It was a little over a week after Gabrielle had left Eve to head for Amphipolis. She was less than a days travel away when it had begun to get dark, so she decided to stop for the night. Gabrielle looked out at the night sky as she sat near the campfire. She couldn't help but think about everything that had been happening as of late.
GABRIELLE
What am I doing out here? Maybe Eve was right. Am I going crazy and just chasing after ghosts? I wish I knew what to do.
Gabrielle's hand went to the necklace she wore. She looked down at the pendant.
GABRIELLE
You would know what to do. You'd head right out and find out the truth. You would find a way to fix everything wouldn't you.
Gabrielle smiled a little as she looked back out at the night sky.
GABRIELLE
Then I guess I have to see this through. I always enjoy our little chats Xena. Even if I'm the one doing all the talking.
Gabrielle chuckled a bit.
GABRIELLE
I guess some things never change huh.
Not long after Gabrielle went to bed. As she slept she had another dream about Xena. This time Xena was just standing in the middle of the darkness. Gabrielle saw her looking up into the void. She began walking towards Xena as she called out to her. She was almost to her when an invisible force stopped Gabrielle from getting any closer. She watched as Xena turned towards her. Gabrielle saw a painful expression on her face. She asked Xena what was wrong but Xena didn't say anything. Then Gabrielle saw a hole in Xena's chest. It looked dark and hollow. Gabrielle saw as Xena opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. Then she watched as Xena's expression changed to one of anger. Xena drew her sword as she turned away from Gabrielle and began walking into the darkness.
GABRIELLE
No wait. Xena!
Gabrielle began pounding against the invisible barrier wanting to chase after her. Then she woke up. Gabrielle layed there as she looked at the still stary sky.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Another dream. It was so strange. Xena seemed like she was trying to tell me something. But I couldn't hear her. And was that a hole?
Gabrielle sighed.
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry Xena. But if you're trying to tell me something I don't get it. Maybe I'm just thinking too much into this.
Gabrielle rolled over and tried to clear her mind. Before eventually falling back to sleep. Before long it was morning. Gabrielle awoke and picked up camp as she continued towards Amphipolis. In was early afternoon when she had finally arrived. It had been a very long time since Gabrielle had been there. The small village seemed to have grown since she had been there last. Dispite it looking different Gabrielle could still tell where certain things were. Xena's mother's old inn was still there. Last Gabrielle knew Xena's brother Torres had eventually come and after fixing the place up, took over running it. She wondered if he was still there. After all due to the 25 year sleep both Gabrielle and Xena had done all those years ago, all of their families and friends were a good amount older than she and Xena were. And now that almost 9 more years had gone by since Gabrielle had been there, she couldn't help but wonder if Xena's brother would even still be there. She walked up to the door of the inn and went inside. As she walked in, Gabrielle saw a cozy looking place. She could smell something that reminded her that she hadn't eaten anything since the bit of bread she had for breakfast on the road that morning. She walked up to the counter as she heard a woman's voice coming towards her from the kitchen in the back. Gabrielle looked as a woman came through the door. Gabrielle looked at the woman stunned by how much she looked like Xena. So much so that she had to focus a bit to be sure that it wasn't. Gabrielle realized that she was staring at the woman and looked away before the woman could notice. The woman spotted Gabrielle and walked over.
WOMAN
Hello there. What can I do for you.
Gabrielle was a bit thrown off. She hadn't expected to see someone who she could've sworn was Xena herself. But after getting a closer look and hearing her voice it was clear that it wasn't. After the initial surprise wore off Gabrielle gave the woman a friendly smile.
GABRIELLE
Actually I was looking for someone who I thought ran this inn. But it has been a long time since I've been here. So he might not be around anymore. Are you the one who runs it now?
WOMAN
No I just help my father. He's in the back. Let me get him.
The woman opened the door she had come through and shouted for her father. A few moments later Gabrielle saw an older man walk through the door. He looked at his daughter and she told him that someone was there to see him. The man looked and saw Gabrielle sitting at the bar.
OLD MAN
Gabrielle?
Gabrielle looked into his eyes that were the same blue as Xena's.
GABRIELLE
Toris?
The smile on the man's face confirmed that he was infact Xena's brother. Gabrielle stood up as Torris walked over and hugged her.
TORIS
What are you doing here?
GABRIELLE
I was passing through and thought I'd stop by.
Toris saw Gabrielle look at the woman.
TORIS
Oh Gabrielle this is my daughter Nora.
GABRIELLE
Nice to meet you Nora. I'm Gabrielle.
NORA
It's a pleasure to meet you Gabrielle. If you don't mind me asking how do you know my father?
TORIS
Gabrielle here knew my sister.
NORA
Oh so you knew aunt Xena. Father's told me about her. I've heard that she was a very impressive woman.
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
That's putting it lightly.
TORIS
That sister of mine certainly was something that's for sure.
The three chatted for a bit and caught up. A little later a couple customers entered the inn and Torris's daughter went to tend to them. Meanwhile Toris noticed that Gabrielle appeared to be lost in her own thoughts.
TORIS
Something on your mind Gabrielle?
GABRIELLE
Quite a bit actually.
TORIS
Anything I can do?
GABRIELLE
I was wondering if it would be okay if I could go see Xena.
Toris smiled.
TORIS
Gabrielle you never have to ask to go visit Xena's resting place. I know what you two ment to each other. So of course you can go see her.
Toris stood up and offered Gabrielle to take his arm as he walked her to the family tomb. The two casually talked as they headed to the tomb.
TORIS
I actually come to talk to my mother, brother and sister often. Though I'm sure Xena will be glad to hear from someone else besides me for a change. Especially if it's you.
Gabrielle decided not to mention that she thought Xena could be alive. She needed to see the tomb for herself before she could be certain of anything. Once they arrived Gabrielle went in as Torris waited outside to give her time alone with Xena. Gabrielle walked in saw that the room was dimly lit with candles. There were two caskets one on each side of the room. And in the middle agienst the wall was a small table with an urn sitting on it. Gabrielle recognized it right away as Xena's. She felt her heart race as she slowly walked up to it. She honestly didn't know what she hoped to find when she looked inside. Gabrielle felt a mix of emotions as she stood there looking at it, trying to build up the courage to remove the lid. Finally after what felt like an eternity Gabrielle reached out and lifted the top of the urn. She looked down and saw only the inside of the container. Xena's urn was completely empty.
GABRIELLE
Xena...
Gabrielle needed to make sure that nothing happened to Xena's ashes that she wasn't aware of, so she placed the lid back on the urn and called for Toris who came in after hearing his name. He walked in seeing Gabrielle looking inside her pendant. She could see the bit of Xena's remains were still inside.
TORIS
Is something wrong?
Gabrielle closed up the pendant as she looked at Toris.
GABRIELLE
Torris has anyone else besides you been in here?
TORIS
Not that I'm aware of. I see no reason why anyone else would come here. Why?
GABRIELLE
Are you absolutely sure?
TORIS
Well I can't be a hundred percent certain. It's like this place is guarded or anything. But I don't leave anything of value here anyway to avoid grave robbers and looters. So it's not as though there's anything to steal.
GABRIELLE
I guess you're right. No one would want to steal ashes right?
Toris gave Gabrielle a puzzled look.
TORIS
What's that supposed to mean?
Gabrielle picked up Xena's urn as she turned to face Toris and removed the lid.
GABRIELLE
Toris Xena's ashes are gone.
×××
Xena's brother Toris looked into the empty urn that Gabrielle held.
TORIS
That's not not possible.
Toris quickly looked around the room to see if anything else was missing. He didn't notice anything out of place.
TORIS
Surly no one would steal ashes would they? I get that my sister had gained a good number of enemies throughout her life but what could anyone possibly want with them?
Gabrielle put the lid back on the urn and placed it back where it had been sitting.
GABRIELLE
I have no idea. Though if I'm being honest I don't think that they were stolen.
TORIS
What makes you say that?
Gabrielle sighed as she quickly went over everything that she had discovered in her head.
GABRIELLE
It's a little difficult to explain. Actually the whole reason I came here today was to see if Xena's remains were still here.
TORIS
Okay?
GABRIELLE
Torres I know that this is gonna sound insane but I have reason to believe that Xena has come back to life.
Toris stood there for a moment with a confused expression on his face.
TORIS
I'm sorry Gabrielle sometimes these old ears play tricks on me. Could you run that by me again?
GABRIELLE
Your sister, Xena, is alive. She's come back from the dead.
Toris rubbed his forehead as he sighed.
TORIS
Okay so I did hear you correctly.
He gently took the urn and lid from Gabrielle and put it back where it was. He then turned towards Gabrielle and gave her a gentle smile.
TORIS
Come on let's head back to the inn.
GABRIELLE
You don't believe me do you?
TORIS
I never said I did or didn't. Now why don't we go inside and we can sit and talk.
Toris walked Gabrielle back to the inn. Once they got back he had her sit at a table and called for his daughter Nora to get Gabrielle some tea. Afterwards he placed his hand on Gabrielle's forehead.
TORIS
Hmm you don't seem to have a fever.
Slightly insulted, Gabrielle pushed his arm away.
GABRIELLE
I'm not sick Toris.
Toris looked at Gabrielle as he sat across the table from her
TORIS
Well you don't appear to be physically I'll at the very least.
GABRIELLE
I'm not crazy either. Xena's not dead and I'm going to find her.
Nora came over with the tea pot and a cup. She placed the cup in front of Gabrielle and poured her some tea.
TORRIS
Thank you Nora. It's pretty slow today so why don't you go take a break. I need to talk to Gabrielle alone.
The young woman smiled as she said goodbye and left the inn. Once the two were alone, Toris motioned to the cup that sat in front of Gabrielle.
TORIS
Drink up. It'll help make you feel better. It's an old recipe my mother taught us when we were young. When any of us weren't feeling well she would make us some of that tea.
GABRIELLE
I know. Xena made it for me many times.
Gabrielle looked into the cup.
GABRIELLE
I'm not making this up Toris. Xena's alive and she's out there somewhere.
TORIS
And I believe you believe that Gabrielle.
Gabrielle looked up at Toris.
GABRIELLE
What's that supposed to mean?
TORIS
It means that I believe that you're in pain. And you want so badly to see Xena again that you're mind has begun to play tricks on you.
Gabrielle was becoming tired of her sanity being called into question. Even if she had questioned it herself recently.
GABRIELLE
My mind is perfectly fine thank you.
Gabrielle stood up.
GABRIELLE
If I'm crazy then how do you explain Xena's remains going missing?
TORIS
There are far more logical explanations for that than my sister returning from the beyond. Someone must've taken them for whatever reason.
GABRIELLE
People are saying that they've seen her.
TORIS
They must be mistaken. After all haven't you both seen people who bear a striking resemblance to my sister.
GABRIELLE
Do you know how old they are by now?
TORIS
(Sarcasm) Right because that makes less sense than what you're telling me.
GABRIELLE
Fine don't believe me. I know that Xena's out there.
TORIS
What makes you so sure?
GABRIELLE
I can just feel it.
TORIS
You feel it?
GABRIELLE
Like alot of other things about Xena and myself, I can't explain it. But I just have this feeling that she's out there somewhere and she needs help.
TORIS
Hold on what do you mean by her needing help?
Gabrielle told Toris about the rumors of Xena's return to her evil ways and the dreams that she'd been having.
GABRIELLE
Something's wrong with her and she's calling me for help.
TORIS
Gabrielle....
Toris paused, not knowing what more to say.
GABRIELLE
You still don't believe me do you?
TORIS
I know that you wouldn't purposely make something like this up.
With nothing more to say, Gabrielle began to leave.
GABRIELLE
Thanks for letting me check the tomb. I should be going now.
TORIS
Wait you don't have to leave.
Gabrielle looked back at him, seeing the concern on his face. Xena's family had always treated her as if she were one of their own. That was something that Gabrielle had always loved and appreciated about them.
GABRIELLE
Actually I do. I have to find Xena. Don't worry I'll be okay. Thanks for everything Toris.
Gabrielle gave a little smile and turned away as she left the inn.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Okay now what?
Gabrielle stood outside the inn as she tried to figure out her next move.
GABRIELLE
If I were a newly revived Xena with seemingly no memory of her life after giving up her warlord ways, where would I go? What would I do?
Gabrielle tried to use what Xena had told her about her past to try and put herself in her shoes. Though thinking like the old Xena was going to be a bit of a challenge for a couple reasons. For one, while Gabrielle knew about that part of Xena's life she didn't particularly like to think about her in that way. And the other reason was the fact that Gabrielle's mind just didn't work like that. Sure she had learned plenty about combat and strategy from being around Xena all the time they were together. But as far as the cold heartedness that Xena once possessed and now seemed to again, Gabrielle just wasn't sure if she could put herself in that kind of mindset. Still with no real leads on Xena's location at the moment, Gabrielle figured that it was at the very least worth a try.
GABRIELLE
Based on what I've been told, if Xena's looking to take over Greece she would need to build an army first. So I just need to figure out where she would be getting her men. Probably mercenaries and soldiers for hire. But knowing Xena she would want people who could actually pull their own weight in battle and not just any random person who picked up a sword and thought it automatically made them a warrior. But where would I find people like that?
Gabrielle began walking as she continued to think of how she was going to find Xena. That night Gabrielle had another dream. This time she was behind Xena as she stood over looking a large field. She could hear Xena saying something. Gabrielle moved closer to try and understand her.
XENA
I can't. Not again.
GABRIELLE
Xena what's wrong? Where are you?
Xena didn't seem to hear her.
XENA
Why can't I stop?
Gabrielle saw as Xena clenched at her chest.
XENA
It hurts so much but it also feels like nothings there.
Xena dropped to one knee.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Gabrielle ran towards her. But just as Gabrielle got to her, Xena disappeared. Gabrielle looked around for Xena. As she did she looked down at the field below.
GABRIELLE
An army.
Gabrielle saw what looked like hundreds of soldiers as they marched and rode towards a village. At the head she saw a tall figure as they gave the order to attack. Gabrielle looked closer and realized that the figure was Xena.
GABRIELLE
No Xena stop!
Gabrielle saw a bright flash of light as the village suddenly went up in flames. The next thing she knew Gabrielle was standing in the middle of the burning village. She looked around as people layed dead around her. Then she felt someone behind her and turned around. There Xena stood in front of her. Gabrielle could see a pained look in her eyes.
XENA
Please Gabrielle. I, I can't stop.
Gabrielle saw Xena hold out her hands. One of which held a sword. Both the sword and Xena's hands were covered in blood.
GABRIELLE
Where are you?
Xena seemed unable to answer. Gabrielle looked around recognizing where they were.
GABRIELLE
Is this where you're going? Or have you been here already?
Xena looked up. Gabrielle did as well to see what Xena was trying to show her. As Gabrielle looked at the sky time accelerated at a rapid speed. Gabrielle watched as the world around her repeatedly switched from day to night and back to day. The cycle went on for a few seconds until stopping back on day. Gabrielle looked back at Xena.
GABRIELLE
I understand. Don't worry Xena I'll find you before this happens.
Through the pain that Xena seemed to be in she smiled. Then she reached out and with one finger lightly touched the pendant around Gabrielle's neck. There was a bright flash of white light and Gabrielle opened her eyes to the night sky as she woke. She put her hand over her necklace knowing what had just happened.
GABRIELLE
I'll find you before then Xena. I don't care what anyone says, I know what my heart is telling me. You're out there and I'll find you.
Gabrielle layed there as she began to wonder how exactly Xena seemed to be communicating with her in her dreams. She tried but couldn't figure it out.
GABRIELLE
I guess the how doesn't really matter right now does it?
Gabrielle looked at the pendant as she spoke.
GABRIELLE
Once morning comes I'll get going. We'll make everything right Xena. I won't let you go back down that dark road.
Gabrielle sighed.
GABRIELLE
But why did you come back this way in the first place?
As the sun rose, Gabrielle set out for the village that she saw in her dream. She realized that she would have the best chance at finding Xena if she went in that direction. Now not only did Gabrielle need to find Xena. But she had to reach her before Xena could do something truly horrible.
×××
Keeping an eye out for any signs of Xena, Gabrielle moved towards the destination that she had seen in her dream the night before. As she walked, Gabrielle didn't notice anything that could be Xena's trail for a long while. Finally she began to wonder if she was even heading in the right direction.
GABRIELLE
It's a little harder to tell where I'm going when everything around here looks the same.
Gabrielle inspected the arena around her. Now she found herself in a wooded area. She'd been walking through those woods for some time and wasn't really sure where she should go next. She stood looking out at the scenery that surrounded her. Then she looked down at her pendant.
GABRIELLE
Not that I'm complaining but do you think next time you could give me directions for where you want me to go.
Gabrielle smiled a bit as she looked around and sighed.
GABRIELLE
I knew I should've gone around these woods instead of coming through. I don't want to admit this but I think I might be lost here Xena. Any ideas for where I go from here.
Gabrielle held her pendant between her fingers as she held it up looking at the small container that had a permanent place around her neck.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Not gonna say anything? Thanks alot, you're no help.
Gabrielle smiled as she placed the pendant back to where it normally hung and lovingly patted it as she took another glance around her.
GABRIELLE
(Sighs) But seriously I really don't know where I'm going here.
As Gabrielle stood trying to gain her barings she heard voices coming from not far up ahead. She walked towards the sounds and hid behind a tree when she spotted a group of what looked like soldiers. She quietly listened in to their conversation.
SOLDIER 1
So you really think that this is for real?
SOLDIER 2
As long as I can get my money and have a little fun doing it, I can work for some old hag for all I care.
SOLDIER 1
Still to think all that stuff I've heard was just nonsense.
SOLDIER 3
And now we're on our way to possibly fight along side one of the greatest military minds this place has ever known.
SOLDIER 1
Honestly I'm a little nervous about meeting her.
Gabrielle had heard enough. What they were saying confirmed that they must've been going to join the army that Xena was building.
GABRIELLE
So you guys wouldn't happen to know this woman's name now would you?
The soldiers turned around to see Gabrielle standing there with her hands on her hips and a cocky smile on her face.
SOLDIER 2
(Mocking tone) Would you look at this boys. It seems like we have a lady on our hands.
The soldiers laughed.
SOLDIER 2
(Mocking tone) So tell me little lady did you get lost on your way to the market or something?
Gabrielle ignored the sexist comment as she crossed her arms.
GABRIELLE
Actually I was looking join up with this army I've been hearing about. So if you would be so kind as to tell me the name of that woman you were talking about.
SOLDIER 3
You want to join an army? You?
(Sarcasm) Okay sure.
The soldiers laughed again.
SOLDIER 1
Xena would eat you alive girl. You clearly have no idea who you're dealing with.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) My thoughts exactly.
SOLDIER 2
Although I doubt it's really her. After all didn't she die a number of years ago?
SOLDIER 3
I bet she faked her death. Or I guess it could be someone just using her name to gain fame from her reputation.
SOLDIER 1
Either way if it is her, Xena is not a warrior to take lightly. She's taken multiple men more than twice her size down at once with ease just because they looked at her the wrong way.
GABRIELLE
Oh trust me I know all about Xena.
SOLDIER 2
Is that so?
GABRIELLE
Yeah. And don't let my appearance fool you. There's alot more to me than meets the eye.
SOLDIER 3
(Mocking tone) Oooo I'm so scared.
The three soldiers laughed.
SOLDIER 3
Now why don't you run home before you get yourself in trouble.
The men continued on their way as Gabrielle stood and watched them walk away. Unphased by their comments, she smirked as she looked at her pendant.
GABRIELLE
I wonder if you had to deal with this sort of thing before everyone knew your name. Remind me to ask you when you're back to normal.
Gabrielle looked back and saw the soldiers moving further from her view.
GABRIELLE
Guess I better get going so I don't lose them.
Gabrielle stealthily followed the soldiers, knowing that they were going to lead her right to Xena. They traveled until it started to get dark. Gabrielle watched from behind some bushes a little ways off as the soldiers set up camp for the night. She sat down leaning against a tree as she got comfortable.
GABRIELLE
Looks like we're gonna pick back up tomorrow. I should get some sleep. Gotta make sure I'm up before they leave in the morning.
Gabrielle ran her finger on her pendant and smiled a little.
GABRIELLE
Night Xena.
Before long Gabrielle drifted off to sleep. She then found herself in another dream. This time Xena was sitting on the ground inside the void. Gabrielle walked over and sat down beside her.
GABRIELLE
I'm on my way Xena.
XENA
I know.
Gabrielle looked at Xena. Surprised that she actually seemed calm and spoke to her normally.
GABRIELLE
You know?
Xena softly smiled.
XENA
Well you do talk to me all the time. I know about everything you do.
GABRIELLE
Why am I not surprised?
Suddenly Gabrielle realized something.
GABRIELLE
Hey you seem so calm right now. Before you seemed like you were in pain and you didn't really talk.
XENA
Huh. I'm not sure why I can speak now. Maybe it has something to do with you?
GABRIELLE
Like what?
Xena shrugged. After a moment Xena noticed Gabrielle intensly staring at her.
XENA
What?
GABRIELLE
It is really you isn't it?
XENA
Do you mean in here or out there?
GABRIELLE
I guess both.
XENA
Would you be doing all this if you thought it wasn't? Besides no one else has been able to convince you that this all in your head, so why would I be any different?
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
Hey you can be pretty persuasive when you wanna be.
Xena arched her eyebrow.
XENA
Oh could I?
Gabrielle chuckled as she shook her head getting Xena's innuendo.
GABRIELLE
Oh yeah you're definitely Xena alright. But you know what I ment.
Gabrielle had so many questions that she wanted to ask Xena. She wasn't really sure where to begin. She was about to try when Xena suddenly looked up into the void. Gabrielle watched as she quickly stood. She looked up at Xena as saw a serious expression appear on her face.
GABRIELLE
Xena?
Xena looked back down at Gabrielle as she held out her hand and helped Gabrielle to her feet.
XENA
You need to wake up.
GABRIELLE
I don't understand. What's going on?
XENA
I don't have time to explain everything Gabrielle. You're in danger, you have to wake up now.
GABRIELLE
How? I don't get how any of this works.
Xena moved to stand right in front of Gabrielle.
XENA
It's okay. Just close your eyes.
Gabrielle did as instructed.
GABRIELLE
Okay now what?
XENA
Now just focus on waking up.
Gabrielle began to focus but then opened her eyes to look at Xena.
GABRIELLE
Wait what about you? I have so much to ask.
Xena gently touched Gabrielle's cheek.
XENA
Don't worry I'll be here. Now hurry.
Gabrielle nodded as she closed her eyes again and focused on waking herself up. Moments later, unsure if it worked Gabrielle slowly opened her eyes again. Though this time she saw a very different sight.
SOLDIER 2
(Sarcasm) Oh darn you woke her up.
SOLDIER 3
Oh well it's not like she would've stayed asleep once we got started anyway.
Gabrielle looked up, seeing the three soldiers standing over her.
SOLDIER 1
That's fine with me. It's much more fun when they have a little fight in them anyway.
The soldiers looked down at Gabrielle who now knew exactly what kind of danger Xena was talking about as she saw the evil, lustful intentions in the soldiers eyes.
SOLDIER 1
So boys, who gets to go first?
×××