Genre: Post FIN Fic

THE LEGEND OF ETERNAL LOYALTY

By Hayriye Makas

 

ARTWORK RELATED TO FANFIC

CHAPTER 1

 

It was endless. The nightmares that had been going on for twenty years in a row was nowhere in sight. It had been a long time since she had a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep. It was impossible for her to fall asleep at night without using the incense of vervain.

But tonight, she had to sleep well because in the morning she would attend an important ceremony, the master of masters, the esteemed Gabrielle. This name was given to her by the young girls in her yurt.

As one of her young assistants entered the room wearing her nightgown with a cup of chamomile tea, she said, "If you drink it while it's hot, it will help you relax, my queen." And she lit the vervain incense before leaving the room. In the flickering light of the burning candle, as Gabrielle drifted off to sleep, the last thing on her mind was, of course, Xena's blue eyes looking at her for the last time. How could she have allowed Xena to sacrifice herself. Nothing in life was ethical. This might not be ethical either. The young heart had not thought that the unbearable emptiness of her absence would increasingly become unbearable for almost twenty years.

But now she felt utterly alone to the point of death. Yes, the surroundings were very crowded. Yes, hundreds of young people saw her as a source of inspiration, a mentor, an idol, showering her with love and admiration almost worshipfully. But something was missing, something was missing a lot, as if even if they laid the world at her feet, happiness would always remain incomplete. Amidst all this crowd, she was lonely. The most important part that kept her going was missing, that's it. And it would remain missing forever.

Since she started to be known as the "Warrior with the Chakram", Gabrielle had dedicated herself and her entire life to fighting for absolute goodness, just like her closest friend, companion, soulmate Xena, in the continuation of her life without Xena. After leaving Xena, shattered in that accursed land, she returned to her own lands and was met with an unexpected interest, respect, and loyalty. She was now one of the most powerful warriors known in her own lands. She proudly carried this title.

"The candle is about to go out, Gabrielle! You need to rest." The soft voice coming from the entrance of her tent suddenly pulled her away from her thoughts.

It was Amarice, the Amazon sister who had known her for a long time and showed her loyalty by choosing not to leave her side.

Gabrielle had long ago given up being the queen of the Amazons and had established a new army, a new community, a nation with those who followed her faithfully. Among the community were not only male and female warriors, but also shamans, healers, seers, helpers, and families. They called themselves the Carians. Gabrielle was the leader, guide, teacher, and commander of the Carians. Of course, she had her children whom she trusted more than herself by her side.

In the early hours of the morning, a large crowd had gathered in the arena. It was an important day for Caria. It was traditional. Since the founding of the Carian nation, they had been organizing this ceremony. Every year, young people who turned 18 completed their Carian individual proficiency training through the ceremony and wore the necklaces symbolizing this by not taking them off.

This training started with how to treat animals and plants, continued with survival and combat skills, and after receiving education from different cultures, prepared children for life as individuals.

The young person who completed this training became an adult Carian by swearing to abide by the laws of Caria and to be fair.

When Queen Gabrielle arrived at the ceremony area, the people welcomed her enthusiastically. Her maroon satin cloak shimmered in the sun. She gently raised her hand to greet her Carian friends and took her place among the spectators.

Actually, Gabrielle had never wanted to receive such attention or be elevated. But over time, the people she had helped and assisted, along with others they had brought along, surrounded her, as if they had become her disciples.

Caria was truly a paradise isolated from the outside world on earth. Of course, they faced external threats. But with a strong army and Gabrielle as their general

in battle, they quickly defeated all enemies.

Xena had taught her everything she knew before leaving. She had kept her promise and transformed the innocent girl from the village into a warrior woman. Though she may have left

her heart with Gabrielle, she did not look back. She knew Gabrielle was now capable of taking care of herself.

Queen Gabrielle proudly took her place and began to watch the young ones who would complete their training by receiving their necklaces at the ceremony. These young ones were all intelligent, compassionate, clever, hardworking, and successful.

As the "Enlightened One," a spiritual leader of their community, despite being young, entered the arena with the white long robes trailing behind him, his wisdom had earned him the respect and love of all the people. His long blonde hair and blue eyes shone like precious stones under the sun. After greeting the crowd and receiving a thunderous applause, he individually congratulated each of the young ones and placed their necklaces around their necks.

One of the eighteen-year-old young women who had completed her training, with piercing light blue eyes and jet-black long hair, mischievously smiled at the Enlightened One. Her white teeth were

dazzling. With her tall stature and strong body, she was a young and successful warrior.

"See, did you see?" the young girl said playfully, "I completed my training! You thought I couldn't do it!"

The Enlightened One smiled

affectionately. "Yes, I saw. Congratulations. I was just trying to tease you. I was absolutely sure you would complete this training. My trust in you is always unwavering, Xenia!"

The Enlightened One ruffled Xenia's hair as if playing with a child.

"I'm telling you, don't do it!" Xenia said, laughing.

They both continued to playfully laugh for a while. Then, the Enlightened One, with that serious yet loving, embracing expression, continued to congratulate the other graduates.

Watching from her seat in the arena, Queen Gabrielle stood up when all the graduates had received their necklaces, signaling the beginning of the ceremonies by raising her hands.

Amid the sounds of ceremonial trumpets, all the residents of Caria began to dance and enjoy themselves. Queen Gabrielle rose from her seat, mingling with her people, exchanging greetings and hugs, congratulating the youth and families. At that moment, Xenia, who had just received her medal from the Enlightened One, excitedly ran towards Queen Gabrielle. Seeing her approach, Gabrielle opened her arms wide to embrace the young girl for a congratulatory hug.

"I did it! Mother, look, I did it!" Xenia exclaimed with excitement. Gabrielle, gazing proudly at her daughter's enthusiastic state, kissed her on the forehead.

"Congratulations, Xenia. I knew you would succeed!" The young girl smiled at her mother with her bright white teeth and shiny blue eyes, saying, "Thank you, mother. It's all thanks to you!"

"No," Gabrielle replied as she lovingly stroked her daughter's long, shiny, black hair, "You achieved it all yourself."

Meanwhile, a cute little girl around ten years old with golden blonde hair and green eyes ran over to them.

"Father! Father! I want to be like Xenia too," she exclaimed. Gabrielle smiled at the girl as she hugged Xenia around the waist. "You are very beautiful. You are strong and can defeat all the boys in combat."

Xenia reciprocated the little girl's embrace, saying, "Oh! I have many skills."

Her words caught the attention of Gabrielle and the Enlightened One. They looked eachother for a slight moment and smiled.

As the children moved away, Gabrielle spoke without taking her eyes off him. "I want you to have a meeting with the Persian king tomorrow."

"Do you think it will be beneficial?"

"At least give it a try. I trust you. We cannot afford to lose the lands we have owned for years. Don't you see the happy children living here? People are so peaceful. I have seen many unhappy people. Everywhere there was blood and tears. Many people dream of such a place, but unfortunately, there is always war. I have fought so much. What did I gain? Nothing? What did I lose? Half of my heart."

"I know. I wish things were different. I have so many unfinished things too." The Enlightened One said.

"You could have experienced beautiful things too. You could have lived your childhood dreams." Gabrielle comforted him by stroking his back.

"We must preserve the peace here. We need you for that. Your thoughts and words can influence the Persian King. We can prevent him from taking over these lands without having to fight."

"What if it doesn't work? What if things don't go as you think?"

"We have to try. I can't bear to lose even one person from my people."

Gabrielle sat down, clutching her chest as if struggling to breathe. She was trying not to show her condition to anyone, but lately, it was happening very often.

She saw her daughter Xenia approaching from a distance. She had to hide it. She composed herself quickly.

"Mother?"

"My dear?"

"Are you okay?"

"I... I'm fine."

Xenia hated seeing her mother unhappy. But it couldn't be said that she had ever seen her happy. She started thinking of something to cheer her up.

"Let's dye your hair with henna. Look, the whites are starting to show. Red hair suits you so well."

Gabrielle didn't reply.

"Come on..."

Gabrielle never wanted her daughter to be unhappy. She had not fully experienced motherhood. Hope had brought her more sorrow and trouble than the joy of motherhood. After losing Xena, she had prayed continuously for her return. She had prayed regularly in the temple to God. Praying was good for her soul.

For years, she had prayed for Xena. On a harsh winter evening, she had met her little Xenia. The villagers had asked for help from Queen Gabrielle as they had been attacked. She had come down to the village with her army to support them. Everything was looted and burned, the air filled with the smell of smoke. It was too late to help. Everyone, young and old, had been killed. The guilt of not arriving on time overwhelmed her as she dismounted from her horse. Her eyes were filled with tears. Every destroyed house she saw made her crumble a little more. She had lost her tolerance for negativity.

She knelt down as if throwing herself. Two tears rolled down from her eyes. At that moment, the wooden debris in front of her moved. A 3-year-old girl with a dirty face and hands emerged from underneath. There was a look in her eyes. Strong, proud, self-assured. Gabrielle and the girl stared into each other's eyes for a while. It seemed like these looks resembled the ones she loved so much. Her face and eyes were just like Xena's.

The child slowly approached her. There was no fear or tears on her face. She looked so brave. She got up from where she was and came to Gabrielle. She wiped the tear from her eye. It was like a miracle. Had God answered her prayers with this child? She held the child's hands in hers. At that moment, Americe and the others came to her side.

"Is this your house?" Americe asked the child.

The child shook her head.

When they checked the house, they couldn't find any of her family members. They assumed they were either dead or taken.

"Will you come with me?" Gabrielle asked the child.

The child suddenly hugged her tightly without answering. They both got on Gabrielle's horse without saying anything else. The child wanted to go with her without questioning.

She didn't talk about her family or anything else from the past. After cleaning up and dressing, they offered her food. The child went on her own and curled up in Gabrielle's bed and fell asleep. Gabrielle watched her throughout the night. She touched her shiny black hair with long fingers.

In the morning, the child woke up smiling.

"What's your name?" Gabrielle asked.

The child didn't answer. She continued to look at her with a smile in her eyes.

"Xena? Is that you?... No, no, you're not her. But you look like her. Should I name you Xenia

then? To resemble her?"

The child giggled and nodded her head. She had a peculiar mystery about her.

This was how Xenia entered Gabrielle's life. And she never, ever left, becoming a part of her soul.

Gabrielle saw Xena, searching for traces of her in every move, action, and word. She found them. This child not only reminded Gabrielle but everyone who knew Xena of her. Therefore, she quickly became the beloved of the whole community.

Today, Xenia's graduation was being celebrated by the entire community.

Xenia slowly started to comb her mother's long red hair. Gabrielle was pensive.

"Tell me, mother..."

"It's not important, my child."

"Come on, I'm not a child anymore. Look, I graduated today. I might need to know these things now. Tell me, mother, maybe I can be of help..."

Gabrielle proudly smiled at her daughter. Xenia was right. She was now very intelligent, clever, cunning, successful, and a good warrior. Perhaps she would be her mother's assistant from now on.

"The Persians want to take our lands from us. I have been trying to keep them at bay by forcing them into various agreements for a long time, but I can't hold them off anymore. They want to take our lands from us."

"But why?"

"Because they envy the fertility and prosperity of our lands. They see our happiness in these lands as too much."

"So, what should we do? If needed, we must fight them!" Xenia said excitedly.

"The first step is not to fight!" Gabrielle said suddenly.

Xenia, feeling as if her mother scolded her, fell silent.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap. But..." Gabrielle brought her hand to her forehead, gently stroking it as she thought, "...but I can't do it anymore. Without her, I don't have the strength to handle these alone, there's none left!"

"Mother, we are here. I am here, and we have..." Xenia started.

She was about to say one more word when Gabrielle cut her off, "Don't! Don't say hiss name. If anyone overhears, everything will be ruined!"

"So, I was going to say the Enlightened One..."

"Yes, he is here, you are here. I know. I know that all my people are with me. But still..." Gabrielle interrupted her sentence. Her eyes were lost in the distance.

Xenia approached and caressed her mother's hair. "I am so curious about her. She must be wonderful if you love and miss her so much."

Gabrielle smiled as she held her daughter's hand, "I wish. I wish you could have known her. But... But you resemble her so much..."

Xenia grinned, "Maybe I am her!"

"Maybe..." Gabrielle said, holding her daughter's hands tightly in her palms, "Still, sometimes I miss the days when she protected me from every evil at all costs..."

"Tell me about her again?"

"You've heard so much about her!"

"It's okay. I love listening."

"Alright. When I first saw her, I was amazed. She stood so strong and majestic. She had the power to fight anyone. And I was just a poor village girl. I didn't want to get married. I wanted to be a writer."

"You became one. You have so many scrolls. You donated them to the library for everyone to read."

"If only she had read them all," Gabrielle murmured.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing."

"Mom..."

"Yes."

"You told her to teach you everything she knew. Was it only about fighting?"

"Of course not. Xena could see many things from the slightest clues in sounds. And if she wanted to do something, no one could stop her."

"Then if she wanted to stay with you, she would have stayed. Why didn't she?"

Gabrielle smiled to herself, looking into the distance. "I guess I taught her something too."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. It was Amarice.

"Gabrielle, I wanted to ask a few questions about the graduation dinner we're planning to host for the community."

"Of course..."

Seeing that their conversation would continue, Xenia went outside for a walk. A little further, she saw the little girl who had hugged her earlier. Whenever they met, the girl would look at her with admiration. Xenia enjoyed this actually.

She waved at her and headed towards the forest to skip stones by the river. The trees in the forest were so dense that sometimes even during the day, it would be dark because the sun couldn't shine through. But Xenia wasn't afraid of that. If she encountered a wild animal, she would pass by without caring as long as they didn't feel threatened. She knew very well that they wouldn't attack unless they felt threatened.

Finally, she reached the seashore. She sat on a rock and skipped a few stones.

Xenia then suddenly saw a figure among the trees. This figure was moving. It seemed to be changing positions very quickly.

Xenia thought she had never seen anything like this before. The figure was slowly approaching her. Should she be afraid?

CHAPTER 2 

But it didn't suit her to be afraid. She was her mother's daughter. She was not afraid of anyone. On the contrary, everyone should be afraid of her. She gathered all her courage and took a deep breath. She was clenching her fists with excitement. This was a situation she had to deal with after stepping into adulthood for the first time in her life, and she was alone. As she approached the figure step by step, she began to hear the sound of its deep breathing.

When she got closer, she realized that it was a large person wearing a sackcloth cloak. They were out of breath. They were leaning against one of the trees, breathing. When they noticed Xenia coming, they timidly hid into the cloak. This gave Xenia courage. She walked towards them with more confident steps. A groaning sound was heard from within the cloak. Xenia asked, extending her hand towards them.

"Hey, who are you? What's wrong?"

The cloaked individual groaned again, in an animalistic yet pained voice. Their large size and the sound they made made Xenia think it might be a monster. But it probably was a suffering monster. She had learned from her mother that one should help someone who is suffering, even if it is a monster. When she slowly opened the hood of what she thought was a monster, she came face to face with a pair of tired sparkling blue eyes.

"I guess you don't like talking much."

"Do you want me to help you? Are you ill? Or just injured?"

"Oh okay, I asked a lot of questions. My mother, Gabrielle, sometimes says that I ask too many questions."

The cloaked one suddenly showed a frightening reaction.

"Did I say something to make you angry?"

The cloaked one groaned in pain again. They looked like they were crying. But it's not like they're crying. The situation was quite confusing.

"I think you have serious problems. You refuse to talk but you need help. I will take you to my mother."

Xenia wanted to take their hand. But they weren't moving.

"Come on!"

They pulled back again.

"I think you are very strong. But you need help. Don't you want to come to mom's? Then I will take you to my secret shelter. Would you come with me?"

Xenia held out her hand to them. The cloaked one reacted, timidly and slowly, taking her hand. Xenia was happy that they accepted her offer of help. They walked through the forest for a while. They stopped when the trees grew thicker and the sun was no longer visible. Xenia pointed her finger at a huge cave.

"This is my secret shelter. I come here to dream. Nobody knows its location. Now you've learned it too. But don't tell anyone. Oh, what am I saying? You don't talk anyway."

After turning on the kerosene lamp standing on a stone and illuminating the interior, she pointed to the pile of hay in the corner.

"Come on, sit here, let's check if you're hurt. If you are injured, I will bring you healing ointment."

Xenia slowly removed the cloak, carefully trying not to scare or hurt them. What she saw was a middle-aged woman. There were gray spots on his long, uncombed hair. She was wearing a simple, makeshift old dress, her feet were bare, and she could not lift her head from the ground. But her stance was proud and scary. She was huge.

"I guess you're not injured. But you must be hungry. Do you want me to bring you food?"

The woman nodded willingly.

"What is your name?"

The woman raised her head and looked at his face for the first time. She moved her lips as if she wanted to say hhe name, but she couldn't.

"Oh, I guess you went through a difficult time. Don't tire yourself out, I'll be back. You lie down, there's a blanket here too."

Xenia laid the woman down on the straw and covered her with a blanket.

"Wait for me okay? Don't go anywhere."

Xenia ran out of the cave. She had to hurry. It was about to get dark. She had to immediately go and buy some bread and come back. When she quickly ran through the dark forest, the sun was really about to disappear behind the mountains. She was taking a piece of bread from the food shelf when she suddenly heard a voice behind her.

"Oh Xenia, where have you been? I was worried."

"Did I…. I met someone, mom. She needed help. I think she's hungry too. I need to bring her a piece of bread."

"But the sun has set and it's not safe outside, honey."

"I'll be right back, mom."

"We are under threat these days, dear. Unfortunately, it is not possible for me to let you go."

"But..."

"Don't talk back! Now we promised to have dinner with the orphans, you should prepare for that."

"Alright."

Xenia thought the woman wouldn't starve to death overnight. She was determined to go to her early in the morning. She and her mother got ready and headed to the house where the orphaned children lived. The children were very happy to see them. Even if they didn't have a family, Queen Gabrielle would always be there for them. Eeleven children, who were orphaned in the war and lost their family due to illness, were staying in a huge house. With them there were homeless people who acted as parents and grandparents. They gave the children a warm family home. The homeless people with them had also found a place to stay.

Queen Gabrielle also donated a field for them to plant. They ate their dinner happily. Gabrielle then read them one of the scrolls she had written. It was a story that Xena used the Katana sword in the past. Gabrielle had heard this story from Xena. She had also told that the sword pierced her chest and since then she always carried the scar. Both the orphans and Xenia loved listening to the stories of the magnificent warrior Xena.

"So she had a scar on her chest. How cool." said Xenia.

"Sometimes what we experience leaves traces on us. This is useful for us to be able to remember the past." said Gabrielle.

She caressed his daughter's hair. She was looking at her with proud eyes. They returned home early in the evening because they were tired throughout the day. The weather was cool that evening. Xenia was looking out the window while her mother was getting ready for bed.

"I wonder if the cloaked woman was cold alone in the cave. Her clothes were also very thin. But she was a strong woman. Maybe she wouldn't be affected by the cold." Xenia spoke to herself.

She went to bed thinking about that woman. Although it took her a while to fall asleep, she woke up early in the morning.

When she realized that his mother got up even earlier than that and went to the Enlightened One, she prepared food, water and clothes without wasting any time. She thought it would be a good idea to go by horse. That would be easier.

Meanwhile, Queen Gabrielle had already woken up early and wandered around the city, talked to those in need and listened to their requests, and then gathered a few of her most trusted men in her study to discuss Caria's security problem. This group included Americe, the Enlightened One, Eve, and Virgil.

"I don't know how to stop this planned invasion of our lands without shedding blood!" Gabrielle said, rubbing her forehead thoughtfully.

"Then we will shed blood if necessary!" It was Virgil who said this.

"Yes!" "Americe agreed."

"It's not that easy. Gabrielle created a nation here that has been living in peace for years and does not harm each other. Now such a war is very contrary to the life and philosophy of our people!" Eve said as she walked over to Americe and Virgil.

"Of course we have the ability to fight if necessary. But I would prefer such a path to be our last option." said Gabrielle, then slowly walked towards the Enlightened One, who was listening calmly to what was being said next to him.

"What do you think?" Gabrielle asked him.

"I agree with you." said the Enlightened One, "But I don't know. How do we do it?"

"I think we should fight. We must kill them all!" cried America again.

"NO!" retorted the Enlightened One. "There must be another way!"

"My brother is right!" said Eve, placing her hand on Americe's shoulder. "Just as Solan once saved Elisian Fields from the attack of demons without war and with reason, this time he will find a logical and humane way, one more time!"

"It's true," said Virgil, "He will find a way."

Gabrielle looked around frantically. She hoped no one had overheard their conversation.

"Okay, shut up now! You're giving too much away. Don't use names! This is a very important issue. He is the Enlightened One!"

Everyone nodded and remained silent.

"I don't know if I can find a way this time!" said Solan, looking worried.

Gabrielle could understand even the slightest fear or concern on his face. She quickly approached him.

"What are you thinking?"

"I have a strange feeling!" said the young man, "As if everything would change this time. I can't name it, but it's a really strange feeling."

"Is this a prophecy?"

"Maybe. It seems like something we never expected will happen."

"Is it a good or bad thing?"

He placed his withering hands on Gabrielle's shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"Gabrielle, you know you are like a mother to me. I wanted to come back here, so that I could experience the things I couldn't experience with my mother. I came here with such hope and joy. But when I found out she was dead... That's when I replaced her with you. Now, I can't lie to you. Of course, there are good aspects to what I feel, but I can't say that only good things will happen. I have a feeling that very, very bad things will happen too..."

"I hope good things happen. Otherwise I don't know how to cope."

As Xenia dismounted her horse and headed towards the cave, she hoped that the woman would be okay. She brought her fresh cheese, bread, apples and water. Even though she thought her dress was very worn out, she could not find suitable clothing for her. She was only able to bring one of Virgil's sandals for her to wear. Its size did not fit any of the women in the household. Then again, she stole Virgil's leather trousers and a shirt from the laundry hanging in the garden.

"At least it's better than being cold," she thought.

As she entered the cave with heavy steps, she saw that the woman was not on the hay stacks. She panicked a little. Where could she have gone? She immediately turned on the kerosene lamp and explored the cave with its weak light. But she wasn't in the cave.

"Hey! "Hey!..." she called out. She didn't know her name.

She received no sound or response. Apparently the woman was gone. She just disappeared. Xenia sat hopelessly on the haystacks. She was glad that the woman was at least in good enough health to leave the cave. She put the food she had brought and the sandals into her horse's saddlebag. She had to go now.

Just as she was about to mount the horse, the horse suddenly neighed and reared up. It looked scared. As the horse took a step back, Xenia suddenly saw a sharp-toothed wolf staring at her, drooling from its mouth. It looked very aggressive. Its eyes were red. It looked at Xenia and growled angrily.

Xenia knew that she had to remain calm in such situations. But she was still too inexperienced to do what she knew. Her legs shook with fear at that moment. The environment looked even more spooky because it was dark among the dense trees.

Even though she remained calm, the wolf continued to come towards her. While she was backing up with scared steps, she did not see the small rock behind her and suddenly fell to the ground. However, the wolf made a sudden move and attacked Xenia.

At that moment, a sharp stick, coming from nowhere, grazed the wolf's body. The wolf was injured. It ran away crying like a puppy. Xenia was astonished by what she experienced at that moment. While she was sitting frozen on the spot where she fell, the cloaked woman suddenly appeared from behind the trees. She extended her hand to Xenia, who was sitting on the ground.

"So you didn't leave," said Xenia as she took her head and got up from the ground. The woman still didn't speak.

"I thought you were gone. But honestly, I'm glad you didn't leave. If you weren't here, the wolf would have eaten me already. I owe you my life, thank you. I brought you clothes and shoes. I also prepared something to eat. I think you must be hungry since yesterday. In fact, who knows when was the last time you ate?"

Xenia took the food out of the basket. The cloaked woman looked so hungry that she was devouring everything Xenia had brought in huge bites. This made Xenia smile. While watching her, she realized that the woman was actually covered in dirt. In fact, wouldn't it be perfect if she washed in the lake before changing?

"Hey you, let me take you to a lake very close to here. You will feel really good. What do you say, let's go by horse?"

The woman had already finished her food and water. She nodded her head and agreed to go with Xenia. Suddenly she jumped on the horse like the wind. It was as if she had been riding a horse for years. She extended her hand to Xenia from over the horse.

"Are you going to ride the horse?"

The woman nodded.

"Well, so be it."

Xenia took the woman's hand. The woman quickly and strongly pulled her up, in front of herself. Xenia pointed the direction with her hand.

"Turn right a little further and go straight."

The woman was galloping the horse. Xenia was afraid for a moment but the woman held her tightly on her waist. She was maneuvering the horse expertly among the dense trees. She went in the direction the girl showed and jumped off the horse when they arrived the lakeside. She also held Xenia and helped her down. The woman walked towards the water and ran her hand through the water. Sunlight was dancing on the lake. The water was warm.

"Come on, get in! You will feel relieved when you get clean," Xenia said.

The woman quickly took off her clothes and jumped into the water. She was actually getting more relaxed as she swam. Xenia sat on a rock and waited for her to wash up. After spending time in water for a while, as if playing with water, the woman went to the shore. Xenia took the clothes she had brought for her out of the bag and handed them to her.

The woman was shivering with cold because the weather was cool. Xenia was nervous about staring at this naked beautiful woman in front of her, but she didn't show it.

After putting on the trousers, the woman tried to put on Virgil's shirt which was full of complicated threads, but she was not very successful. It even looked funny from afar. As Xenia looked at her, she started laughing.

"It's not that hard to wear. You look so silly."

The woman looked at her with an incomprehensible expression.

"But you're not that silly. Okay. Sorry. You saved me. You also ride the horse very well. But you can't put on your shirt."

Xenia looked at the woman mockingly.

"Let me help you."

She started to straighten the strings on the shirt's collar. The woman had allowed her to do it. Xenia suddenly noticed the scar on the woman's chest. Her eyes remained fixed there for a while until the woman noticed this, she rubbed her wound with her hand.

"I think it's an old wound. Were you injured in an accident or in a battle? Or were you once a skilled warrior? Like Xena. She also had a scar on his chest. She was a tall woman with piercing blue eyes, like you. If only she had lived to be at your age..."

Xenia stopped suddenly. She thought to herself for a while.

"Or you.. Oh no, this is ridiculous. Xena is dead. The Japanese army killed her and cut off her head. I've been hearing this from my mother for years. Oh, you've confused me so much right now. But it's still impossible. Isn't it? This is impossible, isn't it?"

 

CHAPTER 3

 

Gabrielle was deep in thought for Caria, while sipping red rose sherbet made from rose petals collected from rose gardens. One way or another, this war should not have been allowed.

"What is war anyway?" she thought to himself. "The ability of a few spoiled boys to prove their power was nothing more than falling into the blood of many innocent people." There was no other act in the world as absurd, unnecessary and sad as war.

While Gabrielle was lost in these thoughts, Solan spoke:

"What do you think about this, Gabrielle?"

Gabrielle was startled by his question.

"Huh? Me? We must make this visit as soon as possible. In fact, it should be such a peaceful visit that we should bring gifts of our own products with us."

"This is ridiculous. We are not helpless. Should we make them feel sorry for themselves? We also have a strong army. We will destroy them if necessary. I can take over them if you want."

These words belonged to Americe.

"No!" said Gabrielle. "I know how to fight. Don't worry, I learned how to manage the army from a very talented person. If only she were here..."

Solan patted Gabrielle's back affectionately. Only he could know how longing she still was. His eyes wandered for a moment, as if he was moving from where he was to a different dimension.

His memories never left him alone.

15 YEARS AGO

It was always spring in the green Elisian Fields, where the scents of jasmine, narcissus and roses spread around. The weather would be neither cold nor hot. The sounds of waterfalls and rivers are accompanied by the cheerful chirping of birds. The trees of the sweetest fruits would sing with the wind, with lots of fruit on them. So much so that no fruit is missing from the trees. No matter how much you ate, you would always encounter new ones. Since there were only good people in Elisian Fields, it was impossible to be subjected to fighting and rudeness. Everyone is accompanied by the deceased relative they want to be with the most in the world. They would sip their wine and chat happily. No one had to try to survive. There was no pain. There was no disease.

But there was sadness for Solan. Yes, everyone was with their deceased relative, but he was alone. His mother did not come to him. Maybe she died somewhere else and went to heaven there. Maybe she went to Tartarus because of her sins. Solan didn't know this. What he longed for most was to hug and sleep with his mother. While many children have the luxury of being able to do this, Solan never did. Even though he was in Elisian Fields, what he still missed was his mother. He had spent so little time with her. They had very few memories together. Even being rewarded with this place could not replace a mother. He would pray to himself.

"My beautiful mother. We didn't get to spend any time with you. This hurts my heart like a wound. If you are somewhere and hear me, please come to me. There is a little child here who has been longing for you for years. I'm all alone without you. I am lonely. I am so lacking. Mom. Please come and find me and complete what I am missing."

Solan would pray these prayers in tears almost every day. Maybe one day their prayers would be answered. Maybe he could hug his beloved mother again, satisfy his longing, and be happy.

While Solan was thinking about this and daydreaming in the shadow of a willow tree with rivers flowing in front of him, a voice woke him up from his daydreams. He suddenly got startled and looked in the direction where the voice came from. Scary-looking demons were in the Elisian Fields.

How could this happen? They were strictly prohibited from entering here. Everyone was surprised. But a group of demons were here. He was mockingly frightening and disturbing the people around him. They even caused little children by the lake to run away screaming. People were shouting the name of Cronus, the ruler of the Elisian Fielss, asking for help. Strangely, a hole opened from Tartarus to Elisian Fields, and from there the creatures of hell were leaking into heaven.

"This cannot happen, it is not possible. Someone must have broken the rules. Otherwise, this passage has not been opened for thousands of years." said a wise-looking man.

"We must gather urgently." said someone else.

Many Elisian residents decided to meet at the meeting place near the poppy field to review the adult rules.

"Please let me come too," said Solan.

"No, no, you are too young and inexperienced."

"Yes, I am, but while you were here chatting and having fun, I memorized all the rules of the Elisian Fields to forget my loneliness. I swear that I know better than you what is forbidden and what is right."

"Or.."

"Please give me a chance, believe me, you will not regret it."

"Okay, young man. Sometimes there may be things to learn from young people." He said while patting her back.

They immediately organized the meeting at the place they mentioned. The rules have been read.

"Which of these could have been broken?" said someone.

Solan raised his hand with excitement.

"According to the rules, before drinking water from the Okeanos River, if there are animals around us, we must first give them water."

"Yes, that's true," everyone said.

"But the new knight hasn't done that at all since he arrived. This caught my attention."

"Really? Hmm. This is bad. But even if quitting this habit closes the hole, it doesn't send back those who came?

"I thought about that too," Solan said, "Those who eat from the hibiscus tree can never enter here again, right?"

"Yes?" everyone said in unison.

"Then we will offer plates of hibiscus fruit to these demons. We will be friendly and they will eat our treats. We will get rid of them too."

Everyone looks at each other. I wonder if it is right to implement this little child's idea? But unfortunately no one has a better idea. So they unanimously agreed that it was worth a try.

Before the plan was put into action, the residents of Elisian Fields were secretly informed not to eat the hibiscus fruit and to be friendly. They put the plan into action together. Surprisingly, the plan worked. The demons ate the hibiscus fruits, fell into a deep sleep, and went back to where they came from before waking up. With this genius idea of Solan, the Elisian Fields returned to their former safe state. Learning of his success, the great Cronus rewarded him by granting him his wish.

"All I want is to go back to where I live. I will be there with my mother again!" said Solan excitedly.

"This is not a wish we have ever fulfilled. But thanks to you, the Elisian field is at peace again. We have you to thank for this. So if that's what you want, then I'm okay with it!" said Cronos in his great voice.

"Yes it is!" said Solan excitedly. He had waited for this for so long. But he never expected it to happen. I guess we should believe in miracles, he thought to himself.

"Well, then, it's time to send you off to your new life, my young friend. Go and find your mother..."

Then he paused.

"However, you can share this secret with only 3 people in the world. If you tell one 4th person that you have returned from Elisian Fields, you will come back. Do you understand? This is really important."

"Yes sir, I understand."

Suddenly, a bright light covered the area and young Solan found himself being drawn into this beam of light. It was like traveling to another dimension. Actually, it really was. While the few memories he had with his mother flashed before his eyes, he was full of excitement to finally be reunited with his mother.

But unfortunately, he couldn't find his mother despite searching everywhere, and after a while, the news he heard that her mother had been killed in Japa devastated Solan. He began to live his life almost in a delusional state.

Until he meets Gabrielle, who has devoted the rest of her life to working for the good of people, in a workhouse.

When Gabrielle saw him, she couldn't believe her eyes at first and looked at young Solan's eyes in surprise for a while. Together they accepted the fact that his mother was no longer alive and tried to overcome it by working shoulder to shoulder. Gabrielle and Solan, along with their other old friends, accepted the Greater Good philosophy and acted accordingly, creating a group of good and generous people around them. This group gradually grew and they called themselves Carians. Because they lived in the southwestern end of the city of Caria. This was a very beautiful place by the sea. Now Solan and Gabrielle had become companions of purpose, loyal friends, mother and son. Famous for his wisdom, Solan became known as the "Enlightened One." Gabrielle and Eve knew his secret. Solan didn't even tell it to his wife Irene. They had a happy family with their little daughter Luna. He was doing his best to provide them with the love that he did not have.

He shook himself as if waking up from a dream and came to his senses. Gabrielle was right. Trying to cope with the pain they experienced matured them both. But Americe never gave up on her character. Although she was always combative and vindictive, she had a good heart, but she had to be restrained. Gabrielle and Solan were doing this very well. Americe was just starting to speak with a sentence of objection when Xenia hurriedly entered the door. It was exciting.

"Mom !" she said breathlessly.

"Yes?"

"Mom, we need to talk about something important, can you come out?"

"Honey, the people here are our family, can you tell us? What are you going to talk about? We are currently in the decision-making phase on a very important issue, you know that."

"Can you come out please?" Xenia insisted.

Gabrielle couldn't understand her insistence, but she still didn't offend her. When they got out the door, Xenia was still very flustered.

"Mom, I have to tell you something, sit down if you want."

"Xenia, you're scaring me."

"Sit down, please. "

Gabrielle sat on a log. Thousands of scenarios were running through his mind about what her daughter would say. Did someone hurt her? Had she been abused or had a crush on someone but was it a bad person? With a face full of anxiety, she was waiting for the words to come out of his daughter's mouth.

"MOM, SHE IS ALIVE!"

"What? who?

"Mother, Xena. She is alive and here!"

Gabrielle stood up from her seat in a huff.

"Xenia, don't do this to me."

"Mom, I'm telling the truth."

"No, please don't play with my emotions. Xena's dead, we both know that. Please don't distract me with such nonsense. I stopped hoping years ago. I'm trying to heal my wounds. Don't open an old wound again. "

"No, but mom, listen to me."

"ENOUGH! I've listened to you enough, I have work to do."

Gabrielle went back inside without listening to Xenia. Xenia just stood there. His mother didn't believe her.

She wondered if hse too was caught up in a dream. She wanted Xena to come back and for her mother to be reunited with her so much that she exaggerated some similarities?

She and her mother didn't talk much that day. Her mother was very busy anyway. But Xenia always thought about that cloaked woman, both at dinner and at night. Was this a fiction that he exaggerated in her imagination? Or was she really Xena? How could she be sure of that? What could he do to make sure?

Also, in her current form, she looked more like a poor crazy old woman than a warrior princess. If she was Xena, how did she get like this? And how could she get back to her old self?

With these thoughts, Xenia tossed and turned in her bed until very late. In the morning, she woke up very refreshed with the same thoughts. She prepared beautiful fruits, a bowl of soup and bread for the cloaked woman to eat. The woman must have been bored there. It would have been nice to bring her something to keep her occupied, such as a hunting knife. She secretly added the knife to her bag. She left the house without being seen by her mother.

The weather was beautiful again. The light leaking through the trees dazzled her eyes. She slowed her horse as she approached the cave. The woman was not in the cave. Xenia looked around for a while with her horse, looking for her. Then she remembered the lakeside where she had bathed. And se wasn't wrong. The woman was there. She was leaning over the sea and listening to the sound of the water. She took off his cloak, rolled up her trousers to her knees, and entered the water with her bare feet. She wasn't moving at all. She was just listening to the water. Then suddenly she dipped her hands into the water, caught a huge fish and threw it to the shore. Who else could do this? That's what it said on the parchments. Xena listens to the voices in the background. Xena can catch fish with her hands. Xenia suddenly called out like a reflex.

"Hey Xena!"

The woman suddenly turned and looked at her.

"You are Xena. I'm sure now."

The woman continued to stare at her silently. She either had nothing to say or couldn't say it. I wonder why she couldn't speak?

Xenia dismounted her horse and walked towards her. She slowly turned around as if to examine it.

"Xena, what happened to you? Why did you turn from a warrior princess into a pathetic crazy woman?"

The woman continued to look at her without speaking.

"How did you survive?"

The woman was about to split the belly of the fish she had picked up from the ground with a stone.

"Wait, I brought you a hunting knife. XENA."

Their eyes met again, but the woman did not say anything again. Xenia handed her the hunting knife. Xenia watched her clean the fish and then start a fire by hitting the stones together. Their survival skills were so strong that it was impossible not to admire them. They sat on a rock while they put the fish on a branch and cooked it over the fire. Xenia also took out the other food she had brought from home. They were both hungry. She handed the bread to the woman. Xenia took the bread, broke it in half and handed half to Xenia. Then she divided the fish into two. They ate in silence for a while. The woman hid her hunting knife in the belt of her trousers. She seemed accustomed to using such knives. She even heard from hers mother that Xena had used more complicated ones.

"My mother said you caught fish with your hands."

"If you ask what else she said, I know that she led armies and accomplished very difficult things.

"Actually, you experienced some fun things too. For example, the routine jokes you play on each other."

"Gabrielle even cut up a fish with your chakram once. Your chakram smelled like fish all day."

Xenia started laughing to herself. She was trying to soften the environment and create warmth. But the woman was still unresponsive.

"I know I talk too much. But don't you remember these?

The woman remained silent again. They returned to the cave together without speaking. It was about to get dark. It would be better if Gabrielle returned home without worrying about her. They had spent the whole day together. Throughout the day, Xenia had been talking to herself, telling the woman about what was written on the parchments. The woman was looking after her as she walked towards her horse to leave.

Xenia's thoughts did not stop; even at that moment, she was creating scenarios to find answers to the questions in her mind. How did the warrior princess become like this? Did she remember Gabriel? Did she still love her?

Then she suddenly turned and asked?

"Did you miss Gabrielle too?" The woman stood there for a moment with a strange facial expression. There was a deep meaning and sadness in her blue eyes. She looked at Xenia for a long time.

"You understand what I say, but you don't speak. Let's go to her."

The woman shook her head violently.

"But why? What happened to you. Please tell me, I'll go crazy."

The woman suddenly curled her lips like a baby. Her eyes filled with tears. Suddenly she started crying loudly. From time to time she was moaning as if she were lamenting. Xenia was astonished to see this huge woman suddenly crying with pursed lips, like a child whose toy had been taken away from her. She was very young and inexperienced. Such a sight frightened her. She didn't dare approach her and hug her or comfort her. She didn't even try. Frankly, she was scared. She had never witnessed such a loud cry. It was as if the woman was experiencing an ejaculation moment.

Xenia took her by the arm and timidly led her to the haystack.

The woman continued to cry. She looked devastated. Xenia waited for a long time for her to stop crying silently. Eventually the tears turned into little sobs. When she was tired from crying and fell asleep on the hay, Xenia jumped on her horse and set off in order not to make her mother worry. It was really dark.

"My mother will worry about me, I should return home. But I am here for a good mission, to reunite the couple who have been waiting for years to reunite. I am here to bring a happy ending to a love story that ended wrong. This is a sacred duty..."

 

CHAPTER 4

 

Xenia would never, ever neglect her sacred duty. She wandered around her mother for a while. While her mother was in a meeting, talking and spending time with her people, Xenia always made moves as if she wanted to talk about this issue, but she could not get the opportunity to talk to her mother.

One morning, while she was sitting quietly with her mother at breakfast, she suddenly asked:

"Mom, why don't you want to see Xena again?"

There was silence for a while. Gabrielle took a deep breath and placed the fork in her hand on the table.

"Look, my child," she said with deep sadness in her eyes, "I had to cremate Xena with my own hands. They handed over her severed head to me. You have no idea what it can do to a person to see someone you love so much in this state, and I hope it doesn't happen, because it's a terrible feeling that affects every cell of you until you die. And there is no way to make up for this pain. Do you understand me?"

Even though Xenia couldn't fully understand what her mother was saying, she knew how upset she was.

"But from today on, you don't have to worry anymore, mom, I found Xena," said Xenia.

She said these sentences so confidently that Gabrielle looked at her with surprise that she could speak like this, because this topic was not really something to make fun of and even joking, lying or dreaming about. It would make Gabrielle sad. Her daughter must have known this. She thought her daughter was kind of dreaming for her mother to be happy, and maybe she believed in this dream herself.

"I think I've told my daughter too much about Xena, and she's making up things in her head because of all of this," she thought.

Then she took her daughter's hands and looked into her eyes.

"Look, my child, I don't want you to talk about this again. Please understand my pain and don't go over this pain and make my wound bleed more," Gabrielle said.

Xenia shook her head helplessly, but there had to be a way to convince her mother and bring her together with that woman, but how? She had to think about it. Should she ask someone for help? How could she bring them together? Maybe she could ask someone for help. Maybe someone her mother respects or listened to.

Moreover, Xena didn't seem to want to get together with Gabrielle either. But she had to find out what was preventing them from getting together and solve it as soon as possible. At that moment, she did not dwell on this issue any further, leaving her mother alone with her thoughts and went out into the garden.

In the garden little blonde haired Luna was looking at her with a smile

"Hello little girl," Xenia said, waving at her.

"Hello," the girl giggled and came over to Xenia.

"Will you play games with me?"

"Of course! What do you want to play?"

While Xenia was thinking that the little girl would want to bring one of her rag dolls and play house, she suddenly spoke:

"Do you like horses?" asked the little girl.

"Yes, a lot."

"I like them, too. Then let's get on our horses and fight."

"How?"

"Let's fight against the evil ones. How about you be a great warrior and I will be your helper, how about we both fight against all the evil ones and protect the good and the weak?"

Xenia laughed: "Why not, it would be great."

"Come on, go find yourself a stick, let's fight together!"

At that time, Gabriel was looking out the window and watching the girls playing happily. She thought about how beautiful youth was and how beautiful life seemed to them. She had a very important matter to attend to right now. She was worried about how the Persian king would welcome them. To establish peace between them and the Persian king, they had a chest prepared containing beautiful gifts, including the best foods of Caria, fabrics and arts. They also put beautiful jewelry made of rubies, emeralds, gold and silver in the chest.

Gabrielle had heard that the Persian king gave importance to ornaments and jewelry. So she hoped the king would like it. The convoy that would take the gift chest would set out the next day. While thinking about these, Gabriel suddenly remembered what she had said to Xenia.

This move she made took Gabriel back to the past.

It was really not possible for Gabrielle to forget that terrible sight. She had already tried everything imaginable, including calming herbs and incense, for a long time. In fact, she drank wine for days and passed out until the morning, got up and drank wine again and passed out again, but she could not get rid of this sadness from herself. Why didn't she follow Xena? Xena had followed her into hell. She had come all the way to Tartarus. But Gabrielle didn't die with Xena.

Sometimes she would feel guilty about this and cry. Even though years had passed, Gabriel still could not be the lively, excited and energetic Gabriel she once was. She turned into a completely different person after this incident.

But actually the truth, Gabrielle's truth, was different. Nobody knew this:

On the day of the incident, Xena was very drunk while taking Akemi's ashes away. Killing her beloved friend with her own hands was unbearable. She drank too much wine to drown her sadness and focused on performing the ritual Akemi asked her for, but it was impossible for her to do it with a sober mind. She could neither see her surroundings nor realize what she was experiencing. As the people taunted her, Akemi's ashes fell to the ground and Xena went crazy with this incident. There was a brawl there due to the influence of drunkenness, but Xena did not remember exactly what happened there.

JAPA, 20 YEARS AGO

Xena helping Akemi and causing Yodoshi to die interrupted all plans, and for this reason Yodoshi felt an endless grudge and hatred towards Xena. He was ready to go to any lengths to take revenge for this. Because he was a complete psychopath.

Akemi had taken revenge for what he had put his family and children through, but for Yodoshi, the real revenge was definitely starting now. He should have made Akemi's accomplice, Xena, regret doing this. It was a complete lie that 40,000 people died in the fight that Xena started after Akemi died that night. Because it was absolutely impossible for a village of 40 thousand people to be destroyed in such a small fight anf fire.

But to convince Xena that this was happening, they made her see visions. Because Yodoshi had such powers. Then he made Gabrielle see the same vision. After Xena and Gabrielle came to Japa, they completely moved away from reality. Their sleeping bodies were shown things that did not actually exist. They lived an imaginary story entirely in a world of delusion.

In fact, Xena did not die, her head was not cut off, and her body was not killed with thousands of arrows. These were all delusions that Yodoshi showed to Gabriel, asking her to accept this incident in this way and let go of Xena.

While Gabriel, in pain, took the dead body of her beloved with her, Yodoshi took the unconscious Xena to his own reign. He first broke Xena's mental balance. Xena no longer remembered anything, and although she sometimes had fluctuations, she was no longer aware of either her abilities or her power. As revenge, he made her his geisha. He used her for his personal service and even subjected her to very bad torture and harmed her. Physically and spiritually,

Xena was all alone and helpless. In fact, she did not even realize that she was serving a very cruel and cruel ruler. He had a strangely sad facial expression and a helpless attitude. Although he had many servants, he especially assigned Xena to the most difficult jobs. For example, he starved her for days, sometimes made her work for hours under the sun, and made her perform all kinds of services.

He punished her by giving her only water for days. That magnificent, proud, powerful warrior had been a toy in the hands of such a cruel person for 20 years. If she wanted to run away, she had no idea where to go or what to do. She couldn't think of anything, couldn't explain anything. Over time, she became unable to speak and became so exhausted and sick that she could no longer do the work Yodoshi wanted. Xena was brutally punished because she could not do the difficult work that Yodoshi wanted due to her age and weakness. Then one day, a great god destroyed Yodoshi as punishment for his cruelty. So he released Xena and all the other servants. They were poor servants who had been treated as badly, though not as badly as Xena.

Xena had actually been a servant and slave for years, even though there was no punishment she had to suffer. She was free now, but she had no idea where to go or what to do. All she thought about was Gabrielle. She remembered her. Her smile, the warmth in her eyes. The strength of being able to meet her again one day kept Xena alive. She endured all kinds of difficulties for this. All she could think of was her beloved Gabrielle. A voice and a light to the depths of her heart brought her this far. She was hungry, thirsty and weak on the roads. She was sometimes bullied by thugs. But she still had a strong feeling in her heart that she should continue on her way. When she arrived in the Carian lands, she almost fainted from exhaustion. When she finally met Xenia, her mind was filled with blurry images and emotions.

When Xenia told her about Gabrielle, her heart trembled with excitement. She wanted so badly to see her and hug her tightly. But she didn't want her to see her like this. She wanted Gabrielle to remember her well as a great warrior, strong and talented. She didn't have the strength or ability to appear in front of Gabrielle right now with this helpless and sick appearance. Moreover, she could not speak. She couldn't see as well as before. Sometimes her thoughts would go back and forth and her mind would stop at that moment. I guess things needed time to get better. Maybe it would never get better, it would get worse, who would have known?

What Xena went through was not easy at all. There were times when her bones were broken due to the difficulties she went through and the beatings she received, and even when she couldn't sleep at night because of the pai. None of this could be made up for, but maybe she could pull herself together and be reunited with her beloved Gabrielle. She had walked long distances in the hope of this.

"Gabrielle" she said to herself.

"Oh Gabrielle… I've been waiting to see you just once. They beat me a lot. They broke my bones. I vomited blood but I didn't die. I lived. I lived just to see you one more time. I'm coming to meet you. Wait for me, Gabrielle…"

 

CHAPTER 5

Xena woke up early in the morning in the cold and damp cave, all alone. Her bones ached because she had rheumatic infections as a result of the violence and ill-treatment she had been subjected to in the past. Maybe if others had gone through what she went through, they would have died long ago. But it was the deep love in her heart that kept her alive.

She was having difficulty moving her arms and legs. Moreover, the place where she lay could not be said to be very comfortable. She had already forgotten how to sleep in comfortable places. Even when she was a warrior, she used to sleep on the ground and didn't complain about it. But right now, her health problems were making it difficult for her to sleep at night.

She got up from where she was lying and stretched. She rubbed her sore knees and elbows. The light leaking through the cave door dazzled her eyes. That's why she couldn't open her eyes fully. The gently blowing breeze cooled the interior.

She went out the door of the dark cave. From the depths of the forest covered with dense trees, the whistling sounds of the trees were coming with the wind. Nearby, doves were singing together. She looked at them and smiled. Actually, being free was a really nice thing. She hasn't been free for 20 years. This was pure torture for a Warrior Spirit like her. She opened the basket that Xenia had left for her. This girl was really thoughtful and kind. She wasn't leaving her hungry. She was bringing clothes and water. Xena was grateful for her.

There were a few slices of bread, boiled potatoes and an apple in the basket. Xena bit one of the apples and sat on the rock, her eyes staring into the distance.

She thought of the old days, the terrible old days. Even though she didn't want to remember, her experiences came to her mind again with the slightest association.

20 YEARS AGO…. YODOSHI REIGN

The Dark Yodoshi Reign was one of the most brutal reigns. Ruler Yodoshi fed entirely on the unhappiness of the people around him. He also made his family unhappy. Although Akemi thought that she had sent her father, who had always given her and her family nothing but pain, to the afterlife, Yodoshi had actually continued to maintain his existence and cruelty in this world by getting help from magicians and people working with supernatural powers. Akemi actually died in vain without solving anything.

The Yodoshi kingdom was as quiet as ever that morning. Because people's joyful laughter was a great luxury for them. In fact, it was almost forbidden. People were so unhappy that they endured such great cruelty that they did not even think of laughing.

A typical day in the Yodoshi Reign began at four in the morning. Before the sun even rose, servants would start working in the vast fields. That morning was different from any other. Yodoshi was very happy. Because he had done what he wanted to do for a long time. A woman's moan was coming from behind the bars of a locked, dark cellar. Yodoshi had the door of the dungeon opened with a few of his men behind him. Xena was lying on the muddy wet ground with her hands tied behind her back. Even though she wanted to break the thick chains, she couldn't this time. She looked up and looked at the man standing over her.

"Welcome, warrior princess. Believe me, I have waited for this day for a long time. I have always dreamed of the moments when you would writhe in pain in my hands. Finally, you are in my hands. Yes, you are not dead. But believe me, you will wish you were dead every second you live here."

Xena was trying to understand what happened. How did she get here? Lastly, she was preparing to die for 40,000 souls. She said goodbye to her beloved Gabriel, leaving her heart there. If she wasn't dead, she had to go back to her. But 40,000 souls?

"But 40,000 souls?" she said unconsciously.

"40,000 souls? Don't be funny, Xena. Can the fire blown by just one woman destroy a village? I tricked you. Yes, many people were harmed that day. But no one saw it. You were so drunk that day that you didn't remember anything you did. You ended up slumped in a corner."

Yodoshi burst out laughing as he said this.

"You are my daughter's accomplice. I lived hating you for years. Because she couldn't have succeeded in killing me on her own. You helped her. I can't take revenge on her in this world. But I can take it from you!"

Xena looked at him with angry eyes.

"You are so cruel, Yodoshi!..."

"Yes I am."

"Let me go. Nothing you do to me will bring anything back."

"I don't care, you deserve this!"

"Leave me alone, I have served my punishment, believe me. I have paid too much."

"So the price you have to pay is not over."

Yodishi turned to his men.

"Beat her until she loses consciousness. Maybe she will come to her senses. When she wakes up, bring her to my room."

"Glory to you Yodoshi."

Xena couldn't believe what was happening. She had to find a way to get out of there and reunite with her Gabrielle. If 40,000 souls didn't die because of her. There was no need to stay there then. While she was thinking about these, she felt the sticks and whips coming down on her one after the other in a few minutes, with all their intensity on her body. The men were very cruel and strong. They were moving so fast that Xena could barely breathe. Xena thought about Gabrielle as usual to erase the pain from her mind. She imagined Gabrielle holding her hand and giving her strength. But the men did not stop. They tried to make her lose consciousness by hitting her head against the wall. Every blow caused lightning to flash in her brain. This situation lasted so long that for a moment she thought it would never end. Finally they finally stopped.

One of the men grabbed her hair and looked at her face.

"She hasn't lost consciousness yet. What are we going to do."

The other man wiped his sweat,

"I'm tired, I can't go on any longer."

"Then let's give her the sherbet of madness."

"What? "

"You drink it once and your brain gets mixed up."

"Nothing wrong."

"I think it would work. Otherwise, we can't knock this pine tree unconscious. Let's at least make her harmless."

"Ok then"

Finally, they made her drink a stupefying and mind-numbing sherbet, suffocating her. That's when everything started to become complicated and blurry for Xena. It was as if nothing was clear in her mind. To make this happen permanently, they decided to force Xena to drink the sherbet for 10 days.

When Xena, with her blurry mind, was taken to Yodoshi's room, even though she was in a lot of pain, she was still strong enough to fight. She could still hate being in this situation. She was dragged inside by the men. When she entered the room, Yodoshi was gorging on a banquet table decorated with fruits and wine. When he saw her coming, he took one of the apples on the table and bit it with a sarcastic expression. The apple she saw in Yodosh's hand at that moment looked like the apple she was currently holding in her hand. For a moment, she came to her senses as if she were shaking. What terrible memories they were. But it had happened and it was not possible to forget it.

Xena was freed from her thoughts for a moment, she didn't know how long she had been sitting there. She spent some time just staring into space. The sun had moved.

"It is noon, but the little girl did not come." she thought to herself.

"I wonder if she is sick?"

Xena stood up from the rock she was sitting on. The weather was cool. She hugged her cloak tightly.

"Yes, maybe the cool weather made her sick."

But Xena would like to see her. She didn't want Gabrielle to see her like this.

"Maybe she's bored of me. After all, I am an old woman. She doesn't have to make time for me. She's young and deserves more fun activities."

Xena smiled to himself.

"Maybe I'll go visit her one day."

Xena was really used to Xenia coming over, she was hoping to get herself together before appearing in front of her like this. But it was necessary to work for this. She had to appear before her beloved Gabriel again as the mighty warrior princess and be by her side.

She was thinking, "What path should I follow and strengthen myself again?"

Once her eyes fell on a bird that suddenly flapped its wings from the tree opposite. Xena herslef too was talented and strong enough to fly from tree to tree almost like a bird. Of course, she couldn't do that anymore, but she could still achieve some things and support Gabrielle with her presence and live a happy life with her. She had been waiting for so long to meet. She sighed deeply.

Then she returned to her past thoughts again.

Yodoshi took immense pleasure in seeing Xena helpless and powerless in front of him like this. Now he could do whatever he wanted to her and get his revenge. Finally, Xena was in his hands and she couldn't fight him. He approached her slowly. He breathed in her scent. It was clear on Xena's face that she didn't like this.

He moved her hair from her face and started touching her body. Even though Xena's consciousness was blurred, she did not like this disgusting feeling. She immediately pulled herself back.

She was disgusted with this man who was moving blurryly in slow motion in front of her eyes, and she would not allow him to touch her.

Yodoshi didn't like this move at all. But he had no intention of giving up. He reached his hands up to her breasts to touch them again. Xena pulled herself back violently. She tried to go to the door to leave the room. But the door didn't seem to stay in place. Yodoshi was starting to get angry as Xena tried to move towards the door.

"Come here," he shouted.

Xena didn't answer.

"I told you to come here."

He thought he could bring her to her senses with hard movements rather than light movements, and he grabbed her waist and pulled her towards him.

"I will speak to you in a language you understand."

Xena didn't have the strength to answer him. But she was physically strong. She pushed him hard. Yodoshi hit the wall before he could understand what had happened. He was really going crazy now.

"Now you're burned, warrior princess!" he yelled.

He was trying to hold her tightly in his arms and possess her. Xena resisted and got out of his arms and kicked and punched him really hard. Yodoshi, who was surprised by her actions, went crazy. When he realized that he could not deal with her alone, he immediately called his men.

"Quickly do the necessary things for this woman until she comes to her senses," he said.

"Like what, sir."

"Don't feel sorry. Be cruel!"

Four men grabbed Xena and took her out by grabbing her arms and legs. It was a snowy winter day. They left her in only her underwear. While four men were leaning on her to prevent her from resisting, two men tied her arms.

Xena was just saying this, in a raving voice:

"Gabrielle…. Gabrielle….."

"Gabrielle can't save you from here, poor warrior princess," said one of the soldiers.

Xena was tied by her arms and legs and the ropes were nailed to the ground. The other servants were watching with fear and curiosity what would happen to Xena.

Yodoshi shouted from a distance.

"Don't pity her."

"Yes, Master Yodoshi."

A chariot pulled by four large and strong horses was prepared. Heavy stones, carried by the servants with great difficulty, were loaded onto the horse-drawn carts.

"It's not enough. More more," shouted Yodoshi.

Now even the soldiers were feeling sorry for Xena. But they were still forced to do as they were told. While the horse carriages loaded with heavy stones were galloping towards Xena, Xena was screaming with all her might to forget her pain.

"GABRIELLLEEEEE!.."

Yodoshi's disgusting laughter reached her ears.

As the horse carriages passed over her, Xena's painful screams echoed throughout the dynasty and shook the hearts of the other servants. At the same time, it was a warning to them that they should take precautions so that they do not end up like Xena. While many of Xena's bones were breaking at the same time, she fainted from the pain.

While thinking about these, Xena took a deep breath and came to her senses.

 

CHAPTER 6

 

By noon, the weather had lost its coldness. Gabrielle checked the gift boxes she had prepared one last time. She should not have been missing. 12 horses were carrying the loaded gifts. She wanted to give the task of delivering the gifts to Virgil and Americe, people she trusted very much. When Xenia, who was still sleeping in her bed, woke up and looked out the window next to her bed, she saw the horses being prepared. How magnificent they looked. She immediately got up from her bed and went to them with excitement.

"Mom, so the horses are ready."

"Yes my baby."

"Do you think these will work to convince the Persian King?

"Yes dear, we have to resolve it peacefully."

"You should go with them."

"I can't leave you here alone."

"Mom, I am 18 years old now. When you were my age, you were fighting evil alongside Xena. I'm not that little, what do you think?"

These words took Gabrielle back to those days in her thoughts. The hero who came to their village was immediately impressed by the beautiful woman. How incredible her courage and skills. Gabrielle must have been like her. But she couldn't do this by staying in that village. She should have been around that woman. She had a lot to learn from her. She had to be like her. When she spoke to Xena for the first time, the sentences were stuck in her throat due to excitement. But she gathered all her courage and took a deep breath. She had to go to Xena and convince her. She started speaking with an unexpected performance.

"Take me with you and teach me everything you know," she suddenly said.

This was her first daredevil, and it worked. Xena was so happy when she reached out and pulled her up to her horse. She seemed to have taken the place where she always wanted to be. And that's how it all started.

"Mom…"

Gabrielle returned to the present with Xenia's words.

"Yes"

"You will go, right?"

"I don't know."

"Mom, only you can handle this!"

"I… you…"

"Mom, forget me. You speak very good. They will listen to you."

Gabrielle turned to her daughter and took her hands in hers. She looked into her eyes.

"My dear daughter, you may be right. But I want you to promise. While I am gone, the Enlightened One will be near you and you will not go anywhere without informing him."

"OK promise"

"You definitely won't be out when the sun goes down."

"Ok."

"You will carry this with you."

Gabrielle pulled out a chest dagger from between her breasts and gave it to her daughter. This was one of Xena's memories. Xenia nodded and took the dagger from her mother's hand and placed it on her own chest.

"I promise everything, I will take good care of myself."

"Well done my beautiful daughter."

"Then you're leaving."

"Yes I am going."

Xenia hugged her mother lovingly.

"I love you so much, mom."

"I love you too dear."

After Gabrielle shared with the others that she had decided to go, she jumped on her horse and set off within a few minutes. Her daughter was right. It was very right for her to take part in this important issue.

After Xenia saw her mother off, she remembered Xena. She hadn't been to her for a long time. She immediately started to prepare something to eat in a hurry. Xena must have been hungry. While She was preparing the bread in the kitchen, she did not notice that the kitchen door was timidly opened. It was Solan's little daughter, Luna. She timidly entered and closed the door. She asked as if whispering.

"What are you doing?"

It was then that Xenia noticed her coming.

"Good morning, Luna. I'm preparing something to eat. Do you want some too?"

"I had my breakfast, thank you. To whom will you take them?"

"These? To a friend."

"Who is your friend?"

"My friend, uh…. "

Xenis decided there was no need to share it with Luna and changed the subject.

"Come on, take the wheat over there to the chickens, feed them and renew their water."

Luna nodded. She was just walking out the door when she suddenly stopped.

"When will you teach me to ride?"

"As soon as possible."

"Promise?

Xenia gave Luna a big hug.

"Promise, of course. But I must go now."

Xenia hurriedly filled her bag with what she had prepared and jumped on her horse. She made her way to the cave where Xena was.

Gabrielle and her friends went on a long journey on horseback. It was a difficult and troublesome path, but it was worth the journey so that Caria could live in peace.

Finally, they reached the magnificent Persian palace. When the guards at the gate went to inform the Persian king of their arrival,Gabrielle was very excited. Americe couldn't sit still.

"It's been a long time, though. Why don't they let us in?"

"Yes, is this normal?" said Virgil.

Just then one of the guards came.

"Our king is waiting for you."

This word relieved them. They passed through the great gates and appeared before the king.

Xenia continued her visits every day. She still hadn't been able to talk to Xena. They would just sit for a long time watching the sea, hunting or walking.

Strangely enough, Xenia enjoyed coming to her every day. She had listened to her stories from her mother for years and had an extraordinary admiration for her. If she was someone her mother loved so much, she was truly someone worth loving. She ran and dived into the cave with a bag of food in her hand. Xena was sleeping in the corner of the cave. She curled up on a pile of hay. She was sleeping with her brick-coloured cloak pulled over her to keep from getting cold. When Xenia got closer to her, she saw that Xena's cheeks were red.

""Xena."

""Xena, look, I'm here."

"Aren't you hungry? I made soup this time. Lentil soup."

"Do you like it? My mother said it was very nutritious."

Xenia bent down and looked at Xena's face. She saw her shaking on the bed.

"What's wrong? Xena, are you sick?"

Xena moaned deeply. She was holding the left side on her chest with her hand. When she checked the area she touched with her hand, she realized that there was an inflamed wound. Moreover, she was bleeding a little.

"Did you get hurt? When? I want to see it!"

Xena slowly removed her hand from the wound.

"I think this is an old wound.",

Xena nodded,

"Why didn't you tell me, I would have brought you healing ointment when I came. But how did this happen? When?"

Xena sat up from where she lay, clutching her chest. She had a fever.

"I need to take you from here." said Xenia.

Xena shook her head violently.

"Don't worry, my mother is not around."

Xena suddenly stopped and looked at Xenia.

"Yes, my mother. Gabrielle…. Not around here. She went to visit the Persian king for an important meeting. So if you come with me, you won't see her."

Xena bowed her head.

"I will hide you again. Don't worry. You don't have to meet anyone. Until you feel ready."

Xenia looked at Xena with questioning eyes. She really couldn't bring herself to leave her there alone. If she had left her there, she might have died of neglect and disease.

"Is it ok? Are you coming with me?"

Xena seemed to have no choice. Xenia brought the horse. Xena rode in pain. It was obvious how much pain she was suffering. This was actually Xena's wound that never healed. She had been carrying this wound for years. It had formed spontaneously in the first days of living under Yodoshi's reign. It would often turn red where it was and sometimes a little ache would bother her. It was as if the sadness and pain she felt were reflected externally as a kind of wound. It would sometimes get worse. But it would never disappear. As the longing she felt for Gabrielle increased, her wound got worse.

All she wanted was to hug her beloved bard once and embrace her as if she were taking away the pain of the years. She wanted to be with her, never to leave her. But it was not possible to meet her. She could neither speak nor appear to Gabrielle. It was supposed to be like this. She wiped her tears without noticing as she slowly passed through the forest behind Xenia's horse. These were tears she felt were unbecoming of a warrior.

"Are you ok?" said Xenia.

"Why aren't you talking?"

"But i want to know. I want to know everything about what happened to you, how you survived, how you got here. But you are not talking. Is there a reason for this?

"Oh okay, I'm a patient person, I believe everything will be solved over time."

It was dusk when Xenia and Xena approached the house. Xenia remembered the promise she had made to her mother.

"But the sun hasn't set yet," she muttered to herself.

First she left Xena and the horse among the trees and looked around. There was no one in sight. Everyone had finished their work and retired to their homes and started preparing for dinner. The people of Caria would go to bed early and get up very early in the morning to get to work. The abundance in Caria was due to this. Never laziness. It was their motto.

When Xenia saw that there was no one around, she came back and took the horse and Xena. She was about to quietly bring Xena into the house and tie the horse to the stable when she suddenly heard a voice behind her.

"Xenia, where were you, I was wondering about you."

This voice belonged to Eve. Xenia stammered like a child caught red-handed,

"Well..Well… Well… I…"

"Yes you?"

"I was out for a ride."

"Yes, but it's about to get dark."

"Yes, but it's not dark yet. I kept my promise to my mother. I came home before it was completely dark. That's why you can't complain about me to my mother."

"I wasn't planning on complaining to your mother, but I'm still responsible for you. You are considered my little sister."

"Okay, thank you, you are very thoughtful."

Xenia hurriedly left Eve. She ran into the room where she left Xena. Xena was sitting on the bed, clutching her chest with her eyes closed in pain.

"I have a great idea, how about a hot bath, I will fill the barrel in the backyard with hot water for you."

A sweet smile appeared on Xena's face and disappeared immediately. Xenia quickly prepared the hot bath. That felt really good. She cleaned her wound, which continued to sting slightly, with soap flowers. She was at her beloved Gabrielle's house. Xenia had prepared Gabriel's bed for her. Xena slowly laid down on the bed and caressed the pillow on which Gabrielle had placed her head. As she pulled the blanket over herself, she inhaled Gabrielle's scent deep into her lungs. How she missed that smell. She closed her eyes and imagined Gabrielle next to her. She liked to have visions like this sometimes. She loved meeting her in her dreams, holding her hand and hugging her tightly. Her smiling face appeared before Xena's eyes. She was smiling to herself too. When the blood leaking thinly from the wound on her heart tickled her, she suddenly opened her eyes. Xenia called from inside.

"Come on, I heated soup for you, it will be good."

Xena sat up from the bed. Just as she was about to leave the room to eat, there was a knock on the door of the house.

Xenia quickly closed the door to the room where they were.

"Don't leave until I say so."

It was Solan who knocked on the door. He had his little daughter Luna with him.

"Hello Xenia. I wanted to see you before going to bed."

"Oh thank you Enlightened One."

"You know, you are entrusted to me. I have to make sure you're okay."

"Thank you again. It was a tiring day I want to eat and go to bed."

At that moment, Xena was watching the people coming from the doorway. She wanted to make sure that no one would notice her. Suddenly she came face to face with little Luna. Her heart was beating rapidly. Luna saw her! They just looked at each other in silence for a while. But the girl didn't say anything. Who was the young man next to her? How familiar he was. A lot of things came to Xena's mind, but she couldn't quite place anything yet. All she knew was that she felt good here. Her heart was already starting to feel warm,

She was not alone anymore, she had come here from very long distances to find her home. However, a house was not just a place consisting of four walls and a roof. Sometimes the house could also be a person. The person you love who makes you feel good and gives you confidence could be your home. And Xena missed her home very much.

When Gabrielle and her friends appeared before the King, they were determined to stay positive no matter what and sweetly persuade the Persian king.

"So you came all this way to visit me with your gifts."

"Yes, venerable king. We live in peace and happiness in our country, so I came to visit you thinking that you would value it too."

"How cute. Don't worry, me and my men will host you properly."

Gabriella smiled.

"I think we're doing well,"s he whispered to Virgil.

The king prepared a very beautiful table for them. Meat, fruits, wine, everything was amazing.

"See? Even without war some things can be solved," Virgil said. As he raises his glass.

"It's too early to talk," said Americe.

Then she chatted for a long time. She looked at Gabrielle and the Persian King. They continued their drinks and conversations accompanied by beautiful music throughout the night. The hour was quite late.

"Don't you sense anything strange in the environment?" said Americe.

She didn't feel comfortable here at all. Whereas Gabrielle looked very comfortable and well.

Virgil must have been encouraged by her situation.

"Queen Gabrielle doesn't look like that at all."

"I don't know. I do not trust this king."

"Ugh Americe, you and your bad predictions."

Americe and Virgil's argument ended with Gabrielle giving them a call.

Americe shrugged like a child. They looked at each other like two little kids fighting. There was no sound from either of them for a while. The hour was quite late.

"I hope they will show us where we will sleep now." said Virgil.

"Yes, I don't want to set off without rest."

At that moment the King stood up.

"Believe me, it was a beautiful night."

Gabrielle nodded and smiled. The king continued:

"Your gifts are also very valuable."

Virgil was smiling with satisfaction.

"From our conversation tonight, I realized how valuable Caria is to you."

"I'm glad you understand us, great King." Said Gabrielle gladly.

"See, he wasn't unsympathetic," he whispered to Virgil.

The king continued.

"If it's so important to you, it's a must-have place. Or would people come all this way with so many gifts?"

The others were silent, listening to what he had to say.

"If you have come this far, this is a very important place and should definitely join our territory."

Amid the astonished looks of Gabrielle and her friends, the King continued his words.

"Also while talking with Gabrielle, good ideas came to my mind. You are valuable people for Caria. I have to use this. I am so sorry!."

"What?"

"How?"

"What does this mean?"

The king said with a mocking smile.

"This means this."

Then he boomed loudly.

"Guards. Quickly throw these three into the dungeon. Kill the horses and take their heads as messages to Caria. Let them understand how serious we are."

King's men grabbed Gabrielle and her friends and took them to the dungeon.

 

CHAPTER 7

 

It was raining outside as if it was being poured from the glass. The fertile lands of Caria gave plenty of fruits and vegetables thanks to these rains. The people were engaged in agriculture. More tangerines, oranges, lemons and olives would grow. There were also vineyards in some areas. People used to feed on plenty of herbs in addition to animal foods. Some of these herbs could be called medicinal, others magical. Everyone had escaped from the rain with the acceleration of the rain and taken refuge in their warm houses.

Xena was still living in Gabrielle's house, where she had taken refuge 3 days ago. Now she thought that if she had been in that cold and damp cave, she might have been very cold and wrapped herself tightly in her blanket, which she wrapped around her shoulder. When she came home, the fever and weakness she felt had eased a little. Xenia had taken very good care of her during this process. She had fed her well and brought healing ointment for her wounds. Xena was grateful to this loving little girl. But the wound on Xena's chest was stubbornly continuing to bleed. The warm oozing blood was forming a tiny red stain on her dress. From time to time, Xena rubbed her hand to relieve the pain of her aching wound. She wasn't getting better. Only sometimes it just took the form of a small scar. But every time Xena felt intense feelings about Gabrierlle, this wound began to ache again, grow and bleed.

This injury definitely had something to do with Gabrielle. In fact, since the day she broke up with her, she had also left a part of her heart to Gabrielle. Their love had actually turned into a big wound in Xena's heart. Years ago, she had left her beloved bard alone in this cruel world. Alone with no one...

Gabrielle had seen it as her own home. However, she suddenly became homeless at a young age, who knows what difficulties she faced, what Gabrielle had to open up. Xena was lying on the bed in this small room where she was hiding, staring at the ceiling while thinking about these things, the door of the room knocked. It was Xenia. With a sweet thin voice:

"Hello are you today?" she asked.

Xena took a breath mixed with a moan and let out her breath slightly. The pain in her eyes was indescribable. She was always looking sad, tired, painful-looking, as if the expression had settled on her face. Although she felt better than before, that depth on her face did not disappear. Xenia left the breakfast she had brought for her on the bed. She could see from the window how fast the rain was falling.

"I hope my mother is OK," Xenia said. She looked at Xena with concern.

"So I mean…"

Xena kept looking at her like she was saying, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, it's been 3 days, and if my mom had taken care of her business and decamped, they probably would have been about to arrive. That's why I'm so excited, I hope they managed to get it done, I hope they managed to convince the Persian king and make Caria free and happy."

Xena looked out of the window again without saying anything. She began to watch the raindrops that hit the glass quickly. She knew very well that the young girl was waiting for approval from her. But she couldn't say anything, she was forbidden to speak, because that was one of the conditions of her release.

THE REIGN OF YODOSHI 2 YEARS AGO

2 years ago, Yodoshi got into a big fight with a more powerful ruler of another kingdom because of his evil deeds and was cursed because he lost the fight. The other ruler had begun to gradually absorb Yodoshi's powers. And he had entered a period when he was not as successful as before. He was getting weaker, but he wasn't losing anything from his cruelty. On the contrary, it was as if he was turning into an even more cruel person with the anger of losing his power.

His negative feelings for Xena were increasing exponentially, it had been almost 18 years since Xena had come under his cruel sanctions and started living almost like a slave. Xena had given up hope now and turned into a callous soulless person for 18 years. Now she was doing what she was told without question, looking around with empty eyes. Neither the punishments she suffered nor the exhausting life she lived had become meaningless to her. Some nights she would wake up screaming for Gabrielle out of her sleep, she was on the verge of going crazy. She had no idea how she was going to go about managing to be able to fight this life. She could only become emotionless. She couldn't do anything else.

It was an ordinary morning in the reign of Yodoshi. Xena was trying to have breakfast with porridge and water given to herself and the others. She was working because sometimes it was very difficult and sad to have breakfast by hearing them scream because of the tortures inflicted on other slave servants. She was tired of this breakfast that she had to eat every day. It was unsalted and cold. It tasted like vomit. She felt obliged to eat because she was so hungry, but she couldn't eat too much. In a little while, she was going to personally help Master Yodoshi in the bathroom. This was Yodoshi's special request. As she left her breakfast halfway and went to the bathroom, she looked at the large mirror that came across her. All her bones would appear from weakness. Purple rings had formed under her eyes. While she was trying to prepare Yodohsi's bath water, he came thundering in.

"You are the Warrior Princess... Or should I say the old warrior princess?

Xena continued her work without looking up.

"Look at you now. You're turning into a poor old woman with a disease. A poor slave... You realize that, don't you?" he screamed in her face.

Xena couldn't say anything. She didn't want to speak because there was no point in saying anything anymore. Yodoshi continued.

"Now kneel down in front of me, bow your head forward, and you obey Master Yodoshi, no one but you, You are a very exalted and great being," he said.

Xena was still staring blankly at his face. Yodosi grabbed her wrist.

"Do as I tell you."

He grabbed her by the hair and pulled her down to where her feet were. He's done this before. He was pushing her towards the ground.

"Now get down at my feet. And say, Master Yodoshi, I am your loyal servant!... he shouted again.

Xena was unresponsive. She took a deep breath and swallowed. She had to repeat in a hushed voice what her master had said. She couldn't even feel humiliated anymore. She had no idea what she was feeling anymore. Neither his strange requests bothered her, nor the stupid things he said, insults could upset her. All that was going through her mind was Gabrielle Gabrielle Gabrielle, Just this word was comforting her, relieving her pain and taking her away from the terrible environment she was in. She was repeating it in a whisper to herself.

"Gabrielle Gabrielle Gabrielle."

"What are you talking about? Are you praying?"

"Yes, it's kind of a prayer for me."

"No prayer will get you out of here. You will rot here and get old and lose your mind and disappear."

Xena kept repeating it so as not to hear her.

"Gabrielle Gabrielle Gabrielle."

"Stop praying. You're bothering me. Let's have some fun, how about?"

Yodoshi began to laugh with a loud laughter.

"Yes, since you are a slave servant, now we will play a nice game with you, do you want to play a game with me?" he asked.

Of course, Xena never wanted to play games with him.

"Answer my question," he shouted.

Xena still hadn't lifted her head from where she was leaning.

She was able to say, "Yes, sir."

Yodoshi was pleased with the answer.

"If that's the case, then whoever rolls those pumice stones the furthest will win the game."

He looked at Xena. This was a ridiculous game.

"What do you say?" he asked.

Xena noded her head as she no longer felt the need to come down to the logic of anything.

Yodoshi signaled her not to sit down on the floor and took one of the pumice stones standing on the edge of the bathtub and shook it quickly.

"The loser will have to give up a limb"

Xena's eyes grew big with fear. She had no power to struggle. She didn't want to lose any limbs at the end of this ridiculous game. Actually, she wasn't afraid of anything, but one day, when she got Gabrielle back, she wanted to be in one piece as before. She had dreamed of this for years.

"And if I win? Xena said.

This game definitely reminded her of the game she used to play in the Chinese kingdom.

"If I win, will you sacrifice any of your limbs, Sir?"

"Of course not! I am Master Yodoshi, and whatever I want happens. You have to do whatever I want, you old slave," he shouted.

He threw the dice, and he wasn't so lucky. He looked into Xena's eyes.

"Now it's your turn, old warrior princess!" he said in a sarcastic tone of voice.

When Xena picked up the stone and threw it, Xena's stone wss greater than his. and actually Xena had won.

"I won, so you can't hurt me," she said.

"I've changed my mind the person who wins will give the limb," he said.

"But..."

"Whatever I say, do what I say quickly. Give me a limb."

Yodoshi took out the Dagger he was carrying on his waist and started walking towards Xena and waving the Dagger at the same time. Xena couldn't think of how to protect herself. Her ability to think reflexes had weakened.

"Don't do it, Master Yodoshi, I beg you, don't do it."

"You can beg as much as you like. You idiot."

"Please, sir, please."

Yodoshi kept swinging his dagger at random quickly. The dagger scratched Xena's arm. While Xena kept going backwards, Yodoshi cornered her. Xena had nowhere left to run. He was continuing to swing the dagger rapidly. Now the dagger had cut Xena's chest and shoulder.

"I wonder where I should take you and tear you away?" he asked in a disgusting tone of voice

It was as if Xena had lost her fighting abilities, and thanks to the herbal teas and different sorbets that they kept giving her for years, she could neither think healthily nor fight healthily. She was already beginning to feel her health was not there anymore. Unable to resist, he finally severed the tip of her right index finger with a sharp dagger. Xena was startled and hid her fingertip in the palm of her hand, it was bleeding too much.

Xena started praying to herself, I can't do anything anymore.

"Eli, help me. Do not let this tyrant harm me any more. There's nothing I can do anymore. Please do something for me." Said quietly.

Yodoshi was just putting the knife to her neck when the ruler of the other kingdom, who was hostile with him, suddenly started shaking the environment he was in. They couldn't figure out exactly where this concussion was coming from. It was like the ground was cracking. Yodoshi panicked. He flung the dagger from his hand. He left right away to figure out what caused it. That's how he left Xena alone. Now that he was back to his own struggle, he didn't remember his ridiculous game with Xena anymore. Eli had answered her prayer again and saved her.

But still, Xena couldn't feed herself from the injuries she received, even if her old strength, her old concentration, her old fitness, had already destroyed Yodoshi. She cursed her fate for being in such a situation. It made her so sad to be in such a desperate situation that she cried aloud with a moan that resembled a scream.

Xena was rubbing the tip of the finger with her hand while recalling these memories. This action of her caught Xenia's attention.

"Oh, I think the fingertip of your hand is damaged. during a war?"

Xena shook her head from side to side in the sense of no.

She wanted to say, "No, this was not a war."

But she didn't say.

"what is stopping you from speaking?" Xenia asked. Xena slowly closed and opened her eyes.

"Xena, I'm very curious, I actually know that you can talk."

Xena looked out to avert her eyes again.

"If my mom is on the way, she must be getting wet from the rain."

"Will you see my mother when she comes back?"

Xena shook her head from side to side in the sense of no again.

"Why, but you love my mother very much, I'm sure you need to see her, you two can't live without each other."

Xena shook her head slowly, all her emotion could be read on her face.

"You still love my mother very much, and she loves you very much, You should be together, you should fight against evil together, she needs you, you know that, right?

Xenia walked to the window, turned Xena's head to herself and looked into her eyes.

"I know very well that you know this, Anyway, I'm a patient girl, Believe me, I believe that everything will be fine in time, and I'll wait for it."

Then she put the food tray in front of Xena.

"Come on, eat your food now, get a little stronger, you're not as sick as you used to be anymore, I'm very happy about that."

At that moment, the door of the house was knocked. Xenia wasn't expecting anyone. Besides, it was raining outside.

"Who would go out in this weather?" she said.

But the door kept knocking insistently.

"Come on, go into the room and close the door," Xenia said!and then she headed for the door.

"who is there?" she called out

"Xenia, can I open the door?" asked the enlightened one from the outside.

"I'm not available right now, can I see you soon, okay, I'll come to you when I'm done."

"Xenia, this is a very important issue, you need to open the door immediately."

Xenia couldn't resist anymore. She knew very well that Xena was uncomfortable with having someone around. But she had to open the door. Solan entered. He was soaked, out of breath, and agitated. Xena had locked herself in the room and did not come out, but she could hear what was being said inside. It was a male voice in his 30s. It's a very familiar sound. It's a familiar way of speaking. It was a way of speaking that made your heart warm. Through the cracked window she could see the young man's eyes. She could pick out his face a little. And then suddenly, the thought of who this familiar face might belong to made her heart beat very fast. If not... Or could this be her only beloved son Solan? But was it possible? Was not her precious son very sadly cruelly murdered by Dahak's daughter Hope? Could this person be Solan? But mothers knew their children, they could never forget their laughter, the timbre of their voices. Yes, that was him... Xena's tears rolled down her cheeks. What a struggle she was having with herself not to go with a longing heart and embrace her son. She should have waited. Now was not the time. She needed time. She was afraid. But the warrior Xena was not afraid. How could she have become like this. But then she suddenly concentrated on what Solan was saying.

"Xenia, I don't know how to say this, but I think we have a problem."

" What kind of problem?"

" Gabrielle and the others..."

" Yes, go on..."

"The Persian King did not act with such good intentions as we thought."

" so?...

" So he has taken them prisoners."

"How do we know that?"

"The Persian king has sent an envoy. Evacuate Caria immediately and take Queen Gabrielli back," Solan said.

"Oh my god is this real? Mom, mom, is she in danger too? Caria is also in danger?"

Xenia started crying. "What are we going to do now?"

 

CHAPTER 8

 

"I'm saying get us out of here...Get us out of here."

Americe's screams echoed in the deepest depths of the dark dungeon. She was hitting the iron bars where they were imprisoned with all her strength. But there were no one around. She kept shouting for a while longer.

"Let us out or you will regret it. When the Carian army comes to rescue us, they will make you pay for all that you have done."

For a long time, they had been living in peace without even having to fight at all. However, what had happened now was that they had been thrown into a dungeon from the world like this fairy tale in an instant.

Finally, exhausted from screaming, she collapsed to the ground.

"Enough, your shouting won't do any good anymore," Virgil said.,

He put his hand on Americe's shoulder as if to console her.

"Don't bother yourself any more, they don't hear us. Calm down."

"What are we going to do, sit here with our hands tied like this?"

Americe looked at Gabrielle, who had been standing there for a long time with her eyes fixed on the wall in silence.

"Gabrielle, say something, what are we going to do.?"

"I say, Americe, calm down, of course there is a way."

"But you are also very calm, Virgil."

Gabrielle broke her long silence with a deep sigh.

"Americe, I'm trying to find a way out, just like you. But I know that we're not going to get anywhere by yelling and kicking around like this. We must not beat ourselves up while waiting for them to get us out of here, otherwise we will not have the strength to participate in any struggle or win."

"Gabrielle is right," said Virgil, "Not that way, Americe."

"So what are we going to do? Do you really believe that the Carian army will come to rescue us?"

"Yes, they have already sent an envoy to Caria."

"So how will they come to save us? Who will lead the army, who will plan?"

"If Xenia had been a little older, we could have trusted her with this to the end, but she is very young and inexperienced."

"Believe me, I don't know at all, Gabrielle," he said.

"You have to fight, Gabrielle. "

"The war is wrong."

"It is also wrong to lose Caria."

"Maybe the Enlightened One can do something."

"But he has no talent and foresight for war. Being a fighter is a talent, and not everyone has it."

"You're right, but believe me, I don't know right now."

"But you always knew what we were going to do. You have always shown us the way."

"Sometimes a person does not know what to do and how to follow a path."

"So?"

"So we have to wait for a miracle to happen."

"I can't wait. I can't wait for a miracle. I don't believe in miracles. We have to get out of here by our own efforts."

Americe had a warrior spirit. She was impatient, she was always like that. Finally, she couldn't stand it and started screaming again, punching the iron bars.

"I'm telling you, get us out of here. You will regret what you have done. The general of the Carian army has sent us news. He is about to set off with his powerful army!" she lied.

She was screaming as hard as she could.

"They will kick your…! They will destroy all of you! Just wait and see!"

# # # # # # #

Meanwhile… #^#^#^#^#

Xena couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was it possible? Didn't Solan die in her own arms? Now he was standing in front of her as a big grown man. His proud and childish gaze had never changed. Would she have the chance to spend time with him that she couldn't? She was standing in front of her only beloved Solan, and the only meaning of her life was telling her that her Gabrielle was in danger. It was not the time to wait any longer, it was time to pull herself together. Her eyes suddenly became fixated on her Chakram, which had been hanging on the wall for a long time. It hadn't been used for years. Maybe it was never needed. But now it was time for it to return to the real owner. The adrenaline rush she was experiencing had already made her much stronger than necessary. She had not fought for 20 years, she could not use her strength. But now it was time. She didn't care about the rules or the price she would pay. If not now, then when? She went and grabbed her chakram off the wall. She put his cloak on and pulled down her hood so as to hide her face. The time was short. Whatever is going to happen, it should have happened sooner. She couldn't lose her again when she was so close to Gabrielle.

She slowly opened the door and entered the room where they were. At that time, Solan and Xenia, who were evaluating those who were in a panic and desperately trying to come up with a solution, suddenly fell silent. They were very surprised by the imposing cloaked person who unexpectedly suddenly walked in the room. Xenia didn't know what to say when she saw Xena coming out. She looked at Xena and Solan with surprise.

"I didn't know you had a guest," Solan said.

Xenia stammered.

"Well, she's not a guest."

"Isn't she? Does she live here?"

Xenia was never good at lying. Besides, she hated lying.

"Not really?"

Solan glared at Xena from head to toe. But he couldn't even tell if she was a woman or a man.

"Who is it?"

Xenia did not know how much to say what to say to the Enlightened One. In fact, she was sincerely glad that Xena decided to come out.

"Actually, she can help us. She's a warrior!"

Solan approached Xena. He was trying to understand her.

"Is that so?"

"Yes"

"So what is she doing in your house, I hope there is nothing wrong. "

He was looking at this stranger, who had hidden herself with the hood of her cloak, with a pale anxious face. Or was this stranger here to use this lonely your Xenia for her evil ambitions? Solan had a thousand and one questions in his head. When Gabrielle was away, he felt that Xenia's responsibility fell on him. He should have protected her. He was staring at this person who could pose a threat to Xenia. Normally, he was never in favor of violence, but if he realized that Xenia was in danger for any reason, he would definitely do everything in his power to protect her. The person with the cape started walking towards them slowly. Solan felt obliged to do some things now.

"What is your friend's name?"

"Her name is… um… Her name… is…"

Xenia could not answer.

"Don't come any closer or you'll regret this," Solan said to the cloaked stranger, "What's your name? Tell me!"

She did not speak and was moving towards them. Solan should have switched to defense. What if this person is a very dangerous person and suddenly attacks or harms Xenia? Gabrielle had entrusted Xenia to him. He should have protected her at the cost of his life. He should have attacked and stopped the stranger. Or at least he should have been intimidated. Against this stranger, who was still walking towards him, he took out his dagger, which he had hidden in his belt against all kinds of dangers. He shouted in a firm and confident voice:

"Don't come any closer, or you'll get into trouble." said Solan as he raised his dagger towards her.

Solan was about to swing his dagger at her when the stranger came closer to him. But suddenly the stranger caught his hand. Solan could not move his arm as this strong hand caught him. But he felt very strange. His eyes were fixed on the hands he had seen from the edge of the cloak. He was just staring with his eyes fixed. He had a very strange expression on his face. Then this expression became very pathetic. Suddenly he whispered in a trembling voice:

"Mother?"

The dagger in Solan's hand had fallen to the ground. As the hands of the two joined, Xena slowly lowered her cloak and embraced her beloved son with great longing and love. She was pressing him to her bosom as if to take out the pain of the years. Solan was still repeating himself in tears.

"Mother... Mom... My mother..."

Xena was crying with a sound mixed with moaning as she cradled her son. The sight at that moment was truly heartbreaking. The longing that had lasted for years was over.

Xenia couldn't believe what she was seeing. What had happened in an instant. She muttered in astonishment.

"Your mother? What? How?"

But at that moment, a strong light appeared and suddenly Solan turned into a big hawk amid screams.

# # # # # # #

It was a cold morning in the Persian Kingdom. Even the sun had not yet fully revealed was really difficult to wait to be rescued in a dungeon that didn't get any sun even in the midday heat. They were snuggled up to each other so that they could warm up. The sound of the wind could be heard through the battlements like a whistle.

Americe was sleeping leaning against Virgil. But suddenly she was awakened by the opening of the rusty iron door with a loud creak. One of the King of Persia's men entered.

"Oh, so you're comfortable, then. Since you've been sleeping soundly."

"What do you expect us to do?" said America angrily.

"Tough girl. You're so angry. Calm down a little."

"I can't. Let us go."

"Go? You are very funny."

"You will be very sorry when the general of the army of Caria arrives."

"Which general?" Virgil whispered.

Gabrielle broke the silence she had maintained for a long time.

"Look, we are here for peace. We can't come to a conclusion like this. You've been keeping us here for days."

"Yes, we are holding, and no one has come to save you. What a pity! Our king is tired of this game now."

"A game? You've been keeping us in a dungeon for days without seeing the sun. No bed, no proper food, no water. This is torture."

"We do not offer luxurious facilities to those we take prisoners, ma'am."

"Let us settle this in peace."

"Don't be funny, lady. "

"I mean what I say. I beg you not to disturb the happiness and peace of the people of Caria."

"Are you begging?"

The man entered the dungeon cell thoroughly and knelt down next to Gabriell. He looked at her face to get a good look at her.

"Are you sure that you are Gabrielle, who once fought with the great warrior Xena?"

Gabrielle was looking at him without saying anything.

"I grew up with your and Xena's stories. I admired you when I was little. I can't believe you're begging for peace in front of me now. Gabrielle used to fight when Xena was around. You've already lost the fight. I'm sorry for you. It will be a pity for a legend like you."

"What do you mean?"

"So I'm saying that the Persian King is tired of waiting."

"Waiting?"

"Yes. We have sent a message with our messengers that you are in our hands."

"Then?"

"We told them that if you don't give us your lands, you will never see each other again."

Americe was thrown into a rage.

"Then you're in trouble, my man."

The man laughed out loud.

"You think so. No one has showed. The messenger returned today. Shouldn't your people have taken action before the messenger?"

"How do you know they didn't?"

"You talk like a child. You are weak, you are cowards."

"You haven't seen our strength yet," cried Americe.

"Shut up, you dirty bitch."

"The bitch is your mother."

The man landed a big punch on Americe's face. America found herself on the ground.

"We will deal with you all later. But let's start with your queen first."

The man grabbed Gabrielle by the arm and dragged her out of the dungeon. Americe was shouting from behind.

"Fight, Gabrielle! Fight!."

Gabrielle turned her sad eyes to Americe. She didn't have the slightest desire in her to fight. She looked as if she was bored with this world. Maybe that was enough. Maybe she had filled her time in this world now. If so, there was no need to fight for it at all. Whatever was going to happen had to happen as soon as possible, and Gabrielle had to get out of the mess in this world and get her Xena back. Weren't they separated enough already? While the man was dragging Gabrielle, she was moving as if she were not in this world. It was a state of complete surrender. She wanted to get closer to the end. She wanted this pain to end. The man brought Gabrielle in front of a guillotine. The king of Persia and the people were gathered, eager to watch the execution of GABRIELLE. A family of children, young and old, was waiting callously to watch a person die.

"Kill her.. Kill her... " screams were rising from the crowd.

Gabrielle looked at them. A lot of people who have never met Gabrielle in their lives, who have never come face to face and talked to her once. Now they were making decisions about whether she should live or die. What rights did they have to this. When did people become so cruel?

"But what does it matter. I'm coming soon Xena! I'll be with you soon..."

Then suddenly Xenia came to her mind. She dreamed that she was looking at her sweetly and smiling.

"Oh, my dear girl. I'm sorry to leave you so early. We could have had so many wonderful days to live with you. But unfortunately fate has seen fit in this way. I wish I could kiss and hug you one last time. Fortunately, even though you still need me, you're not too young. You can handle yourself. I hope you can continue your life with someone who loves and takes care of you. I'll be with Xena until we get back together. Don't forget that I love you, my beautiful girl."

While Gabrielle was quietly saying goodbye to her daughter, she was suddenly startled by the harsh voice of the Persian king.

"Queen Gabrielle. We have been hosting you for ten days. But this stay has gone on too long and I'm bored. When my messengers take your severed head to the people of Caria, they will see how serious I am!"

"You are cruel," said Gabrielle.

"When your beloved Xena received the title of the Destroyer of Nations, believe me, she smeared the blood of more innocents on her hands than I did."

"You won't get results that way."

"I don't need the advice of a dead person. Is there one last thing you want to say?"

"Leave Caria alone. Those people are very happy there."

"Enough, this issue has gone on too long. Executioner! Do your duty!"

The executioner put Gabrielle on the guillotine. People were carefully watching what was going to happen. There was attention and silence around. The king was waiting with a triumphant smile on his face. Gabrielle wasn't scared at all. In fact, she even felt a strange excitement inside. Xena would be waiting for her where she was going, she was sure of that.

Maybe they wouldn't be separated forever anymore. This time… She knew that Xena would be just as excited to see her as she was. Gabrielle closed her eyes so that everything would happen as soon as possible. Suddenly, the horseshoes of horsemen were heard in the distance. One of the men shouted:

"THEY'RE COMING! THERE ARE COMING! SO MANY PEOPLE! SOLDIERS!"

An ambitious army was galloping after the distant hill. The horses adding dust to the smoke. In front of the army was a commander whose reputation spread around the world. The expression of revenge on her face could be seen even from a distance. That commander, of course, was Xena, The Warrior Princess.

CHAPTER 9

Gabrielle had never imagined that she would end up like this. To say goodbye to this world by cutting off her head. Then suddenly Xena came to mind. Yes, she had also said goodbye to life in this way. She felt a strange happiness that she would share the same feelings with her. She would finally be able to understand how she was feeling. But somehow she could not reach that end. With her eyes closed, she waited, waited for the end to come. Then she opened her eyes. There was a strange bustle and fear around. The executioner was puzzled about doing his job. In fact, he was looking around anxiously, not knowing what to do. The king of Persia looked at the fiery army approaching towards them. Then he looked at the Executioner.

"Finish her off immediately!" he thundered.

The executioner raised his axe in the air with a sharpness that could cut even a hair in half. He was about to land with all his strength on Gabrielle's neck when Xena's chakram came flying at the last speed with a whistling sound and broke the handle of the Executioner's axe in two just at the right time. The axe was broken. Suddenly, while the Executioner was trying to figure out what happened to his axe, the Carian soldiers pulled their Queen out of the guillotine where she was stuck by hand. Meanwhile, the Persian soldiers had gone on the defensive. A huge falcon was accompanying them, he was defending the soldiers he realized there was danger, and most of all, he was next to Xena. He was alert to the harm that would come to her from anywhere. A fierce battle had begun with the Carian soldiers. The agitated villagers were stunned by this chaos that had formed in an instant. The children were screaming and crying. A Decadent struggle had begun between the two armies. Gabrielle couldn't understand what was going on. How it happened. The Carian army had come to rescue her. She was looking around in amazement.

"Do not touch the innocent. Do not harm the village people!" someone shouted.

When she looked in the direction from which the sound came, she saw his daughter Xenia on the horse. Was she leading the army? How glorious it was. She called to her daughter from a distance.

"Americe and Virgil are still in dungeons, save them."

Suddenly, without realizing what had happened, she saw the Persian king looking at her with eyes full of anger.

"You should have surrendered. Everything was going to be easier."

He was walking towards Gabrielle with the dagger he pulled from his waist.

"I will kill you with my own hands. All this chaos is because of you," he shouted.

Just as he was about to plunge the dagger into Gabrielle, he was stopped where he was by a sword stroke he received. As he was falling to the ground, a huge, imposing black horse and someone with a red cape on it approached Gabrielle. It was the same person who knocked down the Persian king with a sword blow. She held out her hand to Gabrielle over the horse. Gabrielle paused. Her heart began to beat strangely fast. She just stood there. Then Xena took the cloak down from her head. With an infinite love in her eyes, she stretched out her hand to Gabrielle and made a movement with her head as if to say come on. Gabrielle threw herself into these safe arms without a thought. Yes, she should have been beheaded on the guillotine already. It should have been so that she had already gone to heaven. And just as she had imagined, Xena had come to pick her up with her horse. Yes, they were galloping towards the elisian fields. It's like the day Xena threw her on the back of a horse for the first time all those years ago. That's how it all started and that's how it should have ended, Gabrielle thought. She wrapped her arms around Xena's waist with confidence, just like all those years ago. She leaned her head against her back and closed her eyes. She didn't care about the rest anymore. She accepted wherever Xena took her. she was with her, or whatever was going to happen, now. She fought with a few sword strokes with a few soldiers who cut in front of them, Xena. Then she rode her horse up the mountains towards the forests. When they came to the woods , she stopped her horse. The big winged hawk, which protected them by constantly flying over their heads, also stood with them and was placed on one of the high branches of the trees.

"Have we arrived? Is this Elisian fields?" Gabrielle said.

Xena got off the horse when she believed they were safe now. She stretched her arms towards Gabrielle, smiling. Gabrielle jumped into her arms as if throwing herself with a great longing. They were hugging each other so tightly. It was as if they had become one body. The tears of both of them were mingling with each other. They didn't talk. They just hugged for a long time. Tears were streaming from her eyes as Xena took both of Gabrielle's hands in her palms and brought them to her lips. There was such a meaning in her gaze that she seemed to want to convey the longing of the years to Gabrielle with her eyes. She hugged her again and again, stroked her hair, pressed her to her own bosom, but still she could not get rid of the longing of the years.

"Xena...Oh Xena, how I miss you looking at me like that, holding my hand. For a moment I thought we'd never get back together."

At that time, Xena heard smoke coming out of the place where the struggle was continuing and screams. She checked her Sword and Chakram, jumped on her horse and returned to the battlefield, leaving Gabrielle there.

"Xena... Is the war going on? We... Aren't we dead?"

Gabrielle just stared after Xena. She was trying to find explanations for the confusion in her head, muttering to herself.

"If we're not dead, what are you doing here? If we are dead, why are we still fighting? XENAAAA!"

Gabrielle screamed with all her might behind Xena's back. But she could not make her voice heard. Xena had already thrown herself into the warm arms of war. She was fighting with the enemy just like in the old days. Gabrielle was watching Xena's fight as if she was looking for answers to dozens of questions in her head. The Carian army was fighting a magnificent fight against the Persian army. Americe and Virgil had also come to help the others who had been freed from the dungeon. Gabrielle suddenly wondered why she still hadn't joined the war herself. Where had the old battling bard Gabrielle gone? Was she going to leave Xena alone in this battle? of course no.

"I'm coming, Xena... I'm coming. I can't leave you alone." she muttered to herself.

Then she rushed to the battlefield. While Xena was struggling with 3 men at the same time, she suddenly felt a support on her back. Gabrielle had already started hitting one of the men with a tree branch who had his back to her. They were back to back again. They were watching each other's backs again. What a reassuring and emotional picture this was. Americe and Virgil were also fighting back to back. Suddenky Americe stood as if in shock.

"Hey where are you looking?" Said Virgil.

A man almost would have blown his head off if Virgil hadn't intervened.

"Do you see what I see?"

"What?"

"Look there?"

When Virgil looked at the place where Americe showed him, he couldn't believe his eyes. He even thought he was dreaming and slapped himself.

"Is that Xena?"

"I don't know how this can be, but I think it's her".

"Has Xena come back?",

"She has come."

Americe looked at them with emotion and her eyes were filled with tears.

"Look at how extraordinary they are."

"Just like in the old days."

"I'm going to cry"

"Me too."

"Hey, look behind you, we'll cry later."

"Get down!"

Americe had saved Virgil from a blow by warning him at the last moment.

At the end of the hours-long struggle, the Persian army had suffered a great defeat. The army retreated, the people scattered to their homes in fear, almost no one was left around. The Carian army was advancing towards Caria accompanied by its leaders. Everyone was tired but happy. They had saved everyone, everything, including horses loaded with gifts.

Xenia looked at her mother and Xena with pride and happiness. The two were riding along on the horse together. Americe approached Xenia on her horse without revealing it. She had noticed that since they had seen Xena, not a word had come out of her mouth.

"Hey Xenia, why isn't Xena talking?"

"I don't know. She hasn't spoken to me either since she arrived."

"There must be a reason."

"I think so, too. But because she didn't talk, she didn't tell me anything. I don't know why."

Looking from a distance, they could see that Gabrielle was tightly wrapped around Xena's waist. She closed her eyes as if she wanted to feel Xena in all her cells. After moving a little further, they decided to take a break by a lake. Filled with curiosity from everyone, but unable to ask anything, they tied their horses to the tree shadows. Xena got down from her horse. Then she held out her hand to Gabrielle.

"I'll go down myself."

Xena looked at her in silence. She could sense that Gabrielle was angry with her. she put her hand on her knee apologetically. Gabrielle got off the horse by herself, ignoring it. She was the leader of the people of Caria. The Decadent union between her and Xena was on everyone's lips. That's why she knew that she couldn't talk about these issues with Xena in public. She got off the horse and went to Xenia.

"My dear girl, I have missed you so much!"

"Mommy. I'm so glad you're okay. What if you had died, or if those men had cut off your head."

"Fortunately, I'm fine and I'm here. I think you have a lot to tell me."

"Actually, I don't know any more than you do, Mom."

Gabrielle looked at Xena, who was washing her face in the lake with a falcon on her shoulder.

"How did this happen? How did she get back?"

"Ask her that, not me."

"In public?"

"You'll find a way, Mom."

Gabrielle wanted to go and talk to Xena at that moment, but she was angry with her. But she couldn't do it without talking. What should she have done. She went to Xena with slow steps. She looked at her from behind. Yes, she had changed a little. She had white hair and streaks on her face. Her body was thinner than before. It was in disrepair. But that aura and charisma that she had spread around had never disappeared. She gathered all her courage and touched her on the shoulder. Xena was suddenly startled as she took the water in her palm and put it to her lips. She stopped and looked at her. Gabrielle grasped her hand without saying anything. She picked up from where she was sitting and started walking with her. Xena was going to the place where Gabrielle took her without any reaction. They walked in silence for a while. They passed on the other side of the lake. When Gabrielle was sure that no one saw them anymore, she let go of Xena's hand. It was a nook surrounded by bushes. Xena wasn't sure what she was going to face, but she was already ready for anything that would come from Gabrielle.

"How could you do this to me?"

"You were alive and you left me alone."

Xena shook her head from side to side in the sense of no without saying anything.

"You come out after all these years like nothing happened and you expect me to forgive you."

Xena's face turned pathetic.

"Tell me, how did you leave me alone for years?"

"Do you not know what I have suffered while you have been away? How many nights have I cried until the morning. How many times have I wanted to die and come to you. Do you know, I've never laughed after you left? I've never been happy. I've never been the same cheerful, full-of-life Gabrielle I used to be. I've never loved anyone but you. I was destroyed when you left. Now you want me to accept you as if there was nothing, as if there was nothing that came to me 20 years later. And besides, you don't even deign to say a single word."

Gabrielle even suddenly screamed.

"Tell me if I am so unworthy in your eyes!"

Tears were starting to flow from Xena's eyes. She also wanted to tell about her longing for love with Gabrielle, what she had suffered all these years. But she couldn't do it. She could not speak. She wasn't supposed to talk. It was a deal.

3 MONTHS AGO THE REIGN OF YODOSHI

The reign of Yodoshi was in great turmoil. The earth was shaking and the sky was covered with black bullets. It was covered with a gloom as if it had been cursed.

Shahmaran, the king of the snakes, had fought a big battle with Yodoshi and Yodoshi had been defeated. Because of this defeat, his reign was invaded by venomous snakes of terrible size. Yodoshi hid in the most secret temple of the kingdom to save his life. When Shahmaran came to reign with the army of snakes, only one person knew where Yodoshi was. This person was none other than Xena, Yodoshi's special service slave. When Xena met with Shahmaran, the snake, she secretly conveyed this information to him.

"So you know where Yodoshi is."

"Yes, I know."

"Tell me, then."

"I also know that everyone here will be stung and destroyed by snakes."

"Yes, that's true." Shahmaran thundered.

He looked surprised that such a simple slave would get into an argument with him.

"I will tell you his place and his weak point, but you will also send me back to earth. I know that you are able to do this."

"Of course, my strength is enough. But I also know that if I send you to the surface of the earth, you will tell everyone everything that is happening here. Everyone swears not to tell, but they never keep their promises. I can't trust anyone."

"What can I do to make you trust me? I need to get back to earth. I left half of my heart there."

"Half of your heart?"

"Yes, can you live with half a heart?"

"Of course not."

" Then please allow me to complete myself."

"How can I trust you. But damn it, I have infinite respect for love. I've been down these roads, too."

"Then let me help you. Do it to me, too. Let me go. Let me go."

"Tell me first, where is the secret temple?"

"There is a door that opens from the garden of the palace to the secret passages. If you follow the tunnel, you will reach his secret temple. If you approach from the left side of his back and hit him, he will remain vulnerable and prevail."

"Oh yeah... So that's it. "

"Yes. Now please release me too. Let me go and get half of my heart back."

Shahmaran was brave enough to release her in the face of this valuable information. But he couldn't trust anyone.

He said, "All right. I will set you free. But in return for this, I forbid you to speak."

"How?"

"We'll make a deal with you. Yes, I'm freeing you. But if you say one word, you'll regret speaking it."

"Would I regret it? How?"

"Every sentence you speak so simply will stick like a knife into the body of your favorite person."

"A knife? I didn't understand anything."

"Then when you find er, try to talk and see."

Shahmaran found Yodoshi at the place Xena showed him and attacked and defeated him exactly as you described. And now it was time for him to keep his word. As promised, he allowed Xena to survive. When everything happened, the YOdoshi dynasty was plunged into darkness. But a path full of light opened out of that darkness. At that moment, Shahmaran's voice echoed.

"That's the way you've got to go. Follow the light. Go from there to wherever your heart takes you. I believe that you will complete your heart soon. But don't forget, from the moment you reach the earth, you can't speak a word. If you speak, your words will hurt the one you love."

"How can this be? How can I get along with her without talking? If I can't tell her how much I miss her when I go to him, what's the point of me showing up in front of her?"

"Well, you know. So you don't want to see her."

"No, I want to. I want it very much."

"You'll lose your words but you'll get your heart back isn't it worth it?"

"Of course it's worth it."

"All right, you can go now, then."

"Well, I want to ask you something."

"Of course you can ask."

"Isn't there a way to fix this?"

"There is... of course there is. But I'm not going to tell you that. Because I've been hit a lot by people I trust. They all ignored me. That's why I can't let you talk. I'm sorry. If you want to give up on this deal, you can give up now. Do you want?"

"no! Absolutely no. You cannot understand what I have been suffering for twenty years and waiting for today. That's why I'm accepting the deal."

"all right. Good luck."

As Xena walked towards the radiant hall, her heart was fluttering like a bird from excitement. She had come to the end of the road she had been waiting for to reach her beloved Gabrielle, and although she would never speak, she believed it would be worth it.

Gabrielle was still looking into Xena's eyes as if she was waiting for an answer.

"Why are you silent. You owe it to me to explain these things. You were dead. I've mourned you for years."

Xena was not lifting her eyes from the ground.

"Didn't I have a right to know that you were all right, even though you weren't near me? Have you never loved me? Didn't you love me enough to let me know you were okay?"

Xena made moves, stretching out her arms to calm her down and hug her.

"Don't touch me. I hate you. I hate you for leaving me, for making me suffer for years, do you understand, I hate you, mmm!"

Gabrielle was punching Xena's chest while saying these things. Xena closed her eyes with sadness. Tears trickled down her was hitting Xena as if she had lost control. When Xena continued not to respond, the white hawk couldn't stand it and intervened with Gabrielle.

"What the hell is this hawk?"

The hawk was trying to get her away from Xena.

Gabrielle began to swing her stick towards the Hawk. She seemed to be out of her mind with anger and sadness. Xena was afraid that Solan would get hurt. But she couldn't help it. Gabrielle was still struggling with the hawk. One of the two was going to get hurt. Xena jumped between the two in fear. She finally spoke for the first time in a deep voice.

"DON'T! STOP, THAT'S SOLAN!"

 

CHAPTER 10

 

At Xena's words, Gabrielle suddenly doubled over in tremendous pain, as if a sharp knife had pierced her. The pain was so overwhelming that she felt she might collapse at any moment. Xena caught her in midair with a quick reflex. Perhaps this was the kind of pain Shahmaran had spoken of. Xena's speech had caused Gabrielle to writhe in agony, and she looked into Xena's eyes with fear-filled, pained eyes, unable to comprehend what was happening.

"My back!" Gabrielle murmured.

She was once again in Xena's arms, in the place she had been waiting to be for years, but she had never imagined it would be like this. She continued to gaze at Xena as if expecting her to keep talking, still waiting for an explanation. After a long silence, Xena, who had been short on words, barely whispered, "Gabrielle, my talking will hurt you. Forgive me."

Gabrielle screamed in pain and twisted in Xena's embrace. It felt as if the same knife had stabbed into her belly this time. She pulled her legs toward her abdomen, every bit of her pain clearly visible. She lacked the strength to stand up. Xena swiftly lifted her into her arms. There was nothing she could do to ease Gabrielle's suffering. She held her tightly against her chest, then walked slowly to sit on a rock with Gabrielle. She continued to hug her firmly, unsure of what else she could do. Gently, she rocked back and forth, trying to comfort her. It was unbearable to see her in this state.

For a while, Gabrielle continued to groan in pain, but gradually her sounds of distress began to subside. Eventually, she calmed down little by little and stopped moaning. Xena still held her in her arms, with Gabrielle lying silently, her eyes closed. Xena studied her face, which bore a mature expression despite the henna-dyed strands of hair that indicated her age. Although the years had matured her, they hadn't stripped away her pure beauty.

Xena longingly traced every curve of her body. She gently kissed her forehead and slowly caressed her cheek. A tear rolled down Gabrielle's eye. Xena was so sad for causing her pain, but she had no choice. She decided never to speak to her again to avoid seeing her like this. White Hawk perched on a rock in front of her, as if to show she was with Xena. Xena looked at her and smiled gently. They had suddenly come to this situation without being able to hold her beloved son tightly. Before long, Xenia appeared in the distance. Seeing her mother half-conscious in Xena's arms, she hurriedly raced down the hill to join them. She was out of breath. With an anxious voice, she asked, "What happened to my mom?"

"..."

"Why am I asking? You won't be able to answer anyway."

Then, she leaned down with concern towards her mother.
"Mom? Mommy? Are you okay?"

Next, she looked at Xena.
"You didn't do anything to her, did you?"

"..."

"Mom, mommy."

When Xenia touched her mother's cheek, Gabrielle opened her eyes.

"Mom, what happened to you? Who did this to you?"

Gabrielle tried to sit up but felt pain. Grimacing, she stood up.

"Don't worry, sweetheart, I'm fine. No one did anything to me, don't worry."

"Mom, you don't look fine at all."

"I said I'm fine, honey; stop worrying."

"Tell me what happened! Who did it?"

"My baby, no one did anything to me; just stay calm. I'll be okay. Let's go to the others now; we need to get going."

Xena and Gabrielle locked eyes. Gabrielle now understood why Xena wasn't speaking. Xena was remaining silent to avoid causing her harm, but what was the reason behind it? If Xena didn't talk, how would they resolve the question marks swirling in Gabrielle's mind? Would it always be this way? There had to be a solution; otherwise, simply thinking about this reality could drive someone mad. Living with these questions was impossible.

The group was preparing to set off. The air was chilly, and there was a breeze. Xena wrapped her cloak around herself to keep warm. She checked the food and water of her horse tied under a tree not far away. She glanced at Gabrielle from a distance but hadn't mustered the courage to approach her. This was particularly strange; she, a warrior princess who had fought against armies and thousands of people, now found herself unable to act. It was an unfamiliar feeling for her.

Gabrielle, too, was wrapped in the wool shawl given to her, feeling a strange chill. She was sneaking glances at Xena but didn't want her to see that she was watching. Gabrielle was saddling one of the horses alone, evidently still angry because she hadn't resolved her lingering questions.

"She has every right to be angry. I'd be angry too if I were her," Xena thought.

She felt helpless, unable to express what had happened. "I wish I could talk to you freely, Gabrielle. I would do everything I could to make that happen, but I really don't know what to do."

With these thoughts, Xena observed Gabrielle from afar. Meanwhile, Gabrielle had already mounted her horse and was moving forward while chatting with Xenia. At that moment, a white falcon flew majestically past them, its wings spread wide, exuding a proud and noble appearance. Gabrielle looked at the white falcon, which circled around the entire group as if protecting them.

"Mum, that's Solan. Xena's son."

Gabrielle looked at her in shock.

"How do you know this?"

"What about you? Did you know?"

"Yes, I knew."

"The person I've known since childhood, who has protected me like a brother as an Enlightened one for years, was Solan. You knew this and didn't tell me?"

"Baby, it was a secret. No one could know but the three of us."

"Who else knew?"

"Me and Eve."

"Then Xena and I found out at the same time. That means a fourth person has learned it."

"So the punishment for this was to turn him into a hawk?"

"I guess so."

"That's so sad."

"And it's not fair at all."

"There has to be a solution for all of this. It can't continue like this; it's very hard. Xena can't speak. Solan can't have the happy life he deserves with his mother and family."

"Yes, there must be a way, Mom. It can't go on like this."

"But what can we do?"

"I don't know yet, Mom. But I will think about it. I will think and find a way. Trust me."

"I hope so, my daughter. I hope we can solve it. We deserve happiness now."

Gabrielle and Xenia moved silently at the front of the group for a while. Occasionally, Gabrielle would turn around under the pretense of checking the group, also keeping an eye on Xena. They walked on for a long time. Finally, the sky was beginning to darken. It would not be possible to continue in the darkness.

"The horses are tired. It will be very difficult for us to move once it gets dark," Gabrielle said.

"Then let's take a break by the riverbank just ahead. Plus, we can quench our thirst," Americe replied.

The white hawk flew up to check if there was any danger beyond the mountains. Its eyesight was quite sharp and it could see far even from a great height. They reached the riverbank before it was completely dark. Some soldiers were starting a fire while others were setting up tents made of blankets to camp. Gabrielle slowly dismounted her horse. The pain she felt was still not completely gone.

"Are you feeling better, Mother?" Xenia asked.

"Yes, I will be fine."

Gabrielle still couldn't admit that she was in pain, not wanting to upset her daughter.

"Come on, let's all gather by the fires." she said in a low voice. The soldiers did as Gabrielle instructed.

"How much food do we have?"

"Not much," said a soldier.

"But we have an army. Can it last until everyone leaves?"

"We can manage, Queen Gabrielle. Do not worry about us. You should focus on your health," said another soldier.

"Thank you."

Gabrielle looked at her soldiers with pride. She had a strong army made up of young, powerful, good-hearted soldiers. They all cared for her words, respecting and valuing her greatly.

"We have witnessed how beautifully you can organize and transform into a powerful army when needed."

"Xena is an excellent commander. She assembled the army and explained her plan."

"Did she explain it?"

Gabrielle glanced at Xena, who was quietly sharpening her sword with a stone not far away, a weapon she hadn't used in years. As Xena raised her eyes from beneath her hood, they exchanged a fleeting glance.

"Yes. She illustrated it by writing and drawing on a map. She was very disciplined. She turned our army into a strong one."

"Xenia is also very talented, Queen Gabrielle. She helped us all practice with her combat skills."

Gabrielle stroked Xenia's hair with pride.

"I always knew you would be a wonderful warrior one day because you resemble her so much."

"Who? Do I look like Xena?"

Gabrielle chose to ignore her comment. "We're really tired. We should rest now. Our journey is still long."

Gabrielle got up from her seated position. She went to the river to wash her face and drink some water. The soldiers were also exhausted. Everyone had a bit to eat and retreated to their tents. The moonlight created beautiful reflections on the river. Gabrielle was still sitting on a rock at the water's edge, watching the moonlight dance on the surface. Americe, Virgil, and even Xenia were nowhere to be seen. She was alone in the darkness of the night. As Gabrielle listened to the sound of the flowing water, she reflected on everything that had happened to her. She felt a strange sense of peace. After all, her other half had returned. It was as if she was now complete. She could face anything that came her way. She was no longer alone in this life. Suddenly, she felt a rustle among the bushes. Perhaps she wasn't alone after all.

"You taught me to listen for the sounds in the background, Xena. I know you're there."

She was right. Xena was there, watching her like a shadow. Upon hearing her words, Xena approached Gabrielle with heavy steps. Gabrielle stood up.

"Xena... I..."

Gabrielle looked at her. The moonlight illuminated Xena's face. She could make out her blue eyes.

"I missed you so much," she stammered, her lips trembling.

Gabrielle was overwhelmed with emotion. In an instant, Xena wrapped her arms around her tightly.

"I missed you too," she wanted to say.

It was so clear and understood that she didn't need to use words. Gabrielle underwent a catharsis from all that she had experienced. As tears streamed down her cheeks, she sobbed like a child.

"Please don't leave me again. Don't leave me..." Gabrielle said between sobs.

Xena gently stroked her fiery red hair, afraid to cause her pain. She wanted to comfort her, but she couldn't. They had both been apart for so long, longing for each other.

To soothe her, Xena held her close and kissed her over and over. Her own tears began to fall. No matter how tightly they embraced, this longing wouldn't cease. It was cruel how Gabrielle had been torn away from her, her head severed and body burned. Gabrielle had lived for years with that vision. The end of two people who loved each other so deeply, two legendary warriors fighting for the greater good, shouldn't have been like this. They deserved a better ending. They had never deserved to suffer such great pain. But now, there was a new chance ahead of them. Yes, the road they had to walk was not easy. But their path had never been lined with flowers, after all. But they had managed to overcome every difficulty in front of them thanks to their love and devotion to each other. They could handle this too. Now they were together, and there was no challenge they couldn't overcome. Both of them knew this.

Early in the morning, Xenia woke up with excitement.
"Mom... where are you?"

Xenia was very excited; she wanted to find her mother.
"Mom, are you here?"

She went to the riverbank, hoping her mother would be there.
"Where could you have gone?"

The day was just beginning to brighten. Everyone had not yet emerged from their tents.
"Mom, I have an idea I need to tell you"

She was anxiously wandering around the tents searching for her mother, but she couldn't figure out which tent she was in.
"Mommm!"

Americe woke up to her voice. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"Then why are you so anxious?"

"I have a wonderful idea; I need to tell her; it's very important."

"I don't know where she is, dear."

Xenia was very impatient to find her mother. As she continued searching, she saw Solan.
"Solan, have you seen my mom?"

At that moment, a white hawk that had been perched on a tree branch suddenly took off, flying over the tents and landing on the large tent at the end.

"Are you saying my mom is here?" The hawk responded with a strange sound as if in agreement.

"Okay then, I accept to listen to you. I would be very embarrassed if I meet soldiers and my mom isn't in this tent."

Xenia took a deep breath and suddenly plunged inside the tent. "Mom, are you here?"

Yes, her mother was there. But she was not alone. She had her head resting on Xena's shoulder, wrapped in a blanket, sleeping with a peaceful smile on her face. As Xenia excitedly entered, her mother opened her eyes. She pulled the blanket over her chest, trying to cover herself.

"Baby, do you need something?"

"Well, I was going to tell you something important, but I can come back later."

Xenia hurriedly stepped outside to avoid disturbing them. But Gabrielle quickly came to her side.
"Are you okay, baby?"

"Yes, I'm very good, Mom, really."

"Well, Xena and I… we were just…"

"You don't need to explain anything to me, Mom. Have you forgotten? I'm not a child anymore."

"I know, sweetheart."

"Seeing you happy is enough for me. Didn't you wait for this woman for years?"
"Yes, I waited."

"She is your soulmate."

"Exactly."

"Then don't let anyone, I mean anyone, separate you anymore."

"No, I'm definitely not going to let that happen. I love her so much."

"She loves you too. Even if she doesn't speak, I can see it in her eyes. You see it too, right?"

"I see it very clearly."

"Believe me, if she couldn't come to you, there's a reason for that. Trust her, okay?"

"I have so many questions in my head, Xenia. I don't know how to overcome them."

"We will solve everything. I have a really great idea."

"Are we really going to solve it? How?"

"Eve…"

"What does Eve have to do with it?"

"She is almost a sage now. She's one of the leading members of Eli's cult. You know this."

"Yes, I know."

"She says if the Creator has given us a trouble, He has surely provided a way out as well. The important thing is to find that solution."

"Do you really think so?"

"I'm not saying it; she is."

"So, what are we going to do?"

"We will ask for help from Eli's sect to resolve this issue."

"This is definitely a great idea, my smart and talented daughter."

 

CHAPTER 11

 

The journey to Caria had taken days, and everyone was exhausted from such a long trip. But it had been worth it. Everyone was returning home safe and sound. The end of the road was near. They had arrived in familiar territory, which rejuvenated their spirits. With sweet smiles on their faces, they reveled in the joy of being back in their homeland. It was noon when they arrived in Karia. The sun was smiling down on them from directly overhead, peeking through the trees. The people, aware of their approach, were ready to celebrate this victory. The news of their defeat of the Persians had long been delivered by carrier pigeon, and the townsfolk had been prepared for days, waiting to kick off the celebration. In fact, they had stationed two watchmen on the hill in shifts for this purpose. The watchmen had been waiting for their return for days when suddenly one of them spotted a crowd of horsemen coming toward them from behind the mountain.

"They're coming, they're coming," he said excitedly, lowering his binoculars.
"You said that last time too, and when they got closer, we realized it was just a flock of sheep."
"No, no, this time I'm sure. If you don't believe me, take a closer look."

The other watchman eagerly took the binoculars and wouldn't believe his eyes. He looked again to make sure. This time his friend wasn't mistaken. It was indeed them. He started running down the hill with excitement.

"They're coming!…. They're coming, get ready!..."

In his excitement, he wasn't running down the hill so much as rolling down.

"Let the celebrations begin; our heroes are returning. Let's welcome them as they deserve."

They had planned a magnificent feast for them; music, dance, and drinks were all ready. Seeing the watchman running down the hill, the rest quickly got to work finishing the celebration preparations. One group was turning lamb on the fire, another was cooking rice in enormous cauldrons, and another was bringing barrels filled with wine to the celebration area. A choir and dance troupe featuring ethnic music were waiting for their arrival, eager to start singing and dancing. As soon as Xena, Gabrielle, and their army set foot in the lands of Caria, the people welcomed them with flowers and applause. Caria was now theirs. They could continue living in their small town in peace and happiness. Xenia spotted Luna running towards her from a distance. Luna was shouting with joy.

"You're back! You're back!.."

Xenia jumped down from her horse and hugged Luna tightly.

"Yes, we're back. How I've missed you."

"You defeated the enemies, didn't you?"

"Yes, we did."

"I wish I could have been with you. I can only imagine how amazing you looked in battle. That's so cool."

"Yes, it was truly amazing. I would have loved for you to see it too. But it was also very dangerous. If you had been there, you would have been in danger, and I would never want that to happen."

"Why?"

"Because you are very precious to me."

Luna hugged Xenia with a big smile on her face.

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

Suddenly, Luna paused.

"What about my dad? Wasn't he with you? Where is he now?"

Having been a witness to the conversation between Xenia and Luna for a while, Gabrielle dismounted and joined them.

"Oh dear Luna. Your father has gone far away on a very important mission."

"Did he go very far?"

"Yes, it's a very important assignment."

After saying this, Gabrielle looked at Xena, who was getting down from her horse.

"I want to introduce you to someone important, Xena. This beautiful, smart, and skilled little girl is your granddaughter, Luna."

Before anyone could say anything, a voice rang out from a distance.

"Mom?"

When Xena looked toward the source of the voice, she saw her daughter Eve standing there, frozen in surprise.

"Is that really you, Xena? Are you my mom?"

With tears in her eyes, Xena nodded and pursed her lips. She reached out as if to embrace her. Eve ran over and hugged her mother tightly, filled with longing.

"Mom... where have you been? You can't imagine how much I've missed you."

As Xena held her daughter, she reflected on how much time they had lost. She held Eve by her shoulders and noticed how the years had matured her. Yet she could still see the familiar sparkle in her daughter's eyes from her babyhood. No matter how many years went by or how old Eve got, she would always be that little baby crawling in the forest in her green dress and hat. That would never change. Even if Eve was almost 50 years old, it remained true. As she stroked her daughter's hair with trembling hands, she couldn't take her eyes off her. But she didn't speak. While looking at her mother's weary face, Eve sensed something was off. Who knows what her mother had gone through? How had she survived? Sensing her unanswered questions, she glanced at Gabrielle.

"Eve. Your mother has been through tough times; we need help. Also, Solan..."

Suddenly, Gabrielle's sentence trailed off as she became aware of Luna's presence beside them. She paused, took Luna's hand, and leaned down to her eye level.

"Sweetheart, why don't you play with Xenia for a bit? Grandmothers are very tired and want to rest."

"But I…"

"Can you give us a little time to rest?"

"But after everything…" Eve said.

Gabrielle interrupted Eve.

"Let's meet in my yurt after taking a little rest."

Eve had to comply with what Gabrielle had said. Two days ago, during her journey back from India, she had reflected on everything she experienced while withdrawing to a high-energy spot. She thought about the difficulties she faced with her mother, the injustices she did to her, and her longing for her mother. Moments of her gladiatorial battles with Gabrielle in Rome flashed before her eyes. How cruel she had been to her mother. Yet her mother did not respond in kind. As Eve grew older, she came to understand just how vicious her actions had been, and every day she felt regret for what she had done to her mother. During her time of retreat, she deeply wished to see her mother. She had thought this would happen in Elisian Fields. She never expected her prayers to be answered so quickly. But now her mother was right in front of her. Why wasn't she speaking?

While she was lost in these thoughts, Luna approached her. Suddenly, she remembered her brother. As she gently stroked the child's head, she hoped to find answers to all the questions in her mind within a few hours. When she looked at Xenia and Luna chatting together, it felt like she was seeing her mother and Gabrielle. Xenia's cool recounting of events in Persia resembled her mother's youth. Luna sat on a tree branch, listening to her with admiration. Her eyes would occasionally widen in astonishment at what Xenia was saying. Sometimes her amazement was so great that she made sounds filled with wonder. Eve looked at them and smiled. There stood young Xena and Gabrielle right before her. One was Gabrielle's daughter, and the other was Xena's granddaughter. And she was also her beloved niece.

"Teach me how to use a sword," Luna said to Xenia.

"But I'm not that good either. Your grandmother is much better than anyone at swordplay."

"My grandmother?"

"Yes. I'm sure that once you rest a bit, you'll want to get to know her. Your grandmother is the warrior princess Xena."

"Xena? The warrior princess from the tales?"

"Yes, that's her!"

"Oh wow, that's so cool. Maybe one day I'll be a warrior like her, what do you think?"
"Of course you can, you're very talented."
"Should we go to her?"
"I don't think now is the right time. She's a bit unwell. Her throat hurts, and she can't talk. She'll speak with you when she gets better, don't worry."

Xenia guessed that Xena wouldn't want to leave her granddaughter with questions due to things that were hard to explain. She knew that when the time came, Xena would make time for her.
Within a few hours, they had gathered at Gabrielle's yurt. Xena, Gabrielle, Eve, Virgil, Americe, and the White Hawk were all there. Everyone was eagerly waiting for Gabrielle to speak. Just as Gabrielle was about to start, there was a knock at the door. Gabrielle called out,

"We're not available right now, whoever you are, please come back in a few hours."
"Mom, it's me, Xenia."
"Baby, we're in an important meeting right now."
"I know. I want to join too."
"But you…."
"I'm not little anymore, Mom. Plus, I've been through everything too. I know more about Xena lately than you do."

Gabrielle paused. "Okay… You're right… You can come…"

Xenia quietly entered amidst the silent gazes of the others and took her place among them.

"Yes, if everyone is here, we can start. The reason I gathered you all here is to discuss the disasters that have befallen us and to gather your thoughts on possible solutions. You are my family. Yes, after many years, I have reunited with the biggest part of my family."

Gabrielle smiled and looked at Xena. She gently placed her hand over Xena's hand and squeezed it. Xena reciprocated in kind, squeezing her hand back. These hands had waited a long time to meet. They had held swords, bows, and pens, but had only found this warmth in each other's hands. Gabrielle thought to herself, I hope our hands never part again. Then she looked at the others.

"But Xena can't speak. She shouldn't be able to. We don't know why. She can't explain it to us. All I know is the unbearable pain I feel whenever she speaks."

Everyone looked at each other in shock.

"How can this be? Why would her speaking hurt you?" said Americe in surprise.

"Maybe it was just a coincidence. Perhaps your pain at that moment had nothing to do with Xena's speaking," Virgil said.

"No, it's happened twice. It has to do with me." She said so herself.

"Then why?" Eve asked.

"Honestly, I don't know. I wish she could explain."

"There must be a way to explain."

"But how?"

"She could write it down," Xenia suggested.

Gabrielle liked this idea. "Yes, we can do that. Xenia, go get my parchments and quill from inside," she said excitedly.

Xenia eagerly jumped up and brought the parchment and quill, placing them in front of Xena.

"Come on, you write, and I will read it to everyone."

Xena nodded and took the quill in her hand. She hadn't held a pen in a long time. She started to write slowly, and everyone patiently waited to see what she would write.

"I've waited a long time to be here. It's worth everything to be with you. My dear family...

When Xenia read this aloud, everyone looked at her with tearful eyes.

"But why can't you speak?" Virgil asked.

"It's a pact. An agreement in exchange for my return."

"How? With whom?"

"Shahmeran!"

"Shahmeran?" said Virgil. "I know Shahmeran."

"How do you know?" Gabrielle asked excitedly.

"There was a tavern run by my mom and dad, remember?"

"Yes, we remember," they all replied together.

"There was a painting hanging on the wall. My father used to tell stories about it. He called her the queen of serpents. She was very powerful but also merciful. I don't know much, but…"

"Anyway, you should keep writing, Xena. Will it continue like this forever? Isn't there a way?" Gabrielle said.

Xena was writing while Xenia was reading.
"There is. But I don't know it."
"How do you know it exists?"
"Shahmeran told me. But she didn't tell me how to find it."
"Well, how will we learn? There must be a way to communicate with her."
"Can't we find where she lives?" Americe asked.
"Only in dreams," Virgil replied.
"In dreams? How?" Eve asked curiously.

"My father explained it like this. Shahmeran can communicate in dreams with people who have a pure heart and a high spiritual power. She lives in another dimension. You can only access that dimension through dreams."

Everyone turned to Eve at once.
"I don't know if I can do that," Eve said anxiously.
"There's nothing to doubt in this. I hope you give it a try for your mothers," Americe said.
"Of course, I will try. But I don't know if I have enough strength."
"If Solan weren't in this situation, I'm sure he could do it too," Gabrielle said.

Then she revealed the truth about Solan to everyone. She explained that the person they had known for years as the Enlightened One was actually Xena's son Solan, who had died years ago, and why he had come here from Heaven for his mother. Because he had remained a child in Heaven for years, he should have been older than Eve, yet he appeared younger. The spell had broken, and Solan had transformed into a hawk. Gabrielle saw no harm in everyone knowing this. When she finished speaking, everyone was astonished into silence. They couldn't find anything to say. They had learned too much in one day and were bewildered about what to think.

They had a long discussion among themselves to evaluate the situation. In the end, Eve decided to prepare for her dream of prophetic revelation that night. She mentioned that she needed to perform purification rituals before doing so. By the time the meeting was over, it was quite dark, and midnight had passed. As Eve left to make her preparations for the evening's vision, the others yawned and returned to their homes, weary from the journey. Xenia had fallen asleep in a fetal position while listening to the discussions.

Occasionally waking, she would say, "I'm not sleeping; I'm just resting my eyes," and drift back into sleep. This situation amused Xena and Gabrielle.

Only Xena and Gabrielle remained at the table. Gabrielle looked at Xena with misty eyes, letting out a deep sigh. There were profound meanings hidden in that sigh. A gentle breeze from the slightly open window stirred Gabrielle's red curls. The light from the gas lamp on the table cast glimmers in Xena's green eyes, and she gazed at her in admiration. Gabrielle swallowed hard.

"Here you are. You're in our home. I've imagined you sitting here beside me for years, and now you're actually here. But you can't speak. That must be so difficult."

Xena looked at her with the shy expression of a child. Her face seemed to want to convey much. Finally, she decided to express her thoughts on paper again. Then, she began to write something down. For a while, she remained silent as she wrote. She wrote... Gabrielle got up to close the slightly open window. The air had turned quite chilly. She went to put on her nightgown. Xena had finished her writing. Then her gaze fell upon Xenia, who was asleep in the curled position on her chair due to fatigue. Xena stood up and lifted Xenia into her arms in one motion. As she carried her to her bed, she left the parchment she had just written on on Gabrielle's lap. Gabrielle curiously began to read the writings on the parchment placed before her.

"There's a moment when I look at you, and no words are left in me; my tongue breaks, then fire races under my skin, and I tremble and grow pale, for I am dying of such love, or so it seems to me."

This was the poem of Sappho, and it was signed with a kiss…

 

CHAPTER 12

 

"Yes, yes, I saw the dream. Enough already, you haven't let me rest since this morning, Xenia."
"Did you tell your parents?"
"Yes, I told them."

Xenia had been standing at Eve's door early in the morning. She wanted to know what needed to be done. She wished for her mother and Xena to be happy as soon as possible. They had faced great hardships for many years. Xenia found their relationship to be incredibly magical and sacred. One day, she dreamed of having a bond that loved each other as much as they did. How many people on Earth love each other so much that they would sacrifice their lives for one another, she wondered.

"So, what did Shahmaran say to you?"
"It's very hard to explain."
"Try! What kind of dream was it?"
"At first, I struggled to fall asleep. I was anxious. But I completed all the necessary rituals. Before lying down, I asked Eli for help to guide and assist me."
"And then... go on, tell me."
"I went to a very dark underground place. There, I saw a woman surrounded by gold, silver, and diamonds, with serpents from the waist down. But she was incredibly beautiful. She was truly enchanting. She invited me in. She was very gracious. When I mentioned Xena, she immediately remembered. 'How could I forget the warrior princess?' she said. I told her I was the daughter of the warrior princess and explained that she fought against many evils and protected the weak. After so many years apart, I told her that she deserved to meet her loved ones and have a conversation with them."

"Then what did she say?"
"She said Xena is not as innocent as you think. Many innocent lives have also been stained with her hands," she suddenly shouted.
"But hasn't she paid for what she's done?" Xenia asked.
"I said the same thing."
"What happened next?"
"She told me that if your mother deserves it, she will receive it."
"What do you mean by that?"
"She said that if the person you love deserves your love, then they will do what is necessary. That's all she had to say before I woke up."
"What? What does that mean?"
"I don't know."
"So she didn't mention any elixir or charm or anything?"

Eve shook her head in a negative response.

"Then what are we going to do? I told my parents and I couldn't do anything else about it," Eve said in a sad voice.

At that moment, Gabrielle and Xena were also pondering the same question. What had Shahmeran meant? What did it mean to deserve Xena's love? Ever since Gabrielle heard those words from Eve, her mind had been occupied with them. She looked out from the half-open door of her home. People were at work, harvesting the fields and picking fruits from the trees while children played, laughing and having fun. Karia had returned to its old peaceful state. She glanced at Xena, who lay silently in bed. Xena was staring at a point, not reacting at all. It was clear that her mind was also preoccupied with this matter. While she was lost in thought, a young boy ran into the yard.

"Queen Gabrielle!"
"Yes, my child?"
"You're coming to the archery competition this afternoon, right?"
"Oh, I completely forgot about that. Of course, I'll come! Do you think I would miss it?"

"Yeah, I know you won't miss it. What's the winner's prize going to be? My friends are asking,"

Gabrielle spoke as she patted the child's head. "Hmm... Good question. How about a quiver full of arrows and a new bow?"
"Oh yes, that's a great idea. It would be even better if there are 20 arrows included."
"Alright, it's a deal."

The child happily ran off from Gabrielle. It was so easy to make children happy. The most precious being that brought joy to her heart was right beside her. She went to the room where Xena was and sat on the bed. Noticing her arrival, Xena sat up in bed. She cupped Gabrielle's face in her hands, her eyes filled with a tender smile. Gabrielle gazed deeply into her eyes.

"Xena. You have given up your voice to avoid hurting me. That's not an easy thing to do... Did you love me that much?"

Xena nodded, not taking her eyes off Gabrielle's.

"But do you think I loved you any less? I loved you too."

Xena held Gabrielle's hand as if to say "I know" and squeezed it gently.

"Well, then there's only one thing you need to do now. You have to talk."

Xena shook her head in a panic, signaling no.

"Please, I beg you. Talk to me. If you love me enough to give up your words, then I love you enough to bear this pain."

Xena refused. She pushed Gabrielle away as if to distance herself and headed toward the door. Gabrielle stepped in front of her.

"Please don't go. We'll get through this together."

Xena continued shaking her head, crying. She couldn't do this to Gabrielle. She was more precious than her own life. How could she allow her to suffer? Xena hurriedly went to grab the parchment and started writing frantically.

"Gabrielle, I can't. Don't pressure me, I can't hurt you."
"Just do it."
"No! No!"
"Look at me. Look into my eyes, Xena. Years ago, I was on my deathbed. I told you to leave me and go. If you stayed with me, you wouldn't have made an ethical decision. I insisted, but you didn't listen. You had to fight alone against an army just to not let me go. And do you remember what you told me?"

Xena nodded her head in agreement.

"If this is our fate, let's face it together. Even in death, Gabrielle, I will never let you go."

Gabrielle hugged Xena tightly.

"Even in death, Xena, I will never let you go. So please, let's talk. I can handle this. Please, do it for me."

Xena looked at her with tears in her eyes.

"Come on, let's talk. I'm telling you I can handle it; I would do anything for you."

"Xena, I'm saying let's do this, do it!"

Gabrielle slapped Xena across the face.

"I can't, Gabrielle, I can't hurt you!"

The words slipped out of Xena's mouth suddenly.

"You can't hurt me," Gabrielle said with a pained expression on her face.

"I don't care about anything, I've missed your voice. I've missed your words. If the price for this is pain, I will gladly pay it; keep going, don't stop."

"Gabrielle!.."

"I've missed hearing my name come from your lips. I've missed hearing you say you love me. For 20 years."

"I love you, Gabrielle. I have always loved you. And as long as I breathe, I will love you."

"I love you too, Xena. I accept everything you give and I'm not afraid."

Xena and Gabrielle said these words to each other aloud, filled with emotion and tears. They were holding each other tightly, their tears mingling. Suddenly, Xena felt a throbbing pain in her chest. She brought her hand to her chest. When she looked at the wound, she found that it was no longer there. Whenever she thought of Gabrielle, the aching pain had turned into a warm, healing sensation. Because Gabrielle's love was no longer a wound for her. The reunion had happened.

"My wound," she whispered. She hadn't spoken in so long that her voice was barely coming out, it was hoarse and rough. "My wound is gone. It doesn't hurt."

"Keep talking," Gabrielle urged. "Don't you dare give up. Tell me where you've been all this time?"

"I really wanted to come to you. But Yodoshi captured me. He made me experience visions. I couldn't stop it. He drained all my strength. He turned me into a pitiful, powerless, disabled woman. I couldn't think or fight. He scrambled my mind. But Gabrielle, believe me, if I hadn't hoped that I could come to you, I wouldn't have been able to endure all this for so many years."

"I… I'm not in pain anymore."

"I never wanted to make you suffer. I always wanted to be by your side, but I couldn't; it's a very strange place. It doesn't resemble anywhere we've seen."

"No, Xena! Even if you talk now, I'm not in pain."

"But… How?"

"See? You're talking, and I'm not in pain."

"Really?"

Tears of joy began streaming down Xena's cheeks as Gabrielle continued, "That was what Shahmeran meant. You chose silence to avoid hurting me. This agreement would only break when I also chose to suffer for you."

"So, you're really not in pain anymore?"

"I'm not."

Xena joyfully twirled Gabrielle around, holding her by the waist. Eve, Americe, and Xenia, who were watching them from the window, couldn't help but start applauding in delight. It was incredible. Their love for each other had broken the spell. They were embracing and crying, completely depleted of emotion.

They were so absorbed in each other that they hardly even noticed the others arriving. Seeing their emotional state, the onlookers decided not to disturb them. What mattered now was that things were starting to get better for them. As they quietly moved away from the window, Xenia hugged Luna, who had rushed to her side.

"When will you keep your promise?" said Luna.
"What promise?"
"The promise to teach me to fight. You know, next year I'm going to enter an archery competition."
"Really? That sounds so cool."

"Yes, because I'm growing up. When my dad comes, I will tell him about this decision. My mom is very sad, you know?"
"Sad? Why?"
"I don't know. Sometimes she cries, and other times she doesn't talk at all."

Xenia stroked Luna's golden hair gently.

"I'm sure it's not something serious. Don't be sad about it, okay? I'll talk to her. I'll find out what's bothering her. We'll figure it out."
"You're so kind. I love you so much."
"I love you too."

In the late afternoon, everyone gathered in the square to watch the archery competition. They were waiting for Queen Gabrielle to arrive to begin. After a while, Gabrielle appeared in her emerald green dress and crown. Beside her, Xena was dressed in a black gown with a fur cape. Upon seeing them, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers. Gabrielle greeted the people and took her place on the throne reserved for her. She gestured with her hand to quiet the crowd.

"Dear Carians. My friends. We have been through very difficult days. Together, hand in hand, we have overcome these tough times. The Karia army and the Karia people have shown us once again that when we stand together, we can overcome everything. I am proud of you all. Thanks to you, I am alive and here. But I also want to thank the commander who has brought the army together; the greatest reason for my being alive. My best friend, my soulmate, my everything, the Warrior Queen Xena."

The Carians began to cheer upon hearing Xena's name.

"Xena!... Xena!... Xena!..."

Xena stood up and greeted everyone. "Thank you. Thank you."

Gabrielle continued her speech. "Warrior Queen Xena will henceforth accompany me in the governance of Caria as the commander of the armies and provide support. Caria will now be safer and more peaceful."

As the crowd joyfully applauded Gabrielle, she held Xena's hand tightly.

"Now, let the competition begin. I wish everyone success."

As the competition started, a white falcon flew in from a distance and landed on its mother's shoulder. Xena stroked the falcon's wings. At that moment, Xenia and Luna approached from a little further away.

Xenia said, "Luna wants to sit next to her grandmother."

Xena smiled when she saw them. She lifted Luna onto her lap.

"Of course, you can sit with us, my beautiful granddaughter."

Luna looked at Xenia with a joyful smile.

"Didn't I tell you she would love you?" Xenia said.

Gabrielle warned them while carefully watching the archers.

"Shhh. Can you be a little quieter, kids? You'll distract the archers."

Everyone began to watch the archery competition attentively. Talented young people fiercely competed in various categories. They were all very successful. So successful that at the end of the competition, Gabrielle gifted all the young participants a bow set. As all the youth happily celebrated the contest, Xena and Gabrielle got up to leave the competition area. Little Luna was holding Xena's hand.

"Grandma. Will you come with me? I want you to meet my mom."

Xena knelt down in front of Luna to meet her eye level.

"Of course I'll come with you. I want to see your mom very much too."

"When Dad comes, he will be so happy to see you. Mom really misses Dad, I think. You came, but he didn't. Mom is crying because of that."

Xena looked into Luna's sad eyes.

"I've missed him a lot too, actually."

Xena lifted Luna's tilted head and stroked her cheek.

"You don't need to be sad at all, sweetie. I promise your dad will come back. I have plenty I want to share with him, too…"

13.

That evening, Xena went to their home with Luna. She met Solan's wife and sat with them, chatting. As she looked at them, she thought about how her dear son deserved to be happy with his wife and daughter in a loving home. After all, his childhood had been stolen, and a life filled with love was taken from him alongside his family. When she returned home with Gabrielle, she felt very sad. Noticing Xena's somber and quiet demeanor, Gabrielle approached her to offer comfort.

"You're thinking about Solan, aren't you?"

"Yes. My dear son has never been a child who lived a happy life with his family. Now, when he was given another chance, he created his own joyful family. But now he's lost it again."

"Yes, that's very tragic."

"I'm to blame for all this. If he had a normal mother—one who didn't constantly live a dangerous life, a mother who spent time at home with her children—Solan wouldn't be in this situation. I left him when he was just a baby, before I could even breastfeed him. Both of my children grew up without their mother."

"It was impossible to be both a mother and a warrior."

"Then I should never have had children. That was selfish. My children suffered because of me."

"Please don't blame yourself. It's all in the past now. You can't bring back the past."

"Then I'll work to make the future beautiful."

"How?"

"I'm leaving tonight."

"Where are you going?"

"To the Elysian Fields."

"I'm coming too."

"This is my issue."

"No, it's not."

When Xena looked into Gabrielle's eyes, she saw that she was crying. Gabrielle held Xena's hand.

"I have a part in what Solan experienced."

"What do you mean?"

"Hope. If I had listened to you and had killed her when she was a baby, Solan would still be alive as an adult. I couldn't accept that Hope was truly a monster. I was a young and naive mother. I was too inexperienced to realize that a demon was playing with my pure emotions. By the time I recognized it, it was too late. If I had the thoughts I have now, I would have destroyed her the moment she was born. For years, I couldn't forgive myself. Let me make amends. Allow me to come with you."

"Alright. So we'll leave in the morning before anyone wakes up."

Gabrielle hugged Xena tightly. They remained that way for a while, speechless, having missed the solace of each other's embrace. Their quiet moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Eve, looking flustered.

"Moms! Ever since you left, I've been conducting research. I'm trying to find a way to bring my brother back."

"Did you find anything, Eve?"

"Yes, I've read the stars and spoken with the sages. A long time ago, a similar event occurred. A young girl returned to this world. But when her secret was revealed, she transformed into a dove. There was a young man who loved her, and he searched for ways to bring her back. It's documented in the wall inscriptions. It says you must find the water flowing from a point where the life spring meets the unseeing sun, and the hawk must drink from this water. But the young man, after overcoming all the perilous paths, arrived at that location only to realize that the water didn't exist, and then he was thrown off a cliff by forest sprites and died. And the girl remained as a dove. So, as far as I know, no one has survived this so far."

"We leave tomorrow morning," Xena stated.

"Where are you going?"

"To the Elysian Fields. It's best to resolve this issue at its origin. You will take responsibility for this area. You won't let our absence be felt."

"Well, my dear, I will do my best. You know what's best," she said.

"Thank you. My beautiful girl."

Xena looked at her daughter with pride. In her mature eyes, she could see glimmers of wisdom.

"Sometimes it feels like you carry my genes," Xena said.

Gabrielle smiled.

"What led you to that conclusion?"

"I was never this wise, calm, and full of love."

Eve squeezed her mother's shoulder.

"Your path required it, Mom."

Xena responded with a bittersweet smile.

"If everything goes well, I promise to try to make up for all the hardships you've endured because of me, baby."

Then she turned to Gabrielle.

"It's late; tomorrow will be a very challenging day for us. Are you ready?"

"With all my heart," Gabrielle replied. "But I want to show you something."

"What is it?"

Gabrielle took her hand and led her to the bedroom. Kneeling in front of a wooden-carved chest at the edge of the bed, she slowly opened the lid to reveal Xena's costume, her breast dagger, whip, sword, and Gabrielle's staff and sails.

"I haven't used these in a long time either. But the time has come."

"Yes, it has. So, you've kept all of this for years."

"I couldn't let go. They are our history. And as you can see now, they'll be useful to us."

Xena smiled.

"Don't tell me you think I'll wear this costume again? It tightened around my waist too much. Now, I really don't think I'll fit into it at all."

"Of course, we'll dress comfortably. But I'm still not sure if I'm in shape for fighting. I haven't practiced in years."

"Don't worry; I hadn't practiced either, but when we came to save you, everything fell into place. In fact, all our knowledge and skills are still deep down in our minds."
"You're right."

They had prepared clothes that would allow them to feel comfortable and facilitate their movements. After getting dressed, they took food and water with them. They set out early in the morning. The sky was a dusky gray, and there was a light mist. Xena and Gabrielle carefully rode alongside each other. For the first time in years, they were traveling together like in the old days. A gentle breeze blew. The surroundings were very quiet, and within both of them was an endless peace—the peace that came from being together again. It felt as if the missing pieces had been completed. They both knew that no matter what happened, they could face it together.

After riding for a while, they found themselves by a lake leading to Elisian Fieldss. The sun was now high in the sky. They tied their horses to a shaded spot by the water. After resting a bit, they ate their food and drank their water.

"Xena… do you know? I thought we'd never come together for a fight again. But now we are together again. It's like a miracle."

Xena cupped Gabrielle's face in her hands.

"My miracle is you, Gabrielle."

They shared a moment of silence, looking into each other's eyes.

They nodded at each other as if to say, "Let's go," and simultaneously plunged into the water. Holding their breaths, they swam deeper and deeper. It was truly challenging, but it was worth it. When they reached the surface, they found themselves in Elisian Fields. They decided to make a fire to dry their wet clothes. As they huddled around the fire, trying to warm up, they had drawn in very close to each other. Suddenly, they realized their clothes were completely dry.

"How did this happen?" Gabrielle asked.

"This is the Elysian Fields; we only need to think about the things we wish to be here," Xena replied.

"Well, it would be nice to stay here, wouldn't it?"

"Not yet, Gabrielle. We still have much to teach our children. Not just yet."

"You said we could live out what we think here, didn't you?"

"Yes?"

"I'm going to try something. Can you turn your back to me?"

"My back?"

"Yes. Please."

"Okay."

Xena thought about how Gabrielle missed these childish games. She had a mischievous smile on her face as she turned away.

"Don't you dare look."

"Alright."

"Don't look yet."

"Oh, fine already."

"Now you can look."

When Xena curiously turned around, she was met by the eager, wise, young bard and talented warrior she had known in her youth. She could hardly believe her eyes when she saw the young Gabrielle in front of her.

"Gabrielle. How did you do this?"

"I just wanted it to happen. And it did. Now it's your turn. I want the old Xena back, even if just for a while."

"Okay, I'll try. Close your eyes."

Gabrielle happily closed her eyes and waited a short moment.

"Now you can open them."

When Gabrielle opened her eyes, she could hardly believe what she saw. Before her stood Xena, with bright blue eyes, rosy cheeks, lush black hair, and a strong physique, smiling at her. How she had missed seeing her like this! With great longing, she threw herself into Xena's arms. Xena wrapped her arms around Gabrielle's waist and began to spin her around. They both burst into joyous laughter, carefree and youthful. They spun and spun until they finally tumbled onto the lush green grass. Both of them, wearing huge smiles, gazed up at the sky, waiting for the dizziness to pass.

"I had forgotten how beautiful you were when you were young," Gabrielle said.

Xena frowned.

"So you're implying I'm not beautiful anymore?"

"Never... But you know how the energy of youth is."

"I'm just joking. I get what you mean. Well, if we've regained our old strength, let's go and save our son."

"Our son, right?"

"Do you doubt it?"

"No, there isn't. Let's go."

Xena and Gabrielle began to make their way through the lands of Elisia. The fragrant aroma of vibrant, colorful flowers filled the air around them. As they passed through the joyful crowd of Elisians in their white garments, a voice suddenly called out from behind them.

"XENA!"

When they turned, they saw that the speaker was none other than Ares, the former god of war. Xena felt a rush of happiness at seeing a familiar face from the past.

"Ares, how wonderful to see you after so many years."

"I can't even begin to describe what I feel. Did you die?"

"This issue is quite complex. Believe me, I would love to explain it to you in detail. But what about you? Since you've earned a place in heaven, I suppose you must have lived like a saint after I left."

"Let me pour you each a glass of wine from the river of wine. We can chat a bit."

"Of course," Xena replied, draping her arm over Ares' shoulder.
Gabrielle's expression shifted.

"Xena, now is not the time for wine. We have things to do, you know."

Ares looked at Gabrielle with a teasing expression. "My little blonde, you're still so jealous. You really can't enjoy some things."

"Are you talking to me?" Gabrielle snapped. "Do you think I have a reason to be jealous? I'll remind you who I am still with, and that she didn't even know you're dead."

Xena raised her hands and stepped between the quarreling duo.

"Friends, friends, what are we arguing about? Decades have passed. Let's move on from this topic. We need to focus on why we're here."

Both of them spoke in unison, "OK!"

Ares invited them to sit on a sofa under a wisteria tree. He filled their glasses with the pink rose-colored wine flowing from the river and handed them over.

"Now, tell me, why are you here?"

"We need to find Cronus."

"Cronus? Why? Is it because he's one of the few gods you didn't kill that you're here for him? Are you planning to kill him too?"

"I don't have a problem with the gods, Ares. If you remember, they had a problem with me."

"Yes, some of them were in love with you."

Xena playfully punched his shoulder, causing Gabrielle to suddenly cough on the wine that had caught in her throat. This made Ares grin with delight. The fact that Gabrielle was still a bit jealous of their conversation amused him inwardly.

"But because Xena fell in love with someone else, the poor gods had their hopes dashed."

When Xena said this, Gabrielle grinned back, pleased as if she had won a victory over Ares.

"Now, let's talk about why we're here. I want my son Solan to come to Earth as a human and live happily with his family."

"Can you explain a bit more?"

Xena recounted everything that had happened from the beginning to Ares. She shared how she didn't know which path to take and that she was considering speaking to Cronus and even fighting if it came to that. Ares fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. He must have been pondering what course of action to take as well.

"Look, Xena, you know that Cronus is actually my grandfather, and I should normally take his side."

"Yes, I know."

"But unfortunately, I'm still very much in love with you, and damn it, I will help you."

"Aren't you just magnificent?"

Gabrielle nudged Xena with her hand.

"We can handle this ourselves. Do we really need Ares?"

"Listen, little one, I know his weakness."

"What's his weakness?"

"His younger son, Atreus."

Xena drifted off into deep thought. "Hmmm, very clever idea. In exchange for his son, my son."

"Exactly."

"Okay, but where can I find this child?"

"Right in front of you."

Ares pointed to a young boy sitting by himself under the trees, reading the petals of daisy flowers as if predicting the future. Xena stood up and walked toward the young man with the stealth of a hungry lion who had set its sights on prey.

"Hello?" she said as she approached him.

The boy looked up at this beautiful young woman he had never seen before and smiled.

"And who are you? Are you one of the virgins assigned to me?"

"Virgin? Hmm, that could be. Why are you sitting here all alone? Don't you want to befriend me?"

"Sure, why not."

"I want to show you a place. I saw it for the first time and think it's really mysterious."

As Xena took the young man's hand to lead him away, Ares and Gabrielle were watching them from a distance.

"I love Xena's dark side," Ares said.

"I prefer her light side."

"Thanks to you, she chose the light side. But motherhood can make her do anything. I adore this woman."

"Me too."

Xena was gradually leading the boy away from where they were, guiding him toward a more secluded area where they could be alone. Once she was sure they were alone, she stopped.

"Did we arrive?"

"Yes."

"What are you going to show me?"

"You're quite impatient," Xena said as she leaned the young man against a tree.

"Hmm… I think you're feeling a bit mischievous."

"You're a very clever young boy."

"My father says the same."

"Where's your father?"

"I don't know right now."

"Well, would he come if you called him?"

"Of course. But why are we talking about this? Come here."

Xena approached Atreus, intent on kissing him, looking deep into his eyes. But suddenly, before he could fully comprehend what was happening, she flipped him onto the ground and bound his arms behind his back with her whip.

"Hey, what are you doing? What have I done to you?"

"Call Cronus."

"Let me go!"

The child struggled to free himself.

"I told you to call your father!"

In an instant, the surroundings filled with smoke, and a green light began to emanate. Cronus appeared.

"XENA!... What do you want with my son?"

"You're facing a woman with extraordinary combat skills capable of killing both you and your son."

"But why? Why do you want anything from us out of nowhere? If I wanted to, I could crush you like a bug."

"Go ahead and try; see what happens. If you want, take your best shot."

"What do you want from me, crazy woman? Is this about Solan? Is this related to Solan?"

"You're very clever. I can see why you are a god. I want my son to continue living his normal life. I want him to live as a human."

"But you violated the rules, and this is the consequence."

"You can change that."

"I can't."

"Then say goodbye to your son."

Xena lifted the child off the ground and began to drag him away.

"Let my son go. Your problem is not with me or my son."

"No, it's about your son in exchange for mine. Don't force me to use violence."

After saying this, Xena pinched Atreus's neck and quietly whispered to the child,

"Don't be afraid; you won't die."

Cronus roared in anger.

"What are you doing? Let him go."

Cronus hurled a beam of green light at Xena, and as she immediately jumped aside, the branches of the tree behind her snapped. At that moment, a voice came from behind them.

"If you need help, we're here."

When they looked in the direction of the voice, they realized it belonged to Gabrielle and Ares.

"Let my son go!" Cronus shouted.

"I just want you to turn my son back into a human."

"I can't! The rules!"

"Then from now on, this doesn't concern me. Battle on!"

Cronus began to shoot scorching light at Gabrielle and Ares as well, but they skillfully dodged his attacks. Meanwhile, Atreus had found himself in a difficult situation due to being pinched, and his nose was starting to bleed. Xena had no intention of harming him. Without letting Cronus notice, she adjusted the pinch. Her goal was never to harm anyone's child; she only wanted to retrieve her own.

"Cronus, turn Solan back into a human. He didn't deserve to die at such a young age. He has already paid too high a price because of his mother's dangerous lifestyle. You have a son too. Help me."

"You're putting me in a tough spot, Xena—I can't accept this."

"Then I will have to kill you. If you die, the decrees you've given will also become invalid."

Xena drew her sword and pointed it at Cronus. As Cronus aimed his rays at her, Xena acrobatically flipped in the air, escaping for the first time in years. She and Ares watched in admiration as she executed her impressive maneuver. Xena approached Atreus from behind, holding her sword to his neck.

"Make your decision quickly. Your son in exchange for mine."

Just as Cronus was about to strike again, Ares intervened.

"Stop it, Cronus. You will lose your son."

"When did the old god of war start interfering in my affairs? I will destroy him."

"Believe me, he has more talent than you think. Right now, he's only at the threatening stage. Trust me, you don't want to see him go berserk."

Cronus took a deep breath.

"If I do this, all the rules will be turned upside down. My authority here…"

Xena pressed her sword against the young man's throat.

"I've run out of patience."

Cronus saw a small cut forming on his son's chin.

"Alright, alright. I will do it. Let go of my son, you witch."

Suddenly, Cronus unleashed a thunderous roar that echoed deafeningly. It felt as if the very heavens and earth were turning upside down. In the midst of his astonishment, Xena released Atreus, and he dashed back to his father. The tremor had affected the entire Elysian Fields. People were in a state of panic. Xena, Ares, and Gabrielle clung to each other to stay upright. A fierce wind accompanied the quake. After a while, the shaking continued, then gradually subsided. A voice descended from the heavens.

"XENA!... YOUR SON HAS RETURNED TO HUMAN FORM AS HE DESERVED. NOW MAKE THE MOST OF THIS OPPORTUNITY... GO TO YOUR SON."

Xena and Gabrielle embraced each other joyfully. They had saved their son. Xena turned to Ares.

"Thank you. You may have caused me a lot of hardship over the years, but you have also helped me immensely."

Ares took Xena's hand and brought it to his lips.

"I will always be here for you, my Warrior Queen. Even if I have only one chance in a million, I am grateful for that chance."

Xena smiled without saying a word. She held Gabrielle's hand.

"Let's hurry. We still have a long way to go."

By the time Xena and Gabrielle left the Elysian Fields and returned to Caria, it was noon. They had left their youth behind. Yet, they had realized that in each other's eyes, they would always look as they had on the day they first met. Neither the gray in their hair nor the lines on their faces could alter that perception. Now, happiness and peace resided in their hearts. They dismounted; there was no one around. Everything seemed unusually tranquil. Both of their hearts began to race with excitement. They truly had no strength left to face another calamity. They walked slowly toward home. Perhaps no one was expecting their return yet. Where was Eve? Where was Xenia Virgil? There was nobody in sight. They were entering the house with a nervousness that made their hearts race when suddenly a voice startled them.

"SUPRISE!"

They were taken aback, not knowing what hit them. Everyone was there, all shouting in unison with huge smiles on their faces. Solan stood before them as a towering figure, with his daughter and wife under his arms. Virgil and Americe were there too. The whole family had gathered to celebrate their return. Solan approached his mother and hugged her tightly. Another long-awaited reunion was happening. Xena felt emotional, as if she were embracing the little boy she had left years ago.

"Thank you so much, Mom and Gabrielle. You risked your lives for me."

"We owed this to you, son. From now on, let everything be beautiful," Xena said, tears welling in her eyes.

Virgil and Americe, smiling, came over to join them.

"Since the whole family is here, we want to share some wonderful news. I'm pregnant, and the father is Virgil. With your permission, we'd like to get married with a lovely ceremony."

"That's fantastic news!" Gabrielle exclaimed while hugging Americe.

"If we have a son, we'll name him Joxer; if it's a daughter, we'll name her Gabrielle."

"That's so sweet."

"Well, since everyone is talking about their plans, can I share mine too?" Eve asked.

Xena turned her loving gaze toward her daughter.

"Of course, babe."

"The cult sees me as their leader and holds me in high esteem. That's why they've organized a tent in my name. They want me to live with them as their leader."

"Well, what do you want?"

"I actually want to go. I will settle in India."

"If this is what you truly desire, then I respect your choice, even though we've only just reunited. Be where you are happy, my daughter."

"Thank you, Mom." She hugged her mother tightly.

"Then I need to start getting ready; I'm so excited about it."

Xena looked at Luna. She was gazing admiringly at her grandmother too. Then she picked up her little granddaughter in her arms.

"You know, dear little girl, you are very lucky because I will give you all the love and attention that I couldn't give to my daughter and son. We are going to do beautiful things together."

The little girl wrapped her arms around her grandmother's neck. Then she went to hug Xenia.

"You know, Xenia, my grandmother and Gabrielle have fought against evil. They saved my father. They are so strong, and I want to be like them. Xenia, come on, you know how to fight. Teach me everything you know."

"Alright, come with me; I will teach you everything I know. But there are things I don't know as well. That's why I will have to consult our mothers. You know, we are going to be an amazing duo, I promise."

Xena smiled as she watched the children who had gone outside to practice fighting.

"Teach me everything you know? That's us, right?"

"Absolutely, that's entirely us," Gabrielle said, resting her head on Xena's shoulder.

For a while, they watched the children clumsily practicing with swords and sticks. Eventually, they couldn't hold back.

"Girls, wait! Don't swing the stick that way, you could hurt yourselves!" Gabrielle called out.

"Hey, start with a smaller sword; that one's too heavy," Xena said while taking her sword from Xenia's hand. Suddenly, they found themselves giving the children a fighting lesson.

"Hey, wait! Don't rush. We will teach you everything we know," Xena said.

 

THE END