Chapter Five -- Spoiled Portions

Xena felt Aphrodite’s hard glance searing her skin.

“I don’t need permission to ghoul someone. You, of all of us, should know that.” Xena took a last gulp of vitae.

“That’s not the point. She hasn’t been taught to manage the gifts. If there was a hunter in the audience, he would be stalking her tonight and would work his way back to you. If you’re so eager for the Final Death, then might I suggest allowing Cupid the chance to drink from you first?” Aphrodite gave the crowd a furtive glance, the thought of a hunter in her place giving her pause.

Rising indolently, Xena headed purposefully for the door. Cupid appeared before her, positioning himself between her and the door.

"Sit down and have another drink.” Cupid said, congenially.

Xena saw a flash of silken drapes out of the corner of her eye. Aphrodite was moving quickly, heading backstage. Going to Gabrielle to warn her off Xena, no doubt. To slip the honey haired singer some of her own blood to negate Xena’s own. Losing Gabrielle, not the thought of failing Ares -- sparked a fire in her that she hadn’t felt in centuries.

“Step away from the door, childer,” her voice brooked no dissent.

Cupid only took a step towards the Brujah, confident in either his or Aphrodite’s ability to keep Xena at bay.

“Know your betters, boy.” She snarled.

“You’re in Elysium. Fights in here are forbidden by the Masquerade. The Prince will hear of it and stake you for the sun.” Cupid’s smirk widened.

Xena’s face was impassive, but inside her mind, she was already tearing his throat out. He was right, of course; which made everything worse. She had been out-foxed by a Toreador -- and by one of Aphrodite's childer, the chief rumor-mongerer of the court Harpy. This incident was going to follow her in the status conscious halls of the Kindred for decades, if she was lucky.

Seconds ticked by slowly. Cupid, with a grace and a sloth that was insulting, stepped back and held the door open for Xena. He smiled brightly, "Come back again."

A ripe curse uttered under her breath and she stalked out into the night. Images of Aphrodite forcing the blonde singer to drink her blood burned in Xena’s mind. Her mind raced trying to come up with plan to counter the elder Toreador’s gambit.

All she could see was Gabrielle grasping at Aphrodite’s arm and drinking greedily. Both of their eyes were shut in a state of bliss that few ever got to see. Aphrodite’s cold, pale hand gently caressed Gabrielle’s reddish-gold hair. Xena felt the tiny spark of hate begin to build into a bonfire. She could feel her fangs itching to be released. Claws crawled slowly from her fingertips. She jammed them into her palm. There was a rushing sound in her ears -- blood was beginning to move through her own body of its own volition. She knew she had to do something, or she would explode and do something that she would regret.

This territory was too quiet, too assidiously patroled by childer, for satisfaction she’d have to go back to Ares domain, but that would lead to awkward questions that she didn’t want to answer. Right now, she had to solve the problem here. Hopping into her car she noticed laying on the center console, a red cassette case. Gabrielle’s tape, must have fallen out of her bag when she’d ridden in the car last.

She turned on the radio and jammed the tape into the player. There was a slight click and the hiss of empty noise. A familiar giggle and a muted masculine voice in the background.

“Okay, okay -- I am serious.” Gabrielle said, then burst out into a fresh gale of laughter, “Stop it, Dave! I mean it!”

There was more muttering in the background, then a slow and steady sigh, “Okay, my name is-- yeah, I want you to edit that out! God, Dave, you’re such a stooge!”

Xena smiled, feeling her anger evaporate in the face of Gabrielle’s failed attempts at seriousness. She doubted that Gabrielle wanted her to have this tape, apparently it had gotten mixed up with her demo tape. So much the better, this is the Gabrielle I’ve come to-- Her mind balked at the word. It was a lesson that every Kindred had to learn sooner or later:

That was one of Caine’s Commandments -- the only one that everyone grudginly agreed to. Love amongst the Kindred, was a risky venture that ultimately destroyed both parties. Xena looked at the backstage door hard. Ares was going to want answers and results soon.

The tinny tape version of Gabrielle cleared her throat, “My name is Gabrielle Connor. I have been playing the guitar for twelve years. My instructor is Alvarez Sendos, a student of Andre Sevogia. On this tape are some renditions of classical pieces. On the other side are some original compositions of mine. I hope you enjoy them.”

Xena leaned back into her seat and closed her eyes. She let the music flow into her being and still the rage in her. She had a copy of this tape playing at her haven almost constantly. Nights not spend searching for prey or running various errands for Ares were spend in solitude with the music and a good book.

Her sensitive hearing picked up the squeal of the metal hinged exit to the club’s backstage, the night muffled click of footsteps. With little effort, she maintained the quiet composure of someone listening to music in their car, as Xena eased her hand down to the gap between the driver’s seat and the door. A sawed-off shot gun rested there, in the event that someone took an unhealthy interest to her. A gentle tap at the window and Xena’s bemused gaze met Gabrielle’s. Smiling, the blonde mimed pulling up the door lock. Stretching across the seat, Xena popped the lock and Gabrielle flung open the door. Depositing the guitar carefully in the back seat, she collapsed into the passenger’s side and gave Xena a kiss on the cheek.

“Hey, sweet thing, you goin’ my way?” The preamble to a little game she liked to play.

“Umm. . . I don’t know. . . I’ve never done anything like this before.”, it amused her to play it, so she would indulge her little songstress.

“S’Okay, I’ll be gentle." Gabrielle leaned closer this time, her kisses were longer and deeper along Xena’s throat.

Maybe Aphrodite didn’t do it?, Xena’s mind fluttered, Maybe she didn't have time?

“Isn’t this a little forward?” She asked, her voice growing husky. The car turned over smoothly as they rolled towards Xena's manse -- as of late, Gabrielle's home away from home.

Gabrielle made an indecisive grunt, “Maybe we’ve been moving too slow.”

“Well, I guess my next question should be what sort of wine would you like to have?”

“What is with it you people and wine?” She smirked, “If you’re not trying to ply with me alcohol, then Aphrodite is.”

Xena’s heart would have skipped two beats at that statement, “You didn’t drink it, did you?”

Gabrielle rolled her eyes, “No. I can’t drink anything when I play. My stomach gets all fluttery.”

Xena smiled warmly. One more and she’s mine, she thought.

“Besides, I want to remember tonight for a very good reason” Her hand rested on top of Xena’s.

“Umm. . . Gabby. . . I should tell you something.” Xena pulled the car over and turned off the engine. This section of town was deserted at this time of night -- thanks to a series of ‘gang-related’ skirmishes between Ares and Artemis. The pair undid their seat belts and turned to look at each other. Xena swallowed, trying to keep her voice even.

“Ohmigod -- don’t tell me you’re straight!” Gabrielle’s face burning with the flush that stoked Xena's Hunger higher than before. It had to be tonight. Tonight or never again.

“No! No, that’s not it at all,” she smiled and took Gabrielle’s hand.

“God, you’re hands are ice.” Gabrielle winced and caught it between her own, chafing them gently to bring warmth into the long fingers..

"Just nervous, that’s all. I’ve never. . . really done anything like this.” She said. Would that be seduce your dinner?, a dark voice whispered.

“It’s all right. I can take it fast or slow.”, Gabrielle slid closer and leaned in, brushing her blouse covered breasts against the leather clad arm.

“Isn’t this a little fast? We’ve haven’t been on a date or anything.” Xena shifted in Gabrielle, enjoying the flirtation.

This is a strong blood bond -- stronger than any other I’ve performed. Wait -- this can’t be love. This can’t!, Xena kept her face impassive as Gabrielle’s eyes closed slowly to kiss lips that were clay cold.

A glow of light heat enveloped Xena’s head. She looked out of the corner of her eye at the rear view mirror, expecting to see a car drive by them. Instead, she saw a distant white light on a roof. She allowed her vision to close in on the light source. White blonde waves tangled over leather clad shoulders, a pair of brown burning eyes. Eyes lacking any kindly emotion or sanity. A grin that was chilling.

“GET DOWN!", Xena grabbed Gabrielle’s head and forced it down, missing the gear shift by mere inches. She placed her own torso over her would-be lover's as glass burst and metal bucked. A flip of a switch unlocked both doors. Gabrielle's scream drilled through Xena's hearing.

This is the life Ares wants you to bring her to. This is what Ares wants for Gabrielle Connor. Can you do it? Can you? The question served only to focus Xena’s attention. Her mind switched automatically to an ancient mind set: the mind of a soldier -- cold, clear and disciplined.

Her gaze flicked around her. There were alleys on either side, the one across from her had a dumpster, good for cover. Sniffing she caught the pungent scent of cordite, gas and oil. Her car was now good for little else but a barricade. She had her two pistols and her shotgun. Her enemy was on the rooftop on the next block, a good place to pick off one person and stay out of pistol range.

“XEEENNNAAAA! YOU’VE GOT TO GIVE ME A LITTLE MORE THAN THAT!! IT WOULDN’T BE ANY FUN JUST SPLATTERING YOUR WORTHLESS BRAINS FROM HERE!! COME ON!!”, the voice was familiar. It spoke to her often in her darker nightmares. It was Callisto -- ghoul mercenary, paid in Kindred blood. She was after Xena -- it was a freebie. The ricochets stopped. Apparently, the weapon she was using was suppressed -- no sound or muzzle flash.

“Gabrielle, listen to me! I’m going to count to three and you’re going to get out of the car and go straight to the alley as fast as you can. Get behind the dumpster and wait until I tell you to come out. Understand?”

Gabrielle was sobbing, “I-I-I can’t go out there! There’s a maniac with a g-g-g-gun and they’ll kill me! Then she’ll kill you! Let’s just drive away!”

“We can’t. The engine is shot. No pun intended. If we stay here, she’s going to hit the gas tank and we’ll all blow up. Gabrielle, I need you to trust me. Can you do that?” She gave her hand a supportive squeeze.

Gabrielle looked up cautiously and nodded. The pair untangled themselves quickly. Xena reached into her jacket holster and held her pistol tightly. Gabrielle’s eyes were as big as saucers. Xena frowned -- this was too much, too soon.

“Ready?”

She nodded slowly. She mouthed out the words I love you. Xena smiled and winked.

“One. . .”

Craning her head to look out the shattered rear window, she saw the muzzle of a short rifle carefully creep out from a brick corner.

“Two. . .”

Xena reached back with her free hand and wrapped it around the door latch.

“THREE!!”, with speed borne of both blood and fear, Xena leaped out of her car laying down suppressing fire from her pistol. In two strides, Gabrielle was in the safety of the alley. Xena began running across the street. Her gun echoed in the lifeless streets. Showers of brick dusted near the corner. She knew she wasn’t going to hit her target, but the firing would give her time to find a more defensible position.

“NO FAIR HIDING, XENA!”, Callisto screamed, “I GUESS WE'RE NOT HAVING ANY FUN!”

Xena calmly switched pistol clips. She winced as she looked at the bottom of the clip she slid into home. Blue, not a color she really wanted to see right now. Her other pistol held a blue clip as well. Xena cursed herself for not being prepared with the incendiary rounds that could put Callisto -- and other Kindred -- down for good. She looked across the street, half expecting to see Gabrielle’s lifeless body sprawled on the sidewalk. Xena blinked away the mental image, and chided herself to focus. If that happened, Callisto was going to die in half-inch increments. There was no body on the sidewalk, nor in the mouth of the alley. She had to be safe behind the dumpster. She rested her head on the brick wall. Concentrate, dammit! she chided herself. Taking a wary glance around the corner, Xena tried to re-evaluate her strategy as she slid her second pistol back in it's holster for back-up.

The black blob was almost invisible in the night. Xena would have missed it, had she not expanded her senses further than humanly possible. Callisto’s hunched form crept with a silent speed, her gun held up at the ready. Xena unleashed her cannon with a cold and stony face. The form broke into a scurried run as bullets sparked from the wall and the car chassis. Xena looked behind her, there was no cover for her. She was trapped.

The first few bullets from Callisto’s spray sizzled by Xena’s nose and head. She flung herself on the ground, holding her pistol out ahead of her. Callisto was using incendiary rounds. She was playing for everything. Nothing new for Xena, who braved worse in her mortal life. Xena fired three shots at the car, trying to keep Callisto’s head down.

“Come on, Callisto! All that time learning and I have you boxed in like a rat! It’s going to take more than a fire-round to put me out. You think you can go the distance with me? You think you’ve got the intestinal fortitude to step in the ring ? HA!! You’re nothing but a spear carrier!” , Xena rolled quickly out of the way as the ghoul mercenary shrieked in fury and held the trigger down. Chips of concrete and metal flew, showering Xena in a jagged gray cloud.

Then the cloud stopped growing and settled.

She moved like lightning while Callisto was jamming in a fresh clip, furiously working the frozen action. She said something, but it was lost in Xena’s concentration. Her legs seemed to stretch impossibly as she covered the distance in three strides. Springing into the air, Xena leaped over the ruined hood of her car with a undulating cry. Callisto looked up in genuine surprise as Xena’s foot made contact with her chest. Callisto made a grunting squeak as she was thrown back against the wall.

Xena landed cat-like, then opened fire. She continued to pull the trigger until the final click of the empty magazine barely registered through her blood haze. Mechanically, she dropped her arm and drew her second pistol.

“XENA! STOP IT! It’s dead!” Gabrielle rushed out from behind the trash bin. With a short chop, she forced Xena’s arm down. She shot a glance at her that would have peeled paint from a house.

“There is only one way to make sure." Xena trained the sight on the matted blonde head. Gabrielle stepped in front of the pistol.

“No. Let’s just go. . . please. . .," her green eyes were pleading volumes. Xena lowered her pistol slowly.

“OK, we’ll get our stuff from the car and we’ll hail a cab.” Xena turned to open the passenger door.

She heard the sound of shuffling movement. Spinning on her heel, she raised her gun in time to see Callisto place the barrel of her own pistol on Gabrielle's head. Xena kept her face calm. If Callisto really knew what she had, Gabrielle would be dead regardless of what Xena did.

“You used to harder than this, Xeennnaa. . . I guess old age is slowing you down.” Callisto’s demented grin shone like a twisted sun over Gabrielle’s shoulder. One of Callisto’s hands were clamped hard on over the woman’s throat, the other was gripping a pistol jammed into Gabrielle’s temple.

“Let her go, Callisto. This is private.” She said, trying to keep the maelstrom of dark rage down to a manageable level. A trajectory for the bullet was plotted with a surgeon’s care -- right between the eyes and she would be dead once and for all.

“I know what you’re thinking -- do it and my death twitch will splatter this little blood doll’s brain all over the wall," Callisto gave her an appraising look, “Not your usual flavor, I see. Tired of flogging the red heads?”

“Xena. . . what is she--”

Callisto’s face lit with surprise, “She doesn't know? Well, I guess we can add breaking the First Tradition to the list of crimes. I can barely wait to make it to Oak Street tonight.”

“Let her go and you can have that opportunity.” Xena kept her arm up. Callisto took a step back, dragging Gabrielle with her. Xena mirrored Callisto carefully, never letting Gabrielle out of her sight. She was not going to have this woman’s death on her hands if she could prevent it.

“I think that she and I should have a long talk about you. Maybe her view of you will change when she knows that you’ve got blood on your hands. Hmm? Think she’ll still be willing to let you smack her around after she knows you cut the throats of innocent people? I doubt it, but you can never tell with this generation.” Callisto gave a tug. Gabrielle tried to follow, but her foot caught in the broken concrete curbing and she went down, sending the pair pitching forward. Callisto let go of Gabrielle to catch herself, Xena saw the white haired bitch realize her mistake. Gabrielle was no longer in the line of fire.

Xena smiled as she tugged the trigger of her pistol, giving full vent to her rage. Her first three shots went wild, but the remainder of clip’s bullets were on target -- avoiding the obviously protected chest and tearing through the top of her turtleneck. Callisto, with supreme effort, raised her gun and fired a single shot at Xena.

A sensation of burning punched through her shoulder as she fired the last two shots into Callisto’s throat. The wet gagging gobble of the mercenary’s last breath preceded the limp tumble into the gutter as a red pool grew beneath her, spreading like a fan.

“Get your things.”, Xena rasped, pulling the cell from her jacket pocket and punching the auto dial code for Ethan, “It’s me. Pick up 4th and Broad.”

“My guitar. . . Your car. …dammit. . . dammit all. . . .” Gabrielle groaned as she fished out the drilled case. She tossed it back into the car, “Let’s go. I don’t care,” her eyes were beginning to brim with tears. Xena thought about using the last clip to pump into Callisto’s inert body just to feel better.

No, she thought, there’s been more than enough gunplay for one evening. It’s going to be hard enough to explain everything to her -- no need to make her hysterical. Xena holstered her pistols and picked up Callisto’s discarded weapon, “MP-5K. She’s moving up in the world. Let’s go before the cops show up and we have to answer some awkward questions.”, Xena turned around and guided Gabrielle down the alley to the other side of the street. She pressed three digits on her cell phone, “Hello? 911? Yeah, my car’s been stolen. I last saw the person driving it towards Main. She had blonde hair and looked like crack addict”, Xena hung up the phone, “That’s that.”

“That’s it? Xena, we were involved in a gun battle in downtown and that’s all you’re going to do? We could have been -- ohmigod! You’ve been shot!”, Gabrielle ripped off her jacket and pressed it over the hole in her shoulder, “We have to get you to a hospital!”

Xena swatted the hand reaching for her shoulder aside, “No I don’t. I’ll be fine once I get home”, she looked down the street at a pair of speeding headlight, “There’s Ethan.”

Ethan’s car slowed to a stop. Xena opened the passenger door and shoved her friend in, “Home, Ethan and be quick. I’ve been injured, but it’s not lethal.”

Gabrielle opened her mouth, but Xena’s eyes cut to the driver and back to the pale face, a silent command for quiet. The girl’s jaw snapped shut and she faced forward, trembling in indignation? Fear? Anger? Xena looked out the window one last time, half-expecting to see Callisto's body stumble down the street.

“I’ll explain everything at home, and Ethan, this never happened.”, she said, shrugging out of her jacket with a grimace. The wound was clean and below her collarbone. She wouldn't have to mime her own death, then leave town never to return. That would have been a sentence worse than the Final Death. Never to see Gabrielle again for eternity. Carefully, she felt her back and found the exit wound.

Good, it will take a minimum of blood to heal, she thought, giving the shaking blonde a glance out of the corner of her eye, the decision has been made for me. Tonight she learns all, and I pray to whatever God is out there she'll at least listen before she runs off screaming.

Chapter 6