The Goddess of the Golden Warrior

by Rae

Disclaimer~Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Hercules, Iolaus, Argo,Ares,Caesar, Darphus and some incidents (like the gauntlet and Xena becoming good) don't belong to me (oh well) They are the property of Sam Raimi, Robert Tapert, and Renaissance Productions. Immortality actually is a real song. It belongs to Celine Dion and the Bee-Gees. Oh yeah, "oh say can you see by the dawn's early light" is obviously not my creation. However, Dana, Rae, Gareth, Leda, Fira, and King Raoul belong to me. Another thing...this is my first attempt at writing a major story so be kind. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the story.

Note: (this is mostly for any AQ Tribe members that read this) The Rae in this story and Amazon Rae are totally differant characters. =)

A new day dawned on the village of Laurel. People started the day as usual: eat then go out and farm. The day started differently for an auburn haired blue eyed fourteen-year-old girl named Dana. This was the day where her parents would travel to Athens and leave her in charge of the house. Dana watched as her parents got ready. Her mother, Myra, was rattling off a list of rules. "Now Dana we are only going to be gone for two weeks but a lot of things can happen in two weeks. I know you would rather be off practicing combat and horseback riding, but you must be responsible. Don't forget to put out the fire at night. Don't forget to feed the animals and take care of them. Don't be lazy. If you make a mess clean it up. I don't want this house to be a disaster area when we get back." Dana sighed. "Mother, I'll be fine." "I know but I can't help worrying." Dana's father, Marcus, took Myra's hand. "Come now Myra or we won't get to Athens on time. Dana is a good responsible girl. She'll be fine. Good-bye Dana. We love you." "Good-bye," said Dana as her parents left. She was very excited about running her house for two weeks. She decided to work on her medicine studies. People in the village thought that she would be a great healer someday, but what Dana really wanted to do was become a warrior and fight for good. She was an excellent fighter. Her best friend, Gareth (who was a year older then her), would help her train. They would horseback ride, and do many different types of combat. Dana was very good at sword fighting and hand to hand combat. She could also staff fight, dagger fight, and do archery. She had been training since she was ten years old, but she had been studying medicine and history even longer. Dana was a very helpful person to have around. Not only was she a strong skilled fighter, but she was smart too. What she was working on at the moment was pressure points. She was very good at using pressure points not only for medical purposes, but also for combat. Dana had just sat down with her scrolls when there was a knock on the door. It was Gareth. "Good morning Dana are your parents home?" "No they just left" replied Dana. Gareth looked very worried. "Oh what are we going to do now? You're father is the best swordsman in this village." Dana frowned. Gareth was babbling and he usually did not do that. "Gareth calm down. What is going on? Why do you need my father?" Gareth took in a deep breath. "Well one of our men was going to Sparta when this huge army captured him. He was sent back with the message that Xena the Warrior Princess was coming to our village." Dana's eyes went wide. "Xena is coming here? Wow!" Gareth took Dana's wrist and held it tight. "Dana don't you understand that Xena is only the most feared warlord in these parts. She has taken many villages and has killed thousands of people. We could be next. Since your father is not home, I want you to come to my house where you will be safe." Dana's eyes went cold. "Gareth let go of my arm. I am not afraid of Xena or her army. I promised my mother and father that I would look after the house and that is what I intend to do." Gareth let go of her arm. "Dana it isn't safe. I don't want to see you get hurt." "I am not going to get hurt. After all I am good with a sword myself. Now go and help your family prepare for Xena. I'll be fine." Gareth reluctantly left. Dana is a stubborn girl he thought. I just hope she knows what she is doing. Dana put away her medicine scrolls. She pondered on what to do. My parents left me to take care of our house and that is what I will do. But Xena… well I will just have to use my fighting knowledge to keep them away from my house. Dana went out back to feed the animals and put them in the horses' stables since her parents had taken two of the horses. She cleaned the house, and sat down waiting for Xena and her army to come.

The army came that afternoon. Dana was scared. I didn't think that this would be so bad, but experiencing it is another story. Suddenly two men twice the size of Dana burst through the door. Dana was up immediately with a sword in her hand. One of the men said in a nasty tone, "Don't try anything stupid, little girl." Dana glared. "Little? Ha you don't know who you are calling little. You want this house? Then fight me first." The men charged. Dana slashed at them with her sword. One of the men fell, bleeding. The other man kicked the sword out of her hand. Dana flipped back. She ripped her skirt so that it was shorter and stood ready for combat. The man charged. Dana jumped and kicked the sword from his hand. She landed and turned around. This time she charged and knocked the man on the floor. He was angry to find that a small girl could take him down. He tried to get up, but Dana was faster. She pressed the pressure points on his legs and arms. He could not move. Then she turned to the other man. He was dead. Oh my gods and goddesses. I killed a man. She was very shocked and scared that she had killed a man. She decided that he deserved it. She took a rope and tied the men together. The living man said. "Please have mercy. He is dead. I don't want to be next to a dead man." Dana turned and glared at him. "You have killed so many and you would have killed me. Don't think that I am going to feel sorry for you." She took the rope and dragged the men outside. There was death and destruction everywhere. And then Dana saw her for the first time. Xena. The warrior princess herself standing there in the middle of everything. Dana dragged the men towards Xena and dropped them at her feet. Xena looked at Dana. Dana smiled. "Next time keep your trash." Then she disappeared into the crowd. Xena looked at the men in disbelief. She undid the pressure points on the living man, and looked around for the short auburn girl. This girl was strong enough to take down my men and she knows pressure points. I must make sure that she isn't killed. Xena turned to the living man on the ground. "Where did she come from?" The man stood up. "She comes from that house over there. Be careful Xena for this girl is very strong and dangerous." Xena started down the road towards the house when she saw her lieutenant, Darphus, massacring people for no reason. She went to Darphus who was about to kill a baby. "You are a butcher!" she told him. Xena took the crying baby in her arms. "If you kill this baby, you will die next! Contrary to some peoples beliefs, I am still the commander of this army." Darphus backed away at the sound of his commander' s voice. Dana who had been hiding in the bushes was surprised. Xena, the killer, had saved a baby. Darphus had plans for Xena since she was becoming so soft hearted. He stirred the soldiers to mutiny and force Xena to step down by walking a gauntlet. Villagers gathered around, and Dana watched from the bushed wide-eyed as soldiers lined up with clubs and Xena was stripped of her armor. Xena appeared to be calm as she started to walk through the gauntlet of death. Dana winced as clubs cracked at Xena's arms and body. Xena forced herself forward taking the beatings. She started striking back, but the beatings were too much for her. Xena collapsed, but she stretched an arm across the line marking the end of the gauntlet. Darphus laughed at the sight of his fallen commander, but to his astonishment, Xena got up as if she had awoken from the dead. She was battered and bruised to the limit, but she had survived through will. Darphus pushed Xena back onto the ground and took the army and left. The villagers walked past the fallen warrior kicking dirt onto her. They kicked, spat, and cursed at her. Xena was left to die in the dust. But she was not to die. Dana stepped from her hiding place after everyone had gone. She went over to Xena who was half-dead. Dana shook her head. "You have done many bad things, but you are in need of help and I will not deny it to you." She lifted Xena, and struggling under her weight, brought her home.

Xena woke up in a house. She looked around. The house was in a state of disorder. She was also. Xena looked at her bruises and cuts, and noticed that some of her wounds were bandaged. Then she heard a voice. "Finally you are awake. I thought that you would be unconscious forever." Xena looked shocked when the short auburn haired girl came over to her. This was the strong girl who had beaten her men. She sat down. "I am Dana. You were very strong. I decided to help you because you needed it." Xena looked down. "You act so noble. All the others spat on me and kicked dirt on me, but you helped me. Why didn't you just let me die." Dana looked at her matter-of-factly. "Because it isn't your time to die yet. Anyway I can't help but admire you. You are so strong and brave." "But I am evil," said Xena. Dana shook her head. "No you are not. You saved that baby and you did not kill me when I dropped those men in front of you. No matter what you think, you still have some good in you." Dana got up and walked to the other side of the house to get some medicine and soup. Xena stared at her unbelievably. She is crazy. I am still a bad person. I am really going to let Darphus have it once I find him. This girl is still young but she is so smart and caring. Dana came back. "I am going to change your bandages and put some medicine on your wounds. It might sting, but that means that it is working." She took Xena's bandages off and cleaned her wounds. Xena winced at the medicine but let Dana put it on her. After that, Dana gave her the soup. "Xena, this might seem personal, but why did you become so…evil?" Xena sighed. "My village, Amphipholis, was destroyed be a warlord. I tried to defend it, but my brother was killed and everything was taken over by the warlord. I just went on a revenge streak and it hasn't ended yet. What about you Dana? Tell me about yourself." Dana sat down next to Xena. "Well I was found on a doorstep when I was just a baby. Luckily Marcus and Myra, those are my mother and father, took me in. They said that I seemed to glow a silver color and a few days after they took me in, a traveling man came by. According to my mother, he touched my hand and both of out hands glowed red for a second. Then he sort of disappeared. Strange isn't it? Anyway, I began the study of medicine when I was eight. But I always loved running around and playing sports. I was the girl who was always playing with the boys. I learned to ride a horse when I was five. I met my best friend Gareth when I was very young. When I was ten and he was eleven, we decided that we wanted to become warriors. Not bad ones though, the kind who go around and help people. Like Hercules. With my father's help we became very good at all sorts of combat. I still keep up with my medicine though and I learned of the uses of pressure points right after my fourteenth birthday. I was very surprised that I could use them so well. I guess that sums it up." Xena seemed more comfortable. "Dana where are your parents?" "Oh they went on a trip to Athens and left me in charge of the house. They will be gone for two weeks. Really Xena, you should rest. You took a….hard beating." Xena smiled, and for the first time in years it was not an evil smile. "All right." Dana got up to start straightening the house when Xena said. "And Dana." Dana turned. "Thank you for everything you are doing. I know I don't deserve it." Dana shook her head. "I think you do deserve it, Xena. I really think you do." Dana went on with straightening the house, and Xena closed her eyes and went to sleep.

A loud bang on the door woke Xena up. Dana who was sleeping at the table woke up too. "Whoever that is is seriously gonna regret beating on the door so hard," said Dana as she picked up her sword. She opened the door, and Gareth burst in. "Easy, Dana it's only me!" Dana dropped the sword. Gareth hugged her tight. "Thank the gods that you are all right!" Xena looked at them. They have some sort of bond that is stronger then love. I can tell. I wish I could have had a bond like that, but my life has been nothing but war these past years and now that I think about it, Tartarus seems better then my life. Gareth continued, "I thought that you might have been slain by that good for nothing war whore Xena." Xena snorted. Gareth saw Xena and went crazy. "How can you even show your face here! Your army destroyed most of our village! Your very existence makes me sick!" Dana spoke, "Gareth she was hurt badly and she needed help!" Gareth turned to Dana. "And you, Dana, have the nerve to help her? What is wrong with you?" He slapped her and Xena was up on her feet. Dana's eyes grew icy. "That's it Gareth. Get out of my house or I will kill you," she screamed. Gareth's eyes grew worried. "Dana I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I…" "I don't care what you meant. You slapped me, a woman, your best friend! Get out now!" Gareth ran out. Dana dropped on her knees. Xena stood, uncertain about what to do. Dana just got a shock to her life and she is only fourteen. People can be animals when they are scared. Another thing that was my fault. I have to comfort her somehow. But how? I haven't comforted someone in years. But she comforted me so I have to do my best. Xena knelt down next to Dana. Dana looked at her with tears in her eyes. "Xena, he slapped me. I...I don't understand. He is my best friend and I threatened to kill him. I am so confused." She burst into tears. Xena put an arm around Dana's shoulder. "Things will be ok again, Dana. My wounds are healing and your wound will heal too. I was planning to leave in a few days, but maybe I should leave tonight. It might stop the feelings of hostility towards you." Dana shook her head. "Don't leave tonight Xena. You are still hurt and some of your men could be hiding here still, and they would kill you for sure." Xena nodded. "I guess I could use the rest at least for one more day, but I have to move on soon." I am going to find Darphus then, well I don't know what I am going to do." I am really going to kill Darphus and when I am finished with him I'll kill Hercules. He is part of my pain. Xena helped Dana get up. Dana looked at the floor and then up at Xena. "I know what you should do. Fight for good. Help people. Live my dream for me, at least until I am old enough to leave home." Xena smiled. "You know what Dana? I think that is exactly what I am going to do though it will be tough. There is nothing left for me as a warlord, but as a warrior that fights for good, there is a whole new beginning." A few days later Xena's wounds were almost healed with the care of Dana's medicine. The day came for Xena to move on. As Xena fastened her chakram to her waist, Dana said, "Xena I am going to miss you." Xena nodded with a tear in her eye. "Me too, Dana. You have started me on the path to good and I thank you." Xena took out the two silver clips in her hair and handed them to Dana. "Take these as a gift of my gratitude." Dana smiled. "Knowing that you are going to fight for good is enough for me." They walked outside. Xena looked down the road. "I have to catch up to Darphus so I better start." "Wait!" said Dana. She ran to the back and got a cream colored horse from the stable. She returned to Xena. "Take this horse. Her name is Argo. She is a good horse and she will be very useful to you." Xena patted the horse. She turned and hugged Dana. "Thank you so much." She swung up onto Argo. Dana looked up at her. "Promise that some time you will come to visit me." Xena looked down at Dana and smiled. "I will. Good-bye Dana." "Good-bye Xena." Xena gave Argo a little kick and they were off to start a new life. Dana looked on. "You'll be a legend Xena. I just know it."

END PART ONE

BEGINNING PART TWO

3 YEARS LATER

Dana arrived at her house in her new warrior outfit. After quite a bit of arguing, her mother let her wear it. She had convinced her mother that now she was seventeen and she had to start making some of her own decisions. Dana's hair was clipped back with the clips that Xena had given her three years earlier. So much had happened in Dana's life those years, but she always thought of Xena and what became of her. Her parents were not that pleased when they came home to find that Dana had given away Argo, but Dana promised them that it was for a good cause. Gareth apologized for what he had done, and now they were closer friends then before. Dana also found out another thing about herself a few months after Xena had gone. Her parents had brought her a necklace with a crystal charm from Athens. One day Dana was wearing the charm when her head started to hurt. She looked down and to her surprise her hands were glowing silver and the charm had a bit of silver and red in it. Dana thought that it was some kind of magic power, but she ignored it since she was sort of afraid of it. Dana figured that the power had gone away since it hadn't bothered her for a long time, but she always wore the necklace. The day she had was stressful. She had been busy all day practicing her combat skills because she had decided that she was going to leave home in a few weeks to start fighting for good. She hadn't told her parents yet, but she was going to tell them soon. Dana walked into the house and almost collapsed. Her mother made her sit down and she gave her some water. "Dana for the life of me, why do you always go out and push it to the limit? You are going to tire yourself out one day." Dana sighed. "Oh mother I have to practice or I will start to deteriorate in my combat." "Well I wish you wouldn't do it so much for such long time periods." "I know what I am doing mom." "I hope so for your sake. Now get to bed. You are too worn out to stay awake." Dana went to her bed and collapsed exhaustedly. She didn't even bother to take off her warrior outfit. Not even the breastplates or the boots. A frightened yell from her mother woke Dana from a deep sleep. She sat up and looked around. Her mother was panicking. There was a loud racket outside. "Mom what is going on?" asked Dana. "A huge army just came on through without a warning. Your father went outside to fight them. Oh, Dana I'm so worried!" Dana opened the door and looked outside. Soldiers were everywhere. People were dying. It was total chaos, even worse then when Xena's army had come. Smoke filled the air and blood filled the streets. Suddenly a soldier pulled her out of her house. She heard her mother call her name in fear. The soldier glared at her. "I've heard of you. You're that strong girl Dana that everyone talks about. Hmm… you might be useful to keep around for a while. I think my commander would appreciate me returning you to him." Dana glared back. "I don't think so!" She punched him in the face then kicked his feet from under him. He was out cold. She pressed the pressure point in his leg so that when he came to, it would be difficult for him to get up and go after her. She ran down the street to find Gareth. His house was on fire. She had a strong feeling that Gareth was in the house. Without reconsideration, Dana ran into the burning house. Smoke filled her lungs and she coughed. The thickness of the smoke made it very hard to see. She felt around for anything that would lead her to Gareth. She found him. He was barely breathing. She dragged him towards the door. Hot ashes fell on her. She clenched her teeth in pain. She dragged him outside, dropped him,and fell beside him. "Gareth can you hear me? Please give me a sign that you can hear me!" Gareth opened his eyes. "Dana" he said weakly. "I'll be ok. I just inhaled a lot of smoke. That’s all." Dana stood up. Without warning an arrow flew through the air and hit her. Dana yelled out a cry of surprise. She fell to the ground and blacked out. Gareth caught her. She was bleeding badly. Just then two soldiers knocked him over the head. They took him away with them leaving an unconscious wounded Dana in the middle of total destruction.

The road to Laurel was very peaceful. Xena rode Argo and her best friend, Gabrielle, walked beside them. "Xena where exactly are we going?" asked Gabrielle. "Laurel." "Why are we going to Laurel?" "To see a friend." "A friend? Who?" "Dana." Gabrielle stopped. "Wait Xena. Would you please explain to me who Dana is?" Xena smiled at the memory. "Dana was the person who convinced me to turn good. After Darphus made me walk the gauntlet I fell unconscience. Dana was the only one to help me. She took me in and healed my wounds. And not for a small price either. Her friend got mad at her for helping me. He slapped her, but she kept helping me. It was so horrible. I felt so guilty…" "Sorry for interrupting, Xena," said Gabrielle, "but how old is Dana?" Xena thought for a moment. "She was fourteen then so she is seventeen now. Anyway Dana is very smart and an excellent fighter. She took down two of my men. She told me to turn good. I finally realized that I should. She is the one who gave Argo to me. When I left I promised her that I would visit. But three years have passed. She could be married. She could have moved out of Laurel after her parents came home. If she's still there I hope she remembers me." Gabrielle laughed. "Xena, I have a feeling that she would never forget you. Tell me more about her though. She sounds so interesting." Xena told Gabrielle everything that Dana had told her about herself. "Of course that was three years ago and things do change," Xena reminded Gabrielle after she had told her everything. "I guess so," said Gabrielle. "I hope that she is still there though because from all that you told me, she seems like a wonderful person and I really want to meet her." Xena dismounted Argo and sniffed the air. "Xena what's wrong?" Xena furred her brow. "I smell smoke. Something is burning or was burning just a short distance from here." Suddenly a man came into view. He was bloody and battered. He collapsed on the ground. Xena and Gabrielle quickly went over to him. "Please don't hurt me!" he cried. "We're not going to hurt you what happened?" asked Gabrielle. The man was getting weaker. "My village…Laurel…big army…" he could not finish. He closed his eyes and died. Gabrielle turned to Xena who was already up on Argo. "Gabrielle get up here on Argo with me. We have to get to Laurel now move it." Gabrielle quickly obeyed, and they were off to Laurel.

Xena and Gabrielle arrived at Laurel in no time. They dismounted Argo and looked around. There were no soldiers and the whole village was charred. Bodies were everywhere. "We were too late," said Xena. "Let's see if there are any survivors." They walked through the destroyed village. Xena pointed. "I'll look in that over there and you look over there all right?" Gabrielle nodded. They split up. Gabrielle heard a gasp and glanced in the direction from which it came. Dana was awake and seeing the arrow in her shoulder made her gasp. Gabrielle ran over to her. "Xena! I found a survivor!" Dana looked at Gabrielle in surprise. "Did you say Xena?" Gabrielle nodded. Dana's mouth dropped open. She tried to get up. "Whoa" said Gabrielle "Don't try to get up yet. You are hurt and we have to get that arrow out of you. Anyway Xena is good now. She won't hurt you." Xena appeared by Gabrielle's side and knelt down. She immediately recognized the auburn hair…in the silver clips. "By the gods," Xena whispered, "Dana." Dana gasped "Xena. I just don't believe this. You kept your promise and you came back. And she said you are good now." Xena almost smiled at the sight of her friend, but the condition that Dana was in made her frown. "Dana, we are going to have to get that arrow out of you and stitch that wound. Gabrielle get me some leather twine and a needle." Dana looked up at Xena. "I know how to take arrows out of people but this one is deep. How are you going to get it out of me?" "I am going to push it through and out," replied Xena. Dana's eyes widened. She suddenly remembered her medical studies. "How bad is this going to hurt?" Xena looked at her. "It won't if you don't concentrate on the pain." Gabrielle returned with the twine and needle. "Gabrielle hold her steady. This won't hurt you Dana if you don't concentrate on the pain." Dana managed a weak smile and closed her eyes. She felt Xena push the arrow through her. Don't concentrate on the pain. I feel no pain. I feel no pain. OW! I feel no pain… She repeated to herself. Xena broke the arrowhead off, and pulled the shaft out of Dana. "All done," she said. Dana opened her eyes. "That was it? Can I get up now?" Xena and Gabrielle helped her up. Dana hugged Xena as best as she could without irritating her wounded shoulder. "Oh Xena I missed you so much!" Xena smiled. "I have too. I did what you said. I am good now." "She is!" said Gabrielle. "I've been traveling with her for three years." "Oh, Dana this is my best friend Gabrielle," said Xena. Dana nodded. Then it hit her. Gareth. He wasn't there beside her. "Gareth!" she called. "Gareth can you hear me?" He was missing. She ran down the road. Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other and followed her. Dana ran to her house. There was no house left. "Mom? Dad?" She looked around. She saw her parents in the middle of the road. She ran to them and dropped beside them. "Mom? Dad? It's Dana. Come on wake up. The soldiers are gone. You just have to wake up." They were dead. Dana pulled her knees to her chest. She felt tears in her eyes. Gabrielle knelt down beside her and put her arm around her shoulder. "My family. They are dead. Gareth is missing. He was almost a brother. Where am I going to go? What can I do now?" She looked at the ground then back up. There was a glare in her eyes. "I know what I am going to do." She got up and took her father's sword and sheath. "I am going to get revenge on that army. They have to be stopped! I am going to fight for the good of the people and make sure that innocent people never get killed again!" Xena stepped forward. "Dana, that is a big challenge. Even for you. Why don't you travel with us? We can catch up to the army and try to stop them. If you come with us, we can catch up on the past years and maybe even learn some new fighting skills." Dana smiled faintly. "Thank you. Now let's get out of here. I don't want to be here for another minute." Dana walked down the road a little ahead of Xena and Gabrielle at a slow pace. She was still sore from her wound and full of grief. She also wanted revenge on that army. Xena rode Argo and Gabrielle walked beside them. Gabrielle looked ahead at Dana and then turned to Xena. "Hey Xena shouldn't we get her to talk to us about what happened? I mean she seems so upset and maybe it would be good for her to get her feelings out." Xena looked down at Gabrielle. "Yes. But she has to be willing to talk. I've seen this happen to so many people. It is a very painful experience." Night was coming. They would have to stop and camp soon. Gabrielle ran ahead to Dana. "Dana come back here with us we are going to camp." Dana turned and walked back with Gabrielle.

That night they camped by a lake. Dana had showed off her hunting skills by catching a rabbit for dinner. After dinner, they sat around the fire. Gabrielle broke the silence. "Dana, Xena told me about you on our way to your village. But it has been three years since then. Tell us what happened to you after Xena left. Tell us about what happened…well you don't have to if you don't want to but we will listen if you do." Dana smiled faintly. "Ok I will talk. I might as well get everything out, but it's a long story." "We're here to listen," said Xena. Dana shifted and began talking. "Well I was fourteen when I met Xena. Gareth came back and apologized to me a few days after you left, Xena. Just a few months after you left I made a huge discovery. My parents gave me a gift from Athens. It was this crystal necklace that I wear now. I was at home one day when my hands really began to hurt. I looked down and saw that they were glowing silver. I looked at my necklace and saw a bit of silver and a bit of red in it. See look at my necklace. I assume that it is a power of some sort. It kind of scared me so I ignored it. It hasn't bothered me ever since. Well this year, after a bit of arguing, my mom let me wear a warrior costume. Yesterday I came home all tired out from practicing combat. I went to sleep immediately. Then out of the blue this huge army invaded. My mother's panicking woke me up. I looked outside and it was horrible. Then a soldier pulled me out of my house. It was the last time I saw my parents alive. The soldier said that his commander would appreciate him returning me. I wasn't thinking about it then, but now I find it weird. Well I got away from the soldier and went to Gareth's house. It was in flames. I ran into that house without thinking twice. I found Gareth and got him out. He said that he was going to be ok. That was when the arrow hit me. Gareth caught me when I fell. Then I heard him get taken away. I lost consciousness. I came to when you found me." Gabrielle was wide-eyed and Xena was thinking. "Gabrielle," she said, "It's time to change Dana's bandage on her arm." "Oh yeah." Gabrielle got up and went over to Dana with a new bandage. She took the old bandage off, but the wound was gone. "It's gone how did it heal without a scar?" asked Gabrielle. "Look Xena your stitches aren't there." Xena look closely at Dana's shoulder. "I don't know, but you still have a lot of scratches and bruises and a few burns." Dana raised her eyebrows. "I have no idea what happened." "I think I do," said Xena. "I think just maybe something is protecting you. A god or goddess? If it isn't then I don't know who is or what is. Why don't we all get some sleep? We have many long days ahead of us." Gabrielle nodded in agreement. "Hey Xena, Gabrielle?" said Dana. "Yes?" "Thank you for taking me along with you. I hope it's not a burden." Xena smiled "It's not a burden at all. You know it isn't. Good night Dana." Dana settled down. "Good night." She was asleep within minutes. Gabrielle looked at her. "She sure seems to be taking this ok. What do you suppose happened to her wound?" Xena shook her head. "I don't know. This is very strange, but I can't think without some sleep. Good night Gabrielle." "Good night Xena." A battle was raging. Dana was there and so was Gabrielle. Then something went wrong. Dana was not really there. She was evil. Gabrielle was down. So was Xena. She could not get up. The room was in flames. Another woman was there. And a man was standing over Dana. He was a dark man. Suddenly there was a beam of light… Xena awoke with a start. It was only a dream. Gabrielle was sleeping right across from her. Dana was sleeping also…but she was glowing. Xena looked closer. Dana was glowing silver. Xena shook Gabrielle and pointed to Dana. They looked at each other questioningly. They decided to go back to sleep and worry about it in the morning.

"Rise and shine everybody! Rise and shine!" Xena rolled over but did not open her eyes. It couldn't be. Could it? She opened her eyes. It was. Joxer. "Joxer! How did you get here? How did you find us?" Joxer gave her a knowing look. "I'm good. What can I say? After all I am Joxer the Mighty." "Yeah of course," said Gabrielle who had just woken up. Then they heard Dana's voice. "Who are you? If you are one of those men from that army I will kill you!" Xena looked at Dana who was standing up with sword in hand. Joxer looked at Dana and his eyes widened. "I am Joxer the Mighty. You haven't heard of me?" "No." Gabrielle stood up. "It's ok Dana he is a friend…well an annoyance really but you can call him a friend." Xena got up. "Dana why don't you check on you're other cuts and burns then tell me if any of them need attention." "All right." Dana went to check on her burns and cuts, but she found a shocking surprise. They were all gone. There was not a single scratch or bruise or burn on her. "Xena…" Dana's voice was shaky. "I…I don't have any wounds. They're gone." Xena and Gabrielle exchanged a look of concern and disbelief. "Dana let me have a look," said Gabrielle. Dana showed Gabrielle her arms. "Xena she's right…they're gone…how can that be?" Xena thought. It must have something to do with that silver glow. Is magic protecting Dana for some reason? Maybe someone is watching over her…the man that glowed red when she was a baby? Joxer was getting impatient. "Ok can we go somewhere now. There's no use in standing around. Joxer the Mighty has damsels in distress to rescue, villages to save!" "And a mouth to close," finished Dana. Gabrielle packed their blankets onto Argo. "So where do we start? Xena you always seem to have good ideas so….?" Xena swung up on Argo. "Let's head down the road and see what we find. If an army came through, we'll know."

Dana found out easily that traveling on the road was not all fun and games. They had been on the road for eight hours already. It got boring after awhile. Xena was up on Argo looking for signs of the army. Gabrielle was in some sort of deep thought. And Joxer was singing annoying songs in her ear. "Hey Dana how about this," called Joxer. He put his arm around her. "Listen! Joxer the Mighty roams through the countryside. He never needs a place to hide. With Dana as his sidekick…" "Joxer shut up!" Dana screamed. Xena looked back at them. "Are you all right Dana?" Dana nodded. "Yes except that Joxer is singing all these stupid songs. Does he always do this?" Xena hid a smile. "Yeah but you'll learn to ignore it." Joxer broke into a big smile. "I've got it! Joxer the mighty he's really tidy. Everybody loves him. Righting wrongs and singing songs, being mighty all day long. He's Joxer! Joxer the mighty!" Dana sighed. She still wanted revenge on the army, but was this annoyance really worth it? Gabrielle snapped out of her daydream. "Xena look. There's a lake over there. Can we stop for a break? Maybe for some food and just a bit of a rest? I mean you and I are used to all this travel, but this is Dana's first big quest thing." "Gabrielle, are you sure that it isn't you who wants to rest and eat?" Gabrielle gave her best innocent voice. "No, but can we stop?" Xena nodded. They stopped at the lake. Xena led Argo over to some bushes to eat. Joxer began some attempts at catching a fish. Gabrielle got out her scrolls and started writing. Dana took off her boots and put her feet in the water. "Ahhh that feels much better." Xena knelt down next to Dana. "How are you doing?" "I feel much better then yesterday. My feet hurt a bit but I'll get used to it." Gabrielle looked up from her scrolls. "Why don't you have a swimming race?" Dana looked across the water. "Ok I don't mind. What about you Xena?" "Let's do it." Xena and Dana took off their armor and got into the water. Gabrielle put down her scrolls. "Ok first one to that rock over there wins. Wait! Joxer, come here." Joxer looked over at them. "You are going to scare away all the fish!" Dana rolled her eyes then suddenly she had an idea. She smiled a big smile and said, "Come on Joxer do it for me." Joxer's eyes lit up and he came over. Gabrielle almost laughed, but she straightened up and said, "I am going over to the rock. When I give the signal say go." Joxer nodded. Gabrielle went to the rock and gave a thumbs up sign." Joxer squatted. "Ok one… two… three… go!" Xena and Dana were off. Dana was always a strong swimmer, but so was Xena. They both swam towards Gabrielle who was yelling. "Come on you can make it!" Xena and Dana both reached out for the rock and… "Tie!" yelled Gabrielle. Xena stood up. Dana collapsed but then pulled herself up. They were both panting hard. "Tie?" Dana sputtered. Xena raised her eyebrows. "Dana I didn't know that you swam." Joxer ran over to them. "Yup a tie. Definatly a tie…wow Dana you look good in leather!" Dana gave him a drop-dead look and walked away. Xena looked after her. "It seems as though some things in her life have caused her to lose some innocence. I just have a feeling that she still hurts a lot." Gabrielle shrugged. "She seems more of a combination of you and me put together…like a good girl with a bad streak." "Or just one smart warrior." Xena finished. "Anyway, I'll go catch those fish that Joxer was trying to get." Xena walked away to try her luck at fishing. Gabrielle turned to Joxer who was in deep thought. She saw it. That stupid look on his face. "Oh no Joxer please don't tell me what I think you are going to say." "Gabrielle, I think I really like Dana." Gabrielle looked at him with disbelief. "No way! I mean I'm sorry to sound so shocked but you barely know her, and you really have not been making a good impression on her." Joxer looked at the ground. "I guess…um…well I don't know what to do." Gabrielle patted him on his back, "Talk to her. You'll figure something out. Hey look Xena's waving. I think she got the fish. Come on let's go eat!"

Gabrielle ran ahead of Joxer just so she could get the best fish. She sat down next to Xena who was scaling the fish. "Gabrielle, get some wood for a fire. Ok?" "Ok. Hey where is Dana?" "I don't know. She's somewhere around here. There's another pool over that hill." Xena pointed, "I hear a waterfall, so maybe she went there." Gabrielle got up to get wood. Joxer came up behind Xena. "And Joxer…" "Yeah?" "Could you go get Dana? She's right over that hill near the waterfall." Joxer's eyes brightened. "I'm on my way!" Joxer went off to find Dana humming a song to himself. Gabrielle returned with the wood. "You sent him to get Dana." Xena, who had gone back to scaling the fish, nodded but did not look up. Gabrielle set the wood down and tried to light it. "Xena he likes her. Do you think this could be a bad thing?" "No. She and her friend Gareth are in love. That is her whole quest. To find him. I think Joxer will realize this. He might get upset, but there is nothing we can do about it." Gabrielle got the fire started, and the both sat silently cooking the fish.

Dana stared into the waterfall. The sunlight made a rainbow in the waterfall. A small tear trickled down her cheek. She was glad to be with Xena, Gabrielle, and even Joxer. They brought a little bit of happiness to these sad days. She missed her parents, and she was worried for Gareth. He was still missing, and she didn't know if he was alive or not. She was lost in thought when a hand clamped on her shoulder. She instantly spun around. A dark man stood there. He was dressed as a warrior. A thought crossed her head. An armed warrior man. I am an unarmed warrior woman. This is not good… She gathered her confidence and spoke. "What do you want?" The man raised his eyebrows. "Is that any way to treat a god Dana?" Dana gasped. The man was Aries. "What do you want Ares? I never liked you. I've heard a few stories…" Ares smiled. "You have grown since I last saw you. Now you are a trained warrior. I've got a deal to make with you. You see, I know where your friend is. Now, if you do what I say, I will get him for you." Dana shook her head. "I don't believe you." Ares shrugged. "Believe what you want, but I know where he is. Here's the deal. You help me get Xena to come back to me and I'll return your friend to you." Dana crossed her arms and shook her head. "I will never help you get Xena!" Ares smiled. "So much for your friend." Dana, who was angry now, raised her voice. "I swear I would kill you if I could. You are a manipulative evil piece of horse dung!" The red in her crystal necklace intensified, and without warning, a flame shot out of her hand and hit Ares. He flinched. "Suit yourself Dana. I'll be back. Until next time…" he disappeared. Dana trembled and collapsed to her knees. She was sure that flame had shot out of her hand and made Ares flinch. Only a god's magic could hurt another god, but she was not a god. She looked at her necklace. The red was normal. It must have been my imagination she thought. "Hey Dana are you ok?" asked the familiar voice of Joxer. Dana turned her head. Joxer looked concerned. "Yeah I'm fine." "You were trembling." "I was a bit cold." "Well Xena and Gabrielle have fish ready for us." Dana got up, and almost fell. "Whoa I am getting clumsy." Joxer took her arm and steadied her. "That's all right. Come on I'm hungry, and you must be too."

When the fish was ready, Gabrielle dove into hers. Dana seemed to be somewhere else. She was just eating small bits of the fish. Xena saw worry in her eyes. "Dana are you all right?" Dana looked up from her fish. "I have to tell you something important that happened today. I was at the waterfall when Ares confronted me." Xena's eyes flashed with anger. "Ares…I wonder what is going on in his little mind now." Dana continued, "He said he knew where Gareth was, and if I was to get him back, I would have to turn you, Xena, over to him." Xena was angry. "He's messing with your mind to try to get to me. It figures." "Wait," said Dana, "There's more. I got angry with him for suggesting that I bring you to him, and I am sure that a flame shot out of my hands…" Xena looked at her hands. "No burn marks. Are you sure?" Dana nodded. "Almost positive." Gabrielle swallowed a piece of fish. "You know this gets stranger every minute. First all your wounds heal. Then Ares confronts you, and now you think a flame shot out of your hand." Xena looked up at the sky. "It's getting late. We stayed here longer then I expected. We might as well camp here." Gabrielle got up to get the bedrolls. Joxer disposed the fish bones. Xena found a stone and started to sharpen her sword near the fire. Dana looked at the sunset. All the colors of gold, pink, red, and orange gave her hope. She knew that somehow everything would turn out right.

It got dark very quickly. Xena had said that she was going to go to sleep early. She was sleeping near the fire. Joxer had also gone to sleep. Gabrielle sat on a log near the fire, writing in her scroll. Dana laid on her back on her bedroll looking at the stars. "Gabrielle did you ever wonder what makes the stars?" Gabrielle stopped writing and came over to sit next to Dana. "I guess the Gods make the stars. Look Orion is up there and the Nemian Lion that Hercules slayed." Dana sat up. "Look at those stars. They seem to make a water dipper." She paused for a moment. "Gabrielle, do you think that Gareth is alive?" Gabrielle put an arm across Dana's shoulders. "I think he is. Never give up hope. You'll find him." Dana smiled a small smile. "What do you write in those scrolls?" "Stories…I'm a bard. I write mostly about the adventures that Xena and I have." "What about poetry?" "I think I might be able to write poetry. I've never really tried, but I memorized Homer's story. The Odyssey. I know Homer. He's my friend." "You know Homer? That is so neat!" Gabrielle nodded. "Well Dana I am going to go to sleep. Good night." She got up and went to her bedroll. "Good night Gabrielle," said Dana. She looked up at the stars. "Good night Gareth…wherever you are. You know I love you, and I won't give up my search for you."

Gareth looked out the window of the golden palace of Kakarika. He was found by the side of the road after he had been taken by the army. His wounds were healing well. The people of Kakarika made him a prince, because a soothsayer said that a stranded wounded man would one day become a great, fair ruler. He was treated very well. The king of Kakarika treated Gareth like he was his own son. Gareth enjoyed all of the wonderful treatment but a certain thought constantly nagged him. What had become of Dana? The last he saw of her was after she had been hit by the arrow. He knew that she was wounded badly, and when he got taken away from her he felt as if the whole world was crashing down. The image of Dana lying there in the middle of the destroyed village was vivid in his mind. He was still too hurt to go out and look for her. He had a feeling that she was alive somewhere, but where? He knew that she was strong and she would not give up her life to one arrow. Still, he could not help but to think the worst, but something told him that she was alive and safe. A small gust of wind blew through the window. As he stared at the stars he said, "Dana I know you are doing just fine. We'll be together again soon. I can feel it. I love you and I will never stop loving you."

The morning sun woke Xena up. She glanced around the camp. Gabrielle was sleeping peacefully. Joxer was snoring loudly. And Dana…Dana was not there. Xena was up on her feet at once. "Dana!" Dana popped up from behind a bush with some fish in her hands. "I'm all right. Don't worry. I just got some breakfast. I watched the sunrise this morning, and it inspired me." Xena started a new fire. "Oh? How so?" Dana put the fish over the fire. "Well I was always into singing, and I had this thing for rhyming words…except I can't make a whole song. So here is what I came up with while watching the sunrise as I fished. Ok here it is: Oh say can you see by the dawns early light?" Xena wrinkled her nose. "What’s that supposed to mean?" Dana shrugged. "I don't know. It just came to me. Maybe something like can you see when the sun rises or like you are talking to a person like this 'say there, can you see in the dawns early light?'" Xena rolled her eyes and went back to the fish. Gabrielle and Joxer were awake. Dana almost knocked Gabrielle down. "Gabrielle! Get your scroll and write this down: Oh say can you see by the dawns early light?" "What for?" "Because it sounds good, and besides maybe it will be useful someday." "I think it sounds good," said Joxer. Gabrielle sighed and quickly wrote it in her scroll. "Breakfast," Xena called. After a quick breakfast, they packed up the bedrolls and were off on the road again.

Traveling seemed more interesting to Dana, now that she wasn't as tired as she was before. Xena was silent for most of the time. She had to keep an eye out for any clue of the army. Dana, Gabrielle, and Joxer walked behind her. They were looking for clues as well, but they talked more then they looked. Gabrielle had told them part of The Odyssey. Joxer was now trying to make up little songs. "All right here we go. Joxer the Mighty master of geography here to guide you on your way stick with me you'll never stray…" "Joxer," said Gabrielle, "Why don't you try a new song for once?" "Ok. Wait let me think." Gabrielle turned to Dana. "Ah, silence is golden." Dana smiled. "Do you think we'll find the army or any clues of the army today?" Gabrielle shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe. Hey did I ever tell you that I am an amazon princess?" "No, but tell me about it." Gabrielle started the story. "Well Xena and I were in the woods, when we met the amazons. One of them got shot with an arrow. I tried to save her, but she died. She gave me her right of cast meaning that I was an amazon princess, and…" "I've got it!" shouted Joxer. "Joxer you interrupted Gabrielle's story." "Sorry, but I have this really great song. You guys will love it." Gabrielle sighed. "Fine Joxer. Let's hear it." "Ninety nine mugs of beer on the wall, ninety nine mugs of beer. Take one down pass it around ninety eight mugs of beer on the wall!" Dana's eyes brightened. "Joxer for once I think you have a good song." Joxer put his arms around Dana and Gabrielle's shoulders. "Come on everyone sing! Ninety eight mugs of beer on the wall…" "Ninety eight mugs of beer. Take one down pass it around ninety-seven mugs of beer on the wall…" Gabrielle and Dana joined in. The three sang loudly. Xena grinned. A funny song was just what Dana needed to get her mind off of things. Joxer really did have a good heart. A half an hour passed. The three were still singing. "One mug of beer on the wall one mug of beer. Take it down pass it around no more mugs of beer on the wall!" "Finally we got to the end of the song!" shouted Dana happily. Gabrielle laughed. Joxer grabbed Gabrielle's staff. "Joxer give me my staff!" yelled Gabrielle who was still laughing. Joxer twirled the staff. "Ha ha Gabrielle go fetch!" he threw the staff in the bushed. Gabrielle smiled and shook her head. "You are such a goon Joxer. Hey Xena! We need to stop for a few minutes. I have to get my staff!" Xena stopped Argo. Gabrielle went into the bushes. A few minutes passed. Gabrielle did not return. A few more minutes passed. Gabrielle still did not return. "Gabrielle!" shouted Xena. No answer. Xena jumped off of Argo, her eyes filled with worry. She handed the reins to Dana. "Hold Argo. I'm going to find Gabrielle." Xena took out her sword and went into the bushes. A few minutes passed. Xena did not return. A few more minutes passed. Xena did not return. Just as Dana was about to go and find them, Xena emerged from the bushes with Gabrielle. Gabrielle was there, but not there. Xena helped Gabrielle sit. "Gabrielle what happened?" Gabrielle blinked. "I was looking for my staff, and something bit me. Maybe a snake…I think I am poisoned." Xena noticed a small cut on Gabrielle's leg. She looked closer. They were the fang marks of a poisonous snake. Xena lifted Gabrielle onto Argo. "We have to take a detour to the nearest city or village. We need to get her to a healer."

Xena, Dana, and Joxer jogged down the road looking for any sign on a village. Dana noticed a wooden sign. "Hey look a sign! It's pointing that way." "I know this place," said Xena, "It's the road to the city of Kakarika which just happens to be one of the richest cities in these parts. Hiring a healer will be expensive there, but we have to do it or Gabrielle might not make it." Gabrielle was sitting on Argo. "How are you doing Gabrielle?" "Fine. I don't feel any poison effects. My head doesn't even hurt." " Then the poison has not started its effects yet. We don't have much time until it does."

Ares watched the small group. "Oh wonderful they are taking a detour. Now Dana will find Gareth, and my plan to get Xena and Dana back will be ruined. Hmm…unless I find a few diversions…have a talk with Gareth maybe? Nah it won't work. Possess Dana? Nah I underestimated her. She is smarter then I thought. I've got it! Caesar. Xena always gets distracted by Caesar since her hate for him is so great. He will lead my army as well as his to Kakarika where he can capture Gabrielle and hold her prisoner until Xena comes back to me. Then he can do what he wants Gabrielle. He can kill her. Who cares? Dana has no control over her power and she'll never have control. Maybe I can convince Dana to side with me too. After all she doesn't know anything about who left her on that doorstep. She doesn't know that I tried to kill her when she was a baby. Instead Fira's magic protected her, and now she possesses some of my magic. She is very strong and very useful. Damn! If only I got her when we invaded her village! She doesn't even know who her real mother is!" He turned and looked at a volcano in the distance where Fira, the goddess of fire and volcanoes was trapped. "Ha ha Fira you thought you could keep Dana safe if you left her on earth. Now I might let you out to observe the death of you lovely daughter and her friends!" With an evil laugh, Ares vanished to get Caesar.

Kakarika was a well-protected city considering that it was the richest city. A river of raging rapids surrounded it. The small group crossed a wooden bridge to get into the city. Dana glanced down the river. There were many other bridges. The bridges that she saw were old rickety rope and wood plank bridges. They looked as if they would fall apart if one step was taken on them. Joxer eyed the bridges and the rapids. "Whoa imagine falling into that river." Dana shuddered. "Please Joxer don't even think about it." Xena looked at both of them. "Stop scaring each other and let's go."

The city of Kakarika was more then impressive. Dana stared wide eyes at the beutiful buildings and the golden palace looming in the distance. Gabrielle had shown no effects of poisoning. Maybe she had just gotten a cut. Xena was looking around. She suddenly noticed a group of guards heading towards them. "Dana, draw your sword just in case," she commanded. Dana took out her sword. Gabrielle was ready with her staff. The guards surrounded them with their swords drawn. "Are these the ones?" asked one of them. The commander of the guards nodded. "Yes just like the soothsayer said." Joxer stood in front of Dana. "I am Joxer the Mighty. And I say that we are going to be on our way now. Try anything and you will get my wrath." He turned around to find more guards. "Or we can stay…" Xena stepped forward. "All right already. What is going on? What do you want?" "You!" The commander drew his sword and charged. Xena flipped and began fighting him. Gabrielle jumped off of Argo and started knocking out guards with her staff. Dana challenged the guards. "Ya want me? Come on and get me!" The guards charged. Dana felt a surge of power as she kicked one of them and punched the other. The commander yelled. "Get the redhead! Get them all!" Suddenly more guards appeared. Xena, Gabrielle, Dana, and Joxer were very outnumbered. The guards surrounded them, and chained them. "It's to the dungeons with you," said the commander. "The king will see you in the morning."

The four sat in the dungeon. They were chained, so there was no point of moving. Their weapons had been confiscated, and Argo was taken away to the stables. At least Argo will be ok thought Xena. She looked at Gabrielle. Gabrielle looked ok. The poison seemed to have no effect on her. Either that or the effects would come later. Xena hoped they wouldn't. Xena switched her attention to Dana. "Dana what are you thinking?" "I just wonder why they captured us. I mean they seemed like they knew us. I wonder what they want. Do they know you?" Xena shook her head. "I guess we'll find out tomorrow." "No, I'll find out now. Hey you guard come here a minute." The guard came over to the cell. "Yeah?" Dana smiled sweetly. "Well not to be rude or anything but why are we in this cell? What did we do?" The guard shrugged. "Well I don't know that much, but the soothsayer said that a red headed warrior accompanied by another great warrior, a bard, and a fool would bring much trouble to Kakarika. Now shut up. If you repeat what I told you, I will kill you myself." Dana shook her head, "Of all the rudeness…" "I'm not a fool," Joxer complained. "Joxer the Mighty does not belong in chains. I know! I will break the chains with my bare hands!" Joxer tried to break his chains but he couldn't. Dana looked up at the tiny window. Daylight was fading. "Hey Joxer I know you're the song composer but now I've got a little ditty. Oh look at me I'm stuck in a cell, and those guards can go to hell…" "Ok Dana that's enough," said Xena. She tried to find a comfortable position. "Everybody get some rest. I have a feeling that tomorrow is going to be a long day."

Sunlight streamed through Gareth's window. He woke up and got dressed. He had a feeling that this day was going to be different. He picked up a sword, just in case anything should go wrong. There was a knock at the door. "Enter." The commander of the guards entered. "Your highness, the king requests that you be in the throne room. We have some prisoners, and he wants to teach you how to deal with them, how to judge them, and how to eliminate them." Gareth nodded. "I'll be there in a few minutes."

Sunlight streamed in through the little window of the prison cell. Dana awoke to find Xena already awake. She had a strong feeling that something weird was going to happen. "Xena I have this weird feeling. I think something is going to happen but I don't know what…" "Most likely you're a bit scared. Is this your first time being taken prisoner?" Dana nodded. Xena looked at the ground and looked back up at Dana. "Then you are nervous. Don't worry. Everything is going to be fine. I promise I won't let anybody hurt you." Gabrielle woke up. "Gabrielle how are you feeling?" asked Xena. "Actually I feel fine," said Gabrielle. "I'm beginning to think that it wasn't a snake after all." Joxer woke up. "Hey did I miss anything?" Dana shook her head. "Nope not a thing. We didn't even get any breakfast." "Don't expect any," said Xena. "They probably won't feed us." Dana shifted restlessly. "If I had my sword I could get us out of here!" "No need to worry about that," said a voice. It was the commander of the guards. "Take them," he ordered. The guards took the four by their chains. "Hey don't push me!" Dana said sharply. The guard slapped her. "Be quiet." Xena's eyes widened. Dana had that cold look in her eyes. The look that she had when Gareth had slapped her. Xena shook her head at Dana and mouthed Control yourself. If you try to attack it will only make this situation worse. Dana held back. "You just got very lucky. When I get out of here, I will make sure that you get a pay back." The guard laughed. "Don't threaten me little girl. I'm not the one in chains." The guards lead the prisoners through the halls. "Excuse me," said Gabrielle. "Where are you taking us?" The commander of the guards turned back and looked at her. "I am taking you to your trial with the king…and his court."

Gareth entered the throne room. He was dressed in the richest most royal attire. King Raoul noticed him at once. "Ah my boy, you felt good enough to watch the trial. Come sit beside me." Gareth bowed and sat at on a throne next to the king. It was the throne for a prince. Gareth made himself comfortable. He glanced around the throne room, for he had only been in there once. There were many important royal people, but what caught his attention was the golden fountain that was on the other side of the king's throne. He had learned about throne rooms and he had never heard of a fountain in one. Oh well he thought. This is going to be so boring. I could think of better things to do, but if this is what the king wants, then so be it. After all, he has been so kind. The least I could do is sit through a boring trial. The trumpets sounded. King Raoul stood up. "Fellow nobles of Kakarika, today is a glorious day. Today is the day of the trial of those that the soothsayer said would bring trouble." Gareth tried to keep interest, but he could not help feeling bored already. He wondered where Dana was. If I was not here I could be looking for her. Please Dana, he prayed, please be keeping yourself out of trouble. The king's words brought him back to the trial. "And now the guards shall bring in the prisoners. Guards?" Gareth sat up so he could see the prisoners. The guards led them in. First a blonde haired girl and a man wearing some sort of armor. Then a black haired girl in a warrior outfit. Xena. Xena, thought Gareth, I never thought I would see her again. Ha she gets what she deserves now. But then the guards lead in the last prisoner. A girl whose eyes were looking at the floor. An auburn haired girl in a warrior costume. Oh my gods and goddesses. That can't be who I think it is, thought Gareth. The girl was dirty and very tired looking. He squinted to get a better look. It was Dana. Dana looked up at all the nobles staring at her. "Yeah go on and stare at me," she said indignantly. A guard kicked her. The nobles whispered among themselves. Gareth began to get up. "Sit my boy," said King Raoul. Gareth sat and cursed under his breath. Dana held her head up high and walked in front of the king. That was when she noticed Gareth. Her eyes widened. "Gareth?" she gasped. Gareth stood up. "Your Highness, good people of the court there has to be some mistake here. These people aren't bad." He stepped down to Dana. "This is my best friend Dana. She was just looking for me. That's all. Please don't kill her." Dana rolled her eyes. "Gareth you don't need to defend me." The king stood up. "Any friend of Gareth is our friend as well. I am truthfully sorry that we misjudged you. Release them." The guards took the chains off the prisoners. Dana shook Gareth's hand. "Thank you." Then she went over to Xena and gave her a big hug. Gareth was confused. Dana came back over to Gareth. He took her into his arms, and she said, "Sorry about that, I was just thanking Xena. She was the one who encouraged me to find you. I know you don't really like her but please give her a chance. And I'm sure you can tell me how you got here, and…" she was interrupted by Xena's yell. "Gabrielle!" Dana broke away from Gareth and ran to Xena. Gareth followed. Gabrielle had fallen to the ground, and was slumped over. Joxer was upset. "She was just fine a minute ago..." "Move Joxer," said Dana. Joxer moved, and Dana knelt beside Gabrielle. "Gabrielle! What's wrong?" Gabrielle was barely conscious. "Dana…Xena…the snake poison…" "I knew it was only a matter of time!" Xena said worriedly. Dana took Gabrielle's hand. "Don't worry you'll be fine." You just have to be, she thought to herself. Then she felt a shock. A shock of power. The nobles who had gathered around whispered in surprise. Xena caught bits of their conversations. "Look at that. The bond where their hands join is glowing silver." "It's the magic of the gods it is." Dana thought deeply Gabrielle you just have to get better. You won't die. I AM NOT GOING TO LET YOU DIE!!! With that thought a surge of power flowed through her veins to Gabrielle. Gabrielle's body jerked. Dana squeezed her eyes shut, and concentrated with all her might. Suddenly she felt a huge force. The force blasted Dana and Gabrielle away from each other. Gabrielle suddenly opened her eyes. She was shivering. Xena ran to her, and hugged her fiercely. Gabrielle was scared and surprised. "She did it Xena. Dana brought me back. I felt it." The nobles gathered around. "It's a miracle!" one of them cried. Gabrielle sat up. "Hey where is Dana?" Xena quickly stood up and scanned the room. She saw Dana lying near the wall. Dana did not look good. "Joxer you stay with Gabrielle," commanded Xena. "I am going to check on Dana." Xena ran over to Dana. She had a strange feeling that although Gabrielle was ok, things were still not right. Xena knelt beside Dana. Dana's eyes were closed. She was breathing faintly. And she was sweating. Xena put a hand on her forehead and quickly drew it back. Gareth who had followed Xena said with worry, "What's wrong with her." "She's like fire. She is so hot that it burned." Xena noticed Dana's necklace. The silver was faint and the red was intense. It was almost as if the red was dominating, since Dana had used the silver to heal Gabrielle. Xena quickly began removing Dana's breastplates and boots. Anything that would make her cooler. "She's burning up. We have to lower her temperature." Xena glanced around the room. The fountain. If they put Dana in the fountain, her body temperature would lower. Xena motioned to Gareth. "Come on and help me move her. We need to put her in the fountain." "Won't it ruin her outfit?" "No, and would you rather ruin her outfit and let her live or save her outfit and let her die?" Gareth was silent after that. He helped Xena lift Dana and take her to the fountain. Xena held Dana's head above the water. "It's ok Dana. You will live because I am not gonna let you die. You found Gareth and everything is going to be fine. You hear that. DON'T DIE ON ME!!!" Xena was almost in tears. Gareth looked at Dana. She had risked everything to find him, and this was the thanks she got. Gareth took her hand. "Forgive me Dana. Forgive me for letting you get hurt. Forgive me for acting so distant from you. I love you. Please don't leave me." He lowered his head and cried. Then came the voice almost in a whisper. "I'm not going anywhere." Gareth looked into the fountain and saw Dana. Her eyes were open, but she was very pale. Xena put her hand on Dana's forehead. "You're cool. This is strange…oh I'll worry about it later. Dana you're alive!" Xena helped Dana sit up. Then she hugged her. "Dana don't ever do that to me again. Do you understand me? I would have been torn to pieces if we had lost you." She backed away to let Gareth talk to Dana. Gareth picked Dana up out of the fountain and kissed her forehead. "There you go again. Always trying to scare me. It worked this time." The nobles applauded. Dana looked around at all of them. "Ok Gareth there are a lot of people staring at us so can you put me down. I am strong enough to stand by myself." "Fine then." Gareth lowered Dana to the floor. She put her boots and armor back on. She stood, straightened up, and almost fell over. Gareth steadied her. "Oh fine maybe I'm not strong at the moment. I am feeling sort of tired." King Raoul made his way over to them. "Dana you and you're friends are welcome to stay here at the palace. There are some rooms in the east wing that you can use. That was a very crazy thing you did. I know a bit about magic and I have to say that you were very brave to have used it all like that. I request that you see the soothsayer tomorrow." "But I don't know a thing about magic! I think what happened was a coincidence really," Dana protested. The king held up a hand for silence. "Right now the guards will escort you to your rooms and they will give you your weapons." Dana nodded. Joxer tapped her. "Dana I was so worried. I am just glad that everything is all right now." She turned around and gave him a hug. "Everything is great now, Joxer." "One last thing," the king said. "I declare that on the day after tomorrow, there will be a royal party in honor of our guests, Xena Warrior Princess, Dana Warrior Demigod, Gabrielle the Bard, and Joxer the…" "Joxer the Mighty," finished Joxer. "Yes, Joxer the Mighty," finished the king. "Now guards, lead them to their rooms."

The guards lead Xena, Gabrielle, Dana, and Joxer through the castle to their rooms where they returned their weapons. Gabrielle announced that she was going to go to her room, take a bath and then maybe write in her scrolls. Joxer said he would escort her to her room. Dana laughed as she watched them walk down the hall together. She was about to go into her room when Xena stopped her. "Dana are you sure that you are ok?" "Yes. I am just really tired though. I feel drained." Xena glanced at Dana's necklace. The red had died down a bit and there was more silver now. She hugged Dana tightly. "Dana please don't ever scare me like that again. I was so afraid that you were going to burn up." "I'll try not to Xena, really I will, but I couldn't control it." Xena stepped back from Dana. "You need some rest. I am in the room down the hall if you need me. All right?" Dana nodded. Xena smiled faintly and walked down the hall. Dana went into her room. The room was big and beautiful. There was a large window and a canopy bed along with many other royal furnishings. The sight of the room took Dana's breath away. She decided to have a look around the room. There was a fireplace, a fancy couch, and a tub for bathing. Dana dropped her weapons on the couch and pulled off her boots. She stripped down to her undergarment, which was more like her warrior costume, except that it was white cotton. She decided that she was going to retire early because she was more tired then usual. She got into her bed and was instantly asleep.

Xena entered her room, looked around, and exited. She had a few things on her mind. The most important thing was talking to Gareth. He knew Dana better then she did, and he was just as much of a friend to Dana as she was. Maybe even more. Xena walked be Dana's room. She opened the door and glanced in. Dana was asleep. Xena closed the door and continued down the hall. She found Gareth in one of the studied of the palace. He was sitting at a table staring blankly into space. She put a hand on his shoulder, and he turned around. "Oh it's you." Xena took a deep breath. Gabrielle was always the better one at talking. "Gareth listen to me. I know that we got off on the wrong foot a few years ago. I just want to say that I am sorry for all the terrible things that I have done. I am just asking you for a second chance. After all, we are both friends with Dana and don't you think that it would be easier for her if we got along?" Gareth sighed. "Yes Xena I do believe that we got off on the wrong foot. I am willing to give you a second chance, but you have to be willing to give me a second chance too. I was a silly village boy back then. I only thought for the safety of myself and my loved ones. My mind was clouded with all the bad stories about you. Dana was the smart one. She gave you a chance, and I didn't. Forgive me Xena." "I forgive you, and I am going to give you another chance." She extended a hand. "Friends?" Gareth took her hand and shook it. "Friends." Xena started towards the door. "And Xena?" Gareth called. Xena looked over her shoulder. "Yes?" Gareth hesitated and spoke. "Maybe you're not as bad as I thought you were." Xena smiled and left the room to look around the castle some more.

After a thorough look around the castle, Xena decided that it was time to head back to her room to go to bed. She passed Dana's room and glanced in once more. Dana was still sleeping soundly. Xena walked down the hall to Gabrielle's room. She entered and saw Gabrielle engrossed in a scroll. "Gabrielle?" Gabrielle looked up from what she was reading. "Oh hey Xena. I was just reading this scroll that I found in here. It's about the lesser known gods and goddesses. Sit down and I'll tell you about one that I found fascinating." Xena sat down. "Go ahead." "Ok. I am going to tell you about a goddess named Fira. Listen to this. She is the daughter of Aphrodite and Aries! Can you believe that? Anyway, she is the goddess of volcanoes. She used to go around claiming towns and villages with her fire rod and she had a very bad temper. One day she challenged Zeus to a fight. After a few days, he got tired of fighting with her so he imprisoned her in a mountain. She was so mad that she blew up the mountain and made it a volcano. She got out of the mountain and decided that she was going to do some good for a change. Like you, Xena. Well of course Aries was not happy to hear about that. He trapped her inside another mountain and put a spell on it so she can't get out. Now, there are rumors that she had a daughter that she left on earth, but no actual proof. Isn't that interesting?" Xena nodded. "It’s a good story. Maybe you can tell me more about the lesser gods and goddesses another time. I'm going to go to bed now so that I can get a jump start on things I have to do tomorrow." "Ok. Good night Xena." "Good night Gabrielle." Xena got up and walked out of Gabrielle's room to her own, while Gabrielle returned to reading about the lesser gods and goddesses.

The night was dark and cool. Caesar sat in his tent with his most trusted friend Brutus, looking at a map to see which town he should conquer next. "Caesar, I think that this conquering is getting old. Can't we find something better to do?" asked Brutus. "No. Conquering is the best. Look at me Brutus. I am wealthy and powerful all because of the villages I conquer." Brutus tried not to gag. There was a light and a puff of smoke and suddenly Ares was there. Both men immediately stood and bowed. "Ares. What brings you here?" inquired Caesar. Ares smiled a dangerous smile. "Well I have a deal to make with you. A deal that involves a very rich city." Caesar motioned to a chair. "Please sit down. Now what kind of deal is this?" "Well how would you like to rule the city of Kakarika?" "The richest city in these parts? That's crazy. A huge army guards it. No commander in his right mind would even try for a city like that!" Ares kept his patience. "It's not hard to conquer it if you have the army of Ares fighting for you now is it? Here's the deal. Xena is in Kakarika right now with a few…friends. I need you to somehow distract Xena. Capture her annoying friend, Gabrielle. I will work with you for there is something I want from Kakrika as well." "What is it?" "A girl called Dana. Xena is protecting her. I need to get her back so that she can take her rightful place. You help me and you can have all of Kakarika. Deal?" Caesar thought for a few minutes. "Deal. We start moving at dawn."

The morning sun coming through the window woke Dana up. She stretched. She felt a whole lot better then she had been feeling. Something caught her eye. On the couch beside her warrior costume and weapons was a light blue dress, sandals, a note, and some fruit. She got up, went over to the couch, and read the note. Dana, We decided to let you sleep a bit longer than usual. How do you like the dress? Gareth picked it out for you. It is for when you go to the soothsayer today. You are to meet the soothsayer in the garden at noon. Gareth will be around the castle if you need him. Joxer said that he was going to try to pick up a few sword tricks from the head guard of the castle. Xena is going to check out the town, and she'll be back later. I am going to be in the scroll room probably all day since there are so many interesting scrolls to read. Maybe I'll pick up a few new stories. Eat your breakfast -Gabrielle. Dana looked out the window. The shadows showed that it was still early morning. She went back to the couch and ate some of the fruit. She decided that she was going to bathe since she had to meet with the soothsayer. Judging from how everyone talked, this soothsayer was important, so she decided that she was going to make a good impression. After heating a lot of water, Dana took a long bath. Then she put on the blue dress and the sandals. Hmm…I don't look that bad…Gareth has good taste. She smiled to herself. Then she thought about what to do with her hair. She decided to braid it and put it back with her silver clips. After a look in the mirror, she decided that she looked good. Dana looked out the window again. It was not quite yet noon. She probably had an hour or so to wait. She busied herself by polishing her armor and weapons and washing her warrior costume. Finally it was noon. Time to go meet the soothsayer…

Dana entered the garden and looked around. There was a beautiful fountain in the center surrounded by benches. The air smelled of flowers. It was quite beautiful and peaceful. "Ah you are here," said a voice from behind her. Dana turned and saw a woman who looked a bit older then Xena. She was average height with greenish blue eyes and brown hair that was in a long braid down her back. She was dressed in a white and gold garment. "You are the soothsayer?" asked Dana. "Please call me Leda." "I didn't know that soothsayers could be women." "And I didn't think that a girl would want to be a warrior." Dana was silent. Leda came over to her and took her hand. "Let's go over to the benches." They went to the benches and sat down. "I am going to help you find out a bit about your life that you don't know. You might feel things that might have happened or are going to happen in the near future. Some things might be painful Don't be afraid. If I think you get too much into this, I will snap you out of it." "This is almost like hypnosis right?" "Yes in a way. Now lay down." Dana lied down and Leda shifted and sat on the ground. She took Dana's hand. "Close your eyes Dana. Breathe deeply and listen to me. I want you to be so relaxed that you almost leave your body." Dana closed her eyes a breathed. Leda squeezed her hand and chanted something. Dana felt a power seep into her. Suddenly she felt fire. She was drowning in a sea of lava. There was a chill but it was far away. Everything was red. Suddenly there was silver and then a light blue. Dana shuddered. She heard voices screaming and suddenly she was falling. Then she saw a dark blue. It was so cold. She was suffocating. Dana let out a scream. Leda pulled her hand away and snapped Dana out of her trance. Dana sat up. She was breathing hard and sweating. After a few minutes Leda said, "Are you all right? Do you want to continue?" Dana closed her eyes and nodded. She lied back down. She felt the power again. It was a calm power this time. A light blue. Then it quickly turned colors again. Dana saw red and black. She felt a pain in her side. She squeezed her eyes shut and concentrated. There was now a bright intense red. Then there was a red and silver. Then a bright gold and total blackness. Dana opened her eyes. Leda was smiling. "You made it. You pulled through. Now tell me what you saw and felt." Dana took a deep breath. "First it was red like lava. I felt like I was burning up. There was some coolness but it was far away. Then there was a silver and light blue. It was very peaceful. Then I heard screaming and I felt like I was falling. Suddenly I felt cold. The color was dark blue. I felt as if I was suffocating. Then you snapped me out of it. When we continued I felt light blue again but it changed to red and black at the same time. I felt a pain on my side. Then there was a bright intense red. Silver combined with the red and then there was gold. That's it." Leda nodded. "The hot lava most likely symbolizes fever. Were you sick recently?" "Yesterday I was kind of sick. Xena said I was burning up…that's it! That is what the lava symbolizes!" "Ok. The silver and light blue represents what is happening now. You are very peaceful. The screaming might symbolize a fight or disagreement. The falling could be a few things. Depression or actually falling. The cold dark blue seems like drowning. Then the light blue means you live if in fact you were drowning. The red, black, and pain means that you are most likely going to get hurt. But I have never experienced intense red, silver, and gold all together…" Dana showed Leda her necklace. "Might it have something to do with this?" Leda took the charm in her hands. "I should have felt it before. Dana this magic is intense red and silver. I sense that there is some kind of fight between these two magics. The conflict might be happening inside you. I am sorry that I cannot explain the gold though." "Wait! You said magic?" "Didn't you figure it out? You have a sort of power. It might be from the gods. And that would explain your sudden fever. You see, the red magic has an evil about it. The silver is good. Most of your silver was drained so the red took over and made you sick." Dana stared opened mouthed. "I have power? This is so strange." "It also appears that you don't have that much control of it. That's ok though because you didn't know that you had it. Now that you realize that you hold a special power, I will give you some advice. Be careful when you use the silver. You might not realize it, but the more the silver goes away, the more the red takes over. The red is very manipulative and evil so be careful." Dana nodded. Suddenly she saw black. No, it wasn't black it was a fallen building. And Xena was there but she was dead. Crushed by the building. Dana clutched her head in her hands. "Nooooooooooo!" she wailed. "Xenaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Suddenly she snapped out of it, and tears welled in her eyes. She started to cry uncontrollably. Leda took Dana in her arms and hugged her. "Shhh. It's all right. What happened?" Dana shivered. "I had a vision or something. Xena was killed by a fallen building. Oh Leda it was so real." She began to cry again. Suddenly there was the sound of running footsteps. Xena ran into the garden followed by Gabrielle and Joxer. Dana ran to Xena and threw her arms around her and cried. Xena looked at Dana and looked up at Leda. "What happened here?" "I am Leda, the soothsayer. Dana and I were discussing her power of magic and she had a terrible vision that frightened her very much. Here let me explain." Leda took Xena off to the side to tell her about everything that happened to Dana. Gabrielle put an arm around Dana. "You're ok. You're safe with us." "Yeah," said Joxer who had come up from the other side. Dana looked at all of them. "With some of the things I've seen, we are all far from safe. I feel like a big baby. I've cried more time in the past few days then I have in my whole life!" Gabrielle smiled. "Dana, everybody needs to let their emotions out sometime. When Xena's brother got killed, she let her emotions out though I think she let it go to far. That's why she became so evil. It was her anger and sorrow that drove her towards hate and revenge. Crying is helping you get rid of some of the pain and confusion that you have been going through." Leda and Xena approached them. "Dana I think you have gone through enough, or maybe even too much learning today," said Leda. "Yes I think so. Thank you Leda. Maybe we can continue some other time. I feel so strange and confused. I really need some time to figure everything out." "Just ask for me when you are ready to continue." "I will." "I'll see you later then." "Bye Leda." Leda left the garden. Dana watched her go and turned to Xena. "Xena do you know where Gareth is? I really need to talk to him about stuff. It could help me figure out the colors and the vision." "Leda told me about your vision. I have never heard anything like it. I think Gareth is in his room or the weapon room." "Yes he was teaching me a few sword tricks," added Joxer. "He is most likely still in the armory." "Ok thanks. I am going to go find him. I'll catch up with you guys later." Dana turned and went into the castle to find Gareth. Gabrielle looked at Xena. "Do you think anything that Dana saw is going to happen?" "It seemed so real. Gabrielle, I don’t know if there's any truth to it. I just don't know…"

Dana wandered down to the armory. Joxer was right, Gareth was there. He was sharpening a sword. Dana sat down next to him. "Hey Gareth, I think we need to catch up on a few things." Gareth looked up from the sword. "All right." "First of all, how did you end up here?" "Well the army took me away and after a few hours, they just dumped me by the roadside. I was still pretty hurt. Then a wagon came by a few hours later. It was the king's wagon. Now, the soothsayer had said that a stranded wounded man would become a great ruler. So they took me in and called me a prince. That's it. Now tell me what has been happening with you? The last I saw of you was when you were lying in the middle of the road with an arrow in your shoulder." "Ok I heard you get taken away and then I fell unconscious. Gabrielle and Xena found me some time later. Apparently Xena was on her way to visit me. She got the arrow out of me, and stitched the wound. Oh and my parents are dead. So I went along with Xena and Gabrielle, hoping to find you. My arrow wound was healed by that night. Now I know why. I'll tell you about it later. Then the next morning Joxer showed up. First he seemed annoying, but actually he's really funny and caring. Oh and then I ran into Ares. He offered you in exchange for Xena but I refused because I knew I would find you. Then Gabrielle got bitten by the snake so we detoured to here, got captured by the guards, and here we are now." "Whoa. You said Ares? He was the commander of that army that destroyed our village." "No way! So guess what happened today. Leda, the soothsayer and I went through this whole hypnosis thing and I found out that the colors in my necklace are actually magic! Isn't that something? That was how I was able to heal myself and Gabrielle." Gareth put down the sword and held Dana. "You have no idea how happy I am that we found each other. I wasn't sure that I would see you again. I missed you Dana." "Me too." "So what are you going to do now that you found me?" "I honestly don't know." "Dana have you ever though of settling down?" Dana broke away from Gareth's embrace. "You mean like get married?" Gareth nodded. Dana thought for a moment. She wasn't sure on what to say. "Well…I don't know…I mean I guess so but not recently…Gareth I have to go. I am tired and confused. We can talk about this later." Before Gareth could say anything, Dana got up and walked swiftly from the armory.

Dana walked at a fast pace in no particular direction. She was so shocked by what Gareth had talked about that she talked out loud to herself. "What is he talking about settling down? Was that supposed to be a hint? Does he want me to marry him? I can't do it. This is crazy. Sure I love Gareth but not that kind of love. How could I marry him? He's my best friend. I never though of marrying him. Ahhhh this is ridiculous. I have enough problems and here comes Gareth with 'Dana have you ever though of settling down?' HOW CAN I SETTLE DOWN WHEN I HAVE A MAGIC WAR IN ME!?!?!?! Ahhhhhhhhhhh this is INSANE!" She stopped walking. "Ok calm down. I have to talk to someone. I have to talk to Xena and Gabrielle." Dana ran down the halls to Gabrielle's room. She pounded on the door. Gabrielle opened the door. "Oh it's you Dana. You gave me a scare. Are you ok?" "Not really." "Let's get Xena and we can talk about it." "Ok." Gabrielle and Dana went to Xena's room. "Xena we all need to have a talk," said Gabrielle. "Is something wrong. What's going on?" asked Xena. "Dana has a problem that she wants to tell us." "All right sit down and start talking." Gabrielle and Dana sat. "I found Gareth and we were talking and he asked me if I wanted to settle down. You know like marry him." Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other. Gabrielle spoke, "Well how do you feel about him. Do you love him?" "That's the problem. I thought I loved him. I love him but not as a lover if you know what I mean. I never thought of marrying him." "Just tell him how you feel. It's as simple as that," Xena said bluntly. "How can I do that? It's easier said than done." "Walk up to him and tell him." "I need time to think about what to say. I can't just walk up to him and tell him. I don't want to end my friendship with him. Gabrielle who had been quiet for some time now spoke. "Dana, if he is your real friend he will understand." "I guess so." Joxer popped his head through the door. "Hey everyone is eating dinner now, so I thought I would get you guys." "All right we'll be there in a few minutes," said Gabrielle.

They all sat down to eat a royal dinner. King Raoul sat at the head of the table. Gareth sat beside him. Joxer sat beside Gareth. Dana was on the other side of the king, Xena was next to her, and Gabrielle was next to Xena. Leda and all of the other royal officials were at the table as well. "So," said Joxer, "What's on the menu? I'm starved." "Turkey legs and more," said the king. Gabrielle's eyes widened and her stomach growled. I hope we don't have to wait much longer! Gabrielle was in luck. The food was served within a few minutes. "Turkey and bread and vegetables…oh my!" said Gabrielle as she started stuffing her face. The food was very good. Everyone was hungry, so they all ate without any conversation. King Raoul was the first one to speak after they had finished. "Dana, are you all right after what happened yesterday?" "Yes your majesty." "Don't bother with calling me your majesty. Just call me King Raoul. Now, are you finding everything all right? Is there anything that you need?" "Everything here is truly wonderful. Now that I think about it, there is something I need. I need a horse." King Raoul leaned back. "Ah a horse. Yes you may have a horse and I know just the horse for you. Gareth, why don't you take Dana to the stables and show her Opal?" Gareth got up. "All right. Let's go, Dana." Dana forced a smile and got up. She really wasn't in the mood to be with Gareth after what had happened that afternoon, but she had no choice. Together they walked out of the dining hall to the stables.

Gareth and Dana walked in silence. Each was thinking about whether to say something or whether to be silent. Finally Dana spoke. "Gareth. I'm sorry about running out like that today. It was rude of me." "No, Dana. It was my fault. I shouldn't have asked you the question yet. I should have known better. You've been through so much in the past few days…" They got to the stables. Gareth led Dana to a cream colored horse that looked almost like Argo. "Here she is. This is Opal." Dana spoke softly to Opal, and the two seemed to bond instantly. Gareth watched Dana. "You know, Dana, you really do look beautiful in that dress. Blue is a nice color on you." "Thanks Gareth." Gareth hesitated. "Dana, can I really talk to you for a few minutes?" "Sure." Dana and Gareth sat down on some hay. "I really do want to marry you someday Dana. I mean I am going to be a king one-day, and who would make a better queen then the one who knows me best? Who would be a better queen then my best friend in the world? And who would make a better queen then the one I love most?" Dana felt tears in her eyes. Gareth was really serious about this. How could she tell him that she just wasn't ready? "Gareth, I love you too. But you are my friend. I don't know if I am ready to get married." Gareth took her hands into his. "I understand Dana. I'll wait forever if I have to." Dana smiled. Tears trickled down her cheeks. "You don't know how hard it was for me to tell you that," she said. "Come on Dana, don't cry." Dana wiped her eyes. "I'm fine. That was just…well I don't know how to describe it." Gareth took her into his arms and held her tight. For a moment Dana forgot all about her magic, the danger she was in, and the stress she was going through. They got up and hand in hand walked to Dana's room. "Good night Dana," said Gareth. "I love you." "Good night Gareth," said Dana. Dana watched Gareth walk down the hall. There. I told him how I felt. I hope he gets the point. Oh well. If he doesn't get the point, then I can't do anything to change it. I have enough problems. I'm just gonna sleep on it. Dana went into her room and went to sleep.

BAM! There was a huge explosion. "Get out of here!" CRASH! The earth was shaking. Then a scream, and then: "I can't get up! Leave me here." "Noooooo!" Dana woke up in a cold sweat. It was only a dream. It seemed so real though. Dana looked out the window. She saw the sun just starting to rise. "Oh say can you see by the dawn's early light…" she muttered. She smiled to herself. She though about the dream. It was very strange. That's it. I need some time alone. Away from the palace, away from Gareth, and away from my life. I need to go riding. Dana got out of bed and quickly dressed in her warrior outfit. She secured her weapons, and then tiptoed down the hall to Xena's room. Xena was sound asleep. She deserves to rest. She's been on her feet helping me this whole time. I won't wake her. Dana left Xena a note explaining that she was just going to go off by herself for a while. Then she went into the kitchen. Nobody was awake yet. She quickly got a water bottle and a few biscuits. Then she made her way to the stables. "Good morning Opal. Remember me?" Opal gave a soft whinny. She knew that it was Dana. "Good. Now let's go." Dana swung on to Opal, and let her out. She exited the palace gates.

Finally! I'm free. She rode through the streets. Kakarika was just beginning to wake up. Dana got to the edge of the city where the wooden bridge was. As they crossed the bridge, Dana looked down at the misty raging river and shivered. Once they were out of Kakarika, Dana looked down the road, and kicked Opal into a gallop. Down the road they raced. Loose strands of hair from Dana's braid flew back in the wind. Dana yelled with happiness. That's all she wanted to do. Yell and scream and shout without anybody telling her to be quiet. She wanted to regain a sense of peace. This was the best way to let it all out, she decided. After a few hours the came to an open field. Dana jumped off of Opal and let her rest. It was time to let everything out. Dana removed her sword from its sheath. She started to swing it slowly, then faster, then even faster. She slashed at the air, shouting war cries the whole time. A flame shot from her hand towards the sky, which stunned her, and made her stop swinging the sword. She dropped the sword and looked at her hand. There were no scorch marks, no burns, and no would. Dana took out her dagger and scanned the field. There were a few apple trees, but nothing much else. Then she saw movement near one of the trees. "Ay-yah!" she threw the dagger. The dagger caught the person's cape. Whoever it was got stuck. "Hello! What is this?" Dana ran across the field to investigate. What she saw surprised her. The person was not a warlord, but a girl about her age. The girl had brownish blonde hair and green eyes. She was wearing a black ninja-type outfit. Dana reached for the dagger. "Sorry about that. I got carried away and I though you were someone else." The girl inspected her cape. "Oh I can get you a new cape if you want," added Dana. "I'm Dana." The girl dropped the cape. "You don't have to get me a new cape. This just proves that I have to improve my listening and observation skills. I'm Rae." "So…um…what are you doing here alone?" Rae smiled. "I've been on my own for quite some time now. I'm seventeen and I left home at sixteen. Do you want to know where I come from?" Dana nodded. "Ok let's sit then," said Rae. They sat. "I come from the Kingdom of Chin." "That's so far from here! How did you ever get here?" "Well I was adopted. My adopted mother's name was Lao-Ma." "I remember that name from somewhere…" "Ok anyway, she was an empress. She took me in, and I studied ninja. I'm actually quite good at it. Well then when I was sixteen, the emperor of Chin, Ming Tien, executed Lao-Ma. She was his mother. Then one morning they found him dead. So, another emperor took his place. He wanted me to marry him. I hated him, so one night I packed a few things and started riding east. And here I am. So why are you here all alone?" "Your story is so interesting. Well I am seventeen also. My village was attacked and burned by an army a few days ago. Xena the warrior princess and her friend Gabrielle helped me find my friend Gareth. We are staying in the city of Kakarika. I talked to the soothsayer. She says I have a magic power. Lately I've been having visions and dreams that really scare me. And Gareth wants to marry me, but I don't want to settle down yet. This morning I just decided that I was going to blow off steam. So I got on my horse and just rode. I had just shot a flame out of my hand when I saw you, and I though you might be a stalker or something, so that's why I threw the dagger." "I understand. We have some things in common. Both of us have a sort of fighting skill, and both of us have men that want to marry us, but we don't want to marry. I have been to many places and I have interesting stories to tell." "Gabrielle tells the best stories. You should meet her. Hey do you want to come to Kakarika? I'm sure that they would accept you. If they didn't I'd make them." Rae smiled. "Of course I'd love to come along. Let me get my horse." They both stood up. Rae went to get her horse, and Dana whistled for Opal. Rae returned with her horse. It was a blackish brown horse. "This is my horse. Her name is Luna." Rae got on Luna. Dana got on Opal. "This is Opal. Oh I completely forgot something. Damn! There is supposed to be a big party tonight. I forgot all about it. We better get back so we can get ready." They both kicked their horses to a trot. "You mean I get to go to a party? I have nothing to wear!" said Rae. "We'll find something. I don't know what I am going to wear either." "So tell me about your visions and magic." "It's a long story." "So tell it. I'm listening." "All right. It all started when I was fourteen…" It was quite clear already that Dana and Rae were going to become the best of friends.

Dana and Rae made it back to the palace in a short time. They put the horses in the stables. "Hey Rae," said Dana "Yeah?" "I think you should meet Xena and Gabrielle before you meet anybody else. Let's go look for them." "You don't have to. Hello Dana." Dana spun around. Xena was standing there with an 'I got you' look on her face. "Xena! Well now I don't have to go looking for you. This is Rae. I met her by throwing a dagger at her." Xena raised her eyebrows. "It's a long story. I'll tell you later. Rae this is Xena." Rae stuck out her hand, and Xena shook it. "Any friend of Dana's is a friend of mine," said Xena. Rae nodded. They walked into the palace. "So where did you come from Rae? Are you traveling with family?" "No. Actually I told Dana that I was traveling alone." "Why?" "Well let me start at the beginning. I'm from the Kingdom of Chin. I was adopted by the empress Lao-Ma…" Xena stopped. "You said Lao-Ma?" "Yes." Xena took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Dana looked concerned. "Xena are you all right?" Xena nodded. "Yes. That was just a surprise for me. I knew Lao-Ma. She taught me things about my soul. She taught me special skills and about power. She rescued me from being killed. Then she was killed by Ming Tien and I promised to fulfill her last wish…" "What was that?" asked Rae. "Her last wish was to kill Ming Tien for all the pain he caused her. So I did it. I killed him with a hairpin, just how Lao-Ma had taught me." "So that's why they found him dead that morning," said Rae in amazement. "But I didn't even recognize you Xena." "Well I was a lot dirtier then. Plus I was kept in the dungeon so you probably didn't see much of me. And I was just another person to be executed." "Wait! I do remember you. And your blonde haired friend. You were going to be executed and somehow the knife turned and killed the executioner." "That's right. So why did you leave Chin?" "Because Ming Tien's brother took over as emperor and he wanted to marry me, so I just up and left." Dana nudged Xena, "Sounds like me. I don't like being forced into marriage either." "Dana, Gareth's not forcing you." "I think he is." "Well he might be just a bit…" "There you are!" Xena looked over her shoulder. There was Gabrielle walking towards them. "I was looking all over for you. We have to get ready for that party." Dana stepped forward. "Gabrielle this is Rae. Rae this is Gabrielle." "Hi!" said Rae. Xena pulled Gabrielle to the side "She was Lao-Ma's adopted daughter." "Then what is she doing here. Isn't she an empress?" "No she ran away because she refused to get married to Ming Tien's brother." "Oh thanks for filling me in." "No problem." They returned to Dana and Rae. "Dana, Gareth said he wanted us to get ready for that party," said Gabrielle. "Well isn't it a bit early?" "I don't know. I'm just telling you what he said." Dana rolled her eyes. "I am so sick of this! It's like he wants to run my life. I wish he would stop telling me what to do! That's it, I'm going to my room to think. Rae is that ok with you? I mean I don't want it to be like I'm leaving you or anything." "It's ok Dana. I know you're upset. I can feel it." "Thank you Rae." Dana turned to Xena and Gabrielle. "Can one of you find a room for Rae? Oh and introduce her to Joxer if you find him." "I'll do it," said Gabrielle. "Thanks. I'll see you all later." Dana walked away down the hall. "Come on Rae. Let's find you a room. The we'll find something for you to wear at the party," said Gabrielle. "Ok," said Rae. "I'm coming with you," said Xena, "I hope Dana is ok. I am going to check on her later." "I hope she's ok too," said Gabrielle, "But come on. Let's go." And they all walked down the hall together to find a room for Rae.

Dana slammed the door to her room in anger. "Of all the things! Now he's trying to run my life!" She looked out the window and tears started streaming down her face. "I DON'T LOVE YOU GARETH!" she shouted. How can I love him? Something has blinded him. Where did the real Gareth go? I need a distraction. And then Gareth is going to annoy me the whole party. I'll be nice. Dana wiped her eyes. Then she heard a voice. "Look at you…" Dana spun around. Ares was standing with his arms crossed. Dana drew her sword. "Ohhhh no don't even think about trying anything. I'm not going to let you." "I'm not here to attack you. I come to warn you." "Yeah. Why should I believe you?" Ares held out his hand, and the sword dropped from Dana's hand. "I don't appreciate being held at sword point when I come to warn you." Dana put her hands on her hips. "I'm listening." "Dana, you are in danger." "I knew that." Ares touched her cheek. "I can get you out of danger. If you come with me." Dana pulled away. "No." "Why not? What does anybody here do for you? What is that boy Gareth doing for you? Look at the pain he's causing you. Look at the confusion…" Dana put her hands over her ears. "I'm not listening to you." Ares' eyes flashed with anger. "All right Dana. Learn the hard way then. But remember, I warned you." Then he disappeared. Dana uncovered her ears. If it's not Gareth causing me stress, then it's someone else. No, Ares, you won't win me over. There was a knock on the door. "Who is it?" "Dress delivery," said Xena in a funny voice. Dana opened the door. "Xena, Ares was just here." "What did he want?" "He wants me to come with him." Xena looked a little worried. "Whatever you do, don't go with him." "I won't." "Good. Now, here's your dress." Xena held out the dress. It was white with gold trimmings. Dana gasped. It was a beautiful dress. Xena eyed the dress. "Nice…this dress is really beautiful, Dana." "I know. I've never had anything like this." Dana noticed a red garment in Xena's arms. "Is that your dress?" "Yup." "Let me see it." Xena held up the dress. It was red with a little bit of gold on it. "I hardly ever have time to get dressed up, but when I do, I get dressed up." "Wow I can tell." Xena indicated her chakram. "Of course I'll wear this underneath. Just in case." Dana nodded. "Good idea." "Well I guess I'll go get ready. The party is in twenty minutes and I need to take a bath. See you later." "All right Xena." Dana went back into her room with the dress. She took off her warrior outfit and her boots and put the dress and golden sandals on. This dress is so nice, and so fancy. I can tell that this party is going to be major. Dana unbraided her hair. Her hair was a bit wavy. She brushed it, and put it back with the silver clips. She checked herself in the mirror. Whoa not bad at all! She noticed her dagger. Better take this just in case. She slipped the dagger on a loop on her undergarment underneath the dress. There was a knock at the door. Dana quickly opened it. Standing there were Xena, Gabrielle, Rae, and Joxer. They were all dressed up spectacularly. Xena was in a brilliant red dress. Gabrielle wore a deep blue dress. Rae was in an emerald green dress. Joxer had on black pants and a white shirt. "You all look so good!" exclaimed Dana. "Did you check the mirror? You look great too," said Joxer. Dana almost blushed. "We're all going down now. Gareth said he was going to meet us here so he could escort you, Dana," said Joxer. "Oh did he? Listen, you go down, and I'll catch up. Ok?" "Don't you want us to wait with you?" asked Rae. "No, I'll be all right. I'm not quite ready to go yet." "Aw I only get to escort three ladies down to the party tonight," said Joxer. "No, I'm escorting myself, thank you," said Xena. Dana grinned. "Let's go!" said Rae. "We'll see you there Dana," said Gabrielle over her shoulder as they walked down the hall. After they had gone, Dana closed the door and opened the window. I am not going to let everyone think that Gareth is my dependent. Oh no, I am not a child. Dana secured a rope around her bed. Then she let it drop out the window. She carefully held the rope and hoisted herself out of the window. Gods if anybody sees me hanging here, they'll think I'm a nut! She lowered herself down to the ground, and looked back up at the window of her room. Haha, Gareth. Won't you look like the fool when you find that I'm not here. Then I'll make my entrance and you'll see that I am not a baby, and that I don't need to be supported. "Hey, what's a girl like you doing out here?" said a voice. Dana turned to find a blonde haired man staring at her. Dana instantly put up her guard. "That's my business. And you are?" "I'm Iolaus." Dana approached him. "And what are you doing here instead of entering through the front?" "Actually I'm waiting for a friend. We can get into any party, you know." In a split second Dana spun him around and held her dagger to his throat. "All right drop the act and tell me why you're here. Tell me the truth and I'll spare you. Then you can go tell Ares that I'm not joining up with him." "What? I don't know what you're talking about," Iolaus sputtered. "Oh I see. You're playing innocent. Well I've got a message for you…" "Drop it," said another male voice. Oh great another one thought Dana. Still holding the dagger to Iolaus' throat, she looked up. The man she saw was very muscular, and he looked a lot stronger then her. "Don't come any closer or I'll slit his throat. Then you can take your dead friend back to Ares and tell him not to mess with me." "I assure you that we're not with Aries. I'm Hercules." Dana's eyes widened. No way. Then her eyes narrowed. "Prove it." "Let Iolaus go." "Fine." Dana released Iolaus. "Now prove it." Hercules took the rope that was tied to Dana's bed and pulled. The bed came crashing down. "Is that enough proof for you…." "I'm Dana, and yes, that's enough proof." She put the dagger back in its place and faced the two men. "I'm extremely sorry. I didn't know if you guys were with Ares." Hercules put a hand on her shoulder. "What do you have to do with Ares?" "He just happens to be after me. And he wants to torment my friend Xena." "Xena's your friend?" Dana nodded. "And she's here?" "Yes." Hercules smiled. "I know you Dana." "I don't think so…" "Yes. Xena told me of a girl who helped her after she walked the gauntlet. It was you, wasn't it?" Dana nodded. "Hey why are you out here anyway?" asked Iolaus. "Well my friend wants to marry me…" "I can see why," said Iolaus absent-mindedly. "And I don't want to marry yet," said Dana, "So I decided to escort myself to the party." "Do you mind if you escort us?" asked Iolaus. "No, not at all. Come on. Xena's inside and so is Gabrielle, and I'm sure that they'll be happy to see you guys." Dana linked arms with Hercules and Iolaus and the three made their way to the party.

Gareth knocked on Dana's door. He knew he was a little late, but he also knew that she would wait for him. Right? Didn't they tell her that I was going to come to escort her to the party? That girl has been irritating me a bit. Constantly being in a bad mood. But I can't help loving her. I guess she's down at the party already. Gareth made his way to the party. He scanned the room. King Raoul was on his throne. He saw Xena and Rae in a conversation. Joxer was trying to get Gabrielle to dance with him. Gareth went to Xena. "Xena, have you seen Dana?" "No, I thought you were going to get her." "Well she's not there." "I don't know where she is." "She has to be here somewhere. Xena, if you see her, tell her that I'm looking for her." "No problem." Gareth walked around looking for Dana. Then there was a silence. All eyes were turned to the entrance of the room. Gareth looked up to see why everyone had become silent so suddenly. Standing at the entrance was Hercules, Iolaus, and…Dana. Gareth gasped. Dana looked beautiful, and she wasn't with him. Then after a few seconds, everyone started talking and dancing again. Dana pulled Hercules and Iolaus over to Xena and Rae. "Look who's here, Xena. Oh Rae this is Hercules and this is Iolaus. Guys, this is my friend Rae." Hercules took Xena in his arms. "I didn't think I'd see you here." "Me neither. It's good to see you again Hercules. And you too Iolaus." Hercules and Xena became involved in a deep conversation, catching up on things. Gabrielle and Joxer came over. "Iolaus!" cried Gabrielle. She threw her arms around him. "Gabrielle! I'm so glad to see you!" said Iolaus happily. Joxer looked a little left out. "Come on let's dance Joxer," said Rae. A big smile lit up on Joxer's face, and they went to the dance floor. Dana sighed. She was happy. Then Gareth came up behind her. "Dana come here I need to talk to you." "Sure." Gareth led her to a space near the wall. "What in the gods names do you think you're doing?" "Having fun." "I was supposed to escort you." "Gareth I'm not a baby! I might be a year younger then you, but I can handle myself. You don't own me Gareth." "One day I will." Anger flashed in Dana's eyes. "That's what you think." Gareth put a hand on her shoulder. "I have something else to say. I want you to give up fighting. I am going to give up fighting and weapons and all of that stuff. It's dangerous. You saw what that army did to our village and what it did to us." "But Gareth, I am not fighting for evil. I fight to protect villages like ours so that they don't get run over like our village did. What ever happened to our dream when we were a few years younger then we are now? All that training we did…and you want to give it up." "Dana, times have changed. I am not going to allow you to get hurt. I want you to put down your sword and settle down. Just think…I'll be king one day and you will be queen." "Gareth, I don't want to be a queen, I don't want to settle down, and I don't want to marry you. Do you understand." "That doesn't matter. When I'm king you'll have to do what I say and marry me." "Gareth you're a freaking ego-maniac! I have tried everything to give you the message that I don't want to get married! I am not putting down my sword! Tomorrow I am going to leave you here! Go on and become king, but I am going to go do what I want and that is to fight for good! That's it! I'm out of here!" Dana broke away from Gareth and stormed out. Gabrielle saw her go. "Iolaus, I have to go check on something. I'll be right back." Gabrielle left Iolaus and went to find Dana.

Dana ran outside the back of the castle. Of all the things! Now he wants me to give up fighting! I don't think so! Dana looked ahead of her. There was one of those rope bridges going across the river. She decided that she was going to cross the bridge and take a walk and think for a while. She stepped on the bridge, and it swayed. Dana held her breath. Just don't look down… She was almost to the middle of the bridge when she heard Gabrielle's voice. "Hey Dana!" Dana looked over her shoulder. "Wait up! I want to talk to you. I know you're upset!" shouted Gabrielle. Gabrielle stepped uncertainly on the bridge. "Are you sure that this thing is safe?" "No, but I don't care." Gabrielle caught up to Dana. "Let's get off this bridge as fast as we can."

Ares and Caesar looked at the two girls crossing the bridge. "This is perfect," said Ares. "What is?" "My plan. I am going to rid myself of those two. I know that someone will come looking for them. We'll eliminate that someone too. Then Xena will go looking for them, and we can storm the castle. You can kill the king, and you'll become king. When Xena returns to find all her friends dead, she'll become angry. You see, there's an evil spark in her. A fire. This will set off that fire, and she'll join up with me. I'll get most of what I want, and you'll get what you want." "What if your plan to eliminate them backfires?" "I have an alternative plan. If by chance Dana survives that river, I'll have a surprise waiting for her and her friends." "They won't survive." "I think they will. This'll just scare them a bit. I offered Dana a chance to join forces with me. She'll just have to learn the hard way. Now sit back and watch…"

"We're almost to the other side," said Dana. "Thank the gods. This is not fun," said Gabrielle. Suddenly the rope holding the bridge burst into flame. "Hurry Gabrielle. Turn around and we'll try to go back." They turned and the other side burst into flames. The bridge gave way sending Gabrielle and Dana screaming into the river below. Above them the bridge replaced itself as if nothing had ever happened…

Gareth looked around the room. He was upset about what he had said to Dana. Of all the stupid things I could have done. I am such a fool. I am very confused. He decided to ask Rae where Dana was. Maybe she had seen where she had gone. "Rae can I talk to you for a moment?" "Yeah. Joxer excuse me for a minute." Joxer went off to find something to eat. "What's wrong Gareth?" "It's Dana. I can't find her. I said something really stupid, which I regret, with all my heart. I need to apologize to her, but I don't know where she is." "I saw her go out the back way. Gabrielle went out that way as well. Come on let's go see if we can find them." Gareth and Rae made their way out back. Rae noticed the bridge. "Do you think they crossed the bridge?" Gareth eyed the bridge suspiciously. "That sounds like something Dana would do if she was upset. Let's cross the bridge." He stepped onto the bridge and Rae followed. They were at the middle of the bridge, when the rope burst into flames. "Hurry Rae maybe we can make it back in time." Just then the other side burst into flames. The bridge dropped sending Gareth and Rae into the river. Then the bridge replaced itself as if nothing had ever happened…

Hercules and Xena sat down on some chairs. "Xena, you've told me a bit about Dana before. You said that she was sweet and innocent and caring. She's very changed isn't she?" Xena nodded. "It's been three years. She's grown and learned more about the world. Her village, Laurel, just got wiped out by an army that has disappeared. Ares is stalking her. She has a power, which she can't really control, and she's having problems with her friend Gareth. So she is more stressed and on her toes right now." "Oh I see. Let me just tell you something, Xena. That girl is very smart. I can tell. She has that look in her eyes. Has she ever killed before?" "Yes. She lost her blood innocence at fourteen. She killed one of my men. Not with a weapon though. She used her hand combat skills. She knows of pressure points and their uses if you catch my drift… Right now I don't think it would mean anything to her if she killed again." "You spoke of her having problems with Gareth. Tell me about it." "You are the nosy one tonight. That was a joke. Gareth is or was her best friend. To me he comes across as very self-centered. He's destined to become the king of Kakarika. He keeps bugging Dana to marry him, but I'll let you in on a little secret. Dana is not ready to marry. She knows that she is really just beginning her life, and she wants to travel to help people and see the world. Confining that girl to a palace is like letting a bull loose in a pottery shop." They were in the middle of talking about more issues when Iolaus interrupted them. "Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Gabrielle? She went to find Dana, but she never came back." Xena stood up and scanned the room. She saw no sign of Gabrielle, Dana, Rae, or Gareth. "Come on. I have a bad feeling about this." Xena called Joxer over and told him to come with them. Xena quickly went to her room and changed into her warrior outfit. "All right we have to look for them. I just get the feeling that they're in danger. Joxer you stay here at the palace in case they come back. Hercules and Iolaus come on. We're going to go out to look for them."

Ares laughed. "See they're leaving to go find their friends. Now you can move your army in." "This is perfect," said Caesar. "We'll move in and kill the king. Then I'll get my men to dress as palace guards so that nobody suspects them." "Good. Now, I want you to put your best archer in the hallway where Dana is staying." "For what purpose?" Aries waved his hand, and an arrow appeared. "For this. This arrow has a special poison in it. The poison will knock her out. Its main purpose is to drain her of any good magic. After the good is drained, the evil will take over, and I will be able to conquer her, and make her evil. Haha her mother will be so proud. Now let's get moving."

A wave splashed over Dana's head as she washed down the river. She and Gabrielle had been split up when they fell. Dana banged into rock after rock. She knew that she had to survive, but she was slowly giving in to the strong current of the river. A thought flashed through her mind. This is just like the vision. Dark deep blue and drowning. I'm not drowning, but I will be soon if I can't get out of here. I am not going to let this river overcome me. Then she heard shouting and she was plucked out of the water by…Gabrielle. Gabrielle was shivering. "Oh Dana are you all right. I thought I might have lost you, but there you were…" "I'm all right…I think." Sharp rocks had torn Gabrielle's dress. She was cut a few places, but no serious damage. Dana's shoes had been washed off and her hair lay limp. Dana looked around. They were on a little beach. The cliffs loomed over their heads, but it was not very steep and they could get up easily. They didn't know where they were, or how far downstream they had washed. Dana suddenly saw a hand sticking out of the water. She blinked, but she still saw it. It was no illusion. "Gabrielle someone else is in the water help me get the person out." Dana and Gabrielle pulled the hand and were surprised to find Rae. "Rae!" cried Dana. Rae gasped for air. She had a large gash on her arm. "Gareth's in there somewhere…" said Rae. "How? Why?" asked Gabrielle. "We were on a bridge and there was a fire. We fell…" Gabrielle's eyes widened. "That sounds very familiar. Wouldn't you agree, Dana?" "Yes I definatly agree. The same thing happened to us. This is too coincidental." "I'll say," muttered Rae. Her arm was bleeding badly. "Let me see your arm, Rae," said Dana. Rae stuck out her arm. Dana held her arm. "This time I'm going to get it right. Close your eyes Rae." Rae closed her eyes, as did Dana. Dana concentrated on her silver power. Heal…heal the wound. She felt a small amount of power escape her, but she held her concentration. Suddenly the power stopped. Dana and Rae opened their eyes. Rae's wound was gone. Rae looked at her arm in disbelief. She moved it and rotated it, but the wound was completely gone. "I told you I had a power," said Dana. Then they heard Gabrielle shout, "You guys come here quick! I need help!" They got up and quickly went over to her. Dana felt sick at what she saw. Gabrielle had found Gareth, and was doing her best to drag him out of the water. Something's wrong. He doesn't look good, thought Dana. She and Rae helped Gabrielle pull him out of the water. Dana kneeled down and listened. "He's not breathing." Gabrielle looked at him. "You're right. His chest would be rising and falling." Dana felt like panicking. She had been so mean to him, and now look where they were. Dana suddenly went crazy. She started beating his chest. "Gareth get up! Get up now! Come on! Move it!" Gabrielle grabbed Dana's hand and held hand back. "Stop it Dana. He's dead. There's nothing we can do." Dana snapped her hand back. "Not if I can help it." She knew that using too much of her power was dangerous, but what other choice did she have? Dana placed her hands on Gareth's throat and concentrated. Then she felt as if she were gagging. She heard Gareth gasp, and then he was sitting up, and she was coughing up water. She spat the last of the water out. Gareth was pale, but otherwise ok. "Dana I felt it. You took the water out of my throat, and put it in your own so that my life could be saved. I owe you everything. I'm so sorry Dana. I was being a fool when I talked of marriage. It would be fun, but I for the few minutes when I was under, I realized that in order for us to be happy, I must let you be who you are. I must let you go and help people. And I realized that maybe I'm not ready for marriage either. I…I just didn't want you to leave me." "Gareth I'm sorry too. I was being a bit too sharp with you. It's just that everything is frustrating me now." "I understand." "All right," said Rae, "Can we continue this later. I'm a bit cold, and we need to get back to the palace before they send out a search party or something." "I second that thought," said Gabrielle. Dana looked up at the cliffs. "These aren't steep. We should be able to climb them easily." "Are you sure that you can make it," asked Gabrielle, "I mean the last time you used a lot of magic, you overheated and got sick." "I have control over it now. I feel fine. Come on let's climb." They started up the cliffs. Dana cursed under her breath. Climbing is not so easy when you are wearing a long dress. Not to mention a long dress which is soaking wet. They all made it to the top of the cliffs, and they were surprised and happy at what they found. Somehow they were right near the road that led straight back to Kakarika. "Let's go," said Gareth. "This road leads to Kakarika." Rae's legs threatened to give way. Gabrielle supported her. "I think we should try to get back as fast as we can. We're all shaken up from this…experience, and I think we all need some rest." "I definatly agree," said Rae. Without another word, they all started down the road back to Kakarika.

The small group approached the palace gates. One of the guards stopped them. "What happened to you?" Dana rolled her eyes. She was not in the mood for questions. "We decided to take a swim down the river ok?" The guard didn't comment, and they all tramped into the palace. "You know I have a strange feeling," said Rae. "Yeah things don't seem right," said Gabrielle. "All right. I think something weird is going on too. Why don't we all change and meet outside the throne room," said Dana. They all agreed. Gabrielle and Rae then walked off to their rooms. Gareth looked at Dana with a bit of concern. "Are you sure that you're ok? I mean you did use a lot of magic." "I'm fine. I don't feel sick at all, but I have a minor problem." "What is it?" "I hate standing here in a wet, not to mention white mud stained dress. We'll talk some more after we get changed." Gareth agreed, and they split up to go to their respective rooms and change.

Dana reached her room and jiggled the doorknob. The door would not open. Oh this is just perfect. First I was down a river, and now I can't get the door to my room open...

...The archer stood hidden, ready to shoot the arrow at any moment. He had to wait for the perfect opportunity...

...Dana moved into the right position. The archer let go of the string; the arrow went whizzing down the hall, and… Dana screamed. She felt a sharp sudden pain on her left side. She looked down and almost fainted. There was an arrow sticking out of her. Ow! Where did this thing come from? She clutched her side in pain, and jiggled the doorknob. Miraculously it opened. Dana staggered in and closed the door behind her. She then looked more closely at the arrow. It had gone right through her. She had to get it out somehow. The only thing I can do is rip the dress off and break the arrow and pull it out, she thought. Dana ripped her once beautiful dress off. Then she broke the arrowhead off the arrow, and reached around, and pulled the shaft out of her back. She gritted her teeth in pain, but the worst was over. Her undergarment had a hole in it, but at least she was all right. Dana tore off a piece of her already ruined dress, and used it as a bandage. She then put on her warrior outfit and armor. Then she picked up the arrow. It was a strange arrow. She had never seen an arrow that looked like this one before. Then she caught a whiff of something. She smelled the arrowhead. There was definatly some kind of substance on the arrowhead. Poison! Just like the vision, she thought. Just then there was a banging on the door. Dana quickly opened it, and there was Joxer. "Joxer! Where's Xena?" "She went to look for you, and she's not back yet. I'm having a problem. I knocked on Gabrielle's door and Rae's door, but they weren't there." "They must be waiting for us outside the throne room. Come on."

Dana and Joxer ran to the throne room entrance. Nobody was there. "This is strange," commented Dana. "Maybe they went to tell the king that you all are alive," suggested Joxer. Dana and Joxer raced to the king's quarters. There were no guards outside the king's room. "That's strange, no guards," said Dana. They entered the king's room. "King Raoul? Are you awake?" called Dana. They began to look around the room. Dana felt a pain. Why isn't my wound healing? "Dana! I found the king…he's…dead," said Joxer in fear. "And you shall be dead very soon," said a voice from the doorway. Dana turned, and saw a bunch of palace guards and a man. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Julius Caesar." Just then pain overtook Dana. She became dizzy… and fell unconscious. "Take them," commanded Caesar.

Xena, Hercules, and Iolaus had been searching for an hour. "Do you think we should get back to the palace?" asked Iolaus. "Maybe they returned without us knowing." "I think we should go back," said Xena. "We would have found them by now, and maybe Iolaus is right. Maybe they are back there waiting for us." The three turned and started back. All was going well until Xena held up a hand for silence. She got off of Argo and disappeared into the bushes. A moment later she emerged with a man. "Look what I found. Brutus. Caesar's most trusted friend." She put the pinch on him. "I've just cut off the flow of blood to your brain. You'll be dead in thirty seconds if you don't explain yourself." "Please let me explain. I come to warn you. I swear that I am on your side. All Caesar cares about is domination and it's making me sick. He joined with Aries in this whole plan to take over Kakarika and get Xena and Dana back. They're at the castle right now. They killed the king, and they've taken everyone prisoner including Dana. I came to tell you right away." Xena took the pinch off of Brutus. He gasped as the blood flowed back into his head. "At least we know that they survived the river," said Xena. "Hurry," said Brutus, "Ares is going to begin his plan to corrupt Dana, so we better go." Xena swung back up onto Argo. "Let's move it," she said, and they all started for the castle as fast as they could.

"Hey watch it! I'm Joxer the Mighty!" complained Joxer as he was taken to the throne room. The guards had taken Dana someplace else, and now Caesar was leading Joxer to the throne room. They entered the throne room, and Joxer's eyes went wide at what he saw. Ares was sitting in the throne. Gabrielle, Gareth, Rae, and Leda were all hanging on crosses unharmed. "String him up," commanded Caesar. Joxer protested, but he too was hung on a cross. "Welcome to the club," muttered Rae. "Hey," called Gabrielle, "You guys know that when Xena gets here she'll take care of you. And just wait until Dana uses her power to blast you away!" Ares laughed. "No, dear, I don't think so. Bring her in." Two guards brought Dana in. She was still unconscious. They laid her at Ares' feet. "Now everyone! Witness me get her back." Rae tugged at the ropes, "Ares when I get free I am going to seriously have a wrath on you!" Ares ignored her. "Look now Fira. Look at Dana and watch me get into her mind."

Fira paced inside the volcano. She knew that something was horribly wrong with Dana. Something was happening to her. She felt it. After all, Dana was her daughter. "I can't let Ares turn her evil," she said. Fira looked at the top of the volcano, and began shooting flames out of her hands. She just had to break free.

Ares knelt down beside Dana and put her head in his hands. A red glow surrounded them. "Listen to me Dana, and listen well. You are truly evil. Nobody cares about you or what happens to you. Your mother abandoned you. Your little friend Gareth is causing you horrible pain. Everyone hates you. You hate all that do good. But I am here for you. You are now on my side. When I snap my fingers you will awaken, and introduce your dark power to the world." Ares snapped his fingers. Dana sat up. Her eyes glowed red. The power in her necklace was all red. Dana was truly evil.

Fira felt it. Ares had done something to her daughter. She had to help her.

Dana drew her sword and walked to the crosses. She stopped in front of Gareth, pointed her sword to the tip of his chin, and smiled. "You thought you were so good didn't you? You thought you could control my life. Let me tell you something. I've just been reborn. Say hello to the new Dana. The Dana that will eventually end your life…" "Stop!" shouted the voices of Xena, Hercules, and Iolaus. Dana whirled around and shot a flame at them. They all dove out of the way, and the flame hit the wall. "That's the way Dana. You're doing very well," said Aries, "Now kill them all." Dana grinned evilly, and she lunged towards Xena with a shrill war cry. Xena drew her sword and met Dana at sword point. "Dana stop now. This isn't the Dana I know," said Xena, "I don't want to fight you!" "Too bad," yelled Dana, as she swung her sword. Iolaus rushed towards them, and Dana knocked him out with a punch. Then all of a sudden Dana had Xena on the floor. Xena's sword rattled across the room. Dana held the sword to Xena's throat.

Fira burned with anger. She had to get to her daughter. She stomped her foot and screamed, and suddenly she was free. Fira made her way to the castle. She hoped it was not too late.

Dana pressed the sword down. "Feel my pain, Xena. Nobody cares about me. Everyone hates me. I am evil!" Caesar laughed. "Good bye Xena!" She raised the sword, and Hercules grabbed her wrist. Xena rolled out from underneath Dana, just in time, for Hercules could not hold on to Dana's wrist for long because it burned like fire. Dana was stunned. She raised her sword for another attack, when a voice filled the room. "Stop it now, Dana." There was a silver light, and Fira was standing there with her arms crossed. Ares was shocked. "Fira…this isn't possible…you can't get out!" "I can and I did, father," spat Fira. Gabrielle was shocked. The myths were all true. Fira was real, and Ares was her father. Then it hit Gabrielle. Dana was Fira's daughter. Dana dropped her sword. "Mom? Why are you here? You abandoned me when I was a baby. You hate me!" "No I love you, Dana. I sent you to earth for your own safety. I've thought of you every day. And Xena cares about you too. She helped you." The red in Dana's eyes grew dull. Suddenly Ares shouted, "No, Fira, she's mine!" Then he blasted a red power from his hands. The power surrounded Dana. "I don't think so, Ares!" shouted Fira. She blasted a silver power from her hands. The power also surrounded Dana. Everyone watched in awe as the gods fought over Dana. The powers lifted Dana into the air. They swirled around her. Neither of the gods would give up. Dana looked as if she was fighting another war, though. Xena looked up at her. Suddenly there was a blinding light. Xena and Hercules closed their eyes. Gabrielle, Rae, Gareth, Joxer, and Leda all turned their heads from the light. The light gradually died down, and Xena opened her eyes. Dana floated down. Her whole warrior outfit had turned gold. Her sword was gold. The power in her necklace was gold. She stepped on the ground, and turned to Ares. "You tried to corrupt me. You almost made me kill Xena. You wanted me to hate and kill the people I love most. Well I've got a message for you. It's never going to happen. She raised her sword. Attack!" Iolaus had come to by then. He ran to get everyone down from the crosses. Guards, good and bad, poured into the room, including Brutus. An all out battle began. Gabrielle took a candleholder as a weapon. She swung it at the soldiers. Joxer and Gareth worked together in battle. Leda transferred visions into the minds of the bad guards, stunning them. Rae assumed a ninja stance and attacked. Xena and Caesar fought. Their swords clashed. "You won't beat me Xena. I am all powerful," shouted Caesar. "Not if I can help it!" Xena shouted back. The swords flew out of their hands, and Xena assumed a combat position. Caesar attacked, but Xena flipped over him, and knocked him down with a spin kick. He got up, and without warning fell over with a knife in his back. Brutus stood behind him with a triumphant smile on his face. Caesar looked weakly at Brutus. "And you too Brutus?" he said. Then he died. Xena stared down at him, happy but shocked at the same time. A shaking brought her back to reality. Ares was in the middle of the room. Dana and Fira surrounded him. "Touch me and this place blows to bits," he said. Dana looked at Fira and nodded. They rose above Ares and joined hands. All fighting stopped, and everyone gazed at them. Slowly a power came between the hands of Dana and Fira. It was a golden/silver power. The power surrounded Ares. "What are you doing? You can't do this to me! Nobody defeats the god of war!" Dana and Fira concentrated. The power overtook Ares and banished him to a volcano, which they sealed with a protective power. "You haven't seen the last of me…" echoed Ares' voice as he became imprisoned in the volcano. The room was silent, then everyone let out a cheer. Everyone was congratulating each other, when the palace began to shake. "You don't think that Ares was serious about the palace blowing to bits?" asked Rae. The palace shook even more violently. "I'm not going to doubt it," said Fira. She disappeared. The ceiling began to crumble and cave in. "That's it! Everyone out!" Xena shouted over the noise. The soldiers and Brutus ran. "Leda, Joxer, Gareth, Iolaus, Gabrielle, Hercules, Rae, Dana! Go!" commanded Xena. Leda and Joxer went. "Leave Gabrielle!" yelled Xena. Gabrielle and Iolaus grabbed Gareth and ran. "Are you sure that you'll be ok?" asked Hercules." Xena nodded. "Go and make sure the people are safe. And if we happen to not make it, take care of Gabrielle." Hercules turned, looked over his shoulder, and went out. "Come on Rae! We have to get out!" said Dana urgently. A column fell, trapping Rae. "Dana! Help!" she shouted. Dana dodged falling debris and reached Rae. She could not get her out from under the column. Xena ran over to help her. "We have to hurry! The castle is going to collapse at any minute!" Rae would not budge. She was stuck. Just then the castle began to cave in. "I'm not going to leave you here Rae!" said Dana. She threw herself over Rae. "I can't get up. Leave me here! Don't do this save yourself!" Rae pleaded. "No way," said Xena. She threw herself over both of them, and the castle exploded then collapsed on top of them.

Gabrielle and the others watched in horror as the castle collapsed. "Xena!" she cried in anguish just as Gareth cried "Dana!" and Joxer cried "Rae!" Gabrielle ran through the demolished castle, as the dust settled. She began pulling pieces of the castle away frantically. "Xena! Dana! Rae! Help me you guys!" Everyone began to dig for the three missing women. Hercules lifted heavy pieces of the castle. Fire reappeared and blasted away pieces of the castle. "I found them!" came a shout from Iolaus. Gabrielle, Hercules, Joxer, Gareth, Leda, and Fira all ran over to him. Sure enough, lying in a heap were Xena, Dana, and Rae. Hercules pulled them all away from each other. Rae opened her eyes. "Am I alive?" What happened?" She then saw Xena and Dana. "I remember. They saved me. I was trapped, and…oh my leg!" Rae's leg was twisted in a way that a leg should never be twisted. "It's broken," said Leda. Suddenly they heard Dana groan. "Ow my head." She sat up and blinked. "Dana!" shouted Gareth, and he hugged her. Dana closed her eyes. A golden power surrounded her, and she opened her eyes again. "Al right my head feels better now." She then noticed Rae. "Rae! Your leg!" "It's broken." "Not anymore." Dana moved next to Rae. She placed her hands on Rae's leg. A golden power flowed into Rae's leg, and suddenly it was healed. Rae looked at her leg, and moved it. "It's healed. It doesn't hurt!" They were interrupted by Gabrielle. "Xena come on and get up! Everything is fine now. Dana and Rae are all right. Wake up time!" Hercules knelt down close to Xena and listened. "She's not breathing. She's dead." "Noooooooo!" shouted Gabrielle, and she began crying. Joxer put his arm around her. Dana went to Xena, and took her hand. Come on wake up! Her power wasn't working. "Xena you better get up or I'll…I'll throw a bucket of cold water on you! Come on! You saved me! You helped me through everything. Don't die now! We need you!" Dana concentrated all her power. "Please…" "I think we lost her," said Leda sadly. Dana turned away. Suddenly there was a gasp for air, and Xena sat up quickly clutching her chest. She was panting. Dana turned around. "Xena? Xena you're alive!" shouted Dana, and she threw her arms around her. "You saved me, Dana. Thank you." Then all eyes turned to Dana. Fira walked to Dana and hugged her. "My dear child, I finally get to hold you again. I missed you so much." "Well why did you leave her on earth?" asked Gareth. "Well you see, Dana's real father is mortal. My father, Ares didn't want a half-mortal half goddess in the family he was also a bit upset with me, since I decided to start fighting for the good of mortals. So he had a plot to kill her. Then he saw how powerful she was, so he decided to try to get her back to fight for him. I left Dana on earth for her own protection, but Ares found her. I left the magic in her, but Ares left magic in her as well. Then Ares imprisoned me in a volcano not only as a punishment for fighting for good, but also so that he could manipulate Dana without my interference." Fira looked at Dana. "You discovered your power. You are now a goddess, but it's time to make a choice. Do you want to come with me to Mount Olympus now, or do you want to remain here on earth, and come to Mount Olympus when you die? You will be restored to your age now if you come when you die, but if you come now, you will be known as The Goddess of the Golden Warrior. A golden warrior is a warrior that fights for the good of people. Xena, Gabrielle, Hercules, Iolaus, Rae, and even Joxer are golden warriors. Also if you stay here on earth, some of your power will leave you. You'll be able to heal yourself and others quite well, but you will have to watch how much of your golden power you use. You will need to let your power restore itself, and if you run out of power, then it's gone until you come back to be a goddess. What will you do?" Dana looked around. She looked into the eyes of all her friends. If she went to Mount Olympus, she would leave them. But she would make a difference in the way the world was if she went to Mount Olympus. If she went to Mount Olympus, she would be watching everyone else actually fight as golden warriors while she lazed around as a goddess. "I am going to stay here. My life is really just beginning, and I have so much to learn. People need me. I do have a few requests to make." "What are they?" "When I become The Goddess of the Golden Warrior, I want Xena, Gabrielle, Rae, Joxer, Gareth, Leda, Hercules, and Iolaus to all become my army of golden warriors. That means that when they die, they shall be restored to how they are now. Together we will help the world. My second request is to rebuild this palace." "It shall be done," said Fira, "Let's rebuild the palace." Dana and Fira joined hands, and the palace rebuilt itself around them. They were standing in the throne room. "Dana, are you sure you want to remain here?" "Yes, mother. It's for the greater good." Fira touched Dana's forehead. Suddenly Dana was back to normal. Her outfit was as it was before. But her necklace held the power of gold. Fira smiled. "My work is done here. I'll be watching over you, Dana. I love you." Then she disappeared. "I love you mother," whispered Dana. "This is going to make a great story," said Gabrielle. "And the king is dead," said Joxer. "Who will rule Kakarika now?" Leda shook her head and smiled. "That's easy. Gareth will."

The next morning Gareth was crowned king of Kakarika. There was a huge celebration in his honor. Then the time came. "Gareth," said Dana. "It's time for me to move on." All of the warriors packed their things. Leda and Gareth led them to the bridge that led out of Kakarika. It was time for good-byes. "Well, Gareth, Leda, Iolaus and I didn't really get to know you, but good luck," said Hercules. He and Iolaus shook both of their hands. Joxer whacked Gareth across the back. "Thanks for all the fighting advice. Bye Gareth, bye Leda." Rae hugged them. "Thank you for making me feel so welcome here. I'll miss you." Gabrielle was holding a new scroll. "This is all going to make a great story someday. I'll really miss you guys. Oh, and Gareth, you'll make a great king." Then it was Xena's turn to say good-bye. "Good-bye Gareth. Thank you for forgiving me." "No, you forgave me, Xena," said Gareth. "Leda, thank you for all your support in helping Dana." Then Dana had to say good-bye. "Gareth, look where we are now. You're a king; I'm a goddess in a sense. This is our destiny you know." Gareth took Dana in his arms, and kissed her. "I'll miss you so much Dana. You better come back to visit, and that offer for marriage is still here if you want it. I love you." "I love you too. Here this is for you." Dana handed him a scroll. "Don't read it until I'm gone." Then she turned to Leda. "Thank you for helping me discover myself. Take care of Gareth, and make sure that he chooses a good wife, if he decides not to marry me." "I will. Good-bye Dana." Dana smiled, and swung up on Opal. "Let's move out," she called, and all of the warriors rode out of Kakarika. Dana looked over her shoulder and waved as calls of good-bye were shouted.

When the shouting ceased, Gareth looked down at the scroll. "Open it," said Leda. Gareth opened the scroll and read: Dear Gareth- Take care of your kingdom! You'll be a wonderful ruler. It's your destiny, just as helping people is mine. Keep that in mind as you read this little verse that I wrote. Who knows, maybe someone will actually use it as a song or something someday. All right here it is: So this is who I am. And this is all I know. And I must choose to live for all that I can give. The spark that makes the power grow. And I will stand for my dream if I can. Symbol of my faith in who I am. But you are my only. And I must follow on the road that lies ahead. And I won't let my heart control my head. But you are my only. And we don't say good-bye. We don't say good-bye. And I know what I've got to be. Immortality. I make my journey through eternity. I keep the memory of you and me inside. Fulfill your destiny Is there within the child. My storm will never end. My fate is on the wind. The king of hearts the joker's wild. We don't say good-bye. We don't say good-bye. I'll make them all remember me. Cause I have found a dream that must come true. Every ounce of me must see it through. But you are my only. I'm sorry I don't have a role for love to play. Hand over my heart I'll find my way. I will make them give to me Immortality. There is a vision and a fire in me. I keep the memory of you and me inside. We don't say good-bye (We don't say good-bye). With all my love for you. And what else we may do. We don't say…good-bye. So what do you think? I think it represents out lives. I love you Gareth. Good luck. -Dana Gareth looked down the road. "I love you Dana. Good luck wherever your adventures take you." Then he and Leda made their way back to the palace.

Dana, Rae, Xena, Gabrielle, Hercules, Iolaus, and Joxer traveled down the road together until they came to a place where the road spit into three different directions. They all got off of their horses. "I guess this is good-bye," said Gabrielle. Hercules hugged Xena. "It was good to see you again." "You too Hercules." Then he turned to Dana. "It was nice meeting you. And all the rest of you too." Iolaus hugged Gabrielle, then hugged Dana. "Bye. Gabrielle I'll miss you. Xena… Oh and Dana, between you and me I think Gareth just lost a beautiful jewel." Dana grinned. Hercules and Iolaus swung on their horses, waved, and started down the road that went east. "I'm going to travel with Xena and Gabrielle," said Joxer. "Who knows when they'll need a hero." "Yeah right Joxer," said Gabrielle. Then she looked at Dana and Rae. "You have become some of my greatest friends in these last few days." "Yeah," said Rae. "Thank you for helping me with my problems," said Dana. "I'm looking forward to becoming a golden warrior someday," said Gabrielle. They all hugged each other. "Bye Joxer. You made me laugh so hard. Keep singing that mugs of beer song," said Dana. "I'll miss you Dana," was all that Joxer could say. "It was fun dancing with you, Joxer," said Rae. And she kissed him. Joxer walked in a daze. "Wow…" Everyone laughed. Xena said good-bye to Rae. Now it was time to say good-bye to Dana. "Dana…you've grown up so much. I mean not since the last time I saw you, but in the last few days. You'll make a wonderful goddess someday. I'm going to miss you so much. Dana, have I ever thanked you for helping me change my life?" Dana smiled. "Yes, more then once in fact. But you saved mine. My village was totally destroyed. Not only did you help heal my physical wound, but you also healed my soul as well. I was really down and upset, but you helped me rebuild my life and start on the path to finding Gareth. Then you stopped me from killing him when I was under Aries' spell. You stuck by my side throughout it all, and I thank you." Dana gave Xena a long hug. Xena felt tears brim in her eyes. "Hey Dana promise me something." "What?" "Promise me that one day, before we become golden warriors, I'll see you again." "You can count on it." Xena smiled, and swung up on Argo. They headed down the road that went west. They all looked back at Dana and Rae, and waved. "Good-bye!" they shouted. Dana and Rae waved until the three were out of sight. Then Dana turned to Rae. "So now what?" "I say we go straight down this road and see what we find." Dana and Rae rode until they came to a fork in the road. "I guess this is another good-bye," said Dana. Rae looked at her strangely. "Are you kidding? I'm staying with you. You're my best friend, and besides who can better help the future Goddess of the Golden Warrior then a ninja?" Dana laughed. "You know that I'm going to be in many dangerous situations. I mean with this kind of work who knows what will happen!" "You mean that we are going to be in many dangerous situations. And hey, I've been in dangerous situations already. I mean first I get a dagger thrown at me…" "Ok you've made your point!" They rode in silence, and then Rae spoke again. "So…where are we going anyway? What's our first big adventure going to be?" Dana looked at the road ahead of them. "Well I was thinking that we could help people like me. I mean like the me from before now. People whose homes and families have been destroyed. People who see no meaning to their lives. People who think they have nothing left. We could help them rebuild themselves and start a new life. Just like Xena helped me…Xena told me something once. She was really sick, and a village was in great danger. Her friend, not Gabrielle, wanted to run, but she said 'It's not about us. It's about these people. We're here for them, and I'm not about to leave now. It's the greater good. Remember that.'" And the two warriors rode side by side into the sunset. Off to find adventure. Off to make new discoveries about themselves. And off to fight for the greater good.