DISCLAIMER AND AUTHOR'S NOTE: All Xena stuff is the legal property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fiction. All other characters that appear belong to me. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies may be made for private use only and must include this copyright notice and disclaimer. This story is set after the Xena - Warrior Princess episode Sacrifice 2.

A New Beginning
By Kristjan Brezovnik

Deep down in the worst and most hidden part of Tartarus where the fallen gods and demons spent eternity in suffering, Callisto was in her own private little hellhole. It was nothing like when she had died the first time, it was meant to be much worse, but to Callisto it didn't matter, she hardly felt any pain, so numb was she. Suddenly something disturbed her. She didn't know whether it was real or if her mind was playing tricks on her. She decided to ignore it, this was her end station.

"Hello, Callisto," she suddenly heard a male voice.

She jerked and opened her eyes.

"Hades," she said blankly.

Hades observed her for a few moments, but she just stared at him.

"Don't you want to know why I came?" he finally asked.

"No."

Hades was surprised. He hesitated before stating his reason for coming.

"I need your help."

Callisto didn't respond and she kept staring at him. Hades was confused.

"Don't you want to get out of here?" he asked.

"No."

This wasn't going well and Hades tried to think what else to try.

"I am willing to give you a second chance," he finally said. "If you fail, then you will go to Tartarus, but not here. If you succeed, you may live out your life and all your past sins will be forgotten, so that when you die, you will be judged again and you may even get to the Elysian Fields."

Callisto stared at the God of the Underworld, surprised. She didn't care where she was, as long as she was with her family. She was getting a second chance, but her strong distrust against all gods was telling her not to trust Hades. She considered her options for a while. She finally shook her head and pushed the distrust away. In any case, she would only profit and if Hades tried to double-cross her, well, then she would get a new purpose in life, one that Hades won't like one bit.

"Okay," she finally said. "But, if you double-cross me, you will die," she added matter-of-factly.

Hades looked at her, surprised.

"I won't," he said and waved his hand.

Callisto looked around as she found herself in Hades' office. Then she looked at the God of the Underworld, who was going to his chair.

"I thought once a god was killed, there was no way back," she inquired.

"There usually isn't. We made an exception with you."

"We?"

"Zeus and me. He's the only one beside me, Charon and the Fates who knows about that part of Tartarus."

"So that's why Strife wasn't brought back?"

"Yes."

"And how do you plan to explain my reappearance to other gods?"

"Simply, you were not a goddess when you died."

Callisto rose her eyebrows.

"And they will believe you?"

"No, but they will believe the Fates."

"The Fates?"

"Yes. We have talked to them and they have agreed to confirm that they have taken godhood from you just before you were killed."

Callisto stared at Hades blankly.

"And how will you explain how I got out of Tartarus?"

"You escaped."

Callisto thought.

"Fine with me," she declared. "So, what is this problem that you need an ex-goddess to help you?"

"Ares."

Callisto gave him an I-had-a-feeling-you-were-going-to-say-that look.

"And what has he done this time?"

"He has managed to obtain some Hind's blood and he is already gathering support among the lesser gods to overthrow Zeus."

"So, you gods are squabbling for power again and we're supposed to pay for your petty behavior."

Hades wanted to argue, but he changed his mind and decided to keep quiet.

"Okay," Callisto continued, "Ares has the Hind's blood and I'm supposed to get it for you."

"Yes."

"What makes you think I will give it to you?"

Hades hesitated.

"Actually, Zeus and I figured that you probably won't want to give to any of us."

Callisto was impressed.

"You really seem to be getting to know me better. But, you're right, I won't give it to any of you. And what are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing."

Callisto was surprised.

"Nothing?"

"No."

Callisto stared at him for a while, not knowing what to say.

"How come?" she finally asked.

"Well, I know you're not interested in godhood and you don't trust gods. Therefore, the blood would be safe with you."

Callisto stared at him for a few moments.

"My, you're being awfully trusty. But, you're right. So, when do I get out of here?"

"In a moment. First, I want you to understand the rules. If you fail, you go back to Tartarus, but not to that part where you were before."

"So you said."

"Yes, well, your actions during the mission will determine exactly into which part of Tartarus you will be sent. The more innocents you kill, the worse the punishment will be."

"And if I succeed?"

"Then you will be allowed to live out the rest of your life and all your previous sins will be forgotten."

"So if I'm a good girl, I get to go to the Elysian Fields?"

"Yes."

That reward certainly looked good to Callisto. But, there was another possible outcome.

"And if I succeed and die?"

"Then you will get your life back and live it out free of your past sins."

Callisto was impressed and she already saw herself in the Elysian Fields for a few short moments.

"You're being mighty generous. You must be really desperate if you decided to hire me as your help."

"Well, we are, but believe it or not, you're the only one that can be trusted."

"What about Xena and Hercules and their pets? Why don't you get their help?"

"They are already helping us, but we need someone on the inside, someone who can get close to Ares without rising suspicions."

Callisto grinned.

"I see. Nice plan. You have a deal, Hades."

Hades relaxed.

"Good."

"Oh, yes, aren't you forgetting something?"

"What?" Hades asked, confused.

"The time limit."

"Oh. There is none."

"None?"

"No. This is too important."

"I see. Oh, yes, don't tell Xena I'm coming, I want to surprise her."

"Fine with me."

"Well, then, send me back."

Hades waved his hand.

Callisto looked around and took a deep breath, stretching her body. Although she wasn't really looking forward to life, she found it much better than Tartarus for the moment. She oriented herself and then set for Ares' temple.

When she got to the temple several days later, the guards stopped her. She stared at them for a few moments, considering whether she should just killed them, but then she remembered the rules. She sighed, being a do-gooder was so complicated.

"Listen, boys, I really don't have time to play. Why don't you take me inside so I can talk to Ares, hm?"

The soldiers looked at each other, confused. The opportunity sure was tempting to Callisto, but she controlled herself.

"No one talks to Ares," their leader said.

"He will talk to me."

"And why should he."

"Because I'm Callisto."

The soldiers laughed.

"Callisto is dead."

Callisto smiled.

"I'm afraid that the news of my death has been somewhat incorrect. Now, why don't you take me inside, hm?"

"No one gets inside except the priests."

Callisto rolled her eyes. She stared at the soldiers for a few moments, thinking. Finally, she looked at the sky.

"Ares, you pathetic piece of dung, get your ass down here now!" she called.

The soldiers looked at each other, astonished.

Ares materialized and he was visibly annoyed, but annoyance was immediately replaced by surprise when he saw who called him.

"Callisto," he said.

Callisto smiled.

"Hello, Ares, missed me?"

Ares was confused. Callisto looked at the soldiers.

"Okay, boys, your service is no longer required. Scram."

The soldiers looked at Ares, confused, and Ares only waved his had dismissively.

"You were supposed to be dead," he said.

"Now, now, you know better than to believe everything people say."

"But you were a goddess."

"Wrong."

Ares was confused.

"What do you mean?"

"I was not a goddess when I died, I was a mortal."

"But you died."

"Of course, it was a mortal wound."

Ares stared at her, totally confused.

"How did you get back?" he asked.

"I escaped from Tartarus. Anyway," Callisto changed the theme, "I hear you've been a bad boy lately, worse that usual. I hear you've been bullying other gods. Is that right?"

Ares stared at Callisto, still unable to believe that she was back.

"Oh, snap out of it will you?" Callisto said, annoyed, and slapped him.

Ares jerked and pulled himself together.

"That's better," Callisto said. "Now, what are you up to?"

"I thought that was my question."

"Later, you first. Why don't you bring me up to date, hm?" Callisto said, took his arm and led him inside.

Ares followed her.

"So, what are you up to?" Callisto asked again when they were inside.

Ares thought about whether he could trust her. He couldn't quite decide, but he found no danger in telling her his plans.

"I have acquired some Hind's blood and I am planning to overthrow Zeus."

"My, reaching for the throne. Zeus is probably not too happy about it, I presume."

Ares grinned.

"Not one bit."

"Thought so. And he sent Xena and Hercules and their pets to fight you?"

"Yes."

"Figures." Callisto thought. "Do you happen to need someone on the inside?"

"Inside?"

"Yes, like spying on them, slowing their progress?"

Ares was surprised.

"And why would they trust you?"

"I'm trying to redeem myself, what else?" Callisto said and grinned.

"And you don't think Hades will warn them?"

"I'm sure he has better things to do, not to mention that he knows that they won't trust me. Don't worry, they won't talk."

Ares didn't quite trust her.

"And why would I trust you?"

"Well, if you win this little takeover, then you'll be the big boss up there and you will be able to do me a favor."

Ares rose his eyebrows.

"And what would that be?"

"I want to go to the Elysian Fields."

Ares laughed.

"What's so funny?" Callisto asked, not amused.

"That's Hades' domain, remember?"

"You can pull a few strings, threaten him with the Hind's blood, you know the procedure."

Ares thought.

"I thought you were after Xena."

"Screw Xena. She's not interesting anymore. Now I want to the Elysian Fields."

"I see." Ares said and thought. "And what are you going to tell them?"

"Xena? Why, the truth, what else?" Callisto said innocently. "Hades sent me back to help them fight you, what else?"

Ares stared at her, confused, but when Callisto grinned, he grinned too.

"We'll see," he said. "Tell me, why didn't you just kill the guards when they didn't let you in?"

"I am trying to redeem myself, remember? No more killing innocents. I have to make a reputation that I'm a do-gooder now."

Ares was impressed.

"Not bad."

"So, do we have a deal?"

"Only if you become my general after that."

Callisto pretended to be thinking.

"You want to take over the world?"

"Yes."

"Sounds bloody. Okay."

"Good, then we have a deal."

"Good. Bye."

Callisto left.

It was already dark and Gabrielle had finally cooked the stew.

"It's done," she declared after tasting it for the umpteenth time.

"Finally," Iolaus said and approached her.

"I hope your eyes are not bigger than your stomach," Hercules warned his friend.

"Don't worry about that. When I'm on the road for so long I'm always hungry."

"We'll get some rest when we get to the Amazons," Xena said.

"I just can't wait to sleep in a decent bed," Gabrielle said and Xena smiled.

"Here you are," Iolaus said and gave the bowls to Xena and Hercules.

"Mmm," Hercules complimented, "this is really delicious."

"Absolutely," Iolaus agreed.

"Of course it is," Xena added matter-of-factly.

"It's my great grandmother's recipe," Gabrielle said.

"Smells delicious," a voice said from the dark and caused all four campers to turn into that direction, ready to fight.

"Callisto!" they said in unison when Callisto stepped into the light.

"Oh, you still remember me, how nice," she said and went to the small cauldron. She soaked her finger in the stew and tasted it. "Mmm, delicious," she declared and turned to the four friends. "You have no idea how I much I've missed good food. This is just one of the things worth living for." She saw the puzzled expressions on their faces. "You probably wonder how come I'm here when I was supposed to be permanently dead. Well, simple, I wasn't a goddess when Xena killed me. Zeus and Hades seem to be in big trouble and they sent me back to help you. I'm supposed to get close to Ares and steal the Hind's blood."

"They sent you?" Gabrielle finally asked.

"Yes. You have a problem with that?"

"Well…" Gabrielle started.

"Yes, yes, I know, the usual ones," Callisto interrupted her. "By the way, your stew is getting cold. Mind if I help myself?"

Gabrielle shook her head and Callisto helped herself. She sat on the opposite side of the fire and started to eat, seemingly oblivious of the other four. She was apparently enjoying the food for she even closed her eyes and ate slowly as if wanting to make each bite last forever. Since Callisto was obviously not interested in a fight, the four friends also started to eat, but they kept their eyes on Callisto.

When Callisto was done, she put away the bowl and leaned back.

"Mmm, that was good." She looked at Gabrielle. "No wonder she keeps you around."

Gabrielle didn't respond. Callisto smiled, lay back and stared at the sky, thinking. The four friends soon finished eating and they stared at Callisto, confused. When Xena finally decided to ask her a question, she realized that Callisto was already asleep.

"Do you think that Hades really sent her to help us?" Gabrielle finally asked.

"I don't know," Xena said, still staring at Callisto. She turned to Gabrielle. "I think we better get some rest, tomorrow is going to be a long day."

"Yes," Hercules agreed.

When Xena woke up the next morning, Callisto was gone. She looked around, alarmed, but there was no sign of her. She wanted to take a bath, but with Callisto in the neighborhood, she decided not to.

"Good morning."

Xena jerked and turned around. She was surprised to see Callisto, who was returning from hunt.

"Good morning," she said.

"I caught us some food," Callisto said as she approached the fire.

"So I see," Xena said and looked at Hercules, who was waking up. "Good morning."

Hercules smiled sleepily.

"Good morning," he said.

"Good morning," Iolaus also said.

Xena leaned to Gabrielle and gently shook her.

"Time to get up, Gabrielle," she said softly.

Gabrielle moaned and pulled the blanket over her head.

"Gabrielle," Xena said a bit louder and shook her a bit more strongly.

Gabrielle moaned again and looked out from under the blanket.

"Already?" she asked.

Xena smiled.

"Yes, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle groaned and slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes. She looked around and froze when she saw Callisto, who was staring at her thoughtfully.

"Oh, by the way, Zeus visited me in my dreams," Hercules suddenly remembered.

"What did he want?" Iolaus asked.

"He just confirmed that he and Hades really did hire Callisto to help us and that she really wasn't a goddess when she died."

"Oh."

"Well, I guess that makes things easier, doesn't it?"

"What do you mean?" Hercules asked.

"Well, I don't have to convince you that I'm for real, do I?"

"No, I guess you don't."

"Good. Now, how about you go refresh yourselves and I'll see if I can still do some simple cooking."

The four friends looked at each other, surprised.

"I'm going," Gabrielle declared.

"Why not," Iolaus agreed.

Xena and Hercules looked at each other and also go up. When they were gone, Callisto started to prepare the breakfast.

"So, what's the plan?" Callisto asked when they finished eating. "You do have one, don't you?" she asked when she saw Xena and Hercules look at each other. "You don't just plan to go to Ares' temple and attack him, do you?"

"Well…" Hercules started.

"You do! Typical. I'm surprised you're still alive, this do-gooder business must really have a bad effect on your brains," Callisto said, shaking her head. "Anyway, do you at least have any idea of how things are there?"

"Hercules and I have been there and…" Iolaus started.

"So have I, but that doesn't help much, does it? You're lucky I paid Ares a visit before I came here."

"You have?" Gabrielle asked suspiciously.

"Yes, I have. He has the place heavily guarded. Getting there is no problem, but once the fight starts, the whole place will be crawling with his soldiers. We would need a diversion."

"We were planning to go to the Amazons," Gabrielle said.

Callisto looked at her, lifting her eyebrows.

"Fine with me if you want to send them in as sword fodder. Anyway, the troops are positioned like this."

Callisto drew a sketch of the temple and its surrounding and added troop positions.

"Are these numbers correct?" Xena asked when Callisto was done.

"Yes."

"Then we'll need more than just the Amazons."

"The Centaurs?" Gabrielle asked.

"Yes."

"Huh, Amazons and Centaurs. I'm sure they'll be overwhelmed with joy when they see me," Callisto said and grinned.

"I doubt it," Xena said.

"Whatever. Anyway, once the Amazons and the Centaurs engage Ares' troops, Xena and Hercules will go inside and engage Ares and I will stay outside with Gabrielle and Iolaus. After a few minutes one of the Amazons will come running in, announcing that I have killed Gabrielle and Iolaus. I will be right behind her and I will kill her. Then…"

"What?!" Gabrielle protested, outraged.

"Relax, I won't kill her for real. We'll give her a special jacket filled with goat blood. I will cut that jacket and she will pretend that she is dead. I will push her outside and bolt the doors from the inside. Xena will then attack me, pretending to be furious. Hercules, you will have to make sure that Xena and I are always behind Ares' back. Xena, we'll have to fight for real, so hits, kicks and cuts are okay. I will tease you from time to time and when I do, we will stop fighting for a few moments so that I can locate where exactly Ares is hiding the Hind's blood."

"You mean it's in the temple?" Iolaus asked.

"Of course and I know approximately where."

"And what will you do when you get it?" Gabrielle asked.

"Make Ares stop."

"Will you kill him?"

Callisto grinned.

"If he doesn't behave. If he does, well, then I'll let Zeus take care of him."

"And the blood?" Iolaus asked.

"It stays with me."

"What?"

"That's the deal. Ask Zeus or Hades if you don't believe me."

"They trust you with the blood?"

Callisto grinned.

"Well, what can I say, life is full of surprises. Now, any questions?" There were none. "Good. I suggest you go get the sword f… your friends and I'll tell Ares of our little plan."

"What?!" Gabrielle asked.

Callisto gave her an annoyed look.

"I won't tell him the whole truth, I'll change it a bit so that we will have easier work. Once the fight starts, it will be probably over soon."

"And why should we trust you?" Xena asked.

Callisto gave her a long look.

"I have too much at stake," she said.

"Like what?"

"You'll have to ask Hades. Anyway," Callisto changed theme, "I'll meet you north of Corinth in, say, four days. Can you make it?"

"Yes."

"Good. I'll see you then."

Callisto picked her few belongings and left.

"Do you think we can trust her?" Gabrielle asked Xena after a while.

"Yes. There's something different about her."

"You noticed it too?" Hercules asked.

"Mhm." Xena snapped out of her reverie. "Anyway, we better go."

Four days later, when Callisto got to the meeting site, others were already there. When she walked into the camp, the Amazons and the Centaurs eyed her in a hostile manner, but she ignored them.

"I see we're all gathered," she said when she got Xena. "Good. Ares has relocated his troops. This is the situation."

Callisto drew a plan.

"This is not much better," Xena declared when Callisto was done.

"Well, he doesn't trust me completely and he wants to play it safe."

"Ha, and why should we trust you?" Ephiny asked.

Callisto gave her a long look.

"None of your business. Either you trust me and we beat Ares or you don't and we're all in deep shit. It's your choice." She turned to Xena. "Have you told them about the plan?"

"Yes."

"And the goat jacket?"

"Prepared."

"Good. Now, Ares expects an attack tomorrow morning. I suggest we don't disappoint him. Now, this is Ares' plan as far as he told me."

Callisto started to explain Ares' plan.

Several hours later, it was evening. Callisto made herself her own fire on the edge of the camp. She ate her supper alone and then went to the river. She sat on the bank and stared at the river, thinking about what she should do after and if all went well with the plan. One thing was certain, she won't be able to go around killing people anymore, not if she wanted to get into the Elysian Fields after she died.

Suddenly she heard footsteps. She immediately recognized them.

"Still afraid of me, I see," she said when she heard the footsteps stop.

The footsteps resumed after a few moments and Gabrielle came closer. She washed her hands in the river and then filled the gourd. Callisto quietly observed her.

"You know," she finally said, "Velasca was right."

"What?" Gabrielle asked, startled, and looked at her. "What do you mean?"

"You know, when we were trapped in the lava, Velasca and I, we had a nice little chat, when we didn't pummel each other, and she told me why she was after you. You worship Artemis and she doesn't even show her face. Velasca killed some of the Amazons, destroyed one of her temples and killed the guards there, and Artemis didn't do anything. I think you should seriously reconsider whom to worship."

Gabrielle didn't respond, completely surprised.

"But, you were also right," Callisto continued, "plunging the Amazons into a war would mean their end."

Callisto smiled when Gabrielle kept staring at her.

"I'll see you in the morning," she said and left.

Early next morning, they moved on. Ephiny and Gabrielle each led one group of Amazons and Iolaus and one of the Centaurs led the Centaurs. Callisto made sure that the woman intended as the messenger understood her role and was always near her.

When they got near Ares' temple, the Amazons and the Centaurs waited until Xena and Hercules entered the temple. Then they attacked.

They were badly outnumbered, but they weren't here to beat Ares' army, but Ares himself.

In the temple, Xena and Hercules had engaged the God of War. A few minutes later an Amazon came running in.

"Xena! Callisto just killed Gabrielle and Iolaus."

Xena and Hercules turned, pretending to be surprised.

"Isn't life full of surprises," Callisto chirped as she entered the temple a few moments after the Amazon.

She attacked the Amazon, made a deep gash across her chest and kicked her out. Then she bolted the doors and turned to the three combatants.

"Your pets are dead," she said.

Xena screamed and attacked her.

"Oh, you still have fire within you," Callisto said as she avoided Xena's attacks. "Good."

Hercules also engaged Ares and tried to make sure that Xena and Callisto were always behind Ares.

"Don't you just love it, Ares," Callisto taunted as she quickly examined the wall ornaments, "seeing Xena in action? Oh, Xena, I should have killed her sooner."

They resumed fighting and when Ares happened to see them, they were both bloody and bruised and fighting fiercely.

"It's hard losing someone you love, isn't it, Xena?" Callisto started to taunt again and Xena stopped her attack. "Was she closer to you than Solan?"

Xena screamed again and attacked. Callisto was surprised, because Xena had obviously lost control. Things were getting out of hand. Xena fought like crazy and suddenly Callisto found herself flying and she crashed straight into Ares.

"You know, being a goddess has its advantages," she said as she got up, barely avoiding Xena's strike.

"You bet," Ares agreed and attacked Hercules.

"Now, now, Xena, control yourself," Callisto said in a taunting voice, but gave Xena a serious look.

Xena stopped and took a deep breath. Then she attacked again.

"Maybe I should let you live and kill your mother first," Callisto soon started to taunt again.

Xena became enraged, but a serious look from Callisto told her to control herself.

"I think I'll tie her to a chair and burn down the house," Callisto continued as she examined the wall. She finally found what she was looking for, a small fake gemstone embedded among the many identical gemstones. "Do you think she'll scream like my family?" she asked as she showed Xena the gem.

Xena attacked again and Callisto quickly put the stone away and defended herself.

"It hurts, doesn't it, just to think of how she will die," Callisto soon started to taunt again and took the gem. "Hm, perhaps I will also burn the rest of the village, what do you think?"

She quickly applied some of the Hind's blood to the blades and put the gem away again. Then she nodded to Xena to attack her again and Xena did. Callisto led her toward Ares. When they were close enough, Callisto suddenly grabbed Ares from behind and put her sword to his neck.

"I found the Hind's blood, Ares," she quickly said, "and applied it to my sword."

"You bitch!" Ares screamed and wanted to move.

"Uh, uh, uh, a small cut and you're done for, Ares."

"You'll pay for this."

"I don't think so. You know why? Because you will promise that you will leave me alone and won't try to hurt me in any way."

Ares growled.

"Either that or you can join Strife."

Ares growled again.

"Well, what'll it be?"

Ares hesitated for a few moments, furious.

"I promise," he finally said.

"You promise what? I want you to swear by Zeus."

Ares growled again, barely restraining himself.

"I swear by Zeus that I will leave you alone and won't try to hurt you in any way."

Callisto smiled.

"Good boy," she said and removed the sword. "Now get lost, I'm sure Zeus is eagerly wanting to punish you."

Ares extended his arm, wanting to incinerate her.

"Uh, uh, uh, you promised, remember?"

Ares made a fist and disappeared, growling.

"Well, I guess this is it," Callisto declared and looked at Xena and Hercules. "Let's let the others know that it's over." She paused, thinking about something. "Hercules, why don't you do it, I have something to discuss with Xena."

Hercules looked at Xena, who nodded. When Hercules was out of the temple, Callisto approached Xena. She hesitated for a few moments.

"Look, I'm sorry if my teasing hurt you, but it had to sound real."

Xena bit her teeth. She was still mad at Callisto, her teasing really hurt, but she was also surprised by Callisto's apology.

"Apology accepted," she finally said and went out of the temple.

Callisto followed her.

Outside, Ares' army was starting to disperse once the news of Ares' defeat spread.

"Xena! Are you okay?" Gabrielle asked when she saw her friend all bloody.

"Yes, I'm fine. Our losses?"

"Seven Amazons and four Centaurs are dead."

"It could be worse," Callisto commented.

Gabrielle gave her an angry look, but Callisto ignored her. She looked around and stretched, taking a deep breath.

"You know, it's good to be alive again," she said.

"What will you do now?" Hercules asked.

Callisto thought.

"I don't know, I'll have to give it a serious thought." She looked at Xena and Gabrielle. "Don't worry, I'll leave you two alone. I'll be seeing you."

Callisto left and the four friends stared after her.

"Do you think she has changed?" Gabrielle finally asked Xena.

"I don't know, Gabrielle," Xena responded after a while, "I don't know."

"I hope she has."

Xena didn't respond.

The End