A Little Problem                by: Paul G Jutras

 

Dust filled the air as Marcus raised his shield and blocked his enemy’s blade. Quickly counter attacking with his own sword, he broke bandit’s weapon in two. He then turned toward the rest of the group who shuddered in fear and then backed off. A few managed to grab what little jewels they could from the temple, but the rest got off empty handed.

Marcus entered the Temple of Zues and started to see to the fallen villagers who had taken shelter from the raid. Emotion filled his loving heart and brought a tear to his eye when he saw a father kneeling beside his five year old daughter. The girl had been knocked out cold and had slipped into a coma during the battle.

"By the Gods," said Marcus. "If only I had gotten here sooner. "Then maybe I could of save the child. I’d do anything if only to see her awake."

The temple suddenly shook, stirring up even more dust around them. Marcus’ body collapsed into the arms of his partner, Turk. "By Zues, what’s going on?"

"You’re wish has been granted." The statue of Zues spoke. "Your life force added to hers will awaken the girl."

Turk turned to see the little girl sit up and blink her eyes. She turned and hugged her father. "Oh daddy, I was so scared."

"Everything okay, Julie." The dad said as Julie pushed away with a confused look.

"Who are you calling Julie?" Marcus’ voice came out of the little girls mouth. She turned to the others and smiled. "Turk, it’s me... Marcus. We seem to be co-existing in the same body."

"We can only trust in the Gods that they know what they’re doing." The father said as he turned Julie home, making Marcus go along for the ride. The father was grateful to have his daughter awake he invited Turk to spent the night and have supper.

Meanwhile in a nearby camp, the bandits watch as Aries, the God of War appear before them. "You losers have another chance to redeem yourself in my eyes. The warrior who had defeated you is now a five year old girl. Go back to the village and finish your taste for me!"

The troops quickly mounted their horses and rode for their God.

That evening as Julie went to wash her hands and face she saw Marcus’ image in the mirror. "This is going to take some getting use to."

"For the both of us." Marcus agreed. "I’m the one who not only is getting use to being little again, but with different pluming inside."

As Julie went to the well for water, the bandits road up the place and stopped in front of her. "This time you will not be the victor."

"Do I know you?" Julie asked innocently.

"Better give me full control of the body, Julie." Marcus suggested as the head of the bandits got off his horse and approached them. She nodded and he leapt into the air and kicked the leader of the bandits between the legs. As he bent over in pain, Marcus knocked him across the jaw and sent him to the ground.

Julie couldn’t believe it as she watched from within her own body. Marcus’ martial arts moves was sure a change from her normal life of cooking and cleaning. As the bandits were driven off for good, she knew that should be more than just a mere housewife. Perhaps she owed Marcus that much as she returned with the water to Julie's parents and let Marcus say his goodbye to his former partner.

 

THE END

 

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