After hearing someone behind her, Gabrielle turned around to see Valassca standing there.
GABRIELLE
Oh Valassca, did you need something.
VALASSCA
I'm glad I finally found you. I came to get you as soon as I could.
GABRIELLE
Why, is something wrong?
VALASSCA
It's Xena. I just saw a few people carrying her off somewhere.
Valassca saw a worried expression appear on Gabrielle's face.
GABRIELLE
What happened?
VALASSCA
I think whoever's after you must be targeting her now as well.
GABRIELLE
No... You said that they were carrying her off, which means that Xena might be hurt and in danger. We have to find her.
VALASSCA
I doubt Xena would want you going off without her right now, it's far too dangerous.
GABRIELLE
I don't care. I can't just leave her when she needs help.
VALASSCA
You're right Gabrielle. But Xena wouldn't be too pleased if I just let you go off on your own. So allow me to help find her.
GABRIELLE
Of course, I appreciate that Valassca. Maybe we should find the others to help as well.
VALASSCA
I've already alerted Ephiny and she's gathering up a search party as we speak. But we do have to be careful about who we talk to we don't know who might be behind this.
GABRIELLE
That's what Xena thinks too. So I guess you might have a point. But then how can I trust you?
VALASSCA
Because I found this behind a building.
Valassca pulled out Xena's chakrum that was hooked on her belt behind her and handed it to Gabrielle. As Gabrielle looked at the weapon she knew that Xena must've really been in trouble if she didn't have her chakrum with her.
GABRIELLE
No Xena...
Gabrielle looked back up at Valassca.
GABRIELLE
We better hurry.
VALASSCA
This way. We should start looking around where I found her chakrum.
Valassca turned and quickly walked off with Gabrielle close behind as they began to search for Xena. Meanwhile Xena slowly opened her eyes as she regained consciousness. As she opened her eyes and her vision came back into focus she groaned at the pain in her head. Xena realized that she was laying on the ground and that her hands were tied behind her back and attached to a tree behind her. Her feet were also tied together. She pulled against her restrains but had no success with getting free. Xena saw a pair of boots walk up to her and growled when she looked up at the person standing there.
KAI
You can try all you want Xena, you're not getting free.
Xena managed to sit up and lean against the tree. She noticed the Kai had brought her out of the village as she looked around to assess her situation. Xena scowled as she glared up at the Amazon.
XENA
(Angry tone) Why are you doing this Kai? Gabrielle's done nothing to you.
KAI
You're right she hasn't.
XENA
(Angry tone) Then why are you trying to kill her?
Kai smirked as she crouched down in front of Xena.
KAI
Oh Xena, I have no personal grudge against Gabrielle. Honestly I couldn't care what happens to her either way.
XENA
(Angry tone) The fact that you're trying to kill her would prove otherwise.
KAI
It's not so much as me wanting her dead, it's more wanting you to suffer.
XENA
(Angry tone) What are you talking about?
KAI
I suppose I can tell you. The truth is that I can't stand you Xena. Actually I don't think I've ever hated anything as much as I despise you.
Kai stood up as she sighed contently. She put her hands on her hips and looked down at Xena.
KAI
Now let's see what I can do while we wait.
XENA
(Angry tone) Wait for what?
KAI
Oh just word that Gabrielle's been "Taken care of."
Gabrielle followed Valassca as she searched for Xena. Gabrielle held Xena's chakrum, knowing that Xena was in trouble.
GABRIELLE
Anything yet?
VALASSCA
No. So far the only sign that Xena was even here was her chakrum I picked up before coming to find you.
Valassca lead Gabrielle to where Xena was attacked and taken.
VALASSCA
This is where I found it. It was just laying in the grass when I walked by.
GABRIELLE
How'd you spot it?
Valassca shrugged.
VALASSCA
Just lucky I suppose. I noticed something reflecting the sunlight and decided to investigate what it was.
GABRIELLE
Well it's a good thing you did. Hopefully we can find something that can lead us to where Xena is.
VALASSCA
Then there's no time to waste. Let's spread out and see what we can find.
GABRIELLE
Right.
Gabrielle and Valassca spread out as Gabrielle began looking for any clues that might help them locate Xena.
GABRIELLE
Anything yet?
VALASSCA
No. I'll let you know if I find something.
The two searched for a bit but came up with nothing.
GABRIELLE
Nothing. Valassca I'm getting really worried about Xena. If we can't figure out where she's been taken...
VALASSCA
We'll find her. Stay here and keep looking. I'm gonna go see if I can pick up on her trail. Maybe that'll help us find her.
GABRIELLE
Good idea.
VALASSCA
Are you going to be okay by yourself for a while?
GABRIELLE
I appreciate your concern, but I can handle myself. I am queen you know.
VALASSCA
Indeed.
Valassca began walking away.
VALASSCA
Very well. I'll be back soon.
Gabrielle continued to search when she suddenly felt a sharp pain in the back of her head. She dropped to the ground. She tried to get up but couldn't as she felt her consciousness begining to fade. Gabrielle heard a voice as she rolled to her back. She fought to stay awake as she saw a blurry figure standing over her.
?
Finally I have my chance to be rid of you for good.
Gabrielle blinked a couple times as the figure crunched down and came into focus. She looked at the person in shock and sadness as she saw who it was.
GABRIELLE
Valassca?
VALASSCA
That's right.
Valassca scowled as she looked down at Gabrielle.
VALASSCA
It should not have been so difficult to kill you. But without Xena around, it just made this so much easier.
Gabrielle tried again to get up, but could barely even keep her eyes open anymore. Finally unable to fight it any longer, darkness claimed Gabrielle and she passed out. With the last sound she heard being Valassca's voice as she stood over her.
VALASSCA
Soon enough everything that should be mine will at last be in my grasp. I will finally have my vengeance and at long last reclaim what you so unjustly stole from me.
TO BE CONTINUED...