Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 70

Xena's POV

"Xena, it's Samuel's father. He completely broke down and the doctors had to sedate him.

He blames you, says you chose Ryder instead of his son." Leonard blurted it all out in one

breath.

"That doesn't need to be shared right now! It could have waited. What do you think she can do about it now?" To my surprise, William was taking my side.

The pain crashed over me in waves. I turned away, steadying myself against the wall.

"I don't know. Everything's a mess. My brother is dead. I just..." Leonard looked completely lost.

I listened to Leonard's anguished voice. I knew his personality well enough to know I needed to stabilize him first, prevent him from doing something reckless. "Sit down," I told him. He looked at me, hesitated for a moment, then followed my instruction, burying

his head in his hands.

I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. Despite my heart screaming and crying inside, I had to stay calm. "I don't blame him for reacting that way. He just lost his son, his only son. I'd be surprised if he could accept it. Samuel died a hero, and we'll honor him as one. I understand your pain; he was my brother too. He was part of us, and always will be. If we fall apart because of this and don't seek out his killers, that would be the real dishonor to his memory. We'll find the truth and avenge him, but you need to stay clear-headed. We can't lose you too." Every word felt like it was being squeezed from the depths of my soul, each sentence making my heart ache even more.

"I know you're right, but damn, it's hard," Leonard remained immersed in his grief.

"I understand. My eyes are dry and painful because I've run out of tears. But we'll keep him in our hearts forever." I gazed down the hallway and saw Logan running toward us, sighing when he realized he was too late.

"X, why aren't you in bed resting?" he asked.

1/4

"Tim sorry, Il snoutun

Laygan.

Have

to me anytime. Leonard, for Samuellss saite, we need to stay strong and

slightly. He gave Logan albow

okay?" Logan

but

left to

door whem William spoke up." "Xena,

cheek a felt a complex mixture of emotions. Even in this moment,

doing?"

"Yes."

that's all he did,"

"What happened?" Ryden asked!.

mulled to be sedated," I said softly,

from my bones.

I slowly moved over and crawled

to honor

do you mean?!" Hiis question caught me off guard. I hadn't thought about it wor mind was still stuckkontthe moment of Samuel's death, unable to look

to plant a special tree? Or hold some kind

Chapter 70

what I wanted. I leaned against his shoulder,

you want, and we'll make it happen,"

are you acting this way now? Last night when Amara said Samuel loved me, you were angry," I

"Logan and I talked."

Damn Logan. "What else did

"Nothing special."

but whatever. I just want to go home and take

home? Mine or

Ryder, but his question was valid. "I guess

it is," he insisted

I'm just a guest," I

for debate," Ryder's tone left no