Best Friends, Better Enemies, Chapters 1 & 2DISCLAIMER: These characters, at least the ones you recognize, are property of MCA/Universal and the author intends no copyright infringement in the writing of this story.
Disclaimer: If you do not approve of violence against women, please note that the material contained herein does contain such matter as required by the storyline. If you do not like it, then do not read it.
Thank You.
Chapter 1
The sweltering heat of the summer day showed it's effect casually on the two occupants of the forest that late afternoon. The sun, high overhead, reflected it's fierce light off the tiny droplets of dew that ran down the smooth muscled necks of the two women.
One, riding sedately on a beautiful mare, was taking advantage of what little breeze her position afforded her. The other was walking leisurely at her side, a stout wooden staff assisting her. Both looked longingly for any small gust of air to pass, but to no avail.
"By the gods, I have never felt such heat before."
The one walking cried out. Her companion above her looked down at her best friend and smiled.
"Reminds me of when I was in Tartarus saving Marcus. The heat there almost equals this."
Her loose gesture encompassed it all, taking in the general area around them in a broad sweep. And yet, Helios, high overhead, did not stop his daily ride across the sky, offering little hope to Xena & Gabrielle of relief before the end of the day.
"Xena, don't you think since we're this far north, that we could take a detour by Olympus? It is the home of the gods, so it must be pretty magnificent."
Looking down into the brilliant eyes of her best friend, Xena knew that even though the side trip would take them days longer to reach their destination, she could not bring herself to refuse her blonde companion.
"All right. But not too close. No reason to tempt fate more than normal."
Gabrielle's face glowed with the happiness of her small victory. Rarely did Xena ever concede to Gabrielle's small requests. And considering that they were going to visit the seer, Polyidus, who had sent for Xena specifically, saying only it was a matter that pertained to her future. Gabrielle knew what a concession Xena was making to give her this detour.
Her steps practically bouncing, Gabrielle entered into another spirited tale of the gods, with Xena looking on contentedly. But while Gabrielle was spinning her yarn, Xena's mind began to wander from the story of the old titans her friend was telling.
She and Gabrielle had been together for several years now. And their friendship was as strong as the steel of her chakram. Yet worry, constantly present at the back of her mind, plagued her. Gabrielle had learned much since the beginning, of defending herself and others. She still couldn't wield a sword very well, but Xena didn't particularly care of she ever did learn that skill. What if one day, she's forced into making a decision like the ones I've made? It would destroy her if something like that happened.
Slowly, with the continuation of their journey, the terrain around them changed from heavily forested to beautiful meadows, from which the imposing Mount Olympus could be seen. Stopping in the middle of the field, Xena had an uneasy feeling as she began a slow survey of the perimeter of the tree line, but Gabrielle didn't seem to notice. She was staring up at the beautiful mountain above her, shielding her eyes from the bright sun in order to get a better view.
"Look at it, Xena. Isn't it amazing?"
"Mhmm. "Xena muttered in reply, her eyes still scanning for the prickle at the back of her neck.
Gabrielle, having studied the mountains for several minutes, took time to survey her immediate surroundings. Standing in the middle of an immense field filled to bursting with wildflowers.
Gabrielle exclaimed delightedly, "Look! These are flowers I've never seen before."
But still Xena was not attending her friend as Gabrielle quickly walked to a large patch of pink and yellow flowers. She was tempted to pick one, they were so pretty. But at the same time, they were unusual, and must be created by one of the gods. They'd probably be mad at me if I did, Gabrielle reasoned a she began to rise from the kneeling position she had taken.
But a glint of light on the ground not far away caught her eye. What is it? she thought, curiosity eating away inside her. Since it glitters so beautifully, I doubt it's a flower. And then, with her usual reasoning, Gabrielle decided the object was harmless and reached for it.
As she grasped it, a strange tingle started shooting up her arm, almost like it was going numb. She shook it briskly, then again picked up the object. The tingle started again, but Gabrielle was determined. Pulling the object out of it's partially buried position, she sat back with a large battle sword sitting in her lap.
It's design was obviously old, she thought, as she ran her hand down the corroded length of the rusted blade. Large chunks were missing in spots, and others crumbled beneath her hand. Poor quality too, she thought to herself. But why then would they put such a inferior blade in a beautiful hilt like this? she wondered.
Although clods of dirt still stuck firmly to it, the glimmering gold, etched with strange symbols and surrounding a blood red stone, looked almost new in the late day light. Boy, is this thing heavy, Gabrielle mumbled, as she used both hands to lift the oversized sword up, pointing the tip to the sky. Wait, is there something in that jewel? It looks like there's something inside it. Turning the stone towards the light, Gabrielle started to call out,
"Xena, come and see..."
but her words ceased abruptly as a flood of light from the angled stone struck her eyes. Before everything went dark, Gabrielle could have sworn she heard Xena's cry over a deep, evil voice, laughing in triumph. But then she knew no more.
Chapter 2
At last! Freedom from that wretched stone. But what is this? The distribution of weight is different. What type of form is my spirit housed in now?
"Gabrielle! Gabrielle, wake up!"
Who is this fool woman shaking me? Eyes open wide in the body of Gabrielle as the entity inside her began to force the first of her movements. Ah, yes. And what a woman it is. I've gone far too long without sampling the delights this lovely creature has to offer.
"Gabrielle? What happened? I turned around and saw you collapsing. Are you all right?"
Xena carefully slid her arm around Gabrielle's shoulders as with the other, she smoothed her long, blonde hair. My dear friend, she mentally soothed, tell me what's wrong.
I'm a woman! Of all the bodies to be encased in, it would have to be a weakling woman. As the thought formed in the mind of the entity, another presence swam to the surface, crying out her outrage, but the spirit from the sword buried her away again. The effort of subduing Gabrielle's consciousness after entering another form so soon was too much for the new partnership. The form of Gabrielle swayed unsteadily as her eyes rolled back under her eyelids. Drat! What a nuisance. I forgot how weak a normal body really is.
"Gabrielle, I'm sorry. Just lie back and relax. We can talk later."
Gentle hands lowered Gabrielle's body to the soft ground. Ahh, I could get used to this, thought the entity. I wonder. The way this one is acting, maybe these two are lovers. Now THAT could be interesting!
But as self absorbed as the entity was, it's thoughts returned to the present situation it found itself in. So odd, this body. It may take me a while to get used to it. I had better play it safe for a while.
"The sword. It was too heavy. I didn't realize till I lost my grip..." the entity ended there with a long, drawn out moan. Xena was both relieved and concerned with Gabrielle's explanation.
That would explain the flash of light I saw, as well as her weakened condition. But she should have some mark on her head, from where the sword hit her. And there isn't even a blemish. Something strange happened here. She's not telling me the truth. But that can't be. Gabrielle would never lie to me. We're best friends, for Zeus' sake!
Xena's agile mind skimmed over the possibilities, but none made any sense. Before she could continue her deductions, Gabrielle let out another tiny moan. Immediately, Xena was the caring nurse once again.
"Take my hand, Gabrielle. We need to get you to the nearest town. Fast. Do you think you can ride?"
The entity inside Gabrielle smiled viciously, knowing he could make this body do backflips if necessary. But for the sake of the performance he was staging, he mumbled a reply in Gabrielle's soft voice.
"I... I think so. If you help me."
Xena graciously smiled as she wrapped Gabrielle's arm around her shoulder and grasped her waist.
"Of course I'll help you. You know there's almost nothing I wouldn't do for you."
Laying it on thick, the entity allowed Gabrielle's body to grow heavy with languor. Then he remembered the sword.
"Wait! The sword. We can't leave the sword!"
Xena eyed the discarded weapon and asked, "But why would you want it?"
Looking at the object laying in the dirt, the entity remembered all the magnificent battles he had carried it into. As well as all the enemies that had fallen to it's blade.
"It may come in useful later." the Gabrielle entity replied.
Xena shrugged fatalistically. As soon as she had Gabrielle sitting atop Argo, she went back to pick up the sword. How odd, she thought. The blade should be corroded away by now, after setting exposed to the elements for so long. But instead, it's silver edge shined beautifully. Almost as if someone had cared for it meticulously over the years. It certainly is a glorious weapon, she mused. Fit for the gods themselves.
Xena pushed the tingle of unease to the back of her mind, and sheathed the gleaming object across her back with her own sword. With the weapon secured, Xena returned to Argo and mounted behind Gabrielle.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of you as soon as we reach an inn."
Evilly, the entity thought, yes, I know.
