"The Ashes"
By Evelyn
Disclaimers:
Gabrielle, Xena, et al. Are the property of Rob Tapert, Renaissance Pictures, MCA/Universal and I intended no copyright infringement in writing this story.
This is the first attempt at writing by a 73 year old mother of two dark haired young women, one tall the other short, applying some salve to a very deep wound. This idea is my own but if Rob Tapert wants to use it to bring Xena back to us, he may.
Time of story continuation of FIN 2.
Comments, feedback, and constructive criticism may be sent to evelynw0922@aol.com. Thank you.
She leaned against the ships railing looking out at the water rushing past not really seeing it, as in her mind was the events that had taken place in the last few days. Why? Why? Just when things were finally looking so right between the two of them. Why had they gone to this far off land? The two of them. With only one returning. Xena explained why she must stay dead. It sounded so right at the time when they only had moments before the setting sun dipped to meet the horizon. Why hadn’t she just placed the ashes in the pool anyway regardless of Xena’s explanation? How much must Xena give before her redemption? Now all she could think about was going home and putting Xena’s ashes in the tomb with Lyceus and Cyrene. Than she would, maybe, follow her new path. The path of a Warrior. Its what she had wanted wasn’t it? The young girl of Potaderia had asked to be taken with the Warrior to be taught everything she knew. To be just like her and it had come to pass, after 6 years of traveling together. Now she was a warrior. Somehow she almost wished she was that young peasant girl again meeting Xena for the first time. What would she do different? Plenty. There had been heartache and heart break for the both of them.
The ship would be arriving tomorrow and she would make her way to Amphipolis.
When she first came to the town she was supprized to see it flourishing so. Everything was looking prosperous. She approached the inn that had been so run down last time they were here. Not wishing to go in with the urn of Xena’s ashes but wanting to go directly to the tomb. When she entered she saw Lyceus sarcophagus and also the one for Cyrene. Xena had restored her mother’s from the ashes the townspeople had reduced it to thinking Cyrene was a witch.
Gabrielle lightly touched Cyrene’s sarcophagus and than approached Lyceus'. Well Xena it is what you always wanted; to be with your brother. I promised you years ago I would see that you were laid with him at your death.
"What do you mean at her death?" The flash of light and the angry voice coming from it could not be mistaken for anyone other than The God of War. He angrily approached Gabrielle. "What do you mean her death? When did this happen? "
"It’s a long ….story Ares," she replied.
"What do you have there in that urn?" He demanded.
" It is Xena’s ashes, I want to put them with Lyceus. It was her request to be buried with her younger brother."
The look on Ares face would have frightened Gabrielle a year ago but now she didn’t care, let him do to her what ever he would. Just let her carry out Xena’s wishes first. She pushed the decorated slab covering Lyceus bones.
" Wait; let me have the urn."
"No Ares! What are you going to do? Can’t you leave her alone. even in death?"
"I said. Give them to me." Suddenly they were no longer in Gabrielle’s grasp but in the hands of the black clad figure. Gabrielle made a grab for them but found herself unable to move. She watched as Ares removed the rest of the adorned slab and carefully opened the urn. She thought I guess he wanted to do it himself he did say he loved her. When he removed the cover and started to sprinkle the ashes on the bones of Lyceus she wanted to yell what do you think you are doing. In fact she could hear her voice screaming in her head but could not hear any sound emitting from her lips. When he had done this he went to Cyrene’s place and removed some of the ashes from her tomb and sprinkled them over Xena’s.
Than he went to face Gabrielle releasing her from her immobilized state and said: "Give me your hand."
She did as requested and taking his dagger pricked several of her fingers. He held her hand so the droplets mixed with the ashes. Ares pushed Gabrielle aside and threw a fireball of light, which seemed to cover the entire crypt.
"What? Where am I? Gabrielle… is that you?"
Gabrielle could not believe her ears. " XENA? Xena? " She blinked back the tears as she saw the raven haired beauty sit up. "Ares, you did this… thank you."
"What happened? I was in the Elysian Fields talking to mother and Lyceus, when I was transported here."
"You are my chosen and I was not ready to have you leave me." This from Ares. "You have had your redemption and sorry as I am to say this you will not be a warrior any more for me. I release you from your promise to obey me you made many years ago. Not that you ever really obeyed me."
Gabrielle went in her pack and brought forth a nightshirt that had been Xena’s and wrapped it around her. "Is it really you? Thank you Ares. I am forever in your debt."
"Be careful what you say to him Gabrielle. He’s liable to take you up on it." Xena cautioned. "W ell I’m back and I realize I made a mistake leaving you Gabrielle. Our destinies are forever entwined."
"I love you Xena "
"I love you too Gabrielle".
"What about me? Doesn’t anyone love me?" The God of War exasperated.
"Yes we love you." They both chorused. "And we both thank you."
"Where to now my bard?"
"To Egypt, my warrior, hear they are looking for a girl with a chakram."
Epilogue:
After many adventures in Egypt, one of which was meeting Ares in a tomb, while placing Gabrielle’s scrolls for future generations to read, and finally besting him by leaving him sealed in that tomb.
They returned to Xena’s beloved farmhouse to spend the rest of there lives happily ever after.