ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Knyte's Encore
(Knyte's Series Story Three)

by Mikala D'Amour

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.

CHARACTERS

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.

STORY

This is part three in my Knyte story series. All comments and questions are welcome. That is with the exception of homophobic or cruel statements. Merci Beaucoup!!! This story is in dedication to Johanna Scotts, Lisa Silberstein, and Emily Loomis. Much love and thanks for these women who inspired my words.

Part 5

Three Days Later…

Emily waited anxiously for the nurse to finish the paperwork. Jo was being released this morning along with Rik. The two women had received the worst injuries as a result of the bomb. Both were recovering fine from their various cuts and bruises. The severe concussions were what kept them in the hospital for so long. The doctors finally agreed to release them seeing no concern for permanent mental damage.

Emily breathed a sigh of relief when she was finally able to get Jo home. Their wedding had been postponed a few days due to the bombing. The week ahead was going to be filled with making all the adjustments for the new wedding date. Once home, she put her love to bed and went to help Sarah with calling everyone to remind them of the new date.

“Hey Rah, you okay?”

“Yeah. I hope you don’t mind, but Rik fell asleep on your couch.”

“Nah. Okay, let’s get started, we’ve got a lot of calls to make.” The two spent most of the afternoon calling all the guests. At least all the clothing was already taken care of. Liza and Joce stopped by for a moment to see how everyone was doing. Em and Sarah were in the kitchen when the phone rang. “Hello, Knyte residence.”

“Hello, I am looking for Ms. Knyte.”

“May I ask who’s calling please?”

“Of course. This is Ms. Lancer. I’m calling regarding an order Ms. Knyte made for her wedding.” The woman explained.

“One moment, I’ll see if she’s available.” Em went to the bedroom in search of her love, but found it empty. Thinking for a moment, she went to the home office. Sure enough, behind the desk, sat her love looking through photos. Emily snuck up behind her love and wrapped her arms around her. “You have a call. A Ms. Lancer.” Jo noticeably stiffened at the name, but shrugged it off.

“Thanks baby. I’ll take it in here.” Jo waited until her love left the room before picking up the phone. “Hello, Ms. Lancer, this is Jo Knyte. How can I help you?”

“Ms. Knyte, I’m sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to check with you about your order.” She explained.

“No problem. What seems to be the problem?”

“No problem, I just wanted to make sure that I had the address correct.”

“Sure. It’s 1001 Simetra Circle.”

“Thank you Ms. Knyte.” Jo hung up the phone. She had an odd feeling about the call, but brushed it off as just nerves. She got up and went to the dinning room.

*************

Hanging up the phone, the woman laughed and leaned back in her chair. She entered the store and approached the desk. She quickly struck up a conversation with the saleswoman. “Well, one week and I make my grand debut.” The woman laughed.

“Really? That’s great. Have you ever met anyone famous?” The saleswoman asked.

“Yes. I’m a friend of Joana Knyte.”

“Wow.” The woman went into the back room and returned carrying a large box. “There you go. Is there anything else I can get for you?”

“Can you tell me where the nearest flower shop is?”

“Sure. Take a left out of here and take a right at the next light. The store is about two blocks down on the left.” She explained. The woman took her package and, saying her thanks, left the store. Returning to her car, she got in and drove off. She easily found the flower shop and went inside.

“Can I help you?” A young man asked.

“Yes, I need to buy some flowers.” The man nodded and waited for her to continue. “I need a dozen red roses, a half dozen lilacs, and one blue rose.” The man walked away for a moment and returned carrying the desired flowers.

“Blue roses are a rare find, this is my last one.” He commented. She smiled and paid for the flowers.

“Can you send the red roses to this address?” She asked as she handed the man a piece of paper. He nodded. “Wonderful. Make sure they arrive tomorrow morning. Also, the lilacs are to be delivered to the same address next Tuesday.” With her business complete, she left the store.

A short time later, she arrived back at the hotel room. “Only one more thing to do now.” The woman said to an empty room. After putting away all of her purchases, she left the room once more. A short drive later, she pulled up in front of her destination. She entered the shop and signed in.

“T.” A woman called. She rose and followed her to the chair. “So, what can I do for you today?” She asked. T handed the woman a picture. About ten minutes later, T walked out of the store with a new look. Now everything was complete. Wednesday couldn’t come soon enough…

************

The Wedding…

Jo paced nervously in the living room. “Jo, please hold still so I can fix your tie.” Rik begged as she tried in vain to keep her friend still.

“Sorry, I’m just nervous.” Jo apologized as she stopped moving. Sam and Liza sat back watching the two woman and couldn’t help but laugh. “What is so funny?” She demanded.

“You are. Relax Jo, you’re about to marry the love of your life. This should be the happiest day of your life. Stop worrying, everything will be perfect.” Sam offered.

“I know, but I still worry. My first wedding was a disaster remember?” Try as she might, Jo couldn’t keep the memories of her wedding to Chris away. The entire event replayed itself over and over in her mind. She went outside to get some fresh air for a moment. Glancing at her watch, she took a deep breath. In an hour she would be marrying Emily. A smile crossed her face as she thought of her young love. She decided to take a short walk to try and calm her nerves.

She didn’t think about where she was going, but let her feet just carry her. A short while later, she stood in a small clearing in the woods behind her house. Suddenly reality hit. Looking around, she realized where she was. This was hers and Chris’s secret spot. Memories flooded her mind. Turning her head skyward, her thoughts flowed freely. ‘Well, my beloved. Today is the day. Emily and I are getting married. I hope you approve. I never thought I would love again after I lost you, but she makes me feel alive again. I still love you Chris and I always will. I hope I have your blessing.’ Jo looked at her watch and realized she had to get back. As she was beginning her journey back to the house, something caught her eye. On a branch above her sat a meadowlark. It spread its wings and took flight. Deep inside, Jo knew Chris was smiling down on her and, with a joy-filled heart; she finished her trek back to the house.

Liza greeted her as she walked in. “So Jo, you ever find out who sent you the flowers?” She asked.

“Nope, probably just a fan. I didn’t pay them much attention, though they were nice.” Jo stated. Rik signaled that it was time and led Jo to the altar. Jo paused for a moment and took in the sight. The room had been decorated in blue and green. White roses were everywhere. Resa stood in the center of the altar dressed in a beautiful teal suit. Jo smiled at her friend and took a deep breath. Resa nodded to the pianist and music filled the room.

Erika and Sarah were first to approach the altar. Jo smiled at her ‘Best-Man’ and the Maid-of-Honor as they drew closer. Liza and Joce followed and then Sam and Sarah. The entire wedding party now waited for the bride. Jo looked amazing in her white and blue tux. The ‘gentlemen’ all wore blue tuxes and the bridesmaids wore green dresses. The music began and everyone turned to watch the bride’s entrance. Jo was rendered speechless at the sight of her love.

Emily was dressed in a light green silk dress. A short train flowed along behind her. Harry, Emily’s father, looked simply regal as he walked his daughter down the aisle. Upon reaching the altar, he bowed and offered her hand to Jo. Jo smiled and the couple turned to face Resa. “Who gives this woman?” She aksed.

“Harold Thomas Arbor, her father.” Harry replied. He slipped in next to his wife and took her hand.

“Friends and family, we have come together this day to witness the joining of two souls. This is the beginning of their journey. As they enter into this union, we ask Goddess Isis to bless them with eternal love and happiness. These two women have chosen to recite their own vows and so we turn this over to them.” Resa motioned for Jo to begin.

“I am not one gifted with words and a poetic tongue, but I do know how I feel. Emily, you have brought love and life back to me. I was lost in a world of unending darkness and you rescued me. You taught me how to love again and brought back the music in my soul. I fell in love with you the first time our eyes met. I offer my love, support, friendship and everything else that I am to you forever.” A single tear slipped down her cheek as she finished.

“Jo, what I want to say to you, there are no words for. I have loved you even before we met. Your eyes and your voice captured my soul long ago. When our eyes met for the first time, my heart was yours. I shall share my life and heart with you forever. I love you.” Emily smiled at her love.

“May we have the rings please?” Resa said. Syd, Emily’s nephew, stepped forward with the pillow and held it up to Jo. Jo reached down to retrieve the rings and the sight shook her. She jerked her hand back as if scalded. Jo frantically looked around the room and then back to Resa. Emily looked down at the pillow and noticed what had caused the reaction in her friend. A single blue rose petal lay on the pillow just below the rings.

Taking the rings, she placed one in Emily’s hand and the other in Jo’s. Grasping Jo’s hand tightly, she tried to comfort her. Emily gave her love a puzzled look. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Joce’s shock as well. Shaking her head, she focused on what Resa was saying. “These rings are merely a physical symbol of your undying love and faith in one another. May they forever remind you of the pure love you share.” The couple turned to one another and placed the rings on each other’s fingers. “Before the Goddess Isis, seal your joining with a kiss.” The kiss they shared was sweet and the glow of love surrounded the pair. “You are now one.” Resa announced. Everyone clapped and shouted.

The happy couple walked down the aisle and inside the house. Everyone left the house and went to the hall for the reception. Once everyone was settled, Rik rose to give her speech. A loud bang rang out as the doors to the room burst open. In strode a cloaked figure. The figure approached the center of the room and turned to face the newlyweds. Taking the stage behind the dance floor, the figure spoke: “I offer a toast to the happy couple. A part of a song I dedicate to you Jo.” The figure removed a piece of paper from her pocket and began to sing:

Love, love changes everything: days are longer, words mean more.
Love, love changes everything: pain is deeper than before.
Love will turn your world around, and that world will last forever.
Yes, love, love changes everything, brings you glory, brings you shame.
Nothing in the world will ever be the same.

Off into the world we go, planning futures, shaping years.
Love bursts in and suddenly all our wisdom disappears.
Love makes fools of everyone: all the rules we make are broken.
Yes, love, love changes everything: live or perish, in its flame.
Love will never ever let you be the same.
Love will never ever let you be the same.

The enchanting voice drew out the last note. Stepping down from the stage, she moved to the center of the dance floor. “I have waited years for this moment. Tonight I make my debut and take what is rightfully mine.” The figure reached beneath the cloak and withdrew something. Holding it in front of her, she turned to face Jo. There, in her hand, stood a single blue rose. Jo gasped and rose from her seat. Joce did likewise and both women stared at the dark figure.

“I thought today would be a perfect time for a reunion.” The figure untied the cloak and let it fall to the floor. Emily and Sarah sat shocked as the woman from the store stood before them. Sylvia remained silent as she beheld the woman who had captured her heart. Jo began to tremble at the sight. “Miss me darling?”

“Oh my gawd!” Sylvia exclaimed. The woman turned to face her.

“Hello darlin’.” She sneered. “What’s the matter? Are you upset? Ha, you were only a plaything with benefits. I used you to get to Jo, nothing more.” Tali turned back to face Jo.

All eyes turned to Sylvia and then to Jo. “Tali.” The name dripped from her lips. The woman may have changed her looks, but Jo could never forget those eyes. Those were the eyes that haunted her nightmares.

Jo looked at Sylvia. Her secretary hung her head and sobbed. ‘It was my fault.’ Sylvia thought to herself. She couldn’t look at Jo for fear of what she might see in those blue eyes. Her heart was broken. Jo turned her attention back to Tali.

Resa rose from her seat and went to Jo’s side. “What do you want from me?”

“What’s rightfully mine.” Tali sneered.

“I don’t understand. Why can’t you just let me be. Let me live my life.” Jo was truly puzzled and begged the woman before her.

“You ruined my career. You didn’t even give me a chance. And you know what?”

“What? Why must you always bring a dark cloud into my life?”

“I loved you. I still do. Oh, but you, the Mistress of the Night, couldn’t even spare me a second thought. How quickly you forgot about little Tali when Chris arrived on the scene. You pushed me aside like yesterday’s trash.” Tali spat. Jo stood in shock.

“Tali, I never knew. Why didn’t you tell me?” She asked as she slowly approached the woman.

“Tell you? Ha, you wouldn’t even acknowledge my existence.” Jo now stood about ten feet from her. “Stay back Jo or I cannot guarantee your safety.” Jo froze in place. Resa had followed behind her friend, but moved closer still.

“Tali. This is over. You need to move forward and stop blaming Jo for your life. Your own choices have led you down the path you are on. Your misguided jealousy has made you lose your way. Jo is not to blame, but yourself.” Resa tried.

“NO!! You old woman are just as responsible. If not for you, Jo would be mine and I would be a famous singer. You just had to introduce Chris to Jo and ruin everything.” Tali seethed. “Jo, my love. Since you ruined me I shall ruin you. Did you like the flowers? How about the poison? Perhaps you liked the bomb? They were just my ways of saying hello and getting the public’s attention. Now I shall finish this and the press will welcome the coming of Twilight!!” Tali reached into her cloak and pulled out a gun. “Time to say goodbye, my love. If you aren’t mine, then no one can have you.”

“Tali, you’re crazy. We can talk this out, get you help.” Jo pleaded.

“Child, I may not be able to see you, but I know what you are doing will only make things worse.” Resa cried.

“She has a gun.” Jo whispered.

“Killing Jo won’t give you a glorious career, world fame, fortune or anything else you believe she destroyed.” Resa argued.

“SHUT UP!! Say goodnight Jo. Time to join Chris is the afterlife.” Tali moved forward slightly and aimed her gun. “You were supposed to disappear forever after Chris was gone. I took care of that problem and you were supposed to come back to me. Too bad.” Tali sneered. Checking her aim, she pulled the trigger. Jo stood rooted to the spot. Everyone went silent. Resa grabbed for Jo and caught her arm, pulling her close.

Tali turned and aimed her gun again. Suddenly the silence was broken by two loud bangs. Tali stood still for a moment. The gun in her hand fell to the floor and she soon followed. Liza stepped forward holding her gun. Jo scrambled over to her fallen friend. Reaching down, she turned Tali over. Tali’s eyes locked onto hers. “I love you Jo.” She coughed before succumbing to unconsciousness.

Everything receded, leaving only the two women in the middle of the dance floor. Jo remained silent as images of Chris flooded her mind. Lying before her was the person responsible for all her pain and suffering. However, she did not feel anger, but pity. A tap on her shoulder brought her out of her thoughts. Turning, she found Liza and a couple of paramedics. Jo moved back and watched as they took Tali away.

Em rushed to her love’s side. “Baby, are you okay?” She said as tears streamed down her face.

“I’m alright. Poor Tali.” Jo sighed. Her heart went out to her fallen friend. How had this happened? Sighing, she pulled her love close and held her. Everyone sat and stared at the couple, wondering what had just happened. Liza went to Joce and held her close.

Resa rose and reached out for Jo. “Ma petite cherie.” She spoke. Jo and Em went to her side. Jo grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze. Resa smiled and returned the squeeze. Thank Isis everyone was okay. Resa stepped back and cleared her throat. “Now that the danger has been thwarted, we can continue on with the celebration of Emily and Joana’s union.” She announced.

Rik stood and tapped her knife on her glass. Everyone turned to face her. “Well, I did have a speech planned for today, but I seemed to have been interrupted. I guess I should be used to that by now.” She gave a wicked wink to her love, Sarah. Everyone chuckled and the mood in the room noticeable lightened. “Now, I think I won’t go with the written speech and just speak how I feel. The night Jo proposed to Em was the most wonderful event. I was more than surprised when Jo aksed me to be her best man, but I accepted the role. I may only have known her for a little over a year, but she belongs in our family. Rah, myself, Erin, Sam, Liza, Joce, Em and Jo… We are a family. I offer my congrats, love and support. May you two always have each other.” She concluded. Jo smiled at her friend and squeezed Em tightly to her.

“Well, I wanted to have a chance to say something too, so here I go. My partner and I have watched the two of you from the very beginning and have seen your love blossom and grow. Both broken hearts are now mended. I believe you are soul mates and pray that you will always be together.” Rah winked at Em and sat down.

“We are grateful that all of you could share this day with us. It is true that my heart was hurting, but Emily has wiped all the pain away. Chris was my first wife and shall always hold a piece of my heart, but I am also sure that she is happy for me today.” Jo smiled down at her love and bent to give her a kiss.

“I too thank everyone for coming today. We have been through hell and back and still managed to survive. Jo is the other half of my soul and I hope she always knows that I love her. I want to thank Chris, where ever she is, for loving Jo and sharing her life.” Em turned to see tears streaming down her wife’s cheeks. She brushed them away and kissed her wife.

“Ma petite cherie. I have promised you a gift on this wonderful day.” Resa began.

“You needn’t get us a gift Resa. Your being here is already a gift.” Jo said.

“Oui, mais je vais une presente pour toi.” Resa smiled and held out her hand. The young redhead that everyone had met briefly in Auckland stepped forward and took the hand. “Everyone I would like you to meet a very special woman. However, Jo, I think you would be most interested in meeting her.” Resa stepped back and allowed the girl to step forward.

The girl was hesitant at first, but then began: “I have wanted to meet you for a very long time Jo. You see, you can fill a void in my life and I yours. I shall give you a hint as to who I am. My mother used to sing this song to me when I was a baby.” The woman signaled to Sarah, Erika and Sam. Jo gave them a puzzled look and they simply shrugged and began to play. Softly at first, she heard the sweet voice of the young girl fill the room.

My sweet baby,

Rest here close to my heart.

Tender baby,

From you I never shall part.

You are the one that I love to hold.

You are my light in life.

Gentle baby,

Together we’ll make it through life.

The girl’s voice held the last note and she turned to look at Jo. Everyone turned to see Jo with tears running down her face. Glancing down at her wife, she let go of her and moved toward the girl. Jo’s voice broke the silence in the room:

My sweet baby,

My arms are open to you.

Tender baby,

My love for you burns true.

You are the voice of my heart’s song.

You are my soul’s melody.

Gentle baby,

Together we always will be.

The song came to a close and Jo spoke: “I have not heard that song in years. That sweet melody once soothed my soul. The angelic voice that sang it to me was silenced forevermore.” With tears in her eyes, Jo stood in front of the young woman. She gazed into silver orbs and was taken aback.

“Jo, please do not be frightened. I am no ghost.” The woman said.

“Your voice, sounds just like Chris’s. Your eyes of silver shimmer like hers did. Who are you?” Jo begged.

“My name is Katarina Reynolds.” Jo’s world began to spin. “I am Chris’s daughter.” Kat Waited for the reaction she was sure was coming. However, true to Jo’s nature, the unexpected happened. Jo stepped forward and embraced her. The two clung to each other. Emily watched the pair as tears welled up in her own eyes. She, and everyone else, had known of Resa’s surprise. Perhaps now, Jo could completely heal from her loss.

“How? When? Where?” Jo stuttered.

“She has been in my custody for the past five years. I was able to locate her shortly after Chris’s death.” Resa explained.

“I never knew she had a daughter. She never told me. We… we could have…”

“She didn’t want you to know. Chris told me of her just before she died. We were trying to find her so that you could possibly become a family.” Resa sighed, her voice laden with sadness. “Chris was only 16 when she had Kat and put her in foster care until she felt she could take care of her properly.” Jo absorbed this information.

“So Kat, you are 16 now?” Kat nodded. Jo looked to Resa and then to her wife. Emily smiled and nodded her head. “Kat, I would like to get to know you better. You were right, perhaps we both can fill a void in each other’s life. I would like to think of you as family and see us as yours one day.”

“Oh, Jo. I have waited so long to hear you say that.” Kat flung herself into Jo’s arms and held on tight. Em joined in the hug as Resa smiled.

Resa slipped away and out onto the balcony. Lifting her head, she spoke into the night: “Well, Chris, your family is whole now. I hope you are happy where ever you are. My job is done. Now, it is time I rested.” She slipped back inside and rejoined the group.

Jo slipped away from the group for a moment and went in search of Sylvia. She found her sitting alone on the balcony. “Nice night?” She whispered. Sylvia jumped at the sound.

“I suppose.” She managed. She still refused to look at Jo. Jo moved closer and knelt down. She took Sylvia’s hand in her own and urged her to look at her.

“This wasn’t your fault.”

“But it was. If not for me, then she wouldn’t have been able to get that close to you. You could have been killed.” Sylvia sobbed.

“But I wasn’t. Tali is the only person responsible. She used you and for that I am sorry. I’m sorry you got tangled up in a situation that should have been taken care of long ago. I’m not angry.” Jo paused. “I’m always here for you if you need anything, my friend.” She rose and, giving a squeeze to Sylvia’s shoulder, returned to her wife and guests. Sylvia sat and cried.

Jo took her wife’s hand and whispered in her ear. Turning to her guests, she spoke: “This has been the most wonderful day of my life. Now, if you will excuse us, we have a honeymoon to get to.” Everyone hugged and wished the couple luck. Jo escorted her new wife out to the limo. Everyone watched as the two drove off.

Part 6 (Conclusion)

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