Disclaimer

This work of fiction is based on the television series "Xena: Warrior Princess," created by Robert Tapert and John Schulian. The characters, settings, and original storyline featured in this fanfiction are the property of Universal Pictures and Renaissance Pictures. The author acknowledges that no financial profit is being made from the creation or distribution of this fanfiction. "Xena: Warrior Princess" and all related characters are trademarks of Universal Pictures and Renaissance Pictures. Any similarities to persons, living or dead, or actual events are purely coincidental.

Chapter 2

Whispers of the Past

Potidaea greeted Gabrielle with the familiar scent of hearth fires. She walked through its narrow streets, memories playing out in her mind like scenes from a bard's tale. Here, she had been born; here, Gabrielle had met her soulmate. As the sun dipped low over her hometown, Gabrielle walked alone to the edge of the village. She stood atop a hill, the soft grass underfoot whispering tales of ages past. Closing her eyes, she whispered a silent prayer, seeking guidance.

It was then that she felt a presence beside her—a faint whisper of a familiar voice, a touch that warmed her soul. Opening her eyes, Gabrielle half-expected to see Xena standing there, her blue eyes filled with the wisdom of the ages.

"Xena?" Gabrielle murmured, her voice barely more than a breath.

There was no answer, only the rustle of leaves in the evening breeze.

"Gabrielle!"

The voice pulled her from her reverie, and she turned to see Lila hurrying towards her, a smile mingled with concern on her face. They embraced warmly, the bond of sisterhood bridging the gap between the times they spent apart.

"How are you holding up?" Lila asked gently, her eyes searching Gabrielle's face. "I heard..."

"I... I don't know," Gabrielle admitted, her voice catching slightly. "It's different this time, Lila. Xena... she's not with me."

Lila nodded knowingly, her gaze softening with empathy. She understood the profound bond between Gabrielle and Xena, forged through years of adventure, loss, and love.

"I missed Greece," Gabrielle continued softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "I wanted to take in the surroundings... to remember."

They walked together, descending the hillside towards the heart of Potidaea. The village bustled with life, children playing in the fading light, villagers returning home from their day's work. For Gabrielle, each familiar sight carried memories of a simpler time, before she embarked on her journey as a bard and a warrior.

*

As they sat at the table, in the cozy familiarity of their childhood home, Gabrielle filled her in on the events in Japa.

"I still can't believe she's gone," Gabrielle confessed, her voice breaking slightly. "I thought... I hoped she would come back to me. Like she always did."

Lila nodded, listening intently.

"I tried to bring her back," Gabrielle continued, her voice tinged with regret, "I was willing to risk everything, even the souls of those who suffered at Higuchi. Xena had freed them, and I almost undid it all." she frowned. "She stopped me..."

Lila squeezed her hand gently.

"And in that moment," Gabrielle went on, her eyes clouded with emotion, "I told her 'I don't care.' It wasn't like me. I was desperate, lost in my grief. But she knew what was right. She always did."

Lila nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of Gabrielle's guilt.

"I love her, Lila," Gabrielle murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I know she's with me, I can feel her, but it's... different now."

Lila just offered silent support. The scent of bread baking in the communal ovens mixed with the tang of sea breeze that drifted through the open window, creating an atmosphere that was both comforting and bittersweet. Memories flooded Gabrielle's mind—playing in the village square with Lila, running errands for their mother, and then the night when she told Lila she was going to leave and start her journey with Xena.

As they sat into the worn wooden chairs around the kitchen table, Lila noticed her sister lost in her thoughts, her gaze drifting out the window towards their barn. The blonde grimaced, thinking of Hope. As shades of anguish formed on the bard's face, Lila spoke up, breaking the silence that had settled between them, changing the subject.

"You know," Lila began, her tone hesitant yet thoughtful, "there have been stories... whispers, really, about strange happenings in Amphipolis."

Gabrielle turned to her sister, curiosity piqued. "What kind of strange happenings?"

Lila hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly as she searched for the right words. "It's hard to say for sure. People talk about seeing shadows moving in the night, and strange lights flickering in the forest. Some say they've heard voices—whispers on the wind, speaking of things long past."

Gabrielle frowned, a mixture of concern and intrigue crossing her features. "That doesn't sound like anything good." she thought about what happened the last time she was there with Xena and Eve. Poor Cyrene.

"It's unsettling, that's for sure," Lila agreed softly.

"I should go to Amphipolis," Gabrielle mused aloud, more to herself than to Lila. "Maybe there's something there that I need to see, or to understand." She paused. "I should also bring her ashes there..." Gabrielle closed her eyes, reflecting on the urn that had remained tucked away in her saddlebag since her return from Egypt. "It was her wish to rest with her younger brother and her mother."

Lila nodded in understanding, her expression solemn yet supportive. "Do what you feel is right, sister. Just know that we're here for you, always."

As Lila accompanied her to the room she fixed for her, Gabrielle felt a flicker of determination ignite within her heart. She would visit Amphipolis, confront whatever mysteries awaited her there, and perhaps find a way to come to terms with her grief.

"I'll leave at first light," Gabrielle decided, her voice steady now with newfound resolve. "Thank you, Lila. For everything." and bidding her sister goodnight, she closed the door behind her.

*

She departed at dawn, the rhythmic sound of Argo's hooves echoing her determination. With each stride, she felt the familiar rush of wind against her face, propelling her forward towards Amphipolis. As the landscape unfolded around her, she couldn't help but ponder whether this was the very route Xena had taken when they first crossed paths. A wistful smile played on her lips as memories of her younger self flooded her thoughts—innocent, hopeful, and eager for adventure. How much had changed since those days. With each mile, she had grown, learned, and faced challenges she once never imagined.

Argo's puff brought Gabrielle back to reality. "I know, girl. I miss her too." and with that Gabrielle urged the mare into a faster gallop, her determination matching the rhythmic pounding of the horse's hooves.

*

The road narrowed as they neared the outskirts of Amphipolis. Villagers bustled about their daily routines, seemingly unaware of the strange occurrences that had unsettled their once-peaceful community. Gabrielle rode through the familiar streets, greeting old acquaintances with a nod and a small smile, but her mind remained fixed on the task ahead.

She tethered Argo near the village square, where a weathered fountain still stood as a silent witness to generations past. Taking a deep breath, Gabrielle approached an elderly woman who sat mending clothes outside her humble home.

"Excuse me," Gabrielle began tentatively, "I'm looking for information about recent... happenings here in Amphipolis. Stories of shadows and whispers on the wind."

The woman glanced up, her eyes narrowing with suspicion before softening with recognition. "You're Xena's friend, aren't you?" she asked quietly.

Gabrielle nodded, a lump forming in her throat. "Yes, I am. I've come seeking answers."

The woman set aside her mending and motioned for Gabrielle to sit beside her on a weathered bench. "There's been talk, that's for certain," she began cautiously. "Strange things started not long after... well, after Xena's passing. Some say they've seen figures moving in the dark, like spirits searching for peace."

Gabrielle listened intently, her heart heavy yet hopeful. "Have you heard these whispers too?" she asked softly.

The woman nodded, her gaze drifting toward the distant hills. "Aye, I've heard them. Voices speaking of ancient battles, of heroes long gone but not forgotten. They say the spirits are restless, seeking resolution."

Gabrielle took a moment to absorb the woman's words, the weight of the revelations settling upon her shoulders. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "I need to understand what's happening here, for Xena's sake and for the village."

The woman nodded in understanding. "Be careful, child," she cautioned gently. "Not all who wander in the shadows are lost."

Gabrielle smiled at the woman, not truly grasping the meaning of those words. She wanted to ask more, but she stopped as her stomach started growling.

"Go get something to eat" the old woman asserted, her hand pointing towards the building behind Gabrielle. "Cyrene's tavern... Telamon is taking great care of it. He will be pleased to see you"

Gabrielle nodded gratefully to the elderly woman, her heart warmed by the mention of Cyrene's inn and Telamon's care. He was a young man, the son of a old friend of Cyrene, and Xena entrusted him with her mother's tavern when they departed after she kicked Lucifer in Hell.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Gabrielle was greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly baked bread and the lively hum of conversation. Telamon, spotting Gabrielle at the doorway, hurried over with a wide smile. His eyes, though tinged with sadness, lit up with genuine warmth as he embraced her.

"Gabrielle! It's good to see you," he greeted warmly. "Please, come in. You must be hungry after your journey."

Gabrielle returned the embrace gratefully, feeling a pang of nostalgia mingled with a deep sense of belonging. "Thank you, Telamon," she replied, her voice soft with emotion. "It's good to be back, despite the circumstances."

They settled at a corner table, away from the bustling crowd, where Telamon served Gabrielle a hearty meal of stew and freshly baked bread.

"I've heard whispers of strange happenings," Gabrielle ventured cautiously after they had eaten. "Shadows in the night, voices speaking of ancient battles. The villagers seem unsettled."

Telamon nodded solemnly, his expression grave. "It's true," he confirmed. "Since Xena's passing, strange things have occurred. Some say they've seen figures moving in the shadows, while others speak of voices carried on the wind."

Gabrielle's brow furrowed in concern. "Do you think these are just stories, or is there something more to them?"

Telamon sighed, his gaze thoughtful. "I'm not sure, Gabrielle," he admitted. "But I can't shake the feeling that there's truth to these tales. The spirits of Amphipolis are restless, seeking something we can't quite comprehend."

Gabrielle's mind raced with possibilities, her determination to uncover the truth growing stronger. "I need to find out what's causing this," she declared. "For Xena's sake, and for the village."

Telamon nodded, his eyes reflecting both sadness and admiration for Gabrielle's unwavering spirit. "Be careful, my friend," he cautioned gently. "There are forces at work here that we may not fully understand."

With a final nod of gratitude, Gabrielle bid Telamon farewell and ventured back into the streets of Amphipolis. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the village as she made her way towards the forest edge, where she had sensed the whispers most strongly.

The forest was eerily silent, save for the rustling of leaves underfoot. As Gabrielle ventured deeper, she began to hear faint whispers, growing louder with each step. She strained to make out the words, but they remained just out of reach, like fragments of a forgotten dream.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in the shadows ahead, and Gabrielle's heart skipped a beat. She drew both her sai, ready to defend herself, but the figure did not move. As she approached cautiously, she realized it was a young man, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and sorrow.

"Who are you?" Gabrielle asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

The young man looked at her, his expression haunted. "I am Lyceus," he said softly. "Xena's brother."

Gabrielle's breath caught in her throat. "Lyceus? But you're… you're dead."

Lyceus nodded sadly. "Yes, I am. But my spirit remains, bound to this place by the unfinished business of our past. Xena carries a heavy burden of guilt for my death and the deaths of many others. The shadows you see, the whispers you hear—they are the echoes of that guilt, haunting her even now."

Gabrielle felt a lump form in her throat. "What can I do to help? How can I set you free?"

Lyceus looked at her with a mixture of hope and despair. "You must help Xena find peace. She needs to forgive herself for what happened, to let go of the guilt that binds her. Only then can we all be free."

Gabrielle nodded, determination filling her heart. "I will do whatever it takes. For Xena, and for you."

Lyceus gave her a sad smile. "Thank you, Gabrielle. Your love and loyalty mean more than you know."

Gabrielle returned the smile, heartened that he understood the depth of her love for his sister.

"But, Lyceus" something occurred to her. "Xena… she's…" she couldn't bring herself to say it.

"I know," he interrupted gently, understanding that she meant Xena was dead.

"Then how can I help her forgive herself?" A lump formed in her throat, overwhelmed by the regret of not having asked more questions about Xena's past. Perhaps she could have helped her while she was still alive.

"Gabrielle..." Lyceus's voice was filled with the wisdom of the dead, someone who could see beyond the physical realm. "Not all who wander in the shadows are lost." and with that he faded back into the shadows.

Gabrielle suddenly understood. Those were the same words the elderly woman had spoken earlier that day. Xena wasn't entirely gone. She might not be there physically or visibly, but she was still present. Her legacy, her past, lingered around Gabrielle—the places Xena had been, the leaves she had stepped on, the emotions she had stirred. The people she had touched deeply, and those she had hurt. All of these were constant reminders that, even in death, Xena was not lost.

*

Back in the village, she wandered the streets of Amphipolis, picturing a young Xena who had yet to confront the sorrows that laid ahead. Unaware, she soon stood before the warrior's childhood home. The moon casted a silvery glow over the quiet streets, illuminating the path to the familiar doorstep.

Pushing the door open, she ventured inside. Apart from some dust, the place remained untouched since her last visit. She remembered how they had fixed it together, with Eve. Xena had even joked about wanting to stop being a warrior and live there altogether, just like a family. It had been a recurring thought. She had mentioned settling down before, even the night they had that fateful visit from the messenger from Japa. Gabrielle wished she had agreed sooner. Maybe Xena would still be alive.

After climbing the stairs, she walked towards Xena's room. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon her, and as she sat on the bed, she felt a sudden drowsiness. The warmth of the room enveloped her, and before she knew it, Gabrielle had succumbed to sleep.

In the dream, a vivid memory unfolded before her eyes, as if someone else's vision had become her own. She saw Cyrene standing over Lyceus's lifeless body, grief etched deeply into her features. Cyrene's anguished gaze turned toward Xena, and in a moment of overwhelming sorrow, she slapped her daughter. "This is your fault!" Cyrene's voice cracked with pain and accusation. Xena, young and burdened with guilt, recoiled as her mother's words pierced her heart.

Gabrielle witnessed the scene with a sense of helplessness, feeling the weight of Cyrene's grief and Xena's anguish as if it were her own. It was a haunting glimpse into the past, a reminder of the pain that had shaped Xena's journey. Then Xena's expression turned stoic and cold, a flicker of determination and darkness crossing her features. It was as if she had foreseen the path her future would take—the deeds, both ruthless and driven by a twisted sense of justice. A quest for vengeance and power that led her down darker paths.

Startled awake by the intensity of the dream, Gabrielle found herself back in Xena's room, the moonlight casting haunting shadows across the walls. The echoes of Cyrene's anguished cry and the weight of Xena's unspoken torment lingered in her mind, a stark reminder of the demons her friend had battled and the price she had paid for the choices made in her turbulent past.

"Xena..." Gabrielle whispered, her voice barely audible in the silence. She sat on the edge of the bed, head bowed, hands clenched tightly in her lap. Tears welled up in her eyes as she tried to comprehend the anguish Xena must have endured for so many years, haunted by the memories of her past misdeeds. Her heart was heavy with the realization of how deeply Xena had been scarred by her own past.

As the room's shadows seemed to close in around her, Gabrielle felt the weight of Xena's loneliness pressing down on her. She pictured a young Xena, her heart raw with the pain of loss and betrayal. Her mother, Cyrene, had been consumed by grief and anger, blaming Xena for Lyceus's death. Her brother Toris, unable to cope with the turmoil, had fled in fear. And Xena, left to wrestle with her guilt and twisted beliefs about defending her village, had found herself utterly alone.

Gabrielle's thoughts raced, each realization striking her like a blow. "She was just a girl," she murmured, her voice breaking. "Young, hurt, and alone." She imagined Xena, wandering the village, each glance from a villager a reminder of their blame and mistrust. Her own home had become a place of sorrow and resentment.

Driven by a desperate need to belong, Xena had channeled her pain into a fierce determination to protect her village. But that determination had twisted into something darker. The desire to defend Amphipolis had morphed into a ruthless pursuit of power and vengeance. Gabrielle saw it all clearly now: the path that led Xena to become the Destroyer of Nations had been paved with the stones of isolation and grief.

"She felt she had no choice," Gabrielle whispered, her heart aching for the friend she had lost. "No family to turn to, no one to help her carry the burden." She realized that Xena's transformation into a feared warrior had been born out of a profound sense of abandonment and a need to find purpose, no matter the cost.

Gabrielle's mind flashed back to their countless conversations, the moments when Xena had let down her guard and shown glimpses of the girl she once was. The girl who had loved fiercely and lost deeply. She understood now, more than ever, why Xena had been so driven to atone for her past, why she had sought redemption with such fervor.

She rose from the bed, her resolve strengthening. "I will honor you, Xena," she vowed quietly. "I will face the shadows of your past and bring peace to your spirit." As she made her way back to the forest, Gabrielle felt a renewed sense of purpose. The journey ahead would be difficult, but she was determined to uncover the truth behind the restless spirits and help Xena find the forgiveness she had sought for so long.

As exhaustion left her body, a new purpose emerged in her. She needed to face those voices.

*

As she made her way back to the forest, the darkness around her seemed even more intense. She felt the weight of unseen eyes upon her, and shivered, but her resolve remained unshaken. The whispers grew louder, a cacophony of sorrow and anger.

She followed the voices deeper into the woods. There, in the dim light of the moon, she saw faint figures, their forms shifting like mist. The spirits of those who had died in the battle against Cortese, including young men and women who had followed Xena into what became their doom.

Gabrielle stepped forward, her heart aching for these lost souls. "I am Gabrielle," she called out, her voice steady despite the fear that gnawed at her. "I seek to understand your pain and to bring you peace."

The spirits seemed to coalesce, their voices merging into a single, mournful wail. "Betrayed... lost... led to our deaths..."

Gabrielle took a deep breath. "I know Xena's guilt haunts you. She carried the burden of your deaths every day. But she never meant for you to suffer. She fought for your freedom, for your lives."

A spirit stepped forward, a young man with a look of fierce determination. "We believed in her, and we died. How can we find peace when our dreams were shattered?"

Gabrielle's eyes filled with tears. "I cannot undo the past. But I can offer you this: I will honor your memories and your sacrifices. I will ensure that your stories are told, that your lives are remembered with the respect you deserve."

The spirits wavered, their anger seeming to dim. "Remember us... honor us..."

Gabrielle nodded. "I promise. And I will help Xena find forgiveness, so that her spirit may rest as well."

As the spirits began to fade, their whispers turned to a soft murmur.

*

The next days, Gabrielle sought out the village elders, gathering their stories of the past, the tales of those who had fought and fallen. She spent days compiling these stories, creating a tapestry of words that honored the lives and dreams of the young warriors who had followed Xena.

Each evening, she shared these stories with the villagers, reminding them of the bravery and sacrifice of their kin. As the stories spread, the whispers in the forest grew quieter, the shadows less menacing.

One night, as Gabrielle sat by the fire in Cyrene's tavern, Telamon approached her with a small, weathered chest. "I found this in the attic," he said softly. "I thought you might want it."

Gabrielle opened the chest to find mementos from Xena's past: a childhood toy, a piece of fabric from her first dress, and a small dagger that Lyceus had given her. Tears filled her eyes as she held these items, feeling the presence of her beloved warrior.

She knew what she had to do. The final step to bring peace to the spirits and to Xena was a ritual of atonement at the site of the battle.

At dawn, Gabrielle made her way to the sacred grove near the battlefield, carrying the chest with her. She knelt on the ground, the sun's first light casting a golden glow over the clearing.

With a deep breath, she began the ritual, placing the mementos in a circle around her. She spoke words of forgiveness and love, calling upon the spirits to find peace and release their anger.

As she finished, a gentle breeze swept through the grove, carrying with it the faintest whisper of a familiar voice. "Thank you, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle smiled through her tears, knowing that Xena's spirit had heard her. The shadows and whispers that had haunted Amphipolis began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm and tranquility.

The weight of her task pressed heavily upon her, and though she felt a sense of calm determination, an underlying current of reluctance gnawed at her. This was supposed to be the final act of love she could give to Xena, to lay her to rest with her family—but her heart ached with unresolved emotions.

As she approached the family mausoleum, Gabrielle paused, taking in the sight of the weathered stone structure. The moon cast a gentle light upon it, illuminating the carvings that told tales of the past. She took a deep breath and pushed open the heavy door, stepping inside the cool, dimly lit chamber.

The mausoleum was simple, yet dignified. Stone sarcophagi lined the walls, each bearing the names of Xena's ancestors. Gabrielle's eyes were drawn to two particular tombs: Cyrene and Lyceus. She moved towards them with reverence, her footsteps echoing softly in the silence.

She knelt between the two tombs, setting the urn down gently before her. "Xena," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I've brought you home."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she reached out to touch the cold stone of Cyrene's tomb. "Your mother and your brother... they're here," she continued, her voice breaking. "You're not alone anymore."

Gabrielle carefully placed the urn in a small, intricately carved niche in the stone wall, directly between Cyrene and Lyceus. As the urn settled into place, she hesitated, her hand lingering on the cool surface. Her heart felt heavy, conflicted. This wasn't how it was supposed to end.

"I wish... I wish I could have helped you find peace while you were alive," she said softly, her tears falling freely now. "But I hope you can find it now, here with your family."

Yet as she spoke the words, a part of her rebelled against them. Gabrielle clenched her fists, struggling with the overwhelming sense of loss and the nagging thought that Xena's journey couldn't end this way. The bond they shared was too strong, too profound to be severed so easily.

"Xena, I... I can't let go," she confessed, her voice breaking. "Not yet. Not when I still feel you with me."

She bowed her head in silent prayer, offering her love and her sorrow to the spirits of the departed. The room felt charged with a quiet, sacred energy, as if the spirits were acknowledging her presence and her intentions.

Gabrielle felt a warm, gentle breeze brush against her cheek, and she knew in her heart that Xena was there with her, her spirit lingering close.

Rising to her feet, Gabrielle placed a hand on Cyrene's tombs. "Thank you," she whispered. "For bringing Xena to this world."

With one last, lingering look at the resting place of her dearest friend, Gabrielle turned and walked towards the door. She paused at the threshold, glancing back over her shoulder. "Goodbye, Xena," she said softly. "But not forever."