The following episode written for The Xena Warrior Princess Virtual Season is a work of fiction based upon the television series Xena: Warrior Princess. The original characters are used strictly for fan purposes and not for profit. There is no intent to infringe upon or violate any copyrights held by Studio USA, Renaissance Pictures, Universal Television or any other organization that owns the rights to this series.

The script, story ideas, and any characters created by the authors that are not part of the original series are copyrighted and remain the sole property of those authors. Also, any original artworks are copyrighted and remain the sole property of those artists. Permission to use any of the written or drawn works herein must be submitted to the original author(s) and artist(s).

Disclaimer: The following episode takes place immediately after the episode A Necessary Evil.

1. EXT. AMAZON VILLAGE -NIGHT

Xena and Gabrielle are seated beside Ephiny and several other Amazons. They are watching the sisters dance to the beat of the drums, in celebration of Gabrielle and Xena's defeat of both immortals, Velasca and Callisto.

Xena stands and stretches. Gabrielle looks up at her smiling.

Planning on joining in on the dance?

No. Dancing's not my thing, Gabrielle. But I think we should talk...

Talk? Talk about what?

Come on Xena, we've got a lot to celebrate here... You're alive... Velasca and Callisto are dead...

Okay... you stay and celebrate. I'll be in our hut... We can talk later.

Xena turns and heads for Melosa's hut, which by rights is now Gabrielle's.

Gabrielle watches as Xena leaves. She turns to Ephiny and excuses herself.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

2. INT. AMAZON QUEEN'S HUT

Xena and Gabrielle are seated at a small wooden table. They are eating a bit of bread and sipping wine. Gabrielle is smiling.

Why are you smiling, Gabrielle? This isn't funny. We're talking about your future here.

Oh, I know it isn't funny, Xena. But... it's so nice to have you back!

Gabrielle... This is serious...

I know it is! But, Xena, there's nothing further to discuss. I've turned my rule over to Ephiny. She's perfect for the job.

One... she was born an Amazon, so she's of their blood.
Two, she already knows battle tactics, and you're still teaching me.
Three, she's fair-minded and honest and that's what they need in a leader; they trust her, Xena.
Four, she already knows all the customs and traditions.
Five, she can bring them into a new age. And, six --

Xena leans forward, slapping her hands flat on the table.

Gabrielle, listen to me. Your ideals are very commendable, but I don't want you to regret this later. You should reconsider what you've done...

Xena, you heard Ephiny. They still consider me their Queen... so there really isn't anything to think about! I accepted the position only because I didn't have you in my life any more. You're my heart's home, Xena.

You have been my sister, my mother, my teacher, my friend... so much in life that I ever wanted or needed.

And then all of a sudden... poof... you were gone! Do you understand that? Can you possibly have ANY idea what that felt like? You were GONE, Xena. My best friend in the whole world was gone. There was nothing I could do to bring you back. There was nothing Nicklio could do to bring you back. And then I realized... I had nothing; no one; nowhere to go.

Gabrielle closes her eyes, forcing the memories back.

But... you're back now AND you promised me you'd never die on me again. And I intend to hold you to that promise!

Xena smiles, clears her throat and squeezes Gabrielle's hand.

Well, then, I guess there's no sense in arguing with you. It's obvious you've made up your mind.

CUT TO:

3. INT. QUEEN'S HUT

A single candle on a small, roughly hewn table, separating two cots, illuminates the room, casting flickering shadows on the walls.

Xena is asleep in her cot. Gabrielle lies twisting and turning in the other.

In a darkened corner, we see Morpheus grinning mischievously. He disappears as Gabrielle bolts upright.

XENA!!!

The Warrior Princess's eyes flash open at the sound of Gabrielle's terrified cry. She automatically reaches for her sword as she clambers to her feet, her steel blue eyes surveying the room. Gabrielle is battling an unseen enemy. Her eyes are wide, wild and unblinking.

Xena drops her sword and quickly takes Gabrielle in her arms. The bard is gasping and crying. Her damp hair is matted and clinging to her face; her nightshirt is glued to her trembling body. Sweat trickles down the sides of her face and neck in thin rivulets, merging with hot tears that flow freely from red rimmed lids.

Ssssshhhh... Gabrielle... It's all right... It was only a dream... Hush...

Gabrielle calms. Her lids grow heavy. She slides lower, until her ear is pressed against Xena's breast.

Xena...

Yes, Gabrielle...

Who... were they?

Who were who?

The soldiers...

... and the girl?

Ssssssshhhhh, Gabrielle. It was only a dream. There aren't any soldiers here...

Gabrielle fights to keep her eyes open. Lifting her head, she looks up into Xena's eyes.

No... You were all on a beach... There was a girl... A ship... Soldiers ... A cross...

On those words, Gabrielle, no longer able to keep her eyes open, rests her head on Xena's chest.

Xena, remembering the scene well, is silent.

FADE OUT: