by
Editor
Bleu Gato
Xena: Warrior Princess is copyright MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. All original content of Xena: Warrior Princess 2.0 is copyrighted by the author and is not to be used or modified without permission. All rights reserved.
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TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. WILDERNESS CAMP EVENING
The fire is greedily devouring the wood and soup is bubbling away in the pot. Xena is relaxing on her back and Gabrielle is finishing doing Xena's armor set, working on greaves last, other done pieces set around her, including her own. Xena sits up. Gabrielle looks at her.
GABRIELLE
Almost done. Practice before dinner?
XENA
Something different tonight; that last resort I told you about earlier. It has been a month since your injury. You up for this?
Gabrielle, suspiciously
GABRIELLE
Depends what that this is.
XENA
Wrestling but with benefits.
GABRIELLE
For you. Anything to cop a feel, huh Xena?
Xena, smiling
XENA
You know me and bards.
GABRIELLE
You are not allowed anywhere near them?
XENA
True.
Gabrielle, dramatically
GABRIELLE
The sacrifices I make for you. So we are clear: you get grabby, I stab.
XENA
It is more dangerous to practice with you than actual combat.
GABRIELLE
Good. Keep that thought foremost in your warlord scheming mind.
Xena raises both hands in surrender.
XENA
Fair enough. Say you are facing a bigger, stronger and smarter opponent in armor and he has you down. You can't reach for blade to slip between the armor. Or you have no weapon or are injured and same is about to start cutting your hide. Olympic wresting practiced in Greece is concerned with throwing your opponent to the ground three separate times. Standard fighting includes ground work with a blade. Neither will save you.
Gabrielle nods in understanding.
GABRIELLE
Life or death. What do I do?
XENA
This is strictly one on one. It is about leverage and technique; grappling and ground fighting with dirty fighting thrown in. Joint-locks break down the body, chokes and strangulations take the consciousness away. There is no winner; you destroy your opponent and walk away; they don't.
Gabrielle finishes her chore and sets the greaves down. Xena stands up.
XENA
Gabrielle, learn and survive. For us.
Gabrielle, determined
GABRIELLE
I am not going to be the weak link on this team. Teach me.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS CAMP EARLY MORNING
Hercules makes his way thru the forest towards the clearing where Xena is. Xena is sitting by the fire, cleaning and oiling her sword after practice. Hercules steps out into the clearing.
HERCULES
Hello Xena.
XENA
Don't move.
HERCULES
You are one of the good guys, no worries.
XENA
No, not me. A bard is about to put an arrow thru one of your extremities. And if you get frisky, she might put one somewhere vital.
Hercules, looking around, question in his voice
HERCULES
Gabrielle?
XENA
Out hunting for breakfast. She probably thinks you are here to take me in.
Xena scans the trees and gives a signal in the general direction Gabrielle is likely to be lurking about. Bird call comes back from opposite side and a sound of laughter that fades quickly.
Xena, appreciatively
XENA
Sneaky.
Xena, to Hercules
XENA
No fear of becoming food for you now.
Hercules, fascinated
HERCULES
What's her story?
XENA
My friend; what Iolaus is to you. The official story not the rumors.
HERCULES
You wait, keep traveling with Gabrielle and see what the gossip says.
XENA
Fine by me.
XERCULES
You have changed.
Xena nods.
Xena, uncomfortably
XENA
Iolaus?
Hercules, seriously
HERCULES
Does not forgive you.
XENA
Another enemy in a sea full of them.
HERCULES
The old Xena died with Tracus; tales travel fast. I heard of Gabrielle's battle in slave pens. Word is she caught the eye of quite a few Gods and a sword of one.
Xena, fondly
XENA
Gabrielle is special.
Hercules catches the tone and a small smile plays on his lips.
HERCULES
How bad is it?
Xena, admitting
XENA
Gabrielle's will.
Hercules, stunned
HERCULES
Let it not be known that you do things halfway. And her?
XENA
Aphrodite can be cruel.
HERCULES
I asked, but why tell me?
XENA
I now understand you.
HERCULES
The irony of life.
Silence falls for a while.
XENA
How did you find us?
HERCULES
Hermes keeps an eye on major players and rising talent for all sides. The Gods do love their games with the mortals.
XENA
You would know.
Hercules, sadly
HERCULES
Yes, that I do.
XENA
You are welcome to join us once the hunter of Potidaea comes back. There is a reason you tracked us down. In fact, I am surprised. Our last meeting was not pleasant for you.
Hercules, bad memories resurfacing, wearily
HERCULES
Death, pain and screaming. Yes, things can only improve.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. WILDERNESS CAMP MORNING
Hercules is helping Gabrielle with cooking, while Xena watches impatiently and hungrily.
Xena, grumbling
XENA
Two cooks do not make things go faster.
Gabrielle, teasing
GABRIELLE
They do seem to annoy you twice as fast so it is all good.
Hercules, piling on
Real heroes cook their own food.
Xena, testily
XENA
Real heroes with a mouth on them who are not Gabrielle get their jaw broken.
Gabrielle, happily
GABRIELLE
Woo, I am a real hero. And insulted, but I will take it.
Gabrielle suddenly launches herself at Xena, who barely has time to bring her hands up before she is down on her back with Gabrielle on top. Hercules can't believe what he is seeing and just stares at them.
GABRIELLE
We have a guest and you will behave.
To Hercules' astonishment Xena makes no move to defend herself or fight back. She in fact seems fine with this.
XENA
You are welcome to jump on me anytime.
GABRIELLE
Walked into this one, didn't I?
XENA
Leaped. Stay a while, I like the view.
Gabrielle laughs and gets off, returning to cooking. Xena remains lying down, relaxed.
HERCULES
You are the first person to live thru that.
GABRIELLE
You mean people hop on Xena all the time?
HERCULES
They stopped after the first three were killed.
GABRIELLE
The first time I hugged her I was not sure if she was going to slug me. Now you have to pry her away from me with a staff.
XENA
Hercules, ask her what happens to people who invade Gabrielle's personal space. They spring leaks. The woman is a bladed porcupine.
HERCULES
I feel the love in this camp; and something else. Both of you stay away from me.
Gabrielle, to Xena
GABRIELLE
Isn't courage required in a hero?
XENA
Iolaus isn't here.
HERCULES
Hey, two on one.
GABRIELLE
I had a dream like that once.
XENA
Was Hercules in it?
GABRIELLE
Not unless he was wearing a dress. But Autolycus was.
XENA
Was he one of the two?
GABRIELLE
Weirdly enough, he was part of his own party.
XENA
You have crowded dreams. Or into spectators. Do I watch?
GABRIELLE
No. Now Hercules will be in them too.
Hercules is lost but this he can follow.
Hercules, smiling
HERCULES
You tease, but you will dream about me.
GABRIELLE
Not in the way you think or hope
Xena, to Gabrielle, curious
XENA
Do I participate?
Gabrielle, grinning
GABRIELLE
Define participate.
XENA
Bed Olympics.
GABRIELLE
You are not entered but you crash the event.
XENA
Original three?
Gabrielle, mischievously
GABRIELLE
Innkeeper.
Hercules scratches his head.
Hercules, confused
HERCULES
Do you realize no one can follow your conversation?
Xena, to Gabrielle
XENA
Point for you.
Xena, to Hercules
XENA
I think you party with Autolycus.
Gabrielle, to Hercules
GABRIELLE
Autolycus is big on sharing clothes.
Gabrielle, to Xena
GABRIELLE
I win.
Hercules gives up on talking. He gets up and walks off, muttering unintelligibly under his breath.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST MIDMORNING
Xena, Gabrielle and Hercules finish packing and set out. Xena is leading Argo.
XENA
Where we going?
HERCULES
Zeus punished Prometheus the Titan for helping humanity one time too many. He shackled him to the rock on Vulcan and I can break those but there is a problem.
GABRIELLE
Bet there is a monster; there is always a monster with you.
Hercules, admitting sheepishly
HERCULES
Titan sized eagle that tears out and eats Prometheus' liver each day as punishment. It grows back; the liver does.
XENA
Creative.
GABRIELLE
I am developing a dislike for the Gods. Ever used animals in torture?
XENA
Snakes.
Hercules, uncomfortable
HERCULES
I rather not know.
Xena, factually
XENA
Gabrielle, I tortured him.
Gabrielle locks eyes with Hercules and he blinks.
Hercules, guessing
HERCULES
The gift?
GABRIELLE
I see the darkness in your soul. Xena put it there, didn't she?
Hercules, with heavy heart
HERCULES
I did.
XENA
She does not know. Hercules, I have to be the one to tell her.
HERCULES
I forgive you Xena; this is genuine and comes from the heart. I am happy that you found peace and purpose. Does Gabrielle need to know the past?
GABRIELLE
There are no secrets between us.
Xena, sadly
XENA
The past does not seek vengeance on me alone; it now thirsts for her blood as well.
Hercules, sympathizing
HERCULES
They come for those we love and care about.
XENA
Yes ...
Gabrielle, nonchalantly
GABRIELLE
They can have Xena.
XENA
Wench.
HERCULES
Or not.
XENA
I say we sacrifice Gabrielle to the bird and free Prometheus when it is busy gnawing on the bard.
HERCULES
Can't. Hero code.
GABRIELLES
Score one for honor. I have a new champion.
XENA
What's wrong with the old one?
GABRIELLE
Few things. I am keeping both; for now.
XENA
I am not the one who ended up on the sacrificial altar.
GABRIELLE
I have a sneaking suspicion that you did.
XENA
Technically, I was on top of you so there was not altar to Xena contact.
HERCULES
This I have to hear.
GABRIELLE
And the truth comes out. Later.
XENA
Right. Where do we come in this current tale?
Hercules, convincingly
HERCULES
Artemis knows talent and Gabrielle is it. I need a master archer.
Gabrielle, inquiringly
GABRIELLE
Doesn't she prefer virgins?
Xena, smiling
XENA
From what I hear of Artemis, they don't stay that way long. Gabrielle, she is the Goddess of the Amazons for a reason.
GABRIELLE
Are we ever visiting?
XENA
No, too much temptation for you.
Hercules catches on quickly.
Hercules, interested
HERCULES
Do go on.
Gabrielle, innocently
GABRIELLE
Meet some fellow sisters, exchange cooking tips, have a chat or two about girl stuff, that sort of thing.
Xena, knowingly
XENA
Whole lot more than that will be exchanged No.
Gabrielle, disappointed
GABRIELLE
Back to heroic then. Why me?
HERCULES
Eagle grabs and eagle drops. As deaths go, this one is near the top in sheer seconds of terror before meeting Charon.
XENA
You want her to kill a diving eagle the size of a Titan?
Hercules, admitting
HERCULES
There is that.
GABRIELLE
That's not a plan, that's a trip to Hades.
Xena, to Hercules
XENA
You have an idea?
HERCULES
The eagle postures mere seconds before the strike and the body is in perfect alignment for that one lucky shot. Or in Gabrielle's case, easy drachmas.
GABRIELLE
Danger, adventure and I'm a sucker for complement. I'm in. Xena, say yes.
XENA
I don't like it and I will be next to you to get you out of the way the moment you release the arrow. Yes.
Hercules, suddenly concerned and suspicious of their motives
HERCULES
Wait, that was too easy. What's the catch?
GABRIELLE
Backup plan?
XENA
Hercules stands behind us and jumps on eagle's leg. He climbs to the neck and strangles the bird. Survive the crash and walk away. Tip: aim for water.
HERCULES
You had me up to the boarding part.
GABRIELLE
Say I pierce the heart
XENA
Hercules shields us from impact with his body. Go brawny demigod shoulders.
Hercules sighs.
Hercules, wistfully
HERCULES
I see a whole lot of pain in my future. So much for improvement.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST LATE MORNING
Xena is walking back with Argo, deep in thought. Gabrielle and Hercules are ahead talking.
GABRIELLE
How was she when you met her?
Hercules, truthfully
HERCULES
Desperate. Even the best run out of second chances and she was years past that point. She was drowning and she knew it.
GABRIELLE
And the heroes?
HERCULES
We let nature take its course; the villains eat their own. Backstabs, poisonings, assassinations, the stay at the top is brief. She and hers survived somehow and we heroes fight alone or with sidekicks; not our job to go against warlord armies. Not until Xena and you took up that banner. They call you the scourge of warlords, you know that?
GABRIELLE
As name calling goes I will take it.
Hercules, speculatively
HERCULES
The rumor is you turned into a giant and crushed Hesiot and his men. Another has you become Xena in Tracus.
Gabrielle, indignant
GABRIELLE
How come the peace loving and defender of good bard gets the bloody rumors and Xena the warmonger gets the romantic ones?
Hercules, teasing
HERCULES
Conquer Xena and they will start singing of heart breaker Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
They already do. I had to fight off marriage and unrequited love from Gods and men. And Xena.
HERCULES
A burden many would carry willingly.
GABRIELLE
Until Xena's past shows up and gets stab happy.
HERCULES
There is that. So Xena
They don't notice Xena lengthening her strides, bringing her closer to the two walking in front.
Gabrielle, thoughtfully
GABRIELLE
When you are forsaken and cursed, no respite in the present, and no hope of a future, the first ray of light is mistaken for something else. To have someone accept you when nobody will is life changing. I admit my motives were not completely pure, but my heart was in the right place. I reached out to Xena because I sensed a soul in need of unconditional love, a soul in need of healing. She thought it was different sort and convinced herself of it. We cling to our illusions.
HERCULES
Yes Have you told her?
GABRIELLE
Hercules, we are talking about Xena. The woman is more stubborn than me and I am a mule.
HERCULES
Separation is out of the question?
GABRIELLE
We are both past that point. It's complicated.
HERCULES
Do you think ?
Gabrielle, with great sadness
GABRIELLE
No.
HERCULES
I'm sorry. Ever? Leave or other.
GABRIELLE
No.
Hercules, worried
HERCULES
Gabrielle, there is something you not telling me that is binding you two together.
Hercules stops and faces her, taking her hands in his.
Hercules, swearing
HERCULES
If it be in my power or ability, a favor I can call on, a sacrifice, anything, just ask. What was done can be undone.
Xena steps between them, tearing their hands apart. She appears silently and suddenly, preoccupied as they both are. She turns to Hercules and her demeanor and look is one of rage. Stark madness burns in her eyes. Gabrielle thinks quickly and wraps her arms around Xena, keeping her away from Hercules.
Gabrielle, commanding
GABRIELLE
Hercules, walk back there with Argo. Move.
Hercules does not think twice, he heads back to where Argo was left behind and takes the lead rope. Gabrielle turns Xena to face forward and gives her a little push.
Gabrielle, firmly
GABRIELLE
Walk. Please.
Xena starts off and Gabrielle falls in to her side. They walk a bit in silence.
XENA
That was close.
GABRIELLE
Xena, he meant well. He does not understand but his instinct is to help; it's who he is. This is not you trying to isolate me, leaving you as the only option?
Gabrielle looks over and Xena looks away.
Gabrielle, sighing
GABRIELLE
Thought so. What am I going to do with you?
XENA
Anything you want.
GABRIELLE
Stop threatening my friends.
Xena, apologetically
XENA
Lot's going thru my mind. Not good for me to be dwelling on the past.
Gabrielle, guessing
GABRIELLE
Hercules?
XENA
Iolaus couldn't forgive. Does Hercules really?
GABRIELLE
Yes. I think, deep down, he needed me but he wanted you. To confirm to himself that he made the right choice. Xena, whatever happened between you, he feels greatly responsible and believes it was his fault. Seeing you now does good for his soul. Part of that guilt he is carrying is lifting with each hour he spends with you. Don't scare him away.
Xena, remembering
XENA
Gabrielle, I decided last year that both Hercules and Iolaus were going to die. Warlord Xena and no you to stop me. Then I made it happen.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. WILDERNESS ROAD LAST WINTER/EARLY EVENING
Iolaus is heading down the road to the nearest village, the arranged rendezvous point with Hercules. He is stepping lively, looking forward to another adventure. Ahead, a figure steps out onto road in the dying light of the day. A woman clad in armor holding a chakram in her hand. Iolaus stops and Xena slowly walks towards him.
XENA
Hello Iolaus.
Iolaus recognizes her.
Iolaus, cringing
IOLAUS
This is going to hurt, isn't it?
Xena, cold
XENA
You resist or run, I cut your leg off with the chakram. Maybe both; I require your body, dead or alive no difference. You can scream if it makes you feel better.
Iolaus, resigned
IOLAUS
I am just going to sit right here. I even volunteer to tie myself up and promise to be quiet. You win; no one needs to lose their limbs.
Iolaus sits in the middle of the road and gathers some dirt in his hands, closing them into fists. He puts them on his legs in front of him. Xena does not approach from the front, she moves to his side and then quickly moves in and smashes a fist into his face, knocking him out cold. She watches as dirt trickles out from loose fists.
XENA
Hello bait.
CUT TO:
INT. WILDERNESS CAVE LAST WINTER/DAWN
The large open chamber has an iron reinforced wooden door at the back. Chained to the walls near it are a THUG, OLD MAN, YOUNG WOMAN, YOUNG GIRL, and Iolaus. In the middle stands Xena in fighting stance, fists clenched. Hercules walks in and takes it all in.
Hercules, amiably
HERCULES
It's nice when I don't have to fight thru the army of henchmen to get to the warlord.
Xena remains silent and moves towards him. Hercules notices numerous daggers around her belt. She seems intent on fighting him hand to hand, which is weird because her strength is swordplay. She can't match him on brute force. Hercules tries to circle around her, angling towards the chains, but she will have none of it, deftly closing the distance but keeping out of his range. He raises his fists and prepares to box.
HERCULES
Xena, if you wanted fistycuffs, all you had to do was ask.
Xena jabs with the left in answer, connecting solidly and dancing away. Hercules tries to follow and eats a combo. Hercules realizes this is serious and he probably is not going to fare that well against a faster, more experienced opponent. Plus Xena packs a harder punch that any men he faced and is moving well. He times it and lunges but misses and gets a knee to the body for his effort. Hercules decides this is going to end badly and draws the sword instead. Xena chooses this moment to step in and blow a powder into his face. The world swims in front of his eyes and he drops the sword and staggers, arms and legs gone unsteady. Xena laughs and draws two daggers.
XENA
I am not going to kill you yet. I will stick the blades into non vital body parts until your strength drains with your blood and you are weak enough to handle. Trust me, I am an expert at this. Let's get cutting.
Xena explodes and sticks both blades into his arms. She draws two more and targets his body. Two more go into his legs. Under the combined effect of drugs and wounds, Hercules is starting to falter. Two more blades enter his body and his world goes black.
CUT TO:
INT. WILDERNESS CAVE CHAMBER LAST WINTER/MORNING
Hercules wakes up in the small chamber off the main cavern, feeling weak and nauseous. He is lying on cold stone floor in the space devoid of anything except rock around him and the door leading back to main cavern. The daggers are still in him and the blood stains his outfit heavily. Xena stand over him, her face and eyes the same stone as the mountain around them. In her hand is a dagger.
Xena, factually
XENA
You are bleeding to death. The price of your life is another.
Hercules, scared but defiant
HERCULES
No.
Xena, honestly
XENA
The man is a murderer, stained with blood of the innocents. You can do a good deed today, Hercules. Send this man to Tartarus where he belongs. I promise you, your hands will stay clean and your eyes won't witness. I will take his life, I will stain my soul. Give me the order.
Hercules, derisively
HERCULES
That's your game?
Xena, truthfully
XENA
His life buys you time, it is that simple. What you do with it is up to you. Perhaps there is a way out of this after all, a hope of escape. Not if you die thou.
Hercules, struggling with his conscience
HERCULES
I can't.
Xena, relentlessly
XENA
Sundial is moving.
HERCULES
Please Xena, don't do this.
Xena, no trace of emotion, icily
XENA
I am but your instrument; yours is the will that directs the blade.
Hercules feels the life draining from him and his resolve is leaving him.
Hercules, near tears, one final act of resistance
HERCULES
No.
Xena plays with the dagger.
Xena, cruelly
XENA
Iolaus' and your life for another. Where do I put this dagger, Hercules? Tell me.
It is too much and Hercules breaks down.
Hercules, tearfully
HERCULES
Yes.
Xena, satisfied
XENA
Your orders?
Hercules, feeling sick to his stomach
HERCULES
Take his life.
Xena puts the dagger away and kneels by his side. She removes the daggers and applies poultice and clean linen to each wound from the bag on her hip. She hands Hercules a waterskin and he drinks down the entire contents. Xena then takes one of the bloody daggers and drives it into his leg.
Xena, pointedly
XENA
I count seven.
Hercules hands her the dagger he secured away.
XENA
I am not your average warlord. Keep that in mind.
Xena takes care of his latest wound. She then brings some shackles left by the door that Hercules failed to notice. She secures his legs and then his hands. She lays Hercules out with his hands above his head, then attaches a chain to each set of shackles and attaches to iron rings set in the floor. The stretched out body position prevents Hercules from using what little strength he has left to any effect; there is no leverage and it puts stress on his abused muscles, tiring him out.
Xena, enjoying this
XENA
Relax, you are in the hands of the best.
CUT TO:
INT. WILDERNESS CAVE LAST WINTER/MORNING
The reinforced door opens and Xena enters. She makes her way to the THUG, frees him from the rings holding him to the floor, but leaves the shackles on. She drags him over to Iolaus. All the captives are gagged.
Xena, smiling, in loud voice
XENA
Hercules ordered the death of this man.
Iolaus looks at Xena with anger and starts swearing at her, but the sound is muffled. Xena pats him on the cheek.
Xena brings the THUG's head even with Iolaus. She removes the gag and leans into THUG's ear.
XENA
Scream.
She puts the dagger to his throat and he starts. It is cut short as Iolaus' face is splashed with the reason why he stopped. Xena drops the twitching THUG at Iolaus' feet and stands up.
Xena, amusingly
XENA
You think you know someone
Iolaus glares at her. Xena laughs as she walks away to clean up.
CUT TO:
INT. WILDERNESS CAVE CHAMBER LAST WINTER/LATE MORNING
Hercules is starting to recover a little, but the progress is slow. He tests the chains and finds them as solid and unyielding as before. He hears steps, bolts thrown back, and then Xena enters. She makes her way to him and puts two more daggers in him. She frees the chains from the loops and watches him stretch his sore body gingerly. She then bandages the new injuries.
Xena, informatively
XENA
Time is up, cost increased.
Hercules can't face her and puts his head down.
XENA
Old man in the winter of his life; a burden to his family. Long life well lived and experienced, with the best in the past and little future. End him.
Hercules, resisting
HERCULES
There are people who love him and miss him, people who care. He should be with them and die with his family at his appointed time.
Xena, indifferent
XENA
Don't care.
Hercules, hopeful
HERCULES
This is a sick game and you are not killing anyone. You just want me to think that. What is your plan?
XENA
You tell yourself that, hero.
Xena spits out the last word with contempt.
Hercules, encouraged
HERCULES
Okay, I will play.
Xena, mocking
XENA
Your command?
Hercules, daring her
HERCULES
Off with his head.
Xena bows in false deference and hands him another waterskin. She secures him to the floor after he had his fill of water. She walks out leaving the door open this time. She comes back with Iolaus and throws him to the floor just inside the small chamber. She pulls his legs back so they show in the doorway and this way ensures he cannot move without her noticing.
XENA
Stay.
Xena leaves and Hercules takes in the blood splattered appearance of Iolaus. Hercules lifts his head and looks at his friend. Iolaus raises an eyebrow in question.
HERCULES
Xena has the keys, working on a plan. We need time and a lucky break. Don't make a move yet, I need to recover from my injuries and drugs first.
Pause.
Hercules, tentatively
HERCULES
Did she hurt you?
Iolaus shakes his head no and a terrible realization strikes Hercules. Iolaus notices the horror in the eyes of his friend and realizes that what Xena said was true.
Hercules drops his head down. Hercules, choking on words
HERCULES
I am sorry my friend, I did a horrible thing.
Xena enters dragging the OLD MAN inside the room. Hercules looks away, tears flowing down his face. Iolaus looks at Xena with pure hatred in his eyes. Xena laughs.
Xena, to OLD MAN
XENA
Kneel.
OLD MAN kneels and bravely faces his death, looking her in the eyes. He finds nothing there, no humanity.
XENA
You are to be beheaded. Hercules' will.
Xena takes out her sword and in one smooth stroke she takes his life and the part of OLD MAN that begins at the neck. Blood again showers Iolaus.
Xena, seriously
XENA
There is no game.
Xena drags Iolaus away roughly. She returns, bringing the dead THUG. She moves both bodies deeper inside, setting them on opposite sides of Hercules. She leaves, locking the door. Metallic smell of blood fills the space.
CUT TO:
INT. WILDERNESS CAVE CHAMBER LAST WINTER/AFTERNOON
Hercules tests the shackles again and figures that soon, if he puts everything left into it, it could happen. They are thicker and stronger than normal, but it is not Hephaestus' metal and probably breakable even in his current state. Hercules, praying
HERCULES
Please, one more hour. All I need is little more time.
But the Fates are wicked and soon enough Xena is with him again. She unchains him and offers him a waterskin and he turns it down. Xena flashes a knowing smile and quickly drives additional blades into his body.
Hercules, ignoring the pain
HERCULES
What is your prize?
Xena bandages the wounds as she considers the response.
Xena, truthfully
XENA
A small city in the vein of Tracus and an army to defend it. I am retiring from warlord business and you are the key to my future. Ares and Hera will pay handsomely for your death with a sizeable war chest. Better, turning you into murderer brings even greater rewards. Under Hera's influence, you killed your children in a fit of madness. You will kill Iolaus, a lifelong friend and the only family you have left out of your own free will and with a clear purpose of mind. Can you say Furies? If not, he will kill you. Either way, I win.
Hercules, sadly
HERCULES
You are lost, let me help.
XENA
I am a survivor. Live or die Hercules, your choice. I told you could walk away in the end. It was the truth.
HERCULES
You bear no responsibility for this?
XENA
None. The steel was guided by you and my conscience is clear on this.
HERCULES
Who do I kill next?
XENA
Young woman, a mother of four, and beloved of her husband. Life full of love, possibility, and hope stretches ahead of her as far as eye can see. You will take that away.
Hercules, stalling
HERCULES
I need time to think things over.
Xena chains him to the floor. She walks to the door and turns.
Xena, smiling evilly
XENA
While you buy time, Iolaus will be losing it. Figure he lasts quarter of an hour. Enjoy the screams.
She takes out a dagger and waves it at Hercules. She steps out and locks the door behind her. Long silence falls and then Iolaus starts yelling in pain. Hercules knows his bluff was called. He tries the shackles but the strength is just not there.
HERCULES
Xena!
Hercules, louder
HERCULES
XENA!
Hercules, desperately
HERCULES
XENA!!!
Iolaus screams cut off abruptly. Xena returns to his side and flicks fresh blood off her hands and the dagger she is holding onto Hercules.
Xena, sweetly
XENA
Yes?
Hercules, voice trembling
HERCULES
Take her.
Xena, forcefully
XENA
Say it hero.
Hercules, quietly
HERCULES
Kill her.
Hercules adds, whispering harshly
HERCULES
I don't want to see.
Xena, amused
XENA
You are a coward.
She turns and leaves him alone with his conscience. It is not long before a YOUNG WOMAN screams her last breath.
CUT TO:
INT. WILDERNESS CAVE CHAMBER LAST WINTER/EARLY EVENING
Hercules goes over the plan in his mind. Xena will be ready and will not be taken by surprise easily. He only has one shot at this and he prepares his mind for the task. Xena enters, then closes and locks the door behind her. More daggers come out and find home in battered flesh. Satisfied, she unchains him and takes care of the injuries. She offers a waterskin and he nods in acceptance. She hands it to him with a small smile, which fades instantly as he turns the container on her and with a powerful squeeze shoots the water in her eyes. Xena staggers away and up from the crouch and puts her back into the wall. Her eyes are watering from the drugs in the waterskin and her vision is blurry. She draws her sword and covers the space in front and beside her with the whirling fury of steel while her eyes recover.
Hercules puts everything into one supreme effort and as the veins on his arms and neck stand out, he pulls his hands apart, shattering the shackles. The leg ones give way next and he is on his feet, albeit unsteadily. One look at the dancing blade and he goes for the door. A mighty kick starts the job and a power punch finishes it, sending pieces of the door flying in all directions and Hercules is through it in an instant.
CUT TO:
INT. WILDERNESS CAVE LAST WINTER/EARLY EVENING
Hercules runs to the YOUNG GIRL and removes the chains. He goes to Iolaus while carrying the YOUNG GIRL and sets her down, facing her away from the dead YOUNG WOMAN at Iolaus' feet. The chains come off, as so do the shackles, and Iolaus is free. Hercules places the YOUNG GIRL in Iolaus' arms.
Hercules, fondly
HERCULES
Goodbye old friend. Take the girl and run. This took everything I had left and there is no escape for me. Here, I make my last stand.
Iolaus, protesting
IOLAUS
Hercules
HERCULES
Hercules interrupts. Hercules, accepting
Please understand, I have to pay the price for what I did here. I would have embraced death if not for you. This is my gift to you: my life for yours. Live Iolaus.
IOLAUS
Hercules, you are great hero and true friend. Journey to the other side knowing I forgive you.
Iolaus takes off as best he can, holding tightly onto the YOUNG GIRL. Hercules picks up a chain from the floor and sets for battle. He does not have to wait long.
Xena advances thru the broken door very cautiously, her sword held in a block. She is expecting an ambush and instead finds Hercules standing off to the side, holding a chain in his hand.
Xena, sneering
XENA
The hero decided to cover his friend's escape. How noble.
Hercules, determined
HERCULES
I can run. I won't. I made my choice.
Xena, surprised and intrigued
XENA
That's not what you told Iolaus.
HERCULES
Hero is not a word, it is an ideal. I did not stay alive for myself; I did it for Iolaus. My life was forfeit and I knew it; I was going to die in this cave at your hands. My last act was to save my friend. My life pays for the murder of innocents by my hand. And as my spirit leaves me, I take you to Hades with me.
Hercules whips the chain around with frightening speed and power as he moves to the middle of the chamber. There is no room for Xena to get around it to the exit. She switches her sword to left hand and takes her chakram in her right. Hercules knows he can't stop the metal forged by the gods so he calmly accepts the fact and starts toward Xena.
Hercules, grimly
HERCULES
That won't save you and you know it. I am a demigod and even mortally wounded, I will stop you.
Xena, nervous
XENA
Wait.
She lowers her weapons and Hercules stops in his tracks and brings the whirling chain to a halt.
Xena, questioning
XENA
I understand dying to save others, it is a hero thing. Why sacrifice others to save one man?
HERCULES
I am only human.
Xena, confused
XENA
What does that mean?
Hercules, admitting
HERCULES
Sometimes there are no good choices, sometimes you survive. I am not proud of my actions and shamed by my weakness. I was selfish; I wanted Iolaus to live, no matter the cost. That is to be human, to love and care for someone and place them above yourself. I am under no illusion here; I failed as a hero today. Xena, you refused to take responsibility for your actions, cowering behind twisted words. I accepted the consequences and I am ready to face judgment; I am a hero and I plan to go out as one. For what matters in the end is how you stand when the dust has settled and your conscience weighs heavy on your heart. Do you take the easy way out or do you do the right, hard thing? You asked me to make a choice earlier. Now I am asking you to make one as well.
Xena, rattled
XENA
What would you have me do?
HERCULES
You are a smart woman. You already know the question and it is time you found the answer.
Xena nods.
Hercules, kindly
HERCULES
I had plenty of coin on me when I arrived, thinking to buy Iolaus' freedom; enough to last four-five months, not enough to start trouble. Stay in the wilds, buy provisions from traveling caravans, and sort out your life. Xena of Amphipolis, what is your choice?
Xena is lost in thought, considering the various scenarios.
Xena, deciding
XENA
I want to live. I want to find the answer.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. WILDERNESS VULCAN MOUNTAIN AFTERNOON/WEEK LATER
Xena, Gabrielle, and Hercules stand at the foot of Vulcan. A narrow trail snakes up thru the boulders strewn liberally about the slopes. There is no vegetation, just various forms and shapes of stone.
GABRIELLE
No other defenders?
HERCULES
Giant man-eating bird not enough?
XENA
Where is the challenge in that?
HERCULES
One day to walk up the mountain; few terrifying moments to return the hard way.
GABRIELLE
Failure is an Icarus waiting to happen. Goody. Plan?
XENA
Wait till nightfall, topside by dawn.
Hercules, nervously
HERCULES
Can eagles see in the dark?
GABRIELLE
Oh, you will find out. You got point.
HERCULES
Hero leads the way does not sound so great right now.
Xena, matter of fact
XENA
You are expendable.
HERCULES
I feel the love. And soon enough, pain.
Gabrielle, observationally
GABRIELLE
Heroes are into strange habits.
Xena, grinning
XENA
I am a reformed villain and they are not the only ones. You should see my chain work.
Hercules, objecting, hurt
HERCULES
Not appropriate given the audience, Xena. Gabrielle was talking about something playful and you made it sick and wrong. There are limits.
Xena falls into sullen silence.
GABRIELLE
Hercules, give us a minute.
HERCULES
Will set up camp back in the tree line. Come on Argo.
Hercules leaves them alone. Silence stretches out.
Xena, breaking it, apologetic
XENA
It sort of jumped out.
Gabrielle, curious
GABRIELLE
Ever used restraints outside work?
Xena, admitting reluctantly
XENA
Yes.
GABRIELLE
On the three?
XENA
Yes.
GABRIELLE
On yourself?
XENA
No.
GABRIELLE
I see.
Gabrielle, hesitantly
GABRIELLE
Would you with me?
Xena, horrified
XENA
No! Thousand times no!
Pause.
Xena, softly
XENA
Gabrielle, I would kill myself before I put one link of iron near you. I don't want to dominate you; the moment I did I would lose you forever.
Gabrielle, gratefully
GABRIELLE
Thank you.
Gabrielle hugs her and Xena returns it.
CUT TO:
EXT. VULCAN MOUNTAIN PEAK PRE DAWN
The peak of Vulcan is a flat surface, as if a great sword slice took the top off. It is marred by a solitary, flat rock to which Prometheus is secured. Hephaestus' steel holds him fast in place, despite his struggles. At one side of the edge, three heads poke out and scan the skies growing lighter by the second.
Gabrielle, cheerful
GABRIELLE
Today we brave, we band of fools, stand shoulder to shoulder against the wrath of Zeus. Let out eyes be sharp, let our hands be steady, let our hearts be strong, and let our aim be true. We got an eagle to kill and Titan to free. Go heroes!
HERCULES
Staying here.
XENA
Joining you.
Gabrielle, teasing
GABRIELLE
Cluck cluck.
Gabrielle stands up and walks onto the flat surface littered with small rocks. The Titan is on the south end with his feet towards the edge, to better see the arriving eagle and increase the dread of daily terror with a long approach first. She plants her feet firmly, clearing herself a spot free of debris. She hears Xena slide into position behind her and heavier steps of Hercules going to his destination. Gabrielle unslings her bow and scans the horizon in front of Prometheus. A small speck appears, stark against the sky. Xena's hand reaches out and grabs her securely by the back of her armor. Gabrielle notches the arrow and waits. The eagle spots them and after climbing to the desired height, it dives.
Xena, encouraging
XENA
Steady. I believe in you.
GABRIELLE
One big bird going down. Literally.
Despite the cool morning air, beads of sweat glisten on Gabrielle's brow and her heart is beating rapidly. The bird has tucked the wings and the legs are stretched out behind it, giving it maximum speed as it cuts thru the thin air. The mountain top is coming up fast and it is aiming directly at the Titan's feet. Right before impact, the eagle postures, wings spreading fully and talons descending. It glides forward horizontally, barely off the ground, just clearing the Titan and heading for Gabrielle. It does this with barely any loss of momentum, the smooth transition from dive to glide born out of instinct honed perfect. Flying towards it from Gabrielle's direction is a tiny shaft of wood tipped with steel. Time slows. The massive eagle meets the arrow as Xena sharply yanks Gabrielle to the side, out of the way. The arrow enters between the ribs and pierces the heart. It is a small, insignificant object, but in the right place it is the deadliest one. The bird cries its last and crashes into ground, massive wing covering Xena and Gabrielle who did not clear it in time. Hercules manages to avoid the crash entirely, nimbly sprinting away and then lunging clear of the feathered mass coming down. Silence falls on the mountain top as impact loosened feathers slowly drift to the ground. Hercules surveys the body and is relieved when two heads poke out. Gabrielle, triumphantly
GABRIELLE
Woo hoo!
Gabrielle dives back into the feathers.
Xena, to Hercules
XENA
Now for the easy part, muscles.
HERCULES
Beats flying without wings or some thugs punching you senseless; easy is good.
Hercules heads toward the Titan as Gabrielle emerges with bow in her hand.
XENA
Titan sized eagle landed on us and you are worried about a bow?
GABRIELLE
Priorities and worst case. Where there is one there is its mate.
XENA
Gabrielle?
GABRIELLE
Yes?
Xena points at another spec.
XENA
Hercules, run!
Hercules runs back towards his old position.
Gabrielle blows at the sea of feathers covering her mouth in frustration
GABRIELLE
I am up to my nose in feathers; come here human tower.
Xena grins wickedly and kneels down in front of Gabrielle. Gabrielle sighs and places a hand on Xena's shoulder; she walks around to her back. Gabrielle sits on Xena's shoulders, her legs held securely with Xena's arms. In smooth, even motion, Xena stands up, raising Gabrielle into a secure and steady shooting platform.
Xena bounces Gabrielle a few times.
Xena, teasing
XENA
Got me a bard, I'm keeping.
GABRIELLE
Rats. Guess I have to stay now.
XENA
I win.
They both laugh and Hercules looks at them, his brows furrowed in thought. He appears to be considering something.
Gabrielle notches another arrow, and then gazes at the spec with a puzzled look. It is coming closer, but not getting larger.
GABRIELLE
Xena, the second eagle, does it seem smaller?
Xena observes for a while then chuckles.
Xena, to Gabrielle and Hercules, relieved
XENA
False alarm, normal bird.
Xena double checks; satisfied, she kneels and Gabrielle leaves her perch. Xena stands up turning and they both look at each other and then at Hercules. He completely escaped the feathering. Xena and Gabrielle smile and before Hercules can realize their intent and run away, Gabrielle is on him tight, locking around his body with powerful legs and arms. It is like being wrapped by a snake, limiting his movements an disrupting his balance. Xena chortles upon joining the merged pair and pushes the pile straight into the eagle. The entire human contraption disappears under the plush surface with a small puff of feathers. Hercules tries to escape, only to be pulled down quickly. After a spell, all three emerge, with down and feathers sticking liberally to armor and bare skin alike.
Xena, to Hercules, innocently
XENA
Did the two on one live up to your dreams?
Hercules spits out a feather and turns red. Gabrielle, grinning
GABRIELLE
Check that one off from list of things to do.
Hercules hides his burning face and heads for Titan again as their laughter chases him.
CUT TO:
EXT. VULCAN MOUNTAIN PEAK MORNING
Prometheus stands free, Hercules' might having broken the chains holding him. Xena and Gabrielle stand off to the side. Prometheus takes in the eagle's carcass.
PROMETHEUS
Whose hand brought down the eagle?
Gabrielle, looking Prometheus in the eyes
GABRIELLE
No one should be imprisoned for their good deeds.
Xena winces at that.
Prometheus, smiling warmly
PROMETHEUS
Gabrielle, the savior of my kin. Once again, we are in debt.
GABRIELLE
Freely given, from the heart.
Prometheus locks gazes with Gabrielle and they stand transfixed as something passes.
Prometheus breaks the contact.
Prometheus, foretelling
PROMETHEUS
Gabrielle of Potidaea, you will stand alone yet you will fight together. You will fall and fate will hold her breath. Alone, you will be no more. Together, faith and love make whole.
Both Xena and Hercules exchange startled looks.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS CAMP MORNING
In background, as Xena watches, Gabrielle and Hercules exchange a hug and a few words then he heads towards her. Hercules walks up to Xena as Gabrielle in turn gives them privacy.
HERCULES
What was your answer?
XENA
None, I gave up.
HERCULES
Death is easy, life is hard.
XENA
True. Gabrielle saved me; she refused to let me go.
Hercules, joking
HERCULES
She is a martyr.
Xena, seriously
XENA
Hercules, she is. Gabrielle's heart is not for this savage world she finds herself in. She wants to save everybody and it is going to get her killed one day. I can't stop her and I can't change her.
HERCULES
When you said Gabrielle's will, I thought you meant a surrender of a different kind. You are telling me you are following her?
XENA
I meant total surrender. She is my life.
Hercules, worried
HERCULES
I am happy for you but very concerned. That is a lot of faith to place in one person. No one deserves a burden so heavy. And you need to walk on your own.
Xena, determined
XENA
Hercules, there is no Xena and Gabrielle, there is us.
Hercules, buying time to order his thoughts
HERCULES
I called a bluff in that cave; that chakram was to be my death.
XENA
Nice, I believed you. Scared sense into me.
HERCULES
Good.
Pause.
Hercules, making sure and giving her a chance to reconsider, seriously
HERCULES
Is this what you truly want? Something you cannot have?
Xena, wholeheartedly
XENA
It is better to live close to the sun and be blind than to dwell in the darkness.
Hercules thinks this over as he stares deeply into Xena's eyes, seeing the truth reflected at him.
Hercules, satisfied, blessing them
HERCULES
Then us it is. May Gabrielle's light burn forever. May you bask in her warmth to your end days.
Xena does not answer, she just smiles and pulls startled Hercules into a hug. He relaxes after the initial surprise and they embrace. Shortly, they part and Hercules heads out. He looks back to wave and sees them standing together side by side.
Hercules, musing, with wonder
HERCULES
The sun and her moon.
FADE OUT:
THE END