Chapter 10 - Southern Comfort

Janice Covington slightly shivered against the chill flowing from the open window in front of her. She ignored it though as she was enjoying the sunrise too much. She'd gotten up early just for this occasion even though she was known for being the worst morning person.

The archeologist donned her Amazon cloak that'd been returned to her a couple of days ago. It was keeping her fairly warm but most importantly it hid her scabbed wounds all over her body. She hated to be reminded of her time in the cell and the Conqueror's torture. Yet her wounds were healing rather well so far, especially according to the pleased healer. The healer checked on her daily and always applied balsam to her wounds plus she was required to drink this odd tea that he said would help her left eye. And he was actually right; Janice's previously swollen eye was no longer swollen but merely red and bruised. Her vision was quickly returning in her left eye too, which was a relief.

Janice jumped from her thoughts when her chamber door creaked open so she turned around to see a familiar face.

Nakia smiled at the solemn woman by the window. "I didn't expect you up so early." She ducked into the room with a tray full of food. "I was coming to drop this off."

"Thank you, Nakia." Janice offered a smile that broke her hardened features. "How are things?"

"They are fine." Nakia closed the door behind her so that the guards wouldn't listen in on their conversation. "The Conqueror has the court here today."

"The court?" inquired the curious prisoner.

"Yes, all her advisors come to discuss politics and such." The Egyptian slave shrugged. "It is the Conqueror's least favorite."

The archeologist hid her grin because it made her think of Melinda. She also understood that was the exact location she'd attacked the Conqueror so many days back. "When does it begin?"

"Always at Helios high," informed the slave.

Janice processed that and decided that it would give her plenty of time to talk to her friend. She nodded then asked, "Will the healer be here later?"

"I believe he'll be here some time after Helios high." Nakia brushed a dark strand of her hair away from her face. "You have plenty of time to relax, Janice. If you need me then I'll be in the Conqueror's chambers. Theresa is in the kitchen today."

Janice nodded her head. "Thank you, Nakia."

The slave smiled then whispered goodbye before the vanished out of the chambers.

Janice faced the window again and watched the last of the sunrise, which seemed to fill her. She didn't realize how wonderful it felt to watch the sunrise again as she'd seen many during her digs but this was different. The sunrise gave her a sense of peace and calmness that'd eluded her for a month now.

She hadn't truly spoken to Melinda in these past three days since she was rescued from the cell. She was spending much of her time in the bed chamber as her body was too weak to allow her any movement. Today was the first day she was able to get out of bed and she had plans for a warm bath before doing anything else. Then she would talk to Melinda about everything that'd happened and what the future plans were.

Janice felt some sense of loss because she didn't know what'd happened and she had no control earlier. Now she watched her best friend impersonate the woman she hated so deeply. It was hard to swallow yet it was something she had to come to terms with since it saved her life, most likely.

Finally, Janice started her day by eating first and the food was becoming heavier and brought her body to life again. That meant her mind was working clearer too, which she was very grateful. After she cleared the tray of any food, she went into the bathroom that was half the size of the large bedroom. She was excited to find a tub there that worked very much like a modern bath at home, minus the showerhead. She gave the Conqueror some credit for mimicking the Roman's piping system for water.

After Janice felt cleaned and ready, she put on her cloak last by the door. She opened the door and the two guards straightened up in surprise by the blonde's arrival. Melinda had informed her that she was allowed to move about in the fortress but the guards would be her constant shadows. At first Janice almost put up a fight but then Melinda explained it wasn't just to hold up the impression that Janice was a prisoner but to protect her too, from Alti.

The guards at the door eyed the small prisoner that drifted out of the room.

Janice walked by them a few feet to test them. They didn't stop her so she went a few yards then grinned as her shadows marched behind her. She suppressed a chuckled then continued down the hallway that seemed almost never ending. Then it occurred to her that she really had no clue where to look for Melinda. She stopped and turned to her guards.

The two guards exchanged looks then peered down at the prisoner.

"Do you fellas know where the Conqueror is?"

Again, the sentries exchanged glances but they weren't sure what to say since they didn't expect to be fraternizing with the prisoner.

Janice sighed, her hands on her hips now. "Come on, I don't know this damn place." She was wondering if she shouldn't have asked Nakia for help instead of these moving statues.

"She's probably in her office," offered the sentry to the right.

The other sentry regarded his partner for speaking out.

"Ooookay," started Janice, "Where's that?"

The speaking guard shifted in place then stepped around the small prisoner while saying, "Follow me."

And that guard is named Bingo, inwardly joked the archeologist as she happily followed him. She was directed down the hall, down a flight of step, made a right into another hall, and stopped at a door that read: ? ?ata?t?t??. "This is it?"

The sentry that'd talked merely nodded his head now.

"Hmmm." Janice couldn't read the syntax but she figured that the guards wouldn't want her to get in trouble since it'd be their hides too. She decided she better not barge in so she respectfully knocked. She heard the order to come in and as she pushed the door, her stomach clenched. Janice stepped into what was a very big office but off to the right sat a dark woman behind a desk, her head down and scribing something.

The guards also filed in behind Janice.

The Conqueror finished doing something on the parchment, stopped, and stood up with her cold gaze on the party in her office. She'd expected Janice to show up today but not quite this early. Her steel features focused on the guards. "Wait outside until we're finished."

The guards quickly nodded then hastily left the office with the door closing behind them.

Janice watched them go for a second then looked to her friend.

Melinda came around the oak desk and approached the small archeologist. "How do you feel today?"

"Its getting better every day," answered Janice, her hands now folded over her chest in a protective manner. She soaked in the attire that Melinda wore, which consisted of black leathers and the very bronze armor always described in Gabrielle's scrolls. She caught sight of the sparkling chakram on Melinda's right hip and the sword hilt poking over her shoulder but there was no cape. Janice realized that Melinda was more Xena than the Conqueror in this outfit and it subconsciously eased her.

"I hope so," murmured the translator as she towered over her friend. Her eyes were glazed with concern and her hands clenched at her sides because she wanted desperately to touch Janice.

Janice freed her right hand and toyed with her short hair for a second. "Mel, what's going on?" Her hand fell to her side.

Melinda exhaled sadly and nodded her head. "I've been putting this off, I reckon." She signaled to the couch nearby and offered, "Sit down with me."

Janice followed her friend to the sofa that was a royal shade of purple. She got comfortable beside Melinda but was slightly twisted so she could face her too. "When Alti took me, you were hurt on the dig site," she started.

"I was," agreed the southerner. She laced her hands together in her lap. "Just after you disappeared with Alti, Jack showed up 'cause he was returnin' the scrolls he took."

Janice perked up at this information but it didn't matter right now.

"Jack realized something had happened so he rushed me to the hospital in Corinth." Melinda leaned against the back of the sofa so that she was more comfortable. "I couldn't tell him what happened… I was upset as it was about it. He stayed in Corinth until I healed up, which didn't take long."

"Mel, your legs were shattered… weren't they?"

"Close enough," agreed the southerner, "but...." She signaled her perfectly fine legs and stated, "I'm a fast healing patient plus I had the best doctor money could by. I left within a few weeks."

"Then what?" urged the curious archeologist.

Melinda's memories of her days after Janice's kidnapping surfaced higher up. "I got in touch with one of daddy's old friends that I knew. He works at the Archeological Museum of Corinth… he's the curator. I had a hunch about that green stone on that scepter so I told him about it."

"He knew of it, didn't he?" encouraged the archeologist.

"Yes, and surprisingly enough he had it there in the museum."

Janice was astounded and hastily asked, "What is the stone?"

"Its called the Cronos Stone and he ain't sure about the history behind it." Melinda sighed then shifted some on the sofa. "I didn't tell him what I thought it could do but I asked him if I could see it."

Janice slightly grinned as she knew what Melinda was going to tell her next.

Melinda mirrored her friend's grin then continued into her story about what happened next and how she arrived all the way here. It was an amazing story of determination and faith, much like Janice's and Janice's eyes lit up with the story right before her….

Melinda Pappas clenched her teeth as she shrunk to the soft grass, on her hands and knees. She lost contact with the Cronos Stone as it pulsed green between her hands, almost blending with the grass. Just as Melinda prepared to pick it up with her right hand it vanished without a trace. "Ooo my," murmured the translator, "that's not what I expected."

Melinda shook off the shock to her body from the time traveling then she quickly climbed to her feet. Just as she adjusted her black glasses on the bridge of her nose for better focus, she discovered three scanty, leather clad women with swords staring at her. "Ooo… myyy."

"Who are you?" demanded the Amazon in the middle, her mask covering her face like the other two.

Melinda tried to remain calm or else this would go horribly wrong. "The name's Melinda Pappas."

The three Amazons gazed at one another but the one in the center took a step closer.

Melinda wasn't too frightened after having just faced that oddly robed woman that took Janice and then Ares before that. "I'm lookin' for a friend of mine… ya might have seen her."

The Amazon that'd been speaking the entire time took a second step closer. She was trying to decipher the odd dialect the woman held but she couldn't make heads or tails of it but she inwardly admitted that it was attracting. "Who's the friend? And why are you in Amazon territory?"

"Well I'm here because I'm lookin' for my friend." Melinda swallowed then added, "Maybe ya know her… her name is Janice and she's a bit of a pain." She hoped the joke would pay off on some level.

The speaking Amazon reached up and pushed her mask away from her face. "I know Janice Covington." She lifted her sword and neared the odd stranger, her sword tip pointed just at Melinda's throat. "Isn't it funny how you resemble the Conqueror perfectly?"

Melinda hastily held up her hands in defense. "I swear I ain't the Conqueror." Her stomach turned at the title that they were matching her up to and she didn't like it at all.

"We know," stated the Amazon, who had wild brown eyes and bright blond hair that was almost white. "Because she wouldn't dare show here without her legions and…." She waved her sword up and down Melinda's length. "Dressed like that."

The translator quickly had an offended expression, which made the Amazon smirk at her. She was simply dressed in button up blouse, khaki pants, and her dig site boots while her hair was twisted into her usual bun. When the sword was lowered from her throat, she also lowered her hands by her side.

"I'm Callisto," introduced the Amazon. "This is Velasca." She held her right hand out to the Amazon behind her, who removed their mask. "And this is Karis."

The two Amazons that'd stayed back now joined the pair.

Velasca scanned over Melinda with very judgmental eyes.

Melinda almost shuddered by the Amazon's stare but she stayed focused on Callisto. She knew exactly who Callisto was from Gabrielle's scrolls she'd read while in the hospital. This obviously wasn't correct in history if Callisto was an Amazon so she had to play along. "Can ya help me find Janice?"

Callisto lifted an eyebrow some. "I think you're a little late, deary buuut… we'll take you to the queen." She turned on her heels and ordered, "Follow us."

Melinda was uneasy but she didn't have much choice so she fell into step behind Callisto. The other two quiet Amazons were behind her and they hadn't sheathed their swords at all. Melinda found the walk to be a good fifteen minutes but it seemed to drag on longer since nobody was talking. She was fine with that because it gave her time to consider what she knew of history, what Gabrielle's scrolls told her, and what was right here before her. She could only guess what else rested ahead of her.

When the group arrived in the village, Melinda realized she was a sudden attraction to all. She tried to ignore the staring and gaping Amazons but it was increasingly hard. They finally stopped in front of a hut and Callisto rapped on the door a few times. When they were called in, Callisto went first then Melinda and the other two Amazons.

Queen Cyane peered up at her visitors but she hastily jumped from her seat at seeing her enemy.

"My queen," intervened Callisto, "this is Melinda Pappas," she hastily explained, "and she's looking for Janice."

Queen Cyane gripped the edge of her desk and stared with a mix of surprise and anger at the stranger in her office. She calmed her rapid heartbeat then calmly asked, "Melinda Pappas?"

"Yes, ma'am," answered the translator in her most proper southern draw.

The queen forcefully relaxed because she needed a clear head for this one. She inhaled sharply then informed, "I'm afraid Janice Covington has come and gone."

Melinda slowly nodded then asked, "Where might she have gone?"

"We escorted her to Corinth a few days ago." Queen Cyane straightened up from bending over her desk. "She was planning to engage the Conqueror and Alti so that she could get home."

Melinda took a hesitant step closer and carefully inquired, "If ya don't mind me askin', who is the Conqueror?"

Cyane folded her arms over her chest then made a big assumption as she stated, "She's Xena… your descendant."

Melinda slightly swooned and touched her forehead at this news. "Ooo my… I reckon I'm in deep here."

The queen was prepared to speak again but the door to her office hut was suddenly shoved open by a small blond.

Gabrielle came in, head down, eyes on a scroll, and as she lifted her head she said, "Queen Cyane, I just received… word…." She stopped then proceeded to gape at the tall, dark haired woman standing next to her. "By the gods," she breathed in astonishment.

Melinda Pappas's eyes were wide behind her black glasses at seeing Janice's ancestor before her.

Gabrielle's grip on her scroll slipped suddenly.

Melinda reacted quickly by bending then snatched up the falling parchment just above the floor. She held out the scroll to the bard along with a pleasant smile. "Good afternoon, Gabrielle."

The rebel closed her slack jaw as she received her scroll back.

"Next time try knocking, Gabrielle," instructed the irritated queen.

The bard's head quickly turned to the Amazon Queen. "I'm sorry," she offered, "I was just surprised about the news I received."

Queen Cyane interrupted the bard's hasty explanation as not so good. She decided to set that aside at the moment so instead she signaled to the tall stranger. "This is Melinda Pappas, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle's focus returned to the tall woman before her and she tucked the scroll under her left arm since that hand was busy with her walking stick. "It's nice to finally meet you, Melinda." She held out her right hand.

The translator clasped the small hand into hers and briskly shook. "It's a pleasure, Gabrielle." Her brilliant blue eyes sparkled at the immediate draw she felt towards Gabrielle much like she had with Janice.

"You're looking for Janice," stated the bard. At Melinda's solemn nod she explained, "She's in Corinth now and I actually just…." Her gaze flickered over to the queen.

"What is it, Gabrielle?" queried the concerned queen.

Gabrielle's lips shaped a frown and she removed the scroll from under her left arm. "I received word from my faction that Janice has been captured by the Conqueror." She heard a soft moan filter from Melinda and it made Gabrielle ache inside. She was just as fearful too when she'd read the news. "She's in a lot of danger… I was afraid of this."

"Why did you let her do this?" coldly questioned Melinda, her eyes only on the bard. Something in her flared up that she couldn't understand but it was powerful.

Gabrielle noticed that the woman's earlier accent was gone and the tone mirrored that of the Conqueror's. "I couldn't have stopped her if I tried, Melinda. I did everything I could to ensure she had less odds against her. I am sorry."

Melinda touched her forehead that was starting to pound. "I know." She lowered her hand then asked, "What will happen to her?"

Gabrielle's gaze faltered as she quietly answered, "The Conqueror is after me so she'll use Janice to get to me."

Queen Cyane cut back into the conversation at that point. "Melinda, how did you get here?"

"I used the same stone that Alti had to travel here."

"Where is this stone then?" questioned Gabrielle.

The translator exhaled with a frown on her face. "It vanished when I let go of it." She shook her head then tried to explain it aloud. "I reckon the stone can't coexist with itself."

"Then Alti would have lost the scepter when she kidnapped Janice from the future," argued Queen Cyane.

"I know…." Melinda considered it more then added, "Maybe as long as it's in the hands of the owner it won't vanish… I ain't sure." She finally joked, "Not that time travel is exactly explainable either."

Gabrielle slightly grinned at the remark but she lost her amusement. "What now?"

"I have to get to Janice," stated the determined translator.

"Wait," cut in the queen, "before there's anymore gun blazing harebrain schemes, this needs to be worked out."

Melinda arched a curious eyebrow at the gun blazing part of the queen's speech. She knew that to be a Janice Covington concept more than anything. Her quick mind also already had an idea but she wasn't about to discuss it here with all these Amazons. She needed to talk to one person and the person was next to her.

Gabrielle detected something so she spoke first. "Queen Cyane, let Melinda stay here and we'll report a plan to you."

The Amazon Queen audibly sighed as her hands came to her hips. "I'm already harboring three fugitives… why not the Conqueror's decedent too?"

Melinda's eyes narrowed at hearing three fugitives.

"You're welcome to stay, Melinda."

"Thank you," politely agreed the southerner.

The queen looked to Callisto. "Show her to a guest hut."

"Right away, my queen." Callisto bowed her head then shifted around to the door between the outsider and the stranger.

"See that you do come to me before doing anything, Gabrielle." Queen Cyane held the rebel's gaze very seriously. "Enough lives have been endangered as is."

"I understand," agreed the bard. She then filed out of the hut with the Amazons and Melinda.

Callisto told her fellow Amazons to return to patrol duty and promised she'd return shortly. She escorted Melinda across the village and took her to an empty guest hut. "Here's the hut and I'm sure Gabrielle will care for you." Her wild brown eyes switched to Gabrielle for that confirmation.

"Not to worry," agreed the bard. She smiled at the Amazon and warmly stated, "Thanks, Callisto."

"Thank you too," agreed the translator.

Callisto bowed her head at the pair, took a step back, and stated, "I will see you both soon, I'm sure." With that, she was gone and heading towards the gates.

As soon as Callisto was out of ear shot, Gabrielle met Melinda's gaze and asked, "You have a plan, don't you?"

"I think so," replied Melinda. Her attention though was over Gabrielle's head as she saw the passerby's watching them. "Let's go inside."

The pair entered the hut and was relieved to be out of the village's scrutiny. Melinda offered the weary bard a seat then she took one too from the table.

"First, I need to know some things." Melinda kept her back straight in the chair but her focus centered on the rebel.

"Okay, what's that?"

The translator had to confirm her suspicious that'd been nagging at her. She questioned Gabrielle on several topics and was either pleased or displeased by the results however the information was helpful. Melinda soon realized she really wasn't just in the past but in another world or reality. Her questions were narrowing it down quickly as Gabrielle's scrolls had provided her with much insight about Xena's history prior to her meeting Gabrielle just outside of Potidaea.

"So the Conqueror began her campaign after Alti joined her?"

"Yes," replied Gabrielle, "the Conqueror killed her partner and took his half of the army. After that, she and Alti marched across Greece like a plague."

Melinda didn't read anything about Alti in the scrolls but that didn't mean much. What she did know was how Xena changed paths thanks to Gabrielle's scroll about Prometheus, which went into Xena's recent past. She reached up and removed her glasses as she asked, "Do you know Hercules?"

"Hercules?" tried the bard then shook her head. "No… never heard of him."

The translator was rubbing the bridge of her nose but stopped. She settled her glasses into her lap. "Ooo my… ya never heard of him?"

"Not at all," promised the bard. "Why?"

Melinda dropped her head forehead with her fingertips rubbing her temples against the growing headache. "In my world, he stopped Xena from becomin' a warlord."

The rebel was in disbelief of such a possibility. She also noticed Melinda's pain and she touched the nearby knee of the stranger. "Do you need something for your head?"

The translator lowered her hands from her temples. "No, I'll be fine… thank you though." She put her glasses on again.

Gabrielle removed her touch as she smiled at the politeness of this woman, who was so opposite of the dark ruler she knew. "I see now why Janice was so reluctant to assassinate the Conqueror."

Melinda had a bittersweet smile at the rebel's words.

"Wait, you said in your world… when you were referring to this Hercules."

Melinda faintly nodded then explained, "Janice and I are from an alternate reality or world… Xena is nothin' like this in our history. She was a warlord for some time but she became a hero later."

Gabrielle had an abstract expression at such a concept. "Are you sure you're right? I mean how can you be sure?"

The translator had a wide grin that revealed her teeth. "I know because I read your scrolls about your adventures with her."

The bard held her breath and stared at Melinda then she suddenly shook her head. "That's impossible."

"I know how it sounds," agreed the southerner, "but you and Xena were famous in Ancient Greece. You inspired her to fight her darkness while she helped you discover all your strengths and abilities."

Gabrielle was shaken by this news as she stared at the space between her and Melinda. "Her and I were… partners?"

Melinda nodded and wasn't about to inform Gabrielle of her other suspicions that Gabrielle and Xena may have been lovers too.

"Gods," whispered the bard. "That must be another world." She shook her head at her imagination's vision. "I've hated the Conqueror since she destroyed my life."

"What happened?" urged the concerned translator.

Gabrielle went into a quick story about her history and how her life worked out so far. She watched the various emotions flicker across Melinda's face and in her eyes. She was just as captivated but by Melinda and how their chemistry flowed so well together. It was incredibly eerie yet so intoxicating at the same time. Gabrielle really wasn't sure what to make of it.

Melinda couldn't believe everything she'd been told. She was astounded that Gabrielle had survived so well and adapted but she contributed that to the Conqueror's mother helping too. She felt a lot of respect build up in her for this younger woman. She stretched out her legs some then tucked them back under her. "I don't understand why Janice thought she could stop the Conqueror when we're from another world."

"I don't think Janice knew," reflected the bard. "I think she believed she was in the past."

"That was her second biggest mistake," murmured Melinda, sadly.

"What was her first?"

Melinda lifted her saddened eyes to Gabrielle. "Thinkin' that she could really kill the Conqueror." She shook her head. "She can't kill."

"She would have done it, Melinda." Gabrielle's eyebrows pressed together neatly. "She was determined to do it."

"Well she's not going to," Melinda coldly stated as her accent disappeared. She stood up and walked away from the bard then started to pace.

Gabrielle could see Melinda's mind formulating a plan very quickly. She was dazed by the sheer beauty behind it and it was alluring too. "What are you thinking?"

Melinda Pappas stopped pacing and faced the rebel leader. "Meet the new Conqueror," her cool voice thundered as she removed her glasses.

Gabrielle stood up with her stick for help. She approached the tall, dark woman that loomed above her. "How are you…."

Melinda very slowly revealed a wild grin that felt too comforting. "Its time Alti had a taste of her own medicine."

Gabrielle opened her mouth to ask but she snapped it shut then murmured, "You can't…. It's impossible."

Melinda darkly chuckled as she neatly folded up her glasses and tucked them into her right pocket. "I can and I will." She closed in the space between her and the rebel then tipped Gabrielle's head back with her fingertips. "I can't let anything happen to Janice, Gabrielle." At the thought of any harm coming to Janice flared up her darkest strength from some hidden place that was only recently shown to her by Xena's soul.

"I know," whispered Gabrielle, who laced her hand through Melinda's. "I will do everything I can to help."

Melinda showed her classic smile and her southern accent returned. "Thank you."

The pair quickly worked together to iron out a solid plan that they knew Queen Cyane could not refuse. By the time they were finished, Gabrielle's head was pounding too and more from hunger. Melinda apologized for it then they thought it best to eat before it got any later. Gabrielle took Melinda to the food hut and when they got there, she was greeted by a worried Cyrene and Melpomene. Cyrene and Melpomene then realized they were standing in font of the Conqueror's descendant and Janice's best friend. Together the group joined in for a dinner at one table in the dining hut.

Melinda became more and more informed about the recent events and Janice's plans to stop the Conqueror and Alti. It truly worried her when she heard how ruthless the Conqueror was in this world. She knew, without a doubt, that right now Janice was most likely in grave danger. It harbored very dark emotions in Melinda that she tried desperately to clamp down on.

Just as they were finishing up, two curious Amazons stopped over because of the floating rumors. Melinda was quickly introduced to the legendary Ephiny that she'd read often about in Gabrielle's scroll. She then met Solari, who she instantly took to also. Ephiny and Solari joined the group with a round of diluted wine, minus one for little Melpomene, and the two Amazons told Melinda about Janice's time in the Nation. Melinda was left dumbstruck when she heard that Janice had been taught the sword and was rather skilled with it. She also made a mental note to have a little chitchat with this shaman, Yakut, who seemed to have some fair ideas about Alti.

"So," started Solari, "you want some sword lessons too, Melinda?"

The southerner's eyes darkened a shade but she was grinning. "I reckon I can hold my own, thank you."

"Really?" challenged Solari, "You don't look it."

Ephiny snorted and poked her friend's side. "She's only the descendant of Xena."

"Still," argued Solari, "after how many generations though?"

Melinda removed her glasses and set them down on the table. "Trust me," her accent gone and voice chilled, "I can handle myself fine."

Solari had a mouthful of wine in her mouth and she gulped it down. "Wow." She blinked at Ephiny.

Ephiny smirked and patted Solari's back roughly. "Told yah, Solar."

"Watch it, Eph," shot back the Amazon.

Gabrielle curiously watched as Melinda put her glasses back on and there was an inward shift in the stranger. She wanted to know what that continuing shift was in the woman as she could even feel it from her spot across the table. She figured she sensed it more than anybody else at the table.

"So what's the game plan now?" Solari glanced between Gabrielle and Melinda.

"You're going to help Janice, right?" piped up Melpomene.

Melinda smiled at the child sitting next to Cyrene. "Yes, I'm going to help her." Her instincts told her that the girl had a deep affection for Janice and also a lot of admiration for Janice too.

"The Conqueror will hurt her," sadly pointed out Melpomene. Her face was full of fear and worry.

Melinda kept her calm stature despite her swirling feelings deep inside that the child's words stirred in her. "I won't let anything happen to Janice, Melpomene."

The girl took that as an enduring promise and her face softened.

Cyrene clasped Melpomene's hand into hers. "We should get some rest, sweetie. Its getting late for us."

Melpomene's lower lip quivered up at Cyrene. "I want to stay and listen too."

Cyrene stifled a yawn but before she could put up an argument, Gabrielle jumped into it.

"We won't be long," promised Gabrielle. "And you need your rest, Melpomene."

The child slowly relented then nodded at Cyrene.

"Come on." Cyrene scooted out of her seat then smiled at everybody. "Goodnight, ladies."

Everybody chimed in with a goodnight to Cyrene and Melpomene then watched the pair leave the large hut. Cyrene was a bit relieved to get away as it was haunting to be near Melinda, who was the spitting imagine of her daughter.

Melinda sighed and lowered her gaze to Gabrielle after Melpomene and Cyrene left. "She was uneasy."

"I know," murmured the bard. "It's hard for her."

"I can imagine." Melinda toyed with her empty mug for a second.

"So do you two have a plan?" brought up Ephiny.

Gabrielle suddenly had a sly grin. "Ooo yeah and its all Melinda's idea."

Melinda quickly had three pairs of inquisitive eyes on her so she proceeded to explain her plans. Ephiny was speechless and Solari broke out with, "That will be perfect!"

"It's impossible!" roared back Ephiny, who glowered at her best friend. "Who in the known-world could-"

"She can do it, Ephiny," shot back Solari. She held her hand out to the stranger. "Look at Melinda, she's an exact copy of the Conqueror."

"No," hotly argued Ephiny, "She doesn't know anything about the Conqueror or how she acts or… any of that."

"Ya know, it's impolite to talk about somebody in third person when they're here," informed the prim southerner.

Ephiny was in mid argument when she faltered and blinked at Melinda.

Solari quietly laughed because she remembered those similar words from Janice Covington.

"And this will work," clarified the translator.

Ephiny was shaking her curly locks with her jaw set to her stubborn attitude.

"Wait," piped up Gabrielle, "can't Yakut help?"

"What you mean?" asked Solari.

"Well can't Yakut… show Melinda everything about the Conqueror?" Gabrielle's gazed went between the two Amazons.

Solari and Ephiny stared at one another for the answer.

"Yes."

Solari, Ephiny, and Gabrielle turned their attention to Melinda, who answered the question.

"A shaman can do astral projection and Yakut should be able to translate it to me."

"To you or into you?" tried the bard.

Melinda faintly grinned before answering, "Into me."

"That's perfect." Gabrielle was smiling brightly at the rising hopes.

Ephiny sighed before she rained on the parade again. "This is incredibly dangerous and somebody could get killed… namely Janice."

"Janice is going to get killed if we don't do something," debated the rebel.

Melinda was tensed up at the bard's words then her unusual icy tone appeared again. "Janice… will… not… die."

Gabrielle swallowed at seeing the ferocity just flowing from Melinda. It was a chilling reminder of the Conqueror and in an odd way it comforted her because it meant this plan would succeed.

"Tomorrow we will talk to the queen," stated Melinda to Gabrielle.

The bard nodded her agreement.

Ephiny finally caved in and offered, "Solari and I will help too."

Solari suddenly grinned when Ephiny agreed. "This'll be great." She then chuckled at the wild images of the plan that rested ahead.

And if anybody was the most skeptical about the plans it was the queen herself. She tried to argue and debate and fight the stranger and rebel's plans that they'd so perfectly mapped out. Yet she too found it was impossible to say no anymore because despite the risks it was very solid. Even Queen Cyane saw the possibilities working out and she had hope for the first time.

By that afternoon, the plans were already being executed as Amazons rushed to prepare. Gabrielle helped as much as she could with it and by mid afternoon she introduced Melinda to Yakut. Yakut was rocked by Melinda's forwardness and demands that she perform a projection of the Conqueror's life and transfer it to Melinda. Yakut hotly argued against it saying it was dangerous to Melinda but Melinda did not care, she was determined.

The shaman eventually found herself and Melinda in the temple alone and in a deep ritual. Yakut had transcended the axis mundi then projected the Conqueror's life into Melinda through her hands and eyes. Melinda had never experienced such a thing in her life and at first it scared her but she moved beyond it. Eventually Melinda actually felt as if she was living the Conqueror's very life and it reached deep into her hidden, dark chasm. By the time Yakut had completed the transfer Melinda was well spent with a headache and she also felt extremely split between two lives.

Yakut was fearful of such a result happening and warned Melinda to be leery of this split. She explained that such a split could wreak havoc on her mind and later cause detrimental problems. Melinda accepted the dangers because it was her only option to saving Janice. She would just have to deal with it when that bridge showed up if it did.

When the evening came, Melinda was done with Yakut and checking on the status of the preparations for the plans. She was satisfied that it was all working out well so she went for a break in her hut. She truly needed it and rested on her bed for awhile, her hands over her face.

Yet as she tried to relax, her mind would suddenly flash with images of the Conqueror's life. She'd see disturbing images of the Conqueror running her sword through enemies then the image would shift and it was Melinda killing somebody. Melinda's hands would be coated in blood and odd feelings of a hungry rush would sweep through her body. Melinda tried to shake them away but they never quieted completely until there was a knock at her door.

Melinda climbed out of bed while calling, "Come in." She was grateful to see Gabrielle coming into the hut.

"How are you doing?" Gabrielle closed the door and took an offered chair from Melinda.

"A little tired," admitted Melinda. She went back to sitting on the foot of her bed. "We're almost ready."

"Yes, we are," agreed the bard. "But are you ready?"

Melinda sighed then nodded her head. "Yakut showed me everything."

"Everything?" Gabrielle's eyes narrowed. "You've seen all of the Conqueror's life?"

"Yes." Melinda pulled off her glasses then placed them on the bed next to her. "I understand now why she is the way she is."

"Why?" Gabrielle had to understand too.

"She was trying to protect Amphipolis from getting attacked by raiders and warlords. That's how it started."

Gabrielle slowly nodded. "I know… Cortese attacked Amphipolis then she lost her brother not long after."

Melinda faintly moved her head in agreement. "When Caesar betrayed her and set out to kill her, that was the changing point. She lost all hope and became full of anger… she's been on an endless quest for revenge."

"But she's killed Caesar," reminded the bard.

"Yes," agreed the translator, "but when ever did killing your tormenter quench your thirst for revenge?"

"Never," muttered the rebel. It struck Gabrielle blindly and she understood what was at the core of the Conqueror's drive. As dark as it truly was it also explained every piece and gave her so much insight to the past. She store that away for later thought and came back to the present. "Are you sure you're ready for this, Melinda?"

The translator peered down at her hands in her lap, her hands that had old calluses from handling a sword over a month ago in Ares's tomb. "I have to save her, Gabrielle."

"But what is it going to cost you?"

"What will it cost me if I don't save her?" Melinda met her friend's steady gaze. "I can't expect you to understand, Gabrielle but Janice is…."

"No." Gabrielle's voice was calm and assuring. "I understand, Melinda." She detected though that there was something else on Melinda's mind.

Melinda licked her lips then peered up at her friend. "A part of me is worried about whether I can do this." She clenched her hands in her lap. "Its not that I can't because I will but what if… what if it's too much then I get lost." Her blurry eyes held Gabrielle captivated. "What if it ends up costing Janice?"

Gabrielle sighed and stood up with her cane. She limped over then climbed up on the bed next to her friend. "I noticed you become… different at some points like… something else takes control."

"Yes." Melinda stared down at her hands. "Anytime I think about Janice being in danger or hurt… anything like that I just feel this shift in me." She turned her head to Gabrielle. "I didn't tell you this but when I met Janice, she was on a dig and discovered a tomb."

Gabrielle nodded but said nothing so that Melinda would go on.

"Janice and I plus a few others went into the tomb where we found some things."

"Like what?"

"Well Janice found your scrolls…." Melinda shook her head, "Well the other Gabrielle's scrolls. Then I found Xena's chakram but only half of it. This gentleman, Smythe, who came too found the other half of the chakram. The two pieces attracted to each other instantly and when they touched… something happened to me."

"What?" murmured the bard, who was entranced by the story.

"Xena's soul possessed me," gently answered Melinda, "and the tomb… it belonged to Ares."

"By the gods," rasped the shocked rebel.

Melinda bit her lower lip then told the rest of the story. "Ares was asleep but we woke him up by entering the tomb. He wanted to be set free from the tomb that'd trapped him. He was going to kill Janice and that's when… I became Xena or she became me. I ain't sure but it felt so real."

"What happened after that?"

"Janice and I stopped him then we escaped the tomb. Janice blew it up so nobody would find it again." Melinda lowered her gaze again to her hands. "As soon as I realized Janice was safe again, I was back in control."

"Xena's soul left your body?" questioned the young woman.

"I don't reckon so because when Alti showed up, it happened again."

"And now whenever you think or hear about Janice being threatened you react the same way, right?"

"Yes." Melinda's shoulder slightly slumped. "I reckon Xena's soul never left me after Ares's tomb."

"What if it wasn't ever her soul to begin with?" probed the bard. "What if the connection of the broken chakram symbolized you becoming united with your karma? Maybe it's been there all along and you just didn't know it. And when Janice is endangered that's the trigger."

"It's possible," quietly granted the southerner.

"I can see you make that shift, Melinda… it's pretty obvious to me… I can't speak for anybody else." But Gabrielle could tell her friend was very unease about this revelation so she gathered up Melinda's larger hands into hers. "Melinda, you can use it to your advantage. If you don't accept it then it could hamper you more than help you and we both know that Janice needs you."

"I know." The translator shook her head and studied Gabrielle's features that painfully reminded her of Janice. "It did happen for a reason, I agree but what if I get into a dangerous position? What if it costs Janice her life?"

"Would you really let that happen?" tried Gabrielle. "I don't think you would and that's even the cause for it to come out."

Melinda knew from what she read that Xena would move heaven and hell to protect Gabrielle. She knew that their karmas were more than linked but were a balance. It was that balance that Gabrielle and Xena craved so greatly and moved them past many trials. If that was the fate of their karmas then it was very much the fate of hers and Janice's, which meant she would follow Xena's path to defy anything for Janice.

Gabrielle squeezed the hands in hers and confidently whispered, "You can do this, Melinda… and you know it too."

Melinda gazed into the most assertive green eyes she'd seen in a long time. Her acceptance of her possible fate clicked into place as she realized that nothing would stop her from saving and protecting Janice.

"Christ, Mel… you did it?" Janice Covington stared her friend in disbelief.

Melinda revealed a smug feature as she broke away from her story. "Yes of course, Janice Covington… I wasn't going to leave you here to have all the fun."

The archeologist grunted and leaned her side against the sofa. "You really kidnapped the Conqueror… Xena the Warrior Princess?"

"The Destroyer of Nations," added the grinning translator.

"Christ," muttered the still shocked archeologist. "I would have loved to seen that… and the look on her face." She snickered at her mental image. "Goddamn."

Melinda was pleased to see her best friend calmer than earlier when this conversation first started.

"Sooo...." Janice shook her head and asked, "We're in an alternate reality?"

"Yes, I reckon Yakut was wrong about her assessment of Alti's plans."

Janice's eyes narrowed as she tried to figure out Alti's real plans. "Do you think she was trying to gain extra powers by transversing worlds?"

"I reckon so," accepted the translator. "I reckon she saw a chance to double her power. If she controlled Gabrielle's karma in this world and in another, it was like gettin' a double cheeseburger."

Janice suddenly laughed at the joke. "Mel."

The grinning translator shrugged but she knew her friend would enjoy the lightheartedness, which was a success too.

"I bet there are other worlds too," theorized the archeologist. "She'll try to cross those too."

"Possibly but I reckon the Conqueror would get a bit suspicious with all these look alikes coming out of the woodworks."

Janice's nose crinkled up as she didn't consider that. "True."

"Alti most likely selected you 'cause she believed that the stage of your karma wouldn't mix so well with the Conqueror's."

The archeologist huffed and gave a dower look. "I think she was right on that one."

"If she'd kidnapped your real ancestor, Gabrielle, I reckon that both her and this Gabrielle would have been able to stop the Conqueror."

Janice smirked and teased, "That'd been the bacon on the burger then."

Melinda rolled her eyes at the smart remark.

"You started it," reminded the archeologist. Her very playful features appeared, her eyes lighter. "I could go for a double cheeseburger with bacon and tomatoes and-"

"Janice," cut off the groaning translator. Despite she was enjoying the good humor it was driving her nuts but deep inside she knew she adored it.

Janice cleared her throat and tried to be more serious. "So what now, Mel?"

Melinda coolly arched her right eyebrow. "Now we play with Alti while we try to find the scepter."

"How long will the Conqueror's trial take?"

Melinda shrugged then casually replied, "Could be a week or so."

"Then what?"

"I ain't got that far yet," admitted Melinda. "I'm in contact with Gabrielle to see how things are. She showed me her coding system."

"Really?" Janice eyed her best friend. "You figured it out before you left her?"

"Yes," nonchalantly answered the translator. "Here, I'll show you something interesting." She stood up gracefully then directed Janice behind the Conqueror's desk.

The archeologist curiously peered into the bottom desk drawer that Melinda opened on the left side.

"Open one," offered Melinda.

Janice picked up one from the top in the deep drawer and unrolled the scroll. She was amazed to see her ancestor's hand writing clearly there in Greek syntax. "Are all those….?" She stared down in the filled drawer.

"Yes." The translator folded her arms over her armored chest. "The Conqueror has an extensive collection. She's kept every one of Gabrielle's scrolls."

"Goddamn," mumbled the archeologist. She rolled it up and placed it back in its home.

"Interesting part though," started Melinda, who opened another deep drawer on the other side. "She keeps Gabrielle's stories about her childhood separate from the rest."

"Why?"

Melinda tapped the open draw with her boot.

Janice stared at the heavy pile of what she assumed were countless stories about the ruler's childhood. She was amazed by how prolific her ancestor truly was.

"She keeps 'em separate 'cause her childhood memories are her only happy memories." Melinda shoved the drawer shut with her boot. "She reads 'em often, actually."

"How do you know all this, Mel?" Janice had befuddled features.

Melinda tapped her own head on the side. "Yakut showed me everything, Janice."

"She showed you… everything?" the archeologist emphasized.

The translator moved closer to her friend then gently answered, "Yes from her birth to the day I arrived."

"Then you know what happened in the…." Janice couldn't bring herself to say it even in a mere whisper. Her head slightly fell as her memories of the dungeon filtered back to her. She started to recoil yet she stopped when a warm touch came to her chin and lifted her head.

"Yes," murmured Melinda, "I know most of what she's done to you or planned to." She let out a sad sigh and let her hand trail onto Janice's cheek. "I want to help ya, Janice… please."

The archeologist collected Melinda's callused hand into her own and squeezed it. "You already did, Mel."

"I only stopped the pain." Melinda laced her hand through Janice's. "I ain't healed 'em."

"I know," gently relented Janice. "Give me some time."

The translator slowly nodded her head in understanding. She wanted to move in closer and hold Janice in her arms but she wasn't sure if Janice would allow her. Just as she was prepared to say something her head snapped up from something.

Janice tensed because she saw that instant transformation in her best friend. It was so alarming and made Janice's heart pause in a beat.

"Go around my desk… now," quickly ordered Melinda.

Janice didn't make a point of the fact that her friend considered the desk hers. She knew something was wrong so she reluctantly broke away from Melinda and stepped around the desk just as a loud knock came to the door.

Melinda touched the back of the desk chair with her hand then ordered, "Come in." She her hands deathly gripped the chair's back as she saw the dark shaman stroll into her office.

Janice paled because she hadn't seen the shaman since she visited her in the dungeon that first day. Her stomach pitched down and her knees slightly weakened from her fears.

Melinda detected her friend's uneasiness so she came around the desk while saying, "What is it, Alti? I am busy."

The dark shaman narrowed her cold gaze at Janice. "So I see, my liege."

"What do you want?" snapped the ruler.

Alti tore her gaze away from the prisoner and narrowed her eyes at the Conqueror. "Have you forgotten your meeting with the court?" She smirked at Janice while her husky voice tormented, "Perhaps you were slightly… distracted."

The Conqueror hastily reacted by stalking up to the shaman.

Alti slightly recoiled from her leering posture.

"Remember, Alti that I will cut your supply short." The Conqueror lowered her head closer to the shaman then darkly whispered, "Very quickly." She raised her head back up and hotly stated, "I'm not in the mood today."

"Lucky for the court then," chided Alti huskily. "I will keep them busy until your… arrival."

"See that you do," clipped the ruler then she waved off the shaman in disrespect.

Alti seethed at the ruler but it wasn't anything new, the games. She turned on her heels and glided out of the office, the door slamming behind her.

The Conqueror's eyes flickered to Janice then to the door. "Guards!" She fiercely ordered.

Janice clenched her hands at her side as her guards now entered the office next. She was curious what her friend was prepared to do to these sentries.

"Why did Alti come into my office?" barked the ruler, who was circling her men with burning blue eyes.

The guards were tense and their eyes occasionally following the ruler that circled them. "Because she wanted to see you," offered a logical guard.

"Really, Plato?" The Conqueror got into the guard's face. "What were your orders?" Her stare went between the two men. "I asked a question."

"We are to guard the prisoner," answered the same guard.

The Conqueror's cold eyes switched the silent guard. "And what else?"

The sentry fumbled some and racked his mind to think of what the other order was.

The Conqueror lost her patience and grabbed a hidden dagger from her breast. She suddenly rammed it into the sentry's gut. "Answer me correctly before I put this into your chest next."

The guard held his breath as the warm blade withdrew from his gut. His right hand now covered his bleeding wound. "Protect the prisoner… from Alti."

The ruler revealed a pleased yet dark smile. "Very good." She wiped her dagger clean of the blood on the sentry's leather clad chest. His blood made a perfect 'X' design too. The ruler took a step away while putting her dagger away.

Janice was stunned by her friend's actions but if it showed on her face it wasn't affecting Melinda at all.

The Conqueror spun back around to face her soldiers. "Now, again I ask why did Alti come into my office?"

The injured guard was weakening but he refused to fall less it meant his life. "Because we disobeyed your orders."

The Conqueror put her hands on her hips. "Exactly."

"We will endeavor to improve, my liege," promise the uninjured sentry.

"Do that or consider your life forfeited," casually stated the cold voice of the ruler. "Now get the Hades out of here and take care of your wound before I change my mind."

"Yes, my liege."

The sentries bowed and clapped their fists across their chests.

The injured soldier hesitated at the door and asked, "What of the prisoner, my liege?"

The Conqueror smiled at the soldier's sudden spark of intelligence. "I will return her to her chambers. See that you return to your posts there."

"Yes, my liege." The injured guard left with his partner and was relieved to be alive still.

Janice watched her guards go then when the heavy door closed, she debated what to do or say next.

Melinda kept her back to Janice, her shoulders ridged as her back. She didn't want to face her friend because of how she'd acted but it was how the Conqueror would have responded to the situation.

Janice swallowed when her feelings powered over her. She could see that her friend was struggling deeply with everything and she hadn't seen that earlier. This was just as hard for Melinda as it was for her and she'd been blind to that before now. She realized that Melinda truly needed her support and acceptance with these circumstances.

Melinda shuddered when a warm, small hand touched her mid back in a comforting contact.

"It's okay, Mel." Janice peered up when Melinda twisted her head around to her as she stood next to the tall southerner. Some part of her expected to see those monstrous blue eyes of the Conqueror but instead she saw nothing but worried, shattered sapphire eyes.

Janice broke apart in that instant and she hastily gathered up Melinda into a warm embrace.

Melinda pulled the small woman completely into her arms and lowered her head down close to Janice's. She soaked in the comfort and support from her friend that she knew meant everything to her. She was coming to understand Xena's resolve to always protect Gabrielle because Gabrielle provided her with everything that she was missing.

Janice held tightly to Melinda and her world felt at ease again despite their situation. Her faith in finding a way home suddenly shaped into Melinda and she knew home had found her instead. She settled her emotions down and lifted her head form Melinda's chest after some time. "Mel?"

"Yeah?" whispered the quaking voice.

"We're going to be okay."

Melinda faintly smiled then murmured, "Yes." Her sweet southern accent filled Janice's ears. "I promise."

Janice rubbed her right hand up and down Melinda's arm, her hand passing over the cool, bronze arm bracer.

"I should go," gently reminded the translator.

"I wouldn't mind seeing you toy with the court." Janice enjoyed the shake of Melinda's body from a silent laugh.

"Janice Covington, ya have an evil streak."

Janice flashed a grin. "Sometimes… a lot of the times," she finally admitted.

"As much as I'd love to amuse you with the court I reckon Alti is already havin' a field day with my saving you from the dungeons."

Janice let out a huge, deep sigh. "I bet."

"Come on." The tall southerner separated from her friend and headed for the door. "I'll come by when I'm done with the court."

"Promise?" pressed the archeologist, who was trailing out of the office with her friend.

"Definitely." Melinda offered a smile then guided her friend through the fortress to her bedchambers on the third level. After she said goodbye, she made her fashionably late arrival to the court where her mood would quickly take a downward spiral.



Continued.