JUST ONE BITE

pt.10

Now a Bacchae like Gabrielle and the other women there, Xena stood before Bacchus. Her eyes focused as she flashed her new fangs in a sinister grin. She looked at Bacchus, who laughed as he felt his victory at hand.

BACCHUS
At last, Xena is mine.

He continued to laugh and gloat about him being the one to finally defeat Xena. He stood before his Bacchae as he declared his victory but was cut off when he heard a very distinct sound that so many, including Bacchus himself, had learned to fear. He looked up to see Xena letting out her battle cry as she lept at him. Before Bacchus had time to react, Xena crashed into him. He was thrown to the ground as Xena jumped back and snatched up the dryad bone she had dropped. As Bacchus rose back up to his feet, Xena launched herself forward. Bacchus' eyes went wide as he saw Xena close in before he could do anything. He made a painful gasped as he felt Xena plunge the dryad bone into his chest. With wide eyes, he looked at Xena in shock.

BACCHUS
But... how?

Bacchus dropped to his knees as Xena let go of the bone, and he fell over, dead. Xena stood there for a moment before turning around when she heard a number of voices behind her. She smiled as she saw the other women had returned to normal as they looked around confused as to what was going on. But aside from the minor memory loss of their time as Bacchae, Xena was relieved to see that none of the women appeared to be suffering any lingering effects of being turned.

JOXER
Well, that wasn't so bad.

Joxer smiled, as he had regained consciousness only a few moments after Bacchus had struck him. He looked out at Bacchus' victims being returned to normal. There was a quick flash of light beside him, and he looked over to see Orpheus wave at him. Not thinking about it, Joxer returned his attention forward again for a moment before it hit him. He looked back at Orpheus, who smiled.

ORPHEUS
You can let go now.

JOXER
Oh, right.

Joxer let go of his headlock on Orpheus, and the bard stood up straight as joxer handed him back his lyre.

ORPHEUS
Thanks.

JOXER
You know you're taller than I thought you'd be.

Orpheus gave Joxer a curious look.

ORPHEUS
Uh thanks, I guess.

Orpheus smiled as he disappeared, and his voice echoed through the corridor.

ORPHEUS
Goodbye, Xena. And thank you.

Xena smiled and looked up as she heard Orpheus' voice before it faded away.

XENA
Hopefully now Orpheus can find peace now that Bacchus is finally gone.

GABRIELLE
Yeah I'm sure he will.

Xena felt Gabrielle wrap her arms around one of hers and looked at Gabrielle, who smiled at her as Xena's smile faded. Seeing Xena's reaction, Gabrielle became concerned that something was wrong.

GABRIELLE
What?

XENA
Gabrielle, are you feeling alright?

GABRIELLE
Yeah, why?

XENA
Because you're....