One adventure that actually worked better because of Ares' interference. There weren't too many times when we could thank the God of War for interfering.
Would Xena have helped Ares had he not owed her something? I know my soulmate. We both would have, if only to maintain the balance in the known world.
It wouldn't be the last adventure when we realized war and love went hand in hand. Those are for later discussions. Ones I look more forward to, if only because Xena was still cursed being in Callisto's body.
It wasn't only a short time I woke up each day to Callisto's face. It was unsettling each and every time. Yet, I knew in my heart this was still my soulmate.
The other thing that stands out during this adventure was the absolute hatred I felt. I knew I was capable of hatred. After Callisto had killed Perdicus, I felt an anger I never thought I could feel, which led to hate.
Even before that, I felt anger at the world. Someone had killed Xena and had left me alone. It was unfair. We had just come to an understanding that we meant more to one another and my soulmate had been ripped away from me.
The poor tree. My poor staff. The sensation of being so angry had been unsettling. For a moment, I had understood what Xena had felt when she had sought revenge for her brother's death. When M'Lilla had been killed attempting to save her. Anger so easily morphs into hate.
During this adventure, it was nearly Joxer who had become my tree. He had been his normally annoying self. I had nearly lost control. I still wonder how I had controlled myself from killing him.
It was a learning curve for me. One I'm certain Xena would have wanted me to learn, just not in the manner I had. After all, I learned so much just by watching my soulmate.
Being stuck inside of Callisto's body was the greatest lesson I could ever learn. Seeing the face of your greatest enemy reflected in the mirror or water and finding peace is the greatest achievement any of us can make.
I'm proud of Xena. And I'm proud of myself. I hope that I continue to learn the lessons of tolerance and acceptance, even those that would do us extreme harm.
Here's a lesson of learning to deal with a blinding rage not many people can even fathom. And learning to face our inner and outer demons.
TEN LITTLE WARLORDS
Waking up to the face of the being you hated the most was unnerving. Especially for a bard who was not known as a morning person. It took Gabrielle's mind a moment to realize it was Xena she was looking at. To boost her decaying mood, Gabrielle attempted to joke about dying her soulmate's hair.
It placed Gabrielle's mood into the negative. It didn't help that Joxer arrived unannounced. The bard could feel her anger building by the millisecond. Especially when Joxer asked if she was gaining the hang of which name to call her soulmate.
It grew worse with the announcement that Joxer had a message for Callisto. Someone obviously hadn't heard that there had been a switchoroo and Callisto was suffering in Tartarus.
The message was from Ares? The God of War knew Callisto and Xena had switched bodies. There was no way it was Ares who had sent the message.
Gabrielle appreciated how Xena once again made Joxer feel useful, yet kept him at a safe distance. The bard wasn't certain she could handle a prolonged amount of exposure to the bumbling warrior.
They were on the outskirts of the seaside village and already they had seen five warlords. The fact they were acting as old friends and not mortal enemies was more than concerning.
Gabrielle could feel this burning inside herself. In fact, she wanted to use whatever means there was to discover why Ares, or whoever, had sent out the invitation.
Normally, Gabrielle would argue with Xena, but under the circumstances, Callisto with the warrior princess' side kick was not a good thing.
Besides, food would be something Gabrielle could hopefully enjoy. Especially when it was fishcakes that were offered. It had been forever since the bard had had any.
Just like that, there was a conflict over who's fishcakes Gabrielle was to purchase. Nearly everyone in the vicinity was fighting over something.
It took Xena grabbing Gabrielle by the ear for the bard to keep from joining in. It was with regret as Gabrielle was itching to have a little fun with her little staff.
Gabrielle could barely hear what Xena was saying. All she knew was everything was annoying her. It was as if the known world was filled with Joxers. It was enough to make the most patient person angry beyond words.
And when the barkeep wouldn't set her up with a drink, Gabrielle nearly took his head off. It felt natural. It was as if this was always how she was supposed to feel.
Ares. If Gabrielle was in her right mind, she might realize how fitting it was The God of War appeared as a slob and was drunk off his throne. Instead, the bard wanted to slap the god silly.
Pain. Gabrielle could definitely dish out more pain if that was what Ares truly wanted. There was no sympathy in hearing someone had stolen Ares sword, and therefore his powers. In fact, the bard couldn't care less about him.
Space? Gabrielle didn't want to give Xena and Ares space. Yet, it meant she could finally obtain a much needed drink. If only the bartender hadn't watered it down.
In fact, Gabrielle nearly beat the Tartarus out of the bartender. Once again, it took Xena nearly dragging the bard away from a fight.
The words came out in rapid succession. It was as if Gabrielle couldn't stop speaking. The truth of the words was true. Ares couldn't be trusted. There were other gods who might be able to help, not that they would help a mortal.
Sleep? Who could possibly sleep while feeling so alive. Gabrielle finally knew exactly what it was like to be Xena. Or at least as close to it as she was likely to ever.
Losing control was easy. Gabrielle paused when Xena said there was no turning back. Yet, the anger raged on. It was something she could not control.
Poem? Who wanted to recite a poem? She would recite it every second of every day the way that she was feeling. Gabrielle could not contain this growing cancerous rage inside.
Just like that, Xena was once again making a decision for Gabrielle. Unlike other times, there had been discussion on a basic level. Instead, the bard was being left behind while her soulmate went off with Ares.
And just like times in the past, Gabrielle would be damned if she would remain behind. If the bard could find a way to help, she would. And she would kick the living tar out of anyone and everyone during the process. Especially the annoying man she had helping her journey to the island where all the warlords were meeting.
The small ship Gabrielle managed to find fell apart just as she made it to shore. She would take out her anger on Ares. And Joxer if he didn't stop sneaking up on her.
The growling sound was unlike anything Gabrielle had ever heard. To the weaker, less brave, they would go running like Joxer wanted to do. The bard ran toward the sound.
Joxer was clueless on how to find a way into the castle. The drain pipe was the perfect way. It led to the cavern. Where Joxer continued to annoy the bard even more.
It felt wonderful when Gabrielle finally expressed how she had been fantasizing about ripping Joxer's heart out. If he continued to annoy her, she would do just that.
What was Joxer talking about? Bloodlust? Anger? There was no way he had to fight it each and every day. Now Gabrielle on the other hand, it had been there since the first time Xena had thought to have perished. It was now magnified by a million.
Finally, they discovered the angry monster. Gabrielle was nearly mad with anger. She had to be the one to stop the evil thing from making more noise. It would help her find her peace. Hopefully.
Nope, it was even more angering discovering that it was nothing more than an illusion. Someone wanted to scare others. Gabrielle was now out for blood.
Finally, Gabrielle and Joxer found Xena and Ares. The story unfolded. It was Sisyphus who owed something to another god and wanted to use Ares to get out of it. It was a brilliant plan, if not one that made everyone angry.
It was awesome watching Ares take possession of the sword. Something happened instantly to Gabrielle. Some of the anger was released. Yet, she could still feel its sting.
Especially when Ares disappeared without restoring Xena to her body. Gabrielle was angry and wanted to kill The God of War.
Walking down the beach, it gave Gabrielle some time to think. It gave her time to release the anger she felt. Just being by her soulmate would do that. Though it didn't help being around Joxer. He was bringing the bard's irritation back once again.
Gabrielle would be there for Xena no matter her form. And the fact the warrior princess was proud how she had fought her inner demons and survived helped ease the churning inside even more. It wasn't always easy to do.
And just like that, Gabrielle's world was righted. It started with the sound of Xena's voice. Then it was looking into those baby blue eyes and seeing that radiant smile.
Now Gabrielle couldn't wait until they were alone. She definitely couldn't wait until they were off the ship. Hopefully it would be a night where Joxer was long gone. They could simply hold one another's hands and stare up at the stars.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
It was time to get the day started. Xena hated waking Gabrielle as long as she remained in Callisto's body. It would be a shock each and every time for her soulmate.
The joke of dying her hair was not lost on Xena. She knew it was difficult for Gabrielle and using humor was one way to help her through it.
Xena cursed as her soul was still adjusting to being in a foreign body. She still managed to sense Joxer's presence just before he made himself known.
Seeing Gabrielle's reaction caused an eyebrow to raise. Her bard was not exactly reacting how she normally would. Xena would have to keep an eye on her.
A message for Callisto? Why would Xena want a message for her foe? The fact it was Ares who had sent the message caused the warrior princess to be on full alert. After all, The God of War knew she was in Callisto's body.
Once again, Xena had to attempt to keep Joxer safe. There was the possibility that he would follow. For now, he could guard the village.
It left Xena and Gabrielle to travel side by side. As they did, the warrior princess sensed something within her soulmate. A rage was beginning to burn, nearly out of control.
It especially came out when Gabrielle wanted to introduce herself to the two warlords who had causally greeted one another. It added to the oddity Xena was sensing. Two former enemies actually shaking hands.
It would be easier for Xena to follow the warlords and attempt to discover who was bringing these men together. Hopefully Gabrielle would have calmed down by then. It was as if her soulmate had slept on a rock or something.
As Xena made her way into the village, there was a great deal of activity. It could be merely being a port town. Or it could be because of the convergence of so many warlords. There was this energy she couldn't quite place her chakram on.
When Xena heard the commotion, she was certain it would be one of the other warlords who had been invited, along with Callisto. Much to her chagrin, it was her bard who was causing part of the commotion.
Gabrielle was looking for a fight. Even if she wasn't the one who had started the commotion, she was definitely the one who wanted to end it. It was time to get the bard away from the negative activity.
It was clear Gabrielle couldn't see what was happening. Warlords were on their best behavior, whereas someone like the bard were acting as if they wanted to kill someone. It was not a pleasant situation Xena discovered herself in.
That's when Ares made his presence known. It wasn't in the usual flash. It was as a drunk mortal. What had happened to The God of War for his condition to be so deteriorated.
The belch caused Xena to back off slightly from Ares. Once again, Gabrielle was reacting with anger and wanting to strike out. It was beginning to add up, but not in a pleasant way.
Ares being in pain was actually pleasant. Having him use the alcohol on the cut was even more pleasurable. It also was another clue that he truly was mortal. But how?
Sword stolen. That would do it. Xena couldn't think who would have taken Ares sword. Too many warlords would want his power. The way Gabrielle was going on once again had the warrior princess wondering exactly what was happening to her soulmate.
The fact Ares liked how Gabrielle was behaving was giving Xena less incentive to help The God of War. As was the fact he supposedly hadn't gotten around to switching Callisto and Xena back before his sword was stolen.
Xena didn't want to help, other than giving Ares his invitation. But he was refusing. The way Gabrielle was acting, perhaps the warrior princess should see for herself what exactly was transpiring.
It would be for Gabrielle, not so Xena could gain her true body. It was her deeds that made her who she was, not her body. Still, the way the world was, it was necessary to help Ares.
The fact Xena had long ago learned to control her anger was the only reason she wasn't affected. Gabrielle had known anger and hate, but she had never had to learn how to control it.
Ares was right. Xena hated him. But he was also right that being a god was a sacred trust that most on Mount Olympus took for granted.
For now, Xena would distance herself from the village. She would attempt to calm Gabrielle. Watching her bard caused the warrior princess to ache.
It wasn't unlike all those years Xena had been a warlord. It had happened after her home village was raided and her brother was cut down.
Xena had not had time to think. She reacted. She used her anger and hate. It was a great motivator. And it caused her natural energy to be increased by tenfold.
There was one way Xena hoped Gabrielle would be able to control her anger. If she recited the poem she loved whenever she felt the burning inside, perhaps it would help. The fact the bard began reciting immediately was not what the warrior princess had hoped would happen.
The kind of anger Gabrielle admitted to was not something useful. Xena needed her bard to remain behind. Perhaps she could learn to calm her anger. Either way, the warrior princess needed to discover what was happening and she needed Ares to help her.
It didn't take much to steal one of the invitations from one of the other warlords. Ares and Xena found themselves at a dock being informed they needed to leave their weapons behind. The fact Xena was a walking weapon eased the situation a little.
Ares was larger than life when he needed to be reserved. However, Xena had to maintain Callisto's presence. It was easy to terrify the wannabe warlords.
Joxer arriving didn't surprise Xena. She could scare him and hopefully have him guard the dock. That way if Gabrielle attempted to follow them, he could slow her down.
The new God of War? That's what this was about? Someone was selling off the possibility of being a god? But who? And why?
More and more talk. Xena was growing weary of all the testosterone flying, including that coming from Ares. Though he had a point. A mortal thrust into a god role was not as ready as one born to the role.
Warlords attempting to be more than they were. It was what they were good at. Luckily, Callisto had her reputation. Xena could use it to keep them at bay.
That's when things started becoming interesting. Ares was learning the consequences of drinking too much. And possibly the rough sea beneath them.
Ares giving Xena little particulars on her potential foes was an interesting sensation. She only hoped this would be over soon so she could get back to Gabrielle. If they survived whatever made that horrific sound.
The pageantry could only be one person. It wasn't the first time Xena had dealt with Sisyphus. Hopefully it would be the last as he made his presence known and informed everyone Ares was in attendance.
Xena listened and watched Sisyphus carefully. She knew she had to be careful with her word choice as to not give herself away. The other warlords wanted the sword and the immortality that came with it. The warrior princess merely wanted to save the known world, especially Gabrielle.
A duel to the death. One where they were to face an unseen, but not unheard, monster. Something wasn't right with the entire scenario. Adding to that sensation was word the boat had long ago sailed leaving them stranded.
Drawing numbers wasn't ideal, especially since Xena had drawn number one. It meant she would be the target for who was below her. As happened immediately, causing Ares to be injured.
More pain for Ares to endure. They were in a room by themselves as Xena used her healer skills to help The God of War.
The weapons promised were nothing more than those one would use on mortals. There was no way they could kill a giant monster, if it even existed.
Ares speaking of the differences in her touch and Callisto's was disturbing. Even worse was the fact Xena now knew they'd done the nasty while switched. It meant she'd need to decontaminate her own body when she gained it back.
Xena couldn't believe Ares was saying he was learning from his experience. There was no way The God of War would ever become anything less than what he was. In fact, the warrior princess wasn't certain if he would maintain his promise.
Their conversation was interrupted by yet another warlord moving up in the order to face the monster. Soon, it would be Xena and Ares against one or two.
An escape route? One was always looking for one of those. But Xena knew Sisyphus. He would hide the sword in plain sight. If they were to discover its location, it would simplify things.
There was nothing Ares could entice the warrior princess to make her want to accept The God of War's offer to make her immortal. Even if Gabrielle were to join her, it wasn't her style.
Another warlord added to the pile before Xena and Ares began exploring the castle. They found themselves in quite the pickle as Sisyphus had laid traps for them.
Worse was the fact Sisyphus now new it was Xena and not Callisto he was dealing with. No matter. No matter the body, the warrior princess would find a way.
How did mortals make it through the day? It was part of what made life so interesting. The fact one could be harmed or even lose the gift of life caused the truly intelligent ones to cherish the time they have.
They found themselves back in the hall with all the bodies. It was now down to four. As Xena pointed out, don't turn your back on your new partner.
The fight was on. As Ares said, if he only had his sword, this would all be over. Xena had figured out where it was. It was only a matter of making her way to it.
It was about killing Ares not about who was the next God of War. It was Hades idea, not Sisyphus'. Xena easily handed the sword back to its rightful owner. The light was blinding and the world began righting itself. Especially with the arrival of her soulmate.
Xena wasn't surprised when Ares disappeared without making good on his promise. In fact, she would have been shocked if he had maintained it. He wanted to maintain the power over her by keeping her body hostage.
It might be wrong, it was the way things were. Xena could sense the world was righting itself still. Even Gabrielle had residual anger at Joxer, understandably.
Gabrielle reconfirming that she would forever walk by Xena's side was comforting. It wouldn't be easy. But they'd made it this long. They could make it a lifetime or two.
That was when Xena felt funny. It was as if Gabrielle had drifted away from her. Then, she was seeing the world in her old eyes. It caused her to laugh and smile.
The best part was seeing and holding Gabrielle. Xena would never take for granted having her soulmate by her side. It was more than she could ever hope for. She'd have to thank Ares.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Losing Joxer once again was easier than either had thought. Perhaps the bumbling warrior sensed they needed time together. Or perhaps now that things had returned to normal he wanted to see if a warrior of his caliber was needed.
Gabrielle was grateful. Now that she could look Xena in the eyes without flinching, she wanted to take advantage of every second of it. The only thing better would have been spending time with Cyrene in Amphipolis.
Xena was also grateful. Her world had righted. It wasn't only her natural and honed instincts that were righted. It was the fact she could see and touch her bard with her own body. It was different than anyone could imagine.
Instead of walking, Xena had asked if Gabrielle had wanted to ride. Feeling the bard's arms around her caused a sensation of contentment the warrior princess had rarely felt in her lifetime.
"I've missed this." Gabrielle's voice was soft. It was as if she was afraid her words would be taken the wrong way. "I know I was distant while you were in Callisto's body. I'm sorry. It was just so difficult."
"It wasn't only you who maintained your distance." Xena made certain her hand was upon the two clasped at her waist. "It just didn't feel right touching you in her body."
Argo whinnied as if agreeing with both of them. Of any of them, the mare had been the one who had been harmed the most. It wasn't merely the injury Callisto had inflicted. She'd known things were off, but couldn't understand why.
"I think we were all out of sorts." Gabrielle squeezed her soulmate. "We can slowly get back to normal. Whatever normal is for us."
Xena chuckled. There was no such normal for them. But at least they wouldn't have to face Callisto's enemies, along with the warrior princess'.
More importantly, they could face one another. So many things could have been said or done, yet were not because of the skin Xena had been forced into.
"The one thing I missed even more was kissing you goodnight." Gabrielle blushed slightly. She didn't know why. Affection flowed naturally between them, when there wasn't prying eyes.
"I missed being snuggled next to you." Xena wanted to make love to her soulmate. But there was something she would have to do first. She would have to bathe for a week straight. At the very least.
"I want to thank you for keeping me from doing something I'd regret." Gabrielle knew it was an abrupt subject change. Hopefully Xena wouldn't think it was because she didn't feel the same way.
"I know you, Gabrielle." Xena was also grateful she'd managed to keep Gabrielle from doing anything more than yelling and a little shoving. "You couldn't even bring yourself to kill Callisto. If you had harmed any of the innocents, it would have devastated you."
"Yeah." Gabrielle squeezed her soulmate once again. "I don't know if I'll ever survive taking a life. I would probably die right along with it."
The revere they had been enjoying disappeared. It was the very real possibility that their continued travel together would cause the bard to lose her blood innocence.
It wasn't something either liked to dwell on. But knew would happen. Before it did, they had something to celebrate. It was Solstice time. It was a time for joy and for presents. Hopefully they would enjoy their time together and not dwell on the things that had been happening or that could happen.