Chapter One
Homeward

Disclaimer: Hercules, Iolaus, Xena, Gabrielle, Darphus, Hades, Ares, Strife, and Argo are all © of USAStudios. The sole purpose of me using their names is for writing a fan fiction, a story that is a work of fiction using characters from copyrighted material.
Rating: PG
Subtext: (none that I know of)
Hurt/Comfort: (none)

The sun shined beautifully on Greece.

The countryside was peaceful. On the road, two women walked through the beautiful landscape, heading for the next village. The raven haired woman rode on a horse, whose mare was as golden as the sun. That was the one thing she admired about her horse. She wore the attire that of a former warlord, and that was what she was. A silver discuss dangled down her black armor skirt. The chakrum as it was called was a lethal weapon if used to kill.

Opposite the raven haired woman was a smaller blond. She was playing a simple tune on her pan flute. She wore a green sports bra and a brown skirt. And although not considered a weapon meant for killing, she carried a war staff, given to her by the Amazons.

"So, Xena," Gabrielle said looking to her friend, "where we headed? And don't tell me wherever the road may take us." Xena simply looked down to Gabrielle and answered her friend's question. A smile flashed across her face.

"Amphipolis," the warrior replied, "I figured I'd just visit mother to see how things are doing with her and the tavern. You know, just a social visit."

"Just a social visit?" Gabrielle asked, suprised at her friend, "This is a first." Gabrielle now danced to the tune she was playing as Xena looked to her friend and smiled.

"Actually, the reason why we're stopping by Amphipolis is because it's the anniversary in which I defeated Cortese's army." The warrior smiled at her companion. "If you do one thing in life, Gabrielle, don't get into an army."

Gabrielle smiled at her friend's remark. "Trust me, I won't," she said. The sun was now starting to set as the two companions headed for Xena's hometown of Amphipolis.

"We'll make it by dusk," the warrior spoke. As the two companions headed for the bustling town, the town itself was pretty much radiant this day. This was the anniversary in which Xena had saved her home village from Cortese's army. The warlord Xena fought valiantly, protecting her home town, and they were celebrating

It was dusk by the time they arrived. But the town was still flourishing with life even during the night. Xena dismounted Argo and headed for the tavern as Gabrielle took Argo's reigns and took her to the stables. As she did this, she heard the sound of laughter. Two drunk men walked in her direction as she paid the stable master. "Well, lookie, lookie," one drunk drooled, smiling at Gabrielle, "someone worth havin' fun with."

"I don't believe we would have that much fun," Gabrielle replied, slowly pulling out her staff. "Besides, I'm really not a fun person." Gabrielle's staff was fully in both of her hands and she looked to the two men, who were blocking her exit. Xena, if this is a test, I'll pass with flying colors, she thought to herself.

The two men drew their swords and charged towards Gabrielle. She defended herself quickly, but the two men were considerably strong. Gabrielle assumed a fighting stance and the attacks continued.

As Gabrielle fought the two men, Xena was in the tavern talking to her mother Cyrene. The former warlord drank from her mug as her mother sat across from her. "This is quite a surprise, Xena," Cyrene started, "what's this visit about?"

"Just thinking about you, that's all," Xena replied, and then sighed, "but to be absolutely honest, I've come here to tell you that I'm been having bad dreams lately. It could be nothing, but—"

"Xena, we've got a problem," Gabrielle entered, breathing heavily. Xena and Cyrene stood quickly and rushed to Gabrielle before she could pass out from the sprinting she had done.

"Gabrielle, you can't be serious," Xena said, horrified at her friend's words.

"That's what they told me, Xena," Gabrielle replied, "I wish it wasn't true as well."

"I made sure that Darphus died when Graegus devoured him. How in the Gods can he possibly be still alive, unless Ares has ressurected him."

"Doesn't that seem a bit much, even for him to do?"

"Believe me, Gabrielle. If Ares has ressurrected Darphus, chances are he's already given him an army," Xena exclaimed, "In fact, he might have the remnants of my old army. If he's does, then we have to watch ourselves."