Prologue

It was dark, eerie. Strange sounds came from the unknown darkness beyond... cries that seemed not from humans, but something else, he wasn't sure. He thought again about retreating, turning back and leaving these perilous caves. But again he reminded himself of the reputation and title he had that he must keep.

He was the king of thieves and when there was something that was said to be impossible to steal, he proved it wrong. It had been over a week since a drunken man in a barren tavern had told him of a mirror. A mirror that was said to have great powers, and the Gods themselves were said to be unable to steal it.

This had sparked Autolycus' interest. The man had given him a map and a chip from the golden altar that held the magical glass. The man had practically dared him to try and steal it. He was the king of thieves and he never backed down from a challenge. Yet now he was wondering how stupid it might have been to accept this one.

He had already climbed to the top of Mount Athos, only to find a hidden door to a cave that spiraled down to the bottom of the mountain. Now he came to a dead end, a round room with nothing but dirt walls and cobwebs. The map said there was one more door to be found to gain access to the mirror's holding chamber. Setting down his torch, he searched the walls with his hands, trying to find a lever of some sort. Making his way to the far end, across the room from where he had come in, he found a flat part on the wall. Pushing it, a large part of the wall two feet away began to move up, creating a passage. Leading again into darkness.

Picking up the torch he entered it and followed the small cave around until he found himself in a large, square room. Although dust and cobwebs covered the place, it still shined with beauty. It was breathtaking. Everything was made of gold, from the walls with strange carvings and symbols, down to even the floor. A rug lay in the center, elegantly weaved in colors of red, black and gold. At the far side of the room sat two rectangular blocks, each made of gold as well with the same carvings as the walls, and a small fire coming from their tops. Between them sat an altar of sorts, and the mirror sat on top of that. It looked like an ordinary mirror, oval in shape. Yet it was glowing... light surrounded the delicate looking glass.

Walking closer he could see inscriptions on the base of the altar. Most of it was unreadable but he was able to make out a few words, which read aloud:

"The mirror of elemental p... something... something, something, something... ah... mortal hands... something, something... upon the lands... something... beware." He bit the inside of cheek and looked at the glass.

He wiped some sweat from his brow and moved his hand to his neck. He couldn't recall feeling fear this strong before. The knot in his stomach was so tight, he felt like vomiting. He thought about the long journey he had endured; he had faced two tigers, a giant spider and an another creature he couldn't quite explain, since he had entered the mountain caves. What more can happen? he asked himself. The worst thing that could happen is death, but then again he had no reason for living... not anymore.

With a long sigh and a whisper of her name, he lightly touched the mirror... nothing. He held his breath as he lifted it from its holding, surprising him that it came easily. Suddenly a wind blew, coming from nowhere. It swirled about him, faster and faster, whipping at him ruthlessly.

The mirror was lifted out of his hands and held in mid-air by the winds. Then it broke, into four parts, and each piece flew a different direction, hitting a wall and vanishing. The last thing he knew, was the blackness that engulfed him...

Chapter one: Crucial Mission

"Xena," Gabrielle called to her friend. "You should come in here, the water's great."

The lake was cool and the day was warm, as it always was. The Elysian Fields was really a beautiful place. Everything seemed perfect here, everything except for Joxer missing. She heard his thoughts often, since they mostly concerned her. She looked thoughtfully down at the water as she remembered back. It was the day before Brutus had killed Ephiney. When Xena and her had been walking along, Gabrielle had told her best friend of her newly found feelings for Joxer. Now hearing his thoughts all the time made everything worse.

She had seen Perdicas only a few days after arriving here, he had told her that he knew and that she should be with Joxer, he understood her feelings. Things weren't the same between them now anyway; they still shared a deep love but, well, it was awkward now. She only wished there were some way to see Joxer again, to regain her life. But that wasn't likely to happen. They had already been here a month, and Xena... she glanced up at her friend sitting on the grass nearby. Gabrielle sighed. She knew of her friend's feelings for Autolycus as well, and more than that she was a warrior with a lot of fight left in her.

Xena picked another flower and pulled at its yellow petals, not the way a young girl would, but instead it was a sign of how utterly bored she was in this paradise. Gabrielle had to admit she was too. Life wasn't the same here, everything was too nice. The trees were always beautiful, with green leaves and some with white, pink, or lilac blossoms. The grass was always soft, little yellow buttercups dotting the ground. The sky was always perfectly blue and everyone was happy.

Although this was the ideal place for peace and happiness, the bard found that the perfect beauty of it was annoying. She missed Joxer and she felt restless, as though it wasn't her time yet. She had realized that sometimes it was the flaws that make some things beautiful. Like Joxer. She thought of his goofy smile, and funny helmet, tripping over something like he always did. She laughed briefly, then realized Xena was trying to talk to her.

"Oh, sorry... what did you say?" She shook her thoughts and gave her friend her full attention.

"I was saying," Xena came, sounding a bit annoyed, "that I don't want to swim."

"Oh... well, that's ok." Gabrielle smiled softly, then noticed the emotional look in her eyes. "Are you thinking about Autolycus?" Of course she wasn't expecting a reply, and as usual Xena lifted a brow and turned away silently, never being one for 'girl talk'.

"I need to talk to you both privately," came a deep voice. Looking up, they saw Hades standing there, as always in his black attire and black cloak. But with the way his dark blond hair was a bit messy, and the worried look on his rather handsome face, he had trouble written all over him. Gabrielle stepped out of the water and wrapped herself up in her white robe.

Xena stood immediately, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. The bard knew she was hoping for trouble, for something to do. Quietly they followed Hades to his lair.

"So what's the problem?" Xena jumped in as soon has Hades closed the door to his chambers.

"How do you know there's a problem?" Gabrielle intervened, although she knew too that there was; yet she still wanted to tease her friend's lack of patience. In response she got a playful glare, and she laughed back at the warrior. Hades, now sitting behind a table, cleared his throat to gain attention.

"Xena... Gabrielle, I need your help, I, uh...well I'll cut to the chase," he said, eyeing them. "There is an elemental mirror that has been hidden for hundreds of years, so long that we Gods aren't too sure of how it got there or just how much it can do. We do however know that if broken, which it has been, it will break into four pieces and open four portals. Each portal is said to lead into a world of chaos. Each one being a different element: fire, earth, water, and, uh..." He tapped his fingers on the table.

"Air?" Xena offered.

"Right, air. One shard of the mirror can be found in each realm, and to close the portals you need to retrieve all four shards and replace them on the altar, in its holding chamber. The longer these portals stay open, the more things from those worlds may seep into ours. And that will not be a pretty sight." He stood, setting his hands on the table, and looking at the two questionably.

"So why not get them yourself? You're a God," Gabrielle asked, getting another, more serious glare from Xena.

"Oh, because immortal hands may not touch it. Don't ask why, I don't know... and no, I don't want to find out," he added to Gabrielle.

"So why should we do this for you?" The bard asked, now getting an elbow in her side. Flashing a quick, will-you-stop-that-look at Xena, she turned back to Hades for the answer, hoping it would be the one she wanted.

"Because if you do this, you can have your lives back." He paused. "Any more questions?" Neither answered. "Good, then both your normal clothes are here," he pulled the garments out of a large chest behind him, "and your weapons." After handing Xena her sword and chakram, he gave Gabrielle her old amazon staff. She looked at him in puzzlement.

Gabrielle tried to refuse it but the God held up a hand to silence her. "I know the way of love and peace is an honorable path, but if you follow it on this journey you will die. Take the staff, please, you'll need it." He told her firmly, but gently. she nodded and took the weapon. "So, anything else?"

"Yeah, which way do we leave?" Xena asked, ready to get back to Greece and back into action.

"On the other side of this door is the mirror's holding chamber, then just follow the caves to the top of Mt. Athos and go from there." Hades showed them a back way, and wished them luck.

After dressing quickly they opened the heavy door, and to their amazement, found Autolycus lying on the floor. Xena went to him, feeling his head and body for any possible injuries. To her relief there were none. Shaking him gently, he slowly opened his eyes, then smiled. Suddenly he jumped up.

"The mirror, it-" he began frantically.

"I know," she told him. Then recognition shined in his eyes.

"Xena?" he said, touching her, "Is that really you? But you were dead... and Gabrielle... you were too." The women both laughed softly, he told them as if they hadn't known. "I... you... what's going on?" he finished, still staring at Xena in shock.

"We don't have time... I'll tell you on the way," she told him, then turned to leave, but he stopped her with a hand to her arm.

"Butif you were... then did you... you know, hear any of my thoughts?" He tried to asked smoothly, but fell quite short. Xena's eyes softened, yet instead of saying anything she pulled him to her for a reassuring kiss, telling him all he needed to know. Then with a smirk, she left the room, as did Gabrielle.

"Now that's my kind of talk." Autolycus grinned and hurried after them.

Chapter Two: Frozen Lands

Though the day was sunny, warm, and had no wind, Gabrielle felt a chill. A shiver ran up her spine and she looked to her friends. "Did you guys feel that?" She asked in a low voice.

"Yes, I did." Came Xena's response. They had made their way up the caves, down the side of the mountain, and now stood at the foot of Mt. Athos. It had taken them a little over two days to get here; so far everything had seemed normal. Everything, except the eerie chill in the air. Xena looked around, ready to draw her sword at any moment. But there was nothing, and she knew it wasn't a God. Their presence felt different from this. Slowly she motioned to the others to follow, and they all continued through the thick forest.

"Xena what is that?" Autolycus spoke up, pointing a hand skyward. Xena and Gabrielle looked up; the sky that was clear blue a moment ago was now turning shades of grays and deep greens along with the blue. The colors were like clouds and the spiraled together swiftly. Suddenly a growl came from behind some trees; they turned and to their amazement found a white two-headed tiger peeking from the tall grass. Xena held up a hand to keep them quiet, then the tiger turned and walked away, seeming bored of his pray.

"What in Tartarus was that?" Gabrielle asked the warrior in a fierce whisper.

"If it's not from here, then we follow it." She came back. They followed the large sly cat for a long while, when it stopped. It looked over at something in the distance and lowered its body into a readied position. After a long moment it quickly sped for its target. Xena ran after it, Autolycus and Gabrielle followed her lead. The tiger ran fast though the forest, dodging trees and large stones in the ground.

Stealthily it moved towards its victim, then suddenly it jumped into mid air and vanished. Coming closer they found a strange circular window before them, it seemed to be made up of hundreds of lights, all interweaving with each other. It had lots of colors, yet at the same time was clear. It was the most amazing thing any of them could ever recall seeing.

"This must be a portal." Xena informed them, unable to take her eyes from its brilliance.

"Yes, it must. It's so... magical." Gabrielle replied, enchanted by the beautiful lights.

"Give me your hands, we're going in." Xena demanded. They each complied and at the count of three, held their breath and jumped into the unknown. Surprisingly, it was like walking through a large hole, except for the tingling feeling and bright lights.

"Nice kitty." Came a familiar voice.

They looked around the cold land. They seemed to be in a world made of ice, it was breathtaking, and everything looked as though it was crystal. In front of them was a huge ice boulder, with a certain lanky man standing fearfully against it. The tiger they had followed here was growling at the man as he waved his helmet at the large cat. Finally the cat caught the helmet with his teeth and forcefully pulled it out of the man's hands. Achieving a small victory the tiger ran away with its newly found toy. Gabrielle couldn't help but to laugh at the site.

"Well, Joxer, it seems someone liked that silly helmet after all." She giggled.

He knew that laugh, that voice. Slowly he looked up and found to his disbelief, Gabrielle and Xena stood before him. His mouth dropped open and his eyes widened an incredible amount. She looked more beautiful then he remembered. Though it had only been two months since he'd last seen her, he was sure she had become even lovelier, if it was possible to improve perfection. But she was dead, and Xena was too. How could they be here? Am I dead? He thought, it was an almost joyous thought, since wherever he was she was here... The blonde amazon bard was actually here.

Taking a step back, his foot caught a rock and he feel back with a hard thud to the cold ground. Xena and Autolycus both rolled their eyes and Gabrielle laughed again as she walked to him. "Are you ok?" She asked softly, tying to hold back a giggle.

"I... I... you..." He looked up in to her green eyes, shock written on his face. She smiled warmly at him, and he gulped. "Am I dead?" He managed.

"No." She helped him to his feet and pulled him close for a long awaited embrace. He held her tightly, never wanting to let her go, a tear escaping and rolling down his cheek. After a few moments she broke the hold. "I'm so glad to see you, I have so much to tell you." She told him, and he nodded.

"Come on we need to keep moving." Xena called firmly, biting her lip and trying not to smile at the sight. Gabrielle gave him another smile before completely letting go and walking back to the small group. Joxer looked at Xena and then ran to her with a big hug, catching the warrior off guard. She laughed and hugged him back. "Go to see ya Joxer." She offered.

Suddenly a low growl interrupted the reunion. Xena unsheathed her sword and pushed Joxer behind her. The tiger was back, apparently tired of Joxer's helmet and looking quite hungry. The cat lowered and was ready to pounce. Xena looked it in the eyes, where they locked and held. The cat jumped, but Xena rolled to her back on the ground and kicked it in the stomach, throwing it over her.

Landing on its feet, it turned back to face her. Leaping up, she stood and held her ground with a wicked smile. "Come and get me kitty." She laughed, obviously enjoying the fight. The tiger let out a loud roar and ran for her. She stood still, waiting for the right moment. The cat jumped at her and she fell to her knees, the tiger missed, flying over her head and into an ice boulder. Shaking it off, the two-headed beast came at her again, this time it ran for her and didn't jump. With her war cry she flipped over it, spun around and brought the hard steel of her sword into its back. A cry of agony came from the creature as it fell to the ground, blood pooling around it. "So much for him." Xena shrugged as she wiped her bloodied blade on the tiger, and sheathed it.

"It was such a beautiful creature." Gabrielle sighed at the loss of the majestic animal.

"Look what the darn cat did to my helmet!" Joxer called, standing where the tiger had come in. He held it up for them to see or rather what was left of it. The animal had torn it to shreds. They all shared a brief laugh, all except Joxer who didn't find it funny. They started for him, seeing an ice cave behind him, and it seemed the only way to go. Joxer reluctantly tossed his prized helmet aside and followed his friends inside the narrow cave.

"Why must the moron come?" Autolycus asked Xena a while later.

"Because he's our friend, and if we left him he'd get himself killed." She told the thief.

"Good point." He huffed, and Xena smiled.

"Hey guys! Do ya hear that?" Joxer asked running in front of them. "It sounds like... someone... in trouble." They all quieted and listened for the noise, which came again. It sounded like a little girl, and she sounded trapped.

"Split up, let's try to find her." Xena ordered and they all did so. Joxer went ahead to where the cave opened in to a clearing. Gabrielle took the right side, Auto took the left, and Xena followed Joxer in case of trouble.

It wasn't long before he got very close to the source. Joxer knelt by some fallen ice blocks and tried to see inside. "Xena, I think she's in here." He called to the warrior. Walking over she nodded, and began to lift the heavy ice off. After about five blocks, Joxer yelled. "I got her! She's... a... she's small!" He gently grabbed the girl and pulled her out. Shaking herself, she spread her golden wings and fluttered in front of him.

"Wow, thanks for getting me out of there. If you hadn't come along, I'd have been a goner for sure! Good thing those dumb rocks only trapped me, could you imagine if they would have hit me. Ow! That would of hurt. By the way who are you?" She ended in her little high voice, Joxer and Xena looked at her in amazement, she was tiny, only a foot tall, she had long blond hair, a golden dress and a pretty smile. Joxer thought she looked a bit like Gabrielle did before she went to India.

"Well, are you going to just stare, you know that's rude? You really shouldn't stare. So what's your name? Huh? Are you going to tell me? I'm Glitterfay-Goldy, but you can call me Goldy, k?" She said in an excited voice, she talked so fast that she hardly had time to breathe. Joxer smiled at her.

"I'm Joxer the Mighty." He told her with pride. "What are you?"

"I'm a fairy, I used to live with the Clerics before they got killed, now I don't have a home. So I was wandering around, looking for adventure. Are you looking for that too? Can I come with you? Please, I'm a really nice person, and I could be great company on your way. Please?"

"I don't know, you have ta ask my friend, Xena." He told her, pointing to the warrior that towered above them. The fairy turned to look at the woman then came closer to Joxer.

"She looks scary. Is she mean? Will she like me? She won't hurt me will she?" Joxer couldn't help but to smile at her, she was so full of energy and so cute.

"She's nice, don't worry." He reassured her. Joxer stood and turned to see Gabrielle and Autolycus walk up to them. "Hey guys look what I found. Her name is Goldy." He told them, a childish sparkle in his eyes, obviously happy at his newfound friend.

"She's pretty Joxie, can I call you Joxie? I like it better then Joxer. Can I?" Joxer nodded, Xena rolled her eyes and Gabrielle and Auto came closer to see.

"Goldy, these are my friends, Gabrielle." He pointed to the blonde with strange drawings on her body. "And that is Autolycus." He pointed to the tall, dark-haired thief.

"Wow, those are really cool designs you have. And really pretty too, like you. Yep, I like you already." Fluttering to Auto she continued. "You look funny." She giggled, as she looked him over.

"Great, she insults me!" Autolycus laughed sarcastically.

"I didn't mean to make you feel bad. No, I just think that hair on your face is funny. Not you. I mean I've never seen that before. And you're not mad at me are you?" She ended in a pout.

"Ah... no, that's ok." He laughed.

"Wow, you're so tiny." Gabrielle said in wonder.

"Yeah, and you're big." Goldy giggled.

"Ok, let's go." Xena interrupted them. She turned to leave and got a small tap on her shoulder. Turning her head, she saw Goldy next to her.

"Can I come, please?" She asked in a small voice. "I mean it's kinda scary out here all by myself. And I could be useful to you, I know this place, and I am very good with healing, I know lots of plants and... please?" Xena opened her mouth, but before she said anything she caught a glance at Joxer's pleading face. She sighed.

"Fine, but try to keep quiet ok?" Xena gave Joxer a look of I-hope-your-happy, and walked off. He grinned.

"Thank you! I won't be a pest, I promise! You won't even know I'm here." Goldy called after the dark-haired warrior.

Three hours later...

"...and then I saw the tiger, and he swung at me with his really big claw, and I was scared, I went 'Ahhh!' and they flew back into the wall, and then the tiger went 'rrraaaahhh' and came at me, but I moved and he hit the wall. Then I laughed but then all that ice came falling down and I got trapped. Then he came and saved me." Goldy finished with an admiring gaze at Joxer.

Gabrielle smiled, she was so much a child although she told them she was over 100 years old. She must have live a very sheltered life with the clerics; by the way she was full of wonder. The bard couldn't help but see a bit of herself, in Goldy, when she had been young and innocent. But times change and so do people. The thought wasn't entirely bad; she did like who she was now, Xena had changed a lot for the good, Autolycus, well he was still pretty much the same.

And Joxer, she smiled at him, he was still the clumsy child-like wanna-be warrior that she met so long ago, but he had grown a lot. He'd had turned out to be a very caring, warm, and loyal friend, and perhaps now... even more.

Gabrielle sighed; there was no time for that right now. She turned and walked up with Xena. They still had along way to go, over the side of the mountain they were on; they could see a tall tower in the distance. Something told them all that was where they would find the shard. The five friends pressed on in the cold world.

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