My Cup Runneth Over, part 4
by Susan Owens
The threesome walked slowly down the road, Joxer quietly leading Gabrielle while
Arose followed along behind them. Joxer glanced over his shoulder, noticing that
Arose's pace was lagging and that her expression was drawn and tired.
"Arose?" he called out, slowing to a stop. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah. I'm just tired," she replied in a low voice. "Joxer, can we rest for the
night?"
He regarded her carefully. He wanted to go on to the next test, but he had to
admit to himself that his young Amazon friend looked rather exhausted.
"Okay, Arose, we'll rest for the night. Let's make camp here," he suggested.
Arose smiled at Joxer in thanks, then stepped forward to take Gabrielle's hand.
"Here, Joxer. I'll take care of Queen Gabrielle while you find some firewood."
He nodded, and wandered off the path to look for some dry firewood. The forest
was very dense near their camp, and he found it somewhat difficult to wade
through the undergrowth, but he was able to gather a generous armful of wood for
the campfire. He was humming his favorite song happily while stooping down to
pick up one last log when he suddenly heard a terrified scream.
"GABRIELLE!" he cried instinctively and turned towards the path, dropping the
firewood in his haste to return to the camp. He fought through the underbrush as
quickly as he could, but when he reached the campsite he could do little more
than watch in horror as his beloved Gabrielle and his friend Arose were carried
off by two mighty, golden-winged Griffins.
"OH NO! COME BACK! BRING THEM BACK!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, waving
his arms madly, but it was no use. The Griffins, each carrying one girl in their
sharp talons, soon flew over the tree line and disappeared into the sky. He fell
to his knees with a cry of anguish, covering his eyes with both hands.
"You said the next two tests were simple," he whispered brokenly, tears leaking
from around his fingertips. "How can this be simple?"
"This is not part of the test, Joxer," a voice suddenly replied.
He gasped and looked up to see the Goddess Artemis standing before him. "It's
not? Then why don't you do something to help them?"
"I cannot," Artemis replied solemnly, calmly gazing down at the brokenhearted
warrior wannabe. "You must be the one to rescue them, but act quickly; time is
running out."
"B-but... How can I rescue them both?"
Artemis regarded him coolly. "You may reach both of your friends in time if you
tame Wild Wing."
Joxer scrubbed his face with his hands fiercely and glared up at the Goddess
with suspicion. "Wild Wing?" he muttered.
"Yes Joxer," Artemis nodded. "Wild Wing, the daughter of Pegasus."
The women inhabiting the Ceremonial Hut watched the scene before them raptly. At
the mention of Wild Wing, Cyane turned to Xena. "Only a few Amazons and you, of
course, have ever ridden Wild Wing."
Xena nodded slowly, remembering how hard she had to fight to tame Wild Wing. It
had sapped all of her strength and energy reserves. There was no possible way
that Joxer could ever hope to ride Pegasus' daughter. He has a hard enough time
staying upright on a normal horse, let alone a wild, spirited flying horse, she
thought to herself with a sinking heart. "Let's just hope Joxer can do this,"
Xena said quietly.
"You don't believe he can, do you?" Cyane asked, a sense of hopelessness
suddenly overtaking her.
Xena's gaze came to rest upon Joxer's still form and she bit her bottom lip.
"No. I don't," she whispered, her eyes shifting away from her friend and
focusing on the dirt floor of the hut.
Cyane closed her eyes and silently prayed to her Goddess.
Joxer stood up, staring at Artemis serenely. "Okay, if that's what I have to do,
I'll do it. How do I find Wild Wing?"
"I can help you this much, Joxer. I will take you to Wild Wing, but you must
tame her yourself," Artemis told him firmly, then raised her hands above her
head and he disappeared in a flash of green light.
A few seconds later, Joxer found himself standing next to a clean, crystal pond
once his eyes re-adjusted after blinking several times. At the edge of the pond
stood one of the most beautiful horses he had ever set eyes upon, a horse that
rivaled Argo in her proud grace. She was tall, her legs long and delicate, and
her mane and tail were like spun silver. Her coat gleamed as brightly as the
full moon on a cold February evening. Starlight glittered across the silky
perfection that was her wings, which she had neatly folded along her smooth
back. He watched her wordlessly for a few long moments, stunned and awed by the
creature's presence.
Suddenly, without thinking, he pulled a large, lovely apple from his coat
pocket. He'd been saving it for Argo, knowing that Xena's equine companion would
love such a delectable treat. He was sure that Wild Wing would appreciate the
offering as well, so he held out his arms, cradling the apple with both hands,
and approached the wild winged horse slowly and reverently.
"Uh, nice Wild Wing. I'm not going to hurt you. Here, pretty Wild Wing. Here's a
nice apple for you!" he crooned softly, reassuringly.
Wild Wing raised her head at the first sound of Joxer's voice and shook herself.
She glared at him warily, glanced down at the proffered apple, and back again.
Then she spoke, "What's the catch?"
Joxer fell back, his eyes widening and jaw dropping momentarily in surprise. Her
voice rang clear and melodious, causing shivers of pleasure to run down his
spine. She had spoken to him!
Wild Wing continued to contemplate him calmly, her eyes a clear midnight blue
flecked with stardust. "Well, human? What's the catch?" She laughed suddenly,
silvery bitter raindrops. "Let me guess, then. You give me the apple. I take it
from you foolishly believing it's a gift. Then: BANG! You're on my back, I buck
like mad, you slip a golden bridle over my head,and I'm yours for all eternity."
She stamped a delicate hoof, tossing her head with an angry snort. "No! Not this
time! I'm tired of you Amazons going around, capturing innocent winged horses
and bending them to your will. Take your rotten apple and go!"
Joxer swallowed, and at last found his voice. "Yes, I do need your help, Wild
Wing," he told her honestly. He approached and placed the apple at her feet,
then backed away respectfully. "I'd never force you to, though. You can have the
apple and I'll find another way to rescue my friends."
Joxer then turned on his heel and walked away, his shoulders slumped dejectedly.
She watched him go, and found herself feeling sorry for the strangely attired,
lanky human male. "Wait!" she called.
He stopped and turned towards Wild Wing, his expression cloudy and uncertain.
She made a small, coughing sound before speaking again. "You mean, you don't
want to ride me for fun? You won't force me to wear the golden bridle to control
me? You won't make me do loop-de-loops and swan dives?"
At this, Joxer smiled widely. "No, none of that! I just need you to help me get
to my friends in time. You can be your own boss."
Wild Wing considered his words carefully. "Where are your friends?" she asked.
"They were taken by Griffins in two different directions. One of them took
Gabrielle to the east, towards the mountains, and the other took Arose to the
west mountain range," Joxer told her.
Wild Wing nodded once and unfolded her wings abruptly. She leaped into the air
and glided towards him, barely skidding to a stop at his feet. She touched her
nose to his. "I will help you. Climb onto my back."
Joxer tried his best to climb onto Wild Wing, but mounting a winged horse proved
to be difficult at best. At last he was settled somewhat comfortably between
Wild Wing's downy white wings when Artemis appeared before them. She was
carrying a great silver sword in her hands, the hilt encrusted with fine jewels.
"Take this sword, Joxer," she commanded, holding it out to him. "You will need
it."
Joxer hesitated for a moment, then gripped the sword firmly in one hand and
lifted it. He studied it, wondering why he suddenly needed a weapon. "Why?" he
finally asked the Goddess, puzzled.
"The Harpies have your friends, and you will need to kill them to retrieve
Gabrielle and Arose," the Goddess replied.
"What?" he exclaimed, shaking his head violently. "I don't want it, then. I've
already killed once and I swore I'd never kill again."
Artemis shook her head. "If you don't finish this task, your friends will die."
Joxer took a huge breath and held it, staring down at the coldly beautiful sword
he held in his hands. At last, he closed his eyes and nodded, exhaling harshly
when he re-opened them.
Artemis smiled mysteriously. "Now, go rescue Arose first. You will need her help
to save your beloved Gabrielle."
Joxer held onto both the sword and Wild Wing for dear life as the creature
suddenly leaped into the air, climbing at an alarming rate of speed. He managed
to wave down to the Goddess in farewell. Wild Wing's wings rose and fell around
him swiftly, catching the wind and pulling them ever higher. At last, Joxer
could see the peak of the west mountain range before him.
He reached out to give Wild Wing a reassuring pat, when suddenly a piercing
shriek rang out, and something struck Joxer full in the chest. There was a long,
sickening feeling of weightlessness and then he began to tumble down towards the
earth.
"JOXER!" screamed Rhea as the Amazons watched Joxer hurtling towards the ground,
and certain death. She covered her face with her hands, terrified to watch the
Mighty One's demise.
"It's all right! Rhea, look!" Xena exclaimed, pointing at the image the group
had been watching.
Rhea uncovered her face in time to see that Wild Wing was diving
swiftly,catching up with Joxer and matching his downward descent. Then she moved
below him, opened her wings and caught Joxer gently, breaking his fall.
The harpy flew at Joxer and Wild Wing again, crying out her defiance. Joxer
swallowed and instinctively struck out with Artemis' sword, coming into contact
with something solid. Hot liquid burst over him suddenly, and when he could see
clearly again, he saw that he had severed the harpy's head from her body. He
watched the creature's broken, dead body hurtle towards the ground and hit with
a sickening smack. He tore his eyes away from the carcass, ignored the blood
that covered him, and called out to Wild Wing."Let's hurry!"
Wild Wing neighed in reply and angled herself down towards the mountaintop below
them. As they came nearer to the mountain, other harpies began to attack them
from all sides, but Wild Wing was able to deflect all blows with a few
well-targeted kicks. They flew down into the large mouth of a cave set in the
wall of the mountaintop, a harpy diving out at them viciously. Wild Wing swung
around and with another kick, forced the other creature to retreat back into the
dark cave.
"That's where they're keeping Arose, Wild Wing! Let's go!" Joxer said.
Deeper into the cave they flew until it opened up into a large cavern with
enough room for Wild Wing to easily fly without fear that she would damage her
wings. As she swooped around the cavern, Joxer struck out with his sword and
attacked the foul creatures, defeating them one by one with the help of Artemis'
weapon.
Wild Wing veered and flew deeper into the cavern until it opened up into a
bigger, dark, foul-smelling place. He realized that this must be a throne room,
for there in the center of the large cavern sat the biggest and ugliest harpy
that Joxer had ever seen.
"Come to meeee, Joxer the Mighty!" the harpy hissed triumphantly as she rose
from her seat. "Now you and your friend shall both die!"
Joxer held on tightly as Wild Wing let out a defiant cry and swooped down
towards the harpy. The harpy opened up her wings as if in welcome and shrieked
as the winged horse circled ever closer.
That gave Arose the distraction she needed. With all of her strength, she struck
out at the harpy and knocked it out of the way. Then she took a flying leap
towards Wild Wing, grabbing onto the horse desperately. Joxer abruptly slid off
Wild Wing's back and landed hard onto the floor of the cavern where the harpy
waited for him. She leaped towards him with a gleeful cry, her claws extended
and ready to rip off his face.
"Cyane! Send me to the Underworld now! Joxer needs my help!" demanded Xena,
overcome with concern for her friends.
Cyane nodded slowly, agreeing. She turned to retrieve more of the potion so Xena
could join Joxer in the Underworld, but Artemis appeared between the two women,
her expression alarmed.
"Xena! You mustn't interfere. Joxer must do this alone," The Goddess told the
Warrior Princess firmly.
Xena flew at the Goddess with a snarl. "I'm going to help him, Artemis. Don't
you try stopping me!"
Artemis' eyebrow rose as she held up a cautionary hand and clenched it into a
fist, using her powers to temporarily freeze the Warrior Princess in place.
"Think about what you are doing. If you interfere now and save your friend, you
will be taking away all that he has fought for in the Underworld, all the
confidence he has gained in himself," the Goddess warned.
"But if I don't help him, they'll all die!" Xena struggled to move for a few
moments, then gave up.
"Xena," the Goddess said quietly. "You have trusted your friend this far. Please
trust him now." She released her hold on Xena and disappeared in a flash of
light.
With a low growl, Xena turned back to Joxer's body to watch him do battle, her
hands balled into fists.
Joxer grabbed the harpy and used her momentum to toss her over his shoulder. He
sprang up onto his feet with more grace than he had ever managed to muster in
life.
The harpy charged him, joined by her other harpy sisters, but he grabbed
Artemis' sword from where it had fallen on the ground when Arose knocked him
from Wild Wing and charged into the fray fearlessly. One, then two, and finally,
the Harpy Queen fell underneath his silver blade, drenched in blood.
When the last harpy had fallen, Wild Wing landed a few feet away, her flanks
twitching with nervous energy. Joxer's knees gave out and he crumpled to the
ground with a loud thud, surrounded by the carnage he'd wrought. He dropped the
sword and doubled over, retching violently. He hated this, hated himself for
having to take life, no matter what the consequences. The tears flowed down his
cheeks steadily, and he sobbed brokenly while Arose and Wild Wing watched in
worried silence.
As his tears fell to the ground to mingle with the blood of the harpies, a
strange golden light filled the cavern and glowed all around them. It was so
bright that he was momentarily blinded, but soon his vision cleared and he could
see that standing in the place of all the dead harpies were beautiful Amazon
warriors.
One Amazon stepped forward, moving away from the pile of feathers and flesh and
approached him. "Oh, brave warrior. Thank you for freeing us from the curse.
We've been caught in this evil spell for thousands of years, and you have saved
us."
Joxer was dumbfounded. "Huh?" he spluttered out at last, wiping his cheeks with
the back of his hand.
"You have saved us from our cursed harpy forms and we will be forever grateful
and indebted to you. Many others have failed to save us, yet you did not," the
beautiful, glowing Amazon told him softly.
Joxer was surprised, but soon recovered. "Um, look. I'm sure that Xena's
defeated you before. I'm not the first person to come along and kill you guys."
The Amazon smiled at his words. "Yes, Joxer, she has, and so have many others.
But you have set us free."
"What do you mean? What did I do?" he asked her, bewildered, yet strangely
elated by her words.
"You killed us and then you mourned us. No one has cared for us before, Joxer.
Your tears have set us free."
Joxer nodded, at last understanding. "W-was this the eighth test?"
"Yes, it was," the Amazon confirmed with a gentle smile. She helped him climb to
his feet, then took his hand and placed something in it. When he opened his fist
and looked down, he saw that the eighth medal gleamed there in his palm. He
reached up and slid it over his head to rest with the others.
"What about Gabrielle?" he asked the Amazon.
"She is outside at the mouth of the cave," she replied.
Joxer thanked the formerly cursed Amazons and led Wild Wing and Arose slowly
through the caverns. When they reached Gabrielle, Arose leaped off Wild Wing and
threw her arms around Joxer.
"Oh, Joxer! I'm so sorry that I knocked you off the horse!" she wailed.
Joxer gave her a friendly squeeze and laughed. "Don't worry about it. I've
fallen off horses before. I'm sure it won't be the last time either!" He
gathered Gabrielle to him and the three shared a warm hug. "Well," he said at
last. "That was the eighth test. Let's head for the ninth one."
Arose looked over to Wild Wing with wide eyes. "Do you think she can carry all
three of us down the mountainside?"
Joxer grinned, his eyes sparkling with suppressed mischief. "Well, why don't you
ask her?"
"Okay!" Arose squealed happily.
"Oh, and Arose?"
"Yes, Joxer?"
"Ask her to take us down. Don't demand that she do it."
Arose gave Joxer an irritated, impatient look, but was all smiles when she at
last turned to Wild Wing. "Ma'am, can you take all three of us back down the
mountain?"
Wild Wing gazed at the young Amazon serenely. "What's the magic word?"
Arose turned to Joxer in a panic, her eyes round as saucers. "Quick, Joxer, I
need the magic word!"
Joxer smothered a laugh with his hand. "It's a very simple magic word, Arose."
Arose's brows came down fast in a scowl. She stomped her foot in annoyance.
"Joxer, I don't have any earthly idea what the magic word could be. Just tell
me!" Joxer walked over to Wild Wing and bowed deeply before her. "Wild Wing,
daughter of mighty Pegasus. Will you please take my friends and me off this
mountain? Please?"
Wild Wing nodded her head once and touched her nose to his. Joxer grinned and
turned to Arose. "See, Arose? Please is the magic word." He retrieved Gabrielle
and gently placed her upon Wild Wing's back, then climbed up behind her before
offering a hand to Arose.
Arose took Joxer's hand, muttering to herself darkly, "Please was the magic
word? Just what kind of magic word is please anyway?"
Joxer only laughed and pulled Arose onto Wild Wing, securing his young Amazon
friend behind him. Wild Wing unfolded her grand wings and reared up into the sky
with a loud whinny, soaring for a few minutes before looping in huge spirals
back towards the ground.
Xena and the Amazons let out a mighty cheer. "He did it!" Rhea yelled joyously.
"Yes, he did!" Xena agreed with a wide smile.
Cyane was the only Amazon who was silent. Her body was wracked with
uncontrollable trembling. Rhea looked at her regent and exclaimed, "Cyane,are
you okay?"
Cyane tore her eyes away from the scene before them of the freed Amazons waving
goodbye to Joxer and his friends from the mouth of the cave while Wild Wing took
them safely to the ground. She met her sister's gaze, tears in her own eyes.
"Yes, my sister," she replied at last. "I'm fine. These are tears of joy. I'm
crying because Joxer the Mighty has at last set our sisters' tortured souls
free!"
Wild Wing landed them safely on the ground. Joxer dismounted first helping
Gabrielle then Arose off the winged steed. He then turned to Wild Wing. "Thank
you, Wild Wing, for helping me save Gabrielle and Arose."
The winged horse gracefully bowed her head. "You are most welcome, Mighty One.
If you ever need my help again, don't hesitate to ask."
Joxer nodded. With Gabrielle and Arose by his side, they began walking, Joxer
leading Gabrielle. Feeling pretty happy, Joxer began whistling his song as he
walked. Arose smiled at him.
"Nice tune. Does it have any words?"
"Yep. I change a verse for everything I do. I have a new one this time."
"Oh, let's hear it!"
Joxer shook his head. Arose tried again. "Oh please, Joxer! I want to hear it."
Joxer sighed. "I'm sorry, Arose. I just can't sing. Not until Gabrielle hears
the song I wrote for her."
Arose nodded. "Well, sure. I can understand that. Come on, I think the next test
is just up ahead."
Arose walked several paces in front of them. She was still trying hard not to
love him, but it was so hard. He was kind to her and never laughed at her or
told her she couldn't do anything. But most of all, he trusted her to look after
Gabrielle when he was trying to pass each test.
Soon she stopped in front of a bridge and saw a scroll tacked on the wooden
railing. She saw that it was labeled "For Joxer's eyes only."
Well, she thought, at least they're ready for him this time. Joxer, over here!
The next test is over here!"
Joxer and Gabrielle caught up with her. "What is it, Arose?"
"The next test is here." She pointed to the scroll on the bridge. "That's for
you."
Joxer unrolled the scroll and read it. Cross this bridge to the other side and
you will pass the ninth test. Fail and you will die.
Joxer looked across the bridge, puzzled. The bridge was not that long and looked
simple to cross. It was just a small stone footbridge that you could see the
other side to and it looked well built. So what was the big deal? He turned to
Arose and said, "I have to cross this bridge."
Arose stared at him. "Is that all? That's all you have to do?"
Joxer nodded. "That's it."
Arose folded her arms over her chest and sniffed in derision. "Well, that
doesn't sound like much of a test to me! I mean, where's the excitement in
that?"
Joxer smiled. "I don't know, but I'm glad it's simple. It gives me time to be
ready for the final test."
Arose nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I guess you're right about that. Okay, I'll
take Queen Gabrielle across and wait for you."
Joxer sighed as he watched Arose take Gabrielle's hand and walk across the
bridge.
Cyane looked at Xena. "He's going to be in for a big surprise. Crossing that
bridge is only possible for Amazons."
Xena nodded. "Yes, unless Joxer can pull this off."
"He better pull it off because if he doesn't, you'll never see Queen Gabrielle
or Joxer again."
"I don't know how he will, but I know Joxer will pass this test," Xena said with
a note of determination in her voice.
"You know Xena," replied Cyane as she gazed down at Joxer's still form, "I think
he will too."
Once Joxer saw that Gabrielle and Arose were safely across, he too walked across
the bridge. Soon, he thought, I'll be on the other side and then only one more
test to go. Joxer reached the other side and he stepped down off the bridge. He
looked up knowing he would see Arose and Gabrielle and that Arose would run over
to him. But to his surprise, she didn't. As a matter of fact, Gabrielle and
Arose weren't even there. They were gone. Joxer suddenly began to panic. Where
did they go?! He looked up and down the area but did not see them. They were
gone. "Oh no, not again! Arose! Arose! Where are you?!"
"We're still over here waiting for you. Are you going to cross or not?"
Joxer stared in disbelief as he saw Arose with Gabrielle on the other side of
the bridge. "Why did you cross back over?" he asked her.
"We didn't. You haven't crossed over yet. What are you waiting for?" asked a
very confused Arose.
Joxer stared at her, wondering what kind of game she was playing. "Arose, stop
doing this! I'm sorry this is almost the last test, but I have to pass it!"
Arose stared at Joxer, having no idea what he was talking about. "Stop what?"
"You know what! You want me to fail this test so I will remain with you and it's
unfair!"
Arose's face suddenly turned red and her eyes narrowed in anger. "Are you saying
I did something?" she hissed.
"Yes! You crossed back over so I would think I didn't cross the bridge," Joxer
accused.
"I didn't do that, Joxer. You haven't crossed the bridge."
Joxer ran his hand over his face. "Arose, I may be clumsy and sometimes I don't
always think before I act, but I do know when I've done something, and I crossed
this bridge."
Arose felt tears sting her eyes but she would not let them fall. "Okay. Fine!
Have it your way. You crossed the bridge and I ran back across with Queen
Gabrielle."
"Thank you for admitting that. Now will you stay put so I can cross?"
Arose wanted to scream no, but she knew she could not leave Gabrielle. "Okay,
I'll stay."
Joxer smiled at her and came across again. Arose watched as Joxer came across.
Suddenly Joxer vanished then reappeared back on the same side again. Joxer
looked at her sternly. "Arose, you promised."
"I didn't do anything, Joxer! You vanished in the middle of the bridge and
reappeared on the same side. Look around you."
Joxer looked around and saw that Arose was right. He had not crossed the bridge
at all. Suddenly, he felt very low. He had accused her of tricking him just so
he would fail the test. "Oh Arose, I'm so sorry."
Arose smiled. "That's okay, Joxer. I guess I can't really blame you for thinking
that. So you can't cross this bridge. What are you going to do?"
Joxer thought for a moment. "There has to be a way to cross this bridge."
"There is a way if you are willing to try," an unfamiliar voice broke in.
Joxer turned around to see an Amazon standing by a tree. "I'm willing to try
anything. I have to get across."
The Amazon came towards him and ran her long fingers through his hair. "Okay,
Joxer. All you have to do is get me a pineapple."
"Pineapple?"
"Yes, a pineapple. Then I will let you cross my bridge."
Joxer just stared at her. He had no idea what a pineapple was. He knew what an
apple was but not a pineapple. "Okay, I'll get you your pineapple. So where can
it be found and what does it look like?"
The Amazon circled around him trailing a long finger around his neck. "Now I
can't tell you that," she purred, reaching out to touch the tip of his nose.
"It's part of the test. You have to find the pineapple and bring it back to me."
Joxer felt very sad. This was so unfair: to come this far only to be stopped by
this.
The Amazon smiled predatorily. "You could just give up like all men do and spend
the rest of your life as my slave and never see Queen Gabrielle again. I could
use a new slave. The other ones are getting too old."
Joxer looked at her with a rare angry expression on his face. "No! I won't give
up! I've passed every one of those tests and I'll pass this one too! I'll find
that pineapple and bring it back to you."
The Amazon smiled again. "So be it. Go and find the pineapple. You have only
till sunset and I want the pineapple served to me in a salad."
Joxer nodded and turned back to Arose. "I'll be back, Arose. Please look after
Gabrielle."
Arose nodded. "I will, Joxer. Please be careful."
Joxer nodded and then turned and whistled. Wild Wing was grazing when she heard
Joxer whistling for her. She spread her wings, flew to him and landed.
"What can I do for you, Mighty One?"
Joxer placed his hand on her shoulder. "Wild Wing, may I please ride you again?
I need to find a pineapple so I can cross this bridge."
Wild Wing had no idea what a pineapple was but she wanted to help Joxer. "I will
take you across the bridge. Get on my back."
As much as Joxer wanted Wild Wing to do this, deep down he knew it was wrong.
"No, Wild Wing. I just need you to let me ride you so I can search for it."
Wild Wing nodded and stood still. "You may ride me, Mighty One."
"Uh... Just call me Joxer. Okay?"
Wild Wing nodded, shaking her mane. "Very well. Joxer, you may ride me."
Joxer smiled and climbed on Wild Wing's back. This time, he had no trouble at
all. Wild Wing lifted off the ground and flew up into the air. "So, where are we
headed?"
"I have no idea. Someplace where I can find a pineapple, whatever that is."
Xena grabbed Cyane. "What in the name of Tartarus is a pineapple?" she hissed.
Cyane shook her head, wide-eyed. "I don't know! I've never heard of a
pineapple."
Xena pushed her away, disgusted. "Cyane, that test isn't fair! She won't even
tell him what it is."
Cyane looked at Xena steadily. "Joxer has to find it. That's part of the test
and it's fair."
Xena shook her head. "I crossed that bridge and I didn't have to bring her a
pineapple."
"I know. It's because you're not a man. She makes it hard for them so she can
have a slave."
"Well, Joxer's not going to be her slave. He'll find that pineapple... whatever
it is."
Joxer thought to himself, What's a pineapple? Is it an apple surrounded by pine
or an apple pining away for its' love?
"Joxer?"
"Yeah, Wild Wing?"
"I can take you to someone who will know what a pineapple is."
"Wild Wing, I can't ask for help."
"Why not? I don't see anything wrong with asking for help."
"Because she said she couldn't tell me."
"She said she couldn't, but did she say nobody else could?"
Joxer thought for a moment. "No, she didn't. Okay, Wild Wing. Let's go see this
person."
Wild Wing rose up higher into the sky. "I never said it was a person."
Joxer pondered this as Wild Wing flew up through the clouds. Soon, Joxer saw a
mountain peak and watched as Wild Wing flew towards the side of it. Joxer held
on tight. "Wild Wing! What are you doing?"
The winged horse didn't answer him. She just flew towards the mountain.
Suddenly, a hole in the mountain opened and Wild Wing flew inside and landed on
the ground. "I can't go into the main room Joxer, but I will wait for you here,"
she said as he got off her back.
Joxer looked at her. "Where's the main room and who am I looking for?"
"The main room is down that tunnel and he's in there working."
Joxer nodded and walked down the tunnel. He came to the main room's entrance and
went inside where he saw a huge stone chair with a Cyclops sitting on it.
"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" the Cyclops boomed.
Joxer swallowed hard. He wanted to run, but he didn't. "I want to ask you
something."
"WHAT?"
"I want to know what a pineapple is," Joxer said, his voice shaking.
"A WHAT?"
"A pineapple. What is a pineapple?"
"A TROPICAL FRUIT."
"What does it look like?"
The Cyclops waved his hand and a scroll appeared. He unrolled it and showed
Joxer a drawing of a pineapple. Joxer stared at the picture of the fruit. He had
never seen anything like it before. "Where can I find one?"
The Cyclops waved his hand once more and Joxer found himself in a village. He
was somehow back in the land of the living. "Hello! Can someone help me here?"
No one paid any attention to Joxer. They just walked past him. "Hey! Quit
ignoring me! I asked for help!"
Joxer stepped in front of a man to stop him, but the man walked right through
him. Joxer stared in astonishment. He was in the land of the living, but he was
not alive. He realized he didn't even know this village and the people were
dressed differently. Suddenly, he spotted what he was searching for - at least
it looked like a pineapple. Joxer picked the pineapple up.
"Oh my Heavens! Where did you come from?"
Joxer smiled warmly at the startled woman. "I was here all the time admiring
your fruit. This is a very nice pineapple."
The woman returned the smile. "Why thank you, young man. Would you like to buy
it?"
"Yes, I would..." Joxer stopped and sighed. "...but I have no money."
The woman looked at Joxer. "I'm sorry, but I have to make a living."
Joxer looked at her. "Please, I need this pineapple. I will do anything to get
it. I need it to save my love," he whispered.
The woman gazed in Joxer's eyes for a long time before she spoke. "Take the
pineapple. I know what it is to be in love."
Joxer took the pineapple from her. "Oh, thank you! I promise I'll come back and
pay for it."
"No, you don't have to. Do you know how to prepare it?"
Joxer shook his head. She smiled and showed him how. Soon, the pineapple was
ready to be put in a salad. Joxer smiled and thanked the woman for her help. She
smiled, waved her hand and Joxer suddenly found himself standing next to Wild
Wing.
"I did it! I got the pineapple and I made a salad with it." He mounted her.
"Let's get back."
Wild Wing whinnied and flew up into the sky. A short time later, they came to
the bridge where the Amazon was waiting. Joxer got down and walked over to her.
"Here's pineapple prepared in a salad like you wanted. Now, may I cross the
bridge?"
The Amazon looked at Joxer. "No. You didn't find it on your own. You fail the
test."
Suddenly, there was loud thunder and lightning flashed across the sky. The
goddess Artemis appeared before them. "Joxer did ask for help on this test. But
any other man would have been too proud to ask for help. He had no idea what he
was looking for, and you never said he could not ask for help, only that he
could not ask you. So, Joxer has done what you asked. Now let him cross this
bridge... or else," the goddess commanded.
The Amazon bowed down before Artemis. "Yes, my Goddess." She turned to Joxer.
"You may cross the bridge."
Joxer didn't wait for her to change her mind. He raced across the bridge where
Arose and Gabrielle were waiting. Arose ran up to him giving him a hug, then
another hug and finally a full kiss on his lips. Joxer pulled back, startled.
She giggled. "The first hug was from me. The second hug and kiss was from Queen
Gabrielle."
Joxer smiled then noticed a medal hanging on the post of the bridge. He picked
it up and placed it around his neck. Suddenly, a doorway opened up and there
stood Marina.
Arose bowed down before Marina. "My queen."
"Arise, my sister. Arose, you have done a great job helping Joxer."
"But I've done very little, my queen."
Marina smiled at Arose. "You did plenty, my sister." She turned to Joxer.
"Joxer, you have reached the last test. All you have to do is walk either
Gabrielle or Arose through that door back to the land of the living. Who do you
choose?"
Joxer looked at Gabrielle's body. When he first came, he had every intention of
taking Gabrielle out. But he also knew deep down inside Arose never really had a
chance to live. Yes, Xena would hate him, but he knew this was right. It felt
right. He turned to Gabrielle with tears in his eyes that he did not allow to
fall. "Gabrielle, I know you can't hear me. I love you and always will, but I
must do this. Please forgive me," he whispered, bowing his head before he turned
to Marina. "I choose Arose."
The Warrior Princess whipped around to face Joxer's still form when she heard
his words. "Why you ungrateful little worm! How could you choose her over
Gabrielle?" Enraged, Xena ran over to Joxer's body and lifted her sword over her
head. "I trusted you! DIE, YOU SON OF A BACCHAE!" Xena plunged the sword
straight down at Joxer's heart.
Cyane screamed, "XENA! NO!"
TBC
by Susan Owens
The threesome walked slowly down the road, Joxer quietly leading Gabrielle while
Arose followed along behind them. Joxer glanced over his shoulder, noticing that
Arose's pace was lagging and that her expression was drawn and tired.
"Arose?" he called out, slowing to a stop. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah. I'm just tired," she replied in a low voice. "Joxer, can we rest for the
night?"
He regarded her carefully. He wanted to go on to the next test, but he had to
admit to himself that his young Amazon friend looked rather exhausted.
"Okay, Arose, we'll rest for the night. Let's make camp here," he suggested.
Arose smiled at Joxer in thanks, then stepped forward to take Gabrielle's hand.
"Here, Joxer. I'll take care of Queen Gabrielle while you find some firewood."
He nodded, and wandered off the path to look for some dry firewood. The forest
was very dense near their camp, and he found it somewhat difficult to wade
through the undergrowth, but he was able to gather a generous armful of wood for
the campfire. He was humming his favorite song happily while stooping down to
pick up one last log when he suddenly heard a terrified scream.
"GABRIELLE!" he cried instinctively and turned towards the path, dropping the
firewood in his haste to return to the camp. He fought through the underbrush as
quickly as he could, but when he reached the campsite he could do little more
than watch in horror as his beloved Gabrielle and his friend Arose were carried
off by two mighty, golden-winged Griffins.
"OH NO! COME BACK! BRING THEM BACK!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, waving
his arms madly, but it was no use. The Griffins, each carrying one girl in their
sharp talons, soon flew over the tree line and disappeared into the sky. He fell
to his knees with a cry of anguish, covering his eyes with both hands.
"You said the next two tests were simple," he whispered brokenly, tears leaking
from around his fingertips. "How can this be simple?"
"This is not part of the test, Joxer," a voice suddenly replied.
He gasped and looked up to see the Goddess Artemis standing before him. "It's
not? Then why don't you do something to help them?"
"I cannot," Artemis replied solemnly, calmly gazing down at the brokenhearted
warrior wannabe. "You must be the one to rescue them, but act quickly; time is
running out."
"B-but... How can I rescue them both?"
Artemis regarded him coolly. "You may reach both of your friends in time if you
tame Wild Wing."
Joxer scrubbed his face with his hands fiercely and glared up at the Goddess
with suspicion. "Wild Wing?" he muttered.
"Yes Joxer," Artemis nodded. "Wild Wing, the daughter of Pegasus."
The women inhabiting the Ceremonial Hut watched the scene before them raptly. At
the mention of Wild Wing, Cyane turned to Xena. "Only a few Amazons and you, of
course, have ever ridden Wild Wing."
Xena nodded slowly, remembering how hard she had to fight to tame Wild Wing. It
had sapped all of her strength and energy reserves. There was no possible way
that Joxer could ever hope to ride Pegasus' daughter. He has a hard enough time
staying upright on a normal horse, let alone a wild, spirited flying horse, she
thought to herself with a sinking heart. "Let's just hope Joxer can do this,"
Xena said quietly.
"You don't believe he can, do you?" Cyane asked, a sense of hopelessness
suddenly overtaking her.
Xena's gaze came to rest upon Joxer's still form and she bit her bottom lip.
"No. I don't," she whispered, her eyes shifting away from her friend and
focusing on the dirt floor of the hut.
Cyane closed her eyes and silently prayed to her Goddess.
Joxer stood up, staring at Artemis serenely. "Okay, if that's what I have to do,
I'll do it. How do I find Wild Wing?"
"I can help you this much, Joxer. I will take you to Wild Wing, but you must
tame her yourself," Artemis told him firmly, then raised her hands above her
head and he disappeared in a flash of green light.
A few seconds later, Joxer found himself standing next to a clean, crystal pond
once his eyes re-adjusted after blinking several times. At the edge of the pond
stood one of the most beautiful horses he had ever set eyes upon, a horse that
rivaled Argo in her proud grace. She was tall, her legs long and delicate, and
her mane and tail were like spun silver. Her coat gleamed as brightly as the
full moon on a cold February evening. Starlight glittered across the silky
perfection that was her wings, which she had neatly folded along her smooth
back. He watched her wordlessly for a few long moments, stunned and awed by the
creature's presence.
Suddenly, without thinking, he pulled a large, lovely apple from his coat
pocket. He'd been saving it for Argo, knowing that Xena's equine companion would
love such a delectable treat. He was sure that Wild Wing would appreciate the
offering as well, so he held out his arms, cradling the apple with both hands,
and approached the wild winged horse slowly and reverently.
"Uh, nice Wild Wing. I'm not going to hurt you. Here, pretty Wild Wing. Here's a
nice apple for you!" he crooned softly, reassuringly.
Wild Wing raised her head at the first sound of Joxer's voice and shook herself.
She glared at him warily, glanced down at the proffered apple, and back again.
Then she spoke, "What's the catch?"
Joxer fell back, his eyes widening and jaw dropping momentarily in surprise. Her
voice rang clear and melodious, causing shivers of pleasure to run down his
spine. She had spoken to him!
Wild Wing continued to contemplate him calmly, her eyes a clear midnight blue
flecked with stardust. "Well, human? What's the catch?" She laughed suddenly,
silvery bitter raindrops. "Let me guess, then. You give me the apple. I take it
from you foolishly believing it's a gift. Then: BANG! You're on my back, I buck
like mad, you slip a golden bridle over my head,and I'm yours for all eternity."
She stamped a delicate hoof, tossing her head with an angry snort. "No! Not this
time! I'm tired of you Amazons going around, capturing innocent winged horses
and bending them to your will. Take your rotten apple and go!"
Joxer swallowed, and at last found his voice. "Yes, I do need your help, Wild
Wing," he told her honestly. He approached and placed the apple at her feet,
then backed away respectfully. "I'd never force you to, though. You can have the
apple and I'll find another way to rescue my friends."
Joxer then turned on his heel and walked away, his shoulders slumped dejectedly.
She watched him go, and found herself feeling sorry for the strangely attired,
lanky human male. "Wait!" she called.
He stopped and turned towards Wild Wing, his expression cloudy and uncertain.
She made a small, coughing sound before speaking again. "You mean, you don't
want to ride me for fun? You won't force me to wear the golden bridle to control
me? You won't make me do loop-de-loops and swan dives?"
At this, Joxer smiled widely. "No, none of that! I just need you to help me get
to my friends in time. You can be your own boss."
Wild Wing considered his words carefully. "Where are your friends?" she asked.
"They were taken by Griffins in two different directions. One of them took
Gabrielle to the east, towards the mountains, and the other took Arose to the
west mountain range," Joxer told her.
Wild Wing nodded once and unfolded her wings abruptly. She leaped into the air
and glided towards him, barely skidding to a stop at his feet. She touched her
nose to his. "I will help you. Climb onto my back."
Joxer tried his best to climb onto Wild Wing, but mounting a winged horse proved
to be difficult at best. At last he was settled somewhat comfortably between
Wild Wing's downy white wings when Artemis appeared before them. She was
carrying a great silver sword in her hands, the hilt encrusted with fine jewels.
"Take this sword, Joxer," she commanded, holding it out to him. "You will need
it."
Joxer hesitated for a moment, then gripped the sword firmly in one hand and
lifted it. He studied it, wondering why he suddenly needed a weapon. "Why?" he
finally asked the Goddess, puzzled.
"The Harpies have your friends, and you will need to kill them to retrieve
Gabrielle and Arose," the Goddess replied.
"What?" he exclaimed, shaking his head violently. "I don't want it, then. I've
already killed once and I swore I'd never kill again."
Artemis shook her head. "If you don't finish this task, your friends will die."
Joxer took a huge breath and held it, staring down at the coldly beautiful sword
he held in his hands. At last, he closed his eyes and nodded, exhaling harshly
when he re-opened them.
Artemis smiled mysteriously. "Now, go rescue Arose first. You will need her help
to save your beloved Gabrielle."
Joxer held onto both the sword and Wild Wing for dear life as the creature
suddenly leaped into the air, climbing at an alarming rate of speed. He managed
to wave down to the Goddess in farewell. Wild Wing's wings rose and fell around
him swiftly, catching the wind and pulling them ever higher. At last, Joxer
could see the peak of the west mountain range before him.
He reached out to give Wild Wing a reassuring pat, when suddenly a piercing
shriek rang out, and something struck Joxer full in the chest. There was a long,
sickening feeling of weightlessness and then he began to tumble down towards the
earth.
"JOXER!" screamed Rhea as the Amazons watched Joxer hurtling towards the ground,
and certain death. She covered her face with her hands, terrified to watch the
Mighty One's demise.
"It's all right! Rhea, look!" Xena exclaimed, pointing at the image the group
had been watching.
Rhea uncovered her face in time to see that Wild Wing was diving
swiftly,catching up with Joxer and matching his downward descent. Then she moved
below him, opened her wings and caught Joxer gently, breaking his fall.
The harpy flew at Joxer and Wild Wing again, crying out her defiance. Joxer
swallowed and instinctively struck out with Artemis' sword, coming into contact
with something solid. Hot liquid burst over him suddenly, and when he could see
clearly again, he saw that he had severed the harpy's head from her body. He
watched the creature's broken, dead body hurtle towards the ground and hit with
a sickening smack. He tore his eyes away from the carcass, ignored the blood
that covered him, and called out to Wild Wing."Let's hurry!"
Wild Wing neighed in reply and angled herself down towards the mountaintop below
them. As they came nearer to the mountain, other harpies began to attack them
from all sides, but Wild Wing was able to deflect all blows with a few
well-targeted kicks. They flew down into the large mouth of a cave set in the
wall of the mountaintop, a harpy diving out at them viciously. Wild Wing swung
around and with another kick, forced the other creature to retreat back into the
dark cave.
"That's where they're keeping Arose, Wild Wing! Let's go!" Joxer said.
Deeper into the cave they flew until it opened up into a large cavern with
enough room for Wild Wing to easily fly without fear that she would damage her
wings. As she swooped around the cavern, Joxer struck out with his sword and
attacked the foul creatures, defeating them one by one with the help of Artemis'
weapon.
Wild Wing veered and flew deeper into the cavern until it opened up into a
bigger, dark, foul-smelling place. He realized that this must be a throne room,
for there in the center of the large cavern sat the biggest and ugliest harpy
that Joxer had ever seen.
"Come to meeee, Joxer the Mighty!" the harpy hissed triumphantly as she rose
from her seat. "Now you and your friend shall both die!"
Joxer held on tightly as Wild Wing let out a defiant cry and swooped down
towards the harpy. The harpy opened up her wings as if in welcome and shrieked
as the winged horse circled ever closer.
That gave Arose the distraction she needed. With all of her strength, she struck
out at the harpy and knocked it out of the way. Then she took a flying leap
towards Wild Wing, grabbing onto the horse desperately. Joxer abruptly slid off
Wild Wing's back and landed hard onto the floor of the cavern where the harpy
waited for him. She leaped towards him with a gleeful cry, her claws extended
and ready to rip off his face.
"Cyane! Send me to the Underworld now! Joxer needs my help!" demanded Xena,
overcome with concern for her friends.
Cyane nodded slowly, agreeing. She turned to retrieve more of the potion so Xena
could join Joxer in the Underworld, but Artemis appeared between the two women,
her expression alarmed.
"Xena! You mustn't interfere. Joxer must do this alone," The Goddess told the
Warrior Princess firmly.
Xena flew at the Goddess with a snarl. "I'm going to help him, Artemis. Don't
you try stopping me!"
Artemis' eyebrow rose as she held up a cautionary hand and clenched it into a
fist, using her powers to temporarily freeze the Warrior Princess in place.
"Think about what you are doing. If you interfere now and save your friend, you
will be taking away all that he has fought for in the Underworld, all the
confidence he has gained in himself," the Goddess warned.
"But if I don't help him, they'll all die!" Xena struggled to move for a few
moments, then gave up.
"Xena," the Goddess said quietly. "You have trusted your friend this far. Please
trust him now." She released her hold on Xena and disappeared in a flash of
light.
With a low growl, Xena turned back to Joxer's body to watch him do battle, her
hands balled into fists.
Joxer grabbed the harpy and used her momentum to toss her over his shoulder. He
sprang up onto his feet with more grace than he had ever managed to muster in
life.
The harpy charged him, joined by her other harpy sisters, but he grabbed
Artemis' sword from where it had fallen on the ground when Arose knocked him
from Wild Wing and charged into the fray fearlessly. One, then two, and finally,
the Harpy Queen fell underneath his silver blade, drenched in blood.
When the last harpy had fallen, Wild Wing landed a few feet away, her flanks
twitching with nervous energy. Joxer's knees gave out and he crumpled to the
ground with a loud thud, surrounded by the carnage he'd wrought. He dropped the
sword and doubled over, retching violently. He hated this, hated himself for
having to take life, no matter what the consequences. The tears flowed down his
cheeks steadily, and he sobbed brokenly while Arose and Wild Wing watched in
worried silence.
As his tears fell to the ground to mingle with the blood of the harpies, a
strange golden light filled the cavern and glowed all around them. It was so
bright that he was momentarily blinded, but soon his vision cleared and he could
see that standing in the place of all the dead harpies were beautiful Amazon
warriors.
One Amazon stepped forward, moving away from the pile of feathers and flesh and
approached him. "Oh, brave warrior. Thank you for freeing us from the curse.
We've been caught in this evil spell for thousands of years, and you have saved
us."
Joxer was dumbfounded. "Huh?" he spluttered out at last, wiping his cheeks with
the back of his hand.
"You have saved us from our cursed harpy forms and we will be forever grateful
and indebted to you. Many others have failed to save us, yet you did not," the
beautiful, glowing Amazon told him softly.
Joxer was surprised, but soon recovered. "Um, look. I'm sure that Xena's
defeated you before. I'm not the first person to come along and kill you guys."
The Amazon smiled at his words. "Yes, Joxer, she has, and so have many others.
But you have set us free."
"What do you mean? What did I do?" he asked her, bewildered, yet strangely
elated by her words.
"You killed us and then you mourned us. No one has cared for us before, Joxer.
Your tears have set us free."
Joxer nodded, at last understanding. "W-was this the eighth test?"
"Yes, it was," the Amazon confirmed with a gentle smile. She helped him climb to
his feet, then took his hand and placed something in it. When he opened his fist
and looked down, he saw that the eighth medal gleamed there in his palm. He
reached up and slid it over his head to rest with the others.
"What about Gabrielle?" he asked the Amazon.
"She is outside at the mouth of the cave," she replied.
Joxer thanked the formerly cursed Amazons and led Wild Wing and Arose slowly
through the caverns. When they reached Gabrielle, Arose leaped off Wild Wing and
threw her arms around Joxer.
"Oh, Joxer! I'm so sorry that I knocked you off the horse!" she wailed.
Joxer gave her a friendly squeeze and laughed. "Don't worry about it. I've
fallen off horses before. I'm sure it won't be the last time either!" He
gathered Gabrielle to him and the three shared a warm hug. "Well," he said at
last. "That was the eighth test. Let's head for the ninth one."
Arose looked over to Wild Wing with wide eyes. "Do you think she can carry all
three of us down the mountainside?"
Joxer grinned, his eyes sparkling with suppressed mischief. "Well, why don't you
ask her?"
"Okay!" Arose squealed happily.
"Oh, and Arose?"
"Yes, Joxer?"
"Ask her to take us down. Don't demand that she do it."
Arose gave Joxer an irritated, impatient look, but was all smiles when she at
last turned to Wild Wing. "Ma'am, can you take all three of us back down the
mountain?"
Wild Wing gazed at the young Amazon serenely. "What's the magic word?"
Arose turned to Joxer in a panic, her eyes round as saucers. "Quick, Joxer, I
need the magic word!"
Joxer smothered a laugh with his hand. "It's a very simple magic word, Arose."
Arose's brows came down fast in a scowl. She stomped her foot in annoyance.
"Joxer, I don't have any earthly idea what the magic word could be. Just tell
me!" Joxer walked over to Wild Wing and bowed deeply before her. "Wild Wing,
daughter of mighty Pegasus. Will you please take my friends and me off this
mountain? Please?"
Wild Wing nodded her head once and touched her nose to his. Joxer grinned and
turned to Arose. "See, Arose? Please is the magic word." He retrieved Gabrielle
and gently placed her upon Wild Wing's back, then climbed up behind her before
offering a hand to Arose.
Arose took Joxer's hand, muttering to herself darkly, "Please was the magic
word? Just what kind of magic word is please anyway?"
Joxer only laughed and pulled Arose onto Wild Wing, securing his young Amazon
friend behind him. Wild Wing unfolded her grand wings and reared up into the sky
with a loud whinny, soaring for a few minutes before looping in huge spirals
back towards the ground.
Xena and the Amazons let out a mighty cheer. "He did it!" Rhea yelled joyously.
"Yes, he did!" Xena agreed with a wide smile.
Cyane was the only Amazon who was silent. Her body was wracked with
uncontrollable trembling. Rhea looked at her regent and exclaimed, "Cyane,are
you okay?"
Cyane tore her eyes away from the scene before them of the freed Amazons waving
goodbye to Joxer and his friends from the mouth of the cave while Wild Wing took
them safely to the ground. She met her sister's gaze, tears in her own eyes.
"Yes, my sister," she replied at last. "I'm fine. These are tears of joy. I'm
crying because Joxer the Mighty has at last set our sisters' tortured souls
free!"
Wild Wing landed them safely on the ground. Joxer dismounted first helping
Gabrielle then Arose off the winged steed. He then turned to Wild Wing. "Thank
you, Wild Wing, for helping me save Gabrielle and Arose."
The winged horse gracefully bowed her head. "You are most welcome, Mighty One.
If you ever need my help again, don't hesitate to ask."
Joxer nodded. With Gabrielle and Arose by his side, they began walking, Joxer
leading Gabrielle. Feeling pretty happy, Joxer began whistling his song as he
walked. Arose smiled at him.
"Nice tune. Does it have any words?"
"Yep. I change a verse for everything I do. I have a new one this time."
"Oh, let's hear it!"
Joxer shook his head. Arose tried again. "Oh please, Joxer! I want to hear it."
Joxer sighed. "I'm sorry, Arose. I just can't sing. Not until Gabrielle hears
the song I wrote for her."
Arose nodded. "Well, sure. I can understand that. Come on, I think the next test
is just up ahead."
Arose walked several paces in front of them. She was still trying hard not to
love him, but it was so hard. He was kind to her and never laughed at her or
told her she couldn't do anything. But most of all, he trusted her to look after
Gabrielle when he was trying to pass each test.
Soon she stopped in front of a bridge and saw a scroll tacked on the wooden
railing. She saw that it was labeled "For Joxer's eyes only."
Well, she thought, at least they're ready for him this time. Joxer, over here!
The next test is over here!"
Joxer and Gabrielle caught up with her. "What is it, Arose?"
"The next test is here." She pointed to the scroll on the bridge. "That's for
you."
Joxer unrolled the scroll and read it. Cross this bridge to the other side and
you will pass the ninth test. Fail and you will die.
Joxer looked across the bridge, puzzled. The bridge was not that long and looked
simple to cross. It was just a small stone footbridge that you could see the
other side to and it looked well built. So what was the big deal? He turned to
Arose and said, "I have to cross this bridge."
Arose stared at him. "Is that all? That's all you have to do?"
Joxer nodded. "That's it."
Arose folded her arms over her chest and sniffed in derision. "Well, that
doesn't sound like much of a test to me! I mean, where's the excitement in
that?"
Joxer smiled. "I don't know, but I'm glad it's simple. It gives me time to be
ready for the final test."
Arose nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I guess you're right about that. Okay, I'll
take Queen Gabrielle across and wait for you."
Joxer sighed as he watched Arose take Gabrielle's hand and walk across the
bridge.
Cyane looked at Xena. "He's going to be in for a big surprise. Crossing that
bridge is only possible for Amazons."
Xena nodded. "Yes, unless Joxer can pull this off."
"He better pull it off because if he doesn't, you'll never see Queen Gabrielle
or Joxer again."
"I don't know how he will, but I know Joxer will pass this test," Xena said with
a note of determination in her voice.
"You know Xena," replied Cyane as she gazed down at Joxer's still form, "I think
he will too."
Once Joxer saw that Gabrielle and Arose were safely across, he too walked across
the bridge. Soon, he thought, I'll be on the other side and then only one more
test to go. Joxer reached the other side and he stepped down off the bridge. He
looked up knowing he would see Arose and Gabrielle and that Arose would run over
to him. But to his surprise, she didn't. As a matter of fact, Gabrielle and
Arose weren't even there. They were gone. Joxer suddenly began to panic. Where
did they go?! He looked up and down the area but did not see them. They were
gone. "Oh no, not again! Arose! Arose! Where are you?!"
"We're still over here waiting for you. Are you going to cross or not?"
Joxer stared in disbelief as he saw Arose with Gabrielle on the other side of
the bridge. "Why did you cross back over?" he asked her.
"We didn't. You haven't crossed over yet. What are you waiting for?" asked a
very confused Arose.
Joxer stared at her, wondering what kind of game she was playing. "Arose, stop
doing this! I'm sorry this is almost the last test, but I have to pass it!"
Arose stared at Joxer, having no idea what he was talking about. "Stop what?"
"You know what! You want me to fail this test so I will remain with you and it's
unfair!"
Arose's face suddenly turned red and her eyes narrowed in anger. "Are you saying
I did something?" she hissed.
"Yes! You crossed back over so I would think I didn't cross the bridge," Joxer
accused.
"I didn't do that, Joxer. You haven't crossed the bridge."
Joxer ran his hand over his face. "Arose, I may be clumsy and sometimes I don't
always think before I act, but I do know when I've done something, and I crossed
this bridge."
Arose felt tears sting her eyes but she would not let them fall. "Okay. Fine!
Have it your way. You crossed the bridge and I ran back across with Queen
Gabrielle."
"Thank you for admitting that. Now will you stay put so I can cross?"
Arose wanted to scream no, but she knew she could not leave Gabrielle. "Okay,
I'll stay."
Joxer smiled at her and came across again. Arose watched as Joxer came across.
Suddenly Joxer vanished then reappeared back on the same side again. Joxer
looked at her sternly. "Arose, you promised."
"I didn't do anything, Joxer! You vanished in the middle of the bridge and
reappeared on the same side. Look around you."
Joxer looked around and saw that Arose was right. He had not crossed the bridge
at all. Suddenly, he felt very low. He had accused her of tricking him just so
he would fail the test. "Oh Arose, I'm so sorry."
Arose smiled. "That's okay, Joxer. I guess I can't really blame you for thinking
that. So you can't cross this bridge. What are you going to do?"
Joxer thought for a moment. "There has to be a way to cross this bridge."
"There is a way if you are willing to try," an unfamiliar voice broke in.
Joxer turned around to see an Amazon standing by a tree. "I'm willing to try
anything. I have to get across."
The Amazon came towards him and ran her long fingers through his hair. "Okay,
Joxer. All you have to do is get me a pineapple."
"Pineapple?"
"Yes, a pineapple. Then I will let you cross my bridge."
Joxer just stared at her. He had no idea what a pineapple was. He knew what an
apple was but not a pineapple. "Okay, I'll get you your pineapple. So where can
it be found and what does it look like?"
The Amazon circled around him trailing a long finger around his neck. "Now I
can't tell you that," she purred, reaching out to touch the tip of his nose.
"It's part of the test. You have to find the pineapple and bring it back to me."
Joxer felt very sad. This was so unfair: to come this far only to be stopped by
this.
The Amazon smiled predatorily. "You could just give up like all men do and spend
the rest of your life as my slave and never see Queen Gabrielle again. I could
use a new slave. The other ones are getting too old."
Joxer looked at her with a rare angry expression on his face. "No! I won't give
up! I've passed every one of those tests and I'll pass this one too! I'll find
that pineapple and bring it back to you."
The Amazon smiled again. "So be it. Go and find the pineapple. You have only
till sunset and I want the pineapple served to me in a salad."
Joxer nodded and turned back to Arose. "I'll be back, Arose. Please look after
Gabrielle."
Arose nodded. "I will, Joxer. Please be careful."
Joxer nodded and then turned and whistled. Wild Wing was grazing when she heard
Joxer whistling for her. She spread her wings, flew to him and landed.
"What can I do for you, Mighty One?"
Joxer placed his hand on her shoulder. "Wild Wing, may I please ride you again?
I need to find a pineapple so I can cross this bridge."
Wild Wing had no idea what a pineapple was but she wanted to help Joxer. "I will
take you across the bridge. Get on my back."
As much as Joxer wanted Wild Wing to do this, deep down he knew it was wrong.
"No, Wild Wing. I just need you to let me ride you so I can search for it."
Wild Wing nodded and stood still. "You may ride me, Mighty One."
"Uh... Just call me Joxer. Okay?"
Wild Wing nodded, shaking her mane. "Very well. Joxer, you may ride me."
Joxer smiled and climbed on Wild Wing's back. This time, he had no trouble at
all. Wild Wing lifted off the ground and flew up into the air. "So, where are we
headed?"
"I have no idea. Someplace where I can find a pineapple, whatever that is."
Xena grabbed Cyane. "What in the name of Tartarus is a pineapple?" she hissed.
Cyane shook her head, wide-eyed. "I don't know! I've never heard of a
pineapple."
Xena pushed her away, disgusted. "Cyane, that test isn't fair! She won't even
tell him what it is."
Cyane looked at Xena steadily. "Joxer has to find it. That's part of the test
and it's fair."
Xena shook her head. "I crossed that bridge and I didn't have to bring her a
pineapple."
"I know. It's because you're not a man. She makes it hard for them so she can
have a slave."
"Well, Joxer's not going to be her slave. He'll find that pineapple... whatever
it is."
Joxer thought to himself, What's a pineapple? Is it an apple surrounded by pine
or an apple pining away for its' love?
"Joxer?"
"Yeah, Wild Wing?"
"I can take you to someone who will know what a pineapple is."
"Wild Wing, I can't ask for help."
"Why not? I don't see anything wrong with asking for help."
"Because she said she couldn't tell me."
"She said she couldn't, but did she say nobody else could?"
Joxer thought for a moment. "No, she didn't. Okay, Wild Wing. Let's go see this
person."
Wild Wing rose up higher into the sky. "I never said it was a person."
Joxer pondered this as Wild Wing flew up through the clouds. Soon, Joxer saw a
mountain peak and watched as Wild Wing flew towards the side of it. Joxer held
on tight. "Wild Wing! What are you doing?"
The winged horse didn't answer him. She just flew towards the mountain.
Suddenly, a hole in the mountain opened and Wild Wing flew inside and landed on
the ground. "I can't go into the main room Joxer, but I will wait for you here,"
she said as he got off her back.
Joxer looked at her. "Where's the main room and who am I looking for?"
"The main room is down that tunnel and he's in there working."
Joxer nodded and walked down the tunnel. He came to the main room's entrance and
went inside where he saw a huge stone chair with a Cyclops sitting on it.
"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" the Cyclops boomed.
Joxer swallowed hard. He wanted to run, but he didn't. "I want to ask you
something."
"WHAT?"
"I want to know what a pineapple is," Joxer said, his voice shaking.
"A WHAT?"
"A pineapple. What is a pineapple?"
"A TROPICAL FRUIT."
"What does it look like?"
The Cyclops waved his hand and a scroll appeared. He unrolled it and showed
Joxer a drawing of a pineapple. Joxer stared at the picture of the fruit. He had
never seen anything like it before. "Where can I find one?"
The Cyclops waved his hand once more and Joxer found himself in a village. He
was somehow back in the land of the living. "Hello! Can someone help me here?"
No one paid any attention to Joxer. They just walked past him. "Hey! Quit
ignoring me! I asked for help!"
Joxer stepped in front of a man to stop him, but the man walked right through
him. Joxer stared in astonishment. He was in the land of the living, but he was
not alive. He realized he didn't even know this village and the people were
dressed differently. Suddenly, he spotted what he was searching for - at least
it looked like a pineapple. Joxer picked the pineapple up.
"Oh my Heavens! Where did you come from?"
Joxer smiled warmly at the startled woman. "I was here all the time admiring
your fruit. This is a very nice pineapple."
The woman returned the smile. "Why thank you, young man. Would you like to buy
it?"
"Yes, I would..." Joxer stopped and sighed. "...but I have no money."
The woman looked at Joxer. "I'm sorry, but I have to make a living."
Joxer looked at her. "Please, I need this pineapple. I will do anything to get
it. I need it to save my love," he whispered.
The woman gazed in Joxer's eyes for a long time before she spoke. "Take the
pineapple. I know what it is to be in love."
Joxer took the pineapple from her. "Oh, thank you! I promise I'll come back and
pay for it."
"No, you don't have to. Do you know how to prepare it?"
Joxer shook his head. She smiled and showed him how. Soon, the pineapple was
ready to be put in a salad. Joxer smiled and thanked the woman for her help. She
smiled, waved her hand and Joxer suddenly found himself standing next to Wild
Wing.
"I did it! I got the pineapple and I made a salad with it." He mounted her.
"Let's get back."
Wild Wing whinnied and flew up into the sky. A short time later, they came to
the bridge where the Amazon was waiting. Joxer got down and walked over to her.
"Here's pineapple prepared in a salad like you wanted. Now, may I cross the
bridge?"
The Amazon looked at Joxer. "No. You didn't find it on your own. You fail the
test."
Suddenly, there was loud thunder and lightning flashed across the sky. The
goddess Artemis appeared before them. "Joxer did ask for help on this test. But
any other man would have been too proud to ask for help. He had no idea what he
was looking for, and you never said he could not ask for help, only that he
could not ask you. So, Joxer has done what you asked. Now let him cross this
bridge... or else," the goddess commanded.
The Amazon bowed down before Artemis. "Yes, my Goddess." She turned to Joxer.
"You may cross the bridge."
Joxer didn't wait for her to change her mind. He raced across the bridge where
Arose and Gabrielle were waiting. Arose ran up to him giving him a hug, then
another hug and finally a full kiss on his lips. Joxer pulled back, startled.
She giggled. "The first hug was from me. The second hug and kiss was from Queen
Gabrielle."
Joxer smiled then noticed a medal hanging on the post of the bridge. He picked
it up and placed it around his neck. Suddenly, a doorway opened up and there
stood Marina.
Arose bowed down before Marina. "My queen."
"Arise, my sister. Arose, you have done a great job helping Joxer."
"But I've done very little, my queen."
Marina smiled at Arose. "You did plenty, my sister." She turned to Joxer.
"Joxer, you have reached the last test. All you have to do is walk either
Gabrielle or Arose through that door back to the land of the living. Who do you
choose?"
Joxer looked at Gabrielle's body. When he first came, he had every intention of
taking Gabrielle out. But he also knew deep down inside Arose never really had a
chance to live. Yes, Xena would hate him, but he knew this was right. It felt
right. He turned to Gabrielle with tears in his eyes that he did not allow to
fall. "Gabrielle, I know you can't hear me. I love you and always will, but I
must do this. Please forgive me," he whispered, bowing his head before he turned
to Marina. "I choose Arose."
The Warrior Princess whipped around to face Joxer's still form when she heard
his words. "Why you ungrateful little worm! How could you choose her over
Gabrielle?" Enraged, Xena ran over to Joxer's body and lifted her sword over her
head. "I trusted you! DIE, YOU SON OF A BACCHAE!" Xena plunged the sword
straight down at Joxer's heart.
Cyane screamed, "XENA! NO!"
TBC