Through a series of trees laid a small stream that was newly occupied by a couple of passersby.
XENA
Okay girl go on and get a drink and some nice grass to munch on.
Xena gave Argo a pat on her neck before the mare walked off with a happy snort. Once Argo had walked off, Xena turned to see Gabrielle coming towards her after filling up their water skins and handing one of them to Xena. After taking a quick drink, Xena walked over to a nearby tree and sat on the ground as she casually leaned against the trunk. Gabrielle followed with a small pouch and handed Xena a piece of cheese from the pouch and grabbed one for herself before setting the pouch down as they ate.
GABRIELLE
Do you really think we'll find it?
Xena shrugged as she chewed her bite of food.
XENA
It's only been a few weeks, Gabrielle. I'm sure the temple can't be too much further.
Gabrielle sighed as she held her food between her teeth and reached behind her to get the map that they had been following and spread it out in front of her. She took another bite of her lunch as she looked over the map.
GABRIELLE
Well according to this we should've found it by now.
Gabrielle looked at Xena.
GABRIELLE
Are you sure we're going the right way?
Xena sighed with her mouth full.
XENA
Yef I'm fure.
Gabrielle looked back at the paper and studied it.
GABRIELLE
Well for both our sakes I hope you're right. And don't talk with your mouth full.
Xena just rolled her eyes at Gabrielle's scolding comment and took another bite of food. It was quiet for a few minutes until the two heard shouting off in the distance that caught their attention. They both stood and looked off to see several figures coming over a hill. One of which was clearly being chased by the rest.
XENA
So much for a quiet lunch break.
GABRIELLE
No kidding.
Xena whistled for Argo and shoved her last bit of food in her mouth as the trusty mare came over. Xena swiftly got into the saddle and pulled Gabrielle up behind her and galloped towards the trouble, figuring they could come back for their things afterward. Once getting closer, they recognized the person being pursued and Xena urged Argo to move faster. After closing in, Xena stopped Argo as she moved Gabrielle's arms from holding around her and let out her battle cry as she lept off Argo and flew through the air. She landed behind the group and drew her sword, giving it a little twirl as she called out to the group.
XENA
Hey now four on one doesn't really seem fair.
One of the men in the group stepped forward with a scowl.
BANDIT 1
(Condescending tone) Ooo one random woman just decides to show up and play hero. Are we supposed to be intimidated or something?
Xena smirked as the man, along with the rest of his group, laughed.
XENA
You tell me.
Xena yelled as she jumped at one of the group and landed a hard boot to his chest. As soon as he fell, Xena blocked and incoming swipe of a blade. She shoved her opponent back and ducked under another incoming swing. Meanwhile, Gabrielle had gotten down from Argo and joined the fight. She twirled her staff and swung it directly into one man's jaw and dropping him, before ducking under another enemy's attack and using her staff to sweep his legs from under him, sending him crashing to the ground. During this time the men's target had become distracted by the fighting a stood by boldly cheering Xena and Gabrielle on.
JOXER
Yeah that's right, get 'em.
Joxer quickly ducked with a yell as one of the bandits threw his axe at him, and it became embedded at head level into the trunk of the tree that was right behind him. The bandit that was momentarily distracted by Joxer suddenly felt a hard blow to his face that knocked him to the ground.
JOXER
Alright Xena.
Hearing Joxer, the enemies stopped attacking and began backing away from Xena and Gabrielle.
BANDIT 1
(Nervous tone) X-Xena?
Seeing that the group had heard of her, Xena put on her best intimidating scowl as she stepped towards the group.
XENA
(Menacing tone) Clearly you've heard of me. So I'm assuming that you know exactly what I'm capable of.
The bandits nodded as they began backing away slowly, while Xena continued towards them.
XENA
(Menacing tone) Good, then you already have an idea of what I'm going to do to you for going after my friend here.
The bandits looked over at Joxer shocked that someone like him even knew Xena let alone was actually considered to be the legendary warrior's friend. Seeing this Joxer quickly spoke up as he bravely puffed out his chest.
JOXER
Uh yeah. That's right, I'm friends with Xena. I've helped her out many, many times. In fact, I remember this one time when I, Ow! Hey!
Joxer looked at Gabrielle, who was now standing next to him and had driven the end of her staff into his foot as she pretended nothing happened. Meanwhile, the bandits had lost all interest in going after Joxer and sheathed their weapons as they held up their hands in a gesture of surrender.
BANDIT 1
(Nervous tone) Now we don't want any trouble with you Xena.
XENA
Then I suggest that you forget whatever issues you have with Joxer and move along.
BANDIT 2
But he owes us money.
Xena glanced over at Joxer.
XENA
Is that true Joxer?
JOXER
Hey they were trying to rob an old woman, so I stopped 'em. It's not my fault if a kid happened to run by and swipe their coin pouch while they were distracted.
Xena returned her attention to the bandits.
XENA
Well given that you were trying to steal from an old woman and then got robbed yourselves, I'd say that's a good way of teaching you a lesson. Maybe next time you'll think twice about doing that.
BANDIT 2
We're leaving here empty-handed aren't we?
XENA
(Menacing tone) Well, if you'd rather you didn't leave at all...
The bandits looked at each other for a moment before deciding that it was smarter to cut their losses and live to fight another day.
BANDIT 1
You know what you knock off warrior wannabe, you're not worth it. So fine, we'll forget this whole thing ever happened.
Joxer scowled at the comment and was about to say something when Gabrielle stopped him.
GABRIELLE
(Talking quietly) Be quiet and let it go.
Reluctantly, Joxer complied as the bandits began walking away.
BANDIT 1
You better watch yourself little man. If you get involved in our business again, you won't get so lucky next time.
The bandits walked off as Xena sheathed her sword. She walked over to Gabrielle and Joxer.
XENA
You good?
JOXER
Oh yeah I'm fine.
Dispite his efforts to hide it, Joxer winced slightly as Gabrielle noticed a trail of blood running down his arm.
GABRIELLE
Joxer you're hurt.
JOXER
(Lying) Oh, this is nothing. It's just a scratch, really.
While Joxer tried to pretend that his wound wasn't serious, Xena knew that while not immediately life-threatening, the wound was clearly deep based off of the amount of blood that she could see running down Joxer's arm even after he placed his hand over the injury to slow the bleeding.
XENA
Trust me Joxer that's more than a scratch. You're gonna need stitches. Now come on.
Xena grabbed Joxer's good arm and began briskly walking back towards where she and Gabrielle had been eating.
XENA
Gabrielle run a head and get out our med kit. Along with some bandages and water.
GABRIELLE
On it.
Gabrielle hurried a head to do just that. It wasn't long after that Xena and Joxer made it back and Xena saw that Gabrielle had gotten everything ready.
XENA
Okay Joxer have a seat.
Joxer sat down near where Xena and Gabrielle had left their remaining lunch before they had run off.
JOXER
Guess I'm interrupting lunch.
Xena worked on threading the needle to stitch up Joxer's arm as Gabrielle knelt down and motioned for Joxer to move his hand, so she could wipe away the blood, that way Xena could see the wound better.
XENA
(Half Distracted/ Joking tone) Yup.
Once the needle was ready Xena knelt next to Joxer and took his injured arm to stitch up the wound. She looked at the injury for a moment and moved the needle in place, but didn't begin as she looked at the wound. Joxer noticed an odd expression cross Xena's face as she sat there, just seemingly staring at the wound. This somewhat concerned Joxer as he began to think that the injury might have been more serious than originally thought.
JOXER
What's wrong? Was I poisoned or something?
Xena didn't answer as she continued to stare at the wound and the blood that had once again begun to flow down Joxer's arm.
JOXER
Uh hellooo Xenaaa. I'm kinda bleeding here, so if you could start stitching I'd really appreciate that.
Again, Xena didn't respond as she began breathing a bit more heavily and tightened her grip on Joxer's arm.
JOXER
Oww hey that's too tight.
Joxer tried to pull his arm away, but was unable to break Xena's grip.
GABRIELLE
Oh no.
Realizing what was happening, Gabrielle quickly tried to get Xena's attention.
GABRIELLE
Xena, Xena let him go.
Gabrielle put her hand on Xena's shoulder and Xena looked at her as she breathed heavily, and Gabrielle saw Xena's eyes change from blue to yellow. Quickly, Gabrielle tried to get Joxer free from Xena's grasp.
GABRIELLE
Quick Joxer you gotta run.
JOXER
Wait, what's going on?
Gabrielle didn't get to answer as she was shoved a good distance away by Xena as she returned her focus on Joxer who then saw a terrifying sight looming over him. Xena the opened her mouth to reveal a set of sharp fangs as she pounced on top of him. Joxer screamed as Xena pinned him to the ground, and she brought her now exposed fangs straight for his neck.
TO BE CONTINUED...