X.W.P. 3257: WORST CASE SCENARIO

pt.10

Xena glared up at Alti while she sat bound and gagged on the floor of the abandoned fun house. Alti looked down at her as she smiled a menacing grin.

ALTI
(Mocking tone) What's wrong Xena, not happy to see me?

Xena made a small growl into the cloth in her mouth.

ALTI
Oh right, I guess you can't really answer me right now can you?

Alti crouched down in front of Xena and removed the gag.

ALTI
There we go now we can have a little chat. It's not like anyone can hear you if you yell for help anyway.

XENA
Alti. Shouldn't you be dead?

ALTI
Yes you tried to kill me, but you apparently couldn't quite get the job done.

XENA
You've been out of the picture for centuries, why turn up now? What are you up to?

ALTI
Oh I've been around Xena. Our paths just haven't crossed in a very long time.

Alti stood back up.

ALTI
As for what I'm doing? Unfortunately after all this time my powers have for reason begun to weaken. But luckily I've found a way to restore my power. It's a slow process, but I have been seeing results little by little.

Xena felt herself growing more infuriated by the moment.

XENA
You monster. You've been using innocent people as ritualistic human sacrifices just so you can have more power?!

Xena pulled against her restraints. Alti chuckled slightly as Xena unsuccessfully fought to get free.

XENA
Alti I swear you will pay for all the people you've hurt and killed.

ALI
Will I? Because from where I'm standing you're not exactly in the position to do anything to stop me.

XENA
We'll see. You do realize that I'm not the only detective in this city. Someone will eventually figure out what you've doing. You will be stopped.

Alti just laughed. Then she appeared to think of something.

ALTI
Ah yes since you mentioned other people. I believe you took something that belongs to me. And I want him back.

Xena clenched her fist that were still tied behind her.

XENA
Luka. He's just a child, what could you possibly need him for specifically?

ALTI
Simple. Most children have far more pure and innocent souls than adults. And the more pure the soul the greater the power I can get from the sacrifice. Unfortunately getting children by themselves is difficult so I've had to settle for others as well.

XENA
So that's the connection between everyone you've murdered. You're literally killing your victims strictly because they're good people. You're even more evil than I ever could've imagined.

Alti didn't say anything as she walked over to a table, picked something up and came back.

ALTI
Now tell me where I can find the boy.

XENA
What makes you possibly think that I'd tell you where he is?

ALTI
I knew you'd say something like that. If you won't tell me, I know someone who will.

Alti held up Xena's phone to show her that she had clearly taken from her, as she opened Xena's contacts and tapped the first icon on the screen. The phone on the table rang as Gabrielle quickly snatched it up and looked at the screen. Seeing the name that came up, she instantly answered.

GABRIELLE
Xena where the hell have you been? Do you have...

Gabrielle stopped when all she could see was what looked like a bunch of junk on the hologram image. Then she heard someone chuckle in the back ground.

GABRIELLE
Xena?

Gabrielle looked at the screen as someone other than Xena came into view as the phone moved. She could hardly believe what was seeing.

GABRIELLE
Alti. How?

ALTI
Hello Gabrielle.

Gabrielle quickly pushed aside her initial shock and got straight to the matter at hand.

GABRIELLE
Why do you have Xena's phone? Where's Xena?  What did you do with her?

ALTI
Nothing... yet. She's right here, see.

Alti turned the phone so Gabrielle could see Xena.

GABRIELLE
Xena!

Xena looked at the hologram, seeing Gabrielle's worried face.

XENA
Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE
Are you okay?

XENA
I'm alright.

Alti turned the phone back towards her.

ALTI
See, like I said she's just fine. For now.

Gabrielle scowled at Alti.

GABRIELLE
What do you want Alti?

ALTI
The child that you have in your possession, bring him to me.

GABRIELLE
Luka? Absolutely not. I would never hand over an innocent child to the likes of you.

Xena smirked.

XENA
See I told you.

Angered by Xena's cocky comment, Alti swung her hand and smacked Xena hard across the face.

GABRIELLE
Xena!

ALTI
Quiet I wasn't talking to you.

Alti returned her focus to Gabrielle.

ALTI
Now as I was saying, bring me the child and in return I'll let xena go.

GABRIELLE
And if I don't?

Alti chuckled as she walked over and placed Xena's phone on a table a few feet away from Xena. Making sure Gabrielle had a clear view of her.

ALTI
Oh you will... trust me.

Gabrielle watched as Alti walked over and stood beside Xena. Xena grimaced as Alti roughly grabbed a hand full of her hair and lifted her head to look at her and then right at Gabrielle.

ALTI
I wonder just how long you're gonna be able to sit and watch what I'm about to do to her before you finally give me what I want. Oh and once you have our location, if you end the call or bring anyone but the child with you, I'll kill her. Very, very slowly.

Alti let go and smacked Xena again. Ever defyent, Xena simply looked up at Alti and smirked.

XENA
Is that the best you've got?

ALTI
Oh no. We're just getting started.

TO BE CONTINUED...