ForevaXena's FanFic . . .
Knyte's
Encore
(Knyte's Series
Story Three)
by Mikala D'Amour
© 2002, September
DISCLAIMERS
Standard Disclaimer: The
characters of Xena, Gabrielle, etc. are owned by MCA/Universal and no copyright
infringement is intended. The
characters in this story belong solely to me though.
Uber:
This
story is Uber-esque and any likeness to certain characters of Xena follows
standard uber story lines.
Violence
Warning: This
story depicts scenes of violence and their aftermath
Language
Warning: Yes,
some, but not much.
Subtext:
This story depicts sexual
relations between two women who are in love. If that offends you there are
plenty of other stories you might want to read. If you are under 18 or it is
illegal where you live, look elsewhere. If
the idea of two women in love and acting on said love offends you… Do not pass
GO, do not collect $200. If not,
please enjoy my musings….
Miscellaneous:
I do not know or
claim to have even met either Renee O’Connor or Lucy Lawless.
The brief appearance of said women is simply for the story’s sake.
No harm or offense is intended.
Joana
Skylar Knyte = Xena
Emily Danielle Arbor = Gabrielle
Erin
Michaels = Ephiny
Krystal Anark = Kestra
Sarah
Hawk = Solari
Erika Rozwel = Eponin
Colleen
Caliss = Callisto
Tali Mauvais = Alti
Steven
Knyte = Toris
Song/Music:
“Some
People’s Lives”, by Bette Midler, © Atlantic Records.
“Love Changes Everything”, by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. © 1998 The Really Useful Group Ltd. “By Heart”, By Laura Creamer. ©
Jim
Brickman and Hollye Leven.
No copyright infringement is intended.
“Okay, let’s move the ramp over there.” Joce called out pointing to the left of the stage. She was trying to make everything perfect, at least as close to it as possible. Jo had everything laid out in detail of how she wanted the stage set up for the show. “No, wait. The keyboards need to be on the platform to the right in front of the drums. Buck-up signer microphones on the left platform.” Letting out an exasperated sigh, she approached the stage crew.
Liza silently watched her lover work with amused pride. She had been able, with much persuasion, convinced the chief to approve her two weeks leave. The leave wasn’t really needed, but it provided the perfect excuse to spend a little more time with Jocelyn. She became lost in thoughts of the past four months. A soft tap on her shoulder interrupted her musings. Turning she found Sarah standing over her with drinks in hand.
“I thought you might want a drink.” Rah smiled.
“Thanks. When do you think she’ll finish or at least take a break?” Liza asked, pointing to her lover on the stage.
“Probably not for a while yet. She and Jo are about the same. They want everything to be as close to perfect as possible.” Rah replied with a shrug. “You want to come with Em, Erin and I? We’re gonna go get something to eat.” She added.
Liza looked up at her lover once more and then back to Rah. “Sure, why not. It doesn’t appear she’ll even notice I’m gone.” She shrugged.
“She’ll notice alright. Here come Rik and Jo to her aide. Now things will get really crazy up there. Oh, look there’s Sam. With our other halves up there fixing the stage, we can sneak out.” Rah giggled. Jo, Rik and Sam were already busy helping the stage crew set everything up. Rah took Liza’s arm and led her away.
“Hey Jo, where do you want this?” Joce called pointing to a large crate. Jo looked to Sam and then back to Joce. Laughing she walked over to where Joce was standing.
“This goes backstage at the end of the ramp.” She began. “It’s my bike.” The container was moved to said location with Jo, Rik and Sam following right behind. The crate was opened and resting before them was Jo’s pride and joy. A Harley-Davidson Sportster stood before them. It was black with blue lightning bolts across the sides. Sam gave her approval with a nod of her head, while Rik whistled loudly at the sight. Jo chuckled.
The group busily worked at setting up the stage well through the afternoon. Glancing at her watch, Sam addressed her friends: “Hey Jo, you got any idea where our other halves are?” It was nearly five in the evening and there was no sign of Rah, Em, Erin, and Liza. Jo stopped what she was doing and scratched her head. Rik looked to Joce with a puzzled look. Joce looked at her friends and began to wonder herself. They were just about to go in search of the others when Rah walked onto the stage with everyone else right behind her.
“Where’d you go?” Joce asked as she pulled Liza close.
“We went to get some food and then decided to go sight-seeing. After all it’s not everyday you get to see New Zealand.” Rah chuckled, answering for her friend. Rik shook her head and looked to Em and Erin. Jo and Sam were still busy setting up the stage.
“There.
I think we can break for today and finish this tomorrow.”
Jo announced. She and Sam
joined the group. “Everyone
ready to go?” Everyone
nodded. After saying goodbye to each other, the group separated.
A lone figure stood off to the side watching them.
As they left, the figure went backstage.
**************
“Well, my darling. Tomorrow you ill see that I am not playing games this time. I will have what’s mine. The fall of Joana Knyte is coming and with it the rise of Tali Mauvais.” The woman said. After exiting her car, she approached the club. Once inside, she went directly to the bar. She ordered vodka on the rocks and sat down at the bar. She sat looking out over the crowd. A redhead caught her eye and she left the bar.
“Hi.” She said as she arrived at the woman’s side.
“Hi.” The woman replied.
“You want to dance?” The woman nodded and Tali led her onto the dance floor. Their bodies melted together as they were swept up into the music. Tali leaned down closer to her companion’s ear and whispered: “You want to get out of here?” She received a nod and proceeded to lead them out of the club. They were silent during the drive.
As they exited the car, Tali pulled the woman close and covered her lips with her own. Somehow, they managed to make it inside the hotel room. She paused once inside and offered the woman a drink. Her urges took over after they had finished their drinks and Tali suddenly found herself above the woman. Two gray eyes seductively looked up into her eyes. “What is your name, my sweet?” She inquired.
“Sylvia.” The woman answered. Not another word was spoken for a long time to come. After a long while of hot sex, the two sat upon the bed talking. “What do you do?”
“I’m a singer.” Tali replied.
“That’s amazingly ironic. I work for a singer.” Sylvia announced.
“Really, can you tell me who?” Tali prodded.
“Sure. I work for Joana Knyte.” Tali froze at the mention of her nemesis’ name. Shaking her head, she smiled.
“Wow. I have admired her for a long time. She’s my favorite singer.” Sylvia smiled and kissed her new lover. “I’d really like to get to know you better.” Tali said. Sylvia agreed with her and said that she, unfortunately, had to get going. Tali asked to meet her again for dinner. They agreed Friday they would meet again. Tali dropped her off back at the club and watched her leave.
“What luck.
Oh, Jo we will see each other again and soon.
I will have what is rightfully mine.”
She laughed and drove off.
***************
Everyone was on stage rehearsing for the next night’s performance. After a few minutes, Jo decided to take a quick break. She left the stage and headed to her dressing room. Upon entering the small room, she noticed a bunch of red roses sitting on her vanity. She went over and found a card on the desk. She picked up the card and leant down to smell the roses.
Taking a deep whiff, she suddenly felt dizzy. Glancing at the card, she gasped and promptly passed out. The card landed upon her chest, the writing on plain display: “Welcome back. Now I will take my place on the stage. Tali” Sometime later she awoke to find herself in her hotel room with Emily sitting by her side. “Hey beautiful.” She croaked.
“Oh baby, you’re awake.” Em exclaimed as she drew her lover close. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Sam and Rik entered the room upon hearing Em’s outburst. The two women approached Jo to check on her. Jo was puzzled by everyone’s odd behavior. Turning her head, she glanced at the clock. It was nearly five in the evening. She had been out cold for nearly six hours!
“Um, what happened? The last thing I remember is finding roses.” Jo struggled to sit up and finally managed to with help from Sam.
“You passed out.” Rik stated. Em rolled her eyes at her friend.
Sam chose that moment to enlighten her friend. “We think that the roses you got or the card had something to do with why you passed out. Liza called the local police and they took the items to run tests. Everyone is still puzzled by the card that came with the flowers though. Just who is Tali?”
Jo face turned into a look of pure rage at the mention of Tali’s name. She turned to her lover and took a deep breath. “Everyone better be here when I tell you all about Tali.” With help from Sam, Jo got up and moved to the other room. She sat down at the table and picked up the phone. She dialed and waited for someone to pick up.
“Hello, Knyte’s Domain Studios.
How may I help you?”
“Hey Scott, is my brother there?” Jo inquired.
“Sure Jo.
Just hang on one sec.”
“Thanks.” Jo sat and waited for a moment before the phone was picked up again.
“Hey sis. What’s up?” Steve asked.
“Hey little bro.
I need a little help. I need
you to get Resa’s address.”
“No problem.” A few minutes later Jo said her goodbyes and hung up. Everyone in the room was looking at her with a puzzled expression.
“If I’m going to explain this, then I’ll need a little help. I have a friend who lives here that will help me. Get everyone together and we’ll go.” Jo stated as she left the room. About 30 minutes later everyone was in the lobby. “Come on.” She said and led the group to the waiting cabs. A short while later, they arrived at a rather large log home.
Jo walked up to the door with everyone following right behind. She knocked on the door and waited for an answer. The door opened and a young redhead stood before the group. Taking one look at Jo and studying her for a moment, she allowed the group inside. “She’ll be surprised to see you Jo.” She commented as she led the group to the backyard. She pointed to a figure standing near a small pond. Jo nodded and moved toward the figure.
“Hello Resa.” She nearly whispered. The figure turned and seemed to stare intently at Jo.
“Jo? Is that you, ma petite cherie?” The woman spoke.
“Oui, ma mére.” Jo replied. The two embraced for moment before Jo spoke again: “I have brought some friends with me. I need your help. Tali is back. Voulez-vous aide moi?” Jo explained to her friend.
“Oui.
One moment.” The woman addressed the redhead and soon chairs were brought
out and everyone was seated. “I
can help, but I must be sure you want your friends to know this.”
“I’m sure. Allow me to introduce everyone, s’il vous plait?” Resa nodded. She introduced Rik, Rah, Erin, Sam, and Liza. Turning to her love, she took her hands and brought her to Resa’s side. “This is the love of my life, my fiancée: Emily Arbor.” Jo laced Em’s hands in Resa’s. Em sat back down after a moment. “Guys, I suppose I should give proper introductions for Resa as well. Resa has known me forever it seems. She was the one who performed my marriage ceremony to Chris.” Jo paused as she choked on her words. Em reached out and squeezed her love’s hand. Jo smiled at her love and sat down. Everyone waited for whatever Resa had to say.
“First of all, I must say that I am extremely surprised to welcome you back to my home Jo. It has been so long.” She looked down for a moment, then back at the group. Sighing, she continued: “I only wish I could see your beautiful smile and soulful eyes. Anyway, I shall begin when Tali first came into the picture. She was a huge fan of Jo’s from the beginning. I met her at a party we threw for Jo here at my home. That was before Chris. Jo had just released her second album. She and Chris met at the party. Tali took an instant dislike to Chris.” Resa paused and looked to Jo.
“Tali tried to convince me to leave Chris alone. She used every excuse in the book.” Jo added.
“Yes, Tali was more than jealous of Chris and her jealousy only grew as the relationship deepened. Tali was an upcoming singer and had asked Jo to help her with her first album. Jo agreed, but when it came time to cut the record, she couldn’t do it. Truth was that Tali needed to work on her vocals and Jo told her so. Around that same time Chris and Jo announced their engagement. Tali disappeared. She reappeared at the wedding reception. Everyone was surprised to see her. Jo tried to talk to her, but she refused. She stood before everyone and said her piece. Once she finished, she left and was never heard from again.” Resa concluded.
“What did she say?” Liza asked.
Resa turned to Jo. Jo hung her head and stood. She moved away from the group and remained silent. With her back still facing the group she spoke: “I remember her words as if she was saying them now. ‘Joana Knyte, you bitch. I loved you. Do you hear me? I loved you. You ruined me and someday I will have my revenge. I will have what’s mine.’ She turned to Chris and said her final words. ‘Just you wait slut. I’ll make you pay for taking the woman I loved.’ She walked away and disappeared.” Jo walked off leaving everyone staring after her.
Emily stood to follow her, but Resa grabbed her arm. “Non ma petite. Let me go. She is in the past where no one can reach her.” She paused. “Jo sees only the events that occurred then. Tali has opened deep wounds once more. Joce, you stay with Emily and comfort her. I will see to Jo.” Resa turned and followed after Jo.
“Resa is right. Let her take care of Jo this time. If anyone can reach her, then Resa can. It was Resa who brought Jo back from the darkness she fell into after she lost Chris.” Joce turned to look at the two women standing in the distance. “Resa is blind, but she tends to see what we cannot.” She added.
“Ma petite cherie, where are you?” Resa asked as she drew her friend close.
“I’m there. I can see everything. I can see Chris.” Jo burrowed into the comforting embrace. “Oh ma mére, will I always feel this pain?” She sobbed. Resa rubbed her back and murmured soft soothing words of love. She truly felt for her young friend and her loss. The two returned to join the others. Emily was instantly at her love’s side.
“Thank you for everything Resa.” Jo said as she rose and gave her friend a hug. Everyone said goodbye and left. Jo looked at the young woman for a moment. She sighed and followed the group out. The redhead showed everyone out and then returned to see to Resa. She found her sitting in the music room at the piano.
“Resa, are you okay?” She inquired.
“Yes.
Did she recognize you?”
“Je ne sais pas. I don’t think so.” The woman replied.
“I thought not.
She will be shocked to learn who you are.”
Resa paused and took a sip of water.
“Kat, will you please bring me my briefcase.”
Kat left the room to fulfill the request.
Resa placed her fingers over the keys and began to play a melody she
thought lost.
***************
The Show…
Jo finished her song and the crowd erupted in shouts and cheers once
more. Taking a bow, she turned to
her band and gave the signal for the next song.
Some people's lives run down
like clocks.
One day they stop, and that's all they've got.
Some lives wear out like old tennis shoes
no one can use. Well, It's sad but it's true.
Didn't anybody tell them?
Didn't anybody see?
Didn't anybody love them
like you love me?
Some people's lives fade like their dreams,
too tired to rise, too tired to sleep.
Some people laugh when they need to cry,
and they never know why.
Didn't anybody tell them
that's not how it used to be?
Didn't anybody love them
like you love me?
Some people ask if the tears have to fall.
Then why take your chances? Why bother at all?
And some people's lives are as cold as their lips.
They just need to be kissed.
Doesn't anybody tell them?
Doesn't anybody see?
Doesn't anybody love them
like you love me?
'Cause that's all they need.
Jo’s sultry voice rang out over the crowd. Taking a final bow, she exited the stage. A couple of hours later, she found herself sitting on the balcony of her hotel room lost in thought.
Emily approached her lover and wrapped her arms around strong shoulders. Jo rubbed the arms around her and leaned into the embrace. “Why don’t you head to bed sweetheart?” Emily sighed and whispered goodnight. Giving her love a kiss and telling her she loved her, Em went to the bedroom. Jo remained on the balcony gazing at the stars above her. Her mind returned to another time.
Images of the wedding and happy times between her and Chris filled her mind. ‘Why now?’ She asked the night as Tali’s words echoed in her mind. Sighing, she got up and went to bed. Em was already asleep and Jo slipped in behind her.
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