So Xena and Gabrielle went on their way to get to the village that Xena had visited all those years ago. Hoping to find a way to save Xena from completely losing herself. They had been on the road for a couple days, when they ran into some theives who were robbing a small caravan of traveling merchants. Of course both Xena and Gabrielle raced to the merchant's aid. They began fighting the thrives. Nothing different from their usual heroics. During the fight Xena felt a strange light headedness. She tried to shake it off.
Gabrielle happened to look in Xena's direction and noticed Xena acting a bit sluggish. She yelled to her.
GABRIELLE
Xena! You okay!?
Xena's head felt as though she was in a fog. Everything seemed muffled. She tried to fight.
XENA
(thinking to herself) No.
Xena tried to shake off the odd feeling. Though as much as Xena tried to fight it, she began to feel her senses dull. She felt as if she were in a daze.
XENA
Gabri-elle.
Though she tried Xena could do nothing to stop it. Everything faded to black. And there stood Xena's body as just an empty violent husk. Gabrielle saw the change in Xena's eyes. Now with just a hollow look and completely void of all light. She knew that what ever had infected Xena had once again taken over.
GABRIELLE
No, Xena...
Xena then changed in with reckless abandon. Cutting down the thrives in an Instant. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the merchants. She turned towards them with the intent to kill them as well. Gabrielle quickly put herself between them and Xena. She looked back at them.
GABRIELLE
Get out of here now.
The merchants ran. Gabrielle turned her attention back to Xena, who was slowly walking toward her. Gabrielle decided to try calling out to Xena again. Since that had worked before.
GABRIELLE
XENA! Wake up! Come back!
This time Gabrielle's cries didn't seem to reach Xena. Who came at Gabrielle, attacking with no restraint. Gabrielle continued trying to break Xena's trance, calling her. Begging Xena to come to her senses. Despite what Xena had asked her to do, Gabrielle was determined to get Xena to return to normal. So she continued to only block Xena's strikes. And not attack herself. As they fought Gabrielle had a thought maybe if she touched her. It might spark something that could get Xena back to herself. Gabrielle waited for an opening. Then when she deflected one of Xena's attacks, she quickly got close, wrapping her arms around Xena tight.
GABRIELLE
Please Xena, you have to snap out of it. Come back to me. Xena!
As Gabrielle pleaded, Xena still didn't seem to hear her. Xena raised her sword. Gabrielle noticed and jumped back. However she wasn't fast enough. Xena swung, cutting Gabrielle's arm. Gabrielle cried out as she felt the blade slice open her skin.
GABRIELLE
GAH!
Then as if waking from a deep sleep, Xena felt herself return to normal. For a moment things were still a little foggy. She took a minute her to completely regain her composer.
XENA
(thinking to herself) I feel like I heard someone cry out. That voice. It sounded so familiar.
Xena's eyes finally registered Gabrielle standing in front of her.
XENA
Gabrielle?
Realizing that Xena was for the moment, no longer out of control. Gabrielle lowered her guard. She breath a sigh of relief.
GABRIELLE
Xena. You're back to yourself.
She walked over to Xena and hugged her.
GABRIELLE
I was getting scared that you weren't coming back.
When Gabrielle pulled back, Xena saw the cut on her arm.
XENA
Gabrielle, did I do this?
Gabrielle new Xena wouldn't forgive herself for hurting her. So she tried to lie.
GABRIELLE
No this is from the thrives I was fighting.
Even though Gabrielle was a good liar, Xena knew her too well. She could tell Gabrielle was trying to hide the truth. That she was the one who had hurt Gabrielle.
×××
Even though it was during her black out, Xena blamed herself for injuring Gabrielle
XENA
(thinking to herself) How could I hurt Gabrielle. What am I becoming?
She dropped her sword, letting it fall to the ground. As she pulled away from Gabrielle.
XENA
I'm sorry Gabrielle. I'm so, so sorry. I never meant...
Gabrielle holding her arm, tried to comfort Xena.
GABRIELLE
It's okay Xena. I know that wasn't really you.
Xena stopped her from getting closer.
XENA
No. It's too dangerous to be around me right now.
Gabrielle gave her a sad look.
GABRIELLE
What are you saying Xena?
XENA
I think from here on I should continue to the village alone.
GABRIELLE
What? No. Xena you really shouldn't be left alone right now.
XENA
I've already hurt you once. What if I do it again? Or worse?
GABRIELLE
You were the one that said me calling you brought you out of your trance. I'm not leaving you alone like this.
XENA
Gabrielle I could've killed you.
GABRIELLE
But you didn't. I got through to you.
XENA
This time. You might not be so lucky again.
GABRIELLE
I don't care. I'm not leaving you like this. Besides I can't exactly keep that promise you made me make if I'm not around.
Xena knew Gabrielle was right. But she didn't want to run the risk of doind anything else to her. Xena thought and came up with a plan. She bandaged up Gabrielle's arm.Then they made their way to a nearby city.
GABRIELLE
What are we doing here?
XENA
I'm picking up a few things. Wait here, I'll be back.
Xena left for a bit, leaving Gabrielle wondering what she was doing.
After a little while Xena returned, carrying a number of items.
GABRIELLE
What's all this for?
Xena dropped the stuff on the ground.
XENA
Insurance.
Gabrielle bent down seeing what Xena had gotten. Cuffs, chains and things that were typically used for restraining criminals or prisoners.
GABRIELLE
Do you really think this is necessary?
Xena began putting shackles on her wrists.
XENA
Yes. If I lose control but am unable to move. Then I won't be able to harm anyone else.
GABRIELLE
Okay but if you can't move how are we getting to village?
Xena finished locking the shackles around her ankles and neck.
XENA
I'm leaving enough slack on the chain to allow myself to walk.
She handed Gabrielle the end of the chain.
XENA
But as soon as I start to lose control. You pull this chain, hard. That will tighten my restraints. Locking me up. And making it impossible for me to move.
GABRIELLE
Are you sure about this? What about what you calm down? You still won't be able to move.
XENA
That's what this is for.
Xena handed Gabrielle a key.
XENA
When you're absolutely certain I've returned to normal, this will free me. Then I'll put the shackles and loosened chains back on and we'll keep going. But if I don't regain my sense of self..
GABRIELLE
I know Xena. You don't need to remind me.
XENA
Just making sure you don't forget. Come on, let's go
Xena began walking away with Gabrielle close behind.
GABRIELLE
(talking to herself) How could I forget.
They continued on their journey to the far off village. Xena lead the way still in her restraints as Gabrielle held her end of the chain. As they walked, Xena glanced back at Gabrielle. Seeing that she was looking down, clearly uncomfortable with their circumstances. Xena gave her a soft smile.
XENA
Don't worry, I'm alright. These chains aren't that bad. I've been in far worse situations than this.
Gabrielle looked up at her.
GABRIELLE
I suppose so. But I don't like seeing you like this. Chained up like you're some sort of horrible criminal.
XENA
I know. But this is necessary to protect not just you, but other people from me.
GABRIELLE
Doesn't mean I have to like it.
They continued on for a bit. Walking in silence. Suddenly Gabrielle stopped.
XENA
Something wrong?
Gabrielle gestured ahead.
GABRIELLE
There's a bunch of people in robes coming towards us.
Xena looked. Then she realized that they were the cultists that had caused this. She told Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
They'll probably have the cure. Or at least know to get it.
Xena began walking towards them, drawing her sword.
XENA
Let's find out.
Gabrielle was about to take out her sais, but Xena stopped her.
XENA
No. Who knows what else they might be capable of. So stay back and be ready incase I lose control.
Gabrielle agreed and watched as Xena approached the cultists. They noticed as Xena came up to them.
XENA
I don't know what you did to me, but now you're going to fix it.
The cultists leader stepped to the front of the group.
CULTISTS LEADER-
Ah yes. I was so hoping you would find us. I assume you've been feeling the effects of our work.
Xena glared at him. As Gabrielle watched from a slight distance.
CULTISTS LEADER
Not much for talking huh. That's fine. Come along now. I think you're finally ready.
XENA
Ready for what?
CULTISTS LEADER
Why to join us of course.
XENA
I thought I told you before that I wasn't interested.
CULTISTS LEADER
Oh but it's far to late for that now. It has already begun.
XENA
What are you talking about?
CULTISTS LEADER
You're initiation.
He raised his hand. Then Xena began feelng the foggyness in her head return. She felt off balance as she realized what was happening
XENA
Gabrielle...quick. Pull the chain.
Gabrielle was a bit stunned, watching the scene.
GABRIELLE
Xena?
Xena could feel himself fading fast. She managed to yell to Gabrielle one more time.
XENA
Gabrielle Now!
Gabrielle quickly yanked her end of the chain as hard as she could. The chains around Xena tightened. Xena felt a darkness engulf her as she fell to the ground. The cultists leader laughed as he watched a crazed Xena struggle against her restraints. Growling like some sort of feral animal.
CULTISTS LEADER
You've just made this so much easier.
He walked over to Xena.
GABRIELLE
Leave her alone.
Gabrielle ran towards them. The cultists leader gave a sinister smile as he bent down placing his hand on Xena. Then before Gabrielle could reach them, both he and Xena vanished.
GABRIELLE
No, Xena!
×××
Xena felt as though she were floating inside a dark void. She felt like just the simple act of thinking was a struggle.
XENA
(thinking to herself) What, is this? Where, am, I? I feel, so tired. So cold. But this chill, it feels like it's coming from inside. What's happening, to, me?
It was weak, but a small part of Xena's sanity still remained. However on the outside Xena was nothing more than a snarling, feral beast, as she paced the cage that the cultists had put her in. A couple of them came over to where they were holding Xena.
CULTIST 1
I never would've thought that this would work so beautifully.
CULTIST 2
Soon everything will be ready. And once we've finished her initiation. We will have the great Xena among our ranks.
CULTIST 1
Yes and with her now truly no one can stand in our way.
The cultists leader entered the room.
CULTISTS LEADER
It's time to begin.
The two other cultists nodded. One of them unlocked the cage as their leader stepped inside. The feral Xena lunged at him. But he didn't flinch as he raised his hand. The animal-like Xena stopped as her eyes followed his hand. Suddenly Xena felt herself being pulled from the darkness. As she awoke seeing the cultists standing before her. Xena quickly looked around not recognizing were she was. She also didn't see Gabrielle anywhere.
XENA
Where am I? What did you do to me?
CULTISTS LEADER
Now, now. There will be plenty of time for all that. But fist we need to see exactly what we're working with.
XENA
What are you talking about?
CULTISTS LEADER
Don't worry. Soon everything will become clear.
He waved his hand in front of Xena's face. And in an Instant she was unconscious.
CULTISTS LEADER
Take her and prepare for testing.
The other cultists nodded and opened the door. Then they picked up an unconscious Xena and carried her off. Meanwhile Gabrielle was trying to figure out where they had taken Xena.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) I have to find Xena. And stop those people before they do anything else to her. Hold on Xena, I'll find you.
The cultists left no trail for Gabrielle to follow. So she decided her only course of action for the moment was to ask around the nearby villages and towns. Hopefully someone would know something that could lead her to them. So she set off to the closest one to her. When she got there Gabrielle asked the townsfolk if they knew anything. She pretty much talked to everyone she saw, but came up empty handed. Determined to find Xena, Gabrielle moved on to the next village. This went on for days. Finaly completely exhausted from her nonstop search, Gabrielle had no choice but to sit and rest.
GABRIELLE
(thinking to herself) I can only stop for a few moments. Then I have to keep looking.
As Gabrielle took her short break, she saw someone coming up the road. She waited until he got to her.
GABRIELLE
Excuse me sir could I ask you something?
The man stopped in front of her.
MAN
Of course. How can I help you?
Gabrielle explained that she was looking for the cultists.
MAN
Trust me a sweet young lady like you shouldn't be getting involved with people like that.
GABRIELLE
Please they took someone I love and I have to get her back.
Gabrielle explained the situation to him. The man signed.
MAN
I'm sorry for your loss. But based on what you've told me, I'm afraid it's probably too late. The person you knew is most certainly gone by now.
GABRIELLE
Don't say such things. I can still save her. I know I can.
The man could see the hurt in Gabrielle's eyes. He felt bad for her.
MAN
Look I just don't think you should get your hopes up. You see quite some time ago those monsters came to the village I lived in. They took a number of people from us. Among the ones that were taken
was my wife.
GABRIELLE
I'm so sorry.
MAN
About a week or so later while still searching, I found her. But she was no longer herself. It was as if every trace of the women I loved had been erased. All that was left was someone who looked like her, but she had become nothing more then a puppet. Completely devoted to those people and whatever they wanted. After that I never saw her again.
Gabrielle felt terrible for the man. Along with all the other people who have had their loved ones taken from them. However the man's story only only served as fuel for her to find Xena as soon as possible. She stood up.
GABRIELLE
That's horrible. Those cultists need to be stopped.
MAN
What are you doing? You don't stand a chance against them?
Gabrielle showed her weapons.
GABRIELLE
Don't worry I can handle myself.
The man still felt hesitant. But he could see the resolve in Gabrielle's eyes. He could tell she was going Weither he helped or not. So though he was still uneasy he decided to take her word for it, and told Gabrielle what he knew.
MAN
Well if you insist. There's a mountain range a good ways from here. When they took my wife, I followed them there. But once I got there I was too afraid to keep going. And came back. But I'm pretty sure
that's where they hide out.
GABRIELLE
Thank you. I'll find them. And I'll free everyone they took.
Now more determined than ever, Gabrielle headed towards the mountains. The wind had picked up and snow along with the temperature had begun to fall as Gabrielle reached the base of the mountain. She put on the cloak she had picked up on her way there. Then Gabrielle began the long trip up the mountain.
GABRIELLE
Don't worry Xena, I'm coming.
While Gabrielle was making her way to her, Xena was being subjected to the cultists "tests". She was still under their control and was on a violent rampage. They were having her fight against other prisoners they had taken control of.
CULTIST
She's doing quite well.
CULTISTS LEADER
Indeed. She may be ready sooner than expected.
CULTIST
Yes, very soon.
Back outside, Gabrielle was sill climbing. It took nearly three whole days to get up the mountain, but she finally spotted one of the cultists. She stealthily followed them, figuring they would lead her to their hideout. And she was right. Gabrielle waited until the coast was clear and then she headed inside. She began quietly looking for Xena. As she's searching, she hears people coming her way. Gabrielle quickly hid. She couldn't help but overhear their conversation as they passed by her.
CULTIST 1
The new "recruits" are coming along nicely.
CULTIST 2
Yeah but we can't seem to get complete control over that one. It almost seems like she's holding back some how.
CULTIST 1
Is that even possible at this point?
CULTIST 2
Apparently it is. And it's a real shame too. She has a ton of potential I've never seen anyone fight like that. She`s something else.
Gabrielle knew that they must have been talking about Xena. She was definitely in the right place.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Good, I think there's still time to get to her before it's too late.
Gabrielle continued searching. Finally she heard Xena's voice coming from up ahead.
GABRIELLE-
(Thinking to herself) Xena? It sounds like she's fighting.
Gabrielle ran, following the sound of Xena's voice. She came to a large room. As she entered, Gabrielle saw Xena was fighting one of the other prisoners. The cultists noticed Gabrielle as she ran into the room.
GABRIELLE
XENA!!
Some of the cultists was ready to attack Gabrielle. Gabrielle prepared herself for a fight. The cultists leader stopped his people.
CULTISTS LEADER
No this is exactly what we needed. You, girl. I assume you know this woman.
He gestured to Xena.
GABRIELLE
I do.
CULTISTS LEADER
I see. And would you say the two of you are close?
GABRIELLE
What do you care? Give her back. I know that you can't completely take her over.
CULTISTS LEADER
Ah you are a sneaky one. Tell you what, I'll tell you a little secret. And all you have to do is answer my question.
GABRIELLE
Like I'd trust someone like you.
CULTISTS LEADER
So harsh. Though I suppose that is to be expected of someone in your position. But I assure you that I will not harm you or this woman. All I need to do is answer one small question. And I will leave. Simple, is it not?
GABRIELLE
And if I refuse?
CULTISTS LEADER
I'll kill you where you stand.
Gabrielle looked around seeing a large number of the cultists had surrounded her. Too many for her to take alone.
GABRIELLE-
Alright, what's your question?
The cultists leader smiled.
CULTISTS LEADER
Very good. Now tell me. You and this woman, are the two of you are close?
Gabrielle was confused by his question. But she wanted to know what he was getting at.
GABRIELLE
Yes. I love her more than anything. And I know she feels the same for me.
The cultists leaders face lit up with Joy.
CULTISTS LEADER
Wonderful. Yes absolutely wonderful.
Now Gabrielle was even more perplexed by his reaction. He snapped his fingers. Then even more cultists entered the room, surrounding Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
Hey! You said if I answered your question, you wouldn't do anything to me.
CULTISTS LEADER
I did say that. And I am nothing if not a man of my word. I`M not going to lay a finger on you. She is.
Then the circle of cultists surrounding Gabrielle parted. Gabrielle watched as Xena stepped in.
GABRIELLE
Xena?
CULTISTS LEADER
I really must thank you for finding us. Saving us a lot of effort, According to you, it would appear that you are exactly what we needed. You see in order to maintain our hold over her permanently. While in this state, she must kill the one that she loves most.
×××
The cultists watched as the mind controlled Xena drew her sword and began to approach Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
Xena, please you have to snap out of it. You can fight this. I know you can.
Gabrielle's words once again fell on deaf ears.
CULTISTS LEADER-
You're wasting your time. She can't hear you.
Xena swung at Gabrielle. Gabrielle dodged her attack. Refusing to give up, she continued trying to reach the real Xena.
GABRIELLE
I know you're still in there. Come on, wake up.
Xena continued on the offensive. Almost as though she were a rabid animal. Due to her change in fight style, Gabrielle was having a difficult time defending against her. The fight went on, as the cultists watched on. Their leader smiled as Xena continued rage.
CULTISTS LEADER
Yes, yes, very good. Soon you will be ready to lead our forces all across this land. It will all belong to me. Go, fight, kill her. And become mine. My warrior princess.
Gabrielle could hear him. She put some distance between herself and Xena. Then yelled at the cultists leader.
GABRIELLE
Xena doesn't belong to anyone. Especially not someone like you. I'm going to free her. Then we're going to stop you.
The cultists leader laughed.
CULTISTS LEADER
You're concern for her is indeed touching. But shouldn't you be more worried about yourself at the moment.
Out of the corner Gabrielle's eye, she saw Xena bringing down her sword. At the last moment Gabrielle managed to move. However Xena's attack grazed her leg.
GABRIELLE
Gah!
Gabrielle stumbled forward. Xena attacked again. Gabrielle got her defenses up just in time. But Xena's strike was so forceful, it knocked one out Gabrielle's sais from her grasp. Sending it flying out of Gabrielle's reach. The cultists leader lept with excitement, as he watched the battle unfold. Gabrielle didn't know what to do.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) I don't think I can stop her. Nothing I do is getting through.
Then Gabrielle remembered Xena's request if she lost complete control. She felt an awful pit in her stomach.
GABRIELLE
(thinking to herself) No, Xena please. Come back to me. I don't want to have to do this.
With tears in her eyes, she called out to Xena again.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
CULTISTS LEADER
Just stop this senseless struggle. Can you not see that you're pleas are futile. All of your efforts are in vain. She can not hear you. Just acknowledge the fact that she is gone. Lost to you forever. Now accept what the fates have in store for you. And perish!
As he spoke, the frenzied Xena kept up her attacks. Gabrielle tried as best she could to fend her off. However some of Xena's strikes got through Gabrielle's defenses. Gabrielle was taking some damage. She knew that she wasn't going to be able to hold out against Xena much longer. No matter what she did. Or how much she wanted to, nothing Gabrielle did was breaking through the hold the cultists had over Xena. Suddenly Xena swung hard. Gabrielle couldn't block. She felt the steel as it broke through her skin. She fell o the ground, clenching her stomach. The cultists leader beamed with a sickening joy.
CULTISTS LEADER
Yes! Yes! Now finish her!
The cultists controlled Xena stood above Gabrielle. Tightly gripping her sword. Gabrielle looked up at her. Seeing the completely hollow look in Xena's eyes. She couldn't see anything resembling the Xena she had known.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) She's gone. She really is gone.
Gabrielle forced herself to get to her feet. Gabrielle knew she didn't have much left in her. And as much as it hurt her. She was going to keep the promise that she made to Xena.
GABRIELLE
(thinking to herself) Don't worry Xena, I won't let them make you into a monster.
Gabrielle stood in front of the mind controlled Xena. She readied herself to attack.
CULTISTS LEADER
Finish it.
Xena runs towards Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry I couldn't save you. Goodbye, Xena.
As Xena rushes at Gabrielle, she trust her sword forward. Gabrielle knowing she has no other options, launched her own attack. Their steel clashed. Gabrielle's sai slid up Xena's sword. Bounced off and pierced her shoulder. Gabrielle knew that wasn't going to stop Xena. But there wasn't anything else she could do. She felt that Xena had landed her attack too. She looked down, seeing Xena's sword buried in her stomach. Gabrielle looked back up at Xena. She reached up and softly touched Xena's face. Then with tears streaming down her face, Gabrielle leaned in and kissed her.
GABRIELLE
I love you.
And with that Gabrielle collapsed to the ground, motionless.
×××
The cultists leader laughed as Gabrielle layed motionless at Xena's feet.
CULTISTS LEADER
Such a foolish girl. She actually believed she could stop us.
Meanwhile Xena was just standing there. Still gripping her sword.
CULTISTS LEADER
Well done. Very good. Very good indeed.
The cultists leader began walking over to Xena.
CULTISTS LEADER
Now it can truly begin. Everything we've worked so long for, is within our grasp.
The cultists leader spoke to Xena, continuing his rant. Though Xena
couldn't hear a word. She just stood there, staring into oblivion. Her mind completely blank, filled with nothing but darkness. The cultists leader droned on.
CULTISTS LEADER
Truely this is a beautiful day. And its all thanks to you, Xena.
Xena slowly lowered her head. Her eyes found Gabrielle. As she looked on, she began to see quick flashes of images in her mind. Pictures of her life. Each picture showed a familiar face. One by one they began to illuminate the darkness that had clouded her mind. Slowly the images began to come into focus. They were memories. Memories of her life and who she really was. Places she had gone. Things she had done. Though the images were all from different times and various places. They all shared one common theme.
XENA
(whisper) Gabrielle...
Suddenly in a rush, everything came flooding back to her. She felt a combination of rage and sorrow, as she let out loud yell. The cultists leader was confused by Xena's actions.
CULTISTS LEADER
What in the...
Xena, hearing the cultists leader, turned to face him.
XENA
You...
Besides returning to her normal self, Xena also remembered everything that had happened while she was under the cultists control. She picked up her sword.
XENA
You caused all of this.
CULTISTS LEADER
What?
Xena began walking towards him.
CULTISTS LEADER
Stop right there.
Xena continued to advance.
CULTISTS LEADER
I command you to stop!
Xena kept coming.
XENA
Whatever hold you had over me is gone. And now that I'm free, you're going to pay for everything you've done.
Hearing the vengeance in Xena's voice, he realized he was about to be in serious danger. He motioned to the other cultists.
CULTISTS LEADER
Get her!
Obeying his command, the other cultists charged Xena. Xena figured that they were probably also being controlled by the leader. So as she fought them off, she was careful not to kill any of them.
Finally after Xena took them all down, she turned her attention to the leader.
XENA
I've broken free from your spell. Taken down all of your people. You have nothing left to hide behind.
CULTISTS LEADER
I do not hide from anything.
XENA-
Then prove it.
CULTISTS LEADER
Such a shame. You could've proved quite useful. But it seems that you're more trouble then you're worth. So I'm now I'm going to have to end your miserable existence.
He lifted his hand and a strong invisible force sent Xena flying backwards. Xena landed on the ground hard. The cultists leader walked towards her and threw a fire ball. Quickly Xena rolled out of the way and stood up. She grabbed her chakrum and hurled it at him. The cultists leader easily deflected it with another Shockwave of force. Blasting it away, far from Xena's reach.
CULTISTS LEADER
You're resistance is futile.
Sword in hand, Xena charged at him. Once again the cultists leader sent out fire balls at her. Using her sword, Xena deflected and dodged his attacks. As she closed in, he again sent her back.
XENA
(thinking to herself) I can't even get close to him.
Xena looked around for anything that could help her. The cultists leader launched another attack at Xena, forcing her to move.
CULTISTS LEADER
No, no. I know all about how resourceful you are. I'm not giving you the chance to think.
He continuously threw out attacks at Xena. Not giving her any openings to go on the offensive. Then with another powerful push, he sent Xena crashing into the wall.
XENA-
GAH!
She dropped to her knees. Before Xena could do anything, he moved his arm to the side. Sending her flying across the room. Again she landed hard. He continued tossing Xena around with ease. Xena tried to fight back, but couldn't seem to escape the cultists leaders abilities. Then with another powerful push he threw Xena into a wall again. Exhausted and hurt, Xena struggled to get up. She tried, but couldn't stand. She sat, leaning up against the wall as the cultists leader walked up to her. He gave Xena a look of pitty.
CULTISTS LEADER
It truly is a shame that it had to be this way. You could've gone on to lead my forces to greatness. I guess it can't be helped.
Xena knew she couldn't do anything, as he readied his attack. He raised his hand right in front of Xena's face.
CULTISTS LEADER
Farewell, my warrior princess.
Xena closed her eyes as she accepted her fate.
XENA
Goodbye, Gabrielle. I'm sorry.
She braced herself for the end.
CULTISTS LEADER
Ugh...
Hearing the noise, Xena opened her eyes. She saw the cultists leader fall forward, and land in front of her. After a moment of initial shock, Xena looked down and saw what had saved her. There sticking out of his back was one of Gabrielle's sais. Xena looked up and saw Gabrielle laying there, looking at her.
GABRIELLE
Xena, you're back.
XENA
Gabrielle?
Xena forced herself up and went over to Gabrielle. She sat beside her. Gabrielle looked at her.
GABRIELLE
I thought you were gone.
XENA
I would've been, if it weren't for you. You saved me Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
I'm just happy I didn't have to kill you.
Gabrielle chuckled a little as she winsed in pain. For the first time, Xena got a good look at Gabrielle's wound. It was serious. She had already lost a lot of blood.
XENA
(thinking to herself) No. What have I done?
Xena quickly did what she could to stop the bleeding with the limited things around her. She knew that she couldn't do much where they were. Though she herself was hurt, Xena push aside her own physical pain. And focused on Gabrielle, who was in far, far worse shape. Summoning all the strength she had left, Xena managed to get Gabrielle and herself to a nearby village. Once there, both Xena and Gabrielle received medical attention. After a number of days, Xena though still hurt, began to feel better. Gabrielle on the other hand, was still in pretty bad condition. As more time passed, Xena stayed by Gabrielle's side. And slowly, her wounds healed. But that didn't do much to alleviate Xena's guilt. Finally Gabrielle was well enough for them to head back out. They rode down the road.
GABRIELLE
Where are we heading?
Xena, deep in thought, didn't hear her.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Gabrielle nudged Xena, getting her attention.
XENA
Sorry, what?
GABRIELLE
You know you've been really quiet lately. Is there anything wrong?
XENA
No, I've just been thinking about something.
GABRIELLE
What?
Xena smirked.
XENA
Wouldn't you like to know?
GABRIELLE
Come on Xena, have you learned nothing about keeping things from me.
Xena gave her a sincere smile.
XENA
Don't worry, I'm pretty sure you're going to like this surprise.
GABRIELLE
A surprise huh. Well that sure sounds different coming from you.
XENA
(thinking to herself) Different for me huh? Gabrielle you have no idea.
THE END?
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