Pt.24
Villagers scrambled for safety as Gabrielle stood face to face with Wrath and Xena that the demon had taken control over, while the village burned around them. Gabrielle was prepared for a fight. She was determined to stop Wrath and get Xena back.
WRATH
You seriously intend on fighting two on one? I can't tell if you're incredibly brave or just really stupid.
GABRIELLE
Maybe a bit of both. Either way I don't care, I'm stopping you.
WRATH
Your arrogance is infuriating. I think it's time to get rid of you.
GABRIELLE
Fine I was done talking anyway.
The demon growled.
WRATH
Get her!
The Wrath controlled Xena and the demon himself changed for Gabrielle. She blocked and dodged their attacks as best she could. But with it being two on one and both being powerful opponents, Gabrielle was fighting a losing battle. However dispite knowing this, she refused to give up.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) I have to find a way to stop Wrath. But I don't know how much longer I can hold the both of them off like this. I wish there was a way that I could reach Xena. But Wrath's hold over her is so strong. I don't think there's anything I can do until he's gone. I'm just gonna have to keep fighting for as long as I can. Hopefully that'll be enough for me to stop Wrath.
The fight continued, until while Gabrielle was defending against Xena, Wrath swung at her. His claws ripping open her flesh.
GABRIELLE
Gah!
The hit distracted her momentarily and gave Xena an opening for her to strike as well. Xena's sword cut into Gabrielle's shoulder. Gabrielle staggered back. Then Xena raced for her , kicking her back. Gabrielle was thrown against a wall. Once she hit she slumped down to the ground. As she sat there she tried but couldn't get back up. All she could do was watch as the wrath controlled Xena slowly walked up to her. She stopped right in front of her. She glared down at Gabrielle.
XENA
Get up. I'm not done with you.
GABRIELLE
I can't. Xena please I know you're still in there. You have to snap out of it.
XENA
How long do you plan on going on about that. I thought I told you that this IS me.
GABRIELLE
That's the wrath talking, not you. I know you can beat this Xena. You can't let this demon controll you.
XENA
No one controls me. Or oders me to do anything. I do whatever I want.
Xena held her sword up and began to swing it towards Gabrielle, Gabrielle flinched as she braced herself. But then she didn't feel herself getting cut. Gabrielle looked up and saw that Xena had stopped her swing just shot of hitting her.
GABRIELLE
Xena?
Xena lowered her weapon as she turned away from her.
XENA
Get out of here.
GABRIELLE
You didn't kill me. I knew the real you was still in there Xena.
XENA
Don't push your luck. I said get lost. Before I change my mind.
Wrath was not happy with Xena for not finishing Gabrielle.
WRATH
What are you doing? Just kill her already.
XENA
I don't feel like it.
WRATH
What do you mean you don't feel like it?! You listen to me and finish her off.
Xena glared at the demon.
XENA
Did you not hear what I said earlier. No one tells me what to do.
Wrath growled, angered by Xena's disobedience.
WRATH
What did you say?! How dare you, you worthless human trash. You will do what I tell you. Now kill her before I kill you.
Xena turned to face the demon. Angrily clenching her sword.
XENA
Did you just threaten me?
Gabrielle looked on, confused by what was happening. Xena was clearly still under Wrath's influence but she wasn't listening to him.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Can this demon only infect people with the feeling of wrath but not control what they do with it? Or is Xena fighting against it somehow?
Wrath growled at Xena.
WRATH
Fine I'll do it myself.I'll deal with you when I'm done.
Wrath walked over and picked Gabrielle up. She struggled to get free from its grasp but couldn't escape. Gabrielle felt the demon squeeze her. She yelled out in pain. She began stabbing at Wrath, desperately trying to break it's grip. But this only angered the demon further. In a fit of rage Wrath slammed Gabrielle into the ground again and again. Finally she stopped fighting and hung limply in the demons clutches. Satisfied, Wrath casually tossed her aside. Gabrielle hit the ground and layed there completely motionless.
WRATH
And that's how you get rid of a pest.
Wrath turned to Xena. The demon saw a look of pure rage in her eyes. The feeling of wrath had gotten even stronger within her. Wrath smiled, satisfied with itself.
WRATH
Now things are really going to get interesting. Let's go finish the rest of this village.
The demon began walking away. As it walked past Xena, Wrath suddenly felt a sharp pain in its back.
WRATH
Ugh..
Wrath looked back and saw that Xena had thrust her sword into its back.
WRATH
What the fuck?! How?!
XENA
I need something to take my wrath out on.
Wrath had unknowingly made a couple of very big mistakes when he took out Gabrielle. The first being that without Gabrielle, the demon itself would be the next nearest target for Xena to unleash her fury on. And the second was dispite being under the influence of the demon, deep down it hadn't changed how Xena felt about Gabrielle. So seeing Wrath strike her down amplified Xena's rage further. And Gabrielle's hypothesis about Wrath's power was correct. While the demon could fill people with the feeling of wrath and make them act on it. The demon couldn't completely control what people did while in their rage filed state.
WRATH
You'll pay for that.
XENA
You read my mind.
Xena pulled her sword out of the demon. Wrath swung back at Xena. She ducked and cut him again. Wrath roared in a mix of anger and pain. He swiped at Xena again. This time hitting her and knocking her away. She fell to the ground. She quickly threw her chakrum at Wrath. It cut the demon as it flew by. In a rage fueled outburst, Wrath changed Xena as she still layed on the ground. The demon closed in, readying itself to strike. Just when it was nearly on top of her, Xena yelled as she thrust her sword towards the demon. Then there was a moment of silence. Which was broken by a raspy, gurgling, gasping sound. Wrath stood unable to move, as it's blood ran down Xena's blade that had been driven into the demons throat. Xena pushed the blade deeper. After a few moments the gasping stopped and Wrath's whole body fell limp. And once it did, Xena felt all of the rage and wrath leave her. Her mind was completely free from the demons hold. The demon of Wrath was dead. She pushed Wrath's body to the side as she pulled her sword out. And quickly ran over to Gabrielle, who hadn't moved since Wrath attacked her.
XENA
Gabrielle. Gabrielle can you hear me.
Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked at Xena.
GABRIELLE
Xena? Are you?
XENA
Yeah I'm back.
Gabrielle gave her a little smile. Then she winced in pain. Xena could tell that Gabrielle had sustained some injuries from Wrath. After examining her Xena determined that Gabrielle had suffered a couple of fractured ribs. Though very painful, Gabrielle was lucky that was the full extent of her injuries. And it wasn't anything life threatening. Xena was relieved as she carefully helped her up.
XENA
You'll be okay.
Gabrielle held her side as she winced a little.
GABRIELLE
Not gonna lie. I really hope it's a little while until we find that last demon.
?
I truly wonder how is it that such a pathetic creature can still pose such a problem? It would seem that I some how made a miscalculation in my choice of those under me.
Xena quickly readied her sword as she stood looking for the origin of the voice. She turned to see a blurry mirage like figure standing before them. She could only make out a rough outline of the figure. But she knew who it must've been.
XENA
You must be Pride.
PRIDE
I am. And you are the the two humans who have been killing my subordinates and standing in the way of my plans.
XENA
You want to rule over all humanity and your demon buddies have been going around terrorizing or killing everyone they came in contact with. So you're damn right we're standing in the way of your ambition. What did you expect? That we'd all just fall in line and live under some demons rule.
PRIDE
Honestly you humans are such pathetic creatures I never imagined that there would be humans that would dare stand up to us. And yet it would seem that only two of you was all it took to take out almost all of us. I must say I'm intrigued.
XENA
Intrigued? I'm surprised that's your response to being the last of your little group. Especially since you seem to have such a low opinion of humanity.
PRIDE
Being upset or fearful of you would imply that I view you as some kind of threat. Which I simply do not. You may have slayed my underlings. But that's precisely what they were, underlings. As in they were beneath me. As are you.
XENA
Since you're so full of yourself, then why don't you show yourself and we can finish this once and for all.
PRIDE
Oh I fully plan on ending your worthless existence myself. But if you think I'm going to waste my time by going to you, you're far more inferior than I originally thought.
Xena was getting tired of this demon talking down to not only her but about all of humanity.
XENA
Fine then why don't you tell me where you've been hiding and I'll come to you.
PRIDE
I do not hide!
Xena realized that she had struck a nerve.
PRIDE
If you wish to settle this, you may find me here.
The demon gave Xena its location.
PRIDE
And out of curiosity, what is it that your human companions call you?
XENA
The names Xena.
PRIDE
Very well. Oh and might I suggest that you take whatever time you need to recover all of your strength. I have no interest in facing a weakened opponent.
XENA
I suppose you could say that your pride won't allow it.
PRIDE
Hm clever. But none the less, take your time and heal. You need not worry about me doing anything to your human brotheren in the meantime. I swear by my own pride I will wait for your arrival to resume assault on humanity. Beginning with you.
XENA
Fine.
PRIDE
Good. I'll be here waiting for your arrival. I look forward to our meeting, Xena.
And with that the image faded away. Xena then took Gabrielle and they went to village medic. They stayed at the village for a few days to let Gabrielle rest. Meanwhile dispite being under demon controll, Xena felt awful about all the people who got hurt and damage she caused. So after somehow convincing the villagers to allow her to help them, she helped with tending to the wounded and fixing up some of the damage that was caused. And soon enough the village was back to normal and Gabrielle was back on her feet. Xena filled her in on the plan to face Pride. And so at long last they were ready. Xena and Gabrielle set out for the showdown against Pride. The final and most powerful demon of all. The battle against this demon that layed ahead of them would prove to be the most challenging and dangerous of all the demon fights that had come before. They would soon find out why Pride was at the head of the seven sin demons. And struck fear into even the demons own allies. After all there was a reason why pride was considered the worst of all the sins. And it was this demon that had given it that reputation. Because it was meant in the most literal sense. Out of all of the sin demons, Pride truly was the deadliest of them all.
Pt.25
The road was long as Xena and Gabrielle made the trip to the final sin demons lair. The trip took them several days. But at last they were finally nearing the end of this long, exhausting saga. The sky had grown dark with a storm that began to roll in as Xena and Gabrielle found themselves at the foot of a path that led up a small mountain. They looked up ahead, seeing what looked like a castle at the top.
XENA
This is it Gabrielle. The last ones up there. Then we can put an end to all this.
GABRIELLE
Good once we get rid of Pride, this nightmare will finally be over.
The sound of thunder roared through the air as the wind began to pick up.
XENA
Looks like there's a storm coming.
GABRIELLE
It almost seems symbolic.
XENA
I'm not letting a little rain stop me from getting my hands on that demon. Let's keep going.
Xena and Gabrielle made their assent to the castle above as the rain began to fall. They pushed on until finally they reached the top. Lightning flashed across the sky as the two of them stood at the door.
XENA
We have no idea what might be behind these doors. So be ready. Who knows what Pride might do.
GABRIELLE
I'm ready. Let's end this.
XENA
Alright.
Xena pushed open the doors as both Xena and Gabrielle walked inside. Once Xena let go, the doors slowly shut behind them. They found themselves in a well decorated entrance way. Various weapons and mounted heads of animals adorned the walls.
GABRIELLE
What is all this?
XENA
Trophies and spoils of battle. It looks like Prdes been keeping itself busy.
GABRIELLE
Putting all of this out for display, Prides certainly living up to it's name.
PRIDE
I see you're admiring my vast collection of victory trophies. Impressive is it not?
Xena and Gabrielle looked around but didn't see the demon anywhere.
XENA
Okay I'm here. Now way don't you show yourself?
Prides voice echoed throughout the rooms.
PRIDE
Like I already said, I'm waiting on you. Just follow my voice and you will find me. Hopefully that shouldn't be too difficult for you. Now come.
Xena scowled as the demon talked down to them. But with no other choice Xena and Gabrielle followed the sound of Prides voice as the demon led them through the building, idlely talking to them the whole time. Bragging about it's apparent many accomplishments, while at the same time insulting Xena and Gabrielle. As well as the rest of humanity. As they walked Xena and Gabrielle quietly spoke among themselves.
XENA
This thing clearly likes to hear itself talk.
GABRIELLE
And brag.
Pride could hear their conversation.
PRIDE
It's not bragging when I'm simply stating facts. Though I suppose I could see how such inferior life would find my vast superiority upsetting. But we do have a score to settle don't we. Very well, let's get down to business. There's a set of stairs you're coming to. Go to the top floor. There's a small hallway with a set of large doors at the end. This is where you may find me.
So Xena and Gabrielle followed the demons directions.
GABRIELLE
I just thought of something.
XENA
What?
GABRIELLE
Couldn't Pride just be leading us into a trap or something?
XENA
While it's technically possible, I don't see this demon doing that.
GABRIELLE
Because of it's own feeling of pride.
XENA
Exactly. Pride wants to show us just how much better than us it is. And I doubt it's happy with us for killing the rest of the demons. So it wants to kill us itself.
Xena and Gabrielle walked until they reached the doors that Pride said to find. Each of them grabbed one of the door handles. They looked at one another for a moment as readied themselves for whatever was on the other side. Then Xena nodded slightly and they pushed open the doors. Xena and Gabrielle drew their weapons as they entered the room. Looking around, It looked like a throne room.
PRIDE
Looks like you finally made it.
Xena and Gabrielle looked in front of them. And finally they layed eyes on what they assumed must've been the demon Pride. Though at first they couldn't tell. Due to the lightning of the room, they could only make out the basic shape of someone casually sitting on a throne. Then they watched as the figure reached over and lit a candle beside them, revealing their identity. Xena and Gabrielle looked at Pride a little surprised. Because what they saw looked nothing like what either of them were expecting the demon of Pride to look like. Because apart from the two small horns on the demons head, this demon looked just like a beautiful human woman. The demon gave a confident smirk as she casually fiddled with a dagger that she was holding, ominously greeting them. Xena got a chill down her spine, she could sense that this was the demon Pride. And this was a far stronger demon then any of the others.
PRIDE
Welcome.
Pt.26
At long last Xena and Gabrielle had finally found the last of the sin demons. The demon Pride.
XENA
So you're Pride.
PRIDE
Indeed I am.
XENA
You know for someone that seems to despise humans so much, you look an awful lot like one.
PRIDE
This is true. Though I didn't exactly get to choose my appearance. While I may not be too fond of looking like one of you pathetic creatures. It does allow me to easily walk amung you when I need to.
GABRIELLE
Why do you look so human anyway. The only other one of the demons that looked close was Lust.
PRIDE
For my former subordinate, she chose to look that way. Some demons are able to choose their appearance. And some choose to look like you. Though I can't possibly see why anyone would want to look human. But I don't particularly care either way. But as for myself, I do not possess that ability. I was born looking this way. My whore of a mother decided to bed some worthless human male. And from that I was conceived.
XENA
So you're half human.
PRIDE
I am a demon!
XENA
You're not about to tell us that you never knew your father and that all this stems from your daddy issues are you? Because honestly that's a really sad. I don't know my father either but I'm not about use that as an excuse for my own actions.
PRIDE
If you must know I did infact know both of my parents. They decided to raise me in this realm. But once I grew older I began developing my power. And those fools tried to keep me from using them in front of other humans. Claiming that I would scare them and that I might hurt someone. Ridiculous I thought. Why should I have to conceal my abilities just because you humans are so weak and fragile. So I carried on as I pleased. One day I saw a human child with a toy that I wanted. And when they didn't give it to me I killed him.
GABRIELLE
As in on purpose?!
PRIDE
Yes. I've always known that I'm better than you humans. So how dare one tell me what I can and cannot do. Once the rest of the village found out what I did, they were furious. But my foolish parents tried to reason with them. They bartered with the villagers and came to an agreement that in exchange for them sparing my life, we would be exiled from the village and could never return. But why should "I" leave I thought. I refused to be ordered to do anything by anyone that was so far beneath me. So I killed the whole village, and I started with my fools of parents.
GABRIELLE
You're a monster.
XENA
So why the long wait to do this if you hated humans for all this time?
PRIDE
Unfortunately before I could begin my rule, I was sealed away. Along with the others that I had gathered up to do all the heavy work that was beneath me. And so for centuries I have waited and planned for the day that my rule could begin. And when I finally got my freedom and set my plan into motion. You showed up. Standing in my way at every turn.
Xena scowled.
XENA
Unbelievable. You hate humans for no reason. Though I suspect you hate just about everyone. You're just insane.
PRIDE
Actually I'm quite sane. I just know how the order of things should be. I'm simply taking my rightful place above all those who aren't worthy to be at the top.
XENA
And that can only be you.
PRIDE
Naturally. I am the most superior being there is after all.
Xena was done talking to this demon.
XENA
Enough. I think it's time to finish this.
PRIDE
While I did invite you here, I have no interest in actually fighting you. I simply wanted to see you in the flesh to see for myself the human that was causing so much trouble. And I just don't see anything particularly special so I'll send someone to kill you when I get around to it. Now be gone.
XENA
Not gonna happen. If you don't wanna fight that's fine with me. It just makes it easier to kill you.
The demon appeared to have stopped listening.
XENA
Fine.
Xena preceded to grab her chakrum and threw it at Pride. But there seemed to be an invisible barrier surrounding the demon. The weapon stopped in front of her as if it had gotten stuck. Pride stood up and walked over to the chakrum.
PRIDE
Interesting weapon. I admit I haven't seen one before. So this is one of your weapons of choice. Perhaps I'll keep it for myself.
XENA
So even after I try to attack you, you still won't fight?
PRIDE
I have no interest and you pose no threat to me. So no.
Xena had to think of away to get the demon to agree to a fight. That was the only way Pride would drop the barrier around her. Then it came to her, she had to use the demons own nature against it.
XENA
What if you were to be challenged for the position of humanities ruler?
PRIDE
I'd obviously have to accept to put the fool in their place by killing them. I won't allow such disrespect to go unpunished.
Xena pointed her sword at Pride.
XENA
In that case I challenge you for the throne.
PRIDE
Are you serious? You honestly think that you stand a chance against me?
XENA
Why don't you prove me wrong? Unless you're too afraid of one little human.
Pride scowled at Xena as she picked up a sword that was laying nearby. The demon walked up to Xena while still behind the barrier.
PRIDE
Very well. I'm going to take great pleasure in ending you. I think I'll face you sword to sword. Give you the great honor to see the most skilled swordsman in existence. Once I'm done, your head will be added to my trophy wall.
Pride dropped the barrier between them. Xena and Gabrielle stood ready to fight. Pride looked at Gabrielle.
PRIDE
I have no interest in you whatsoever. Stay out of the way. I'll kill you later.
The demon moved her arm and using her powers threw Gabrielle off to the side.
XENA
Gabrielle!
Gabrielle quickly stood and tried to get back over to Xena. But then realized that she was trapped inside an invisible barrier. Like the one Pride used to block Xena's earlier attack.
GABRIELLE
Xena I can't get out.
Xena looked at Pride.
XENA
What did you do?!
PRIDE
I simply ensured that this would be a one on one fight. Since I have absolutely zero interest in her, Don't worry she's fine in there. You're little companion can just sit back and watch, for now. I can deal with her whenever I wish. But first I'll get rid of you.
XENA
Alright you wanna do this one on one. Let's get to it.
PRIDE
Fine. But try not to bore me too much.
XENA
(Sarcasm/ anger) I'll see what I can do.
And so the final battle began. Xena charged in and swung her sword. Steel clashed as Pride blocked Xena's strike. The demon pushed Xena back and retaliated with her own attack. Xena in turn blocked Prides hit. She swiftly kicked at the demon, but Pride quickly dodged. This pattern continued. With neither Xena or Pride being able to get an upper hand on the other. The two seemed evenly matched. Gabrielle looked on seeing the whole thing. Unable to do anything but watch.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Even their fight styles, are farely similar. Come on Xena. You have to stop Pride.
The battle between Xena and the demon Pride waged on for some time. Though evenly matched up to a point, Xena was beginning to gain the advantage.
XENA
What's the matter, getting tired? Though I bet you're not used to having someone actually stand up to you.
PRIDE
Fuck you.
XENA
Not so cool and collected when things aren't going you're way are you?
The demon sneered.
PRIDE
I will not lose to anyone. Least of all a worthless human.
XENA
Says the demon whose also half human.
That comment really seemed to strike a nerve with Pride. Xena saw a look of pure hatred in the demons eyes, as Pride lowered her sword. Pride stared right at her.
PRIDE
Enough of this. I'm through playing around. Time to put you in your place.
As Pride spoke Xena began to feel the demon using her power to influence Xena. Prides plan was to fill Xena with so much of the feeling that it would cause Xena to get overly confident and sloppy. Causing her to make a mistake and give Pride the opportunity to easily kill her. Xena tried to fight off the demons influence.
XENA
What happened to your own pride and fighting a fare fight?
PRIDE
I have nothing to prove to you. Now submit and then this will be over. It's a shame I'll have to kill you. I could have done so much with your abilities under my rule.
Gabrielle pounded on the barrier as she franticly tried anything to escape and help Xena.
GABRIELLE
No Xena fight it!
But there was nothing that Gabrielle or Xena could do as Xena felt the overwhelming pride consume her. Until soon that was all that remained within her.
And Xena stood there looking at the demon.
PRIDE
Good. Now come. Face me and let me give you the privilege of being killed by my own hand.
FINALE
Pride stood before Xena who had just fallen under the demons influence. Gabrielle yelled and pounded on the barrier that Pride had trapped her in. Trying to wake Xena from Prides spell. But nothing Gabrielle said seemed to reach her. Pride gave a confident smile as she pointed her sword towards Xena.
PRIDE
Now where were we?
The pride fueled Xena scowled.
XENA
I was just about to kill you.
The demon taunted her.
PRIDE
Then why don't you do it already?
XENA
Oh I will.
Xena swung her sword at Pride as their battle resumed. As Gabrielle looked on she noticed that Pride didn't seem to be throwing out any offense. The demon was only blocking or dodging Xena's attacks.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) I don't get it why put Xena under her influence but not do anything? What's Pride doing?
The fight continued with Pride just bidding her time.
PRIDE
Soon enough.
XENA
What are you talking about?
The demon didn't answer and just smirked Xena in turn did the same.
PRIDE
What are you so happy about?
XENA
You think you've already won.
PRIDE
Oh and how do you know that?
XENA
I know what you're plan is. You're waiting for the pride you filled me with to cause me to get reckless. But that's what you've already done to yourself.
PRIDE
I made a mistake. Ha! It doesn't matter if you know my plan. It won't change how this ends. Your still dead either way. Because there's nothing you can do to stop the pride within from overwhelming you.
XENA
Then I guess we had better wrap this up before that happens.
Xena ran in and swung her sword. Their steel clashed as the fight waged on. The whole time Pride wasn't taking Xena seriously. And Xena knew it. Especially once Xena began to gain the upper hand again. Pride began to become increasingly angered by the fact that even with Xena under her influence, the demon still couldn't take her down. This forced Pride to start putting her all into the fight.
XENA
So did you finally decide to get serious?
PRIDE
Shut up. The fact that I have to actually use my full power against some human is absurd. No one should be able to face me on even footing. It's impossible, I have no equal.
XENA
If that were actually true we wouldn't be here right now, now would we?
PRIDE
How are you still so coherent right now anyway? All the pride inside you should've taken over by now.
XENA
Oh it has. I'm full of prde.
PRIDE
Then whats going on?
XENA
You were only taking my pride as a warrior into account. But I have plenty of other things to take pride in. Like doing what's right. Saving people from threats like you. And protecting those closest to me. So while you may have amplified my warriors pride. You also made everything else that drives my feelings of pride stronger too. And its because of those things I'm able to maintain my focus. And that was your fatal flaw.
The demon glared at Xena.
PRIDE
You think you're really something don't you?
XENA
I do. But isn't that kinda your fault though?
PRIDE
I don't make mistakes.
XENA
Well you did get a bunch of other demons to help you, but they ended up getting defeated. So you're not very good at picking your help.
PRIDE
I've never needed help.
XENA
Then why not escape from your prison alone and leave the other demons behind? Unless you couldn't get out on your own. But then that would mean that the great Pride demon needed wasn't good enough on her own.
PRIDE
Shut up!
XENA
Whats wrong Pride, did I strike a nerve? You know for someone that claims to be so much better than everyone, you sure get awfully defensive when someone mentions that you might not be as perfect as you say.
PRIDE
Thats it you pathetic human scum! I'll kill you!
Pride chaged Xena. But due to the demons anger and recklessness, Xena was easily able to side step her. And in one swift motion Xena spun around and thrust her sword into Pride's back.
PRIDE
Ugh....
XENA
It's over. You've lost.
Xena pulled out her blade and the demon dropped to the floor. Xena looked down at her for a moment. When Pride didn't move, Xena turned away to get Gabrielle. But when she turned around, Xena saw that the barrier Pride had trapped Gabrielle in was still up. Which meant that the demon wasn't dead. The pride that had infected Xena lead her to prematurely call victory. Once Xena realized this, she quickly turned back around. But as she turned Pride was back up and charged into Xena. The demon tackled Xena, grabbing onto her. Pride swiftly moved around to get behind Xena. Holding her arms at her sides.
PRIDE
I refuse to let a damn human defeat me. Even if it means that I have to die to kill you. So be it. My final victory will be glorious.
Before Xena had the time to try fighting her off, using all her strength Pride lept backwards. Glass shattered as Pride threw herself back through the window behind her. Taking Xena with her.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
The rain continued to pour as Xena hung upside down outside the window. She somehow managed to catch herself by hooking her feet on both sides of the windowframe. But she knew she couldn't hold on like that for long. Especially with Pride still clinging to her. As they hung there, the rain caused Pride to begin to lose her grip.
PRIDE
No, how could I possibly lose? This isn't how it's supposed to be. I'm the most superior being to have ever existed. No one should be able to best me. Especially not some worthless human.
XENA
Haven't you ever heard that pride goes before the fall.
Xena grabbed Prides hands and began to pry them off of her. The demon fought to maintain her grasp. The movement the demon made caused Pride to lose her grip. Her hands slipped and Pride plummeted to the ground below. Killing the demon on inpact. Once that happened Xena felt all the pride that the demon filled her with leave. She breathe a sigh of relief. Knowing that it was all finally over. The sin demons were no more and humanity was safe from the threat of their rule.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Xena looked at the window she was still dangling out of seeing Gabrielle. With Pride dead she was no longer trapped.
XENA
(Joking) 'Bout time. I can feel all the blood rushing to my head.
Gabrielle smiled as she shook her head. Relieved that Xena was okay. Once she pulled Xena back inside they sat there on the floor for a few minutes. As it sunk in that this long nightmare of an adventure was finally over. They were both physically and mentally exhausted.
GABRIELLE
We did it.
XENA
Yeah.
After a little while they got up and made their way out of the dead pride demons lair. As they got outside the he rain had begun to stop. They smiled at each other.
GABRIELLE
You know we never did get to use that spa vacation.
XENA
After this mess I actually agree with you that we could use some relaxing down time. But I'm not doing the spa thing.
GABRIELLE
Fine. I bet the offers expired by now anyway.
Xena smirked.
XENA
That's fine I have something in mind.
GABRIELLE
I don't think I like the sound of that. You're idea of what's relaxing, well tends not to be.
XENA
(Joking) And your spa trip worked out real well.
GABRIELLE
Hey that wasn't my fault.
Gabrielle sighed.
GABRIELLE
Okay we'll try it your way this time. Besides it can't possibly be worse than the mess we just went through.
XENA
(Joking) We'll see.
GABRIELLE
Funny.
Xena and Gabrielle walked off. Putting yet another adventure behind them. As they looked forward to whatever the road ahead had in store. Ready to take it on no matter the challenge, together.
EPLIOG:
So ends the tale of Xena, Gabrielle and the seven sin demons. The world was saved from certain destruction so long ago by these two brave heroes. Whose names will live on throughout history. Though the mystery scroll might end here, their journey certainly did not. Perhaps someday we'll be able to uncover the identity of the mystery author. But until then it will have to remain a mystery from the time of ancient Gods, warlords, kings. And if not for Xena and Gabrielle, demons.
THE END ❤️
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