The situation was tense as Xena watched Celine carefully make her way towards the exit of the area of the cave where they had been fighting. Xena kept a close eye on Aurora who Celine had in her arm, holding the child hostage as she attempted to escape. Knowing that she couldn't win against Xena, Celine had determined that it would be in her best interest to leave. And she knew that Xena wouldn't make a move as long as she had her child in her possession. Xena remained in the same spot as she turned, following Celine's movements and assessing her options to prevent the Amazon from leaving with or killing Aurora.
CELINE
That's it Xena no sudden movements, no surprises. Or I kill the kid right here.
Celine continued her on her path in a wide circle around Xena, making her way closer to her escape. All the while Xena slowly turned with her. Kai smirked as she saw the scowl on Xena's face. Finally after completing a large half circle around Xena Celine began slowly backing up towards the exit.
CELINE
Well Xena given that Gabrielle is as good as dead by now and you'll never see your little girl again, I think we can call it even now for you killing my mother. I'd say it's been fun but we both know that would just be a lie. I just hope I never have to see your face again.
Once Celine was just about to the corridor exit she turned around and began to pick up the pace. As soon as she saw Celine turn Xena made a mad dash for her chakrum. She slid in, scooped it up and launched it to the side towards the nearest wall. Not wasting a second Xena was already back on her feet and running before the weapon even left her hand as she yelled at the fleeing amazon.
XENA
(Angry tone) Celine!
Hearing Xena yell, Celine turned around.
CELINE
You can't stop me Xena, unless you want me to…
Celine was stopped mid threat as the chakrum that Xena had thrown finished ricocheting off of the cave wall and a couple rocks as it suddenly came hurtling at Celine. Never seeing it coming, the round, sharrp, bladed weapon flew across Celine's neck. Slicing the woman's throat as it went by with exspert precision. Celine stood there as a flow of crimson began spilling from the large cut. She made a sickening gurgling sound as she chocked on her own blood as it flowed from the wound as well as her mouth. She became unbalanced as everything around her became hazzy. After only a few seconds her body went limp as her arms and legs gave out. Aurora was dropped from the Amazon's arms as Celine fell to her knees and then to the side where she layed unmoving. As both Celine and Aurora fell Xena was still running full speed towards them. Celine's knees hit the ground as Xena dove forward and slid in catching Aurora safely in her arms as the rest of Celine's body met the dirt. The startled baby cried as Xena sat there holding her, making sure she was okay.
XENA
It's alright little one I've got you. You're safe now. You're safe now.
Xena kissed her child as she held her close feeling a wave of relief wash over her that Aurora was okay as she comforted the frightened child. With the baby in her arms Xena looked at Celine who was laying on the ground completely unmoving with her eyes wide open as the blood from her neck pooled beneath her. Xena sighed knowing she was dead and that the nightmare of having her child kidnapped and life threatened by the two psychotic women was over. With Aurora out of harms way Xena's thoughts returned to Gabrielle. She quickly got up and went to where she still layed. Xena layed Aurora back in the basket that she was in when they got there as she crouched down to check on Gabrielle. Xena could see the blood soaking through the blanket that she had used to slow the bleeding. Xena's heart sank when she saw how pale Gabrielle was and knew that she was loosing too much blood. Fearing that it was too late Xena felt Gabrielle's neck for a pulse. When she didn't find on immediately she felt a horrible sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.
XENA
No Gabrielle come on.
Xena continued to check for a pulse as the memory of the last time she had been in this situation. Gabrielle had been killed during the great war between the Amazon's. The same feelings that Xena had that day came flooding back as she had thefeeling that there would be no miraculous, godly intervention is save Gabrielle this time.
XENA
No Gabrielle you can't leave me.
Xena frantically began trying to resuscitate her.
XENA
Come on open your eyes.
Xena didn't know how much time passed as she kept up her efforts to save Gabrielle. All the while begging Gabrielle as well as anyone mortal or not who might be listening to not let Gabrielle leave her.
XENA
We got Aurora back. Thanks to you she's alive. Don't make her grow up without one of her parents. I know you don't wanna abandon your child Gabrielle. Now wake up! Damn it Gabrielle you can't die. Not now, not after everything we've been through.
Xena began to cry as she felt all hope of saving Gabrielle slipping away. As she knelt there absorbed in the thought of facing a future without Gabrielle, Xena heard a sound behind her. On instint she grabbed her sword and swiftly turned to cut down anyone who would dare come near Gabrielle or Aurora. There was a quick frightened yelp as the point of Xena's sword ended up barely inches from a stunned Amarice 's face. Who stood perfectly still and spoke quickly.
AMARICE
Sorry I didn't mean to sneak up on you. I assumed you heard me coming.
Xena lowered her weapon as she returned her focus to Gabrielle. Amarice looked around the area as she saw the two dead Amazon's as well as Gabrielle.
AMARICE
No Gabrielle, Celine. What happened?
XENA
Spare your concern for Celine. She doesn't deserve it.
Amarice was confused by the statement but decided that now wasn't the best time to be asking a bunch of questions.
XENA
What are you doing here.? I told you to be look out while we were in here.
AMARICE
You were taking so long I got worried that something might've happened.
Amarice looked at Gabrielle.
AMARICE
(Sad tone) Though I see now that it clearly did.
Xena didn't respond to the comment as she sheathed her blade and chakrum to their usual places and bent to pick Gabrielle up.
XENA
Amarice I need you to carry Aurora.
Amarice did as Xena asked and picked up the baby. Xena gathered Gabrielle into her arms as she stood holding her. As she did Xena felt a very faint tickle against her chest where Gabrielle's head rested. She ignored it at first. But when she felt it again and again in a very slow rhythm Xena looked down at her in shock as she realized whatit might've been. Xena moved her hand to Gabrielle's nose and felt Gabrielle's breath. Gabrielle was alive. Just barely but alive nonetheless. Her pulse must've been so faint that Xena had missed it. Which Xena knew that Gabrielle wasn't going to be able to hold on much longer. If she had any hope of saving Gabrielle, Xena needed to act fast.
XENA
Amarice we're leaving now.
Xena hurried to the cave exit with Amarice following close behind. Outside hastily Xena mounted Argo as she got Gabrielle situated in front of her in the saddle and held her securely. Amarice got up on her horse and held Aurora safely. Xena turned Argo in the direction she wanted to go as she quickly spoke to Amarice.
XENA
I'm going ahead with Gabrielle. There should be a city not too far from here. Just keep heading east on the road and I'll meet you there.
Xena gave Amarice an extremely intense look as she prepared to leave.
XENA
And Amarice don't make me regret trusting you. There's been far too much betrayal going around and lies coming from the people around us already.
(Cold tone) And I will not allow it to happen again.
Amarice felt a chill run down her spine from the way Xena looked at her. She never had any thoughts of doing anything to harm Xena, Gabrielle or Aurora. But if she had the look Xena gave her would've certainly caused her to have a drastic change in plans. Knowing just how cold and ruthless Xena could be if she wanted to.
AMARICE
(Nervous tone) I'll be sure to keep that in mind.
XENA
Good.
Without another word Xena got Argo going. Amarice sat on her horse with Aurora as she watched Xena speed off with Gabrielle towards the nearest settlement she could find. Leaving Amarice to follow at a slower and safer pace with the baby. All the while just hoping she would actually be able to save Gabrielle. But was it already too late? And Xena was just too stubborn and emotional to admit the truth?
TO BE CONTINUED…