A world of nothing but dark and silence enveloped Xena. A world that had existed for its sole occupant for an inconceivable amount of time. Was this death? A world of nothingness for all eternity as punishment for past misdeeds. Thoughts of the final moments she could recall flashed through Xena's mind. Had she and the others won? Was Echidna no more? Xena's thoughts however quickly shifted back to her current state and that if this was her afterlife, she was alone. Meaning that she would never see Gabrielle again. Because someone like Gabrielle would surely go to the Elysian Fields. Xena smiled to herself as she thought of Gabrielle. Though it quickly faded as the realization of her death sank in and that she wouldn't be able to be there with her when the time came. If it hadn't already. The silence along with Xena's thoughts were abruptly disturbed as unrecognizable voices began to slowly fade into into existence. They were faint and distant at first as Xena strained to make out what they were saying. Slowly the voices became louder and more clear as Xena began to recognize one of them. She still couldn't quite distinguish everything that was being said though Xena did hear her name, which made her question if she was dead or if this was just the case of the dead hearing people's thoughts. But Xena wasn't able to ponder which one it was for long before getting her answer when she saw the darkness around her becoming illuminated. Before she knew what was happening the light grew so intensely bright that Xena raised her hand to block the light as she squeezed her eyes shut. A moment later the she had heard voices were completely clear as Xena dared to open her eyes. Slowly as the world around her came into focus, Xena noticed that she was looking up at a straw ceiling. Regaining her senses Xena moved her head to look around and saw that she was in a small hut. She then spotted Naomi speaking with another woman. The two stopped talking when Naomi noticed movement out of the corner of her eye as they turned to see Xena slowly sitting up and turning to sit on the edge of the bed she had been lying in.

NAOMI

Hey there. We weren't quite sure weither you were gonna pull through or not.

XENA

Yeah me neither.

Xena moved around a bit and was surprised to find that she wasn't in any kind of pale at all. Naomi noticed the confusion on Xena's face and told the woman she had been talking to that she could handle things from there. The woman smiled at both of them and left.

NAOMI

I'm sure you're wondering why you're not feeling like you've been through Tartarus and back. Along with a number of other questions.

Xena spoke as she briefly examined herself for the multiple injuries that she should've had but couldn't find.

XENA

Something like that.

Naomi smiled as she grabbed a chair and sat across from Xena.

NAOMI

Well I suppose I should start by thanking you for finally killing that monster. Because of you Xena, Echidna can never harm another Amazon ever again. You truly are a queen worthy of your title. So thank you.

Xena smiled a little.

XENA

I'm glad I could help. But please you really don't have to thank me for anything. All that matters is that the people in the area are safe again.

NAOMI

If you say so. As for where we are, well after you killed Echidna you fell unconscious. Honestly we weren't so sure you were going to live but because everyone in the group needed medical attention we all came back to our village to be treated. I'm happy to say that everyone is doing fine now.

XENA

That's good to hear. But about my injuries, or rather lack there of.

Naomi opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Amelia entered the room.

AMELIA

Naomi were you joining us or... oh Xena you're awake. How are you feeling?

XENA

Just fine thanks.

AMELIA

I'm glad.

Naomi stood up.

NAOMI

We can continue this conversation later Xena. Right now we have a celebration to attend.

XENA

Let me guess for Echidna being gone right?

NAOMI

Well yes. But also to celebrate our heroic queen for being the one to save us.

XENA

I don't suppose I could convince you to drop that second part can I?

Naomi smiled.

NAOMI

Nope. Now get dressed my queen everyone's waiting for you.

Amelia left and Naomi began to follow as Xena got out of bed.

XENA

(Joking tone) Any reason for you Amazon's to throw a party.

Naomi stopped at the door and looked at Xena.

NAOMI

(Joking tone) First of all I think you mean "us" Amazon's. If you'll remember Xena you are our queen and thus one of us.

Xena softly smiled

XENA

And second?

NAOMI

It's absolutely true.

Xena chuckled slightly as Naomi left and she got dressed, keeping in mind to ask Naomi how all of her wounds were already healed when she got the chance. Later as the celebration was well underway Xena stood off to the side watching everyone enjoying themselves. She sipped her drink before putting it down and leaning against a tree as she absent-mindedly looked into the slowly darkening sky above.

NAOMI

Not much for social gatherings I take it.

Xena looked over to see Naomi walking up to her.

XENA

Yeah never really been my thing.

NAOMI

I can see that.

The two stood silently for a moment as Naomi noticed the distant expression in Xena's eyes.

NAOMI

If you don't mind me saying you look like you've got something on your mind.

Xena didn't say anything as she looked into the distance.

NAOMI

It's your Gabrielle isn't it?

Naomi sighed not needing Xena to answer.

NAOMI

I'm sure it's probably difficult to celebrate when you're thoughts are on her.

XENA

I don't even know if she's still alive or not. Or if she will be by the time I get back.

NAOMI

i wish there was something I could do for you Xena. Especially after everything you've done for us.

Xena gave a small half hearted smile.

XENA

Thanks.

The night went on and soon morning came. Xena finished gathering her things as she, Iris and Willow prepared to make the trip back home. She just finished making sure she had everything when there was a knock on the door to the hut she had stayed in for the night. Xena called for the person to come in.

NAOMI

Looks like you're all set to head out.

XENA

Yeah. No offense but I think I'll feel better once I'm back home and know for sure what kind of state Gabrielle's in. Though she only had a few days when I left. So...

Xena stopped talking not wanting to become emotional.

NAOMI

Actually that's kind of why I'm here.

Naomi walked up to Xena and held out her hand that was holding a small bottle of some type of mixture. Xena took it as she examined the liquid inside.

XENA

What's this?

NAOMI

That my friend is how everyone including you were healed so quickly. Though I think it took you longer because of how severe your injuries were.

XENA

You're village has something like this. That's incredible.

NAOMI

Not exactly. Actually that mixture was made from some of Echidna's blood. Being that she was almost immortal I thought that her blood might hold some kind of healing properties. So I gathered some before we came back and had our healers see if they could do anything with it. And I guess it works since everyone we used it on including you had all of their injuries healed. At least if the person is still alive anyway. Being that Echidna's headless body didn't start slithering around again I think it's pretty safe to say that this stuff isn't able to raise the dead though.

Xena looked at Naomi.

XENA

Even so something like this can be extremely dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands.

NAOMI

I know. Which is exactly why that bottle you're holding is the last of it that was able to be made. Keep it somewhere safe while you're traveling. We wouldn't want it to get stolen or the bottle to break.

Xena smiled.

XENA

I will.

Xena and Naomi gripped each other's arms in the warrior's handshake before Naomi pulled Xena into a quick hug.

NAOMI

Thank you my friend. For everything you've done for us.

The two separated and Naomi motioned for Xena to walk ahead of her as she followed Xena outside after Xena safely hid the mixture she was giving away.

XENA

Everyone all set?

The fully recovered Willow and Iris sat on their horses as they gave a quick affirmative that they were ready to leave whenever Xena was ready. Xena gave a quick look around at the crowd of Amazonian villagers that had gathered to see them off. Among them were Amelia, Aria and Mia. Naomi stood in front as everyone watched to bid their hero queen and her friends farewell. With a nod goodbye, Xena mounted Argo and got the mare moving as Iris and Willow followed Xena out of the village as the Amazon's of the village cheered and bid the group safe travels. So the long journey home began. Though shortly after leaving Xena shake the increasingly anxious need she had to get back home. Back to Gabrielle. She thought that part of it was likely due to no longer having something else to focus on other than Gabrielle. Iris and Willow knew what was going through Xena's mind and agreed that they were willing to travel further and faster then they had on the trip up. Xena was greatfull to her friends for understanding as the groups journey took much less time than it had taken them originally. But even so would Xena make it home and back to Gabrielle in time? Or was Xena getting her hopes up for nothing and it was too late for Gabrielle because she was already gone?

TO BE CONTINUED...