11.16.1995 "PROMETHEUS" 7

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GABRIELLE

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What an awful day. The worst day of my life. When will it ever stop?

Or actually. Hasn't it been an awful long day today? We've been traveling back and forth all across the place. And yet - no twilight. Is this day neverending or what?

I hate this day. The worst day of my life, and it's neverending! This sucks! Why doesn't it stop? The worst day of my life is just going to last forever?! Is the universe laughing at me?! Come on! Just stop already! Geez!

I'm feeling so frustrated. I wanna take it out on somebody. On whom? Who has displeased me recently that I want to mess up a little?

... Oh. I know. The gods!

It's so hard to live without gods. What do we do? Who do we pray to? How do we live?

So far, every god that I have come across, have been awful. Morpheus wants virgin sacrifices, Ares kills innocents to impress a woman, Hera wants to destroy humanity for kicks, Zeus just lets all this happen like no big deal.

SCREW the gods. I hate them all! All gods are trash! Let's overthrow them! Let's level Olympus to the ground!

Xena is the strongest, most capable being in the world.

I bet she could defeat Zeus and all the gods of Olympus, all at once, taken together,. Blindfolded, unarmed, naked, with her hands tied behind her back. I know she could do all that, easy. Easy-peasy. While laughing.

This is it. This will be my newest dream. This will be my life's goal. I want Xena to defeat all gods of Olympus! Why don't she!

You'll do that Xena, won't you?

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XENA

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Gabrielle is being uncharacteristically quiet. What's up?

Must be missing Iolaus. But you shouldn't! Just forget him. He's too old for you. He's even older than me! Just find someone closer to your own age.

Oh she'll forget him. Good thing she's easily distracted. Look Gabrielle - a bird!

She doesn't smile for some reason. Usually she just jumps at anything. Oh well. I chakram the bird. Dinner! She'll just forget when she gets hungry. I'll just distract her with some food.

It's a good day, we saved the world, I want to celebrate. Maybe I'll kill us a boar tonight. She'll like that.

"Tonight", hm. Will this day ever end, actually?

Or rather. Today is such a good day. The day we get to live. The day when we get more time. Together.

I love this day. I don't mind if it never stops.

I hold my hands in prayer.

I wish this day would last forever!

There. Done one more good deed. Wished for the improvement of the world. Wouldn't that be great, hm, Gabrielle?

Gabrielle. You are so good, you are so strong and capable. This life is hard, it's impossible, and yet you live it. And yet you endure. You endure it all. You are growing stronger by the day.

You grow so much, that it's incredible. When we first met, I thought you were crazy. But now I'm sure. You're slowly growing, you're progressing. You are becoming wiser than you were before.

Just a little more. And you can do it! And you can live a good life that's all your own.

A bard, hm. You can do it. You used to be crazy. But now you've grown. You're getting smarter, more perceptive. You're learning how to get a grasp.

You've grown so much, you are completely different. Soon I'll hardly recognize you.

Soon you'll be someone anyone can be proud of. Soon you won't be that weirdo anymore.

You have already grown. You've become wiser. You have changed. You aren't who you used to be.

Now you won't be saying weird things anymore.

And just as I think that. She breaks the silence. Asks a question.

"Will you defeat the gods of Olympus for me, Xena?"

...

Sure Gabrielle. Anything you say. Your wish is my command.

... Nope. Still nuts.

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HERCULES

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I am Hercules. I am a cursed being tarnished by my ancestors' blood.

I'm related to the gods, the horrible creatures that ruin the world for everybody.

But I love humanity so I want to help it. The world is horrible, so I want to change it.

About two months ago, I met this human woman. The most horrible of all monsters. But when given a chance. She would change herself. It's hard. But she chooses hardship.

Is there anything more inspiring in this world? Even the worst of scum, the worst of the worst, can change, if given chance. If someone would just believe. If they were just given hope.

We can change the world with this. We can change the world with hope. Humanity can be saved if we just believe in one another.

What she did. It's a miracle. She has given a miracle to us all. The world can be saved because people like her exist.

She changed. And then she went away. She wouldn't stay with me. Because she was in too much hurt. Because she needed that which I couldn't give to her. She needed to discover her own strength.

And left in pain, and I was worried. I thought what if we never meet again.

But now I live, and I hear rumors about her. She's alive! And she's doing good herself, these days.

I'm so proud of her. I was right to have my faith in her. I chose correct!

So she still lives. Last time I saw her, she was leaving, and there was pain in her eyes. I was worried. But she still lives. And she has found her real meaning. She's found a meaning to her life. She's doing good. I'm proud of her. If she can do this. If she can change herself. If she can overcome her worst. Then anyone can. Then even the worst of the worst, can have a chance. And can do better.

Some ridiculous rumors, though. One describes her resurrecting the dead in some village. That can't be true - neither Hades nor Zeus are that generous. None of them would resurrect peasants. That's gotta be some crazy exaggerations. Someone nuts is probably making wild rumors about her. Someone with a wild imagintaion.
I live, do my thigs, I hear rumors. A couple months goes by. And then Prometheus gets captured, again. Humanity loses healing, again. Except last time it was fire. Guess it's good to have some variety. That damn Hera is at it, again! Will she ever calm down?!

It's actually alright, not a problem. She wants too much this time. Father'll never let her.

He likes young human girls too much to allow his wife do wilful things like "destroy humanity".

But he may linger a week or two before he notices and before bothers to control his wife. People are dying in the meanwhile. Gotta go and hurry things up.

I make my way to the oracles. They'll say where I must go. They also say a woman's just been here about it, too, less than an hour before.

So she's here as well. But she shouldn't, she's just human, she couldn't strike those chains just right. You have to do it tricky, so there's no backlash.

I make haste to catch up to her. I'm sure she'll be there where I'm going. We're going to the same place, after all

And there she is, with the sword.

So it's true. She really does fight for humanity these days. She's looking better. There is no torture in her eyes this time. She's gotten better. Maybe she could live a good life this time?

And just as I think that, she attacks. She wants to die for others, and she fights for it! She really has changed all the way! But she shouldn't fight, we should just cooperate, instead! We can do it if we cooperate! What is she, mad?! Calm down, woman!

Hey look, we're fighting again. Just like the good old days! I kind of like it. Maybe we should fight some first, and then make out afterward? First we save the world, then we make love?

But then she just gets on her horse and rides away. I should have messed with her horse. But okay, it'll only take minutes to catch up to her anyway. Why is she even running? We're all going the same direction. She's kind of wild.

And there she is in some barn. Took us no time at all to catch up. We defeat Hephastus's thugs. Why's Hephaestus helping Hera. He should think for himself, instead! Not even he cares for humanity. I thought better of him. Why are all my relatives awful?

We win, and then I get the sword. She insists she'll have it, but no way. I know to handle it better!

And then her friend talks to me. She has a friend now. I'm glad that she is not alone. Hey I've seen that girl somewhere. I can't quite pinpoint where.

Funny girl. Wants to talk to me, but I need a moment with Xena. Let Iolaus play with her! He should be more her type. ... Where have I seen her?

Xena rushes out for some reason, but I catch up to her. I'm a good runner. We talk. She tries to steal the sword. She wants to die instead of me.

She thinks she should be dead as punishment for her sins.

No, Xena. Don't be like that.

You don't realize. How precious you are.

She is a good person. She took detours getting there, but that's who she is now. She deserves to be happy. She should live and be happy. It must be hard, but she should try.

She's a good person, but not only. There's more.

You are the ultimate humain being. You represent the whole humanity. And that means that you should be happy. That means teaching humanity the pathway to happiness should be your goal.

Me. I can't make anyone happy. Because I'm not human. I can't make a human happy. I can only bring someone misery because of my cursed blood. I can never be the source of happiness to another human being. Because I can never be one of them.

But you. You are human. And yet you are as capable as the gods, themselves. If anyone can make another happy... then it's you.

You are the ultimate human being. Making others happy should be your goal. But for that. You should learn to be happy, yourself. You have to become happy so you could make others happy. Becoming happy should be your goal.

And yet you're miserable. And yet you aren't happy. And yet you're falling on your goal.

Do better, Xena. Try harder to become happy.

She is all that. But there's more.

She is a human being that has changed her ways. What she represents. Is that everybody has a chance. That everybody, even the lowest of the scum, has a chance for a glorious future.

She is humanity's future. She shouldn't be dead. She should live, and provide people with an example, of what we all should aspire to be.

And if humanity improves. If we all become better than we were before. Then maybe. Then maybe we could really save the world one day. Not from just any immediate danger. But save it on the whole. For all of us.

I can't be that. Because I'm not human. I'm tarnished by my ancestors' blood.

I'll fight for humanity. But I can't represent it. I can't be with it. I can't lead it. Xena, it's your job.

If you've changed. If you want to do good. Then your job is to represent the humankind. That a human can do things you do. It's giving humanity hope. You are the hope of humanity, Xena.

You shouldn't die. You should live with pride.

The ones who should die. Are the gods that allow such things to happen.

I'm ashamed out of my mind of my relatives. Wish there was a way to knock them down a notch.

And also, we could probably do it without sacrifice anyway. Just gotta throw the sword from a distance, or something like that.

And so we go to our destination. Xena slows her pace, allows the others to catch up to us.

They catch up. And then it happens. A horrible event. ... Her friend starts talking.

It's terrifying. Things she says are horrifying! She does not shut up. She talks like she's possessed!

Half the things she says don't make sense! She's such a mess! How does she survive! Where are her parents?! And does Xena live through this day and night?

How does Xena survive this?! She's very strong! She's tough! I am half-god, and I am terrified!

So they've been together for over a month? I look at them and ponder.

They're so different, that they are opposites. Day and night, light and shadow, life and death. They have not one thing in common.

And yet they're friends.

How do they even tolerate each other? It's a mystery.

Xena's rude and casually cruel, but Gabrielle is blind to it.

Gabrielle is such a mess it's a miracle that she even lives, and irritating to a fault, irritating to a maddening degree, yet Xena does everything for her.

That they are friends at all is a miracle all of it's own!

It's like they tame each other down in a mutual exchange.

Why does Xena take Gabrielle with her? Gabrielle seems helpless. Is Xena taking her for entertainment?

But Gabrielle is so defenseless and vulnerable, she's like a walking sacrifice. But she's with Xena because she won't stay home? Is that what's going on? Xena lets her tag along because Gabrielle will simply self-destruct if left by herself?

But Xena lives a life of danger! This setup is insecure! It can't last long!

She just brings a defenseless civilian towards danger? I hope she knows what she's doing. I hope that this whole thing will end up well.

We go. And then we make it to the divine caves. Xena just lets Gabriele go with us. Shouldn't she wait outside where it's safe? None of my business but I worry. Does Xena know what she's doing? It's the queen of the gods we're fighting! Wouldn't Gabrielle be safer elsewhere?

A swift cave-in follows. Hera at it again! Iolaus is wounded again. Let's just leave him now, but we'll be back.

Gabrielle volunteers to watch him. Brave soul. If only she could do anything. Why don't she stay home? But it's okay, we'll come back an hour later. Both of us. Nothing's going to happen!

Iolaus acts like he's gonna die, too. Oh you worrywart, just wait an hour, we'll save the world real quick and then be back. Stop worrying! There's no way that Iolaus is ever going to die again!

And then Xena insists she has to die again. Shush, no more of that! We'll both survive. We'll just have to strike the chain from a distance, or something.

But she insists and she is somewhat deadly. Am I safe showing my back to her?

... I'm not but I still will. I won't be mistrusting her in her best intentions. I will not be doubting her goodness. Understand what this means, Xena. Understand that you are being loved!

And then she knocks me out. Maybe I should have talked this through better?

I'm half-god but my head is splitting. Just how strong is this woman?! This is riduculous! Good thing she didn't hit me several times! I may have died!

Took the sword, too. And the rope. Oh well, will have to climb it the hard way.

I climb up and she's fighting some of my stepmother's warriors. They are fearsome and terrifying. I try and help but she just goes forward to death. How much does she intend to die?! Nothing can stop that woman! She is the most stubborn woman in the world! She's obsessed! Geez! Calm down!

Then some bird grabs her and carries her away. But quickly comes back, with her as the rider. She really is ridiculous beyond all measure.

And then she drops the sword. Obviously for me to deflect it right. See? I told you we can do it with no sacrifice! We just had to use the sword at range! Why were you so stubborn, woman?!

And then she's falling from the skies. Oh no. Nobody can survive such a fall! Even if I catch them!

And then I catch her, and she's unharmed. She survives the impossible without a scratch. This woman is impossible. Just how ridiculous sturdy is she? Is there no end to her surprises? I think I wanna make love to her right now!

Prometheus's free, humanity is safe for now. Time to celebrate! I say we have a date!

We retrieve Iolaus and Gabrielle. Iolaus lives. And he worried! I knew it would be alright!

Gabrielle dotes over him like a mother hen. She's clearly in love. But he isn't in her age group. She should calm down and find someone her own age.

Gabrielle. So young and so defenseless. Yet she rushes toward danger with mindless abandon. She's just like Xena but inept. It's a good thing Xena is capable. Xena knows what she's doing with this. I hope.

I wonder what dangers this girl is exposed to, daily? If it was anyone less than Xena, then I'd worry. But since it's Xena, then it's fine. I hope.

But if it was anyone less than Xena. Then this young and defenseless woman would be in more danger than she realizes. An unfortunate turn of events could happen. And she could come to harm. And she could die.

I look at her and ponder. And then I realize.

I know where I had seen her. I know who she reminds me of.

Seventeen years ago, there used to be a girl. Her name was Deianeira, just like my late wife's. She was the princess of Troy.
And that girl and Gabrielle, they look like an exact alike. The resemblance is uncanny. Even the personality is same, same exact mannerisms. It's like the same exact person, only a lifetime away.

That girl had died then, so very young. Her life was wasted. She was a sweet soul. I regret her passing.

And now here stands her exact like.

I hope that it means something. I hope the universe is working in some way that nothing that occurs is ever meaningless. Working in a way that gives this turn of events a meaning.

I hope that our lives have a meaning. That everything we do, matters in some way.

I hope that death is not an ending. I hope that nothing ever ends. I hope that people can get another chance.

I'm glad that in some way, that funny girl of past, is still with us, in some way or another.

I look at the funny girl in front of me right now. The funny girl from before had died, while being the same age. Her life was wasted. But this one. Her future is ahead of her. I hope this one will live a long and happy life. I hope that she will get the sort of life that she really should be living. I hope that she will live a long life.

I hope that Xena knows what she's doing while she brings her towards danger.

I hope she understands how precious all life is. Any life.

I hope that they live happy. I hope there's a long life ahead of them both.

I look at Xena. The first time I met her, she was a monster. Nobody sane would know her and choose to be with her. Only the depraved would.

But now, she's changed. Now she does good, now she fights for others, now she sacrifices herself for the sake of all. Now she's someone people should love.

And now she has Gabrielle with her. Someone good, is now chooses to be with Xena. Obviously loves her. Obliously wants to help. Maybe that's why Xena takes her? Because she wants to be believed in.

I'm glad that she is not alone. Now about our date!

Then Xena says goodbye and leaves. Of course she would. She is too big for anyone to hold her back. There isn't anyone at all who could hold her down. She is the embodiment of freedom itself, of everything that cannot be restrained. A person that could rein her, tame her, does not exist.

And so they leave together. I wish them best.

Shame we didn't stay together longer. We should have at least had a date. What's her hurry? She could have lingered a day. Oh well. I'm sure we'll meet again.

Iolaus mentions people sharing souls.

It would be nice is that was true. It would be nice if everything in our world, had a meaning, had a connection.

I think I love her. So I wish my soul was hers.

I wish that even separated, we would still be together in some way.

I'll think of her. I hope she'll think of me. I hope we'll stay connected even if apart.

...

But enough of that. Now let's go investigate why this day is never-ending.