When Taro awoke the next morning, the pain from his hand once again left him. He still felt weak though and had a rather hard time standing up. But once he did his strength returned, at least most of it. Taro didn't want to tell his parents about last night, especially since they already have enough to worry about as it is. If he was terribly sick, there probably isn't anything that they could do anyway.

Taro just sat on the edge of his bed and rubbed his face from stress, as he thought about what he should do. He couldn't go to any of his brothers for help, since they would certainly tell his parents about it. But he knew he had to go to someone for help before he gets any worse and then nothing may be able to help him. As Taro again starred at his bitten hand, which had now grown numb, he finally decided on the hard( and possibly only solution )on what to do. He would have to go to Xena for help.

It wasn't that he wanted to, because he certainly didn't, especially after that last visit with the furious alien. But Taro figured that he really didn't have any other choice, since she's obviously the only one on planet Ultra with any knowledge of her planets dangerous environment. And it's not likely that she would tell anyone else about his visit. She might just even know a cure for whatever it is that he's got. But, even if she did, why would she tell him? It was clear to see that she hates his guts and would probably prefer it if he died a long painful death. But knowing that she was his only real chance, Taro decided to risk it anyway, and was going to go see her. Perhaps, he could even exchange her freedom, for some lifesaving information. Though he probably wouldn't get her hopes up, until he was sure whether he could swing that with his parents or not, seeing that their very strict about that sort of thing and may not agree to it.

As soon as he had the nerve to, he went to the prison. The guard on duty was different then last time and looked younger. Taro hoped that he would be able to persuade him to let him in to see the prisoner without an actual order from ultra father, or Zoffy. Upon seeing Taro the guard stood at attention and addressed him.

"Master, Taro. What can I do for you, sir?"

"I would like to see the prisoner in solitary, if that's alright?" Taro tried to sound casual so the guard wouldn't become suspicious.

The guard paused for a moment, probably wondering why anybody in their right mind would want to, but before he could asked him, Taro quickly spoke again, "It's very important," Taros voice was now serious.

Deciding not to question his authority, the guard quickly assisted him, along with a, "Yes, sir!" He unlocked the door for Taro and stepped back as if trying to stay out of throwing range once the door was opened.

Taro, slowly opened the door, being ready for something to hit him. Nothing did. He walked in all the way and closed the door behind him so that the guard wouldn't hear anything. This made the room pretty dark, but he would just have to bare with it. Once, he focused his eyes on the dark he could see much more clearly. Without looking around first he walked over to the same section of the room as last time, knowing that she would still be there.

He stood about a yard away from the dark figure curled up in the corner. He waited a moment for her to make a move, but she didn't. She obviously knew that he was there, but just refused to acknowledge him. Taro, waited a moment longer before he stepped closer and began to reach down to touch her arm to see if he could get a reaction. He got more of a reaction than he bargained for, when one of her hands instantly shot up and grabbed his hand that was nearing her. This startled Taro and he tried to back away, but couldn't immediately since she was still clutching to him, digging her nails into his wrist. Taro grunted, but just stood still waiting for her to let go on her own.

She had grabbed him without even looking up and continued not to for a few seconds longer. When he made no further attempt to get away, she took a deep breath before saying in almost a whisper, "Leave..me..alone."

She instantly let go of him after that and Taro quickly backed away. He stood there stunned for a moment before he balled his fists and practically shouted at her, " What's your problem?!"

That immediately got her attention and she glared up at him with the same look of fury that she had had previously. When she looked like she was about to say something sharp out of spite, the expression of anger suddenly fell from her face and was replaced by a blank one. Her eyes left Taro and dully went to the ground. "Think whatever you want about me…see if I care," she said in a voice that almost sounded depressed.

Taro was surprised and confused by the sudden change in her attitude, and he wasn't sure how to respond to it. He was beginning to regret what he had just said. He wasn't being too sympathetic, after all she had a right to be upset from being taken from her home and brought here, to some strange foreign place. Maybe, if he wants to get through to her, he should stop treating her like a prisoner and start treating her like a person.

"Xena?"

She looked up at him from hearing him say her name, and this was probably the first time she looked at him with something other than anger plastered on her face. But, the look quickly vanished as she turned her away. Seeing her reaction from him using her name, Taro decided that he would use it from now on.

"Xena, I don't know what you have against us, but whatever it is, I want you to know that we don't want to be your rivals," Taro suddenly felt dumb for saying that, since it was obvious what she had against them. They did kidnap her and put her in prison, after all.

She scoffed, but said nothing. Deciding that he had to make her feel more comfortable, Taro pulled up a chair that was by a table. He set it about a yard from her and sat down. She starred at his act, but seemed indifferent to it, not really caring. After a moment of silence and realizing that he apparently wasn't going anywhere she turned herself to face him.

"What do you want from me?!"

"I want answers."

"About what!?"

"You!"