Disclaimer: The characters of Xena and Gabrielle and others mentioned, belong to
MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No infringement on their rights are intended.
Subtext Disclaimer: If you’ve been reading the series, you know that their two
thousand years old, back in their original bodies, in love and have a very hot sex life,
but not in this story. Sorry.
Timeline: Plan D #7.
Shock Factor: 5. For Michael’s sake.
Note: To those readers that wanted to know what a childhood growing up with a bard and a
warrior princess could be like? This one is for you. More youthful flashback in future
episodes. (episodes is used to refer to the fact that this series bares a stricking
resemblence to a soap opera.)
Send comments to asdease1@gte.net
Enjoy.
PALOMINO HEART
By FlyBigD
Xena’s eyes opened and she stared into the darkness. Seeing a bright light, she
turned to look out the window as the light disappeared and thunder sounded in the distance
and she watched rain trailing down the glass. Sighing, she watched it for several minutes,
listening to the rhythmic patter of the drops and the occasional rumble. Closing her eyes,
the warrior took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Opening her eyes, once more, Xena
looked around the room, seeing the familiar striped wallpaper and glancing over the other
items that filled their bedroom, finally coming to rest on the blond head against her
shoulder. Stroking Gabrielle’s hair, she smiled and kissed the bard’s sleeping
head as lightning lit up the room. Placing another kiss into the short blonde tresses, the
warrior reached behind her, grasping her pillow and pulling it gently out from under her
head. When it was free, she set it beside her and eased out of the bard’s grasp,
putting the pillow in her place. Standing still, Xena watched Gabrielle readjust and
smiled, then picked up her robe off the chair by the nightstand. Shrugging in on, moving
to the window, Xena looked past the rain, into the woods beyond. In the darkness, she
could see only the faint horizon above the trees, then lightning flashed and the outline
of something in the distance shown for an instant, before all returned to the night.
Standing at the window for a long time, Xena saw the outline many times, as the storm
raged and finally, she shook her head. I know. I’m coming. Sighing she took
off her robe, moving silently around the room, picking up stray pieces of clothing and
putting them on. When she was dressed, Xena went back to the bed and the sleeping bard.
Bending over, the warrior placed a soft kiss on Gabrielle’s cheek, smiling, then
left. Down stairs, she found her boots and put them on, then stood searching the darkness
for the bright yellow raincoat, spotting it in the corner, she put it on. Going to the
front door, Xena eased it open, stepping out onto the porch, then closed it behind her.
Glancing to her right, she walked to the end of the porch, pulling up the bright yellow
collar, before leaping over the hedge and sprinting for the building a hundred yards away.
Dodging the deep puddles, Xena made it to the building, opened the door quickly and
stepped into complete darkness. Shaking her coat, the warrior reached to her left,
switching on the light and covering her eyes when it came on. Once her eyes adjusted, she
stepped further into the garage and took off the raincoat, setting it on a nearby work
bench. Looking around, she smiled. “Hello, girls.” Walking toward the four
Harley’s parked side-by-side across the large room. Normally, this would’ve been
considered a three car garage, but since there were never any cars in it, ever, Gabrielle
referred to it as the beasts’ lair and the rumble shack, both of which drew great
mirth from the warrior and as she crossed the room, Xena took a deep breath, taking in all
the smells of her little world. “Ahhhh.” Raising her eyebrows, she stepped over
a couple of stray wheels, then squatted down in front of her pride and joy’s.
“Did you miss me?” Rubbing her hand over the headlights, Xena felt the coolness
of the glass. “As soon as the weather clears up, I’m gonna take you girls out
for a long ride.” Stroking a deep blue fender, then the crimson one beside it. The
reunion complete, Xena stood, putting her hands on her hips and taking a satisfied look at
the bikes. “Now.” Biting her lip, she turned around and spotted the large mass
in the middle of the garage, covered by a tarpaulin. Sighing heavily, the warrior walked
over to it and squatted again, pulling up one corner of the tarp and seeing a wheel.
Taking a deep breath, she held it as she pulled the tarp completely off. “Gods.”
Whispering, Xena shook her head, looking at the twisted form of the ‘blonde
bombshell.’ Standing, she rolled up the tarp, tossing it aside, moving around the
bike, taking in the damage to her most beloved steed and finally kneeling next to it.
“I’m so sorry.” Running her hand over the light yellow gas tank, feeling
the scrapes and dents. Picking some dead turf out of the frame, Xena smiled at the words
written across the damaged tank. “Palomino Heart.” Saying the name in the
ancient language it was written in.
Sitting down, Xena continued to pick bits and pieces of grass and twigs from the bike,
while her mind drifted back to the first time she’d seen the ‘beast.’
**********
“Are you crazy?” Brain shouted, pointing to the blonde little girl standing a
short distance away. “Grace, she’ll get creamed.” Staring at his sister,
Brian shook his head.
“Maybe.” Tossing the football in the air, Xena caught it, keeping her eyes on
the bard and smiling.
Putting her hands on her hips, Gabrielle stomped her foot. “I want to play!”
Turning to her brother, Xena smirked. “She wants to play.”
“Grace, she’s two feet tall.” Glancing at the seven year old bard.
“I am not.” Stomping her foot again and frowning.
Wrapping her arm around Brian, Xena turned away from the bard. “Look.” Lowering
her voice. “She wants to play, so we’ll let her play.”
“Grace.” Sighing.
“Now listen.” Glancing over her shoulder and winking, then returning her
attention to her brother. “All we have to do is give her the ball, on the first play,
she’ll get squashed and go away.”
“I don’t like it.” Folding his arms across his chest, Brian looked at the
other players, who ranged in age from nine to fifteen and who were the appropriate height
and weight for their age. Shaking his head, he raised one eyebrow. “Grace.”
“One play. Boom, she’s outta here.” Hugging his shoulder, Xena smiled.
“I know she’s your friend. Why she’s your friend, I don’t know, but if
she get’s hurt,” turning to give Xena the fisheye, “you’re going to
explain to her mother.”
“Are we gonna play today?” Greg asked. Xena’s brother Greg, not
Gabrielle’s twin brother Greg, who unfortunately had piano lessons and couldn’t
play and was three feet tall.
“Don’t get you panties in a wad.” Xena yelled. “We’re
coming.” Looking at Brian. “Well?”
“You’re taking full responsibility.” Walking to the small crowd.
“Absolutely.” Nodding her head, Xena turned and waved to the bard. “Come
on, runt. You’re in.”
Smiling, Gabrielle ran over and pulled Xena’s hair. “Don’t call me
runt.” Whispering viciously.
“Ow.” Taking her hair back, she shoved Gabrielle in front of her. “Okay,
lets huddle up.” Bending over, Xena laid out the play. “We’re gonna give
the ball to Faith, here. They’ll never expect that.” Patting the bard on the
shoulder. “When I hand it to you, you run you little legs off, got it?”
“Got it.” Smiling, Gabrielle didn’t need to bend over and looked up at the
warrior.
“Let’s do it.” Straightening, Xena clapped her hands.
“I can’t believe this.” Heading for the line, Greg shook his head.
“Their friends.” Brian rolled his eyes and took his place beside his brother.
Waiting for the defense to take the line, Xena placed Gabrielle to her left and smiled.
Bending over, she held out her hands. “Hut, one. Hut, two. Hike!” Stepping back
quickly, she lateraled the ball to Gabrielle and chuckled when the bard caught the ball
and took off like a shot. Then Xena’s eyes bugged out as she watched Gabrielle
squirting her way past the defense, putting moves on them that a pro bowl running back
would be envious of. “Holy, shit!” Jogging after them, she slapped her forehead
when the little blonde crossed the invisible goal line.
Jumping up and down, Gabrielle smiled triumphantly at the stunned faces around her.
“Touchdown!” Strutting past the slack jawed pillars, she came to the warrior and
smiled smugly. “Did I fail to mention that I was an All American in my last
lifetime?” Jabbing the ball in Xena’s midsection.
Catching her breath, Xena smiled. “Yes. I believe you did fail to mention that.”
“Hmmm. Must’ve slipped my mind.” Turning, Gabrielle snatched the ball from
the warrior and took off.
“Hey!” Running after the bard, Xena put her long legs in motion. “Bring
that back! That’s mine!”
“Beginner’s luck.” Brian managed to mumble, watching his sister chase the
bard around the playground.
“Yea.” Greg agreed, shaking his head.
“Is the game over?” Jess asked, watching the spectacle as well.
“Apparently.” Turning, Brian smiled at the girl beside him.
“Come ‘ere, you little rat! Bring back my ball!” Reaching for the bard,
Xena almost got her, then Gabrielle put an All American move on her and was gone. Jogging
to a stop, she put her hands on her hips, watching the bard stop, as well, a short
distance away and turn around, waving the ball over her head.
“What’s wrong, warrior princess?” Sticking out her tongue. “Can’t
catch a little runt, like me?”
Taking a few casual steps toward the bard, Xena nodded her head. “You’re quick,
I’ll give you that.” Smiling wickedly, she scratched her nose to cover the grin.
“But there’s something to be said for patience and a good stall tactic.”
Coming closer, Xena lunged like a cat, catching the bard before she could take off again
and picked Gabrielle up off the ground. “Gotcha!”
Squealing, Gabrielle dropped the ball and tried to wiggle free. “Cheater!”
Holding the bard firmly, Xena started spinning around, swinging Gabrielle outward.
“Xena!” Shouting in ancient Greek, Gabrielle hung on for dear life.
Laughing, Xena slowed the spin, setting the bard on the ground and chuckling as she
teetered a bit. “You know, Gabrielle, for a seven year old American, you speak Greek
pretty well.” Using the ancient language as well.
“I think I’m gonna puke.” Holding her stomach, Gabrielle sat down.
Smirking, Xena started to sit down, when she heard something that got her attention.
Standing up again, she moved her head, trying to locate the direction the sound was coming
from. Looking to her left, she cocked her head as the rumble drew closer and stepping away
from the bard, she walked slowly toward the chain linked fence.
Glancing up, Gabrielle noticed the warrior was missing and looked around, spotting Xena,
she got up and followed. “What is it?”
Waving her hand behind her, Xena waited. Then from out of the corner of her eye, she
spotted the source of the sound and stared as the Harley came into view. “Gods”
Whispering, her jaw dropped as the bright blue beauty went slowly by, rumbling along at a
leisurely speed. Putting her fingers through the fence, she continued to watch and drool
until the bike and the rumbling disappeared. “I think I’m in love.”
Following the warrior’s interest, Gabrielle glanced up at Xena when she mentioned
something about love. Frowning, the bard saw the expression of pure lust on Xena’s
face and looked to where the bike had gone. “Huh.” Sneering.
**********
“Yep.” Sitting cross legged, Xena ran her hand over the leather seat and smiled.
“Gabrielle was jealous from the very start.”
“I was not.” Smirking, Gabrielle walked over, shaking her raincoat out, setting
it aside. “I just thought you’d lost you mind.” Squatting down, she wrapped
her arms around Xena’s shoulders. “Hey.” Kissing the warrior’s neck.
“Hey.” Twisting around, Xena kissed wet lips. “Did I wake you?”
“No.” Tweaking the warrior’s ear. “I always get up in the middle of
the night, when you’re not there.”
“Sorry.” Sighing, the warrior picked at a torn piece of leather. “I just
had to come and see her.”
Looking at the wreckage, Gabrielle sighed. “She was beautiful.” Whispering, she
rested her chin on Xena’s shoulder.
“Yea.” Nodding her head, the warrior smiled sadly. “She was.”
“Can you fix her?” Running her hand down Xena’s arm to the tank.
“I don’t know.” Putting her hands in her lap, Xena shook her head.
“The frame’s bent.” Scanning the twisted metal.
“Well, Xena.” Smiling. “I sort of did promise her that you’d fix her
up.”
Raising an eyebrow, Xena chuckled. “You promised her?”
“Yea.” Shuddering with the memory. “I was kind of emotional at the
time.”
Smiling, Xena twisted around, pulling the bard into her lap and wrapped her arms around
Gabrielle. “When are you not emotional?”
“When you’re not in the back of an ambulance, hanging on to life by your
fingernails.” Smirking.
“Oh.” Whispering, Xena pulled the bard closer.
Resting her head on the warrior’s shoulder, Gabrielle sighed. “I wish Michael
could fix this one.”
“I think it’s a little out of his jurisdiction.” Leaning her head on
Gabrielle’s.
“Hmmm.” Closing her eyes, Gabrielle smiled. Maybe, she thought.
**********
“Michael, come on.” Closing her eyes, Gabrielle put her hands on her hips.
“Please?”
“Gabrielle.” Shaking his head, Michael sighed. “I am not a private
detective. I’m an arch angel.” Folding his arms across his chest and ruffling
his wings. “Call the Department of Transportation, or something.”
Opening her eyes, the bard put out her hands. “I tried that. For two years, I’ve
tried that. They wouldn’t give me any information.” Sighing. “They said
they had no way of tracing it.” Turning, Gabrielle paced around her bedroom.
“It’s for her birthday.”
“And that would interest me, because?” Smiling.
“Michael.” Pleading, Gabrielle glanced in the mirror, seeing her eleven year old
body and the lack of the angel. Shaking her head, she turned to face him. “Xena has
wanted that bike since she was my age. Can’t you please, help me find it.”
“Gabrielle.” Rolling his eyes. “I’d think that you’d be the last
person who’d want to see her on a motorcycle.”
“I know. I know.” Rubbing her forehead at the very thought. “But she
graduates next year and then she’ll be leaving for college. It’s her sixteenth
birthday.” Plopping down on her bed. “I just wanted to get her something
special.” Staring at her feet.
“Even if I could find it, how do you expect to buy it?” Spreading his wings, he
sat beside the bard.
Pointing to a small wooden box on her dresser. “I’ve got a little over three
thousand dollars.”
“Three thousand!” Michael’s eyes widened. “Where did you get that kind
of money?”
“I’ve been saving every penny for the last five years.” Resting her chin on
her hand. “Ever since she saw it the first time.”
Michael rolled his eyes then shut them. “You really love her that much?” Smiling
and opening his eyes. “No wait. I all ready know the answer to that one.”
Chuckling.
“Michael.” Pouting, Gabrielle sighed heavily. “This isn’t funny. She
really loves that bike.”
Standing, the arch angel fluttered his wings and took in the pitiful sight before him.
Looking skyward, he shook his head and sighed. “All right.” Putting his hands on
his hips, Michael couldn’t believe he was saying the words. “I see what I can
do. Only the heavens know why, but I’ll give it my best shot.”
Jumping up, Gabrielle wrapped her arms around the angel, hugging him. “Thank you,
Michael. Thank you.”
“Yea, well I haven’t found it yet. It’s not like I’ve got anything
better to do.” Returning the bard’s embrace. Stepping back, he shrugged.
“I’ll let you know something soon.” Rolling his eyes, he popped out of
sight.
“Yes!” Hopping around the room, Gabrielle stopped when someone knocked on the
door. “Come in.”
Gabrielle’s father opened the door and smirked. “Do you mind not jumping up and
down, so much. You’re knocking the plaster off the kitchen ceiling.”
“Sorry, Daddy.” Smiling big, Gabrielle sat down on the bed.
Shaking his head, Dad shut the door. “Daughters.”
Laying back, Gabrielle kicked the air wildly. “Go, Michael, go.”
**********
“So?’’ Swinging her legs off the porch, Xena leaned into the bard.
“What are you gonna give me for my birthday?” Flicking her eyebrows
suggestively.
“Xena!” Whispering harshly. “I’m eleven years old, for Zeus sake.
Can’t you keep you mind out of the gutter for a couple more years?”
“But you’re just so cute.” Tweaking a cheek. “I just wanna eat you
up.”
“Suffer.” Slapping Xena’s hand Gabrielle scowled. “Pervert.”
“Damn.” Snapping her fingers, the warrior spun around, bringing her knees to her
chest. “I guess I’ll have to settle for another pair of socks.”
“I never got you socks.” Rolling her eyes. “Last year I got you that
subscription to that biker magazine.”
“That reminds me.” Laying her head in the bard’s lap. “Have you looked
at the women in that thing?” Holding her hands out above of her chest.
“They’ve got knockers out to here. Yeowza.”
Pushing the warrior’s hands away, Gabrielle raised an eyebrow. “If that is
supposed to make me jealous, you’re sadly mistaken.”
“Actually, I was hoping you’d order one of those skimpy outfits.” Smiling
wickedly.
“For whom?” Raising the other eyebrow.
“You.” Laughing as she was pushed off the porch, Xena popped up. “Is that a
no?”
“That’s a never in your wildest dreams, warrior princess.” Getting to her
feet, Gabrielle looked at the sky.
Following the bard’s gaze, Xena looked up, then back at Gabrielle. “Are you
expecting the sky to fall, or something?”
Rolling her eyes, Gabrielle peered at the warrior. “No. Why?”
“You’ve been looking at the sky a lot lately.” Putting her hands on her
hips, Xena gave the bard a suspicious look. “What’s up?”
“I happen to like to looking at the sky, thank you.” Walking over to the steps,
the bard hopped down them and joined the warrior. “Some people can appreciate the
simple beauty of a blue sky.”
“Look out.” Grabbing Gabrielle, Xena hit the grass, just in time to miss being
hit by a flying twin.
“Aaaaaaaaa.” Thump. Shaking his head, Greg got to his feet. “You wait,
Grace. I’ll get ya.”
“Dream on, fly boy.” Wiping grass off her knees, Xena walked over to Greg
and thumped his forehead. “You ain’t got what it takes to catch me.”
Stepping back slowly, Xena smirked.
“Don’t have, Grace.” Gabrielle smiled as the chase ensued.
“Whatever.” Taking off, Xena hurdled a bush.
“You can run, but you can’t hide.” Running as fast as he could, Greg
hurdled the bush and tripped.
Shaking her head, Gabrielle went back up on the porch. “Little does he know.”
Well aware that her brother had a incurable crush on the warrior princess, the bard felt
almost sorry for him. After they’d moved into the neighborhood, Greg had immediately
become infatuated with the tall dark haired girl, despite the knowledge that he was five
and Xena was ten. Plus the fact that Xena was always around, didn’t help matters and
Gabrielle had never been able to bring herself to explain why, her brother’s efforts
were wasted. That and he’d never believe her. So, there he went, chasing after Xena,
pretending to be the unrecognized flyboy of her dreams.
That’s how most of her childhood had been spent. Watching virtually every male within
a twenty mile radius, salivate when they walked by. The fact that they went to different
schools, due to their age difference, didn’t help, because Xena was always waiting by
the fence when the bard came out. Smiling at Gabrielle with a twinkle in her eye and
taking her books, for the walk home from school. That was the time Gabrielle enjoyed most.
When they’d walk and talk about what they did that day and Xena would go on about
what she was supposed to be learning. Telling sordid tales of wanton destruction of
youthful minds, or they’d just chat about what they were going to do later and what
adventure the weekend would bring. Or, sometimes they wouldn’t talk at all and just
be happy to be together.
In the afternoon, they’d do their homework together, on the porch. Xena would correct
Gabrielle’s math and the bard would correct the warrior’s spelling. But the
routine was set and Gabrielle loved it, even when her reverie was disrupted by a random
flying brother and a nosy sister, which usually led to doing homework on Xena’s
porch. Greg, Xena’s brother and Brian were far less interested in what their sister
did, than Gabrielle’s siblings. The boys preferred to find things to tear apart and
wonder what to do with the spare parts when they got finished putting it back together.
Then, and only then would they beg the warrior to help them return, whatever back to
it’s original state, before one of their parents discovered it missing. Which Xena
would do, after much bartering and tallying up favors and future blackmail material.
Apparently, Xena had become some kind of mechanical wizard over the centuries, which was
added to the long list of many skills. But occasionally they snooped and were driven
insane when the warrior and bard would switch to ancient Greek.
Of course, there were the summers. When the parent’s hid and the kids went wild and
every living creature scampered at the sound of running feet. The lake was always occupied
and they played and fought and tried to kill each other and played again. Xena would
stretch out in the sun, wondering about their future and Gabrielle would sit and write
about their past.
Their parent’s didn’t really understand the friendship, asking each girl why
they didn’t find kids their own age to play with, even though each set of parents
found their new addition to their liking. Xena’s parents adored Gabrielle and
Gabrielle’s parents adored Xena. Unfortunately, they weren’t always happy with
the daughters they’d been given. Xena’s antics turned her father’s face
beet red and Gabrielle’s lack of antics cause a worried scowl on her mother’s
forehead. But that was life and neither girl really bothered with wondering why, knowing
full well they were never going to be the average child. Their minds were filled to the
brim with memories of previous lives and together, they spoke around twenty languages. The
hardest part about growing up with Xena, Gabrielle realized was trying to act like a kid
and not a two thousand year old bard.
“That’s my girl.” Gabrielle smiled, watching the warrior run up the side of
a tree, flipping back, to land behind Greg. “Show off!” Waving, when Xena smiled
at her. “Gods, she can move.” Letting her mind venture into the gutter for a
moment, Gabrielle shook herself. “Now she’s got me doing it.”
“Doing what?” Karen asked, sitting down by her sister.
Shrugging, Gabrielle laughed. “He’s at it again.” Pointing at the chase
sequence.
“Good grief.” Shaking her head, Karen handed Gabrielle a glass of water.
“You’ve got to give him credit. If he doesn’t catch her, he’ll
probably be able to qualify for a marathon.”
Spitting out the water in her mouth, Gabrielle wiped her lips. “Or the
decathlon.” Seeing another hurdle and trip. “Or not.”
“You’re supposed to go over the bush, Greg.” Shouting at her brother, Karen
laughed at his scowl. “Young love.”
“Tell me about it.” Successfully getting some liquid down her throat, Gabrielle
watched the warrior move, again letting her mind wander to not so innocent thoughts.
Smiling, she took another sip. “That’s my girl.”
**********
About a week later, Michael popped up and tapped the sleeping bard. “Gabrielle.”
Whispering, he poked harder. “Gabrielle.”
“What? It’s Saturday.” Annoyed, Gabrielle opened her eyes, then sat up.
“Michael!”
“Get dressed, we’re taking a trip.” Turning his back, he stared at a couple
of posters. Rolling his eyes at the faces of the latest heart throbs. “These are for
your parent’s benefit, I take it.” Pointing at the array of young male faces.
Jumping out of bed, Gabrielle pulled off her pajama’s. “Actually they’re to
make Xena jealous.” Whispering.
“Does it work?” Chuckling.
“What do you think.” Smiling, Gabrielle grabbed a pair of jeans.
“Well, knowing Xena, I’m surprised their not in shreds.” Smirking.
“That’s the third set.” Pulling on a sweatshirt and looking for her shoes.
“Did you find it?”
“Sort of.” Raising an eyebrow.
Closing her eyes, the bard didn’t ask. Sitting on the bed she put on her shoes.
“Okay.” Tying the laces, then standing.
Turning around, Michael held out his hand. “Ready.”
“Yep.” Closing her eyes, Gabrielle felt the ground move under her feet and the
wind blowing through her hair. Holding her breath, fighting off the inevitable nausea, she
opened her eyes when the world stopped spinning. Looking around, Gabrielle took in the
dark street, lined with, what appeared to be abandoned buildings and warehouses.
“Where are we?”
“California.” Tucking his wings, Michael raised an eyebrow.
“California!” Turning to look aghast at the angel. “That’s almost two
thousand miles away!”
“It’s not my fault.” Holding up his hands defensively. “I just found
it.”
Dropping her head, Gabrielle closed her eyes. “Where is it.” Wondering how she
was going to get the bike back from California, let alone how she was going to get
to California, to get the bike back. Lifting her head, she followed Michael’s arm,
turning around to read a sign, hanging on tin covered gates. “Aadam’s Scrap
Metal.” Closing her eyes again. “Oh, no.” Covering her face with her hands,
she sighed. “Show me.” Looking up, she took Michael’s outstretched hand and
walked toward the gates, passing through them into a the junk yard. Sighing, with every
step, she followed him past several large mountains of twisted metal, then stopped when he
pointed at one.
“It’s in there.” Holding his hands out in empathy.
Walking over to the pile, Gabrielle tried to find something that resembled a motorcycle in
the heap. “Can you get it out?”
“Stand back.” Waiting for the bard to move to safety, Michael moved his hand
upward, as most of the heap lifted into the air. Pulling his other hand to him, he brought
out the motorcycle, then put the pile back down.
Walking over, Gabrielle squatted down. “Are you sure this is it?” Grimacing at
the remnants of what was supposed to be a motorcycle.
“Yep.” Moving behind the bard, Michael shook his head. “That’s
it.”
“Gods.” Her shoulders slumped, Gabrielle wanted to cry. The Harley, if it still
qualified as one, was beyond repair. The frame was twisted and the wheels were missing, as
was the engine, in fact the only thing that wasn’t missing was the gas tank and the
headlight, which was busted. Running her hand over the rusted tank, the bard saw small
chips of bright blue paint. “Oh, Xena. I’m so sorry.” Feeling a tear run
down her cheek. “I tried.” Standing, Gabrielle turned to Michael. “Thanks
for finding it.” Wiping the tear away.
“We can take it, if you want.” Smiling sadly. “It’s not registered
anymore and according to the company’s records, it came in as a bulk shipment with
the rest of the pile.” Putting his hand on her shoulder. “They’d never know
it was gone.”
Glancing back at the bike, Gabrielle shook her head. “Not even Xena could bring it
back to life.” Leaning forward, the bard put her head on Michael’s chest.
“She really loved that bike.”
“I know.” Sighing heavily, Michael lifted the bard’s chin.
“Ready?”
Taking one last look, Gabrielle nodded. “Yes.” As she disappeared, she waved.
In her bedroom, Gabrielle changed back into her pj’s. Moving to the dresser, she
opened the wooden box, staring down at the money. “Now what am I going to do with
you? I’ve got two weeks to find the perfect gift.” Sighing, she closed the box
and looked in the mirror. “All she ever dreams about is that bike. How am I going to
tell her it’s gone? It’ll kill her.” Closing her eyes, Gabrielle turned,
opened her eyes and trudged to the bed, dejectedly. Climbing under the covers, she stared
into the darkness. “Where’s a good Palomino when you need one?” Sighing
heavily, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
In the darkness, Michael raised an eyebrow, then popped out.
**********
Climbing out of the warrior’s lap, Gabrielle smiled at the bombshell. “You want
me to make you some coffee?” Rubbing Xena’s shoulder.
“Ummm.” Biting her lip, she sighed. “Yea.” Getting to her feet, Xena
pulled up the sleeves of her sweatshirt.
Chuckling, Gabrielle watched the warrior, for a moment. “Food?”
“Yea.” Moving to a work bench, Xena opened up one of her tool boxes and pulled
out a wrench.
“Divorce?” Folding her arms across her chest.
“Yea.” Putting the wrench on a bolt and pulling hard.
“Lobotomy?” Raising her eyebrows.
“Yea.” Turning the bolt.
“I thought so.” Smiling, Gabrielle grabbed her raincoat. “There’s a
reason that focus is legendary.” Pulling it on, she stepped out into the downpour and
ran for the house. Inside, she went to the kitchen, started a pot of coffee and found a
hat and put in on her drenched head. “Now . . .”
“Don’t even think about it.” Michael said from the doorway.
“Michael.” Smiling, Gabrielle spun around. “What a pleasant surprise.”
“No.” Folding his arms across his chest.
“Coffee?” Pointing to the filling pot, the bard acted casual. “Eggs?”
“I’m not going to do it.” Folding his wings, Michael raised an eyebrow.
“I can make you some French toast.” Picking up a frying pan and turning on the
burner. “Won’t take me but a minute.”
“Wrong answer.” Putting his hands on his hips.
“How about pancakes?” Twirling the frying pan, Gabrielle smirked.
“She can do it herself.” Tapping his foot.
“How about a steak?” Putting the pan down and opening the frig, sticking her
head in the freezer to cover her laughter.
“Gabrielle!” Rolling his eyes.
“Did you say something?” Closing the frig.
“I’m not going to fix it.” Tapping the other foot.
“I know.” Smiling wickedly, Gabrielle walked to the agitated arch angel. “I
know, Michael. I was just yanking your chain. Xena will fix her.” Standing on her tip
toes, she kissed his cheek. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.”
“You are a very wicked little bard, you know that?” Tweaking her nose, he rolled
his eyes and ruffled his wings. “I don’t know why I put up with you.”
“Because I’m the nice one.” Walking back to the frig, Gabrielle opened the
door and pulled out a carton of eggs.
“That’s debatable.” Frowning, then smirking.
“That’s what you told me twenty years ago.” Smiling knowingly, she
chuckled. “Or that was the reason you gave me.” Pulling out a carton of
milk. “Maybe you did it for Xena.”
“The only thing I have ever done for that woman is drag you out of hell.”
Indignantly raising his wings.
“What about the coma?” Pulling out the butter and bacon.
“That wasn’t my decision.” Smiling smugly, Michael lowered his wings.
“Really?” Smirking, Gabrielle put the items down on the counter. “You
didn’t have even the littlest bit to do with it?”
Michael’s eyes grew wide. “If you’re insinuating that I interceded on
Xena’s behalf out of some sort of demented sense of affection, you are out of what
little mind the gods gave you.”
“Me thinks he contests to much.” Whispering to an egg. “How ‘bout
you?” Holding up the egg to the angel and using an eggish voice. “I think he
likes her.” Bringing it back. “Really?” Making the egg nod.
“I most certainly do not.” Spreading his wings completely out. “That woman
has been nothing but trouble from the moment she entered paradise. She is a menace to the
public at large and has caused havoc in every lifetime she’s been in, let alone the
interior decorating she’s done in paradise. TPTB are still trying to find all the
orbs and I won’t even go into the personal tribulation my position has caused me. The
only reason that I haven’t taken it upon myself to strike her down at birth every
time, is because I know that you’d never forgive me!”
Biting her lip, Gabrielle held up the egg. “I told you he liked her.”
“Aaaarrrrrggggghhhhh!” Whoosh. Pop.
“And I thought gods were testy.” Waving bye to the egg, she cracked it on the
side of the frying pan and whistled a familiar tune.
**********
The party was a blow out, as usual, with everyone on the planet in attendance and, as
usual, Xena was the center of attention, which happened even when it wasn’t her
birthday. Gabrielle smiled and laughed, especially when her brother missed the pinata and
hit himself in the head and occasionally glanced at the small box at the end of the gift
table. Sighing with every glance, she rolled her eyes, thinking of the diamond necklace
inside, which she’d purchased in a moment of extreme desperation and depression the
previous day. Knowing full well that it was the last thing Xena would ever want, but
unable to make a decision and running out of time, she’d picked it over another
subscription to a different biker magazine. Hoping that, someday, either Xena would get
over her dream of owning the bike, or she would get up the courage to tell her what really
happened to the motorcycle. Both prospects seem unlikely and as the party moved to the
opening gifts stage, the bard covertly removed her gift, stashing it under a cushion of
one of the lawn chairs. Returning to the table, she stood outside the crowd of onlookers
and waved, when Xena held up her first gift.
“Look, Faith.” Waving the new football in the air.
“Great!” Smiling, she hoped that if she was lucky, she might be able to sneak
out, but as fate would have it, she was eventually drug to the table to inspect every gift
as it was opened. Handing the cards to Xena’s mother, she smiled and nodded and hoped
she wouldn’t get sick on the warrior’s presents, as the cake and ice cream
churned in her stomach.
“You all right?” Xena whispered, leaning down to pick up a gift and noticing the
pale complexion on Gabrielle’s face.
“Too many sweets, I think.” Whispering back.
“Then go sit down.” Nudging the bard with her elbow.
“Thanks.” Smiling, Gabrielle made her escape and went to the chair she’d
hidden the necklace under and sat down. Pulling the box from it’s hiding place, she
stared at it. “She’s gonna hate this.”
“Are you sure?” Squatting down, Michael folded his wings.
Feeling too bad to be surprised, Gabrielle nodded. “Positive.”
“Why don’t you make sure.” Tapping the box with a smile.
“Michael, I think I know Xena well enough, to know she hates jewelry.” Frowning.
“Hmmm.” Scratching his chin, the arch angel raised an eyebrow. “Are you
sure that’s what’s in the box?”
“I wrapped it myself.” Holding it up as proof.
“I think you better check.” Giving the bard a wink. “Maybe you picked up
the wrong box.”
Rolling her eyes, Gabrielle unwrapped the box, opened it and held it up for his
inspection. “Well?”
“That doesn’t look like a diamond necklace to me.” Peering in the box and
smiling, Michael glanced at Gabrielle. “Nope. Definitely not a diamond
necklace.”
Sighing, Gabrielle turned the box around and looked inside. “Of course it . . .
“ Staring wide eyed at a golden key, Gabrielle lost her voice. Picking it up, she
turned it around in her fingers then closed her eyes as the words Harley-Davidson sparkled
in the sunlight. “Michael.” Whispering breathlessly.
“See. No body ever believes me.” Standing up, he put his hands on his hips.
“I’m just some old dumb arch angel, who doesn’t know anything. Use me and
abuse me.”
Jumping to her feet, Gabrielle threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
“You did it!”
Laughing, Michael wrapped his arms around the bard, giving her a big hug. “How could
I resist?” Setting her on the ground. “I’m a sucker for blondes.”
Smiling at the key, she gripped it in her hand. “Where is it?” Looking up at him
expectantly.
“At the playground.” Winking, he bowed.
“You’re such a romantic.” Hugging him again, Gabrielle shook her head.
“It’s too bad you’re an angel, Michael. You’d make someone a very good
husband.”
“Thank you madam.” Bowing again. “But you’re all ready spoken
for.” With that he winked and popped out of sight.
“Thank you, Michael.” Gabrielle whispered and looked at the key again.
“Thank you.”
*****
“Just keep your eyes closed and shut up.” Riding on the warrior’s back,
Gabrielle had her legs wrapped around Xena’s waist and her hand over Xena’s
eyes. “Left.”
“How much cake and ice cream did you have?” Turning left. “You weigh a
ton.”
“Another smart remark like that, Xena and your present goes back where it came
from.” Spotting the playground, Gabrielle smiled. “Right.”
“Are we going in circles?” Turning right. “I’m getting dizzy.”
Swaying a bit, for effect.
“Wimp. We’re almost there.” Straining, Gabrielle spotted something sitting
in front of the pitcher’s mound. “Curb.”
Stepping up, Xena tripped anyway, almost tossing the bard off. “Sorry.” Taking a
tighter hold of Gabrielle’s legs. “You know, I could just settle for a tryst in
the bushes.”
“Xena.” Rolling her eyes, Gabrielle concentrated on the bike and as the
approached and finally got a good look at it and held her breath. Just in front of the
clay mound, was a light yellow Harley-Davidson soft tail, chromed to the max and sparkling
like it just came off the showroom floor. Getting even closer, she made out the words
written on the tank and closed her eyes, sending a silent thanks to the arch angel, who
smiled from a nearby roof top. “Stop.”
“Thank the gods!” Hanging onto the bard.
“Keep your eyes closed.” Sliding off the warrior’s back, Gabrielle moved in
front of her, between the warrior and the bike. Taking a moment to give it a heart
pounding smile, she turned back and held up the key. “Okay.”
Opening her eyes, Xena drew back from the key, two inches from her nose and looked at it.
Raising an eyebrow, she took it and raised the other eyebrow. “You got me a
key?”
Rolling her eyes, Gabrielle stepped to the side and smiled. “No, I got you
that.” Pointing to the bike. “Xena!”
Xena’s knees hit the ground hard and were followed by her jaw. “Gods.”
Whispering, from lack of oxygen, the warrior stared at the motorcycle.
“Xena!” Kneeling beside the warrior, Gabrielle took her hand, patting it
furiously. “Are you all right? Xena?”
“Gods.” Slowly a smile took the place of stunned amazement and some oxygen made
it to the warrior’s brain. “She’s beautiful.” Waiting for her motor
functions to restart, Xena continued to stare. “She’s so beautiful.”
“Now that was definitely worth seeing.” Snickering, Michael popped out.
“Xena?” Patting the warrior’s cheek, Gabrielle looked around, hoping no one
would notice them. “Xena, please.”
Turning her head, Xena looked into the worried face of the bard. “Thank you.”
Smiling as a tear ran down her cheek, Xena blinked. “I love you.”
“I know you do. I love you, too.” Seeing someone coming, the bard winced.
“Have I told you lately that I love you?” Still staring.
“Not since two seconds ago. Can you get up?” Tugging on Xena’s arm,
Gabrielle managed to get the warrior to her feet and moved her to the bike.
“Sit.” Turning to the person, she waved causally and sighed when the kept on
going.
Following instructions, Xena straddled the bike and sat down. “Thank you.”
Running her hands over the tank. “Marry me.”
“Not for at least another ten years.” Putting her hand on Xena’s forehead,
Gabrielle shook her head. “No fever.”
Pulling the hand off her forehead, Xena brought it to her lips and kissed it. “Thank
you, Gabrielle.”
Looking at the warrior, Gabrielle finally saw a conscious thought. “You’re
welcome, Xena.” Smiling she took her hand back. “Well?” Stepping back, she
put her hands on her hips.
Smiling big, Xena put the key in the ignition and turned it on. Flipping out the kick
start, she stood, put her foot on the peg and gave it everything she had. Then did it
three more times, until the engine turned over and she stroked the throttle.
As the engine rumbled to life, Gabrielle covered her ears and smiled. Stepping to the
bike, she removed one hand and pointed at the tank. “Look.” Putting her hand
back.
Knitting her brow, Xena leaned over and looked at the tank as an even bigger smile crossed
her face. “Palomino Heart. I love it.” Straightening the bike, she put up the
kickstand. “Come on.” Nodding to the space behind her.
“Not in this lifetime, warrior princess.” Shaking her head, Gabrielle smiled.
“I didn’t like the last blonde mare you had.”
Laughing, Xena pulled in the clutch, dropped it into first and eased off on the clutch.
Slowly the motorcycle moved forward and she let out a battle cry, popping the clutch and
gunning the throttle, sending the front tire off the ground. Standing on the pegs, Xena
did a wheelie across the grass.
Running after the warrior, Gabrielle smiled skyward. “I owe you one.”
“Heaven help us all.” TPTB echoed through the heavens.
Michael hid.
**********
Biting her lip, Gabrielle stood silent and watched Xena roll the blonde bombshell out off
the garage. It had been two months since Xena had started the repairs and Gabrielle had
gone through a lot of cold showers during that time, since the warrior’s legendary
focus had had her spending every available second in the garage, but seeing the smile on
the Xena’s face, suddenly made it seem worth the trouble.
From the roof, Michael folded his wings and his arms across his chest and frowned.
“Well?” Putting her hands on her hips, Gabrielle took a step forward.
Wincing, Xena threw her leg over the seat and flipped out the kick start. Bending down,
she turned the golden key to the on position and stood up. Putting her foot on the peg,
she closed her eyes and kicked for all she was worth.
“Nada.” Michael smirked.
“Try it again.” Gabrielle smiled.
Kick.
“Zippo.” Still smirking.
Kick.
“Zilch.” Smirking bigger.
Kick.
Raspberry, then a smirk.
“One more time.” Smiling hopefully, Gabrielle glanced over her shoulder at the
roof, but saw nothing. Turning back, she crossed her fingers behind her back.
Kick. Rumble. Rumble.
Whoosh. Pop.
Looking up at the roof again, Gabrielle smiled. “Liar.”
Stroking the throttle, Xena sat down on the seat, her face beaming.
Putting her hands over her ears, Gabrielle walked over. “Did you put mufflers on
her?”
Rolling her eyes, Xena nodded to the space behind her. “Come on.” Wondering if
she’d ever get the bard on the bike.
Biting her lip, Gabrielle shook her head. “Not without a helmet.”
Putting the kickstand down, Xena hopped off the bike and ran back into the garage laughing
madly. In a few seconds, she ran back out, holding two helmets.
Slumping her shoulders, Gabrielle closed her eyes and took the green helmet Xena held out.
“I must be insane.” Knowing she’d never be able to back out of it now, she
put on the helmet and tightened the strap. “Or in love.”
With her helmet on, Xena got on the bike, flipping out the back foot pegs, that she
thought she’d never use and sat down. Smiling wickedly, she nodded behind her.
Rolling her eyes, Gabrielle took her place behind the warrior, wrapping her arms very
tightly around Xena’s waist. “Now what?”
“Hang on.” Pulling in the clutch, Xena dropped it into first and eased out on
the clutch. When the bike started moving, she eased the throttle back and smiled.
To Gabrielle’s immense relief, Xena didn’t pop any wheelies and simply drove
around the house for an hour at a reasonable speed.
TPTB sighed and Michael winked.
**********
The End.
Epilogue: Never ride without a helmet. In Saving Grace, Xena’s helmet shattered,
because that’s what it is designed to do. By shattering on impact, it absorbs the
impact and saves lives, but it doesn’t do any good sitting in the closet. Wear it and
when in a vehicle, fasten your safety belt. The life you save, may be belong to someone
who loves you. Think about it.
Thanks for reading.
FlyBigD