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Disclaimers: same as in Part 1.

Part 7

“Oh, don’t you worry none about my little sister, here. She’s a big girl and can handle anything I throw at her, …literally. She’ll be just fine. Besides, she is none of your concern. What you should be concerned with is how much longer I will allow you two to live.” She walked further into the room, leaving Justin at the doorway. The young one couldn’t stand any longer, her legs weak from the beatings. Her body no longer leaning on her sister’s, she fell forward.

Janice ran to help Justin get up. “Are you alright? Don’t worry, I've got you, now. You’re going to be okay.” Looking up at the goddess, “I can’t believe you would do this to your own sister. Bitch!” she scowled at her, then turned back to help Justin to lay on the bed in one sweeping motion. The blood from her wounds only superficial, but seemed extreme as the welts on her back and buttocks were raw from whip and belt marks. Her face was covered in blood from being beaten. Still, Covington could feel the tenseness in her body dissipate as she tried wiping away some of her hair and blood from Justin’s face.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Xena and Gabrielle were fighting some women, obviously with Callisto. “Xena, the girls. They might be in trouble, too.”

As the warrior princess lunged with a palm strike to the woman’s face. The body went down with a thud. “Yes, Gabrielle. I know. I'd just like to know how these bitches got in here in the first place.” She gave a round house kick to the next woman’s face, sending her across and over the sofa and into another woman who failed at lunging towards the warrior princess.

When the fighting was over, there were ten women on the floor either semi or totally unconscious and oblivious to their surroundings. The ancient one and her lover ran to the bedrooms where they heard more commotion. As usual, Xena ran ahead of her bard, holding out her left arm signaling for her blonde lover to stay behind her. As they entered the room, they were stopped by the bright light of Callisto’s exit. The other women were gone as well, leaving Mel, Janice, Xena, Gabrielle, and Justin.

“What in Hades happened here?!?” shouted Xena.

Melinda, who was standing by Janice, turned around from facing the bed to meet Xena’s eyes with her own, “it just so happens that Callisto beat this girl to a pulp, left her with us, so she could head back to the states and tear my house apart.”

Justin struggled to get up, pulling Dr. Covington’s arm to lift her body and get off the bed. Wincing with the excruciating pain,, “Xena, she can’t travel the old way. Hmmm. Ouch. Her powers don’t grant her to travel over water. Those powers are limited. She thinks she’s a full goddess, but she’s not and doesn’t know it yet. We could get there faster by plane. Oww. Ugh… nnnugh… I'm not sure I can help you at the home of Dr. Pappas. But, I will get all of you there.”

Janice intervened, “what do you mean by ‘her powers are limited’? I mean, what kind of a goddess can’t travel over water?”

Justin tried to sit up and explain, “Artemis and Aphrodite came to visit me in my dream state. They said her powers can help her travel over land, but not over water. Something about Poseidon being pissed at her for something. I can’t remember.” Her words were struggled as the aches and pains her body had endured began to take their toll. Her face evident of the pain as the sweat pored off her of getting to her feet as she fought the aches her body endured.

Gabrielle moved in, “don’t worry about us. We’ll take you with us, but you’re going to have to rest on the way. You’ll need your strength for later.”

“No. Please. Don’t worry about me. I'll be okay, once we’re in the air.” She got up slowly, then straightened her body to hide her pain. Her face told everyone otherwise. “I only need to change my clothes and bring the car around. I'll call ahead to be sure the plane is ready when we arrive. Hmmmm.”

As she headed for the door, placing a hand on her lover’s shoulder, Melinda said, “I'll help her get dressed.”

Justin turned and forced a smile on her half beaten face, “don’t worry. I'll be just fine. I thank you for your kind offer.” With that, she left the room and went down the hallway.

Still, Mel followed Justin back to her room. As she walked in behind the young immortal, she closed the door. Justin turned to face her. “What? You thought I wouldn’t be able to get dressed by myself? I am a big girl. I've been on my own for some time now. And I have been through other beatings. This isn’t the first time, and I'm certain it won’t be the last. My mistresses depend on me to help them in the little details of life. And that makes me feel important. That’s why I can’t bother with feeling the pain, although my body keeps reminding me.”

“Please. Don’t misunderstand me. I only want to help you. I know how mean Callisto can be. She was at my house before we came here. And yes, she took advantage of me, too, somewhat. I'm sorry about you having to go through the extent that you have. Just, please, trust me, I do understand.” A small tear welled up and ran over her cheek.

Justin reached up, cupping her face, she wiped away the tear. “I know. I was there. But,” she hesitated to continue, “but, I couldn’t do anything about it. Well, at least not then. Now, it’s different. It’s all changed.” She let her hand drop to her side before she made a fist, turning away from the saddened eyes of Dr. Pappas and bowed her head. Still feeling ashamed of all that had been happening over the past few years, let alone the past few months, and even, days as she punched a corner end of the table, breaking off a piece. “I may be physically beaten, mentally in turmoil, and emotionally anguished, but I'll be damned if I ever let her lay another hand on any of you. I swear this to all the gods that may be listening.” She started to take off her torn clothes while looking for something else to wear. Her mind going in a million different directions, she could feel her heart tearing, bleeding, weakening from her thoughts of her sister and her mistress’s descendant.

Melinda Pappas in total shock that this girl could even move as Justin removed her bloodied shirt, slightly peeling it from her back. She gasped in horror at the site. “don’t go anywhere. I'll be right back.” She ran to the kitchen, found a rag and a bowl and filled it with cold water. Rushing back to Justin’s room, she saw the rest of the wounds Callisto inflicted upon her. “Justin. Please, allow me to at least clean some of these wounds before they get infected.”

At that moment, Gabrielle walked in with bandages and some ancient home remedies for the cuts. “I'll stitch you up before you put that clean shirt on.”

“Mistress Gabrielle. I. I'm sorry. Please don’t fuss over me right now.”

In a soft, but firm tone, “hey, now you listen to me. If you’re going to be helping us out, at least let me help you. Now, turn around.” Looking over at Mel, “I'm glad you brought the water. We’ll need it wash her down first before I apply this stuff on her back and front.”

As Gabrielle and Melinda cleaned and dressed Justin’s wounds, Mel marveled at her strong physique despite the punishment it took. The young one was making phone calls while being attended to. “yes. …mm hmm. Margie, you have to be sure that by the time we get there, the plane is full. …no. I'll be piloting. No. No! I will not need anything else. Don’t worry. I'll bring it back in one piece. I promise.” *click* She dialed another number, “hi, Sarah. I'm sorry I woke you. I need a favor. No. I'm not in any trouble. I need a car at the airport. No. There’s five of us. I'll make it up to you, I promise. I'm not sure how long we’ll be there. But, I'll make it a point to come see you. Yes. I need something fast with a full tank. That’d be great. It’s exactly what we’ll need. No, I can’t explain in details right now. I'll have to fill you in another time. No, that won’t be necessary. I'll be driving. Whatever you do, don’t speak to anyone about this. Promise me. Good. See you soon enough.” As she hung up, both women looked at her. “What?”

Gabrielle surprised that she even had these kind of connections, “you still are quite a mystery to me, young Justin. When this is all over with, you and I are going to have to sit down and have a lengthy conversation.”

“Yes, mistress Gabrielle.”

“and you can stop with the mistress stuff. How long have we been telling you that.”

“I apologize, mistr… I mean,, Gabrielle.” After she was all cleaned and wrapped up, “I need to get the car started. I will have your passports and other papers in the car. Pack light, please. This is going to be one quick trip.” I just hope Artemis and Aphrodite know what they’re talking about. Strange enough, I have this strong suspicions that Athena is in one this one, too. She couldn’t help but remember what they told her about what is supposed to happen once they get there, except for the fact that it will be done with quickly.

“One more thing. If I may be so bold, please be ready for battle. This will be messy.” Looking over to Dr. Pappas, “I am truly sorry that there will be a mess in your home. I hope we can avoid that. I'm sure that mistr.. hmph, that Xena will think of a good plan on our way over.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I figured as much. Last time she was at the house, her and Janice had it out. One of my favorite vases was destroyed along with the table it was on.” Then, she remembered that Justin mentioned she was there. “By the way, what exactly did you see when you were at the house?”

Gabrielle glanced over at Xena’s descendant, “Melinda, we had Justin go to your house to watch over you two. We needed to be sure that it was Callisto who was after the scroll for the location of our weapons. We also needed to be certain that you two would make out here. We’ve been planning to meet you two for some time now. It’s just that we never figured it had to be under these circumstances.”

Dr. Pappas nodded in agreement that it was probably for the best that they sent her. “Then I'm glad you were kind of spying on us. Good thing, too. If Janice didn’t get up when she did, I don’t know what I would’ve done if Callisto kept doing what she was doing to me.”

Gabrielle motioned for the girls to get their stuff, “come on. We have to get ready.”

ššššššš

Xena was carrying her weapons bag when she saw how Justin winced still from the pain as she was loading the trunk with the luggage and a special bag of her own special things. “Need help with that?”

“No. But, thank you, mistress. I can handle this one.” She continued placing bag after bag in the trunk. “All of you can change in the plane while we’re over the seas. I'll ask Janice at some point to pilot while I change into my own gear.”

“So. Is that what’s in the bag? I mean, if I may ask?” Noticing that she wasn’t getting a response, she positioned herself closer to Justin, placing a hand on her shoulder stopping Justin from her duties to face her mistress. “Will you be okay with this?”

Breathing a heavy sigh, “I just, oh, I don’t know. I can’t shake knowing that she is my sister of one of my past lives. My mind is racing for a finish line that I feel will never be there. If I should die in this battle, please scatter my ashes to the wind. I don’t think I want to be physically bound to the earth when I go. As for everything I own, as they are only a few articles, mistress Gabrielle can decide who should have what.”

“You’re acting like this is the end of the world for you. Justin, please, tell me what’s wrong. You know Gabrielle and I will do anything and everything we can to help you.”

Facing her mistress with a face of rage she never thought she’d need to use, “you don’t understand. This is my fight, now. She may be after her own sword and not know it yet, but I'll be going to Tartarus if I'm going to allow Callisto to hurt any of you again!” Firmness was felt in her tone, and her sorrow was shown in her eyes. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some things that need to be done before we go.”

Xena turned around and lean against the motorcar, crossing her legs. With her arms crossed across her chest, she let out a sigh of defeat. She just has to pull through with this. Oh, Justin. I know this kind of battle. I've been there before, many, many times. Especially with Callisto. This will not be an easy battle. You’re feelings will get in the way. I only pray to all the gods who would hear me that you’ll be okay when this is over. Please, don’t let this rage get the better of you. Silently, with her eyes closed, she could envision a past battle between her and Callisto who had Gabrielle captive the first time around.

Everybody was quiet on the way to the airport, especially Gabrielle and Janice. The sunwalker could feel that very distinct pull deep inside her that told her this is going to quite messy.

“So,” Mel interjected, “will there be any stewardess’ on board this flight?” looking at Janice with one perfectly arched eyebrow.

Justin gave a quick glance at her through the rear-view mirror, “no, ma’am. I supply nuts, napkins, assorted fruits, and water. Except for the occasional hard liquor, y’all will have to fend for yourselves, once we’re in the air and at a reasonable altitude.”

They all chuckled a little at Justin’s attempt at a southern accent. “Are you making fun of my Melinda?” motioned Covington.

“Why no, Janice. I would do no such thing,” she said with a smile, but still wincing at the pain in her face from the hard blows the other blonde had enjoyed giving.

Xena was sitting in the front with Justin. She looked over to her driver, “still hurts?”

“hmm. A little bit. Not as bad as before.” She kept her eyes on the road, not wanting to look her mistress in her eyes. Small problem was keeping a secret one more minute detail of why this all had to end with her and Callisto.

“You’ve had something on your mind for some time now. Wanna tell me what it is?”

“Xena, now is not the time or the place. We’ll talk about that later… if I survive this…” her words trailed off as her mind was set on getting them all to the airport. She stopped loading to face the warrior princess, “I'm scared, Xena. But there’s no other way of doing this. I must be the one to fight her to the finish, be it hers… or mine.” Her voice was soft at this point, resigned and acceptant of whatever the fates had in store for her.

“I know that, Justin. Please, don’t get me wrong. You know we’re here to help you through this. It’s just…”

Cutting Xena off, “it’s just nothing. There is more to all of this. I just can’t explain it all right now. Please, trust me. Trust me as I have trusted both you and Gabrielle these past five years. Please, Xena.” Her voice trailed softly, pleadingly, begging not to utter another word. She extended her right hand to the warrior princess who took it and squeezed it with the understanding that this conversation wasn’t over and they would talk about it when this was all over.

“Okay. You win, for now. We’ll talk about this when we all get back.” Her voice spoke of confidence and conviction that they would all come back alive and well enough to talk abut it.

As they arrived at the airport, there were a couple of guys and a girl checking out final details of Gabrielle leaned forward, placing a concerned hand on her lover’s shoulder, “Xena. Is everything alright?”

Without turning her head, “yes, Gabrielle. Everything is just fine… For now.” The last phrase she mumbled under her breath so as not to over worry her bard.

Justin pulled up along side the young woman that leaned into the car, wrapping her arms around Justin’s neck and kissed her ever so gently on her lips. Pulling the girl away a bit, “Anya, please! This isn’t the time. I told you already I have no time for this. It’s really important that we get on the plane and go.” The girl gave her a pleading look, quietly asking if she could join them, “no! You can’t come with me. You’re safer here, for now. And no arguments.” Anya pulled away a bit more, standing two feet away from the car. Justin got out, “come here.” The girl practically through herself at her. “I'll be okay.” She whispered, “if I am able to return, I'll ask for a few days off. This way, you and I can spend some time together. Would you like that?” she asked as they looked into each others eyes. Seeing what the girl was saying without verbal motion, “okay, when I return.”

Xena was already out of the car when the immortal turned around to face her mistresses. “What?”

The warrior princess grinned, arching her eyebrow, “is she the ‘other’ secret you’ve been keeping from us? Ouch!”

Feeling a slap on her arm from her bard, “now, Xena. Stop that. It’s her business, not ours. If she wanted to tell us about it, I'm sure she would have, …eventually. Isn’t that right, Justin?”

Feeling her face flush a slight bit, “if I survive this, I will tell you all. But, be prepared to be sitting for some time. There’s a lot I think we should talk about.”

Xena’s two words said as much as her heart wanted to relay, “I know.” She grinned a slight bit. Their eyes saying so much, understanding more than if words could describe, there were no words to describe. Gabrielle rubbed her hand on her lover’s arm, right where she slapped her, giving her a smile of respect of them both.

Mel had placed her hand on Covington’s shoulder. Janice felt the reassurance of her lover, and the warmth of new family. As far as she was concerned, Justin is considered family. They smiled at each other, then laughed, as Gabrielle and Janice’s stomachs grumbled. “Still hungry, my love?” said Xena as she squeezed her bard closer to her.

ššššššš

Already in the air, Callisto was feeling something strange. “I find it odd to know that I don’t have the power to cross over water. Poseidon must still be pissed off at me for not bringing Xena to him like I had promised so long ago. Oh, well. Like, whatever.”

She got up to walk around the plane, her nerves were on edge from sitting down too long. Though her insides were ready for some action, her body showed a calm, like right before a storm. As a stewardess was passing through the aisle to the back of the plane. As she made her way passed Callisto, she excused herself. The blonde woman followed. “Now that’s something I can preoccupy some time with. Mmhmm! Delicious.”

As the stewardess went behind the curtain to the back storage for supplies of coffee and napkins that were running low, Callisto entered the area and pulled the curtain closed behind her.

“Excuse me, miss. But, you’re not really supposed to be back here,” she said with a smile, a kind of glitter in her eyes showing some interest in this blonde woman.

Getting closer to her, within only a couple of inches before their breasts touched. She reached up behind the girls head, grasping her hair pin, loosening it from the bun it was in. “Such a pretty thing. “

“Wait. What do you think you’re doing? What do you want from me?” her body started to shake, as she found herself somewhat excited by this revelation of events. At the same time, she was scared, seeing this perusal of desire in her eyes, one that she had never seen before in anybody.

“I simply want to pass some time away. And I’ve just decided that you are the one I want to pass that time with.” She leaned in a kissed her full on the mouth. Not waiting for permission to slip her tongue in and explore with ease. The girl was shocked at hearing herself moan from this pleasure she did not expect to experience. Callisto pinned her against the wall. Her left hand roaming over the girl’s clothes, over her breast. Then, with slow, precise movements, unbuttoned the blouse, then unbuckled the bra. The other blonde then traced her tongue down her neck, down her chest, then engulfed the nipple of her breast while her other hand went straight for her thigh. She ran her hand down below the level of her skirt, then up again. Reaching for her panties, she pulled them down slightly, as she spread the girl’s legs with her own.

The stewardess could not find a way to move away. She couldn’t find herself wanting to move away. This was something she had always dreamed about but never found the strength to go ahead and do something about it. She was intrigued, excited, scared, wet from arousal. Callisto knew that, and let it work to her advantage. She stopped sucking on her breast for a moment. Kneeling down, with both hands now, she removed her panties, smelling the aroma of her arousal. “I can tell you like this. You haven’t been with another woman before. Have you?” Speechless, she could only nod her ‘no’ to her. “well, have I got a surprise for you.” She pulled the girl’s skirt just above her center, letting her see what was going to happen to her. Slowly, with very little effort, her tongue glided up her thigh. She began to drink the wetness that coursed down from her sex… all the way up to the entrance of her valva. By the time she was finished, the satiated woman called her god so many times, she decided to stop counting.

As Callisto emerged from behind the curtain, the stewardess attempted to straighten her clothes out. One thing she forgot to put back in order was her hair. As she proceeded from behind the curtain, she was still buttoning her blouse, her face flush a slight pink, her skin glistening from this new experience, definitely something she’d like to try again.

Callisto was already sitting in her seat, as the stewardess handed her a piece of paper and whispered in her ear, “if you ever decide to fly to Miami, do give me a call.”

“Sweetie, don’t think I'd waste my time flying any where but where I have to be. However, if you should ever decide to visit Cairo, don’t count on my calling you.” With a wave of a hand, she dismissed her.

One of Callisto’s followers got up and walked over to her, “is there something I can do for my mistress?”

“Yes, there is something you can do for me. Make that pilot drive this thing a little faster. I don’t have a lot of time on my hands. Especially with Xena and that irritating little blonde of hers on my trail.” Then, looking up at this young, strong, and very attractive mortal “oh, and there is one more thing. When you get back here, you will have the honor and privilege of tasting me.” She muttered, “I need some relief. And being that you’re not here, my sister, I will have to rely on some mere mortal to do the job.”

Her thoughts then wandered to what her sister is doing at that moment. “Don’t worry, sis. We’ll be together again. If anybody can satisfy me and make me happy, it will simply have to be you. Especially since Xena has no one else on her mind except for that irritating little sidekick blonde bitch!”

One of her entourage came down the aisle, bent over and said, “we’ll be arriving sooner than planned, mistress. Is there anything I can get for you in the mean time?” Her face shown of obedience to her mistress. If only you would think of me, or even look at me the way you did your sister. I would do anything for you. Yes, mistress, I’d even give up my soul for you.

Practically dismissing her with a wave of her hand, “if you could change my sister’s mind to voluntarily join me, instead of me having to do things the hard way!!” Such incompetence is intolerable. I should try to find better help. Then, again, once I have my own sword in my hands, wait for Xena and her little bunch to arrive, shed some blood, and I’ll be back to being a full goddess. “Nothing, and I mean nothing,” she said while standing and grabbing the girl by her face, bringing her in closer and licking the side of her face, “nothing and no one will ever be able to get in my way.”

The girl didn’t even flinch, knowing that this would be the only time she could indulge herself in having her mistress touch her at any point. I would give anything for these little pleasures of pain. Her own choice in lovers would prove not as sexually appetizing for long night of ecstasy.

ššššššš

Xena could sense something weighing heavily on Justin’s mind. She went to sit next to her in the cockpit of the small plane, but realized that Gabrielle was already there, dressing her wounds. “Ouch!”

“Well? If you would stop fidgeting and let me finish, I wouldn’t hurt you.”

“Please, Gabrielle. Stop. I need to concentrate on getting us there. Once we’re on the ground, I just need to be…”

“Need to be what? Not bleeding? Not in pain? Not all beat up?” Gabrielle’s protectiveness was showing in her fury of knowing what to expect having fought quite a few times herself with Callisto.

“Gabrielle!” Xena said. “You can’t expect her not to get this done and over with.”

“Please, Gabrielle. This is something that I must do.” The heartache felt from her words, the sadness in her eyes, the torment seen in face as she tried to hold back all she was feeling. “In order for me to get through this, I need you two to be nearby, but not in the way, and not in the middle of the house where all hell is going to break loose. I mean, yes, I know that you, Xena, are much more capable than I am at taking care of practically any situation. Unfortunately for me, this one I must do alone. Please, don’t let me worry about you two.”

Before they could protest, “Yeah, yeah, I know. You two can take care of yourselves much better than anyone I have ever met. But, this battle is mine. MINE!” the pain was getting worse instead of less from reliving everything that’s been happening to her, everywhere from the time of Mushon and Makal, her first encounter with Callisto, and this last encounter with the other blonde that could have been fatal were it not for the fact of her being immortal. “I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to either one of you. You both have been the best to me, between taking care of me and sharing your home with me. You are my family. You both are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

“Hey. Don’t start talking like it’s already over. Besides, I have a plan.” Xena’s eyebrow was raised in a perfect arch, with a twinkle in her eye, and a cynical smile.

Gabrielle stop cleaning Justin’s wounds for a second, “I love it when she has a plan.”

“Yeah, well, just be ready to move when I say.”

Listening to their conversation, Mel turned to Janice who was just finishing another apple, “Janice, I hope this all works out.”

“I know you do, Mel. It’ll be alright. You’ll see. Xena’s plan will all come together, and we will all get out of this one alive. And just hopefully, your house won’t look like a tornado just went through it after this is done and over with.”

“I don’t know, Janice. I have this bad feeling something really bad is going to happen. Even with Xena and Gabrielle on our side, how can we help Justin if she doesn’t even want us in the house when she gets there?” Dr. Pappas got up to walk the distance of the short aisle, pacing back and forth when Gabrielle came from out the cockpit to get more bandages from their supplies.

“Hmm. Looks like someone I know. Paces like someone I know.” Smiling casually at her lover’s descendant, “I see where some of Xena’s others trait have gone to. Every time she’s worried about an up coming battle.”

“Gabrielle, that’s not true.”

“Oh, but it is true, my love. That’s you then, when we first met, and even now.”

The plane started to shake a bit, and Xena went to check on Justin. “Are you alright?”

“Mmmh. Xena. It’s just some turbulence. Please ask Janice to come sit with me.”

“Why? What’s the matter?”

“She might have to help me fly this heap of junk.”

The warrior princess went to summon her lover’s descendant and inform her of Justin’s needs. Not wanting to alarm the others, she went forward without a word. Xena told the girls it might be best if they say in their seats and buckled up.

Janice sat in the co-pilot’s seat and buckled up for safety. “Are you going to be okay?”

“Janice. I’m scared. I’m frightened at the fact that it’s my own sister that I have to face and fight, maybe even to the death. And I’m not even sure why I feel the need to spare her life, if I can. Especially after all she’s done to my mistresses!” She was unable to control the shaking in her hands. She could feel her body tremble with the disquietude of knowing that her heart still wants to spend some of her eternity with her to get to know what she missed out on. “I, I don’t want to have to kill her. I know she’s done wrong and she should pay for all her wrong doings. But, I just want her to know that despite all of it, I still love her. She is still family.”

Gabrielle had gone back to the cockpit to finish dressing the young one’s wounds, although she found some of them healing faster than others.

“Don’t worry. We’re here for you. But, you knew that already.” She smiled and grasped Justin’s arm, giving her a warm squeeze. Sensing her body was beginning to relax just a tad bit, “okay. Now, let me finish dressing those wounds before they get infected. It’s just that, Justin, I don’t know how you’ve been able to deal with all of this. I know it’s a bit much. But, we are here for you. We will always be here for you. Take advantage of the fact that you are part of our family.”

“Gabrielle, if you only knew how much a part of yours and Xena’s family I actually am.”

“What does that mean?”

Knowing that she will eventually tell her she decided to spill the beans, even if she couldn’t tell her everything, she would at least clue her in to a couple of things. “Gabrielle, while I was at my sister’s house, after she beat me and abused me, I fell unconscious for some time. I thought for sure I would die and that my immortality was nothing more than an illusion bestowed upon me to make me think I’m immortal. It turns out, that while my subconscious was being visited by Aphrodite and Artemis, they told me a few things that I could never in this life discover to be true. It turns out that I was born from a line that links both you and Xena. At the same time, to know that I am Callisto’s sister reincarnate makes it all the more my battle to fight. Xena and Mel don’t know that yet. However, if you read my entire journal, you would not have read about it because I have yet to write it down. If I should survive this, I would be honored if you would finished it for me.”

“But how do you tie in to their blood line? And why would Artemis and Aphrodite tell you these things?” Janice’s curiosity was at its peak at this point, wondering if Justin would take some time to explain the whole thing to them and her conversation with the other goddesses.

“They told me what I need to know to end this once and for all. I’m just not at liberty to tell you or them,” she tilted her head towards the occupants in the rear of the plane. “Please don’t ask me anything more. I vowed not to say anything about it until after it’s all over. If anything, Xena is who must be the one to locate the dagger. I just happen to have a plan of my own. Unfortunately, none of you are involved.”

“Justin. You know very well what Callisto is capable of and what she is willing to do to get what she wants. How can you not include us? You know just as much as we do how dangerous she is and how unpredictable she is too. I’ve read the scrolls Gabrielle wrote, and I’ve witnessed first hand what a bitch she can be.” With so many questions she still had for the young one, she couldn’t figure how she would not mention any of this to Xena. She would figure out a way to help her. You will get through this. We all will. I trust in Xena’s judgement and in the plan she has in mind. And when it’s all over, you and I will definitely sit down and have a very long discussion on all of this. She couldn’t help but feel the demise of her friend, her family. She was doing the same thing Xena’s been doing for centuries. She is going to hold to all of this until she can’t carry it any more. Now I wonder how long she’ll be able to hold on to it. As long as it doesn’t take her the many centuries it took Xena. She giggled at that, knowing the long talks and struggles they went through together before Xena could actually come to terms and find her own way to forgive herself. Then she smiled from feeling so proud of her warrior princess.

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As Callisto’s plane touch ground with American soil, she unbuckled her seat belt and stood up. Too anxious to wait for the plane to come to a full stop, she walked over to the door, her entourage right behind her. The stewardess, who helped the other blonde to ‘pass the time with’, got up to stop her before she opened the door.

“Please wait until the plane has taxied and come to full stop. We wouldn’t want anything bad happening to any of you,” she said as waved her hand to the others so as not to exclude any of them.

The ancient blonde moved forward, grabbing the girl by her face, she pulled her close to hers. “Listen carefully, my dear. The plane has landed and I want off.” She kissed her full and hard on the mouth, tongue extended into the stewardess’ mouth, roughly massaging her tongue. Then, she pushed her back up against bathroom door and released her. The place had come to a full stop. Callisto straightened herself right, then opened the door. The stairs were already there, as she walked out onto the platform, she stopped to smell the fresh air. “Ah, America. A new country and more people to rule! Now, on to bigger and better things. Girls, get a motorcar and get me to Melinda Pappas’ place. I’m in the mood for some fun. Especially since I know I’m going to have much more fun once Xena and her little gang come.”

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“Janice. Janice, I need you. Now!”

“Justin, what’s the matter? What’s wrong?” Noticing that Justin was bleeding a bit more, she called for help. And Gabrielle was the first to come up front.

“Janice. You have to take over. Get us to the states. We’re almost there. Just another couple of hours. I just don’t think I’ll be able to make it. I’m starting to lose consciousness. Gabrielle, I need your help. Please.” Her voice was an almost whisper. She turned to the ancient one who’s bacchae side was making itself known and clearly becoming a bit strenuous at the idea of her friend bleeding to death.

“Xena. Take me to the back. Gabrielle, I need you to do this. You’re the only one who can help me.”

Gabrielle turned to Xena, “I, I can’t do it. I can’t do that to her. Then, she’ll be just like me.” The tears began welling in her eyes, her fangs protruding from beyond her lips. Xena held her close. Unable to resist the temptation of just turning the plane around and heading back to the place they’ve been calling home for the past couple of centuries.

Xena turned to Justin, concerned that she might not make to land. Then, she pulled the young one out of the pilot’s chair and carried her to the back.

“Xena, I don’t think this is such a good idea.”

“Gabrielle, she needs our help. She needs your help. If there were any other way, you know I’d consider it. But right now, we don’t have any other choice. You know what has to be done. You know we can’t afford to give up right now. Her life and the lives of others depend on it. Remember? This is another situation for the greater good.” The concern in Xena’s eyes told her all she needed to know and looked at Justin with concerns for the after affects of her actions.

Her heart was heavy of the pain she was about to carry, realizing that this was what Xena had been doing for so many centuries. “Xena? How have you been doing this for centuries? I’m not sure I’ll be able to deal with this after today.”

“Gabrielle, you’ll be just fine. Besides, I’ve seen you get through worse.” The warrior princess wasn’t sure if Justin could sustain any more inflictions.

It wasn’t enough that her lover made her think of all the things she’s been through and all the tough times she’s survived because of Xena. She knew how serious this would be for the young one, immortal or not. But, it would change her forever. “Okay. I’ll do it. After all of this is over, I’ll do my best to help her through the transition.”

“That’s my girl.”

“Gabrielle. Please. It must be now. There isn’t much more time, and we will be arriving soon.” Her voice this time was softer than a whisper.

The acient one saw this to be the only opportunity to help her in her own way. “Understand this, you and I will be spending a lot of time together when this is over. You are going to learn how not to abuse what I’m about to do to you.” With that, she proceeded to allow her bacchae side to emerge from within. Her fangs began to protrude. It came almost too easily because of the smell of blood. The transition would be quick. She bent down towards Justin’s neck, immediately finding the right vein and imbedded those fangs deeply. The results were fast. Justin’s bleeding stop almost immediately. Her eyes change to a yellow, skin turned pastey, and her fangs reminded Xena the time they fought Bacchus himself. Although the warrior princess was able to come out clean from the ordeal, Gabrielle was to be forever the sunwalker.

Justin was now refreshed with a strength she never thought she would have after enduring the tortures of her own sister. “As new as feel at this moment, I will do all I can to never abuse this which you have given me. I will ask for to forgive me for what I’m about to do once we land. Now, if you will please excuse me, I have a plane to fly.”

She got up and rushed like the wind to the cockpit. Janice had not even realized how fast she got in the pilot seat. “How… How did you… Hey, weren’t you back there?”

“Yes. But, now we need to get there faster than ever. Most importantly, I will need your help more than ever.” She proceeded to imform Dr. Covington of her plans to put her sister in her place and end this violence, and suffering. With this newfound strength, my endurance will be greater, but my tolerance will no longer allow for Callisto to continue in her quest for conquest while I can still stand.”

“And you think this will work?”

“It has to. There is no other way that I can see. If there were, I would gladly welcome it.”

“You mean, even after what she’s done to you? To Xena? To Gabrielle?!? How could think of just letting her go without a good fight?”

“Janice. I wouldn’t be letting her go. Don’t you see? If it’s not me, it’ll be someone else. And that person wouldn’t know or be able to handle it. Whoever faces Callisto would very likely go insane or be dead, whether that be by the hands of my sister or their own from not being able to deal with her.”

“And what makes you qualified or assume that you have what it takes to deal with her by yourself?”

She understood the concern in Janice’s voice and questions knowing that this stranger cared for her just as much as her mistresses have been caring for her over these past few years. In a soft voice, and a gentle squeeze of Janice’s hand, “because she is my sister. And I love her.”

With that, the blonde woman looked straight ahead, passed the window, passed the clouds as they began their descent. “Hey, there’s land!! We’re here.”

“Not just yet, my friend. We haven’t landed yet. But, we will soon enough.” As she inform her passengers that they should buckle up, she called ahead to the airport, “tower. This is Justin, two niner five, requesting permission to land.”

Over the radio, Janice heard this female voice confirm permission. “Why, Justin! I am so impressed that you’ve decided to return! I was wondering why Melosa and Ephiny were down there waiting with a couple of cars. Are you having a party that I was not invited to attend?”

“No, Julie. There is no party where we are headed for. Trust me, it would not be a pretty site for you to attend. However, if all goes well, I will be sure to inform someone to pick you up, if not myself.”

“Justin, you always know the right thing to say to a girl to make her day. Please take runway five on your next turn. I will make sure it has been cleared by the time you get here.”

“Yes, ma’m. I do appreciate the help.”

“Justin?”

“Yes, Janice.”

“For somebody who’s been in Cairo for some time, you sure do have a lot of friends all over the place.”

She smiled as she realized that there were quite a few she didn’t mention that would be around to help, all of which belong to a very secret society known as the Children of Ephiny. “The women you will meet who are the dearest of friends happen to belong to a very long line of people who are raised to protect under sworn secrecy to any developments of any type of eminent danger recurring due to the emersion of any ancient danger. This more than qualifies with my sister, Callisto. Despite the fact that there are many more dangers, Callisto in the present is the most crucial.” To further answer the archeologist’s question ahead of time, “the women that await us are there to help me by protecting you four. I cannot, under any circumstances allow anything to happen to you. This will be for your own protection.”

“Justin. You can’t think, for one moment, that we didn’t come with you as spectators. Besides, I am very capable of taking care of myself.” The plane began to further its descent as the girls saw the runway in the near distance.

“Please inform the others to prepare for a quick unload, reload.” Seeing the question on Janice’s face, “don’t worry. Xena knows exactly what I mean. In fact, I got that expression from her.” With that, Janice got up from the co-pilot’s seat and went to inform the others to prepare for their landing. I just hope that my sister will be up for a good fight, now that I have this new strength. Things will be different from now on, my sister. I promise you that. Seeing she was close enough, the landing gear was ready, and so was she ready. Now, I can only pray no one else will get hurt.

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”You had better be sure of the trasportation. Otherwise, I’ll just have to wait for all of you at the house.”

One of her entourage approached to inquire, “would you prefer for some of us to delay the arrival of the others?”

“Why, Julie! You’re a girl after my own heart. How sweet.” As she got close to her, she kissed her full on the mouth. When she broke away, she reminded her, “whatever you do, make sure you don’t disappoint me.”

“I will do my best not to, my mistress.” Her eyes were still glossy from the idea as one of her fantasies come true. I hope it will be just you and me. If I must, I will die before I let anyone get passed me. Knowing that is what it will take, but not knowing if that’s what will actually happen. I will do anything for you. I hope you know that.

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In a voice over the radio, ”girlfriend. I hope you’re listening. You have company on the ground.”

“Roger that, sweetie. Thank you for the four eleven.” Turning to Janice, who just came back to help with the landing, “look out for two groups of women. There will be some of the girls that were at house, part of Callisto’s group. It seems we’re going to have a little welcoming committee.”

“Do you think they’re going to cause some trouble?”

“Knowing my sister, we’re going to have a lot of trouble.” Reaching for the back curtain rope to open it, “Xena! We have company!”

The warrior princess looked over at her bard, “Gabrielle. Are you ready?”

“Yes. I’m ready.”

“Melinda. This is going to be very diffucult for you to see. I know you understand what it’s like to fight while I occupied your body. What you are about to witness is not going to be pleasant. Are you going to be okay with this?”

“Xena. As long as nobody gets hurt, I’m sure I’ll be just fine.”

Gabrielle intervened with, “Melinda, knowing the situation, it will get ugly. Whenever Xena has to fight, somebody will always get hurt. It’s very likely that we’ll ask you and Janice to stay on the plane until we get situated for our escape.” With that, her bacchae side began to show again. This time, her face was stern. She helped Xena on with her leathers and breast plate armor, her sword and chakram. In turn, Xena helped Gabrielle with her warrior outfit.

Melinda, surprised to see this said, “why, Gabrielle. I didn’t think you, too, would have a warrior woredrobe.”

“When this is over with, I’ll tell you a little story about why I was the warrior for a while.”

Up front, in the cockpit, “hey, little lady. It’s just-in-time, Justin, ready for a landing. I have you site and I’m ready to mow ‘em down, if I have to.”

The voice over the radio came on loud and clear, “and I see you, my little sugar plum. Just thought I’d let you know, the girls are in position and ready to rock and roll. Just get here in one piece. We’re expecting all aboard for a very welcome dinner.”

“You seem to have a lot of friends. That is, for someone who’s been in Cairo for the past few years.”

“No matter where I’ve gone, where I’ve been, what I’ve done, I always make it a point to treat women right.”

“I know exactly what you mean and agree with you wholeheartedly.”

They exchanged smiles for a moment, until they spotted the two sets of women standing on opposite sides of where Justin is to taxi the plane. “It looks like we’re going to have some fun. Ready?”

“Ready when you are.”

“No. I mean, ready to move into position, away from all the action,” she said.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you and Mel get to stay on the plane until we’ve secured a path for us to get out of here, in the motorcar, and over to the house as soon as possible.”

“You mean to tell me, that you want me to sit on my ass and wait while you go out there with your friends and kick some butt? Oh, no you don’t. I am not going to be able to patiently wait here while you go and have all the fun.”

“Let me assure you this, Janice. You will be better off protecting Melinda here on the plane than out there on the ground. It is not going to be a pretty site, and I am not sure if Dr. Pappas will be able to handle what will happen out there. Janice, it’s for your own good and protection as well as hers. Besides, I will need you to take care of this plane until we’re secured out there. This will be our only transportation back to Cairo. They will not stay here.”

“How can you be so certain that Xena and Gabrielle won’t want to stay here?”

“Because, my friend, they have a home that they have spent many centuries building as their haven. You two will be more than welcome to come back for visits, or maybe even to stay. But, that is up to them. I won’t get into details about that. Right now, we have bigger things to do. Let’s go.”

With that, the plane was pulled to a stop. The others were packed and ready to go. Melinda was concerned that her lover would want to go with them and help out in the fight. But, Xena and Gabrielle convinced her that it would be best for them to stay behind and wait for their signal to come out.

“I understand, Xena. But, please, whatever you all do out there, please, please be careful.”

Gabrielle turned to her, and placing her hand on Melinda’s arm said, “now, don’t you worry about us. We’ll be just fine.” Then, she turned around, bowed her head and covered her face. When she turned around again, her face was fierce with the power of bacchus. Her centuries of fighting all kinds of evil, side by side with her lover, made her ready for this smaller encounter with a bunch of women who probably had yet to realize what they were in for.

When Melinda saw her face, she gasped. Xena turned to her to say, “I love it when she’s angry. She’s so cute.”

The archeologist sat down from her legs giving way beneath her, “oh, my! What will they think of next?”

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(continued in Part 8)