�Hey Angie, time to wake up.� Queen Varia said quite loudly as she stood in the doorway of Angela�s hut. The overly bright morning rays now lighting up the interior of the hut caused the very hung over warrior still laying in bed to pull her blanket up over her head. The previous night was the annual Harvest Moon ceremony; usually Amazon only. They had made an exception in Angela�s case, as there was talk of inducting her into the tribe even though they knew she wouldn�t be staying; she would be leaving to travel with Xena and Gabrielle. �What, your worshipfulness?� Angela rolled over onto her left side, putting her back to the door and the terrible sunlight it emitted. �You swore I could sleep late today.� Varia barely made out the last groan as a sentence. �Uh, yeah, well... something came for you.� the queen said, as she smiled brightly at the lethargic woman. �Has anyone ever told you that you are way too bright and cheery in the morning?� Angela grumbled as she rolled back over. �I can hear the �happy� in your voice. It�s sickening.� �Hey, nobody forced you to drink so much.� Varia said somewhat defensively. �Oh, yes they did,� Angela shot back while attempting, foolhardily to rise. She sat back down and went on, �you Amazon's and your damn drinking games. �oh no, you can�t leave until you pass out.� Do you know that one of them actually tied my leg to the chair to keep me there?� She put her head in her hands and tried in vain to fight off the blistering headache. Varia gave a slight chuckle at this. �Yeah, well... I couldn�t help myself.� �Oh, you little bitch.� Angela murmured discontentedly while rubbing her eyes, �Revenge is better than Christmas. You just remember that.� �What is Christm...� �Forget it. No wait, Solstice.� Angela finally rose from her bed and made her way across the hut to where the Queen stood. �Ok, hand it over.� Varia gave the scroll over and waited for Angela to open it. �Need me to read it for you?� she asked earnestly. �Can you read Chinese?� �No.� There was a hint of anxiety in her voice. �But M�tai, the healer, is from Ch'in.� Varia stepped out of the door for a second and told one of the passing women to fetch the healer. She came back into the hut and took a seat in a chair next to the bed. �She�ll be here in a minute.� �Why do I have a really bad feeling about this?� Angie said almost under her breath. �For some strange reason, so do I.� Varia offered back in a whisper. While waiting for the healer, Angela brushed out her long black tresses and put on her leathers. After her armbands and gauntlets were in place, she did some light stretching and shook some of the sleep out of her eyes. A light knock on the doorsill had Angie�s attention immediately. �M�tai, come in. I received this today. It's from China. Can you translate this for me please?� The healer nodded her head in agreement and took the offered scroll. She read it over quickly and grew pale. �K�ao Hsin sends this to you. She says that Xena has martyred herself for what she thought was a noble cause. She was lied to and manipulated into dying... and staying dead. Gabrielle carries her ashes with her and is on her way to the land of the Pharos. Gabrielle will not make it there. The ship�s captain will leave her at a dock somewhere near the Stryman river and she will come back here. According to this, K�ao Hsin thinks that she will be here very soon.� She held her hand up to quiet the two warriors before her and went on, �K�ao Hsin says that in a vision she saw these things, but was powerless to help. It was after the fact. A great power was blocking her. When the power was destroyed, she had the vision.� Angela seemed as though she were about to hyperventilate. The queen put her hand on the woman�s shoulder and looked to the healer, �Is there anything else?� �Yes, she says that the one who helped Xena by letting her live, is the one who can help make this right.� M�tai gave back the scroll and took her leave. �We have to go find Gabrielle.� Angela said in a choked voice. �Angela, I think it would be better if we waited. The scroll says that she could arrive at any time...� �No, Varia...� �You don�t even know what port she�ll be arriving at.� �Is there a, dare I say, major kind of road that leads South to the harbors that she would travel back on?� Angie asked putting both of her hands down on a small table and hanging her head. �Yes, of course there is. I�ll send some sisters out to go and get her. I just don�t think you should go.� �And why not??� she asked spinning around to face the queen. �That�s why. I don�t want you going off the deep end and doing something you'll regret.� Varia locked eyes with Angie as she said this in an effort to get her message through. �Coming from you, that�s fucked up!� Angela declared as she busied herself, putting all of her weapons in place. �From what I understand, you are no saint.� �I have learned the hard way...� �SO HAVE I!!� Angela yelled out. �I am not a loose cannon. I only kill when I have to. Now either you give me at least one escort or I go it alone. Either way, I go. I owe her my life. She is the reason I kept my sanity and I will do whatever it takes to help. Don�t fight me on this Varia, you won�t win.� She spoke the last in a low and menacing tone, staring coldly at Varia. The queen stopped herself for a moment and had to clear her head. Angela had sounded identical to Xena at that moment. She hated when Angie did that. Her voice was very similar to Xena�s, but usually had the bards happy undertones. At this point in time though, there was nothing happy coming out of the warrior before her. �Ok, ok. You can go... I understand your need to do this,� she said softly. �Just promise me you'll get your head on straight before you leave.� �It already is, Varia. The sooner she sees a friendly face, the better.� Angela clasped arms with the queen. �Sorry I yelled, it�s just that... sorry.� �Apology accepted,� the queen said with a smile. �Be ready in about a half of a candle mark. As soon as the horses are saddled and the supplies are packed, we�re leaving.� �We?� Angie asked quizzically. �You�re gonna go?� �Yeah, I�ll be your guide. Queen Cyane is here. She can take care of things while I�m gone.� The queen shrugged her shoulders. �It�s not like we�ll be gone long anyway. Maybe a week if she is that close.� Varia left the hut and set about having the preparations for the journey taken care of. Angela closed the door behind Varia. She was left alone in hut. �Xena�s gone,� she whispered under her breath. She sat and silently wept for her fallen friend for a few minutes then stood and walked over to the window. She leaned against the sill and looked up at the mid-morning sky. She wondered if Xena could hear her. The bard had told her once that the dead could hear the thoughts of the living. She hoped it was true. �No time like the present to find out.� She sat back down on her bed and looked up, unseeing, past the rafters and the roof. �I�m going to get her Xena. Then we're gonna figure out who this person is in the scroll and right this.� �I died because I had to.� The voice came from behind. Angela spun around to find herself face to face with Xena. �How did you... Xena why?� Angela's eyes flooded once again. �I did it to save 40,000 souls.� There was a pleading look in the Warrior Princess� eyes. �K�ao Hsin said that you were lied to. Manipulated. She said that we could fix this.� �Open the scroll so I can read it.� Xena said quietly. She then followed Angela to the table where it had been left. She read the scroll and looked to Angela. Her form was beginning to waver, she was losing power. �Find Gabrielle,� was all she said before disappearing. Angela fell to her knees and sobbed until Varia arrived and practically broke down the door to find out what was wrong. �She was here, Varia. She appeared to me, she was here.� Varia crouched down in front of Angie and put her hands on the woman's shoulders. �How could she? I think you�re distraught. I need you to calm down and...� �No, she was here! She thought she was dying to save 40,000 souls. I showed her the scroll. She said to go find Gabrielle.� Angela, still on her knees and looking imploringly at Varia was practically begging to be believed. �Are you completely sure? I mean...� Varia's eyes strayed from Angela for a brief second. What she saw rendered her speechless for a few long moments. �What is that?� she asked as she pointed at the dirt floor a few feet away. �What?� Angela turned around to see very faint boot prints in the sand. They were Xena�s size. �Now do you believe me?� �Yes I do,� Varia answered nervously. �The horses are ready and so am I. Are you?� �Let�s get the hell out of Dodge and go find ourselves a blonde bard.� "Dodge?" "Forget it." "Ok." Varia and Angela hit the road leaving the Amazon village at a full gallop with a spare horse in tow for Gabrielle. They rode hard for most of the day, resting the horses only when necessary. They made their evening camp a good distance from Amazon lands. �We made good time,� Varia offered as they sat around the fire finishing up their dinner. �Yeah, just wish my ass wasn't killing me.� �Well if you got it out of the seat it wouldn�t bother you so much.� Angela nearly fell off the log she was sitting on, �Xena... will you stop doing that?� �Gabrielle knows you are coming. You�ll meet her on the road.� �I can see through you this time, what�s wrong?� Angie asked as she stood up. �I�ve been making too many appearances today.� Xena disappeared. �Varia, are you ok?� Angie asked. The queen�s mouth was wide open and the food she had been eating was on the ground. �You weren�t kidding,� the queen said with an astonished look on her face. �No I wasn�t.� They retired to their bedrolls early so that they would be up and leaving before sunrise. Varia surmised that if they pushed the horses hard again, that they might even have the bard that evening. They had already made the distance usually covered in a day and a half in less than a day. They could easily beat that the following day. And with the bard moving in their direction... �luck just might be on our side,� she thought. The following morning, as planned, they left before sunrise. The horizon had just begun to turn purple when they made it back out onto the road from their campsite. Once again the horses were pushed to the extreme and only rested when need be. They rotated horses at intervals to give each a chance to run rider-less. They hoped it would help. That evening, once again they set up camp. Both women were disappointed in not finding Gabrielle before night fall. They had covered almost two days ground in a day and nothing. �We won�t be able to push the horses like this again tomorrow,� Varia began, �we�ll have to worry about one of them dropping dead right from under us.� �I know, I was thinking the same thing. She has to be close. That girl can walk. She has a pace that is tough to keep up with.� Angie was half saying to herself. �I hope that was meant as a compliment.� came a reply from the dark woods. The bard stepped into the campsite. Angela jumped from her bedroll and put the bard in something akin to a bear hug. �When I heard, I came right out. I received a scroll. It says we have to find someone. Xena appeared to me...� Angela stammered. �Ok, Xena told me about the scroll. Do you have it? I need to read it.� the bard said as Angela ushered her over to where the bedrolls were laid out. �Yeah, have a seat, I�ll dig it out.� Angie went over to her saddle bags to retrieve the scroll. �How have you been, Gabrielle?� Varia asked plaintively. �It�s been tough. I lost my best friend for what I believe are the wrong reasons. Those people were not her responsibility.� The bard looked up at Angela who was walking over with the scroll. Angie crouched down in front of her and handed it to her. �Have a seat,� the bard said, pointing to a spot on the bedroll next to her. She unrolled the scroll and read it quickly. �I knew it! Xena, I told you, why couldn�t you listen to me!� she cried out . Angela and Varia, both, converged on her to try and comfort her. �It was horrible, what they did to her... then she wouldn�t let me bring her back. I told her that I didn�t care about those 40,000 souls.� She looked up into Angela's eyes. �I still don�t care about them.� �I know, and neither do I,� Angela whispered. �But she still does. She says that she has to stay dead for them to be at peace. She still believes it.� The bard buried her face in Angela�s shoulder and went on, �she won�t listen, scroll or no scroll.� �I have to ask you something,� Angie said as she tilted the bard�s chin to look at her. �Who is the person in that scroll that we have to find?� �Hercules,� the bard whispered as she put her head back down on Angela�s shoulder and continued shedding her tears. �Varia, do you know where we can find him?� Angela asked over the bard�s sobs. �The last I heard, he was living in his home village. He must be an old man by now though. How can he help?� Varia asked disbelievingly. �Maybe he knows something. He is a half god, the son of Zeus. That makes me think that we just might have a chance.� Angela noticed that the bard was quieting and seemed a little more relaxed. A short while later she laid the bard down on the bedroll asleep. Angela retrieved the spare and set herself up for the evening. Gabrielle and Angela stopped at the Amazon village long enough to drop off Varia and re-supply their stores. They headed back out immediately to find Hercules. *********** �Hey, baby bro�. What�s doin�?� �Aphrodite, to what do I owe this visit?� Hercules asked skeptically. �Oh, c�mon now. Don�t get like that. Besides this isn�t so much a favor for me as...� �How did I know?� the hero said crossing his arms across his broad chest. �I�m done with it. No more labors for me.� He turned and walked out of his home. �Herc, I really think you need to hear this. It�s about Xena.� The goddess placed a gentle hand on her brothers massive forearm. �What about her?� he asked disbelievingly. �She�s dead Herc. It�s not her time, I checked. Gabby is on her way to find you.� �Wait a minute.� he said putting a hand up. �When did Gabrielle come to you?� �She didn't, but I like the bard; you know that. Well anyway�s I heard her screaming the other night so I went. She was sitting around a campfire with two others. And she was pouring her heart out about how Xena let herself be killed. Then this one chick that looked an awful lot like Xena, pulled out a scroll from Ch'in that said that Xena was lied to and that she basically died in vain. They think that you can help, so they�re on their way. I just wanted to tell you. If you want I�ll take you to them. I�ll give you any help you need, I owe the princess.� Hercules had never seen Aphrodite like this, she actually cared about a mortal. �Alright, first things first. I am going to the Alcyonian Lake. Can you tell Gabrielle to meet me there? It would be faster than her coming all the way here.� �How about I just pop us there. It would be so much easier and you wouldn�t have to walk.� �That�s alright sis, I like to walk.� he smiled to the goddess. �You know Herc., you may have turned out to be immortal, but walking is walking...� �Please, Aphrodite, just give my message to Gabrielle. I think it would make her day.� �You got it little bro�.� And she was gone in a shower of gold glitter. Hercules leaned against the doorpost and looked out into the horizon towards the setting sun. �Oh, Xena, what have you done?� *********** Gabrielle was just about done cooking when a flash of gold glitter erupted on the opposite side of the campfire. �Aphrodite? What...� �I�m here to help Gabby.� The goddess informed her as she made her way around the fire to give her favorite bard a hug. �So, are you gonna introduce me? I don�t recall this one being on my workload.� �This is Angela, she is a direct descendant of me and Xena. She�s from the future.� Angie had been standing now for a few moments completely dumbfounded at the sight of the goddess before her. She was familiar with the Greek Myths, but she had only found out in recent months that Hercules really existed. �You�re Aphrodite?� �The one and only, babe. You know, the other night when I was watching you guys, I thought that you had a heavy resemblance to the Warrior Babe, but with a different angle on...� �I know, I know I look like her.� Angela pointed towards the bard. She was openly tired of the comparisons. �Hey, you know it�s not necessarily a bad thing. There are a lot worse things that could happen, you know.� The goddess turned her attention to the bard. �I talked to Herc. already. He said to meet him at the Alcyonian Lake. He�s leaving in the morning.� �But, Aphrodite... how did you know?� �Sweet pea, I heard your pain. When you�re hurting, I know about it. So anyway, I listened in and wanted to help. I went to my brother for you, I figured I could save you some time.� The Goddess of Love gave the bard a warm smile. �Thank you, I don�t know what to say.� �Oh Sweet Pea, you don�t have to say anything. I like you guys and we�ve been through a lot together. Now... how about I just pop us all to the lake and save you two the trip. I figure Herc�ll make it there by tomorrow night. It�s still a couple of days for you though. What do you say?� �Normally I�d say no, but I�m tired and I need to get to Hercules. How about you take us in the morning?� �Done deal. I�ll be back in the AM.� The goddess vanished in a shower of gold glitter. �That was Aphrodite,� Angela stammered out still unbelieving. �Yes, it was. And a nice surprise it turned out to be.� The bard said with a smile. �That was really Aphrodite.� �Oh, don�t be so star struck.� �Xena, will you stop doing that?� Angela said looking up at the Warrior Princess who was standing behind the bard with her hands on her shoulders. �Gabrielle, can you feel that?� �Yeah.� The bard responded gave a small shrug. �The water from the Fountain of Strength gave her abilities that a normal ghost wouldn�t have. She just can�t keep it up for very long.� �Well,� Angie began, �I guess you know what we�re up to. Do you still think that we're wrong?� �Yes,� the warrior said without reservation. �Do you see what this is doing to your best friend?� Angela prodded. �Yes, but I have to do this. I caused them to suffer.� �It wasn�t your fault.� Angela shot back. �Gabrielle hasn�t told you the story, has she?� �No, she doesn�t have to... I trust her judgment.� �This isn�t about her judgment. This is about 40,000 souls that I condemned. I had to make that right.� Xena�s eyes were pleading. �Gabrielle? Don't cry...� The bard turned to face the Warrior Princess, her face wet with tears. �Xena... if we can ...� �Ssshhh,� Xena gently silenced the bard. �I would love to come back, but I can�t.� If she were able to weep, she would have been. The pain showed plainly on Xena�s face. She knew how much it had hurt Gabrielle, but she felt it was the right thing to do. �Xena,� the bard paused to choke back an errant sob. �Talk to Hercules. Promise me you will at least give us a chance to see what can be done.� �I promise Gabrielle. If I could come back without harming those souls, nothing would stop me from finding a way.� Her image wavered and she was gone. �Gabrielle, are you ok?� Angela asked tentatively. �Yes,� the bard said as she turned to face Angela. �She�s willing to listen. We just have to convince her.� �I don�t know if this is a good time, but... can you tell me everything that happened?� Angela asked as the bard took the pot of food she had been cooking off of the fire. ******************** A rooster crowed in the distance as Hercules stepped out of his home and began his first journey in over twenty-five years. He had retired right around the time that Xena gave birth to her daughter, Eve. Hercules remembered that day well. He had killed his father Zeus in an effort to protect Xena and her child. As much as it had hurt him to kill his father, he never regretted it. With most of the gods gone now, the world was becoming a much better place. After walking for about a candle mark, a blonde in a pink negligee appeared next to Hercules, keeping pace with him. �I talked to them, it�s all set. I�m gonna bring them there in a little while. Gabby�s still asleep.� �How far away are they?� �Oh, about three or four days ride. I think.� the goddess looped her arm around her brothers, �where do you want me to drop them off?� �Uhhh, there is a beach with a small dock that goes about ten or fifteen paces out into the water. Have them set up camp over there. I should be there before nightfall.� �No problemo,� the goddess said with a smile. She walked silently, arm in arm with the big man for a short time after. �Alright sweet cheeks, I think the bard is awake. Gotta go do the goddess thing. Later.� Gold glitter and Hercules was alone. ******************** �Ok, you two all settled in?� the goddess asked after arriving with her two charges at the Alcyonian Lake. �Yes, thank you Aphrodite. You don�t know how much this means to me.� the bard said sincerely. �As a matter of fact I do. I just wish that there was more I could do for you right now. Well, I gotta run, Sweet Pea. If you need anything, don�t hesitate to ask.� �How about a barrel of wine,� Angela asked jokingly. A snap of her fingers, and the goddess produced a keg. �Oh, oops, I almost forgot,� another snap of her fingers and she produced a tap for the keg. �There you go, anything else?� the love goddess asked with a big grin. �Well, I have been stuck in that Amazon village for a little too long, I could sure use a good...� �Angela!!!!� the bard nipped that thought in the bud, �no, thank you Aphrodite. We�re good.� the bard smiled. �Hey, I could pop a couple of cute guys in here for ya...� the goddess said as she was about to snap her fingers again. �NO, that�s ok. You don�t have to do that. Besides, that�s not what we are here for.� the bard said giving Angela a nudge with her elbow. �Alright, well, like I said, I gotta run. Promise you�ll call if you need anything.� �I promise,� the bard said. The goddess flashed a grin, snapped her fingers and was gone. �Bard... she gave us a keg,� Angela said disbelievingly, pointing at the keg. �Yup.� �I was kidding,� still disbelieving. �She knew that, but, at the same time... that�s probably the best wine in Greece. Here�s the tap.� the bard said tossing the keg tap to a still very shocked Angie. Angela put the tap on top of the keg. �Ok... well... I guess I�ll go start collecting firewood for us.� �Sounds good... I�ll start making camp.� A short while later, camp was set up, the wood was collected and Angie was bored. She and the bard went for a swim. Afterwards, Angie moved the rather large wood pile she had collected to what she thought would be a better location while Gabrielle brushed the horses... then she was bored again. She and the bard went for another swim. They were both bored. Angela could almost hear the keg calling out her name. She moved the wood pile again. The keg called to her, tempted her. She went over by the water and started working out. She ran through a few forms, but she wasn�t in the mood. She looked over to the bard who was vigilantly staring at a blank scroll. �I can�t do this,� she said under her breath. �But it�s not even noon, mid-morning maybe,� she argued quietly with herself. �Ah, fuckit,� she said as she walked towards the keg. Gabrielle looked up from her empty scroll at the sound of Angie�s voice. �What�s wrong?� she asked. �I�m tapping the keg,� she bluntly stated. �Ok, I�ll get the mugs.� the bard replied. This stopped Angela in mid stride, �I thought you�d be mad?� �No, what made you think that?� the bard questioned. �You said that we didn�t come here for that.� Angela stated quizzically. �No, I said we didn�t come here to get laid. But we�ve got all day to wait for Hercules and nothing better to do.� The bard nodded toward the keg, �well, are you just gonna stand there, or are you going to tap it?� �Tappin� it right now, bard.... right now.� After the keg was tapped she motioned to the bard to hold the mugs under the tap and filled them. �If we take it easy, we can just run the day with a little buzz on and not get piss drunk.� �Yeah, I think that would be best. I�m really not in the mood to get drunk.� the bard agreed. Three candle marks later, just after noon, they were sitting on a couple of logs around the fire pit singing in unison, �12 bottles of beer on the wall. 12 bottles of beer, take one down, pass it around, 13 bottles of beer on the wall, 13 bottles of...� �Wait , wait, wait,� Angie said waving her hand in the air, �we�re goin� forwards again. We supposed to be singin� 11, I think.� �Ohhhh,� the bard nodded her agreement, �11 bottles of beer on the wall,� Angela joined in and they finished off the song. �Whew, that was fun,� the bard exclaimed. �Do you know any more campfire songs?� �You know I have never finished that song.� Angie pointed out, �as a matter of fact... I don�t think anyone in HISTORY has EVER finished that song.� �Hey,� the bard shook a finger at Angela, �I thought we weren�t getting drunk?� Angie simply shrugged her shoulders, �shit happens,� she said with a sly grin. Laughing heartily, �yes it does.� A hand came down on Angie�s shoulder and she spun pulling out her boot knife and slicing air. �XENA!!! Dammit!� she looked around for Warrior Princess and was unable to locate her. She had disappeared again. She then looked over to the bard who had been laughing so hard, she fell backwards off of the log she had been sitting on. Shaking her knife in the air and turning around in a circle Angie lowered her voice to a menacing growl, �I�m going to make sure you come back... then I�m gonna kill you myself, dammit!� �Oh Angela, that was classic. You should have seen the evil look on her face when she appeared behind you. But you are fast, I have to give you that much.� She broke out laughing again. It was infectious, Angela chuckled throatily for a few minutes. �Uhhh, Xena? I have to go to the little ladies outhouse... keep an eye on her, I'll be right back.� Another candle mark later... �Aphrodite sure knows how to pack a lunch,� Angela stated. �Mmmm, I know. These ribs are excellent.� the bard patted her stomach, �I think I�m full.� �You think?� Angie said with a quick laugh. �Yeah, well.... you know how I can eat.� the bard said with a sly grin. �I�ve been watching you inhale.� Ignoring the remark, �I have an idea... after we clean up, you wanna sit on the dock?� �Sounds good, I�ll move the keg over in a few.� The two women cleaned up after themselves and headed down to the lake to wash up. Afterwards, Angela tipped the keg slightly and rolled it out onto the dock on its bottom rim. They sat themselves at the end dangling their feet in the water. Angie asked the bard for a few stories and the time flew by. Before they knew it, it was dinner time. Gabrielle carried the keg back over to the campsite and they quietly ate their dinner. After dinner, they sat around lightly sipping their wine. Gabrielle�s senses went on full alert. �Someone�s out there.� she whispered, �coming up the path.� Angela listened, but heard nothing. �Are you sure?� �Positive,� the bard whispered. She stood up and made ready with her chakram. �You know that you�re going to have to give that back, right?� Angie quietly pointed out. �No, I don�t think so... I kinda like this thing.� the bard was barely audible. She cocked an ear to listen, �it�s Hercules,� she sighed, as she re-clipped her chakram to her belt. A few minutes later the legendary hero himself strode around the bend. The bard met him half way and Hercules gathered her up in his strong embrace. �Gabrielle... I�d swear you were holding on for dear life.� he half whispered. �I am.� she said plaintively. He walked her back to camp and stopped dead in his tracks when he got a close look at Angela, �wow.� �Wow yourself,� the sound was like velvet. �You even sound like her.� he said astonished. �Here we go again.� she said as she made her way over to him. She held out her hand, �I�m Angela, and you must be the famed Hercules. Damn... the hype just isn�t enough... .� she looked him up and down. Hercules blushed and clasped arms with her. �Uh, yeah, hi.� �And bashful too. Oh, Xena... I am jealous.� Angie smiled, �sorry, you�re all red. I guess we should get on with this. Have a seat, are you hungry?� �Hercules,� the bard interrupted, �you haven't aged. What...� �It seems, I am immortal,� he said bluntly. �Now tell me everything that happened. I need all of the details.� After about two and a half candle marks the bard finished her story. It had grown dark and Angie meanwhile had started the fire. At the end of the story, Gabrielle handed the scroll from K�ao Hsin over to Hercules. He opened and read it. After rolling it back up he looked at the bard, �she's coming back. I am not letting her give her life for this. Akemi lied to Xena in an effort to share the afterlife with her. She didn�t realize that the bond between you two is too strong for that to happen. But Xena believes that she is saving souls. Is there any...� �I�m right here Hercules,� came a soft voice beside him. He looked into her eyes... her eyes, she was solid before him. �Xena, how many times do I have to tell you that you do more good alive than dead?� �I�ve been listening. If you can guarantee that those souls won't be harmed, then I�ll come back. If it can be done.� There was a flash of gold glitter, �I got the answers you need,� Aphrodite said flashing a grin. �Did you go to Apollo?� Hercules asked. �Yup, and the Warrior Babe is free and clear on those souls. He said that in the eyes of goodness, she redeemed herself years ago. Herc... do your thing.� Tears rushed into the bards eyes and overflowed, �Aphrodite, thank you.� �Hey, don�t mention it. Beside, I like talking to Apollo, he has no choice but to tell the truth. It gets fun sometimes.� the goddess said with a wink and a snicker. Hercules looked back to Xena, �so what do you think? Are you ready?� �Do you really think she�ll do it?� the Warrior Princess asked. �I don�t know, all I can do is ask... and beg and plead.� he said with a smile. �What are you gonna do?� the bard asked. �I�m going to head down into Hades in the morning. I have some ideas.� he said looking at the Warrior Princess. �Duh, little bro� you ain�t swimming down there. I�m taking you right now.� the love goddess grabbed her brother and in a flash they were in Hades domain. Persephone, Hades wife/widow, ruled the underworld now that Hades was gone. Persephone entered the small chamber that Hercules and Aphrodite awaited her in. Her hair was long and brown. She was dressed in white flowing robes. She greeted her company with a warm smile, �it�s been so long Hercules. How have you been? And Aphrodite, I�m sorry about canceling our plans, but we had rush in here. It seems your brother worked his magic again and started another war. Two big kingdoms... this should last a while.� �Oh, don�t sweat it. Cupid is working on that as we speak,� Aphrodite flashed a huge grin, �they should be eloping within the next month. Just don�t tell my brother, he�ll blow a fit.� �Not a problem, I hate seeing people go before their time. Which is why you are here. I already know Hercules. I�ve been expecting you.� �Now Persephone,� he began, �I know that there may be some hard feelings there...� �None,� she said bluntly, �any decent woman would kill, if need be, to protect her child. I hold no grudge.� She smiled up at Hercules, � the prophecy was self fulfilling. Very few gods realized that. The rest didn�t listen; and they paid the ultimate price.� �Can you help us?� Hercules asked pleadingly. ********************************* �I wonder what they have in mind?� Angela muttered. The Warrior Princess reappeared, �They are going to talk to Persephone. I just don�t know if it�ll work.� �Why don�t you go down there?� �I may not be able to come back out if I do.� �Oh no,� the bard jumped up, �Xena, your ashes are missing.� �I feel like I�m being pulled,� Xena�s form began to waver, �Gabrielle...� she reached her hand out, but was gone. *********************** �I�ll need her ashes,� Persephone said to Aphrodite. �Not a problem,� the goddess snapped her fingers and the black urn was in her hand. She handed them over to Persephone, �her ya go.� Persephone took the ashes and closed her eyes. Within moments, the Warrior Princess was standing before them. Hercules looked at Xena and smiled, then looked to Persephone, �ok, now what?� She strode over to a small table on the far side of the room and poured the ashes into a pitcher of water from the river Styx. She stirred the contents and made her way back to the small group. �Xena you must drink this; you will absorb your body back into yourself and then it will regenerate.� Xena took the pitcher and drank down the contents, careful not to spill any and happy that, as a ghost, she had no sense of taste. When she was finished, she handed the empty pitcher back to Persephone. The Queen of Hades closed her eyes briefly then put her hand on Xena�s shoulder. �I would have been no less fierce in the protection of my own child. I bear no ill will against you. Now go, you will be whole again by morning.� �Thank you,� the Warrior Princess whispered. Persephone nodded her acceptance and took her leave. �Ok, you two ready?� the love goddess asked. �Yeah, I think so,� replied Hercules smiling at Xena. �We are outta here!� Aphrodite snapped her fingers and they were gone. *************************** �They�ve been gone a while,� Angela muttered. �Hades is a big place. I�ve been there. And when it comes to the gods,� the bard pointed out, �things can take a while.� �Do you think they have a chance at pulling this off?� �I believe in Hercules. If he say�s that he�s going to do something... he does it.� A flash of gold glitter, �and he does it every time!� the goddess cheered. The bard jumped up and ran over to him, �well? How did it go?� her voice was full of anxiety. �She�s going to need clothes.� he said flatly. Then a wide grin slowly made its way across his face. �Oh, by the gods, you did it!� the bard looked around, �where is she?� �She's here. Persephone said that she�ll be good to go by morning.� �Does this mean that we�re going to Japan to get Xena�s armor?� Angela asked jokingly. �Oh, please... with me around?� the goddess smirked. She snapped her fingers and Xena�s armor, leathers and sword were in a pile next to the saddles and supplies. She turned her attention to the bard and in a serious tone, �I don�t want you ever going back there.� �Not a problem Aphrodite. I don�t want to go back there.� the bard said with a smile. She looked over to Angela who was looking past Hercules with a big smile on her face. She followed Angie�s gaze and saw Xena appearing behind him. �How do you feel?� �Well,� the warrior began, �different. This is going to take all night. Maybe you guys should get some sleep.� �Oh, fuck no! I think me and the bard have enough wine to last through the night,� she nudged the bard, � what do you think?� Gabrielle�s smile stretched from ear to ear, �we might have just enough,� without warning another keg appeared, �I think we�ll have plenty. So Hercules... would you like some wine?� �Don�t mind if I do.� he said sitting on the nearest log. �Well... looks like my work here is done. I�ll leave you mortals to your fun. It�s been real.� in a flash of glitter, she was gone. �Thank you Aphrodite,� Gabrielle whispered into the night air. �Ok, here�s the deal,� Hercules said getting the attention of both Gabrielle and Angela, �we�ll celebrate for a couple of candle marks, but then I think that you too should really get some sleep. You have been drinking all day and if you keep this up, you won�t be in any shape to travel tomorrow.� Angela looked to Hercules and smiled, �done deal.� The following morning, Gabrielle awoke to find the Warrior Princess curled up beside her with a blanket draped over her. Hercules quietly drew the bard�s attention over to himself. He put his finger to his lips, �sshhh, she needs to rest.� he whispered as softly as possible. Gabrielle nodded her understanding and left her friend to a peaceful sleep. The bard quietly went about preparing breakfast for everyone. �Where�s Angela,� the bard whispered to Hercules, knowing the answer before he said it. �She went around the lake to work out. She was up pretty early and didn�t want to disturb anyone.� �Would you mind going to get her? Breakfast is almost ready.� �No problem,� he whispered, and he was on his feet. Hercules returned within minutes. �That was easy, she was already on her way back.� he smiled. They quietly ate breakfast while the Warrior Princess soundly slept. ************************* By mid morning, everything was packed and the Warrior Princess was awake and ready to move. Gabrielle rode her horse over to Xena and put her hand out. The warrior pulled herself up behind the bard and settled in. �You feeling ok?� the bard asked. �Never better.� Xena replied with a smile. After about two candle marks, they reached the crossroads where Hercules would depart for his home. �Well ladies, I have certainly enjoyed your company. And Xena... please don�t do that again. The only person who hasn�t forgiven you is you. Don�t you think it�s time you did... and maybe retire?� �I was close Hercules. Then we went to Japan. I can only try. Thank you my friend. That�s twice you have helped me to see the error of my ways.� The bard chimed in, �you know its funny... the first time, he let you live to put you on the path of righteousness. The second time, he helped you live and asked you to walk away from it and retire.� �Think about it Xena.� he whispered. �Gabrielle, it was good to see you again.� He looked over to Angie, �It was nice meeting you. You should all stop by soon. I have plenty of room.� �I think we�ll take you up on that. Maybe we could stop by in a couple of weeks... catch up?� the princess smiled. �I�ll be there. Take care of yourselves.� the big man smiled. The three women rode off. They broke for camp early that evening near a slow moving river. The view wasn�t spectacular, but it was fresh water for them and the horses. After dinner, Xena sat on a log sharpening her sword while the bard wrote furiously in her scroll. Angela really didn�t want to interrupt, but it couldn�t wait, �Uhh, guys? I have to talk to you. It�s important.� Gabrielle looked up from her scroll, �what�s wrong?� �I have been thinking that I may have to go home.� Angie stated sadly. �Why? I thought you were staying...� the bard trailed off. �She can�t stay.� Xena whispered, �she�s afraid that if she does, her soul will be caught in a loop. She�ll never be able to move forward. And she might be right.� �She told you? When?� the bard in disbelief. �I heard her thoughts the other night.� the warrior stated. �I didn�t think I could go back. I am not the same person that left, not even close. I have survived because of you,� she said looking at the bard, �and then I realized that my sister, is you. When I go home... you will both be there.� she paused for a moment and smiled, �I don�t want to leave, but I think that I have to.� �So in two thousand years, we will see you again?� the bard said imploringly, wiping an errant tear. �I�ll call you as soon as I get there, I promise.� Angie replied in a hoarse whisper. Xena put her hand on the bards shoulder to steady her and looked at Angela, �when are you thinking of leaving?� �I don�t know. The Amazon�s wanted to make me one of them at the next full moon. I thought it might be fun...that is, if Queen Gabrielle would do the honors.� Angie replied with a tear filled smile. �Of course I would.� ************************************* Angela looked around the studio. She was standing exactly where she was when she left. She ran into her office and checked the clock, �it�s about an hour later than when I left. But is the date right?� The calendar was no help so she turned on her computer. While waiting for it to boot up she went to the closet and took out her street clothes. �Oh I missed these jeans,� she declared as she dressed. �Yesss! The date is right,� she exclaimed. Moments later, �Hello?� �Maddy? It�s me.� Angie said nervously. �Angela? You just got back, didn�t you?� Angie could hear the smile in her sisters voice, �Yeah... how long have you been waiting for this call?� �About two hours.� �How did you know?� �You showed up about three weeks after the Ides of March. That would be today. And it only got dark two hours ago.� �Unbelievable. Listen, I�m sorry about not talking to you for so long....� �Hey, don�t sweat it. You didn�t like me scamming people with the past lives regression thing. I understood.� How long have you known about yours?� �I found out about four years ago. I would have warned you, but I remember things as I go along. It didn�t all hit me in one shot. I didn�t remember the thing about you going back until a few days ago. I got no answer at your house.� �I leave the ringer off. I�ll be changing that though. Listen, can I...� �How long will it take you to get here?� �About two hours as the crow flies. But the roads aren�t straight... figure about two and a half.� �You hungry?� �Oh yeah! Is that pizza place still around the corner from you?� �Yeah, you got a cell phone?� �Yup. I�ll call you when I cross the state line. See you soon.� �Just get here.� Angela hung up the phone and knew she was home. Disclaimer: The Karmic cycle was not permanently harmed during the making of this story. No one liners ripped off from... I mean, inspired by the movie Elvira, Mistress of the Dark were intentionally harmed in the making of this story. |
| Regeneration Generations Ch. 10 |
| Disclaimers: The characters of Xena:Warrio Princess belong to MCA/Ren Pics. I have only borrowed them. The character of Angela is mine, mine, mine. Language: English... and some really naughty English to boot! So if you are under the age of 18 or if you are offended by this stop now and go away. |
| The character Angela is the main player in the Generations series. She is 5'7, 140 lbs, long black hair, green eyes and solid as a rock. She is from the future, the year 2001. Her sister is Maddy (DJVAOA). They have been estranged for a number of years. If you would like to know more, read Generations. It will certainly help. (c) July 2001 Please feed the bard at [email protected] |
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