JUST ONE BITE

pt.20

Like a wild animal going after it's prey, in an untamed Bacchae frenzy, Xena brought her fangs towards Joxer's neck. Joxer screamed as he did everything he could to hold Xena back, who had pounced on top of him. He tried to push her back, but Xena ended up clawing at him with her now much longer nails thaty more resembled claws at that point. As Joxer's arms became scratched up, several of the claw marks began to bleed, which only served to propel Xena further into her bloodlust. All the while, Joxer yelled as he frantically tried to protect himself from becoming Xena's next meal.

JOXER
(Panicked tone) Ah, Xena no. Gabrielle help!

Gabrielle quickly rushed over with her staff and smacked in across Xena's back. Xena didn't even register that she'd been hit as she continued to try biting Joxer. As Joxer continued to yell, Gabrielle swung her staff again. This time catching Xena on the shoulder. While the hit was hard enough this time to get Xena's attention momentarily, she simply swiped her arm and knocked Gabrielle back as she immediately returned her focus on Joxer. As she did, Xena pinned his arms down and held his head to the side. She beared her fangs and went for the bite, but she was suddenly stopped as Gabrielle jumped on her tried to physically pull Xena back. Which wasn't exactly an easy feat normally due to the difference in their overall body types, but at that point was made all the more difficult with the additional power Xena was getting from her fully awakened Bacchae state. Even so, Gabrielle was determined to do everything she possibly could to stop Xena from killing Joxer. For not only Joxer's sake but Xena's as well. Because Gabrielle knew that Xena would never forgive herself if she regained her senses and learned that she had killed Joxer. Who though a bit annoying and goofy at points was still a really good friend to both of them. And just a good person in general.

GABRIELLE
Xena you have to snap out of it! Xena!

Gradually, Gabrielle managed to pull Xena back enough for Joxer to get his arms free. He held Xena back as he pushed himself backwards from under her. Then with an angry hiss, Xena threw Gabrielle off of her and stood up. Seeing her rise, Joxer frantically scrambled to his feet and began to run. But Xena wasn't about to let him escape and flew after him. Meanwhile, Gabrielle got up and hurried to Argo. As Gabrielle rushed to her without Xena, the mare could sense that something was wrong. She snorted and stepped in place as Gabrielle went through their packs that were attached to Argo's saddle. After a moment, Gabrielle pulled out a small container of blood and climbed onto Argo's saddle. Usually Gabrielle wasn't too comfortable riding by herself, but at the moment that was the furthest thing from her mind as she got Argo into an immediate gallop and went after Joxer and Xena. On horseback Gabrielle caught up fast as joxer tried desperately to out run Xena. Which given that she was flying simply wasn't possible. Xena closed in as Joxer yelled and Gabrielle urged Argo to go faster. The horse galloped as Gabrielle rode right up alongside Xena and got a nervous pit in her stomach as she thought of what she was about to do. But she knew there wasn't any other option and took a deep breath as she then dove from Argo's back and tackled Xena to the ground. The two tumbled a bit and Gabrielle dropped the bottle as it landed in the grass, thankfully unbroken. Once coming to a stop, Gabrielle scrambled for the small container as Xena got up. Her Bacchae side now furious that it was being denied what she craved. She turned her attention to Gabrielle as an animalistic growl came from her throat. Gabrielle felt a chill run down her spine as she suddenly sensed imminent danger and looked back to see Xena now stalking her. Knowing she was in serious trouble, Gabrielle quickly rushed to get the container of blood. She dove and went to grab it, but Xena was too fast. She caught Gabrielle by the ankle and dragged her back towards her. Gabrielle rolled over as she came face to face with Xena's full Bacchae form. Her eyes wild and hungry. Her fangs fully in view as she hissed in anger. As terrified as Gabrielle was, she pushed down her fear as she slowly and cautiously reached up and gently brought her hand to Xena's cheek.