GENERAL COPYRIGHT/DISCLAIMER: Xena: Warrior Princess, Callisto, Joxer and all other characters who have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess, together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices. NOTE: All works remain the © copyright of the original author. These may not be republished without the author's consent.
Part II
Weathering The Storm
The ship began to rock as the waves rose in height and strength. The wind changed directions and the sails had to be trimmed, in order to accomodate the easterly winds. As the captain watched the clouds and the horizon with concern, it became clear that a storm was looming in the distance. This day had been very pleasant upon the glassy sea, as the ship sailed toward the coast of Greece. Now, he shouted orders to the crew. Crewmen rushed around, tying cargo and instructing passengers to remain calm.
"Well, this is just great!" Callisto thought, looking over the increasing swells. She knew the storm would come, but was she really ready for it? Here she was, out in the middle of the ocean, on a quest that she hadn't expected to be involved with. Yet, she was alive.
What could she expect? Hades made it very clear that trials would be upcoming. She wasn't a quitter-she could do this. If she failed, she knew the ultimate consequences. "But what has this got to do with me?" she wondered. "I don't even like the ocean!"
Suddenly, lightning crashed from the darkening clouds. Rain began to fall; first, as a very fine mist, then increased into huge drops that pelted down like tiny stones. The passengers were all below, while the valiant crew tried to steady the ship's course. But the wind increased, whipping the waves into huge, threatening walls of power.
The ship was tossed like a bottle cork by the unforgiving sea. The crew fought to right the ship's course time and again, and the minutes seemed like hours. Suddenly, the mast snapped! It crashed down across the deck, killing several crewmen. At least, the ship would now be less topheavy! Callisto could feel the ship's directions changing, and she realized that it was out of control.
The winds blew with near-gale strength for what seemed to be an eternity! Cries of terror sounded from crewmen as well as from helpless passengers below. Suddenly, the ship struck something very hard. The timbers cracked, and water rushed in through a gaping hole in the bow!
Terror-struck passengers rushed to get out of the sinking ship, who were even more terrified as they realized that the crew was gone! The ship was aground on a huge rock, which protruded from the angry sea. In the darkness, the lightning crashed with great fury.
Callisto looked around at the passengers in the small cabin. There were less than ten of them, and several were children. These children were crying, and most of the adults were, too. The pallor in the faces told of death.
"There has to be a way to survive this ordeal!" Callisto thought. "I have experienced so much, and now I'm about to drown-on a ship that's going nowhere?"
"We've got to get out of here, NOW!" a strong, young man yelled. "It's our only chance!"
Callisto couldn't argue with this thought. She made her way to the entrance, only to see certain death outside in the form of huge waves. Yet, she had to try.
Suddenly, the row boat appeared in the doorway! It had broken loose from its ropes, and somehow drifted into a position where it could help. "Grab it!" Callisto yelled. The man caught the broken ropes and held it for all he was worth. The terrified passengers scrambled to get into the boat, and Callisto joined them. As the seas surged, the boat was rushed away from the ship. They were adrift from the wreckage, with no oars, out on the sea -yet, they were all alive.
As the storm blew itself out, the passengers held on for dear life. A large bucket was the only thing on board that could be used to bail the water out. The passengers took turns bailing, until one was too exhausted to do it anymore. Callisto bailed with all her strength, and took extra turns rather than letting the children try to bail. As the storm began to subside, Callisto relaxed and rested her weary arms. She had forgotten how weary she could get as a mortal.
The young man nodded in approval to Callisto. She was surprised that he hadn't shunned her. Obviously, he had no idea who or what she was! She looked around to see a small girl, with blonde hair and big, brown eyes. Oh, how she resembled her sister! Callisto's eyes widened and she raised an eyebrow in amazement. But she couldn't let herself feel pity or any of those human emotions.
"I don't think we've been introduced yet!" the man said. "My name is Janos. My daughter and I are going back home to Greece; that is, if we make it back."
As she watched Janos, she saw no hatred or contempt in his eyes toward her. "I am Callisto." She managed a hint of a smile, then glanced at Janos' daughter. She was five years old, and a very beautiful girl. "You better hold on, this isn't over just yet."
"Meet my daughter, Cassia. She is my life, and I want her to meet her grandparents. Looking at these seas, it could be a long trip."
"Right now, we've got to find land. We don't have any food or water, and I'm sick of boats for awhile!"
"Me, too!" Janos agreed, with a big smile.
"Look! Land!" Callisto exclaimed, bringing a sudden hush to the group in the boat. As they all spotted the island, excitement grew quickly. They were drifting directly toward the island, which was heavily wooded. On the beach were big rocks and debris from the storm, but it was a safe place, a haven, from the sea.
Suddenly, a passenger yelled,"Hey! I've got a plank from the ship here! We can paddle with it, and maybe we can reach shore!"
Closer and closer the boat came to the island, which promised safety from the sea. Everyone took turns paddling, and using bare hands to paddle. Soon, the beach was within reach! With great urgency, they landed, ran ashore, and dragged the boat to safety with them.