The inside of the cave was dimly lit with torches that lined the walls as Gabrielle and Celine make their way through the hallway-like corridor. Fortunately the cave was fairly linear so there wasn't any risk of them getting lost. Not that it mattered if they did since unbeknownst to Gabrielle, Xena was stealthily following not far behind. And she was pretty good at keeping track of where they were going at all times.
GABRIELLE
How much further do you think we have to go?
CELINE
I doubt it will be much further. They'll be hidden but not so hidden that we can't find them.
GABRIELLE
I guess that would defeat the purpose wouldn't it.
Celine could hear the sadness in Gabrielle's voice as they continued walking.
CELINE
Don't worry Gabrielle I know everything will work out as it should.
GABRIELLE
I really wish I shared your optimism Celine.
CELINE
Then I guess I'll just have to be optimistic enough for the both of us.
The comment got a small, brief smile from Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
Thanks.
The two kept walking for a bit until Gabrielle heard the distinct sound of a baby's cry.
GABRIELLE
Aurora.
Having no doubt that it was Aurora, Gabrielle instantly took off running towards the sound with Celine following right behind.
CELINE
Gabrielle wait we don't know what might be waiting for us once we get there.
But Gabrielle just ignored Celine's warning. She was far too concerned with getting to her child and making sure she was safe and unharmed. A few moments later they came to the end of the corridor which opened up to a much larger space within the cave. They stopped as Gabrielle quickly looked around the area for Aurora. Then after a moment she spotted a large chair that had been placed on the other side of the corridor. Sitting in the chair was a basket. And in the basket layed baby Aurora wrapped in blanket with her face showing as she cried. Even though she was crying, the baby seemed to be unharmed. Which brought tears of joy and relief to Gabrielle's eyes as she finally found her and Xena's child. It had pure agony for her since Aurora had been taken, not knowing if she was safe or if she'd actually ever see her daughter again. But now there she was just a few feet away and all Gabrielle wanted to do was run over pick Aurora up, hold her and never let her go again. Which she was about to do when she felt Celine grab her arm.
CELINE
Gabrielle wait a minute. I don't think just running over there's a good idea.
Gabrielle looked at Celine.
GABRIELLE
Let me go Celine. I'm going to get Aurora.
CELINE
But look. Don't you think it's weird that her kidnappers have her just sitting out in the open like this? And with no one seemingly around. This whole thing feels really off to me.
GABRIELLE
Maybe they didn't think I'd be here yet. Plus I don't care. If no ones here we can just take Aurora and get out of here. Now let me go.
Gabrielle tried pulling her arm away but Celine kept her grip firmly on Gabrielle.
CELINE
I get that you just want your child back but I seriously doubt that her kidnappers are just gonna let you walk out of here with her. It wouldn't surprise me if they were secretly watching us from close by right now.
Gabrielle stopped trying to pull away as she realized that Celine was probably right. Seeing that Gabrielle had calmed down and likely wasn't just going to go running right for Aurora, Celine let go of her arm as the two looked around to see if they could spot anyone hiding nearby but didn't see anything. After a few minutes Gabrielle was out of patience and walked a few steps ahead as she spoke loudly so anyone who might be hiding nearby could hear her while continuously scanning the room for Aurora's kidnapper to make their appearance.
GABRIELLE
Well i'm here. I've done exactly what you wanted so where are you? I want my child back so show yourself and we can get this over with.
Gabrielle stood there for a moment as she waited for the kidnappers to show themselves. But all she got was silence.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) What kind of sick game are these bastards playing?
Xena scanned the area from her hiding place a little ways off from where Gabrielle and Celine stood for anything that might be a trap of some kind. But she didn't notice anything that seemed out of place. And after a little longer, much like Gabrielle, Xena was becoming very impatient with waiting for Aurora's kidnappers to show themselves. But she knew that they would show up soon. They wouldn't put this much effort into doing something like this only to no follow through with the rest of whatever they had planned. Xena was convinced that making Gabrielle wait was more than likely a part of their plan. More mental and emotional manipulation. This was all just to prolong Gabrielle's suffering. And the fact that anyone could be that cold and heartless towards her only served to enrage Xena even further than she already was. As she silently vowed that once the kidnappers finally revealed themselves she was going to make them pay for everything they had put Gabrielle and herself through.
GABRIELLE
If you're here please just come out so we can settle this. I just want Aurora to be safe. So whatever you want from me it's yours.
Again Gabrielle got no response as she looked at Celine.
GABRIELLE
I'm starting to think that no one's here, so i'm gonna take the chance and go for Aurora. You stay here and keep watch.
Gabrielle began to move towards the baby when Celine stopped her again.
GABRIELLE
Celine let me go.
Gabrielle struggled to get free from Celine's grip.
CELINE
Gabrielle I think this might be a trap. If you get near her who knows what might happen.
Gabrielle continued to try getting Celine off of her.
GABRIELLE
I don't care anymore. Aurora's right there and I not letting you or some trap stop me from getting my child back.
Suddenly Gabrielle stopped trying to get free when she heard a voice come from behind the large chair where Aurora was layed.
?
Oh but you should listen to her Gabrielle because she's right, this is a trap.
From her hiding place Xena scowled as she slowily moved her hand to rest on her chakrum. Ready to throw it as soon as the moment was right as she kept a close watch over everything. As she felt her anger grow emencely when she saw a figure slowly walking out from behind the large chair where Aurora layed. Recognizing them immediately. As did Gabrielle, who was in complete disbelief at who was standing before her with a sick, satisfied grin on their face as they continued to speak.
?
And a very good one too if I do say so myself.
GABRIELLE
I don't believe this. You're Aurora's kidnapper?
Aurora's kidnapper laughed a bit before returning to having an evil smile on their face.
?
(Sinister tone) Surprise.
TO BE CONTINUED…