XENA
Again Gabrielle.
Gabrielle swung her staff at Xena who ducked. Xena grabbed the weapon and pulled, sending it behind her along with Gabrielle who held on. Gabrielle tucked and rolled behind Xena then turned and thrust her staff forward towards Xena's back. Xena quickly moved as Gabrielle came forward and missed her shot. Then Xena grabbed Gabrielle from behind. Gabrielle quickly pushed off the ground and sent them both backwards to the grass. She then continued her momentum and rolled back over Xena's head and slipped out of the hold Xena had her in. She got to her feet and swung her staff straight down stopping just inches from Xena's face who didn't even flinch as the weapon came down.
GABRIELLE
(Huffing) How was that?
XENA
Not bad. Buuut...
GABRIELLE
But whaah!
In almost an instint Xena grabbed Gabrielle's staff and arm as she flipped her to the ground and before Gabrielle knew what happened Xena was on top of her pinning her to the ground.
XENA
Even if it looks like you're enemy is down you can't drop your guard until you know for sure that they're no longer a threat.
GABRIELLE
I'll remember that. Now could you get off me?
Xena smirked as she leaned close to Gabrielle.
XENA
(Seductive tone) Oh and here I thought you liked me on top of you.
GABRIELLE
Not when we're in the middle of a bunch of people looking at us.
Xena smirked as she got to her feet and took Gabrielle's hand to help her stand. Gabrielle looked around at the other people on the practice field who had stopped to watch for a moment go back to their previous activities. Xena and Gabrielle walked off and grabbed some water to quench their thirst after the strenuous routine. After the numerous attempts on Gabrielle's life, Xena had decided that Gabrielle needed to be better prepared to defend herself against an attack if Xena wasn't around. So Xena had begun sparing with Gabrielle and giving her better pointers for how to incompassitate or escape from anyone who might come after her. It hadn't been long since they started but Xena could already see Gabrielle improving. Neither Xena or Gabrielle wanted Gabrielle to go full warrior, which was why Gabrielle stuck with her trusty staff. The training was primarily about bettering Gabrielle's defenses so she was less likely to be caught of guard if the people after her decided to go for the straight up approach. As well and heightening her senses to better pick up on anything dangerous that might be nearby. Which Gabrielle was getting better at as well. During this time Xena had continued to investigate to try finding those behind the assassination attempts, but hadn't come up with anything that pointed to who the culprits were. After figuring that it was likely that it was more than one person after Gabrielle, Xena had closely watching the villagers for any one acting suspicious. But hadn't found anything thus far. So time went by with both Xena and Gabrielle on alert for the next attack, but were surprised when after a couple weeks nothing happened. With their house finally repaired, Gabrielle stood looking out of their bedroom window watching the people below. As she stood there she heard a noise behind her and grabbed her staff that she made sure to keep next to her at all times now. She turned and quickly swung her staff. A hand shot out aand caught the weapon mid swing as the person stepped into the light.
XENA
It's alright it's just me.
Xena let go of the staff as Gabrielle relaxed a little a put her weapon back where she had it leaning against the wall.
GABRIELLE
(Sighing) I hate this Xena. I'm always on edge now.
XENA
I know.
GABRIELLE
Gods is this what you feel like always needing to be on high alert. Because it's exhausting.
XENA
Kind of. But as a warrior who's been at this for a long time it's just normal for me at this point.
Xena walked up and held Gabrielle.
XENA
We'll find those responsible soon and then we can all relax.
GABRIELLE
I really hope so.
Physically and emotionally tired Gabrielle pulled away, picked up her staff and headed to bed. Xena took one more look around and then went to sleep herself. Hoping that they would discover the ones behind the attacks soon. Morning came as Xena and Gabrielle walked through the village. They made their way to the practice field. After some sparing Gabrielle walked over to grab a drink. Then Xena saw her begin to walk off.
XENA
Where you off to?
GABRIELLE
I'm just going to get some water.
XENA
Want me to come with you?
GABRIELLE
You know I can't have you with me every moment of every day.
XENA
I can try.
GABRIELLE
Xena you're not going back to being over protective of me again are you?
XENA
No. It's just with what's going on...
Gabrielle walked over to Xena and smiled at her as she softly touched Xena's cheek.
GABRIELLE
It's okay I know you're worried about me. But you have to still let me do things on my own. Plus you've said so yourself that I've gotten much better at defending myself. So I'm pretty sure I can handle walking through the village without my personal warrior princess bodyguard right behind me.
Xena smiled.
XENA
Alright. Just remember to keep your eyes and ears open for anything.
GABRIELLE
Don't worry I will.
Gabrielle walked off and Xena watched her leave. Xena walked over and sat on a bench and began sharpening her sword while still keeping tabs on everything around her. As she sat there Xena someone peek out a building that Gabrielle had passed. Then a few moments later come out and begin following her. Xena scowled as she quickly got up and began following them. As she got closer Xena recognized the person and growled to herself.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) What are you doing Kai?
Xena was ready to leap into action if she needed to but didn't want to jump to conclusions just yet. She continued following Kai who looked around suspiciously before she turned and began walking a different direction from Gabrielle. Xena's eyes narrowed as she judged the number of people in the mess hall and figured that with so many around no one would be foolish enough to try anything. So with Gabrielle safe for the time being, Xena decided to stealthily continue following Kai. Xena tracked the Amazon to a secluded area behind a building. Xena hugged the wall as she peeked around the corner. She saw Kai meeting up with a hooded woman and focused on listening to their conversation.
?
You know she's not happy with how long this is taking.
KAI
Hey it's not my fault Xena's always with her now. Maybe if the others got the job done before we wouldn't be in this mess.
?
You're not much better either.
Xena felt her anger building at what the conversation she was hearing meant. Kai, their supposed friend was one of the ones plotting to kill Gabrielle.
KAI
Oh aren't I. After all I got her to follow me and leave Gabrielle completely unguarded.
Kai smirked as she looked over her shoulder.
KAI
Isn't that right, Xena.
Xena sneered as she stood up and reached for her sword as she prepared to run after Gabrielle. But then multiple Amazons grabbed Xena from behind. Xena tried fighting them off and she thought how much she hated how skilled Amazons were at stealth combat at that moment. She had fallen right into a very well layed trap and now all Xena could think of was if they wanted her there what did they have planned for Gabrielle? Xena pushed back and drove the Amazon into the wall as another jumped at her. Xena still fought as a third woman jumped on her, finally taking Xena to the ground. But Xena refused to give up as she struggled to get free from the Amazon's. She yelled as she continued to try and free herself as the Amazon's held her down and forcefully tied her hands behind her back. As they held Xena under control, Kai walked up to her and took her sword and chakrum.
XENA
Why are you doing this Kai? Why try killing Gabrielle?
Kai looked down at Xena as she casually rested Xena's sword on her shoulder.
KAI
Hey this wasn't my idea. I'm just getting you out of the way so our rightful ruler can take her place.
XENA
What?
KAI
Now no more questions. Why don't you take a nap until I'm ready to deal with you.
XENA
(Angry tone) Damn you Kai if you hurt Gabrielle I'll...
Before Xena could finish she was struck hard in the back of her head and everything went blurry for a moment before Xena's consciousness was claimed by darkness and she lay on the ground motionless. Meanwhile Gabrielle came out of the mess hall and began walking back towards the practice field where she left Xena. She stopped when she heard someone behind her.
?
There you are Gabrielle. I've been looking for you.
TO BE CONTINUED...