Gabrielle was stunned by a second revelation that Kai had just revealed.
GABRIELLE
Valassca had a daughter? I never knew that she had any children. I wonder why I didn't know that.
KAI
I'm not surprised. Apparently no one really did. But once I told her that you and Xena were responsible for her mother's death, well let's just say she couldn't wait to meet you.
GABRIELLE
You're lying. If Valassca's daughter wanted revenge as bad as you say then where is she? Ibet you're making this whole thing up to try and trick me. Because if any of this was true, if Valassca's daughter wanted revenge so badly wouldn't she be here.?
KAI
Oh no Valassca's daughter is here. Infact she's been right under your nose this whole time. And you didn't even know it. Isn't that right… Celine?
GABRIELLE
Wha..?
Gabrielle looked over at Celine in shock. Then looked back at Kai.
GABRIELLE
You're lying.
KAI
Am I?
Gabrielle turned back to Celine.
GABRIELLE
Celine?
Celine didn't say anything as she smirked and walked over to stand beside Kai.
GABRIELLE
Celine? You're Valassca's daughter?
Celine lost her smile as she scowled at Gabrielle.
CELINE
That's right everything Kai just told you is all true. Valassca was my mother. My hunting party did find Kai injured and on the brink of death. We became friends. And then once she learned who I was she told me all about what you and Xena did to my mother.
GABRIELLE
Listen to me Celine I don't know just what Kai told you but she lied to you.
CELINE
Did she? Because the last time I heard from her she was just fine and living in Kai's village with you, Xena and all the others. She would send me letters about life in the village. But then out of nowhere the letters stopped. I didn't know what happened until I met Kai. She told me what happened. How you stole my mother's place as queen. Then when she tried to take it back you and Xena killed her.
GABRIELLE
Your mother went mad and tried to murder me. Her death was in self defense.
Celine scoffed not believing Gabrielle.
KAI
Well it's not like what you say really matters any way. Now that you're here both Celine and I can finally have our revenge.
GABRIELLE
And just what do you plan on doing Kai kill me?
KAI
Actually yes. We'll kill you, take the kid and then Xena will finally know what it feels like to lose everything she cares about. It's a pretty simple but effective plan nonetheless.
The reality of everything finally sank in for Gabrielle as she had a another realization.
GABRIELLE
Celine you were the one who took Aurora in the first place weren't you?
CELINE
I did. I honestly thought you might suspect me right away, but that was why I worked so hard on getting close to you. Honestly this whole thing was Kai's brilliant idea. Though the plan was pretty poetic don't you think? You and Xena took my mother from me. So I took your daughter.
GABRIELLE
Look Celine you want you're revenge on me fine. Just please let Aurora go. She's just a baby. She has nothing to do with this.
Celine sighed.
CELINE
How noble. A mother willing to sacrifice herself for her child. Sorry but no I want you to feel the same kind of pain I felt from having someone you love taken from you.
KAI
I only wish Xena was here so I could see the look on her face when she learns that the two people she loves more than anything areabout to be ripped away from her forever.
XENA
(Angry tone) Then consider your wish granted.
Xena stepped out from her hiding spot, drawing her sword as she stared down Kai and Celine. Kai glared over at Celine.
KAI
(Angry tone) What's she doing here?
CELINE
I tried to get Gabrielle to come alone but Xena refused to stay behind. I should tell you that there's another one waiting outside too.
KAI
Why am I not surprised. This is Xena we're talking about after all.
Kai looked at Xena.
KAI
Oh well I guess it doesn't really matter. She wouldn't dare do anything now that she knows that both her child and Gabrielle are at risk. No she might've been a cold hearted bitch at one point but now she actually cares about people. Too bad that doesn't make up for everything that she's done.
Xena didn't take her eyes off Celine or Kai as she held ber blade ready.
XENA
I'm not gonna let you do this.
KAI
Uh, uh, uh. If you care about you daughter's well being then I suggest you drop your sword right now.
XENA
You would kill a baby.
KAI
(Sinister tone) Do you really wanna find out?
Xena growled as she tightened her grip on her blades handle. Gabrielle stood watching the stand off as Kai slowly pulled out a dagger and glanced towards where Aurora layed.
CELINE
Well Xena?
Finally after several tense moments Xena relented and tossed her sword to the ground not wanting to gamble her child's life on whether or not Kai and Celine were actually depraved enough to murder a child. Xena then stood there as she began to try formulating a plan to take both Kai and Celine down.
KAI
That thing on your side too. You're chakrum or whatever you call it.
Xena scowled having hoped that they would have forgotten about her other weapon as she took her chakrum from her hip and left it with her sword.
KAI
Good. You too Gabrielle lose the staff.
Gabrielle obeyed and tossed her staff aside. Kai motioned for Celine to gather up Xena and Gabrielle's weapons. Once unarmed Xena was tied to one of the caves stalagmites. Celine chuckled as she slapped Xena across the face when she finished making sure the rope was tied good and tight. The only response she got in return was an icy glare from Xena who was seething withrage inside.
CELINE
Now you get to watch as Gabrielle pays for what you both have done.
XENA
I wouldn't underestimate Gabrielle if I were you. Just ask Kai.
KAI
Oh don't worry Xena I've learned from everything I've seen Gabrielle make it through. So trust me i'm fully aware of what she's capable of. Which is why I don't plan on taking her lightly.
Kai looked at Gabrielle.
KAI
Dispite seeming completely incapable on the surface, When push comes to shove Gabrielle actually has some fight in her. Which was why I had her drop her weapon too.
GABRIELLE
(Angry/ Sarcasm) I'm flattered.
XENA
So what you're gonna force me to watch as the two of you gain up on Gabrielle.
KAI
Oh please Xena unlike you i'm not a monster.
XENA
(Sarcasm) You could've fooled me.
Angerd by Xena's comment, Kai punched Xena hard in the face..
KAI
(Angry tone) I'm nothing like you!
Xena shook off the hit as she spit out a bit of blood from her now split lip.
KAI
Now as I was saying. Unlike Xena Celine and myself are decent people. So that's why I'm going to let Celine handle Gabrielle on her own. I'm just gonna sit back and watch the show.
XENA
You're not getting away with this. Either of you.
KAI
That's where you're wrong Xena. Because as long as I have your child there's nothing you can do to stop us.
TO BE CONTINUED…