A FRIEND IN NEED: REIMAGINED

pt.9

Thunder rumbled as Xena and Gabrielle stood captive in Yodoshi's army's base. Gabrielle looked at Xena.

GABRIELLE
So what do we do to get out of here?

XENA
Right now, nothing.

GABRIELLE
But I thought you said you had an idea for how we could escape.

XENA
Just wait. Any time now.

Gabrielle looked at Xena wondering what she had up her sleeve. Xena weakly learned against the cage as she surveyed the area. She looked up and noticed a couple of dark figures in the trees by the base entrance.

XENA
Gabrielle. Get ready.

GABRIELLE
For what?

XENA
To run.

GABRIELLE
To run?

Before Gabrielle had any more time to wounder what Xena meant a loud explanation went off. Blasting open the base's gate. A number of the enemy soldiers were sent flying from the blast.

GABRIELLE
What was that?!

XENA
Looks like the search party finally made it.

Gabrielle looked out as the dust and smoke cleared. Surprised by what she saw.

GABRIELLE
It's Kenji and Harukata. And they brought a bunch of the militia with them.

A fight broke out as the two sides clashed. Xena and Gabrielle watched from inside the cage as the battle ensued. Gabrielle looked at Xena.

GABRIELLE
You knew they were coming didn't you?

XENA
Before we left I asked Kenji to keep an eye on you. I thought you might figure out what I was planning and come looking for me. And he was supposed to keep you away.

GABRIELLE
Wait so he knew what you were planning?

XENA
No. I just asked him to stay with you. So I'm guessing they tracked you here.

Gabrielle scowled.

GABRIELLE
When this is over you and I are going to have a serious conversation about your sense of justice Xena.

Xena sighed as Kenji ran up to the cage and unlocked it. Freeing Xena and Gabrielle.

KENJI
You two okay?

GABRIELLE
I've certainly had better days.

KENJI
At least you're both still in one piece. Can you walk?

Xena staggered out of the cage past Kenji. Gabrielle quickly followed, looking at keji as she kept up.

GABRIELLE
Kinda.

Kenji turned and followed them.

GABRIELLE
Xena wait, let me help you.

Gabrielle got over to her as Xena pulled a sword out of a fallen soldier.

GABRIELLE
What are you doing? You're in no condition to fight.

XENA
Well they're not just gonna let us walk out of here now are they?

GABRIELLE
Fine. I guess you're safer with a sword here. But stay near me.

Gabrielle grabbed a sword too. And so Gabrielle, Xena and their allies fought against the enemy army. The battle waged on as people from both sides fell. And the muddy ground began to run red with the blood of the dead. Gabrielle yelled as she cut down the enemies that stood in her way. She looked a head and saw that they had a clear path to the camp's entrance.

GABRIELLE
We're almost there. We'll be out of here soon Xena.

Gabrielle looked back but didn't see Xena. She quickly turned around.

GABRIELLE
Xena?

Gabrielle looked around trying to find Xena.

GABRIELLE
Xena!

Gabrielle ran back the way she came as she tried to find Xena. She stomped through the muddy puddles as she raced through the camp. Harukata saw Gabrielle run by.

HARUKATA
Where are you going? The way out is that way.

He pointed in the opposite direction.

GABRIELLE
I can't find Xena.

HARUKATA
I just saw her over there.

He motioned in the direction that he had seen Xena. Gabrielle nodded, thanking him and headed the way Harukata had pointed. Gabrielle fought her way through the camp. Looking for Xena. After a few more moments of searching Gabrielle finally spotted her. She saw Xena fighting one of the soldiers. But due to her serious injuries she was having a much harder time than normal. Realizing Xena was in trouble, Gabrielle raced towards her. Gabrielle was nearly there when she saw a blade come through Xena's chest. Her eyes went wide as she watched Xena fall to the ground.

GABRIELLE
XENA!!!

Gabrielle dropped her sword as she knelt down and took Xena in her arms.

GABRIELLE
No. Xena no.

Xena looked up at Gabrielle

XENA
I'm sorry Gabrielle.... This was the only way.

Xena closed her eyes as her body went limp in Gabrielle's arms.

GABRIELLE
Xena don't do this. Xena! Xena!

Gabrielle shook her, but got no response. The battle still wageing around  them.  Harukata came over and put his hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. He looked down at Xena.

HARUKATA
It's too late. She gone.

The rain continued to fall as Gabrielle held Xena's body while she cried.

HARUKATA
This is what she wanted. This is how she plans to save all those souls.

Out of grief Gabrielle snapped at Harukata.

GABRIELLE
I don't care! She didn't have to die. We could've found some other way. How dose she even know that will work anyway?

HARUKATA
I told her.

Gabrielle glared at him.

GABRIELLE
What?

HARUKATA
I'm sorry but it's true. Now Xena is the only one that can kill Yodoshi.

GABRIELLE
Then you can help me get her out of here.

She looked away and back down at Xena.

HARUKATA
I have one question. Would you risk your life for the return of hers?

GABRIELLE
Without hesitation.

KENJI
Then there is a way, Gabrielle. You must take her body, burn it, then sprinkle the ashes into the Fountain of Strength on Mount Fuji. You must find the fountain
before the second sunset after death.

GABRIELLE
Then that's what I'll do.

Gabrielle looked up at the night sky.

GABRIELLE
You hear me Xena. So you better hurry up and beat Yodoshi.

Gabrielle looked at keji and Harukata.

GABRIELLE
Help me get her.

.?
You're not taking her anywhere.

Gabrielle stood up and turned around.

GABRIELLE
Whose going to stop me?

MORIMOTO
My name is  Morimoto and your friend was a fine opponent. Her life is one trophies an honourable samurai could ever claim.

GABRIELLE
You call yourself honourable? You stabbed her from behind. You're not a samurai.You're a fraud. You couldn't have killed Xena unless she wanted you to.

The man glared at Gabrielle.

MORIMOTO
I think it's you who has a death wish!

GABRIELLE
I accept the challenge.

TO BE CONTINUED...