Like a wild animal going after it's prey, in an untamed Bacchae frenzy, Xena brought her fangs towards Joxer's neck. Joxer screamed as he did everything he could to hold Xena back, who had pounced on top of him. He tried to push her back, but Xena ended up clawing at him with her now much longer nails thaty more resembled claws at that point. As Joxer's arms became scratched up, several of the claw marks began to bleed, which only served to propel Xena further into her bloodlust. All the while, Joxer yelled as he frantically tried to protect himself from becoming Xena's next meal.
JOXER
(Panicked tone) Ah, Xena no. Gabrielle help!
Gabrielle quickly rushed over with her staff and smacked in across Xena's back. Xena didn't even register that she'd been hit as she continued to try biting Joxer. As Joxer continued to yell, Gabrielle swung her staff again. This time catching Xena on the shoulder. While the hit was hard enough this time to get Xena's attention momentarily, she simply swiped her arm and knocked Gabrielle back as she immediately returned her focus on Joxer. As she did, Xena pinned his arms down and held his head to the side. She beared her fangs and went for the bite, but she was suddenly stopped as Gabrielle jumped on her tried to physically pull Xena back. Which wasn't exactly an easy feat normally due to the difference in their overall body types, but at that point was made all the more difficult with the additional power Xena was getting from her fully awakened Bacchae state. Even so, Gabrielle was determined to do everything she possibly could to stop Xena from killing Joxer. For not only Joxer's sake but Xena's as well. Because Gabrielle knew that Xena would never forgive herself if she regained her senses and learned that she had killed Joxer. Who though a bit annoying and goofy at points was still a really good friend to both of them. And just a good person in general.
GABRIELLE
Xena you have to snap out of it! Xena!
Gradually, Gabrielle managed to pull Xena back enough for Joxer to get his arms free. He held Xena back as he pushed himself backwards from under her. Then with an angry hiss, Xena threw Gabrielle off of her and stood up. Seeing her rise, Joxer frantically scrambled to his feet and began to run. But Xena wasn't about to let him escape and flew after him. Meanwhile, Gabrielle got up and hurried to Argo. As Gabrielle rushed to her without Xena, the mare could sense that something was wrong. She snorted and stepped in place as Gabrielle went through their packs that were attached to Argo's saddle. After a moment, Gabrielle pulled out a small container of blood and climbed onto Argo's saddle. Usually Gabrielle wasn't too comfortable riding by herself, but at the moment that was the furthest thing from her mind as she got Argo into an immediate gallop and went after Joxer and Xena. On horseback Gabrielle caught up fast as joxer tried desperately to out run Xena. Which given that she was flying simply wasn't possible. Xena closed in as Joxer yelled and Gabrielle urged Argo to go faster. The horse galloped as Gabrielle rode right up alongside Xena and got a nervous pit in her stomach as she thought of what she was about to do. But she knew there wasn't any other option and took a deep breath as she then dove from Argo's back and tackled Xena to the ground. The two tumbled a bit and Gabrielle dropped the bottle as it landed in the grass, thankfully unbroken. Once coming to a stop, Gabrielle scrambled for the small container as Xena got up. Her Bacchae side now furious that it was being denied what she craved. She turned her attention to Gabrielle as an animalistic growl came from her throat. Gabrielle felt a chill run down her spine as she suddenly sensed imminent danger and looked back to see Xena now stalking her. Knowing she was in serious trouble, Gabrielle quickly rushed to get the container of blood. She dove and went to grab it, but Xena was too fast. She caught Gabrielle by the ankle and dragged her back towards her. Gabrielle rolled over as she came face to face with Xena's full Bacchae form. Her eyes wild and hungry. Her fangs fully in view as she hissed in anger. As terrified as Gabrielle was, she pushed down her fear as she slowly and cautiously reached up and gently brought her hand to Xena's cheek.
GABRIELLE
It's okay Xena. I, I can help you.
Xena shook Gabrielle's hand away with a growl, but Gabrielle refused to give up.
GABRIELLE
I know you're still in there. And I know you won't hurt me. So please, just let me help you.
Xena showed her fangs but didn't go after Gabrielle as something deep down seemed to hold her back. Seeing that she appeared to be getting through to the actual Xena, Gabrielle did what did best and kept talking as she began reaching for the bottle that sat just a little ways away. She moved slowly as she spoke, so she wouldn't accidentally do anything the might set the Bacchae Xena off.
GABRIELLE
I'm right here Xena, and I'm gonna help you get through this. Just like you do for me. Okay.
Finally, Gabrielle felt the bottle and used her fingertips to roll it a little closer before grabbing it and bringing it towards her. Xena growled at the sudden moment.
GABRIELLE
It's okay, this is what you want.
Gabrielle held her breath in an effort to avoid running the risk of the blood triggering her Bacchae side to surface, and uncorked the small bottle. The scent of blood instantly grabbed Xena's attention as she snatched the container from Gabrielle's hands and began eagerly drinking it down. After several moments, Xena finally pulled the bottle from her lips as she caught her breath. She remained kneeling over Gabrielle and closed her eyes as her breathing gradually returned to normal. After several long moments, Gabrielle watched as Xena's eyes opened and smiled when she saw the sea of blue that had returned.
GABRIELLE
You okay now?
XENA
Think so. Thanks. Are you okay?
Gabrielle smiled as she reached up and gently wiped a bit of blood from Xena's lip.
GABRIELLE
Better now that I got you back.
Relieved that she hadn't injured Gabrielle, Xena got up and helped Gabrielle to her feet. From a distance, Joxer saw the two standing there and called over.
JOXER
Everything okay?
XENA
Yeah I'm good now.
Joxer came closer as she held his still wounded arm.
XENA
Hold on Joxer, stay there.
Joxer stopped as Xena whistled for Argo, who came over.
XENA
You think you can ride with one good arm?
JOXER
Sure, I should be able.
XENA
Good.
She patted her beloved horse and quietly said something to her before the mare walked towards Joxer.
XENA
Joxer I want you to ride back to camp and see if you can stitch your own arm. Can you do that?
JOXER
Yeah I think so.
Using his uninjured arm, Joxer pulled himself on to Argo.
JOXER
What about you two?
XENA
We're gonna walk back, slowly. We'll be sure to keep our distance until you have your wound closed and cleaned up. Just let us know when you're done.
JOXER
Sure.
With that Xena made a quick noise that got Argo moving back to camp as instructed as she and Gabrielle followed at a distant, slow pace.
XENA
How's the arm?
Joxer moved the arm that had been injured by the bandits a little and shrugged as her tried to hide his painful winse while the trio sat around the previously layed out lunch, eating.
JOXER
Oh this is nothing. It'll take way more than this to take me out.
XENA
Good to hear.
There was a bit of silence as Xena sighed to herself.
XENA
Listen I'm sorry about what happened back there. I lost control and...
JOXER
Nah, don't mention it. I know you were all Bacchaed out. It's not like you normally try drinking people's blood just for the fun of it.
Xena smirked.
XENA
(Joking) Well, not any more.
JOXER
(Nervous tone) What?
Gabrielle playfully swatted Xenas arm with the back of her hand.
GABRIELLE
She's kidding Joxer.
JOXER
(Lying) Right, I knew that.
So what are you guys doing around here anyway?
With Joxer already having been aware of them still being Bacchae from when they had met up a few months after they had discovered that fact, Gabrielle explained that they were searching for the goddess Demeter along with why.
JOXER
Bacchus' sister Demeter huh.
Joxer scratched his chin as he appeared to begin thinking about something.
XENA
What? Have you heard of her?
JOXER
I actually meet a handful of her followers a while back when I was visiting a broth...
(Lying) A brother and sister. I rescued them from some real bad guys and well I showed them.
Xena contained her smirk at Joxer's lie. Knowing full well that he was going to say brothel, and chose not to say anything about it as she got a bit of amusement from watching Gabrielle clearly trying to prevent any images of Joxer in that compactly from her mind.
XENA
Uh huh.
JOXER
Well anyway I know a town that some of them like to visit. I guess there might be a temple somewhere around there. So maybe they might know something.
Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other for a moment and smiled as they realized that this might be the best chance at finding Demeter that they've had since beginning their search. They returned their attention to Joxer.
GABRIELLE
Joxer, have I told you how happy I am to see you?
TO BE CONTINUED...