Aries had invited Xena and Gabrielle to visit him, Joxer, and Strife, knowing that Strife was still struggling with his new reality. His blindness, the terrifying nightmares, and the emotional toll of his transformation weighed heavily on him. Aries knew that having the support of friends could make all the difference, especially when Strife's own sense of self seemed so fragile.
Xena and Gabrielle arrived at Aries' temple, and the moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by the sight of Strife curled up in a corner, his hands tightly gripping his head as though trying to block out the world around him. His breath was shallow, ragged, and his body trembled with each passing second.
Joxer was by his side, but it was clear he was struggling too. He held Strife's hand tightly, whispering soothing words, trying to comfort him, but it was like Strife couldn't hear him. His mind was lost somewhere far beyond reach, trapped in the terror of his own mind.
Xena, who had never been one for delicate emotional situations, felt a wave of empathy wash over her. It was a strange sensation for her. In the past, she had been the warrior, the protector, the one who had no time for weakness. But seeing Strife in such a state stirred something different in her. She found herself walking over to Joxer and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"How is he?" she asked, her voice softer than usual, her eyes not leaving Strife.
Joxer looked up at her, his face filled with concern and exhaustion. "He's not getting any better. He has these meltdowns, these panic attacks, and sometimes... he doesn't even recognize me. It's like he's lost somewhere inside himself."
Gabrielle, standing quietly by Xena's side, glanced over at Strife. "What can we do to help?" she asked softly, her usual bright spirit subdued by the heaviness in the air. "We've never seen him like this before."
"I don't know," Joxer replied with a sigh, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. "Nothing seems to help when he's like this. And... with the baby on the way, I'm worried. He's not the same anymore. Sometimes, I don't know if I'm even reaching him."
Discord, who had been standing quietly in the corner, stepped forward at that moment. She hadn't said much to anyone, but it was clear she was as distressed by her son's condition as anyone. She had always been distant, cold even, but now she was genuinely concerned. She looked at Strife with a sorrowful gaze.
"He's been through a lot," Discord said, her voice low. "We all have. He needs time. The fact that he's even conscious at all is a small miracle."
Aries had stepped in quietly as well, his usual confidence tempered by concern. He understood Strife's pain more than anyone, and he could see how much Joxer was struggling as well.
The room fell silent as they watched Strife, his eyes wide, as if looking into a space only he could see. His hands gripped the fabric of his shirt, pulling it tighter against his chest, his breathing rapid and shallow.
"I can't take this anymore," Strife suddenly whispered, his voice breaking. "I can't see... I can't... I don't know how to live like this, Joxer. I don't want to be a burden."
Joxer quickly moved to his side, kneeling down in front of him, his heart aching as Strife's words pierced through him. He reached out and gently cupped Strife's face in his hands. "You're not a burden. You're my everything. We'll get through this, I promise. We'll figure it out together."
But Strife's eyes were distant, unfocused. He didn't seem to hear him. His body stiffened, and he pulled away, his face contorted in confusion and fear.
"That's it," Discord murmured, the realization dawning on her. "The dead are still haunting him. He's still caught in that world. I've seen this before—when someone dies and doesn't know how to let go of their past life. He can't see, but he's still trapped in the underworld."
