CHAPTER 13

That evening, Xena went to their home with Luna. She met Solan's wife and sat with them, chatting. As she looked at them, she thought about how her dear son deserved to be happy with his wife and daughter in a loving home. After all, his childhood had been stolen, and a life filled with love was taken from him alongside his family. When she returned home with Gabrielle, she felt very sad. Noticing Xena's somber and quiet demeanor, Gabrielle approached her to offer comfort.

"You're thinking about Solan, aren't you?"

"Yes. My dear son has never been a child who lived a happy life with his family. Now, when he was given another chance, he created his own joyful family. But now he's lost it again."

"Yes, that's very tragic."

"I'm to blame for all this. If he had a normal mother—one who didn't constantly live a dangerous life, a mother who spent time at home with her children—Solan wouldn't be in this situation. I left him when he was just a baby, before I could even breastfeed him. Both of my children grew up without their mother."

"It was impossible to be both a mother and a warrior."

"Then I should never have had children. That was selfish. My children suffered because of me."

"Please don't blame yourself. It's all in the past now. You can't bring back the past."

"Then I'll work to make the future beautiful."

"How?"

"I'm leaving tonight."

"Where are you going?"

"To the Elysian Fields."

"I'm coming too."

"This is my issue."

"No, it's not."

When Xena looked into Gabrielle's eyes, she saw that she was crying. Gabrielle held Xena's hand.

"I have a part in what Solan experienced."

"What do you mean?"

"Hope. If I had listened to you and had killed her when she was a baby, Solan would still be alive as an adult. I couldn't accept that Hope was truly a monster. I was a young and naive mother. I was too inexperienced to realize that a demon was playing with my pure emotions. By the time I recognized it, it was too late. If I had the thoughts I have now, I would have destroyed her the moment she was born. For years, I couldn't forgive myself. Let me make amends. Allow me to come with you."

"Alright. So we'll leave in the morning before anyone wakes up."

Gabrielle hugged Xena tightly. They remained that way for a while, speechless, having missed the solace of each other's embrace. Their quiet moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Eve, looking flustered.

"Moms! Ever since you left, I've been conducting research. I'm trying to find a way to bring my brother back."

"Did you find anything, Eve?"

"Yes, I've read the stars and spoken with the sages. A long time ago, a similar event occurred. A young girl returned to this world. But when her secret was revealed, she transformed into a dove. There was a young man who loved her, and he searched for ways to bring her back. It's documented in the wall inscriptions. It says you must find the water flowing from a point where the life spring meets the unseeing sun, and the hawk must drink from this water. But the young man, after overcoming all the perilous paths, arrived at that location only to realize that the water didn't exist, and then he was thrown off a cliff by forest sprites and died. And the girl remained as a dove. So, as far as I know, no one has survived this so far."

"We leave tomorrow morning," Xena stated.

"Where are you going?"

"To the Elysian Fields. It's best to resolve this issue at its origin. You will take responsibility for this area. You won't let our absence be felt."

"Well, my dear, I will do my best. You know what's best," she said.

"Thank you. My beautiful girl."

Xena looked at her daughter with pride. In her mature eyes, she could see glimmers of wisdom.

"Sometimes it feels like you carry my genes," Xena said.

Gabrielle smiled.

"What led you to that conclusion?"

"I was never this wise, calm, and full of love."

Eve squeezed her mother's shoulder.

"Your path required it, Mom."

Xena responded with a bittersweet smile.

"If everything goes well, I promise to try to make up for all the hardships you've endured because of me, baby."

Then she turned to Gabrielle.

"It's late; tomorrow will be a very challenging day for us. Are you ready?"

"With all my heart," Gabrielle replied. "But I want to show you something."

"What is it?"

Gabrielle took her hand and led her to the bedroom. Kneeling in front of a wooden-carved chest at the edge of the bed, she slowly opened the lid to reveal Xena's costume, her breast dagger, whip, sword, and Gabrielle's staff and sails.

"I haven't used these in a long time either. But the time has come."

"Yes, it has. So, you've kept all of this for years."

"I couldn't let go. They are our history. And as you can see now, they'll be useful to us."

Xena smiled.

"Don't tell me you think I'll wear this costume again? It tightened around my waist too much. Now, I really don't think I'll fit into it at all."

"Of course, we'll dress comfortably. But I'm still not sure if I'm in shape for fighting. I haven't practiced in years."

"Don't worry; I hadn't practiced either, but when we came to save you, everything fell into place. In fact, all our knowledge and skills are still deep down in our minds."
"You're right."

They had prepared clothes that would allow them to feel comfortable and facilitate their movements. After getting dressed, they took food and water with them. They set out early in the morning. The sky was a dusky gray, and there was a light mist. Xena and Gabrielle carefully rode alongside each other. For the first time in years, they were traveling together like in the old days. A gentle breeze blew. The surroundings were very quiet, and within both of them was an endless peace—the peace that came from being together again. It felt as if the missing pieces had been completed. They both knew that no matter what happened, they could face it together.

After riding for a while, they found themselves by a lake leading to Elisian Fieldss. The sun was now high in the sky. They tied their horses to a shaded spot by the water. After resting a bit, they ate their food and drank their water.

"Xena… do you know? I thought we'd never come together for a fight again. But now we are together again. It's like a miracle."

Xena cupped Gabrielle's face in her hands.

"My miracle is you, Gabrielle."

They shared a moment of silence, looking into each other's eyes.

They nodded at each other as if to say, "Let's go," and simultaneously plunged into the water. Holding their breaths, they swam deeper and deeper. It was truly challenging, but it was worth it. When they reached the surface, they found themselves in Elisian Fields. They decided to make a fire to dry their wet clothes. As they huddled around the fire, trying to warm up, they had drawn in very close to each other. Suddenly, they realized their clothes were completely dry.

"How did this happen?" Gabrielle asked.

"This is the Elysian Fields; we only need to think about the things we wish to be here," Xena replied.

"Well, it would be nice to stay here, wouldn't it?"

"Not yet, Gabrielle. We still have much to teach our children. Not just yet."

"You said we could live out what we think here, didn't you?"

"Yes?"

"I'm going to try something. Can you turn your back to me?"

"My back?"

"Yes. Please."

"Okay."

Xena thought about how Gabrielle missed these childish games. She had a mischievous smile on her face as she turned away.

"Don't you dare look."

"Alright."

"Don't look yet."

"Oh, fine already."

"Now you can look."

When Xena curiously turned around, she was met by the eager, wise, young bard and talented warrior she had known in her youth. She could hardly believe her eyes when she saw the young Gabrielle in front of her.

"Gabrielle. How did you do this?"

"I just wanted it to happen. And it did. Now it's your turn. I want the old Xena back, even if just for a while."

"Okay, I'll try. Close your eyes."

Gabrielle happily closed her eyes and waited a short moment.

"Now you can open them."

When Gabrielle opened her eyes, she could hardly believe what she saw. Before her stood Xena, with bright blue eyes, rosy cheeks, lush black hair, and a strong physique, smiling at her. How she had missed seeing her like this! With great longing, she threw herself into Xena's arms. Xena wrapped her arms around Gabrielle's waist and began to spin her around. They both burst into joyous laughter, carefree and youthful. They spun and spun until they finally tumbled onto the lush green grass. Both of them, wearing huge smiles, gazed up at the sky, waiting for the dizziness to pass.

"I had forgotten how beautiful you were when you were young," Gabrielle said.

Xena frowned.

"So you're implying I'm not beautiful anymore?"

"Never... But you know how the energy of youth is."

"I'm just joking. I get what you mean. Well, if we've regained our old strength, let's go and save our son."

"Our son, right?"

"Do you doubt it?"

"No, there isn't. Let's go."

Xena and Gabrielle began to make their way through the lands of Elisia. The fragrant aroma of vibrant, colorful flowers filled the air around them. As they passed through the joyful crowd of Elisians in their white garments, a voice suddenly called out from behind them.

"XENA!"

When they turned, they saw that the speaker was none other than Ares, the former god of war. Xena felt a rush of happiness at seeing a familiar face from the past.

"Ares, how wonderful to see you after so many years."

"I can't even begin to describe what I feel. Did you die?"

"This issue is quite complex. Believe me, I would love to explain it to you in detail. But what about you? Since you've earned a place in heaven, I suppose you must have lived like a saint after I left."

"Let me pour you each a glass of wine from the river of wine. We can chat a bit."

"Of course," Xena replied, draping her arm over Ares' shoulder.
Gabrielle's expression shifted.

"Xena, now is not the time for wine. We have things to do, you know."

Ares looked at Gabrielle with a teasing expression. "My little blonde, you're still so jealous. You really can't enjoy some things."

"Are you talking to me?" Gabrielle snapped. "Do you think I have a reason to be jealous? I'll remind you who I am still with, and that she didn't even know you're dead."

Xena raised her hands and stepped between the quarreling duo.

"Friends, friends, what are we arguing about? Decades have passed. Let's move on from this topic. We need to focus on why we're here."

Both of them spoke in unison, "OK!"

Ares invited them to sit on a sofa under a wisteria tree. He filled their glasses with the pink rose-colored wine flowing from the river and handed them over.

"Now, tell me, why are you here?"

"We need to find Cronus."

"Cronus? Why? Is it because he's one of the few gods you didn't kill that you're here for him? Are you planning to kill him too?"

"I don't have a problem with the gods, Ares. If you remember, they had a problem with me."

"Yes, some of them were in love with you."

Xena playfully punched his shoulder, causing Gabrielle to suddenly cough on the wine that had caught in her throat. This made Ares grin with delight. The fact that Gabrielle was still a bit jealous of their conversation amused him inwardly.

"But because Xena fell in love with someone else, the poor gods had their hopes dashed."

When Xena said this, Gabrielle grinned back, pleased as if she had won a victory over Ares.

"Now, let's talk about why we're here. I want my son Solan to come to Earth as a human and live happily with his family."

"Can you explain a bit more?"

Xena recounted everything that had happened from the beginning to Ares. She shared how she didn't know which path to take and that she was considering speaking to Cronus and even fighting if it came to that. Ares fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. He must have been pondering what course of action to take as well.

"Look, Xena, you know that Cronus is actually my grandfather, and I should normally take his side."

"Yes, I know."

"But unfortunately, I'm still very much in love with you, and damn it, I will help you."

"Aren't you just magnificent?"

Gabrielle nudged Xena with her hand.

"We can handle this ourselves. Do we really need Ares?"

"Listen, little one, I know his weakness."

"What's his weakness?"

"His younger son, Atreus."

Xena drifted off into deep thought. "Hmmm, very clever idea. In exchange for his son, my son."

"Exactly."

"Okay, but where can I find this child?"

"Right in front of you."

Ares pointed to a young boy sitting by himself under the trees, reading the petals of daisy flowers as if predicting the future. Xena stood up and walked toward the young man with the stealth of a hungry lion who had set its sights on prey.

"Hello?" she said as she approached him.

The boy looked up at this beautiful young woman he had never seen before and smiled.

"And who are you? Are you one of the virgins assigned to me?"

"Virgin? Hmm, that could be. Why are you sitting here all alone? Don't you want to befriend me?"

"Sure, why not."

"I want to show you a place. I saw it for the first time and think it's really mysterious."

As Xena took the young man's hand to lead him away, Ares and Gabrielle were watching them from a distance.

"I love Xena's dark side," Ares said.

"I prefer her light side."

"Thanks to you, she chose the light side. But motherhood can make her do anything. I adore this woman."

"Me too."

Xena was gradually leading the boy away from where they were, guiding him toward a more secluded area where they could be alone. Once she was sure they were alone, she stopped.

"Did we arrive?"

"Yes."

"What are you going to show me?"

"You're quite impatient," Xena said as she leaned the young man against a tree.

"Hmm… I think you're feeling a bit mischievous."

"You're a very clever young boy."

"My father says the same."

"Where's your father?"

"I don't know right now."

"Well, would he come if you called him?"

"Of course. But why are we talking about this? Come here."

Xena approached Atreus, intent on kissing him, looking deep into his eyes. But suddenly, before he could fully comprehend what was happening, she flipped him onto the ground and bound his arms behind his back with her whip.

"Hey, what are you doing? What have I done to you?"

"Call Cronus."

"Let me go!"

The child struggled to free himself.

"I told you to call your father!"

In an instant, the surroundings filled with smoke, and a green light began to emanate. Cronus appeared.

"XENA!... What do you want with my son?"

"You're facing a woman with extraordinary combat skills capable of killing both you and your son."

"But why? Why do you want anything from us out of nowhere? If I wanted to, I could crush you like a bug."

"Go ahead and try; see what happens. If you want, take your best shot."

"What do you want from me, crazy woman? Is this about Solan? Is this related to Solan?"

"You're very clever. I can see why you are a god. I want my son to continue living his normal life. I want him to live as a human."

"But you violated the rules, and this is the consequence."

"You can change that."

"I can't."

"Then say goodbye to your son."

Xena lifted the child off the ground and began to drag him away.

"Let my son go. Your problem is not with me or my son."

"No, it's about your son in exchange for mine. Don't force me to use violence."

After saying this, Xena pinched Atreus's neck and quietly whispered to the child,

"Don't be afraid; you won't die."

Cronus roared in anger.

"What are you doing? Let him go."

Cronus hurled a beam of green light at Xena, and as she immediately jumped aside, the branches of the tree behind her snapped. At that moment, a voice came from behind them.

"If you need help, we're here."

When they looked in the direction of the voice, they realized it belonged to Gabrielle and Ares.

"Let my son go!" Cronus shouted.

"I just want you to turn my son back into a human."

"I can't! The rules!"

"Then from now on, this doesn't concern me. Battle on!"

Cronus began to shoot scorching light at Gabrielle and Ares as well, but they skillfully dodged his attacks. Meanwhile, Atreus had found himself in a difficult situation due to being pinched, and his nose was starting to bleed. Xena had no intention of harming him. Without letting Cronus notice, she adjusted the pinch. Her goal was never to harm anyone's child; she only wanted to retrieve her own.

"Cronus, turn Solan back into a human. He didn't deserve to die at such a young age. He has already paid too high a price because of his mother's dangerous lifestyle. You have a son too. Help me."

"You're putting me in a tough spot, Xena—I can't accept this."

"Then I will have to kill you. If you die, the decrees you've given will also become invalid."

Xena drew her sword and pointed it at Cronus. As Cronus aimed his rays at her, Xena acrobatically flipped in the air, escaping for the first time in years. She and Ares watched in admiration as she executed her impressive maneuver. Xena approached Atreus from behind, holding her sword to his neck.

"Make your decision quickly. Your son in exchange for mine."

Just as Cronus was about to strike again, Ares intervened.

"Stop it, Cronus. You will lose your son."

"When did the old god of war start interfering in my affairs? I will destroy him."

"Believe me, he has more talent than you think. Right now, he's only at the threatening stage. Trust me, you don't want to see him go berserk."

Cronus took a deep breath.

"If I do this, all the rules will be turned upside down. My authority here…"

Xena pressed her sword against the young man's throat.

"I've run out of patience."

Cronus saw a small cut forming on his son's chin.

"Alright, alright. I will do it. Let go of my son, you witch."

Suddenly, Cronus unleashed a thunderous roar that echoed deafeningly. It felt as if the very heavens and earth were turning upside down. In the midst of his astonishment, Xena released Atreus, and he dashed back to his father. The tremor had affected the entire Elysian Fields. People were in a state of panic. Xena, Ares, and Gabrielle clung to each other to stay upright. A fierce wind accompanied the quake. After a while, the shaking continued, then gradually subsided. A voice descended from the heavens.

"XENA!... YOUR SON HAS RETURNED TO HUMAN FORM AS HE DESERVED. NOW MAKE THE MOST OF THIS OPPORTUNITY... GO TO YOUR SON."

Xena and Gabrielle embraced each other joyfully. They had saved their son. Xena turned to Ares.

"Thank you. You may have caused me a lot of hardship over the years, but you have also helped me immensely."

Ares took Xena's hand and brought it to his lips.

"I will always be here for you, my Warrior Queen. Even if I have only one chance in a million, I am grateful for that chance."

Xena smiled without saying a word. She held Gabrielle's hand.

"Let's hurry. We still have a long way to go."

By the time Xena and Gabrielle left the Elysian Fields and returned to Caria, it was noon. They had left their youth behind. Yet, they had realized that in each other's eyes, they would always look as they had on the day they first met. Neither the gray in their hair nor the lines on their faces could alter that perception. Now, happiness and peace resided in their hearts. They dismounted; there was no one around. Everything seemed unusually tranquil. Both of their hearts began to race with excitement. They truly had no strength left to face another calamity. They walked slowly toward home. Perhaps no one was expecting their return yet. Where was Eve? Where was Xenia Virgil? There was nobody in sight. They were entering the house with a nervousness that made their hearts race when suddenly a voice startled them.

"SUPRISE!"

They were taken aback, not knowing what hit them. Everyone was there, all shouting in unison with huge smiles on their faces. Solan stood before them as a towering figure, with his daughter and wife under his arms. Virgil and Americe were there too. The whole family had gathered to celebrate their return. Solan approached his mother and hugged her tightly. Another long-awaited reunion was happening. Xena felt emotional, as if she were embracing the little boy she had left years ago.

"Thank you so much, Mom and Gabrielle. You risked your lives for me."

"We owed this to you, son. From now on, let everything be beautiful," Xena said, tears welling in her eyes.

Virgil and Americe, smiling, came over to join them.

"Since the whole family is here, we want to share some wonderful news. I'm pregnant, and the father is Virgil. With your permission, we'd like to get married with a lovely ceremony."

"That's fantastic news!" Gabrielle exclaimed while hugging Americe.

"If we have a son, we'll name him Joxer; if it's a daughter, we'll name her Gabrielle."

"That's so sweet."

"Well, since everyone is talking about their plans, can I share mine too?" Eve asked.

Xena turned her loving gaze toward her daughter.

"Of course, babe."

"The cult sees me as their leader and holds me in high esteem. That's why they've organized a tent in my name. They want me to live with them as their leader."

"Well, what do you want?"

"I actually want to go. I will settle in India."

"If this is what you truly desire, then I respect your choice, even though we've only just reunited. Be where you are happy, my daughter."

"Thank you, Mom." She hugged her mother tightly.

"Then I need to start getting ready; I'm so excited about it."

Xena looked at Luna. She was gazing admiringly at her grandmother too. Then she picked up her little granddaughter in her arms.

"You know, dear little girl, you are very lucky because I will give you all the love and attention that I couldn't give to my daughter and son. We are going to do beautiful things together."

The little girl wrapped her arms around her grandmother's neck. Then she went to hug Xenia.

"You know, Xenia, my grandmother and Gabrielle have fought against evil. They saved my father. They are so strong, and I want to be like them. Xenia, come on, you know how to fight. Teach me everything you know."

"Alright, come with me; I will teach you everything I know. But there are things I don't know as well. That's why I will have to consult our mothers. You know, we are going to be an amazing duo, I promise."

Xena smiled as she watched the children who had gone outside to practice fighting.

"Teach me everything you know? That's us, right?"

"Absolutely, that's entirely us," Gabrielle said, resting her head on Xena's shoulder.

For a while, they watched the children clumsily practicing with swords and sticks. Eventually, they couldn't hold back.

"Girls, wait! Don't swing the stick that way, you could hurt yourselves!" Gabrielle called out.

"Hey, start with a smaller sword; that one's too heavy," Xena said while taking her sword from Xenia's hand. Suddenly, they found themselves giving the children a fighting lesson.

"Hey, wait! Don't rush. We will teach you everything we know," Xena said.

THE END

FIN