Subtext ~ Maintext on the subtext and there might be sex.

Copyright ~ Universal and MCA own Xena, Gabrielle, Ephiny, Solari, Eponin, Amarice, and Argo. However I own Lux, Gelidus, Augeus, Seoirse, and Cacus. So don’t take my characters or story line, I'm very protective of them.

Thank You ~ My huge thank you goes to Leslie for her endless grammar checking for me. From the looks of things earlier, this story was chaos but Leslie really brushed it up for me. Thank you so much Leslie!

Series Two-Meeting in the Midst as One Story-Three

~*~*~*~

Xena heard the faint sobs of her soulmate. She tried to fight the faintness and broke through. She turned her head slowly while opening her eyes. "Gabrielle?" she whispered and squeezed the small hand in hers.

Gabrielle lifted her head off her lover's hand. Her eyes were red, her cheeks wet and puffy. "Xena," she uttered.

The warlord just smiled and said, "Come here." She pulled on her partner's hand.

The commander shook her head. "You're hurt." Her free hand wiped away the tears.

"Lay on me." The Warrior Princess's voice was quiet. "I need you and you need me."

The small woman moved onto her soulmate. She lowered her body gently onto the warlord's.

Xena held her breath as zaps of pain shot through her body. She sighed once her lover was on top of her body. "You'll be okay," she reassured.

Gabrielle rested her head on the older woman's chest and closed her eyes. "Xena-"

"Sssh, just rest." The warlord closed her eyes for she knew she'd faint any moment. "I love you, Gabrielle," she said before going under.

The commander closed her eyes tight while tears rolled down her cheeks. "I love you, Xena." Her voice crack but being in her soulmate's arms left her feeling safe.

~*Part 14*~

"Are we set?" asked Gabrielle.

"Yes," answered Francis. "Seoirse is waiting for us, Queen Gabrielle."

The small woman nodded. "Destiny awaits us." She sighed. "You lead the men today, Francis."

"I will do my best." Francis bowed his head.

"Thank you," whispered the Amazon Queen.

Francis nodded and watched the small woman head over to the wagon.

In the wagon laid Xena, she was asleep and covered in furs. The three Amazons on horseback surrounded the wagon.

Gabrielle got into the wagon. She placed her staff to one side, then shifted behind Xena. Carefully, she pulled Xena's head into her lap and rested her back against the wagon.

Solari peered down at her Queen then her eyes lifted and locked on Eponin.

The weapons master nodded and patted her sword.

Solari's eyes flickered over to Amarice.

Amarice wrapped her fingers around her sword's hilt and pulled it up slightly. She nodded.

The second in command nodded back then gazed ahead.

Francis sighed but walked in front of the men. "Let's fall out!" he ordered.

The fifty or so warriors began marching, heading back northeast.

Gabrielle lowered her head onto Xena's. She stared at the scenery while the wagon moved on. She swayed a little yet she didn't notice since her mind was leagues away.

~*~*~*~

"How is she?"

The healer glanced at Gabrielle. "She'll make it fine." He smiled gently. "Thankfully, she has an amazing healing ability."

"She's just plain stubborn." The commander huffed then leaned against her staff. "Thank you."

The healer nodded and left the soulmates' hut.

Gabrielle reached out and touched her lover's forehead. Her hand caressed Xena's cheek, then she leaned down and kissed her soulmate's forehead.

Xena moaned softly and opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry yet it came around slowly.

"Hi," said the small woman softly. "How do you feel?"

"A lot better," uttered the warlord. She moved with a groan.

"You're fever is almost gone," mentioned the commander.

The Warrior Princess closed her eyes and let her breath out slowly. "I know," she assured. "It'll be gone by the morning, thankfully."

Gabrielle grasped her lover's hand. "How do you seriously feel?"

"Been better," joked the warrior.

The small woman chuckled but hardly.

"How about yourself?" The warlord squeezed the small hand. "You've suffered the brunt of this escapade."

"I'm okay." Gabrielle nodded. "I wouldn't be if you weren't."

Xena nodded. "How are the men?"

"In order." The commander sighed. "Tomorrow by the evening we should be joining Seoirse again."

"Good." The older woman shifted again. "We need to return to our mission."

Gabrielle nodded. "First you need to get better."

"I'll be fine." The warlord blew it off. "I can't lay around in a sick bed much longer."

The younger woman sighed, knowing there was no stopping her lover. "Just be careful."

"I will," promised the warlord. She gave a smile and asked, "Go get something to eat, I think I'm going to sleep more. Get this fever out of my system."

"Do you want anything?"

"I'll be fine." Xena grinned. "Mmm, come here."

Gabrielle leaned down and kissed her soulmate gently on the lips. She then lifted her head a little. "You sure?"

'I'll be okay, get something to eat."

The commander nodded and pulled the bed sheet over her partner. "Sleep well, Xen."

"Be careful, love."

Gabrielle nodded and left the tent. She stepped into the sunset evening as her Amazons came beside her.

~*Part 15*~

Xena slipped out of bed and took her leathers off. She tossed them aside and found her 'warrior' leathers. She put them on then put on the brass armor. Afterwards, she found her weapons and placed them in their homes. Going over to the bed, she caressed her lover's cheek. "Gabrielle?"

The commander moaned softly and opened her eyes. "Xena?" she became instantly worried.

"I'm okay," cut in the warlord. She grinned. "Get a little more rest and I'm going to get the men up."

"Wait." Gabrielle started sitting up. "You're not-"

"I'll be fine," she cut off. "I can't play sick anymore in front of the men, especially now that we're rejoining the rest of the army."

"Xena… please."

Xena sighed and leaned in. She kissed Gabrielle with care. "I'll be okay, I promise." She pushed her partner back down. "Go to sleep."

"Damn it, you're stubborn," she mumbled.

The warlord grinned. "Got that right. I'll see you soon." She left the tent and went in search of food. Proceeding that, she got her army moving about.

~*~*~*~

Xena sat high on Argo. Her lover sat in front of the saddle, completely worn out from the… adventure. She kept a strong arm around Gabrielle's waist.

The army had been marching all day and was nearing the rest of the army.

Gabrielle had actually fallen asleep with the side of her head against her soulmate's chest.

The warlord would have objected to it but considering all that had happened, she was not about to object.

"I didn't mean to kill him," mumbled Gabrielle.

The warlord looked down at her partner. She just heard the words. She saw Gabrielle's eyes close tighter in seeming pain.

"He was going to… to kill Xena," muttered the small woman. She breathed heavily. "I had to stop him."

The Warrior Princess closed her eyes momentarily then opened them again.

"It was… was for the greater good," whispered Gabrielle in a tone of disbelief. "The greater good… the greater good, I swear."

Xena ran a hand through her bangs then reached down. She wearily shook her lover. "Gabrielle, come on, wake up."

Gabrielle jerked with a startle. She shook her head and let the blurring leave her eyes. "Gods… I had the worst nightmare." She shifted in the saddle and straightened up.

"Yeah?" The warlord drew her partner in close. "What was it about?"

"I don't quite remember… but I know I was being judged after my death."

The older woman stared ahead and swayed in the saddle. "Gabrielle, I am sorry."

The commander looked up; confused. "About what?"

"Hercules," she stated. "You shouldn't have killed him."

Gabrielle stared at the moving ground. "I couldn't let him kill you," she whispered. She looked up. "Nobody hurts you let alone kills you, as long as I am around."

The warlord smile but lost it instantly because of the cost. Gabrielle's blood innocence- the light. "It wasn't worth it."

"Yes it was, for you."

The Warrior Princess had no words. What could somebody say to something such as this? Say to a young woman, such as Gabrielle, that lost her blood innocence by killing a legendary hero of the greater good? What could a person say? "Thank you," was all she could mustard in none sincere tone. It sounded cheap.

The past has a tendency to haunt the future. But the death had been done- Hercules was no more. Only part of the price had been paid. Xena didn't want to know the rest of the price, despite she knew what it was. Oh gods, how she would pay her life to fix this. To save Gabrielle… to save her soulmate from the price.

~*~*~*~

Seoirse looked up when he saw the warriors coming in. He smiled happily when he spotted Xena and Gabrielle on Argo riding it. But his smile slowly faded out. For he now noticed Xena was a shade darker and Gabrielle's glow was gone. This was not a joyous victory he would hear.

"Seoirse," called Xena.

The second in command jogged up and tried to smile. "Welcome back, my liege."

The warlord grinned. "Its nice to be back. How are things?" She pulled Argo to a halt beside the man.

"In order of course." He grinned and gazed at the quiet Gabrielle. "How are you, Queen Gabrielle?"

The commander nodded. "Okay, yourself Seoirse?"

"Quite well." Seoirse placed his hands behind his back and noted the men heading into the camp. "What are the plans, my liege?"

"Back to Plan A," stated the warlord. "Conquering eastern Greece."

Gabrielle stayed silent.

"Did things go well in Thessaly?" He dared not want to know in the end.

"Could have been better." Xena dismounted now. "But could have been worse." She turned to her soulmate.

Gabrielle dismounted with her lover's help. "Thanks."

Xena smiled before getting her commander's staff. "I take it the men are well rested?"

The second in command laughed. "Of course."

"Good." The warlord faced Seoirse once more. "Tomorrow we travel in the late afternoon."

"Back east?"

The Warrior Princes nodded. "Yes, we'll finish what we started."

Gabrielle peered up at her soulmate. "We are not splitting again, correct?"

"No splitting," agreed Xena. "We'll keep the army together and finish taking eastern Greece. Is that clear, Seoirse?"

"Crystal, my liege."

Xena nodded. "Good, make sure the men are settled in."

The second in command nodded back.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle ducked and entered the Amazons' tent. "Hi."

The three Amazons peered up and saw their Queen.

"Hey Gabrielle." Solari stood up and smiled. "Dropping by?"

It was early evening and dinner had ended about a half of a candlemark ago.

"Yes." The Queen didn't have her staff, so she folded her arms across her stomach, and smiled. "I wanted to thank you three for all your help."

The Amazons smiled back.

"Anything for the Queen," stated Eponin.

Solari nodded in agreement. "Definitely."

Amarice grinned. "Yeah, I don't mind playing villager for the Queen."

Gabrielle chuckled but was still smiling. "Thank you again. I don't know what would have happened if I didn't have your help."

The three Amazons sprung up and together gave their Queen a group hug.

The commander laughed and let herself be engulfed by the massive hug. Afterwards, they let go of her and sat back down, except for Amarice.

"Okay, I think I'm heading to bed." The small woman smiled at her Amazons. "Sleep well."

"You too, Gabrielle," responded Solari.

Amarice gazed at Gabrielle. "Can I walk you back to your tent?"

"Sure," answered the commander. She strolled over to the tent flap. "Goodnight, Ep and Solari."

"Night," called the Amazons.

Gabrielle went out followed by Amarice. She stayed silent, as was Amarice.

They came to Gabrielle's tent and the young Amazon turned to her Queen. "I'm sorry about everything that happened." Her tone was apologetic.

"It wasn't your fault, Amarice."

"I know, its just… none of it should have happened." The young Amazon paused. "It shouldn't have happened to you… nor Xena." She shook her head. "I wish I could change it."

"I know what you mean," whispered the commander. "But what is done is done."

Amarice nodded. "We just have to be more careful." She smiled now. "Right?"

"Right," uttered the Queen. Gabrielle now realized her young friend had grown five years older in these past five days. "Thank you, Amarice. Its good to hear that."

Amarice chuckled a little then drew in her friend tightly.

They held each other for a long time.

The smaller woman pulled back slowly with a warm smile. "Thank you again," whispered the Queen. "Go get some sleep, Amarice."

"You too." Amarice flashed a smile then left. "Goodnight!" she yelled while waving.

"Goodnight," called back the commander. She went into her tent and saw her soulmate at her desk. She quietly came over and slipped her arms around Xena's chest.

"Hi," greeted the warlord. She tilted her head back and smiled.

Gabrielle lowered her head and kissed her lover softly on the lips. "How are you?" she asked after the kiss.

"Not bad, tired."

The younger woman nodded. "Yeah, me too." She rested her chin on her soulmate's head.

"I'm going to go check on the men." Xena stood up tall. She turned to her partner. "Get ready for bed, huh?"

The small woman nodded without a word.

The warlord knew something was up. So she reached forward and picked Gabrielle up.

The younger woman instantly wrapped her legs around her lover's waist and her arms held tight onto Xena.

The warlord sighed sadly and neared the bed. She sat down then propped her boots up on the edge of the bed.

Gabrielle dug her head down into her soulmate's chest.

Xena lowered her head against Gabrielle's and tried to protect her soulmate with her entire body from the world.

The Amazon Queen closed her eyes and relaxed in the protective arms. She felt a gentle kiss placed on her forehead and Xena's fingers running through her hair.

The pair stayed in that position for quite sometime. Neither spoke any words because it was too late for words. They could only reassure the other physically.

After awhile, Xena peered down at her lover. "Gabrielle?" she whispered.

Gabrielle lifted her head and gave a half smile. "Sorry."

"Its okay." The warlord smiled and brushed back blond hair. "Feel okay?"

"Yeah." The commander nodded before saying, "Go check on the men."

The Warrior Princess tipped Gabrielle's head up and leaned down. Her kiss was loving as it was long.

The smaller woman smiled at the end and then entangled her legs from Xena's waist. She stood up.

"I'll be right back." Xena kissed her lover's forehead before disappearing out of the tent.

Gabrielle sighed and considered on whether she wanted to go to bed yet. No, was her answer. This led her to leave the tent and then the camp somewhat. She came to the outskirts of the camp and turned.

The full moon stood low in the western horizon; it would set in minutes. All of its light poured over Gabrielle and made her glow brilliantly.

Xena had came back from checking on the men. She didn't find her partner in the tent and the deepest fear came to life in her that she'd ever known. Leaving the tent quickly, she went in search of her soulmate.

Gabrielle glanced to her right, away from the moon, and saw Xena coming with the darkness around her.

The warlord tilted her head while watching her soulmate bask in the moonlight. Her pace slowed down but she kept coming closer. Once she was next to Gabrielle, she just wrapped her arms around Gabrielle from the side. She said nothing.

Gabrielle took one last glimpse of the setting moon then she turned into her lover's arms.

Xena pulled her in close.

Gabrielle cried softly.

Xena dropped her head onto her soulmate's head. Emotions arose from her soul and caused two tears to run down either cheek. She closed her eyes tightly against the emotions.

The soulmates stood in the last rays of moonlight then slowly the bright moon disappeared with its light diminishing till it was… gone. The soulmates were left in the darkness.

The End