JUST ONE BITE

pt.12

Gabrielle shook in Xena's arms as Xena heard her make a low growl when she tried to move her. Fearing what was happening, she pulled back.

XENA
Gabrielle? Don't tell me...

She lifted Gabrielle's head to look at her as Gabrielle continued to breathe heavily, almost as if she were in pain. She tried to turn her head away in shame.

XENA
Gabrielle look at me.

Xena gently turned Gabrielle's face back towards her and looked into her eyes that were no longer their usual green, but yellow. Xena sighed as she looked into those eyes that showed a multitude of things with just one look. Pain both physical and emotional, sadness, hunger, a wild frenzy that lurked just beneath the surface that was being forcefully held back but still threatening to break free at any moment.

XENA
When was the last time you ate?

Gabrielle squeezed her eyes shut for a moment as she struggled to maintain her senses.

GABRIELLE
Dinner. You saw me eat.

XENA
Don't play dumb. You know full well that's not what I meant. Now I'll ask again, when did you last eat?

Gabrielle took a few sharp breaths as she tried to calm herself.

GABRIELLE
Few days, almost a week I think.

Gabrielle grimaced as if in pain as she let out a low growl.

XENA
Gabrielle, why would you do that. You know what happens if you don't consume enough...

GABRIELLE
I don't care!

Gabrielle shook her head as she fought against what was building within her.

GABRIELLE
I'm tired of living like this, Xena. We were supposed to return to normal after we killed Bacchus. Everyone else did, so why are we still Bacchae?!

Xena looked at her with a saddened expression.

XENA
I wish I knew. I really do. But I told you that we WILL find a way to return to normal. I promise.

GABRIELLE
When?!

Gabrielle growled as she felt her fangs beginning to emerge. Her body starting to change into her Bacchae form as her skin began to grow pale, and her nails grew into claws. All of which weren't normally visible unless under extreme stress or lack of blood consumption. Seeing the transformation taking place and knowing the danger it posed to both themselves and anyone around if she or Gabrielle lost control of themselves in their full Bacchae state, Xena quickly moved to where their packs were and dug through their things until she found the small bottle that she had drank most of the night before.

XENA
(Irritated/ Thinking to herself) Damn it, I know I forgot to do something today. I was too distracted with not getting caught in the rain. Hopefully this is enough to at least calm her until I get more.

Xena took the bottle and went over to the bed.

XENA
Here Gabrielle, I know you don't like to, but you need to drink this.

Gabrielle whimpered as she resisted the nearly all consuming urge to snatch the bottle from Xena's hand and down its contents completely. When Gabrielle didn't take the bottle, Xena sat back in bed beside her.