GENERAL COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: All characters who have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess, together with the names, titles and back story are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction.

Any other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author (meaning Kharis belongs to me). This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.

LOVE: This story depicts a loving relationship between anyone who loves someone that is close to them. If you can't stand the idea that women can have a loving relationship with those that are around them or each other then please keep your closed mind where it belongs and don't bother reading this story. 'Nuff said

VIOLENCE: Oh yeah...there's some violence. A bit of the squeamish sort but nothing too graphic.

This is the fourth story in my Sins of a God Series that has taken on a life of its own. If you haven't read the first three stories, starting with And Then There Were Two, some of the events and/or characters might not make sense, so check them out before tackling this one. Comments, suggestions, and flames are always welcome. Write me if you have something to say.

'Light' would have never been completed if it wasn't for a very sweet, dear person. Thank you Nemesis for keeping my candle burning at night.

One Into the Light
by Crys
~ May 6th, 2000 ~

PROLOGUE

The sharp snap of a branch breaking echoed throughout the still forest as the figure slowly crept forward through the dense undergrowth. From the forests canopy supple vines strove downward, seeking to possess the one who dared to dance amongst the shadows and light of Hyperion's radiant moon. Tanned leg muscles twitched as the small figure bounced lightly on the balls of its feet before releasing the tension and springing upward onto an overhead limb. Grasping a branch with deft precision the slim figure continued its path onward within the trees, bare hands and feet working in glorious unison as they traversed the distance they must go with swift ease.

Seeking the crimson hue, which glowed within the centre of the forest, the figure found its source and stopped its travels, balancing lightly upon a bobbing branch. Slowly pushing some affronting leaves aside the figure scrutinised the scene below it with a wary eye. The warm glow of the campfire filled the small clearing as glowing embers rose to embrace moist leaves above, only to be transformed into ash after that first delicate contact. Two forms lay entwined within one another under the heavy blanket beside the fire, sleeping in blissful ignorance.

The figure smiled slightly at the sight before its mouth turned downwards into a thin line of resignation. Stifling a sigh before it could escape the figure walked softly onto the end of the branch and leaped off, somersaulting once as it's body rushed towards Gaea's holiness. Dust stirring in the slight breeze was the only reaction from the ground as the figure landed without sound, ten paces from the two sleeping forms. Crouching, in a position of flight, the figure waited a few heartbeats before slowly standing up.

Cocking its head to the side the figure listened for the tell-tale sounds of deep breathing, coming from the two huddled forms, before silently walking towards the glow of the fire. Hovering over the warm glow the figure eyed two swords lying beside the blanket. Catching its breath in anticipation, the figure stole a quick look at the forms under the blanket before creeping forward to within reaching distance of one of the swords. Holding out a steady hand the figure leaned forward and slid delicate fingers around one of the pummels only to have its own wrist suddenly grabbed in a vice-like grip. Dismay clearly registered in pale golden eyes as brilliant blue orbs slowly opened and focussed sharply on the intruder.

"Leave it where it is, Khar. You know the rules," a low voice growled as the arm was released. "Go to bed for a change."

Anger quickly flared across a young bronzed face as the figure stood up, illuminated in flickering orange tones, to reveal a young warrior woman dressed in only the magnificence she was born with. The young woman sucked in an angry retort before stalking to the opposite end of the clearing and heading back, from whence she came, without a trace.

Xena sighed as she watched the woman disappear for the rest of the night and grimaced in agitation before being pulled from her dark thoughts by her companion under the blanket.

"She'll never stop you know," the lilting voice stated as a blonde head poked its way into the cool, damp air.

"I know. I just wish she'd give me a break for one night."

"She'll never give up. She's too much like her sister."

Xena exhaled slowly, feeling the tension of the past few weeks once again shroud her in bitter helplessness. "I don't know how much more I can take without spilling blood, Gabrielle. The further away we've travelled from Amazon territory the worse she gets."

"I know," the bard soothed as she snuggled back down under the blanket into a nice warm air pocket, compliments of the warm warrior beside her. "But there is nothing you can do tonight so get some sleep. You need it."

Rubbing tired eyes Xena sighed one last time before laying her head back down and allowing her eyes to drift close. The crackle of the fire lulled the warrior a bit as her partner quickly fell asleep once again. Like every other night, the warrior emptied her mind of the past day's events while trying to still any thoughts on what may happen after dawn's arrival. The old adage 'tomorrow's another day' did nothing to instill relief in her mind, only the opposite. What new trials would she be forced to bare from the one she called sister? What new manifestation would crop up into her sister's psyche that hadn't already scared the warrior into the depths of her soul? Not even bothering to guess anymore, the warrior slowly sank into a fitful sleep as a lone naked figure looked on from above the trees once again, waiting for her chance to reclaim the sword that was hers and the life that she was being called to fulfil.

CHAPTER 1

Three women walked softly along a dirt worn trail reveling in the silence that permeated around them. Alert to any signs of danger each woman remained silent within her own thoughts as an occasional 'click' echoed from the horse following behind.

"I'm gonna have to get you reshod, Argo," Xena muttered to her horse as a rear hoof struck its offending front companion. Argo snorted in reply as her head continued to bob up and down to the beat of the group's steady pace.

Xena smiled slightly as she ran a hand over the mare's flaxen mane, then grimaced as she heard a grunt from her sister in the rear. Swiveling her head around the warrior noticed the woman stumble, regain her balance, and trudge on, despite the fatigue written across her young face. Sighing to herself Xena looked forward again, ignoring the concerned eyes of the bard beside her.

"Xena, maybe we should stop for a bit," Gabrielle said softly to her companion as Kharis stumbled amongst another tree root.

"No, we continue on for another candlemark."

"Xena...."

Azure eyes narrowed as an eyebrow arched at the sentence dying to get out of the bard's mouth. Gabrielle closed her mouth before finishing that sentence and looked straight ahead, miffed at her partner's occasional cruel nature.

Xena shook her head in defeat knowing that the longer they continued on the worse Kharis' condition, and Gabrielle's mood, would get. Coming to a halt the bronzed warrior waited for her sister to approach before leading the group off to the side of the trail towards a few fallen trees.

"We'll rest here for a few minutes. I need to check on Argo's heel."

Gabrielle willingly plopped herself down on the soft grass allowing a quick smile at her friend's lame attempt at a lie. Leaning against one of the logs she motioned for Kharis to sit beside her and waited for the tired woman to comply.

Kharis ached all over in not only body, but also spirit. Only her sheer will allowed her to continue travelling the past few days when her mind screamed for a respite. Sitting down gingerly beside Gabrielle the young warrior released a small sigh as her muscles started to cramp from the sudden inactivity.

"How are you feeling?" the bard asked concerned.

"Just peachy," Kharis replied between gritted teeth.

"Want me to rub your legs?"

A shake of the head was the only reply as the young woman laid her head on the log and closed her eyes for a few brief moments. 'Just a few moments of peace are all I need. Then I'll be right as rain.' she thought dreamily as Morpheus finally claimed the one who had been missing from his realm.

Gabrielle smiled at the sound of shallow breaths deepening quickly beside her as she watched her partner finish checking Argo's hooves. A few light pats to the rump and Argo was released to forage for the sweet grass closer in towards the trees.

Xena looked over at her partner and noticed her sister sound asleep against one of the trees. Quirking an eyebrow at Gabrielle a small nod was the only encouragement she needed to retrieve one of their bedrolls out of the saddlebags. Shaking out the rolled up blanket Xena walked towards her bard before squatting down beside her sister.

"I was wondering when her body would finally give out," the warrior mused as she passed the bedroll to Gabrielle. Reaching under Kharis' body Xena scooped her up, cradling the girl against her breast. "I guess we're stopping for the day."

Misty green eyes shone as Gabrielle nodded silently and followed her soulmate deeper into the trees to a clearing just out of sight of the path.

"It's not the best place but it will have to do," Xena said as she nodded to a spot on the ground for the bard to place the bedroll on.

Gabrielle laid the blanket out, then stood back as Xena gently lowered her sister onto it. Positioning Kharis into a more comfortable position Xena sat down and brushed away some errant bangs that clung to long eyelashes.

"She needs a haircut," the warrior announced softly.

"So do you," Gabrielle replied as she too brushed away a few unruly hairs from the warrior's eyes.

Xena grinned as she grasped her partner's hand in her own and kissed the top of Gabrielle's knuckles. 'That is one of the reasons why I love her so. The tiny things she does.'

"How long do you think she'll sleep?" Gabrielle asked as she was willingly pulled down beside the warrior.

"Probably till the next day," Xena answered as she wrapped her arm around the bard's waist and leaned her head on a welcoming shoulder. "I'm not so sure we're doing the right thing."

Gabrielle's smile quickly faded as she peered into Xena's troubled eyes. "You're having doubts?"

"Yeah. I think I am," the warrior reluctantly admitted. "The further we've moved away from Artemis' protection the less she is herself. It's almost like she's becoming a completely different person."

"And that scares you," Gabrielle stated. There was no need for the question. The pained, hollow look was not only to be found within flaxen eyes.

"I've never been scared like this before, Gabrielle. I've feared for others' lives, I've been afraid of failure, but this... I don't know what I'm more afraid of. What this is doing to her or what this means to all of us?"

The bard sat in stunned silence as her partner's words sunk in. She was, ironically, at a loss for words. Within all the years she had stood beside the warrior not once had she seen Xena misdoubt herself or her actions. The woman was a pillar of strength and resolve, unlike any others. A woman who did the impossible only because she believed she could.

Wrapping her arms around Xena's waist Gabrielle did the only thing she could. She gave her love and support while the warrior tried to come to terms with a problem that she possibly couldn't solve.

The two women sat in their silent embrace for a while before Xena finally broke the contact. Pulling herself away the warrior finally came to the conclusion that she would have to ask for help from a God. The one thing she swore she would never do. Scowling at the thought Xena rose and went to retrieve Argo from her foraging before the mare wandered too far.

Gabrielle sighed as she watched her soulmate's back disappear amongst the trees. Shuffling closer to Kharis she reached down and readjusted the bedroll. How many times had she woken up in the middle of the night to do the same thing for Xena?

Both sisters were light yet fitful sleepers. Neither of them could sleep through the night without throwing the blanket off their bodies. 'Except when I'm there' she thought as the bard lay down beside Kharis and pulled her in close against the bard's body. 'Just until Xena comes back' floated in Gabrielle's head as she fell soundly asleep within moments.

A light fluttering of wings filled the air as horse and warrior disturbed a flock of sparrows while entering the small clearing. Stopping just on the edge, Xena immediately noticed the two small forms huddled next to each other and grinned despite her dark mood. Gabrielle was still slightly longer in length than Kharis making it easier for the bard to spoon the girl unknowingly.

Leaving Argo on the edge Xena silently approached the two sleeping women. Crouching down she lightly shook her bard's shoulder until golden eyelashes fluttered open to reveal cloudy green eyes.

"Gabrielle? It's time to wake up," Xena whispered so as not to disturb her sister.

A brief flicker of confusion met cerulean eyes before understanding registered. "We're moving, right?"

"Yeah. I found a better spot for us to camp tonight. It's just down the road a bit. I'll carry Khar while you lead Argo. Okay?"

The bard nodded as she raised herself off the ground. "Is there water close by? I think she's going to need some herbs to help restore her strength when she finally wakes up."

Xena grunted as she lifted her small sister and settled her into a comfortable position. "There's a creek about fifty paces further into the forest. I'll prepare something later on tonight."

Gabrielle chewed her bottom lip as she followed Xena out to the path, keeping a watchful eye on the back in front of her. The warrior carried the girl as if she weighed nothing more than Argo's saddle, but the tension could be plainly seen in tight bronzed shoulders. 'How much longer can she go before Kharis pushes her too far?' the bard pondered.

Deep within her musings Gabrielle never noticed Xena stop dead in her tracks. Walking directly into the warrior's back Gabrielle gasped as she strove to maintain her balance while trying not to push Xena off her own balance.

"What is it?" the bard whispered.

"Horses. At least six of them," Xena replied as she searched for some protective covering to place Kharis in. "There's a battle up ahead. I need to hide Khar."

The bard nodded her head as she pulled her staff out of its sling on Argo's back and started to connect it. Calming her nerves the bard tightly grasped Argo's reigns and waited for Xena to hide her sister. The warrior hadn't yet moved from her spot, and time was running out.

"Xena? What's wrong?"

Xena never replied as she stared down into the golden eyes of her sister. Kharis had been almost comatose since falling asleep, but somehow had suddenly wakened up into tense alertness.

"This is my fight, Xena," the young warrior said calmly. "Give me my sword."

"You're not strong enough," the warrior replied.

"It'll be all right. This is what I'm meant to do. Please, Xena."

Xena exhaled sharply as she released Kharis' legs and set her on her feet. Turning towards a wondering bard the warrior shrugged slightly as she held up her hand. "Gabrielle, bring me Khar's sword."

The bard walked Argo forward so Xena could retrieve the girl's sword. "Are you sure?" she whispered.

"No," was all the warrior could say as she heard the battle get more intense. Handing the sword to her sister Xena quickly mounted Argo. Retrieving Kharis' thigh dagger the warrior flicked it down to the ground and quirked an eyebrow in the young warrior's direction.

Kharis smiled as the weight of the blade rested comfortably in her hand. Twirling it once around her head she laughed sharply as a blanket of calm detachment surrounded her. Feeling the beast, from within, straining at the gate Kharis allowed her darkness to take control as she reached down and retrieved her dagger from the hard ground. Winking at her sister the girl took off at a dead run, startling both the warrior and her bard.

"Now we're in for it," Gabrielle muttered as she allowed Xena to lift her up on Argo.

"I just hope she doesn't get herself killed," Xena sighed as she kicked the mare into a canter after her sister.

The clash of metal against metal rang louder and louder as the two women approached the battle. Coming around the last bend Xena slowed Argo down enough to allow Gabrielle to slip off the mare's back.

Lightly landing on her feet the bard surveyed the battle before her as her companion emitted her particular wary cry and galloped towards her sister. Seven rough looking men on scrags were in various stages of attacking the girl from different directions. All were heavily armed in an assortment of weapons with miss-matched pieces of armour hanging off their battle-scarred bodies. Three others were dead or dying by the side of the road. All were twenty paces away from a small caravan consisting of two families.

Gabrielle scowled as she counted four dead and six wounded by the wagons. Running towards the families the bard suddenly ducked as a body barely flew over her head towards its intended destination, a nice hard trunk. Kharis' hollow laughter echoed in the bard's head as she raced to the first wagon.

Crying children filled Gabrielle's ears as she came up to the first wounded person she found. Bending down to check his injuries the bard felt a light touch on her arm and turned to the person. Finding a small child, no older than five years, reaching out to her Gabrielle pulled the boy close to her while pointing down to the wounded man.

"Is this your father?" she asked softly

The little boy nodded as more tears fell down an already tear stained face.

"Don't worry. My friends and I will help him out. Is your mother here?"

A small shake of the head was the answer as the boy struggled to point under the wagon furthest from them. Gabrielle strained to see what he was pointing at but could only discern shadows. Grasping him by the hand she moved him away from his father and sat him down on one of the larger rocks.

"You stay there, okay? I'm gonna try to help your father."

Waiting for an understanding nod Gabrielle smiled sweetly in encouragement before going back to the father to start binding his wounds.

Kharis grunted as she pushed her sword off another dead cut-throat before preparing for the next attack. One of the more foul men lunged at her in a feeble attack as his horse jumped forward under a heavy spur. Waiting till the last moment Kharis stood perfectly still, then leaped upwards into a summersault. Striking downward, while still airborne, her sword found its mark as she sliced the man's throat before the horse could even move another two strides. Landing lightly on her feet behind the gelding Kharis smiled as the man clutched at his throat to stop the flood of blood from leaving his body.

The remaining men watched as their companion slumped to the side on the third stride and fell to the ground on the fourth, landing directly in front of Argo's feet. Disbelief clearly passed through each set of eyes as they looked down at the young woman standing in front of them before eyeballing the newest addition to the battle. The dark warrior never moved, just sat with her sword by her side smirking at what had transpired.

Kharis sighed slightly at the ease of which she had killed the man and shook her head in disgust. 'When am I going to have some fun?' she thought savagely as she winked at one of the men. Raising her free hand Kharis bent a lone digit in the men's direction, signaling for her next victim.

The men stared at the finger for a moment before urging their horses forward into a gallop. Screaming at the top of their lungs they raced forward, bent on trampling the girl to death.

Xena sat still as she watched the horses and riders approach her sister. Every nerve ending in her body screamed for some sort of action, yet all were denied. The warrior knew that this was what her sister needed more than anything else. The need to relinquish the bloodlust that had been cursing through Kharis' body since they had left the Amazons. Xena recognized it and understood. Unless the girl was in trouble she wouldn't interfere. Her role was to keep those still alive safe from harm.

Kharis ducked and rolled from the first sword sweeping towards her body. Bouncing to her feet she met the next sword in a solid block that shook her body. Deflecting the edge the girl spun on her heels and cleaved the side of the man's side. Blood quickly soaked the rider and horse sending the animal into a fit of terror. Shying suddenly to the left the horse dislodged its rider's body as the man fell to the ground and broke his neck. 'One down, three to go,' she reveled.

Watching the last three approach Kharis grinned maniacally as she caught a dagger thrown at her throat and returned it back to its owner. The blade stuck out of the man's throat along with another in his chest. He could only gurgle as he looked down at Kharis' dagger before slumping onto his horse's shoulder to die. 'And then there were two.'

The remaining two riders worked as a team as they positioned their horses to sandwich the young woman. Swinging their axes at their intended victim both men cried out in alarm as Kharis sprang straight up into the air and kicked the axes out of their hands. Yanking their horses' heads around the men yelled as they drew short swords and attacked again with a vengeance.

Kharis deflected one blow at her side while the other nearly missed her head by a hair's breath as the horses stifled her area of movement. Pushing off the sword by her side Kharis swung up to deflect the second blow as her gauntlet caught the other sword's attempt at her neck. Reaching up with her free hand Kharis grabbed the first boot available and pushed up, dislodging the rider from his seat. The distraction was enough for her to duck under the belly of the horse closest to her before a sword embedded itself in her back. Kharis leaped away from the close quarters fighting, tumbling backwards a few dozen paces towards her sister.

Both men eyed the young woman warily as they moved their horses to a better fighting advantage. Once cocky they now urged their beasts forward with caution as an evil laugh rose from Kharis' throat. What sort of woman could take on six armed men unharmed? Both men went white as a single thought rose to the surface.

Kharis snorted as she dropped her sword to her side, reading what had finally dawned on the men. "No, I'm not Xena. That is," she said as she gestured back at her sister still sitting placidly on Argo's back.

The smell of fear wafted in the breeze towards Kharis' nose as the men realised they were already dead. If the other was Xena then who was this one? Both looked at each other and knew that today was not the day to die. Kicking their mounts the men raced away from the two warriors.

Twin whistles accompanied two axes as they embedded themselves in the retreating backs, forcing the men to fall forward against their horses' necks. The men bobbed on top of their horses for a few strides before falling off and crashing to the ground.

Kharis allowed a wicked smile as she strolled towards the two downed men. Rolling the first one over she found his eyes already glassy from Celesta's embrace. Kharis moved to the remaining man, who was struggling to crawl away. A hard leather boot kicked him in the side as his body unwillingly turned over onto the axe's blade, driving it in deeper. Vibrant golden eyes blazed down into murky browns as the young warrior crouched down over the man's head.

"Who are you?" the man croaked as the last of his strength died in the breeze.

"I'm your judge, jury, and executioner," the girl replied coldly. "Tell Hades the One has begun her reign."

Kharis stood up and surveyed the damage she had wrought. Ten men were down, nine dead. 'One left' she thought savagely as Kharis stalked towards the man she had flung against the tree. Twirling her sword in her hand Kharis brought the blade down towards the man's heart when that of her sister's blocked her sword.

"Kharis, no!" Xena yelled as she blocked her sister's blade and thrust the sword to the side.

"I'm not done yet," the young warrior snarled as she shoved her sister's sword off her own.

"Yes, you are. Now drop the sword," the warrior ordered as she placed her body in front of the man's. Holding out her hand Xena sought her sister's eyes, flinching at the harshness of them. 'Is this what I once looked like?'

"It's over, Khar. Now give me your sword."

Kharis trembled as she fought to contain her urge to strike out at her sister. Trying to pull her beast back inward Kharis allowed her sword to dip slightly, giving Xena the opportunity she needed. Striking out suddenly, Xena twisted her sword under Kharis' blade and flipped it out of her hand. Golden eyes flamed as Kharis backed up, preparing to defend herself against an attack.

Xena sheathed her sword and held her hands out as she slowly stepped towards her sister. "Khar, it's over. Come on. Grab my hands."

Shaking her head the young woman backed up step by step to match those of Xena's while the warrior continued to talk in soothing tones.

"Please, Khar. I need you to come back. Your work is done. It's time to rest now."

Kharis bit her bottom lip as the internal struggle for domination waged its war. The desire to kill was overpowering, yet the urge to protect those she loved was stronger. If the beast were to remain neither Gabrielle nor Xena would be safe. Seeking an answer deep within Kharis found her ultimate source and shut the beast back in its hole.

Reaching forward the girl collapsed into her sister's arms as Kharis released an anguished cry. There was always a price to pay when playing with the darkness. Pain.

Xena grasped at her sister's arms as the young woman fell to the ground, crying out in extreme pain. Pulling her sister close to her Xena sank down to the ground and rocked Kharis' body as overexerted muscles finally vented out their frustration. A hard spasm shook the small body as exhausted arms and legs thrashed for a few minutes before finally coming to a rest.

Blue eyes met green as Gabrielle finished binding another wound on the woman she was working on. The bard had never seen a look of helplessness in her partner's eyes before. It was unnerving. Giving Xena a small smile of love the bard returned her attention back to her patient.

"Will she be all right?" the woman asked weakly.

"Khar? Yeah, she will. She's just very tired right now," Gabrielle replied as she finished with the last wound.

"She was amazing," the woman whispered. "I've never seen anyone like her before."

Gabrielle sat back and smiled as she handed the woman a sip of water from one of the wagon's waterskins. "She is unique. But then again, so is her sister."

The woman lifted her head up for a better look at the tall bronzed warrior. "They are very similar. Both warriors?"

Gabrielle laughed as she looked at Xena in her trademark fighting armour, leathers, and weapons. "Yes, you could say that."

"Why didn't she help?"

Gabrielle bit her bottom lip as she contemplated the answer. How could she explain Xena's reluctance to interfere in Kharis' bloodlust without frightening the poor woman? Unable to find a good enough answer the bard fibbed a bit. "It was part of Khar's initiation into the ranks of being a warrior. If Khar was unable to defend herself, Xena would have jumped right in."

The woman blanched at Xena's name and fearfully eyed the warrior now approaching them. "Xena? Xena of Corinth?"

"Some have called me that, " the warrior in question stated as she knelt down beside the woman and checked Gabrielle's work. "Good job, Gabrielle. How many more?"

Gabrielle beamed at the compliment while pointing further down towards the final wagon. "There's another woman, and two children that need tending. The kids are minor but the woman is hurt badly. I don't know if she'll make it."

Xena nodded once as she placed her hand on the injured woman's arm, "You were lucky Gabrielle was here. A few more minutes and you would have bled to death."

The woman nodded dumbly at the remark as she watched the dark warrior stand up and walk towards the rest of the injured. "She's not exactly what I imagined her to be."

Gabrielle chuckled as she helped the woman to sit up and gave her another drink. "No, she's changed. She's not the same person she once was. Not completely."

A small frown formed on the woman's forehead. "Not completely?"

"Well, she's not a warlord anymore. That person is gone, but the person that she is she's always been. She just hid it well."

Gabrielle smiled down at the vacant look in the woman's eyes. "Despite what you may have heard, she isn't a blood-thirsty, cold hearted psychopath that everyone has been led to believe. Though she likes to perpetuate that myth. She is a very warm hearted, caring person once you get to know her. She just shows it in ways far different from any others you'd ever meet."

The woman finally nodded in understanding. "Like my husband. Our village has always thought he never cared about anyone but himself, but I know a different man. He loves me and that's all that matters. Even if the rest of the village doesn't see it, he shows me every day."

"Where is your husband?" the bard asked softly.

"Over there," the woman replied as she pointed to one of the dead bodies Xena had moved under a wagon, out of the sun's heat.

"I'm sorry."

"So am I," the woman said as a few lonely tears crept down her cheek.

Xena worked quietly as she bandaged one of the children that had been injured. Both girls had hidden under a blanket when the fighting began, but were quickly discovered by the cut-throats. Only through their father's valiant efforts did they survive. Efforts that cost him his own life. Once done she moved onto the gravely injured woman.

Xena grimaced at the sight before her. The woman was very old. Her skin was like hardened leather filled with the lines of a hard, yet happy life. Numerous sword wounds criss-crossed her arms and upper body. It was amazing that the old woman was still alive.

Reaching into a small bag by her side, Xena pulled out a few herbs and mixed them together in the palm of her hand. Satisfied with the combination she gently opened the old woman's mouth and stuck the herbs under her tongue. Sitting back on her heels the warrior waited a few moments for the herbs to take effect as the old woman's laboured breathing calmed down to a dull rasp. Fluid was quickly filling her lungs as her body went through the motions of shutting down.

Unable to do any more Xena watched the old woman struggle for breath as surprisingly clear blue eyes snapped open and searched the warrior's own. The old woman's mouth moved as she tried to speak; yet no sound came out. The warrior leaned down and placed her ear close to the dying woman's mouth as a single breath was exhaled.

"Send me home."

Sitting back up Xena bit her bottom lip as she gently grasped a leathered wrist. The pulse was fluttering as the old woman struggled to stay alive for her request to be fulfilled.

"You won't make the trip," Xena said softly as she felt a death grip on her knee. Looking down at the hand the warrior shook her head as she removed the hand and placed it on the woman's chest. "You must rest. You don't have much time left. Is there anyone you want me to get for you?"

The old woman shook her head slightly as her eyes started to glass over. "Give me peace," she whispered as she struggled to convey what she wanted with her dying eyes.

Xena smiled slightly as a sudden thought leapt at her. Nodding in final understanding the warrior laid her hand over the woman's eyes as she stilled her own troubled soul. Seeking the calm within Xena felt a rush of empathy encompass her and surround the old woman. A wave of warmth flowed from her calloused hand as both she and the old woman began to glow in an ethereal light.

Those that were close by gasped as the warrior's hand glowed brighter and brighter over the old woman's eyes before suddenly dying down. A soft sigh escaped the old woman's lips as she took her last breath and entered Hades' realm. Years later, those that witnessed the event swore to their dying breath that they heard a child's laugh come from the old woman upon her death.

Xena pulled her hand away as a small tear fell from her cheek. Closing foggy blue eyes the warrior bowed her head as she saw the old woman step onto Charon's boat with a smile upon her now young face. A shudder ran through the warrior's body as she fought her mind's eyes to come back until the warm presence of her bard beside her drew the warrior back.

Gabrielle stared in wonder as Xena's face transformed from an otherworldly countenance to one of hard substance. Reaching down to stroke the ebony hair of her partner the bard marvelled at the heat that emanated from the warrior. Heat that quickly vanished in the breeze as Xena opened her eyes to the glare of the sun's waning glow.

"Are you all right?" the bard asked quietly as Xena stood up.

"I'll be fine," the warrior answered as she walked up to one of the uninjured men milling around. "Do you have a spade?"

The man swallowed nervously as he looked up at the towering woman before him. "Yes. In Anteph's wagon."

"Where's Anteph?"

"You ... you ... you were just helping her," the man stuttered as he pointed to the dead old woman.

"Get it and start digging over by those trees. We'll bury the dead there," Xena commanded as she turned to look in the frightened eyes of those standing close by. "Find anything you have that can help in the digging. Your friends and loved ones deserve a proper burial."

One of the slightly injured women stepped up and nodded in the direction of the bodies of the cut-throats. "What about them?"

Xena quickly glanced over at the pile of dead bodies. "Leave them to me. You'll have enough work to deal with as it is."

Xena left the villagers to begin their work and made her way over to where her sister was resting under a tree. Squatting down the warrior checked the girl's pulse before checking her forehead. Satisfied that Kharis was okay Xena sat down beside the girl and began to stroke the raven locks that fell across small bronzed shoulders.

"What am I going to do with you?" she asked the sleeping girl as Gabrielle approached the two warriors with a waterskin and the herbal bag.

Kneeling down beside them the bard opened the small bag and handed the waterskin to Xena. "How is she?"

"She's fine. Not a scratch on her."

Gabrielle sat in silence as Xena took a quick drink of water before laying the waterskin down and digging into the herbal pouch. "Will she always be that way?"

Xena couldn't meet the gaze of her friend as she laboured to accept the truth, which she had been denying for over a week. "I'm afraid so."

The bard closed her eyes briefly as she fought the bile that threatened to break free from her lips. Guessing the truth was always less threatening than actually hearing it voiced aloud. Calming her now fragile stomach Gabrielle accepted the finality of their problem and placed a hand on her soulmate's shoulder.

"Then we'll be there for her if she ever needs us."

Xena allowed a small smile as her bard's words of encouragement and hope lifted her shattered spirit. "Things are never gonna be the same, are they?" she asked simply.

"Have they ever been?" Gabrielle chuckled despite herself.

Xena had to laugh at that as she quickly hugged her bard before preparing an herbal mix that would keep Kharis sedated until they arrived in Amphipolis.

"She's incredible, isn't she?" Ares whispered into his sister's ear as Artemis watched her Chosen help Xena place Kharis in a more comfortable position under a tree.

"Yes she is," the Goddess smiled as she watched a small hand reach over and brush away a few strands of hair from the warrior princess' eyes.

"I'm not talking about your irritating blonde." Ares spat in disgust.

"I know who you're talking about Ares," Artemis sighed as she turned from the vision and faced her brother. "You have no idea what havoc you've wrought, do you?"

"What?" the God of War exclaimed as he passed his hand over the small pool and refocused the image on the unconscious face of his youngest daughter.

"She isn't strong enough to fight what is in her."

"And that's a bad thing?"

Anger leapt into soft brown eyes. "You don't care what this is doing to her, do you? You only care about the wars, the fighting, the deaths!"

"It is what I do best," Ares remarked as he smugly smiled at his half-sister.

"Ares, this is serious. Because of your meddling an innocent child has lost herself."

"She hasn't lost anything. I'd say she's gained."

Artemis screamed in frustration before poking a finger into the God's massive chest. "If anything happens to damage that girl's soul YOU will be held accountable."

Ares roared in laughter at the Goddess' idle threat. "And what are you going to do about it Artie?"

"She will do nothing!" The voice of Zeus boomed as he materialised beside his startled son. "But I will. You have played with mortal lives for the last time my son. I have sat by and allowed you free reign for too long. I asked you to fix what you have wrought; yet you still have done nothing. Why is that?"

Ares bowed his head, hiding his flaming eyes. To be reprimanded alone was one thing, but in front of a sibling was sacrilege. Schooling his tone the God offered up what he hoped would be considered a sincere explanation, "I have been waiting to see how she fairs on her own before help was offered."

Artemis snorted as she glared at her brother. "The only help you offer is if there are strings attached. Kharis will never accept your help after what you have done to her."

Ares' protest died on his lip as Zeus waved his hand to silence his children. "What Artemis says is true. Both of your children will reject any help offered to them. As it is we have but a few brief moments of calm before the storm breaks upon us."

"What are you saying, father?" Artemis asked.

"Artemis, you saw what happened. Both Xena and Kharis are discovering and using their abilities much quicker than any of us expected. We don't have the luxury of time anymore."

"You promised you wouldn't interfere," the Goddess fumed as Zeus turned his back and walked away.

"I won't interfere. The warrior has already warned me. But you, my children, can and must interfere."

"I refuse," Artemis stated as her blood began to boil. This was one time where the Gods had no right to interfere in the lives of mortals.

Zeus turned back to look upon the defiant Goddess. "Daughter, you are blinded by your love for them. You can't see what the future holds for them or us."

"Neither can you!"

"No, I have. I have seen a future where we are bonded into slavery by a mortal. Slavery that demands absolute obedience or annihilation."

"She would never do that. You can't be certain. She doesn't understand what she's to become."

Zeus shook his head as he motioned to the vision pool and the image of Xena piling the bodies of the cut-throats in large pit. Raising his hand the God of Gods released a bolt at the image. The three Gods looked on as Xena raised her hand and caught the bolt, allowing it to spark in her palm before throwing it down into the pit, charring the bodies that were there.

Raising her eyes to the heavens the warrior's brow furrowed as she spoke to the air, her voice echoing in the great hall of Olympus.

"I will warn you this last time. Leave me and my sister alone or I will destroy you."

Ares beamed at the fire in his Chosen's eyes while Artemis paled at the display of power effortlessly used by the warrior, along with the threat. Turning to her father the Goddess saw fear clouding his eyes.

"She understands," Zeus said sadly. "She hasn't fully discovered all that she will be, but she is learning faster than you or I ever imagined. Once she knows all, we are no longer safe from her. There is no place we can hide."

"We shouldn't have to hide. Xena has always had contempt for us because of him," the Goddess said as she pointed at her smug brother. "But she has never cared what we do as long as we stayed out of her life."

"You are speaking in the past, daughter. Soon she will care what we do and will act. It is her destiny to do nothing less but care."

"And Kharis?"

Zeus exhaled slowly as his shoulders slumped. "She will become what she is to become. It will be her downfall."

Artemis shook her head in denial. This wasn't what the Fates had meant when they devised the prophecy. Surely there was more to it.

"I'm sorry my child but we must act now while we still have the chance."

"What do you intend to do?" the Goddess asked with dread.

"I must think on this some more. When I am sure, you will be told," the God of Gods stated plainly as he disappeared in a flash.

Artemis turned back towards the vision and watched her children finish their work. Ares stepped up to the pool, still smiling arrogantly.

"If I were you I'd be worried, Ares."

"Why is that?" the God of War asked indifferently.

"If Xena was to go after any of us Gods you would be the first on her list."

Ares snorted as he waived his hand at the notion. "She needs me and she knows it."

"She needs you like she needs a sword through her belly," The Goddess said as she walked away from the God. "Watch your back, brother. Because no one else is going to."

Ares laughed out loud as the Goddess of the Hunt disappeared, leaving the God alone in the large hall. The God's laughter died suddenly as he saw his Chosen look through the bowl and wink at him, acknowledging what Artemis said to be true. Brows furrowed Ares snorted one last time as he closed the vision before him.

"As if," he said as he stalked off to find a nice bloody war to take his mind off of what Artemis said. Despite his sister's dire warning the God was firm in the belief that his children needed him. Even if they didn't know it.

CHAPTER 2

The sweet smell of cut grass wafted through the air as Xena and Gabrielle stopped at the top of the valley and looked down into the peaceful village of Amphipolis. Women's voices in song could be heard floating in the breeze as the villagers worked at reaping the first year's harvest.

Gabrielle sighed happily as she felt a warmth grow in her belly. Though Poteidaia was her birthplace Amphipolis was home for her now. Scanning the village below the bard sought out the town's only tavern, quickly finding it amongst the village's various abodes. Leaning into her warrior Gabrielle wrapped her arm around Xena's waist and gave her friend a hug.

"How does it feel to be home?"

Xena shrugged slightly as she basked in the warmth of the sun and the body beside her. "Like I'm about to enter the biggest battle of my life."

Gabrielle frowned as she sought her partner's eyes. "Why?"

"If I know Mother she'll want to pamper and nurse Kharis when that is the worse thing to do for her. It's going to be heard explaining all of this. Kharis, me..."

"Ares," the bard finished for her warrior. "Your mother is strong Xena. That's where you get it from. She'll be fine."

"I know she will," Xena sighed as caught sight of her mother chastising one of the stable hands outside the tavern's entrance. "I'm more afraid of what this is going to do to me."

Gabrielle nodded, as she understood her soulmate's dilemma. To admit that the God of War was your father amongst friends was one thing. To admit it to your own mother was another.

"Makes it sort of final huh?"

Xena smiled at the bard's astute observation and chuckled under her breath. "If you keep this up, Gabrielle, I might talk even less than I already do."

"Could that even be possible?" Gabrielle jibbed as she lightly punched her friend's ribs playfully. Extracting her arm from the warrior's waist the bard turned to check out an unconscious Kharis strapped to a litter behind Argo. "When will she wake up?"

Xena walked over to her sister and checked the young woman's pulse and forehead before walking back to Argo's head. "Sometime later on this evening more than likely. I don't think I can keep her out much longer. It's too dangerous."

"Then I guess we'd better be going to see Mom."

Xena clucked Argo forward as she and Gabrielle slowly made their way down into the valley, onto the path that lead to Cyrene's inn.

"Tylus! How many times do I have to repeat myself?" the small forbidding woman asked a fair-haired boy sternly.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. It won't happen again," the boy answered meekly.

"What am I going to do with you?" Cyrene muttered in exasperation as a dark shadow fell across the boy's head. Looking up, to see the shadow's owner, Cyrene smiled for the first time that day. Soft eyes twinkled as the older woman stepped around the boy and grasped her daughter in a tight hug.

"Xena, welcome home."

"It's good to be back, Mother," the warrior said as she squeezed back.

"Where's Gabrielle?" the woman asked as she pulled away from the warrior and searched for her favourite bard.

"I'm back here, Mom" the bard in question called from behind Argo.

"What are you doing back there?" Cyrene inquired as she caught sight of Gabrielle leaning over a body in a litter.

"Mom, wait a moment," Xena said as she reached out stop her inquisitive mother, missing by a hair's breath.

Cyrene saw fear reflected in her daughter's eyes as she swept past the warrior. "Who have you..."

The innkeeper's breath caught in her throat as she stopped dead in her tracks, staring down at Kharis' sleeping face. Looking up towards Xena the woman visibly started to shake as Gabrielle reached up and placed a reassuring hand on Cyrene's arm.

"We have a lot to talk about, Mom. Why don't you go in while Xena and I get Argo settled and Kharis inside."

Cyrene nodded slightly as she whispered Kharis' name softly to herself. Gazing into her daughter's eyes the woman shook her head sadly as she walked past Xena and grabbed Tylus by the arm, dragging the confused boy into the inn.

Xena exhaled sharply as she released the breath she had been holding as she walked slowly towards Gabrielle. Giving Argo a small rub on her forelock Xena unhitched the straps on the horses back and lowered the litter fully onto the ground.

"I didn't expect her to react that way," Gabrielle finally said as she watched Xena gently pick up Kharis.

"She thinks Kharis is my daughter," the warrior replied gruffly as she cradled the girl close to her body. "Could you take care of Argo for me? I'll get the litter later."

"Of course," the bard answered as she gently stroked Kharis' cheek before stretching up and placing a light kiss on her warrior's cheek. "Go explain. I'll be there in a few moments."

Xena nodded as she gathered her strength and walked into her mother's tavern, uncertain what was going to be worse. Breaking her mother's heart or scaring her half to death.

Cyrene felt her daughter's presence in the room before hearing the warrior step through the door. Stifling a sob, that strove to break free, the innkeeper sucked in a painful breath and strained to smile as she turned to face her daughter's explanations.

Xena stood in the doorway, framed in soft sunlight. "Umm, Mother? Do you have a room I can put her in?"

Cyrene nodded quickly as she swiftly turned away. "She can have Toris' room. He won't be back for a few months."

Xena followed her mother into her brother's room, smiling at the familiar smells of home. Waiting for her mother to turn the sheets over the warrior carefully watched the innkeeper's precise movements, noticing the slight shake to the hands and heavy breathing.

Cyrene finished primping the sheets and pillows before she was satisfied enough to allow Xena to unload her frail looking cargo. "Is she okay?" the woman asked hesitatingly.

"She's in a deep sleep right now," Xena explained as she checked Kharis one last time. "I had to use pressure points to keep her under until we got here."

Cyrene's face went white at the explanation but held her tongue as she watched Xena tenderly strip the girl down and pull the top sheet over the small bronzed body. Satisfied that Kharis would be comfortable and safe for the time being Xena grabbed the young woman's clothes before grasping her shaking mother around the shoulders and leading the innkeeper out of the room.

"We have to talk, Mother. A lot has happened since the last time I saw you."

"I'd say a lot happened a long time ago," the woman blurted suddenly, wishing she could take it back immediately.

"More than you know," Xena replied softly as she dumped her sister's clothes on a chair before pulling another chair out for her mother. "Before you ask any questions let me answer a few you probably have circling in your head right now."

Cyrene stayed silent as she waited for Xena to sit herself down. The warrior looked haggard, something that Cyrene had never seen in her daughter before.

"How are you feeling?"

Xena smiled weakly at her mother's concern. "I'm very tired and a bit exasperated, but nothing that your cooking and some sleep won't solve."

"What happened to..."

Xena held up her hand as she stopped her mother from finishing her question. "Let me explain a few things first, okay?"

Cyrene closed her mouth and encouraged her daughter to continue, "Okay."

"First, despite what you think, she isn't my daughter. She's my sister."

Xena stopped and watched her mother carefully as the woman digested the first bit of news. Emotions quickly flickered across the innkeeper's face - disappointment, shock, disbelief, curiosity, and finally, grudging acceptance.

"You remember when the Fates inflicted me with madness?"

"Yes," the woman answered slowly as her world started to drop out from under her. 'No, it can't be true. Artemis help me, it can't.'

"You remember what I had to say to be free from that?" Xena asked softly as she watched her mother's knuckles go white against the edge of the table.

"That Ares was your father."

"For years after that I didn't believe it. I told myself that it was just a diversion to beat Ares at his own game, get my mind back, and continue on with my life. I never expected it to be true until I was confronted with it just a short while ago."

"The girl..." Cyrene left the statement hanging, now knowing what Xena was leading to.

"She looks a lot like me, doesn't she?" Xena asked as a slight wistful smile appeared on her lips. The love for the girl was obvious to Cyrene.

"She looks exactly as you did when you were ten or so," Cyrene confirmed as she smiled at the memory of Xena ever being that small.

"She's fifteen actually," Xena stated as she noticed her mother's behaviour relax a bit.

"Small for her age," Cyrene said as she sat back in her chair. "Her name is Kharis, right?"

"Yeah. Gabrielle and I came upon her village after Caesar and his army had gutted it. She was the only one still alive," Xena hesitated before continuing. "She was on a cross, Mother."

Cyrene closed her eyes briefly before focussing back on her daughter's flaming eyes. Rage was lying close to the ice blue surface.

Xena shook her head to dispel the image floating in her mind and struggled to regain her composure. Fighting to push her demon back down into the dark Xena took in a shaky breath as she felt her bard approach the two women.

"Hi," Gabrielle smiled as she pulled a chair beside Xena's and sat down, instinctively grabbing onto her partner's hand.

Xena felt the warmth of her soulmate's love travel through her hand into her heart, shutting the demon's cage with a sudden clang.

Cyrene smiled back at the tiny blonde woman, happy that Gabrielle was there to help Xena when her daughter needed the woman most.

"I was just telling Mother about Kharis," Xena explained to the bard.

"I thought as much," the bard said readily. "Looks a lot like Xena, huh?"

"She looks exactly like Xena when Xena was a child."

"Really?" Gabrielle asked eagerly as green orbs began to sparkle. She had always wondered what Xena was like as a child and had used Kharis as a comparison. How close where the two in personalities, really?

Cyrene nodded. "Really. When I first saw that child I thought I had been taken back almost twenty years, they are that similar."

"I wonder how much alike they really are?" the bard mumbled under her breath.

Xena squeezed her partner's hand as she whispered back, "More than you'd realise."

"Does she know?" Cyrene asked suddenly, surprising both warrior and bard.

"Yes, she does," Xena said softly as she evaded her mother's gaze. 'Why am I so afraid of the truth?' she thought. "It was because of her that I had to accept what I've been hiding from for a while now."

"I'm so sorry, dear. If I had known that it wasn't your father..."

Xena smiled at her mother letting Cyrene know that she didn't blame the woman. How could she? Ares was devious and manipulative, using whatever means necessary to get what he wanted. Especially if it was to create his own Chosen.

"You don't have to say anything, Mother. I've dealt with Ares a long time now to know how he operates. You would have never known so it doesn't matter. I'm here and he is my father," Xena stated as she made a hand gesture towards the sky, directed at the God in question. "No big deal."

Gabrielle snorted at that last statement but kept her thoughts to herself when an eyebrow quirked in her direction.

"Are you hungry, dear?" Cyrene asked Gabrielle in response to the bard's voracious stomach grumbling its protest at being ignored for so long.

"I could use a little something to tide me over," the bard reluctantly agreed as Xena grinned at the thought of her mother's home cooking.

"I have some mutton from last night left over," Cyrene offered as she stood up. "Let me just heat it up before I hear the rest of this child's story. From the look on both of your faces I'd say it's going to be a long one."

"There's a lot to say," Xena agreed as she moved out of her chair to help her mother.

Cyrene reached over and pushed the warrior down. "Oh, no you don't. You look like Tartarus warmed over. Stay here and relax for a change. You remember how to do that, don't you?"

Gabrielle laughed as she wrapped her arm around the warrior's shoulders to hold her down while beaming up at the innkeeper. "I've been reminding her every chance I get. She's been practicing."

Xena grunted as she leaned back in her chair giving both bard and mother the evil eye.

"Good. Now that's settled I have some mutton to prepare," Cyrene exclaimed as she hustled out of the main room into the kitchen leaving the two women alone.

Xena smiled to herself as she heard her mother humming while working. 'Some things never change,' she thought as the warrior reveled in the stillness, noticing how the tavern had changed so little since her early years.

Windows thrown open, to allow the cool breeze in, sparkled as they were kissed by the sun's rays streaming in, throwing multicoloured droplets of light upon the floor. As a child Xena used to lie on the floor and play with the 'diamonds from the sky' during the hot summer days before warfare became her life. Heavy timbered beams straddled support posts holding up the wood and thatch roof that protected the family, and patrons alike, from the severe weather that was commonly found in the region. The warm musky smell of sap, wood, and sweet grass with well-cooked meat permeated the air enticing travellers and patrons to stay longer than they normally would. All in all it was a home away from home for many, Xena included.

"Whatcha thinking?" Gabrielle asked as she moved her chair closer to Xena's and grasped more of the warrior's arm into her own.

"How it's good to be home, despite the circumstances."

"Are you going to tell her everything?"

Gabriele and Xena had many an argument on their way to Amphipolis about how much Cyrene should be told. The warrior's overprotective nature dictated that her mother only know enough to be satisfied without endangering the woman's life. The bard was of the feeling that the innkeeper should be told everything. Knowledge was power and the more Cyrene understood the better chance she had in recognising danger if and when it ever came.

"I don't know yet. We'll see how things go. If Kharis wakes up and is worse than before, then I'll have no choice. There won't be any other way to explain her, will there?"

Gabrielle bit her bottom lip as she contemplated her partner's dilemma. Everything hinged on what Kharis either said or did. The odds were not in the warrior's favour.

"Maybe we shouldn't have come here at all," the bard said regretfully.

Xena felt her friend's normal sunny mood beset with doubts and apprehension. There was only one thing to do. With a feral grin the warrior leapt to her feet, sweeping the shocked bard up into her arms, and began a mammoth ticklefest.

Giggling hysterically Gabrielle struggled to fight back as best she could, but she was no match for Xena's awesome strength and quick fingers. Within moments of a cease-fire Cyrene came out of the kitchen with a platter of steaming food, placing it on the table in front of a now hiccoughing bard.

Cyrene glared at her daughter, who was smiling smugly at the bard's tear-stained face. "You never learn do you?"

"What?" Xena asked innocently as the bard elbowed her in the ribs.

"You're in trouble now," Gabrielle murmured under her breath gleefully.

Xena chose to ignore the comment as she marvelled at how her mother could still make her feel like a child at times, despite the fact that she was the deadliest warrior in all of Greece.

"Don't push me young lady!" the innkeeper swore as she scooped out portions of food onto three plates for all of them.

"Watch out Xena or the Destroyer of Nations will be end up bent over mommy's knee," Gabrielle jibbed.

"Don't push it, Gabby," Xena said through gritted teeth, using the nickname Joxer bequeathed to the bard's dislike. "Paybacks can be a real bitch late at night."

Gabrielle didn't even take a moment to think about it, as she knew that a demigod with a vendetta was not a nice thing to have around when you slept like the dead. Grabbing her plate of food the bard dug in as she smiled sweetly at Cyrene.

"Great food, Mom!"

"Thank you, dear," the woman replied as she smiled back, placated by the bard's compliment.

"Yeah, Mom. It's delicious," the warrior affirmed as she also dug in, now released from her mother's ire.

"So tell me everything from the start," Cyrene said as the two soulmates exchanged quick glances before diving into the tale, sparing nothing.

The pain was bearable for a change as Kharis slowly stretched her muscles under the heavy blanket that covered her body. The soft fibers tickled her skin as she pulled the blanket over her head and sank deeper into the soft bedding. Through the foggy haze of consciousness thoughts randomly flittered throughout her mind until she was able to grasp onto a chosen few. She was in a bed, instead of on the hard ground, and she was sane. Both were welcomed with relief as the girl focused her ears on the sounds directly below, faintly picking up the light voice of the bard and a deeper, mellower voice unknown to her.

Sighing with relief Kharis smiled lazily as she took stock of her body and found it to be in perfect health, despite the physical exertion it had recently gone through. Though her memory of the past few weeks was fragmented she knew that she had not been herself and had committed acts that were not normally her own. A sudden flash of a battle sprang to her mind bringing a whimper from her lips. 'Did I do that?' she thought as the battle's replay slowly unwound in gory detail.

Crying softly now Kharis buried her face in the tear-stained pillow, not noticing the soothing hand that rubbed her shoulders. Shaking from the sobs the girl wept for a spell until she could cry no more. Only then did she notice the presence of her sister beside her on the bed.

"I'm sorry," the young warrior whispered beneath the covers.

"There's nothing to be sorry about," Xena replied as she pulled the covers away from the girl's face and smiled down at her. "You saved many innocent lives."

"I don't know what's happening to me. I can't control myself."

"I know."

Kharis swallowed hard as she looked up into her sister's forgiving eyes. "I'm scared."

"So am I. Not just for you, but for me also," Xena admitted. "We're both going through some changes that are beyond our control. And I don't like not being in control."

"But you're not losing it like I am," Kharis stated as she sat up holding the covers over her shoulders.

"No, but who's to say that won't happen?" Xena asked her sister, giving the girl a moment to realise the ramifications. "If something was to happen to me who could stop me? Certainly not you. Despite what Gabrielle may believe I don't think even she would be able to pull me back. Hades, even the Gods would be hard pressed."

Kharis chuckled under her breath at that last statement, knowing it wasn't bravado but the truth where Xena was concerned. "What do you think will happen to us?"

Xena sighed as she shrugged. "I really don't know, Khar. The prophecy is a blank statement involving a final outcome, not the build up to that outcome. Nobody but the Fates knows what is really going to happen. Even then, I don't think they really know for sure. But I will say this, no matter what happens from now on, don't you ever doubt my love for you. Nothing you could ever do will wipe that away. Just remember that, and you'll be fine."

Kharis nodded in understanding as the tears began to fall down her cheeks once again. 'I'm losing it, I just know it,' she thought miserably as she tried to clamp down on her raging emotions.

"You hungry?" Xena asked as she started rummaging through a chest beside the bed.

"A bit."

Pulling out a sapphire dress amongst the old clothing in storage the warrior smiled as she held it up for her sister's inspection. "What do you think?"

"It's beautiful. Whose is it?"

"Mine. Mother made it for me when I was young, but I never got to wear it," Xena answered as a wistful expression flashed across her face.

"Why not?" Kharis asked as she fingered the smooth silky cloth, admiring its lucent quality.

"I was training to be a warrior. Warriors don't wear dresses," Xena laughed as she remembered her stubborn insistence in wearing only tunics and pants.

"You wear a skirt. What's the difference?" the girl asked as she slid out of bed and slipped the dress over her head.

"None really. I was foolish then. I'm smarter now," the warrior grinned as she admired the form fitting dress resting perfectly on her sister's small but shapely figure. "It looks great on you."

Kharis blushed slightly as she smoothed the dress across her hard abs down to her thighs. "I feel weird in this. I've never worn a dress like this before."

Xena chuckled as she turned her sister around and pulled the girl's ebony hair back behind her shoulders. "You'll get used to it. Let me braid your hair for you. It should be washed but we'll worry about that later on. You need some food and relaxation first."

Kharis stood still while Xena combed and braided the girl's hair with long sure fingers. "Relaxation? That's almost a foreign concept these days."

"Tell me about it," Xena smirked as she finished the braiding and swiveled her sister back around for a final check. "There. Perfect."

"Really?" the girl asked apprehensively. She felt as if she was about to be presented before monarchy, not her sister's mother.

"Khar, you are a beautiful young woman. You're no longer the little girl I found hanging on that cross. You're gonna have to get used to that fact from now on," Xena said earnestly.

"How come I still feel like a frightened child?"

Xena pulled her sister into a hug as she kissed the young warrior softly on her head. "We all do from time to time. You never lose that. You just have to learn how to overcome it. It's part of growing up."

Kharis smiled into her sister's leathers as she tried to imagine Xena frightened, but failed. Pulling out of the embrace the girl stepped back and squared her shoulders. "I'm ready."

Xena nodded as she stepped towards the door and opened it for her sister. "She only bites during a full moon, so you should have nothing to fear," the warrior quipped as she stepped aside to let her sister go through the door first. Kharis snorted as she playfully jabbed her sister in the side before following the woman down the stairs.

Conversation and laughter floated in the tavern's main dining area amongst the aromas of well-cooked food and fresh ale. The afternoon crowd was happily finishing their meals as Cyrene moved from table to table topping off drinks and removing plates. Speaking to one of her regular patrons the woman noticed the room grow silent as Xena and Kharis descended the stairs into everyone's view. Looking up to see what had caused the disturbance Cyrene's breath caught in her throat as she looked upon two copies of her daughter. The Xena of now and the Xena of yesteryears she fondly remembered.

Xena felt her sister tighten as the crowd stared at the young woman, unnerving Kharis in their frank admiration. Lightly pushing the girl on her back, the warrior guided Kharis to a table beside the kitchen and pulled out a chair facing away from the crowd for her.

"Are people here always that rude?" Kharis whispered to her sister as Xena sat down facing the crowd, throwing one of her patented 'back off' looks. The patrons promptly went back to their respective conversations while sneaking glances at the back table.

"You'll get used to it," Xena said as she noticed Gabrielle, out of the corner of her eye, moving her way towards their table from the kitchen.

"How are you feeling?" the bard said cheerily as she sat down between the two warriors.

"Tired, but normal for a change," Kharis answered as she felt goose bumps rise along her skin. She could feel eyes upon her but didn't have the nerve to see whom they belonged to until it became unbearable.

Swiveling her head sharply to the left Kharis' gaze was caught in the softest set of mahagony eyes she had ever seen. The woman standing at the corner of the bar was a small robust woman with thick, wavy dark hair that cascaded over her shoulders. A sharp intake of breath alerted the girl's table companions to her agitated state as they followed her line of sight to Cyrene.

Kharis' lips started to tremble as she struggled to breathe, her nails digging into the table surface. Confusion clearly registered on both Xena's and Gabrielle's faces at the sudden change in Kharis but were unprepared for what they heard.

"Mom?" Kharis cried out softly, unwilling to believe the vision coming towards her.

Xena's eyes grew wide at her sister's confusion, swallowing the bile that rushed into her throat. Only Ares would play such a cruel joke. Thinking back Xena tried to picture a face on a cross familiar to her mother's, but drew a blank. None of the woman she brought down had resembled her mother. Many were beaten so badly they were rendered unrecognisable.

Cyrene hesitated as she came up to the table, uncertain what to say or do as she looked into the fearful eyes of the girl sitting before her. Instinctively reaching out to soothe Kharis Cyrene pulled back as the young woman jerked back out of reach.

Kharis couldn't help herself. The woman before her could have passed as her mother, almost. The need to hold and be held was almost overpowering, but the fear of what the emotional toll would be was too great. Flinching away from Cyrene's hand Kharis bolted up, inadvertently kicking her chair from under her.

The sudden crash of the chair hitting the wooden floor startled those patrons still in the tavern. Every eye was on their hostess and the young woman who looked unerringly like a younger version of the Warrior Princess.

Kharis stood away from the table, fists clenched, as her breathing came in short gasping breaths. The presence of her sister standing beside her calmed her fragile nerves slightly as Xena laid her hand on the girl's shoulder and squeezed gently.

"Kharis, this is my mother, Cyrene."

Kharis swallowed hard as she fought to regain her composure. Finding her voice proved difficult at first, as she had to clear her throat a few times before any sound could be emitted. "Nice to meet you."

Cyrene glanced into her daughter's cool eyes as a message was passed between the two women. 'Watch what you say.' Cyrene nodded imperceptibly in understanding before smiling down at the girl. "Xena and Gabrielle have told me so much about you. Would you care to sit down for a meal?"

Kharis stood still, unable to move as the mellow voice washed over her, until Xena grabbed the fallen chair and placed it back upright. Sliding back into the chair the young woman smiled weakly at Gabrielle as Xena and Cyrene proceeded to sit down.

"I'm fine now," Kharis offered before anyone could ask her the question on their minds. "I guess I didn't get enough sleep."

"It's probably lack of food," Gabrielle countered, trying to place Kharis more at ease. "I'll get us something to eat."

Cyrene tried to protest but the look in the bard's eyes stopped any further discussion. Smiling at the bard's back the innkeeper sat back in her chair before appraising the girl on her right. Kharis sat in silent study to Cyrene's intense scrutiny.

"The dress looks beautiful on you, Kharis," Cyrene exclaimed as she grinned at the girl. "I always wondered what Xena would have looked like in it, but alas, she wouldn't wear it. She was too old for dresses by then."

"It's a beautiful dress," Kharis acknowledged, eyes downcast.

Cyrene turned to Xena, "How long are you planning on staying, dear?"

"For a short while, Mom. We needed a vacation and home seemed like the perfect place," Xena grinned as she pushed her mug of port towards her sister. "Here, drink this. It'll calm your nerves."

Kharis snarled in mock protest but gladly grabbed the mug and took a long sip, for she truly was nervous. The cool liquid stung on its way down, but felt very warm once in her belly. Taking another quick sip she handed it back to her sister and sat back in her chair, preparing for the onslaught of questions that would surely arise.

Cyrene shook her head in exasperation, "Xena, she's too young to be drinking that swill."

"I'm older than what I seem, Cyrene," Kharis exclaimed as she met Cyrene's gaze head on. The innkeeper marvelled at the girl's eyes. Their colour, flaxen hues that danced amongst golden flecks, mesmerized the woman.

"So Xena told me. I still think fifteen is too young to take up drinking. Consider it a mother's prerogative."

"I don't have a mother any more so I guess it doesn't matter what I do anyways," Kharis muttered coldly.

"As long as you are in my home with your sister I consider you my daughter, so it does matter," Cyrene stated plainly, much to the shock of both warriors at the table. Smiling at them both the woman could only chuckle at the looks on their faces. "What? I consider Gabrielle one of my own. Why wouldn't I extend the same courtesy to Kharis?"

Xena could only shrug at the sound logic behind her mother's statement. The woman always considered any friends of her children part of her extended family.

Kharis swallowed nervously, unable to think of any response to it. To be welcomed was one thing, to be accepted and embraced was a completely different thing.

Cyrene reached over and patted Kharis' hand. "This is your home now, Kharis. You remember that."

The girl nodded obediently as tears welled up in her eyes. Cringing to herself Kharis quickly brushed the tears away in a hopeless bid to stop them from falling. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I just keep crying at the drop of a hat."

"Sounds like you definitely need some food," Gabrielle piped in as she walked towards the table, ladened with a large tray of steaming food and plates. Placing the tray down Gabrielle heard a few snickers from her tablemates as she sat herself in her chair. "What?"

"Are you sure you brought enough for all of us?" Xena mocked as she regarded the amount of food piled onto the tray.

"Well, Kharis is a growing girl," the bard lamely protested as she got a small jab in the ribs from the girl in question.

"Don't use me as an excuse for your gluttony," Kharis countered quickly.

"Ignore the two of them, Gabrielle. They're just jealous," Cyrene laughed a she helped herself to some of the food before dishing out some large portions for Kharis. Xena snorted but said nothing as she too helped herself.

"I can do that," Kharis protested as more food was piled on her plate.

"I'm sure you can, dear, but let this mother do it for you. It's been so long since I've been able to dote on a young one."

A look of pure fear flashed across Kharis' face as she glanced towards Xena, who was trying to stifle her laughter. Golden eyes begged for help as cerulean eyes twinkled back in answer. The girl groaned as she realised that their stay at the tavern was going to be a long and painful one, for her especially.

Kharis groaned as she floated in the large tub, soaking in the hot scented water. 'This is paradise,' she thought lazily as the steam caressed her face. Sinking below the surface Kharis released tiny bubbles as she rinsed her raven hair. Poking her head back out the young woman suddenly clutched at her belly as a sharp pain hit her.

"Hades, I must have eaten too much." Grimacing, at the thought of all the food she had to swallow at Cyrene's instance, Kharis held her breath, waiting for the cramp to subside. Just as it left another took its place, much sharper and with more force than the last one.

Kharis sucked in a sharp breath as she tried to calm her mind and begin her relaxation exercises. Despite the heat surrounding her the girl couldn't seem to find that calm spot and continued to clutch her belly in an attempt to stifle the pain.

Xena stuck her head through the door and saw her sister bent over in extreme pain. Rushing over to her sister the warrior knelt down beside the tub and shook the girl's shoulder.

"Kharis, what is it?"

"It hurts," the girl said between clenched teeth.

"Where?" Xena started to check her sister over, trying to find the source of the pain.

"Down here," Kharis said as she continued to clutch her belly. Looking down at her hands the girl let out a shriek as she noticed, for the first time, a red hue in the water. "Gods, I'm bleeding!"

Xena stared down at the spot where the red was at it's thickest and sat back on her heels. Smiling, despite the severity of her sister's pain, the warrior could only chuckle as she stroked Kharis' arm gently.

"Khar, look at me. Don't look down, just focus on my eyes," Xena ordered softly as Kharis did what she was told. "There's nothing wrong with you, Khar. You've just started your cycle." Xena couldn't help herself as a wide toothy grin emerged.

The girl went white as she gulped audibly. Still clutching her stomach Kharis gritted her teeth as she pondered what method she would use to kill her sister to wipe away the obvious enjoyment she was getting out of this. 'If this didn't hurt so much I'd drown her right here,' she thought as Xena tried her best not to laugh.

"Well this explains a few things at least," Xena offered optimistically.

"Like what?" Kharis seethed.

"Why you've been so emotional, for one."

"Why me?" Kharis whimpered softly to herself, knowing it was a futile question.

"Just think, you have a lifetime to get used to it. Of course there's also pregnancy, labour, and the change too, but you won't have to worry about that for a while."

Kharis snarled at her sister's teasing. "Leave me alone to die in some peace, will ya?"

Xena chuckled as she squeezed her sister's arm before rising. "Stay right there. I'll bring you some wirtroot for the pain and a few things you'll need."

Kharis could only nod as she started to shiver in the rapidly cooling water. "Xena?"

"Yeah?" the warrior asked as she was opening the door.

"Don't tell anyone, okay?"

Xena grinned at her sister's red face. "Promise," she nodded as the warrior stepped through the door and closed it behind her. Leaning against the doorframe Xena gripped her sides as she held her laughter in. The look on Kharis' face was priceless when she announced her diagnosis. 'She's gonna kill me later when she feels better,' the warrior thought as she regained her composure and entered her old room.

Gabrielle was sitting at the small desk opposite the bed, working on one of her stories. Hearing Xena enter the room the bard looked up and noticed a lopsided grin plastered on Xena's face.

"What's up?"

"Kharis had a little surprise when she was taking a bath. Do you have that extra leather strap we picked up in Paladia?"

"Yeah, it's in my bag under the bed. Why?" Gabrielle was curious to what Xena needed it for and what surprise Kharis had. Both women used the straps for various reasons but used them mainly to control the flow of their cycle. Yet both bard and warrior were in sync and weren't due for another two weeks at least.

Xena retrieved the strap and started rummaging through her medical pouch for the wirtroot and a few herbs that would help slow the cramps. "I promised not to say anything," she answered as she found the materials she would need and grabbed one of her old spare tunics.

Gabrielle chewed her lip as she watched what Xena collected when it hit her. "She started her cycle, didn't she?"

Xena smiled but didn't say anything. If the bard was to come to her own conclusions just by observation then Xena never broke her promise. She never told.

"Is she all right?" Gabrielle asked with concern as she rose but was waved back into the chair by her warrior.

"She'll be fine once I get some of this stuff in her system. Besides being in a lot of pain and embarrassed, she's fine."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Yeah," Xena walked over and placed a light kiss on her bard's head. "Don't say anything to her until she says something first."

Pulling Xena into her the bard sighed. "I was wondering when it was going to happen. Makes sense now."

Stroking blonde hair Xena reveled in the warm contact before pulling free. "That's what I said to her. But it doesn't explain everything." A touch of dread flashed across Xena's bronze face as Gabrielle grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"We'll cross that barrier together when we have to. For now, let's just enjoy the calm while we have it."

Xena ruffled her bard's hair before leaving the room holding the woman who always knew what to say at the right moment.

Gabrielle unrolled a fresh piece of parchment, feeling a warm joy spread throughout her being as she looked upon the unblemished paper. Picking up her quill the bard chewed the end in thought as she contemplated what to write next. Broken from her flow she could only sit in silence as her thoughts continually circled around the girl in the next room. A few scratches and nothing more would come. Exhaling in exasperation Gabrielle threw down her quill on the desk and sat back, looking at the once blank parchment, now marked. Squinting at the words Gabrielle started to shiver as she read what she wrote.

Darkness has a hunger that's insatiable and lightness has a call that's hard to hear*

A lone tear fell from sea green orbs as the bard rolled the parchment up and placed it back in her bag, away from the light of day, away from the truth that was to be exposed. Today there would be no more writing.

CHAPTER 3

Days past into weeks as the three travellers settled into a comfortable routine. Gabrielle helped Cyrene with the tavern chores while Xena and Kharis went hunting daily to increase the stores of meat and fish that would carry the tavern through the winter.

Both warriors went off on their separate ways, meeting up by midday at a small lake with whatever they managed to kill. Though neither acknowledged it both tried to out hunt the other, constantly bragging about the one that got away. Once the meat was field dressed the rest of the afternoon was spent fishing or drilling until dusk when they finally made their way home.

Gabrielle sighed contentedly as she looked upon Xena and Kharis sitting in a far corner with heads bent, deep in conversation. The smile that played across her soulmate's lips was engaging as Kharis too beamed back in response. The easy camaraderie that existed between the two warriors had never been stronger as it was since staying in Amphipolis.

Weaving through the chairs filled with patrons Gabrielle brought two mugs for the thirsty sisters and set them down on the table before being pulled into Xena's lap.

"I was wondering when you were going to show up," Xena remarked as she passed a mug full of ale to her sister. The girl had taken a liking to it only recently and relished the cool liquid as it slipped down her throat.

"Could say the same for you two. Good day?" Gabrielle giggled as two fingers found her ticklish spot and briefly brushed against it.

"Gods, yeah. You should have seen the fish that Xena caught. It was almost as big as me," Kharis exclaimed as she sat back, eyes still sparkling from the day's exertion.

"That's not saying much, pipsqueak," Xena laughed as she rested her arms around the bard's waist.

"I'll grow."

"That's what Gabrielle thought but look at her."

"Hey!" Gabrielle exclaimed in mocked indignation. "I did so grow. I just reached the perfect height."

"Perfect height, huh?" Xena drawled as an eyebrow quirked at the bard.

"Yeah, perfect for snuggling with you," Gabrielle grinned as she turned in the warrior's lap and laid her head on a muscular shoulder while fluttering her eyelashes at Kharis.

Kharis snorted and shook her head at the public display of affection her sister and Gabrielle displayed. Since arriving in Amphipolis the two women were more at ease with their love than they had ever been. Those that frowned upon such a union silently kept their opinions to themselves while others marvelled at the obvious love between the bard and warrior. Many couldn't get over the change which had encompassed the usually stoic Warrior Princess. Though none were complaining.

"Get a room you guys," the young warrior smirked.

"We're fine right where we are, thank you," Xena replied as she nestled Gabrielle closer to her.

Kharis grunted as she drained what was left in her mug and stood up, stretching her muscles lazily. "I think I'm gonna do some drills. I'll see you two later."

Xena chuckled deeply as she watched her sister make a quick escape out of the tavern before Cyrene noticed the girl had been in there to begin with. "She lasted longer this time," Xena noticed as she helped Gabrielle out of her lap.

"She never used to react to us before. I don't know why it bugs her all of a sudden," the bard wondered as she sat down in Kharis' vacated chair and took a sip of Xena's port. "Ugh. I don't know how you stand that stuff."

"It's an acquired taste," the warrior said as she pulled the mug out of Gabrielle's hands. "Khar is just going through puberty. You remember what that was like doncha? Being that it wasn't too long ago."

A hard slap to Xena's belly was forthcoming as Gabrielle glared at the warrior. "I'm surprised you even remember it at all, considering how long ago it was for you."

Xena snorted as she sat back and crossed her arms. "She's just not sure about her emotions right now. I don't think she even noticed how we were until recently."

"Well she notices now. You don't think she's disgusted do you?"

Dark eyebrows rose under ebony bangs as Xena tried not to laugh at that statement, understanding where her bard was coming from. "From the first moment she saw us together she's never indicated anything but understanding and acceptance. Puberty doesn't make you ignorant Gabrielle, just confused."

"I know that," the bard said in exasperation. "I'm just worried about her."

"So am I. But there isn't much we can do but be there for her when she needs us. And keep an eye on her even when she thinks she doesn't need us," the warrior remarked as she started to massage one of the bard's tense shoulders.

Gabrielle melted into the massage as her eyes began to grow heavy, her head dropping down to her chest. Exhaling a long slow breath the bard shuddered as the massage took on a new meaning. Opening one eye to peer at her partner the bard grinned at the sheepish expression on Xena's face.

"When's dinner?" Xena asked huskily.

"Not for a while yet. What do you have in mind?" Gabrielle whispered. 'As if I don't have an idea. Ha!'

"Well, I was thinking..." Xena stopped suddenly as her head swiftly turned towards the door. Listening with acute hearing she leaped to her feet startling not only the occupants of the table next to her but Gabrielle also.

"What is it?" the bard asked as she too rose, straining to hear whatever had alerted Xena to danger.

"Riders. At least five of them coming into town and they are not dallying." Xena drew her sword while advancing towards the door. Placing her hand on the knob the warrior stepped back and opened the door wide as five, very tired and dusty farmers stumbled into the tavern.

All eyes were on the men as they tried to regain their breaths, clutching their sides of stomachs.

"What is it?" Xena asked sternly as she sheathed her sword.

"Army... three leagues away... coming in this direction," one of the men was able to gasp out before he started to cough from the effort.

"Hades," Xena muttered as she turned to find her bard standing beside her staff in hand. "Gabrielle, you know the drill. Organise everyone while I go check this out. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Gabrielle nodded as she briefly hugged her warrior before Xena strode out towards the barn. Turning to the patrons in the tavern Gabrielle let out the breath she had been holding and smiled, despite the dread that suddenly filled her.

"Those of you that are able to fight go retrieve whatever you can use as a weapon and meet me back here. Those that can't should go and find their loved ones along with anyone else and seek refuge." The note of authority rang in the bard's voice as she looked upon everyone in the room, willing just one of them to challenge her. None did as people began to quickly file out of the tavern to seek heir friends and loved ones.

"Gabrielle, what's happening?" Cyrene asked as she came into the room.

"An army is converging in this area. Xena has gone to scout them out. We've got to be ready if the army moves on us," Gabrielle explained as quickly as she helped one of the village Elders to his feet and towards the door.

"By the Gods. Where's Kharis?"

Gabrielle sucked in a sharp breath. She had completely forgotten about the young warrior. "I don't know. I have to find her."

Cyrene placed a hand on the bard's arm, stopping her from leaving. "You need to stay here and help organise us all. You're the only one that can do it while Xena is gone. I'll send Tylus out to find her. Where did she go?"

Eyebrows furrowed in concentration as the bard couldn't exactly remember hearing where Kharis was going. "I don't know. She said she wanted to do some drills. Maybe she's down in the glen behind the market."

"Tylus! Get in here boy!" Cyrene bellowed out the open door as Gabrielle felt her stomach drop from under her.

The young boy came running into the tavern and slid to a stop in front of bard and tavern keeper. "Yes, ma'am?"

"Go find Kharis. She might be in the old field practicing," Cyrene ordered.

"She's not there," the boy replied matter of factly.

"Then she must be down at the lake," Gabrielle offered as the boy shook his head no.

"She came into the stable and asked to borrow a horse for a while so I gave her Appleby," the boy explained in a quiet voice, sure that he was in for it now. "I did okay, didn't I?"

Cyrene nodded as she watched Gabrielle's face drain of all colour. "You did well, Ty. Now go home and stay with your parents. Do everything they say, you understand me?"

"Yes, ma'am. I understand," Tylus nodded before running out of the tavern towards home.

"Gods, no. She wouldn't have... she couldn't know," the bard whispered in fear as Cyrene wrapped the woman in her arms and hugged her tightly.

"Let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe she just wanted to go for a ride. There's no way she would know about the army. Even if she did she's not foolish enough to do anything but what Xena is doing, checking them out," the innkeeper tried to mollify the bard.

"Maybe," Gabrielle replied weakly as she imagined how Xena's reaction would be.

"Well there's nothing we can do until Xena gets back. Beyond what we can do here," Cyrene said as Gabrielle swallowed her fear and stood back from the woman.

"You're right. We have a lot to do," the bard affirmed as she squared her shoulders and pushed her fears back into a small corner of her being. 'Now isn't the time to worry about something you have no control over.' The townsfolk started to arrive with various means of weaponry, ranging from swords to pitchforks, awaiting orders from the small bard with a staff.

Xena frowned as she looked upon two columns of men on horseback and foot meandering their way through the valley below her. Hidden, in one of the trees overhanging the valley, the warrior had a clear view of the army as it made a slow progress towards Amphipolis. Three hundred men strong were moving in a brisk and orderly fashion into the red hue of Helios' dying sun.

'At least that's a saving grace. They'll have to camp tonight before hitting Amphipolis,' the warrior thought wearily as she noticed the efficient manner which the camp commander halted his troops and ordered the set-up of camp.

Edging down out of the tree Xena allowed instinct to guide her limbs through the branches in the growing dusk. Lightly landing on her feet the warrior silently moved further back into the forest till she came upon Argo, who had been left behind out of sight.

"Well, Argo. We're here for a few more candlemarks at least until that army settles down for the night," Xena remarked as she slowly stroked the mare's forelock. Wishing she had her bard for company Xena sighed as she rummaged through her saddlebags and found some trail provisions.

Sitting down on a fallen log Xena began to slowly eat the meagre portions that were available, contemplating her best line of entry into the camp. If the commander was as efficient as she thought then there would be a rotating set of sentries at every 20 paces. 'This isn't going to be easy.' Getting in to see whose army this was had become a top priority for the warrior. Knowledge about your enemy was the key factor in planning a suitable line of defence. In her case, to destroy from within.

Darkness had completely permeated the valley as men went about their nightly chores before turning in or taking watch. The sentries had small fires to their backs, giving them ample visibility and warmth while blinding those that might try to approach.

Xena closed her eyes as she edged forward in the tall grass. Using only her sense of smell and hearing the warrior slinked forward on her belly, moving with the rhythm of the swaying grass. Feeling that she was close enough to the first group of sentries Xena rolled over onto her back and opened her eyes to a multitude of shimmering stars staring down at her.

Silently releasing her chakram from her belt Xena flicked her wrist, sending the disc on its path towards a grove of trees to her right. Bouncing off a tree's trunk the disc ricocheted a few times before being directed back to its owner. A quick snatch and the disc was back at its master's side as the warrior listened for the calls of alarm.

Both posts directly in front of the warrior acted quickly, moving to investigate the source of the sound. Counting to five Xena slowly stood up and willed herself into nothingness. Focussing on the men in front of her Xena walked forward as the sentries that abandoned their posts scoured the surrounding trees. Those that remained kept a wary eye in what was in front of them, never noticing the woman warrior walking directly towards them.

Xena held her breath as she stepped in front of a young soldier and stared into his soft brown eyes. Thrusting her will upon him the man slowly started to sink towards the ground into a deep sleep, unbeknownst to his comrades. One by one Xena willed each man to sleep until all were gently snoring away, allowing her free access into the camp.

As she moved her way stealthily through the camp Xena failed to recognise the insignias on clothing and banners. 'An upstart,' she thought as Xena made her way to the commanders tent and slipped in unnoticed. Creeping forward to the bed in the far back Xena pulled her sword from its scabbard while carefully choosing her options and picking the best course of action.

Grabbing the young sleeping man Xena flung him out of his cot and stepped on his throat, enough to keep him quiet but not enough to kill him. Pale eyes opened in horror at the visage of the Warrior Princess as the man audibly gulped.

"You know who I am, don't you?" Xena snarled. The man nodded slightly as the warrior's boot kept him immobile.

"Good, then I won't have to introduce myself. You are in a bad position right now. I could either kill you and disband your army or release you with your word that you will leave this valley,"

Xena looked down at the man, noticing for the first time how truly young he was. Seventeen? Eighteen, perhaps? It didn't matter. Her home was threatened, as was the surrounding villages.

"I'm of the opinion that option number three would be better. Would you like to hear it?" the warrior whispered savagely as the man's eyes grew wide. What other option was there?

"I can take you to the authorities instead of killing you and still disband the army." Ice cold eyes shone down as the man contemplated the last option. Maybe he wasn't going to die tonight.

"I don't know you so I can't really trust your word. Now there is the first option but I promised someone I wouldn't do that if it was an easy way out, and it would surely be an easy way out." She allowed that thought to set in his mind, further terrifying the man. "So I guess it'll have to be number three."

The man nodded beneath the boot suddenly relieved that he might get a chance to see the sun once more.

"Now this is how we're going to do this. I lift my foot and you stay still. If you don't..." A twirl of her sword was all that was needed to emphasize her point.

Xena slowly lifted her boot from the man's throat and stepped back, sword now pointed at his chest. The man rubbed his sore throat as he was grabbed and hauled to his feet. A surge of panic flooded him as he felt the overwhelming power radiating from the woman's body behind him.

"Don't make any sudden moves and we'll get along just fine," she whispered in his ear sending shivers down his spine. "What's your name?"

"Pascus," the man croaked out as he was shoved towards the bed, his voice cracking into a higher pitch on the last syllable. Fear was clearly written across his face as his legs hit the bed, pitching him forward onto his belly. 'Maybe the rumours about this woman were true?'

Xena smiled ferally at the boy, for he truly was just that. The squeak in his voice betrayed his continuing adjustment to manhood. "Why are you in my valley?" she seethed into his ear.

If he could have gone any paler he would have, realising the grave mistake he just committed coming so close to the warrior's birthplace. "We were just passing through. I wouldn't dare touch the Destroyer's birthtown," he lied hoping his fear would cover the quiver in his voice.

Xena grimaced at the hearing her old name, ignoring Pascus' obvious lie. Freeing her whip the warrior quickly wrapped it around Pascus' hands behind his back. "Now we're going to be as quiet as mice and no one will get hurt, got me?" A quick nod was good enough for her as she pulled him off the bed to his feet.

A sudden sense of someone behind her hit her like a bolt of lightning, as did the hilt of a sword to the back of her head. Xena crumbled to the floor dragging Pascus down with her. The man groaned as her body fell on top of his, knocking the breath out of him. Gulping in short breaths Pascus twisted his neck to see who his saviour was, finding two golden points staring down on him. A quick intake of breath was all he could draw as a sword buried itself in his head, killing him instantly.

The pain wasn't as intense as it should have been but the hazy feeling was hard to break through as Xena slowly came to consciousness. One lone eye popped open only to shut immediately as the sun's rays painfully burst upon a dilated iris. Keeping her eyes closed for the moment Xena laid still as she took stock of her body's aches and pains. The back of her head felt like Tartarus, yet it was a familiar pain and easily catalogued into its proper compartment. Though she felt weak and dizzy Xena quickly realised that there was nothing wrong with her except a massive bump on the back of her head.

Flexing rested muscles she discovered that she wasn't bound, the discovery opening both eyes in shock. 'What's going on here?' she thought hazily as the warrior slowly sat up, rubbing the kink out of the back of her neck.

Taking in her surroundings Xena noticed that she was still in the commander's tent, without the commander present. Rising shakily to her feet Xena cocked her head to the side as she listened for activity outside the tent. Straining to hear men's voices, a bird's call, even a horse's nicker she heard nothing. Chewing her lip in apprehension she slowly moved towards the tent's flap and peered out. The camp was deserted, not a soul was present, sending a chill into Xena's very soul.

"Something's not right here," Xena whispered as she stepped out of the tent and looked upon the ghost camp. There were no signs of a large body of men suddenly moving out, only the tents and smouldering fires indicating that someone had been there recently. Xena frowned as she struggled to figure out what had happened and how. Weapons and armour still lay by bedrolls; food being prepared was now burnt beyond recognition.

Waking away from the tent Xena started to meander through the camp, allowing her feet to carry her without purpose. Questions kept rising to the surface demanding answers, answers that suddenly scared her for some reason. Who knocked her out? Where was everyone? Why was she still alive?

Finding neither a trace of where the men went nor why they moved on Xena finally admitted defeat as she whistled for Argo, knowing her trusty steed was within hearing distance. The pounding of hooves echoed through the valley until the golden mare came upon her master, eyes rolled back in fear.

Xena stroked Argo's neck in a calming motion, hoping to soothe the normal steady war-horse. "Whats wrong girl? What's got you so spooked?" Xena murmured into a flickering ear. Argo shook her head and snorted, obviously wanting to be away from this place. "You can feel it too, huh? It's almost as if they were just swept away. Every person except me."

Swinging up onto the mare's back Xena took one last look at the abandoned camp before turning Argo's head around and signaling the mare into a gallop. The further they moved away from the encampment the better.

Exiting the valley, within a few minutes of hard riding, Xena heard a chorus of carrion birds crying and reined Argo in the direction from which the calls came. Slowing the mare to a walk the warrior stood up in her stirrups. As mare and rider came around a bend a clearing full of ravens, circling and cackling at each, came into view. The abundance of food laid out before the birds was horrifying.

Swallowing the bile that rose to her throat Xena dismounted a deeply agitated Argo and allowed the mare to move away from the decaying stench that permeated the area, knowing that the mare wouldn't wander far. Slowly walking forward Xena felt the blood drain from her face as she looked upon the massive pile of bodies being scavenged from.

'Well at least I know where the army went,' Xena thought bleakly as she approached a large group of ravens and attempted to drive some of them away from a smaller batch of bodies. The sharp staccato of the whip sent ravens into startled flight as Xena dashed forward. Looking down upon the mutilated bodies Xena released quick snaps of her whip to keep the birds away. All the deaths had been the same. A sword thrust through the skull ended each and very man's life.

"Hello, sister," a voice void of emotion spoke to Xena's back.

Xena whirled around, unsheathing her sword in one fluid motion. "Kharis, what are you doing here?"

"Do you like what I've done?" the girl asked simply as she waved at the pile of bodies. Entrenched in blood the young warrior almost glowed as she surveyed the carnage she wrought. Golden eyes, bleached of their entire colour, danced in evil pleasure as Kharis stood before Xena.

"You did this?" Xena whispered, unable to fathom how the girl was able to accomplish such an act.

Kharis laughed an empty hollow sound that made Xena flinch. "They were going to march into my home. I couldn't allow that to happen."

"Kharis, what did you do?"

"I came, I killed, I conquered." The girl shrugged as she walked towards one of the bodies and kicked it back closer towards the main pile. The body rolled over revealing Pascus' face. Ravens took to flight as soon as the girl approached, instinctually fearful of the dark presence before them.

Xena stood in shock, trying to absorb what her sister had done. 'I'm surprised they aren't on crosses.'

"Would have taken too much time," Kharis answered her sister's thought as she strolled around Xena like a cat about to pounce on its prey. "Besides, that was yours and Caesar's thing. I like this better. Makes more of a statement doncha think?"

Xena nodded as she held her sword at the ready. At this moment the warrior wasn't sure if Kharis wouldn't want to add one more body to the pile. "How did you do it?"

Kharis grinned, pleased that she could finally brag. "It was easy. I just stopped time and went to work. Nothing to it."

"You stopped time." A hint of fear wavered in Xena's voice a bit bringing a feral smile to Kharis' face.

"Would you like a demonstration, dear sister?" Before Xena could answer the girl stepped back and closed her eyes briefly when suddenly everything went quiet, dead quiet.

Xena looked around her and shivered slightly at the feeling of deja vu. Ravens were frozen in flight, wings striving to break the bonds that held them immobile. Branches that had swayed in the light breeze were now static, some in midswing. Even Argo was caught in between bites, blades of grass hanging from her stationary muzzle, one ear half cocked in the direction of her mistress. This was not what she was expecting. For Kharis to exhibit this type of power so effortlessly and suddenly was unnerving.

"It's amazing what one can accomplish when you aren't bound to Gaea's laws," Kharis spoke coldly as a feral smirk flashed in the warrior's direction. "Do you know how much you can accomplish when you have all the time in the world?"

"I can guess," Xena drawled, uncertain what was going to come next from her sister. Swallowing hard she struggled to regain her shattering composure while her mind strove to discern her next move, finding one that might work. It was a chance but she had to take it.

Flicking her sword back into its scabbard Xena smiled fully as she motioned towards Amphipolis. "So I guess we can go home now. The threat is over and everyone will be relieved to see that you're all right."

Pale eyes burned as the girl determined the sincerity of the warrior's statement. Kharis slowly shook her head no as she turned away from her sister. "There are a few things I have to do first."

A hint of regret reached Xena's keen hearing, giving her the small victory she had hoped for. 'She's not completely gone.' Stepping forward a pace, then two, Xena slowly approached the young warrior hoping she was playing her cards right.

"You don't have to, Khar. Come home with me. Mother and Gabrielle must be worried sick about you by now. You would certainly ease their minds if you came back with me."

The girl shuddered as a warm hand lightly landed on her shoulder, pulling her into a hug. Reveling in the heat of her sister's body Kharis closed her eyes briefly. The need to escape from the death she had wrought was strong but the desire to reap more was overwhelming. Pulling away from the embrace Kharis slowly swiveled around as her face hardened upon meeting Xena's gaze.

"I have to," she said with finality as the young warrior stepped back a few paces, wavering from Xena's sight. "It's been a blast but I really must fly. Give my regards to your Mother and Gabrielle."

A sudden explosion of noise overwhelmed Xena's ears as time rushed back to normal, releasing the earth from its frozen slumber. A cacophony of cries from the ravens assaulted her as she struggled to regain her equilibrium. Staggering a few paces away from the stench of decay Xena whistled for Argo before swallowing the bile that tried to force its way up.

The golden mare trotted over and nudged her mistress in the chest, sensing the fear that was building within Xena. Reaching up to grasp the horn with clammy hands Xena felt a chill pass through her body as a ghostly kiss landed on her cheek. Azure orbs widened in shock before becoming slits as the warrior hoisted herself up onto the saddle and kicked Argo into a gallop towards home.

"Maybe we should send Toris out after Xena and tell her what's happened," Cyrene suggested to the bard who was anxiously pacing in front of the innkeeper.

"No, she doesn't need the distraction," Gabrielle's voice quivered as she fought to control her emotions. The need to release a cry had been building for candlemarks now but the woman wouldn't allow her body the satisfaction. She had to be strong.

"Kharis missing isn't a distraction. It's..."

"No longer a problem," the deep voice of the warrior princess filled the room as Xena stepped through the door.

Gabrielle stopped in mid step and rushed to her warrior, embracing the woman in a death hug. Xena glanced over at her mother and saw the relief in the woman's face mirror the emotions that were squeezing the breath out of her.

"Missed me, did you?" Xena smiled as she returned the hug, gently placing a kiss on the golden head under her chin.

"You don't know the half of it," the bard sighed as she felt long held tears suddenly trickle down her cheek.

"I can imagine though. Let's sit down and we'll swap stories."

Gabrielle grudgingly released the waist she was clinging to yet snatched the arm on her left as Xena led her towards Cyrene. Wiping away the tears in exasperation Gabrielle sniffled as she tried to calm her raging emotions. "I'm glad you're safe."

"So am I," Xena admitted softly as she and her bard sat down, pulling their chairs next to each other.

"So you know about Kharis disappearing then," the older woman stated as she noticed her daughter's eyes cloud over, unable to discern what Xena was thinking.

"I do," Xena replied as she brushed a tear from the bard's cheek. "She sort of found me after the fact."

A golden eyebrow rose at the vague statement. "After the fact?"

"After I woke up with one Hades of a headache and found the army completely decimated one league away from their camp." Xena explained rather briefly.

"Hold on," Gabrielle exclaimed as she cocked her head to the side and eyed the warrior beside her. "Back up a bit for me please. You found the army destroyed away from camp? How?"

Xena averted her eyes from the bard's intense gaze. "Kharis."

Gabrielle and Cyrene couldn't hide the shock on their faces as they both stared at Xena, unwilling to believe what they had heard.

"How could she destroy an army?" Cyrene finally asked.

"Mom, she's not... herself anymore. She's changed."

"Like before?" the bard asked as fear crept into her eyes.

Xena shook her head sadly as she felt the last few months suddenly weigh down upon her. "Worse. She's discovered a few things I never expected."

"What things?" the innkeeper inquired softly, afraid to even ask yet desperate to understand.

"She can manipulate time," Xena declared as Gabrielle jumped out her chair and paced towards one of the open windows. Looking over at her soulmate Xena felt the bard's fear course through her own veins. "What would take us days to accomplish she can do in a second, if that."

"Only a God can do that, right?" Cyrene was at a loss. To reconcile the young woman that she met with the killer she was warned about was difficult. Compounded with the knowledge that her own daughter was fearful of what could happen left a chill in the older woman's soul. But for the girl to have the powers of a god?

Xena stood up and went to stand beside Gabrielle, pulling the woman against her body. The need for comfort was overpowering at the moment and neither woman was willing to fight it.

"You have to tell her everything," Gabrielle whispered.

"I haven't told you everything yet," Xena regretfully admitted. Some things were better left unsaid in the warrior's eye but the time for secrets was drawing to a close.

"Maybe it's time."

Twin brows furrowed in deep contemplation as Xena mustered the strength to release the secrets she had hidden deeply for so long. "Let's get this over with," Xena muttered as she steered her bard back to the table. The time for truth was at hand, where the outcome was unknown.

Zeus scowled into the golden bowl as he dipped his fingers in the urn and stirred it around. The image held within rippled into obscurity before clearing again to reveal a different visage. Banging his fist on the great throne Zeus sat back violently as the echo of his ire reflected off the crystalline walls.

"What's wrong, Father?" Artemis asked as she strolled into the great hall, approaching her father's throne.

"Need you ask?" the God of Gods spat back.

"What has happened?"

"The child has come into her own. The other is not far behind now," he answered wretchedly.

Artemis went pale as she stepped up onto the dais and glanced down into the seeing bowl. Kharis could clearly be seen stepping over slaughtered bodies as she methodically checked every man that was still breathing, stabbing into the heart or brain of those that were clinging to life. A look of maligned joy radiated off the girl's face bringing the Goddess' breath to a standstill.

"When?"

Zeus flicked a withering glare at his daughter before dropping his eyes down onto his lap. "Not long. A moment between twilight and rebirth was all it took."

"Is she..." Artemis stopped, afraid to even voice her greatest fear. To lose one of her children from the mortal realm was always hard. To lose a soul while still within its mortal coil was unimaginable.

"Yes, my child. She is lost from you forever."

"No. I would have felt something," The Goddess of Hunt rationalized, certain in her powers.

"That is what I had thought, yet you felt nothing. Why is that?" Zeus asked cautiously, knowing her answer was the final factor in his decision of action.

"She can't be completely lost then. If she was surely I would have known."

"That is what I figured," Zeus confirmed as he pushed himself to his feet and laid his palm on the cheek of his favoured. "The time was come for hard decisions, daughter."

"Why must we decide? Is it not wrong to meddle in that which the Fates have set?"

"When we Gods are affected it is not meddling, Artemis," Zeus chastised.

"But what is to be doesn't affect the others, only me," Artemis countered, immediately knowing her father's answer.

"Even if it were only to affect one God that is one too many. You have to see the greater picture, my child. The girl is but one tiny ripple coming before the great wave. We can not let ourselves be washed away within it. I won't allow it."

"What are you going to do?" Artemis asked with trepidation.

"Ares was supposed to take care of this but I can't rely on him to do the right thing," Zeus said sombrely. "I will do what I have to do. It need not concern you anymore, my child."

Artemis grasped her father's arm, squeezing it tightly. "Xena and Kharis do concern me. Don't do anything you'll regret later, Father."

Twin grey eyebrows rose as the God of Gods looked down into steely eyes and chuckled under his breath. "Is that a threat, my dear?"

"It is what it is," the Goddess spoke without flinching. "Let them be. You don't want to bring the wrath of the Fates down on your head."

"I can not sit by any longer," Zeus spoke harshly.

"If you do anything you WILL bring the downfall of the Gods. Is that what you want?"

"I've thought about nothing else, Artemis, but I can not sit idle any longer while that mortal holds us all in her grasp. Xena is not yet strong enough to destroy me. I have to take this opportunity while I still have the chance."

"There's nothing I can say to make you change their mind," Artemis sighed in ultimate defeat. Her father's stubbornness was Olympian compared to the other Gods. It was this that would bring about his own death. The Goddess knew this with absolute certainty and silently mourned her father's inevitable passing.

Zeus wrapped his daughter in a giant bear hug while smiling into her auburn hair. "You know that I am right. Don't fret over me, Artie. The Gods have survived for aeons, as we will continue to do so after the mortals have become memories only. This will be hard on you, I know, but it is for the best. Just remember that I love you."

Artemis nodded into her father's chest as a lone tear trickled out of the corner of her eye. "I will. Be careful, Father."

Artemis pulled free to give a quick kiss on Zeus' cheek before disappearing in a shower of dewdrops. Zeus turned and slowly walked back to his throne. Sitting down gingerly the God of Gods exhaled in exasperation as he once again looked deeply within the golden bowl beside him and frowned at what he saw. It was time for his destiny.

CHAPTER 4

Low murmurs permeate the tavern's main room as the last few patrons gossiped amongst themselves after a hearty meal and a spirited performance by the bard in residence. Though her performance might have seemed forced most contributed it to exhaustion they all felt after the events of the previous night. Most did not dare speak about the army's annihilation while within the tavern for fear that their resident warrior would hear their suspicions. Many believed the four horsemen brought about the army's demise, yet the majority attributed it to Xena herself.

The warrior in question sat in the far back, hidden in the shadows, across from the bard who sat amongst the tallow's ebbing light. Xena was in a foul mood as she struggled to find the words that would make her mother and Gabrielle understand what they were about to hear. The dark aura that radiated off of her fuelled the fear of those patrons that still remained. Those that had dismissed the notion that one warrior, even the warrior princess, could kill three hundred strong now cast their eyes towards the dark woman and believed.

"Hey, stop brooding," Gabrielle ordered as she took Xena's hand and squeezed hard.

Ice blue eyes flicked towards the bard briefly before focussing back on the candle in the centre of the table.

"Xena, you don't have to tell her everything. Just enough so that she understands what has happened to Kharis."

A long hard sigh escaped the warrior's lips as the tension within her shoulders briefly relaxed before contracting again. "It's not that," she hissed, regretting the angry tone instantly.

Gabrielle looked down at the hand that enveloped hers and smiled despite her partner's harshness. She understood the fear that Xena was feeling. Fear that the bard wouldn't understand, that she might despise the warrior despite everything they've shared and experienced together.

"You don't have to tell me everything either."

A lone eyebrow rose under ebony bangs as Xena finally focussed her attention on the smiling face across from her. "You have a right to know."

"Do I?" Gabrielle asked quietly, shaking her head slightly. "I don't think I do, Xena. Everyone deserves to have their secrets, and keep them to themselves. You are no different."

"I am different. It is the difference that makes the secrets harder to live with," the warrior finally admitted to herself.

"Would telling me and your mother make it easier to live with?" Gabrielle inquired; knowing this was the question that had been plaguing the warrior all night.

"I don't know," Xena exhaled in exasperation as she released the bard's hand and sat back in her chair. "A part of me wants to shed the dark that this has been living in, yet another part is too afraid to even allow a small glimmer of light into that darkness."

Gabrielle nodded in understanding as she sat quietly, waiting for Xena to continue.

"For the first time since I was a child I'm floating, unsure of what I'm supposed to do or what is expected of me. All my life I have moved towards a purpose, have known where I was going even if the final outcome wasn't always clear. When I was young I knew I was going to be a warrior. When I was a Warlord I knew I was going to conquer everyone around me. When I'm with you I know I'm going to help others. Now... " Xena stopped as she leaned forward onto the table, exhaustion clearly marked in the uncharacteristic slump of her shoulders.

"Something is expected of me. There's only a hint of what it is in that Gods-be-damned prophecy, yet not enough for me to puzzle out. I don't know what I'm changing into and I don't know if I like what's happening to me. Then there's Kharis." Xena sat back once again, running her fingers through her hair before allowing them to drop on her lap.

"I have an idea of what she's going through. I went through the same thing myself a long time ago," the warrior admitted, shocking Gabrielle a bit. "But it was a slow progress, one that I regretfully welcomed with all of my being. Not this sudden turn that she has taken. I don't think she'll be strong enough to handle it. She's going to lose herself and there is nothing I can do about it."

Gabrielle chewed her bottom lip as she listened to the pain in her soulmate's voice. Standing up the bard moved behind the warrior and draped her arms around the woman's neck possessively.

"We don't know that, Xena. Maybe together we can figure out how to help her out and discover what is going to happen to you," she whispered in the woman's ear before placing a small kiss on the warrior's cheek. "Either way there is nothing you could do or say that will diminish my love for you. You remember that."

Xena finally allowed a sliver of light to enter her soul as she soaked up the love from her bard. Grinning sheepishly the warrior felt her dark mood lift a bit as she grasped the two hands circling her neck and chuckled softly. "I'll remind you of that when things start to fall apart," she said as she kissed each hand delicately.

Gabrielle laughed for the first time that night. "Oh, I'm sure you will. I have no doubts about that, warrior."

Those that were finishing up their last drinks glanced towards the corner of the room and smiled gratefully at the bard as her laughter filled the room. When the bard was happy the warrior princess soon followed. The tension in the tavern dropped noticeably as everyone relaxed and finally enjoyed each other's company for the first time that night.

Moonlight streamed through the small window of the hut, bathing the occupant and its cot in subtle hues of white and blue. The gentle, rhythmic sound of deep sleep filled the hut as an intruder silently climbed through the small window and lightly jumped down beside the cot. Brows furrowed in concentration Kharis looked down upon the sleeping girl, taking in the innocence of her sleep. Coming to a decision the young warrior reached out and covered the girl's mouth as frightened eyes popped open with alarm.

"Shhh, it's only me," Kharis whispered to the young amazon as Mara struggled to remove the offensive hand, only to stop upon hearing the voice. Nodding in acknowledgement under the hand the girl visibly relaxed as Kharis drew her hand away. Sitting down on the side of the cot the young warrior smiled as Mara sat up, rubbing the last of Morpheus' power out of her eyes.

"What are you doing here?" the girl asked softly as she took in the sight of her friend amongst the moon's beams. Masked in dark hues it was impossible to fully see her except for the unusual glint in her golden eyes. What it was Mara had no idea, but it disturbed her nonetheless.

"I came by to see how things were going. Do I need any more reason?" Kharis seethed, scaring the girl in its intensity. Seeing the look on Mara's face the warrior projected an apologetic manner. "Sorry. I'm just tired."

"What happened?"

Kharis sighed as she pulled her legs up onto the cot and hugged them to her chest, staring out of the window instead of towards her friend. "There was a battle, but everything went fine."

"Where's Xena and the Queen?" Mara asked, wondering how she had not heard any commotion outside from Amazons greeting the return of their Queen.

"They're still in Amphipolis, I guess," Kharis said noncommittally. "Don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know? I thought you were all travelling together?" Mara queried as she scrutinized the young woman before her, trying to place what was different with her.

"We were, but we aren't now. We all thought it was best if I travelled by myself for a bit. See some of the world before I take up the pledge of the Amazon."

Mara frowned at this explanation, knowing in her heart that Kharis was lying but not wanting to call the young warrior on it for fear of angering her. Reaching down to grab a candle and flint the young Amazon felt a hot hand on her leg and shuddered at the intensity of emotions that touch inflicted upon her.

"What are you doing?"

"Giving us some light so we can talk. I'll close the skin over the window so no one can see it."

Mara pensively waited, what seemed like an eternity, while Kharis decided whether it was worth the risk or not. Nodding her head against her knees the young warrior closed her eyes briefly as the girl sparked the candle to life, instantly filling the room with a soft orange glow. Getting out of the bed the young Amazon untied the soft hide cover and allowed it to drop over the window.

Turning around the girl gasped, as she was finally able to get a clear view of her friend. Blood and gore splattered Kharis looked like Hades' had recently brushed past her, leaving his mark for all to see. It was the warrior's eyes that scared the girl the most. Bleached of almost all colours the usually brilliant gold orbs were now almost white. The dark pupils standing out in sharp contrast like the eyes of the dead.

"By the Gods," Mara gasped as her hand flew to her mo