Disclaimers: See Chapter 1
Additional Note (Please Read): This tale is a companion with, The Conqueror & Ri: A Twist of Destiny. If you haven't read both story's chapters preceding this one, you should do so now. A special thanks to all my readers and Beta, Jinxie 2013. Enjoy!
Xena & Gabrielle,
A Turn of Fate,
By, Ahkiken
Chapter 26: Icy Sphere
Taking in a deep breath, Gabrielle took aim with the chakram inside the empty armory and threw it. She observed the circular disc as it ricocheted off obstacles in the spacious area, antsy for its return in her direction. Nonetheless, the bouncing yin-yang chakram deviated from Gabrielle's expectations and swirled towards the armory's opening door. Suzu and Hiro barely evaded the deadly disc as it hit the door behind them, ceasing its flight.
Gabrielle panicked, running over to the two men. "Pardon me for that. Are y'all okay?"
"By the sun Kami, that was a close one." Hiro proclaimed.
"We're fine." Suzu answered.
The Amazon yanked the disc out the door. "I only practice with my chakram when I'm alone because it's safer that way for everyone."
"I can see why." Suzu acceded.
Gabrielle clipped the chakram on her right hip next to her katana. She didn't want to broach the subject, but deemed it to be polite.
"You both have my condolence for the lost of your friend and comrade, Neji."
Hiro, along with Suzu, appeared glum.
"Thank you, but Neji made his own choices. He tried to murder you and the consequences for that action was death. We carry no resentment for it." Suzu said.
"It was supposed to be over yesterday, but actually today is the last of Neji's remembrance." Hiro added. "Since we were his closest friends in the Samurai clan of Shinto, we are appalled at what occurred and wanted to give our respects to you for Neji's offense by offering to help mark your katana."
Gabrielle was deeply moved by their hospitality. "Thanks, and I'm grateful for the offer, however, I have already engraved my blade last night with Kenji's aid."
The Japian warriors didn't waver from trying to appease her.
"Perhaps there is something else we could do for you?" Hiro insisted.
"Anything you ask for, we will concede." Suzu asserted.
"I'm flattered guys, but truly, I don't need or want anything." She informed. "Neji was y'all friend, and like you explained Hiro, today is his last day for grieving. So honor the reprieve by meditating and remembering the man he was before all of this."
Suzu and Hiro found profound admiration for the woman standing before them. Although Neji nearly ended Gabrielle's life and, in turn, had his taken with her assistance during his hara-kiri, she displayed no ill will for him.
"We will do that." Suzu agreed.
"Are you sure there's nothing we can offer you?" Hiro inquired.
"Unless you can help me catch my chakram." Gabrielle joked. "Naw, I'm alright. Go and reminisce of your friend."
"We won't hinder you any longer." Hiro replied as they bowed. "Good luck with your training, Water Dragoon."
A rebuke was dangling on Gabrielle's tongue for the use of the nickname she didn't like, but she withheld it. After watching the men depart, she kneeled in the center of the room, pondering on the fallen Samurai. Neji requested her to honor his death, and though she could've declined, Gabrielle felt inclined to do so, beheading him while he commenced his seppuku. Killing Neji hadn't bothered her in the least, unlike it would have in the past when she use to speak of mercy and peace. The petite blonde still believed in those philosophies, just not as strongly.
Did she become a hypocrite by choosing the path of a warrior? Once upon a time, Eli's teachings were firmly injected in her soul. While sitting in the Roman's cell with him, along with other disciples, and Amarice, the bard finally emptied her consciousness of everything. A void was created within her and she'd prepared to fill it with unconditional love. But that day would also coincide with Xena's vision of their crucifixion coming to light. Seeing her beloved on the ground, unable to move or defend herself, Gabrielle filled that empty space with the love of friendship. Willing to not only love, but kill if necessary too.
'I'd slaughtered several Romans that day and didn't feel any remorse for them.' Gabrielle cogitated. 'All for Xena. Always for Xena, I would sacrifice anything.'
She began thinking of the phrase Xena used in the inn on the night they bantered about being truthful or yielding a lie in its stead. Gabrielle disagreed with the logic of telling justified lies, but didn't she institute them as well? That same night, she lied to Xena when the Warrior Princess awoke and questioned her, hoping to avoid the discussion of Najara at first. Even now, she was lying to the Shogun and his elites about the appearance of her dragon tattoo. Also, for years she'd kept her and Xena's sexual relationship hidden, no matter if someone queried her.
Gabrielle sunk in despair. "I am a hypocrite."
{X&G}
The raven-haired beauty was donned in her dark-brown battle dress and armor, as she headed for the armory to do her warm-ups. Xena had forsaken the Sacred katana, along with her red kimono, so it could be washed and hung to dry. She had to admit, it felt great to be adorned in her usual clothing. Approaching the first tier, she spotted Suzu and Hiro.
"Xena Sama." Suzu pronounced.
"Afternoon." Xena greeted. "The trials will be back on schedule tomorrow."
"Looking forward to it." Suzu declared. "Once our squad compete with the others, I'm going to strive hard to win. To fight alongside the Little Water Dragoon will be a privilege."
"Little who?" Xena was puzzled.
"Little Water Dragoon, Gabrielle San." Suzu clarified. "We'd spoken to her in the armory. She's awesome."
"Yea. I hope to fight beside her too." Hiro concurred, quickly assuring, "Not to discount fighting at your side, Xena Sama."
Xena disregarded Hiro's conciliating comment. "Gabrielle is in the armory?"
"Yes. She's working on catching this strange circlet weapon." Suzu responded. "Come to think of it, it looked like the same weapon you'd wielded when you defeated Master Zicalus."
"She almost took our heads off with the thing." Hiro conveyed.
'She's using the chakram?' Xena ruminated with an obscured smile.
She assumed Gabrielle wouldn't ever use it, and after their latest conversation, Xena feared the gift got discarded somewhere. However, the knowledge that Gabrielle was in the armory caused Xena to feel trepidation. The blue-eyed woman didn't know if she wanted to go there and be ignored again. The last time was painful enough.
"I'll see you both during the duels." Xena started walking away.
"Where are you off to, Xena Sama?" Hiro asked.
Xena turned her head. "To repair a mistake."
{X&G}
Gaining her composure back from tenebrous, demoralizing thoughts, Gabrielle begun meditating. Her focus was thrown in disarray when she heard the armory door open. Yet, she remained stationary, feeling strangely edgy now that someone else has entered the room with her. Gabrielle fought to find solace in her mind to calm the irritating emotion. The sound of her name destroyed that notion.
"Gabrielle."
Opening her greenish blue irises, Gabrielle gazed at Xena as she stood in front of her. The Amazon's chest pounded with erratic beats in her heart while looking at the sight of the person who brought forth unwanted memories, wearing her regular attire. Why couldn't Gabrielle's brain force the cognizance of her former lover out again? She'd almost accomplished the goal, once, when she learned about the Samurai's Bushido code, adopting their ethics and form of meditation. Nonetheless, the following days had consistently brought Xena up as a topic for one reason or another, culminating with discovering her future death in Japa.
Gabrielle rolled her eyes closed. "I'm in the middle of something, Xena."
"I don't mean to pester you."
"Well, don't." Gabrielle uttered. "I know it's difficult for you, but try to keep your word and leave me alone from now till the end of your days."
Xena became more melancholy. "I should not have said that."
"No, you shouldn't have." Gabrielle muttered.
"I didn't mean it, I-" Xena was at a lost to garner Gabrielle's complete attention and she wanted to question the bard about her role in Neji's suicide, but went a different route. "Tanya told me you're mad at her because of a misunderstanding. I'm here to tell you that Tanya didn't tell me where your cabin was. Harukata did."
Gabrielle's lips twitched in aggravation. If not Tanya, she surmised it could've been Kenji who supplied Xena with information to where her room was. Instead, it was the Shogun. The man she had placed hopes in to alleviate her mind of losing Xena, was also the accomplice in carrying out Xena's agenda of deceit.
"Tanya told you things I didn't say." Gabrielle huffed. "I'm sick and tired of meddling people."
"Don't be upset with her or Harukata, Gabrielle." Xena averred. "They only have your best interest at heart."
Gabrielle let loose a harsh laugh. "My best interest? Is that a jest of some kind? Xena, I have to be honest, I never took you for a comedienne, nor a fool, but that's funny."
Xena felt like she was losing ground with the cropped blonde, so she tried another tact. "You've cut your hair. It looks nice, Gabrielle."
Her orbs remained shut. "You're still talking?"
"Please." Xena implored. "Can you give me a little of your time? That's all I ask for."
"Be quick." Gabrielle's eyes popped open. "What do you have to say, Xena?"
"I miss you and I'm regrettably sorry for what happened between us. Will you reconsider being friends?" Xena queried.
"I have no intentions of being your bed mate."
"And neither do I." Xena assented. "Just friends, nothing more."
Gabrielle pretended to dwell on it, then avowed, "No, I don't want to be affiliated with you."
Xena's soul burned from the negative response. She barely kept her sadness in check, wanting to release it all. The Warrior Princess wished it was like the old days when Gabrielle would forgive her easily. Now, she'd caused the bard so much grief over their years together, Gabrielle finally had enough.
Gabrielle recognized the saddened look on Xena's features, but opted to stay quiet, closing her eyes once more.
"Fine." Xena relented. "We don't have to be friends. Will you at least talk to me sometimes if I speak to you?"
Gabrielle sighed. "I wouldn't count on that."
"Why?"
"Stop, Xena." Gabrielle raised her eyelids. "This is pathetic, even for you."
Xena became dejected, remaining equally desperate. She couldn't spend another day apart like this.
"What can I say to you that'll make you accept my sincere apology?"
"You can't make me do anything anymore. There's nothing you can state, Xena. You can apologize until your breath gives out, either way, I won't believe it." Gabrielle had an edge to her tone. "You gave me too many promises, and all of them were false. I can't trust you. Go and revive Akemi, she'll be your friend. You can't have us both."
Xena instantly reached downwards to touch Gabrielle, but the Amazon jerked from her.
"Why do you recoil from me?" Xena questioned sadly. "I wouldn't hurt-"
She allowed the declaration to falter. Xena knew that was a big lie. She'd done nothing but bring agony to the woman she swore to marry. Causing her physical and mental suffering. Acknowledging her follies, Xena surrendered her plight.
Bending down further without touching Gabrielle, she elucidated, "My love for you hasn't vanished or dwindled. I care greatly for you and I'll always keep what we had close to me throughout my life. You don't believe me, but I'm profoundly sorry for accepting your love and paying you back with unkindness. Truthfully, I am. You were the one to thaw the icy sphere surrounding my heart. Hopefully, at the end of all this, you'll know that my feelings for you are real."
Xena resisted the urge to kiss Gabrielle's forehead and stood to her full height. Glancing down at her soul mate a final time, she began to exit the armory.
Gabrielle was torn to pieces by Xena's elucidation. How dare she profess undying love to her without revealing the fact she's to die?
'What nerve.' Gabrielle mused angrily. 'What fucking nerve!'
Gabrielle's rage couldn't be contained. She wanted to erupt into madness. She desired to kick Xena's ass all over the armory for saying those damned words before running off.
Gabrielle couldn't let her leave yet. "Xena!"
The Warrior Princess spun around. "Yes, Gabrielle?"
Not turning to look at Xena and remaining motionless while struggling to find repose, the petite Samurai tremulously voiced, "I don't need your love. I do not want it... You can keep it. I renounced you remember? I'll give back everything you've ever given me; that poem from Sappho and this cursed ring if I could take it off. So get the hell out of here. Your amorous statement holds no merit with me."
Xena was severely disheartened by Gabrielle's reproachfulness. She'd disclosed how she honestly felt and Gabrielle spat on it like it was meaningless. Tenaciously, Xena started to think on when she tried confiding to her ex-fiancee in the stable, only for Gabrielle to yell at her, convinced she was lying, coaxing the dark-haired warrior to shell up and become reticent.
'She doesn't listen to me.' Xena allowed anger to course through her. 'Gabrielle only listens when she want to!'
"You can dip off now." Gabrielle expressed, discerning that Xena haven't left.
"I'm not going anywhere!" Xena protested. "Since you decided to name the things you'll return to me, I'll have you know, you've forgotten one. You can give me my chakram back too."
Gabrielle refused to do that. "It's mine! I deserve it after putting up with you and your conniving ways for a long time! Now you want to take it from me? No chance! Besides, you won't need it where you're going."
Drove on by Gabrielle's debate, Xena affirmed, "I put up with your bullshit as well, but I don't have anything of yours. You knew I was reading your scrolls, yet you took them out of Argo's stall. That was really petty of you by the way. So I'm returning the favor."
"They are my personal scrolls." Gabrielle explained. "I wasn't going to let you read them after what you done to me. You trampled my love and-"
"Give me my chakram!" Xena demanded, holding out her hand a few paces in back of Gabrielle. "Don't make me take it from you."
Gabrielle's blood heated at Xena's threat. She wouldn't tolerate being threatened. Not this time.
"You want it?" Gabrielle grabbed the chakram from her clip. "Have it!"
Xena's reflexes saved her by ducking the rotating disc, becoming lodged in the wood behind her. Caught off guard by the unforeseen attack, Xena was thoroughly disconcerted when Gabrielle charged her, wielding her sais. With haste, she withdrew her long sword from its sheath and blocked the twin weapons.
"Gabrielle?" She grew worried. "What are you doing?"
"Why wait for your death in Japa, Xena?" Gabrielle growled, making Xena's eyes widen. "When you can die here!"
To Be Continued...