Crossroads, Chapter 13, The End

Back at the campsite, Xena was carefully looking Gabrielle over for injuries. She smilingly allowed the inspection, knowing her friend needed the reassurance.

Kat and Mitch were packing up their few belongings, watching with baited breath as Xena made her prognosis.

"It looks like you'll be alright. There's only a few cuts and bruises where the vines cut into your wrists."

"Yeah, I'm just glad you came out unharmed."

Kat added, remembering the bodies they had buried on the island. Gabrielle nodded, but the sadness in her words cut them all to the quick.

"Physically, yes, I'm fine. but emotionally..." she sighed, "I've never faced death like that before. I feel dirty in a way I can't wash off. Death has always been a reality to me. but today I actually looked in it's eyes."

She shuddered and Xena couldn't stop herself from hugging her close. Mitch sat down on the other side and gently grasped her hand.

"At one time, we must all conquer our deepest fears. For some, that fear is death."

Kat came and knealt with the three. She tipped Gabrielle's sagging chin up and smiled.

"It's the way you live your life afterwards that makes the decisions. We're all at a crossroads eventually, Gabrielle. No one can avoid it."

Gabrielle could feel the warmth of their friendship bless her, washing away the evil taint that remained. Never had she felt such kinship with anyone besides Xena, and it was a revelation. That her life was only just beginning. She straightened her shoulders proudly and faced them.

"You're right. All of you. I can't let this rule me. And I'm not going to let it."

"Good girl."

Xena whispered as she hugged Gabrielle again.

"Well, little one," Mitch murmured as she rose to her feet, "It's time to go. The curse is broken, so now we can return to our lives."

"You could come with us. Together, we'd make an unstoppable team. What do you think?"

Kat's question suprised Xena and Gabrielle, but they knew their path.

"No thanks. We can do more good apart than together."

Gabrielle approved and stood up to say goodbye.

"If you ever need help..."

"We'll ask." Kat & Mitch answered.

They all hugged, and Mitch handed Gabrielle back her staff.

"Don't forget this."

"I won't. Thank you so much. For everything."

They stood in the intersection of the road, looking at each other one last time. Then, as if they had agreed upon it, they split up and began walking their separate ways.

"Oh, by the way, little one," Mitch called back over her shoulder, "Try and stay out of trouble."

Xena smiled ruefully at her friend before she caught the curiosity on Gabrielle's face.

"What is it?" she asked.

Gabrielle turned to look at the two departing women, who had their heads bent familiarly towards each other.

"Why do they call you 'little one'? You're at least the same height as Kat, and much taller than Mitch."

Xena laughed.

"I'm the youngest. I always used to tag along aftter them. Mitch is the oldest and she was always saying, "Stay out of trouble, little one.", even when she'd start it."

Gabrielle laughed as she imagined the three children at play, and couldn't help but tease Xena a little.

"So you don't mind if I call you that, little one?"

Xena's eyebrow quirked cockily as she replied, "Not as long as you want me to answer."

The End