X.W.P. 3257: WORST CASE SCENARIO

pt.15

Quiet footsteps could be heard as Xena and Gabrielle walked through the old underground transit tunnel of the city. The pair now fully equipped with their ancient outfits and weapons thanks to a little godly magic from Ares, who was in the opposite tunnel with Aphrodite as the four searched for Alti and Luka. The tunnel was long but luckily it wasn't too dark dispite being underground. It was silent as Xena and Gabrielle came to a turn. Xena peeked around the corner and could see a light coming from underneath a door. The both of them moved to the door Xena tried to open it but found it was locked. A moment later Xena and Gabrielle heard a small voice cry out on the other side and immediately recognized it.

GABRIELLE
Luka.

Gabrielle rammed against the door with her shoulder but had no luck opening it. Xena then gently, moved her aside and attempted to kick open the door. But it didn't budge. Xena and Gabrielle looked around them but didn't see anything to either help get it open or a way around the door to get through. Then they heard Luka cry again.

XENA
Together.

Xena and Gabrielle took a few steps back and then they both preceded to run full force into the door with their shoulders, causing it fly open on impact. They stumbled a little inside and quickly caught their balance. They did a quick survey of where they were now. They were up on a platform overlooking a large open space below. It appeared to be an old repair station for the engines that ran through the underground transit. They heard Luka cry again and Gabrielle looked down over the scaffolding, she spotted Alti and Luka down below.

GABRIELLE
Xena down there.

Xena quickly looked over the edge and saw the two below. She yelled as she lept over the metal bar and dropped to the ground beneath.

XENA
Alti!

Alti turned when she heard Xena's voice and saw her land on the ground on the other side of the room. Wasting no time Xena grabbed her chakrum and hurled in at Alti.

XENA
Get away from him!

Alti was forced to back away from Luka who she had strapped to a chair as Xena's chakrum flew her way. Gabrielle who was still above yelled down to Xena and then hopped over the railing as she dropped into Xena's waiting arms below. Xena let Gabrielle down as she caught her chakrum when it made it's way back to her. The usually quiet Luka immediately yelled out when he saw the two women dop from above.

LUKA
Xena, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle smiled back at the boy.

GABRIELLE
It's okay Luka. We're here now and we're not gonna let anything happen to you.

Alti looked at Xena and Gabrielle and smiled an evil grin taking notice of their familiar attire.

ALTI
(Condescending tone) Ah now this brings back some old memories. If it isn't Xena and Gabrielle classic.

Xena and Gabrielle didn't say anything to her as they each drew their weapons and turned their focus on Alti.

XENA
You ready?

GABRIELLE
I've been ready.

Alti smirked.

ALTI
I guess we're getting right to it.

Xena and Gabrielle charged for Alti. Both throwing out an attack as Xena swung her sword and Gabrielle drove her sais towards their opponent. Alti quickly vanished out of the way. Leaving Xena and Gabrielle looking around for her.

GABRIELLE
Where is she?

XENA
Stay ready Gabrielle. You remember how tricky Alti is.

GABRIELLE
I know.

Like lightning Alti quickly ran up behind Gabrielle, grabbed her by the her shoulder and threw her backwards. Gabrielle tumbled back to the ground. Xena hastily swung at Alti. But her sword only met air as Alti vanished again. Uninjured Gabrielle stood. Alti then showed up behind her again but this time Gabrielle was ready as she spun around and attempted to stab Alti who faded out of reach yet again as she laughed. Xena felt a presence behind her and moved out of the way as Alti tried to land another sneak attack. She swung her blade at Alti but her arm was caught. Then with no time to react Xena felt Alti's other hand wrap around her throat and begin to squeeze.

GABRIELLE
Xena!

Gabrielle ran at Alti to free Xena, but was kicked in the stomach and doubled over for a moment. Then Alti brought up her knee and caught Gabrielle in the face. She fell back as she spit some blood from her mouth. But with Alti momentarily distracted she lossened her grip on Xena's neck. As that happened she felt the sharp pain of Xena's elbow connect with the the side of her head and let go. Alti backed away slightly. Xena looked back for a moment, making sure Gabrielle was okay and saw her getting back up as she wiped some blood from her mouth with the back of her hand. Then Xena's focus returned to Alti, but not in time as Alti still had her arm and flipped Xena down to her back. Alti then shot lightening from her hand down at Xena, who rolled out of the way just in time. The bolt struck the floor, scaring it with a burn mark. Xena wasted no time as she swept Alti's feet from under her. However before she hit the floor Alti vanished. Xena stood again as she and Gabrielle stood back to back ready for Alti's next move.

XENA
Come on Alti enough of your games.

ALTI
I don't play games Xena.

Xena looked up hearing Alti's voice coming from above. Her eyes wideed as she saw Alti now standing up on the scaffolding that she and Gabrielle had dropped down from. The metal bar was now in multiple sharp pieces as it floated around Alti.

XENA
Gabrielle take cover.

Gabrielle looked up and saw what Xena was seeing as Alti moved her hand and sent the sharp metal rods down at Xena and Gabrielle. The two ran to take cover. But Gabrielle was hit in the leg. She yelled in pain as she fell to the ground. Xena turned to see Gabrielle on the ground just behind her. However she looked back just in time to see another rod pierce Gabrielle in the back and hear her scream.

XENA
Gabrielle!

Xena ran over to Gabrielle and quickly helped her up to get them both to cover as another rod flew and hit Xena in the back of her shoulder. She yelled and staggered, but didn't go down as she got herself and Gabrielle behind an old transit car. Once behind cover Xena sat Gabrielle down on the floor and pulled the pieces of metal out of her. And Gabrielle got the one out of Xena's shoulder. Luckily they didn't leave too big of wounds, so hopefully they wouldn't bleed too much. However there was no time for Xena and Gabrielle to regroup when Alti appeared in front of them. She laughed menacingly as she approached the two. Xena got to her feet as Gabrielle tried to stand but couldn't on her own and pulled herself up and leaned on Xena for support. Alti stood a couple feet away.

ALTI
Either all those sacrifices really did the trick or after all these years the two of you have lost your touch.

XENA
Scew you.

Gabrielle just stood quietly as she glared fiercely at Alti. Xena and Gabrielle readied their weapons again to continue their fight.

ALTI
You never did know when to quit did you?

Another metal rod rose up behind Alti.

ALTI
I think it's long past time to get rid of the both of you. For good!

Just as Alti finished speaking the metal rod flew right at Gabrielle. Xena knew that with her leg injured Gabrielle couldn't get out of the way and put herself in front of the projectile in an effort to protect her .Xena yelled in pain as the rod pierced through her stomach. But unfortunately Xena stepping in the line of fire wasn't enough to shield Gabrielle. The end of the metal rod passed through Xena and impaled Gabrielle right behind her as well. The two slid down the side of the transit car and slumped over. Gabrielle hung limply against Xena's back as Xena just sat there with her head hung low. Both of them eyes closed and unmoving while Alti evilly chuckled as she watched blood run down the rod and slowly drip on to the ground as the sound of a sad and terrified Luka crying could be heard in the background.

TO BE CONTINUED...