A FRIEND IN NEED: REIMAGINED

pt.11

There was a small jingle and then a quiet rumble in the distance as a woman sat beside a bath, her back to the door as she looked into the water. She slightly turned her head towards a sound in the distance that appeared to be coming her way. Seemingly unphased she turned back and gently ran her fingers along the surface of the water. It was quiet until there was a loud crash as Yodoshi burst through the door. He stood looking at the woman.

YODOSHI
Ah there you are.

The woman turned around to face him. Taking Yodoshi off guard.

YODOSHI
You're not supposed to be here.

XENA
Surprise.

Xena held up the anklet, jingling it a little. Then there was a loud splash as Harukata jumped out of the water and drove his katana into Yodoshi. He yelled as he swatted Harukata away. The sword fell to the ground as Xena jumped up and kicked Yodoshi into the bath. Then she quickly grabbed the sword and repeatedly stabbed the water. But stopped when she realized he was no longer there. Xena looked around.

XENA
Damn it, where'd he go?

Steam began to come out of the water and fill the room. Xena, Harukata and Akemi, who came out of her hiding spot looked around the room, trying to find Yodoshi. The room was silent except for a small dripping sound. Xena looked up to see water dripping from the ceiling. And realized that they were in trouble.

XENA
Move now!

Just as the words left her mouth, there was an explanation from a puddle at their feet as Yodoshi emerged from it. Knocking Xena, Akemi and Harukata back. As they were getting back up, Yodoshi grabbed Akemi and effortlessly tossed her through the wall.

XENA
Akemi!

Xena stood up and angry charged Yodoshi. She went to throw a punch when he caught her by her wrist. He punched Xena hard in the stomach, stunning her for a moment as he lifted her off the ground by her arm. Xena yelled in pain as she felt her wrist being burned in Yodoshi's grasp. He then threw Xena across the room. She smacked into the wall and landed on the floor. Yodoshi then turned to see Harukata running at him ready to strike. Harukata raised his sword to attack when he stopped.

HARUKATA
Ugh....

He looked down to see a blade in his stomach. Yodoshi laughed.

YODOSHI
Ahh nice try, ghost killer.

Yodoshi kicked Harukata off of his sword and watched him fall to the floor. He laughed, though his laugher quickly stopped when he felt his arm get cut off. He looked behind him and saw Xena. Yodoshi yelled as he knocked Xena away with his other arm and jumped up, breaking through the roof, making a hasty retreat. Xena ran and looked up through the hole.

XENA
COWARD!

Hearing a noise Xena turned around and saw Akemi as she sat up outside. Xena ran over to her.

XENA
Akemi.

AKEMI
I'm okay.

XENA
I guess being dead already has it's advantages.

Xena helped Akemi up. Then she looked back up at the hole in the ceiling.

XENA
Well now what?

HARUKATA
We try again.

Xena and Akemi looked to see Harukata sitting up.

XENA
Good to see you're still with us.

Xena went over to him and crouched down.

XENA
I don't get it, what went wrong?

Harukata sighed.

HARUKATA
He must be drinking from the fountain of strength on Mount Fuji.

He winced in pain.

XENA
What can we do?

HARUKATA
If you go to Mount Fuji and drink from the fountain, you should be able to defeat Yodoshi for good.

Harukata then closed his eyes and died. Xena lowered her head.

XENA
One more victim to this terrible nightmare.

Xena stood up and made a vow.

XENA
I'll stop that bastard no matter what.

Meanwhile, after traveling non stop from the enemies camp, Gabrielle had finally made it to the base of Mount Fuji. She looked up at the mountain then she looked down at the small urn that she was holding containing Xena's ashes.

GABRIELLE
I'm here. I'll be seeing you real soon...

She looked back at the mountain.

GABRIELLE
Xena.

TO BE CONTINUED...