A loud, frustrated yell rang out as Xena tried to free herself from being dragged. She clawed at the ground and anything around her in an attempt to stop herself from being pulled further. But was unable to get a good grip on anything as the creature rapidly scurried along the forest floor. Sticks and stones scratched and scraped Xena's body as she was dragged along. Xena quickly looked ahead to see if she could spot anything that might help her get free. As well as to see if she could tell what it was that had her in its clutches. But unfortunately the creature, whatever it was, was staying very low. It seemed to had burried itself berneath all of the plant life on the ground to keep itself concealed. Finally Xena found herself fed up dealing with the creature and reached over her shoulder to draw her sword. Though just as she did the creature suddenly made a sharp turn. The abrupt change in direction caused Xena to skid a little past the point where the creature turned and threw her into the base of a tree. Xena momentarily grimaced in pain as she quickly grabbed onto the tree to prevent herself from being pulled even further. The creature continued to tug at Xena's leg as Xena held tight to the tree with one arm and reached and drew her blade. Then with a yell Xena swung down and cut the end of the apparent tail of the creature. She heard a painful yell as her sword sliced the appendage clean off as the rest of the creature scurried into the shadows. Letting out a sigh of relief, Xena let go of the tree as she sat up and unwound the severed piece of the creature from her ankle, briefly inspecting it to see if she could figure out for certain what she was dealing with. Just from looking at the body part confirmed to Xena that her earlier deduction of the creature being some kind of serpent seemed to be correct. The large chunk of tail she held was covered with scales. Plus by the way Xena had noticed the creature moving as she was being dragged pointed to that fact. With at least a small piece of the mystery solved Xena tossed the tail off to the side as she went back on alert when she heard an unfamiliar voice.
?
(Angry tone) You bitch. How dare you do this to me.
Xena quickly stood and held her sword ready as she heard the raspy, female voice that seemed to echo around her.
XENA
Then why don't you come out here and do something about it.
Xena heard an angery growl as she kept her eyes sharp, looking for where the creature might come at her from.
XENA
What's wrong can't go after someone when their ready? Why don't you just come out here and show yourself.
?
(Angry tone) You dare taught me? You obviously don't know who you're dealing with Amazon.
Xena couldn't help but notice that the creature knew that she was an Amazon. Which made her think of something that she hadn't before due to her assuming that what ever was attacking those women was only targeting them out of convenience. But what if this creature was going after Amazon's specifically? And if so, why? These were all questions that Xena had every intention of getting the answers to.
XENA
So you know I'm an Amazon. Why does that matter?
?
(Angry tone) It matters plenty.
As they spoke Xena could hear the creature moving around within the cover of the plants.
XENA
(Taunting) Sounds like I hit a sensitive subject. What's wrong not a fan of us Amazon's?
?
All of you think you're so damn special. That damned Artemis. She thinks she's so much better than the rest of us. Never bothers to show up unless "chosen people" are some how involved. Well let's see how long she can shun me when I continue to rip apart her precious Amazon's limb from limb.
Xena scowled.
XENA
(Angry tone) So you're a god or immortal using innocent people to exact your petty revenge on another one of the gods. And people wonder why I didn't like or trust the majority of the gods.
?
Oh an Amazon that doesn't like the gods? Hmmm how interesting. Perhaps instead of killing me you, there may be a way for us to assist one another.
XENA
And why would I want to help you?
?
Because if you do I'll allow you to live. And possibly some of your fellow Amazon's as well.
Though Artemis was one of the very few gods that Xena liked and had no intention of helping the creature, she played along as though she was interested in the creatures offer in an attempt to draw it out into the open.
XENA
Alright I'll listen to what you have to say. But on one other condition.
?
(Irritated tone) You must've hit your head while you were being dragged to think that you're in the position to demand anything here Amazon.
XENA
Fine. I just figured it would be easier to work with someone if I actually knew who they were.
?
Oh is that all? Alright Amazon I suppose I can at least do that.
Xena heard rustling as she turned around and saw something emerge from the plants and shadows. She stood ready to fight as a woman's face peered out and looked at her before flashing an evil smile. Xena watched the rest of the creature become revealed as it came out from its hiding place.
?
Allow me to properly introduce myself. You may call me Echidna.
Xena looked at the creature, which much like gorgons and other similar creatures had a snake like body from the waist down and from there up was a woman's torso, head and arms. Though instead of two arms, she had four. With each of her hands brandishing long, sharp claws. Which she brandished in an obvious and failed attempt to intimate Xena Though Xena had never seen a gorgon in person, from everything that she had heard about the creatures she summized that they tended to typically be about the length or height of two to three average sized men. Possibly four at the most. But this particular one appeared to be fairly bigger then what Xena had heard the average gorgon to be as she saw the monster rise up and looked down on her. While it wasn't as tall as a litteral giant, thie creature that called itself Echidna was still massive as she towered over Xena who refused to be intimidated by the monster.
XENA
Nice to finally see you face to face.
ECHIDNA
Indeed Amazon. Now shall we discuss the the terms of our little agreement.
XENA
I'm listening.
ECHIDNA
A wise woman I see. Very well, allow me to explain what it is I want.
The monster began to slowly slither around Xena as she spoke.
XENA
To hurt Artemis right?
ECHIDNA
Precisely.
XENA
And in order to get to her you've been going after the Amazon's.
ECHIDNA
Simple but effective don't you think?
Xena's only response was a look at the creature as she continued to keep an eye on her.
ECHIDNA
Not much for conversation I take it?
XENA
Not particularly. Now what is it that you want from me?
ECHIDNA
Very well. I want you to summon Artemis here.
XENA
And what makes you think I can do that? She's not exactly known for showing herself to us mortals.
Echidna stopped circling Xena as she slithered up and got face to face with her.
ECHIDNA
If you value your life I'd suggest you try.
Xena scowled. She had a feeling that if she were to call Artemis that the goddess would probably show up. But being that the patron goddess of the Amazons was one of the few gods that Xena actually liked she wasn't about to call Artemis there when Echidna clearly had a vendetta against the goddess. And Xena wasn't sure of what this creature might possibly be able to do to her. But still Xena kept the act going as she pretended that she was willing to help Echidna. At least until she could get an opening to attempt and slay the creature.
XENA
Alright.
Satisfied, Echidna pulled back from Xena and gave her a little space.
ECHIDNA
Okay Amazon I'm waiting.
XENA
As I've said summoning Artemis isn't that simple. In order for this to have a chance of working I'm gonna need a few things first.
The creature scowled
ECHIDNA
I have no interest in playing games with you.
XENA
Neither do I. And in order to get Artemis here I need to prepare a proper offering for her.
ECHIDNA
Very well if it gets her attention I'll bring you an offering for the stubborn bitch. What do you need.
XENA
Just a large game of some kind. Deer or whatever.
ECHIDNA
Fine. You wait here and I'll be back shortly.
Xena remained on alert as Echidna slithered passed her. She watched and waited for an opening to strike at the creature. It seemed as though however that Echidna shared the same idea when the creature suddenly lunged at Xena from behind.
MIA
Naomi where the Hades are you going?!
Naomi stopped and turned around. As did Iris.
NAOMI
I told you I'm saving Xena.
Mia stormed up to her.
MIA
(Angry tone) Why do you insist on showing loyalty to someone who's committed unspeakable crimes against our people?
NAOMI
People can change Mia. And I'm certain that Xena is no longer the same woman she once was.
MIA
(Angry tone) You barely even know her.
NAOMI
That may be true but I've seen her before. Out on the battlefield.
MIA
(Angry tone) Then you should know first hand just the type of person she is. People like that don't actually change.
NAOMI
It's because I've encountered her in the past that's the reason why I know that Xena's different now. And people can change both for the better or worse. It's clear to me that since I last saw her that Xena has changed. And it's obviously for the better. So tell me Mia are you still the good, loyal woman I've known you to be? Or like Xena have you changed too? But for the worse?
Mia scowled as she turned away.
MIA
(Angry tone) You wanna chase after that monster maskarading as a queen then go ahead. But I'm leaving. I'll figure out some way to get rid of that thing that's been taking our people without you.
Mia walked away as Aria and Naomi followed, disappearing into the denseness of the forest. Naomi sighed as she watched them walk away.
IRIS
Are they gonna be okay?
NAOMI
If whatever's got Xena is the only thing out here then they should be.
Naomi looked at Iris.
NAOMI
What about you? Are you sure you're friend is gonna be okay here by herself?
IRIS
I think so. Like you said the biggest threat out here already has Xena.
NAOMI
Okay then let's go save our queen.
After helping Willow into some bushes to hide her from anything that might come stalking around, Naomi and Iris ran in the direction that Xena had been taken, following the drag marks that were left behind. Both unaware that at that very moment Xena was already locked in a heated struggle against the creature. A fight that would soon take Xena to her limits as the pattern of the Amazon queen teetering on the edge of life and death would continue once more.
TO BE CONTINUED...