Pt.9
Gabrielle held the goblet that contained a mixture of some kind that included Bacchus' blood. The god watched intently as Gabrielle brought the cup to her lips. Then suddenly out of seemingly nowhere, an object came flying through the air and struck the goblet, knocking it from Gabrielle's hands. Bacchus looked away from Gabrielle, gave an evil smile.
BACCHUS
Xena! So glad you could join us after all.
XENA
She's not interested, Bacchus.
Xena scowled at Bacchus as she caught her chakram, and spotted the lyre.
XENA
Joxer, quick, on Bacchus' throne. Get the lyre. Hurry.
JOXER
You got it.
Joxer raced towards the lyre as Bacchus yelled to his legion of Bacchae.
BACCHUS
(Angry tone) Get her!
At Bacchus' command, a number of his Bacchae charged for Xena. She ducked under one who swiped at her with her claws and shoved her away as another came at her from behind. The Bacchae grabbed Xena, pinning her arms to her side as she beared her fangs and went straight for Xena's neck. Xena threw her head back into her face as another Bacchae came at her from the front. As she closed in, Xena brought her feet up and planted them on her chest as she shoved the Bacchae back and used the momentum to drive herself ab d the Bacchae behind her backwards to the ground. Xena rolled out of the woman's grasp and back to a vertical base as more Bacchae came her way.
JOXER
Let go of me, you little monster!
Joxer pulled himself loose from a Bacchae that had grabbed him while he was doing his best to avoid being noticed while Xena held most of their attention. He continued to climb his way towards where the lyre sat. He looked down for a moment and saw Xena fending off a number of Bacchae before continuing on. Xena dove to the ground as a Bacchae flew at her and missed. She then spun into a kick as she knocked another away and hopped back to her feet as more continued to come at her.
JOXER
Orpheus!
Joxer made it to the throne and pulled Orpheus from the bag and placed the sleeping head on the chair.
JOXER
Orpheus wake up!
Orpheus opened his eyes and saw Joxer picking up the lyre that sat beside the bard.
JOXER
I got the lyre. What do I play?!
ORPHEUS
It doesn't matter, just play it!
Joxer began to strum the instrument when a Bacchae lunged at him from above. He struggled against the Bacchae as among the chaos, Bacchus grabbed another goblet that contained his blood and shoved it into Gabrielle's hands.
BACCHUS
Drink! I command you. Drink, and become one
of us.
Among her fighting, Xena saw Bacchus and Gabrielle and knew that they had to act fast, or it would be too late.
XENA
Gabrielle! No! Joxer, play the lyre! Now!
With the Bacchae still on his back, Joxer threw himself back against the cave wall to get his arm free and began to strum the lyre. As he played and Orpheus began to sing, the Bacchae began to cringe. The Bacchae attacking Joxer stopped as did Gabrielle, who was about to drink. As he saw what was happening, Bacchus scowled as he flew up to where Joxer stood. Joker swallowed hard as he looked up at the god that towered over him and glared down at him.
JOXER
(Nervous tone) So uh, any requests?
Bacchus said nothing as he swung his arm and threw Joxer up against the cave wall. He hit hard and dropped to the ground as everything in Joxer's consciousness went dark. During this time, Xena was working her way up to where Bacchus and Joxer were. Bacchus turned to face the women as he called out to all of them.
BACCHUS
Now awake, my Bacchae! It is time to feed!
As the women began getting worked into a frenzy, the god laughed in satisfaction.
XENA
Sorry but your dinner plans have just been canceled.
Bacchus turned to see Xena leap the rest of the way up the rocks and stand before him.
BACCHUS
Welcome back Xena. Now, why don't we finish what we started?
XENA
My thoughts exactly.
Xena drew her sword and jumped at Bacchus as she swung. He used his claws to fend off Xena's strikes. Bacchus swiped at Xena who ducked and landed a punch to his side. He swung at her again and Xena dodged once more as she three a swinging kick into his other side. Angered, Bacchus threw his arm out too fast for Xena to dodge that time and knocked her away. She landed on her back and hastily rolled to a crouched position as she stared down Bacchus as he laughed.
BACCHUS
You can't beat me Xena.
Xena smirked at the god.
XENA
That's what you think.
Xena let out her battle cry as she launched herself right at Bacchus. As she came at him she pulled the dryad bone from her gauntlet. And as she came in contact with Bacchus, Xena grabbed hold of him with one hand and used the other to drive the bone deep into his chest, sending him to the ground as Xena landed on top of him. His eyes closed, and Xena huffed as she stood up and turned away to find Gabrielle.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Well I guess that takes care of...
Xena stopped in her tracks and mid thought as she heard evil laughter from behind her. She then turned around to see Bacchus effortlessly rising straight up to his feet. He smiled as he saw the shock on Xena's face.
BACCHUS
Oh Xena, don't you know? Only my Bacchae have the ability to kill me. And you're not one... yet.
Hearing a sound, Xena looked over her shoulder and saw that Gabrielle had flown up and landed just behind her. Gabrielle hissed as she bore her fangs.
BACCHUS
Now bite her and make Xena one of us.
Gabrielle drew closer and Xena held up the dryad bone ready to strike.
BACCHUS
Tell me Xena can you really kill your little friend?
Bacchus laughed as Xena looked into Gabrielle's eyes, even though they were warped by the hold Bacchus had over her, Xena refused to give up hope that the real Gabrielle was still somewhere inside. So, unable to bring herself to kill Gabrielle, Xena lowered her hand and let the dryad bone fall from her grasp.
XENA
Gabrielle, do it.
And with that, Gabrielle moved behind Xena as Xena tilted her head to the side to give Gabrielle full access to what she wanted. It was only a moment later as Xena felt Gabrielle's breath on her neck, as a sharp pain quickly followed when Gabrielle bit down and sunk her fangs sunk into the side of Xena's neck. It was at that moment that Xena began to feel a symphony of things, both physical and mental. Her body seemed to respond on its own as she closed her eyes and leaned further into Gabrielle's mouth. Xena couldn't explain why she had found herself enjoying what Gabrielle was doing, but in that moment she really didn't care. She reached up and held Gabrielle to her neck as she heard Gabrielle making muffled moans of pleasure as she drank Xena's blood. Xena felt the world around her beginning to spin. Her already superhuman senses were suddenly amplified as her eyes opened to reveal the natural blue that they had been were now a bright golden, yellow. Bacchus laughed as he saw Xena's transformation into one of his Bacchae. As Gabrielle took her fangs away from Xena's neck, Xena turned towards Bacchus as he smiled.
BACCHUS
Yes now I have the mighty Xena under my control. And now there will be nothing that can stop me.
Pt.10
Now a Bacchae like Gabrielle and the other women there, Xena stood before Bacchus. Her eyes focused as she flashed her new fangs in a sinister grin. She looked at Bacchus, who laughed as he felt his victory at hand.
BACCHUS
At last, Xena is mine.
He continued to laugh and gloat about him being the one to finally defeat Xena. He stood before his Bacchae as he declared his victory but was cut off when he heard a very distinct sound that so many, including Bacchus himself, had learned to fear. He looked up to see Xena letting out her battle cry as she lept at him. Before Bacchus had time to react, Xena crashed into him. He was thrown to the ground as Xena jumped back and snatched up the dryad bone she had dropped. As Bacchus rose back up to his feet, Xena launched herself forward. Bacchus' eyes went wide as he saw Xena close in before he could do anything. He made a painful gasped as he felt Xena plunge the dryad bone into his chest. With wide eyes, he looked at Xena in shock.
BACCHUS
But... how?
Bacchus dropped to his knees as Xena let go of the bone, and he fell over, dead. Xena stood there for a moment before turning around when she heard a number of voices behind her. She smiled as she saw the other women had returned to normal as they looked around confused as to what was going on. But aside from the minor memory loss of their time as Bacchae, Xena was relieved to see that none of the women appeared to be suffering any lingering effects of being turned.
JOXER
Well, that wasn't so bad.
Joxer smiled, as he had regained consciousness only a few moments after Bacchus had struck him. He looked out at Bacchus' victims being returned to normal. There was a quick flash of light beside him, and he looked over to see Orpheus wave at him. Not thinking about it, Joxer returned his attention forward again for a moment before it hit him. He looked back at Orpheus, who smiled.
ORPHEUS
You can let go now.
JOXER
Oh, right.
Joxer let go of his headlock on Orpheus, and the bard stood up straight as joxer handed him back his lyre.
ORPHEUS
Thanks.
JOXER
You know you're taller than I thought you'd be.
Orpheus gave Joxer a curious look.
ORPHEUS
Uh thanks, I guess.
Orpheus smiled as he disappeared, and his voice echoed through the corridor.
ORPHEUS
Goodbye, Xena. And thank you.
Xena smiled and looked up as she heard Orpheus' voice before it faded away.
XENA
Hopefully now Orpheus can find peace now that Bacchus is finally gone.
GABRIELLE
Yeah I'm sure he will.
Xena felt Gabrielle wrap her arms around one of hers and looked at Gabrielle, who smiled at her as Xena's smile faded. Seeing Xena's reaction, Gabrielle became concerned that something was wrong.
GABRIELLE
What?
XENA
Gabrielle, are you feeling alright?
GABRIELLE
Yeah, why?
XENA
Because you're....
Xena was interrupted by Joxer as he came over to where they were standing.
JOXER
Hey guys we did it.
GABRIELLE
Yeah, I guess we did. Now I don't know about you, but I'm more than ready to get out of this cave and away from the Bacchae forest.
JOXER
You said it.
Gabrielle walked ahead and Joxer followed as Xena stood there for a moment with her thoughts.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I must just be seeing things.
She rubbed her eyes as she sighed.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) It's been a long couple of days, and I'm running on next to no sleep. That has to be it because Gabrielle is clearly fine now.
GABRIELLE
Xena are you coming?
Xena was pulled from her thoughts when she heard Gabrielle call her as saw her and Joxer waiting for her by the corridor's entrance. Again Xena saw that Gabrielle appeared to be just fine and Xena walked over and looked at Gabrielle. She looked into Gabrielle's eyes and could have sworn she saw a small flicker of something in the sea of green that had always gazed back at her
GABRIELLE
What?
In an instant, whatever Xena thought she saw disappeared and didn't return as Xena stared intensely into Gabrielle's eyes.
GABRIELLE
Uh Xena is everything okay?
XENA
Huh.
Xena broke her focus on Gabrielle's eyes and registered her whole face as she lightly cupped Gabrielle's face in her hands.
XENA
Gabrielle, are you sure you feel okay?
GABRIELLE
Yeah. Why? Do you think something might be wrong?
Xena looked Gabrielle over as her skin had returned to its natural hue, her teeth no longer had fangs her clothing had gone back to her usual outfit. Her personality and manorisms were all the same as the woman that Gabrielle had been before being turned into a Bacchae. Everything about her appeared normal. Xena sighed to herself, and she pushed aside the odd feeling she felt as she told herself she must've been seeing things due to being overly tired.
XENA
No everything's fine. I think my eyes are just playing tricks on me. It has been a long couple of days, after all.
GABRIELLE
Well we'll just have to make sure that you get plenty of sleep tonight.
JOXER
Hey you guys okay?
Xena and Gabrielle looked over to see Joxer standing in the entrance to the corridor waiting for them.
GABRIELLE
Yeah everything's fine.
Gabrielle looked at Xena.
GABRIELLE
Right?
No longer seeing anything odd in Gabrielle's eyes, Xena brushed aside the thought that she had seen something and smiled at her.
XENA
Yeah everything's fine.
With that Xena, Gabrielle and Joxer left the cave as before long they found their way back into the Bacchae forest. As they walked through the wooded area peacefully for a bit, Gabrielle heard some faint music around them and stopped as she looked around.
GABRIELLE
What's that?
Xena stopped a little further ahead and turned slightly towards Gabrielle as she listened to the tune being played.
XENA
That's Eurydice's favorite tune.
Xena smiled
XENA
It sounds like she and Orpheus are back together again.
Gabrielle smiled at the thought of the happy reunion.
GABRIELLE
Now that's music to my ears.
They began walking a bit further but stopped again when they heard Joxer call after them as he hurried to catch up to the pair.
JOXER
Guys, wait up! Hey, so what's next?
GABRIELLE
Next, huh?
Gabrielle thought for a moment before she smiled.
GABRIELLE
Oh I know. We fight Medusa, right?
Xena smirked.
XENA
Right.
JOXER
(Nervous tone) Medusa?
GABRIELLE
Yup. You know, she's the one with snakes all
over her head, and they say that just a single look, and the mightiest of men is turned into stone.
XENA
That's what I've heard.
JOXER
Stone, huh?
Joxer fidgeted slightly as he really had no interest in the possibility of being turned to stone. Especially after having just dealt with a bunch of bloodthirsty Bacchae, he wasn't exactly too keen on the idea of going up against another deadly creature.
JOXER
(Lying) Oh, hey, you know, I just remembered it's my mom's birthday. And she's getting, you
know, I--I better get back home, but, um, I'll catch up with you guys a little later.
GABRIELLE
No problem.
Joxer walked off in a different direction that the group had been heading and turned back to wave at Gabrielle and Xena.
JOXER
Farewell, my warrior chums!
Xena nodded and Gabrielle waved as joxer turned around and walked out of sight.
GABRIELLE
You know, you almost died trying to save me. I really want to do something to thank you.
XENA
You just did.
Gabrielle laughed as she and Xena continued to make their way out of the forest.
----- PRESENT-----
Xena sighed to herself as she lowered Gabrielle's scroll and looked up at the night sky before looking over at Gabrielle, who was still sound asleep.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) How did this happen? Everything was supposed to go back to normal. Everyone else was returned to the way they were, and Bacchus has been dead for over a year.
Out of frustration, Xena threw Gabrielle's scroll to the side as she rubbed her tired eyes before looking at her chakram that sat next to her and saw her reflection in the metal as the campfire cast a dim light that she no longer really needed.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I must've read that scroll a hundred times just hoping that something, anything would come to mind that could get us out of this. But there's nothing. There doesn't seem to be any kind of answers anywhere.
Xena looked over at Gabrielle again as she sighed and stood up as she grabbed Gabrielle's scroll and rolled it back up. She returned it to its place with the rest of her scrolls and went to lay back down beside Gabrielle.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I should try and get a little more sleep. We do have to get up early in the morning.
Xena looked at the woman who was peacefully sleeping beside her.
XENA
(Talking quietly) I promise Gabrielle, no matter how long it takes I will find a cure. I know that this is no way to go through life. There has to be a reason for why we're still like this, and some way to fix it. Because I refuse to let you continue to suffer through life being driven by something that's becoming increasingly difficult to control and being shunned and threatened by those who find what we are. I know it kills you to see the fear on people's faces as they cower away from us and hide their children as though we're nothing but mindless killers. I wish I could just fix everything back to the way it was before. I wish I could've done something to stop the progression of this damn affliction when it resurfaced shortly after we left that forest.
Xena rolled to her back as she stared up at the night sky that would soon become dawn.
XENA
(Talking quietly) I knew there was something off when we left the cave after defeating Bacchus. But then for a while everything seemed fine.
Xena turned her head to look at Gabrielle once more.
XENA
That is, until it wasn't.
Pt.11
The sun fell behind the clouds as the sound of a lone horse's hooves trotted down a hard dirt path. It was just past midday as Xena led Argo by the reigns with Gabrielle walking beside her, who glanced up at the sky before looking at Xena as they walked.
GABRIELLE
It looks like it's gonna rain soon. How much further did you say the next town was?
XENA
Shouldn't be too far.
Xena looked at the darkening sky as a faint rumble of thunder came from the distance.
XENA
Though if we don't wanna get soaked before getting there, we should probably ride the rest of the way.
Seeing that they were heading towards the coming storm, Xena stopped the trio and went into their packs as she pulled out her and Gabrielle's cloaks. She casually tossed Gabrielle's cloak to her, and they both draped the cloth over themselves and pulled up their hoods. Afterward Xena got on Argo and gave Gabrielle a hand up to sit in her usual spot behind her. Once settled, they continued on, hoping to beat the rain to the village.
PATRON
Hey can I get another drink here?
INNKEEPER
I'll be with you in a moment sir.
The young woman set down a plate of food in front of a customer at a table as she turned to continue trying to deal with the sudden influx of customers due to the bad weather.
PATRON
You said that five minutes ago.
INNKEEPER
I'm really sorry about that, but as you can see it's kinda busy in here, and I'm the only one working right now. So, if you just wait a few more minutes, I promise that I will bring your drink right over.
The young woman gave him a kind smile and moved past the patron who had decided that he was tired of feeling as though he was being ignored and grabbed the innkeeper by her arm.
PATRON
(Intimidating tone) Or you can be a good girl and go get me my drink now before I really lose my patience.
The young woman pulled her arm away with a scowl as she could now tell that the man was already fairly inebriated and probably shouldn't be given another drink for his own good but given that he had a hold of her at the moment, she decided to make an attempt to somewhat reason with him to try and keep the situation from escalating any further.
INNKEEPER
I told you I'm busy and that you'll get your drink in a few minutes. And if you put your hands on me again, you'll be wearing that drink as your backside gets kicked out into the rain.
The man scowled as the woman turned away to go deal with her other waiting customers. He then quickly stood as he drew a knife from his boot and grabbed the woman from behind. Before the innkeeper could do anything, she found a blade pressed against her throat as fear began to set in. The other people around the busy room took notice of the situation as many of them rose from their seats to come to the woman's aid.
PATRON
Uh-uh-uh. Anyone thinks of moving, and I'll slit her throat and be out the door before she even hits the floor.
The other patrons looked at one another, unsure of what to do, as the knife wielding man returned his focus to the terrified innkeeper in his grasp.
PATRON
Now why don't you go do your job and bring me my drink.
He pulled the woman tighter to him as he drunkenly smiled.
PATRON
And maybe afterward you can join me up in my room.
INNKEEPER
Not interested.
She squirmed to try and get away, but then stopped when he held her tighter and pressed his blade harder against her skin.
INNKEEPER
Look this isn't a brothel, we don't offer those kinds of services here. So if you're looking for something other than a drink to "wet your whistle" you're gonna need to go elsewhere.
PATRON
Well I think because the service here is so awful, it's only fair that I deserve some compensation.
The woman struggled in his grasp as the man suddenly felt a firm hand on his shoulder as he was spun around.
?
How's this for compensation?
Before the drunken patron even knew what was happening, a strong fist collided with his jaw and knocked him flat on the floor. The man held his face as he looked up to see a tall cloaked figure standing over him. He scowled as he scrambled to his feet.
PATRON
(Angry tone) Why don't you mind your own business? This is between me and this poor excuse for an innkeeper.
He glared at the young woman.
PATRON
(Angry tone) I swear I've had better service in a jail then what I've gotten here.
?
Then maybe I should just save everyone here some trouble and get you a bed there instead.
He looked at the cloaked figure who stood as tall as him, unamused by the person's interference.
PATRON
(Angry tone) Look I don't know who you think you are, but you clearly have no idea who I am. Because if you did, you wouldn't dare interfere in m....
The man was cut off as he was grabbed by the front of his shirt, slammed against the table and held there as the cloaked person leaned down to get face to face with him.
?
Oh, trust me, I know exactly who you are. Because I've dealt with you and your pathetic little buddies you call a mercenary group after you attempted to scam those farmers out of every last dinar they had. And if I recall correctly, you and your little goons went running for the hills when you realized that you couldn't actually hold a candle to anyone with any level of actual combat experience.
The man's eyes went wide in fear as he realized who was standing in front of him.
PATRON
This is all just a big misunderstanding. I was just joking around with the woman. I never actually meant anything by it. I swear.
The rain soaked hood was pulled back as everyone at the inn gasped at the reveal of Xena's presence. She ignored the sound, and whither or not it would be a problem, as it could have easily gone either way depending on which version of her reputation the locals were more familiar with or believed. Instead, she kept her attention on the man in front of her.
XENA
Is that so? Well in that case, I would strongly reconsider your taste in comedy, because the only thing I find even remotely laughable here are your manners towards a hardworking woman who doesn't need you making her job even more difficult than it already clearly is. So if I were you, I'd apologize to her and then either sit here like an adult and wait for her to get to you, or you can take your business elsewhere when I chuck you out the front door.
The man scowled at Xena as he suddenly felt brave and stepped towards Xena as he smirked.
PATRON
I've gotten much better since the last time we met, so you don't scare me anymore Xena.
Xena raised her eyebrow as she took note of his drunken state.
XENA
If you're smart you'll just pay your tab and call it a day before you get yourself hurt.
The man laughed sarcastically as he waved his knife in Xena's direction.
PATRON
Ha! We'll see about that.
Gabrielle was walking up the door as she had gotten tired of waiting in the stable with Argo for Xena to see if the inn had an open room when she was forced to jump out of the way as the door opened, and she saw a man come flying outside and land face first in a muddy puddle in front of the building. She looked in the doorway unsurprised when she saw Xena standing there who smirked at her.
XENA
It's pretty busy inside, so I don't think we're getting a room here, though I do think I got us a table.
GABRIELLE
I guess that's something.
Gabrielle went inside as she told Xena that Argo was being tended to by the stable hand. As they sat at the now vacant table, the innkeeper came over with a couple of drinks.
INNKEEPER
Thanks for dealing with that troublemaker. Here, on the house, it's not much but...
XENA
It's fine. There's really no need.
Xena reached into her cleavage and pulled out a small pouch as she took coin out and placed it on the table to pay for their drinks.
XENA
And before you say anything, I insist on paying. My mother runs a small inn, so I know how much it takes to run a place like this.
The young woman smiled greatfully as she picked up the money and put it in the pouch in the appron around her waist.
INNKEEPER
Well in that case is there anything else I can get you? Dinners about ready if you're interested.
Xena looked at Gabrielle who smiled at the thought of a warm meal after being caught out in that cold rain, and Xena returned her attention towards the innkeeper.
XENA
Sure. We'll take two.
The woman smiled as she turned to go check on the food but stopped when Gabrielle spoke.
GABRIELLE
Oh I know you're busy, but you wouldn't happen to have any rooms available for the night, would you?
Xena gave her a look as she gestured toward the others in the room as she silently asked if Gabrielle seriously thought that there would be an open room with how busy the inn was. Gabrielle shrugged.
GABRIELLE
What? It can't hurt to ask.
The innkeeper chuckled at the exchange and smiled
INNKEEPER
You know you're in luck because it just so happens that much like this table, a room just opened up. I'll bring you the key when I get your food.
The woman smiled as she walked off and carried on with her job as Xena and Gabrielle sat and idly chatted until a little later when the innkeeper brought over a couple plates of food.
INNKEEPER
Here's your food and the key to your room. Upstairs and second on the left. Sorry, but that one only has one bed. It's not small, but.
GABRIELLE
Don't worry, that's not a problem.
The woman noticed the quick look Gabrielle and Xena gave each other.
INNKEEPER
Oh good to hear. So feel free to head to your room whenever and if you need help with anything just give me a shout. Names Alexia.
GABRIELLE
Nice to meet you. I'm Gabrielle and that's...
ALEXIA
Oh I'm aware of who Xena is.
GABRIELLE
I guess should've figured that based on what happened when I was coming inside.
Alexia left the two to their meal and carried on with her business as Xena and Gabrielle ate before getting their things and going up to their room.
GABRIELLE
Ahh much better.
Gabrielle flopped down backwards on the bed after changing into some dry clothes and hanging her wet ones up to dry on a chair. She raised her head and saw Xena slip into a night shirt and walk to the bed, as Gabrielle moved from her sprawled position out across the whole thing and let Xena settle next to her. The two laid contently cuddled together for a bit before they begin to drift off. Xena was nearly asleep when she felt Gabrielle begin trembling.
XENA
What's wrong Gabrielle, are you cold?
Xena pulled the blankets further over Gabrielle, who only whimpered in response as she continued to shake. Xena held her closer as she assumed the temperature was the problem, as the room was a bit chilly even for her. She felt Gabrielles body continue to tremble for a bit as Gabrielle held onto Xena as if her life depended on it. After a bit, when Gabrielle's shaking didn't stop, Xena became concerned that something more serious than being a little cold was wrong.
XENA
Hey you okay?
Gabrielle nodded as she began to breathe a little heavier and continued to shake as she squeezed her eyes shut. Knowing that something was clearly wrong, Xena attempted to move to sit up and get to the bottom of whatever was going on with Gabrielle. But as she went to move Gabrielle's arm from around her, she heard a low animalistic growl. It was then that Xena realized what was happening and that she needed to act fast or everyone at that inn and in town would be in serious danger.
Pt.12
Gabrielle shook in Xena's arms as Xena heard her make a low growl when she tried to move her. Fearing what was happening, she pulled back.
XENA
Gabrielle? Don't tell me...
She lifted Gabrielle's head to look at her as Gabrielle continued to breathe heavily, almost as if she were in pain. She tried to turn her head away in shame.
XENA
Gabrielle look at me.
Xena gently turned Gabrielle's face back towards her and looked into her eyes that were no longer their usual green, but yellow. Xena sighed as she looked into those eyes that showed a multitude of things with just one look. Pain both physical and emotional, sadness, hunger, a wild frenzy that lurked just beneath the surface that was being forcefully held back but still threatening to break free at any moment.
XENA
When was the last time you ate?
Gabrielle squeezed her eyes shut for a moment as she struggled to maintain her senses.
GABRIELLE
Dinner. You saw me eat.
XENA
Don't play dumb. You know full well that's not what I meant. Now I'll ask again, when did you last eat?
Gabrielle took a few sharp breaths as she tried to calm herself.
GABRIELLE
Few days, almost a week I think.
Gabrielle grimaced as if in pain as she let out a low growl.
XENA
Gabrielle, why would you do that. You know what happens if you don't consume enough...
GABRIELLE
I don't care!
Gabrielle shook her head as she fought against what was building within her.
GABRIELLE
I'm tired of living like this, Xena. We were supposed to return to normal after we killed Bacchus. Everyone else did, so why are we still Bacchae?!
Xena looked at her with a saddened expression.
XENA
I wish I knew. I really do. But I told you that we WILL find a way to return to normal. I promise.
GABRIELLE
When?!
Gabrielle growled as she felt her fangs beginning to emerge. Her body starting to change into her Bacchae form as her skin began to grow pale, and her nails grew into claws. All of which weren't normally visible unless under extreme stress or lack of blood consumption. Seeing the transformation taking place and knowing the danger it posed to both themselves and anyone around if she or Gabrielle lost control of themselves in their full Bacchae state, Xena quickly moved to where their packs were and dug through their things until she found the small bottle that she had drank most of the night before.
XENA
(Irritated/ Thinking to herself) Damn it, I know I forgot to do something today. I was too distracted with not getting caught in the rain. Hopefully this is enough to at least calm her until I get more.
Xena took the bottle and went over to the bed.
XENA
Here Gabrielle, I know you don't like to, but you need to drink this.
Gabrielle whimpered as she resisted the nearly all consuming urge to snatch the bottle from Xena's hand and down its contents completely. When Gabrielle didn't take the bottle, Xena sat back in bed beside her.
XENA
Look I know you hate this, and I wish there was something I could do to take these cravings away, but I can't. And we both know what will happen if we don't keep our bloodlust in check. I know you remember what happened just shortly after we realized we weren't cured of being Bacchae.
Gabrielle nodded slowly, the memory of what happened came back to her. It was nearly a month after they had ended things with Bacchus, and everthing had appeared to go back to normal. That is, until the day they painfully realized that wasn't the case at all.
--FLASHBACK--
GABRIELLE
Hey Xena can we stop for a bit?
XENA
We're not too far from town.
Xena glanced over her shoulder at Gabrielle, who leaned against her back as they rode down the road on Argo.
XENA
Hey you feeling okay. You're looking kinda pale.
GABRIELLE
I don't know. I think I might be coming down with something. I haven't felt that great for a few days.
XENA
A few days?
Xena stopped Argo and turned further to look at Gabrielle, who now that Xena thought about it really didn't look so good, and Xena silently cursed at herself for not noticing sooner.
XENA
Gabrielle, why didn't you say something? If you're sick, you shouldn't really be traveling. You should be resting.
GABRIELLE
I know. It's just we've been so busy the past week or so that I thought it might just be a bit of fatigue and that I could just get a bit more sleep and I'd be fine. But apparently that's not the case.
Xena felt Gabrielle tighten her hold around her waist as she shivered and leaned further into Xena's back. Xena moved and had Gabrielle sit back as she placed her hand on her forehead to feel for a fever as it was a warm day, thus the weather wouldn't be the cause of Gabrielle felling cold. But oddly enough, Gabrielle's skin felt completely normal to her touch.
XENA
Do you feel cold?
GABRIELLE
No, but I just...
Gabrielle didn't finish, as she just whimpered and held onto Xena.
XENA
Okay. Here, switch to riding in front, and we'll get you to the nearest village okay.
Gabrielle nodded slowly as Xena got down from Argo and Gabrielle moved forward as Xena got back up behind her, so Gabrielle could rest while they rode and Xena could keep an eye on her. Once settled and with Gabrielle leaning back against her, Xena got Argo moving a good amount faster as they headed to the nearby village. It didn't take long until they reached the village and Xena carried Gabrielle to their healer.
HEALER
Look I'm sorry, but I just don't see anything wrong with her.
Xena grabbed the woman by the front of her shirt and gave her a stern glare.
XENA
(Stern/ Irritated tone) Now you listen to me, my friend is obviously very sick. Just look at her. No healthy person looks or acts like this.
Xena pointed to Gabrielle who was curled up in the fetal position on a bed shivering beneath several blankets as her eyes were squeezed shut as she groaned in pain. The healer shrugged.
HEALER
Maybe she's faking it for attention or something. I've seen people who do that sort of thing.
Xena lifted the healer off the floor by her shirt as she shoved her against the wall.
XENA
(Angry tone) She is not faking anything.
(Angry Sarcasm) If that's your attitude towards helping people, I'm sure the people here must love having to come to you with their sick and injured.
(Angry tone) What kind of healer doesn't believe the people that come to them for help.
HEALER
(Angry tone) Well whether you like it or not I'm the doctor here, and I know what I'm doing. So I'm telling you, that girl is NOT sick.
She looked at Gabrielle for a moment, who continued to shake and whimper as her forehead had begun to sweat, and she breathed heavily before returning her focus on Xena.
HEALER
Honestly if you ask me I think you need to get your friend some help if she's this far gone.
XENA
(Angry tone) Why in Tartarus do you think we're here?
HEALER
Hey I'm a doctor, not a miracle worker. I can't do anything about someone going through withdrawal.
XENA
Withdrawal?
Then it hit Xena what the woman was saying, and that only served to anger Xena further as she fought back the urge to knock the woman straight to the next town over.
XENA
(Angry tone) You have some nerve. You obviously don't know anything if you think that Gabrielle is some kind of addict.
HEALER
Hey I'm not judging her, these things happen. But if you really care about your friend, you'll get her help.
XENA
(Angry tone) Get out.
Xena dropped the healer as she glared at the woman.
HEALER
(Angry tone) This is my building, you can't tell me what to do. So if you don't like what I have to say, you can take your friend and leave. But I'm telling you if you keep living in denial, she's gonna...
XENA
(Angry tone) I said get!....
Xena paused mid-sentence as she heard a growl behind her and turned to see Gabrielle sitting up with her head hung low.
XENA
Gabrielle?
Xena began walking towards her as she wondered if she had heard the conversation between the healer and herself.
XENA
Gabrielle you know that you can tell me anything don't you. What's wrong. Please tell me, and I'll do everything I possibly can to help you.
Gabrielle didn't look at her as Xena noticed that there was something off about her other than what had been happening. Something within Xena told her that something was very wrong as her heightened senses kicked in.
XENA
Gabrielle?
Xena stepped towards Gabrielle but stopped immediately when Gabrielle's head shot up, and she saw her eyes were bright yellow as she beared a set of fangs.
XENA
Gabrielle, how?