Kai and Xena stood across from each other. Xena had to get to Gabrielle, but Kai was determined to stop her and allow Valassca exact her vengeance. Kai lunged at Xena who dodged and threw her elbow back into Kai's stomach. Then she followed up with an uppercut tothe Amazon's chin. Kai staggered back and shook off the hit before going back in to attack. Kai ran back in and threw a punch, Xena caught her fist and threw her own punch which Kai caught with her free hand. Kai smirked as she used her foot to sweep Xena's legs from under her. Xena fell to her back but didn't let go of Kai. Instead she used the momentum to pull Kai down as well. As Kai was pulled forward, Xena planted her feet in the Amazon's midsection and flipped her overhead and to her back on the ground as Xena let go of her fist. With Xena and Kai down, both women kicked back up to a standing position. Without looking first, Kai swung behind her as she spun to face Xena who while even with her back still facing Kai, was able to sense that incoming strike and ducked out of the way. Then while still crouching kicked out her leg behind her hitting Kai in her midsection. Xena stood and turned to face Kai who was catching her breath as she glared angerly at her.
XENA
Just stop this now Kai, you can't win.
KAI
(Angry tone) Fuck you Xena! You think you're so damn great.
XENA
No, I don't.
KAI
(Angry tone) Well you sure act like it. And now I'm gonna prove to everyone else here that you're nothing but a washed up warlord who finally got what she deserved.
Kai grabbed her dagger and lunged for Xena. Xena caught her wrist but as she did Kai dropped the dagger into her other hand and slashed at her, cutting into Xena's side. Xena yelled in pain and anger as she headbutted the Amazon. Kai backed off as Xena held her side.
KAI
(Angry tone) That was a cheap move!
XENA
So is coming after an innocent person over a vendetta that has nothing to do with them. But that didn't stop you from going after Gabrielle did it?
KAI
(Angry tone) Don't you lecture me bitch.
Kai threw her dagger at Xena who caught it effortlessly and threw it back. Kai dodged and came right at Xena with a series of punches and kicks. Xena blocked or parried each strike as she threw out her own attacks. While Kai attempted to block the blows she was just out matched when it came to fighting Xena. She was beginning to lose ground which only infuriated her further. Kai yelled as she rolled forward to where a dagger she had thrown landed and swung at Xena who was behind her. But anticipating the move Xena jumped back as Kai stood and looked at the blade.
KAI
Fine if I can't bet you in hand to hand let's see how well you do blocking a blade.
Xena said nothing as Kai turned the weapon blade side down and rushed at her. Kai swung and stabbed at Xena who moved out of the way of each strike. Xena waited for an opening and then grabbed Kai's wrist and twisted it. Kai yelled in pain as she felt the bones in her wrist snap. Causing her to drop her dagger. Xena then followed up with an elbow to her face and dropped Kai to the ground. The Amazon wiped the blood from her mouth with her uninjured hand as she saw Xena looking down at her.
KAI
(Angry tone) Well what are you standing there for? Come on nows your chanse to kill another Amazon.
Xena said nothing as she spotted where Kai had put her weapons and walked over to get them.
KAI
(Angry tone) Don't you ignore me Xena!
Kai got up and rushed at Xena who drew her sword and turned as she swung her blade. Xena cut into Kai's side and the Amazon fell. As Kai hit the ground Xena heard some familiar voices coming her way and looked to see Skyla, Clover, Fauna Iris, Amarice and Ephiny. As the six women reached her they slowed down when they saw Kai on the ground and Xena with a bloody sword in her hand.
FAUNA
Kai!
IRIS
What happened?
Fauna and Iris rushed to their friend as Clover, Skyla, Amarice and Ephiny looked between Xena and Kai noticing both of their conditions.
CLOVER
What happened here Xena?
XENA
It turns out Kai was one of the major players in the plot to kill Gabrielle.
Ephiny angerly glared at Kai.
EPHINY
(Angry tone) What?!
Skyla looked at her long time friend in disbelief.
SKYLA
Kai, please tell us that's not true
Kai winced in pain as she looked at Xena.
KAI
(Angry tone) Do you know what she's done?
Fauna, Clover, Iris and Skyla shrugged as Fauna looked at Xena.
FAUNA
What's she talking about?
XENA
She found out some of my past crimes and wanted revenge.
FAUNA
Past crimes?
Xena lowered her eyes sadly as Clover, Skyla, Fauna and Iris wondered what was going on. Knowing alot of Xena's past, Ephiny decided to step in.
EPHINY
I think this might be a conversation better saved for later. Right now we still need to find Gabrielle and Valassca.
Xena grabbed Kai by her shirt.
XENA
Alright you must know so where did Valassca take Gabrielle?
KAI
(Angry tone) Like I'd tell you.
EPHINY
Valassca? She's involved in this?
XENA
Not only is she involved, it turns out she's the ring leader behind it all. I don't have time to explain everything but Valassca wants Gabrielle dead so she can take over as queen. And Kai volunteered along with other's to help take Gabrielle out.
EPHINY
Damn it. I knew that she didn't like Gabrielle much but I never thought Valassca would kill her just because she was queen.
XENA
No one did.
Xena returned her attention to Kai and grabbed the Amazon by her top.
XENA
(Angry tone) I'm giving you one more chance to tell me where they are or else.
Kai gave Xena a defiant smirk.
KAI
Or else what?
Xena scowled as she quickly jabbed two fingers into Kai's neck. The woman immediately began to struggle.
XENA
I just cut off the flow of blood to your brain. If it's not undone soon you'll be dead. Now tell me where Valassca has Gabrielle and I'll release you.
Kai struggled against the hold but everyone else could see that she was fighting a losing battle.
IRIS
If you know where they are just tell us Kai. Please.
FAUNA
Xena won't actually let Kai die will she?
EPHINY
Over the time I've known her I've learned that Xena's willing to do pretty much anything when it comes to Gabrielle.
CLOVER
Damn it Kai just tell her!
Finally unable to stand it any longer Kai broke.
KAI
Fine! They're in the old abandoned storage hut.
XENA
Where's that?
FAUNA
We know what building she's talking about.
XENA
Fine.
Xena jabbed Kai's neck again and released the hold. Kai gasped as she was freed. She watched as Xena immediately began to leave and managed to get to her feet. She sneered at Xena hurrying away.
KAI
(Angry tone) Someone like you has no right to walk around free and enjoy any kind of happy life.
Xena stopped for a moment as she looked back at Kai.
XENA
I know. And Gabrielle doesn't deserve to be targeted for something she had nothing to do with.
Xena left with Ephiny and Amarice following close behind. Meanwhile Iris, Fauna, Clover and Skyla looked at Kai.
SKYLA
Kai tell us please why did you get involved in this. What did Xena do to upset you so much?
Fauna reached out to try and help her friend but Kai just pushed her away.
KAI
(Angry tone) Forget it.
Kai glared in the direction Xena had gone and slowly walked off in the opposite direction.
FAUNA
Wait Kai where are you going? You're hurt and need medical attention.
Though she tried to fight it at first, Kai was too tired and injured to really resist Fauna and Clover helping her to the village healers. As they walked off Skyla and Fauna looked sadly at their friend wondering how things could've come to this. Figuring Xena, Ephiny and Amarice could handle stopping Valassca and saving Gabrielle, they decided to try to help find and deal with any of other rebels that might be around.
AMARICE
I still can't believe Valassca has been trying to kill Gabrielle.
Xena, Ephiny and Amarice raced towards the abandoned building that Kai told them Valassca was keeping Gabrielle.
XENA
The lust for power can drive a person to do some pretty despicable things. Trust me, I'd know.
AMARICE
True, but it's not like Valassca's you. We don't know what she's gonna do.
EPHINY
But that's exactly makes this so dangerous. Up until today we had no clue that Valassca had this side to her.
XENA
Which is why once we get there I want you two to wait outside.
AMARICE
Why? If we all go in together we can take Valassca easily.
XENA
No, if we all go in Valassca might feel cornered and kill Gabrielle on the spot... I just hope she hasn't already.
EPHINY
We'll get there in time Xena and stop Valassca.
XENA
I hope so Ephiny. I really do.
TO BE CONTINUED...