DISCLAIMER: The characters of Hercules, Iolaus, Xena, Gabrielle and Cyrene all belong to STUDIOS USA, RENNISANCE and probably some other people I never heard of. This is fan fiction and is not meant to infringe on the right(s) of those who hold ownership of XENA, WARRIOR PRINCESS and HERCULES, THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS.
*The following story takes place after the death of Hercules' mother (H:TLJ 4rth season conclusion) and after the third season conclusion of X, WP*
**Special Note** This story may seem a bit dated in lieu of how both series turned out. However, it was my very first Hercules/Xena story effort so I hope you will enjoy reading.**
HEIR OF DARKNESS
by Beckers
Gabrielle sent for them.
Sitting at the edge of a stone community water well, leaning most of her svelte weight on a decorative yet practical wooden fighting staff - a weapon she had learned to use with deadly accuracy over the last couple of years - the Amazon Princess watched as they walked up the dusty road into the main artery of the village.
One was tall and the other a bit more compact. They were handsome, these men, and lean, well muscled and possessed a mysterious agility that stunned and ultimately mastered enemies. And both were good. Sometimes errant, as emotional beings will be, and often times flawed, but definitely good.
The taller was a half-god, yet he did not project the pious manner of such beings. A softness was present within him, which radiated over that aristocratic face. There was pain too. Too much loss for him. A wife, his children, friends and a mother he adored. His humanness shown in the tiny pain-lines that delicately etched his mouth and eyes. Yet, it did nothing to hide good looks - a visage that made women swoon and men sneer. He presented a manner that was sympathetic, friendly and at times even desperate. He had a need, this one. To help. He loved his human side and used his godly side to do battle with those who would mock individuals less fortunate than they. Human, animal-human or god. It didn't matter. He was on the side of right and would do battle with all if they disregarded the laws of decency. This was Hercules.
The other, smaller in stature, had a heart that was as big as Olympus. His sun browned face, golden hair and easy smile made him popular with the ladies, she knew, but it was what she saw inside that made Gabrielle take note. A gentleness. Iolaus was human and had a temper when pushed but he also had the soul of a poet. Like his friend, he only wanted to be of help. If truth and fairness required an occasional brawl he was as up to it as Hercules. But genuinely, and despite his warrior-hunter training, he would much rather take the none violent path. Iolaus saw beyond the visible, often times rooting Hercules with his tenacity, and she loved him for it.
Gabrielle loved Iolaus. It wasn't something she announced from the mountain tops. How could she? Destiny might bring them together some day her poetic heart thought but in the here and now they had a greater reason for being. Without regret, they were both bound to people who needed their love and friendship. And neither she or Iolaus would have it any other way. Some day, Gabrielle thought, "Maybe some day." She hadn't realized she'd spoken aloud, having somehow lulled herself into a pondering trance as she watched her male friends approach. Then, when they were close enough where she could see Iolaus' pleasure at spotting her, Gabrielle stood - dropping her staff - and ran to him.
Their hug was long and sweet, their bodies taking in the strength of each's nearness. After a moment, where Gabrielle felt secure in the arms of a (potential) predestined companion, a powerful yet gentle hand touched her shoulder.
"Gabrielle, where is Xena?" Hercules asked.
Yes, Xena. This was all about Xena. Gabrielle needed to focus again on her best friend. She'd been doing nothing but thinking about Xena, her beautiful Warrior Princess, for the three days she waited on Hercules and Iolaus. Gabrielle could feel a pain, her heart thumping heavily, as she raised a hand and pointed to the other side of the street, at a small-simple house with a well thatched roof. "She's in there. It's her mother's house." Gabrielle said, strain in her voice. "We haven't been able to get Xena out since Cyrene died."
Hercules and Iolaus looked at one another.
"I know what you're thinking -" Gabrielle continued, grateful that Iolaus hadn't removed a compassionate arm from around her shoulders. She was so tired and lonely and needed this human contact. "- but it's not just Cyrene's death that is causing her to act irrationally. Something happened in there, during her mother's last moments of life, that did something to Xena. It has something to do with the gods, I know it."
"How do you know it?" Iolaus asked her, softly. He suddenly noticed Gabrielle's fatigue and the small stress lines around her eyes.
"Because a week ago ... Zeus came to me." Gabrielle saw the sudden stiffness in Hercules. He'd reconciled somewhat with his father, having finally realized the Alcmene was the only woman - god or human - his father truly loved, but there was still tension when the name was spoken. She didn't know if it was out of respect or anger. "He warned me that something was going to happen to Xena. She was going to discover something that would change her life. Zeus said you needed to be here in Amphipolis, Hercules, but didn't say why." She looked up into his concerned and patient eyes, "He told me you were in Athens, visiting a friend, so I did as he asked. I sent for you." She looked away from the men, down at her feet. "I knew whatever was going to meet us here wasn't going to be pleasant. I wanted to tell Xena about Zeus but he told me not to." Her jaw set and Gabrielle felt a particle of what Hercules must feel around his father. The secrecy and demanded obedience. Who but the blood-son of Zeus could turn from The King of the Gods? What frustration! She continued: "At first I thought it was Cyrene's affliction that he spoke of but why would Zeus care about the death of Xena's mother? Then, I thought, wouldn't it be ironic if ..." Gabrielle suddenly stopped speaking and again looked up at Hercules. Should she say it? Considering he and Xena's past and Hercules' past with his father - should she add to his misery?
"You wondered if Xena was Zeus's daughter?" Hercules asked the question for her. His tone was calm but he couldn't hide the near ridicule against Zeus.
"It would explain a few things." Iolaus offered, running fingers through his wind swept hair. "Her physical and mental skills. Xena's nearly god-like ability on the field of battle." He almost smiled, "I once told Xena the only other person I saw that fought like her was you, Herc."
Gabrielle shook her head skeptically, "But I just don't think that's it. Xena's father adored her. I didn't know him. He was a general in one of our many armies and died in battle long before I ever met Xena but the way she describes him, how proud he was of her propensity for battle - before the bad time when she was driven to evil - I just know he was her father."
"I need to get everything straight in my head before I go see her, Gabrielle." Hercules spoke gently, "Tell me everything that happened. From the minute you sent word for us until the second Xena began to display unusual behavior."
Gabrielle told Hercules and Iolaus of the way Xena learned her mother was ill, from a ragged young man on horse back. He said he heard Xena was near her home village, on Mikih Pass, and decided it was his duty to tell her about Cyrene's condition. His face held urgency and the women knew the situation bad.
"From there it's all blur ..." Gabrielle said. They practically flew to Amphipolis on Argo, the horse instinctively knowing her mistress' manner. The urgency in her body language somehow transmitting a message to her faithful steed. Gabrielle sat on back and held on for dear life. It took them a day and a half to get here and the peasant faces which greeted them were etched with sympathy and, yes, a little fear. There were still some who knew Xena as the ruthless monster she once was. They wondered, despite her inspired change, if that heated-blood would kick in again if her mother's passing was taken badly. For they all new it was true. Cyrene was going to die. She'd been ill for far too long.
And when she came into the house that was her mother's and Xena was directed into the bedroom, she sobbed. Gabrielle couldn't see the reclined Cyrene and Xena's back was to her but that heart-breaking sob .... Then the gray print curtains between the two rooms were quickly drawn. Daughter and Mother were left alone. The Warrior Princess had been mentally preparing herself for the worst ever since they started their trip to Amphipolis. Xena did not like displaying emotion in front of others and that small unexpected out cry spoke of something horrid and uncontrollable. A daughter's love for her mother?
Two others were in the outer room with Gabrielle and she asked them what had happened to Cyrene. 'A fever.', an old healer-man told her. The other, a young woman, stared at Gabrielle but said nothing.
Fifteen minutes later a scream came from the bedroom. It was inhuman and spoke of a deep grief that only a child might feel for the passing of a parent. But this cry was even more bitter, more wild. It was dangerous.
Gabrielle stood straight, her staff upright - an instinctive gesture when trouble loomed close. Then, Xena backed out of the bedroom, the curtains between rooms gliding across her black leather clad body like a gray cloud across the night sky. Her shoulders were rolled, suppressing emotion, and her hands covered her ears. Then, she turned around to look at the others ...
... and Gabrielle saw aberration in her eyes. Not just anger or anguish but madness.
"GET OUT!" Xena screamed, pointing at the house's only door, "Everyone out!"
"Xena, what's the matter?" Gabrielle called, making a move to comfort her best friend.
"NO! You too, Gabrielle! OUT!!"
And those beautiful blue eyes ... How they blazed with a fury, grief and derangement Gabrielle had never seen before, not even when Hope - her own devil daughter - had killed Solan and Xena blamed Gabrielle for the boy's death. A horrible time, softened only by Xena's will to remain calm and Gabrielle's natural urge to forgive and be forgiven. And their friendship. The gods only knew how much Xena and Gabrielle loved each other. They were companions and even more than sisters. Sometimes it seemed that they were more than two ... but now they were none of those things.
"Gabrielle, get out!" Xena cried again, her cheeks burning red with tears and fury.
((continue))
*The following story takes place after the death of Hercules' mother (H:TLJ 4rth season conclusion) and after the third season conclusion of X, WP*
**Special Note** This story may seem a bit dated in lieu of how both series turned out. However, it was my very first Hercules/Xena story effort so I hope you will enjoy reading.**
HEIR OF DARKNESS
by Beckers
Gabrielle sent for them.
Sitting at the edge of a stone community water well, leaning most of her svelte weight on a decorative yet practical wooden fighting staff - a weapon she had learned to use with deadly accuracy over the last couple of years - the Amazon Princess watched as they walked up the dusty road into the main artery of the village.
One was tall and the other a bit more compact. They were handsome, these men, and lean, well muscled and possessed a mysterious agility that stunned and ultimately mastered enemies. And both were good. Sometimes errant, as emotional beings will be, and often times flawed, but definitely good.
The taller was a half-god, yet he did not project the pious manner of such beings. A softness was present within him, which radiated over that aristocratic face. There was pain too. Too much loss for him. A wife, his children, friends and a mother he adored. His humanness shown in the tiny pain-lines that delicately etched his mouth and eyes. Yet, it did nothing to hide good looks - a visage that made women swoon and men sneer. He presented a manner that was sympathetic, friendly and at times even desperate. He had a need, this one. To help. He loved his human side and used his godly side to do battle with those who would mock individuals less fortunate than they. Human, animal-human or god. It didn't matter. He was on the side of right and would do battle with all if they disregarded the laws of decency. This was Hercules.
The other, smaller in stature, had a heart that was as big as Olympus. His sun browned face, golden hair and easy smile made him popular with the ladies, she knew, but it was what she saw inside that made Gabrielle take note. A gentleness. Iolaus was human and had a temper when pushed but he also had the soul of a poet. Like his friend, he only wanted to be of help. If truth and fairness required an occasional brawl he was as up to it as Hercules. But genuinely, and despite his warrior-hunter training, he would much rather take the none violent path. Iolaus saw beyond the visible, often times rooting Hercules with his tenacity, and she loved him for it.
Gabrielle loved Iolaus. It wasn't something she announced from the mountain tops. How could she? Destiny might bring them together some day her poetic heart thought but in the here and now they had a greater reason for being. Without regret, they were both bound to people who needed their love and friendship. And neither she or Iolaus would have it any other way. Some day, Gabrielle thought, "Maybe some day." She hadn't realized she'd spoken aloud, having somehow lulled herself into a pondering trance as she watched her male friends approach. Then, when they were close enough where she could see Iolaus' pleasure at spotting her, Gabrielle stood - dropping her staff - and ran to him.
Their hug was long and sweet, their bodies taking in the strength of each's nearness. After a moment, where Gabrielle felt secure in the arms of a (potential) predestined companion, a powerful yet gentle hand touched her shoulder.
"Gabrielle, where is Xena?" Hercules asked.
Yes, Xena. This was all about Xena. Gabrielle needed to focus again on her best friend. She'd been doing nothing but thinking about Xena, her beautiful Warrior Princess, for the three days she waited on Hercules and Iolaus. Gabrielle could feel a pain, her heart thumping heavily, as she raised a hand and pointed to the other side of the street, at a small-simple house with a well thatched roof. "She's in there. It's her mother's house." Gabrielle said, strain in her voice. "We haven't been able to get Xena out since Cyrene died."
Hercules and Iolaus looked at one another.
"I know what you're thinking -" Gabrielle continued, grateful that Iolaus hadn't removed a compassionate arm from around her shoulders. She was so tired and lonely and needed this human contact. "- but it's not just Cyrene's death that is causing her to act irrationally. Something happened in there, during her mother's last moments of life, that did something to Xena. It has something to do with the gods, I know it."
"How do you know it?" Iolaus asked her, softly. He suddenly noticed Gabrielle's fatigue and the small stress lines around her eyes.
"Because a week ago ... Zeus came to me." Gabrielle saw the sudden stiffness in Hercules. He'd reconciled somewhat with his father, having finally realized the Alcmene was the only woman - god or human - his father truly loved, but there was still tension when the name was spoken. She didn't know if it was out of respect or anger. "He warned me that something was going to happen to Xena. She was going to discover something that would change her life. Zeus said you needed to be here in Amphipolis, Hercules, but didn't say why." She looked up into his concerned and patient eyes, "He told me you were in Athens, visiting a friend, so I did as he asked. I sent for you." She looked away from the men, down at her feet. "I knew whatever was going to meet us here wasn't going to be pleasant. I wanted to tell Xena about Zeus but he told me not to." Her jaw set and Gabrielle felt a particle of what Hercules must feel around his father. The secrecy and demanded obedience. Who but the blood-son of Zeus could turn from The King of the Gods? What frustration! She continued: "At first I thought it was Cyrene's affliction that he spoke of but why would Zeus care about the death of Xena's mother? Then, I thought, wouldn't it be ironic if ..." Gabrielle suddenly stopped speaking and again looked up at Hercules. Should she say it? Considering he and Xena's past and Hercules' past with his father - should she add to his misery?
"You wondered if Xena was Zeus's daughter?" Hercules asked the question for her. His tone was calm but he couldn't hide the near ridicule against Zeus.
"It would explain a few things." Iolaus offered, running fingers through his wind swept hair. "Her physical and mental skills. Xena's nearly god-like ability on the field of battle." He almost smiled, "I once told Xena the only other person I saw that fought like her was you, Herc."
Gabrielle shook her head skeptically, "But I just don't think that's it. Xena's father adored her. I didn't know him. He was a general in one of our many armies and died in battle long before I ever met Xena but the way she describes him, how proud he was of her propensity for battle - before the bad time when she was driven to evil - I just know he was her father."
"I need to get everything straight in my head before I go see her, Gabrielle." Hercules spoke gently, "Tell me everything that happened. From the minute you sent word for us until the second Xena began to display unusual behavior."
Gabrielle told Hercules and Iolaus of the way Xena learned her mother was ill, from a ragged young man on horse back. He said he heard Xena was near her home village, on Mikih Pass, and decided it was his duty to tell her about Cyrene's condition. His face held urgency and the women knew the situation bad.
"From there it's all blur ..." Gabrielle said. They practically flew to Amphipolis on Argo, the horse instinctively knowing her mistress' manner. The urgency in her body language somehow transmitting a message to her faithful steed. Gabrielle sat on back and held on for dear life. It took them a day and a half to get here and the peasant faces which greeted them were etched with sympathy and, yes, a little fear. There were still some who knew Xena as the ruthless monster she once was. They wondered, despite her inspired change, if that heated-blood would kick in again if her mother's passing was taken badly. For they all new it was true. Cyrene was going to die. She'd been ill for far too long.
And when she came into the house that was her mother's and Xena was directed into the bedroom, she sobbed. Gabrielle couldn't see the reclined Cyrene and Xena's back was to her but that heart-breaking sob .... Then the gray print curtains between the two rooms were quickly drawn. Daughter and Mother were left alone. The Warrior Princess had been mentally preparing herself for the worst ever since they started their trip to Amphipolis. Xena did not like displaying emotion in front of others and that small unexpected out cry spoke of something horrid and uncontrollable. A daughter's love for her mother?
Two others were in the outer room with Gabrielle and she asked them what had happened to Cyrene. 'A fever.', an old healer-man told her. The other, a young woman, stared at Gabrielle but said nothing.
Fifteen minutes later a scream came from the bedroom. It was inhuman and spoke of a deep grief that only a child might feel for the passing of a parent. But this cry was even more bitter, more wild. It was dangerous.
Gabrielle stood straight, her staff upright - an instinctive gesture when trouble loomed close. Then, Xena backed out of the bedroom, the curtains between rooms gliding across her black leather clad body like a gray cloud across the night sky. Her shoulders were rolled, suppressing emotion, and her hands covered her ears. Then, she turned around to look at the others ...
... and Gabrielle saw aberration in her eyes. Not just anger or anguish but madness.
"GET OUT!" Xena screamed, pointing at the house's only door, "Everyone out!"
"Xena, what's the matter?" Gabrielle called, making a move to comfort her best friend.
"NO! You too, Gabrielle! OUT!!"
And those beautiful blue eyes ... How they blazed with a fury, grief and derangement Gabrielle had never seen before, not even when Hope - her own devil daughter - had killed Solan and Xena blamed Gabrielle for the boy's death. A horrible time, softened only by Xena's will to remain calm and Gabrielle's natural urge to forgive and be forgiven. And their friendship. The gods only knew how much Xena and Gabrielle loved each other. They were companions and even more than sisters. Sometimes it seemed that they were more than two ... but now they were none of those things.
"Gabrielle, get out!" Xena cried again, her cheeks burning red with tears and fury.
((continue))