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 stories' chapters preceding this one, you should do so now. Thanks to my Beta Jinxie 2013 and all of my readers. Please continue to enjoy. :-)

Xena & Gabrielle

A Turn of Fate

By Ahkiken

Chapter 42: Vermilion Sky

The sun had begun setting, bringing the day's afternoon to a close, and welcoming its evening to come forth. Koska stood on the upper deck, steeped in perturbation apropos to the Greeks' incessant pothers that beleaguered their voyage. If it wasn't Xena's capricious behavior, they had to endure the fallout of Neji's unsuccessful effort on Gabrielle's life, which culminated to his ritual sacrifice by the petite Samurai's hands. Alas, every time the third-in-command overlooked those travesties to his honorable culture, the Warrior Princess and her bard would show promise, then evoke other problems.

Yesterday morning, he nearly coerced himself into believing that the dynamic duo's adroitness for battle would aid Harukata in killing Yodoshi, purging Japa of his bedeviling progress. That prospect plainly wouldn't happen, because the temperamental, cobalt-eyed woman's personality had altered, compelling her to feasibly welsh on the compromise to die, and Gabrielle was translocated to another world; exchanging places with an identical being. Furthermore, Koska doubted the doppelgänger would possess Gabrielle's aptitude.

'This Ri is gonna be useless to our plight.' He agonized. 'She's already elicited a degree of trouble that'll exceed her worth.'

Dismissing the futile storyteller he haven't met yet, Koska's cerebration had pivoted on his wife and newborn daughter. He brooded over their wellbeing, loathing the fact he'd no certainty that the terrorizing daemon hadn't destroyed the Korei-den temple, and commenced the finishing assault on Shinto. Spurred by Zicalus' impassioned prattle to supply backup for Morimoto, Koska tried to cement the Shogun's first choice to change course for their own hometown. In spite of that, Harukata's reconsideration on the issue and eventual decision to continue onwards to Higuchi would plausibly be inefficacious for their conviction.

The Japian became incredibly dour at the thought that Morimoto and his five thousand men had undoubtedly gotten absorbed by the eater of souls. Having taught Koska how to utilize the yumi, the second-in-command was an esteemed friend to him, and he wouldn't callously reject helping his fellow compatriot. But assimilating Moku's dreadful recount of Yodoshi's ruination to his small forces and hearing Kenji's retelling about what the outworldly entity had done to Gaija, he knew that Morimoto's chances were slim to none.

'And we have one more month at sea before reaching Japa!' Koska clutched the wooden rails tightly. 'Higuchi is ravaged, and our clan...my family will be next if we don't-'

"Koska, a word please."

The gravelly sounding intonation interrupted Koska's cogitations. Canting his head, he descried the scarred warrior, who was an involuntary testament to the tortuous violence Yodoshi could inflict.

Reckoning that a similar calamitous fate awaited them all, Koska turned away, asking, "What is it, Moku?"

"It concerns Zicalus." He averred, and strode beside him. "Ever since the meeting when we'd agreed to remain on route to Higuchi's port-"

"I didn't concur." Koska clarified, cutting Moku's sentence short.

Unflinching, Moku resumed his dialogue, "My former, jovial protégé has deteriorated into someone I...don't recognize."

"Perhaps Gabrielle-San's disappearance is daunting the pining dolt."

"He credited you for 'enlightening' him." Moku revealed, disdaining Koska's gratuitous effrontery. "I want to learn what did you say exactly?"

Koska could hardly conceal his vexation; he had other imperative matters to think of and the half-breed wasn't a factor. "I gave him a warning."

Surmising that an explication would follow, Moku started getting impatient once he realized Koska's intentions to halt their conversation. "You cautioned him on what?"

"Zicalus is a fool for believing we can save Higuchi from such evil. So I told him any of our people's deaths that's caused by Yodoshi will be on his hands." Koska imparted, facing Moku again. "You are the biggest imbecile, though. You're well aware that while we're trekking there, the fiend is probably traversing to Shinto, and you can fathom the destruction he'll wrought upon the village."

Moku stilled his fingers from becoming a fist and using it to tamper Koska's churlish demeanor. "Zicalus made me understand that abandoning our clansmen would've been dishonorable. I'd experienced Yodoshi's cruel treatment and it's frightening, but I will not let that fear invoke me to be idle whilst others suffer."

"That is precisely what you are doing, Moku."

The spiky-haired man looked aghast. "Morimoto is your closest confidant. I assumed, if you could, you'd wanna prevent his demise."

"He's dead!" Koska blared.

"You don't know that." Moku disputed. "We have no divine certitude of what's happening. Every day brings us nearer to Japa, and soon the Shogun will be able to commune with Amaterasu. She'll convey whether we're on the correct path or not."

"The sun goddess' guidance may come too late. Let's pray that she will protect Shinto, 'cause I'm convinced we won't."

"Have you traded your faith for panic?" Moku earnestly queried.

Koska asserted staunchly, "I'm an elite, I do not lose my nerve easily, withal you can discern how this mission is fastly shifting into failure."

Moku contemplated Koska's pronouncement, acquiescing that the expedition from Greece was yielding unpropitious results. Although he wasn't formally acquainted with Gabrielle, the knowledge he'd gleaned inferred that she was a formidable fighter. Losing her to an inferior unknown had diminished their potential, especially by them being bound for war on arrival at Higuchi. Also, Gabrielle's teleportation could trigger Xena's possible disownment of her valid duty, allowing Yodoshi to complete Japa's obliteration. Without her votive offering, the Shogun couldn't smite the diabolical monster and restore peace.

"Your old, sentimental pupil has brought disaster upon us!" Koska bellowed.

Attentive to Koska's utterance, Moku remembered the primary reason for talking to him. "Feel however you want to, Koska. But I'm forewarning you, leave Zicalus alone, or be prepared to bear the consequences."

Voicing his demand, Moku rubbed his overexerted, aching throat as he distanced himself from the yellow armored Samurai. Nonetheless, Koska didn't note the lucid threat, and trained his eyes on the vermilion sky, tarrying in forlorn ruminations.

{X&G}

Greenish-blue irises slowly opened, and its owner became staggeringly perceptive that she remained inhabiting the vessel she'd fallen asleep on. Listening to Kenji's quiet movements behind her was the definitive evidence she required to strengthen the deduction, and Ri's mind was repetitiously oppressed with constant questions that had no reliable rejoins. Hence, the strawberry-blonde wondered how extensive her visit would be 'til the Omphalos' unfathomable power necessitated a proper swap of locales between she and Gabrielle again.

'What if the shards never initiate an exchange?' Ri cogitated, recollecting the monk had evinced that the cursed, jade-colored fragment on her necklace glowed while she'd slept. 'I'm trapped here!'

The disquieting ideation began upsetting the displaced, trim female, eliciting tears to fill her irises. Thereafter, Ri's stomach clenched, impelling her to register the sailing craft's rocking motion was inducing the all too familiar seasickness. Surmising that she was in Tartarus, Ri grasped the bump on her wrist to activate the pressure point to repress regurgitating again whilst deriding the ship for imposing physical unpleasantness as well as the Conqueror's farewell present that symbolized a promise which couldn't be kept.

Laying in a fetal position, Ri cried silently for the Conqueror, comprehending that their prospect as lovers was vanquished. Afterwards, she'd gripped the platinum jewelry in dainty fingers, and instituted an orison to the deity of beauty, Venus, who could repair the injustice that was inflicted on a love unfulfilled, and hopefully prompt an ending to her woes referencing the shard. Throughout Ri's prayer, the storyteller unintentionally conjured a blithe memory that comprised of the seldom moments when she was amongst those whom adored and safeguarded her from worldly atrocities.

Our excursion from Corinth to Tegea is finished, and I'm beyond ecstatic while Milady dismounts the enormous horse to lift me off of the dark, four-legged mammal also. Setting me on the ground, she rubs Nightmare's nozzle in gratitude for conveying us home. Well, it isn't really hers since she resides in the Corinthian castle, howbeit knowing that I'll be living there someday, too, it urges me to not become desolate by Milady's inevitable departure.

"Are you gonna thank Nightmare for the ride, Little One?" She queries, gandering at me anticipatorily.

"It was a jarring outing riding on him." I pretend to be tetchy, but my growing grin broadcasts the deceit. "Nevertheless, we are in one piece, so..."

I curtail my declaration, and muster the courage to hastily caress Nightmare's black flank below the saddle. The fur is actually soft, and I steadily massage his side, becoming untroubled by the size of him. During the deed, I jump backwards from the scary animal as he snorts his approval, or criticism for being touched in an uninviting manner, whereby undoing my sprouting confidence.

Milady observes me keenly, her visage is perplexed. "You're not afraid of Nightmare, are you?"

Wanting to be truthful and show fearlessness, I vaguely fabricate, "The sound he emitted startled me."

"He gets like that on occasions." Focusing on me, Milady ceases patting him. "Thank you for accompanying me... I usually attend Minerva's sanctuary and supplicate her by myself."

Of their own accord, my hand reaches for the bandaged one that she'd slashed in the dilapidated temple. "You don't have to express gratitude, Milady. I was happy that you've deemed me fit to travel alongside you."

"I'll always seek your company." Milady's extremity squeezes mine delicately and securely. "Whilst in Corinth, I missed-"

"Y'all have made it back!" Meleager's infelicitous shout is both welcoming and vexing for it's infringement on Milady's divulgence.

"Mm-hmm." Milady hums, clasping my approaching surrogate uncle's forearms. "We're purely been gone for a short amount of Cronus. I am 'bout to return to-"

"You must come inside." Meleager is making a habit out of interjecting.

"King Glaucus and Prince Bellerophon granted me a transitory furlough. I don't need them sending a search party to find me." Milady explicates, speaking fervently to Uncle Meleager, "You are heedful that dawdling will shelve the final preparations for our upcoming victory?"

Awww, I was hoping she'd consider remaining in Tegea, albeit any action alluding to war takes priority, and anything else is picayune in contrast. I'm assured she wouldn't lie to me, referring to living in Corinth's castle, and we'll be reunited soon, but how many moons or years would it take 'fore that happens?

"Hey, kiddo." Meleager begins vivaciously brushing my hair with his digits, whispering, "Try persuading her into staying for a bit. Can you do that?"

"I'm not deaf, Meleager." Milady airily admonishes, insinuating that she's standing parallel to us. "I won't have you corrupting her."

"She wants you to linger a bit longer as well, don't ya, Ri?" Meleager premeditatedly quizzes me.

Whereas she is conscious of Meleager's witty stratagem, I am willing to play on Milady's magnanimous attitude and my own desires for retaining her.

"Please, Milady." Poking my bottom lip to display a pouting countenance, I plea, "Dwell here for awhile, and you'll be returning to King Glaucus' kingdom briefly."

"Darn it, Ri, I presumed you were above inveigling someone." Milady momentarily covers her face prior to gazing at me. "Your flattery will get you everywhere with me."

"See. See. It was evident that she would be receptive of your request, Ri, and not mine." Meleager avows, scooping my diminutive frame into his arms.

I smile dumbly, unaware Milady would submit so easily to my entreaty, especially since it was based 'round Meleager's idea to cajole her. Perchance I can entice her to delay leaving indefinitely.

"Don't spoil it, Ri." Milady notifies me, and it pauses my introspection.

I swear by the gods she has an ability to detect what I'm thinking or planning to do. "I won't blight it and exploit your weakness, Milady."

She winks at me, proclaiming, "You better not."

Thereon, Meleager carries me towards the house, and Milady trails him. Entering inside, I am astounded to not only espy Lyceus, but Glaphyra, her daughter Iona, and Darnell; they all are sitting at the dinner table which has a variety of food atop it.

"Darnell!" I yell, squirming in Meleager's appendages, vying to get free.

"Okay. Okay." Uncle Meleager cheerfully professes.

He puts me down and I run to hug the arising man who'd been gone for moons. Learning of Megara's defection to the Delian League, his wife did all she could not to manifest her anxiety, including myself, because I was profoundly worried, but didn't want to add to Glaphyra's internal fretting. Fortunately, Iona was oblivious to her father's predicament, and I continued to entertain her with funny tales to banish bad speculations from my intellect.

"Hello, Ri. It's been two seasons since I've seen you." Darnell returns the embrace, preceding glancing at Milady, quipping, "I guess you're not the hugging type."

I, too, descry her while she smirks. "Succoring you from Megara isn't enough?"

Every one of us is surprised by her admission, and Meleager prods, "You knew Darnell was free and came here?"

"I was aware that he'd become ensconced to safety, but had no idea he would make it back to Tegea so quickly." She responds, teasing, "What, you assume I'm an oracle or something?"

Milady's witticism causes us all to laugh whilst she approaches Darnell and I, giving him a warrior's embrace. Looking upwards at them both, I enclose their waists, absorbing this moment of having these individuals in my life. Milady sets a loving hand on my long, strawberry-blonde tresses, inviting me to snuggle onto her abdomen.

Resting there impermanently, Lyceus ends my cocoon, purporting, "Well, sis, pull out a chair and eat as you disclose how you'd aided Darnell to abscond."

"I'm sure Darnell can shed light on the details. Anyway, I have to..." Her response is clipped once she ascertain my saddened features. "Then again, I probably would tell it better. Corinth can wait."

"Alright." Meleager heartily agrees, speedily ushering Milady and me to our seats, lest she changes her mind.

While Darnell reclaims his chair, Meleager places plates in front of us and pile assorted edibles on it. Completing that task, he sits on the opposite side of me, and I'm happily sandwiched between him plus Milady. Beginning her narration about how she'd orchestrated Darnell's liberation, I beam jubilantly that she chose to stay for the feast. Though she will eventually have to go, it's all right.

Being surrounded by Milady and loved ones should never be a wasted moment.

Multiple teardrops seeped from the storyteller's sealed eyelids when her reminiscence came to a cessation. If Venus couldn't reverse the effects of the Omphalos shards, perhaps the Conqueror could handle the burden akin to the way she'd assisted Darnell during his Cronus of need. Drawing into herself even more, Ri's muted cries went on unabated.

As the monk deposited the bowl of fried rice with chopped fish, and mixed seasonings on top of the table, he feigned ignorance to Gabrielle's twin's noiseless weeping. Knowing he was powerless to stave the droplets off, Kenji concentrated on enhancing the flavor of her meal.

'I cannot fix her suffering.' Kenji ruminated dismally, utilizing different spices. 'However, Ri won't be eating bland cuisines, either.'

To Be Continued...