Gabrielle sat and waited as the announcer introduced Xena by her fake name and waited for Xena to come out. But then after a couple moments no one showed up. Then the announcer called for her again and again Xena didn't show. Gabrielle was beginning to get a bad feeling when Xena was called and didn't show up. She was about to get up to go find out what could've happened when she along with the rest of the audience saw Xena getting dragged into the arena behind a couple of guards. They threw her on the ground. Gabrielle could see that Xena's hands had been cuffed behind her back. She stood up from her seat as she saw Xena get up to her knees and saw the blood coming from her mouth and nose. It was obvious that Xena had been severely beaten. She could see the bruises already beginning to form on her skin. But Gabrielle had no idea why.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) No Xena what happened? What did they do to you?
Gabrielle looked over and saw Tobias taking his seat.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) That bastard. I'm sure he ordered his people to do this. Did he find out who Xena really is? Did he find out what actually happened or was it something else?
She looked back at Xena who was struggling just to stand as her opponents started to walk towards her.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Xena's in trouble.
Gabrielle stood in the crowd as she tried to figure out what to do. She knew couldn't just jump over the barrier the guards would have her before she could have the chance to get to Xena. But Gabrielle also felt like she couldn't just stand there and watch Xena as she was about to get beaten, most likely to death. Gabrielle was about to just say screw it and bolt right for Xena when she saw Xena make it to her feet. Xena spotted Gabrielle in the crowd and shook her head implying for her to stay put.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Damn it Xena I get that you don't want me to blow my cover but it's not worth it if something happens to you.
Gabrielle stood down, but stayed ready for if she thought Xena's life was at risk.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) I'll wait for now, but if it looks like you're in serious trouble I'm jumping in there, I don't care if it blows my cover. I refuse to sit here and just watch. Because if these monsters make it so you can't fight Xena, I will.
×××
Gabrielle stood in the crowd as she looked out at a beaten and bloodied Xena who stood face to face against her next opponents in the arena. Gabrielle didn't know what happened to her but she just hoped that Xena knew what she was doing and would be okay during this fight. Dispite what Xena might've wanted, Gabrielle was fully prepared to jump in if she felt like Xena was going to be in serious jeopardy. Both of the axe wielders facing Xena looked at each other and smiled at the thought of getting an easy win against an already injured opponent. Xena watched as the two split up and began moving to flank her on both sides.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Don't you think that just because I'm injured that you're just getting that win. I'm not going down without a fight.
One of the axe users came in swinging. Xena dodged the axe strike but her usual reaction time was significantly slowed due to being injured which caused her to be caught with a back elbow to the face. Stunned, Xena backed off as she tried to regroup. But out of the corner of her eye Xena spotted her other opponent behind her. He swung his axe down towards her. With no time to move, Xena quickly reached up and caught the handle under the head of the weapon just before it hit. Thinking fast Xena threw her elbow back and struck the axe user behind her in the jaw. This allowed her to get out of his immediate range for the moment. But it didn't last long because just as Xena moved away from one, the second axe user ran in for her. He swung the bladed end at her and she just managed to get out of the way. But Xena was caught off guard when he immediately thrust the end of the axe handle into her stomach. Normally this wouldn't have been that bad but with the injuries she already had sustained from the beating before hand, the pain caused Xena to drop to a knee as she held her midsection. She looked up just as the other fighter was swinging for her. Xena moved out of the way and the blade of the axe stuck into the ground. She took the opportunity as she got up and threw a quick flurry of punches at him. Finishing the combo with a strong right hook right the jaw. He backed off slightly as he held his jaw. Then he spat a bit of blood from his mouth as he looked at Xena and smirked. Xena watched as he slammed his blade into the ground and left his weapon there as he cracked his knuckles. Apparently he decided that his weapon was too slow and was now going with the strategy of fighting unarmed. Meanwhile the other axe wielder had clearly decided to keep his weapon as he came in swinging his axe. Xena moved out of the way of the axe user's attack and kicked him away. Then now unarmed man charged her began throwing punches. Xena blocked and dodged his hits as best she could. Until he caught her with a strike to her ribs. Xena dropped to her knees and then felt another shot of pain as she was kicked in the same spot. She was sent rolling a few feet away. Xena attempted to get up but was shoved back on the ground as the man who still had his weapon stomped a foot on her back. She looked up just as the unarmed fighter kicked her right in the face. He pulled back to do it again but Xena caught his foot. Though she quickly let go when she felt the pain of the axe handle being driving into her ribs. Xena yelled in pain as she felt the handle being ground into her side. After a few moments the one with the axe stopped and laughed as he looked down at Xena before kicking her. He motioned for his partner to let her try and get up. So the man that had been stepping on Xena took his boot off of her. But not before getting a cheap kick of his own in. Xena yelped in pain as she clenched at her side. The pair standing over her laughed as they mocked her to get up. Xena growled as she forced herself to stand. Gabrielle watched from the audience still prepared to jump in at any moment. Unsure of how much longer she could just sit there and watch what was happening. Xena looked over and saw the discarded weapon still stuck in the ground. She realized that in her current condition getting her hands on one of their axes was probably going to be her best chance at making it out of this fight alive. But she also knew that was going to be easier said than done. Though Xena didn't exactly have the stamina right now for a long, drawn out battle. So she decided that her best best was to go for it. Xena ran for the axe but was cut off when the fighter who still had his weapon swung his axe at her. She was forced to back away. The weaponless opponent then charged into her. Ramming his shoulder into her back. Xena was knocked forward and sent into the wall of the arena. She looked back just to see an axe coming her way. Xena moved just in time as she ran the best she could next to the wall. Xena quickly tried to go for the axe again but was caught by a clothesline from the unarmed fighter. Xena was thrown back into the wall. She hit hard and slid down to the ground. Xena sat up against the wall as both of her opponents stalked her. Both men laughed as they came in close. Xena tried to get up as the axe wielder pulled back his weapon swung it right for Xena's head.
GABRIELLE
NO!!
At the last moment just as Gabrielle was ready to leap over the barrier, Xena dove out of the way as the axe blade was buried into the wall. Gabrielle yelled so loud that it had apparently been heard over the rest of the crowd by the fighters and distracted them momentarily. This allowed Xena to scramble for the discarded battle axe on the ground. Before her opponents knew what happened, Xena had gotten to it and just as one of them turned towards her Xena hurled the weapon threw the air and watched as the blade buried itself into the chest of the fighter who still had his weapon. He made a painful moan as his weapon slipped from his grasp and he dropped to the ground. Xena huffed as she she took a moment to catch her breath while her opponent that was still standing looked down at his fallen partner in shock. He then glared at Xena as he bent down and picked up his falling teammates weapon. Kicking him slightly to make sure that he was dead, which he was. He then looked at Xena who stood across from him.
AXE WIELDER
You got lucky bitch. But now play times over.
He clenched his weapon tightly as he ran at Xena. Xena waited for him to swing right for her, but was taken of guard when he quickly turned and swung the axe around her at her back. Xena dropped down just in time. It was so close that Xena could hear the sound of the axe blade scrape up against the back of her armor as she dropped. Once on the ground Xena attempted to sweep out his leg. But was unable when he stomped on her ankle. Xena winced in pain as he held her in place with his foot. He raised his axe as he prepared to bury it into Xena's flesh. Xena quickly began using her free leg to kick at him. But his armor protected him from her strikes. He then stomped his other foot into Xena's injured midsection. She yelled as she tried to push his boot off of her. He just gave her an evil smile as he raised his axe above his head. He then roared as he swung the axe down towards Xena who was unable to go anywhere. Just before the blade made contact Xena turned her body to the side causing the axe to just barely miss her. Then before the axe user could stand back up straight Xena quickly reached out and grabbed him pulling him to the ground as she wrapped her arm around his neck as tight as she could. Him being pulled forward freed Xena's leg that he had been stepping on. So as he tried to get up Xena wrapped both her legs around him and made it so when he tried to stand he had to pull all of Xena up with him and in the position he was in that was easier said than done. Xena wrenched on his neck as the axe user struggled to breathe. Xena could hear he could still breathe a little and adjusted her grip so she completely cut off his air supply. He began franticly punching at her injured ribs in an attempt to get Xena to let go. The pain made Xena momentarily lossen her grip but then she got mad wrenched on his neck even harder. She could hear him gag as she continued to put more pressure on his neck. He franticly squirmed as he tried to get free. Xena continued to apply more pressure as the crowd was going crazy in the stands. Finally Xena gave one more yanking, twisting motion and heard a small crack as her opponent suddenly went limp in her grasp. Xena breathe heavily as she finally released her hold on the man's now broken neck. She groaned in pain as she pushed the lifeless body of her opponent off of her. She slowly sat up clenching her side as she took a much needed breather. Meanwhile Gabrielle was both relieved and ecstatic in the crowd as she watched Xena pull off the impressive victory as only Xena could.
GABRIELLE
She did it! She did it!
Xena sat there for a few moments before fighting to get to her feet. She looked up at where Tobias was watching and to say that he didn't look happy was an understatement. Xena watched as he abruptly stood from his seat and stormed off. As he left Xena couldn't help but wonder what he was going to have in store for her when she went back inside. She was not in any condition to really fight much more at the moment so if he had his guards attack her when she went back, Xena wouldn't stand a chance like this. But there wasn't much she could do but hope she could somehow talk her way out of this. Xena spotted Gabrielle in the crowd and smiled and nodded slightly at her as she slowly turned and walked back out of the arena. As Xena walked out, Gabrielle moved through the crowd to leave and find Xena outside. Xena staggered down the hallway and leaned against the wall to keep herself up. She stopped when she heard Tobias's voice and looked up to see him standing in front of her with a couple of his guards behind him.
TOBIAS
You actually won. Even in your condition, impressive.
Xena looked between the guards as she tried to figure out how she was going to get out of this.
XENA
Master Tobias I.
TOBIAS
Silence.
He looked at Xena's condition and listened to the crowd outside as they were still cheering for the incredible victory they just witnessed.
TOBIAS
I sincerely hope you've learned your lesson to know your place and to not interfere with things that don't concern you.
XENA
Yes Master Tobias.
TOBIAS
Good girl.
Tobias turned and began to walk away.
TOBIAS
Guards take her to her room.
He stopped for a moment as he looked back at Xena as his guards grabbed her.
TOBIAS
Oh and Gabriella if you ever pull another stunt like you did earlier, what happened to you today will pale in comparison to the pain you will experience should there be a next time.
Xena didn't say anything as Tobias walked away leaving his guards to drag Xena to her room. The guards opened the door and shoved the beaten and battered Xena inside as they slammed the door behind her and locked it. Having her armor removed before she was brought back to her room Xena layed there on the cold floor in the ordinary clothes she had been wearing while there. Though her whole body hurt, especially her midsection Xena managed to get up and make it to her bed. She layed there for a bit until she heard voices outside her door.
GUARD
It's late and she's already had her fight today so I don't think it's wise for her trainer to see her right now.
GABRIELLE
(Lying) I was told I could by Tobias himself. He wants me to inspect his investment after today's brutal fight. You know make sure that the goods aren't permanently damaged.
GUARD
Well if the boss says you can see her I won't stop you.
The guard unlocked the door and let Gabrielle in. She was carrying a small bucket of water and a cloth as she turned to the guard.
GABRIELLE
Leave us.
The guard nodded as he shut and locked the door behind her. Once she heard him walking away, Gabrielle ran over to Xena and put down what she was holding as she knelt down beside her bed as Xena slowly sat up.
GABRIELLE
Xena are you okay?
XENA
(Sarcasm) Never better. Why do you ask?
Gabrielle didn't find Xena's comment amusing one bit and let the expression on her face show it. Xena sighed realizing that she should've figured that now was not the time for her to be trying to joke with Gabrielle.
XENA
I'm okay.
Gabrielle sat next to Xena on her bed as she gently took Xena's face in her hands and looked at her cut and bruised face, arms and legs knowing full well that Xena hadn't gotten all of them during her fight earlier.
GABRIELLE
What happened Xena? I thought Tobias might've found out who you really are, but then he probably would've just tried to straight up have you killed. So what happened today.
Xena explained that she had stopped Tobias from forcing himself on a girl as she was being lead out to the arena. Gabrielle figured out the rest from there knowing that he wouldn't take kindly to one of his slaves doing something like that. Xena and Gabrielle talked quietly as Gabrielle cleaned the dried blood off Xena's face.
GABRIELLE
Xena you know that now he's probably gonna be watching you closely.
XENA
I know.
GABRIELLE
I think now might be a good time to consider a change of plans.
XENA
No I don't think that's a good idea.
GABRIELLE
Xena you can't seriously still want to stick with this undercover plan. How do you expect to do anything now? Tobias really isn't going to let his guard down around you now.
XENA
Sure he will. I just need to get back into his good graces.
GABRIELLE
How?
XENA
Don't worry I think I figured out his weakness. Now I just need to use it.
GABRIELLE
What would that weakness be?
XENA
Well actually there's two that I'm gonna use. But...
GABRIELLE
But what?
XENA
You're really not going to like what I have planned.
GABRIELLE
(Annoyed tone) I haven't liked this plan since before it started how much worse can it be?
Xena looked off knowing that Gabrielle was going to absolutely hate the idea Xena came up with.
XENA
I'm gonna have to get alot closer to Tobias in order for me to really exploit this weakness.
Gabrielle already didn't like the way Xena was acting.
GABRIELLE
(Annoyed tone) What weakness Xena.
Xena seemed to spot something on the wall as she looked away from Gabrielle before she answered.
XENA
(Talking quietly) His libido.
Gabrielle's voice could be heard from down the hall after she heard what Xena said.
GABRIELLE
WHAT?!!!
×××
Gabrielle stood in front of Xena who was sitting on the bed as she crossed her arms and looked down at Xena.
GABRIELLE
You're right Xena I'm not happy with this plan. You can not be serious. You better not mean what I think you mean.
XENA
Come on Gabrielle you don't actually think I'm going to sleep with him?
Gabrielle sighed as she sat down next to Xena.
GABRIELLE
No, no I know you wouldn't do that. But still just the thought of you getting that close to someone like him, ugh it just gives me the creeps.
XENA
Yeah I'm not exactly thrilled about it either, but if it helps us take Tobias down...
GABRIELLE
I just think that this could be a very dangerous game to play Xena. We've already seen how vindictive he can be. If he finds out or if things go too far and get out of control. This could end up very badly for you.
Xena could see the worry on Gabrielle's face as she reached over and held Gabrielle's hand in hers.
XENA
I know. I'll try to be careful.
GABRIELLE
Xena we both know that you don't exactly do careful all that well.
XENA
Fair point. But I'll try as best I can to make sure things actually go according to plan this time.
GABRIELLE
They better or you're gonna be in serious trouble. And I'm not talking about with Tobias.
Xena smiled getting Gabrielle's hint.
XENA
(Joking) Don't worry I will be. Besides having you mad at me is far scarier then any slaver or warlord could ever dream of being.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) And don't you forget it.
Gabrielle smiled as she kissed Xena before she stood up.
GABRIELLE
I should go. Make sure you get some rest.
XENA
Okay.
Gabrielle went to the door and looked back at Xena.
GABRIELLE
Please be careful Xena.
XENA
I will. I love you.
GABRIELLE
Love you too, always.
Gabrielle left Xena's room. She might not have liked Xena's plan, but she trusted her more than anyone else. So she knew that Xena wasn't going in taking the situation lightly. But she still couldn't help but worry about her. Gabrielle was fully aware that Xena was a very capable woman and could handle herself. She just hoped that Xena really knew what she was doing. That night Xena layed in bed awake as she went over her plan in her head.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) If I can get close enough to Tobias I can finish this whole thing sooner rather than later.
Xena fell asleep and soon enough morning came. Xena was pretending to practice as Tobias made his usual morning walk around the compound that was part of his daily routine. She spotted him as he began to walk her way.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) There he is. Okay time to put the mission to seduce a scumbag in motion.
Xena had purposefully made it so that her ordinary clothing that was really just a crappy, peasant looking shirt and pants combo looked a lot more attractive. She had tied up her shirt to reveal her stomach and made a cut in the collar to show some cleavage. She wore her pants low on her waist. She watched as Tobias made his way closer. Xena waited until he was within earshot and started to make noise as she pretended to practice fighting to draw his attention. Once Xena saw that she caught Tobias's eye, she began to move in a slightly more seductive way. Though she made sure to do so in a subtle manner to not arouse suspicion. She was aiming for a different type of arousal in that scenario. As she moved Xena kept an eye on Tobias who was standing by watching her intently. She could tell that she had definitely caught his attention. Though she already knew that he was attracted to her based off her first night there when he had her brought to his room. Sleeping with her had clearly been his whole initial reason for purchasing her to begin with. Now Xena just needed to remind him of that and then use it to her advantage. Which clearly was not going to be difficult at all. She kept up the act as Tobias walked closer to get a better view. After a bit of watching her, Tobias smiled to himself and left. Xena could see from the look on his face that she indeed had the intended effect on him.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Let the games begin.
A number of days passed and Xena continued to entice Tobias. She noticed that he was definitely interested and waited for him to make his move. Which as Xena expected didn't take long. About a week or so after Xena put her plan in motion. One day as she was "practicing" Tobias walked over to her Xena pretended to just notice him and stopped her fake training.
XENA
Oh Master Tobias is there something I can do for you?
TOBIAS
Perhaps. Though I can see that you're hard at work with your practice.
Xena could see him looking her up and down.
XENA
(Thinking to herself sarcastically) Wow can this guy get any creepier? This might be even easier than I thought. Although the fact that it took him over a week to try anything is actually a bit surprising.
Xena gave him a fake smile. Then she began to put the next part of her plan in motion. She moved her shoulder and neck around and acted as though they were sore.
TOBIAS
Is there a problem Gabriella?
XENA
(Lying) Oh I guess I'm still feeling the effects of my last fight.
TOBIAS
Yes it really is such a shame that you had to go through such brutality.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Oh fuck you, you're the one who ordered your guards to beat me and then put me into a match that you expected me to be killed in.
Xena simply put on her best fake smile and remained silent.
TOBIAS
Well I suppose that you're punishment was at my order so I do feel a little bad for the lingering pain that you're experiencing.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) You're so full of crap.
Tobias looked at Xena as he smiled an unsettling smile.
TOBIAS
Gabriella do you remember when you first got here?
XENA
I do Master Tobias.
Tobias moved in close as he began walking around Xena as he spoke.
TOBIAS
You know before you beat down that guard that night I had other plans for you.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Yeah no shit.
TOBIAS
Then after seeing your fighting abilities I guess I somehow lost sight of just how incredibly stunning you are as a woman. But after watching you train these past number of days and seeing you today. I see that perhaps you might better benefit from a little more one on one attention from me.
Tobias thought for a moment and smiled.
TOBIAS
Or maybe you can accompany me to a meeting I have coming up with some of my colleagues. Yes if they were to see me with a woman like you at my side I would be the envy of the event. Yes I think that will do nicely. And if you're well behaved at the event you will be very greatly rewarded.
Tobias stood behind her a leaned in to drive home his next point.
TOBIAS
But should you decide to do anything foolish, well I think you're already aware of what I'm capable of doing to people that I'm not happy with.
XENA
Yes Master Tobias.
TOBIAS
Very good.
Tobias left and Xena stood there as she thought about all the other scumbags and low lifes that were probably going to be at this event.
XENA
(Thinking to herself sarcastically) Well this is gonna be fun.
(Thinking to herself) At least my plan seems to be working though.
Gabrielle who was nearby came over to get an update on how Xena's plan was going.
GABRIELLE
So?
XENA
I've been upgraded from just an arena fighter to a trophy.
GABRIELLE
What's that supposed to mean?
Xena explained that Tobias just said that he'd be taking her to some sleezy event for slavers to show her off as his property.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Sounds like fun. And to think you never take me any place fancy.
XENA
(Joking) Don't start with me Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
Hey might I remind you seducing him was your idea.
XENA
Don't look to happy because you're going to the event too.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) I'll be sure to pick out something nice to wear.
Xena rolled her eyes at the whole situation.
XENA
I seriously can't wait until this whole thing is over with.
×××
A number of days went by and Tobias continued to keep his lustful eyes on Xena. She did her best to tune out when he was watching her. She already caught his eye, so Xena decided that she didn't necessarily need to play that much into it at least not yet anyway. Tobias had decided that since he wanted to bring Xena or Gabriella as he knew her to the event, that she shouldn't be participating in the arena. He didn't want to run the risk of having his "trophy" damaged before he could show her off. So he simply had Xena continue to train with Gabrielle. It was the day before the event as Gabrielle sat beside Xena on the floor of the training room.
GABRIELLE
How much longer are we gonna have to do this?
XENA
Hopefully not too long. The event tomorrow should really give us some good insight on this whole slave empire. I'm actually pretty glad to be going. I think we could learn some very valuable information while we're there.
GABRIELLE
Who would've thought that slavers were so social.
XENA
(Joking) Well in that case you should fit right in.
GABRIELLE
(Sarcasm) Oh ha ha. That's real funny.
Xena smirked.
GABRIELLE
But seriously though, this is not going to be fun.
XENA
Hey at least you get free reign to go around and do your thing. I'm certain that Tobias is going to be keeping a close eye on me the whole time. So doing any real scouting is gonna be a lot harder for me.
GABRIELLE
Good point.
Xena and Gabrielle finished their fake training session. The rest of the day and night carried on without incident. The next morning came and Xena was cuffed as she was escorted to the horse drawn cart that Tobias was waiting in. He smiled as she got in the back and sat down.
TOBIAS
My, my don't you look lovely today.
Xena didn't say anything as she saw Gabrielle coming their way.
GABRIELLE
Excuse me Tobias?
Tobias looked at Gabrielle as she walked up to the cart.
TOBIAS
Ah Nexa, I see you're attending the event as well.
GABRIELLE
I am. Although it seems that my horse has fallen ill and now I don't have a ride.
TOBIAS
Well there's room next to me if you'd like.
GABRIELLE
Oh how thoughtful. Thank you.
XENA
(Thinking to herself sarcastically) Yeah you're a real gentleman.
Gabrielle climbed up and sat next to Tobias. She glanced back at Xena and smiled. Tobias got the cart going and all three rode to the event. Along the way Tobias casually talked with Gabrielle who in rare form was not very interested in talking giving that the conversation revolved around slavery. Although Xena found the subject matter appalling, she did find it fairly amusing that for once Gabrielle was having her ear talked off and could see the annoyance of it written on Gabrielle's face. Gabrielle who glanced back at Xena saw the smirk that Xena gave her and knew what it was about as she shot her a disapproving look as she continued to listen to the garbage that Tobias was saying. After some time they arrived at their destination. Tobias stopped the cart and got out.
TOBIAS
Gee you're not much of a talker are you Nexa?
Xena pretended to cough to stop herself from laughing at how ridiculous that sounded. Since if anything Gabrielle could talk too much. As Tobias turned to get out of the cart and Xena felt a playful punch to the arm from Gabrielle as she got out knowing that Xena had enjoyed their ride at her expense. After everyone was out of the cart they all went inside the large building that the event was being held in. Once inside Xena and Gabrielle saw that they walked into a large room that had a number of long tables with a ridiculous amount of food and drinks. The hall was full of people both slavers and slaves. It wasn't too difficult to tell the difference. Even with the slaves that wore fancier clothing. Because all of the slaves regardless of what they had on had a similar dejected look on in their eyes. The kind of look that both broke Gabrielle's heart and made her sick to her stomach her at the same time. Xena just felt rage and hatred for all the slave owners there. She needed to take a moment to compose herself to not just jump into action and start taking out the human scum that surrounded her. Xena nodded for Gabrielle to go mingle with the other guests and see what she could learn. Which is what Gabrielle did. Meanwhile Xena was stuck near Tobias for the evening. She fought to keep distain for the whole situation hidden as Tobias showed her off as if he were a child bragging about getting a new toy. As ridiculous as the situation was, Xena made sure to her eyes and ears open for anything useful that could help take these people down. As they went around Xena could tell that Tobias was very clearly a big player in the slave business. Bigger than she even thought. He apparently supplied many of the other slavers there with their as they put it "merchandise". She figured that this most likely wasn't even the full extent of his reach. It was almost certain that a good number of people Tobias sold to weren't even at the event. And knowing all that only made Xena more addamit in her plan to take down Tobias and topple his empire for good. During the evening while Tobias was preoccupied with talking to some of his colleagues Gabrielle found Xena.
GABRIELLE
So how's it going?
XENA
(Sarcasm) Lovely. You know how much I enjoy listening to idiots go on and on.
How 'bout you?
GABRIELLE
I'm gonna need a bath when we leave here. The way these monsters talk about other human beings just makes my skin crawl.
XENA
Yeah I know the feeling. You find out anything useful?
GABRIELLE
I don't think so.
XENA
Well just keep at it. I'm sure we'll find something that we can actually use here.
Xena looked behind her as she heard Tobias call her over to him.
XENA
Well gotta go. Master Scumbag calls.
Gabrielle smirked as Xena walked over to Tobias. Then she returned to chatting with the guests to see what she could learn.
XENA
You called Master Tobias?
Xena stood next to Tobias as he once again showed her off to the woman he was talking to. Xena tuned him out as she looked around. After a bit Tobias seemed to forget about her as he walked off with the woman. Xena decided to take a little look around. As she walked around she spotted what appeared to be a confrontation between a slaver and a slave. Xena watched as a boy accidentally tripped and spilled the drink he was clearly getting for his master. The woman that owned the boy begin yelling at him. The boy looked to be only in his mid to late teens. Xena could see that he looked terrified as the woman continued to berate and belittle him. He tried to apologize but the woman was clearly not having it. She raised her and struck the boy across the face. Then she continued to yell as she pulled back to strike him again. Being unable to simply stand by and let the boy get beaten Xena quickly stepped in and grabbed the woman by her wrist. Stopping her from hitting the boy. The woman looked at Xena in shock for a moment.
XENA
You hit this child again and I'll hit you. And giving age and build which one of us do you think can hit harder?
The woman was clearly older than Xena and looked to be in far less shape than Xena as well. So it was very obvious who would win out of the two. And that wasn't even counting Xena's super human fighting skills. It wasn't even a contest. But given that the woman was a slaver she wasn't very accustomed to being stood up to. And she showed it.
SLAVER WOMAN
Who do you think you are?! Get your damn hand off me!
The woman tried to pull her arm out of Xena's grip. But Xena easily held her as she glared at her.
SLAVER WOMAN
You have no right to tell me how to treat my slave.
The woman managed to pull away and grabbed the boy. Xena could see him cower in fear. She knew that if she didn't step in this boy was going to be in serious trouble.
SLAVER WOMAN
Now you come with me boy. You clearly need a lesson in what happens when you continue to scew up.
Xena grabbed the woman by her shoulder before she could leave. She just couldn't let this go.
XENA
You're not going anywhere with him.
WOMAN
I don't know what you think you're doing but you had better let me go this instant.
Xena began tightening her grip as she fiercely stared her down.
XENA
Make me.
The woman yelled out in pain as she slowly sunk to her knees. Xena was so sick of the whole slaver thing at that moment that she completely forgot all about her cover. She was unaware that a crowd of shocked and angry slavers had formed around her. Including Tobias. Though that didn't last long as Xena suddenly heard a noise and felt a sharp pain when something struck her back. She new what it was before she felt the second hit. She let the woman go as she dropped to her knees from the pain. Then she felt herself getting struck again and yelled in pain. Meanwhile Gabrielle who saw the crowd form pushed her way through to see what was happening. After shoving her way through the crowd she made it to the front. She saw a horrible sight as Xena was laying on the floor with Tobias standing over her as he repeatedly whipped her over and over. Gabrielle didn't care what Xena would say afterwards, she couldn't let this go on.
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