Later that evening Xena sank down into the water of her freshly drawn bath and closed her eyes. As she'd waited for the bath to be filled she'd relaxed in the bed and forced herself to face the truth of not only what had happened in the past few days but of her entire life. She was disgusted with herself for allowing herself to believe in such a ridiculous concept as a soul mate. Where had she ever gotten the idea that she needed someone to complete her? There was no such thing as a soul mate, she repeated to herself. There was only family, lovers and enemies. That's it. It never got more personal than sex and she had Athena to supply that.

Xena was glad she was alone when the hot tears of disappointment sprang from her eyes to burn her cheeks. She'd allowed herself to get to know only what she'd wanted to know about Gabrielle, and she'd loved what she discovered. She didn't want it to be so but she had fallen for the beautiful blond stranger, and she'd fallen hard. Now Gabrielle was leaving forever and she would never again feel as complete as she had the few days she'd been with Gabrielle.

"Xena."

Startled by the now familiar sound of Gabrielle's voice, Xena stood and turned to face the woman, her body instinctively preparing for battle. Gabrielle was crouched in the windowsill of the room, which Xena had had her back to.

"You just won't quit will you?" Xena turned away, hoping Gabrielle hadn't seen the tears on her cheeks. She quickly splashed her face to mask the truth of her pain.

"Not on you I won't." Gabrielle stepped into the room and came over to the tub, forcing Xena to face her.

"What do you want Gabrielle?"

"I want you to be happy."

"Really? Is that what you really want?"

The almost child-like hope in Xena's voice hurt Gabrielle deeply for she knew what Xena had in mind. "Yes, really."

"Then stay."

Xena came over to the edge of the tub and took Gabrielle's hands in hers. "Stay with me Gabrielle. You heard Aphrodite in the temple. The other Xena has someone named Varia. All I have is Athena."

Gabrielle looked away from the pleading in the eyes of the painfully familiar face. It was so hard for Gabrielle to deny anything of herself from Xena, especially when she was aware of how much the one she loved really needed it.

That's just it, Gabrielle thought. This isn't the woman I love. She has her face but it's not Xena. Not my Xena. Remember that Gabrielle, before you do something foolish.

"I can't do that."

Xena turned away again, helpless frustration on her face. "Then leave. Now."

"If that's what you want."

It's not what I want, Xena thought, but she refused to say so aloud. She only stared at the moon outside and wished she'd never laid eyes on Gabrielle. "It is what I want."

"Before I go, you should know one thing. I have a double here too. Find her Xena, and you will find your soul mate."

"You're my soul mate. Not some imitation of you."

"No Xena. You felt a connection with me because Xena and Gabrielle, regardless of which universe they're in, are destined to be together. We should never have met, but we did. We both felt what the powers that be have decreed should be."

"That we should be together?"

Gabrielle nodded, relieved Xena was able to understand her and believe this strange but true explanation. "Xena, give her a chance."

Xena came up out of the water and went over to the bed, grabbing a dry cloth to cover her naked flesh. Though the night air was humid and hot, her body was wracked with chills. Perhaps it wasn't the breeze on her wet skin that chilled her, but something deeper in her soul.

Gabrielle joined her on the bed and put a comforting arm around her. "Do you really think Athena is going to allow me to leave her for this other Gabrielle?"

"If she loves you as much as she claims, then yes. My Xena once told me that sacrifice was the ultimate expression of love."

Xena turned and stared her in the eye. "You don't know Athena."

They held the gaze a little too long and the heat of desire began to tickle both women deep inside. "Gabrielle..." Xena said, her voice barely a whisper.

Xena was on her in seconds, pulling Gabrielle close. They shared a deep and passionate kiss. Gabrielle allowed it more for the reason that Xena needed it right now, and if she were honest, she needed it as well.

However, Gabrielle had to end it before she did something she regretted. "Xena, no."

It took a little encouragement on Gabrielle's part but Xena finally pulled back. "That's what I like about you Gabrielle," Xena said, though her voice was full of both need and frustration from being pushed away. "You're so loyal."

"I'm sorry Xena. I just can't."

"Will you stay with me tonight?"

Gabrielle debated whether or not that was a wise decision, and then decided it couldn't hurt. "Yeah, I'll stay. But I have to leave early tomorrow to meet Aphrodite at the temple."

"Alright."

They lay down and Gabrielle allowed Xena to hold her close. After all, it was the least she could do for a friend.

******************************

That night Callisto and Gabrielle finally made it to the secret exit they'd discovered almost three months before. They'd been waiting for their chance to escape and now it was here. With Marcus moving Lila and the soldiers out, the guards were more than distracted.

"Are you ready?" Callisto asked. Gabrielle gave her a nervous nod. It was now or never.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Let's go."

The escape route was literally a crack in the wall Marcus had had erected when he first took over Potidea. It was nothing short of a miracle that nothing had been done to seal it should any of the villagers discover it and escape. Now Callisto and Gabrielle were planning on doing just that.

With a final glance to make certain no one was watching, the two girls slipped through the vines and weeds that had grown over the imperfection in the wall and emerged into the forest that surrounded the small village.

A wind had kicked up, blowing in a cold and steady breeze from the Aegean. This was fine by them. The noise gave them the perfect cover to make it easier for them to sneak past the lookouts on the wall.

They finally came to the main gate. Marcus and his men were riding out onto the main road, which led deeper into the forest. If Callisto had heard the whispered rumors correctly, Marcus was no doubt heading to Mende where he and his men would hop a ship that would carry them to the foot of Mt. Ossa where Xena had spoiled his attempts to capture a group of Hestia's Virgins.

It was a long trip, but the two had every confidence they would make it. Or they would die trying. With one last look at the village they hadn't left since Marcus began his reign of terror so long ago, Callisto and Gabrielle darted up to the rear of the caravan where they were hauling three extra horses and gently guided one away. It was a gutsy, dangerous move, but they pulled it off. In seconds they rode into the forest to begin their journey. Little did they know their lives were about to change forever.

******************************************************************************************************************************

Xena/Varia

Varia exited the main doors of the Inn to find the village of Amphipolis bustling with activity. She got her fair share of confused glances and nods from the men and women going about their business. Because Amphipolis was a coastal town, fish was a booming business. A lot of trading had sprung up over the past twenty years between Amphipolis and her neighboring village of Eion, so there was more than a fair share of supply wagons crowding the road between the two villages as well as in the main square itself.

Knowing she was in an outdated dress didn't help Varia's self-confidence, and it didn't take her long to find a shop that carried a line of the latest material. Her mother had taught her many things as an Amazon, and sewing was one of them. Her only problem was her sense of style didn't blend with that of the women she saw populating the bustling town.

Because of her haste Varia quickly had the wagon filled with the needed supplies to open the Inn, and just when she believed she was about to escape without having to encounter Amphitryon she rounded a corner in the dry goods store and found herself face to face with him.

"Hi!" he said, a grin splitting his not un-handsome face from ear to ear. He offered her his arm, which she reluctantly took, then pushed past him. She may not have any experience with men but she could recognize when someone had an interest in her, and this man had it bad. Needless to say, she didn't reciprocate. When was he going to pick up on that?

"Amphitryon. How..." What was it Xena had said about dealing with men? Something about being civil to them? "How nice to see you."

"Its good to see you too. So you and Xena are settled in then?"

Varia placed her packages into the wagon and turned to climb up. Just as she was halfway into the seat a gust from the Aegean blew through the split in the skirt, affording Amphitryon a very clear view of Varia's legs and underpants, though she was unaware of what had happened. When she turned to say her good-byes his face was once again beaming with that constant smile he always seemed to be wearing.

Men, she thought. They're so stupid. What could my mother have been thinking when she fell in love with my father and moved off with him? "I'll be seeing you. I suppose."

Amphitryon wasn't quite ready to give up yet, so he attempted to strike up a conversation about the Inn. It was a legitimate question and one he knew Varia probably wouldn't mind answering.

"You guys have been working pretty hard over the past couple of days. When do you think you'll be ready to open? I can't wait to taste one of your breakfasts."

I'll bet you can't, Varia thought, trying to decide just how rude she should or shouldn't be with this man. Finally she decided she didn't care. "We'll be ready when we're ready. Give us a couple of days ok? I have to go now. Xena's waiting."

With that, Varia led Argo and Braveheart back onto the main road and headed back toward the Inn. She could feel Amphitryon's eyes boring into her back every inch of the way. Men, she thought.

Xena entered the last of the six rooms for renting her mother had managed to keep in incredible condition alone all the years she and Gabrielle had been frozen, and set her supplies in the middle of the floor. She'd been cleaning all morning and now she was bone tired. She didn't want to change one more bed, dust one more shelf or mop one more floor.

Ah but that's the life of running an Inn, she thought. With every step she took through the halls of the place she'd called home since she was nine years old, Xena's spirits lifted a little more. Each room had its memories for her, some good and some not so good.

As she went about the business of cleaning, she desperately wished her mother were here just to talk with. There was so much she could have learned about the business from Cyrene had she not ruined everything by running off to conquer the world. Now it looked like she would have to do the best she could with what she remembered from her childhood.

Xena pulled the dusty bedclothes from the lumpy mattress and began to replace them with one of the fresh ones she and Varia had spent the entire day before washing. She had almost completed her chore when Varia entered the doorway and slumped against the doorjamb. Sweat glistened on her brow and she was panting heavily. Xena wondered what could have happened to get such a healthy young woman so worked up.

"What's the matter with you? You're all sweaty."

Varia shook her head and came into the room. She slumped back onto the mattress before Xena could finish spreading the comforter.

"Hey!" Xena said, but Varia paid her no mind. "You never did answer my question. Why are you all sweaty?"

"I have wonderful news. I just shared an hour of passion with Amphitryon." Varia answered. Her words had the desired effect when Xena's mouth dropped open in disbelief, but what made her happy was the momentary flash of jealousy in the Warrior Princess' eyes.

"I'm kidding Xena."

"I knew you were," Xena said, trying to recover from her unexpectedly jealous shock, and she knew Varia was aware of the true feelings the joke had inspired in her.

"I actually just finished unloading the wagons and packing everything away. After that I fed Argo and Braveheart and ran up here to see if I could help you." Varia's words ended in a yawn. "Only now I just need to rest."

"Well you go right ahead. You've worked hard the past few days."

Xena lay back beside her and they stared out of the window at the foot of the bed. The sky was darkening with more than the coming evening. Another fall rainstorm was moving in from the north it seemed, and Xena wasn't looking forward to another week of wet weather.

"What are you thinking about?"

Xena looked over at Varia. She couldn't help but to notice their faces were so close it was almost a strain for Xena to focus on Varia's beautifully strong face. They were close enough to kiss, and Xena found herself desiring just that.

I can't believe it, Xena said. I'm actually feeling desire for someone other than Gabrielle. I never thought it would happen. She decided to talk so she wouldn't be tempted to occupy her suddenly "thirsty" tongue.

"I was thinking about the rain."

Varia heard just how soft Xena's voice was now, and at this close proximity she couldn't help but to see the desire the older woman was feeling for her. It had finally happened. Xena wanted her as much as she had wanted Xena all this time. Should she make the move? If she let this opportunity to advance her relationship with Xena pass, would there ever be another?

"I love the rain," Varia whispered. "It nourishes the earth."

Almost as if a force separate from them was pushing them together, the two warriors' lips met in a kiss. It was tentative at first, but as their desire grew, so did their hunger for one another. What surprised Xena most was that it felt right, especially after the words of her dead soul mate played through her mind once more.

"...If anything should happen to me Xena, I want you to find solace and love in someone else's arms..."

They gave themselves over to their passion slowly, enjoying the taste and feel of one another's bodies. Silently each woman was determined to make this a night to remember.

******************************

Amphitryon hurried toward Cyrene's Inn with an armload of freshly cut wood. He knew that the supply Cyrene had kept in the back of the Inn had long since been looted, and he'd already seen Xena in the back yard chopping wood herself. Not that she hadn't done an admirable job of it of course, but he didn't think it right for a woman to be forced into such duties. Besides, maybe this act of kindness would win Varia's favor, at least a little.

He placed the wood, which would be more than enough to heat their separate bedrooms for at least one night, beside the back door and knocked to let tell them of his gift. However before he could touch the door a gust of wind blew it open for him and a momentary tickle of anxiety touched his gut. Since when did they leave their door open like this?

The thought occurred to him that something had happened. Since Xena had rid Amphipolis of Mephistopheles influence thugs had been drawn back to the peaceful village, and there was no telling what was going on inside.

Amphitryon stood back, torn about what he should do. If she can defeat the devil, he thought, surely she can handle a few thugs. Right? Besides, Varia had returned and she was an Amazon warrior. On the other hand, they were just a couple of women. What if they needed his help? What if something terrible were going on inside? The walls were made of heavy stone and they might not be able to scream loud enough for help.

Amphitryon made his decision and he stepped inside.

******************************

Xena had removed Varia's top, leaving her heavy, full breasts exposed to the fading light of the evening. Now Varia was clad only in the underskirt of Cyrene's old outfit, and soon Xena would rid her of that. For now Xena positioned herself on her knees behind Varia who also sat on her knees. Varia leaned into Xena and turned her face so they could share another sweet, deep kiss.

Xena used her right hand to cup Varia's breast while she eased her left hand down into the skirt until she found the hot, wet treasure between Varia's legs. She formed her forefinger and middle finger into a Y then began to stroke the outer edges of Varia's womanhood, teasing the Amazon warrior.

Varia ran her hands through Xena's hair, gasping with need. "Xena..."

Xena gave up her cruel game and began to stroke Varia, lightly at first, then with more intensity until her gasps became moans of pleasure. Xena's lips found their way to Varia's ear where she began to lick and moan with her own desire, adding to Varia's pleasure. They were unaware they had company.

******************************

Amphitryon searched the first floor of the Inn. Seeing no sign of trouble he bound up the stairs, debating whether or not to call the women's name. If they were under attack, he would best be able to help them by keeping the element of surprise in his favor.

When he reached the second floor his ears caught the sound of human life. It was clearly moans and gasping, and his heart began to pound. He'd been right! Someone had broken in and was raping them! He charged down the hall until he reached the only room with an open door, expecting to see either Varia or Xena being violated by some no-good tramp. Instead what he found horrified him even worse.

Xena was on the bed behind Varia, one hand furiously rubbing and probing between the younger woman's legs, the cupping a large, perfect breast. Varia was being violated all right, but she wasn't minding it at all. She called Xena's name over and over with her growing passion, and Xena responded with moans of her own. Amphitryon realized Varia had a one of her own hands between Xena's legs and was returning Xena's actions in kind. They had no idea they were making an enemy as they were making love.

Fearing he would be discovered, and sickened by the site of the two women making love with one another, he turned and ran. He wanted nothing more than to be out of the Inn where he could get some fresh air.

By the time he reached his own home he'd regained his senses enough to realize what he felt most wasn't disgust but disappointment. He'd hoped that he would be able to win Varia over, but now he knew that would never be.

"Why are you so surprised? She's an Amazon," he said to himself. She'd grown up around nothing but women. But Xena was a different story. She was of this very same village and she was...perverted.

He couldn't push the site of what he perceived to be the sin the two women were committing at the Inn right now, and his disappointment was quickly evolving into anger. How dare Xena return to their village and bring her filth with her? She was a disgusting creature in his eyes. A creature that had robbed him of any chance of winning Varia over.

"Well I won't let you get away with it," he said as he looked back at the Inn. It loomed, dark and frightening against the steadily darkening and stormy sky of the evening. "I won't let your filth corrupt this town. I'll expose you for what you really are. When the time is right."

******************************************************************************************************************************

Gabrielle

The by the time the sun rose in the eastern sky Xena and Gabrielle had made their way back to the Hestia's temple. As they dismounted for Gabrielle to enter the temple they were painfully aware this would be the last time they would ever see one another.

"Well," Xena said, trying to put on a cheerful face. "I guess this is it."

"I guess so." Gabrielle let go of the reigns and Xena came around to face her. The Warrior in her was tempted to take Gabrielle and ride as far from this place as possible. She was convinced that given time the small blond warrior would come to love her as much as she had the Xena in her home universe.

Yet the woman in her knew she would not commit such a selfish act. This Gabrielle didn't belong here, and she never would. It was time to let her go.

"Can I walk you into the temple?"

"Are you sure you want to see me leave?"

"I don't want to see you leave at all. I just want as much time with you as I can."

"Alright. Let's go."

They entered the temple, and as they walked they couldn't help but notice how quiet everything was. "I wonder where the Virgins are," Gabrielle commented. They rounded the corner to the large double doors that led to the garden, knowing Aphrodite waited on the other side to take her home.

"Thank you Gabrielle."

The smooth skin of Gabrielle's forehead crinkled in confusion. "What for?"

"For giving me a glimpse of true love. Thank you for affirming my belief that I do have a soul mate somewhere out there."

"You do. Her name is Gabrielle, and she's waiting for you in Potidea. Go to her and you will both be complete."

"I will, I promise."

Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss. "Good-bye Xena."

Gabrielle pulled the doors open, expecting to find Aphrodite waiting for her. The goddess of love was there all right, but she was bound and gagged in chains that were no doubt made from the metal of Hephaestus. The Virgins were in a similar predicament, tied with rope and their mouths covered to disable their ability to call for help.

In the center of it all were Marcus and Athena, standing side by side.

Xena stepped forward, her face wearing the same expression of confusion Gabrielle knew must be on her own. "Athena. What in Tartarus are you doing?"

"Putting an end to your little affair, that's what I'm doing. Kill her."

Marcus advanced on Gabrielle, who quickly drew her sai's. Xena drew her sword and placed her body between Gabrielle and the advancing slaver.

"Xena, this is my fight."

"It's a battle you don't have the time to fight Gabrielle. That gate will be closing soon. She's leaving Athena. There's no point in killing her. She's gone."

"Yes, and she's got a double that she's convinced you to leave me for."

"I'm not leaving you Athena. Just let her-"

"Stop it!" Athena said. She sounded almost next to tears. It was obvious she loved Xena and she didn't know exactly how to deal with the possibility of losing her champion. "You have no intentions of staying with me. I'm going to make you forget all about Gabrielle. Both of them."

"I'm not going to let you kill her."

Athena stared at Xena with wide-eyed disbelief. She'd never allowed a mortal to challenge her before and live to tell the tale. However, she wasn't prepared to kill the woman she loved.

"Xena, when the hourglass is empty, the gate will close. She'll be trapped here forever."

Xena looked behind Athena to an hourglass that was more than half empty. They had five minutes tops to free Aphrodite before Gabrielle was trapped forever.

"Don't do this Athena."

Marcus had had enough. His blood was boiling for action and bloodshed. "No more talking!"

He executed an impressive flip, kicking Xena in the chest and sending her flying back through the open doors and into the hall. She hit the wall hard, and slid down to the floor, gasping for breath.

"Xena!" Gabrielle was torn between her concern for her new friend and freeing Aphrodite so she could escape to her own world. She didn't have long to consider it however, as Marcus took a swing at her with his sword.

Gabrielle deflected the blade with her left sai and used her right to put a nasty cut on his left leg. He fell back in surprise. He'd never fought against these particular weapons before, and he'd been unprepared for her skill. He wouldn't underestimate her again.

"You're nothing like my Gabrielle." He said. If he could make her angry, he would increase his chances of defeating her.

The last thing Gabrielle wanted right now was a chat with this flesh-peddling bastard but her curiosity got the best of her. "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, didn't you know? Your sister Lila is my whore." Marcus motioned with his head to the rear of the garden where a large white sheet of material had been hanging up. One of his men pulled it down to reveal a naked Lila, nailed to a cross. She was alive but barely. Maybe if Gabrielle could get her off the cross Lila could still be saved.

"No!"

If Marcus had wanted to upset Gabrielle he'd done a fine job of it. She went at Marcus with all she had, and though he was a veteran warrior, Gabrielle had learned a few things in her time as well.

Marcus held his own until he got clumsy and took a wild swing at her with his sword. Gabrielle took the opportunity to run her left sai through his sword arm while she crouched and ran her right sai through the already nasty gash on his left leg. He stumbled back with a cry of pain.

Gabrielle deflected another clumsy attempt to run her through and used her sais to yank his sword from his hands, and in one smooth motion she spun and tried to throw the sword into the trunk of his body. She didn't care where, just as long as he died a very slow, painful death.

Marcus fell back, barely managing to avoid his own weapon turned against him, but Gabrielle wasn't finished yet. She stepped behind Marcus and held her sai to his throat.

"Let my sister go Athena, or I'll kill your new little boy toy."

Athena only shrugged, earning a hateful growl from Marcus. "Go ahead. I can always get a new one."

Marcus began to laugh. "Something tells me you're no more a cold-blooded killer than your double here in my world. Face it. You've lost."

"Not if I have anything to say about it."

Xena's chakram whizzed past Gabrielle's ear dangerously close, but it hit its target perfectly. The lock on Aphrodite's chains fell loose under the sharp edge of Xena's unique weapon, and Aphrodite stood, pushing the weight of the chains off her.

"Xena!" Athena drew her sword then grabbed onto Aphrodite's arm with the other. The goddess of Love on this world was much weaker in will than the Aphrodite Gabrielle knew. She didn't resist Athena in the least.

Marcus took advantage of Gabrielle's distraction and elbowed her in the gut, hard. She doubled over in pain as he shot to his feet and went to stand beside Athena.

The goddess of wisdom gave him a stare of disapproval. "I don't know why you're running to me. You're on your own."

"Fine by me."

Seeing that Lila had precious few minutes of life left, Gabrielle made her choice. "Athena. Spare Lila and I'll give myself to you."

"Gabrielle!" Xena came to stand beside her, panic shining through her beautiful blue eyes.

"Xena, she's my sister."

"No, she's not. She's of this world and you need to get back to yours." Xena's eyes found the hourglass and saw it was dangerously close to empty. "I'll take care of her. I promise."

"You'll do nothing of the sort," Athena said, venom tainting every word. "The only thing you're going to do is come home with me."

"Not if Gabrielle or Lila die. Let them go, and I'm yours."

Athena answered Xena with a bitter laugh. "Do you really think I'm going to swallow that lie? You've fallen for her!"

"I'm not arguing the point with you Athena. You have a choice. Let them go and I return with you, or kill them. If they die, our relationship dies with them."

"You dare give me an ultimatum?"

"You're damn right I am."

Gabrielle waited in panic as the two warriors faced one another in a stand off and the sand quickly slipped through the hourglass.

******************************

Callisto and Gabrielle made their way to the rear of the temple where the gardens were located and stopped beside the door to watch what was happening inside. To their horror, Lila was being crucified while Athena and Marcus fought a woman dressed as her champion, and another woman who was a dead giveaway for Gabrielle.

"Who's that woman? She looks just like you!" Callisto whispered.

Gabrielle didn't know, and right now she was too worried about her sister to care. "I don't know, and right now I don't care. What are we going to do about Lila?"

"There's nothing we can do."

"That can't be right. She's dying Callisto. We have to do something!"

The horse Gabrielle and Lila had stolen from Marcus' supply danced behind them, giving Callisto an idea.

"I've got an idea."

Before Gabrielle could object the young blond mounted the horse and brought it around to face the door. Gabrielle could only stare in wide-eyed disbelief as Callisto gave her steed a swift kick in the sides, sending him charging through the open doors to the temple gardens.

******************************

As the stand off dragged on, which Gabrielle believed was Athena's intention; she became more and more desperate to do something to save Lila. The woman that wore her sisters face was moaning in agony on the cross, her breath coming in strained gasps. Gabrielle had herself been through that very same experience, and she didn't want Lila to have that kind of death.

Just when it looked as if all hope was lost to Athena's plan, the most unbelievable sight Gabrielle had ever seen happened right before her eyes. Callisto of all people came charging through the open doors and rode straight for Athena and Marcus, a scream of rage ripping from deep within her ample bosom. The startled Marcus and Athena barely managed to get back out of the way before Callisto's horse collided with them.

Gabrielle's eyes found the hourglass, then Aphrodite's eyes and the goddess of Love spoke to her. "You or Lila?"

"Lila," Gabrielle answered, without hesitation, though she knew she was throwing away all chance at ever being reunited with the woman she loved. "Take her somewhere safe."

Without further word, Aphrodite and Lila disappeared from the room, leaving an empty cross and an angry war goddess in their place. The last grains of sand slipped through the hourglass, leaving Gabrielle trapped on this world forever.

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