The Stanger You Know

By: CPCap83

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters on Xena or Hercules. I know where I am going with this story, just not sure who or what in involved in it. The disclaimer will get more detailed as I go along.

Summary: When the Sovereign comes up with a plan to finally get Hercules, Xena pays the price. The end result is Hercules in on Trail for the attempted murder and rape of Xena!

Author note: I have not written any fan fiction in a long time! This has been a story in my head that I have wanted to write for a while now. Please send me your reviews, it's the only way that I'll learn.

Chapter One

"A Troubled Visitor"

It was a mild evening in Amphipolis. The town had settled down for the night after a long day of hard work. Meals have been cooked, eaten and cleaned up after as the people prepared for the next day's events. The very same thing was occurring in the tavern owned and operated by Cyrene. Today was a day that was made special by the arrived of her daughter and friend, Xena and Gabrielle. After attending to her motherly duties by making sure that both women have been feed, she was finally able to sit down, relax, and inquire of their recent adventures.

"And you just stood there?" Cyrene asked.

Xena nearly choked on her drink, "Yes, but only for a minute. I had to take in the situation before I could act."

"She is just saying that to cover up the fact that she had no idea what was going on. The whole thing took us both by complete surprise. But her face was priceless!! She stood there with her mouth open for about fifteen seconds!" Gabrielle injected, and then diverted her eyes away from Xena who was giving her a 'shut up before I do something' look.

Cyrene laughed and picked up the remaining dishes on the table and made her way into the kitchen. "You girls have had a long day, and good night's rest is just what you need. I had one of the servers prepare the rooms before I sent her home. They're all ready when you are."

"Thanks mom, I think that I will turn in for the night. I'll see you two in the morning." Xena stood up and kissed her mother on the cheek and put her hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. She started to walk to the steps when a familiar voice interrupted her plans.

"So you just leave without so much as a 'hello' to an old friend?"

"Hercules!" Gabrielle shouted nearly turning the table that she was sitting at over as she ran towards the heroic demigod. She embraced the man as Xena walked over.

"What are you doing here? Didn't you see the sign? We're closed for the night." Asked Xena with humor in her voice. Hercules released Gabrielle as Xena stretched out her hand. Instead of shaking it, he pulled her into a hug. Xena was taking back for a moment by the strength of the embrace. Something wasn't right. He had never come to Amphipolis before, and hadn't sent word to her that he wanted to meet. She would have to get him alone later and ask him what was going on. All of her thought were demised when her mother came back into the room.

"Gabrielle you're going to wake the entire village!" She walked to Hercules and offered her hand in the same fashion that Xena had earlier done. "Well, this is indeed a surprise. The mighty Hercules. I have been after Xena for a long time to arrange for the two of us to meet. I have always wanted to speak to the man who is credited for returning my daughter to me."

Hercules shook Cyrene's hand. "If I had known that I would have visited sooner I assure you. But as you know better than anyone, Xena is not always forthcoming with the information." Cyrene nodded her head and three out of the four people in the room joined in a round of laugher.

"Thank you everyone. I glad you all can come together over my shortcomings. Mother, do you mind getting some food for Hercules, and making up a room for him. He's probably come a long way and would like to freshen up." That was the understandment of the year. Hercules looked like he had not shaven in awhile. His hair was a bit longer, and didn't look like his normal, cheery self. Add that to the fact that Iolaus was not with him, she was concerned about him.

"Of course, where are my manners? You just sit down and I will get everything set up. Be just a moment."

"Actually, I'm not that hungry. Is it possible to borrow Xena for a few minutes? There is something that I need to talk to her about."

She knew that something was off about him. He had come to speak to her. "Yes, let's go upstairs. That will give Mother some time to get your room prepared, and she can leave your meal in the room. Follow me." Xena lead the way up the stairs to her room with Hercules following. A confused Cyrene and Gabrielle watched in silence.