X.W.P. 3257: WORST CASE SCENARIO

pt.12

Aphrodite looked at Gabrielle, surprised by what she had just said.

APHRODITE
Gabrielle I know how you feel about Xena and seeing what Alti was doing to her, I can't imagine how you must feel right now. I wanna save her too, but think about what you're saying.

Gabrielle looked up at Aphrodite.

GABRIELLE
I'm fully aware of what I'm doing.

Aphrodite couldn't believe what she was hearing.

APHRODITE
But you heard Xena yourself. You know that she would never want this.

GABRIELLE
Aphrodite please. I can't leave Xena in the hands of that monster.

Aphrodite saw the tears as they fell from Gabrielle's eyes.

GABRIELLE
If I don't do something Alti's gonna kill her. But probably not before she makes xena suffer even more than she already has. You saw for yourself what she was doing to her.

Aphrodite hugged her friend as she cried.

GABRIELLE
Please Aphrodite, help me save Xena. I need her. She's everything to me.

APHRODITE
I know. It's always been that way for the both you. But what you're asking me to do. Gabrielle he's just a sweet little boy. I can't let you do this. Not just for him. But for you. You would never forgive yourself.

Gabrielle pulled out of Aphrodite's hug as she stopped crying and wiped her tears away.

GABRIELLE
I'm not going to let anything happen to Luca. I swear. I'll protect him with my life if I have to. I just need you to bring us both to Alti. Please Xena doesn't have much time.

Aphrodite was relieved to hear that Gabrielle actually wasn't planning on handing Luka over to Alti. Even though she still felt uneasy about even bringing the child anywhere near that place.

APHRODITE
I hope you know what you're doing.

GABRIELLE
Please just trust me on this.

APHRODITE
Okay Gabby. Get Luka and I'll take you.

Gabrielle stood up and went to leave the room, stopping for a moment to look back at her friend.

GABRIELLE
Thank you Aphrodite.

Gabrielle left the room to get Luka. After a few minutes Gabrielle returned to the living room carrying a sleeping Luka wrapped in a blanket. The boys head rested soundly on her shoulder as Gabrielle gently held him in her arms. She spoke quietly as she walked over to Aphrodite.

GABRIELLE
Okay I'm ready when you are.

APHRODITE
(Sighs) Okay.

Gabrielle grabbed her phone typed something and showed Aphrodite where Alti said to go. She then put it in her jeans back pocket as Aphrodite nodded and stood next to her. She put her hand on Gabrielle's shoulder and in an instant they disappeared from the living room. A moment later they appeared just outside the fun house at the abandoned amusement park.

APHRODITE
Well we're here. Wow this place could really use a makeover.

Gabrielle and Aphrodite looked at the rundown, creepy surroundings they now stood in.

GABRIELLE
You know what to do right?

APHRODITE
I'll be ready.

GABRIELLE
Okay let's get this over with.

Gabrielle took a breath as she began walking towards the entrance still carring the bundled up Luka in her arms.

GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Please just let Xena still be alive.