Xena groaned, feeling the pain from the injuries she sustained during her fight against Echidna as she slowly sat up.
NAOMI
Hey are you okay?
XENA
I think so.
IRIS
Xena you might be seriously hurt. You probably shouldn't be moving around.
XENA
It's nothing life threatening. I'll be fine.
NAOMI
You are one tough woman.
Xena shrugged.
XENA
I've been through worse.
Xena looked around as she realized that Echidna was gone.
XENA
Damn Echidna's gone.
Xena stood as she looked at Iris and Naomi who seemed confused by the unfamiliar name.
XENA
You didn't see where she ran off to did you?
NAOMI
If you're talking about that monster, after we found her with you we fought it for a bit but then it ran off.
XENA
We have to go find her.
NAOMI
And do what? You're injured and we were lucky to even do anything to that thing. And... wait a minute how do you know that monsters name?
XENA
That's not important right now.
Xena stood slowly as she retrieved her sword and chakrum.
XENA
We have to find her before she finds the others.
NAOMI
While I agree with you, as you probably noticed we can't really do anything to that creature. So even if we do find it again I don't know what we're supposed to do.
XENA
I have an idea. Come on I'll explain on the way.
With that the trio left in search of Echidna once again as Xena explained what Gabrielle had told her.
NAOMI
So we're dealing with an immortal being. That explains why we couldn't do anything.
IRIS
But we did once we used Xena's weapons.
NAOMI
Oh that's right. Xena what in the world is that sword and round weapon of yours made of?
XENA
Nothing special that I'm aware of. Though Gabrielle did say that a powerful enough weapon or being could actually be enough to kill Echidna.
Iris gave Xena a confused look.
IRIS
Gabrielle told you? But Xena that doesn't make sense. Gabrielle's back at our village.
Xena explained that she had been able to communicate with Gabrielle while she was unconscious.
IRIS
Are you sure it wasn't just a dream?
XENA
Yes. I don't know how, but it was really her.
Xena felt a wave of sadness wash over her.
XENA
And she doesn't have long. We need to finish this quick. And I need to get back before...
Xena paused, knowing that if she kept going she'd break down and now wasn't the time for that.
NAOMI
It's alright Xena. We understand. If you're certain that we can beat Echidna, then let's find that monster and finish this so we can end this nightmare and you can get home. Regardless of your past or what the others say, I stand with you my queen. And I'll do whatever I can to help you get back to Gabrielle. Just as you've helped us.
IRIS
Me too.
Dispite the situation Xena couldn't help but smirk as they had found a bit of hope in actually being able to come out of this mess alive.
XENA
Good, let's find Echidna and finish this.
After being shown which way Echidna had fled, Xena lead the way as the trio once again ventured out to find the creature and put her down once and for all, as Iris silently thought to herself that based on everything she had seen Xena capable of and the fact that even with Xena's weapons they still couldn't do much damage. If it was Xena's actually weapons that were powerful enough to injure Echidna or if it was Xena herself.
AMELIA
Do you have any idea where we're going?
Mia made an annoyed grumble as she, Amalia and Aria moved through the forest in search of the creature that still remained a mystery to them.
MIA
I know I saw tracks back there. We have to be on it's trail. I'm sure of it. Besides it must be done with that pitiful excuse for a human being Xena by now. I just hope it was slow and painful.
Amelia and Aria agreed, but did feel bad for leaving Naomi and Iris.
AMELIA
Naomi's probably okay though right?
ARIA
Yeah I do feel bad for leaving Naomi and Iris behind.
Mia sighed.
MIA
I'm sure their fine. And even if they aren't it's their own fault for trusting that bitch and trying to save her.
AMELIA
(Irritated tone) That's a bit harsh don't you think. I mean regardless of what they think of Xena they're still our Amazonian sisters.
Mia stopped walking and turned around causing Aria and Amelia to come to a hault as well.
MIA
(Irritated tone) Look they made the choice to try saving someone who's committed far to many crimes to count. And I'm not just talking about what was done to our people. So if they want to live in denial that Xena's changed and throw their lives away to save someone who doesn't deserve saving, then that's their fault. But I refuse to lay down my life or sacrifice anyone else for that fraud of a queen. End of story.
Amelia and Aria stood quietly as they looked at each other for a moment.
ARIA
I mean she does kind of have a point Amelia.
Amelia sighed.
AMELIA
I guess. But I still feel bad for leaving them. Hopefully they're okay.
ARIA
I'm sure they'll be okay.
MIA
(Irritated tone) Whatever.
Mia turned back around and continued walking.
MIA
Now come on or get left here. I'm gonna prove that we don't need that so called queen when I find that creature and kill it myself.
?
Oh I highly doubt that but you're more then welcome to still try Amazon.
Mia stopped as she, Amalia and Aria readied their weapons as they looked around for where the unknown voice had come from.
ARIA
Where is it?
MIA
I'm not sure, but stay ready.
AMELIA
Come on out here and face us you coward.
?
(Mocking tone) Are you sure that's really what you want little Amazon?
AMELIA
We aren't afraid of you monster.
The voice laughed for a moment.
?
Oh but you should be.
With that Aria was suddenly grabbed from behind by her ankle and quickly dragged into the nearby bushes as she screamed.
AMELIA
Aria!
Amelia and Mia began running towards the bushes but stopped when Aria was thrown out and hit a tree as she crumbled to the ground. The two Amazon's who remained standing looked on in shock as Aria struggled to her feet. Their attention was drawn back to the bushes as they saw Echidna rise up as she slithered towards them.
ECHIDNA
(Menacing tone) Normally I'd enjoy playing with you before I rip you apart. But I'm in a rather foul mood so I don't think I'll be able to show my usual restraint.
Amelia backed away slowly as Mia stood looking up at Echidna as she attempted to act defyently while masking how scared she actually was in that moment.
ECHIDNA
(Menacing/ Mocking tone) No, no there'll be no escaping today.
Echidna yelled as she lunged for the group as dispite Echidna's injuries and out numering the creature, Amalia, Aria and Mia's screams of terror and anguish soon filled the air. And with no way of being able to effectively fight back it would seem that Echidna would soon add three more lives to her expanding list of Amazonian victims.
TO BE CONTINUED...