LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
Xena: Warrior Princess, Gabrielle, Argo and all other characters who have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess, together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.
LOVE/SEX WARNING/DISCLAIMER:
This story depicts a love/sexual relationship between consenting adult women. If you are under 18 years of age or if this type of story is illegal in the state or country in which you live, please do not read it and consider moving someplace less backwards. If depictions of this nature disturb you, you may wish to read something other than this story.
CONTINUNITY DISCLAIMER:
This story features characters originally mentioned in The Resurrection of Xena. If you haven’t read that story, you’re going to be confused as to why Poseidon answers to the name of “Ariel.” This story takes place five years after The Resurrection of Xena. It is the fourth in a series starting with Campfire Tales, Fifteen Years In America , andThe Resurrection of Xena. No, having more of them doesn’t make any of them any better but we do what we can…
The Poseidon Adventure
By Bat Morda
batmorda@gmail.com Twitter: @BatMorda Threads; @batmorda
Started on 6/28/2021
Finished on 8/1/2023
There are sunsets and there are sunsets, but for a truly epic sunset one only need stand on a plateau over the white sand beach on the island of O’ahu with the majestic Ko’olau mountains serving as a backdrop. The last sunset of October seemed to take its time this night, alighting the sky in every imaginable shade of orange, pink, and blue with clouds accenting the scene in a display that would make a cinematographer weep. The visual display lingered as if the very sun itself refused to leave before Xena of Amphipolis and Gabrielle of Potidaea had exchanged their vows. It was also possible that the officiant, the goddess Aphrodite may have had something to do with it.
Xena and Gabrielle stood on the grassy plateau overlooking the sand and ocean, the vibrant orange sunset reflecting off the water. Moored off in the distance, the newly renovated mega yacht, The Hippolyta, it’s gleaming white hull reflected on the shimmering crests like sparkling jewels. Warrior and bard had walked to this place hand-in-hand, following their son Shen and accompanied by Argo, the pit bull. In silence, they walked down the aisle as a family, a dozen or so friends seated on either side. They each carried a bouquet of flowers, the off-white blooms showing hints of oranges and yellows for Gabrielle, pinks and purples for Xena. Similarly dressed, the long gowns were of pale ivory. Xena’s hugged her muscular form, the low back and high side slit accenting her long legs. Gabrielle’s dress was also form-fitting; cut low in the front and backless, her dragon tattoo visible. With intention, the pale colors made them look surprisingly vulnerable surrounded as they were by guests dressed in the dark colors of autumn and All Hallows Eve.
Aphrodite wore a burgundy velvet swallowtail coat over a gothic blouse and black leather pants. Her makeup was dramatic, like the ringleader of a macabre burlesque show. Before speaking, she gazed out at the audience before resting her gaze on the two women standing before her. With a proficient shake, she moved her long blond hair behind her shoulders and spoke, her melodic voice reaching every ear. She carried no book, needed no notes; extemporaneous musings about love was what she was born to do.
“Often I find that people are simultaneously right and wrong about love,” she began in a conversational tone. While it is the most powerful force on earth, people are often mistaken as to its resilience. People seem to treat love as if it’s fragile, as if it is a finite resource; that love for one person requires less love for someone else.” After pausing a moment, she continued, “That is why I am so stoked to stand here with Xena and Gabrielle. Two people who get it. Two people who truly understand the enduring, timeless, fierce, bad-ass nature of love. I have seen my share of epic love stories, and this one, unfolding and rededicated in your presence tonight, belongs in the pantheon with among the very best.”
She looked at her friends with pride and affection, who tore their gaze from each other to return her smile. Aphrodite winked at Gabrielle before continuing.
“We are gathered here together this evening as day gives way to night, not because Xena and Gabrielle need our validation. No, a love like this, that has endured the test of time, doesn’t need anything from any of us. We are here with them because they love us and want us to share in their happiness. They have chosen us as their family and with the blessing of their son, Shen, have chosen to make their union official. Our presence here is a symbol of our love and support because while love is the strongest force on earth, it’s the love of community, friends and family that buttresses us as well.”
Faces in rapt attention, no one was the least taken aback by mention of a love ‘enduring the test of time.’ While their son took it as a figure of speech, everyone else present knew they were women of another time making their way in this one, even though only one seated guest knew that Xena had spent most of the last two millennia dead, her ashes in an urn.
With joy in her voice, Aphrodite continued. “The ritual of marriage takes many forms the world over. While customs may vary by place and culture, the essential universality of love remains. We celebrate through symbols as a common language, connecting us like threads in the tapestry woven by the Fates. So this ceremony, with the gowns, flowers, rings, and vows – this is a language we all know, and we are witness to a love of such fierceness – it touches us all and makes us more loving in return.”
“Shen, would you please give Xena the ring for Gabrielle?”
Xena and Gabrielle handed their bouquets to Vox Wandre, who stepped up from her seat in the front row, then Xena turned to Shen and accepted the ring he produced from his left pocket. The warrior’s eyes widened in appreciation of the simple yet stunning ring; two bands of gray meteorite, with a band of cut aquamarine stones in-between. While she’d worked on the design with her son, this was the first time she’d actually seen it. Xena turned to Gabrielle and stared. Here, holding this ring, looking at the woman who had been the other half of her soul for as long as she thought she truly had one, it simply took her breath away.
Time itself paused and everything else seemed to fade away. Images flashed in Xena’s mind of when she’d first laid eyes on her bard and their adventures. The looks of love, devotion, longing, lust. She saw the evolution of her love and marveled that such a magnificent creature had indeed chosen her. Never again would she take that love for granted.
“Xena,” Aphrodite prodded softly.
The warrior dragged herself back to the present, determined not to let the surging tide of emotion get the better of her. “Gabrielle, since the day we met you have truly taught me what it is to be happy, what it is to love and be loved. While we have endured a lot together, not all of it joyous or easy, the fact that the adventure was with you…I wouldn’t trade a moment of it. Gabrielle, please accept this ring as a token of my love.” As she spoke, she took the bard’s hand and with her own hands trembling, managed to slide the ring onto the appropriate finger.
Gabrielle smiled at Xena warmly. “You wouldn’t trade any of it?” she asked, torn between that time in the cave with the fungus and head lice, or when Xena was actually beheaded.
The warrior intuited her meaning and shrugged. “Okay, wouldn’t trade most moments,” she amended. “Hardly any of them.”
The gathered guests chuckled.
“Xena, do you make this vow to Gabrielle, to love her with all you are, without reservation, from this day forward?” Aphrodite asked.
“I do,” she replied solemnly.
At this point their son Shen, a lanky teenager, cleared his throat and looked pointedly at Aphrodite. He was taller than Gabrielle now, although just barely.
“Shen, would you like to read us the inscription on Gabrielle’s ring?” Aphrodite asked.
The young man smiled, proud to be a part of this union. At fifteen, he understood loss and sadness more than most people his age. He also understood privilege, dedication, and generosity. Xena and Gabrielle had included him in every facet of this ceremony, from choosing the venue, gowns, flowers, rings, inscriptions, menu, music, to the legal adoption that bore his name along with the legal names of his now official parents. “The ring says, ‘10-31-22 I’m under your spell.’” A warm chuckle rippled through the gathering once more – anyone who lived on The Hippolyta well knew of Shen’s fondness for television. Tuesday nights was Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Gabrielle, Thursday nights was Star Trek with Xena.
“If you’d be so good as to hand Gabrielle the ring for Xena?” Aphrodite asked.
At the sound of her mistresses’ name, Argo, the gray pit bull seated obediently next to Aphrodite cocked her head. Both Xena and Gabrielle glanced at the dog then returned their gaze to each other.
Shen handed Gabrielle the ring from his right pocket, beaming with pride. The bard accepted the ring, at once similar and different to the one the warrior now wore. The meteorite band was darker, with deep blue and purple opal circling the ring.
Gabrielle smiled; her eyes already wet with happy tears. No longer did the centuries feel like an oppressive weight. Time was no longer her adversary with each year weighing her down. While she had appreciated the life she had lived with joys, hardships, and the quantity of experience no mortal could possibly know, all of it paled in comparison to the last five years spent in the company of the other half of her soul. Now the years fell into place, buoyed by the joy she found in her present. She had more appreciation for her past now that she had a future, she looked forward to with all her heart, spent in the company of someone she loved like no other.
“Xena, from the moment we met, I knew my destiny was with you. Before I even knew who I was, I knew that you were the key to me finding out.” She seemed like she wanted to say more, but was too overcome with emotion to do so. “I’m just so very happy to have you back in my life. I love you so much Xena, I… please accept this ring as a token of my love.”
“Gabrielle,” Aphrodite continued, “do you make this vow to Xena, to love her with all you are, without reservation, from this day forward?”
“I do.” Gabrielle replied, maintaining eye contact with Xena even though warrior and goddess couldn’t help but glance down at the pit bull who sat quietly at the goddess’ feet.
Give me some credit,” Gabrielle muttered quietly under her breath to the other two.
Shen cleared his throat again and Aphrodite nodded at him. “The inscription on Xena’s ring?”
Grinning from ear to ear he replied, “10-31-22 – Resistance is futile.”
The laughter was infectious and Xena could not have grinned more broadly.
Aphrodite stopped chuckling long enough to say, “Go ahead and kiss,” and then the laughter stopped entirely. After what she felt was an indulgent amount of time, she added “Enough already, you’ve got one more ring to hand out.”
Bard and warrior sheepishly ended their kiss and turned their attention to the goddess who bent down and untied a ring from Argo’s collar. Standing upright, she handed the ring to Xena.
“Shen, Xena and I wanted you to have this, today,” Gabrielle began, her eyes welling with tears. “With the adoption being finalized…” overcome with emotion and sniffles she faltered.
With a smile, Xena continued, “Gabrielle and I may be married, but you make us a family,” she handed the ring to the boy. Similar in style to their own, it was a simple band, half meteorite, half polished titanium. One half patterned, and the other smooth, representing his adoptive parents. As he read the inscription inside, his eyes welled with tears.
Vox cleared her throat loudly, “Come on Shen, what does it say?”
“It says…” the boy began then stopped to regain his composure. “It says ‘10-31-22 We love you 3000.’”
Poseidon glanced at the text on his phone then back to the scene before him. Something didn’t feel right. Gabrielle had said she needed to meet here, that it was urgent and something was wrong with Xena. He looked at his phone again as if the words would somehow make more sense. On what was supposed to be the day of their nuptials in Hawai’i, they were instead over four thousand miles away in Japan? It just didn’t make sense. He moved the rudder on his small sailboat slightly, the dolphins escorting the boat seamlessly making the adjustment as well. The Nanatsugama caves in Kratsu were a popular tourist spot, but post COVID19, in monsoon season, at this hour, there were no tourists, no pleasure boats; nothing.
In spite of his apprehension, he moved closer to the cave. “Thank you for your company,” he said to the dolphins. “Now go get something to eat.” Gracefully the four grey creatures turned in the water and swam back the direction they’d come, breeching the water once in farewell. The God of the Sea smiled at their departure then grin fading, glanced at his phone again. The message was indeed cryptic. Briefly he felt a little guilty about not just calling the bard to clarify but that would likely lead to questions about staying away as much as he had the past five years. He and Gabrielle had never been particularly close, and with Ares out of commission he was confident in Xena’s talent to hone her new abilities with his guidance from a distance. He and the warrior had a video chat just days ago and she seemed perfectly healthy. His curiosity piqued, he dropped the anchor of the small sail boat. After securing his phone in a waterproof pocket in his shorts, he dove into the sea and swam to the largest of the cave openings.
Contrary to popular opinion, being a God is not without its drawbacks. Immortal, immune to nearly all forms of injury, the feelings that give most people warning – that sensation that something isn’t right, that danger is present – to a God they are but diversions. Something refreshingly out of the ordinary, something that draws one forward, like a moth to a flame. The entrance of the cave opened into a larger chamber, easily twenty feet high. Not far inside was a rocky beach of sorts. Maybe twenty feet long and five feet wide, it snaked around a corner and provided a place to stand. Immediately his eyes adjusted to the dark. Unlike the usual stalactite and stalagmite formations of a limestone cave, here the formations of the basalt cave were regular, square, shaped by surf and wind, the rock almost looking like Borg-influenced fish scales, the water looking inky black as it receded into the distance. The rocks and sand that made up the narrow beach sparkled a bit with reflection where the stones were wet, then became dull and matte where the sand was dry. Something seemed out of place near the far end so he moved forward cautiously.
He walked slowly, guided by the weak twilight streaming in from the cave mouth. Using the light on his phone, he waved it in front, providing a little more illumination to the scene. Only then did he realize that a figure was slumped over against cave wall, a red jacket looking dark purple in the dim light. Moving closer, he recognized her immediately. “Niko!” he said rushing the last couple of steps to her side. Poseidon hardly knew her, having only met her once, several years before, but she had made an impression. She was a famous tattoo artist from a shop in the Meguro-ku district of Tokyo. He had accompanied Vox Wandre to get the feather tattoo on her abdomen retouched and add another to memorialize her fallen friend Bohemian Van Lyle. He’d accompanied the young woman and Wolfgang Fowler on the trip, happy to visit Japan again. Spending time with Gabrielle’s crew made him feel young. The artist had been warm and kind, charming the sea god. There was no mistaking the woman in the cave; the buzz cut of her hair, lithe build and striking features made her instantly recognizable.
“Ariel-san,” she said weakly, recognizing the man kneeling at her side. She tried to clear her throat and focus her vision. “Is this a dream? Can you be here?” she said in a hoarse whisper, her mouth dry, her lips chapped.
Had he not immediately noticed that her life force was waning, he’d have been charmed. Everyone called him “Ariel” nowadays, or “Uncle Ariel.” It amused him, made him feel part of a family which he had not felt for a very, very long time. Poseidon reached for her neck to take her pulse and drew his fingers back, the painful shock almost as if they had been burned. Undeterred he put his fingers back and could feel that her pulse was weak and fast and the burning sensation was dryness – almost as if her skin were trying to wick moisture from him.
“I am here, not a dream. My dear, what happened?” he asked. He sat next to her and cradled her as she slumped over, ignoring the discomfort that contact with her skin caused him.
“A witch – kijo,” she said weakly, “came to the shop, with men, guns, brought us here…” Her gaze focused down the cave, past the bend. “She killed them…how could Kana…” It was clear that speaking was difficult; Poseidon shook his head smiling down at the young woman kindly.
“It’s okay,” he said, “I have you now.” Reaching out with his heart and mind he provided the comfort he could. Immediately the woman relaxed, her breathing easier, the pain eased, and a grateful smile appeared on her lips. While this sort of thing was more in the wheelhouse of his niece Aphrodite, Poseidon also knew how to assist the dying, providing a sense of security and release from pain. Granted, the creatures he often cared for were a lot larger than a single young woman, yet the technique was the same. He closed his eyes in concentration, opening them when his nose alerted him to a new danger. Only then did he see an eerie mist travel over the water’s surface, emanating from further back in the cave, and in his peripheral vision, the movement of a figure from behind the bend. The mist smelled of something old, something dangerous. An accidental discovery of Hades’ that frightened them all. Seeming to adjust Niko’s position, he reached his hand into his pocket and tapped his phone. Discreetly, he entered his passcode and reduced the brightness of the screen, all the while focusing on Niko, not his phone. He hit record and slid the device behind one of the nearby rocks, hiding it. As he adjusted the now nearly unconscious woman in his lap, her hand fell from her pocket, holding something.
“Rest easy Niko,” he said gently as he cradled her. Reaching out once more he soothed her discomfort, even as her skin seemed to wrinkle and age before his eyes. She relaxed her grip on the ceramic shard, and it fell noiselessly to the rocks next to her. He made no move to touch it.
“Poseidon, welcome,” the tall, lanky figure said as she moved closer.
“I don’t believe I know you,” the God of the Sea said, his voice pointedly casual, “and I’m pretty good with faces.”
“We’ve never met, but we have a friend in common,” the figure said with a light laugh. “Xena, the Warrior Princess?”
“Was she one of the Spice Girls?” Poseidon asked, “was there a ‘princess spice…pumpkin spice?’” he added to himself.
“It’s good to have a sense of humor, at the end,” she said, menacingly.
Poseidon studied the woman. She was tall, imposing, and radiated an aura of power. She looked like Niko’s sister-in-law, Kana, but the energy was completely different. She wore her long black hair loose, her dark eyes cruel and unforgiving. She had high cheekbones, giving her an even more severe countenance. She was dressed stylishly, her boots fashionable, her eye make-up dramatic. Clearly, she was the kijo responsible for abducting the tattoo artist and whoever else undoubtedly lay dead past the bend in the cave. “End of what?” he asked. “End for her? What does Niko Saito have to do with you?” He sighed sadly, the young woman was gone, her life force depleted, the strange dehydration seeming to slow now that she was dead. Carefully he shifted her body off of his lap. When he was no longer in contact with her skin, the burning sensation stopped.
“My return to this world hasn’t been an easy one,” she explained, her voice deep and growly. “I’ve had to take several to make my place in this world. Her life force made me stronger.”
“How very Voldemort of you,” Poseidon said dryly.
“And I’m going to need yours too.” She added with a smirk, “My friends and I have bigger plans than just existing, I’ll bet you know all sorts of powerful secrets.”
“The white amber incense? Mixed with dead ambrosia? You’ve pulled out all the stops, kijo.”
She chuckled, a deep, sound void of humor. “Witch…sure, why not?” she shot back. “I’ve been called worse. It wasn’t easy getting a hold of dead ambrosia. I’d settle for the live stuff if you have any?”
“Fresh out, I’m afraid. I don’t suppose you’ve any brittle black tea on hand?” the god of the sea asked affably. “I could use some, I find I’m thirsty. And a mythic refuge would be nice, with an army perhaps?”
“Oh, you’re a hoot,” she replied laughing.
“I don’t think I caught your name?” Poseidon coughed, aware he’d succumb to the mist soon. He stood so he could buy himself a little more time. He knew a sprint to the water was out of the question, hard as it was to just stay standing. He longed for the safety and power of the sea, merely a few feet away, yet out of reach. He needed another plan. Keeping his face neutral, he reached out with all the focus he could muster to someone who could save him. The only one who could. It was no small feat to ensnare a God. His survival now depended on others. “You seem to know about the old ways,” he added. “But really, you don’t look familiar to me, and I know a lot of people.”
As if reading his mind, she laughed again. “You want to know how I did it? How I knew about the incense? Your little stunt with Xena had quite the backlash in this part of the world.” She explained. “Yodoshi may have been a monster, but even us monsters have friends. While the Olympian Gods are fewer now and…ahem…smaller in stature, a similar fate has befallen Gods the world over. It took some time, but wasn’t too hard to find a God here in Japan who was unimpressed with your interreference, and knew your secrets. You can thank the Shinigami and their avatars in this world.” Poseidon was beginning to lose focus when the woman smiled at him. She favored him with the same gaze a python might bestow a rabbit that was to be its dinner. “You might as well call me ‘Alti’” she said with a wide smile. “And we are going to get very well acquainted.”
The aura of joyful abandon permeated the reception area for hours after the ceremony finished, accented by the open air in the now dark shadows of the majestic mountains and strands of lights illuminating the dining area and dance floor. Uniformed staff worked efficiently and unobtrusively attending to the small wedding party that had booked the entire ranch. The rhythmic crash of waves could be heard in the distance from the beach beyond, providing a backdrop to dinner where the assembled guests chatted like family. Beyond the joy of seeing Xena’s easy interaction with everyone, Gabrielle was again grateful to Susan Yin who had insisted that she tell her closest confidants her truth. She missed her god daughter and trusted confidant as did many in her inner circle. The absence of Susan was perhaps most painfully felt by Susan’s grandson Shen, who had asked if an empty seat could be left at the dining table for her. Gabrielle and Xena were grateful the boy felt secure in asking for what he needed and they were pleased to be able to provide him that. With less than two dozen guests in attendance, one large banquet table could easily accommodate everyone. The empty chair prompted fond remembrances of their missing colleague and the boy seemed deeply grateful.
Rebekah Luna, returned from Ireland where she ran Gabrielle’s operations for Bardic & Company, chatted amiably with the CFO, Heather Martin, and Michelle Fender the COO (and onetime ship-captain and paramour of Aphrodite). Michelle was now the undisputed ‘right-hand’ of Gabrielle and Xena, running the Transportation division and everything else in the bard’s orbit. There was little doubt that in time she would fill the shoes to the departed Susan Yin.
Fiona O’Brien, head of HR, sat at one end of the table with the Shur sisters and the relative newcomers to the team: Jennifer Charvel, assistant to Aphrodite, Dr. Kate Sprucehill, the new head of Special Projects, and Calypso Zemaitis, Shen’s tutor when he spent time on The Hippolyta. The assembled crew playfully interacted with the select few in Gabrielle’s organization who knew the whole story, but were also careful around Shen not to spill any of their boss’ secrets.
Everyone had a laugh when both Ed Schecter and Nicolai Burns caught the bouquets of flowers because they were the tallest members of the crew. The large Russian gifted his bouquet to the doctor, who promised to dance with him later. Ed withdrew individual flowers from his bouquet and handed them to everyone he encountered until they were gone. In no time, everyone sported a fragrant flower pinned to their chests, with the exception of Ingrid Kamaka and Prisha Washburn, who opted to put the blooms in their hair.
The feast had been tremendous, leaving even the chefs among Gabrielle’s crew impressed. When the plates had been cleared and the wedding cake (decorated with assorted female super heroes per Shen’s design) served, Wolfgang and Vox, dressed in matching tuxedos with tailcoats, took their stations at the DJ console and provided dance music. Accepting their cue, Xena and Gabrielle walked hand in hand to the dance floor, to the cheers of the gathering.
Xena held out her arms and Gabrielle grasped her hand, resting the other on a strong shoulder. The warrior held her close, her arm wrapped around the bard’s body, her hand resting on the warmth of the small of her back. They danced in silence for long moments as if the reception and everyone around them faded away. With eyes only for each other they reveled in the awareness that this was their life now. For Gabrielle especially, who had endured so many years alone, the last five had been like waking up every morning to a dream.
“How does it feel to be married?” Gabrielle asked softly as she swayed with Xena to the music.
Xena beamed down at her love, delighted with all the long day had offered. “Pretty wonderful,” she said. “Although it is my first marriage. You’re the expert; how many is it for you, love?” she gently teased.
“If you’d like an amazing wedding night, you might not want to go there,” Gabrielle chuckled “Although you were there at my first wedding, to Perdicus.” Xena opened her mouth to speak, then closed it, unsure of what to say. Gabrielle shook her head in understanding. “Love, we both know I shouldn’t have married him. I wasn’t in love with him, and besides feeling guilty and sad that he died, I know if I’d tried to be his wife, I’d have been profoundly unhappy, left him in time, and gone looking for you. You have always been my heart’s desire.”
Xena smiled sadly and squeezed Gabrielle a little tighter. “That day was devastating on so many levels. I felt responsible for letting my fear and uncertainty get in the way of saying something. I wanted to scream that I loved you, that you couldn’t marry him, but I felt so unworthy then. And I was profoundly sorry that my past came back once again and hurt you.”
“It’s literally ancient history for both of us Xena,” Gabrielle said warmly after a proficient twirl. “This is the happiest day of my life. I feel grounded, connected, complete and if it took everything we’ve gone through to end up on this dance floor, my love, I’d do it all again.”
Xena smiled at her, feeling her eyes mist over. If she didn’t lighten the conversation, she’d be in tears (albeit of joy) in moments. “Everyone is really happy,” she continued, changing the subject and glancing around at the couple dozen onlookers. “Happy or us, for Shen – we are surrounded by so much love. I’m sorry that Poseidon couldn’t make it.”
“Do you know what happened to dear Uncle Ariel? He’s weird but not flakey. It isn’t like him to just not show up. He didn’t RSVP but I still expected him to make an appearance.”
Xena shrugged, then gave Gabrielle another proficient twirl. “All seemed fine a couple of days ago when we chatted. He even asked about the dress code; I told him pants and shoes would be nice.”
They were quiet a moment, enjoying listening to the strains of Stevie Nicks’ Crystal playing through speakers hidden near the dance floor. With eyes shining and happy, Gabrielle looked up at Xena. “I didn’t realize how much we needed this. The break from our work, the ceremony, the party – everyone is just so rejuvenated, you can feel it in the air. The pandemic took such a toll, and this election stuff…” Gabrielle gracefully spun the warrior before catching her again, as if they’d been dancing together for centuries.
“Your girlfriend could have something to do with everyone’s general good mood,” Xena commented, without malice. Gabrielle was grateful that the warrior could accept her closeness to the Goddess of Love and not be threatened by it. Warrior and Goddess had reached a place of mutual respect and affection.
Happy as I am to have my girlfriend visit,” Gabrielle pushed back with a playful chuckle, “you, my love I chased down for over two thousand years. Xena, you were my first love, and I’ve never forgotten it. Heart’s desire, ya know?”
Xena smiled at her in return, leaning in for a soft kiss. “And you are the other half of my soul, Gabrielle.” They had moments more of quiet reverie as the music played, simply soaking in the present and each other.
“Aphrodite did an amazing job with the rings,” Xena added as they swayed. I know she helped Shen make all his sketches a reality, and not just the rings, but the gowns and cake.”
Gabrielle chuckled, “I get the feeling that she knows a lot of people who will move mountains for her.”
The warrior couldn’t help but smirk, “I’m looking at one of them right now. But I know she’d move mountains for you too.”
“Well, she did give up her most prized possession to get you back,” Gabrielle replied. “I think she’s got a soft spot for us both.”
Out of her peripheral vision, Gabrielle saw Aphrodite approach as the song ended, a new song beginning in the crossfade. She expected to take the Goddess’ arm when her godson stepped in as Aphrodite reached for Xena. The goddess winked at Gabrielle before whisking Xena away.
“This is the best wedding ever, Gabrielle,” Shen said conversationally, as they began to dance. “I thought you might cry, but you didn’t.”
The bard beamed; he’d grown so much in the last few years. Fortunately, in heels she could look him at eye level once again. The boy had grown into a compassionate, kind, smart, and playful young man. Dressed in his modern tuxedo, with embroidered accents of crimson among the black brocade, he looked much older than his fifteen years. His hair freshly trimmed; it was clear he was also sporting a fresh shave. In hardly any time at all, he was becoming a man right before her eyes.
“Nothing wrong with crying, Mr. Teal,” she said.
“I know, I know,” he replied, bemused. “Crying shows you have feelings and having feelings is human.” He twirled his godmother proficiently, closing back to their dance hold.
She continued. “You really outdid yourself. Everything today was perfect – the gowns, the rings, the cake was amazing. This ranch – the island. You did so much work. Xena and I are so very grateful.”
He shrugged, beaming with pride. “Aphrodite helped. She paid for everything, made sure I didn’t spend too much money.” Gabrielle couldn’t help but laugh inwardly at the notion. “I think it’s very cool that the two of you let a fifteen year-old plan everything about your wedding,” he continued. “It isn’t boring or anything, and people are actually having fun.” He surveyed the assembled dancers with a satisfied nod. “And you’re much easier to dance with than Nicolai,” he chuckled, referencing his dance instructor.
“Would you speak of the devil,” Gabrielle said as the large Russian man approached and respectfully tapped Shen on his shoulder.
“I will cut in,” he said. It was not a question.
Shen grinned. He couldn’t say that Nicolai Burns was all bluster, he wasn’t. He was a fierce man. But when it came to his family, to him, he felt like he had the world’s most protective teddy bear. Shen nodded and leaned forward to kiss his godmother on the cheek. “I’ll go dance with Xena, then help Wolfgang and Vox.” he said. “Thank you for the ring, Squirrel. Today was special. I love you.”
Her eyes misting over again, Gabrielle replied. “I love you too Moose.”
As Nicolai settled his arms in the proper dance hold, Gabrielle quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks. “You are raising a fine young man,” he said softly.
“I think it’s a group effort,” she replied. More than most boys at his boarding school, Shen divided his time between environments. A school that he enjoyed, time on The Hippolyta with a crew that were more like aunts and uncles to him, and the time spent at home in the house he shared with Xena and Gabrielle.
“That is quite a suit,” Gabrielle commented, nodding approvingly at her friend. The large man wore a vintage sixties velvet jacket that had clearly been altered to fit his muscular dimensions.”
“Transportation has a good tailor, I can move well enough to catch bouquet,” he replied with a chuckle. “They made all of our suits, Shen too, even enough material to cover Ed.” He beamed at his boss, happy to enjoy the festivities and champagne.
“Any plans about marriage? I saw that Ed caught the other bouquet,” Gabrielle teased joining in his laughter as they danced. She had known this man for decades and delighted in how his sense of humor and easygoing nature permeated his otherwise imposing and formidable appearance.
The large man chuckled, expertly twirling his partner then gently catching her back in hold. “While I may be Ed’s idea of dreamboat, I am already married to job – and have girlfriends on the side. Unlike you, I don’t marry girlfriends.”
Gabrielle chuckled. She knew that the tall Russian could speak a number of different languages fluently, his accent flawless. But when he was most relaxed, he favored the accented broken English of a Bond villain.
He glanced over at the DJ booth, Shen joining Wolfgang and Vox behind the console then looked back at Gabrielle once more. “Boss, Vox is ready,” he said softly. “She should be captain. I will serve as XO her first time out, just in case. But she is ready.” He chuckled to himself before adding, “now that you are off-market, maybe she will concentrate on job.”
Gabrielle nodded, smiling warmly at the man. “Then Captain, she is.”
As Michelle approached Nicolai to cut in, the large man nodded crisply then gently raised Gabrielle’s hands for a soft kiss on her knuckles. “Congratulations my dear, dear friend,” he said with a warm smile before turning in the direction of Dr. Sprucehill.
A new song began as Michelle put her arms in the proper position, holding her boss close. Strains of the new melody were up tempo and she was about to release her partner only to find Gabrielle holding her tight. “This is nice,” the bard said of their closeness.
Blushing, the chief operations officer glanced around at the other couples on the dance floor, noting that no one was paying them any mind. Swaying on beat, they did not look too out of place. Finding her voice, Michelle spoke, “The wedding was lovely, you look beautiful…both of you... well, all three of you. Aphrodite looks amazing too. Shen cleans up nice…”
“You look beautiful too,” Gabrielle said, stopping her friend from what was bound to be a babbling train wreck. It only happened when the statuesque woman was nervous, and this moment clearly qualified. “You okay?” Gabrielle asked seriously.
Michelle smiled down at her, appreciating the kindness of the thought behind the question. No doubt there were layers to her boss’ concern. On the one hand it had been a fairly open secret that she had a massive crush on her boss but was too staunchly professional to let it interfere with her job. Both she and Gabrielle had silently agreed to not talk about it. But she had also gotten involved with the bard’s best friend, Aphrodite, five years ago. The relationship had been intense for a couple of years, then shifted into something else. The proximity however, Aphrodite’s closeness to Gabrielle and Xena, had by necessity brought her into a closer relationship with the bard.
Michelle leaned close so their conversation wouldn’t be overheard by others, although the music made that very unlikely. “I’m not sure if you’re asking if I’m okay about you getting married, which I absolutely am, or if there is anything weird going on between me and Aphrodite which there absolutely isn’t.”
Gabrielle chuckled, “I was asking about both and I love that you think two steps ahead in any situation.” Her previous conversation with Xena still very present in her thoughts she added, “I know it can be hard to see someone you…have feelings about… marry someone else.”
Giving herself time to think while they turned several times on the dance floor, Michelle finally said, “Gabrielle, I’m not going to deny that I’ve had strong feelings for you – I know it’s been obvious…”
“But never unprofessional,” the bard interjected.
“Thank you,” Michelle replied. “But even before I knew you…ah…er…were so much older than me, I knew that even if things had been different, it still wouldn’t have been right. I think seeing Vox and her obvious crush on you made that really clear to me. And of course, once I met Xena and could really see how the two of you fit – that there is something there in each of you that really completes the other – no one in their right mind would want to get in the way of that. Even though your relationship is a relatively untraditional one, the messiness you might entertain sometime, isn’t something I’m suited for…with you.” As she spoke, she couldn’t help but glance in the direction of Aphrodite who was now dancing with Ed. “I am very happy to be present at the nuptials of two incredibly special people.”
Gabrielle, who had frowned at the comment regarding her age and felt a little off guard at the supposition of unorthodox relationships, couldn’t help but smile at the compliment. She chuckled again as the song ended and Michelle breathed an obvious sigh of relief. Before the COO could escape though, Gabrielle hugged her and kissed her cheek warmly. “Thank you Michelle, for being part of my life,” she said softly.
As night moved into the wee hours of morning Xena and Gabrielle danced with everyone in attendance. When the call for last song was announced, Xena looked sheepishly at Gabrielle then nodded to Vox. Nodding her consent, the bard laughed out loud when the warrior marched over dragging her friend from behind the music console to the dance floor.
“Can I have the last dance?” Gabrielle heard a soft voice ask from behind. She smiled as Aphrodite took her arms in hold and led.
“I was wondering if I’d get to dance with you,” Gabrielle replied with a smile as the strains of Mirrorball by Taylor Swift began.
I want you to know
I’m a mirrorball
I’ll show you every version of yourself tonight
Shimmering beautiful
And when I break it’s in a million pieces
“You can’t spend your wedding night fawning over another woman, Sweet Pea,” the goddess answered with a smirk. “Did you pick this song or did Xena?”
“I picked Crystal for our first dance; Xena picked this one for our last. Although the plan was not to have her dance it with Vox,” she said with a wry chuckle.
“I’m glad she’s found a bestie in junior. It’s good for both of them,” Aphrodite agreed.
“Admit it, you thought Argo was going to interrupt my wedding vows,” Gabrielle challenged gently. Ever since the pit bull had been enchanted by the goddess, she barked anytime she overheard someone lying. While Gabrielle had no doubt in the sincerity of her vows to Xena, it was conceivable why someone might think otherwise.
Hush
When no one is around, my dear
You’ll find me on my tallest tiptoes
Spinning in my highest heels, love
Shining just for you
Hush
I know they said the end is near
But I’m still on my tallest tiptoes
Spinning in my highest heels, love
Shining just for you
“Well, you are crazy about me,” Aphrodite replied, an uncharacteristic uncertainty in her voice as she listened to Taylor Swift channel the warrior’s heartfelt message.
“You yourself said that I can love Xena with all my heart and still carry a torch for you,” Gabrielle replied, twirling the goddess then catching her. It had become a short hand of theirs. Gabrielle knew that Aphrodite was as fond of her as she was of the goddess, but that level of emotional vulnerability was reserved for moments when it couldn’t be helped. Most of the time Gabrielle played the part of the jilted lover knowing all the while the roles were really the opposite. “Have you danced with Michelle?” Gabrielle asked, glancing towards her COO who was now dancing with Dr. Kate.
I want you to know
I’m a mirrorball
I can change everything about me to fit in
You are not like the regulars
The masquerade revelers
Drunk as they watch my shattered edges glisten
Aphrodite followed her line of sight. “She and I are solid Sweet Pea. We had a lot of fun, but my work gets really heavy and I know she feels like she’s better suited to be your Number One. There are no hard feelings. You know I don’t see relationships in terms of ending unless someone is really a tool, relationships evolve and what evolves one way can always evolve back. We may hang out tonight. Unless…”
“Aphrodite!” Gabrielle scolded with a laugh. “As much as I’m still annoyed about that business with Ulysses, I’m not going to ask Xena for a threesome on our wedding night.”
“Okay, fine. Whatever. I can be patient,” she replied with a dramatic pout. The goddess was quiet a moment, then whispered, “You do know the depth of Xena’s love, yeah?”
Gabrielle was momentarily thrown by the unguardedness of Aphrodite’s statement. No kidding, no bluster. The honesty of the moment made her miss a beat, quickly double stepping to get back in synch. “I do know,” she said softly. “We have literally gone to hell and back for each other, and so much more. I believe Xena is as assured of my love for her as I am her love for me. But we were talking about Michelle.”
Hush
When no one is around, my dear
You’ll find me on my tallest tiptoes
Spinning in my highest heels, love
Shining just for you
Hush
I know they said the end is near
But I’m still on my tallest tiptoes
Spinning in my highest heels, love
Shining just for you
They continued to sway, comfortable in each other’s presence, in each other’s arms. In all of her years of living, her relationship with the goddess was unique. “Aphrodite, I know that despite your flirtatiousness, you respect the both of us and who we are to each other. But even so, I miss you,” Gabrielle said softly. “Is that why you’re gone so much? Out of respect? Thinking I can’t keep it together?”
Aphrodite sighed, not wanting too much honesty to dampen the mood. Still, she knew better than to be untruthful. Not only could Argo tell, roaming from couple to couple on the dance floor, but she knew Gabrielle would know as well. “In part,” she confessed. “I know you and Xena need time. Time for her to get her bearings in this new world, time to knit your hearts and lives back together. Time to remind yourselves and each other exactly why the forces of neither heaven or hell could tear you apart.”
And they called off the circus
Burned the disco down
When they sent home the horses
And the rodeo clowns
I'm still on that tightrope
I'm still trying everything to get you laughing at me
I'm still a believer but I don't know why
I've never been a natural
All I do is try, try, try
I'm still on that trapeze
I'm still trying everything
To keep you looking at me
Because I'm a mirrorball
I'm a mirrorball
I'll show you every version of yourself
Tonight
“And besides, I needed to get back out there,” she added, dismissively. “Ares might be out of commission, but his toxic bullshit infected so many people. And COVID,” she paused for breath, “it’s been racing from one disaster to another.” They danced, in silence a moment more, enjoying the connection of swaying together; a closeness that didn’t need words. “You will see more of me, I don’t want to miss out on watching Shen grow up, but I wanted you and warrior babe to have a solid foundation.”
As the song ended, Aphrodite leaned down to plant a soft kiss on the bard’s mouth. “I love you Sweet Pea, congratulations on your very special day.”
Gabrielle smiled back her eyes brimming with emotion. “None of this would be possible without you, I love you too.”
The early November dawn found Xena and Gabrielle making their way to their bedroom suite. They bid their wedding party a good night with hugs all around. Some revelers hung out near the dance floor to catch up with friends; others made their way back to The Hippolyta while a few had already turned in for the evening. Hand in hand, fingers interlaced, the newlyweds made their way to their suite, alone and together at last.
The Honeymoon Suite was large; a living room, dining room and kitchenette that lead to a tastefully opulent bedroom. Like the rest of the ranch, it was upscale and exquisite. There were flowers in vases, giving the space a sweet smell that did not overpower. The dining table was covered in gifts, bottles of champagne on ice, and a variety of fruits dipped in chocolate. Xena smiled, her eyes landing on rose petals that led from the living space to the bedroom.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think tonight was a dream,” Xena commented as she helped Gabrielle from her gown, leaning down to lightly kiss her neck. “This whole week has been wonderful, relaxing with Shen, the team. Marrying the love of my life. You looked absolutely beautiful tonight, but more stunning still out of that dress.”
Gabrielle smiled. “Not quite the dreamscape that we enjoyed courtesy of the Mystics of Morpheus,” she commented, turning in Xena’s arms to kiss her properly. They kissed for long moments, delighting in taking their time.
“This dreamscape is much better,” Xena husked when they broke for air.
“Hush, no one is around my dear,” Gabrielle breathed in return, echoing the song that Xena had chosen for their last dance, even though they had not danced it together. The warrior smiled; grateful her message had been heard.
“I can’t really put into words what it’s been like to have you back Xena,” Gabrielle continued. “Every day I wake up and can hardly believe that this is my life, that I get to spend it with you. No Bacchae, no daggers of whatever that have to be found, just you and me living our lives together. And watching you and Shen – you trying to get him to go swimming with you yesterday. After everything – all of these years – I am getting my happily ever after.”
Xena gazed at Gabrielle as she spoke, listening to her wife but at the same time just enjoying the view. Enjoying the here and now, the moments upon moments since her resurrection that truly made her feel like all they had endured before had led to this. It was her ‘happily ever after’ as well.
“Do you remember Gurkhan?” the warrior asked, blue eyes roaming over her lover’s undressed body. “When you danced in front of his harem? I didn’t think I’d ever see anything as sexy, until tonight.”
“My, but you are a flirt,” Gabrielle replied with a chuckle as she turned down the light and led Xena by the hand to the large bed. In the soft lighting, the bed looked warm and inviting. “It was a very long time ago, but yeah, I remember. Xena, I remember it all.” Reaching the edge of the bed, Gabrielle leaned in for another unhurried kiss, pressing her naked warrior against the soft bed covering. “I remember all those times I felt such jealousy every time someone would turn your head – Helen of Troy, Marcus, Mark Antony, Ulysses, Petracles – and here I am now, about to take my wife to bed.”
“Your wife is very eager for you to take her to bed,” Xena agreed. Smiling at each other they slipped in-between the soft sheets. Gabrielle rolled Xena onto her back, pinning her down as they kissed. Pleased at the passionate onslaught Xena returned Gabrielle’s attention with growing heat. After a playful nip, Gabrielle sat up, straddling Xena’s hips and looked down approvingly at the look of hunger on her warrior’s face. She reached out to play with a nipple, taut from the attention while she considered her next move.
“You’re not going to get any sleep tonight,” Gabrielle warned.
“Gods, I hope not,” her warrior moaned.
“I’m going to make you beg,” the bard winked and leaned close once more, her lips hovering just over those of the prone woman beneath her.
“Please,” Xena whispered.
“I’m going to rock your world, Xena.” With that, their lips met. Gabrielle kissed her wife long and deep, delighting in the way that they moved together.
A searing pain exploded in her head and heart, causing Gabrielle to break the kiss and double over in agony. An instant later, the door to their room burst open. They couldn’t see the intruder, but Gabrielle knew it was Aphrodite, consumed with fear and panic. Nearly knocked out by the overwhelming feeling of terror, Gabrielle gasped, just as the goddess reached the doorway to bedroom.
“What the fuck,” Xena growled hotly and started to get up, until Gabrielle’s firm hand on her shoulder quieted her.
“Something is wrong,” was all the bard managed to gasp out before the goddess, eyes wet with tears, reached the center of the room.
“Poseidon,” Aphrodite stammered, “He’s scared, terrified. I think he’s dying!”
“Wait, what?” Xena asked as Gabrielle slid off of her, trying to discreetly hold up the sheet around them.
“Can’t you feel that?” Aphrodite nearly shrieked getting closer to the bed. Argo, who had retired with the goddess for the night, whined with concern as she followed her into bedroom and hopped onto the bed.
Xena looked from goddess to bard, “Do you sense anything with Poseidon?”
Gabrielle shook her head. Climbing out of bed and leaving the sheet for Xena, she donned the t-shirt she’d been wearing for the wedding rehearsal and turned the light on. “I only sense Aphrodite, I’m not connected to Poseidon, aren’t you?”
“Not like that,” Xena replied without judgement, knowing the depth of the bard and goddess’ connection.
“He is going to die.” The goddess was now pacing back and forth in the room frantically. “We have to go save him. I…I’m…I’m still angry at him, but I can’t lose any more family.”
Taking her hands, Gabrielle urged the goddess to sit while Xena got out of bed and dressed. “Do you know where he is?” the bard asked as she saw Xena pick up her iPhone.
“That way,” Aphrodite pointed in the direction of the window out to sea. “He’s far away, north of us, his life force is waning, slowly, he’s frightened. I see a sea cave, strange rocks.”
“There is no answer,” Xena commented, putting the phone down. “Goes to voicemail.” Gabrielle looked in the direction that the goddess pointed. “What is that way?” Xena asked.
Gabrielle looked from her wife to the goddess and back “Jappa,” she said quietly.
It took but a moment for Xena and Gabrielle to transition from lovers on their wedding night to women who had commanded armies. “Do you want to leave by plane or ship?” Gabrielle asked the goddess. “Plane would be faster, but more of us can fit on the ship, it has more weapons, maneuverability, equipment…” The bard did some quick calculations in her head, “might take a week depending where in Japan we need to go.”
Aphrodite considered as she closed her eyes to concentrate. Her breathing slowed and some of her initial panic faded. “He’s hurting, he’s getting weaker, but I think the ship is what we need. His domain is the sea and that will give us options. Something has wounded him, it’s deadly, but he is not going to die imminently.”
“Something that can hurt a god is serious business,” Xena commented, looking from Aphrodite to Gabrielle.
The bard nodded. “We leave now, by ship,” Gabrielle said as she poured a stiff drink for the goddess and handed it to her. “This could be an isolated attack on Poseidon, or something might come after us as well.”
Xena started sending text messages on her phone. “I’m telling Michelle to get all crew back onboard now. I’ll have her join us too?”
Gabrielle confirmed with a nod. “Jennifer can stay here with the directors to get them packed, organized and back home. Just get everything here at the ranch back on the plane. Drop the directors off, then have the plane meet us in Japan when we know where we’re going.”
“Whatever it is that’s hurting him, Gabrielle,” Aphrodite said, her eyes swollen and puffy, her cheeks tear stained, “it’s sinister, it’s old, and it is enjoying his pain. There is some kind of evil… alliance at work here. He’s fucking scared.” Aching for the goddess, the bard couldn’t help but notice that had she not taken off the dramatic makeup from the wedding, her tear-stained cheeks would have made her look like a raccoon. It took a lot to rattle the goddess this much.
“I’ll get her to the ship,” Gabrielle said to Xena, petting Argo, who was also distressed.
“Put her in our room,” Xena replied. “Give Michelle Aphrodite’s room? What about Shen? Boat with us or plane with the directors?”
Gabrielle considered for only a moment. “Boat. Whatever it is, I think he’s safer with us.”
Xena nodded in agreement, glancing at her phone as she typed. “I’m meeting Michelle in the hallway.” Before leaving the suite, she glanced back to her wife. “Don’t forget to put on pants.”
Gratefully Gabrielle nodded. “Tell Michelle that Vox has command and Nicolai is her XO. Nothing like trial by fire. They will sort everyone else out. Also, Rebekah needs to know we’re going to Japan. Crew passports are onboard, but I don’t want trouble with the authorities. Heather can work the financial end as necessary.”
“Got it,” Xena said with a nod before leaving.
When they were alone, Aphrodite looked at Gabrielle sheepishly. “I’ve ruined your wedding night,” she said unhappily.
“Nothing is ruined, only rescheduled,” the bard replied. “Family first.” Moving to her open suitcase she took out a pair of sweatpants and slipped into a pair of flip flops. “You okay going to the ship in your pajamas?” she asked. “I don’t think it will take more than ten to fifteen minutes for everyone to be aboard ship and have the engines ready to go. You’ve still got some clothes on board.”
Aphrodite nodded. “Yes, let’s just go. Jennifer can pack up my things. Seven days you said? To Japan?”
“It depends on where in Japan we’re going,” Gabrielle shrugged. I’m texting the crew to have all decks prepared for maximum speed. We’ll haul ass. Weather permitting, we can make the southern-most bit it in roughly four days. Top speed is 70 knots but we can sustain 40 – 50 the whole way there. We’ll need to get a better idea of where in Japan we need to go.”
Aphrodite nodded. “I’m just not sure.”
Gabrielle smiled encouragingly, “We’ll figure it out. Come on, Argo,” she called as they made their way out of the honeymoon suite, iced bottles of champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries and assorted gifts on the table untouched.
There were sounds in the hallway as the crew scrambled in response to the emergency disembarkation. Behind the various closed doors, they heard the sounds of people talking and organizing the departure. No one questioned the orders, no one was groggy or confused. Everyone moved with practiced efficiency.
It wasn’t until the path that led to the beach that Aphrodite and Gabrielle actually encountered another member of the crew. Calypso Zemaitis was the newest member of the ship detail. Hired as a tutor for Shen, she was also serving as a steward, although her background and talents were varied. She fit in smoothly to the Transportation department and seemed to take in stride the infamous ‘booze meeting’ with Jennifer Charvel, the Shur sisters, and Dr. Kate Sprucehill where Gabrielle explained the nature of her longevity.
Shorter than Gabrielle, Calypso had dark skin and bright eyes. Her black hair was styled in elegant rows of braids that hung down to her mid-back. She spoke with an accent that drifted between her African home and Cambridge and Oxford where she studied. Her full face smiled often, her stocky build shaking with a warm laugh when she was so moved.
“How can I help?” she asked, concern threading her voice as she joined them.
“Is Shen okay?” Gabrielle asked then regretted it. The woman who had fallen into step with her and Aphrodite wasn’t Shen’s nanny. She was his tutor. The bard shook her head, starting to apologize and was stopped.
“No ma’am. You do not apologize, not for that. I already checked. He is with the boys, they were still partying and watching action movies in the den, so he’s already onboard. Blake and Steve will see to him as Ed and Nicolai are overseeing our departure. I was in the room with Vox when Michelle gave her the assignment. That skinny girl raced out of the room faster than lightning. I bet she was already at the beach when the zodiac arrived.” Gabrielle smiled, glad of the news. “Might I ask as to the nature of our hasty departure?” she asked.
“We have a friend in trouble,” Gabrielle replied. “We need to get to Japan ASAP to find him.”
“Would this be an old friend?” The tutor asked.
Aphrodite and Gabrielle exchanged glances. The goddess had not been at the most recent booze meeting, and while she would not be surprised if the crew talked to each other, she wasn’t advertising her divine designation. “You could say that,” Gabrielle replied carefully. The black woman nodded her head in understanding and stepped into the shallow surf to hold the zodiac still so Aphrodite could board, followed by Argo.
“I don’t want to wait in your cabin alone,” Aphrodite explained as Hatsuo steered the small inflatable to the two-hundred-foot yacht moored in deeper water. “Can I just hang out on the bridge? I won’t get in the way.”
“Of course, you can,” Gabrielle assured her.
“I can start pulling charts until the navigators board,” Calypso suggested helpfully. Gabrielle nodded, grateful that another group of people had already assembled on the beach and the zodiac turned to fetch them the second they disembarked. She noticed that Sarah Gibson was at the tiller of the second zodiac speeding to the beach to pick up her crew.
As expected, Vox was already on the bridge when the quartet of new comers arrived; Argo making a beeline for her dog bed in the corner.
“Gabrielle on the bridge!” Vox automatically announced to the empty bridge when the bard stepped foot over the threshold. Immediately, her cheeks colored red in embarrassment.
“Nice one tiger,” Aphrodite chided playfully, grateful for a moment’s distraction from her worry.
“Report?” Gabrielle asked, ignoring the misstep, but more certain than ever that this woman would be an exceptional captain.
“Engines warming up, ready to raise anchor,” Vox responded as she surveyed the readouts. “One third of the crew is already onboard and they are securing all decks. We will be clear for maximum speed. Ed and Nicolai have organized the rest of the crew. One more zodiac trip will have everyone else onboard in one go. Michelle has given instructions to the staff remaining behind to secure the ranch and get all gear and belongings to the plane. Jennifer is overseeing that part of the operation and informing our hosts. The Shur sisters are already on route to the airport. Heather Martin is driving so it’ll take no time. They will file a flight plan back to base unless you have another destination?” As she spoke, Calypso went to a drawer of maps, pulling the appropriate one and setting it up on the navigation table.
“Well done, Vox,” Gabrielle replied, proud and grateful for her people. “The marina is fine, no change there. They will get further instructions later. How do you want to proceed?”
The lanky woman looked almost surprised at the question but quickly recovered. Barely thirty, she was the youngest member of the crew, aside from Shen, as the boy would point out every chance he got. Her collection of tattoos stood out in sharp relief from her pale skin, her eyes nearly the same shade as Aphrodite’s. Several strands of platinum blond hair stood out from her Atomic Blonde baseball cap on the side of her head that didn’t sport a buzz cut. Her casual appearance, however, was misleading. Having risen quickly through the ranks of Gabrielle’s company and in-spite of being in love with her boss, she’d focused on the training necessary to get her captain’s license; a requirement for all who held that position in the company. She’d also formed a close-knit bond with Xena, which both baffled and charmed the bard.
“I am going to instruct all non-essential personnel to get some shut eye. Nicolai and I will be on strict shifts, overlapping by an hour to get each other up to speed, that way one of us is always fresh at the helm. I will take the first shift. I will confer with Nicolai and Michelle about the best back-ups for personnel, but on the bridge you only need a navigator and captain, which leaves enough space for you, Xena, and Aphrodite to confer with anyone else you might want and depending on what or who we encounter. I will have security do sweeps and review the monitors, but I don’t feel that you need one on the bridge at all times. When I know more about our mission in Japan, I can advise further. Meals, shipboard operations will proceed as usual unless something comes up.”
Gabrielle nodded approvingly as Calypso approached from the navigation station. “Then let me be the first crew member to retire. I’ve pulled some maps for your navigators when they arrive. I will get Shen settled and have him assist me with steward duty in the morning. He can also help out in the kitchen. He was scheduled with Ingrid in the engine room, but I think Ed may be of more help given the urgency of our situation.” She glanced at Gabrielle, but kept her focus on Vox who, while on board, was her immediate supervisor.
The captain nodded appreciatively. “Excellent, thank you Calypso. You are dismissed, with my gratitude.” With a respectful nod to Vox, Gabrielle and Aphrodite, she left the bridge.
Moments later Xena rushed onto the bridge followed by Michelle, Nicolai, Ed, Wolfgang, and Prisha. Vox frowned and picked up the mic to the command system. “This is your captain, if you are on your way to the bridge, go back to your cabin. All assignments will be sent to cabin consoles. Thank you.”
She looked at Nicolai who nodded, “Everyone is onboard, Captain, all support vessels secure.” he said.
She spoke into the microphone once more, “Weighing anchor now, prepare for departure. Get a good night’s sleep everyone.”
“Well done,” the large Russian said approvingly. He looked around the bridge, now crowded with people, “Too many cooks in the kitchen. Who are you sending to bed?”
Vox nodded in agreement, but turned to Gabrielle, then to Xena and Aphrodite, “What is our mission?”
Xena held up her phone, “Can we locate Poseidon with this?” she asked. “I’ve tried to call him but he isn’t picking up. Aphrodite thinks he’s in danger.”
“In Japan,” the goddess clarified.
With that added bit of info, the young woman nodded. She only had to look at Ed who nodded in agreement. “No need for a bosun. I’ll return to my bunk to relieve Ingrid in the morning. G’night everyone,” he said before excusing himself.
“Wolfgang, get on his cloud account and see if you can get coordinates of his phone for Prisha. Assuming he has it on him.” Vox said to approving nods. “It may take some time,” she added, to the Indian woman. “We’ll let you know when we have something for you to work with. I will plot our Japan route and you can fine tune it when we know more.”
With that, the navigator nodded before leaving the bridge.
As she gave orders both Michelle and Nicolai studied her unobtrusively from the back of the bridge, watching silently and approvingly as Vox took command. Finally, the lanky young woman turned to Gabrielle, Xena, and Aphrodite. “It may take Wolfie some time,” she said. You three should get some sleep if you can. Nicolai, Michelle, and I will revise duty rosters and call you back the second we know anything. Y’all are in your pajamas after all,” she added with a smirk.
Gabrielle looked like she might protest but caught the Russian’s steely gaze. “Argo can stay with us,” he said followed by a chuckle that sounded like granite boulders sliding around.
Poseidon woke but did not open his eyes. It wouldn’t do him any good if he did, given the darkness of his cell. A pattern had developed. Was this the third time or the fourth? His mind was slipping; everything felt dreamy, surreal, and painful. The smoke from the white amber incense and dead ambrosia would fill the room while Alti taunted him, questioned him; weak and spent he’d black out, only to wake up later, covered with ash and have the pattern repeat. Each time weaker still. He hoped that by feigning sleep he could stave off the inevitable a little bit longer. Slowing his breathing he reached out with his mind, trying to see the world beyond this cold stone chamber.
He was not at sea level, his captor was clearly too smart for that. But Japan was an island and he could still sense where the sea was. He was high up, on a cliff, or perhaps in an abandoned stone temple. Even so he could faintly detect the crash of waves below and birds, lots of sea birds. He put that thought aside to focus on his niece. Before blacking out the first time he’d sensed her panic, providing the hope that his message had been received. Keeping his composure, he began to feign the signs of waking up knowing that if he played dead too long his captor would suspect. He’d try to go longer each time. He was searching for a refuge beyond his conscious reality, frustrated he hadn’t found it yet, hoping against hope that Aphrodite could find him there. It was then the faint sent of incense and death reached his nose.
“You’re getting weaker old man,” Alti said with a chuckle.
“Just wait until you get my age,” he muttered in response, grateful at least that she thought he was in worse shape than he was.
“Oh, I plan to,” the imposing woman growled in response. “I hope you’re figuring out some way for that bimbo niece of yours and her two friends to come save you?”
He shrugged. “Not sure who you mean dear, all my family is dead.”
“Don’t play games Poseidon, you’re not very good at it,” Alti growled.
“I’m hardly in a position to play games, Miss,” he replied keeping his tone unperturbed to mask the growing pain searing through his brain. “But sure, I’ll bite. They bested Ares, I don’t think they’ll have a problem with you.”
Alti laughed; a particularly unattractive sound Poseidon decided. “I’m counting on them to feel the same way,” she replied. “Ares was never a team player, and when he did partner up, he made bad choices.”
“You’ve made a better choice than Dahak and Hope?” Poseidon asked, his head swimming, grateful he’d black out again soon. He heard the call of a seagull outside which gave the god of the sea a moment of clarity. For a brief instant he saw the cliff face looking down from his stony prison. The view looking down was what he imagined Mt. Olympus must be like. A smile crossed his lips as he thought of the home of the gods. Finally, he could see it, a mythic refuge.
“What?’ Alti demanded.
The God of the Sea gave no answer. He was unconscious.
“I think we need a strategy to keep Shen busy,” Gabrielle commented quietly to her companion.
Xena looked up from the book she was reading to glance at her wife, who was looking at something on her iPad. Aphrodite, lying between them, shifted a little, her head resting on the bard’s shoulder. Xena rolled her eyes and went back to her book. “I think we should let him get the tattoo he wants,” she said. “Wolfgang or Vox could do it, right? They have enough ink all over themselves. He’ll be preoccupied with looking at it every two minutes until it’s fully healed. That will kill some time.”
This was the part of being patient and out of the way that the bard had trouble with. The request was clear. Stay off the bridge until Wolfgang had a chance to locate Poseidon’s phone. Naturally, they had expected it to be easy; log into the god of the sea’s Apple account and activate ‘find my iPhone’. This proved harder than expected, as no one knew his password.
Instead, the bard, warrior, and goddess had been shooed out of the way as hacking was not a skill in which any of them were proficient. Deciding to be ready whenever called, all three had taken turns showering, donned fresh clothes, and stretched out on the bed to get what rest they could. Even Aphrodite, a goddess who had no need for sleep, found the fear and weight of the day exhausting. The three of them reclined on top of the bedspread, in moments the goddess was slumped over onto the bard, seemingly unconscious.
“Xena, he can’t get a tattoo,” Gabrielle protested, not for the first time. “He’s fifteen. Besides being illegal, he’s still a boy. He shouldn’t be making these kinds of decisions without a fully formed brain.”
The warrior shook her head, “I was hardly older than him when I lost my virginity and had my first army,” the warrior protested.
Gabrielle frowned, “Virginity issue aside, didn’t that army lead to Xena: Destroyer of Nations? Are you trying to make my point for me?”
“He wants to honor Bo, like Vox and Wolfgang did.”
“And he can, when he’s eighteen. It’s only three years away.”
“Eighteen seems so arbitrary,” Xena muttered, mostly to herself. “I absolutely had an army by then. You can see why he’s frustrated,” she added. “He wants a tattoo to be more like you. He looks up to Vox and Wolfgang, but he idolizes you.”
“When he’s eighteen,” Gabrielle repeated exasperatedly before returning her focus to her device. The screen displayed a map of Japan. Without an idea as to where Poseidon might be, the endeavor seemed futile. Her eyes repeatedly drifted to Higuchi, near the Onga river. The place where Xena had been killed.
There was a soft chime on the intercom system before Vox’s voice came through the speaker. “We have something for you,” she said.
Instantly alert, Aphrodite sat up, “We’ll be right there,” she answered. Climbing out of bed, she added, “Why not let Shen set up a small recording studio in one of the storage bays? Blake and Samantha could help him when they’re not in the galley, and he could video chat with the other kids in his band to practice for the talent show that’s in a couple of months.” Both Gabrielle and Xena looked at Aphrodite with surprise. The goddess shrugged, “I like listening to you guys’ bicker. Besides, Shen can get a tattoo tomorrow, legally, with parental consent.”
Gabrielle frowned, but Xena nodded, grateful for the information.
The trio made their way to the bridge, followed by Argo who stopped on one of her grassy stations for a drink from the water bowl.
“Gabrielle on the bridge,” Vox announced and she had everyone’s undivided attention.
“Please proceed,” the bard replied.
“We unlocked his phone – his cloud account at least,” Wolfgang announced. “Vox figured out the passcode.”
All eyes turned to the captain who looked a little uncomfortable. “It was the date you…ah…located…Xena,” she said. The meaning was clear, it was the date the God of the Sea resurrected the warrior princess. Vox, however was the only one onboard besides Xena, Gabrielle and Aphrodite who knew the whole of the story of Xena’s resurrection, the warrior having told her shortly after they’d met when the young woman was recovering in sick bay from a gunshot wound.
“That’s downright sentimental,” quipped Xena.
“Where is his phone?” Gabrielle asked as they all moved to the table with the map of Japan.
“It’s weird, he’s here,” Vox pointed with her finger on the map. “Kratsu, the Nanatsugama caves to be specific, but there is a smudge on the map at the caves already, this center one. Like it’s been marked. We knew the area from his phone signal, but this marking makes it way more specific.”
“That is weird,” Xena commented, looking at the map.
“Can you get into his phone?” Gabrielle asked.
Wolfgang shrugged. “We got into his cloud account, everything he backed up to the cloud from his phone, but there isn’t much to see. He’s got his email, music, contacts, photos, the normal stuff. He doesn’t keep a calendar, no search history, or bookmarks, basic text messages from you guys, us, his other friends. But this one text from you Gabrielle, it was strange.”
All eyes turned to the screen where the text message was displayed.
“Urgent, need help. It’s X. Please come quick.” The message was followed by coordinates.
“What the fuck?” Gabrielle asked. “I never sent that.”
“I know,” Vox agreed. “Someone spoofed your phone number, made it look like it came from you.
“It doesn’t even read like you,” Xena remarked with a frown. “Way too brief, you’d have gone on for paragraphs.”
Again, the captain nodded. “Uncle Ariel isn’t the best with the nuances of texts. He signs them, ya know? I don’t think he would have noticed how out of the ordinary this was. One call and he could have verified it. He could have called any of us.”
“How long until we get there?” Aphrodite asked, blue eyes fixed on the map.
“We’ve been making excellent time,” Vox explained. “I think we can do it in three more days if the weather keeps cooperating like this.” She nodded to Gabrielle. “Breaking in the engine upgrades on the way to Hawai’i really settled her in nicely, she’s running like a dream. Ingrid couldn’t be happier. Now that Prisha has a destination, she’ll get us the fastest route there.”
Gabrielle nodded, “Good,” she said.
“There is one other thing,” Vox added, a little uncomfortably.
“Out with it,” Xena said.
“We don’t have a stowaway per se, but Dr. Kate is onboard. She’d come aboard to leave a ‘Happy Adoption Day’ gift for Shen after the wedding so she didn’t know about the emergency departure. She saw Sarah, Steve, and Hatsuo prepping the decks for top speed and just pitched in to help. They didn’t know she wasn’t supposed to be here. I’ve got her bunking with Michelle in Aphrodite’s cabin since she’s kind of along for the ride.
“Reasonable,” Gabrielle commented in agreement. “You’ve got everything well in hand.” As she turned to leave, Aphrodite stopped her with a hand on her arm.
“Do you know where Shen’s tutor is?” the goddess asked. “Calypso?”
Vox nodded and pointed out the front window, “Yeah, you can see her over there at the bow with Blake and Prisha. They all got a few hours shut eye then stopped by to ask if it was okay since I’d sent everyone to quarters. It’s quite a thing be out there with us going so fast. I didn’t see a problem?”
“No problem,” Aphrodite replied, “we just need to have a chat.”
Xena and Gabrielle exchanged puzzled glances as their friend led them out of the command center. As they approached, the three crewmembers smiled in greeting.
“Hey Argo!” Blake, who was presently serving as chef, called happily as the pit bull approached. “It isn’t mealtime.” He kneeled down to accept the affectionate greeting. “I’d throw you a ball but not with the ship going this fast kiddo.” There was indeed an incline to the yacht as the gleaming white hull of the huge vessel sped through the open ocean, casting a fine spray of sea water in all directions. Occasionally there would be a slight bounce depending on the angle of an errant wave, but for the most part, the ship sliced through water with impressive economy. “Hey guys,” he added as Xena, Gabrielle, and Aphrodite joined the pit bull.
“You missed quite the sunrise,” Prisha added, raising her voice loud enough to be heard over the sound of the engine, water and spray, “I’m sure the sunset tonight will be spectacular.”
Gabrielle looked questioningly at Aphrodite. Xena smiled, breaking the tension as Aphrodite spoke. “Prisha, Blake, we need a word with Calypso, if you don’t mind.”
“I will see you for dinner,” the stout woman said good naturedly to her companions. “We’ve been out here too long as it is. Until later, my friends.”
“Dinner then,” Prisha said in parting with a friendly nod to the other three. “I will bring you the recipe for my mother’s Sandesh for the next potluck,” she added, a mischievous glint in her eye. As the eldest member of the crew, she was the undisputed matriarch among her peers and always the first to be invited to a gathering with food. “I need to get back to my navigation post.”
Calypso watched them depart, then turned her attention to the new trio.
“What is it Aphrodite?” Gabrielle asked, completely puzzled as to why the goddess wanted to speak to her son’s tutor.
Calypso smiled knowingly. “It was the map, wasn’t it?” she asked. “I didn’t think you noticed that. I was trying to be subtle, but also helpful. I wanted you to verify with normal means on the very, very, slim chance I was mistaken.”
“Love notices everything,” Aphrodite replied. “I just might not comment on it at the time.”
“What’s going on?” Gabrielle asked again, more insistently.
“I think there is more to Shen’s tutor than meets the eye,” Xena commented dryly as she watched the exchange between the two.
“Well, spill it,” the Goddess of Love demanded. “Who are you and how did you know where my uncle was?”
“Very well,” the short woman said, looking at the three women questioning her. “My name is Olokum and I’m the goddess of – ”
“Yoruban Goddess of the Deep Sea,” Gabrielle supplied without a moment’s hesitation. “Wait, what?” Gabrielle continued surprising herself with her automatic answer her eyes moving in surprise from Calypso back to Aphrodite.
“Yes, in a nutshell,” the black woman replied turning her attention to Aphrodite once again, “Obviously, I’m helping you. No need for the attitude.”
The warrior’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve been undercover in Gabrielle’s organization for three years?” Xena asked loudly enough to be heard over the ocean spray. “Why?”
Calypso shrugged. “That mess with Ares. You don’t think word about that spread to gods the world over? Immortals are terrible gossips.” Her dark eyes traveled back to Aphrodite, “Or do you think you’re the only gods who are real?”
“No, of course I don’t think that,” Aphrodite shot back, offended.
“How many gods are we talking about?” Gabrielle asked. The information was clearly a revelation to her.
Calypso shrugged, “How would I know? I do not know every religion; I do not know everyone else who walks the earth. But just because I’ve never met Lir or Varuna doesn’t mean I don’t think I might.”
Xena and Gabrielle turned to the goddess of love for her response. She shrugged. “Professional courtesy,” she explained, “we try to stay out of each other’s way.”
With a sigh, Xena turned her attention back to the short woman standing at the bow of the ship. It was like being thrown back to ancient Greece once again with some kind of godly drama. That she was taking to another goddess wasn’t the point, that Poseidon was missing was. “You marked the map? Just as we boarded the ship?” she asked, trying to reorient the conversation to something pertinent. “He’s there?”
“He was there, I can feel it,” she said simply. “I think he’s been taken; he did not go willingly. While I can feel it, it was important you double checked with your own resources. He is too important, too powerful to just go missing. Whatever fate has befallen him is serious, but I also know that just telling you to go to a certain place in Japan would be pointless, that you’d want to verify. Now that you have, you need to start your journey there, at the caves. We are kindred spirits, your God of the Sea and I, just as your lover here, is kindred spirits with Min, Kuni and Benzaiten, to name a few.”
Xena nodded at Gabrielle, “Technically her lover, but I get your point.”
Now Calypso was the one who seemed confused, “My apologies,” she shouted over the spray “I just assumed the three of you…”
Gabrielle rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Maybe we can take this conversation some place less noisy? And not talk about my love life?”
The others nodded and made their way below decks to the interior of the ship and Gabrielle’s study, each woman preoccupied with her own thoughts. “I’ve got questions,” Gabrielle announced when the four of them were settled in the informal study behind her official office. While her yacht had undergone a major renovation, Gabrielle had insisted that décor to the study remain the same. While technology and security moved forward, the art deco stylings and furniture of this room survived. Warrior and bard had taken the couch while Aphrodite had taken the chair behind the rosewood desk, leaving the chair in front of the desk for Calypso. Argo found a bone under the cushion of her dog bed and chewed contentedly. “You know where Poseidon is. Do you know what happened to him? Who is hurting him?”
“I do not, child,” Calypso replied sadly. “I know where to start looking, I’m not sure if he’s been moved or to where. There are sinister forces at work and they are trying to cloak their actions in darkness. It is not anyone from my region or I’d know. I sense earth magic, but dark and rancid. It feels like older energy than of this time, but not as old as Miss Aphrodite and myself. After your activities in Mexico, word spread. It reached my ears. I decided to see for myself who the mortals were that dabble in the affairs of gods, and more importantly,” she looked over at Aphrodite, “to see who this god was to align so openly with mortals and fight her own kind. A debate has been growing, Aphrodite – don’t tell me you don’t sense it? With gods far and wide wanting to leave people to their own devices. Even the lowliest animal knows not to render its habitat uninhabitable. Yet, humanity seems insistent on making uninhabitable the only planet upon which they can survive.
“There are those of my…ilk…,” Calypso continued, “who think man should be left to man’s destruction, hopefully wiping out the whole lot of you so we can try again in a hundred thousand years or so with whatever comes after. I wanted to see for myself this goddess who thinks humanity is worth saving. So, I came to America, put myself in a place to be recruited by your company. I know how to leave a paper trail. I thought a few years working for you would put me in your friend’s orbit. I did not expect that she would be elsewhere the entire time. But I knew she was fond of your son, and I can be patient.”
Now Gabrielle’s eyes narrowed dangerously, “Are you telling me that Shen has been in danger? He’s been a ploy to get close to Aphrodite?” Xena and Gabrielle rose from the couch in tandem, Gabrielle in anger, Xena in case she needed to protect the goddess from her bard.
Emphatically Calypso shook her head, even as Xena put a restraining hand on Gabrielle’s shoulder. “No child, I am genuinely interested in teaching and protecting your boy. He is a good man. He has been raised well. And I am a very good teacher. He is in no danger from me, I promise you that.” Gabrielle glanced at her dog who was chewing contentedly. The African woman was not lying. Calypso waited for the bard’s nod of approval before continuing. “I will tell you that what I have seen of your organization has impressed me. You have done a lot of good the world over. You are trying to right a lot of systemic wrongs, but child, it is like trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon. There are so many forces working against you.”
Something about the metaphor struck Gabrielle. To empty the ocean with a teaspoon. To search the beaches the world over for a grain of sand. For whatever reason, the years of her very long life had been dedicated to doing the difficult, the unlikely. From battling ancient monsters to thwarting a toxic patriarchy, she spent her days battling uphill. It felt so normal at this point that the idea of something easy or sensible seemed alien.
There was silence in the study for a moment as the three women from Ancient Greece digested what they’d heard. Finally, Calypso spoke again. “I admit, I’ve done some snooping. Your diaries aren’t exactly hidden. I’ve only peeked into the pages of several. From what I gather – Gabrielle, you enjoyed some of the food of the gods in your youth, didn’t you? What do you call it?”
“Ambrosia,” Aphrodite supplied.
“Yes,” Calypso confirmed, “yet it is nothing like the salad, I am sure. And you were separated from Xena back then, two thousand years ago? Let me guess dear, you were dead?”
Xena nodded sheepishly, “Killed in battle. That isn’t general knowledge by the way,” she muttered.
“So, Poseidon brings you back – ”
“He had help,” Aphrodite added.
“And the three of you fight Ares.” There were nods of affirmation all around. “The thing that has impressed me most about you Gabrielle, was dedicating your company to do good, or rather to do good as you saw it, all the while you were looking for your friend. You have never been of singular focus, and truly put the greater good above all else, as your soulmate here put her redemption. And you,” she nodded to Aphrodite, “I have researched some of your past incarnations as well. How you’ve done your best to continue your duty even as the world has become less receptive and the forces of malevolence have made it harder. I find myself called to help you in your quest. That has been my revelation in these last three years. That is why I am willing to pick a side now – because I have no doubt that the Greek God of War, hurt as he may be, is martialing forces on his side too.”
“You think Ares is somehow behind this thing with Poseidon?” Gabrielle asked.
“No, not necessarily,” Calypso clarified, “War is not necessarily earth magic. I’m saying that with him hurt, it creates a power vacuum, a space where chaos can manifest and any other number of gods can cause trouble. But I don’t think one could step into the space occupied by Ares without having a similar world view or agenda. Do any of you have a connection to Japan?”
Without missing a beat, Xena picked up the bottle of scotch that always sat on the low table in front of the couch. Gabrielle’s way of remembering her god daughter and advisor Susan Yin. The warrior removed the cork, took a swig and passed the bottle to Calypso. “It’s where I died,” she explained. The Goddess of the Deep Sea nodded in understanding as she settled herself in to hear the whole story.
“Why isn’t he dead yet?” Poseidon heard the frustrated statement as he feigned unconsciousness. The voice was male, he’d thought he’d heard it before, but this time it was closer and clearer. He could sense they were in his cell near the door, the woman and a man, watching him in the dark. It was hard to focus, his head swimming from incense and injury. The pain, like knives cutting him everywhere all at once, was almost unbearable. “He’s supposed to be dead and you’re supposed to have his power. You’re supposed to know all his secrets by now. Mr. Onozuka is paying for information, for power, and you are not delivering either.”
The God of the Sea, while getting weaker, was also getting better at dividing his attention, his awareness, and his essence. He remained with his body, enduring the pain of the smoke as the incense and dead ambrosia leeched the life force from him, somehow instilling his power to the shaman. But another part him soared. He traveled to a place he’d never seen before, a palace he’d only heard tell of in stories. A fortress that would protect him for as long as it could. He had no way to know if it would be enough time, but he also knew he didn’t have any other options. He would be rescued or he would not.
“He isn’t dead yet because he’s a god, Mr. Tam” Alti snapped back, clearly annoyed with her companion. “Tell Onozuka that I need more dead ambrosia. There has to be another museum with it, if not in Japan than somewhere else. Onozuka wants results and results take resources.”
While it had taken meticulous concentration, he felt that the work he put into feigning unconsciousness was paying off. Keeping his eyes closed for three minutes more each time, making the progression of weakness consistent, tied to the strength of the incense. He’d noticed once already she’d tried to trick him – with incense alone, no dead ambrosia. It was important to stay conscious that time. She was vile and smart.
“Mr. Onozuka has already upheld his end of the bargain.” The man protested firmly, as if he was dealing with an obstinate banker. “Two urns from the Tokyo Museum, as promised. The Shinigami want the destruction of Yodoshi avenged and have provided the tools to do it. He is not going to scour the earth as your personal shopper. You said you could lure the Warrior Princess here. The Shinigami have a score to settle with her and Poseidon. Mr. Onozuka has provided safe haven and the security forces you requested. You’re supposed to be gathering his power. You have done little but drive him to unconsciousness, and every time the old man wakes up, she isn’t here, and he isn’t dead.”
“But you are,” Alti said. With that Poseidon heard a gasp, gurgle and then thud as a body landed on the floor next to him. “And for your information,” she added dryly to the corpse, “I have much of his power.” He heard footsteps leaving the cell.
Poseidon waited as long as he dared before reaching out to the body; as he feared, the skin felt weathered, mummified. In the dark he silently moved his hand over the dead man’s suit, noting a small lapel pin which he removed, sliding it into the pocket of his board shorts.
In the distance he heard the sound of wheels over stone outside his cell. The door scraped open, Alti returning holding a flashlight which illuminated a wheelchair but not much else. A thin, tattooed man was standing behind the wheelchair, holding the handles. He barely glanced at the dead body in his cell. Poseidon blinked as if the light woke him and struggled to sit.
“In the chair old man, we’re going on a little trip,” Alti said in her distinctive growl. She shined the light on the body next to him, showing it’s weathered, desiccated skin. “Any bullshit about ‘I’m not getting in that chair’ then this guy joins him,” she said, nodding to the thin tattooed man, adding for good measure, “I’ll round up some school kids too.” Poseidon was impressed. If the man behind the wheelchair was surprised or offended by her threat, he had the sense not to show it.
The God of the Sea stood with difficulty, noting to himself that he wasn’t feigning much. The repeated exposure to the incense had indeed weakened him. He could feel a drying out of his own skin, whereas his captor looked radiant and glowing. Wrangling his thoughts to some semblance of coherence was getting harder.
The thin man pushed him in the wheelchair down a stone hallway, and Poseidon could see that they were indeed in a stone temple. It looked old, weathered, and unkempt, unusual for temples in Japan. He surmised that it was a temple to someone or something that had fallen out of favor. The chair was hoisted up a step and across a wooden floor, then down a step and out a doorway onto some more stones. It was night. His best guess was it was maybe four and a half days since his capture. While he couldn’t see it, he could sense the presence of an ally, a seagull watching from the roof of the building that had just imprisoned him. A car was waiting, a black SUV. The thin man was surprisingly strong, and lifted Poseidon from the wheelchair. As he was moved, he let the lapel pin slip from his pocket to the stones below. He coughed, hoping to mask any sound it might make upon landing. With determination he kept his expression grim hoping that perhaps the Shaman Alti may have made her first mistake.
Gabrielle surveyed the faces that had been assembled in the conference room. It was impossible not to sit at this table and glance at the nick it it’s surface from where Aphrodite had impaled her hand five years previously. That meeting had changed so much for her, making her certain in the choices she made around this rough-hewn conference table.
Having taken the night to think it over her options and discuss with her wife, they had decided on a meeting. More cards needed to be put on the table. It was a small gathering; Vox the captain of her ship, Michelle the captain of her company, Xena the other half of her soul, Aphrodite her closest friend, and Calypso, the new variable. After careful consideration, Gabrielle felt no reason not to take the African woman’s explanations at face value. The many years had taught her to trust her gut and she felt that this woman would be worthy of that trust – but more than who she was, was what she represented: hundreds of gods and goddesses, all potentially possessing special gifts and abilities walked the earth. Some of these immortals would be interested in hurting or potentially killing her and her family. Some might be friends; most would be indifferent. In some ways, the world had not changed so much in two millennia.
“I’ll cut right to the chase,” Gabrielle announced once they were all seated and the room sealed. “This is Olokum, or do you prefer Yemaya?” she asked, looking at the woman seated next to Xena.
“Just ‘Calypso’ is fine, I’ve grown rather fond of it these past years,” the goddess replied.
Gabrielle nodded and moved on. “She’s the Goddess of the Deep Sea for many people of West African faiths as well as Santeria for those who were brought west. She was drawn to our organization after that business with Ares. She is aware of Poseidon’s predicament and is willing to help us.”
Vox and Michelle looked at each other then back at their boss. “Just when I think things are getting dull around here…” Vox quipped.
“What is Poseidon’s predicament?” Michelle asked. “Do we know?”
Aphrodite shook her head. “I know he’s in mortal danger. He’s scared shitless even though he probably wouldn’t admit it. I can feel him getting weaker by the day. I have no idea who or what is doing it. Just a general idea of where he is.”
“There is more,” Xena added looking at Michelle. “Michelle, he’s in Japan and that may be of some significance because I died there.” Now it was the former captain’s turn to look at the assembled faces, this time being the only one who was surprised.
Vox shrugged sheepishly, “I’m sorry, I promised her I wouldn’t say anything.”
“I can see why,” Michelle replied dryly, brown eyes narrowing in annoyance. The Hippolyta’s new captain seemed to visibly shrink in the glare of the former chief.
Xena gave her the streamlined version of her death and resurrection, the warrior’s story falling into place for the former ship’s captain.
“I can see why you’d want this on the down low,” she replied.
“I know, right?” Vox agreed.
“Obviously, we need to keep some additional notes on our books about who knows what – I agree that this doesn’t need to be general knowledge,” Michelle continued. “I assume the same goes for Miss Calypso’s identity?”
“That is kind,” Calypso replied, “but it is just ‘Calypso’. And I appreciate discretion. I’m content as Shen’s tutor.”
“What do you need from us?” Vox asked. “We have a little more than two days to get to that side of the island.”
Gabrielle nodded, “Have Wolfgang start surveying the net. Have him check police reports, check in with our people in Japan, let’s see if something stands out. He can send me whatever he finds, I have some last-minute work I need to do before the election anyway.”
“Hard to believe it’s already November,” Xena commented. “I’m glad we voted by mail.”
Gabrielle couldn’t help but chuckle. “Back to Poseidon; we know who is in trouble, we know where to start looking, but we just don’t know who is behind it.”
“Anything associated with the name Yodoshi,” Xena added. “Look for that.”
“Anything else?” Gabrielle asked surveying the assembled faces.
“Is Shen keeping busy?” Aphrodite asked.
Gabrielle blinked in the shift of conversation but was also grateful. There was no safer place for him that surrounded by so many people who cared for him.
“We’re trying to keep him busy but…” Vox shrugged. “Blake and Wolfie set up a little studio in a cargo bay. I know he wants to practice with his band over video. If his tutor is going to be busy, what do you want us to do?”
“We’ll fix dinner with him tonight,” Gabrielle said. “Spend some time in the kitchen, just the three of us, then eat in dining room.”
“And he’s wanted to play a game,” Xena offered. “If it’s going to take some time before we arrive, no reason I can’t spend some of it indulging him while Gabrielle is working. Once we’ve arrived, we can make other arrangements.”
“Roger that,” Vox replied with an affirmative nod.
Gabrielle studied the computer screen in front of her, glancing on occasion to a map that she had laid out on the desk. Dressed comfortably in her usual jeans, t-shirt and hoodie, she could have been just another billionaire. But unlike the others who dressed down to appear ‘edgy’ she came to it from a place of genuinely having seen and done it all. She raised her head at the soft knock on the doorframe to her study.
Aphrodite was leaning against the door watching her. “Mind if I come in?” she asked. Dressed in her own uniform of sorts, she tried to dress down when around Gabrielle, thinking she was somehow making herself less desirable. The bard was amused, noting that the casual clothes and well-worn sneakers made her all the more attractive.
“Not at all,” the bard replied, shaking her head. “Are you getting acquainted with your colleague?”
“I am. I like her. Not sure that I completely trust her, but I like her. I don’t have a lot of…contemporaries…that I socialize with at any rate. Once in a while, but not recently.”
“You’ve been burned by immortals before,” Gabrielle commented, leaning back in her chair, “but they were family – so maybe this is different?”
“Maybe so,” Aphrodite replied with a shrug. “You get all your work done?”
Now it was Gabrielle’s turn to shrug. “As much as I can. We did everything we possibly could before the election, we’ll just have to see how this midterm turns out and hope for the best. The deck is stacked against us, but all you can do is keep going, stay engaged. We tried to fight the voter suppression, tried to fight the anti-vaxxers, motivate people outraged by the Supreme Court, tried to support all the causes that align with us. Honestly, I’m exhausted with democracy constantly hanging by a thread. They’ve teetered towards a failed experiment in democracy before, but never like this.”
“It’s happening everywhere,” Aphrodite agreed. “It seems like a never-ending game of whack a mole.”
Gabrielle frowned. “I really hate fascism, reminds me of the thirties. I’m always astounded at how hard progress is to achieve and it seems like it can be undone in an instant. The slide backwards seems effortless. Every time I see people waking up with fewer rights than their parents had…” She closed her eyes painfully. “The never-ending fight is exhausting.”
“I’m curious,” Aphrodite asked, “just how many elections do you vote in?”
Gabrielle shrugged, “I vote in the elections where I’m based at the time. For now, it’s Southern California. But I’ve got citizenship papers for pretty much everywhere.” As she gazed around her study, noting the books, a few photos, several mementos from the various lives she lived, she thought about all of the elections she voted in. All of the countries she’d lived, all of the democracies in which she’d participated. The American Civil War felt the closest to this sense of peril. She smiled as her eye caught a small daguerreotype photo on the shelf of her and her wife Bess when she lived as a man in Oregon in the mid-1800s.
“Ares rubbed off on a lot of people,” Aphrodite commented as she watched Gabrielle study the picture, feeling a slight pang of jealousy for the look of affection on the bard’s face.
“And apparently it isn’t just him,” the bard agreed. “How many other gods of war, chaos, destruction, or darkness are roaming around influencing the thoughts and actions of people?” Gabrielle replied with frustration. “It’s hard when you feel like that hamster in a wheel that never stops turning.”
“It is, but that’s because you’re invested. You’ve got a son now; you’ve got so much more to lose. But you also have help out there that you didn’t realize. So, tell me,” Aphrodite asked, changing the subject, “how have things been with the warrior babe?”
Gabrielle was quiet a moment, thinking of all she had to lose, of all that she had gained with the help of the woman sitting across from her. “Things have been really, really good.” She said softly to herself. “Xena is grateful every single day. Grateful and amazed that clean drinking water can come out of a tap, in awe at the thread count of our sheets, thankful for the relative safety we enjoy. It’s a good reminder for me. She elevates me and keeps me grounded.”
Gabrielle studied Aphrodite’s face. While she was as beautiful as ever, there was so much more that the bard noticed about her now. Her absence in the last five years made the details all the sharper in Gabrielle’s eyes. Her hair was longer now, soft blond tresses that fell to just below her shoulders in gentle curls. Her blue eyes were so much lighter than Xena’s. A calming glacial blue whereas her warrior’s eyes were a piercing azure. Aphrodite was dressed simply in jeans and a blue sweater that matched her faded Chuck Taylor high tops. Bashfully, Gabrielle remembered that impossibly, Aphrodite was even more attractive the more casually she dressed. Xena had that ability too; nothing was sexier on her warrior than jeans and a t-shirt. With intention, the bard brought her thoughts back to her wife and the connection they had renewed thanks to Aphrodite’s invaluable help.
“There are times when she blows my mind at how fast she learns. I emailed you when she passed her citizenship test.” She was delighted to see Aphrodite smile. “She studied so hard with Shen. She is both amazed and appalled at how government works. And then there are moments when it’s like raising two children, not just one. I was really bummed you couldn’t make it to the P!nk concert with us. We all had so much fun. I think the aerial work made Xena downright wistful and nostalgic for the ‘old days’ and during the song So What, P!nk landed on a perch right next to where we stood on the floor. She gave Xena a thumbs up and she was beaming over that for days.” The bard studied the goddess a moment more before adding, “Aphrodite, you’ve been away too much these past five years.”
It was impossible not to notice the goddess’ gaze drift from Gabrielle to the couch on the far side of the room. Once upon a time, they’d had sex on that couch. It was like watching a scene from a movie. Aphrodite recalled every detail; the way the bard looked beneath her, working her magic, making her feel like liquid fire. Catching herself, Aphrodite brought her attention back to her friend sitting behind the lacquered art-deco desk. Gabrielle was blushing.
There was no denying the tension in the room. It didn’t take that errant glance for Gabrielle to know how much Aphrodite wanted to kiss her. To while away the afternoon making love on that couch like before. While she endeavored not to be intrusive into the goddess’s thoughts and feelings, there was no denying their connection, and she could usually tell where Aphrodite was emotionally. Besides, Aphrodite was upset, concerned, and consumed with fear about her uncle. The Goddess of Love knew more than most about the curative properties of a solid emotional connection with someone. But it was also because she missed the bard, missed the closeness they had shared, even though it was just for a few months. Gabrielle knew better than to pretend she didn’t miss it; her friend would spot the dishonesty in a heartbeat. “I know,” Gabrielle said quietly, “I think about that stuff too. I know it’s been hard for you, and I am sorry.”
Aphrodite smiled, the same thousand-watt smile that could melt the coldest of hearts. “You have nothing to be sorry for Sweet Pea. I knew the deal and wouldn’t change a thing. I’m a big girl.”
“Even big girls can have people worry about them,” Gabrielle replied. “And care.”
“Flirt,” Aphrodite said then shifted her attention from green eyes to the map on the bard’s desk. “Find out anything?”
Grateful for the change of subject, the bard pointed to the map. “There are several missing persons reports. One of them, Niko Saito, jumps out. She is a famous tattoo artist in Tokyo, she did the repair work on Vox’s abdomen tattoo. Vox had it done on the vacation that she took with Wolfgang, Ingrid, and Poseidon three years ago. It is troubling that someone who had come into contact with my people is missing.
“I don’t have much more than that name though. She went missing with her brother, sister-in-law, and her boyfriend. There have been some robberies at museums.” Gabrielle shrugged. “Nothing else is jumping out – no Yodoshi or anything. I’m kinda stuck though until we get to the caves and see if we can figure out where he went.” A companionable silence settled between them until the bard’s watch vibrated silently against her wrist. Absently she turned off the alarm. “I was going to go collect Xena and Shen to make dinner,” she reached across the table to touch the goddess’ hand, “Would you like to join us?”
Aphrodite was silent a moment, clearly tempted by the offer. With a smile, she brought the bard’s hand to her lips and gently kissed the palm. “No love. You need family time with your family. This was supposed to be your honeymoon, and anyhow, I’ve got plans to have dinner with Michelle. I’ll sleep in here again tonight if that’s okay with you? I don’t sleep, but I enjoy your books.”
Gabrielle nodded, not knowing quite what to say. “This ship is as much yours as it is mine Aphrodite…I really want you to know that…I…”
The goddess stood and made her way to the door before turning to give the bard a good-natured wink, “I love you too Sweet Pea.” Then she was gone.
All eyes were on Xena as she studied the map. Carefully she looked at the documents and notes in front of her before raising her eyes to the map once again. She glanced at Shen before turning her attention to Ingrid, making the mechanic wilt a little under her gaze. “I’m going to move a little to the left here,” she indicated on the map. “Three spaces. I’m going to cast the spell at that guy over there, leaving plenty of room for the archer, over there and for the barbarian to come through the middle.”
Shen sighed with exasperation, “Xena you’re not supposed to tell everyone what to do, you do your thing, but Hatsuo gets to decide for the elf and I get to decide for the warrior.”
“But I have initiative,” the warrior princess protested.
“See how much damage you do,” Ingrid said pointing to the flame demon that was Xena’s target. “It was already wounded last round.” Xena drew a card from her stack; it said ‘Plus two’. “You have to draw another,” Ingrid reminded the warrior. “You’re at a disadvantage because the demon is too close for a ranged attack.”
“Shit, I keep forgetting that,” Xena muttered drawing another card which was ‘Plus one’. “Okay, so it’s four points of damage.”
“And it retaliates this turn,” the mechanic added nervously.
“Wait, I get hit with four points of damage?” Xena demanded, looking at her remaining hit points.
“If it’s any consolation, you killed the flame demon,” Ingrid supplied hopefully. “It flapped, and sputtered and did it’s flamey best, but it crumbles to ash at your feet. And yeah, you get hit for four from smoke inhalation.”
“But now there is nothing between you and the earth demon,” Hatsuo observed, noting that the stony monsters had not had their turn yet.
“I only have two hit points left,” the warrior princess muttered. “Fighting actual giants would be easier than this. My character should have a chakram.”
“You wanted to be the magic user,” Shen reminded her, “Besides, if the earth demons don’t move this turn, you’re okay. They don’t have ranged weapons. But you’d better take a healing potion soon as you can, and don’t forget that other potion, the stamina one, to get your spells back.”
Xena nodded, adjusting the point counter to reflect her added damage. Then she turned her attention to Hatsuo who was about to go.
“Are you guys still at it?” Gabrielle asked as she entered the conference room. Game pieces, map tiles, painted figurines and cardboard monsters were strewn about the table.
“I’ve got only two hit points left,” Xena replied sullenly.
“You know magic users don’t have a lot of hit points,” Gabrielle replied. “And their armor is crap.”
“Is it time to go fix dinner?” Shen asked, amused at the warrior’s predicament.
“If this is a good stopping place,” Gabrielle replied.
Hatsuo and Ingrid nodded at Shen, who begrudgingly agreed. “I’ll jot down some notes for Ed who can take over as the monsters tomorrow,” Ingrid remarked. “Hatsuo can do the same for Samantha, and Blake should be free for his character to join in, or if he can’t Dr. Kate might.”
“Will you be able to play tomorrow, Xena?” Shen asked hopefully.
She glanced at Gabrielle before nodding. “Until we get to Japan, I should be able to play. But we can discuss it over dinner. Admit it, you just want to see if I can survive until the end of the scenario with only two hit points.”
Alti walked down the quiet street of the Karatsu financial district. At this hour, there was no one around, not that she would have worried if there were. Stopping at the corner, she looked up at the gleaming building across the street. Various lights were on from people working late into the night. Men and women putting in long hours for someone who had as little empathy as Alti; someone just as hollow, seeking power to fill up all the vacancies where a soul would be. She was about to cross the street when a shoduko on the other side of the street caught her eye. The curtain outside simply advertised it as a ramen place, yet Alti sensed power there.
It made sense, she thought as she crossed the street. By spending time in the small eatery, Onozuka could look out at the gleaming building that bore his name; a view he would not have from his suite on the top floor. As she expected, the tiny restaurant served a party of one.
“Mr. Onozuka,” she said, stooping under the sign to get inside. Only then did she notice a large yellow dog laying at the mobster’s feet. The dog looked nervously from its master to her, a thin strip of fur along it’s back raising into a distinctive stripe.
Titan Onozuka was a large man, a former sumo wrestler who left the sport to indulge more esoteric interests. While no longer the size of a wrestler, he was still larger than any body guard he could hire, making them superfluous. Over the years he’d found other, less showy, ways of protecting himself. “I have not invited you to join me, kijo.” the large man replied, not bothering to look up from the newspaper he was reading or pay any attention to his dog.
“You haven’t asked where Mr. Tam is,” Alti said, ominously.
The large man lowered his paper enough to passively gaze at Alti over it, his expression indicated he was unimpressed. “I assume you’ve killed him. A fit of anger I’d expect. Let me guess, you want more of that plant? And somehow you think I have it? Or another museum heist perhaps?”
“I need just a little more time. One or two leaves will suffice,” Alti said in what she believed was a winning tone of voice.
“As I explained in our correspondence, I speak for the Shinigami, but do not speak to them. I do not send them on errands to fetch herbs for western witches.”
Alti frowned, her balled fists at her side making the energy around her crackle with electricity. She took a menacing step towards the businessman and felt a searing heat, as if the life force were being drawn from her. The dog growled in warning, which was quite redundant. She took a step back and the pain ceased.
“You would be compensated, of course,” she pivoted. “I have gemstones.”
The large man studied Alti, picking up his teacup and taking a sip.
“The Shinigami are glad that we understand each other. If they see fit to procure more of what you need you will get it, but don’t trouble me about it. Go back to your captive, kijo, I don’t need the diamonds you stole from my niece. It’s enough you’re wearing her face.”
“Perhaps the Shinigami might consider a less short-sighted view. Their issue is with Poseidon, and as promised I will destroy him. But there is a lot more for your friends to feast on. Poseidon has family. There is power enough for a banquet. As they gain strength, I’ve no doubt they will also indulge you, such a trusted partner. Poseidon is only the beginning… if they can help me get what I want.”
The large man looked over his paper again and finally folded it, setting it down on the table next to his meal, mulling over what she said. Picking up his tea cup before speaking, it looked tiny in his massive hands. “I will consider your proposal, as I’m sure will the Shinigami. You have my safehouses at your disposal as well as my security forces. For the time being, that needs to be enough. Now, if you don’t mind, my tea is getting cold.”
With a curt nod of her head, Alti left the shoduko, fuming as she crossed the street back to her waiting car. She decided that Titan Onozuka would be next on her list, after Xena and Gabrielle.
The driver sat silently waiting for instructions, knowing better than to presume anything. “Back to the – no wait,” she said, settling herself in the back seat. Something Onozuka said resonated with her. He’d called her a ‘western witch.’ There may be more than one way to solve her problem. Coming to a decision she gave the driver a new destination.
The main dining room on The Hippolyta could accommodate many, however this night a party of three sat at the end of the long dining table. As the gleaming white yacht had undergone renovations and upgrades, much of the interior design had also undergone a makeover. With input from Shen and Xena (inspired by their recent viewing of WandaVision), the look and feel of the ship had shifted. Only Gabrielle’s study had been spared. Moving out of the art deco and art nouveau styles seen on much of the ship, the new stylings and appointments were set clearly in the late nineteen fifties and early sixties. The crew considered it ‘cool’ and ‘retro,’ but for Gabrielle it was a grudging step towards the present. An elegant Sputnik chandelier hung over the mid-century Italian rosewood dining table and matching chairs. The thin spindly legs of Swedish Modern design appeared to hold up the weight of the table as if by magic.
“I have to admit,” Xena offered happily, “this plant-based meat is pretty good.”
“Told you,” Shen crowed proudly. “We’re all going to eventually be vegan, we might as well start now.” Xena glanced unhappily at Gabrielle at the prospect of veganism, but did not comment, choosing instead to wonder about the dessert plate that sat off to the side.
“I don’t know about the cookies made with cricket flour though,” the warrior princess said dubiously.
“We agreed to try them,” Gabrielle reminded her.
Xena nodded at Shen. “Him first,” she said with a grin.
Shen laughed, “Okay, those aren’t vegan – but insects are going to be an essential source of our protein.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Xena replied, “might as well start now.”
They ate in silence a few moments more until the young boy spoke up again. “Is Aphrodite okay?”
“How do you mean?” Gabrielle asked carefully. “We’re a little concerned that something might have happened to her Uncle Ariel. That’s why we’re rushing to Japan.”
He shook his head, “It isn’t that. I mean yeah, I get the stress and all, but since she and Michelle broke up, she just seems really sad. But like, why would she take that out on you and not hang out with us? I mean, in person?”
“What do you mean ‘in person’?” Xena asked.
“I talk to her on video chat from school all the time. She even helped my debate team for class, watched each of us debate and gave advice and stuff. She was so great about saying positive things as well as things that need work. Everyone dug her.”
“I’m not surprised,” Xena replied, her tone supportive, but Gabrielle caught the smirk.
“Yeah, I mean she’s really cool. Like, at first when I met her, I thought something was going on between the two of you,” he said looking at Gabrielle, “but then Xena was here and the thing with her and Michelle…” It was clear that trying to decipher the personal connections of his godmother and her companions was not something the boy wanted to spend time pondering. “I just didn’t know if something happened to make her stay away.”
Gabrielle glanced at Xena before looking at the boy, uncomfortable thoughts surfacing. So often, over the centuries, she’d confessed her truth to someone only to have them turn on her, disbelieve her, fear her, hate her. Often the solution was simple, extricate that person from her life. Sometimes it was painful, losing someone she loved. The thought of Shen rejecting her, Xena, and Aphrodite was too painful to consider.
“Shen,” Xena began, getting the boys attention so she could make eye contact. Casually the warrior glanced under the table to see if Argo was present. She was not contentedly dozing under the table in her usual spot when anyone was dining. Gabrielle caught her eye and mouthed “with Aphrodite.”
“Shen,” she began again holding the boy’s gaze, “I promise you that there aren’t any personal reasons why Aphrodite has stayed away – certainly absolutely nothing to do with you – the work she does requires her to travel and some years she will have to do more of that, and some years she will be able to do less.”
He nodded, accepting her answer at face value. After pushing his plant-based meat around on his plate a moment, he looked back at his godmother, his expression determined. “Um…Gabrielle, what does ‘whiskey dick’ mean?” he asked.
Having just had a sip of wine, the bard coughed a moment before regaining her composure. She glanced at her wife. Xena’s expression indicated that she too was interested in the answer.
“If a man drinks too much he can have trouble getting or maintaining an erection,” she answered plainly gleaning some satisfaction from the look of embarrassment that crossed her son’s face.
“Why would someone drink that much?” he wondered aloud.
“Good question,” Xena offered.
“Is this about the school talent show?” Gabrielle asked. “We vetoed the song Beautiful Trauma so you thought Blow Me One Last Kiss would work?”
The boy shrugged, “Riki wants to sing something with a message. A strong message of empowerment and Riki likes P!nk.” Unconsciously, he rubbed his arm and grimaced.
“Does…” Xena was about to ask something and found herself at an uncomfortable loss for words. “Riki is your new singer, right? Do…they…have other songwriters they…um…like?”
Shen looked at the warrior sympathetically, “Riki is a girl,” he explained. “Her pronouns are ‘she, her, hers’, she’s just androgynous, not non-binary, or gender-fluid. And I think she’s straight, but obviously I haven’t asked.”
“Ah,” Xena said looking to Gabrielle for help.
The bard smiled supportively at her wife. “Looks like everything got covered in sex-ed,” pleased at the boy’s nonchalance.
“You can thank Aphrodite for that too,” he shrugged.
“How do you mean?” Xena asked curiously, helping herself to more vegetables and another glass of wine, refilling Shen’s glass of sparkling cider first.
Having the mystery of ‘whiskey dick’ solved, he returned to eating with gusto, helping himself to more salad, vegetables and meatless meat loaf. “It was years ago, I thought I mentioned it? Before she started traveling a lot. Right before the three of us went to Greece. Aphrodite was a guest speaker at my school in our health class. She did talks for each class about consent and safety as well as genders, fluidity, transitioning, orientations, ethical non-monogamy all kinds of things. Did you know that there are like, so many genders? Way more than two.”
“I did not know that,” Xena replied.
“And she explained that when she and I met, when I asked Gabrielle if she was gay and she said she was a lesbian and then Aphrodite said she was bisexual, that she only said that because she didn’t know what my frame of reference was when I was ten. She thought it was simpler than explaining at that time that she is a polyamorous pansexual which naturally includes ethical non-monogamy.”
“I see,” Gabrielle said crisply.
“All that and she didn’t cover whiskey dick?” Xena commented dryly.
“Pansexual is similar to bisexual,” he continued, happily showing off his knowledge. “But bi is an older term and obviously binary and not as inclusive of fluid people, trans, intersexed, or asexual,” he reached for another slice of garlic bread with vegan cheese. “Kathy was so moved by her presentation and how loving and accepting Aphrodite was that she came out to her parents as trans that night. She’d been struggling with…all of it for a long time. It was years ago, I thought you guys knew?”
“We knew about Kathy, we just didn’t know that Aphrodite was a guest lecturer at your school,” Gabrielle replied. “Kathy is awesome, we like her. In fact, we thought she was going to try out for your band?” the bard added, helping herself to more salad.
Shen shook his head, “She wasn’t happy with our punk direction, which is just where we’re at, ya know?” Xena stifled a chuckle and took a sip of wine, nodding instead at her son’s seriousness. “She’s a great singer and we’d love to have her, but,” he shrugged, “that’s why Riki stepped in when Zach left. I mean if we decided to drift more into the pop/rock field she may change her mind, but I think Riki will be good.”
“So, Riki is fitting in with the band.” Gabrielle observed.
Shen nodded affirmatively. “I really like her. Javier wasn’t sure at first but I mean she loves the Dora Milaje enough to shave her head so she has to be cool, right? I think she looks like Okoye, which is hot. Beth is kind of indifferent about her, but I think she’ll warm up. It wasn’t Riki’s fault that Zach left school.”
“You think she’s hot?” Xena asked to clarify. “Like, sex hot?”
Shen frowned, “I’m not asking to go condom shopping if that’s what you mean.”
Yow it was Gabrielle’s turn to chuckle. “Of course not. You’d ask Wolfgang, Ed, or Blake to help you out. Which is totally fine with us; you can talk to all of the people in your life that you feel comfortable talking to about this stuff.”
The boy rolled his eyes as if teenage disdain could keep motherly sex talk at bay. “I actually had something else I wanted to talk to you guys about.”
“Of course,” Gabrielle said. Happy to move the conversation away from hotness and sex.
Xena shook her head, “We need to settle this song thing first.” She grinned at the boy and started to sing, “I would be complex, I would be cool, they’d say I played the field before I found someone to commit to, and that would be okay for me to do, every conquest I had made would make me more of a boss to you.”
The boy’s eyes brightened in appreciation, “That’s perfect!” he said grinning, joining in with, “I’d be a fearless leader, I’d be the alpha type, when everyone believes ya, what’s that like? I’m so sick of running fast as I can, wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man…” Gabrielle laughed, always delighted when Xena and Shen were playful together. “I’ll text the band and suggest it. We could do a great punk version of that.
“Xena the Swiftie to the rescue,” Gabrielle said, beaming. “You think singing about conquests is going to get past the approval board at school?” the bard asked.
“It’s better than ‘whiskey dicks’ or ‘my love, my drug, we’re fucked up’.” Xena offered.
Gabrielle shrugged in agreement. “Why not? Tell them you have our support for what it’s worth.”
“Excellent,” the boy said, pleased. “That’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you guys about.” He sat up straighter in his chair, trying to put his most businesslike demeanor forward, “I was going to ask if I can send Riki my iPad so we can video practice. She’s just got the phone…but we’re on our way to Japan so I don’t know how that would work, getting to a post office. I know Blake or Wolfie could set up my connection with my laptop so I don’t need the iPad…”
Gabrielle smiled at Shen before her eyes briefly held Xena’s. While she knew better than to say out loud, this was one of the moments that assured her that she and her partner were doing right by the boy entrusted into her care. One of the reasons Gabrielle liked his boarding school was that they accepted a large number of scholarship students, but that also created some degree of ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’. She glanced around their newly renovated dining room. Tasteful, elegant, it also was an expensive marvel of technology and design. While Shen came from the wealthiest family at the school, one wouldn’t know it to talk to him, and that was something that Gabrielle valued beyond measure.
“Tell you what,” the bard suggested. “Given that this trip was completely out of your control and we hijacked your break, we’ll have Special Projects make appointments with your band mates, set up a video system for all of them to make sure you guys can practice and hang out. Like what we did for COVID during lockdown. For your friends that have a system, it’s just a tune up and make sure they have enough bandwidth, and if someone doesn’t have the same gear – we’ll get them all to the same level. They can be loaner units, or if you want to put your earnings from the last ship rotation towards it, we can give them the equipment?”
He beamed proudly, “I’d like that. That way no one has to feel weird if they didn’t already have the tech. Don’t have Special Projects tell them it’s a gift though, say it’s part of the scholarship or whatever.”
“Now that that’s settled,” Xena commented, unthinkingly trying a cookie and deciding that cricket flour wasn’t that bad, “what was the other thing you wanted to talk about?”
Unsarcastically, the boy’s cheeks flushed crimson and he took a large drink from his glass before continuing. Business demeanor gone, he was no longer a budding entrepreneur and rock star, but a boy talking to his parents. “Um…if it’s okay with you guys…” he began, clearly flustered but determined to get it out, “since I’ll be starting at the high school next year, and it’s a lot of new people and…is it okay if I just introduce you guys as my parents?”
Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other confused. “But we are your parents.” Gabrielle said.
“You’ve got a ring and everything,” Xena added. “I was at the ceremony.”
Smiling indulgently, the boy chuckled. “No, I mean just say you’re my moms. Like you adopted me as a baby.” Seeing Gabrielle’s surprised expression, he continued in a rush, “I’m not saying I’m not proud of my parents, or that I didn’t love them or Grandma and Grampi, or that I’m not so incredibly grateful that I got to live with her before…before…you know. I mean I don’t want that to be the first thing people know about me. When I say ‘this is my godmother,’ people ask ‘why do you live with your godmother; and then it’s the whole story. I want to tell people after I know them better, not the first thing.”
Gabrielle nodded, wondering how much insight and maturity managed to co-exist with the rest of his teenager-ness. “Shen, that is absolutely fine with us,” she said feeling her eyes misting over.
“I might be calling you guys ‘mom’ around campus events and stuff, like, if I’m not thinking about it,” he added nervously.
“That is absolutely okay,” Xena reassured him, her own eyes welling with happy tears.
“Cool,” he said, clearly relieved and pleased that the talk had gone so well. He tried one of the cookies and smiled. “These are awesome- cricket flour tastes like Kit-Kats! Can I take some to Blake and Sarah? I think they were going to help me get set up for our first virtual practice.” He wiped his mouth with his napkin and pushed back from the table but waited until he was excused to stand.
“Absolutely,” Xena agreed.
There were several minutes of profound silence before either woman spoke. “So that just happened,” Gabrielle said, unconsciously glancing at the space previously occupied by her son.
“Not what I was expecting tonight,” Xena agreed.
“We have to not cry the first time he calls us ‘mom’ in public,” Gabrielle added.
“Agreed.”
Xena helped Gabrielle clear the table, putting the plates in the bin for the kitchen, and organizing the leftovers on the tray. “You know that this first ‘rehearsal’ is just going to be teenagers talking all night?”
Gabrielle nodded. “Yeah, but if he wants to stay up until two AM talking to his friends, why not? Especially if Riki doesn’t have what she needs yet to rehearse – which reminds me, I’ll send a note to SP and copy Dr. Kate to get his band stuff sorted out. It’s taking some getting used to having an actual doctor in charge of Special Projects. Does this mean I’m an official roadie for PMP? I keep forgetting what that stands for.”
Xena laughed, knowing full well that Gabrielle never forgot anything. “One day it’s Post Modern Playdate, next day it’s Post Modern Pandemic or Plague. I think they like coming up with a new meaning every time.”
“The PMP logo on the drum head was nicely done so they have to keep it.” Gabrielle looked at her watch then back to Xena. “Is Riki going to be his first?” she asked.
Xena shrugged. “It seems like it. He seems to really like her. I guess we’ll see.”
“This is a lot different from the last time I raised children,” Gabrielle commented, an uncharacteristic uncertainty creeping into her voice.
“At least we’re on the same footing then,” the warrior said with a supportive chuckle and playful nudge at her shoulder. “It’s a nice do-over for both of us.”
Green eyes met blue shining with gratitude and affection. “It’s still early, Xena would you like to go to our cabin and tell me again how you played the field before you found someone to commit to?”
“Absolutely,” the warrior laughed. “And I want to hear about all of your conquests because that absolutely makes you more of a boss to me.”
Gabrielle winked. “That could take a while,” she said smugly.
“Don’t I know it. I especially like the one about how your lover at the French royal court tried to blackmail you about your torrid affair and you had her exiled to the countryside in the middle of nowhere.”
As The Hippolyta sped through the night Xena and Gabrielle whiled away the time rededicating their passion for one another. Gabrielle simultaneously delighted at the newness of a relationship only five years in, yet had the rock-solid foundation of the relationship they had centuries before. Xena felt like she was discovering a new woman housed in the body and mind of someone she already treasured beyond measure. The Gabrielle she left all those years ago could command armies, but this one was seasoned at it. Seasoned in love, war, learning, adjusting, growing – all of the things that gave a person their facets; their uniqueness.
Xena sighed in contentment as Gabrielle rested on her shoulder, both women spent and happy. “You are a boss,” the warrior said gratefully. “You’re like a mirror-ball. You reflect brilliance in so many directions.”
“Taylor Swift has really given you some insight into the world of bardic description,” Gabrielle murmured in reply. “I like it. And, now we get to be moms.”
Xena chuckled. “He’s too perceptive, that one. Is it me or is this a more complicated world he needs to navigate?”
Gabrielle was quiet a moment before she answered, listening with contentment to her lover’s heartbeat. “In some ways it absolutely is more complicated, but at the same time if more specific language and understanding lets people live authentic lives, it’s a complication we are all better for. I have no doubt that back home there were many, many people who were trans, nonbinary, fluid, and the rest of it, and people who were forced into one of two available categories were likely miserable because of it.”
Xena nodded in agreement. “I was just thinking about Miss Artiphys from the Miss Known World pageant. She would have been happier in this world, I’d think.”
“If she had a supportive network,” Gabrielle agreed. “I remember the frustration I’ve felt when I’ve had to live inauthentically. Whether it was pretending to be a man like my first forays into medical school or the time I lived in Oregon, or the lives I’ve lived as a straight person. It’s hard to feel like you don’t fit into the space that the world has allotted for you. Even now, while progress is being made, there is still a long way to go. I feel like the smaller the world is getting, the more insecure men become. But who knows, if Aphrodite keeps teaching sex-ed classes, we may get there sooner than we think.”
“I feel bad for lying to him,” Xena said, sadly.
“About Aphrodite? And why she’s traveling?” Gabrielle asked, knowing the answer.
The warrior princess sat up in bed, making a dislodged bard groan in discontentment. “Yeah, about Aphrodite…”
Gabrielle sat up and gestured around their remodeled cabin, “We’ve just spent a magnificent evening making each other scream in delight in our newly soundproofed cabin and you want to talk about Aphrodite?” she asked incredulously. “Xena, your timing needs work.”
The warrior shrugged. “I think this conversation is better after than before, if you catch my meaning.” Reluctantly, the bard nodded in agreement. “Gabrielle, we are solid, clearly. We have a wonderful connection, but if even Shen notices that something is up with Aphrodite, then I think we should talk about it.”
“Fine, talk,” she replied, unamused.
“You know she’s crazy about you,” Xena began.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” Gabrielle replied, knowing full well what Xena meant. “She’s the Goddess of Love, she loves everyone.”
Xena nodded in agreement. “She may love everyone, but she isn’t in love with everyone. She may be in love with multiple people at once, but again, not everyone. And you are one of those people. Gabrielle, I know you have feelings for her, and no, I’m not threatened by them.” She purposefully looked around the bed as if to make her point. “Obviously.”
Gabrielle looked uncertainly at her warrior. “Xena, what are you saying?”
The warrior smiled, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief, “I’m saying that for all your teasing over the years about a certain King of Ithaca, it’s fitting that our first threesome be on your behalf. Don’t tell me over the years you haven’t had group sex or multiple partners?”
Taken off guard, the bard did her best not to blush as various hedonistic forays came to mind. “No, of course I have, I mean I’ve been alive a very, very, very long time.” Eventually her brow furrowed as if remembering something unpleasant. “Usually ethically, on occasion not. I know you have; you’ve told me about your warlord days… it’s just not something that’s…that’s come up between us before, aside from Ulysses, of course, and Najara, and, well, nothing came of either of those encounters. But we did have conversations about those two back in the day.”
“Najara,” Xena grumbled as if she had a bad taste in her mouth; her tongue touching the spot where she was still missing a tooth.
Gabrielle rolled her eyes; the subject of Najara having been put to bed two millennia ago as far as she was concerned. “Xena, are you saying that you’d like to have a threesome with Aphrodite?” she asked, wanting to be absolutely certain of what she was hearing.
“Gabrielle,” Xena said, holding the bard’s eyes unflinchingly with her own, “I’m saying I think you want to have a threesome with Aphrodite. I’m saying that we both care about you. I’m saying that I’m okay with it if it comes up. I’m saying that I’m not interested in a…what was that thing on tv…a thruple… but I’m not opposed to having a good time when Aphrodite is in town visiting. This is ethical non-monogamy, right? I think you and I have a really solid relationship. I just want you to know it’s on the table as far as I’m concerned.”
“Xena,” Gabrielle protested, “I would feel weird about that, like I want to have my cake and eat it too.”
The warrior blinked at her bride a couple of times in confusion. “I don’t get it. If you had cake, why wouldn’t you want to eat it? Or what? Just leave cake? Like, that’s a weird expression and it doesn’t make sense.”
The bard sighed. “I’m saying that it feels unsettling, changing the dynamics of our relationship. Even just talking about changing the dynamics of our relationship, making this all about me…”
Shaking her head reassuringly, Xena brushed such concerns away. “Besides, now we know she’s a polyamorous pansexual. It’s not like she’s going to get the wrong idea.”
“And you don’t think Shen will pick up on that?” she asked with an arched eyebrow. “Us having a threesome? You, me, and Aphrodite wandering around the ship in bathrobes?”
“Well not when he’s home from school, obviously. Or at least do it discreetly” Xena shrugged. “I honestly don’t think he’ll care either way. Maybe we talk about it when he’s a little older?”
“Like forty,” Gabrielle muttered.
“Even if he picks up on it, he’ll probably keep it to himself because the thought of your moms’ having sex is gross,” Xena continued. “I just think that the current situation is untenable. You and Aphrodite need to work this thing out. Too many people miss her. If you aren’t interested in going there, that’s absolutely alright too. I just want you to give yourself permission to think about it and pursue it with my blessing – if this is something you want. Our relationship isn’t fragile, I have never been so certain of anything in my life as I am in my love for you.”
Gabrielle was quiet a moment, digesting things. “I will think about it,” she said softly. “I will seriously consider if this is something I want, and if it is, I will let you know. Are you also thinking…” She didn’t have the chance to finish because Xena covered Gabrielle’s hands with her own and looked deeply into her eyes.
“This isn’t about me Gabrielle,” she assured the bard. “There is not anyone on the horizon that I’m the least bit interested in. If that ever changes, I will let you know, but even then, it would be the same thing – something in addition to, not instead of. Gabrielle, there is never a moment you aren’t the other half of my soul. I’m just thrilled you finally made an honest woman of me.”
“Is this about feelings you have for Aphrodite?” Gabrielle asked quietly. The bard studied her wife intently as Xena blinked in surprise. Gratefully, she saw her lover consider the idea, searching her feelings before answering.
Xena thought about the Goddess of Love and the interactions she’d had with her both in ancient Greece and since her resurrection. She thought about how her feelings had grown from annoyance to genuine affection, mostly because she saw how much the goddess cared about her bard. “Gabrielle, I can tell you this,” she began, taking her wife’s hands, “I care about Aphrodite a great deal, I have affection for her, I find her attractive, but I wouldn’t say she’s ever been on my radar…like that.”
“Not like Helen of Troy?” Gabrielle asked dryly.
Xena’s eyes narrowed but she didn’t take the bait. “I just want you to know that this isn’t about me trying to get something I want by suggesting it’s something you want. We’ve never played those games, and we aren’t going to start now.” She smiled and winked at her wife. “Other games maybe…”
Gabrielle chuckled, gently touching her wife’s face. “I don’t want you to think for a second that you aren’t my primary relationship and I’m going to demonstrate that to you right now.”
The warrior’s eyes sparkled with delight. “I’m all yours.”
Xena, Gabrielle, Aphrodite, and Calypso stood at the bow of The Hippolyta as the gleaming white vessel approached the Nanatsugama caves. “Over there,” Calypso said pointing just to the right. Xena and Gabrielle oriented their binoculars, their hearts sinking at the sight of a small sailboat pushing listlessly against the rocks outside the cave.
“Is that Poseidon’s?” Xena asked. “It’s a mess, looks like it’s taken on water.”
“I can see the back,” Gabrielle replied. “It says ‘Sebastian,’ it’s his. Can you sense him?” she asked Aphrodite and Calypso.
“He was here,” Aphrodite said receiving a nod of agreement from Calypso. “He’s not terribly far, but he’s further inland.”
“He is heavily guarded,” Calypso added. “Not by people necessarily, something else is at work here.”
“Let’s get to the zodiac,” Gabrielle suggested and led the way to the back of the yacht, where the small inflatable was already prepared, Wolfgang waiting at the tiller.
“I’m sorry I can’t go with you,” Vox said as the quartet approached. “I know my responsibility is the ship, Nicolai and Ed are with Shen. Argo is with them too.”
“Thank you, Vox,” Gabrielle replied with a smile. The Hippolyta is in good hands.”
“I’d like to go,” Michelle said, approaching the group with a duffle bag. “I’ve brought some hardware in case we need it.”
Xena and Gabrielle glanced at Aphrodite who smiled warmly. “We’d be happy to have you,” the goddess said, extending a hand to accept the duffle as Michelle climbed into the boat.
All eyes faced forward as Wolfgang guided the craft towards the unusual rocks.
“What makes this formation?” the warrior asked, overwhelmed by the square shapes that looked anything but organic.
“The wind and the sea,” Calypso replied.
As the group neared the mouth of the largest cave, Xena became uneasy. She glanced around, her eyes scanning the ocean to either side of their craft. The water was not unseasonably choppy, but still, it struck a sense of foreboding in the warrior.
“What is it?” Gabrielle asked.
“Dolphins nearby, they’re agitated. I think they were with him; I’m getting a sense about a boat taking him away. He was unconscious, I think. Then he was taken from the water. The sea creatures can’t sense him, they’re nervous, worried.”
“Your warrior is right,” Calypso whispered to Gabrielle with a cautious glance at Wolfgang. “He is being kept from the sea.”
Powerful flashlights illuminated the cave as Wolfgang guided the small boat inside. As the zodiac came to a stop inside the cave, a figure in red slumped over on the ground by the back wall stood out. Michelle passed out guns to Wolfgang, Gabrielle and Xena. The warrior nodded in gratitude as the group approached the body. “I’m heading up around that bend,” Michelle announced, proficiently holding her gun and flashlight.
“Not yet,” Gabrielle countered. “Let’s stay together for now. Something feels…off.”
“Holy shit,” Wolfgang breathed as they reached the body. “That’s Niko Saito. She’s the tattoo artist that did the repair work for Vox and our memorial tats honoring Bo. We hung out a couple of years ago. That red jacket is her trade mark. Why does she look like a thousand-year-old mummy?”
“I don’t know,” Gabrielle replied tightly. The only thing she knew for certain was that a natural death was unlikely. “Don’t touch anything,” she added, noticing a fine white dust that seemed to coat every surface. She noted a scent on the air, almost like a forest after a fire, but with more decay. She took out her phone and typed. “I’m asking Dr. Kate to join us. She can look at the body, take some samples.”
“I know what it is,” Aphrodite said, warily backing away from the scene towards the water and the safety of the zodiac. “White amber incense has been burned in here, with dead…” she stopped herself, glancing nervously at Wolfgang and Michelle, “dead herbs.” The three other women nodded in understanding.
“Look over here,” Michelle said, pointing her flashlight at the rocks near the body. With practiced efficiency she holstered her gun and donned a pair of examination gloves. She stooped to pick up the iPhone that had been set between some rocks. The Little Mermaid phone case picturing the mermaid Ariel and her companion Flounder made the ownership of the phone quite clear. She turned the phone over, realized it still had a charge and typed in the passcode. Bringing the phone closer to Aphrodite, everyone gathered around as she hit ‘play’ on the voice memo, all of them standing in silence as Poseidon chatted with a woman finally identifying herself as Alti.
“Fuck,” Xena frowned at the name.
“Another old person?” Wolfgang asked.
“Not exactly,” Gabrielle replied. “Over here,” she called, happy to be distracted by the sound of a second zodiac boat as Ed Schecter and Dr. Kate Sprucehill arrived. “Is the dust dangerous?” Gabrielle asked Aphrodite quietly as she joined her at the zodiac.
The goddess shrugged. “The ash is just ash, but I still don’t want to touch it. We can talk about it in your office,” she added with a glance to the others. “We need to talk about it in your office. Your crew is safe though. I think.”
Gabrielle nodded in understanding before returning her attention to the new arrivals, “Kate, if you’d be so good as to get some samples, but be careful, this ash might be toxic. You could do a survey of the body, but we’re going to leave it here and send an anonymous alert to the authorities. Ed, bring Uncle Ariel’s sailboat back to our ship and have it stowed inside. I don’t want him to get mixed up in this.”
“Got it, boss,” he said with a nod before taking the zodiac back out.
“Wolfgang, Michelle, please check out the area around the bend,” she added to the pair. “Wear PPE, I’m not sure what this stuff is.”
“Heard,” Michelle replied, taking point with Wolfgang following just behind.
“I will follow a safe distance behind,” Calypso added with a meaningful nod to Xena and Gabrielle.
“I don’t think Alti is here,” Xena answered the unasked question as she watched the small black woman move silently over the rocky sand. “She’d have made a grand entrance by now.”
“Not someone from our past we ever wanted to see again,” Gabrielle groused. “She’s supposed to be dead.” Xena looked at her wife and pointedly raised an eyebrow. “I know, I know,” the bard continued. “I guess if you can come back someone else can manage it too. But how? And her. Why couldn’t it be someone less creepy? Mavican or Thalassa or someone like that?”
“There are two more bodies around the bend,” Michelle announced, returning with Calypso and Wolfgang. As she neared the safety of the beached zodiac, she took off her mask and gloves, carefully disposing of them in a bag marked biohazard.
“Both men?” Xena asked.
“Yeah, how did you know?” the brunette nodded.
“Because Niko Saito went missing with her boyfriend, brother, and sister-in-law,” Gabrielle replied. “One of the news article’s Wolfgang found.”
“I suspect the other woman’s body is what’s carrying Alti around,” Xena added grimly.
“I tell you, never a dull moment in this job,” Dr. Kate muttered to Wolfgang conversationally. “Would you like to take this?” the doctor asked Gabrielle, using a pair of forceps to pick up a shard of pottery near the body. “It looks quite old; I think that is Greek writing on the side.”
The bard nodded. “Yes, please bag it.”
The team worked quickly and efficiently, taking pictures and gathering samples from the bodies, rocks, and water in the cave. By the time they had finished, Ed returned from his task with the second zodiac, taking Wolfgang, Michelle, and Dr. Kate back with the phone and samples. Xena, Gabrielle, Aphrodite, and Calypso took the other inflatable, the bard holding on to the evidence bag containing the ceramic shard. As they motored back, their attention was drawn to a low flying seagull with clear designs on landing in the boat. The women looked at each other with surprise as it fluttered down and deposited something where Xena sat in the boat.
She picked up the small, round, shiny object and examined it closely. “It’s a lapel pin,” she announced showing it to the others. “With some kind of symbol,” she added.
“Looks like a cherry blossom,” Gabrielle commented.
The seagull cocked its head and squawked at her indignantly.
“Thank you?” Xena said, not understanding its annoyance.
“Child,” Calypso said, rolling her eyes, “has Poseidon taught you nothing? Seagulls are very transactional.” She closed her eyes in concentration then put her hand in the water, quickly grabbing a small fish. She handed it to the seagull who then flew away with its prize. “They seldom do anything for free,” she added.