Xena was a little surprised by Tobias's offer. But figured a man like him would never actually follow through on a promise of freedom to one of his slaves. But she didn't really have any real reason to refuse the offer. Infact it would've seemed very suspicious if she had. So Xena decided to see where Tobias was going with this. Tobias motioned for one of the guards to come over.
TOBIAS
Now I'm certain you're wondering if my offer for your freedom is genuine. Well let me reassure you that it most certainly is. And while I did just spend a good amount on you, I believe that you as an arena fighter will repay my investment many times over. Not that I need to explain myself to you. But I just figured I'd avoid any obvious annoying questions that someone in your possession must have. So let's see what you've got.
Tobias began to walk away.
TOBIAS
Oh and I'd be careful not to go easy. Because this, much like the arena fights should you impress me here, will be a battle to the death.
Tobias sat down in a large chair to watch and evaluate Xena's performance. The guard stood before Xena ready for his leader to give the signal to begin. He was clearly not intimidated be Xena in the least. Confident that he would make short work of this slave woman in front of him. After all if she was such a great fighter then there's no way she'd be taking as a slave. So he wasn't the least bit concerned with fighting this woman that Tobias called Gabriella. He figured the fight would be over before it really started. And he wasn't wrong. Because the moment Tobias said to start, the guard charged Xena. Xena simply deflected the strike and in one quick motion drove her blade deep into his chest. He gasped as Xena pushed him off her sword and he looked into her cold eyes as he dropped to the floor and died.
TOBIAS
I honestly thought that was going to be more of a fight. But I guess he wasn't taking you seriously.
He smiled as he stroked his beard in thought.
TOBIAS
Yes I can definitely use that to my advantage. Most people wouldn't expect a woman to have the fighting capabilites that you do. Though I haven't seen everything I'm certain that there's far more to you than meets the eye.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) You have no idea.
TOBIAS
My minds made up. You Gabriella will begin fighting in my area beginning tomorrow. Guards take her to her room.
Tobias watched as Xena was lead out of the weapons room and smiled to himself.
TOBIAS
You my dear are going to make me an even wealthier man.
It was late at night when Gabrielle came to Xena's window. Xena told her that Tobias was now going to have her fight in his arena for some sick blood sport.
GABRIELLE
What are you gonna do?
XENA
What else can I do? I'm gonna fight.
GABRIELLE
Xena this is wrong. He's putting you in there to just kill people for profit and amusement.
XENA
Don't worry I over heard them talking and I'm just facing a couple guards. So it's not like anyone innocent is getting hurt here. Plus if this is how I take down his people that works for me.
GABRIELLE
Are you sure about this Xena? What if he puts you against people who are being forced to fight? You can't just kill them.
XENA
Obviously I know that Gabrielle.
Xena sighed.
XENA
I don't know. I'll figure something out.
GABRIELLE
You know this whole situation just seems to keep going from bad to worse.
Xena smirked.
XENA
Relax. So I have to beat up some thugs in an arena to take down a slave empire. I think that's a pretty small price to pay.
GABRIELLE
Just be careful Xena.
XENA
Aren't I always?
GABRIELLE
Is that a rhetorical question?
Xena smiled at Gabrielle from the window.
GABRIELLE
I guess I'll see you later. I'll be sure to find a good seat for the fight.
XENA
You don't have to come. You can go do some investigating around the compound.
Gabrielle smiled as she winked at Xena and began walking away.
GABRIELLE
Who says I can't do both? I'll see you out there "Gabriella".
Xena shook her head as she watched Gabrielle leave. She decided to make it an early night, figuring she didn't know what exactly she'd be up against the next day. The sun was high in the noon sky as Xena was lead to a holding room inside the area. There was a set of armor hanging up for her to put on. It was silver metal up top with gold trim and a bit of light blue fabric that hung off one shoulder. With boots and arm guards to match. And a brown battle skirt, to round out the ensemble, not to different from the usual one she usually wore. If Xena was being honest it was actually a very impressive set of armor.
XENA
(Thinking to herself Jokingly) Well I'll give it to them for having good taste in equipment at least.
Xena got undressed and put on the new armor that had been layed out for her. Then she waited. From where she was, Xena could hear the crowd in the area outside. It sounded like it was packed with people waiting to watch people kill each other just for the fun of it.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I guess I should give them a show.
A couple moments later there was a knock on the door and then it opened. Two guards stood in the doorway looking at Xena. One looked at Xena and shook his head in disbelief that they were putting a woman in the arena. But he didn't really care either way so he motioned for Xena to come with them. She did as they lead her down a hallway to a pair of large doors. The guards opened them and motioned for Xena to walk through. Keeping her eyes forward Xena stepped through and began walking towards the light at the end of the hall as the doors were shut and locked behind her. Xena could hear the roar of the crowd as she walked towards the light. Finally she reached the actual arena and stood just outside the hallway looking out at the massive crowd that surrounded her on all sides. She couldn't see her, but Xena knew that Gabrielle was somewhere among the sea of people watching closely. And she was right. Gabrielle watched as the announcer introduced the latest gladiator to the arena known as Gabriella. Gabrielle looked at Xena as she walked to the middle of the field in her new armor and couldn't help but smile as she saw Xena's silver armor shimmer in in the sunlight as a gentle breeze caused the blue fabric along with Xena's hair to flutter slightly. Causing Gabrielle to momentarily forget about just what it was they were doing.
GABRIELLE
(Talking to herself) Woah.
Meanwhile Xena looked to see if she could spot Gabrielle as she waited for her opponent. She smiled a bit when she found her in the crowd and noticed the way Gabrielle was looking at her.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Maybe I will keep this armor when this is all done.
She winked quick as she kept looking at the crowd and arena to assess her surroundings as she typically did before a battle. The announcer went on and called out Xena's opponent. Xena looked at the opposite entrance as a very large man came walking into the arena. To the crowd he looked terrifying. But to Xena she just snickered to herself. Knowing that she could beat guy's like him up with one arm tied behind her back. But then she saw about five more guys about the same size and build walk out behind him. Xena smirked.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I guess I must've impressed Tobias more than I thought. Alright I can play along.
Xena saw that all of them had weapons. Where as she did not. Not that it mattered to her. But she was curious as to why that was. Though Xena didn't need to wonder for long when she heard Tobias's voice quiet down the crowd as he spoke.
TOBIAS
Ladies and gentlemen today our main event is sure to be an exciting one. As I'm sure you've noticed the unique pairing we have here. But let me assure you that this woman is quite capable. But if you don't believe me well, I guess you'll have to see for yourselves.
Both Xena and Gabrielle smirked at Tobias not realizing just how right he was.
TOBIAS
So without further adew. I say let the battle begin!
The crowd roared with chears and applause. Tobias sat in his seat and watched to see how things would play out.
TOBIAS
(Talking to himself) Now Gabriella let's see if you're going to disappoint me.
Xena smirked at her opponents.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I should probably try not to beat these guys too fast. After all I'm sure the boss man cares more about giving people a good show than how fast I can win a fight.
Xena glanced up at Tobias then back at her opponents. She smirked at the group of men who began to stalk their way towards her.
XENA
Okay boys let's play.
TO BE CONTINUED...