XENA - ANOTHER SEASON 5 -
Episode 6
THEY LIVE
by Andreas Hloupy (andreas.hloupy@siemens.at)
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Xena: Warrior Princess, Gabrielle, Argo and all other characters who
have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess, together with the names,
titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance
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NOTE: All works remain the © copyright of the original author. These
may not be republished without the author's consent
EXT. Tartarus, Forest clearing - Day
It’s a small, burned out clearing in the middle of a dense forest. Large but
unhealthy looking trees surround it, with their almost leafless branches reaching over the
clearing to provide a kind of a roof. Smaller trees and bushes, forming thick undergrowth,
fill the room between the massive trunks.
What little can be seen of the sky over Tartarus is gray, dark, providing almost no
daylight.
GABRIELLE is standing alone in the middle of the clearing. She wears a dirty, ragged
outfit consisting mostly of cloth and leather bands covering her chest, lower arms and the
area between hip and knees – she is barefoot. She holds two wooden sticks, one in
each hand – very similar to the Amazon fighting sticks called chobos. They have
leather bands partly wrapped around them for a better grip.
She carries out a series of fighting moves with the chobos, defending against a few
imaginary opponents – the moves look competent and effective. Gabrielle seems
concentrated and calm.
After a few more maneuvers she stops for a moment. When she continues, the moves change
from defensive to offensive, aggressive. Now she definitely attacks the invisible foe, her
facial expression changing towards belligerent and hostile.
The strain of the exercise is clearly visible. Gabrielle is sweating heavily now, her
hair sticking to her head and covering part of her face. Her breath is hard and irregular.
Finally she stops her practice and leans with her back against one of the big trees,
deeply in- and exhaling – she closes her eyes.
When TELCHIN, the lightly build and mentally unstable arsonist who had befriended
Gabrielle in this realm of the damned, steps onto the clearing Gabrielle doesn’t seem
to notice.
Telchin wears an old, dark robe and faint reminders of sandals. He has his usual
haunted, restless expression on his face – although he calms down a little bit when
he sees the bard.
Gabrielle
I almost went looking for you.
Telchin
Oh, I just lost my way a little bit, lost a little. How
went your practice, your fight?
Gabrielle
Good … I remembered another move that I had seen from
the Amazons.
Telchin
I hope we won’t need your new skill.
Gabrielle opens her eyes and pushes herself away from the tree – her breath is now
normal again.
Gabrielle
I once thought I can just lay down all weapons and follow a
nonviolent path. But on my way, there is no room for peacefulness … I wish it would
be otherwise but it isn’t. I envy Eli … his strength is so different to mine.
Telchin
Eli … the preacher you told me about, your preacher?
Gabrielle
Yes. He probably would be disappointed … I followed
Xena on her journey … until the very end.
Gabrielle takes both chobos in her left hand and with the right hand she moves her hair
back, away from the face.
Gabrielle
When I made the choice to share her life, I didn’t
know the consequences … but when I decided to share her death I finally knew what to
do.
Telchin
Still, I would prefer a peaceful afterlife.
Gabrielle
Telchin, everyday we wake each other with the sound of
nightmares … the rest of the day we both yearn for something that we will never see
again … you for the tiniest of flames and I … for Xena, for the chance to see
her again, only once.
Telchin drops his head and stares to the ground. Gabrielle watches him with a
determined, almost cold look on her face.
Gabrielle
We will have to make the best out of it … an eternity
between the worst scum that has lived and died since the beginning of mankind … that
asks for trouble, sooner or later. And there is no place to hide.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Elysian Fields, Green hill - Night
A series of soft, green hills are stretching as far as one can see, the knee high grass
bending under a refreshing breeze. The sky is blue and clear.
First SOLAN, than XENA, only a few yards behind him, come running up one of those
hills. Both are dressed in simple white togas and are running barefoot, laughing all the
way.
Xena is closing in fast and actually catches her son right before they reach the top.
Xena tries to grab Solan around the chest, but he avoids her hands. Both are dragged
forward by their momentum and they stumble – fall. They roll a few more yards through
the grass before they lay still.
Solan
I win!
Xena
You didn’t reach the top before I got you!
Solan sits up and looks over to his mother.
Solan
But I have reached the top now. Look around.
Xena closes her eyes, smiling.
Xena
Okay, you win. The next time we cut your lead …
you’re getting too good at it.
Solan
I’ll have to tell Marcus about that.
Xena
I’m sure you won’t forget one little detail. Has
he finished your tree house yet?
Solan
No, but I would like to help him anyway.
Solan stares at Xena’s face, his expression getting thoughtful.
Solan
Mother?
Xena
Yes?
Solan
Are you happy?
Xena opens her eyes and her face gets serious. She sits up too.
Xena
As long as I am with you … yes, than I’m truly
happy.
Solan
And when I am not around?
Xena
Don’t trouble yourself with that … I’ve
found peace here.
She sighs.
Xena
My soul might not be complete … but the part that is
here has family … friends … enough reason for a joyful existence. Love has found
a way.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Mountain, A little stream - Day
It’s a massive scenery – a host of sky-high mountains fills the horizon on
every side, their peaks lost in dark clouds. Smaller mountains and foothills fill the area
in between. Vegetation is scarce at best and snow reaches down from almost every
mountaintop.
A small path leads along a small stream up to one of those foothills. Although day the
long shadows of the mountains in the background and the dark sky in between prevent the
sun from entering this valley and so everything lies in a kind of twilight.
Only the sounds of the water can be heard.
Suddenly, CALLISTO appears in a flash of light. She wears a heavy coat, leather boots,
thick gloves and a fur cap. She carries a heavy backpack including a bedroll.
What little can be seen from her face looks angry.
Callisto
Why, by your hell, do I have to … walk?
The voice answering her comes from nowhere, sounding like thunder rolling down the
mountainside.
Voice (OFF)
We don’t enter some peasant’s hut … you will
approach a fortress, a sanctuary, a temple that was build even before the gods were born,
even before the Titans ruled this land. Ares protects it, Zeus watches over it, …
Callisto
Cut it. So you can’t do it … fine, I’ll
walk.
Voice (OFF)
Why do I keep up with your impertinence?
Callisto
Because you need me?
Voice (OFF)
I have millions of minions at my disposal.
Callisto
I’m flattered … let’s just say I’m the
best woman for the job.
Voice (OFF)
You will not fail me!
Callisto
We have a deal … I’ll do my part.
Voice (OFF)
Good.
Callisto
The map will show me the way up and into these mountains,
the book will open the gates … tell me again, what does the scepter do?
Voice (OFF)
It’s the key. The scepter of Ganymede … to unlock
the treasure.
Callisto
I thought we’re after a mirror?
Voice (OFF)
We are.
Callisto
So where’s the profit in a piece of glass?
Voice (OFF)
It will bring my kingdom to this world … first gods
and heroes have to be vanquished, than, from the ruins, a new kind of world will rise,
formed after my will.
Callisto
Nice story … let’s cut the crab and go to work.
No answer this time, the voice seems to have vanished. Callisto looks around for a few
moments, than shrugs her shoulders and pulls a scroll out of her coat. She unrolls it and
holds it up, looking at it intensely.
Callisto
That won’t be a stroll down the lakeside.
CUT
TO:
TITEL SEQUENCE
CUT
TO:
EXT. Mountain, Steep path - Day
A steep path leads fairly straight up a mountainside, vegetation is scarce and snow
covers rocks and the occasional tree. Deep cracks in the rock face determine the exact
route. A strong wind blows down from the distant mountaintop.
CALLISTO fights her way up this path, leaning forward against the rise and the wind.
When the path splits right in front of her, she stops for a moment to get out and take
a careful look at the map she still carries under the heavy coat. She tries to shield it
from the wind while reading it. Her face is hidden under the fur cap.
After a few moments of research she puts the map back under her coat and turns to
continue her way up.
But when she rises one foot to make her first step, the other loses its grip and
Callisto falls forward. In addition to that the ground beneath her gives way, big and
small rocks starting to role down the path.
Hitting this mass of moving rock Callisto starts to slide down the path. She
desperately tries to get up or at least grab something that might stop her accelerating
decent - but nothing helps.
This roller coaster ride leads directly towards one of the bigger cracks in the rock.
Feet first Callisto approaches the cliff like riding on a sledge. The sound has by now
reached a deafening state.
For a moment, Callisto gets hold of a dead tree root, grabbing it with her
glove-covered right hand. But the rockslide immediately carries her on again and she loses
the grip - the glove is ripped from her hand and she continues her slide.
Now she starts to shout angrily and continues to feel for something to grab and stop
her movement.
Callisto
Aaah!
Finally the slide reaches the crack and the rocks are catapulted into a free fall down
the chasm. Callisto's body also loses every contact to the ground and seems destined to
plunge to its death.
But Callisto somehow gets hold of a small ledge with her naked right hand. When her
body drops down she claws her fingers into the rock.
While she dangles over the abyss, tons of stones and rocks slide past her into the
crack. When she tries to grab the ledge with her left hand, too, her arm is hit by one of
the bigger rocks and she winces in pain.
Callisto
(shouting)
Aaah. I hate rockslides!
Finally the last rocks drop past Callisto and the noise quiets down. She is left
hanging from the ledge on her right arm - while the left arm seems broke or at least
dislodged - and only the sound of the wind can be heart.
Callisto
Help?
(shouting)
Help me!
Callisto tries to pull herself up with only one arm, but she can't.
Callisto
Maybe when I get rid of the backpack …
Voice (OFF)
Don't you dare!
The VOICE is seemingly coming from everywhere. It sounds dark, angry.
Callisto
I thought you cannot approach the mountain.
Voice (OFF)
I didn't want to … I shouldn't … the gods may
become aware of me … but your failure gives me no other choice.
Callisto
If you want to save your precious scepter you better act
quick …
Callisto by now breathes heavily and her hand has started to slip from the rocky ledge.
Voice (OFF)
Maybe I have put to much faith in you.
Callisto's hand finally loses the grip and Callisto drops away from the ledge.
But suddenly she disappears in a flash - moments later she reappears on the spot where
her downslide has started, only about two yards above it.
She crashes heavily into the ground and immediately grabs her left arm with her right
while quickly struggling to her feet.
Callisto
Aaah! It's broken … it's broken!
Voice (OFF)
Stop whining … you have a long way before you …
you're not allowed to give up yet.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Tartarus, Forest - Night
It's night over Tartarus, which means it's a little darker than usual. The forest is
quiet, dead. It's a not so dense part of the wood, between the large trees there is almost
no undergrowth. There is nothing green worth mentioning, only dead trunks and lifeless
branches.
One thing is unusual, though … a beautiful deer is standing right next to a few
smaller trees, looking around. It seems quiet, calm.
Suddenly a group of four male souls appears between the trees. They have surrounded the
deer before they approached it. They are all wearing simple, overused clothes and carry
sharpened sticks.
They slowly close in on the deer, pointing their spears at it. Even so they outnumber
it they seem careful, if not scared.
Voice (OFF)
Let it go!
All four hunters turn their heads towards the owner of the voice … GABRIELLE. She
has appeared behind one of them, only a few yards away. She is wearing her outfit mad from
cloth and leather bands and holds the chobos in her left hand.
The group of hunters doesn't react.
Gabrielle
I said, leave it alone. Your not alive anymore … there
is nothing you achieve by killing this creature.
The closest soul, seemingly the LEADER, now turns completely towards her and leans
against his spear.
Leader
You don't understand, precious … we just do it for
sport … entertaining. But maybe it's more fun if we took care of you?
All four now start to grin, obviously liking the idea. Gabrielle actually smiles back,
taking one of her chobo sticks into the right hand and extending her arms to the side,
away from her body.
The whole time the deer watches the scene with very intelligent eyes.
Gabrielle
I'm not helpless, you know.
Leader
And we're not stupid.
The leader raises his spear and waits for a moment. The other three quickly join in,
raising their pointed sticks, too.
Gabrielle just waits, now calm and concentrated, stepping back with her right foot to
give her a better stand.
Leader
Now!
All four of them throw their spears.
Gabrielle doesn't try to dodge the weapons - instead she uses her chobos in a few
lightning quick maneuvers. The spear of the leader reaches her first, of course, as he is
the closest. She sweeps it to the side with the stick in her right arm. The next one is
pushed upwards over her head with both sticks. The last two reach her in the same moment -
she just hits them from above with her sticks and both drive into the ground only inches
away from her left foot.
The hunters are stunned, staring at her with open mouths.
Gabrielle now moves quickly forward, passing through the two spears in the ground and
attacking the leader in front of her.
She crosses the sticks and pushes them against the throat of the surprised hunter. The
man goes down immediately, grabbing his throat and letting out a few unarticulated sounds.
Gabrielle steps over his wincing body and stops for a moment, looking around to choose
her next opponent. But the three other hunters have decided otherwise - they just turn and
run, leaving her leader behind.
Gabrielle again takes both chobos into her left hand and slowly approaches the deer,
extending the empty right hand towards it.
Gabrielle
You don't have to be afraid … they're gone now.
CUT
TO:
INT. Elysian Fields, Hall of Heroes - Day
The hall is one huge ring with a dome on top. The circular room has a diameter of one
hundred yards or more, being at least as high. The dome has a hole on top that let’s
light in – the rest is covered with paintings of heroes, gods and their most famous
deeds.
The walls are covered with tapestry, filled with big Greek letters, listing all the
names of the great heroes. This reaches from the bottom of the dome almost to the ground.
The bottom level of the wall is covered with a selection of weapons, armors and other
tools used by the different heroes – going all around the hall.
The floor of the hall is made of marble – but the whole hall is empty with the
exception of those wall decorations.
XENA is standing alone in the middle of the hall. She thoughtfully stares at the dome
above her, letting her eyes wander along the paintings.
She wears a new white toga and small sandals.
Voice (OFF)
Glorious days, weren't they?
Xena doesn't move - she seems not surprised.
Xena
I knew you would come … sooner or later.
ARES has appeared only a few feet away from her. He slowly musters her from top to
bottom.
Ares
I thought you would be happy to see a familiar face.
Xena turns her head towards him, also mustering him.
Xena
Familiar maybe … but not welcome. Don't you have a war
to plot?
Ares
Nothing could keep me away from visiting my warrior
princes.
Xena
You never owned me … you never will.
Ares
You're just saying that because … you're dead.
Xena
You've lost, Ares.
Ares
My loss is everybody's loss … I'm a god.
Xena turns away and slowly walks towards the big, open door leading outside.
Xena
I thought Hades doesn't allow the other gods to enter the
underworld anymore.
Ares
Hades knows I'm here … there is a good reason for my
visit.
Xena
Are there not enough mortals anymore to satisfy your
hunger, Ares? Do you have to visit the morgue?
Ares slowly follows Xena towards the exit.
Ares
You don't understand. I'm here because of old times sake
… you still hold a special place in my heart.
Xena stops right in front of the doorway and turns back towards Ares.
Xena
I'm no longer your toy, Ares … my time has ended.
Ares
I might have failed with you … but look into the
world. I've won … war is ruling the mortal realm.
Xena
I guess you're proud of it?
Ares
It's like raising a child … watching it stretch its
arms and legs, slowly growing.
Xena
Than go on and enjoy your victory … there is nothing
more to say.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Tartarus, Forest - Night
The forest lies there as before - dark, quiet, dead.
GABRIELLE has almost reached the deer, which seems to watch every step by the bard.
Gabrielle
How could a beautiful creature like you have come to
Tartarus?
Before Gabrielle can touch the animal it backs away. Gabrielle stops and the deer
stops, too.
Gabrielle
Okay, so that's close enough.
Gabrielle sighs.
Gabrielle
There are thousands of tortured souls out there that would
love to hunt you down … just for a little distraction.
Voice (OFF)
They're better off leaving me alone.
Gabrielle steps back, surprised - the voice seems to come from the deer.
Suddenly, an eerie light appears around the animal and the creature slowly transfers
into a beautiful dark-haired WOMAN.
She is dressed like an Amazon, with a scanty, two-part leather outfit, adorned by bands
and feathers. She wears leather boots, a dagger in the belt, a bow on the back and a
simple, but colorful woven band around her head instead of a mask.
Gabrielle stares at her, utterly surprised while the woman is silently smiling,
watching her patiently.
Gabrielle
You … you're …
Woman
Yes, I'm Artemis, goddess of the Amazons.
CUT
TO:
COMMERCIAL BREAK
CUT
TO:
EXT. Tartarus, Forest - Night
The forest lies there as before - dark, quiet, dead.
ARTEMIS is still standing only a few feet away from GABRIELLE, smiling. The bard is
slowly regaining his posture and her look turns from surprised into questioning.
Gabrielle
But … what …
Artemis
All questions shall be answered …
(smiling)
… if you manage to get them out.
Gabrielle
Why are you here?
Artemis
You're an Amazon, aren't you?
Gabrielle
If I … was one, why I'm here? Xena told me of the
Amazon afterlife.
Artemis
Oh, that little detail … one could argue, you cannot
be an Amazon because you're not born one.
Gabrielle
You think I am … an Amazon?
Artemis slowly walks past Gabrielle towards the two spears the stick out of the ground,
examining them.
Artemis
You should be … you were their queen.
Gabrielle
By accident.
Artemis
By fate. Don't underestimate your calling, Gabrielle. Of
course, there were greater Amazon queens in the past … it once was a great, proud
nation … but you can find a place amongst them.
Gabrielle
I'm no longer queen … and I'm dead.
Artemis
Neither of which has to stay that way.
Gabrielle is stunned … again she just stares at the goddess.
Artemis
Don't you want to live?
Gabrielle
But … why?
Artemis
I need you … the Amazons need you. The nation is
crumbling … you can save what's left.
Gabrielle
You're offering me … life?
Artemis
It's not that easy.
Gabrielle nods, her expression turns into anger.
Gabrielle
It never is. What would I have to do for this … gift?
Kill someone? Lead them into war?
Artemis
You don't understand. It's not about the Amazons alone
anymore. Hades and the other gods know, that I'm here … there is more at stake than
the leadership of my people. You're the last hero the Amazons have … they … I
need you.
Gabrielle suddenly seems to get an idea.
Gabrielle
You … you asked Hades to send me into Tartarus. You
thought I would be easier to convince.
Artemis steps right in front of Gabrielle, looking her straight into the eyes,
seriously.
Artemis
I didn't … but I know who did … it's not
important either way. Your people need you … they are calling for you.
Gabrielle's look gets softer, sad - she looks down to the ground.
Gabrielle
I will never again give up the way of friendship.
Artemis smiles.
Artemis
I know … you're soul is strong, radiant. You're not
born to be protected … you're born to protect. Let me give you back your life …
and reclaim the Amazon throne.
Gabrielle
It's not that easy.
Artemis
But it is. You just have to say the word and you can follow
your destiny in the mortal world.
Gabrielle
And take back the mask of the queen?
Artemis
Yes … and accept … a debt.
Gabrielle raises her head, surprised.
Gabrielle
What?
Artemis
A debt … a service I will have to ask from you
somewhere in the future.
Gabrielle
(angry)
So … so that what it's all about?
Artemis
I can't tell you more right now … but you have to
trust me.
Gabrielle
Trust you?
Gabrielle backs away from the goddess until she leans against a tree, staring at her.
Gabrielle
Why didn't you help the Amazons when they needed you …
why didn't you help me? You tell me I'm an Amazon! What sacrifice can you ask that we
haven't already given?
Artemis
Gabrielle, would you be an Amazon by birth than you would
know that they are a proud nation … they wouldn't accept pity by anyone, not even a
goddess. I cried, seeing their downfall …
Gabrielle
When gods cry than it's because one of their toys is broken
… not because they care.
Artemis
Gabrielle, don't …
Gabrielle
No … I will not accept. You will have to find someone
else to carry your debt.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Mountain, A Fortress at the top - Day
It's the top of one of the smaller mountains. All around higher peaks rise into the
sky, walls of rock that surround it, hiding this foothill from any outside view as well as
keeping most of the light away. With clouds covering the sky, it's much darker than one
could expect at this time of day. No plants - and no animals - seem to exist and it's
quiet and calm.
Right in the middle of the snowy plateau a stone fortress can be seen. It looks more
carved than build - walls surround a central tower, all massive and big.
How big can only be understood when CALLISTO, who is approaching the massive gate, is
compared to it. The walls seem at least 120 feet high, and the tower in the middle may
well be over 300 feet.
Callisto, carrying her left arm in a provisional cast, crosses the plateau with slow,
tired steps. She has lost or put away her cap and her face shows the strain of her
journey. Her breath is heavy, sporadically - and clearly visible in the cold air.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Fortress, The gate - Day
Right in front of them the walls of the fortress seem to touch the sky - the gate, a
massive wooden wall itself, is at least 60 feet high. No opening seems to exist in the
gate or the wall.
CALLISTO approaches the gate without looking. When she reaches it she drops her
backpack and than sits down, with the back leaning at the gate. Her right hand holds the
left arm and every movement seems to result in pain - that pain is the only thing that
results in any facial movement. Other than that Callisto just stares straight ahead,
seemingly in trance.
Slowly, her breath gets easier and regular. Finally she drops her head back and closes
her eyes.
Callisto
That wasn't so hard.
She takes one deep breath, than she opens her eyes, leans forward and pulls the pack
towards her. With only the right hand she opens it and pulls out a book, obviously old.
It's a large tome, bound in heavy leather and darkened by the centuries.
She places the book on her lap and carefully opens it - again only with her right hand.
She turns a few pages, obviously searching a certain passage.
Callisto
Why couldn't they just use a key?
Finally, Callisto seems to have found the right page. She sets the book aside and with
the help of her healthy arm she stands up - slowly.
When she finally has pulled herself straight she grabs her pack and puts it back on.
Than she bends down another time and picks up the book.
Now she turns towards the gate and slowly walks away backwards, at the same time
letting her eyes wander over the wooden surface.
After a few steps she stops, continuing searching for something at the gate. Suddenly,
her face lights up for a second.
Callisto
There you are.
The faint reminder of a carved symbol seems to have caught Callisto's attention. She
now lifts the open book up to her face and looks inside - the open pages consist of
symbols - very similar to the one on the gate - and written words next to them.
Callisto seems to find what she is looking for after a few moments and holds the book
up in front of her, so that she has the book and the symbol on the gate in her vision.
Callisto
And … there you are again. Now lets see if it works.
Callisto drops her right arm to the side, still holding the open book.
Callisto
(shouting)
Open, in the name of Themis!
Callisto is waiting expectantly for a few moments, while nothing happens.
Suddenly, the enormous wooden gate slowly moves upwards. Callisto watches as the
opening gate allows a look into the fortress … but with the exception of the tower
the room inside of the walls seems to be empty.
Slowly, Callisto walks towards the now gaping hole in the wall. When she reaches it,
she suddenly stops. The book, which she had kept in her right hand, drops to the ground.
She stares straight ahead, her face frozen. She seems to listen to something on the
inside, shocked.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Outside of Cirra - Day (VISION)
It is Cirra, the village in which Callisto was born - and it's the day where Xena's
army burns it down. The village is already under attack and partly on fire. Xena's army
brings death and destruction upon the peasants.
On a nearby hill there she is - sitting on her horse, wearing her full armor. But in
this vision it's CALLISTO.
Callisto, dressed like Xena, has a dark, satisfied look on her face when she sees the
battle in front of her. She draws her sword and raises it high above her head, letting out
her war cry.
Xena /
Callisto
Aijijijijijij!
Then she gallops down the hill, towards Cirra, swinging her sword down at fleeing
villagers she passes. She rides right into the burning village, continuing to deal out
death.
Suddenly she sees a girl in front of her, stumbling out of a burning house - it's young
Callisto.
But there is no stopping now, Callisto urges her horse forward, again rising her sword,
riding straight towards the frightened girl.
Xena /
Callisto
Aijijijijijij!
CUT
TO:
EXT. Fortress, The gate - Day
CALLISTO, in her trance, is still standing inside the open gate. Her face shows fear
and terror and she is shacking.
Voice (OFF)
Callisto!
It's the booming voice again, sounding even angrier than the last time. Still, Callisto
doesn’t react immediately.
Voice (OFF)
Callisto!
Finally Callisto snaps out of her frozen state, whirling around to look back at the
plateau. She is breathing and sweating heavily and her look still shows panic and
confusion.
Voice (OFF)
You made me come here … now the gods now my presence
for sure.
Callisto
What?
Voice (OFF)
Callisto … focus! You still have a task to fulfill. If
we hurry than the gods will be to late. Now is the moment!
Callisto looks around, still confused, but than she turns and slowly starts walking
towards the tower inside the fortress.
Voice (OFF)
Good girl.
CUT
TO:
INT. Elysian Fields, Hall of Heroes - Day
XENA is still standing in front of the exit, with ARES a few steps away. They look at
each other - silently, for a moment. When Xena turns away to finally leave, Ares once
again starts to talk.
Ares
It doesn't have to end like this, you know.
Xena stops again, already standing in the doorway.
Xena
Leave me alone … I'm tired of this.
Ares
Xena, I almost don't recognize you anymore. The Elysian
Fields have made you soft … weak.
Xena turns around, angry.
Xena
Don't tell me about weakness … I was a warrior …
and I am still. But I'm not your warrior anymore.
Ares
Well, if that spark is still inside of you … what
about taking it back into the mortal realm?
Xena seems confused, surprised even.
Xena
What?
Ares
You've heard me … I offer you back your life.
Xena
You never offer anything … except, of course, it
serves your purpose.
Ares
Don't be so negative, Xena. I haven't asked for anything,
yet.
Xena now leans against one side of the doorway and looks at Ares knowingly.
Xena
But you will, right?
Ares
Only a small favor, sometimes in the future. I promise you,
it won't be anything that you wouldn't do anyway.
Xena
And why should I trust you.
Ares
Because you have no choice … I don't think you have a
better offer.
Xena
You're wrong, Ares. Before I would owe you a favor, I
rather stay dead.
Ares
You don't know what you are saying.
Xena
Oh I do … can you tell me more about the favor?
Ares
I can't tell you yet ... but believe me, it's no longer
about fighting the will of the gods ... it's about survival. Yours ... and ours.
Xena
Wrong answer, Ares.
Ares
Don't deny me, Xena … not this time. You would regret
it.
Xena
Don't threaten me, Ares. It didn't work when I was alive
and it certainly will not work now.
Ares
You're wrong to see me as the enemy … I'm not. Not
this time.
Xena
Ares?
Ares
Yes?
Xena
I left you a long time ago … and there is nothing that
will bring me back. No, I will not accept your offer.
Xena pushes herself off the doorway, turns and quickly moves outside.
Ares watcher her walk away, then he disappears in a flash of light.
CUT
TO:
COMMERCIAL BREAK
CUT
TO:
EXT. Elysian Fields, In front of Hall of
Heroes - Day
The white and golden exterior of the hale of heroes glisters in the sun. XENA comes out
of the only door and stops for a moment. Before she can continue her hurried retreat ARES
appears right in front of her.
Xena
(angry)
Ares, I told you … leave me alone.
Ares
I heard you … but before I will follow your request I
want you to look at this.
Ares brings forward his right hand … holding a - the - Chakram.
Xena
Is this … ?
Ares
Yes, it's your weapon.
Xena
How did you … ?
Ares
Joxer … I think you remember him … was trusted
with the two parts of your Chakram … it wasn't too hard to get them. He ended with
replica.
Xena
Why?
Ares
Too many questions! Won't you take it?
Xena carefully takes the weapon out of Ares hand and weights it in her own.
Ares
It was as closely repaired to its former condition as
possible.
Xena lifts the weapon in front of her face and looks at Ares through the loop.
Xena
You still haven't told me, why?
Ares
You still haven't thanked me!
Xena
For stealing it?
Ares
Oh, Xena. Think about my offer … think about all the
memories this weapon represents. Your life doesn't have to be over … this Chakram
represents what you were, what you are … and what you might become in the future.
Xena
How desperate are you? How desperate do you think I am?
Ares
Xena, I cannot believe that you would accept death so
easily.
Xena
It wasn't easy … believe me, it wasn't easy at all.
ARES
Just one task, Xena … one silly service and you can
live you life again.
Xena
No, you can't buy my trust. You will have to use someone
else.
Ares
Xena … what is it that you are afraid of?
CUT
TO:
EXT. Tartarus, Forest - Night
GABRIELLE has left Artemis behind and walks aimlessly through the dead forest. She
looks thoughtful and a little angry.
Suddenly ARTEMIS appears in a flash of light right in front of her. Gabrielle stops and
moves back a little bit.
Artemis
We're not finished yet!
Gabrielle
Yes, we are. I will not be your toy … you will have to
find someone else.
Artemis
After what has happened to you I can understand your
mistrust against gods … but you have to find faith again.
Gabrielle
I have faith … enough to keep me going through this
place.
Artemis
You don't have to endure Tartarus … let me help you.
You can have a long, fulfilling life.
Gabrielle
I rather prefer being able to live with my early death than
to regret a long life. No … I will not serve you.
Artemis
Gabrielle … what is it that you are afraid of?
CUT
TO:
INT. Fortress, Inner chamber - Day
It's a big, circular hall with simple stone walls, at least 60 feet wide and twice as
high. A single doorway - without door - provides entry into this room. And a single object
is all the furniture that is visible. The exact form of the object cannot be seen as a big
cloth is thrown over it, but it seems to be flat, approximately 20 feet high and 5 feet
wide.
Although the room doesn't seem to have any openings - with the exception of the dark
doorway - there is a good level of light. But no sound can be heard.
Finally someone is approaching the doorway with slow, heavy steps. CALLISTO enters the
room, dressed almost as before but now she wears the coat open and the backpack only on
the right shoulder.
She stops, looks around for a moment and than walks towards the object. She drops the
pack next to it and than takes another look around.
Callisto
Are you here?
Voice (OFF)
Of course I am. Hurry, the gods can try to stop us any
moment.
Callisto
I thought you don't fear them?
Voice (OFF)
(angry)
You should fear me, imbecile.
Callisto just shrug's her shoulders and steps in front of the covered object. She grabs
one end of the cloth and pulls it away with one quick motion.
A big mirror appears, once the cloth is removed. Strangely enough, although the walls
are reflecting in the mirror - Callisto is not. Not one part of her, including clothing,
results in an mirror image.
Callisto
That … I call strange.
Voice (OFF)
This is the Mirror of Uranus, grandfather of Zeus himself.
It only reflects gods and godly artifacts.
Callisto
I was a god, once!
Voice (OFF)
You're not right now.
Callisto
So … what should I do?
Voice (OFF)
Smash it.
Callisto
Smash it? I climbed all the way up here to … just
smash it?
Voice (OFF)
This is one of the mightiest and oldest artifacts in
existence. Its power is drawn from the first moment of creation itself. It holds the
mirror image of every Olympian god … and we will release that.
Callisto
And … what will happen when we do?
Voice (OFF)
A new pantheon is born … and it will help us destroy
the old one.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Tartarus, Forest - Night
GABRIELLE and ARTEMIS still stand face to face.
Artemis
Gabrielle … what is it that you are afraid of?
CUT
TO:
EXT. Prison compound, Mt. Amaro - Day
(VISION)
It's the inside of the prison complex where Xena and Gabrielle were captured and later
crucified. Right now Xena and Gabrielle are helping Eli and his followers to escape, while
Callisto is watching.
But it's not Callisto - in this Vision it's GABRIELLE who holds the Chakram and watches
hatefully while Xena seems to succeed in freeing Gabrielle an the others.
Finally, she cannot hold back anymore - she throws the Chakram.
Callisto /
Gabrielle
No! No-o-o-o-o-o!
Xena is hit in the back - painfully slowly she falls forward, unable to move anymore
because of the broken spine.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Tartarus, Forest - Night
Back here GABRIELLE snaps out of the terrible vision - sweating, with a horrified look
on her face.
Gabrielle
Because of me she died.
Artemis
You didn't throw the Chakram … in reality.
Gabrielle
But Xena came back because I was unable … no,
unwilling to fight. She allowed me to become something better … she allowed me to
become me. I will always owe her that.
Artemis
So be it. Your life, Gabrielle ... and that of Xena. I
offer you both a second chance.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Elysian Fields, In front of Hall of
Heroes - Day
XENA and ARES still stand face to face.
Ares
Xena … what is it that you are afraid of?
CUT
TO:
EXT. Prison compound, Mt. Amaro - Day
(VISION)
It's the inside of the prison complex where Xena and Gabrielle were captured and later
crucified. Xena was already hit by her Chakram and has dropped to the ground. Gabrielle is
right now storming forward to protect her friend.
But it's not Gabrielle - in this Vision it's XENA who picks up a sword, a spear, a
dagger to throw herself between her friend and the advancing Romans.
Gabrielle /
Xena
Go! Let's go!
Xena
No!
Gabrielle /
Xena
Get up!
Xena
I can't, Gabrielle. It's my spine. I can't move.
Callisto
Interesting.
Xena
Aah. Aah! No, Gabrelle, no!
CUT
TO:
EXT. Elysian Fields, In front of Hall of
Heroes - Day
Back here XENA snaps out of the terrible vision - sweating, with a horrified look on
her face.
XENA
She gave up her way for me … she gave up everything.
Ares
Nobody asked her to.
Xena
But Gabrielle couldn't leave me … she was always there
for me … no matter how bad the times. I can never repay her for what she was …
that's a debt I will have to carry.
Ares
Than let me make another offer. One service, one debt
… and you and Gabrielle will live again.
CUT
TO:
INT. Fortress, Inner chamber - Day
CALLISTO is still standing in front of the oversized Mirror of Uranus.
Callisto
So how do I smash it? I guess there is a little more to it
than just hitting it hard.
Voice (OFF)
Only a very powerful artifact itself is able to smash the
mirror.
Callisto
So that's why I carried the scepter all the time.
Voice (OFF)
Exactly … just shatter the glass with the scepter.
Callisto
That's all?
Voice (OFF)
That's all!
Callisto knees down next to the pack and pulls out the scepter with her right hand.
It's an overly decorated golden stick with lots of precious metals and gems attached to
it.
Callisto weights the scepter in the hand, than she steps in front of the mirror again.
In contrast to Callisto the scepter has a mirror image.
Slowly Callisto raises the scepter high above her head.
Callisto
Xena might have been the destroyer of nations ... but I am
the mother of gods!
With that she strikes the blow, putting all her strength and weight behind it.
When the scepter hits the mirror, it simply disappears. Callisto, surprised and
confused at the same time, stares at her hand and then at the mirror.
But the reaction from the mirror doesn't wait long. Suddenly, the mirror explodes into
thousands of little peaces, from top to bottom.
Callisto realizes horrified that all the mirror peaces will drop right unto her. She
stumbles back but can only stare at the massive wall of glass dropping towards her.
CUT
TO:
COMMERCIAL BREAK
CUT
TO:
EXT. Green field - Day
In the middle of a wide, green field - under a sunny, cloudless sky - CALLISTO appears
in a flash of light, still looking up, her right hand moving to protect her face.
The arm risen she realizes, that she is no longer in the fortress. She looks around,
her face showing suspicion.
Looking down at herself reveals that her attire has changed as well as her location.
She wears a tight leather armor, including boots and sword, covering only her most
important parts. And the left arm is not in a cast anymore - Callisto seems to be able to
move him freely.
Voice (OFF)
You fulfilled you part … I fulfilled mine.
Callisto
You mean … I'm mortal again?
Voice (OFF)
Like the day before you died … first. You should be
careful, though, your next death might be your last.
Callisto
Don't trouble yourself … I have not forgotten that I
still owe you one service.
Voice (OFF)
I will not allow you to forget. But until than you can do
whatever you like.
Callisto
I live … and Xena is dead. That's how the world is
meant to be. For a talented girl like me it shouldn't be too hard to get a job …
build a career. I always thought warlord would be a possibility … when my revenge is
done. Now it is. And while Xena struggles through the underworld, I can stroll through
Athens.
Now Callisto stretches and extends herself, then she slowly, playfully starts walking
away.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Elysian Fields, In front of Hall of
Heroes - Day
XENA and ARES still stand face to face.
Xena
You mean … Gabrielle and myself … send back?
Ares
Yes.
Xena
But I would have to do whatever you ask me to?
Ares
Once … yes. A small price, I might add.
Xena turns away and stares thoughtfully towards the hall.
Xena
But I would have to trust you.
Ares
You can … we had out misunderstandings, but this is
much too important to rely on deceit or treachery.
Xena
I cannot trust you, Ares ... never again.
Ares
But …
Xena
No … I would give anything to get Gabrielle out of
Tartarus … but I know she wouldn't approve a deal with you. There has to be another
way.
Ares stares at the back of Xena for a few silent moments, than he shrugs his shoulders
and disappears in a flash of light.
Xena, showing deep sorrow and pain in her face, drops to her knees. She takes her face
into her hands and starts to cry.
Xena
Sorry, Gabrielle. Sorry. I should have accepted your way
… but I can follow you now.
CUT
TO:
EXT. Tartarus, Forest - Night
GABRIELLE and ARTEMIS still stand face to face.
Gabrielle
You would give us both our lives back?
Artemis
If that's what it takes to get you … yes.
Gabrielle
And I would have to reclaim the Amazon throne as well as
waiting for you to call me into service.
Artemis
Yes … but the queen hood, that's more of a request
than a demand. The important part is the dept you accept.
Gabrielle
And pull Xena away from the Elysian Fields … away from
everything I always wished for her? How could I do that, how could I take such
responsibility?
Artemis
It's your decision.
Gabrielle turns around and drops to her knees. She hides her face in her hands, crying.
Gabrielle
No … I can't do it. I should accept our fate, be happy
about Xena's place in the underworld … but I can't. If there is a chance to see her
again, any chance … I will take it.
Artemis
So?
Gabrielle
I accept.
Artemis
So be it … you … and Xena … shall live
again.