Chapter 4 - Revelations
The Conqueror continued to stare at the ceiling in a silent peace. She listened to the idle breathing beside her in the small bed. She inwardly huffed then turned her head to the left, and she stared at the aged features of Gabrielle, who slept rather fitfully. Xena debated how the warrior managed to sleep so easily when so much was at stake, then she figured that Gabrielle was most likely use to this way of life. Or it was the simple fact that Gabrielle was virtually exhausted after so much.
"You couldn't sleep?" a muffled voice spoke.
Xena gradually arched an eyebrow at the sleepy green eyes. She soundlessly drummed her fingers over her leather stomach. "No."
Gabrielle closed her eyes and rolled onto her other side so her back was to the Conqueror. "I wouldn't worry so much."
The ruler's lips thinned, and she tossed around Gabrielle's words. She noted how casual Gabrielle's tone was unlike what her lover's reaction would have been. "How often do you do this?"
The warrior stretched in the bed then flopped on to her back. She positioned her hands under her head and considered the sunlit ceiling. "This is Xena's... third death." She racked her memory and tried to think if that number was correct. "Somewhere around there at least."
The Conqueror was silent. She considered her close encounter to a final death, and her punishment in Tartarus that still awaited her. She subconsciously fingered the Gaelic necklace that was M'Lila's. She decided to switch topics and get back on track. "Akemi gave you the tattoo?"
"Mmmm, yes." Gabrielle bit the inside of her mouth. "It seemed to protect me." She turned to the ruler. "You think it's a trick?"
"I'm not sure," the ruler confessed.
The warrior sighed, then she suddenly hopped out of the bed. "Well time is wasting." She padded into the bathroom with bare feet.
The Conqueror slightly grinned at the warrior's no nonsense attitude. She rolled out of bed and collected her armor, weapons, and boots. She and Gabrielle prepared for their journey west bound. Last night after the story, Gabrielle had asked around about the Elijans and found their relative whereabouts. It seemed Eve and her followers had passed by only a couple of days ago. Eve's name was on many people's lips these days.
It wasn't long before Gabrielle and the Conqueror trekked out of the quiet inn. They went to the stables and found a fully excited Argo. Gabrielle helped the ruler get the mare tacked up and the saddlebags thrown onto the mare's back. The Conqueror then led the horse out of the stables, and Gabrielle remained at her side. The duo headed out of the town, which was only starting to come to life in the dawn hour.
Gabrielle removed a sai from her right boot. She walked along side the Conqueror, but she kept silent. She toyed with her sai by spinning it between her fingers and switching hands. She typically did this anymore just to kill time.
The Conqueror tilted her head and studied how the petite warrior had excellent reflexes. She then eyed the chakram hooked to Gabrielle's side. She wondered why the chakram was so far different than hers.
Gabrielle noticed the Conqueror's curiosity. She mentioned, "Over a year ago, Xena's chakram was broken in half."
The ruler slotted her eyes at the unbelievable fact. "What happened?"
Gabrielle stopped spinning her sai. She peered up at the Conqueror briefly. She then rolled into the story about how the chakram broke and the eventual replacement. She, like the Conqueror, noted the obvious similarities between the Temple of the Chakrams. The only glaring difference between the temples was that the temple here wasn't located in Chin like the one in the Conqueror's world. Nor did Gabrielle know of Lao Ma being attached to the temple in any shape.
The Conqueror studied the new chakram hooked to the warrior's hip. "Does this chakram do anything differently?"
Gabrielle smirked, sheathed her sai, and unhooked the circular weapon. She side stepped to the left to get more space from the ruler. She raised the weapon, paused in her walk, and threw it with keen skill.
The chakram whistled down the road, suddenly split in two, and each fragment veered to the right or left. The fragments ricocheted off trees on the side of the road, sped back towards the travelers, and just before they reached Gabrielle they reconnected.
Gabrielle easily snatched the weapon out of midair and neatly rehooked it.
Xena slowly arched an eyebrow and muttered, "Show off."
The warrior made no comment but it was obvious she was quite smug. She'd been waiting for years to hear that from Xena even if it was Xena's darker counterpart. She silently chuckled and mentioned, "It took me awhile to learn that trick, honestly. It came a little more naturally to Xena."
The Conqueror had a grin, but she did admire Gabrielle for learning the difficult weapon. She had to admit that she really found the weapon enticing. Her chakram was legendary in her world, but it couldn't compete to this new chakram that Gabrielle carried so casually.
"We should ride," Gabrielle commented. "I want to find Eve before nightfall."
Xena silently agreed. She stopped Argo then vaulted into the saddle. She held out her hand to Gabrielle.
The warrior ignored the hand, and she easily hopped into the saddle behind the ruler. She grasped Xena's hips and became comfortable.
The Conqueror sighed dramatically and adjusted the reins in her hands. She tapped Argo's side for a fast walk then squeezed harder for a gallop.
The ride was rather smooth. The Conqueror rode Argo hard, but she discovered how strong this Argo was compared to her mother. She occasionally checked on Gabrielle, but Gabrielle remained in her thoughts.
Gabrielle constantly went over what'd happened in Higuchi and the battle to stop Lord Yodoshi. She also couldn't quite figure out Akemi's motive. Akemi's character wasn't that well pegged in Gabrielle's mind. Just maybe the Conqueror was wrong about Akemi or at least the Conqueror didn't know this Akemi. To Gabrielle, it didn't make sense for Akemi to give Gabrielle the tattoo, which obviously saved her on a few accounts. The tattoo had even come in handy when she was in Egypt and dealt with some supernatural forces there. Regardless, Gabrielle wasn't so convinced that they had all the pieces to the puzzle quite yet. She just wondered where the other pieces rested.
It wasn't until late afternoon that the pair slowed outside a village. Gabrielle had spotted a handful of people traveling together, so she dismounted and hurried after them. She called to them and smiled at how receptive the villagers were to her.
"Well that must be Xena," a villager remarked. He was gazing off his shoulder and studied the tall, dark woman on the horse several hundred paces away.
Gabrielle nodded and replied, "Yes." She noticed how all the villagers were quite intrigued by her and the Conqueror, but she didn't have time to humor them. "Actually Xena and I are in a rush to find somebody. Have any of you heard word about the Elijans passing through here?"
"The Elijans?" a woman spoke up from her spot in the wagon. "Yes, actually. I heard they left town just this morning... headed west on this road. They were a rather large group."
"How did they travel?" Gabrielle questioned.
"On foot," the woman replied.
The warrior felt her hopes rise. She neared the wagon and focused on the woman. "Do you know whether a young woman was leading them?"
The woman considered it, then she brightened. "Oh you mean that Eve gal. I've heard of her." She bowed her head and shook her head. "I'm not sure honestly, but I wouldn't doubt that she's with them."
Gabrielle smiled and quickly thanked the woman. She then said goodbye to the traveling villagers, and she jogged back to the Conqueror. She climbed back into the saddle and mentioned, "They left here this morning."
"West?" the Conqueror questioned.
"Yes." Gabrielle grasped the ruler's hips. "We can catch them."
The Conqueror nodded, tapped Argo's side, and she pleasantly smiled at the villagers when they passed them. She noted how they waved at her and Gabrielle, and she tried to not let it impact her. This wasn't her world and when she returned home, she'd never see this type of reception again.
Gabrielle slightly grinned at how the Conqueror was still uneasy about how warmly people greeted them. She knew the ruler tried to hide it, but it was quite easy for Gabrielle to figure out the ruler. She hadn't survived Xena's stoic attitude for six years without picking up on certain things.
The next two hours went slowly because Gabrielle kept an eye on the road. She didn't want to miss Eve, but she doubted they would since they were such a large group. She'd noted the sun was getting closer to the western horizon, and they would probably need to stop soon. Gabrielle refused to stop though because she was so determined.
"Up a head," the Conqueror commented.
Gabrielle gazed ahead, but she saw nothing. "I don't-"
"I know." Xena pulled Argo's reins. "Hold on tighter." She directed Argo into the woods. She had to duck quickly when a low branch came at them.
Gabrielle just ducked in time, and she snapped, "Thanks for the warning."
The Conqueror smirked and chided, "I didn't think you needed any help."
Gabrielle rolled her eyes at the smart comment. She knew the ruler was referring back to earlier when she'd mounted Argo without the ruler's help.
Xena guided the horse through the dense woods and carefully watched for trouble. She then slowed Argo once the campfire scent became stronger than earlier. Slowly the camp started to appear between the trees.
The warrior brightened at the prospect of this being Eve and the Elijans. "We better dismount before we go any further."
The Conqueror agreed by stopping Argo. She landed on her feet, and she twisted her head to the left when Gabrielle landed. "You go first."
Gabrielle nodded and walked ahead of the ruler. She noticed that many of the Elijans spotted her and Xena. She offered a smile and stepped into the clearing.
"Gabrielle, Xena," an Elijan greeted.
"Hello," the small warrior greeted. "We're looking for-"
"Right here," Eve announced, and she stepped into the clearing. In her hands were recently filled waterskins. She handed them off and smiled at the warriors in the camp. She weaved through the seated and standing followers. She approached the pair, but she focused on Xena. "Hello, mother."
The Conqueror blinked and looked to Gabrielle for help.
The warrior folded her arms and became highly amused.
Eve didn't wait for a response, and she pulled her mother into a warm hug. She noted how stiff the hug was then her mother slightly hugged her back. She also fitted differently against her mother's body. She withdrew and oddly stared up into blue eyes. "Have you grown taller?" she joked, but she received no reaction. "Is everything okay, mother?"
The Conqueror was a loss for any words. She could only take in Eve's apparent resemblance to her, except for those turquoise eyes.
Eve released her mother and focused on Gabrielle. "Did somebody put a silent spell on her?"
Gabrielle huffed, folded her arms, and remarked, "I wish it was that simple."
Eve was confused, and she turned back to her mother. She then completely took in the new attire, and her features twisted tightly. "Mother, don't you think those leathers are slightly out of date?"
The Conqueror grew wide eye out of offense.
Gabrielle bowed her head and her body shook from silent laughter.
Then Eve was mentally struck when something silver shined at her. She lifted her right hand and with her fingertips, she raised the old chakram up from her mother's waist. "My god." She sharply lifted her head.
Gabrielle quickly broke from her amusement and intervened. She took Eve's hand from the chakram and said, "We need to talk to you, Eve." She scanned the curious Elijans' faces and added, "Alone."
Eve hesitated, but she nodded and told everybody she'd be right back. She stepped out of the clearing's circle and waited for the duo.
The Conqueror hastily tied up Argo's reins to a tree branch. She then turned to the waiting pair and followed them out of the camp. She remained silent and at Gabrielle's side.
Gabrielle was between the pair. She tried to start up a casual conversation. "How are things with the Elijans, Eve?"
Eve laced her hands in front of her. She briefly glanced at her mother, who acted like a stranger. She felt a knot in her stomach, but she answered Gabrielle's question. "They fair well. We're spreading our message."
"No attacks?"
Eve detected the concern that laced Gabrielle's tone. "No actually. As long as we stay away from Rome, I think we'll be safe." She then considered the last news about her mother and Gabrielle. "I heard you both went to Japa."
Gabrielle cleared her throat and nodded. "That's part of the reason why I'm here..." She then corrected, "We're here."
Eve bit her lip. She noticed how Gabrielle carried her mother's new chakram. She wondered what was amiss, but she knew it wouldn't be good.
Gabrielle stopped walking once she felt they were far enough from the Elijans. "Eve, this won't make much sense, but I need you to listen carefully."
Eve became worried. She looked between Xena and Gabrielle. "Okay. What's happened?"
"Well," the warrior started, "your mother and I went to Japa, like you say. We were trying to save several thousand souls that'd been condemned because of something that happened in your mother's past."
Eve sadly sighed, but it didn't quite surprise her. She also didn't like how Gabrielle spoke about her mother as if she wasn't standing right before her.
"Your mother found out that the only way for her to stop the monster that had the souls was for her to be dead. So she..." Gabrielle hated to retell the tale again.
Eve clenched her hands at her sides. She didn't like the way Gabrielle spoke. She hotly argued, "Mother is right here."
The Conqueror turned her head away and prayed that Gabrielle could handle the situation safely.
Gabrielle stepped closer to the young woman. She gently explained, "Eve, she isn't your mother." She saw that Eve was about to fight her so she cut her off quickly. "Your mother died in Japa... I tried everything to bring her back, Eve." She swallowed when the tears rose up, but she held them back. "It was her final choice to stay dead this time."
Eve grew upset, but she refrained from showing it. She slightly dimmed when she realized her earlier thought about her mother acting like a stranger may be true. She then demanded, "Then who is she?"
"That's the confusing part," Gabrielle sadly started. "Do you know about alternate realities?"
Eve raised an eyebrow much like her mother would have done. "Parallel universes to our own, yes."
Gabrielle didn't want to know how Eve knew of them. "Well this is Xena, but a Xena from another universe."
Eve was dumbfounded, and she stared at the darker, taller version of her mother. She was now able to take in every change that made this woman different than her mother, and it made sense. She switched her gaze between the pair, and she finally asked the stranger, "Who are you?"
Xena felt her place to answer and not let Gabrielle do it for her. She locked eyes with Eve and answered, "I'm the Conqueror... I'm a ruler in my world."
Eve touched her forehead and couldn't believe the revelation. It struck her that this version of her mother was everything her mother fought not to be.
Gabrielle touched Eve's arm and whispered, "I think we better sit, Eve."
Eve dropped her arm and merely nodded. She followed Gabrielle to a fallen tree and sat down.
The Conqueror went to a nearby tree. She leaned against it and folded her arms.
Gabrielle quickly explained what'd happened in Japa and what led to Xena's final death. She then glazed over her adventures in Egypt especially with Hathor. She then told Eve what she and the Conqueror knew so far about why Xena and the Conqueror were switched and what had to be done.
Eve intently listened, and a cord was struck in her at the mention of the Temple of the Chakrams. She recalled Gabrielle's old story about how her mother received the newer chakram. She'd also read some strikingly similar information in her travels. After Gabrielle spoke, she collected her thoughts and carefully began to relay what she'd read not long ago.
"I read about the Temple of the Chakrams."
The petite warrior furrowed her eyebrows, and she glanced at the silent ruler. She focused back on Eve. "Where?"
"It was in one of Eli's journals," the Elijan messenger replied. "It looked like he transcribed it from something else. He wrote some note at the bottom saying he credited everything to a Caleb."
Gabrielle perked up at the news. "Do you still have the journal?"
Eve sighed and shook her head. "I had to return it." She laced her hands in her lap. "I do remember everything though."
The petite warrior slowly grinned and ordered, "Tell me."
"Well," Eve started, "it seems that the Temple of the Chakrams that you and mother went to was only a secondary one." She noted Gabrielle's curious expression, and she leaned closer to Gabrielle. "The real, original temple is located in Chin."
"By the gods," Gabrielle murmured.
"There's actually a religious following behind the chakram. The religion is based in Chin."
"Taochiao," the Conqueror filled in.
Eve twisted her head and gazed over at the ruler. "Yes."
"Taochiao?" Gabrielle repeated. "What is it?"
The Conqueror pushed off the tree and strolled over to the pair. "The religion's name literally translates to 'path' or 'way'." She knelt down between the pair, but she focused on the warrior. "It's both philosophical and religious that focuses on wu wei or non-action. It goes into the link between man and nature and if somebody understands the way then they'll understand the world."
Gabrielle recognized what the Conqueror was telling them. She whispered, "Lao Ma."
"Yes," Xena agreed, "Lao Ma is a true taoist."
Eve knew some history about her mother and Lao Ma. It didn't surprise her that the Conqueror had history too with Lao Ma. She set aside her thoughts and went back to the topic. "I read in Eli's journal that the chakrams are a symbolic representation of the Taochiao. They're also the only weapon that the Taochiao have, but they're extremely powerful."
Gabrielle couldn't argue after what she'd seen last year in the temple. She developed twisted features and reminded, "Xena neutralized the chakrams' powers though."
"Yes, I remember the story." Eve noted how carefully the ruler was listening to them. "They each have their own power, Gabrielle. The Chakram of the Light can kill gods, but not just any god." She paused at the bard's baffled features. "The Chakram of the Light only can kill western gods."
"Western?" Gabrielle shook her head. "The gods to the west of what?"
"I'm not sure the exact... border or line," Eve replied.
"Then the Chakram of Darkness only kills eastern gods?"
Eve nodded at Gabrielle's assumption.
Gabrielle turned her head to the Conqueror. "That explains while you were able to kill Lord Yodoshi with your chakram years back."
"There's just one problem that's occurred now that the chakrams are combined." Eve waited until she had Gabrielle's attention again. "When the chakrams were combined it altered this... life force that the taoist call the qi."
Xena narrowed her eyes at hearing the legendary life force from the Chin culture. She'd seen Lao Ma perform it, and she'd performed it herself in Tartaraus. She sensed that Gabrielle was confused, so she cut into the conversation again. "It's a type of spiritual energy, and some people are capable of achieving and using it. Lao Ma is the only other person I know of that can understand and use the qi."
"Wait." Gabrielle shook her head. "Is this the same stuff that Lao Ma uses to move objects, fly, and create energy balls?"
"Yes," Xena replied. "Those are various forms of the qi."
"And the qi is the power source of the chakrams," Eve interrupted. "The chakrams are a physical form of the qi, but once they were combined then the qi was halted."
"It's a bit like a dam." The Conqueror finally sat down on the ground. "The qi is the river and the chakrams are the dam or a gate."
"Yes, exactly," Eve agreed, "but here's the sticky part. Like any dam or gate, they can be broken."
"Nothing can stop the power of water," the ruler murmured.
Eve nodded. "If the dam breaks then there'll be flooding."
"What'll happen?" Gabrielle questioned.
Eve sighed and grew slightly darker. "Once the qi is free then anybody can obtain the qi. Nothing can control the qi, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle dropped her head and closed her eyes.
Eve leaned forward and gathered the warrior's hands into hers. "The chakrams not only balance one another, but they balance the qi. They allow only certain people to obtain the qi... people who are worthy of it. If the chakrams aren't separated again then everything will be undone, and mother's chakram will be broken and the qi freed."
Gabrielle slowly lifted her head. "How much time do we have?"
Eve released the warrior's callused hands. She could recall a time when hers were much the same way. "It's hard to say. It could be any moment or years down the road, but it will happen if the chakrams aren't separated."
The warrior shook her head and filled with deep worry. "Only Xena can separate the chakrams, and she's not..."
Eve slightly grinned, and her voice lightened. "Actually, that's not the truth. Mother can only join them." She saw how Gabrielle became curious by what she meant. "Taochiao and the qi are about balance... the belief that everything has a balance or a counterpart. From what I read, mother is considered the chakram joiner, and she's only capable of doing that. The chakram separater has to be mother's balance... or rather her soulmate."
Gabrielle stared at Eve in pure disbelief.
"That's you," Eve concluded.
"Well thank the gods for small miracles," the warrior muttered. She turned to the Conqueror and mentioned, "We need to separate the chakrams before we go to Japa."
"We don't need to do that to stop Lord Yodoshi," the ruler argued. "I can go to Japa and kill Lord Yodoshi with my chakram."
"Burnt wrong, Conqueror babe," spoke a fair haired, girly goddess. Aphrodite materialized right before the small group. She placed her hands on her hips.
The Conqueror slowly stood up and eyed the goddess, who had some amazing timing in Xena's opinion. "Why?"
The goddess sadly sighed and switched her attention to the seated warrior. "Gabs, you and Xena made it worse."
"What?" Gabrielle was confused and far more worried.
"I did some snooping," the goddess confessed. "It so wasn't easy, but I found out more dirt on Lord Yodoshi and that banana."
"Banana?" Eve skeptically repeated.
"Oh that sword thingy." Aphrodite waved her hand around in the air.
"Katana," the ruler supplied.
"Right." Aphrodite perked up at the corrected name for the sword. "So like here's the scoop." She quickly dashed over and sat down on the log with the girls. She then rolled into her recent snooping. "When Xena struck Lord Yodoshi with the katana it didn't kill him."
"Xena killed him, Aphrodite. The souls were released," Gabrielle hotly argued.
"Cool your wheels, bardie." Aphrodite held up her hands. "I'm just tellin' you how it is." She lowered her hands to her lap. "Xena only temporarily killed him, but it's like... some cycle. The katana keeps him alive."
"The katana has to be destroyed," Eve concluded.
"Exactly." Aphrodite grew giddy at Eve's idea. "He draws all his power from the weapon."
"Then why did it kill him?" Gabrielle debated.
"It didn't," the goddess fought. "It's his power, but like... it's sorta like throwing oil onto fire. He explodes." Aphrodite laced her hands together and leaned closer to Eve and Gabrielle. "The Fry-a-guchi souls are still free, but the catch is if Xena comes back then Lord Yodoshi can reclaim them."
Gabrielle bowed her head and started to rub her temple with a freehand. "So, if we destroy the katana then he's done?"
"No... like I don't think it's that simple." Aphrodite frowned especially at Gabrielle's glower. "He still has to be killed, and I don't think the Chakram of Darkness can do it."
"He's too powerful," Eve murmured. "If he keeps being reborn then he's becoming more powerful thanks to the katana."
"That's totally my thought too," Aphrodite agreed.
"What is powerful enough to kill him?" Gabrielle urged.
The goddess shook her head because she had no answers.
"The qi," the ruler murmured.
"I don't think it's that," Eve debated. She turned her head to the ruler. "If you were able to kill the Lord Yodoshi in your world with the chakram then that still has to be the answer."
Gabrielle licked her lips and bowed her head. She softly asked, "How sure can you be about that, Eve?"
Eve shrugged and gazed back at the warrior. "I don't have the answer either. I just have a feeling."
The Conqueror now walked away and stated, "We don't have time for feelings and hunches." She walked away from the group but faced them again. "What if I kill Lord Yodoshi with the katana and destroy the katana afterwards?"
"He'll still be brought back," the goddess replied. "The katana is the start of the cycle. Sorry, Conqueror babe but it's kind like pass go without collecting two hundred."
The Conqueror slowly arched an eyebrow at the goddess's analogy that made no sense.
Gabrielle sighed and set aside Aphrodite's weird joke. "I think I know somebody we can talk to about this."
The Conqueror narrowed her eyes at the petite warrior. She tried to read Gabrielle's idea, and she questioned, "Lao Ma?"
"No." Gabrielle stood up and explained, "She's dead." She observed the ruler's hidden surprise. "The next close to Lao Ma is her daughter Kao Sin." She folded her arms over her chest. "Let's hope she's still alive after twenty-five years." She turned around and walked back towards the camp.
Aphrodite stood up and became worried about Gabrielle. She quickly rushed off to catch the bard.
Eve slowly rose up and studied the goddess chasing after the warrior. She turned her head to the Conqueror and questioned, "Do you like rabbit?"
The Conqueror placed her hands on her hips and tilted her head.
Aphrodite finally caught up to the bard. "Gabs, Gabs wait."
The warrior stopped and observed her godly friend now at her side. "Don't you have somebody else's life to screw up?"
"Ouch! Way harsh, bardie." Aphrodite scolded Gabrielle with a look and put her hands on her hips. "I'm just trying to help out."
Gabrielle held up her hand and coldly informed, "I think you've done enough." She turned and took only a step just before Aphrodite materialized in front of her. She sighed and glared darker at the Goddess of Love.
"Hold up, Gabs." Aphrodite held up her hands. Once she felt Gabrielle would listen, she lowered her hands. "I didn't think it'd be so complicated. I just like thought you and the Conqueror would scoot over to Japa. Kick Lord Yodoshi's ugly butt, and Xena would be back. Easy right?"
"Aphrodite, it's never that easy when it comes to Xena and I."
"Apparently not," the goddess muttered.
The warrior sighed in annoyance and stepped around the goddess, but she was stopped again.
"What is it?" Aphrodite pleaded. "I've never seen you like this."
Gabrielle looked away and debated whether to reveal the truth to the goddess. She sighed and gave into the goddess. "I'm more angry because I realized how duped Xena and I were... and I knew it all along." She clenched her hands. "I should have said something to Xena, but..."
"But you didn't," Aphrodite finished.
"I didn't," the warrior agreed. She held out her hand and hotly stated, "Xena is always right. When has she been wrong? Why would this be any different?" She dropped her hand to her side.
"It's different this time because you're more objective, Gabrielle." Aphrodite slightly grinned when Gabrielle raised an eyebrow at her. "Think about it, Gabs. Xena has trained you for over six years so like you're bound to be as good as her." She stuck out her right hip and proclaimed, "Eventually the student surpasses their teacher." She then nodded once and added, "Plus you're so not tangled up in it because it's not your past. Xena was too focused on redeeming her past and couldn't see the tree for the forest."
Gabrielle slotted her eyes at the goddess. Then a faint grin twitched at her lips.
Aphrodite saw the oncoming grin, and she smirked. "I know... I'm bitchin', right?" She swatted her hand at the bard. "Go on, say it."
The warrior rolled her eyes and stepped around the goddess again. "I should have spoke up, Aphrodite."
The Goddess of Love walked along side her friend. "Gabs, I know the warrior babe is almost a goddess, but she's still mortal." She then snorted a small laugh. "Oh by me, I even make mistakes." She waved her hand around in the air. "Next time, you two need to el comm-mun-a-cotooo." She giggled and explained, "You two are a team so like I don't know what the problemo is."
Gabrielle wasn't sure either, and she hooked the back of her neck with her right hand. "She knows her past better than I do. I guess I never question that stuff... not after that time with..."
Aphrodite furrowed her eyebrows and quickly tried to catch up to the mortal's thoughts. She realized Gabrielle was talking about the time Xena went to Chin to kill Ming Tien. She stopped walking and grabbed the bard's wrist. "Gabs, that's such old news."
The warrior dropped her hand from her neck. "I questioned Xena then, and it cost her and I a lot."
"And Ares used you during a weak moment," Aphrodite fought. "You were doing what you thought was right."
"And I thought wrong," Gabrielle stated.
Aphrodite sighed and released the small wrist in her hand. "So now you won't question Xena ever about her past?" She shook her curly locks.
"Now look what's happened?" Gabrielle sadly muttered. "I should have..." She sighed.
The goddess touched the bard's shoulder, but she gazed behind her. She spotted Eve and the Conqueror coming back. She returned her focus to her friend and whispered, "Now's your chance to fix it, Gabs." She then faded away in pink sparkles.
Gabrielle waited for the pair to meet her, and she walked the short distance to the camp with them. She mulled over Aphrodite's final conversation, and she had to agree. She silently thanked the goddess's continued devotion to their friendship. She decided to take care of Argo, but the Conqueror stopped her and told her to go relax.
The Conqueror thought she'd have to push Gabrielle away from Argo. She was in luck when Gabrielle nodded, and they briefly held eye contact.
Gabrielle was almost positive that the Conqueror understood Gabrielle's need for a quiet night. She took the saddlebags and stepped into the camp. She offered half smiles to the Elijans that greeted her, but she wasn't in the mood to talk. She was about to elect herself to kill dinner, but the Conqueror was ahead of her.
"How many do we need?" The Conqueror's question went to Eve.
"I think a dozen will be plenty." Eve neared the campfire that'd been started while they were gone. "I'll get a pot ready for the soup."
Gabrielle brushed her hands off and stood up from her position. "I'll help you."
The Conqueror was about to refuse the bard's offer, but she could tell Gabrielle would come either way. She nodded and signaled the woods off to her right. She headed into the woods.
Gabrielle quickly moved through the camp and disappeared into the blackening forest in the same direction as the Conqueror. She easily caught up with the Conqueror, who waited next to some brush. "So, you really think we can find twelve rabbits?"
"Or one dear?" the ruler purposed.
The warrior slyly grinned and replied, "I'm gamed."
Xena softly laughed and nodded. "We don't have a bow and arrows."
"Chakrams," Gabrielle murmured.
"Mmmm." The Conqueror had already planned it. "Trees?"
The warrior dropped her head back and studied the trees. "Good coverage." She turned her head to the ruler. "You track then." She stood up, hopped over the bush, and did a few steps. She managed a jump onto a low branch, but she quickly jumped again and landed on a higher and more sturdy branch.
The Conqueror came around the brush and jogged through the woods. "I smell a creek near."
"The deer would have forged it and continued from there," Gabrielle called from her spot high up. "You lead."
"Keep your eyes open for the creek." The ruler followed her senses, and she listened to Gabrielle overhead.
Gabrielle moved quickly through the trees. She managed to keep up with the fast paced ruler. It wasn't long before she spotted the creek so she gave a call down to the Conqueror.
The Conqueror slowed down and carefully approached the sunlit creek.
"Over there." Gabrielle was perched on a branch that stood out from the line of trees. She pointed at the hoofed bank across the creek.
Xena felt a grin twitch at her lips, and she merely nodded. She backed up several paces and suddenly burst into an amazing run. She lifted with her feet near the edge of the creek and soared into the air.
Gabrielle never ceased to be amazed by her own lover's feats. She opened her mouth to say the usual show off joke, but she stopped herself. She instead followed pursuit.
Back in the camp, Eve received a few inquiries from her followers and friends. She kept her answers short and brief. She checked on the fire and made sure the pot of water was ready for later. She went to check on it after awhile, and she started to worry what'd happened to the hunters. Eve left the campfire and edged to the darkened forest. She then heard the faint sound of somebody quietly approaching.
"Gabrielle?" Eve called. She stepped into the woods more but still remained just on the edge of the campfire's light. "Gabrielle?" Suddenly a small hand grabbed her arm and there appeared Gabrielle. Eve gasped and hissed, "By Eli... you're worse than mother."
The warrior smirked, squeezed Eve, and released her. "We got a deer."
Eve slightly had wide eyes. "A deer?"
"Mmmm." Gabrielle tilted her head. "A lot of mouths to feed." She strolled into the camp and picked up the heavy pot, but she easily managed it. "Be back shortly." She disappeared back into the black trees.
Eve showed a crooked smile, and she rejoined the group. She sat and picked up on the conversation around the fire.
Soon enough the large group was not only chatting but eating plenty of nicely cooked deer and soup. Gabrielle remained mostly out of the conversation and just merely listened. The Conqueror was not only out of the conversation, but she sat away from the group. She was amazed at how excellent the dinner was that Gabrielle had prepared with such meager supplies. Her Gabrielle hadn't learn the art of cooking and most likely wouldn't need to anytime soon.
Gabrielle finished her meal, and she excused herself from the campfire talk. She appreciate that a few followers were already taking care of the dirty dishes. She approached the Conqueror, but she didn't say anything and went past her.
"Where you're going?" the Conqueror softly inquired.
The warrior hesitated by the edge of the campfire light. She simply replied, "To check the parameter." She then dissolved into the black forest.
Eve had just heard the low talk between the pair. She focused back on the conversation, but she broke away from it after ten minutes or so. She climbed to her feet and went towards the Conqueror.
"And where are you going?" The ruler arched an eyebrow.
Eve mirrored the raised eyebrow and clipped, "To check the parameter too." She then faded away and searched for Gabrielle.
The Conqueror softly sighed and stared at the campfire. She wasn't too concerned about trouble though.
Gabrielle had walked for only a few minutes before she took a seat on a fallen tree. She propped her boots' soles against the tree's side and dropped her arms on her knees. She stared at the quiet woods around her, but her thoughts were hardly as peaceful. After several minutes, she jumped at the sudden hand on her shoulder then there was a hushed voice at her ear.
"I can play too."
Gabrielle relaxed at Eve's voice. And she absorbed Eve's sly grin when she came around and sat with her. She tilted her head and mentioned, "Your mother use to say that."
"Mmmm," Eve softly agreed. She stretched out her long legs and crossed them at the ankles. She adjusted the green, cloth sash that went across her chest. "How are you doing with this?"
The warrior shrugged and leaned her elbows onto her knees. "It's certainly nothing I expected... but I should be use to that by now."
Eve softly laughed and studied Gabrielle's soft profile. "I miss her too."
Gabrielle broke at the words, and she bowed her head. She raised it again and revealed small tears just under her eyes. "I don't know whether to be happy or upset." She swept back her hair and sighed.
"Aphrodite is trying to help," Eve insisted.
"I know," Gabrielle murmured. "Why did everybody see your mother getting setup?" She turned her head to Eve. "I even did... and I said nothing."
Eve reached over and gathered the small, callused hands into hers. "Mother is close to perfection, but once in awhile that ten percent of imperfection will happen." She slightly grinned in hopes her joke would ease her mother's partner.
Gabrielle shook her head and mirrored the grin. She went more serious. "I really should have said something, Eve. That's what a partnership is about."
"Why didn't you?" Eve pulled her hands away and waited.
"I just... After Ming Tien, I didn't want to repeat what I did."
"I think this is a bit different," Eve argued. She held Gabrielle's curious gaze. "Mother wasn't off on an assassination mission that conflicts with your personal morals."
"It wasn't even about that," Gabrielle debated. "At the time, I felt she picked Lao Ma over me."
"Do you still see it that way? When you look back on it."
The warrior lowered her head and deeply considered it. She had all the facts now. "No, I don't. Xena was trying to pay back Lao Ma."
"Yes." Eve smiled at Gabrielle's rational from years ago. She then urged, "When I look at my mother I can see how much she loves you, Gabrielle. There is nobody higher in her world... not even me."
Gabrielle's head snapped up, and she sharply fought, "Eve."
"No," Eve cut off. "It's the truth... for now." She sadly smiled and explained, "As time goes on, I think mother and I will become closer, but we have to get to know each other again."
Gabrielle completely understood. She sadly released her breath and turned her head away. "Your birth was one of the most amazing and confusing points in my life."
Eve wistfully smiled and tried to imagine what Gabrielle went through at the time. She imagined it caused a ruckus between her mother and Gabrielle's relationship. "Did you first think mother slept with somebody?"
Gabrielle snorted a small laugh and nodded. "I mean, how else could she be pregnant?" She listened to Eve's low chuckled. "I kept picking at her... trying to get the answer I expected, but I knew too she was being honest. It didn't make sense until later."
"If it does really make sense," Eve gently teased. She fell silent and thought about whether to ask the question she'd always wanted to ask but never did in front of Gabrielle. She decided to give in and try. "How do you look at me?" She felt Gabrielle's green gaze on her. "Do I seem like your daughter too? Or more like a niece?" She hesitated but added, "A friend?"
Gabrielle swallowed and internally struggled with a reply. She'd often thought it out too and never really found the right answer. "I'm not sure," she honestly confessed. "I don't know how I feel about it... but I do know how I wish it was." She paused yet softly added, "I wish you were my child too."
Eve lowered her head and stared at the ground under her sandals. She licker her lips and debated how to bring up her recent thoughts. She decided to go straight to the point. "What if I am your daughter too?"
Gabrielle furrowed her eyebrows and replied, "Eve, we know it was Callisto."
"Yes, but I have her spirit." Eve turned some and had a better view of the bard. "Lately I've started to pick up on hints about things. Things that neither mother or Callisto have about them."
"Things?" Gabrielle insisted.
"Qualities, I suppose." Eve finally found the right word. "I never told you or mother this, but I enjoy reading immensely. Not many people know this about me, and I've often hid it too." She searched Gabrielle's face, which was shifting into disbelief. "When I'm traveling with the Elijans, I tell stories at night to help pass time."
"That doesn't prove that..." Gabrielle sighed and finished, "That doesn't mean you're my child."
"No, not at first." Eve was more excited as she continued with her idea that she knew had to be true. "Do you think mother or Callisto would put down their sword and follow the way of love? Neither of them are capable of it, but how can I be if I am them?" She shook her head. "You followed the way of love, Gabrielle."
"And I left it too," Gabrielle reminded.
"More because you had to... for mother." Eve saw how Gabrielle refused to believe her for some reason. "Even my physical features come from your side."
The warrior gently laughed and chided, "The blue eyes especially."
"My eye color is similar to mother's, but not the same." Eve arched a perfect eyebrow. "But Lila has this same blue-green shade as mine," Eve reminded, "and she has curly hair."
Gabrielle darkened her expression at how Eve easily plowed her argument. "Callisto had wavy hair."
"And she also had blond hair... not brunette, but Lila does." Eve slowly arched an eyebrow and stated, "Look at your niece Sara... she looks more like you than her mother."
Gabrielle jumped up to her feet and walked away from Eve. She stopped and turned back to her. "It's just coincidence."
Eve slowly rose up and ignored Gabrielle's weak words. "What if something happened between Heaven and Hell? What if somehow you become apart of the equation for my birth?" She carefully approached Gabrielle and whispered, "What if you're the balance of the equation?"
"It's not possible," Gabrielle argued. She surprisingly felt her throat tightened and tears built up. "Callisto gave Xena you in forgiveness for what'd happened between them. To begin again."
"And tell me she never wronged you?" Eve stepped closer to the upset warrior. "It's possible she made you the other mother so that you would forgive her for everything too."
"No," Gabrielle hoarsely whispered. She was suddenly hit by memories of Perdicus's death, Callisto encouraging her to kill Xena, and Callisto's twisted help that she gave to Hope. Then finally it was Xena's chakram thrown by Callisto that broke Xena's back, pushed Gabrielle off the way of love, and sent them to the cross. "Gods," she rasped, and she started to sink to her knees.
Eve quickly came over and grabbed the falling warrior. She pulled Gabrielle into her body. It was really the first time she'd ever felt Gabrielle in her arms.
Gabrielle cried and buried her face into Eve's neck. Was it truly possible that Eve was her child too? Had Callisto tried to redeem herself through giving back Gabrielle a daughter she'd always wanted? She almost needed to believe it.
Eve bowed her head closer to Gabrielle's. She felt the soft tears escape between her closed eyelids. Then there were the hot tears on her neck, and Gabrielle's strong arms around her. Now Eve was positive that Gabrielle was indeed her mother too because it felt that right. She raised her head up and gradually her turquoise eyes shined towards the heavens. Through all the tree leaves and distance to the sky, Eve spotted a bright star that twinkled above them. A true smile etched across Eve's expression, and that eerie darkness in her since her childhood finally was silenced.
Gabrielle raised her head up, and she met Eve's intense eyes. She freed her left hand and gingerly touched Eve's cheek. "Can it be possible?"
Eve took the warrior's hand into hers. "Yes... yes it is." She then focused her attention onto her linked hands with Gabrielle's.
Gabrielle also studied her hand linked with Eve's. She unlaced their fingers and slowly moved her hand across Eve's until their palms were pressed together and fingers against each other.
Eve tilted her head. She noticed her fingers were longer compared to Gabrielle's, but the similarities showed in how Eve's fingers were sculpted just like Gabrielle's. Eve slowly turned their pressed hands and intently studied each quality that showed how similar her and Gabrielle were after all.
Then another thought came to Eve. She gradually pulled her hand away then narrowed her eyes at the very small beauty mark on Gabrielle's left palm. It was located just under Gabrielle's middle finger on the padding of her palm. The shape of the brown mark was similar to a slightly distorted heart.
"There," Eve murmured. She now turned over her hand and displayed the exact same birthmark.
Gabrielle stretched out her hand and ran her fingertips over the birthmark on Eve's hand. It was even located in the same spot as Gabrielle's but just on a different hand. She parted her lips some, but she wasn't sure what to say.
"I've had it for as long as I can remember," Eve murmured. "I never thought much of it until I noticed yours some time ago."
The warrior shook her head and argued, "You didn't have this at birth." She lowered her hand and locked eyes with Eve. "Unless it developed later."
Eve showed a partial smile and stated, "It's real either way." She waited a second then questioned, "What are the odds I have the same birthmark as you? And in the same location?"
Gabrielle blinked and finally admitted, "Very slim."
"Slim to nothing," Eve corrected.
The warrior stared deeply into Eve's eyes, and she saw pieces of Eve she'd never seen until now. Why hadn't she until now? She felt a crash of emotions, and she suddenly hugged Eve tighter.
Eve smiled and returned the fierce hug. She withdrew after a minute and stated, "I want to go with you and the Conqueror to Chin."
Gabrielle's protective instincts flared up. "No, it's too dangerous... especially if you can't fight."
"I can help with this qi. I've done a lot of research on it," Eve argued. "I read all of Eli's journals on it."
Gabrielle released Eve and considered it deeper. It was true that Eve had that advantage, but it wasn't worth the risk of Eve being hurt or worse. "No." She held Eve's gaze. "Lao Ma's daughter will help us."
"And if she's dead?"
"Then we'll pick up the pieces, Eve."
"This is about my mother," Eve debated. She put her hands on her hips.
"All the more reason for you to stay." Gabrielle shook her head and added, "If something happens to you then I'll never forgive myself."
Eve looked away for a moment and clenched her jaw. "What if you lose objective too?"
The warrior folded her arms and stated, "Not this time. I will not return unless its with your mother or my ashes mixed with hers."
Eve sharply turned back to the older woman she believed to be her mother too. "I don't need to lose both mothers."
Gabrielle closed her eyes at the words. She wouldn't fight Eve's belief that she too was Eve's mother, but she didn't fully believe it herself. She truly wanted to and it was that reason she refused to because it was a dangerous game. She licked her lips then opened her eyes again. "I will return."
Eve raised an eyebrow and whispered, "I'll hold you to it." She brushed her fingertips over Gabrielle's muscular arm, then she walked back towards the camp.
Gabrielle remained still and watched Eve disappear. She inhaled until her chest was full then she slowly let it out. She then was taken surprise by the familiar and stomach knotting sound of low lightening off to her right. She dropped down, extracted her sais, and spun out her blades just as Ares formed near by.
Ares developed a thin smirk and stared down at the weapons that wouldn't hurt him at all. He lifted his gaze back up to the warrior's hardened look. His grin grew wider. "Do I always encourage that response from you?" He chuckled and goaded, "It reminds me a bit of a certain dead Warrior Princess's reaction."
Gabrielle prickled at the god's reference to Xena's death.
Ares folded his arms and slowly strolled closer to the warrior. "Oh that's right... a formerly dead Warrior Princess." He came up to Gabrielle, lifted his hands, and pushed open the sais so he could stand in the small space in front of Gabrielle. He reached down and fingered the chakram hooked to the warrior's waist. "I hear you've taken the job now."
Gabrielle growled and stepped back. She raised her sais. "What you want, Ares?"
Ares poked out his tongue and let the tip touch his upper lip. "Um... what I've always wanted." He closed his mouth but revealed a dark smile. "She's intoxicating, isn't she?"
The small warrior glared at the God of War. "I don't know-"
"Oh come on," Ares cut off. "Those black leathers... they kind of match her dark personality huh?"
Gabrielle gritted her teeth. "This has nothing to do with you."
"Oh but it does, Gabrielle." Ares rested his hands on his hips and tilted his head. "The Conqueror in my world... why didn't I think of it?" He amusingly laughed and joked, "My sister may be blond, but she struck the jackpot on this one."
The warrior pointed her right sai at the god once she realized what he was after now. "Stay away from her. I swear if you come anywhere near her, I'll-"
"Do nothing," Ares sharply finished. "I am a god again, Gabrielle."
The warrior shook her head. She should have known Ares would find out about this. "Look, I'm trying to bring Xena back here. Don't get in my way."
Ares chuckled and held up his hands. "Hey... if you can get Xena back then I'd love to see the impossible." He dropped his hands. "But I think there's no changing it. Those souls depend on her staying dead, Gabrielle." He then shrugged and puckered his lips slightly. "But..." He revealed his smirk again. "It is possible to have a Xena." He pointed towards the camp. "She's not that far different than the Xena you know."
"That's not the point," the bard snapped. "She doesn't belong here."
"Oh but she could... in time." Ares leaned closer to Gabrielle. "Think about it, Gabrielle? You have your Xena and the souls will always be free. You don't have to return to Japa where it all happened."
Gabrielle started to shake her head several times. "No."
"And you don't even have to give the chakram back," Ares joked. He touched the sais' longest points and pushed them down. "Just think about how... warm and exciting your bedroll would be every night."
The warrior glared darkly at the god. "I don't think so."
"You really don't?" Ares lowered his head close to Gabrielle. He carefully scanned up and down Gabrielle's body and deepened his voice. "I hear Xena hasn't kept your bedroll as warm as you'd like lately. Don't you want to know how it feels to have that kind of passion in bed?" He leaned in even closer.
Gabrielle was stiff and lost her breath. Then her lips suddenly burned from the fire of Ares's lips against hers. She closed her eyes and briefly the dark image of the Conqueror flashed past her. Then it was all gone and so was Ares.
"Think about it," echoed Ares voice in the woods.
Gabrielle cursed and wiped away the last of the light yet intense kiss. She knelt and sheathed her sais. She just really needed to go back to camp and sleep it off. She decided first to do the parameter check like she'd promised then it was twenty minutes later that she showed in the camp.
The Conqueror studied the fast moving warrior. She sensed something out of place, but she wouldn't pry though. She figured it had to do something with Eve and Gabrielle.
Gabrielle stayed quiet, and she prepared for bed. She had her boots and weapons off then set by the bedroll. She decided it was best to talk to the ruler while everybody was asleep.
The Conqueror poked the tree branch around in the fire. She tilted her head back when Gabrielle sat on the ground beside her. "How's the parameter?"
"Good." Gabrielle shrugged.
"You must have checked it thoroughly," the ruler taunted.
The warrior huffed and leaned over her crossed legs. "Something like that." She stared at the fire while she spoke. "We'll leave tomorrow at first light?"
"Yes," Xena agreed. "We should get you a horse. We'll need more supplies."
"You don't want to go by boat?" Gabrielle encouraged.
The Conqueror shook her head. "Too long." She then grinned and tried for a poke at the warrior. "Unless you prefer to go by boat."
Gabrielle considered her queasy stomach and blanched. "No, by horse sounds fine."
"Get some rest," the ruler encouraged. "You'll need it."
"What about you?"
The ruler shook her head then replied, "I'll take watch tonight."
Gabrielle decided she couldn't argue. She climbed to feet and said, "Goodnight." She then went to her bedroll and curled up into it. It took a solid hour for her to finally drift into her sleep. She always feared the nightmares that would seek her out each time. Yet tonight was far different than she expected.
Tonight Xena was in her dream again, but it was the Conqueror and not the Warrior Princess. Gabrielle started out in a heated argument with the Conqueror about their plans in Chin. They were not only on opposite sides of the debate but also on the lonely camp. The Conqueror hotly marched around the campfire and in her commanding voice, she declared what plans they would follow.
Gabrielle hotly fought back and picked out the flaws in the plan.
The Conqueror's voice lowered into a growl. She suddenly grabbed the small warrior by her arms and jerked her closer. She snarled her menacing words and darkly informed Gabrielle that she would do as she was told.
The warrior in Gabrielle instantly retaliated. She tried to shove the Conqueror off, but she couldn't be freed from the ruler's strength. Then she simply and coldly declared, "No."
The Conqueror harshly jerked the warrior, stared deeply into stoic green eyes, and she wouldn't let go of her dominance in this struggle. She lowered her head and furiously kissed Gabrielle.
Gabrielle struggled against the Conqueror, but she couldn't stop the kiss. She felt a strong arm across her lower back then her body molded into the Conqueror's tall frame. She pulled out from the kiss with an urgent moan.
The Conqueror had lust filled eyes that promised an endless night. She hooked the warrior's chin with her free hand. She hotly whispered, "Don't fight me... I can show you so much, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle felt something pass into her that she couldn't fight, but she wanted to give into it. She clung to the powerful ruler.
The Conqueror brought her head close and her lips brushed over the warrior's. She murmured, "There's so much passion you haven't seen. I can show you what you've always desired."
Gabrielle whimpered and didn't wait any longer. She covered the Conqueror's lips instantly and feverishly coaxed the darkness from the Conqueror. She gasped for air after the kiss but pleaded, "Show me, Conqueror."
The Conqueror slowly revealed a dark smile, and she had a sly grin. She quickly pushed forward and shoved Gabrielle against the tree that was a few paces away. She captured Gabrielle's lips for another passionate kiss. She maneuvered her hands under the warrior's ass.
Gabrielle quickly understood, and she easily found her body lifted up then her legs were wrapped around the ruler's waist. She linked her arms behind the ruler's head, but she never broke the kiss.
The Conqueror wouldn't let the kisses end, and she pressed the warrior's back hard against the tree. She kept her left hand under Gabrielle to steady her. But her right hand snaked closer to Gabrielle's red skirt and up her inner thigh.
Gabrielle ripped away from the kiss and begged, "Show me... everything."
The Conqueror leaned in but huskily whispered, "I will." She brought her hot lips against the pulse point at Gabrielle's neck.
Gabrielle rolled her head back and moaned. She shut her eyes and arched her back. She could almost feel the Conqueror's fingertips near her center. How she ached to feel them posses her.
"The passion is sooo intoxicating," Ares's voice whispered around the lust driven pair.
Gabrielle whimpered and threw her head back just as the Conqueror's fingertips slipped between her folds. "Eeeverythinggg," she hissed. She suddenly cried out when the Conqueror's fingers plunged deep into her.
Gabrielle sharply sat up in her bedroll and gasped for air. The dream faded away, but she starkly felt the affects of it. She reached up and wiped the sweat from her brow. She gazed across the campfire and saw the Conqueror staring at her intently.
The Conqueror made no comment, but slightly tilted her head. She already had an inkling on what kind of dream the warrior had tonight. The earlier moans and whimpers were clearly distinct.
Gabrielle held her silence. She laid back down, turned in the bedroll, and kept her back to the ruler. She released a deep, quiet breath and desperately shoved the dream away.
The Conqueror focused back on the fire and stared at the lapping flames.
Gabrielle shut her eyes, but she didn't dare go back to sleep. She was far too wired despite the disgust she felt at herself. She tried to block the images out and prayed time would pass her soon. Time just wouldn't be fast enough to avoid the lust driven dream.
Continued.