The Hidden Pain Chapter 1 Xantia stood up from her chair and observed her warriors. They were all standing in a row waiting for her to say something. Xanthos was in the corner of the room leaning on the wall and grinning. What was she up to, why did she call upon them like this? Slowly she started to walk up and down the row of gallant warriors, with her arms behind her back and eyes fixed on the heroes of the Tribe. "My Warriors of Peace" she said with a low voice "I have called upon you all today to bring you news of a journey we will be taking, I will take two warriors to Greece with me on a journey of truth." The warriors eyes lit up with the thought of going on a quest with their leader and for it to be Greece, well they just might run into Xena and Gabrielle. "Don't get excited this will be a long journey and there will be obstacles to face. Yes the likely hood of finding Xena and Gabrielle will also be involved. I would like to see them again." "Xantia!" Gryphon replied with a respected tone. Xantia turned her head and looked a her warrior of Justice in the eyes. "Please do speak" "These obstacles what kind would they be? Monsters, warloards?" Gryphon liked to bring justice to those who brought tyranny to the land. "No Gryphon, these obstacles will be of your own monsters, the ones you hold inside you. The warloards you need to face within your mind and soul" Xantia hoped that they would understand her, this journey was one of self discovery and she knew who would go, she knew from the start, she is after all the warrior of Destiny. "Then if we are to go on this journey to find ourselves, why go to Greece, why not do it here?" Skye: Warrior of the Midnight Hour always liked to get involved with the plot, Xantia was certain that she would go. "We are going there because I have an old friend to visit" Xantia turned to Xanthos and smiled. "Brother Xanthos I will leave you in charge while I am on this journey, I trust you will be OK" "Sister it is about time you left it to me, I was hoping it would be soon. I have things to teach our new members, hay maybe I can change this room a bit, put some chairs...." "Xanthos!" Xantia interrupted in a comical way "Just a thought" Xanthos sat down and let his sister finish her talk. "My leader, who will you chose to go?" Gryphon asked, although she was not looking forward to going as she knew the obstacles that she had locked insight her, those thieving cravings she kept within. She almost prayed that it wouldn't be her. "I will not be choosing....Your souls will. You will know if you are ready for face the demons inside you and if it is time to rid them all" As soon as Xantia said this most of the warriors bowed their heads, they felt a sudden feeling of fear. You see most of the tribe were former slaves and warriors that killed for fun. They had only just go rid of all that pain and Xantia wanted to bring it back for one last resolve. 'Why now' some of the warriors thought. They didn't need this. "When will we know?" Kaye asked "Yes, will it be a feeling, will it come in a dream?" Xenlisto was curious. She had a dark side she thought she could take care by herself, she had done for so long. "What’s a dream but another world that we see at night" Xanthos spoke with great wisdom. He placed his hand in his pocket and pulled out a standing knife. He started to sharpen it with a stone. He just sat there in his own world silent and knowable. Xantia stared at him for a moment and then turned back to her warriors. "Gryphon and Skye you have your talismans. One of dreams and one of emotions. You will know who is going. Help the rest to see the answer. You have the power, use it. This meeting is at an end. Go forth now and spread peace. I am proud of you all, and I know..." Xantia stopped something was wrong. She fell to the ground clutching at her stomach. "Xantia!!" Gryphon yelled. She ran to see what was wrong with her leader. "No!" Xanthos stopped Gryphon from touching her. "Don't, leave her to me" he picked her up and took her to her chambers. The warriors gathered around in the meeting hall. "What’s wrong with her?" Xentacho asked. "I've never seen her do that before!" Gryphon replied with a concerned voice. It was strange to see a woman that always shone with health suddenly collapse like that. "Maybe this journey that we are going on has a different meaning to her" Skye was looking deeper into the situation.” Maybe your right, she did say that she was going to Greece to see an old friend. Maybe she is ill and needs help" Gryphon looked at her Talisman of emotions. She was very tempted to see what was going on in her leaders mind. What was she feeling. The hole tribe had sensed the pain that ran through her when she fell to the floor. Gryphon didn't want to do that, she would never explore someone’s emotions unless they gave her permission. Oh but is was tempting, maybe just this once, she wanted to help a good friend. Time passed and Xanthos came out of Xantia’s chambers. The look on his face was blank. It didn't give the tribe much to hope for. "How is she?" Xandria asked with compassion. Xanthos wiped his brow and spoke slowly but strong. "She is fine but weak, we must leave her to rest" "What’s wrong with her, what happened?" Lace Priest was getting annoyed with the secrecy that Xanthos was holding. Did he know the answer? Was there some thing he was keeping hidden from them? "Xantia’s been keeping her illness a secret from you for some time" Xanthos looked at the tribe and tried to find the strength to go on. "She isn't dyeing is she?" Xenlisto had had enough of death in her life she didn't want it to be again with one of her friends. "No she is not dyeing, she won't die, I won't let it" Xanthos was getting anxious he wanted to be left alone. Xenlisto didn't know it but she pored salt into an old wound of Xanthos'. He couldn’t bare to loose his sister again...he couldn't bare to loose anything again. "OK look, what’s up with Xantia please tell us now or I can find out by using this" Gryphon pulled out her talisman and started to power it up. "No!!, don't try and feel her pain.." Xanthos was too late. Before he could stop her Gryphon had already begun. "Gryphon?....what can you feel?" Skye was getting concerned. "I...I feel weak. A pain of loss and.....it's running through her like...Ahhhhh" Gryphon was thrown to the floor by a force she had never experienced before. "I warned you Gryphon...Never do that gain. You could really hurt yourself." Xanthos picked her off the ground. "We don't need another of our warriors to fall with the same pain as what Xantia is going through" Gryphon understood. She always had an understanding of Xanthos. She had a great respect for him. "Well what do we do now we can't sit here!" Rayhan was getting steamed, the warrior of wrath had that quality. Maybe he was to go on the journey. But would they go now that Xantia had fallen ill? He wasn't going to question it, there was Xantia to think of for now. There was no room for being selfish. "Now we wait until Xantia wakes up, she needs the rest" Xanthos turned round to go to his chambers. "Xanthos" Gryphon called "I know this must be hard for you, your scared right now and..." "Scared!" Xanthos' voice had a hint of anger in it "There is nothing to be scared of. Xantia is going to be fine" He turned round and walked off. Gryphon new what he was feeling. There was no hiding from it. Xanthos was scared, and she wished that she could help. Chapter 2 Xantia’s eyes slowly opened. The first thing she saw was her brother. He was performing magic, using his gift that was given to him by the Magician that looked after the young man after escaping Kettons army. "Brother?" Xantia said in a weak voice. As soon as he herd it he went straight to her. "How are you feeling?" "Oh I don't know, very weak" Xantia tried to get up. Xanthos stopped her. "No, don't. Rest you need it" "How are the others? Did you say anything to them?" Xantia was concerned. She didn't like the idea that anyone was worried about her. She always believed that the tribe as a hole was more important and that she should be out there looking after them. "They are fine. Stop thinking about them for now. Think of feeling better. They will need you for this journey." Xanthos knew that by making her think of the tribe's journey would help her to make a speedy recovery. She would do anything for the tribe. "Oh the journey to Greece. I need to speak to Gryphon. Could you call her for me?" Xantia looked at Xanthos with pleading eyes. She needed her friend with her. "I'll get her for you but don't try to get up or anything like that." He was always concerned about her, that's what being a brother is all about. Gryphon was in her room, holding the Talisman in her hand. She slowly and gently polished the diamond rock. All the time thinking of the day she received it from Xantia. She had held diamonds in her hand before but this time it had not been stolen. It was a true gift, and she cherished it. "Gryphon!" Xanthos shouted out side her door. Beckoning her to open it. Gryphon quickly put the diamond Talisman in her pocket as if to hide it. She stopped in her tracks. How she was used to hiding things of value. A thief had to be on their feet all the time. But she didn't need to be here. She could safely say that the Diamond truly belonged to her! She opened the door and let Xanthos in. "What is it?" She sounded concerned. "Xantia had woken up. She want's to see you" Gryphon was shocked for a minute. Why her? 'Your being silly Gryphon' she thought to herself. 'She's your leader of course she want's to see you'. She shrugged off her thoughts and went to Xantia’s chambers. Gryphon slowly walked into Xantia’s room. She could see her lying on the bed, eyes closed and looking very weak. She walked up to her bed side and stared at the woman. She felt sorrow flow through her. She never liked seeing people in pain. Gryphon extended her hand and touched Xantia on the forehead. As soon as she made the touch Xantia's eyes opened and looked and Gryphon. "You called for me?" Gryphon said in a low caring voice. "Yes, I have something to ask of you" Xantia's health was declining. Gryphon could sense this. "What is it?" She sat down beside her ill friend and placed a warming hand on Xantia's arm. "The Elijan Fields are calling me but it's not my time to go. I know that!" Xantia carried on. "You remember when I told you that I once nearly died but the Divine saved me." "Yes I remember. You pleaded that it wasn't your time to go, and that you needed to form the tribe first. Is this what is happening, are you leaving us now that the tribe has been formed?" "I'd never leave you and the tribe. I always knew that it would come again. Everyone that died around me in Greece, it was their time to go. I always said that I too would be brought low by death, but until then let me win glory, and Gryphon I will." Xantia's eyes were glowing now. The thought of her past experience in Greece made her want to live more, so that she could avenge the deaths of her village. But more so the death of her Mother and Father, who's spirit's lived inside her and Xanthos. "What is it that you want from me? What can I do to help you get better?" Gryphon was now more concerned then ever. She was starting to see a side of Xantia she never knew. One of revenge. "We are going on this journey and I am coming. Even with death at my door I will not stop from winning this battle of the souls. What I need from you is your ability to sense my pain. You can help me by using the Talisman to ease my suffering." Xantia was asking too much of Gryphon. She had never used the Talisman at it's full power. Why when she used it earlier it was bad enough, and that wasn't at it's full potential. But shortly Xantia knew this, She couldn't expect her to perform the task with ease? "I know you have only just started to understand the Talismans power but your time has come. I need you." Xantia's eyes shut as she felt weak again. She moaned and tried to move. "Don't" Gryphon said "Xanthos told me that you were not to move. I will help you, but I need help in using the Talisman. Please be patient with me Xantia. I don't know it's full potential" "We will help each other. Go now and tell the tribe that they must prepare themselves, they must decide on who is coming. I must journey off to Greece, my soul is there and I can't wait much longer." Xantia placed her head on the pillow and went back to sleep. Gryphon walked out of her chambers and went to see Xanthos. Chapter 3 While on her way to see Xanthos she suddenly realised what Xantia had said. She spoke of the battle of souls. All this had a very deep meaning to her. What did she mean what she said that her soul was in Greece? If she had bad memories of the past there, why would her soul linger? Gryphon was getting puzzled. She should her head in frustration. The only thing that she should be thinking of was to help Xantia. How differed things were with the tribe compared to being with her former clan. Were they better or worse? How could she drought that. Of course they were better. The tribe had so much trust in her. They gave her the love she needed and treated them like a family. There was complete freedom, but how she missed her old ways. There was only one person that really understood what she was feeling and that was The King Of Thieves, Autolacus. He was her mentor and good friend. Xantia had spoken to him on her travels before when she visited Greece on the tribes behalf. Gryphon sometime wondered what she might have thought of him, and if Xantia approved of his behaviour. She then remembered something the leader had once said. “I don't judge people, it's not my job and I have no right to do so. I see goodness in all and everyone chooses their own Destiny. If you want to live the life you choose then live it to it's fullest, but remember the goodness that you can give. The path is yours to follow, Love and Light will show you the way." Wise words she thought but there was allot to learn about Xantia and it was difficult at times. Gryphon reached Xanthos' chambers. She was a little nervous, she didn't know what he would be like. All this chaos with Xantia had played on his mind and all he could think of was doing the best to keep her alive. Gryphon called for him. "Xanthos? May I speak with you?" She walked in without waiting for a reply. She saw the young man sitting by his desk and holding a necklace in his had. He was in a deep day dream and didn't notice her walk in. "Xanthos?" Gryphon whispered with a concerned voice. "Can we talk?" Xanthos looked up, he was startled that he didn't notice her walk in. He put the necklace on the table and welcomed the Warrior inside. Gryphon went to pick up the necklace to have a closer look. Xanthos stopped her by placing his hand on her arm. Her looked the girl in the eyes, this stare was not threatening but just a plea to not touch the necklace that he held close to his heart. "It belonged to Surean" Xanthos said, he glanced at the beauty of it and you could tell that it captured his full attention as the thought of his former love came to his broken soul. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to.." Xanthos stopped her from speaking the apology any more. He wanted to leave it for the moment. He had already delved too deep in the thought for one day. "What is it that you wanted to say?" Gryphon found it hard to brush off the last moment as she felt pity for him, but she found the concentration to answer his question. "It's Xantia, she want's to go on this conquest this journey of hers and she want's me to help but I need guidance on using my Talisman before I can cure her or help ease her pain. Will you help?" Gryphon just realised what she had said 'will you help?' of course he would. This is his sister that was ill and Xanthos was a kind caring and gentle man. Oh but she was nervous only the gods new why. "I will do anything to help cure the sick. It's you and me now Gryphon. Together we will cure Xantia and help you to use your Talisman!" Talking like this brought a sparkle of light in Xanthos' eyes. To him he saw where this was going. 'Xantia was right' he thought 'this journey was very important to all the tribe and herself' He felt that he had to explain what he was thinking to Gryphon. "Listen warrior!" He sat Gryphon down and held her hands. She didn't know what to expect and was a little bit curious. Xanthos carried on with fire in his eyes, it looked like he had hope that every thing was going to turn out just fine. "Gryphon, this journey, what did Xantia say about it?" "Just that is was important and that she had to go on it....oh and something about her soul being in Greece." "Yes, and at the meeting she said that you were to fight the demon’s within you and fully understand yourselves and use the power within." Xanthos was getting excited, all the pieces to the puzzle were fitting together. He finally was understanding this. He stood up and paced the room. "Xanthos do you know something that you are not telling me?" Gryphon was starting to worry about him. It looked like he was going mad. "Xantia is not dyeing. Her soul is in Greece." Xanthos whispered to himself. He was putting all the information together that he had herd. "Xanthos what are you saying?" Xanthos turned round and fixed his eyes on the girl. "OK what do we know? One this journey is of finding yourself and fighting your demon’s within. OK you and I are doing that right now...me by thinking of Surean and you by having the responsibility of looking after something of value, the tribe." "what are you saying...?" Gryphon played back what he had said in her mind "...So you and me are already on this 'journey', is that it?" "Yes!!...Oh my sister is clever. She always speaks in code what a challenge!" "But Xantia want's to go to Greece, remember, she said that the was going to visit an old friend" "Yes and that old friend must be Sinn: High Priestess of Cupids temple. We go there often but because she has been ill, her spirit has been weak and she dare not risk leaving her body" Xanthos was starting to see that things were going to get difficult. "Leave her body? What do you mean?" Gryphon was puzzled "We are also priest and priestess at Cupids temple, after Sinn helped Xantia and I to get together again she offered us a place at the temple. But Xantia wanted to build the tribe and so we occasionally visit the temple. Xantia in spirit form and me, well I teleport my self there." "Oh, I understand" Gryphon pondered a little more. "When Xantia said that her soul was in Greece did she mean that literally? Could she have visited the temple and something go wrong and now a part of her soul is there?" Gryphon was a clever warrior, no wonder Xantia trusted her so much. "Come, we must talk to Xantia. I think it's time she told us more" Xanthos took Gryphon gently by the hand and helped her out of her chair, he was such a gentleman. Chapter 4 Xantia lay on her bed, eyes open staring at the ceiling. Sweat was beginning to come over her. She was getting worse. 'I need to get to Greece' She thought to herself. 'But I can't do it alone' Help us Divine. Help my warriors to find themselves. Help them to take me to Greece, I have to find my soul. I have to get to the temple.' Xantia was torturing herself. she kept saying this to herself over and over again, but it also gave her strength. She tried to get out of bed. With both hands propping her up, she swung her legs around and put her feet on the floor. Slowly she placed her weight on them and began to rise... Xanthos entered the room with Gryphon by his side. He saw his sisters attempt to stand and was disappointed. Xantia failed she fell to the floor and moaned for help. Gryphon ran to her first. She held Xantia and tried to sit her up. "What were you trying to do? Your not ready for this yet!" Xanthos was getting angry at his sisters stubbornness. He told her to rest but she was going against his orders. Xantia never liked giving in to pain. "Leave her alone. She's doesn't need you talking to her like that!" Xanthos couldn't believe what he had just heard. He never thought that Gryphon would say something like that. Then he noticed that her Talisman was glowing. Her Talisman of emotions. He then understood that she was also feeling the pain that Xantia felt and it was more likely that Xantia said those words through her. "Xantia?" Gryphon's tone of voice sounded like a mother talking to her child. "It's going to be okay, I'm are going to take you to Greece while Xanthos looks after the tribe." Xantia couldn't speak, she was too weak so say anything and so she nodded her head and gave a small reassuring smile. "We are starting to understand what's is going on. I can get help from Xanthos to use my Talisman and when I am done, I will help you to the Temple of Cupid were we will find Sinn and she can help you get your soul back." Gryphon turned round and looked at Xanthos, he had this look of amazement on his face. "How did you know all of that?" Xanthos asked Gryphon looked at Xantia "Because I can feel Xantia inside me, I don't know how but I can hear her, she's telling me what to do." "And, what does she want?" "Inner Peace....and I'm going to help her get it" Gryphon picked Xantia up and put her back on the bed. She felt Xantias presence inside her. She knelt down and whispered to the leader "I hear you friend, I understand now. We are going to get throughout this. You will win glory!!" And with that Gryphon got up and faced Xanthos again. "Help me to use the Talisman, for Xantia and for Britannia." Xanthos nodded and smiled. Gryphon spoke like a true Warrior. This was now the beginning of the journey. He knew that it was going to be long and hard, but he had faith in his warrior. Xanthos stood tall and mighty with his armour of protection glistening in the sunlight that came through the window. Gryphon was overwhelmed by the beauty of the craftsmanship. In his hand he held Xantia's sword, it was hefty. He often wondered how she managed to hold it for a long time, maybe the Divine gave her the strength. Gryphon stood in front of him squinting at the reflection of sun off his armour. "Are you ready for the training?" Xanthos said in a gentle voice. He did not want Gryphon to be worried. He understood what she was going through, as he was once trained to be a magician and that was hard enough. "Yes" Gryphon was tempted to say 'no' and 'could we forget all about it', but she could only have visions of her leader weak and feeble in her head. She lowered her head and felt fear. Suddenly she felt a presence. She turned around and saw a shadowy figure in the corner of the room. She spun around and stared at it for a while. "Is there something wrong?" Xanthos walked to where Gryphon was staring. "No, don't go any closer. There is someone there" "I don't see anything" Xanthos looked harder "I can see a figure" She squinted her eyes and looked again. She gasped when she realised who it was. "It's Xantia, she's here with us. At least a little of her is" Gryphon herd Xantia telling her that things were getting worse and that her soul was being scattered around too much. She needed to find sanctuary. Xantia's soul needed a healthy body to rest in, as hers was in too much of a bad state. Gryphon looked at Xanthos and tried to explain what was happening. "It's Xantia, in the corner. She want's to use my body as a sanctuary until we find the rest of her soul." Gryphon said this with a shocked look on her face. In a way she didn't want her to enter her body, as she would find out too much of who Gryphon was. All her dreams and fears, her every thought would be experienced by Xantia. But maybe this would be a good thing. To finally have someone understand the girl and help her to do good. Who better then her good friend and leader Xantia. "Do you accept?" Xanthos slowly placed his helmet on and stood like a true warrior. "I was saved by a woman that I didn't know, she trusted me with her possessions. She gave me a Diamond Talisman and my freedom. There is nothing I will not give to save her life." Gryphon turned and held her Talisman to her heart. "I accept as a Warrior of Justice and I proceed as a Warrior of Peace" And so the training began. It took 3 days of feeling pain, anxieties, fighting fear and accepting loss to finally control the power of the Talisman. All the time Gryphon would hear Xantia inside her, telling her to carry on and that she would always be there. The spirit of the leader helped Gryphon to hang on and finish the training. "Your training is complete, 3 days ago you were a warrior of Justice with a talisman that you didn't know how to use. The power that you held in your hands was waiting for you to discover it. Now that you have you come out of this a true warrior. Xantia is proud of you Gryphon. I give you peace and love to be given to all. Help Xantia, you have the power now, use it wisely." Xanthos smiled and gave Gryphon a hug. She felt love flowing through her, she felt hole. She felt that she finally belonged. How great it was to live again, for today she had been reborn, as a warrior of justice with the power of emotions. It was now time for Gryphon to gather her things and take Xantia to Greece. She when to see Skye to tell her to prepare.