Gabrielle layed there looking at the soldiers who loomed over her. They had clearly discovered her after she had fallen asleep. The way they looked at her told Gabrielle that she now found herself in a very bad situation. She quickly attempted to get up but one of the soldiers used his boot to shove her back down. He kept his foot against her shoulder, pinning Gabrielle to the ground.
SOLDIER 1
Now, now there's no need for you to get up. You're fine just as you are. Well except for those clothes of yours. But we can take care of that, right boys?
The other two soldiers laughed as one of them pulled out a knife. He crouched down beside Gabrielle and held the blade to her neck.
SOLDIER 2
If you don't do anything stupid we might just let you live once we're done with you.
He chuckled as he lightly traced his knife down towards Gabrielle's top. Gabrielle did everything she could to keep herself calm during this. She kept watch on all three men. She knew that she was going to have to be smart if she was going to escape this unharmed. The soldier holding the knife took hold of Gabrielle's top with his free hand as he prepared to cut it off her. Then in a lightening fast motion Gabrielle grabbed both his wrists and drove the dagger that the soldier still held into his other hand. He yelled in pain and as he pulled back Gabrielle kicked him away.
SOLDIER 2
You stupid bitch! You'll pay for that!
The other two soldiers went after Gabrielle as she reached for her sais that she always kept near her. One of the soldiers drew his sword and swung it down at Gabrielle who was still on the ground. She grabbed her weapons and turned just in time as she raised her sais and blocked the attack. Gabrielle swept out his foot from under him and he fell. She then hopped up to her feet and kicked him right between his legs. He groaned in pain as he layed there holding himself. The third soldier grabbed Gabrielle from behind. She drove her elbow back into his ribs. He let go and Gabrielle spun around and smashed her elbow into his face. As he backed off the soldier that Gabrielle stabbed came back at her. Gabrielle hastily snatched up the chakrum that was sitting with her sais and threw it at the soldier. The weapon burried itself into his chest. He stood there for a moment motionless before falling back and just laying there on the ground. The other two soldiers saw what Gabrielle did suddenly didn't seem so interested in attacking her.
SOLDIER 3
Screw this I came to fight in an army not get killed by some crazy woman.
He ran off leaving the last of the three still standing there. The third soldier watched as his buddy ran off.
SOLDIER 1
Coward come back here!
He sneered as he turned his attention back to Gabrielle and was met with a fist to the face. He fell back and as he sat up Gabrielle jabbed her fingers into his neck using the pinch that Xena had taught her shortly before she died. Gabrielle didn't like to use it too often for multiple reasons. The fact that Xena had been so reluctant to teach her for a long time due to what had happened the last time she had taught it to someone. Gabrielle understood that and didn't want to miss use it knowing the significance of Xena's willingness teaching her the technique. And the act of actually using it brought back the painful memories for Gabrielle of saying goodbye to Xena and everything else during that time that lead up to Xena leaving this world. But in this instance Gabrielle felt it appropriate to use the hold. It almost seemed poetic in a way. Where it was once used before her death, now Gabrielle could be using the pinch to possibly give Xena back her life.
GABRIELLE
You're gonna be dead in about a minute unless I release the hold I just put on you. So start talking and tell me where you were heading to meet up with Xena's army.
SOLDIER 1
There's supposed to be a big fortress about four or five days walk north of here. That's all I know I promise.
Gabrielle believed him and released the hold. She stood over him as she looked north.
GABRIELLE
If you know whats good for you, you'll give up on joining that army. It's not going to be around much longer.
SOLDIER 1
Oh and you think you're going to stop Xena?
GABRIELLE
Yes.
SOLDIER 1
You might be tough but what makes you think you've got what it takes to take on that woman.
Gabrielle smirked.
GABRIELLE
Oh trust me I've got plenty.
The soldier looked on confused and terrified of the woman in front of him as he watched Gabrielle gather her things and began heading north. Before she left Gabrielle stopped and looked back at the soldiers.
GABRIELLE
Oh and you should really rethink the way you treat women. If you don't I'll find you and I'll bring Xena with me. And trust me when I say that she can be way scarier then me when given the right motivation. She hates people who take advantage of women and children. So take your buddy's advice and don't do anything stupid.
Gabrielle turned away and left, moving out towards Xena's fortress the soldiers told her about. As she walked she held her pendant tightly. Greatfull that in her dream Xena had warned her about the soldiers before they could do anything.
GABRIELLE
Thank you Xena. Even now you still find ways to look over and protect me. And now it's my turn to save you.
×××
It was a long, tiring trip as Gabrielle continued north in search of Xena. She walked along, stomping her way through some snow on the ground that she now had to deal with along with the cold wind that blew causing Gabrielle to slightly shiver as she pulled her coat that she had to get out of her pack closed.
GABRIELLE
Out of all the places you could go you just had to choose somewhere this far north.
Gabrielle kept going as she noticed it lightly begin to snow. Luckily there wasn't much of the white stuff on the ground at the moment. Alot of it had melted due to the few previous warmer days in the arena. But now it had gotten cold enough again for it to start snowing once more. At this point Gabrielle had been traveling this direction for about three days now. Based on what the soldier told her she figured that she only had about one more day before she would reach Xena's fortress. At least that's what Gabrielle hoped. While she walked Gabrielle thought about one of the dreams she had. Specifically the one where Xena had showed her the army and the attack on a village.
GABRIELLE
I hope I can make it in time Xena. It's alot further than I thought.
(Sighs) I really need to get myself another horse.
Unfortunately Argo 2 and Gabrielle's horse had been killed a couple years prior by some crazy bandits who attacked a village that Gabrielle happened to be in at the time. They had killed all the mounts in order to stop anyone from trying to flee. Luckily Gabrielle had managed to stop the bandits and save the people living there. Afterwards Gabrielle had tried to save up for a new horse a few times, but every time she was close she found that she would end up spending the money on other people who needed it. So these days for the most part Gabrielle just walked everywhere. Occasionally she'd hitch a ride with a kind stranger that was heading the same way as her, but that wasn't all that often. Either way it didn't really bother Gabrielle all that much. She was perfectly content to walk. Well for the most part anyway. Because times like the present when she knew she had a good distance to cover in a short period of time definitely made her miss being able to just relax in a saddle as she rode casually to her destination. Thinking about that paired with the reason why she was even going this far to begin with brought back alot of fond memories for Gabrielle. She smiled as her mind wondered back to all the time she spent riding on Argo with Xena. Her arms wrapped around Xena's midsection as Gabrielle would rest her head on her back or shoulder just enjoying the moment. Gabrielle smiled to herself realizing just how much she had really missed that. And how she couldn't wait to be able to do it again. Along with all those other simple, little, mundane things that she and Xena would just do together every day. Sure it might not have been anything particularly special. But with Xena around it didn't really matter what they were doing. Gabrielle treasured the simple times when it was just the two of them and Xena was able to let her guard down and be the sweet, loving, vulnerable woman that so very few people ever knew. It turned out that those were some of the times that Gabrielle had missed most of all in the years after Xena's death. Gabrielle's focus was abruptly brought back to the present when she stepped on a patch of ice and slipped, landing hard on her backside. She groaned as she slowly got back up, rubbing the now sore area.
GABRIELLE
Damn ice. This sort of thing is exactly why I hate the cold.
Gabrielle looked at her pendant knowing just what Xena would say in this situation.
GABRIELLE
Yeah, yeah I should pay attention to where I'm going. I know you're probably laughing right now too so you can knock it off.
Gabrielle smirked as she continued forward. Though now she was more mindful about where she was stepping, making sure to avoid anymore slick areas. Before long the sun was beginning to set. Gabrielle had to stop knowing that with the sun gone it would be too cold for her to continue. So in no time Gabrielle had a fire going as she sat wrapped in her blankets that she got out while settling up camp. She looked up at the multi colored sky as the sun continued to sink lower.
GABRIELLE
Tomorrow Xena. I'll be there. Just wait for me a little longer.
The reality of actuality seeing Xena again was finally truly sinking in for Gabrielle. Even though Xena didn't seem to be herself at the moment, Gabrielle still couldn't help but feel more than a little excited by the idea.
GABRIELLE
It'll all work out Xena. I'll find you and we'll fix whatever's wrong with you.
Gabrielle held her pendant tightly in her hand as she thought Xena reverting to her old ways.
GABRIELLE
We have to.
After eating dinner and catching up on a bit of writing, Gabrielle settled down for the night. For the past few nights Gabrielle had continued to talk with Xena in her dreams. Though each time Xena seemed to be in pain. She would try to play it off but Gabrielle could tell that it was getting worse each time. During her current dream they had been idlely talking when the pain struck Xena again. It might've been a dream but Gabrielle couldn't stand seeing Xena hurting like that. Especially since she was certain that the Xena there was somehow connected to the actual Xena out in the real world. Gabrielle sat on the ground inside the void with Xena's head resting in her lap as she layed there recovering from the latest bout of pain she had suffered. Gabrielle brushed Xena's hair out of her face as she saw that Xena had calmed down.
GABRIELLE
Feel better?
Xena gave her a gentle smile implying that the pain had indeed passed.
GABRIELLE
You really have no idea why this is happening?
XENA
Sorry I'm as much in the dark about this as you are. I only know that this can't be anything good.
GABRIELLE
That seems pretty obvious.
Gabrielle sighed.
GABRIELLE
Hopefully I'll be able to find you out there tomorrow and get everything back to normal.
Xena smiled as she took Gabrielle's hand and gave it a little kiss.
XENA
I know you will Gabrielle.
Gabrielle saw Xena looked up for a moment then moved to sit beside her.
GABRIELLE
What's wrong now?
XENA
Nothing it's just getting a little late in the morning that's all.
GABRIELLE
What it's morning already?!
Xena chuckled.
XENA
(Joking) You never were much of a morning person. I guess some things will never change.
GABRIELLE
Oh be quiet. The only reason I slept this long was because of you.
Gabrielle stood up.
XENA
(Joking) Why do I feel like I've heard that excuse before?
GABRIELLE
(Joking) You can really be exhausting at times you know that?
XENA
(Joking) Well now you're just making it too easy.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Hey don't forget who the one trying to save you is here. She I suggest you behave.
Gabrielle and Xena smiled at each other.
GABRIELLE
See you soon Xena.
XENA
You bet.
Gabrielle closed her eyes and focused on waking up. Seconds later she awoke from her dream and got up. It was mid morning as Gabrielle headed out in the final stretch of her travels. A few hours later snow crushed beneath her feet as Gabrielle came out of a bunch of trees into a large clearing. She stood there looking at the huge walled building that sat a bit in the distance. She could see what looked like a crowd entering the outer wall gate.
GABRIELLE
This must be it.
Gabrielle smiled, picking up the pace as she got closer the structure. She slowed down as she met up with the rest of the people that were making their way inside the walls. Gabrielle made sure she tried to blend in with the crowd, stealthily getting her weapons ready just incase she was recognized by anyone there. She saw a number of armed guards standing on either side of the group as they found themselves in a large courtyard within the walls. Gabrielle stood among the rowdy crowd for a bit as she tried to look around at her new surroundings. Then things begin to settle down as the crowd went silent except for the couple whispers that popped up hear and there. All of which seemed to indicate disbelief. Gabrielle couldn't see through the sea of people as she heard footsteps on wood. After a moment they stopped. Needing to see for herself what she hoped was up ahead, Gabrielle pushed her way through the crowd. After squeezing her way to the front Gabrielle stood there. Her eyes fixed on the figure standing on the small platform in front of her. She could feel her heart pound as tears filled her eyes from the sight of the person before her. Gabrielle stared up in awe as she saw what she thought she'd only be able to witness in her dreams for the rest of her life. And felt a flood of various emotions rush through her as she smiled, barely able to contain herself.
GABRIELLE
(Whisper) Xena...
×××
Gabrielle stood there overjoyed at the fact that Xena truly had remarkably returned from the dead. As much as Gabrielle wanted to believe it, there was a part of her that thought that she had been going on a wild goose chase. But now there was no denying that the woman who stood on the platform was indeed Xena.
GABRIELLE
(Whisper) You really are alive.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Gabrielle ran up towards Xena. She had completely forgotten about where she was. But the reality came back quickly as Gabrielle was grabbed by two armed guards before she could reach Xena. Xena turned and looked at Gabrielle as she struggled to get free.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Gabrielle saw as Xena simply stood there looking at her with an irritated expression on her face.
GABRIELLE
Hey let me go. I know Xena.
GUARD
(Sarcasm) Yeah sure you do.
GABRIELLE
Xena. It's me.
GUARD
Don't be ridiculous. Xena doesn't know you. Now come on before you get yourself into some serious trouble.
The guards began to drag Gabrielle away.
GABRIELLE
No wait. Xena! Xena! Ugh let go.
Xena stood there staring as Gabrielle fought against the guards to get to Xena.
GABRIELLE
I said get off!
Gabrielle elbowed one guard in the stomach, and when he let go she brought her now free hand up into the second guard's jaw. He released her as he staggered back. Gabrielle took the opportunity and dashed towards Xena.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Gabrielle was a mere couple feet away from Finally reaching Xena when she was tackled from behind and forced to the ground. A few guards held Gabrielle in place as she struggled to free herself once more.
GUARD
That's enough from you. Now let's go.
The guards pulled Gabrielle to her feet and held her arms behind her back as they prepared to drag her away.
GABRIELLE
No Xena! Xena!
GUARD
Shut up already.
The guard raised his hand to hit Gabrielle.
XENA
Enough!
The guards and Gabrielle looked at Xena as she turned to face them. Gabrielle watched as Xena walked up to her as she was still being held by the guards. Xena stopped right in front of Gabrielle and glared down at her.
XENA
What made you think it was a good idea to come at me like that?
Xena looked behind Gabrielle and saw the sais that she still held.
XENA
Ah trying to take me out?
GABRIELLE
What? No. Xena.
Gabrielle saw a perplexed look on Xena's face as she was trying to explain herself. Then she realized something that hadn't even crossed her mind.
GABRIELLE
Xena, don't you recognize me?
XENA
I don't know you girl.
Hearing Xena say those words caused Gabrielle to feel as though someone had just plunged a dagger directly in the heart. Not only had Xena forgotten about her vow to leave her former self behind, but it was as if she had absolutely no recollection of her and Gabrielle's lives together either. Seemingly as though it never even happened at all.
GABRIELLE
Xena it's me, Gabrielle. Don't you remember?
Gabrielle saw Xena lean in closer. Appearing to look her over. Xena smirked. Seeing that made Gabrielle think that she had gotten through to her. Though that thought only lasted for a moment when Xena laughed.
XENA
Well now it looks like we've got a live one on our hands don't we?
Just as quickly as Xena started laughing she stopped as a scowl appeared on her face. She roughly held Gabrielle's face as she made sure that Gabrielle looked at her.
XENA
Look I don't know who you are or what kind of game you're playing here, but trust me when I say that I will find out.
in that moment as Gabrielle looked into Xena's cold gaze that she realized that this was not the same Xena that she knew. The rumors she had heard were right. That the Xena who had returned was not the kind, noble, heroic warrior princess that Gabrielle had known. But the brutal, cold and vindictive conquerer and destroyer of nations. Yes it was true that Xena had indeed returned. Both to life and to her path of blood stained destruction.
GABRIELLE
No...
Xena let go of Gabrielle as she turned around and began walking away.
XENA
Take her away. I'll deal with her later. Right now I have a battle to prepare for.
The guards began dragging Gabrielle off to the dungeon as she tried to get free.
GABRIELLE
No Xena wait! Don't do this. Xena this isn't the real you. Xena! Xena!
As Gabrielle was carried away she overheard Xena give the guards another order.
XENA
Release her once I'm gone. She seems harmless enough but I don't need her following me just incase. I'd rather not have to kill her if I don't have to.
Gabrielle was dragged off, stripped of her weapons and thrown into a cell. She sat on the floor as she tried to think about what she was going to do now.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) She didn't recognize me. Xena really had no clue who I was. No memory of giving up this life, of fighting for the greater good. No memory of... us.
Gabrielle clenched her pendant in her hand as she felt tears rolling down her face.
GABRIELLE
What am I supposed to do? I don't know how to save you.
As she sat in the cold, dark cell Gabrielle eventually fell asleep. She sat silently curled up alone inside the dark void of her dream.
XENA
So is this part of your plan to save me or am I missing something?
Gabrielle looked over and saw Xena sitting beside her.
GABRIELLE
I don't know what to do. The you out there just isn't the same person that I knew.
XENA
Hmm giving up so soon? That doesn't sound like the same Gabrielle that I knew either.
GABRIELLE
Easy for you to say you're not trapped inside a dark prison cell right now.
Xena looked around at the void surrounding them.
XENA
(Sarcasm) Well I guess there's no metal bars in this place.
Gabrielle sighed realizing that the Xena there was apparently trapped inside the void that they were sitting in.
GABRIELLE
Right sorry.
Gabrielle felt Xena place her hand on her shoulder as she gave her a gentle smile.
GABRIELLE
Still that doesn't change the fact that I have no clue what to do to get you back as you should be.
Gabrielle looked at Xena.
GABRIELLE
What do I do Xena?
XENA
I wish I could tell you. But unfortunately I don't know either.
Gabrielle felt Xena's hand squeeze her shoulder as she clenched her chest.
GABRIELLE
Is the pain back again?
XENA
Yes
GABRIELLE
It seems like it's been getting worse and more frequent.
Xena yelled in pain.
XENA
So it would seem.
GABRIELLE
Is it your heart?
XENA
No. I don't know what it is. But I'm sure it has something to do with this hole in my chest that shouldn't be there.
GABRIELLE
Is there anything I can do?
XENA
I don't know.
Xena fell against Gabrielle who held her.
GABRIELLE
No Xena.
Gabrielle tried to think of something she could do in her current situation.
GABRIELLE
You have to hold on a little longer. I'll figure something out.
XENA
I know you will.
Xena looked up at Gabrielle and smiled as she closed her eyes.
GABRIELLE
Xena? Xena?!
Gabrielle tried but couldn't get Xena to respond.
GABRIELLE
No Xena! Wake up. Xena! You have to wake up. Wake up! Wake up!
Gabrielle's eyes shot open as she herself awoke. She franticly looked around and realized that she was still in her cell. Gabrielle heard footsteps and stood up as a couple guards came to her cell.
GUARD
I don't know why but we were told to release you once the army headed out.
The guard unlocked the door and escorted Gabrielle out of the fortress.
GUARD
Now get lost and don't come back.
Gabrielle watched as the guard turned his back on her and then she took the opportunity to strike. Gabrielle quickly pounced on him and used the pinch.
GABRIELLE
I'm sure you know full well what I just did.
The guard nodded.
GABRIELLE
Good. Now tell me where Xena went and I'll let you live.
GUARD
If I tell you and Xena comes back alive I'll be a dead man anyway.
GABRIELLE
Damn it I'm not trying to kill Xena, I'm trying to save her.
GUARD
What makes you think Xena needs saving?
GABRIELLE
Look I don't have time to explain it but Xena's in trouble and now you are too. So tell me where she went.
Afraid to die the guard told Gabrielle where Xena was leading the army. Gabrielle released the hold and ran over to the stables that she spotted. Luckily there were a few horses left behind. Sensing that she had no time to lose, Gabrielle jumped on to one of the mares and sped out of the outer walls after Xena. Just hoping that she could reach her in time.
GABRIELLE
I won't lose you again Xena. Not when I just got you back. You wouldn't let me save you before. But this time I swear things will be different.
×××
The sound of hoves pounding against the hard, snow covered ground could be heard as Gabrielle pushed the horse she rode to go faster. She knew that she had to catch up with Xena and her army before it was too late. As she trampled through the snow Gabrielle couldn't help but wonder if Xena didn't know who she was, then why did she just let her go. After all hadn't she thought that Gabrielle was there as some sort of plot against her. Maybe Xena had determined that Gabrielle wasn't a threat or could be dealt with easily if she was. Or was there some small part of the Xena deep down that felt as though she knew Gabrielle. This thought was what made Gabrielle push harder to reach Xena. Maybe there was still hope to get Xena back somehow. Though she didn't know how, Gabrielle was determined to save Xena. Both from herself and whatever was happening that the Xena in her dreams appeared to be experiencing and seemingly warning her about. Gabrielle was certain at this point that the Xena in her dreams and the Xena that she had found were connected. She still couldn't explain it but something told her that it was no coincidence that she happened to start having those specific dreams right after the rumors about Xena's return started. Sure Gabrielle had drempt about Xena plenty over the years. It was actually quite often in fact. But something about the dreams she had been experiencing lately were just different. Due to Gabrielle's naturally creative mind her dreams were usually vibrant and exciting. Or would be of various memories of her and Xena's time together. But with the dreams about her and Xena inside the dark void, if was so far from what was her usual dreams were and the fact that they had warned her about real world events, Gabrielle knew that some how Xena really had been reaching out to her while she slept. All of this convinced Gabrielle that if she didn't find Xena soon, something terrible was going to happen both to Xena and other people as well. Fortunately for her the snow on the ground had tracks that were clearly left behind by Xena and her army. The fortress was so far north there weren't any signs that other people really lived out there. And by the number of tracks it was obvious that a decent sized group had come through the area fairly recently. So Gabrielle knew that she must've been on the right track for finding Xena. It took riding the rest of the day and all through the night for Gabrielle to finally spot the area that she had seen in her dream. It was early morning when Gabrielle stopped up on a ridge. She got off the horse as she looked around to make sure she was in the right place. The cold wind blew as Gabrielle walked up to the ledge and looked below. And what she saw was the exact thing that she had hoped that she wouldn't. She had hoped that the dream that showed her this would actually be wrong. But there in front of her was a real life nightmare as Gabrielle saw a village under attack by an army that Gabrielle knew was under Xena's command.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) No. No I have to stop this.
Xena!
Gabrielle hurried back on the horse and hastily rode down towards the village. As she came into the village, Gabrielle got down and scanned the arena for Xena. As Gabrielle looked she saw a soldier going after some villagers. She instinctively rushed over. Stepping in and defending the innocent people. She shoved the soldier back and told the villagers to run. After the villagers ran, Gabrielle hurried through the chaos in search of Xena.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Gabrielle fought off the soldiers that she came across. Taking them down as she protected multiple people from being killed. Amidst the fighting she saw a soldier get thrown in front of her from behind a building. He got up from the ground mumbling to himself as he limped away.
SOLDIER
Why's it even matter who I kill here anyway? Damn woman and her morals. I never should've joined her stupid army.
Gabrielle realized that Xena must've been who the soldier was talking about. Dispite all the terrible things Xena had done in her warlord state, even she had certain rules that she lived by. One of which was the fact that she refused to kill women and children. Gabrielle knew that based on what the soldier had said Xena had to be close. She ran in the direction that the soldier had come from. As she turned the corner Gabrielle saw a young woman crouched down holding two young children in her arms. Gabrielle slowly walked over and crouched down in front of them.
GABRIELLE
Are you okay?
Gabrielle saw fear in the woman's eyes as she looked at her.
GABRIELLE
Don't worry I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm here to help.
WOMAN
We're not hurt. Another woman was just here and stopped a soldier from attacking us.
GABRIELLE
Which way did she go?
WOMAN
She headed through those trees.
Gabrielle looked behind her to where the woman had nodded towards. There was a bunch of trees that she couldn't see past.
GABRIELLE
Thanks. Now all of you need to get some place safe. Go, I'll watch your back.
Gabrielle stood watch as the woman took her children and ran out of the village, disappearing into the distance. Gabrielle knew that she had to stop the army's assault on the village. But she also realized that she wouldn't be able to stop this many enemies on her own without a large number of casualties. She had to find Xena. Even if she couldn't bring out her good side just yet. Maybe she could at the very least convince her to call off the attack. Gabrielle ran as fast as she could through the trees. Just hoping that she was doing the right thing. She wasn't going after Xena just for her own hopes of saving Xena herself. But she knew that if she could get through to her, then not only would Xena be as she should be, but then she would help Gabrielle save the village. But Gabrielle knew that she didn't have much time to do either and ran faster through the trees.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) If I save Xena, I'll save the village too.
Gabrielle followed Xena's footprints in the snow as she looked to see if she could spot her.
GABRIELLE
Come on Xena, where are you?
Gabrielle huffed as she began running up a hill that lead out of the village. As she neared the top Gabrielle could see something in the distance. After getting closer Gabrielle saw that it was Xena. She stood there stoicly with her arms folded across her chest as she appeared to be watching the raid on the village below. After seeing her, Gabrielle ran faster until she got a few feet away. She stood there catching her breath as she called out to get Xena's attention.
GABRIELLE
Xena.
Hearing her name Xena turned around and saw Gabrielle.
XENA
You again? Look girl if you're looking for trouble I'll be more than happy to help you with that.
Gabrielle saw Xena's hand movie to the sword that was on her side.
GABRIELLE
No wait please. Xena I know you don't think you know me right now. But I promise I'm not here to cause you any problems. The truth is I've been looking for you.
XENA
Oh yeah. And what exactly is the reason for your search.
GABRIELLE
That's actually kind of a long story.
Xena glared at Gabrielle.
XENA
If you have any value for your own well being I suggest you try.
Gabrielle could see the truth of Xena's statement in her icey stare that was colder then the snow they were both standing in.
GABRIELLE
Okay.
XENA
Oh and do try to make it good. Because if I don't like the reason you give for following me, you'll soon find that you'll wish you hadn't.
×××