Chapter 1: The Arrival

Ulysses, Xena, and Gabrielle touched down at the island of Ithaca. Gabrielle rolled happily in the dirt, elated to be on dry land. Ulysses hadn't seen his home in two decades. Everything was the same but at the same time, it wasn't. Its beauty was one to behold. The air was crisp and salty, carrying with it the scent of the sea. Seagulls wheeled and cried overhead, their calls mingling with the distant sound of waves crashing against the rocky shore. Ithaca was such a scenic island, with its rough shoreline filled with vibrant green plants and bright wild blooms. Clusters of whitewashed buildings with terracotta roofs clung to the hillsides, while ancient olive groves carpeted the valleys below. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape.

All three of them took in the island's beauty. Gabrielle picked up a nearby flower and brought it to her nose, inhaling the flower's refreshing scent. Xena observed Gabrielle and said,

"Ah, so this is what you meant by stopping to smell the flowers." Ulysses bent down and picked up one. He raised back up, staring into Xena's eyes, and placed the flower into her hair. He rubbed the side of her face with the back of his hand, admiring her beauty.

"A beautiful flower for a beautiful woman." Xena smiled at his comment, as she ran her hand down his lingering arm. She blushed as she looked at him. Gabrielle's heart warmed at their interaction. She was happy to see Xena smiling again. She cleared her throat, grabbing their attention. Ulysses and Xena both pulled their hands away from each other.

"Ulysses, which way is to your palace?" Ulysses slowly spunt around in a circle, taking in all of his surroundings. He let out a deep breath.

"My palace should be right this way," he said pointing in the direction he believed his palace still stood. The trio walked slowly through the forest.

"Everything looks so much smaller now. Look over there at that hill. Me and my friends used to play on this hill." He skipped forward excitedly,

"And this tree, I carved this eagle into this tree when I was five."

"An eagle, it looks more like a fish to me," Xena teasingly replied.

"Hey," Ulysses threw his hands up, "I was five." They all laughed. The trio hiked their way to his palace. It surely wasn't as he remembered. The once magnificent palace, that overlooked the ocean, now stood empty, longing for human touch. Ulysses was the first to stop, a sadden expression overtaking his features. Xena noticed his uneasiness as he stared at his once vibrant home. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Ulysses, we'll help you get everything up and running. You have me and Gabrielle so don't worry. You have our word."

"Yea, we won't leave until you're crowned king again and your kingdom is in working order." Ulysses' eyes darted from Gabrielle to Xena.

"Leave?" He asked in a quiet voice. Xena spoke up,

"No need to discuss leaving, we just got here." She gave him a soft smile as she urged him on towards his palace. Once they arrived at the gate, two guards stood there, fully armed.

"Halt! Who sent you and why are you trying to gain access to this palace?!" came one of the guard's strong, heavy voice. Ulysses stepped forward.

"I would like an opportunity to string the king's bow." Both of the guards looked at each other and burst out laughing, their big bellies shaking their armor.

"And why would we let a puny peasant like you cause such a large gathering just to waste everyone's time." Xena, not liking the way the conversation was heading, decided to speak...

"I thought anyone that requested a chance to string the bow, would be provided that opportunity." The other guard answered her,

"Look lady, for the past decade a random stranger has requested to string this bow, to no avail. Honestly, we're tired of wasting the kingdom's time. If ya friend here wants to string the bow, sure, he can have at it. Then, you can go, and the little lady behind ya too. As a matter of fact, I think I'll try to string it myself!" Both the guards laughed again.

"Great, he would like his chance...now," she stepped up to the guard's face with a stern expression. The guard looked into her steely gaze, as her lip curled up.

"You can't come in here with those weapons." Xena unsheathed her sword and chakram and handed them to the guard.

"If my sword has one mark that I didn't do, your head will be on a pike," she whispered to him as they walked into the entrance. She laughed at the guard's terrified expression. She looked over to Ulysses and noticed the faraway look in his eyes. She touched his shoulder to stop him from walking. Stepping in front of him, she grabbed his hand and squeezed it lightly.

"Everything is going to be okay, don't worry."

"It's not just that Xena. These halls, they're so unfamiliar to me now. When I was last here, the palace was bright and lively. Every corner I turned, there was a smiling face. These dark dreaded halls don't feel like home...my home." Xena pulled him into her embrace. Gabrielle walked up closer behind him and rubbed his back encouragingly. Xena pulled back from their hug. Gabrielle walked around to his face and said,

"Once you're king again, you will set things straight. I have faith in you." Ulysses smiled gratefully at Gabrielle.

"Well, 1st things 1st, I have a bow to string." Xena smiled at his remark. Before they started walking again, he linked his hand with Xena's as he looked at her. She firmly closed her hand around his and they continued their walk together to the throne room.

The throne room was more energetic than the rest of the palace. Lively music filled the atmosphere. People of various backgrounds drank and danced to the music. Upon the throne sat a young man, who had a woman sitting on each of his legs. He looked unamused at the festivities going on. Xena took notice of the young seated upon the throne.

"Who is he?" she asked Ulysses with a concerned expression. Ulysses stared at the young man with confusion.

"Probably some imposter who is trying to claim the throne for himself." The loud trumpet blew, catching everyone's attention in the room. A guard stepped forward saying,

"All those who are here today to string this bow, line up here. The winner will be the new King of Ithaca."

Telemachus groaned inwardly. This was his least favorite part of the week. Every week, men arrived from who knows where, for the chance to string the bow, trying to take his crown away from him. He knew he was the one rightful king due to his birthright. He was just a baby when Ulysses went to war, so he never knew his father. One thing he did know for sure, no one was going to take his crown. No living person could string that bow but his father. He slumped down in his chair, uninterested. One by one, a man attempted to string the bow, and each of them failed. Telemachus half watched their struggles. He yawned lazily; his time slowly being wasted.

It was finally Ulysses' turn. He stretched his arms and back before he attempted to string the bow. He looked back at the young man at the throne. They made eye contact for 2 seconds before the young king put his head in his hands. Ulysses looked at Xena and she gave him an encouraging smile. He took a deep breath and pulled the string. Xena watched him closely as he struggled to complete the task. He was rusty. Becoming worried, she purposely dropped her cup on the floor, near the large table covered by a long cloth. As she bent down to pick up the cup, she quickly crawled underneath the table. Covered by the long tablecloth, she reached her hands from underneath the table and grabbed the bottom of the bow. While Ulysses struggled to string it, Xena used her strength to bend the bow, allowing him to finally succeed. Loud gasps rang across the room at his results. Telemachus threw the women off his lap and rose from the throne.

"Who are you?!" he asked loudly. The room was silent, watching their every move.

"I am Ulysses, the King of Ithaca."

Telemachus approached Ulysses with cautious disbelief etched into every step. His movements were slow, as if afraid that the figure before him might vanish into thin air if he moved too quickly. With trembling hands, he reached out towards Ulysses, the man he had long believed lost to the sea.

"Father," Telemachus whispered, his voice thick with emotion and disbelief.

"Telemachus," Ulysses replied, his own eyes welling with tears at the sight of his son.

"Is it really you?" Telemachus nodded, unable to contain the overwhelming rush of emotion that threatened to consume him.

"Yes, father, it's me. Your son." Ulysses pulled his son into his embrace, their tears mingling as they held each other tightly. Gabrielle and Xena stood nearby, silently observing the reunion. Gabrielle leaned in towards Xena and whispered.

"I didn't know he had a son." Xena shook her head slightly, her gaze fixed on the heartwarming scene unfolding before them.

"Me either," she replied softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"But he seems to have made quite an impression." Gabrielle smiled in agreement.

"He's kind of cute too." Xena couldn't help but smirk at Gabrielle's observation, shaking her head fondly.

"Always the optimist," she remarked, her voice tinged with affection. As they finally pulled back from their embrace, Telemachus took hold of Ulysses' arm and raised it triumphantly into the air.

"Our king is back!" he proclaimed to the gathered crowd.

"Tell the kingdom to prepare for his homecoming! Our king has returned!" The people in the room erupted into cheers and applause.

"Father, follow me. Mother and I have kept your room locked. We knew one day that you would return," Telemachus excitedly told Ulysses. He gladly followed his son, his heart swelling with gratitude for his family's faith in his return. But then, a thought struck him like a bolt of lightning. He had brought guests with him; friends who had aided him on his journey home.

"Son, wait," Ulysses called out, halting in his tracks.

"I met some friends along the way here. They helped me get home. I need a room for them." Telemachus turned to face his father, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"Who are they?" he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. Ulysses quickly turned, walked towards Xena, and reached out for her. He pulled her close to him wrapping his arms around her waist. Xena looked at him and smiled, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. He then looked back to Gabrielle,

"Come on, Gabrielle," Ulysses said, his voice warm and inviting.

"Son, this is Xena and her friend Gabrielle," Ulysses introduced them with a proud smile.

Telemachus looked from Xena to Gabrielle and then back to Xena. His expression was unreadable. He noticed how his father had his arm wrapped around Xena's waist, a small frown playing upon his face. Nevertheless, he remained composed as he spoke, "I'll have one of the staff prepare their space." Ulysses nodded in appreciation, grateful for his son's understanding.

"Everyone here needs to understand they are very good friends to the king, and they need to be treated as such," he stressed to his son. Telemachus gave his father a tight smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions.

"I will be sure to let everyone know," he replied.

"Now, shall we?" he gestured, ready to lead his father away from the throne room.