X.W.P. 3257: WORST CASE SCENARIO

FULL STORY CORRECTED

Ch.1

NARRATOR

In a time of ancient Gods, Warlords, and Kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero.

There was a low growl directed at the screen.

NARRATOR

She was Xena, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle. The power. The passion.

An exaggerated eye roll was given as "the passion" images played.

NARRATOR

The danger. Her courage will change the world.

The scene faded to black as the unhappy viewer looked away from the hologram being played above, quickly chugged down the rest of her drink, and put the glass back on the counter as she stood up. She walked towards the door, passing the bartender.

BARTENDER

Leaving already, Xena? Weren't you waiting for someone?

XENA

Apparently, they're not showing up.

Xena pulled a small card out of her jeans back pocket and tossed it on the counter.

XENA

Here, this should cover my tab. There's a little extra there, too. So if you see anything, give me a call.

BARTENDER

I always do. Got any fun plans tonight?

XENA

(Joking) That depends on her mood.

The bartender chuckled as Xena headed out the door, giving a quick wave. Xena stepped outside into the night. She looked up for a moment, feeling the light drizzle of rain as it hit her forearm.

XENA

(Thinking to herself sarcastically) Ah, yes, more rain. One of the many enduring qualities of this crappy city.

Xena returned her head to its normal position and walked across the street to her car and got in. She quietly drove for a while through the city as she thought to herself.

XENA

(Thinking to herself) No matter how many lifetimes I see, and let's face it, at this point it's been far too many to count, there's always evil lurking around out there. And it just keeps seeming to get worse and worse each time. And throughout the centuries, it's only become smarter, more sophisticated, better at remaining hidden. But now here I am in the year 3257 A.D., and for some reason in this city it's different. Evil just happens out in the open, and it's become so bad that it's just seen as being an unfortunate normality of life. I thought coming here was an opportunity to do some real good. But after living in this hellscape of a city for so long and seeing that no matter how many of the scumbags I put away, nothing ever seems to change. I sometimes seriously question my sanity for coming here in the first place. And even more so when I think about why I still stay.

Xena sighed as she continued her commute. Not too much later, she pulled up to an apartment building. After turning off the car and grabbing her things, Xena got out of her car and shut the door. Locking the doors as she walked up the steps to the front door and went inside. She got to her apartment and opened the door. As she walked in, Xena was greeted with a smiling face. The face of the one who always made all of Xena's worries and troubles melt away. And made everything she did all seem worth it. If it meant that she could make the world outside just a little bit better for her.