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.
Contact: bard@xena2.com
Blog: www.xena2.com/blog
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. VILLAGE OUTSKIRTS EARLY EVENING
Xena and Gabrielle find an open space just outside the village to practice. Both are wearing full armor and weapons. Healing done for the day, they decide to relax by beating up on each other. They stop walking and end up face to face in an open, grassy space sprinkled with trees and more importantly, lacking innocent bystanders.
Xena, grinning
XENA
What you in the mood for?
Gabrielle, drawing it out
GABRIELLE
Hmm chakram.
Xena, innocently
XENA
Lusting after my assets?
Gabrielle, resolutely
GABRIELLE
I am a picture of restraint.
XENA
Gabrielle, you love things sharp the way wolf loves lamb.
GABRIELLE
Don't forget shiny.
XENA
No one described my chest that way.
Gabrielle, raising an eyebrow, pointedly
GABRIELLE
We are not talking about the same thing here.
XENA
Pity.
Gabrielle, grinning
GABRIELLE
Hand over the shiny and sharp asset.
Xena, smiling
XENA
First, a lesson on handling.
Gabrielle, affecting suffering
GABRIELLE
There goes my innocence.
Xena, teasingly demonstrating with her hand
XENA
It is all in how you grasp it with your thumb and finger.
Gabrielle, cynically
GABRIELLE
Bet it is.
CUT TO:
INT. VILLAGE INN ROOM NIGHT
The typical inn room is lit with oil lamps. Table with chairs, bed with headboard, roughhewn wooden cabinet and solid chest complete the décor. Xena is sitting on the chair facing the bed. She is doing maintenance on her weapons. Gabrielle finished her tasks earlier, helped by Athena. Now they are both sitting in bed, wearing similar, lightweight material tunics. Athena is forever stealing Gabrielle's clothes, thinks Xena. Not that she blames her. Who wouldn't?
Gabrielle is updating her scrolls and Athena is alternatively reading others, glancing at the new writing, or stealing kisses. The whole scene exudes domestic tranquility. It feels like home and everyone belongs.
Xena, stretching, lazily
XENA
It is nice to spend entire days healing and not wounding. Still, I look forward to the future.
Gabrielle, nodding, dreamily
GABRIELLE
Amphipolis is calling.
Athena, naughtily
ATHENA
Have to break in the new house.
Xena, missing Athena's remark, optimistically
XENA
New life
Athena, winking at Xena, smiling
ATHENA
Took me long enough to say yes.
Gabrielle, impishly
GABRIELLE
Another day and you would have lost your chance.
Athena, mock outrage
ATHENA
The proposal had an expiration date?
Gabrielle, teasing
GABRIELLE
You know it.
Athena, playfully pouting
ATHENA
Is that how little I mean to you?
Gabrielle, smiling
GABRIELLE
This is going to cost me, right?
Athena, grinning
ATHENA
You know it, love.
Xena, helpfully
XENA
I have suggestions
Gabrielle moves her scrolls and writing utensils off the bed and shifting, lays her head down on Athena's lap. Gabrielle rests her hands on her belly and makes puppy eyes at Athena.
Gabrielle, gazing up lovingly, affectionately
GABRIELLE
I am at your mercy.
Athena, starting to play with Gabrielle's hair, pointedly
ATHENA
Xena is here.
Xena, shrinking in the chair, trying to become invisible
XENA
Don't mind me. In fact, forget me. No Xena here. Cue the punishment.
Xena and her equipment disappear to her room.
Xena, voice fading as she vanishes, disappointed
XENA
Rats!
CUT TO:
EXT. VILLAGE FIELDS/STREAM LATE MORNING
Xena is sitting on the bank of slow moving stream, her back against a convenient log. She is dozing in her tunic, bare feet dipped in water. The fishing poles and her equipment are in a pile off to the side. She appears content to pass the day lazing about.
Imperceptibly to the others, but for the last few steps not to her, the bard arrives and starts adding to the discarded stack. Xena's sharp nose catches the scent of food and Gabrielle, noticing the sniffing attention, picks up and waves the basket tantalizingly. She then resumes her task. Gabrielle, giggling
GABRIELLE
Athena wanted to be thoroughly assured of my love.
Xena, sympathetically
XENA
It is almost noon; must have been Tartarus.
Gabrielle stops and looks off into the distance. The smile that lights her face is brighter than the sun shining on Xena, but she knows it is not for her.
Gabrielle, dramatically
GABRIELLE
Sisyphean.
Sure enough, Athena pops into being right in front of Gabrielle.
Athena, warmly
ATHENA
I swear, bards these days.
Gabrielle, beaming
GABRIELLE
Beautiful and smart?
Athena, bringing the bard close, giving her a searing kiss, lovingly
ATHENA
My heart.
Xena, secretly appreciating, overtly grumbling
XENA
The romantic mush is scaring the fish.
Gabrielle and Athena exchange a meaningful look, speaking without words. Silent consensus reached, they break their embrace and sit on opposite sides, linking arms with Xena.
Xena, liking the sight of a woman on each arm, happily
XENA
I, on the other hand, love it. Do continue.
Gabrielle, gently
GABRIELLE
Tell us about Lyceus.
Athena, softly
ATHENA
Trust us.
Xena, scared, realized they have her trapped and vulnerable, protesting weakly
XENA
I am afraid.
GABRIELLE
You are safe with us.
ATHENA
We love you.
Xena relaxes and shares.
Xena, reminiscing, eyes unfocused and mind far away
XENA
Lyceus ...
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS INN 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/EARLY MORNING
Xena and Lyceus are sitting behind the inn, facing a small dirt yard in front of the chicken coop. They are throwing stones at a small basket target. Until Xena decides life is not exciting enough. Lyceus recognizes the look in those eyes that turn to him and he shivers in anticipation. Fun will be had.
Xena, pointing at rooster
XENA
Dare you.
Lyceus, unsure, little sacred
LYCEUS
You first.
XENA
Chicken.
Lyceus, having been challenged and with his reputation at stake, throws and misses. Xena laughs as the rooster stops pacing and gives him an evil eye.
Xena, showing off, confidently
XENA
Watch.
The rock strikes the animal and they scramble to their feet when instead of being afraid, it charges them. Lyceus hides behind her. The rooster ignores him and comes for Xena. Flapping the wings it jumps at her. She instinctively grabs its neck and clutches with all her strength. It goes wild and struggles in her hold noisily. There is a sound of bones breaking as Toris comes running from the nearby garden, drawn by the commotion. The older brother takes one look at Xena and the dying rooster and wordlessly heads to the kitchen door at the side. He opens it and sticks his head inside.
Toris, whining
TORIS
Mother, the freak killed a chicken.
Cyrene, sternly
CYRENE
Toris, don't call your sister names.
Toris shrugs indifferently and leaves. He turns the corner, going back to weeding. He detours to his younger siblings.
Toris, passing Xena, maliciously
TORIS
Freak.
He takes satisfaction in the fact she drops the bird and runs crying to the kitchen. He is stunned when Lyceus runs up to him and kicks him hard in the shin. He shoves his younger brother to the ground and angrily stalks back to the garden. Lyceus lands awkwardly and starts wailing.
Seconds later there is a shriek and he is attacked in turn by enraged Xena who blindly pummels him with her small fists. What she lacks in size she makes up in power and fury.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
Xena is extremely protective of her younger brother and it is mutual. They stand together against the larger and cruel world. Come what may, they will always have each other.
Cyrene comes running around the corner, stopping to check on Lyceus. After taking a quick knee and doing cursory exam, she moves quickly to separate the two fighting siblings. She pulls Xena off Toris and holds her in a hug till she stops struggling. She looks at Toris who has angry red marks on his arms and then turns Xena around to face her. She notices a split lip that is bleeding and raises furious eyes on Toris. Toris knows he went too far.
Cyrene, angrily
CYRENE
Toris, you ever hit your sister in the face again, you will not sit for a month. You are four years older and know better. Pull down your trousers.
Pause.
CYRENE
Xena, take Lyceus and go to the kitchen. Stay there and wait for me.
Xena rushes to Lyceus and helps him up. They look at Toris and smile in satisfaction as Cyrene starts spanking the boy. Toris screams as he receives his punishment.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
Toris got his and they won. Again.
Hand in hand, arms swinging, Xena and Lyceus walk away.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS INN KITCHEN 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/MORNING
Small tub is set near the outside door. Xena and Lyceus are being scrubbed energetically by Cyrene and it is a struggle. Cyrene is soaked but maintains her patience and steadfastly makes progress.
CYRENE
We are going to the temple this morning so I want you to stay clean when I release you. You have clothes prepared in your rooms. Xena, make sure your brother is dressed properly. And stay clean and out of trouble.
The look she gets back is not encouraging so Cyrene takes Xena's chin in her hand and pats her behind for emphasis.
Cyrene, in her best no-nonsense voice, heavy with implication
CYRENE
Stay clean and out of trouble.
Xena, swallowing, message loud and clear
XENA
Yes ma.
Cyrene lets her go and concentrates on washing Lyceus. Xena immediately takes the opportunity to reach underwater and remove a rock. She waits for the right moment and then throws it at the shelf loaded with cookware. A whole lot of stuff comes crashing down.
Cyrene runs to the rescue of the falling pieces and shortly has the situation under control. Then she remembers who is also here with her and turns around quickly. The tub is empty. Wet footprints lead to the hallway. Suddenly, the sounds of laughter and merriment reach her from the main room and Cyrene sighs heavily. She shakes her head and picking the nearby towels, heads to retrieve her streaking children. Today is going to be one of those days.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS INN KITCHEN 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/MIDMORNING
Cyrene is busy cleaning up after breakfast and setting up for lunch in the main room. Xena and Lyceus grow bored waiting for her in the kitchen. Lyceus makes sure he has Xena attention and then deliberately reaches out and takes a berry from a bowl. He pauses with it next to his mouth.
Lyceus, smiling
LYCEUS
Dare you.
Xena knows the fruit is for pies but only hesitates for a second. The game becomes the most important thing in her young life and she will not be outdone by her younger brother. She reaches and takes two berries from the bowl and eats them. Lyceus swallows his and grabs a fistful, shoving them in his mouth. Laughing, spitting fruit everywhere, they fight to eat the contents as fast as they can. Short while later, two very messy children stare at each other and giggle. Xena uses the juice to pain a stripe on her cheek and further decoration of the body ensues.
Abruptly, Cyrene's voice drifting to them brings them back to reality. They know they are in trouble and Lyceus tears up. He looks at her hopefully, silently begging her to make things right.
Xena scrambles to her feet and frantically looks around the kitchen. She spots a basket and hands it to Lyceus. She picks a few pouches and secures some to Lyceus' belt and the rest on hers. Thus outfitted, she beams at Lyceus.
Xena, animatedly and vigorously, going to the door outside
XENA
Berry hunt!
Lyceus eagerly follows her; she comes thru for him yet again. Xena always knows what to do. His big sister. His hero.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/LATE MORNING
A five year old girl and a four year old boy are walking thru the thick and enormous forest. Trees tower over them, but they proceed undaunted. Xena is way tall for her age, all long limbs and skinny trunk. She waves a stick in her right hand, whacking at trunks and bushes, making fighting noises. Her left hand grasps Lyceus' smaller one. He follows behind her, his eyes wide open, looking in wonder on the green around him and gazing admiringly at his big sister in turn. Both children have pouches on the belts circling their tunics plus Lyceus carries a woven basket in his hand as well.
Lyceus, shouting enthusiastically
LYCEUS
Berry!
Xena, answering spiritedly
XENA
Berry hunt!
LYCEUS
Very berry!
Xena, happily
XENA
Very berry hunt!
They both laugh, the sweet innocent laugh echoing in the forest. It is quiet and peaceful, a beautiful morning for collecting wild fruit.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/LATE MORNING
GABRIELLE NARRATING
The Old One was winters old, each holding little memories for him. He was born, he grew, he fought, and he won his own pack. They were his and he had many sons with his wives. Such was the way of the forest and born as he. Such was the inevitable decline of his strength and speed. Where once he built his body, age was tearing it down. The leadership passed to the one able to hold it in his fangs. He was proud of his son, saw the powerful echo of himself in his eyes and burned with shame; for he was a coward. The rule was not passed in combat or wrestled in battle. The Old One slinked away, unable to admit the sure defeat, impotent to face it. He had his pride and yes, he was afraid of death. The old warrior wanted to live but that was not to be and he knew it. Now, in his final moons he hunted alone and was hunted together in turn. Succession in the pack is signed in his blood. That was the law.
Dark head comes up at the sound of the children's laughter and the ears twitch in their direction. The mouth opens, lips curl and sharp teeth smile in joy. Tongue rolls languidly as if it could already taste the meat. The sides sink deeply and lungs expand, drawing the scents inward. The body turns and the legs carry it straight towards its new destination.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
Stepping inevitably towards Xena and his destiny, albeit he knew it not.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/NOON
GABRIELLE NARRATING
He savored the two little humans in his nose and hungrily watched them with his eyes. This called for split and kill. Normally he and his kind did not attack the two-legged ones but he was past caring. The pack was coming, scaring the prey and he needed to eat. This was going to be a feast.
Xena stops and tilts her head to listen. Lyceus is brought to a halt when his hand is arrested. There is stillness in the air and unnatural silence in the trees. There are no birds and insects talking and untrained as they are, all creatures great and small have an innate instinct in them that warns of danger. Lyceus draws near her and now holds hers with both hands in an iron grip. Xena draws a small knife from her belt and looks around wildly, growing nervous. She waves her weapon hand in what she considers a warding gesture, threatening the unseen.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
Now there is fear from them, sharp and distinct, staining them stark. It makes his blood sing.
Dark shape moves silently thru the undergrowth, circling and keeping out of sight. Only Xena's superior hearing picks the slight sounds of its passage or rather, the shadows of the fading noise. There is no direction or purpose to the presence; it is all around them, underlined with a strong hint of menace. The oppressive feeling closes in and the air hums with tension.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
There is something in her hand, glimmering and shining. It appears she has a fang of her own. It is also clear she is protecting the other one. He shudders in anticipation at the sudden challenge that offers itself. The meat has teeth after all.
There is no warning. One minute she is circling and the next a black shape hurls past her and a burning sensation flares in her arm. Lyceus screams and letting go of her hand wraps himself around her. He is holding on for dear life, whimpering. Xena brings her arms around him and sooths him. She winces at the pain and notices her right arm is bleeding. Claws raked it and then vanished along with its owner who targeted her arm; the one wielding a knife. She realizes they can't stay here and have to start moving.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
He cleans the paw as he considers the events. The little one did not run away as expected. The dark one stayed and defended him. Interesting.
Xena frantically looks around and picks a direction. Gently disengaging her brother, she heads off. She takes his hand in hers, fingers locked in vise grip yet Lyceus does not complain of the pain. He badly needs the physical connection and the assurance of steady touch. Xena moves the knife in front of her as they walk briskly into the green, more as a threat than with purpose.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
He tasted her and found her to his liking. Now comes the chase, his favorite part. The prey is wounded, leaving a delicious aroma behind her. He will wait a little while and then take out her leg. He almost feels disappointment at how quickly this will end. He felt something in her red essence, a hint of power that appealed to him; reminded him of his past. Almost as if ... no, he shakes the foolish thought away and concentrates on the hunt. Soon, he promises.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/AFTERNOON
Xena hears the sound of running water and guides Lyceus to the stream. It is shallow and fast running, white foam chasing itself around the jutting, mossy rocks. Xena releases her grip and he flexes his painfully stiff fingers.
Xena, encouraging
XENA
Drink.
Lyceus does not have to be told twice and he eagerly kneels and scoops handfuls of water greedily. He coughs and chokes at the coldness of the water seizing his throat, but it passes and he takes his fill.
Once he is finished Xena takes another look and listen around her. Satisfied, she starts turning toward the racing water.
Xena, distractedly
XENA
Watch ...
The single word is barely out of her mouth when the beast attacks again. Dark fur, focused, intelligent eyes, claws extended and ivory fangs. They zero in on her throat, forgetting caution, going for the kill. Xena sacrifices her left arm, offering it to the jaws with the intent of trapping the head and snapping the neck. The Old One is too smart for that as he tucks in his head mid leap and instead barrels into her. The force of the impact sends them flying into the stream. The Old One scrambles on top of her and targets Lyceus frozen on the bank. His claws dig into the dirt shore and pull him towards the boy. The hind feet find purchase and he attacks.
Xena is shocked by the impact and the icy wet. Her eyes are blurry and watery and she is disoriented. However, such is their bond that she senses rather than feels the impending threat to her brother and a hand shoots out and latches onto the only part of the animal she can reach.
The Old One is arrested by the immovable hand on his tail that slowly and inexorably starts pulling him back into the range of her metal fang. He resists for the moment and then turns and lounges at Xena, sharps claws digging into the stomach. The hold is released and a sharp pain bites his side. He rolls and scrambles away, trashing in the water turning red. He takes one last look at her and their eyes meet. There is mutual respect. Then the Old One is gone.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
The Old One dreamt of this. The glory of the final battle and the redemption it bestowed upon him. He lost everything in his moment of weakness but it was now his to regain. The dark one and he marked each other and it bound them in common fate.
Xena goes to Lyceus and checks him. He is fine. Then the cold cannot be denied and she starts shivering. Bloody marks mar her arm and stomach. Painfully she removes her shredded and soaked tunic and Lyceus with shaking hands cuts a few strips to cover the wounds. Xena returns to the stream and washes the gouges in her flesh, hissing her hurt. She moves a bit upstream and drinks as much as she can hold.
Xena returns and Lyceus bandages her injuries. Her teeth are chattering and her skin is pale. Lyceus takes off his tunic and rubs her dry, then offers her his damp tunic with a small smile. It does not fit well but it makes her feel warmer already. They look around but there is no break in the forest in sight. Xena hangs her wet and torn tunic to dry on the branch and then the two small children find a dry and soft spot to sit and nestle closely together for warmth.
Xena, gratefully
XENA
Love you.
Lyceus, happy to help, fatigued yet smiling
LYCEUS
Love sis.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/LATE AFTERNOON
The Old One greets the partial pack in silence and waits for the approach of his son. Fearlessly, he displays the punctured flank.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
The fang is fire in his side, the sharp fire of pain bursting anew with each step. The teeth close on the handle and pull; relief floods the elderly body and the healing begins.
A small female approaches and drops a plump rabbit in offering. He tears into it.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/EARLY EVENING
The sun departs taking the warmth and light with it. The shadows lengthen as Xena and Lyceus take the drink again to fill the void in their empty bellies. She returns his tunic and puts her damaged one on. Xena, sadly
XENA
Lost.
Lyceus nods understanding and hugs her then takes her hand again and looks expectedly at her. There is abundant faith and devotion in his gaze and Xena cheers up immediately. She points at random and they resume walking. Numerous eyes watch them depart.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
The pack watched the fight but did not interfere. They helped the Old One with food and healing. They shadowed the children. The challenge was issued and accepted. That is how it was, that is how it will be; one will die, one will lead.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/EVENING
Lyceus spots a bush with fruit and tugs firmly to signal his find. In the gathering dusk Xena and Lyceus set to gather and eat the plant clean. Buoyed by the find and the sugar in it, they start looking for shelter. They find a spot on a relatively flat and soft piece of ground, the carpet of leaves a soft mattress for their weary bodies. The rising chill is going to be a problem but they have each other.
Xena and Lyceus freeze as they sense motion all around them. Emerging from the darkness is a large pack of wolves in various colors. There is no threat to their posture or behavior; in fact, they appear friendly and nonthreatening.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
The situation dictates caution but it leaves the children with no choice except acceptance of their fate. Their only weapon stuck in the one that attacked Xena, there is little either of them can do if the situation turns bad. One wrong move and they will be mauled before the screams leave their throats.
Scared and resigned, Xena wraps her arms protectively around her brother. The wolves stop their advance.
The largest wolf is a mostly black alpha male similar to the one that attacked her yet smaller in size. He walks up to them slowly and lies on the ground. The animal turns on its back and exposes its belly and throat to Xena and Lyceus. Submitting his feral nature and therefore soothing their fears.
Xena tentatively reaches out and touches the soft, exposed fur. There is the slightest hint of a rumble in the chest of the wolf that dies right away. Taking courage, Lyceus joins in the fun. With amazement both children pet the wild creature.
Taking their cue, the pack crowds them. The alpha male regains his feet swiftly and leaves. Lyceus, the most trusting and naive, is the first to lie down. He is quickly surrounded and covered by living fur coats.
Lyceus, comfortably
LYCEUS
Nice doggy.
Xena, not entirely convinced, apprehensively
XENA
Big doggy.
He grins at Xena and reluctantly she follows suit. It would not do to have her bravery questioned. Even better, they will not have to worry about the cold tonight.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
The pack accepted the dark one and her cub. Come dawn, she will have to prove herself and earn her place. Tonight, she is one of them.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/EARLY MORNING
Xena wakes up when her soft and warm blankets depart without ceremony. She sits up and smiles at Lyceus who is rubbing sleep out of his eyes.
Lyceus, stretching and combing his hands thru his hair
LYCEUS
Woof woof. Wolf good.
Xena, yawning
XENA
Woof. Sleep well?
Lyceus, examining numerous small red marks on his limbs intently
LYCEUS
Comfy. Something bit me. A lot.
Lyceus scratches his itching skin. Xena examines herself and finds them also. Apparently, someone or something was feasting last night. Not that different from dogs after all.
Lyceus, not realizing he will be taking his words back again soon, complaining
LYCEUS
Hungry.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
The mewling of hungry cubs finds eager recipients in the maternal feelings of the nearby mothers. They feed them the way of the wolf, passed down thru the generations.
A gray female makes her way to Xena and stopping before her, regurgitates her meal. Second one approaches Lyceus and offers her food in similar manner. Lyceus and Xena look at each other.
Lyceus & Xena, completely disgusted
LYCEUS & XENA
Ewww.
Their empty bellies rumble forlornly as the two animals leave. The body does not care for circumstance, it demands nourishment regardless. Realizing this, Xena picks up a stick and pokes at the mess.
Lyceus, giggling
LYCEUS
Dare you.
Xena picks up a small chunk of raw meat. She closes her eyes and holds her nose then deposits it inside her mouth. She gags and spits it out hastily. Xena looks at the partially digested food and considers her options. Making the decision, she picks several large leaves and hands some to Lyceus.
XENA
Pick the meat. Wash in stream.
Lyceus seems reluctant but follows her instructions. Having gathered all the large pieces they could find, they set out toward the nearest water source. Breakfast, albeit raw, awaits them.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/MIDMORNING
GABRIELLE NARRATING
Everything has an instinct to survive. Some have the instinct to fight. Few have the will to win.
Xena and Lyceus are sitting on rocks near a brook, eyes closed, hands on their abdomens, silently wishing for their churning stomachs to settle and praying the precious food stays inside.
Lyceus, pitifully
LYCEUS
Feel icky.
Xena, pale, clenching her teeth
XENA
Shh, no talking.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/AFTERNOON
GABRIELLE NARRATING
We all need to believe. We all need to love. It is a special thing when both are found in the same person.
Xena determinedly plods forward, her pace increasing as she spies the growing sunlight ahead. Lyceus is dragging behind.
Xena, wearily
XENA
Come on.
Lyceus, listing a litany of ailments, grumbling
LYCEUS
Tired. Hungry. Thirsty. Sleepy. Feet hurt.
Xena, cajoling
XENA
Open space ahead. For me.
Lyceus livens up and responds with a burst of energy, pulling her for a change.
Lyceus, warmly
LYCEUS
Big sis.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/AFTERNOON
GABRIELLE NARRATING
The Old One is back to full strength. The bothersome fang is gone, pulled by one of the pack. The wound is closed and forgotten, another scar in a lifetime of collection. Belly is pleasantly stretched by a rabbit. One more sunrise to weaken the dark one; they will dance in the clearing come morrow.
Xena and Lyceus enter the clearing, tired but happy. Their spirits lift at the pleasant, toasty sunlight and the soft grass. They soar at the other find. There is a small lake with clear water and a pile of flat rocks nearby. They run up and drink eagerly. Then they discard their tunics and jump in. Friendly splashing and water fight ensue.
Having had their fun they move to the shore and shake the water off and on each other. Laughter follows. Xena washes her ruined clothing and her brother's somewhat better set, then rips some strips for bandages. She removes her old ones. The scratches are angry red on her skin, puffy and swollen, but appear to be healing.
The tunics and bandages are set to dry and the children climb on the warm rocks. The heat from below and the sunlight from above cover them with a blanket of warmth.
Lyceus, lying down, contently
LYCEUS
Sheep.
Xena, studying the clouds
XENA
Dog.
Lyceus, insisting
LYCEUS
Fuzzy. Sheep.
XENA
Doggy is fuzzy.
LYCEUS
Very fuzzy. Sheep.
XENA
Shaggy wolf.
Lyceus turn his head and sticks his tongue out, considering the debate won and the argument closed in his favor. He closes his eyes and starts to doze off. He really should know better. Nimble fingers find his ticklish spots and extract a concession of defeat.
Lyceus, laughing, defeated yet defiant to the end
LYCEUS
Fuzzy wolf.
That settled, they calm down and soon doze off. The children sink into peaceful and deep sleep.
The wolf pack comes out of the trees and joins them in enjoying the sun and the water. The Old One lurks at the edge of the forest, waiting patiently, watching.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS INN 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/EARLY EVENING
GABRIELLE NARRATING
Mother's hope burns in her heart. All is forgotten, all is forgiven. Only the gift of their continued presence is desired. Simple truth, often lost.
The whole population has turned out to hear the latest news with the hurried arrival of one of the hunters. They gather in the village square already lit with torches. The VILLAGE ELDER is facing Cyrene and a crowd of VILLAGERS. He raises a hand to signal order and there is respectful silence.
VILLAGE ELDER, voice carrying
VILLAGE ELDER
The hunting party found a basket and footprints in the forest. They confirm it is the children and they will continue to search during the night. The mounted party will leave an hour before dawn, everyone else at midnight. We will meet here and Phokas will lead us back to the hunters. For those with a horse, see Phokas for directions. Please stop at the temple tonight and pray to the Gods for the safe return of the children. May they watch and protect them.
As the VILLAGERS leave to prepare supplies for the trek and turn in early, VILLAGE ELDER mentions Cyrene closer.
VILLAGE ELDER, honestly and sincerely
VILLAGE ELDER
Cyrene, I am really sorry, there was blood so one of them is injured, but not in large amount; few drops on the leaves. Also, there were numerous wolf tracks. I don't want you to worry, they were said to be both walking. It is spring and the wolves only attack in the worst of winter. Besides, there is plenty of game so they are not in danger. We have their trail now and we will find them.
CYRENE
Thank you for your kind words, you are a good man.
VILLAGE ELDER
Take care, Cyrene. I will see you with the search party.
Cyrene, planning ahead, thoughtfully
CYRENE
I will load provisions from the inn stores on the horses. No one goes hungry.
VILLAGE ELDER, smoothly
VILLAGE ELDER
If I was younger, woman, I would marry you.
CYRENE
My children don't scare you? How spry would you need to be?
VILLAGE ELDER
A mere boy just became a man. Keeping up with your treasures is one thing; keeping up with you is entirely another.
Cyrene, smiling
CYRENE
Atrius was a charmer, not falling for another one. Go to bed, you old flirt.
VILLAGE ELDER, warmly
VILLAGE ELDER
Things will turn out fine, you will see. The Gods love children and fools. Good night Cyrene.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS CLEARING 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/EARLY MORNING
GABRIELLE NARRATING
Will you die for the one you love?
Xena wakes up with a mouthful of fur. Wolf bodies coat her head to toe. She moves slightly and the pressing mass relents and lifts off her. Unlike yesterday, the wolves do not leave them alone. They form a circle centered on Xena, with the alpha male facing her. Somehow she knows the upcoming fight is not with him and true to her guess, he moves off to the side.
Lyceus hides behind her, hanging on to her tightly. He attached to her the moment he woke up and remained clinging. Xena gently disentangles herself and gives him a slight push away.
Xena, pleading
XENA
Stay back. Please.
Lyceus starts sniffling as he backs up slightly. Unable to let go yet, he throws himself at her and hugs his sister fiercely.
Lyceus, believing, affectionately
LYCEUS
Love you. Win.
He moves back to the inner edge of the circle of animals. He sits on the ground and wraps his arms around his legs. He watches anxiously, trying to hold back tears.
The Old One glides forth, muscle and sharp bone, closing in a straight line, low rumble vibrating his chest. Lyceus shuts his eyes, unable to watch.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
Now this is the Law of the Wild - as old and as true as the sky;
And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die.
As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk the Law runneth forward and back
For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.
Xena has no weapons. It is her versus a wolf that is close to double the size of average one. The Old One circles her and she turns with him.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
Brother, sister loves you. I must not, cannot fail. Whatever it costs me.
Xena locks eyes and bares her teeth. Growl emanates from her.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
Hello destiny, welcome home. Stay a spell, let's be friends.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS CLEARING 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/MORNING
Cyrene and Toris are trailing a group of HUNTERS, leading the horses. The VILLAGE HEALER walks beside them; behind are VILLAGERS. The VILLAGE HEALER silently prays to Apollo that his services will be needed because that means the children will still be alive. His lips move in soundless incantation to his deity.
Ahead of them, where the forest appears to thin out, an inhuman yell erupts and holds, sweeping thru the woods. It is joined by the howling of the wolves. Everyone looks at each other and then the HUNTERS start running toward the sound. Cyrene, Toris, VILLAGERS, and the VILLAGE HEALER mount up immediately and join the race, flying by the HUNTERS who hastily clear the way.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS CLEARING 20 YEARS AGO/SPRING/MORNING
The riders burst onto the clearing and bring their horses short. The scene that greets them etches itself into their memory forever.
Xena stands bathed in blood over a body of massive black wolf. Her head is thrown back and she is screaming her throat raw. Lyceus is hanging back, hugging himself and appears to be in shock.
GABRIELLE NARRATING
That which you see is not that which is, for the eyes lie and the heart does not.
CUT TO:
INT. VILLAGE TAVERN EVENING
The establishment is plain yet clean. The place is packed, all the benches and tables taken, and the walls are lined with people. Small bowls heavy with drachma travel among the patrons, new additions falling inside with a tinkling of metal. It is a good night for tips.
Gabrielle, dramatically
GABRIELLE
When the moon is full and the night is clear, the people of Amphipolis stay inside. The Gods answered the prayers of the feral heart and a new race was born that day. For the law is clear and the pack must have a leader.
Pause.
Gabrielle, finishing her story
GABRIELLE
Wolves surround her, worship her. And there are others, like her; her children. Blood of animal and man, crystalized in her, given birth. Outlined in the moonlight she stands on the hill above the village. Thick, rich black fur flows smoothly over her entire body, hiding and exposing in turns. Nails and teeth turned sharp steel bear a hint of red. Eyes burn with the wild and speak of the beast within. Does she cry for her lost humanity? Or when she throws her head, as now, and the howl, soon joined, announces the beginning of the hunt, is she truly lost? I know. For I seen her look at the village of men and turn away, casting her former life aside. I watched nostrils flare with scent of prey and the legs break into loping run. And I lived to bring you this tale of the wild girl who became a mother of her people: Xena, the first of the Lycanthropes.
Against a back wall, near the kitchen entrance, stand Xena and Athena, sneaking a peek at the premiere of a new story.
Xena, miffed, indignantly
XENA
Great, I am a naked, wolfish freak with severe body hair. Gabrielle and her imagination are going to have words with me.
Athena, giggling as she hugs Xena playfully
ATHENA
Mmmm cuddly.
FADE OUT:
THE END