"You need to choose a champion. Someone who is willing and able to go through a test handed down by the judge."
Gabrielle spoke softly. "Does the person have to be alive?"
Caldonna shook her head.
"Anyone. They will be brought here and asked. They can choose not to do it. If they do, you cannot choose again."
Both Xena and Gabrielle spoke at the same time. Yet they said different names. Bryer and Ephiny both appeared. They looked at each other and then to Xena and Gabrielle. Then they moved to their friends. After they embraced a sadness fell on their faces.
Bryer was the first to respond.
"No, it can't be."
Ephiny realized what had happened.
"Xena, Gabrielle. How. When."
Gabrielle looked over to Caldonna. Caldonna was sitting on the log with her arms crossed.
"You were suppose to choose ONE champion. Not two."
Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other.
"So now what? I choose Bryer."
Xena piped in.
"I choose Ephiny because she's a warrior. No offence Bryer."
Bryer waved her off.
"None taken."
Gabrielle looked to Caldonna.
"I choose Bryer because she's been there for us. Not that you haven't Ephiny."
Ephiny waved off Gabrielle.
"I know Gabrielle."
Caldonna scratched her head, trying to think of what to do.
"Well I will have to appear again before the judge to see if he will allow it. Don't go anywhere. I'll return shortly."
With that Caldonna disappeared. As the four friends caught up on the events surounding them Caldonna reappeared. Before anything was said she was struck hard from behind. She was lifted in the air and thrown. She fell at the feet of the four women.
Bryer reached for her but before she could grab a hold Caldonna was dragged away. Caldonna made no sound of being in pain. She was punched, kicked and continually thrown from one spot to another. Before she was thrown for the last time the punisher appeared. It somewhat resembled the destroyer.
Gabrielle called out. "NO! Leave her alone!"
She tried to rush over to Caldonna but Xena held her back. It was gone. Caldonna lay in a heap. Bryer was the first to reach her. Ephiny grabed her feet and they carried her to the fire pit. Gabrielle began tending to her wounds without saying a word.
Caldonna spoke softly. "After I rest I'll take you to the judge. He'll allow the two champions. One has to make it through in order for you stay together. The other must win in order for you both to go back. If one fails you'll be seperated. If they both fail you all will go to Hades."
With that said she fell asleep. Bryer and Ephiny looked at each other and nodded. They walked off together to discuss things. Xena sighed heavily and wondered if it was worth it.
Gabrielle looked up and softly nodded.
"Yes. It is."
