Life On Your Own

by Anne Beaudry

Copyright 1999

Life On Your Own
(Callis/Oakey/Wright)

Winter is approaching
There's snow upon the ground
It's good of you to visit me
I'm glad you came around
I don't know how you found me
I didn't let you know
I only moved to this address
About a week ago
I guess you think I ran out
But that's not true
Other people settle down
I never do
I always have to move on
Just have to go
I've often wondered why that is
I'd like to say but I just don't know

I guess you always wanted
Life on your own
I guess you always wanted
Life on your own

Up here the summer's shorter
And winter's very cold
I'm looking forward to the peace
My lonely life will hold
I'm really glad you came here
Thank you for the talk
It's funny how my problem stopped
When we went for a walk
Standing here together
Means so much
I won't forget your confidence
I won't forget your touch
You know I'll come to see you
Passing through
We'll always be a world apart
I'll travel on but I will be true

I guess you always wanted
Life on your own
I guess you always wanted
Life on your own
I guess you always wanted
Life on your own
I guess you always wanted
Life on your own

She picked up some more wood and turned to go back into the shack. Reaching the door, she turned and looked around once more and sighed. She glanced at the cold grey sky. It looked as though it would snow soon. Turning, she entered the small shack again and closed the door firmly behind her.

She looked over at her friend, sitting in a chair by the window with a blanket around her. The raven haired woman gently patted her swollen stomach and looked towards her friend.

"Any sign?" she asked, knowing the answer already.

"I'm sorry, Xena. I'm sure he'll be here soon though." Gabrielle said reassuringly.

Xena nodded once and turned back to the window. Gabrielle felt a hot flash of guilt about lying to her best friend. Xena had seen through the lie and saw the worry underneath. They had sent a note to Autolycus over three weeks ago telling him to meet them here. Callisto had been on their trail for several months now and was out to kill Xena's unborn son.... in any way possible. They had been trying to evade her for several months but it was getting more and more difficult as Xena grew more and more pregnant. She was only days away from delivering now and it was extremely difficult for her to get around. They had decided to wait and hide, praying that Callisto wouldn't find them.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts and she grabbed her staff. Xena looked cautiously at the door and tried to get up and grab her sword. Gabrielle put her hand on her friend's shoulder and held her down, shaking her head. Xena was in no condition to fight, she would only endanger herself and her unborn child by attempting to. Xena's gaze was fierce for a moment and then she looked down and sadly nodded.

A second knock came from the door and Gabrielle took her staff and stood to one side, preparing for the worst. She slowly and quietly unlatched the door, allowing it to slowly swing open on its own. A figure wrapped in a cloak cautiously stepped through the door. Gabrielle swung the staff and hit the figure in the midsection causing whoever it was to double up. She prepared to swing the staff again when Xena motioned her to wait.

"Gabrielle... it's me... Joxer!" the figure gasped.

Gabrielle gasped as she dropped her staff and bent over him, helping him to his feet and then into a chair. Running back to the door, she glanced outside quickly and, seeing no one, closed and latched it.

"Joxer! I'm so sorry! Are you okay? How did you find us?" Gabrielle asked.

Joxer rubbed his stomach and took a few deep breaths before answering. "Autolycus sent me. He was sort of tied up and couldn't make it. But he should be here in a few days." Joxer said with a grin.

Xena nodded and yawned. "Gabrielle, I'm kind of tired, can you help me?" Xena asked, struggling to get out of her chair.

Gabrielle went her and grabbed her arm to help her up. Joxer grabbed her other one and together they helped Xena get to the pile of straw and blankets that served as a bed. Xena lay down and turned onto her side, a position that she found was more comfortable than any other she tried, although even that was getting uncomfortable as her time came close.

After a few minutes, Xena's breathing grew more deep and steady and Gabrielle knew that her friend was asleep. She looked at Joxer and motioned to the door. He nodded and they quietly left. They walked a little way before they started to talk.

"I'm glad you came around, Joxer." Gabrielle said.

"You are?" he asked surprised and looked at her.

She nodded and smiled. He almost forgot why he was sent here in the first place, but he recovered and looked down sadly. Gabrielle stopped and pulled him around.

"What's wrong? Why didn't Autolycus come? Why did he send you?" she asked.

"Autolycus is in prison again." he replied evasively, looking away.

"That doesn't mean anything! Joxer, you're not telling me the whole truth!" she said.

He sighed and looked up at her face. He hated to lie to her and he hated to be the one to break the news to her.

"Callisto knew about the note you sent to Autolycus. She was watching him and he knew it. He sent me to warn you. He's trying to lead her off, but that won't work forever! Gabrielle, you and Xena have to leave here! If you don't, she will find you! I'm not sure, but I think she may have followed me!" he said worriedly.

Gabrielle's face paled visibly. "How much time do we have? Xena can't go anywhere now! You saw her! She is due anytime!" she cried.

A flash of light distracted them and they turned to see Ares standing in front of them.

"Where is she?" demanded the god of war.

"Go away, Ares!" Gabrielle said. "She doesn't want to see you!"

The god looked up and saw the little shack. He started to walk towards it and was blocked by Joxer and Gabrielle. He stared at them for a moment and then spoke softly. "Get out of my way! I am here to help!"

"Go away, Ares! The only thing you bring is destruction!" Gabrielle snapped.

"I don't have the time for this!" Ares snapped his fingers and disappeared. Gabrielle and Joxer looked around and saw him standing outside the door of the shack.

"NO!" Gabrielle screamed and sprinted to the small shack as fast as she could. She got to the door in seconds and pulled the door open. Joxer arrived only a moment later, his armor clanking loudly and followed her inside.

Gabrielle saw Ares bent over Xena, holding her hands and talking softly. Too softly for Gabrielle to hear, so she went closer. Ares looked up at her and stood up. Xena turned to look at her friend.

"Are you alright? We tried to stop him. I'm sorry!" Gabrielle said and, after glancing once more at Ares, ran to her friend's side.

"I'm fine. But I need to talk to you." Xena said and struggled to sit up.

"Shhh... relax! It's okay, just lie there." Gabrielle said and gently held her friend down.

"Gabrielle, I have to leave you for a while. I'm going with Ares. Don't argue! You are no match for Callisto and you know it! I want you to stay with Joxer until I return. The baby will come any day and I am not in any shape to travel. Callisto will be here soon. For the sake of the baby, I am going with him." Xena said.

"Can I go with you?" Gabrielle begged and turned to Ares, pleading, "Please! Couldn't you take me too?"

"I'm sorry, Gabrielle! But you can't go with me! I will be back soon. I promise!" Xena said gently.

A tear glistened on Gabrielle's cheek for a moment and then she brushed it away. She could feel the ocean of tears threatening. She nodded slowly and bent down to hug her friend. As she felt Xena's arms around her, the floodgates opened and she cried freely. Joxer put a comforting hand on her shoulder, for which she was thankful. She held Xena for a few minutes, quietly sobbing and trying to sort out her thoughts. After a few moments she pulled away and tried to smile at her friend. Xena smiled through her tears and looked at Ares.

"Alright! Enough with the waterworks! Let's go!" he said gruffly.

Joxer and Gabrielle helped Xena to stand. Xena looked at her two friends and gave them both hugs before she stepped back to join Ares. The god looked at Joxer and Gabrielle and paused a moment before he spoke.

"Look, I know you two don't trust me, but believe me, she will be well taken care of. Now I suggest you two get going, Callisto is only a few hours ride away. If you don't move now, she'll catch you."

Gabrielle stepped forward and looked at the god's handsome face. "Why are you doing this?" she asked.

"I have my reasons, that's all you need to know!" he replied.

Ares looked at Xena. She nodded and he put his arm around her and raised his other hand. With a flick of his wrist, they disappeared.

Joxer looked at Gabrielle, she was crying again. He reached out to pat her shoulder and she collapsed into his arms. Surprised, he wasn't sure whether to hold her or push her away. He slowly wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her back comfortingly. She held him for a few minutes and then slowly backed away. Wiping her eyes, she looked up at him and smiled briefly.

"Thanks Joxer. I needed that." she said and kissed him on his cheek.

"Um, yeah, well.... hey, look, we ought to get going. Ares said Callisto was going to be here soon." Joxer said embarrassed, rubbing his cheek softly.

Gabrielle nodded and wiped her eyes again. She opened the door and looked out. It was getting darker and it looked like it was going to snow soon, she hoped it would hold out until they were well away from the shack. She felt Joxer behind her and was glad that he had come. She had never felt so alone and, somehow, having him there helped... a little. She walked out the door and around to the back of the shack where Argo and another horse was tethered.

She looked at the horse Joxer had ridden here. She was not an expert, but the horse looked like an excellent animal. Autolycus must have picked it. It stood quietly as she approached and looked at her with intelligent eyes. She hesitated and it lowered its head, as though trying to reassure her.

She put her hand out and it gently nuzzled it. She heard Joxer behind her and turned to see him waiting with her staff and pack from the shack.

"Her name is Agatha. You can ride her if you want. I'll take Argo." Joxer suggested.

"Agatha? That means good doesn't it? I like that name. She seems to like me." Gabrielle said and the mare nickered softly as though agreeing. "Okay. I'll ride her. Thank you Joxer."

Joxer moved beside her and attached her pack to Agatha's saddle. He helped Gabrielle mount the patient mare and then turned to Argo. The palomino stared at him and stood calmly while Joxer saddled her. When Joxer tried to mount her however, she moved away and looked to the shack.

"She isn't in there Argo. I don't like this any more then you do. But, unless you want to be chopped up by Callisto, you better let me get on." Joxer said as he tried again the get into the saddle. Argo stepped away again and turned to look at Joxer.

Joxer looked at Gabrielle with frustration. She struggled to hide a smile as she noticed that he had forgot to untie the horse first. She pointed to the rope that was still attached to the post. Joxer looked at it and turned red with embarassment. He untied it and tried again to mount the mare. This time she stood still with her head high as though thoroughly amused at the situation.

"Which way should we go?" Gabrielle asked as she looked around.

"I think we should go ... um... north?" he asked, unsure.

"North it is. Let's go!" Gabrielle said and started off.

"We'd better hurry. If Callisto is as close as Ares said..." Joxer started.

"You're right." Gabrielle said and urged Agatha into a fast walk.

"Uh... Gabrielle, we need to go faster then that." Joxer said.

Without warning, Argo trotted behind Agatha and bit her on the bum. The horse neighed and started to canter. Gabrielle shrieked and held on.

"Woah! Slow down! Oh! Easy girl! Joxer, help me!" Gabrielle cried clutching the mane with both hands.

Argo cantered alongside Agatha and forced the mare to match her pace, regardless of the human passengers. The mares kept the pace up for about an hour and then slowed to a fast walk. It had started to snow and the horses found it difficult to go any faster then a walk. Joxer looked around for shelter and saw nothing but scattered trees.

"I guess we'll have to keep going for a while. I don't see anything that we could use as a shelter." Joxer said.

"Me either. But we can't keep the horses going through this forever. It's getting worse." Gabrielle replied.

Argo flattened her ears and turned westward. Joxer tried to turn her head back to the direction they had been going and found it impossible. Argo looked at Agatha and nickered. Agatha looked miserable with her head hung low, but followed Argo, although a little reluctant. They walked this way for several minutes and Gabrielle could see what looked like a grove of trees. They grew closer and she could make out the outlines of what looked like huts, nestled into the base of the trees.

Joxer looked at her and pointed ahead, smiling. She nodded, yes, she had seen it too. She leaned forward to give her mare an encouraging pat. Argo's ears, which had been pointed forward, suddenly swung around and her head came up. She turned to look behind her and then turned and bit Agatha on the bum again, forcing the mare into a trot throught the thick snow. The two humans turned around to see what frightened the great war-horse. Their faces grew pale as they saw a distant figure on horseback moving in the same direction. Joxer pointed to the village ahead and they both tried to make their mounts move faster. Argo forged ahead and broke a trail for Gabrielle's weary mount.

When they arrived in the village, the humans dismounted and quickly grabbed their packs. They walked through the streets a short way when a man approached them.

"Joxer and Gabrielle? Welcome! Come this way, we have lodging and stables for you. Have you eaten yet? I didn't think so. Come, Xena told us of your coming. Follow me!" he said, leading them through the town.

"We don't have the time for that. We've got to hide! Callisto is right behind us! She is following our trail, we've got to hide!" Gabrielle said.

"Callisto cannot come into our village. Only the good and pure of heart can enter here. One who is full of hate and works for the Evil One, cannot enter. Do not worry. You are safe here until Xena's baby is born!" he replied.

"Is Xena here?" Joxer asked.

"Yes, but she is resting now. I will bring you to her after you have eaten and rested. Now follow me!" he said.

Joxer looked at Gabrielle and raised his eyebrows, looking for her lead.

She nodded and the followed the man until they reached a large hut near the center of the village. It looked like it might have been used as a meeting hall for the village. There were strange symbols carved on the door, which glowed as they approached.

When they were in front of them, the doors opened inward and allowed the trio the enter. Joxer and Gabrielle caught their breaths as they entered what looked like a palace for a king! The walls were covered in tapestries and a huge altar was in the middle of the room, covered with various items ranging from fish and meat to fruits and flowers to crafts and child drawings. The man allowed them to look for a moment before he took to a small room to one side of the main room. This room was plain with no tapestries or fineries and a small wooden table with two chairs were there.

"Would you care to freshen up first?" he asked.

"Ah, yes please." Gabrielle said.

"Go up those stairs," he indicated a stairway that she had not noticed when she came in, "you will find three rooms, please do not go into the last room. That one is private. But you may have the other two rooms or you may share if you wish." he said with a smile.

"No, um... I think Gabrielle would like her own room." Joxer said quickly.

The man smiled and bowed as he left the room.

"Who was he? What is this place? Where is Xena?" asked Gabrielle.

"I have no idea. But I am going upstairs, wanna come?" he asked.

"Sure, I can't wait to get out of these clothes and a nice hot bath would be great!" she replied.

Together they went upstairs and looked into the two rooms. One was obviously for a woman, with flowered pictures and a pleasant fragrance that hung in the air. They looked into the other room and both knew that this was a man's room. It had an animal skin on the floor and pictures of various animals were on the walls.

"I guess I'll take this one." Joxer said. "Want me to wait for you? Or would you rather meet downstairs?"

"I don't mind if you want to go downstairs. I'm going to have a quick bath and I'll be right down." Gabrielle said and went to her room.

Joxer decided to wait for her and after an hour she emerged and they went dowstairs to see the wooden table covered with plates of food. Turkey, beef, pork, fish, fruits and vegetables covered the table.

"I hope this is to your liking. If there is anything you want, please let me know! I will do my best to get it for you!" their host said.

"Who are you? What is this place?" asked Gabrielle.

"My deepest apologies! My name is Casimer. This village is Ellison Wood. Our god is the father of your friend's unborn child. That was why she was brought here. Now please eat and enjoy. You are safe here and after you finish here, I will bring you to your friend." he replied.

The two friends sat and ate. Gabrielle had never tasted food so delicious before! She ate all she could and then some. Joxer, being his normal self, far out ate her and was still happily eating when she was finished. Wine was brought and she sipped a little. It was the perfect compliment to the meal. When Joxer finally finished, Casimer rejoined them and led them to the staircase leading to their rooms. Upstairs, he bypassed their two rooms and led them to the last door in the hall.

"Your friend is in here. She is very near her time and may well give birth soon. Please do not excite her or upset her." he said and opened the door.

Gabrielle walked in and gasped as she entered her friend's room. It was similiar to the room downstairs without the altar. Xena was propped upwith pillows behind her to support her. Gabrielle ran to her and hugged her.

"Xena!! What is going on? I thought you were going to stay with Ares? Where is he? Why did he bring you here? By the gods, Xena I have missed you!!" Gabrielle cried as she hugged her friend again.

Joxer stood back and watched the reunion. A tear rolled down his cheek as he watched the scene in front of him. He had never seen Xena look so beautiful before. She almost looked like a goddess. When Gabrielle pulled away, he walked over and hugged Xena gently, afraid of hurting her.

"It's good to see you again, Xena! You look great!" he said.

"Thanks, Joxer. I've missed you both! Thank the gods you two made it here okay! I wasn't sure if Argo would come here or not!" Xena said.

"What is this place?" Gabrielle asked.

"I'm not too sure, but whatever it is... it's safe! Even Ares can't come into this village! There is some sort of force or something protecting it. I can't explain it." Xena grabbed Joxer's hand and then took Gabrielle's. "I'm so glad you two worked together! Gabrielle I know you are strong, but I am so glad that you didn't have to do this on your own! Joxer, I am thankful that you are here. You have no idea how much it means to me, you two, standing here together, means so much! I've got to rest now. But I will see you in the morning." Xena said softly.

Joxer gently squeezed Xena's hand before letting it go and stood up. He took Gabrielle's arm and helped her up as well. They quietly left the room and closed the door. Gabrielle turned to face him and smiled a little.

"Joxer, I just wanted to say thank-you. If it wasn't for you, I don't know what would have happened. Thank-you!" Gabrielle said softly and kissed him gently on the cheek before returning to her room.

Joxer returned to his room and closed the door. "Just another day in the life of Joxer the Mighty." he whispered and got ready for bed.

The End

Please take the time to write to Anne at JoxerBuddy@hotmail.com and let her know how you liked the story!

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
Xena: Warrior Princess, Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Ares, and all other characters who have appeared in the series, together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of StudiosUSA and Renaissance Pictures. The lyrics to "Life On Your Own" are owned by the appropriate copyright holders. No infringement of copyrights or trademarks is intended in the writing of this fan fiction. The character of Casimir was created by the author for use in this fiction. This story is copyright © 1999 by Anne Beaudry and is her sole property along with the story idea. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.