Chapter One The Arrow
"Regent Ephiny?" a woman with curly blond hair looked up to see a young amazon standing in the doorway "I need a moment of your time."
"Come in Theo" answered Queen Gabrielle.
Theo shook her head "I need to speak to the Regent alone, please."
Ephiny and the Queen looked at each other "What's this about?" asked Ephiny.
"I'm sorry, I was told to only speak to you, then you would understand." Answered Theo as Ephiny got up. Theo whispered in her ear "It's about 'Kissed Arrows'."
Ephiny's face went white "Gabrielle please excuse us." She took Theo's arm and rushed out of the hut, leaving behind a very confused Queen.
"Another one?" questioned Ephiny "That's the sixth one this month."
Theo handed over the arrow "I saw where it came from, it was shot by a child . . . she could not have been more than three years old."
"Child? There are no children here anywhere near that age." Ephiny said as she opened the note. It was the same as all the others, only a kiss.
"Ephiny what's going on?" Gabrielle called as she came out of the hut and walked towards the two women.
"Did you follow her?" Ephiny asked quietly.
"Towards Amphipolis, I think." Theo nodded, "I lost her trail; she was fast."
"Not a word to the Queen until I talk to her, understand?" Theo nodded "Good, now go back to your post."
As Gabrielle approached, Ephiny tried to hide the arrow and the note "Don't bother I already saw it," she said as she came to a stop "What is that?"
Gabrielle took the note out of Ephiny's extended hand, she looked at the note "When? How many others?"
Ephiny's eyebrows shot up "This one was found today, there are five others." Gabrielle walked back to her hut, Ephiny followed.
"Why wasn't I told?" demanded Gabrielle.
Ephiny lowered her head "I did not want to upset you so close to our joining." Gabrielle stopped walking and gave Ephiny a cold stare. "I was going to tell you after the ceremony."
"What if this is a message from Xena?" Gabrielle said angerly "If these are from her . . . I can't be joined with you until I know for sure."
Ephiny nodded "I'll inform the council." And walked away.
Chapter Two Artemis
Gabrielle went into her hut she began looking through her scrolls – she was looking for anything to do with arrows, hoping to find a clue as to what the "kissed arrow" meant. When she opened the one titled "Chariots of War" a hidden note fell to the floor, it was dated the day Xena went missing.
G-
I have something I need to do. I know you are worried and depending on how long it has been thinking . . .
If the Amazons are still looking for me, call them home.
You have my word I will return to you. I will miss you. When I come home, if you still wish, we can be together forever.
-X
PS I will send my love if I can.
Gabrielle looked up to see Artemis sitting on her bed "What do you know Artemis?"
Artemis did not look at her chosen "She hopes to be with you soon."
"Hopes?" Gabrielle asked, "So she's ok?"
Artemis shook her head "I don't know. I haven't actually seen Xena since she left." She looked up. "She's in Tartarus. Hades tells me she's been badly hurt." Gabrielle's heart sank; She did not want to believe it. The goddess sat beside her chosen, "I swear to you, Gabrielle, she is alive." Artemis paused. "No one knows except Hades and myself." Artemis continued "I do know she is coming back very soon."
"Hades!" Gabrielle yelled "Hades, come up here!" in almost a whisper "please."
No response.
"Hades! Don't make me come down there!" Gabrielle hollered.
Still no response. Tears began to fall from Gabrielle's eyes as she looked to the goddess for help.
Artemis looked away "He can't come; one of us has to protect her location from Ares, he's been looking for Xena too." She put her arm around her chosen. "If he finds her before she finishes, she will belong to him. He's come close to finding her several times in the last few months."
Gabrielle heart nearly stopped at what she had just learned. "Can I see her? Will you take me to her?" Were the only things Gabrielle could think of right now; She had other questions, but they could wait.
Artemis knew this was coming and she knew the answer, but Gabrielle would not be happy about it. "I cannot do that; it would give Ares her exact location."
Gabrielle could tell the Goddess had more to say but asked "Do you know why she left?"
Artemis thought for a moment about the night Xena came to her temple.
'Artemis I've come to ask for your blessing to join with your Chosen, Gabrielle.' Xena waited but nothing happened. 'I know I must pay for my crimes against your Amazons in the Northern tribe.' Was all Xena spoke before the Goddess appeared.
'And how do you intend to pay?' mocked the goddess 'with your life?'
Xena looked at the goddess with sad eyes 'Yes – two years of it.'
'Go on'
'In Tartarus no contact with anyone, including Gabrielle.' Xena paused 'I ask to be protected from Ares during that time and I be allowed to send my love to Gabrielle.'
Artemis thought for a moment 'You will leave right now without telling anyone. Hades and I will hide you from Ares during this time. I will send 'kissed arrows' to Gabrielle every full moon.' Artemis looked Xena in the eyes 'I will only contact you if she finds one; Agreed?' Xena nodded 'We will talk more about this soon.' Xena was sent to Tartarus before she could say anything.
"I'm . . . She must be the one to tell you" Artemis looked to the floor of the hut then back to Gabrielle. "You have my word Xena will be healed before she returns to you." Gabrielle was about to speak but, before she could Artemis stood up quickly "Ares is too close to her location! Hades needs my help now. I must go now!" and she disappeared before Gabrielle could say anything else.
Chapter Three Hades' Office
Ares stormed into Hades' office "So where are you hiding her?"
Hades looked up from his work, with a confused look on his face "Whom am I hiding? And why do you think I have this person?"
Ares looked amused "Xena, she's been missing for what, almost two years now, and she's not dead or I would know." Hades shook his head "The underworld is the only place I have not looked, so where is she!"
"Brother, if Xena were here, she would be dead. I can tell you she has not been here since she helped me over three years ago. So, I can only conclude, she's alive and NOT in my domain, so go away."Hades hoped that was enough and Ares would leave.
Ares started walking around the office.
Artemis whispered into the darkness "We need to talk now, Xena." as she spoke a room formed around her "It's safe."
Xena dropped from the rafters, "She found one?"
Artemis nodded, "She caught Ephiny with one, and she admitted to having at least five more". Artemis paused, "Why was Ephiny hiding them?"
Xena looked away, "After I was sent here, but before we talked about how this would be done I . . . went to Ephiny in a dream . . . and asked her to care for Gabrielle." Artemis gave Xena a hard look, "She was hiding the arrows because I asked her to."
Artemis sighed "Anything else you want to tell me?" She paused, "Hades just warned me that Ares is in his office, looking for you."
Xena looked away thinking, after several minutes she answered, "I know about the joining."
Ares paused at a painting and turned to face Hades. "Hades, I know she's here and alive. I can feel her."
Hades spoke with disbelief . . . "Really where? She's not in Tartarus where she should be. Maybe you need to look to the seas."
Ares started to walk again "I'm not sure where you're hiding her, but I know she's here! And as for the seas, been there, done that!"
Xena looked at the ground and spoke quietly "Artemis, I broke the rules. I made contact after I left. So, tell Gabrielle everyth. . ."
Artemis became angry and cut Xena off. "She has prayed for your safe return every day!" she yelled, "Even before she knew about the arrows. If Gabrielle had not called off the joining, I would have stopped it." Xena looked up surprised, she did not know that it had been called off or that Artemis would have stopped it. "My chosen loves you with all her heart and soul. I cannot understand why, but she does. And if being with you will make her happy, then I will allow you to finish this. Yes, you broke the rules . . . before they were final. So, I'll let it go." Artemis smiled and took a calming breath as she received Hades' message, "Hades says Ares is on the other side of the door."
Xena looked at the door. "So, I'm not his?" Artemis nodded. Xena thought for a moment "The final phase is set to begin in the morning. Is there anything you want to add to it?"
Artemis looked at Xena, there was something she had learned over the last several months that Xena needed to know before the final phase. "Xena, that's the main reason I came . . . I found out something I'm not happy about and you're not going to like." She paused for a long time, "My Northern Amazons are trapped there . . . not at peace, because of you."
Xena's head shot up "What did I help Alti do?" she whispered.
"She changed the holy word."
"What can I do to help them?" Xena shook her head, deep down she knew the only way to help them was to have the "holy word" and she did not. "I don't know the new word. I don't know how to get it either."
Ares walked around the office again, he stopped at a door he had never seen before today "Nice door Brother."
Hades looked up to see what Ares was talking about and sent a message to Artemis as he spoke. "Ah my new garden room for Elishia, it's not done yet. Only some drawings in there now."
Ares nods "Really?" He studies the door intently.
"I'll have a new word for them soon, but I want you to be punished by them, however they want, as many times as they want, there will be no limits to what they can do to you." Artemis pauses as she gets the message from Hades but says nothing to Xena.
Xena waits for her to continue but she doesn't so Xena says "I assume there's something else you need to tell me?"
Artemis smiles "Oh yes, you will tell Gabrielle about the Northern tribe on the last day."
"A black door? For the good?" He turns his head as he takes several steps back. "I don't think so!" he chuckles as he sends a powerful fireball at the door.
The door shows no damage that Ares can see. Hades tells Artemis "Get her out of there!"
Artemis looked over at the sound of the door rattling with the blast, she sees a huge scorch mark on it.
Artemis continues, "You will tell her everything, including what I just told you, and things you learn while you are with them."
"Nice" Ares says "So who made the door?" he asks as he prepares a stronger fireball and blasts the door again. He feels something he has not felt in almost two years, Xena.
Hades sends another message to Artemis "I'm stalling, get out now!" as he speaks to Ares "Actually Heftiest made it. Now leave it alone before you really do damage it."
Ares looks at Hades and smirks "She is so near I can feel her, I bet she is in there!"
He blasts the door with his strongest blast . . .
Xena looked into Artemis' eyes and nodded "Agreed."
Artemis grabbed Xena's arm in a warrior's grip and transported them to the Amazon land of the dead in a flash of green light. As the door is blown off its hinges.
Ares sees pink fading sparkles and no longer feels Xena. He walks into the room looking around; all he finds is a table and two chairs. On the table is exactly what Hades said was in there, several drawings of waterfalls and gardens.
Ares looks at Hades and yells, "She was just here! I had her!"
Hades just laughs and says, "No Aphrodite just delivered those to me." And he walked away.
Artemis looks over at Xena and says, "One second longer and you would have belonged to Ares."
Chapter Four Ephiny's Hut
Gabrielle walked out of her hut and asked her guard "Where is the Regent?" There were fresh tears on her face.
"In her hut last I saw . . . Is everything ok, my Queen?" the guard asked.
Gabrielle did not respond and headed to the hut; outside she called out "Ephiny?" As she walked up the steps. The door was open, only a curtain was hanging in the doorway, "Ephiny?" she said as she pushed it aside and went in. There were many arrows on the desk, all of them seemed to have a scroll on them "I thought you said there were only six?"
The regent looked up "Six in the last month, twenty-eight total" she paused "all the same a scroll with a kiss and nothing more."
"I spoke to Artemis; she is in Tartarus."
Ephiny interrupted "Oh my gods, I'm so sorry!"
Gabrielle continued "No no no, she's alive, and could be badly hurt. To make things worse Ares is after her." she paused "Artemis did not know how Xena was, she has not actually seen her." She looked at the arrows. One caught her attention. It was different that the others; it had blood on the head, the kiss was on the tail and the scroll was missing. "I thought you said they were all the same" she picked it up and showed Ephiny.
"I should have kept that one hidden." Ephiny thought. "Remember I got hit hunting last winter?" Gabrielle nodded "That's what hit me, and I don't think it was an accident" Ephiny said.
"Where is the scroll?" she looked at Ephiny, "Please."
Ephiny was quiet as she reluctantly pulled out a box from under the bed and went through the papers. "I know Xena loves you with all her heart. And she respects Artemis' rules. I can prove it." She handed Gabrielle a scroll. She read it.
E- I will not be back before Artemis' moon. Do what you must. –X
"The moon I am to be joined by" Gabrielle thought as tears started to fall. "Artemis' moon is in two weeks. I can't be joined with you, not with Xena alive." She said through her tears.
Ephiny hugged Gabrielle "The council already knows, they have known from day one . . . Xena is your first choice, we all hope Artemis will stop the joining."
"Do you know anything about why she left?" Ephiny asked.
"Artemis left before I could ask." She paused "She is hiding Xena from Ares, if he finds her . . . "she let it go unsaid.
Ephiny heard Artemis in her ear "Don't, she does not need to know."
"But I don't even know why" she silently answered the Goddess.
"If I knew I would tell you" She told the Queen as she changed the subject "About the last arrow, Theo saw a child shoot it."
Gabrielle looked up "Which way did it go?" she paused "Get Theo, we are going to find this child."
"She thinks towards Amphipolis," she answered "but she lost the trail."
"Send for Theo" ordered Gabrielle, Ephiny gave the order, and the guard ran off.
"No Guards for the Queen?" Gabrielle asked with a laugh.
"No guards, if we find this child, I don't want to scare it." Ephiny paused "No need for them with Theo. Besides, she found more than half the arrows."
"Half? How many times has she seen the child?" Gabrielle asked.
"Twenty-one to be exact, only this time." Sighed Ephiny.
Theo came to the door "You sent for me?"
"Yes, the three of us are going to Amphipolis to find the child you saw today," Gabrielle said.
Theo looked at the Regent "She knows?" Ephiny nodded "I'm so sorry I should have waited . . . "
Gabrielle stopped her "Six came in a short time I was bound to find out. Now tell me about the child." she demanded.
"I don't know much; I only saw it today." answered Theo "She was fast, I lost her trail quickly."
Chapter Five Amazon Underworld
The goddess listened as Ephiny told her chosen about the young child "No, it's too soon for her to know" the goddess said to herself "Hades, we need to talk now".
Hades appeared "I know, this child needs to be protected" he paused "Xena knows Gabrielle has the arrows" he paused "Now you have no choice but to tell her about this child." He paused, "Who is this child?"
Artemis ignored the question. "She can't be healed before . . . it's part of our deal she would only be healed with my blessing" The one thing Artemis feared the most was breaking a promise and now she had no choice but to break the promise she made to both Xena and her chosen.
Xena would no longer be healed when they see each other again and that time would be in hours not weeks. Now she had to tell Xena what had to be done today.
Xena and Artemis walked in the desert of the Amazon underworld.
"Xena, what would you do if I freed you without my blessing?" The goddess asked.
"Your blessing to be with Gabrielle is why I'm doing this, for her happiness" Xena paused "The Northern Amazons" she whispered to herself, "No, I will not go, I have to make this right."
"What if I allow you to see and talk to Gabrielle? Tell her everything right now?" she stopped walking.
"Goddess, I'll do anything you ask of me to have your blessing." Xena paused "Even if it means losing her forever."
"What if you lose her, then what?" the Goddess kept pushing. She wanted to know how committed Xena was to saving her Northern Amazons.
"I give my life to you until they are free" Xena answered "Then I would say goodbye to my mother and go to Hades."
"Hades, interesting. Ares will try to stop you" the goddess chimed in and started walking again.
Xena put out her hand to stop her "Artemis, Gabrielle changed my heart forever, I may be his chosen, but I will never willingly serve him again." She paused knowing what she was about to say would hurt Gabrielle if she found out "Even if my death is Ares' price."
Hades appeared on Xena's other side. "I heard that. Xena, part of the price is that you live with or without Gabrielle." Hades said, "Father will deal with Ares." He continued "Start a simple life in Amphipolis . . ."
Artemis stopped him "Hades she does not know about that." Xena looked confused. "So, no matter what happens you would save them?"
"You have my word. They will be free; I will give them all my love for Gabrielle until they are." It was the sincerest Xena could be. "I'll even confess to the council at the same time as Gabrielle."
"The council has no idea it was you, Xena. Only Gabrielle needs to know that." She looked Xena in the eyes "They will only know that someone has paid for it."
Artemis and Hades looked at each other. "She's convinced me." He said, "Tell her."
"Me too" the Goddess began "You must tell Gabrielle everything. Today!" Xena stopped dead in her tracks as her heart nearly stopped. "As you know, she knows about the arrows. What you do not know is they have been delivered by a young child." Xena listened as her head dropped to her chest.
Xena questioned "A child?"
"Yes, Gabrielle and Ephiny are going on a quest to find the child. They are coming to my temple first. You MUST tell her what you have done." Artemis paused. "Because of our deal I cannot heal you."
Her head shot up. "But you said . . ." Hades cut her off.
"Xena, you still do not have her blessing." He put his hand gently on the goddess' face "If we want to protect . . ."
"Hades don't" Artemis interjected. Xena looked between the two of them.
Xena could see they had no choice. "I understand, only with the truth can this child be protected." Xena paused "Will she see me before or after I am cleaned up?" The tears in Artemis' eyes told the answer "Pain and all?" Artemis nodded "Gods. Please, prepare her, do not let her be surprised. Please." Xena pleaded.
"I have to, what I'm about to do is exactly the opposite of what I told her a short time ago" she continued in a whisper "I wish Ephiny had not mentioned the child." She looked to Hades "Get her ready, be kind to her." As she vanished.
"After everything I've done . . . kindness is the last thing I deserve." She looked at Hades "Don't 'be kind.'"
"I know what you've endured; you do deserve this one kindness and it is the Goddess' orders" he said back. "Now lay down." he commanded.
She gave him a stern look but obeyed. Xena started to speak but his powers surrounded her in a glow, and she passed out before she could make a sound.
Chapter Six Artemis' Temple Part One
"Gabrielle come to my temple before you go." the goddess' voice whispered in her ear "It's important."
"Artemis has called us to the temple." Gabrielle said. The three headed there. "Theo, wait outside until I call for you."
Gabrielle and Ephiny entered the temple where Artemis was sitting on the altar. From the look of the Goddess, Gabrielle knew something was wrong "Come Gabrielle, Ephiny I know you're headed to Amphipolis," she paused "There you will find the child Theo saw." There were tears in her eyes as she continued to speak to the two "Gabrielle, you were not supposed to know about her until I told you and Xena together."
She got down and looked Gabrielle in the eyes "This changes things," she paused "you will see and talk to Xena in a few minutes." Gabrielle smiled.
The Goddess did not, she continued. "Gabrielle; Xena has surrendered herself to me to make amends," she paused "also to gain my blessing to be with you." Ephiny sat down to hold Gabrielle.
Artemis sent a message to Hades "Clean Xena up. I won't break my word to Gabrielle."
Hades appeared and walked over to the trio but said nothing, He looked to Artemis and sent a thought, "She won't take my word as yours."
"Xena is. . ." Artemis said as she looked to the god.
". . .not going to be healed as promised" Hades continued for her.
Artemis continued, "She must tell you what she has done before you find the child," Gabrielle had tears streaming down her face. "To protect the child." Artemis looked at Hades hoping her request was done.
He kneeled next to Artemis "I've cared for her" he assured them both. He looked directly at Artemis "As much as she will let me." Hades continued. "You will need this." He handed Ephiny a black bag, inside was a blanket. "It's a healing blanket." He looked into Artemis' eyes apologetically before he turned to Gabrielle "I could not do much."
Artemis bowed her head. She knew why Xena refused Hades' healing; she thought it was a test for her blessing.
Hades continued "It's quick but very painful. I've used this against her many times, if I put it on her she will be up and fighting before she knows she is safe." He paused, "It may happen even when you do it. I will be ready if it happens. Hopefully she will know you are here, Gabrielle."
"Gabrielle, find your connection to her and don't let go." Artemis said as she raised her head. She looked at the other woman "Ephiny, when Gabrielle says so, place the blanket on Xena and get away from them. I will protect Gabrielle if needed." She looked at her chosen. "She has given her word to go back with me to fix what she has done." Artemis paused "Because of the child Xena is free. She does not know."
"And you cannot tell her . . ." was all Hades said before the Goddess shushed him. Hades walked to the altar. "If you're ready."
Gabrielle nodded as the altar glowed and Xena's battered body appeared on a deer skin. Hades stood behind it as Gabrielle ran to her. Xena's hair was matted with dried blood, and she was wearing only a shift. She was almost unrecognizable.
Hades walked over to Artemis smiling but she did not know why. "What?" she asked.
He leaned to her ear and whispered "We owe Aphrodite one." Artemis' eyebrows shot up in question "That's HER healing blanket."
"Glad to owe" she smirked.
Chapter Seven The Blanket
Gabrielle could see all the injuries. She also saw that someone had made an attempt to care for Xena. There was a poorly put on splint on one of her arms. It was obvious that many bones were broken, it was also obvious someone had tried to clean the blood that was everywhere. Gabrielle could tell Xena was in pain by how her body was held.
Ephiny stood opposite Gabrielle as she got the blanket ready. Gabrielle slipped her hand into Xena's gently squeezed and waited but there was no response. Gabrielle squeezed again "Xena?"
She barely felt her hand squeezed "Gab . . ." but nothing came after.
Ephiny looked at her queen. "I think she knows you're here."
"Let's get this over with." Gabrielle answered not taking her eyes off Xena's face. Ephiny gently covered Xena with the blanket and moved away.
The blanket took on a warm glow and that engulfed the two women. As the glow brightened Xena's body relaxed into the warmth of the blanket as it painlessly healed her body while the blood faded away.
Gabrielle waited for something to happen as she had not noticed what had been happening. Xena had yet to move, and her face had not relaxed. Soft moans were the first thing she heard as Xena stirred, "Bri?" she said in a haze as she squeezed the hand in hers.
"I'm here." She answered, "just be still." As she held the hand in hers. "You have the healing blanket on you."
Xena's eyes fluttered open "I know, it's working" she looked for Gabrielle's eyes "just not how I expected it to." She slowly started sitting up, being careful not to uncover herself. She knew to keep the blanket on her to allow the healing.
Xena pulled Gabrielle into a long hug and kissed her forehead. "Gods, I've missed you!"
Ephiny stepped into view, Xena pulled her into the hug. "I owe you."
After several minutes Xena let go and looked for the Gods. "Artemis?" she called out. The goddess appeared along with Hades. "I had . . ."
Artemis stopped her ". . . Nothing to do with the blanket. I know." She finished. "Hades healing you was my order, not a trick." She looked to Gabrielle "for her." She looked back to Xena "the terms are the same."
Xena nodded and looked to Hades "This is not the healing blanket." She stated, "Is it?" she looked at the blanket draped over her shoulders. He smirked at her but did not answer.
ß-
"Bri?" Xena paused and found Gabrielle's eye "I have to tell you something." She took a scared breath knowing her next words could cost her everything. She waited as long as she dared.
"There's another tribe of Amazons very far north of here." her eye filled with tears, and she took a sharp breath "I was tricked into killing their leaders, by an evil shamaness named Alti."
"No no" whispered Gabrielle as tears filled her eyes; Xena tried to pull away, but Gabrielle was not about to let that happen. She pulled Xena closer again and held onto her tighter than before.
Gabrielle called over her shoulder "She did as you asked . . ."
Xena tried to get her attention but to no avail, as she struggled Ephiny reached across Xena "Gabrielle, I think there's more" Gabrielle turned her attention to her, then back to Xena. Xena gave Ephiny a grateful smile.
"Because of what I have done the Northern Amazons cannot cross to the Holy Land." Xena closed her eyes waiting for whatever was about to happen. Gabrielle held Xena even closer but said not a word. She looked into her eyes with nothing but love.
Artemis came over, looked her chosen in the eyes "I know you still choose her."
Gabrielle whispered softly "I love her unconditionally." she hugged Xena.
The echo of Gabrielle's words boomed in Xena's and Artemis' ears. They both covered their ears and fell to the floor at the loudness of the echo.
"Xena?" Gabrielle and Ephiny cried out.
"Sis?" Hades cried out and ran to his sister's side.
Gabrielle, Ephiny and Hades seemed not to hear the booming echo of the whispered words.
When the echo finally stopped, the Goddess looked to Xena "You heard it." she said knowingly, Xena turned to the goddess and nodded knowing what happened. Gabrielle had just given them the new Holy word.
"Heard what?" asked Gabrielle.
"You didn't hear it?" Xena asked, "What you said echoed all over the temple."
"No, we didn't." said Hades. "What happened?" he asked.
Xena looked at the god and explained, "Gabrielle your words echoed,"
"More like boomed throughout the temple." the goddess continued "Xena, 'love' is the new Holy word."
"I agree." Xena looked to the goddess as everyone got up. "Tell us about this child."
Chapter Eight Are You Sure About This
Hades gently pulled his sister away "Are you sure about this?" He looked her in the eyes. "I know you haven't spoken to anyone, even to me, about this child."
She just shook her head and looked over her shoulder at the three women "I have to tell them," She looked at her brother "Who better to tell then Ares' chosen who refuses to follow him again?"
"Ares?" Xena super hearing overheard, she put the healing blanket on the alter as she walked over to the gods. "What's Ares have to do with this child?" Xena looked from Hades to Artemis as her eyes began to tear. "Did he?!" Xena stopped herself and took several calming breaths.
Hades pulled the goddess into his embrace. He looked at Xena but did not answer. Gabrielle and Ephiny join Xena "Artemis?" Gabrielle questioned seeing the Goddess upset.
Xena gently questioned, "Artemis. . . did Ares . . ." The goddess disappeared in a slow flash of blue light before Xena could finish the question. She looked to Hades for an answer "Do you know?"
"I'm not sure Xena. I just found out about the child's existence a month ago, but I know nothing more." Hades answered honestly. "This is the first I've heard about Ares having anything to do with this child. As far as I know she's never spoken to anyone about who this child is or even where it came from." He looked directly at Xena "I am hoping she will talk to you; even if she asks me to go when she does."
Gabrielle listened as Hades spoke, she then turned to Xena. Xena met Gabrielle's worried face "I had better be wrong."
Hades looked at the three women, "I cannot imagine how scared she is at this moment." He looked to Xena "I hope your wrong too; Give her some time." He looked at Xena.
"I think I know where she went." He thought to himself.
He then spoke "Xena, you cannot leave the temple; Ares is still looking for you. If he finds you, Xena, you will belong to him." She was about to protest but Hades silenced her, "He can still lay claim to you until Artemis actually says you have her blessing."
Xena nodded her understanding "He got too close." She stated looking at Gabrielle.
"I'm making it so no one can enter or leave the temple, not even the high priestess." Hades waved his hand, "Ladies you will find some things of interest on the alter, Xena your leathers and a hot bath are waiting for you; the bath will stay hot until you're ready to use it." Hades disappeared to find his sister.
Xena grabbed Gabrielle's hand and headed towards the bath.
Chapter Nine Aphrodite's Temple
Artemis appeared just inside Aphrodite's temple; she called out to her sister as she slowly walked farther into the temple "Aphrodite?"
The goddess appeared in a shower of pink sparkles. "How's it going sis?" she turned around and found a terribly upset Artemis "Oh no, did he find the warrior babe?"
Artemis shook her head "No Xena's safe in my temple . . . with Gabrielle." As she sat with Aphrodite.
"Oooh," Aphrodite answered in understanding "they know about Diana." Artemis nodded. "How did Xena react?"
"I haven't told them anything; Hades asked if I was sure about this; I mentioned Ares' name . . ." Artemis teared up.
". . .and Xena heard so you ran before she could ask." The blond goddess finished for her. Aphrodite comforted her sister as they sat in silence for a while. "Look sis, I know I'm supposed to 'stay out of it' but because I know the truth, do you need me to go back with you?"
Artemis shook her head "Aphrodite, Diana's safety depends on Xena knowing everything that started that night." she paused "I am going to need your help to do this. We need to tell Xena everything we have done to protect Diana's existence from just about everyone including Ares." She stood up and started pacing "And now Hades knows Ares is involved!"
"Wait, I thought I was the only one who knew about her. How long has Hades known about Diana?" Aphrodite questioned.
Artemis stopped pacing and gave her a side look "I told him about a month ago." She sat back down "He only knows a child exists and that only Xena can protect 'it.' Hades has no idea Diana is a girl, her name or anything else. After I told him I said to not ask any questions, I would tell him when I was ready."
"Speaking of Hades, he wants to know if you are here. Can I tell him?" Aphrodite asked. "He's worried about you."
"Xena!" Artemis exclaimed panicked "She's ungu . . ."
Aphrodite interrupted "She's safe. He sealed the temple; only the two of you can go in or out." She assured the goddess.
Artemis calmed "Tell him I'm here and to go back to Xena," she paused "and that you will be joining us. I just need a few more minutes."
Chapter Ten Artemis' Temple Part Two
Back at the temple . . .
The three women walked over to the alter where there were more than thirty arrows. All of them had notes tied to them on the outside were the words "found" or "not found" Xena immediately picked up the one that was different from all the others, she noticed there was blood on the tip. "It hit me last winter." Ephiny spoke before Xena could ask as she showed the scar "It's the only one that actually hit someone."
"Not my arrow." Xena said as she untied the note. "My note," as she read the note, she looked at Gabrielle, "I've known about the joining for a year." She put her arms around Gabrielle.
Xena looked at Ephiny then to Gabrielle as they tried to explain "We ..."
Xena stopped them "I know Amazon law." As she looked into Gabrielle's eyes. She pulled Gabrielle closer. "I also know she was hiding the arrows . . . Artemis didn't know." Xena admitted.
"Why?" asked Gabrielle "Why hide the arrows from me?"
"Gabrielle, you know I would rather die than serve Ares, as your hope of finding me diminished he stopped searching so hard." She turned Gabrielle to look into her eyes "Bri, he was one second away from finding me when Artemis told me you had an arrow." As Xena pulled Gabrielle into a tight hug. She noticed a small pouch on the altar, she quickly grabbed it and tried to hide it.
Gabrielle noticed the movement and gently grabbed Xena's hand "What is that?"
"Not until I'm sure I have Artemis' blessing," Xena pleaded, "please?" Gabrielle looked into Xena's eyes as she let the hand go. Xena tucked the pouch in her leathers with a grateful smile.
Ephiny's curiosity got the better of her "Xena?" she paused "Will you tell . . ."
"Don't go there, Ephiny." Xena sternly warned, she tilted her head up and closed her eyes as images of her murdered son on the floor of a hut flashed into her mind. Xena gently pushed Gabrielle back by her shoulders and in a serious tone she spoke "Gabrielle?" she looked into her eyes "Is my son alive and safe?" Xena waited a second "I have to know for sure, when was the last time you saw Solan?"
Gabrielle saw the great concern on Xena's face "Yes Xena, he is alive and safe; we saw him just this past week." A look of relief washed across Xena's face. "Solan asked if we had any news about you." Xena had another question but dared not ask, she feared the answer more than the question.
Ephiny questioned "Why? What happened down there?"
Xena turned to her and gave a hard "No!" she softened her voice "I'm not willing to go back there. It's not worth it." She looked to the ground then back at the two women "It was not real, that's all that matters." She silently added "At least that part."
The healing blanket was still on the altar, Xena picked it up for a closer look at it; it looked nothing like the one Hades had used on her in the past, nor did it cause pain when held. It did nothing. "It did not work the way Hades said it would." Gabrielle said.
"I know. This is not the same one he used in the past; I don't know what this one is." Xena stated as Gabrielle placed her hand on the blanket. Neither Xena nor Gabrielle noticed the glow surrounding them. Ephiny looked on in amazement, Xena noticed the look "What?"
As Xena let go of the blanket the glow faded "The blanket," Ephiny answered "Xena, put your hand on it again . . . Gabrielle don't let it go." The glow surrounded the women again. Ephiny explained what she was seeing.
Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other but did not see the glow. "The blanket was warm when we were touching." Xena said as Hades reappeared.
Hades looked at Xena "Artemis said she will come back soon . . ." he paused not sure how Xena will react to another god coming "with Aphrodite." Xena did not look pleased "Look Xena, she doesn't know what's going on with you, but she helped keep Ares away when it counted." He spoke seriously "She may know more about Artemis and this child then I do."
She gave him a look that said "fine" and asked, "This blanket?"
He laughed "Not my doing; I was told to keep my mouth shut about it." Xena dropped the subject for now.
Chapter Eleven No Going Back
Aphrodite appeared just inside the temple doorway without her usual shower of pink sparkles and wearing black.
Xena was the first to notice her "Aphrodite?" she spoke with concern moving towards the goddess "Is Artemis alright?"
Aphrodite slowly walked towards the tall woman "She's scared," she paused "not of you, but the consequences of what she is about to say." She gently hugged the warrior. "She knows there is no 'going back' at this point."
Xena returned the hug "I promise to let her do this on her terms." As she let go, Xena pulled Gabrielle closer to her. "Gabrielle, if I'm right, this will not be easy to hear." She looked Gabrielle in the eyes "Artemis told me - us knowing the truth will protect this child."
Ephiny interrupted "Xena, as Regent, I want to stay" Xena turned to her for an explanation "Artemis needs your full attention; I will be here for 'My Queen'."
Xena nodded her agreement as she looked to the goddess "Artemis already knows she's here." Xena answered. Hades had stayed back to let the women talk when Xena called out to him "Hades?"
"I know," he answered "keep Ares distracted. Done!"
"Exactly." she answered, and he vanished.
Aphrodite started walking towards the altar, she picked up the blanket as Xena watched. Before Xena could say anything, the goddess stated, "Artemis will need my healing blanket."
Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other then to the goddess. "Now that makes sense," Xena answered, "I had no idea there was more than one."
As they were talking about the blanket no one noticed Artemis appeared in the temple. She slowly walked over and stood next to Xena and gently placed a hand on the warrior's back. Xena placed her arm around the goddess's shoulders as she looked her in the eyes "I won't act like that again." she gently assured Artemis. She received only a nod as an answer.
Chapter Twelve The Truth
The women walked over to a comfortable sitting area that had been set up. Artemis sat down as Aphrodite draped the healing blanket over her shoulders. She sat there silently with her head down, holding a cup of hot tea for quite some time. Artemis looked at Aphrodite "They need to know before I do this."
Aphrodite turned to the three women across from them "Xena and Gabrielle no god or goddess can ever separate the two of you." She smiled at the couple "You are my chosen soulmates and now under my protection."
Xena looked at Gabrielle with love as she had and gave a loving embrace. Xena immediately returned her attention to the two goddesses; she knew there was much more to be said.
Aphrodite looked to Artemis for permission to start the hard part, she nodded as she looked at the floor. "Diana is . . ."
"Ares child." Artemis angerly blurted out. She did not move or look up at anyone as tears streamed down her face. With a cry she added "and mine."
Gabrielle gasped and moved away from the group; she was not prepared to hear any more. Xena made sure Ephiny followed her. Then kneeled in front of Artemis; she gently lifted the woman's face to meet her eyes "I'm sorry he did this to you." She pulled the goddess to her and just held her as she cried.
Xena continued to hold Artemis, without being told she knew what Ares had used to trick the goddess and calmly asked Aphrodite "How was the wine mixed?"
Aphrodite looked away, then to Xena, then Artemis not sure if she wanted to answer, Artemis chose to answer "Zeus called us all to the Great Hall to celebrate my first chosen . . ."
"We both like mixing my wine with hers." Aphrodite continued "I trusted Ares to walk ten feet, with her wine."
Xena looked back with concern to Gabrielle and Ephiny. She then turned her attention to Aphrodite. "Where is Diana?" she paused "How is she protected?"
Aphrodite recently answered, "She is half human because of me," she paused "Diana knows nothing of her origins." Aphrodite looked to Artemis for encouragement and help.
Artemis continued "She made me mortal for about a year and a half." She looked Xena in the eyes "You had good timing coming to me" she paused "I had only been a god again for a few weeks."
Artemis got up and went to her chosen and just held her. Xena followed. Artemis was about to speak, Xena stopped her "Don't." she warned "Just tell us about Diana and how to keep her safe."
The goddesses looked at each other, Aphrodite spoke "They were well cared for and hidden."
"Diana was born in Amphipolis." Artemis stated. "I knew we would be safe from Ares there."
"The last place Ares would ever look." Xena stated aloud. She asked, "No one knows the truth?"
"They have no idea who she really is. We were careful to leave out any details of gods, including Ares' part in this." Aphrodite answered.
Artemis continued "It was my idea to make sure we were never mentioned to the Amazons." She looked at Gabrielle "Aphrodite made it so they would never even notice us."
Gabrielle looked at Xena then to Artemis "What's the cover story?"
"My husband was killed on the road and some villagers found me and took me in. Soon after I told them I was with child." Artemis answered. She looked to Xena as she continued "I want you to raise Diana here, among the Amazons. On my protected land."
Aphrodite continued "I've blessed Diana. Hopefully Ares will never control her destiny in any way." She paused "We will both be near if she needs anything, Artemis will always be watching." She smiled.
Artemis pointed to the temple doorway "Look over there." A small girl in a light blue dress with dark hair ran to Artemis. Theo was following her.
"Mama" the small child called Artemis picked her up.
Gabrielle noticed there was a new band on Theo's arm. "What's this?" she questioned.
Artemis looked at Theo "Theo is Diana's personal guard." She answered. "Anyone who can track my child as far as she did deserves it." Artemis looked at Ephiny and Theo as she explained "Theo only lost the trail because I helped Diana."
"Is this Xena and Gabrielle?" interrupted Diana. "Am I still going to live with them?"
Artemis turned her attention to the child, she happily answered, "Oh yes my little one!"
Still looking at her child Artemis said "Xena, I've known this day would come since the second you walked into my temple," she paused "My Northern Amazon are free and so are you." She looked from her child into Xena's eyes "I give you my blessing to be with my chosen."
Xena turned to Gabrielle and pulled out the pouch. "I was given the opportunity to make these." she handed it to her. Gabrielle pulled out two beautifully crafted rings, Xena dropped to one knee "Be not just my wife" she looked to Aphrodite then back to Gabrielle "but my Soulmate?"
And of course, Gabrielle said "YES!"