The screams of Amelia, Mia and Aria echoed throughout the area as Iris, Naomi and the injured Xena and Willow moved through the wooded area following the sounds. Going as quickly as they could with two injured people. Fortunately Xena was able to move unassisted and Iris helped Willow to move faster. Though none of them were sure that they would be able to find the others in time.
AMELIA
...uh...
Amelia raised her head as she attempted to slowly drag her beaten and bloodied body away. She looked over to see Aria laying in a crumpled heap under a tree as Mia's Pain filled scream filled the air. She looked over her shoulder to see Mia being dangled by her leg as Echidna lifted her off the ground with her tail. Still defyent, Mia tried swinging at Echidna who just laughed as the woman missed. Refusing to give up, Mia reached up and began pounding on the monster's tail.
ECHIDNA
You're certainly a stubborn one aren't you?
With one quick monitor Echidna brought her tail down and slammed Mia on the ground. The Amazon let out a painful gasp as Echidna raised her back up and slammed her again before casually tossing her now limp body aside.
AMELIA
...Mia.
Amelia tried to get up but couldn't. By this time Aria who had been tossed aside by Echidna earlier had made it back to her feet using her sword as support. Once she registered her balance Aria yelled as she raised her blade and rushed for Echidna. Echidna turned towards her just as Aria was about to swing the creature swiped her tail and knocked the sword out of Aria's hands. The momentary shock from being disarmed left Aria open as Echidna grabbed her by the neck with one clawed hand and effortlessly lifted her off the ground as Aria struggled for air. Amelia finally managed to stand and ran at Echidna but was caught by the creatures tail as she too began being strangled. All while Mia remained motionless several feet away as Echidna laughed while she continued to squeeze the life out of Aria and Amelia. Everything began to fade into darkness for Amelia whe she heard Echidna yell suddenly and throw them both to the ground as she released her hold on them. Both Aria and Amelia gasped as they were once again able to breathe, as they heard a voice speak.
?
You should really make sure you finish what you start.
Amelia managed to sit up as she looked to see what happened and was stunned by what she saw. As was Echidna who turned towards the voice.
ECHIDNA
(Angry tone) You. How?
The creature scowled as she saw a beaten and battered Xena standing several feet away with a scowl on her face as she held up her hand and caught her chakrum that came flying towards her. But she wasn't alone as Iris, Willow and Naomi stood behind her all with their weapons drawn. Aria, Amalia and Mia looked on in shock as Echidna inspected her new wound.
AMELIA
She actually hurt it.
ARIA
How? None of us could do anything to this thing.
MIA
(Angry tone) Just what is she?
Xena moved slowly as she kept Echidna's attention.
ECHIDNA
(Angry tone) Alright Amazon you want me to finish you. Then allow me to grant your request.
Echidna yelled and went for Xena as Naomi, Iris and Willow moved towards the others. Naomi crouched down in front of Amelia.
NAOMI
It looks like we got here just in time.
AMELIA
I'll say.
Naomi helped Amelia stand as Iris helped Aria and Mia up. Once everyone was up the group gathered together as Xena continued to distract Echidna.
AMELIA
I don't get it we couldn't do anything to that thing. How is Xena able to hurt it?
NAOMI
From what Xena told me, this things name is Echidna and apparently she can only be injured or killed by powerful weapons or beings. And which ever one is working here, Xena seems to have exactly what we need.
MIA
(Angry tone) You can't be serious. You're telling me that we're supposed to rely on her of all people to save us.
NAOMI
Not entirely.
MIA
(Angry tone) And what's that supposed to mean?
NAOMI
It means that even with the ability to injure or kill this creature, she can't do it alone. We have to lend her our support if she actually stands a realistic chance of defeating this monster.
MIA
(Angry tone) You've lost your damn mind if you think we're going to do anything to help he.
AMELIA
What do need me to do Naomi?
Mia looked at Amelia stunned by what she had just heard.
MIA
Amelia! I thought you were smart enough to see Xena for who she really is.
AMELIA
I wasn't before. But now I see. Xena's changed Mia if she hadn't she wouldn't have just saved us.
MIA
(Angry tone) It's obviously some kind of trick to get us to trust her.
ARIA
No I think Amelia and Naomi are right. Look at her. Xena's obviously been beaten pretty badly by this creature. So knowing what this thing is capable of, why would she risk her life further to face that monster and save us if she had some kind of alterior motive? It doesn't make sense. Unless she's just completely lost her mind. Either way right now I'll take all the help we can get.
Mia looked at Aria.
MIA
Come on Aria, not you too. She's up to something I know it. I'm telling you we can't trust her.
IRIS
But Xena's is good person. Even though I didn't know about what she's done I know we can still trust her.
WILLOW
Exactly. I mean she is our queen after all.
Mia looked at the others in disbelief.
MIA
(Angry tone) You've all gone insane. Well whatever brainwashing tactic Xena used to some how fool you won't work on me.
Naomi looked at Mia for a moment before sighing disapprovingly.
NAOMI
Even with all the evidence staring you in the face, you would still rather remain blinded to the truth. You really disappoint me Mia.
Without another word Naomi turned to the others.
NAOMI
Okay we can't stand here talking all day while our queen fights that creature alone. So let's move out and take this thing down for good.
Everyone except Mia readied their weapons as they prepared to fight along side Xena to take down Echidna.
MIA
(Angry tone) Fine go die for your so called queen. When Xena's laughing over your corpses for how you all fell for this changing nonsense, my only regret will be that I won't be able to say I told you so. But don't worry I'll be sure to at least avenge all of the other's she's killed who weren't as stupid as you or the last queen for actually trusting...
Before Mia could finish she felt a hard slap across her face from Iris. The group fell silent and Willow stood shocked at witnessing Iris's highly uncharacteristic actions.
IRIS
I won't listen to you talk that way about Xena or Gabrielle anymore. They've done more for our people than you could possibly know. So Xena's done terrible things before that we weren't aware of. But everyone's done things that they regret or wish they could take back. Even so people can change and Xena's no different. We see that, Gabrielle saw that. Even Naomi, who's the only person here who actually witnessed the old Xena first hand sees the good person that Xena is now. So why can't you?
Mia stood speechless as everyone except Mia readied their weapons and yelled in support as they turned to rush Echidna. However before the group could act they saw a terrible sight as Echidna swiped her claws across Xena's midsection and threw her towards them. The group looked on in horror as they saw the deep gashes in Xena's stomach as she layed on the ground in front of them.
TO BE CONTINUED...