Xena invokes the help of the God Krishna to rescue Gabrielle and Eli from Indrajit the King of Demons.

Gabrielle is talking to Xena about the inevitability of a river and how nothing stops it from finding its way. Xena mentions dams and beavers and Gabrielle asks her why she always shoots her down when she's philosophising. Gabrielle wonders why Xena never asks these questions. Xena replies that she has been thinking about reincarnation a lot since being in India and she concedes that violence may not be the answer to anything.

As she does so, she spears a fish from the river and throws it onto the bank. The fish turns into a demon but it cannot escape because Xena has it pinned by the stick. Xena asks why the demon is following them.

It replies that it is trying to stop Xena and Gabrielle from reaching the Avatar but implies that it is not alone by using the term 'we'. When Xena asks what it means by 'we' the demon answers by opening its hand.

There are black insects in its palm and the demon blows them onto the sand. One lands on Gabrielle's arm. She brushes it off and it falls to the ground and a demon appears. It grabs hold of Gabrielle's arm. Gabrielle shouts a warning to Xena.

Xena is still holding the stick which is pinning the demon down. She looks up at Gabrielle's cry and sees three demons appear. Whilst Gabrielle fights off the demon who is holding her arm, Xena attacks the other three. Gabrielle attacks her demon with her staff, knocks it to the ground and it disappears. Xena fights the others and also knocks one down which disappears into the sand. Another is knocked away. The remaining demon is knocked against a tree and falls to the ground. Xena gets her sword ready to kill it but hesitates. The third demon she was fighting appears behind Gabrielle who knocks it down. Xena is looking at Gabrielle and, because she is distracted, receives a slash from the demon's blade. Angrily, Xena retaliates and kicks the demon into the river where it disappears.

The demon pinned by Xena's stick is trying to escape. Xena grabs hold of the stick and asks the demon who is trying to stop them from reaching the Avatar. The demon tells her that it is Indrajit, the King of Demons who is trying to stop them. It disappears into the sand. Xena sees a small black insect crawling away so she steps on it.

Around the campfire, Xena and Gabrielle discuss finding the Avatar before Indrajit does. Gabrielle explains to Xena that the Avatar is a deity in human form and is destined to save humanity from a great evil. Xena appears distracted so Gabrielle asks what is wrong.

Gabrielle: "What's the matter?" Xena: "It's this wound. That demon never should have gotten a blade on me." Gabrielle: "Xena, you're only human. Everybody loses focus sometimes." Xena: "It's not just that I lost focus ... it's why."

Xena: "A few days ago, I saw my future life, you saw it, too. I'm destined to be reborn as some kind of saint." Gabrielle: "But that's wonderful, isn't it?" Xena: "Yes, but if I already earn that karma, can I still mess it up? Maybe I was shown my future life for a reason. Maybe I'm supposed to change the way I'm living this life here and now. But, either way, a warrior cannot ask these questions in the heat of battle. When the kill is there, you have to take it. If I can't do that ... I can't be a warrior anymore."

Lots of people are gathering together and Xena and Gabrielle follow them. Xena asks a man, who is holding a child, what is going on. He replies that it is the Avatar. They hear a man's voice talking to the people about casting out hate and violence from their hearts.

The man turns and Xena and Gabrielle see that it is Eli. The man with the child approaches and asks Eli to heal his daughter. Eli takes the girl into his arms and strokes her hair. The girl opens her eyes and her father thanks Eli whilst Eli's followers gasp and then kneel to pray. Eli looks in despair at the kneeling people and, as he does so, he spots Xena. He smiles sadly, then turns and walks away. Xena and Gabrielle follow.

Xena and Gabrielle ask Eli what is wrong. Xena questions him about being the Avatar and Eli confirms it. He tells Gabrielle and Xena that it is not as wonderful as it sounds as he is cursed with knowing the suffering of others.

He tells them that he knows the Truth and reveals how jealous he felt when he thought Gabrielle was a Devi. Now he has the power to heal and cast out demons he is scared of the responsibility this places on him.

Xena hears something and realises it is not human. She asks Eli about Indrajit. He says he knows Indrajit is after him and there is nothing he can do about it. Xena and Gabrielle offer to travel with Eli but he refuses their help saying that he is going home. However, Xena persists until he gives in.

That night as everyone sleeps, something moves through the trees. A monkey-like creature approaches Eli and peers down at him. Eli stirs and opens his eyes. Startled, he jumps to his feet and the creature jumps backwards seeming to be equally wary.

Suddenly, Xena attacks. She hits the creature who grabs Xena's arms and holds her aloft. She struggles and then headbutts the creature who tells her he means no harm. Xena orders him to put her down and he does so.

He introduces himself as Hanuman and explains that he wanted to see the Avatar. He offers to help them against Indrajit but Eli insists that he does not need help. Hanuman suggests they take Eli to the Great Temple and ask for Krishna's help as he would know how to handle Indrajit. Xena agrees.

The party sets out in the morning and Hanuman spots some demon tracks. He suggests they all take cover whilst he watches. He rises into the air and settles in the branches of a tree. Xena follows him. They talk about Indrajit and Hanuman explains that Indrajit attacks from the sky. He also tells Xena that he helped Rama to defeat Indrajit's father. Xena realises that Hanuman is immortal but he tells her that the one being who could kill him is Indrajit.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle asks Eli about the Truth. He tells her that life must be revered. He says that if someone knocked him down he would get up but would not fight back. The cycle of violence must be broken and this can only be done through non-violence. Back in the trees, Xena asks Hanuman about how to know if you are following the right path. She asks about being stuck between two ways but he answers that there is only one Way for each person. Suddenly, Xena sees something moving through the air. Hanuman says it is Indrajit and that they still may have time to reach the temple before him. They jump down to the ground.

Xena and the rest of the party arrive at the Great Temple. Gabrielle helps Eli move through the crowd and, when they are standing on the temple steps they turn to face the crowd.

Hanuman warns the people that Indrajit is coming and Xena tells them they must get to safety. The man whose daughter was healed shouts that they should stay and fight for the Avatar. Eli discourages this, telling the people this would harm their bodies and souls and that they must flee to safety.

Xena tells Gabrielle to get Eli into the temple whilst she disperses the crowd. Gabrielle, Eli and Hanuman go inside.

Once inside, Hanuman walks towards the statue of Krishna. Gabrielle tells him that she and Xena are not used to waiting for help from the gods. Hanuman remarks how troubled Gabrielle is about Eli's words. She asks him what he thinks and he tells her that Eli's way is the Ultimate Way and not many can follow it.

Xena is outside getting the people to safety. The man with the recovered child is still in the centre of the village and he puts his daughter down. Xena approaches him but when he turns towards her he is a demon. Before she can react, Xena is surrounded by demons who attack her.

Eli senses that Xena is in trouble and he runs out of the temple. Gabrielle goes after him, followed by Hanuman. Xena has recovered from the surprise attack and now seems to be holding her own against the demons. Eli runs forward whilst Hanuman takes the child in his arms and passes her to a villager, telling him to take her to safety. Eli is being held back by Gabrielle who will not let go of his arm.

Xena appears to have fought off all the demons. Hanuman shouts that Indrajit is coming and as Xena looks up, she sees a figure approaching on a flying carpet. Xena tries to attack but misses. Instead, Indrajit swoops down on Eli, grabs him and flies away, pushing Eli into the carpet. At the same time, a demon approaches from behind Gabrielle but she turns to attack it and knocks it to the ground. Meanwhile, Indrajit turns and attacks again, this time aiming for Gabrielle who appears to be frozen to the spot. Xena shouts at Gabrielle who seems to snap out of her shock and starts to run. Hanuman, in the meantime, fights the remaining demons. Xena runs after Gabrielle but just misses catching hold of her as Indrajit swoops down and grabs Gabrielle. Hanuman and Xena are left helpless as Gabrielle shouts Xena's name from within the carpet.

Back in the temple, Xena asks Hanuman where Indrajit is going. He tells her that he is heading for the Demon Land of Lanka and warns her that Indrajit is even more powerful there.

He tells Xena that they need to get Krishna's attention by getting someone to pray to him who does not like or trust gods. Xena is incredulous that Hanuman expects her to pray to Krishna.

In Lanka, Gabrielle and Eli are released from the carpet. Gabrielle runs for the door and tries to force it open but Eli refuses to help. He is confident that he will be able to defeat Indrajit if he can stay true to his Way.

In the temple, Xena kneels before the statue of Krishna and asks what he is into. Hanuman tells her that she must look within herself to find Krishna. Xena starts to pray.

Gabrielle and Eli meditate together. Behind them, double doors open to reveal a throne on which Indrajit is seated. He greets Eli, who asks what he wants and Indrajit replies that he wants to be his friend and ally. Eli says this is impossible and Indrajit approaches him noting that Eli is not afraid. He then taunts Eli by asking if he will remain passive and serene whilst he tortures Gabrielle.

Xena continues praying. She asks Hanuman how she is doing and gets no reply. She turns quickly, raising her sword. Krishna has appeared and Xena puts her sword away, asking where Hanuman is. Krishna tells her he is waiting outside so they can be alone. Xena asks if they are going after Gabrielle and Eli. Krishna wants to know how Xena expects to defeat Indrajit and Xena realises she cannot do this without Krishna's help. Krishna suggests that she open her heart to him and embrace the Way. Xena says the Way is not for her. Krishna tells her she is wrong and that she must follow the path she is on now or she will not become a saint in her next life. Xena suddenly understands that her Way is the Way of the Warrior. Krishna promises her that if she continues to follow her Way, he will give her the strength to defeat Indrajit when she calls his name. He asks if she is ready. She tells him yes and Hanuman says he is ready too. When Xena opens her eyes, Krishna has gone and Hanuman is stood watching her. They leave the temple.

Eli and Gabrielle continue to meditate. Gabrielle hears Xena calling her. She opens her eyes and Eli warns her to be careful. She turns and sees Xena chained up on Indrajit's throne. A demon approaches Xena with a trident and Gabrielle glances at Eli again and then grabs her staff and runs to help. She knocks the demon down and then goes to Xena stroking her face comfortingly.

Xena speaks in a strange voice and then grabs Gabrielle by the throat. Xena turns into Indrajit and he begins to choke her, whilst taunting Eli. Eli still refuses to join him so Indrajit prepares to kill Gabrielle.

However, Xena's chakram flies through the air and cuts off Indrajit's hand. He cries out and lets go of Gabrielle. Xena catches her chakram and moves towards Indrajit.

Gabrielle coughs and Eli goes to help her. Indrajit cries out in what seems like pain but then he begins to transform himself into a creature with six arms. He collects six throwing axes and hurls them at Xena who ducks behind a shield. Indrajit then arms himself with swords and daggers and he and Xena fight. Xena loses her sword and Indrajit lifts her off her feet, pinning her arms but she escapes by doing a backflip.

Unfortunately, she lands off-balance and as she tries to stand, Indrajit knocks her against the wall and pins her hand to the wall with a dagger. He then cuts off her arm. Xena falls to her knees and Indrajit takes this opportunity to cut off her other arm and Xena falls helpless to the ground.

Gabrielle looks away, unable to watch. Indrajit walks away from Xena but Gabrielle attacks him. Xena calls Krishna's name.

Gabrielle attacks Indrajit but he takes her staff and sets each end on fire. He then spins it whilst Gabrielle watches helplessly.

Meanwhile, a blue light washes over Xena and on the wall behind her is a painting of Kali, a four-armed, black-faced woman, carrying scythes. Xena becomes the personification of Kali, holding a scythe in one hand whilst there is a dagger stuck in her other hand.

Gabrielle is mesmerised as she watches Indrajit spin her staff. Xena/Kali scrapes the scythe down the wall and Indrajit turns towards the noise.

Everyone hears eerie laughter and Indrajit walks towards the sound. Xena/Kali appears behind him. She pulls the dagger from her hand as he approaches. He notices the painting of Kali and looks at it. As he turns away from it, Xena/Kali attacks.

Indrajit and Xena/Kali fight. Xena/Kali stabs him in the face with her dagger and bites his hand. He throws her off and she flies above to a high wooden ledge and disappears. Indrajit follows. Xena/Kali is hiding underneath the wooden platform and she jumps through it, breaking the wooden planks and lands behind Indrajit.

Indrajit grabs her by the throat and drags her to the edge of the ledge. He hits her in the face but she throws him off and he disappears over the ledge. However, he reappears and grabs Xena's/Kali's arm.

She throws him off, cuts off his arm and then hits him in the face. He falls to the ground below. Xena/Kali jumps down to the ground and cuts off his head.

Xena faces Indrajit's throne. She turns and looks down at her arms which are intact whilst Hanuman gives thanks to Krishna. Xena drops the scythe and walks towards Gabrielle and Eli. Gabrielle goes to meet her.

Gabrielle walks with Eli and admits she is ashamed that she failed her first test. Eli replies that his way may not be right for her but if she decides to follow it, she must not give up hope. She asks where he is going. He tells her he is going home to take the message to his own people. He thanks her for being the first to understand him and then he leaves.

Gabrielle looks at her staff then walks towards the river. Xena appears and watches her. Gabrielle looks at her staff again and then throws it into the river.

Xena: So it's the way of love for you. Gabrielle: Yeah. Yours is the way of the warrior. I think I've always known that. Xena: And I've always known that it was wrong for you. I'm sorry I took you so far from your truth. Gabrielle: Don't be sorry. Xena, do you think I could have understood the power of selfless love if it wasn't for our friendship?

Xena: Still, I think maybe you should travel with Eli for a while. Gabrielle: No. You and I stay together. Xena: Gabrielle, we're headed in opposite directions in life. Gabrielle: All rivers run to the sea. We'll end up in the same place. I'm sure of it.

In the end, the paths that Xena and Gabrielle have embraced are diametrically opposed - "The Way of the Warrior" and the "Way of Love" - though the essence of their relationship from the beginning has never been so dramatically delineated. The clear definitions carry a risk, specifically to Gabrielle. She has chosen to discard her staff. She will no longer fight. To walk with a warrior without being willing to defend herself may cause her death. It is a return to their first journeys together when Gabrielle did not contribute to a fight. Then she did not have the skills necessary to use a weapon. Now she has learned the consequences of fighting and wishes to chose other means of surviving.