CHAPTER 4 Gabrielle hung her head over the side of the ship and watched as her revisited lunch washed away. She was sick of being on this gods forsaken boat but she still didn’t look forward to setting foot in Higuchi. Memories of Xenas decapitated body welled up in her mind, the heaving in her gut returned. “Gabby?” Aphrodite rubbed Gabrielles back gently trying to soothe her friend. “Lunch was good.” She said taking a nearby scrap of fabric and wiping her face off. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take.” “Well be there soon.” Aphrodite pulled Gabrielle from the side of the ship and lead her to the barracks. “Here, sit down.” She slid a chair over to Gabrielle and sat her down. The goddess stood behind the Bard and began massaging her shoulders. Gabrielle relaxed. “That feels great. How are you doing that?” With every touch she felt years of pain being melted away. “Just one of my many powers. I still have enough to do this.” “How much do you have now?” “Not much we should be getting close.” Days passed and finally Higuchi appeared in the distance. In the early dawn the thin fog still lingered around the small shops and homes. The only clearly visible structure was the temple. Nestled high on a lush, green hill it was a beautiful sight. However Gabrielle feared that place, nothing about Higuchi was beautiful to her, it was hell. She couldn’t push the memories away now, for every inch of this place reminded her of the most horrible day of her life. “Well, we better get there.” Ares stated as he threw his vest on. “Don want to waste any time.” The ship docked and the three headed off to the temple. With every step closer Gabrielle felt more and more sick. Ares kept a close eye on her, making sure she wasn’t overwhelmed. As they walked through the small market place they caught many confused looks. Three foreigners one in a gossamer black dress and the other two dressed as dark warriors, was not a common sight to them. Some retreated into their shops and homes, unsure of what trouble these new comer may cause. As they approached the edge out of town, an old balding man walked toward them. He walked purposefully with his head held high. His gait was more that of a man in his prime than a man whose years were probably nearing mid-seventies. The trio stopped and waited for him, once he was within arms length he drew his katana, fast as lightning. Gabrielle in turn drew her katana, the ghost killing blade blessed by Harukata. She had taken it after Xena vanquished Yodoshi. “Are you Gabrielle? The Warrior Bard?” She could barely understand his quick speech. Xena had taught her some of the languages spoken in the east, but just enough to some what understand them. “I am.” She said eying him for any slight movements. “And you?” “You knew my brother, Harukata, the Ghost Killer. He was murdered by Yodoshi. I became his successor. I am Ryuu, a Ghost Killer as well. I was hoping you would return Warrior Bard.” He bowed to Gabrielle, rose, then held out his sword in offering. “I offer you my service.” “Service for what?” Gabrielle inquired after returning Ryuus bow. “It seems my brother was mistaken. Please follow me to the temple. I will explain more over a hot meal.” They followed Ryuu to the temple in silence. Gabrielles mind however raced with questions. She didn’t understand what he meant abut his brother being wrong. She wasn’t even sure what all Harukata and Xena had planned. All she knew is Harukata blessed the sword she now possessed to kill Yodoshi once and for all. Yodoshi killed Harukata as he finished the incantation. Xena then killed Yodoshi after a great battle. They reached the temple where Ryuu used an intricate dragon knocker on the polished wooden door to announce their arrival. A monk in white robes pulled the door open. He bowed low as Ryuu led Gabrielle, Ares and Aphrodite in. They proceeded halfway down the corridor then turned right down a small hallway leading to a room with a long table filled with and assortment of fruits, vegetables, bread and dried meats. Ryuu waved his hand beckoning for them to sit. A monk carrying a jug approached the table and another came with goblets made of polished wood. They filled four with a light amber liquid and set them in front of each traveler. The two monks bowed as the backed out of the room. “Please friends drink.” More monks entered the room holding large bowls of steaming hot soup and platters with various sizzling fragrant meats. “Eat.” Ares piled meat and bread on his while Aphrodite picked through berries and vegetables, now being mortal they felt the pangs of hunger. Gabrielle took a small roll and more picked it apart than ate it. Her body was starving, her mind however was averted by it. “So, Ryuu, why were you looking for us?” Gabrielle asked fidgeting with her roll. “Grave times have fallen on Higuchi since you left and the Warrior Princess died.” He shoved his plate away seeming to suddenly be put off his meal. He snatched the goblet and finished what was left in it. “So much death and violence. Some fear demons have possessed the townsfolk to commit murders. At first it was only a few in a moon cycle, now its a few a day. All murdered. Whats more disturbing is that its mostly young women and children being murdered. When we find the killer they never remember the slaughter and we can never find why they did such a thing. People with no previous relation, or even knowledge of each other, slay each other. There is no reason. Then there are the demons we find lurking the shadows at night. They pillage homes and take our children. They are near impossible to fend off let alone defeat. I fear the worst.” His voice trailed off. “The worst?” Gabrielle asked. Aphrodite had a look of deep sadness and shrunk in her seat, unwilling to hear of death, especially the deaths of children. Ares sat straight listening intently as if to battle plans. He edged closer to the edge of his seat focused toward the answer. “Hell on Earth.” OOOOK There you go. My hand is cramping bad tonight so this it the only chapter for tonight. BTW there is a Don typo in there somewhere but i cant find it now :P its supposed to be dont but any way....lol enjoy
Posted on: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 02:39:53 +0000
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