety of the forest.

"This isn't over!" Xena decreed, as she turned and ran back to the camp. I left her there...alone. She entered it, then noticed that Gabrielle was nowhere to be found. "NO!" Xena roared, as it echoed throughout the still night.

Morgana stopped in her tracks and listened to her cries. "I guess she knows..." she smirked, then entered a mouth of a large cave and disappeared.

"Humgh!" grunted a tied up and gagged Gabrielle.

"So, did you miss me?" Morgana asked, as she lit a torch.

The light illuminated this dark and otherwise dreary place. Gabrielle's on the floor struggling with the ropes. "Ohmph..." she replied.

"I can't understand you dear," Morgana walked up to her and ripped the gag off. "There..."

"Sierra, fight her!"

"Sierra's not here, little girl..." Morgana informed, as she roughly caressed her cheek. "Hum...your a cutie!" her lust for young flesh over powered all her other thoughts.

Gabrielle noticed this and plead, "Please, you don't want to do this!"

"Maybe..." Morgana shrugged, as she lifted Gabrielle to her feet. Then roughly sat her on a rock and lustfully smiled. "And then again, maybe I will!" she leaned over and forcefully kissed her. I can feel Gabrielle's will weakening...ah, she wants this too... Morgana broke the kiss and whispered, "So, does Xena make you feel this way?"

Gabrielle's startled and blurted out, "No! We're just friends!" God...how could I let her kiss me and I kissed her back. Xena's going have my butt...but, the raw hunger. I've never experienced that before...and she's just so damn attractive...Am I blushing?

"STOP IT!!! LEAVE HER ALONE!" roared Sierra.

"I'm just having a little fun!" Morgana innocently expressed, then ran her finger along Gabrielle's shoulder. "She's so beautiful...I just can't keep my hands off."

"Mother, please give me strength!" Sierra begged, as she kicked the cell door down and bolted. She rushed her from behind and tackled her to the ground.

Morgana's knocked to the ground by an unseen entity. "NO!!!" she yelled, then continued to struggle with Sierra.

"What the?" Gabrielle noticed Morgana struggling. Realizing with who, then began to cheer, "GET HER SIERRA!!"

MEANWHILE

Xena followed Morgana's tracks as they lead her towards the cave. She stopped and examined the area for any traps, which there are none. Suddenly, she heard Gabrielle's voice and smiled. "She's here..." Then silently entered, as she examined the shadowy room.

Gabrielle sat and continued watching Morgana's fight. "Take her out, Sierra!!!" she roared.

Morgana's thrown against the stone wall and landed on her rump. "YOU BITCH!!!" she bellowed.

"GET OUT OF MY BODY!!!" Sierra decreed, then kicked her in the gut.

"NEVER!" she retorted, then spat into her face and laughed.

Xena slowly crept up from behind, then covered Gabrielle's mouth. "Shhh..." she hushed.

Gabrielle's startled, then relaxed against her, "Xena..."

Xena pulled out her dagger, cuts the rope that tied her legs together. Then proceeded to do the same with rope that bound her wrists.

"Thanks."

"No problem..." Xena expressed, then gestured for them to go, "We'd better go.."

Gabrielle nodded and exited the cave.

Xena observed her leave and whispered, "Sierra..." She turned back to the Sierra and Morgana's fight. Fight her love! You can beat her... Then silently vacated the scene too.

Morgana kicked Sierra in the face, executed back flip in order to distance herself. "Your going to die!" she barked out, then noticed that Gabrielle's ropes were the only things left. "NO!!" she yelled and bolted after her.

Sierra blocked her path, "You'll have to get past me!"

"FINE, BY ME!" she roared, then delivered a series of punches.

She blocked them all and delivered one to her gut. This caused Morgana to double over in pain. Sierra kneed her in face, she flipped backward and landed hard on her stomach.

Morgana slowly got to her feet, then rushed at her again.

Sierra stepped out of her way, then roughly shoved her out the mouth of the cave. "That outta hurt..." she grimaced and followed her out.

Morgana landed on her face in front of Xena and Gabrielle. She slowly got up and grumbled, "Going somewhere?"

"Yeah, we're leaving!" Gabrielle retorted with a punch to her face.

A surprised Xena, "WOW...nice job!"

Morgana's head jerked to the right as she groaned in discomfort. "Stupid bitch!"

Sierra picked her up and warned, "Don't disrespect a Queen!"

A loud bellowing voice of Ares roared, "THAT'S ENOUGH!"

A bolt of lightening struck Morgana, causing Sierra's soul to be thrown from her body. Her translucence form landed a few feet from Xena and Gabrielle, then slowly got up and turned to Morgana.

Morgana bowed to his voice, "I'm sorry, Ares..."

"GET TO THE BUSINESS AT HAND!" he ordered.

"YOUR NOT TAKING BY BODY!" decreed Sierra, as she leapt towards her.

Morgana raised her hand and ball of red light struck Sierra in the chest. She flew back twenty feet, knocking her out. "Later..." she grinned, then disappeared in a flash of light along with Gabrielle.

"XENA!" Gabrielle's voice echoed.

"GABRIELLE!" Xena shouted, "Sierra..." she whispered, then tried to help her up. Her hands go right through her body and touch the ground beneath her. "What am I going to do?" she sighed.

Another bright light appeared before them as Artemis stepped out. "She needs to find a host soon..."

"Or she'll be lost forever..." Xena finished, "Where's Gabrielle?"

"Yes," Artemis replied, then knelt next to her baby. "She's with Ares...he won't touch her. If he knows what's good for him!"

"I'm ready..." Xena informed.

"Then, so be it!" she decreed and began to chant. Artemis placed her right hand on Xena's heart and with her left, she placed it over Sierra's.

A bright light engulfed her soul and transposed her into Xena's awaiting body. The force of another soul entering hers, caused her to jerk and fall.

"Are you all right?"

Xena nodded, "Yeah...I think so." She slowly sat up and felt a little woozy. "A bit nauseated...though..."

"It's your body's reaction, to another entity other than yours," Artemis revealed with a small smile, then added, "It will pass..." Her smile faded, "You have until the next full moon, to get her back to her body."

"Two days?" she sighed, then raised an eyebrow, "And after that?"

"She'll roam the earth for all of eternity and never find peace."

"I won't let that happen..." Xena decreed, as she slowly got to her feet.

Artemis rose, then caressed her cheek, "Now, rest Xena you both need it."

An overwhelming feeling of complete exhaustion over took her entire being. "Why am I suddenly, so tired..."

"Come with me my child," Artemis advised, as she wrapped her arm around her. Then suddenly they both disappear.

"Where are we going?" she inquired and yawned.

"Some place safe," Artemis revealed.

They reappear in a homely cabin. Artemis approached the fireplace, with a wave of her hand, a fire appeared. She smiled and glanced around the room, "I raised my little one up here." Memories of a five year old; a girl full of life and joy, "Mommy, guess what I found!" Sierra cried and handed her an emerald. "It's so beautiful!" Artemis replied, then picked her up. They hugged for a moment as tears of joy fell from Artemis's eyes.

"Nice," Xena grinned and scanned the room. So, this where she goes...Suddenly, visions of a little Sierra; running round the room, playing and jumping, being chased by her beautiful mother. Wow...this must be her memories. She glanced over at Artemis and noticed that she's reliving her own memories. "By the gods, your so beautiful..."

Artemis turned to her and smiled, "Why thank you, Xena."

"Your welcome," she walked past her, then entered another room. Feels like home... "Is this my room?" she inquired. Where'd that come from? Hello...she's inside of me. What's mine is hers and what's hers is mine.

"Sierra's," she nodded, "Since, she's part of you...yes it is." Artemis entered the room, then pulled down the hides for her. "Here, sleep for a while. Your going to have a very busy day ahead of you," she advised.

"Thank you, Artemis..." Xena expressed, then walked over to the bed and sat down.

"If you need anything, just call me..." she advised and left the room, "Sweet dreams, little one..." she whispered, then gently closed the door behind her.

Xena removed her boots, armor and leathers. Then hopped into bed and covered herself with the large hides. Ahhh...now this is warm... Within a moment she's fast asleep.

DREAMS Sierra lazily sat in the tall grass. Enjoying the view of a picturesque valley, without a care in the world.

Xena came up from behind her and sat down. "Hello beautiful," she whispered, then wrapped her strong arms around her and pulled her closer to her. "I've missed you..."

She turned and kissed her cheek. "I'm always with you love," she grinned. "So, how does it feel to have me within you?"

"Feels good," she purred with a smile and added, "I feel as though I'm now complete."

Sierra grinned, "Good...that's how I'm feeling now. I guess that means something..."

"It means that we're meant for one another."

"You think?"

"I know so..." Xena nodded, then leaned over and kissed her neck.

MEANWHILE

Artemis glided over to the fireplace and picked up the emerald. Your so beautiful... Oh, how are we going to get her back into her body? She carried it to a rocking chair and sat down. Her memories came flooding back to her; "It called to me," she smiled. "What did it say Sierra?" "It said..." she tried to remember the words, "Oh! That it belongs to me and one day it will..." "Go on little one," she inquired further. "bring two halves into one!" Sierra revealed with a grin.

"That's it!" exclaimed Artemis, as she disappeared.

ARES'S TEMPLE

"YOU DID WHAT?" he roared and began to pace back and forth.

"I kicked her out," Morgana yawned and stretched.

"WHY?"

"She was getting in the way!"

He stared over at her, "So? I thought you were so strong?"

Morgana shrugged, "Well, I guess I was weak then...this possession thing is a very tiring experience."

"THAT'S NO EXCUSE!"

"Well, I'm sorry then!" she sighed, then glanced over at a tied up Gabrielle.

"THIS ISN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN!" he bellowed as a ball of fire formed within his hands. He glared over at her, then threw it into the fireplace behind him. Causing the already burning fire to grow bigger and brighter. Ares tried to calm down a bit, "I wanted you to help guide her towards my way."

"I know..." she rolled her eyes, "She's a goodie two shoes!"

Gabrielle silently listened to their argument. Goodie two shoes? Where'd that come from? I wonder where Xena and Sierra are doing?

"WHAT?"

"Ares, her heart's full of goodness. I tried to-"

"ENOUGH EXCUSES!" Ares decreed, then sat down in his throne. "The deal was to break her spirit. So, I could win her over. Not to kick her soul out..."

"Why don't we get the Ancient one-"

"NO!" he barked out, then ordered, "You have one day to get her soul back into her body!"

"WHAT?" Morgana gasped and added, "That's not enough time!"

"THAT'S PLENTY OF TIME!" he retorted. She only has two days before she'll be lost forever...that's not going to happen!

"By the gods...why does she mean so much to you?"

Ares's glared over at a silent Gabrielle, then whispered, "She just does..."

"IS SHE YOUR WHORE?" she inquired further and continued, "Does she satisfy you more than all the others?"

"NO!!!" an angry Ares bellowed. Suddenly, he leapt from his throne and grabbed her by her shirt. Then brought her to his eye level and roared, "DON'T YOU EVER DISRESPECT MY DAUGHTER IN MY PRESENCE AGAIN!" His eyes turned fiery red with hatred, "DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"

Morgana nodded in agreement, "I'm sorry, Ares..."

Gabrielle's eyes bulged at the news. Ares is Sierra's father? In the name of Zeus...Of all the people...Her scroll is about to become a series...It's really not my place...but this is good material!

He dropped her as she fell to her knees. "You have one day," Ares advised, then remembered, "Only then, you shall have the sacred word in which to call forth the Ancient."

"Fine..." Morgana rose to her feet, then scowled over at Gabrielle and growled, "What about her?"

Ares turned his attention to their silent witness. "Oh, I'm going to keep her here with me. I don't want you to get any ideas of trying to conjure the Ancient without me..." he illustrated, then walked over to her. All his attention was on her now, "Now about you..."

"Please, Ares..." she begged, "I won't tell her, I promise!"

"I know..." Ares pulled her closer to him, then whispered, "Sleep...when you wake you won't remember what just took place."

"What..." she was suddenly overcome by drowsiness and yawned. Then she fell into his awaiting arms asleep.

Morgana stormed out of his temple in search of Sierra's soul. "Where am I going to find it?" Where would I go? Humm...a safe place...someone who would keep me safe... "Xena!" Who else would help me...the amazons? Yeah...but, who else? Ahh... "Artemis!" This won't be as hard as I thought! Then bolts towards the nearest temple of Artemis, which was two candle marks away.

TWO CANDLEMARKS LATER

Morgana rushed into the temple and cried out, "ARTEMIS!!!" She glanced around the room and yelled out, "WHERE ARE YOU?"

A priestess appeared in front of her. "Can I help you?" she inquired politely, then recognized who this wild woman was. "Sierra?" she smiled, "What can I do for you?"

Morgana turned to her and backhanded her. "Nothing..." she smirked and decreed, "IF YOU DON'T SHOW YOURSELF, THEN I WILL KILL YOUR PREISTESS!" She grabbed her by the throat, then placed her dagger next to her soft neck.

"Leave her be..." a soft, but commanding voice warned. A bright light appeared before her and Artemis stepped out. "What do you want?"

"Good," Morgana evilly smiled, then roughly shoved her to the side. "I want Sierra's soul..." she revealed, as she put the dagger away.

Artemis glared over at her and stated, "And I'm going to give it to you?"

"Yes."

"Yeah, right!"

Morgana turned to leave and retorted, "Well, I guess your daughter is never going to find her body in time..."

"You wouldn't do that!"

Morgana shrugged and turned to leave the temple, "You never know, what I'm going to do..."

"WAIT!" Artemis plead and sighed, "All right...I'll give her to you."

Morgana turned to her and grinned, "That's better...meet me at the ruins at dawn."

"Fine..." Artemis replied, as she lowered her head in defeat.

"Oh, if you try and trick me...I'll bolt and your never be with your precious little girl again!" she warned.

Artemis nodded in agreement and watched her leave. "Now that's done..." she whispered. A smile formed as she walked into the light and disappeared, "Now, to the second part..."

JUST BEFORE DAWN

"Where is she?" Xena sighed and began to pace.

"She'll be here..."

"I don't like this..." Xena grumbled.

"It'll be fine...my mother has it all figured out."

"I know..."

Artemis appeared before her and smiled, "Are you ready?"

Xena nodded, "Yes..." "Here take this," Artemis handed her an emerald necklace.

"What's this?"

"Go on and put it on..." gestured Artemis.

"It's the emerald...the one I found when I was little!"

"Really?" Xena examined it and felt the purity of it. Goodness...it overwhelmed my entire being... "Go on love, put it on..."

DAWN

Morgana was sitting on a stone, waiting impatiently for her guests to show. If they don't show soon...

Artemis and Xena appeared before her.

"About time..."

"I told you we'd be here," Artemis sighed.

"Where's Sierra's soul?"

"Inside me," Xena responded abruptly and stepped forward. A beautiful emerald necklace hung from her neck as it gleamed towards her.

"Good..." The necklace began to call to her. "I am yours..." it plead, "take me and I am yours." Morgana studied the emerald and smirked, "Give me that necklace!"

"Oh, this thing?" Xena retorted and held it up to her.

"YES!"

"It only leaves my presence, when Sierra's back in her body," Xena decreed, then took another step forward.

Morgana turned to Artemis and grumbled, "Let's get to it...".

"So, it shall be..." she acknowledged with a smile, "Are you ready?"

"I'll be with you soon, lover."

Xena nodded, "Yes..."

"Yes..." growled Morgana.

Artemis stepped between the two and places her hands on their chests. Be strong little one...

A ball of white light was taken from Xena's body. Her body jerked from the sensation of it being taken. I feel so torn and separated... She fell to her knees in pain and in the loss. You will always be part of me... Tears of sorrow fell from her deep blue eyes.

The ball of light traveled through Artemis's body into Morgana's. Her body jerked and spasms at the entering of this familiar entity. The pain of it's warmth caused her to fall to her knees too. "ARES IT'S DONE!!!" she cried out and glared over at Xena. "Now, hand me that necklace!" she ordered, then held out her hand.

Xena took the off the necklace and placed it in her awaiting hands. "This is far from being over..." she warned under her breathe, then rose to her feet and patiently watched her.

"Be strong, Xena..." Artemis whispered within her.

Morgana ignored her warning and stood up. She rolled her eyes and grumbled, "Whatever..." as she held up the emerald to the Sun. Then put the necklace on and felt it's warmth flowing through her body. "IT'S POWER IS NOW MINE!!!" she roared and laughed.

The emerald pulsated and glowed brighter with each beat of her heart. A soft voice whispered within her, "I shall bring together two halves..." Morgana tried to pull the necklace from her chest, but couldn't. "WHAT'S GOING ON?" she shouted.

Xena continued to stare over at her and shrugged, "I don't know..." She turned to Artemis and inquired, "Do you know?"

She shrugged too and replied, "Not a clue..."

The voice added, "with the halves..." The emerald began to levitate above her as it burned itself off the necklace.

"You called..." Ares appeared to the right of Morgana, then turned his attention to the glowing emerald and gasped, "What in the name of Zeus?"

"STAY OUT OF THIS, ARES!" decreed Artemis, as she raised her hand towards him.

He held his hands up, "All right..." Ares took a step back and grinned, "I will, chill sis..."

"DO SOMETHING!!!" Morgana yelled, then tried to reach for him, but her body wouldn't respond.

"Sorry..." he shrugged, "can't help ya!"

The voice continued, "together they..." It fired a green bolt of light into her body, which reached into Morgana's soul. "NOOO!!!!" she roared. The magical gem absorbed her evil soul and imprisoned her within in it. The green light pulsated one last time and died out. It fell to the ground and began to shimmer in the morning Sun.

Sierra's lifeless body fell to the ground in a heap.

Xena was at her side instantly and cradled her in her arms. "Sierra...wake up!" she shouted, then looked over at Artemis, "Why isn't she moving?"

"I don't know," Artemis replied and knelt next to her, "Come on little one...wake up!"

Tears streamed from her sad eyes as she called to her, "Sierra, don't you dare leave me again!" She pulled her closer to her chest and kissed her forehead. "Do you hear me?" as she kissed her cheek, "Come back to me..." Then ever-so softly kissed her lips and whispered, "I love you..."

Ares noticed the dark gem as it shimmered and picked it up. Without warning it started to glow again. Thus, burning his hand as he instinctively dropped it again. "WHAT THE?" he grumbled.

The voice finished, "shall create one whole!"

A green ball of light shot out, flew around everyone and entered Sierra's body. Her body commenced to glow as her soul entered her once more. She gasped for her first breathe of air, then opened her eyes.

"SIERRA!" Xena greeted with a hug and a smile.

"My baby..." Artemis sighed.

Sierra shielded her eyes from the bright sun and whispered, "Am I home?"

"Yes, little one you are!" Artemis hugged her and kissed her cheek. "I'll leave you two alone," she whispered, then smiled over at Xena.

"Thank you," Sierra grinned and turned to Xena, "And thank you."

"Your welcome..." A smiling Xena leaned over and passionately kissed her. The kiss overtook them both as they embraced one another.

Artemis reached over and picked up the dark emerald. "Thank you..." she expressed and placed it into a pouch. Then glanced over at her brother and noticed a small smile, "Ares?"

Ares broke from his train of thought and shrugged, "WHAT?"

"Was that a smile?" she inquired, as a door of light appeared next to them.

He shook his head, "No way..."

"Yeah, right!" she laughed and added, "Admit it, your getting soft!" She entered the light and disappeared within it.

Ares turned and knelt next to Xena. "About that immortal thing..." he smiled, "nada..." Suddenly, remembering someone, "Oh...your talkative little blond is resting at my temple." Then rose and stepped into the light. "I'm not getting soft!" he roared and disappeared too.

"Let me help you," Xena advised and helped her up.

"Thanks," she stretched, "Well, lover..." Sierra ran her fingers through her hair and grinned, "We have a day's walk ahead of us!" .

A mischievous smile spread across Xena's face, "What ever shall we do?"

Sierra shrugged, "I don't know..."

They began their new journey down the dirt road, laughing and enjoying one other's company.

THE END?