Chains rattled as Xena walked through the halls. Her hands and feet shackled. A number of armed guards escorted her as Tobias and Gabrielle walked behind them. Gabrielle remained silent as she tried to figure out what to do. Xena had already implied for her to not break her cover. But Gabrielle couldn't help but think of just how bad this whole situation had gotten since the beginning. Maybe she shouldn't have listened to Xena and not gone along with this plan. Especially since it seemed like everything that could have gone wrong had. She wondered what Xena might've had planned to get out of this. At least she hoped Xena had a plan. Unfortunately unknown to her at the moment Xena did not.
TOBIAS
Here we are.
Tobias stopped the group in front of two large doors that were a few feet from each other. Gabrielle watched as the guards took Xena in one. She was about to follow when Tobias shut that door and opened the other one.
TOBIAS
Actually Nexa we're going in here.
Tobias held the door open as he waited for Gabrielle to go inside. Gabrielle wearily looked at the other door.
TOBIAS
Don't worry we'll be able to see and hear everything perfectly fine from in here. Now come on.
(Intimidating tone) Unless there's a problem?
GABRIELLE
(Lying) No of course not.
Gabrielle walked over to Tobias and they both entered the room. Once inside Gabrielle saw that it was actually one large room with metal bars running across the middle. Almost like a prison but it had a door on both sides of the bars. Gabrielle watched through the bars as the chains on Xena's wrists were attached to a wooden table like beam that sat in the center of the cell. Having an idea of where this was going Xena began to fight against the guards as they hooked her to the beam. But it was too late, she was trapped. Xena tried to pull free but the metal and wood wouldn't give. Gabrielle really didn't like where she saw this going.
GABRIELLE
What are you gonna do?
TOBIAS
Technically I'm not going to do anything. They are.
Tobias chuckled as he looked past the bars at the guards standing near Xena. He then nodded for them to begin. With that one of the guards tore open the back of Xena's dress exposing her bare flesh. As he did that the other guard walked over to the far wall Gabrielle saw a various number of weapons and other instruments of torture hanging there. She watched as the guard took a couple of whips down and walked back towards the other guard, handing him one of the items. Gabrielle knew that she needed to stop this.
GABRIELLE
Don't you think this is too harsh?
TOBIAS
This slave clearly does not know her place. But she will soon enough.
Gabrielle tried to quickly think of something that could stop what was about to happen.
GABRIELLE
You know that by doing this she won't be able to compete in the arena for some time.
TOBIAS
Irrelevant. I can't allow my slaves to act the way she did today. See embarrassed me and that will not go unpunished.
GABRIELLE
But don't you think that this is a bit extreme?
TOBIAS
You know Nexa I find your interest in this particular slave quite percular. It seems to go beyond you just being her trainer. Now why is that?
Gabrielle looked back at Xena who gave her a look for her to still remain quiet about who they really were. Again Gabrielle followed what Xena wanted and ignored the horrible feeling that was coming over her.
GABRIELLE
(Lying) She just reminds me of someone I'm very close to.
TOBIAS
I see then perhaps you would prefer to leave before we begin.
Gabrielle looked at Xena. As much as she didn't want to see what was going to happen, she couldn't just leave Xena to go through this alone.
GABRIELLE
No if it's okay I think I'll stay.
TOBIAS
Suit yourself.
Both Xena and Gabrielle shared a look that was a mix of sadness, fear and love as Tobias gave the signal for Xena's "punishment" to begin. Gabrielle watched as the guards raised their weapons and then one them swung his arm downward as the whip uncoiled and struck Xena's back. Gabrielle involuntarily jumped at the cracking of the whip. Xena yelled in pain as she felt it hit. Then seconds later she yelled again as the second whip struck. Gabrielle watched from behind the barrier as Xena was struck again and again and again. She saw as the flesh on Xena's back became marked and torn open. Not a word was spoken as the only sounds to fill the room was the sounds of the cracking whips and Xena's yells. Tears began to fill Gabrielle's eyes as she watched the horrible sight. Finally she was nearing her breaking point.
GABRIELLE
Okay you can stop now. I think she's had enough.
TOBIAS
I'll be the one to determine when she's had enough.
Xena's torture continued for a bit longer. Until finally Gabrielle couldn't take it anymore. Her heart broke with every hit, every painful scream. She hated herself for letting this go one that long or even allowing it to happen at all. She didn't care about blowing their cover anymore. Because at that moment all Gabrielle cared was making this stop. She refused to allow them to harm Xena any further. She turned to Tobias and gave him a fierce look.
GABRIELLE
That's enough stop this now!
TOBIAS
No.
Gabrielle didn't say another word as she left the room and went next door. She burst in the door, ran over and grabbed the end of one of the whips as the guard pulled back to strike again. She ripped it out of his grasp and tossed it aside. The second guard was already pulling back for another hit. Gabrielle didn't have time to do the same thing to him as he began the forward swing. So she did the only thing that she could think to do to protect Xena. As the whip came down Gabrielle got behind Xena and covered her with her own body. She cried out as she felt the end of the weapon rake down her back. Both guards stopped, wondering what was going on as Tobias stormed into the room. He stood there a for a moment as he watched Gabrielle straighten herself back up and move around so she could look Xena in the eye. She began undoing Xena's wrists restraints.
XENA
What are you doing?
Gabrielle could feel tears running down her face as she gently touched Xena's face.
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry but I couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't just stand by and let them torture you like this. I should've stepped in sooner. I'm so sorry.
Xena smiled a little.
XENA
Don't be sorry.
TOBIAS
Oh but she will be.
Gabrielle turned around to see Tobias standing behind her.
TOBIAS
What the fuck do you think you're doing?!
GABRIELLE
I won't let you hurt her anymore.
TOBIAS
You won't let me? What makes you think that you're in any position to do anything to stop me?
Gabrielle stared him down.
GABRIELLE
Trust me you're not the first person to over look me and I'm sure you won't be the last. And that's just fine with me.
TOBIAS
I've had this sneaking suspicion for a bit now, but you're not really a slaver are you girl?
Gabrielle pulled out her sais and held them ready.
GABRIELLE
You're damn right I'm not. Now let her go.
TOBIAS
Make me.
GABRIELLE
Trust me I plan on it.
Tobias ordered his guards to attack. Gabrielle began fighting off the men that came at her. Xena, being chained and beaten was unable to do anything. Gabrielle wasn't able to undo her restraints before she was stopped. So all Xena could do was watch as Gabrielle fought off their attackers. Gabrielle continued to fight until she was hit from behind and knocked down. Then the guards began to beat her while she was down. Xena pulled against her restraints as she tried to get free to help Gabrielle.
XENA
Gabrielle!
Tobias heard Xena's yell and motioned for his guards to stop the beating and pick her up. Two guards grabbed Gabrielle off the ground and held her up on her knees to look at Tobias as he stood over her.
TOBIAS
Gabrielle huh. So that's your actual name. I see.
Tobias turned to Xena.
TOBIAS
Now how is it that you would know that Gabriella? Unless you knew her before you came here. Yes that would explain why she seemed to be drawn to you now wouldn't it?
He walked over to Xena and grabbed her hair forcing her to look him in the eyes.
TOBIAS
Which begs the question of your true identity as well. And why you both are really here. So tell me "Gabriella" who are you really?
XENA
That's for me to know and you to find out.
TOBIAS
We'll see about that.
Tobias let Xena go and snapped his fingers. With that one of the guards picked up the whip and began striking Xena again. Xena cried out in pain as she felt more of her skin being ripped open with each strike. Meanwhile dispite being beaten Gabrielle struggled to get free as she watched the resumed torture. Xena's cries echoed through the area.
GABRIELLE
No, Stop!
Gabrielle looked on in horror as Xena was struck over and over and over again. Finally Gabrielle couldn't let Xena continue to be tortured like this. Their cover was already blown, so keeping Xena's identity hidden didn't no longer mattered now anyway.
GABRIELLE
It's Xena. Her name's Xena. Now just stop. Please.
Tobias gave the signal to stop as he looked at Xena. He began to search his memory for where he had heard that name before.
TOBIAS
Xena. Xena.
Then it hit him.
TOBIAS
Wait a minute, Xena as in the warrior princess?
Xena glared up at him. Realizing that there was no point in concieling her true identity any longer.
XENA
Yes.
Tobias sneered at her as his face turned red in anger. He smacked Xena across the face.
TOBIAS
How dare you make a mockery of me. Why are you even here?
Xena stared at Tobias unintimidated.
XENA
To stop this little operation of yours. I'm going to burn your whole slave empire to the ground. And take you down with it.
TOBIAS
That's awfully big talk from someone in your position. But no matter. You'll ne dead soon enough.
Tobias looked at Gabrielle.
TOBIAS
Both of you.
GABRIELLE
So let me guess now you're gonna torture us both.
TOBIAS
Not a bad idea.
Tobias was about to give the signal for the guards to resume beating Xena and begin doing the same to Gabrielle. But then he thought of something as an evil smile crossed his face.
TOBIAS
Actually on second thought I just got a better idea.
He looked at the weakened Xena, then to Gabrielle who was being held captive.
TOBIAS
I think it's time for Xena to have one more match in my arena. And you Nexa or Gabrielle or whatever your name is I don't really care. You will be having your first match. So I suggest you prepare because trust me when I tell you that for both of you this match will be your last.
Tobias turned away, telling his guards to bring both Xena and Gabrielle to the arena.
TOBIAS
See you both out there as you fight a hopeless battle against all of my best fighters. I look forward to seeing just how far you can make it. Perhaps I'll take wagers from people to bet on how long you two can survive running my gauntlet.
Tobias left as Xena and Gabrielle were taken too the arena. Where he planned for both of them to fight opponent after opponent until they died.
TO BE CONTINUED...