If truth be told, I should have remained with the amazons longer than I initially intended. They remained in the turmoil Melosa's death had caused them.

A certain someone, who shall remain nameless, was in a hurry to leave. Not that I blame my soulmate. We had places to travel and people to make certain they knew the tales of her death were slightly exaggerated.

And then the first of The Gods after me. She wasn't one of the original Olympic Gods, but Velasca was a god nonetheless. How does one go about fighting a god?

When Xena suggested Callisto, I nearly said no. I'd heard how she had become immortal. Hercules had done his best, yet she had still gotten her way. She was trapped. Shouldn't she remain that way for eternity?

Xena doesn't have to say a word as she places the wine in front of me. We are celebrating, or will be as soon as I finish, at least part of this chapter.

Celebrating what? Perhaps I'll write about it when I write how we were reunited. It's an…interesting story would be the best way to describe it.

Getting back to this chapter, Callisto. We both grew to hate her for different reasons. I hate that I allowed her to turn my emotions into hate. It's a vicious cycle. One I'm still attempting to break.

Neither of us will fully forgive ourselves for what happened with Perdicus. Especially me as I only married him because…I still can't come up with a valid reason.

I sigh heavily earning a sweet kiss to my cheek. Xena is worried about me. She knows the toll some of these chapters will take on me. But I have to continue. I have to let the world know what happened.

So I'll leave the introduction as this. Evil doesn't defeat evil. It creates more and strengthens it. Had we another choice, we never would have freed Callisto.

As it is, Callisto did help us defeat Velasca. She did fall into a trap most mortals wouldn't fall for. In the end, it worked out. Until she was able to free herself once again.

A NECESSARY EVIL

Handing over the mask to Ephiny was one of the easiest things Gabrielle had ever had to do. Had Xena…No, she wouldn't think in those terms. Her soulmate kept her promise, more or less. And they were to continue their adventures.

Ephiny was only holding it until Gabrielle returned. The bard hoped her friend understood. There weren't too many reasons why she would ever want to return to lead the amazons, though she did feel a certain obligation she was certain would one day come into play.

A little levity was in order. Gabrielle couldn't help asking if an amazon queen beat a warrior princess? Xena's answer left no doubt about the outcome.

The joke with Ephiny didn't have the affect Gabrielle had hoped. Amazons were even more stoic at times than her soulmate and that said something.

All attempts at humor were dramatically ended by the scream. Each of the amazons had their swords instantly at the ready and Xena covered the bard.

Gabrielle watched in horror as a severely injured Velasca came into sight. The bard was frozen as her tormentor once again laid claim to the mask of the queen.

Leave it to her soulmate to intervene. How Xena could offer Velasca aid was beyond Gabrielle. Normally she was the one who would suggest it. But not to the person who wanted her dead.

When Velasca said she had all the help she needed, Gabrielle knew it was not a good sign. It became worse the moment the amazon began dangling the ambrosia in front of her.

Once again, her soulmate reacted first telling everyone to spread out. Gabrielle felt as if her feet were stuck in mud. If it weren't for Xena, she might not have moved in time.

Damn the fighting amazons. Gabrielle wished she'd found her voice as Ephiny gave the call to attack. This was a god they were dealing with. Too many lives could be sacrificed if they didn't have a plan.

It was nearly complete chaos. Gabrielle watched as Xena did her thing. And then, she heard it. Velasca was calling her. This was now personal, though it seemed Ephiny also held a spot on her need for revenge.

To the caves. It wasn't long when most of the amazons were milling around. Gabrielle was feeling ill. There were so many of her friends who had been hurt. Most were not wounded badly, but enough so that they might not be able to fight in the next battle.

The caves weren't safe. Ephiny was right about that. And Gabrielle had been right when it came to her amazons. Solari wanted to fight, as did they all, even though they could barely stand.

Gabrielle hated to sit back and watch as Xena took over telling them it was futile to attack and to send the wounded to Tyldus and the other centaurs. The bard could only watch at the moment, grateful for her soulmate.

After Xena had expressed to tell Tyldus to just sit tight and that Velasca wasn't after him, Gabrielle spoke up. It was her. It was ok. But it wasn't. Yet, it was better her than others.

Delay tactics. Gabrielle continued to learn from Xena. They did need time. But how would they combat an immortal? The bard could see no way out.

Ephiny would be an excellent distraction as Velasca wanted her dead as well. Gabrielle cursed herself for not noticing her soulmate was injured. Leave it to Xena to fix it herself nonchalantly.

How to answer Xena? Gabrielle was far from all right. This was the first time she was ever a target. And how did they win against a god?

Gabrielle felt even sicker as they traveled. She knew they needed help. An immortal to fight an immortal. Why did the immortal have to be Callisto?

And the argument began. Did Xena understand what it had done to her to hold Perdicus' body as he died? The cackling of Callisto as she savored each and every moment of his last breaths and the agony shining on Gabrielle's face?

Talking her into it? Gabrielle shuddered at the ways Xena would tempt Callisto into helping them. It was bad enough they would have contact at all.

The tension between them was not good for reconnecting. Damn Velasca and Callisto. Damn having to use one to rid them of the other.

Gabrielle wanted to pace. She could hear some sounds from deep within the cave. Some were of a sword fight, she was certain. How long would it take? They were running out of time.

The bard yelped when she realized it wasn't her soulmate's hand she had a grasp on. Gabrielle attempted to distance herself from Callisto by coming to stand next to Xena.

And it began immediately. Callisto attempted to get under Gabrielle's skin. As hard as she tried, the bard had to admit the mad immortal was succeeding. She only hoped it wasn't showing on her face.

The worst price at having Callisto help them was paid by the warrior princess. Gabrielle watched as Xena made her speech. Gabrielle knew it was true. At least in her soulmate's mind, every single word she uttered was true.

The only thing Gabrielle hoped for was that Xena had long ago stopped blaming herself for Callisto's actions. Yes, the warrior princess had technically created Callisto, but she was the one that refused to change when she had the chance to.

As Gabrielle listened to the back and forth between Xena and Callisto, she was beginning to get the sense that Callisto was only doing this for one reason. She wanted the ambrosia. She would turn on them at the first chance she got.

Gabrielle attempted to remain calm. But the first sound of Velasca's voice had her heart racing. It was, apparently, intoxicating to the god.

Before Velasca could make it to the spot they needed her, what Gabrielle had sensed was coming true. Callisto was switching sides.

More banter. Gabrielle was glad that Velasca wouldn't listen to Callisto. In a way, Callisto was still helping them. She only didn't realize it because of her own anger.

Divide and conquer. It was something Gabrielle was learning how effective could be. Xena distracted Callisto and made it seem she was misleading Velasca at the same time. It left the bard free to distract Velasca.

Luckily, the two had each other distracted enough so they were able to trap Velasca. Gabrielle knew it had been too easy. Their plan had taken too long thanks to Callisto.

And now Callisto was torturing her. Gabrielle wanted to ignore her. There was one thing that would leave the bard alone. She just had to ask.

Gabrielle should have known better. Callisto answered honestly, but she also answered in a way that would torture the bard. How could she have been so foolish?

It's all Gabrielle could stand. She had to get away from Callisto. She didn't even bother telling Xena where she was going. She just had to get away.

The bard wasn't certain how long she wandered around. She was careful on how far she wandered from camp. Gabrielle knew that Velasca wasn't far.

In the cold light of day, Callisto continued to antagonize Gabrielle. Including mentioning how she wasn't going anywhere until she got her hands on the ambrosia.

Before they could react, Gabrielle found herself under attack once again. It was like a tornado. Velasca was attempting to whisk the bard away.

As always, her soulmate seemed to have the right timing. Xena had a hold on her and Gabrielle would never in her life ever let go.

The way Velasca had abused them all caused Callisto to change her mind once again. Gabrielle only hoped this would be the last they had to worry about the immortal.

The plan was formed. They needed both immortal and god on the rope bridge. Xena didn't want her as bait, but Gabrielle knew how important it was to end this. Hopefully for good, but the bard knew better.

Confronting Velasca wasn't easy. Gabrielle didn't want to die. She was terrified of the god. Even with her soulmate working her usual magic, she could barely keep her wits about her.

Gabrielle suddenly was between a rock and hard place. Her heart was racing beyond tolerance, especially when Xena told her to give Callisto the ambrosia.

Now the two gods were fighting and Gabrielle found herself hanging by a thread. Timing. Xena was nearly perfect at it. At least this time she was as she found herself leaning against her soulmate on the bank of the lava river.

The bard didn't even feel relief when as she watched the gods fall into the lava pit. Why? She could not forgive either of them, especially Callisto.

The long way around. It wasn't the first time, it wouldn't be the last time. Gabrielle had an inkling it wouldn't be the last time they saw Callisto, either.

Forgiveness. Gabrielle had hoped Xena would say Callisto felt sorry for her actions. Because it was the only way she could forgive Callisto. If there was no remorse there could be no forgiveness.

Holding Xena's hand helped. But for some reason, Gabrielle couldn't fully rejoice in her soulmate beside her. If only because she couldn't forgive herself for the part she had played. In everything.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Xena was still out of sorts. Being dead will apparently do that to you. There was also the fact she had camped with the amazons. They weren't her favorite people. Yet, Gabrielle had her connection to them.

The warrior princess was enjoying one thing. She was enjoying watching her bard. The quip about an amazon queen beating a warrior princess was handled with a semi-amused answer.

The exchange between Ephiny and Gabrielle was amusing. Xena made a mental note to thank the acting queen. She had taken care of her bard when she'd needed her the most. It was obvious it was out of friendship, as well as a sense of duty.

The amusement abruptly ended when they heard the scream. Xena was surprised, but not shocked, to see Velasca. The amazon was like all those obsessed with something. They didn't know when to quit, even if that meant they should be dead.

Especially when that person was someone who now had a personal vendetta against her soulmate. Xena attempted to offer aid. But Velasca already had all the help she needed.

Xena knew they had to act fast. But not the way Ephiny had ordered. They would all be killed if they attempted to take out a god.

Gabrielle was the most important thing. Xena made certain she was safe, taking the brunt on her shoulder. Thankfully Ephiny called a retreat and they were able to regroup at the caves.

There were many walking wounded. Some were injured a little more severely than the others. Solari was one of the most vocal about fighting. Xena respected her for it. Even in a weakened state, they were no match for a god.

Xena was thankful she had helped with a treaty between the centaurs and the amazons. Tyldus would help with the wounded. She hoped he would heed her warning about remaining neutral, other than sheltering the wounded.

When Xena heard that Gabrielle knew she was the target and was all right with that, she wanted to say she wasn't. It was the warrior princess' fault they were in this mess. If she'd only followed her heart and returned to her soulmate and not given up…

Ephiny offered herself up for sacrifice of sorts. It would work as the amazon was nearly as wanted by Velasca as Gabrielle was. Xena made certain to caution them. Delay don't be stupid and attempt to fight. Already too many were injured.

The warrior princess had forgotten how she'd injured herself. It wasn't until Ephiny had pointed it out. Luckily, Xena knew an instant way to fix her shoulder. It was far from painless, but she wouldn't allow the pain to show.

Finally, Xena was able to inquire about how her soulmate was. Gabrielle had never been hunted, unlike Xena. She understood what her bard was going through.

Now for the answer to Gabrielle's question. How to fight an immortal. One needed another one. Unfortunately, Xena only knew of one immortal. It wouldn't be easy on either herself or her soulmate.

Xena knew the moment she mentioned Callisto's name she would hear an argument. Frankly, she only had one rebuttal for every argument Gabrielle made. There were no other immortals and they didn't have time to find Hercules.

The warrior princess wasn't fully ready when Gabrielle became vocally louder when it came to understanding how much she was hurting.

The manner in which Gabrielle had spoken caused Xena to pause. She didn't have a response, so she chose to focus on convincing Callisto to assist them.

Xena was more than grateful Hercules kept her informed. After how they had first met, it still amazed her that he would trust her with the information he had.

There were times when Gabrielle questioned Xena. This time seemed to be every single decision or action the warrior princess made had the bard second guessing her.

If Xena didn't know any better, she would swear fighting was like foreplay for Callisto. There wasn't time for this. The longer this took, the stronger Velasca became.

It took a threat of cutting Callisto into pieces before she finally stopped to listen. Xena knew it would get her attention. Ambrosia. The chance to become more than a mere immortal.

Xena cursed herself for not warning Gabrielle that Callisto would be the first to exit. She wanted to keep the mad immortal in front of her.

Was Xena really fine? The warrior princess didn't like being this close to the person who had hurt her soulmate. Who continued to hurt her soulmate with her banter.

A wee stop. Xena stood overlooking the crowd. It was a speech she could have given to so many villages across Greece and a large portion of the known world.

Her actions had affected so many. It wasn't only Callisto who had lost her family. Yet it was Callisto who had attempted to emulate her. It remained something Xena could both understand and, at the same time, not.

The small canyon was perfect. Xena didn't have to have Callisto inform her of this. There was also the loose rocks Gabrielle had pointed out. But they weren't her only option. After all, the warrior princess had to plan for a double cross.

With as obsessed as Callisto had become with the ambrosia, Xena would be unwise to trust her or not have a reserve plan. Or two. Or three.

Callisto was too jumpy. And when Velasca arrived, the immortal did what she did best. She betrayed Xena and Gabrielle. It was now up to the warrior princess to turn this to their advantage.

Xena waited patiently. There would be the perfect moment they would be able to take advantage of. It was now or never. She shouted out to Callisto and waited to see what Velasca did next.

Divide and conquer. It was something that would always haunt Xena. It's what had led to the death of M'Lilla. It's what had led the warrior princess to leave Gabrielle behind. Enough of that. There was a battle to win.

The moment came and they were able to temporarily sideline Velasca. They still had a great deal to do as the side trip to the village had cost them. Xena relished informing Callisto she would have to wait for the ambrosia.

Xena hated leaving Gabrielle and Callisto alone at the camp, but scouting had to be done. She knew her bard could take care of herself, yet Callisto was a master manipulator.

There was a part of Xena that wanted to rush after Gabrielle. Callisto had said something. For now, she would focus on the mission. And would hopefully rid herself permanently of the mad woman.

Why wouldn't Xena inform Callisto of her plan? As happened before, she knew Callisto would betray her. In some ways, it had aided her. And the warrior princess would continue to use whatever the mad woman did to her advantage.

It wasn't the first time Xena had used this particular lava pit. Ironically, it was where she had destroyed another batch of ambrosia. They were further to the south was the only difference.

Ambrosia. It really was the key to everything. And the irony was Xena wished she could destroy it all and never have to deal with it again. As she had thought she'd done before.

Admitting they had the perfect bait was far from easy for Xena. She was loath to use her soulmate to lure Velasca. It would place Gabrielle in further danger.

Xena knew it had to end here. One way or another. It took everything in her soul to not say something to Callisto about her continued barbs to Gabrielle.

Did Xena have a plan to contend with Callisto? Of course she did. But she was not about to reveal anything if she could help it.

So, Callisto wasn't worried about living anymore? That could be useful to Xena in the future, if her plan went awry. Dealing with an immortal Callisto was dangerous. Dealing with a god would be perilous.

It was like a tornado. Holding on was difficult at best. Xena had to hold onto Gabrielle as the wind became nearly overpowering, even for the warrior princess.

Apparently Velasca had gone too far. Callisto actually asked Xena where she wanted to dump the god. Finally, Callisto was pissed off enough. It was exactly how Xena wanted her.

They found themselves in the ruins. There was a rope bridge. It wasn't in the best of shapes. And that was all part of the plan.

While there was a part of Xena that knew Gabrielle was right about being the bait, she would do everything so that it didn't come to that.

It was about Velasca and Callisto fighting. It was about getting them on the bridge. It was about them being so distracted that Xena could cut the rope without them noticing.

Plans change. Gabrielle became trapped on the bridge. Xena could only watch as things played out. She came closer to the bridge so she could be there the moment her bard needed her.

Yelling for Gabrielle to give Callisto the ambrosia was one of the most difficult things to do. If this didn't work, they would be faced with two new gods to defeat.

Xena's heart was in her throat. Gabrielle was dangling from the bridge. She knew she couldn't hold on much longer. The warrior princess would be damned if she would lose her soulmate after just having been reunited.

Azure eyes implored Gabrielle to hang on. Xena's voice insured she had her soulmate. It was a little tricky, but she managed to get them safely on the edge of the lava river.

With Callisto and Velasca both in the lava, Xena could breathe. It wouldn't be easily as she wasn't certain how long the lava could hold the newly formed gods.

The long way. Xena knew Gabrielle wouldn't complain about that. It meant a little more alone time together. And talk a little philosophy.

The only problem was the subject. Did Callisto feel any guilt? Xena didn't hesitate in saying no. She'd watched Callisto. There was no feelings or remorse. There was only attempting to feel something. Even if it was pain.

Xena could understand how Gabrielle felt. If there was no remorse, how could one be forgiven? It's why the warrior princess couldn't be forgiven for so long. But why not now?

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

The walk back to the amazon camp had been made in mostly silence. Gabrielle was concentrating on forgiving Callisto. It wasn't for Callisto, it was so the bard could live with some of the things she had done or attempted to do.

Xena's mind was racing. She had this itching in the back of her neck as if this was only the beginning with Callisto. Why just Callisto and not Velesca? Because she knew it would take not existing for Callisto to let go.

It was late evening before they arrived back at the camp. The pair spent most of the remaining evening, and far into the night, helping with the wounded and repairing some of the damage created by Velasca.

Once more, they found themselves in the queen's hut. Gabrielle, though it was well after midnight, sat at the desk. The scribbling of the quill on parchment was a comfort to Xena.

Xena had long ago polished and sharpened her sword, as well as her charkam and armor. Now she was working on a couple tears in her leathers Callisto had left as a reminder.

"I'm going to have to stop somewhere soon for a new set of leathers." Xena cut the thread with her teeth before moving onto a larger tear.

"I'm nearly out of parchment." Gabrielle scribbled the last of her notes upon the parchment. She wasn't certain how soon she would be able to write about this adventure. It was nearly as bad as…

Gabrielle wouldn't remind herself of the nightmare of losing Xena. One day she would sit down and write about the ordeal. But she wasn't ready, more than writing a few notes.

Without a word, Gabrielle removed her clothing. It was nice not to have to wear her traveling clothes to bed. While on the road and in the open, it was best to wear them because of unknown attack.

Here in the amazon village, there were sentries on guard. Gabrielle sat on the edge of the bed. She watched as her soulmate finished the routine of mending her leathers before also donning her nightgown.

As soon as they were settled in their normal position, Gabrielle couldn't help it. The tears came. "You know, I wasn't so scared about dying as I was about losing you."

Xena squeezed her soulmate tighter to her body. "It has always been a fear of mine since the moment you chose to follow me. I put a target on your back."

The bard sensed her partner had more to say. Gabrielle attempted to calm the tears. The emotions of losing Xena were hitting her full force.

"It's the only thing I regret about wanting to be with you forever." Xena swallowed hard as she felt the water seeping through her nightgown. "I don't want to ever face a time when we don't travel together."

Though the tears continued to fall, Gabrielle managed to lean on her elbow so that she was looking into azure eyes. "Are you attempting to ask me something?"

"I'm not the one with words." Xena swallowed. "I can't be without you ever again. I know that our travels could…" She wouldn't say the words. "I don't want to do it here. But one day, down the road, I want to exchange vows with you. If you'd rather not because of…"

Gabrielle silenced Xena with fingers on her lips. "While there is a part of me that will always have negativity associated with marriage, a vow exchange is different."

The bard's hand slid to Xena's cheek. A thumb began stroking it. "It would be between just you and me. There'd be no minister. There would be no Joxer. There would be no amazons. The only ones I wouldn't mind being there are Lila and Cyrene. But I'd be ecstatic for it to be between you and me."

Xena relaxed against the bed. She hadn't meant to ask Gabrielle to basically marry her. It had just felt right. "Thank you. I don't want to set a time. Just…Whenever it feels right."

"Agreed." Gabrielle kissed her partner gently on the lips. This could be the last time they enjoyed a bed for a long time. And as much as she wanted to reconnect through touching, hearing Xena's beating heart beneath her ear was more than enough.

As for Xena, she had missed this. Just holding one another. Just breathing her soulmate's scent. Just feeling the warmth of her skin. It really was more than enough.