Naomi pushed down some branches of a tree as she and Xena looked ahead for any signs of the creature.
NAOMI
(Whisper) Not seeing any signs that it's been here. You?
XENA
(Whisper) No.
Both Xena and Naomi stood from their crouched positions as Naomi waved for the others to come over. With Iris and Amelia helping the injured Willow walk.
ARIA
We've been looking for this thing since dawn Naomi. It might be a good idea to take a break.
Aria motioned to Willow.
NAOMI
I don't know. I don't really like the idea of sitting out in the open like this. Especially with an injured woman on our hands now.
XENA
Actually I think it's probably a better idea to stop for a bit. If we don't let Willow rest it'll be even more difficult to escape that thing and she's too weak or tired.
ARIA
(Angry tone) No one asked you murderer.
Naomi was about to say something in Xena's defense but Xena stopped her.
NAOMI
Fine I guess we can stop for a bit. I'm not seeing anything around here anyway. Okay people we're talking a short break but be ready to move out soon.
Everyone moved into the small clearing as Iris and Amelia set Willow down against a tree.
NAOMI
I apologize for Aria.
XENA
No need. I understand all of their mistrust of me.
NAOMI
I suppose. Though it's not as though you've done anything since you've come here. Infact you've gone out of your way to protect everyone here. Doesn't seem right to judge you solely based on things that most of them up until last night weren't even aware of
Xena smiled sadly.
XENA
You sound like Gabrielle. She's always saying things like that in my defense.
NAOMI
Sounds like she must be a smart woman.
XENA
Amung other things.
NAOMI
Well for what it's worth I'm sorry that you have to be here while she's back in your village. I hope you're able to get back home to see her before... well you know.
Even though Xena had filled her in on Gabrielle's condition, Naomi was careful with her wording. When Xena spoke about Gabrielle, Naomi could tell how important she was to Xena. So she tried her best to be careful when bringing up the sensitive subject matter of Gabrielle's death. Which she had apparently failed to do as she saw Xena lose her small smile.
XENA
Thanks I hope so too.
NAOMI
Sorry I probably shouldn't have brought that up. That was insensitive of me.
XENA
No it's fine. I appreciate the concern.
Xena managed a small, thankful smile. The conversation was broken up when they heard Amelia calling for Naomi.
AMELIA
Naomi, I think we might have trouble.
Both Xena and Naomi turned to face Amelia who hurried over to them.
NAOMI
What is it?
Amelia glared at Xena for a moment.
AMELIA
(Disgusted tone) I don't get why you're still talking to "her".
Naomi gave Amelia a disapproving look.
NAOMI
(Stern tone) Who I choose to associate with or not is none of your concern. Now was there something you needed to tell me or is my social life truly that important to you?
Amelia looked away briefly.
AMELIA
Sorry.
Naomi looked at Xena as she wondered which one of them Amelia was apologizing to. Though after catching a quick look of distain from Amelia towards Xena, Naomi realized that it was obviously for herself. But they didn't have the time to deal with the mistrust of the group towards Xena at the moment. Judging from Amelia stating that there was "trouble", something had obviously happened.
NAOMI
Well never mind that for now. What did you mean by saying that there was trouble?
AMELIA
Mia just informed me that she heard rustling coming from behind where she was sitting. And when she peeked past the bushes she found the same kind of tracks we've been seeing.
NAOMI
How long ago?
AMELIA
She said she jumped when she heard it and came right over to tell me since I happened to be nearby. So it couldn't have been more than a few minutes.
NAOMI
It's close then.
Naomi spoke loud enough for everyone in the group to hear her.
NAOMI
Alright everyone get ready were moving out immediately.
IRIS
What about Willow? She's still injured.
WILLOW
I'll be fine.
Willow grimaced slightly as she used her staff to help her walk.
WILLOW
I've been in worse shape than this. So don't slow this thing down on my account.
Naomi looked at Willow and smiled.
NAOMI
Good to see you back on your feet. You're a tough girl. Just be careful not to push yourself too hard. Okay?
Willow gave a quick nod.
NAOMI
Good. Now everyone, weapons ready. We're going.
Naomi drew her sword as she turned and moved towards where Amelia had said the sound was heard. Everyone else followed as they all gave Xena a look of contempt as they moved past her. Except for Iris and Willow who didn't even bother to look at her at all. Xena chose to ignore the clear message of mistrust and hatred directed her way as she drew her sword and followed everyone else as she watched the groups rear for anything that might come up behind them. Xena and the others silently ventured forward as they searched for the creature. Everyone remained on high alert for any signs of danger. Not wanting another injury or possible death to befall thier group. As they walked Xena's keen senses picked up on something that was very close.
XENA
(Whisper) it's here.
Xena stopped as she scanned their surroundings as the others stood by.
MIA
(Harsh tone) I don't hear anything.
XENA
Shhh.
MIA
(Harsh tone) Whatever.
ARIA
Ignore her. Let's just keep going.
Aria, Mia and Amelia turned around and kept walking. Iris and Willow looked at Xena for a moment before following the others.
XENA
(Loud/ Irritated Whisper) Where do you think you're going? It's not safe to split up. Get back here damn it.
The group just ignored Xena as they kept going.
NAOMI
(Loud Whisper) Get back here all of you.
The group looked back for a moment before continuing. Leaving Xena and Naomi behind.
NAOMI
(Whisper) This kind of nonsense is given that thing the perfect opportunity it needs.
XENA
(Whisper) You're right and it's gonna get someone killed.
NAOMI
(Whisper) Well splitting up certainly isn't gonna help things. So we better catch up with them.
Xena agreed as she and Naomi began to follow after the others. But as they began walking Xena sensed something behind them. With her sword ready Xena quickly turned around just as she saw a shadow move between the trees right in front of her. Then before she had the time to react, Xena felt something grab her by her ankles and yank her legs from under her. Xena hit the ground hard as she was then quickly dragged away as she yelled. Hearing Xena, everyone turned around.
NAOMI
Damn it that things got Xena.
WILLOW
Oh no. Xena.
MIA
Good riddance.
ARIA
Exactly. I say let one monster take out another.
AMELIA
She can at least be good to keep that thing distracted for a bit.
Naomi scowled angerly at the cruel, callousness that she was hearing from the others.
NAOMI
(Angry tone) What's wrong with you people. Are you really willing to allow that thing to kill someone while you stand by and do nothing?!
MIA
Given what she's done to so many, letting that creature have her is an act of mercy compared to the kind of punishment that woman actually deserves. And I'm not the only one here who feels that way.
Naomi felt sickened by how cold and heartless someone that she considered as a friend was being. As she looked at the others noticing by their expressions that most if not all of them appeared to agree with Mia on some level. Naomi shook her head in disbelief and disgust as she readied her weapon.
NAOMI
Fine if none of you will stand up and protect our queen, I will.
Naomi turned to chase after Xena and the creature.
NAOMI
And you people call Xena the monster.
Without another word Naomi ran in the direction that the creature had dragged Xena off. Iris looked at Willow.
IRIS
Should we go?
WILLOW
I can't really do anything in my condition either way. But regardless of if we trust Xena or not anymore. Gabrielle obviously does and I'm sure she probably knows more about Xena than anyone.
IRIS
You're right. And it's not like we know the full story about whatever Xena did.
Iris thought for a moment about everything that Xena had done for her village. As well as the rest of the Amazon nation since she's known her. She had helped them all so much. And even if Xena had done what Mia said, she didn't seem to be that same person now. Iris thought to herself that it wouldn't fair to judge Xena when she didn't know the whole story. Not to mention the fact that if Gabrielle was alive when she and Willow returned and learned that Xena was not only dead but they had done nothing to save her, Iris knew that Gabrielle would be completely devastated. And with Gabrielle dying, if Xena were killed then that would leave Aurora orphaned. And Iris refused to be partially responsible for leaving that innocent child to be forced to grow up without knowing either of her parents.
IRIS
I'm gonna go. Are you going to be okay here.
WILLOW
I'll be fine. Hurry.
Iris nodded and hurried after Naomi as the two ran to find Xena and save her. Hopefully before it was too late.
GABRIELLE
(Mumbling) Xena... Xena.
Hearing Gabrielle Skyla looked up from checking on the napping Aurora. She was about to walk over to the bed as Gabrielle suddenly sat up seemingly in a panic.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
SKYLA
It's okay Gabrielle. You were just having a bad dream.
Skyla moved to the bed and gently guided Gabrielle to lay back down as Clover rushed into the room.
CLOVER
Hey everything okay? I just heard Gabrielle yell.
SKYLA
Yeah I think she just had a nightmare.
Skyla put her hand on Gabrielle's forehead.
SKYLA
Mm though it feels like her fever might've come back though.
Gabrielle struggled to sit back up but was too weak.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) Xena.
SKYLA
Xena's not back yet. But don't worry I'm sure she'll be home soon. Just rest now.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) No. Something's wrong. She's in trouble.
CLOVER
Knowing Xena even if that's true I'm sure she'll be fine.
Clover's words did nothing to ease Gabrielle's sudden panic as she tried and failed once again to get up.
GABRIELLE
(Weak tone) Xena. I have... to help...
Gabrielle's eyes felt heavy as she layed there unable to do anything dispite her overwhelming feeling that she had which told her that Xena was indeed in danger. Skyla and Clover watched as Gabrielle's eyes closed. As she felt into a deep sleep which everyone in the village would soon learn that no one could wake her from. Or that Xena may not ever even make it back to the village at all.
TO BE CONTINUED...