Pt.19
The pig-looking demon Gluttony stood before Xena and Gabrielle. The creature was fairly large. Both in hight and weight as he stared at the two uninvited guests, curious as to how they had found him.
GLUTTONY
You don't work for me. How did you get in here?
XENA
You leave a pretty noticeable trail.
GLUTTONY
I see. And how might I ask do you even know who I am?
XENA
We've been dealing with your other demon associats for a bit and you appear to fit the very embodiment of gluttonous behavior. Plus it's not as though your being exactly subtle here.
GABRIELLE
Not to mention the fact that you literally look like a pig.
GLUTTONY
That doesn't seem very fair. You know you shouldn't judge someone based off their appearance. You might hurt their feelings.
XENA
Spare me this nonsense. We've already seen what you've been doing here. And sickening doesn't even begin to describe it. You'll pay for what you've done to these people.
Xena and Gabrielle readied themselves for a fight.
GLUTTONY
So you intend on fighting me? Okay I guess a little exorcize before I eat won't hurt. Then I can make the two of you my appetizers.
Gluttony roared as he ran towards Xena and Gabrielle. He wasn't very fast, so when he attacked it wasn't hard for them to avoid him. Gluttony swung at Xena, who easily dodged. Then she quickly threw a punch. But instead of having the normal reaction, her fist just bounced off the demons body. Seemingly having no effect. She then threw a kick, but ended up with the same result.
GLUTTONY
(Mocking tone) That tickled. You got anything else?
XENA
Yeah this.
Xena quickly thrust her sword deep into Gluttony's stomach.
XENA
Not so cocky now are ya?
Gluttony didn't say anything. The demon just stared off, Seemingly in pain.
XENA
That takes care of that.
Xena tried to pull her blade out of gluttony. But it appeared to be stuck. She pulled harder trying to retrieve her sword.
GABRIELLE
Xena look out!
Xena looked up just as gluttony swung his arm knocking her away. She landed hard on the floor a few feet away. She looked up to see the demon casually pull the sword out of his stomach leaving no wound behind. Then he proceeded to use the weapon to pick his teeth before tossing it aside. Xena got up as Gabrielle got over to her.
XENA
Looks like just cutting this thing down isn't gonna work.
GABRIELLE
You got a plan?
XENA
I'm working on it.
Gluttony swung at them again and they both dodged and split up. They tried throwing everything that they could think of at him, but nothing seemed to have any affect. The demon simply shrugged off all of their attacks. Xena tried to think of what they could do to actually cause some damage if conventional offense wasn't going to work. The fight continued when Gabrielle jumped down from a ledge that she climbed on thinking that getting more momentum behind her strike would be enough to pierce the demon. But instead gluttony caught her. He began to squeeze her.
GABRIELLE
Gah!
Xena quickly began trying to do anything to get Gabrielle free. But Gluttony simply knocked her away. Then he turned his attention back to Gabrielle.
GLUTTONY
I think I'll just have a little taste test.
The demon licked her face leaving a trail of slobber behind. Gabrielle yelled in pain as she felt her skin burn from whatever was in Gluttony's saliva.
XENA
Let her go!
Xena ran in and swept Gluttony's feet from under him. The demon let go of Gabrielle as he fell. She quickly got away from him. Xena saw the burn mark on Gabrielle's cheek left from Gluttony's spit.
XENA
I guess that's how he's able to devour his victims so easily. We better be careful. You okay?
GABRIELLE
More or less.
Gabrielle could feel her face still burning as she tried to wipe off the rest of the saliva. Gluttony stood up and looked down at Xena and Gabrielle.
GLUTTONY
I really don't like to work this hard for my meals. Now just make this easier on everyone and give in. You're gonna end up in the same place either way. As my dinner.
XENA
I don't think so.
Gluttony swung at Xena again, who quickly rolled out of the way. The fight continued but Xena and Gabrielle couldn't seem to gain any ground on the demon. All they were doing was wearing themselves out. As the battle waged on Xena and Gabrielle took cover behind some overturned furniture. Trying to get a brief moment to think and regroup.
GABRIELLE
What's it gonna take to beat this thing? Nothing we do is working.
XENA
I know. It's like he's impervious to any physical attacks.
GLUTTONY
Are you tired of running yet?
Gluttony swung his arm crushing the table as Xena and Gabrielle dove out of the way. The commotion caused some nearby candles to fall over onto Gluttony. The demon let out a pig-like squeal as it franticly patted out the flames. Before refocusing on Xena and Gabrielle.
GLUTTONY
Now where were we?
XENA
You were just about to start chasing us.
GLUTTONY
What?
XENA
Come on Gabrielle, run.
Xena took off running out of the room. After taking a second to realize what was happening, Gabrielle quickly followed Xena, catching up to her as they raced through the halls. Gabrielle heard loud thumping. She looked back to see Gluttony chasing after them.
GABRIELLE
What are we doing? I don't think running from him in here is really going to work.
XENA
We're not exactly running from him as much as running to somewhere.
They made it to the stairs, stopping to make sure the demon was still following them.
GABRIELLE
You wanna tell me where we're going.
Xena looked back to see Gluttony closing in.
XENA
The kitchen.
Gabrielle felt her stomach flip as she thought about the scene in the kitchen.
GABRIELLE
Why on earth would you wanna go back there?
XENA
I have a plan.
Gluttony closed in. He swung. Xena dodged. But he just managed to catch Gabrielle. The hit threw her up against the railing at the top of the stairs. She held on, keeping herself standing. But the force from the impact had stunned her for a moment. Gluttony roared as he began charging at her.
XENA
Gabrielle!
Gluttony roared in anger as he quickly closed in on Gabrielle. She couldn't react fast enough to get out of the way. The demon was nearly on top of her when Gabrielle suddenly felt herself being shoved to the side. Time seemed to slow down for Gabrielle while she looked back as she layed on the floor to see Xena getting crashed into by Gluttony. The railing gave causing both Xena and Gluttony to fall down multiple stories before hitting the bottom floor. Gabrielle quickly scrambled to look over the edge.
GABRIELLE
Xena.
Her heart sank when she saw Xena just laying there. Gluttony had landed on top of her. Neither of them were moving.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Pt.20
Gabrielle looked down to the floor below after being pushed out of the way by Xena. Saving her from the charging demon Gluttony. Both Xena and the demon had crashed through the railing near the stairs and fallen. With the much larger Gluttony landing on Xena. Gabrielle didn't see Xena moving as she quickly scrambled to her feet and ran down the stairs.
GABRIELLE
Xena.
She got to Xena, checking if she was alive.
GABRIELLE
Xena are you okay.
Xena didn't respond.
GABRIELLE
Xena say something. Come on.
She grabbed Xena's arms and tried to pull her out from under Gluttony, who also hadn't moved since the fall. Gabrielle pulled as hard as she could but Xena wouldn't budge. She lost her grip and fell back a little.
GABRIELLE
I have to get her out from under him.
Gabrielle grabbed Xena again and began to pull.
GABRIELLE
Ugh. Come, on!
XENA
Gabrielle if you keep pulling my shoulders are gonna come out of their sockets.
Gabrielle stopped. As she let go and Xena looked up at her.
GABRIELLE
Xena! You're okay.
XENA
Not the word I'd use but yeah. For now at least. Not sure how much longer I can stay like this and not be completely crushed.
GABRIELLE
How are we gonna get you out from under him? I can't pull you out and he's way too big for me to move.
XENA
We're just gonna have to wake sleeping beauty here.
GABRIELLE
How do you know he's not dead?
XENA
I can feel him still breathing. You're gonna have to wake him up and get him to move.
GABRIELLE
Okay hold on Xena.
Gabrielle began trying to wake the unconscious demon. Poking at him. Making as much noise as possible. She even tried pushing him off of Xena. But nothing happened. And the demon wouldn't budge an inch. Gabrielle huffed exhausted.
GABRIELLE
It won't move. What am I supposed to do Xena? ...Xena?
Xena took a moment before answering.
XENA
Not sure yet.
Gabrielle noticed that Xena appeared to be reacting slower than normal.
GABRIELLE
Xena what's wrong?
XENA
Nothing really just getting a little harder to breathe.
GABRIELLE
What do you mean nothing really. Xena if we don't get him off of you soon.
XENA
Don't worry we still have a little time
Gluttony mumbled in it's unconscious state as the demon shifted slightly. Putting even more of its weight on Xena. She could feel her body being crushed.
XENA
Less.. now.
Gabrielle began franticly pushing on the demon trying with everything she had to get him to move.
XENA
It's... no use... Gabrielle. You're not gonna... move him. Just go. Get out of here while you can before he comes to. I don't... think I'm gonna make it til then.
GABRIELLE
No...
Gabrielle continued clawing at the demon in a futile effort to move him.
GABRIELLE
Damn it move!
XENA
Gabrielle. Gabrielle stop.
Xena grabbed her arm.
XENA
It's pointless to keep trying something that isn't going to work.
Gabrielle could feel the tears building behind her eyes, as she sat down.
XENA
Now you need to get out of here before he wakes up.
GABRIELLE
And what leave you here? No way. If you're still alive when he comes to. He's gonna..
Gabrielle couldn't even bring herself to finish that sentence.
XENA
He'll probably eat me alive, yes.
GABRIELLE
Xena no.
XENA
Don't worry I won't go down without a fight. And I'll be sure to give him the worst heartburn he's ever had.
GABRIELLE
Wait what if I kill him before he wakes up?
XENA
I won't get eaten. But I'll still be stuck here until I'm crushed to death.
GABRIELLE
Xena...
XENA
Now go hurry.
GABRIELLE
I'm not leaving.
XENA
Damn it Gabrielle think. I'm dead here either way. There's no need for you to die too. There's still more demons out there. Someone has to stop them.
GABRIELLE
I know.
Gabrielle wiped her eyes as Xena took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Then she let go as Gabrielle stood up. Gabrielle looked at her once more before turning away and running down the hallway. Xena watched her until she was out of sight. Then she lowered her head and waited for when Gluttony would eventually wake up. She didn't know how much time had passed when she heard foot steps. She looked up seeing Gabrielle running back towards her. It looked like she was carrying a small sack of something. Gabrielle got back to her.
XENA
What are you doing? I thought we agreed that someone had to stop the rest of the demons.
GABRIELLE
We did and we are. The both of us, together.
XENA
Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
You just relax Xena. I'll take care of him.
Xena couldn't do anything but watch as Gabrielle raced over to Gluttony's head. She put down the sack and with a look of pure disgust on her face she reached in and pulled out a bloody slab of meat. Xena immediately knew what it was. Clearly Gabrielle had gone to the kitchen and took a piece of the human flesh that was being prepared for Gluttony. Gabrielle held it out over the demons nose. Hoping that the foul order would be appetizing enough for him to wake up. After a moment Gluttony's nose began to twitch as he sniffed. Slowly the demon began to stir.
GABRIELLE
It's working.
After a bit Gluttony's eyes peeked open.
GLUTTONY
Mmmmm dinner.
Gluttony snapped at the meat. Gabrielle quickly pulled it away and held it out of reach. Tempting the demon.
GABRIELLE
Oh no if you want this you gotta come and get it.
XENA
Gabrielle what are you doing?
Gluttony sneered at her.
GLUTTONY
No one takes away my food.
GABRIELLE
Are you gonna do something about it?
GLUTTONY
Make you my next meal..
Gluttony quickly lunged at her. Gabrielle quickly moved out of the way. Xena gasped as she felt the crushing weight of the demon get lifted off of her. She looked over to see Gabrielle standing in the entrance to the hallway. Still tempting gluttony.
GABRIELLE
Come on. Come get it.
Gluttony lunged for her again. Gabrielle quickly moved out of his way. Then she looked at Xena, smiling at her before taking off running down the hallway with Gluttony chasing after her.
XENA
Gabrielle!
Even though almost her whole body hurt, Xena forced herself to get up. She moved as fast as she could down the hall after Gabrielle. Meanwhile Gabrielle was running from the demon Gluttony. Doing everything she could to avoid getting caught. She raced through the halls as the demon rampaged only feet behind her. In an attempt to lose him, she turned a corner and quickly hid in one of the rooms. The room was dark as Gabrielle stood pressed up against the wall just behind the door. She could hear the stomping of the demons footsteps just outside as he searched for her. She held her breath as he passed by the room. Not wanting to make a sound. After a few moments passed and she didn't hear anything, Gabrielle cautiously looked out. The hallway was empty. She left the room and headed back to where she left Xena. On her way back Gabrielle saw the kitchen again.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Maybe I can figure out why Xena wanted to go back there. Knowing her she's probably up and looking for me and the demon. So going back to the stairs won't do me much good right now anyway.
Gabrielle took a minute to prepare herself for what was so the other side. In the heat of the moment when she was getting the bait for Gluttony she was able to shut everything out. But with that adrenaline gone, going in the kitchen again now
would be a different story. But knowing that this was where Xena wanted to lead Gluttony., Gabrielle thought that there was a chance that Xena might be in there. After readying herself Gabrielle opened the door and went in. She quietly looked around the large room. She didn't see anyone. She was about to leave when she was suddenly grabbed from behind. Gabrielle's eyes went wide in terror as she was pulled over the counter and on to the floor. She tried to scream but her mouth was quickly covered.
GABRIELLE
Mmna?
Gabrielle layed on her back as she looked up at Xena who had her finger held to her lips, signaling for her to keep quiet. Xena took her hand away from Gabrielle's mouth.as she peeked around the corner. Gabrielle sat up.
GABRIELLE
(Whisper) God's Xena you almost gave me a heart attack. How did you even get here?
XENA
(Whisper) Very carefully.
Gabrielle was about to respond to Xena's non answer when she heard a loud noise from the other side of the counter. She peeked out and quickly ducked back when she saw that Gluttony was roaming around the kitchen as well.
GABRIELLE
(Whisper) Okay we're in the kitchen, now what?
XENA
(Whisper) I was thinking about making a change to something.
Xena pointed to something.
XENA
(Whisper) When I give the signal, you jump out a distract him.
GABRIELLE
(Whisper) Okay. What are you gonna do?
XENA
(Whisper) Oh don't worry about that. When I'm done with him, candles are going to be the least of this demons problems.
After taking a moment to prepare, Xena gave Gabrielle a nod. Though still not completely sure of what Xena's plan was, Gabrielle poped up from behind the counter and got Gluttony's attention.
GABRIELLE
Looking for me?
GLUTTONY
There you are!
The demon ran after Gabrielle and began chasing her around the kitchen. Gabrielle was to busy running to see what Xena was doing. As she ran Gabrielle slipped in something wet on the floor and fell. She looked down to see that she had fallen in a pool of blood. She look down in horror. But was quickly brought back to the more pressing matter at hand when she heard Gluttony roar. She looked back seeing the demon changing her. She tried to get up but the floor was too slippery. She franticly began trying to crawl away. Gabrielle saw the demons shadow as it got to her. She looked back seeing Gluttony standing over her. She stared up helplessly thinking that this was the end for her. Gluttony began to reach down for Gabrielle when he felt something hard smack him in the back of the head. The demon looked down, seeing a pan laying at his feet. Then he looked behind him and saw Xena just standing there.
XENA
You didn't go forgetting about me did ya?
GLUTTONY
Did you just hit me with a frying pan?
XENA
Not the first time I've used one as a weapon.
Gabrielle might've made a comment if she wasn't busy crawling out of a pool of what she assumed was human blood.
GLUTTONY
Fine I'll take care of you first.
Gluttony turned towards Xena. He roared.
XENA
Well come on big guy.
The demon charged at Xena. She didn't move as he closed in. Gabrielle looked on as the demon came within inches of reaching Xena.
GLUTTONY
Now you're mine.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Just as the demon was about to grab her, Xena quickly moved out of the way. Gluttony's eyes widened when he realized that he was about to fall into the large open flame oven. He grabbed the sides trying to hold himself up. Xena grabbed a knife off the counter and stabbed the demons hand. By now Gabrielle had gotten over to the oven. Both she and Xena gave him a hard push. The demon Gluttony lost his grip and was forced into the flames. Xena quickly flipped over a long table and put it in front of the oven. Both Xena and Gabrielle held the table in place, keeping Gluttony from escaping. The demon squealed in agony as he tried to get out. But Xena and Gabrielle used all their strength to prevent him from doing so. Finally after what felt like forever but was really only a few minutes, the squealing stopped. Gabrielle and Xena didn't feel Gluttony pushing against the table anymore.
GABRIELLE
Is it over?
Xena moved the table slightly to look into the oven. She saw the body of the demon laying motionless in the flames.
XENA
He's dead.
Xena and Gabrielle let the table fall. They stood there quietly as they took a moment to calm down. The horror of everything that had happened there because of Gluttony weighed heavy on both of them. How many people had this monster killed. Unfortunately they would never know. And for that matter just how many people's lives were being ended or completely ruined by all of these demons. So even though Xena and Gabrielle had killed their fith sin demon. It didn't really feel like a victory. They knew that this horror wouldn't truly end until all seven had been slain. And there were still two more demons out there. And the gods only knew what they were doing to anyone who they came in contact with.
XENA
Come on, let's go.
Xena and Gabrielle slowly walked out of the kitchen and left the lord's house. They didn't say much as they walked down the road to wherever their demon hunt would take them next. The settling sun providing a symbolic backdrop as they walked away from the town. And to wherever this whole nightmarish ordeal would take them next.
Pt.21
?1
You're late. Where are all the others?
?2
Dead all of them. They've been killed.
?1
Are you telling me that 5 of the most powerful demons to ever exist have been slain? How is this possible?
?2
From what I know it was the work of two humans.
?1
Then perhaps my faith in them was misplaced. To be taken out by a couple of lowly humans. Pathetic all of them.
?2
Well we can't all be as great as you.
?1
Oh be quiet. You know I hate suck ups. Besides you're only stating what's already painfully obvious.
?2
(Angry growl)
?1
Have something to say? You know what happens when I'm disrespected. You're not disrespecting me right now are you?
?2
(Nervous tone) No of course not.
?1
That's what I thought. Now go. Be a good boy and get rid of those two meddlesome humans. There might be only two of us left, but I refuse to let anyone stand in the way of my rule. They'll soon regret ever trying to prevent me from taking what is mine.
About a couple weeks or so had gone by since Xena and Gabrielle slayed the demon Gluttony. With five of the sin demons now defeated, they were down to only having two left. But locating the final two demons was proving to be more difficult than they had expected.
XENA
It's been oddly quiet for far too long now. Why haven't we seen the slightest sign of the two remaining demons.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Maybe we scared them back to where ever they came from.
XENA
Not likely. Based on the ones we've already defeated, we're left with the demon's of Pride and Wrsth. I don't see the personifications of either of those taking being the last two of their little group laying down. I'm willing to bet their probably planning something. We need to find them and put a stop to this as soon as we can. We've been dealing with confident demons for the most part up until now. I shudder to think what these demons are capable of when they actually feel threatened.
GABRIELLE
We better hurry and find them.
Xena and Gabrielle increased their search efforts to locate the last two demons. Hoping to find them before even more irreversible damage was done. Their search eventually took them to another large city. The people there seemed to be throwing some sort of celebration. It was a very festive atmosphere. It looked like a street fair or bazaar. Though things appeared to be normal, Xena and Gabrielle decided that since they were already there it wouldn't hurt to look around just to be sure that there wasn't a demon hiding out somewhere in the city. Upon inspection they didn't see any sign of demon activity.
XENA
Looks like everything around here is normal. Let's go.
Xena and Gabrielle headed out of town. As they were passing by a building they saw a man get thrown out of a window. He landed on the ground in front of them. Xena and Gabrielle could hear a ruckus coming from inside. Gabrielle went to help the man up. But he angerly shoved her away.
MAN
Don't touch me! I didn't ask for your damn help.
The man stood up.
XENA
That's a bit rude don't you think. She was only trying to help you.
MAN
Shut up, no one asked you.
The man stormed back into the building.
GABRIELLE
Well someone's in a bad mood.
XENA
He did just get thrown through a window.
GABRIELLE
Should we see what's going on?
XENA
No it's probably just some...
Before Xena could finish there was a loud scream from down the street. Xena and Gabrielle turned to see a large crowd was forming at the town square. They quickly ran over to see what was happening. After pushing their way through the crowd, Xena and Gabrielle saw that a fight had broken out. Though calling it a fight would imply that both parties were throwing out some sort of offense. But this looked more like a straight up assault. There in the middle of the crowd was a young strong looking man just raining his fists down on a much older, elderly man.
No one around was doing anything to stop it. Apauled by this sight, Xena quickly stepped in. She grabbed the younger man by the back of his shirt and threw him off of the other man.
XENA
What do you think you're doing assaulting an old man. You should be ashamed of yourself.
YOUNG MAN
Stay out of this lady. Unless you wanna get hurt.
XENA
Oh, is that a threat?
YOUNG MAN
What if it is? What are you gonna do about it.
XENA
I don't have time for your nonsense. Get out of here before you get yourself in more trouble.
Xena turned to the crowd.
XENA
And you people were just watching this happen. What's wrong with all of you?
The crowd just booed as if Xena had interrupted a sporting event. They angerly disbursed. Meanwhile Gabrielle was trying to tend to the old man. Again she was shoved away. The man stood up and stormed over to Xena.
OLD MAN
Who do you think you are?
XENA
I'm pretty sure I'm the one that just stopped some young brat from beating the living daylights out of you.
OLD MAN
Well no one told you to step in. So why don't you just mind your own business and stay out of my way.
The old man shoved his way past Xena and walked off. Gabrielle looked at Xena.
GABRIELLE
No good deed goes unpunished.
XENA
No kidding.
Before heading back out on their search, Xena and Gabrielle decided to grab a bite to eat. They went to one of the food vendors that were set up for the event. As they were waiting behind a number of people for their turn to order, Gabrielle noticed a commotion at the front of the line.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Wounder what's going on up there.
Then she saw a woman get shoved out of the line. She landed on the ground. Gabrielle quickly raced over, with Xena right behind.
GABRIELLE
Hey what are you doing?!
She looked over and saw another woman standing in front of the line.
WOMAN IN LINE
She was taking too long.
GABRIELLE
You have got to be kidding me.
WOMAN IN LINE
Having to wait really irritates me.
GABRIELLE
What are you, a child?
WOMAN IN LINE
You got a problem blondie?
Gabrielle walked over to the woman.
GABRIELLE
Actually yes I do.
WOMAN IN LINE
Oh yeah.
The woman shoved Gabrielle back a little.
GABRIELLE
Hey!
WOMAN IN LINE
Are you gonna do something about it? Huh blondie?
GABRIELLE
Okay there's no need for that. Let's just calm down here.
WOMAN IN LINE
(Mocking tone) Aww is someone scared.
The woman shoved Gabrielle again mocking her. Xena saw the whole thing and was about to step in when seemingly out of nowhere Gabrielle grabbed the woman a just began ruthlessly beating her. Xena ran over and grabbed Gabrielle. Pulling her off the other woman.
XENA
Gabrielle what's wrong with you?!
After a moment Gabrielle almost immediately calmed down.
GABRIELLE
Wha, what just happened?
XENA
I was just about to ask you the same thing.
Xena let her go.
GABRIELLE
I don't know. One minute I'm dealing with that woman and the next I'm just so full of this uncontrollable rage. I just remember wanting to beat her senseless. Then I'm talking to you.
XENA
In that case I think we might have found where one of the remaining demons is. I'm pretty sure I know which one it is already too.
GABRIELLE
Yeah Wrath. Xena I think this demons one of the most powerful ones we've faced.
XENA
Yes we've only been here a short time and seen no physical signs of it, and yet it's already starting to have an effect on us. This things extremely dangerous. We need to get rid of it before someone gets seriously hurt or...
Suddenly there was a loud scream. Xena and Gabrielle looked towards the sound to see a man laying on the ground with a dagger plunged into his chest. They were too late. Someone was already dead because of this demon.
GABRIELLE
Killed.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Pt.22
A crowd of people formed around the dead man that was laying on the ground. With Xena and Gabrielle in the group. Xena emerged from the crowd and went over to the body.
XENA
Did anyone see who did this?
The crowd mumbled amongst themselves.
XENA
Well?
After some more mumbling one of the people in the crowd yelled out the he suspected the man standing next to him. The other man looked at him, insulted by the accusation.
MAN 1
Why am I a suspect?!
MAN 2
You've been having a real attitude lately.
MAN 1
(Sarcasm) Oh and you're just a ray of sunshine yourself.
How do we know you didn't kill 'em?
MAN 2
Are you calling me a murderer?!
MAN 1
I wouldn't be surprised.
MAN 2
You take that back right now! Or else!
MAN 1
Oh are you gonna kill me next?!
MAN 2
Not a bad idea!
MAN 1
I'd like to see you try!
The two men yelled as they began to fight. Xena and Gabrielle stepped in to break it up.
XENA
Enough of this.
The men ignored them as they continued trying to beat each other. Xena was fed up with all the demons and what they were doing.
XENA
I said that's enough!!
She shoved her way between the two men to pry them apart. As she was doing this one of the men threw a punch and inadvertently hit Xena in the face. Everyone froze. Xena stood there silently for a moment. As Gabrielle looked on, she suddenly got a bad feeling.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Something's not right.
Xena?
As Gabrielle spoke, Xena turned her head and looked at the man that hit her. Without looking, she pushed the other man away. Then she grabbed the man that hit her by the front of his shirt, lifting him slightly off the ground as she stared at him.
MAN
Hey let me go! You getting hit is what happens when you stick your nose where it doesn't belong you stupid bitch.
That last comment seemed to push Xena over the edge. She let out an angery yell as let the man go and with her other hand she threw one hard punch. The hit slammed the man into the ground. He looked up at her as his nose bled, seeing Xena angery glaring down at him.
MAN
That's it you're dead!
The man went to stand up when Xena swiftly kicked him knocking him back down.
Having enough, the man surrendered. Defeated, he tried to stand again. But as he did, Xena kicked him again.
GABRIELLE
Xena he said he's done.
But Xena seemingly ignored Gabrielle as she yet again kicked the man. By this time his face was nothing but a bloody mess.
MAN
(Sobbing) Please stop. I'm sorry.
The man began scooting back, trying to get away from Xena. She angerly stomped down on the man's ankle and held her foot there, stopping his retreat.
MAN
Gah!
The man yelled out in pain as Xena began grinding her heel into the man's ankle. Gabrielle had seen enough and stepped in to stop Xena.
GABRIELLE
Xena what are you doing?! Stop!
Xena just pushed her away as she continued. The man felt like his ankle was gonna break as he yelled.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) It must be the demon.
Gabrielle tried again to get Xena to stop. She grabbed Xena's arm. As she did Xena looked at her with a look of rage in her eyes.
XENA
Why can't you take a hint and stay the fuck away!
Xena angerly stomped down on the man's ankle, breaking it. The man cried in pain as Xena turned her attention to Gabrielle. Gabrielle let go of Xena as she backed away from her.
GABRIELLE
Xena calm down. You can't let this demon get to you. Snap out of it.
Xena began slowly walking towards her. Gabrielle could almost feel the wrath radiating off of Xena.
GABRIELLE
How's Wrath's hold on her so strong already? Xena was able to snap me out of it quickly. It's not like we really went anywhere, so it can't be because we're too close to it. Are some people just more susceptible to certain demons? I have to find a way to free Xena before she does something she'll never forgive herself for.
Gabrielle called out to Xena as she tried to break her from Wrath's influence. But nothing she said seemed to get through. Xena drew her sword as she continued walking towards Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
Xena you have to fight it. Don't let Wrsth take over. Come on wake up.
XENA
Talk, talk, talk. Do you have any idea what it's like to have to constantly be around someone who never shuts up? Maybe it's about time I fix that.
Xena swung her sword at Gabrielle. Gabrielle moved out of the way. She knew that fighting Xena wasn't going to achieve anything. Not that she exactly wanted to anyway. But she also couldn't just leave Xena there while she tracked down the demon behind all this. Who knew what Xena would do to the people there. Gabrielle needed to keep Xena occupied. Along with finding the demon Wrath and stopping it.
GABRIELLE
Okay Xena you wanna shut me up? Then do it. Come on.
XENA
With pleasure.
The Wrsth controlled Xena ran at Gabrielle who in turn took off running.
XENA
Running's only gonna make it worse for you Gabrielle.
She chased after Gabrielle. The chase lead them to a dark alley as the sun had begun to set. The alley was cluttered with all sorts of discarded junk. Xena looked around not seeing Gabrielle.
XENA
I know you're here. Making me have to look for you is only gonna piss me off more.
She angerly kicked over some stuff that was piled up as she searched for Gabrielle. Meanwhile Gabrielle peeked out from her hiding place to get Xena's exact location. She saw that Xena had her back to her. She quietly crept out and began to sneak away.
XENA
Nice try.
Without turning around, the Wrath controlled Xena flipped backwards through the air and landed in front of Gabrielle.
XENA
You're not going anywhere.
She grabbed Gabrielle and slammed her up against the wall. The Wrath controlled Xena held Gabrielle by her throat as she glared at her. Gabrielle tried to fight her off.
GABRIELLE
(Gasping) No, Xena.
XENA
Wow even when you're being strangled you still manage keep talking. Fine I'll speed this up then.
Xena pulled her free hand back as Gabrielle struggled to get free. She tried to reach for her sais but couldn't get them. Then she felt a pain in her head as Xena's fist connected. She dropped to the ground as Xena released her. Gabrielle's vision blurred as she layed there looking at Xena who was walking away.
GABRIELLE
Wait, Xena. Come, back.
Gabrielle couldn't do anything but watch the Wrath controlled Xena leave as her consciousness faded and her world went dark. Gabrielle layed unconscious in the alley as Xena and the rest of the demon controlled people brought chaos, violence and destruction to the city and the people not affected. It was so bad that it even began to spread out side the city to the surrounding areas. With a wrath fueled Xena taking the lead.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Pt.23
Gabrielle opened her eyes. She layed there for a moment as her still hazy mind tried to figure out what happened. She slowly sat up.
GABRIELLE
Aa my head.
She held her hand on her aching head as she looked around at her surroundings. Everything was dark. She looked up, seeing the full moon hanging in the sky.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Night time? How long was I out? What on earth happened? And where's.... Xena!
Suddenly everything came back to her. Gabrielle stood up as quickly as she could. Though she was a little off balance still from the blow to the head she suffered at the hands of the Wrath controlled Xena that had rendered her unconscious.
GABRIELLE
She really got me good. I need to find her before she hurts anymore people or worse.
Gabrielle walked out of the alley. When she did she saw that the city had been all but destroyed.
GABRIELLE
No, Xena....
Gabrielle hoped that her suspicions were wrong. That Xena wasn't the cause of this destruction.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) No this could've been done by anyone. Even if she is being controlled Xena wouldn't do this.
As much as she tried to convince herself otherwise, deep down Gabrielle knew that Xena was capable of doing that. After all she was fully aware of Xena's dark and bloody past. This demon had reawakened that part of her that had been long dead. Though even then Xena had goals and lines that she wouldn't cross. But now all she would want was to act on the wrath and rage that she was feeling. No one would be safe until either the demon or Xena herself was stopped. Gabrielle noticed that the people she saw still around appeared to be acting normal. After making sure, she concluded that the demon must've moved on from the city too. But why? The city was practically in ruins, so maybe it achieved what it wanted. Or perhaps it's goal was to take control over enough people and once it did the demon left with them. Either way neither Wrath or Xena were there anymore. So Gabrielle set out to find them. Certain that if she found one, the other most likely wouldn't be far. She just hoped that she found them soon. Before more people were hurt or killed. Gabrielle traveled for days, searching for Xena and the demon Wrath. She very quickly was able to find a trail of destruction to left behind by Xena. Gabrielle didn't really want to call it luck. But it did give her something that could help her track them down. So she continued on. One night Gabrielle stood on a cliff that overlooked a large valley. She looked up at the night sky.
GABRIELLE
Wherever you are Xena, I'll find you. I'll free you from that monsters hold. I promise.
As Gabrielle looked out at the landscape before her, she noticed a light go up in the distance. She focused her gaze, trying to see what it was. After a bit she noticed that the light seemed to be getting bigger. Then she realized that it was a fire. She knew it was too big for it to be a campfire. Sensing that there was trouble, Gabrielle raced towards the distant flames. As she got closer she could hear people's screams and cries for help. She changed in towards the chaos. Finally she made it to the burning village. She began helping the villagers escape. Gabrielle lead a number of them to safety. As she was helping more people get away, she heard a loud screeching like roar. She turned around to see a large shadowy figure in front of the flames in the distance. She couldn't make out exactly what it was at first. Due to it moving. But once it stood still for a moment Gabrielle could tell from the shape that it wasn't human. And then she knew that she had finally found what she was looking for.
GABRIELLE
Wrath.
It hadn't noticed her. Gabrielle ran right for the demon. Before Gabrielle could get to it, Wrath looked off at something in distance and took off running. Gabrielle stopped as she wondered why the demon ran. Had it seen her? Did it know it had been spotted and took off. Then Gabrielle heard another noise. But this time she knew exactly what it was. She turned around and there in the midst of a fight she saw her.
GABRIELLE
Xena...
Gabrielle ran over to Xena. Who was still under Wrath's control. She was going after the villagers and seemingly enjoying it. Xena had one of them cornered and was poised to go in for the kill. As she brought down her sword Gabrielle managed to get between them and block the hit.
XENA
What are you doing here?!
Gabrielle pushed her back.
GABRIELLE
Saving you.
The Wrath controlled Xena sneered at her.
XENA
Look around you Gabrielle. Does it look like I need saving?
GABRIELLE
Everything around here only proves that you do. This isn't you Xena. You're being manipulated by that demon. You have to fight it.
XENA
Well did you ever stop to think that maybe I like being this way?
GABRIELLE
I know for a fact that's not true. All the time I've known you, you've been doing everything you can to make up for doing things like this. You're not this person Xena.
XENA
You keep saying that and yet here we are.
Xena pointed her sword at Gabrielle.
XENA
Now drop it and walk away before you really make me mad.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) It's no use. Until Wrath is gone, Xena's gonna be stuck like this.
Reluctantly Gabrielle turned and walked away. Unfortunately there wasn't much she could do about Xena at the moment. While fighting Xena might temporarily stop her, it wouldn't solve the actual problem. Gabrielle needed to find the demon. Once it was defeated that would free Xena. Luckily she knew that it couldn't be far.
Gabrielle looked for Wrath in the burning village. As she searched Gabrielle heard what sounded like someone yelling. It sounded like they were begging someone for mercy. Gabrielle ran towards the voice. She turned a corner and stopped dead in her tracks when she saw it. The terrifying looking creature towering over a horrified villager. Gabrielle had at long last found Wrath. It was about to grab the villager, when Gabrielle yelled out to get the demons attention.
GABRIELLE
Hey why don't you pick on someone who can fight back.
Wrath snarled as it turned towards Gabrielle.
WRATH
You. You're the other human whose been getting in our way. Good I can take care of the both of you now.
GABRIELLE
You monster. I'll make sure you pay for what you've done to all the people you've made suffer.
WRATH
It's gonna be hard to do that when you're dead.
Gabrielle drew her sais.
GABRIELLE
Not if I kill you first.
WRATH
You talk big for someone that's outnumbered.
GABRIELLE
What?
Then Gabrielle saw Xena walk out from behind the demon. Still under it's spell. Wrath and Xena stood before Gabrielle.
WRATH
This time we finish the job. You understand me?
XENA
Yes. This time I'll kill her.