XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS
"Death and Temptation"
TEASER
EXT. WOODS- NIGHT
Xena is looking down at Gabrielle. Her face is full of remorse as she views the tear streaks that glisten on the slumbering bard’s cheeks. She kneels down and tries to touch Gabrielle’s face, but her hand goes right through. She sighs.
XENA
Gabrielle, I’m so sorry it ended this way. I know you’re
hurting my friend and if there was anything I could do to
spare you this pain I would.
Xena pauses a moment as though she senses something, then stands and turns around quickly. She sees Michael the Archangel standing there. She frowns menacingly.
XENA
What do you want Michael?
MICHAEL
I see being dead hasn’t improved your disposition any.
Good to see you too, Xena.
Michael walks around Xena so he can better see Gabrielle. The woman twitches a little
in her sleep as though she is having a nightmare.
XENA
You didn’t answer my question.
She moves protectively between the Archangel and Gabrielle
MICHAEL
Well, you see Xena. Each night since your death, Gabrielle
has prayed to be reunited with you. My god is deciding
whether to grant her prayers or not.
Xena looks concerned and takes a step towards Michael.
XENA
Gabrielle is going to die?
Michael shakes his head and smiles at Gabrielle’s sleeping form.
MICHAEL
No. She’s too great a force for good to take her away from the
living right now.
XENA
So if Gabrielle isn’t going to be joining me in death, that would
mean…
MICHAEL
That you would be brought back to the living. Yes. It’s an
option we are considering. But the decision will be based
on you Xena.
XENA
Me? What do I have to do with this? And what about the
40,000 souls from Higuchi?
Michael walks past Xena and stands right next to Gabrielle.
MICHAEL
We will cross that bridge if and when we decide upon a
course of action that requires it. But first, I need to see if
you’re willing to do something for us. We don’t have
much time.
XENA
Hold on a second. You’re saying your god is thinking
of answering Gabrielle’s prayer to bring us back together,
but in order for him to do so, you need something from me?
MICHAEL
Yes. And the problem is, Gabrielle’s prayers have become more
urgent in recent days and we’re worried someone else may try to tempt
her into a deal of some sort.
XENA
Who would that be?
Michael looks at Xena, his face shows concern and disdain
MICHAEL
Lucifer. He’s still looking for a way to get revenge on you for
sending him to hell.
Xena’s focus goes from Michael to Gabrielle’s face.
XENA
What do you need me to do?
END OF TEASER
ACT I
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD-DAY
Gabrielle is traveling atop Argo Jr. she pats the horse’s neck affectionately.
GABRIELLE
Did you know your mom hated me? Okay, maybe not hate,
but we certainly didn’t get along those first few years. I remember
the first time I rode her, she wouldn’t listen to a thing I said…
Gabrielle’s reminiscing is interrupted when a young girl who looks about 12 runs up to her. The girl is out of breath from running and appears frightened.
GIRL
Please, help my family! They’re going to kill them.
Gabrielle dismounts from the horse and bends to the girl’s height.
GABRIELLE
Slow down. What’s wrong?
GIRL
Raiders, they’re attacking my parents. You have to help them.
Gabrielle climbs back into the saddle.
GABRIELLE
Okay. Stay here, and hide if anyone comes. I’ll be back to get you.
Gabrielle nudges the horse and gallops away down the road.
EXT. OUTSIDE HOUSE-DAY
Gabrielle rides up to the small house and sees three men loading up their horses. They see her and stop, drawing their weapons. Gabrielle removes the chakram from her belt and wings it. The weapon strikes the men’s swords and disarms them before ricocheting back to her. She catches the chakram. The men look at Gabrielle and then at 2 bodies that lay nearby, and decide they have what they came for so they flee on horeseback.
Gabrielle gets down from Argo Jr. and hurries over to the two bodies lying on the ground. One is male the other female. There is blood. Gabrielle bends and checks them, but there is nothing she can do for them, they are already dead. She walks over to Argo Jr. and removes a blanket from her bag and covers the couple with it.
GIRL <offscreen>
Mother, Father!
Gabrielle turns and sees the girl running towards her parents’ bodies. She stops the girl and holds her.
GABRIELLE
They’re gone. There’s nothing you could have done.
GIRL
No. They can’t be dead. I should have run faster, then
you could have saved them.
Gabrielle kneels and hugs the girl, trying to comfort her as she cries. Gabrielle strokes the girl’s hair in an attempt to sooth her.
GABRIELLE
What’s your name?
GIRL
Aleni.
GABRIELLE
That’s a very pretty name. I’m Gabrielle. <pauses a moment>
Aleni, is there anyone around here that can take care of you?
Aleni releases Gabrielle and dries her face with her sleeve. She glances past the bard at the two lumps under the blanket.
ALENI
No, not close by. I do have an aunt and uncle in a village
about 2 days from here though. Maybe you can take me
to them.
Aleni looks pleadingly at Gabrielle.
Gabrielle finally nods in agreement.
GABRIELLE
Okay. Why don’t you go inside and pack some things and I’ll take care of some stuff out here. She removes a shovel from a saddle bag in order to dig graves for Aleni’s parents.
Aleni smiles and almost skips into the house. Gabrielle looks puzzled by the girl’s sudden shift in behavior.
INT. HELL-DAY
In the shadows, Lucifer is sitting on his throne. The area is poorly lit by a few torches and pits of fire. Cries of pain and anguish can be heard from a distance. A man is standing before Lucifer, we see the man’s back. He is dressed in a Roman battle uniform.
LUCIFER
Is everything going as planned, Brutus?
Go to Brutus’ face.
BRUTUS
Yes. It’s as you said. Gabrielle has promised to take
the child to her family.
Lucifer laughs deeply.
LUCIFER
Very good. Xena might have escaped me, but I think
it’ll be a sweeter revenge to trap her soul mate
down here to suffer for eternity.
Brutus smiles as he nods his agreement.
BRUTUS
I can’t think of anything I’d rather see, my Lord.
LUCIFER
Make sure you keep an eye out for Michael and his do
gooders, they may try to interfere with our plans.
BRUTUS
I will. They won’t stop us. Gabrielle and Xena cannot be
allowed back together.
INT. HEAVEN- DAY
Xena stands with Michael and a few other Archangels. Xena is in a defensive posture, her face angry.
XENA
You want me to go up against Ares and kill him?
MICHAEL
Yes. It’s the only way, Xena. Ares is causing too much
hatred and death on Earth, he needs to be stopped.
Xena paces around the Archangels.
XENA
Okay. Then why don’t you take him out yourselves?
Raphael steps forward.
RAPHAEL
We can’t. That’s why we need your help. A mortal must be
the one to kill him.
Xena stops pacing and stares down the angel.
XENA
And there lies the problem. I am a mortal, or at least I would
be if you brought me back, and Ares is a god Exactly how do
you expect me to kill him?
MICHAEL
We would be willing to return to you the power to kill gods,
temporarily of course, if you agree.
XENA
So, if I agree to this plan. You’ll give me back the power to
kill gods. I kill Ares and then what?
MICHAEL
Then you can go back to your life with Gabrielle.
Xena pauses in thought.
XENA
And the souls from Higuchi?
MICHAEL
They will be taken care of. You have my word.
Xena turns on Michael angrily.
XENA
Your word? You tried to kill my daughter, Eve, and then me.
Do you really expect me to just take your word for this?
Michael is losing patience. He sighs.
MICHAEL
Xena, the choice is yours. Either do what we have asked or don’t.
I should warn you, however, that Gabrielle’s soul may be dependant
on that choice. The other side doesn’t always play fair, and Gabrielle’s emotional state is pretty unstable right now. She’s desperate to get you back.
Xena sets her jaw. She knows Michael is right, but she hates being forced into helping him.
XENA
Okay. I’ll do it.
END OF ACT I
ACT II
EXT. WOODS-NIGHT
It is dark except for the campfire Gabrielle and Aleni are sitting next to.
Aleni looks up at Gabrielle, her face lit by the light of the fire.
ALENI
Have you ever lost anyone you loved?
GABRIELLE-nodding
Yes. I have.
ALENI
Have you thought about what you’d do to get that person back?
Gabrielle frowns, not quite sure what the girl is asking her.
GABRIELLE
What do you mean?
Aleni scuffs her feet in the dirt a little. She appears nervous.
ALENI
Umm. I don’t know. Like would you cut off one of your fingers if it
would bring them back?
This wasn’t something Gabrielle was expecting and the conversation unnerves her a little. Aleni looks at her waiting for an answer.
GABRIELLE
Yes. I would cut off a finger if I could get Xena back.
Aleni appears to muse this over for a moment.
ALENI
Would you kill yourself if it meant you and Xena could be
together again?
Gabrielle has had enough of this morbid conversation.
GABRIELLE
It’s late, Aleni, and we need to get up early
tomorrow. We should get some sleep.
ALENI
Okay, Gabrielle. Good night.
Aleni curls up on her sleeping fur. Gabrielle remains in a seated position. She appears deep in thought as she stares into the fire.
EXT. SANDYPATH-DAY
Michael and Xena are standing together on the sand filled path. Neither appears especially comfortable being there.
MICHAEL
Ares is building an army just South of here. He’s planning
to conquer the whole area. I’m sure he’d be more than
happy to have you back on his side.
XENA
Oh yeah, it’ll be just like old times. (takes a threatening
step towards the Archangel) Now you’d better look after Gabrielle,
cause if anything happens to her, nothing will stop me from
destroying you, Michael.
Michael tries not to react to Xena’s threat, but it is evident he’s worried.
MICHAEL
Don’t worry about Gabrielle, Xena. We’ll see she’s safe.
And as soon as you finish this task you’ll be able to take
care of her yourself. I think you might want this.
He hands Xena her "old" chakram.
The Archangel disappears leaving Xena alone. The warrior princess hooks the chakram to her belt and begins walking towards the camp. She stops. Ares materializes before her. The man looks Xena up and down.
ARES
I heard you were dead.
XENA
Yeah, well things change.
ARES
So I see. So why are you here, Xena? Planning on stopping
my war?
Xena steps closer to Ares and runs a finger down his bared chest.
XENA
Actually I thought I might join in on the activities.
Been a while since I had a good, bloody battle.
Ares looks at her skeptically, but is enjoying her attentions.
ARES
And what about Gabrielle? You know, the irritating blond
who convinced you to take the path of right and justice.
Xena smiles wickedly at Ares and raises an eyebrow
XENA
Well, like I said, things change. I see now that I can’t deny
the darkness in me. It’s just too much fun to give into it .
So here I am. Do you want my help or not?
Ares appears to consider this a moment before a broad grin appears on his face.
ARES
Welcome back, Xena.
END OF ACT II
ACT III
EXT: CAMPSITE-NEAR SUNRISE
Gabrielle is lying on her bedroll next to the campfire, which is burning dimly. Dawn is beginning to break. She suddenly opens her eyes when she hears a voice calling her name. Gabrielle looks over at Aleni, but the girl is missing. The voice gets louder.
VOICE<offscreen>
Gabrielle.
Gabrielle stands and walks into the nearby woods trying to find where the voice is coming from. She spots a glowing light behind some bushes and when she approaches, she sees Xena standing there. She rushes over and embraces her.
GABRIELLE
Xena, I’ve missed you so much.
Xena smiles sadly as she holds Gabrielle.
XENA
I know. Not a minute goes by that I don’t think about you,
Gabrielle. It’s so lonely here without you. I just wish we
could be together again.
Gabrielle releases her grip on Xena and she gazes up at her friend. Gabrielle’s face is streaked with tears. Xena brushes a teardrop from Gabrielle’s face.
GABRIELLE
There has to be a way, Xena. I’ll never give up hope, we will
be together.
Xena shakes her head slowly.
XENA
I wish that were true, Gabrielle. But you know I can’t come
back to the living. So the only way that would happen would
be if…
Gabrielle looks down at the ground dejectedly.
GABRIELLE <finishing Xena’s sentence>
If I were to die and join you in the afterlife.
Xena nods in agreement and places a hand on Gabrielle’s shoulder.
XENA
And I couldn’t ask that of you no matter how lonely I am
here without you. <pause> I have to go now, Gabrielle.
Gabrielle reaches out and grabs Xena’s arm.
GABRIELLE
No. Please, just a little longer. Don’t leave me again, Xena.
Xena leans in and places a kiss on the top of Gabrielle’s head.
XENA
I’m sorry, Gabrielle. I have to. I wish you could join me.
Xena takes a step back from Gabrielle and disappears.
Gabrielle stares at the spot a long moment, a despondent look fills her face.
CUT TO:
EXT. WOODS- SUNRISE
Xena appears and Brutus walks over to join her. He has a look of apprehension on his face.
BRUTUS
How did it go?
Xena morphs into Aleni, who is smiling broadly.
ALENI
This is going to be too easy. Gabrielle is so devoted to Xena I
think she’s already considering killing herself to join her friend
in death. I think one more visit from Xena and she’ll be ours.
Brutus relaxes a little at the good news and smiles.
BRUTUS
Excellent. I shall inform Lucifer of your progress. Now you’d
better get back before Gabrielle wonders where you’ve gone.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. LARGE TENT-DAY
Xena is standing by a wooden table that holds a map of the area. Ares is next to her pointing to a spot on the map.
ARES
We just need to position our army here to cut off our opponent’s
path of retreat and they’ll be ours to destroy.
Xena nods and moves closer to Ares.
XENA
Sounds like a solid plan to me. Now how about we forget about
this war stuff until tomorrow. I’d like a little quality time alone with
you, if you know what I mean.
Xena slides a finger down the side of Ares’ face seductively.
ARES
Oh yeah. I think can be arranged.
Xena turns from the god of war and walks towards the exit.
XENA
Good, I know the perfect place.
EXT. Campsite-Day
Gabrielle and Aleni are packing up their gear and stowing it in Argo Jr.’s saddlebags.
Gabrielle glances over at her young companion.
GABRIELLE
I can’t believe you got lost finding somewhere to use the bathroom.
Aleni shrugs and smiles.
ALENI
Yeah. It’s not hard for me. I have a terrible sense of direction.
Gabrielle climbs onto the horse and holds her hand out to Aleni
and pulls her up so the child sits behind her.
GABRIELLE
Then I guess it’s a good thing I know where we’re going then.
Argo Jr. begins sauntering down the path. Aleni glances around the area as she holds onto Gabrielle’s waist.
ALENI
So did you and Xena use to ride together like this?
Gabrielle stiffens at the comment, the morning encounter with her soul mate still fresh in her mind. Though she still wonders if it was real or some sort of hallucination.
GABRIELLE
Yes, a few times. I usually liked to walk though.
ALENI
You must have loved her a lot.
GABRIELLE
Yes. I still do.
Aleni smiles wickedly knowing she’s upsetting Gabrielle with the conversation, but continues feigning innocence at the hurt she’s causing.
ALENI
But Xena’s dead, right? How can you still love her if
she’s not here anymore?
Gabrielle shifts uncomfortably in the saddle.
GABRIELLE
Xena may not be with me in the physical sense, but she will
always be in my heart.
ALENI
Yeah. But wouldn’t you rather be able to touch her? To talk to her and have her answer back?
GABRIELLE
Of course. But that’s not possible, so I just have to keep
hold of my memories of Xena.
Aleni leans in closer to Gabrielle.
ALENI
I’ve heard of this place, not far from here, that you can speak
with your dead loved ones. We can go there if you want and
you can talk to Xena.
Gabrielle shakes her head.
GABRIELLE
I don’t know. I really should get you to your uncle’s.
ALENI
I bet Xena would love to talk to you. I bet she misses you a whole lot.
Gabrielle closes her eyes at this comment. She didn’t want to think about how lonely and sad Xena had sounded during their morning conversation. Reopens her eyes.
GABRIELLE
Maybe a quick stop there wouldn’t hurt.
Aleni looks like the cat who just swallowed the canary.
END OF ACT III
ACT IV
INT. TOMB-LIKE CAVE-DAY
Xena and Ares are inside a darkened cave. There are torches scattered around that give some light. There is a stone sarcophagus in the room that sits before a large stone structure that is in the shape of a skull. On the top of the skull is a gold, metallic, eye shaped object that has a red, glowing circle in the center where a pupil would be.
Ares takes a closer look at the sarcophagus and frowns when he notices the top is carved with his likeness.
ARES
The Eye of Hephaestus? What’s going on here Xena? Why’d
you bring me here?
Xena motions around the tomb like a tour guide.
XENA
You know Hephaestus made all of this just for you, Ares. I
figured the least we could do was come see it.
Ares appears angered by this. He clenches his jaw.
ARES
What are you up to, Xena? Remember, you gave me
back my godhood. You can’t do anything to me now.
He smiles cockily as he removes his sword.
ARES (cont.)
But if you’d like to try.
Xena smiles as she removes her own sword from its scabbard and the pair begin battling each other. The sound of metal hitting metal echoes through the tomb as the swords clash. Xena dodges one of Ares’ blows and swings her sword, knocking Ares’ sword to the ground and cutting his arm in the process. She raises the sword to his heart.
Ares glances down at the cut and the blood seeping from it. He appears confused and shocked by this new development.
ARES
But how? You lost the power to kill gods.
Xena shrugs noncommittally.
XENA
Let’s just say there are certain people who would give
anything to see you out of the way, Ares. Even restore
my power to kill gods.
ARES
You weren’t able to bring yourself to kill me before, Xena.
What makes you think you can do it now?
Xena unhooks her chakram with one hand while she keeps her sword on Ares.
XENA
Well if I kill you, I get to return to the living, to Gabrielle.
Ares face twists at that name.
ARES
If it wasn’t for me, Gabrielle would have died on Mount Olympus.
I’m the one who brought her back.
XENA
I know that, Ares. Which is why I’m not going to kill you.
She launches the chakram and it bounces around off the tomb walls, then the Eye of Hephaestus. The chakram breaks into two pieces, one gets lodged in a far wall, but the other half connects with Ares’ head. He falls back into the sarcophagus and Xena quickly closes the top, trapping the god of war in the coffin.
Xena grabs from the ground the chakram half that hit Ares and rushes to exit the tomb as the heavy, stone doors have began to close. She rolls under the door just before it closes, barely escaping being trapped with Ares.
Xena yells for Michael. The archangel appears and looks at the broken chakram in Xena’s hand.
MICHAEL
So your task is complete.
Xena is anxious to get back to Gabrielle.
XENA
Yes. Ares won’t be causing any more problems. Now I
want to see Gabrielle.
MICHAEL
Of course.
Michael moves his hand and they both disappear.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. Rocky path-Day
Gabrielle and Aleni are still riding the horse. They are traveling down a rocky path. There are mountains in the distance.
ALENI
It’s probably better if you go the rest of the way by yourself,
Gabrielle. It’s just at the end of this path.
GABRIELLE
Okay.
Gabrielle gets down from Argo Jr. and then helps Aleni off the horse.
ALENI
I’ll keep an eye on the horse for you.
Gabrielle nods and heads down the path on foot. She travels a sort distance when she comes to the end of the path, it’s a cliff edge, with a sheer drop that goes down into pitch darkness. You cannot see the bottom. Gabrielle stares down into the abyss trying to decide what to say.
GABRIELLE
Xena. I don’t know if you can hear me or not, but I just want
to know that you’re okay. I miss you so much, sometimes I
wish someone would end my life so I can be with you.
ALENI AS XENA <offscreen>
Sometimes we have to take things into our own hands.
Gabrielle turns to find Xena standing there. She can’t help but smile upon seeing her soul mate. Xena holds her hand out for Gabrielle to take. She does.
ALENI AS XENA
Do you trust me Gabrielle?
Gabrielle focuses on Xena’s face. Xena has a concerned look on her face.
GABRIELLE
Absolutely.
ALENI AS XENA
Then come with me Gabrielle. Stop all the pain and hurt
you’re feeling.We can be together for all of eternity. You’ll
never be alone again.
Gabrielle’s attention switches from Xena to the drop and then back to Xena.
GABRIELLE
I don’t know if I can Xena. There still might be a way to bring
you back to the living.
Xena takes Gabrielle’s smaller hand in her larger ones and brings them up to her chest in a pleading gesture.
ALENI AS XENA
Please, Gabrielle. Do it for me then. I don’t want to go on another day
without you. The loneliness is unbearable for me. Please.
Gabrielle pauses in thought a long moment, Xena’s words cutting through her soul.
GABRIELLE
If this is the only way.
Xena smiles as she takes one of her hands away from Gabrielle’s. They face the edge holding hands and begin to step towards the edge. Gabrielle closes her eyes as she’s about to step off into the abyss but hesitates at the last minute.
XENA <Offscreen> voice full of panic
Gabrielle! No!
Gabrielle stops short and turns her head. She sees Xena standing there. She looks over at the person holding her hand and also sees Aleni. Gabrielle releases the girl’s hand and backs away not sure what is going on.
Michael appears next to Xena. He sees Aleni and knows she is one of Lucifer’s disciples.
MICHAEL
Back to hell with you demon; tell Lucifer he’s failed.
Aleni morphs from a young girl to a hideous demon with leathery wings.
ALENI
You haven’t heard the last of us.
Demon Aleni jumps down into the abyss and disappears.
Gabrielle is in shock over what’s going on. Her attention goes from Michael to Xena. She is hesitant to believe that this woman is actually her Xena after what she just witnessed with Aleni.
GABRIELLE
Are…Are you really Xena?
Xena smiles at Gabrielle and nods.
XENA
It’s really me, Gabrielle. You didn’t think I’d stay dead for
good did you?
Gabrielle rushes forward and wraps her arms around Xena.
GABRIELLE
I knew you’d come back. I prayed we would be together again.
Xena holds Gabrielle and looks over her head at Michael. Who nods and then vanishes.
XENA
I know. Thank you for not giving up hope, Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
Xena, nothing will ever separate us again.
Xena rests her cheek against Gabrielle’s head as she continues to hold her.
XENA
Neither heaven nor hell could tear me away from you, Gabrielle.
FADE OUT
THE END