Chapter 1
The Way Of The Warrior

"That was the one time that my army was responsible
for the death of women and children."
Xena, "Callisto"

She opened her blue eyes and saw the green grass through the hole of her tent. She raised her head and looked around, just to see that she was in this tent, lying on something that was supposed to be used as a bed, then she turned around and saw that Borias was sleeping next to her. She stared at him for a few seconds, wondering what was she doing and then got up.
A few meters away she could find her armor. She walked to it, and while putting it on, she heard a voice:
- I love you, Xena. – It was Borias. He had woken up and was now lying in bed, looking at Xena.
- Won't you give up, already? – She replied with anger in her voice, while getting dressed.
- Give up what? – Borias asked. He knew what she was talking about and obviously no, he wasn't going to give up that easily.
- You know, this whole love thing you're talking about… it's useless and you know it.
- No, Xena, I won't give up on us.
-There is no "us", Borias. I already told you that. How many times do I have to repeat it? – She said and got out of the tent. Outside was a sunny day. She looked around and said with an evil smile:
- Ah, what a wonderful day to take over the world.
Suddenly she saw someone running to her. When he got closer to her, she recognized his armor – he was one of her soldiers.
-Xena! Xena! – He shouted.
-What? – She said angrily to him, when he got to her.
- The others have returned. They've succeeded in taking over the last village, without leaving even one alive villager, not even a woman or a child.
-Great! – Xena heard a voice from behind. It was Borias again.
-No! It's not great! – She said angrily when she turned to him, but then she headed to an unknown to him direction.
-Where are you going? – He said, following her.
- To talk to Dagnine and explain once again to him that killing everyone isn't the way to take over the world. – She shouted while walking to Dagnine. When she got to him, she punched him and he fell on the grass.
- Didn't I tell you not to kill women and children? – She shouted angrily to him.
-Calm down, Xena. – Borias said from behind. – Why do you care about those people? You don't even know them!
- Oh, alright, I'll close my eyes again, but this is the last time. Do you hear me, Dagnine? The last time! – She spoke to him while he was getting up. Then she just got back to her tent.
- That was one good punch. – She heard a voice, while looking at herself in the mirror, but couldn't see anyone around. Still, she could recognize the voice.
-Ares. – She said with a low voice and he showed up.
- Yeah, I guess that's me. – He said with his usual ironic voice.
- What do you want? – She said and looked at him.
- I just wanted to congratulate you about the progress. – He said and made a few steps to her.
- I still have some problems with Dagnine, but that doesn't make my army less powerful, so soon we'll take over Rome.
-I thought you wanted the whole world.
-Rome at first place. If I take over Rome, the rest would be a lot easier.
-And this is the only reason you want to take over Rome?
- Should there be another reason? – She asked with a smile.
- Hmm, is there…or better say…isn't there?
-What are you saying?
- Come on; don't tell me Caesar's not involved.
- I have the right to want revenge; after all he did to me.
-Yes, you do, so keep things going.
- I will, don't worry. – She said to him, looked to the right, then to the left and continued – Now go, before Borias comes and sees you. I don't want any fights.
- That fool Borias…
-He is so naïve with his pathetic talking about love…
- I understand him, after all I know how he feels. – He said at put a hand on her shoulder. She turned around and he kissed her. Suddenly she heard steps.
-Someone's coming! – She whispered and he disappeared. A few seconds after, Borias came in.
-Who were you talking to? – He asked.
- Nobody. – Xena said a bit worried.
- I thought I heard voices. – Borias said suspiciously.
-It was probably the wind.
-Are you sure?
-Borias, do you see anyone else here, except me and you? – She asked angrily.
-No…
-Then who could I be talking to? Myself? No, Borias, I'm not crazy.
-Don't get angry, I believe you. Now come, we need to see which our next target is.
They both got out of the tent and entered another one, where Dagnine and two others were surrounding a table. On the table there was a map. Xena and Borias got closer to the map and took a good look at it. After a few seconds Xena pointed something on the map and said:
- Tomorrow we're going to attack here. Dagnine, you'll lead the army and remember, don't kill any women or children.
-Xena… - Dagnine was trying to say something, but Xena interrupted him.
-No! I don't want to listen. I command this army and you'll all do as I say.
-Well, if that's what you want, I'll try not to kill everyone.
-Good! Xena said and walked out of the tent. She headed to an unknown direction and got back when it was already dark. Borias was waiting for her outside her tent.
-Where were you? - He asked her angrily.
- I'll go wherever I want to and I'm not required to inform you or give you any explanations. – She said and entered her tent.
-Why are you so cold? – Borias asked her, following her into the tent.
- And what do you expect? I'm a warrior!
- Warriors also have feelings, Xena.
- I know you have feeling for me, Borias, but that doesn't mean that I have feelings for you, or anyone else on Earth and you've got to accept that.
Borias was staring at her speechlessly. He knew she was right, but he couldn't give up on her. He really loved her, even though she didn't give a damn about that. Still, he kept hoping that this cold and cruel woman had a heart and feelings somewhere, deep inside of her.
So, he just left her tent without saying anything.