XENA - ANOTHER SEASON 5 - Episode 7

FOOTNOTE TO HISTORY

by Andreas Hloupy (andreas.hloupy@siemens.at)

Follow the whole TV-like series on http://members.tripod.com/XENA_Another_Season5/index.html

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 Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.

NOTE: All works remain the © copyright of the original author. These may not be republished without the author's consent

EXT. Hilltop - Day

A series of flat hills is stretching to the horizon, covered with high grass and occasional tree groups. Dark clouds travel along the sky, their shadows wandering over the hillsides.

A strong wind is blowing, bending the grass and moving the trees. Apart from that, the hills lay empty, silent.

For a moment, sounds can be heard in the distance … sounds of a battle, weapons clashing, shouting, cries of pain and triumph. But than it is silent again.

From the distance the wind carries a cloud of dust towards one of the larger hilltops. Coming closer, the cloud grows, not in size but in intensity. Like a small, man-sized whirlwind the cloud slowly takes shape.

First unrecognizable, once it reaches the hilltop a human form can be made out more easily. The cloud stops, hovering over the middle of the hill while collecting more dust and particles, loosing its transparency.

Suddenly the cloud shrinks to about half the size, only to explode a moment later, obscuring the sight for a few seconds.

When the dust slowly sinks down a human figure – a real one, not a shaped cloud – is left standing where the center of the cloud was.

It’s XENA, dressed as she was on the day of her crucifixion – wearing a small, dirty outfit, barefoot. Her right hand clings to … the Chakram. Her head is laid back, eyes closed. Her face is showing sadness, holding back tears.

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EXT. Another hilltop - Day

Another series of flat hills – probably the same – fill the view. Dark clouds still wander along the sky, their shadows moving over the hillsides.

Again, a cloud of dust appears, moving towards the hilltop. The cloud grows in intensity and takes shape. On top of the hill the cloud stops, hovering over the center while collecting more dust and particles, loosing its transparency and forming out a human shape.

The cloud shrinks to about half the size and than explodes a moment later, obscuring the sight for a few seconds.

The dust slowly sinks down and another woman is left standing where the cloud was.

This time it’s GABRIELLE, also dressed as she was on the day of her crucifixion – a ragged, two-part outfit and barefoot. Her hands are empty, only holding her own shoulders as her arms a crossed in front of her body. Her face is looking straight, but her eyes are closed, too. Her expression shows fear.

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EXT. Hilltop - Day

XENA is still just standing there, on top of the hill.

After a few silent moments, she slowly raises her head and opens her eyes. Still not moving her body she looks around, her look turning into surprise.

When the shadow of one of the storm clouds darkens the hilltop, she looks up – straight up.

Rain is starting to come down, first only a few drops but in a matter of seconds water is pouring down and the sky grows even darker.

Xena’s expression now turns from surprise to anger.

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EXT. Another hilltop - Day

GABRIELLE, still eyes closed, drops down on her knees and falls forward onto her outstretched hands.

With the right hand she grabs some of the grass, rips it out of the ground and holds it towards her nose. She takes a deep breath, inhaling the smell.

Than she opens her eyes, looking around. Here, too, rain falls in fast. When Gabrielle feels the first drops she pushes herself up, sitting back on her knees.

When moment’s later heavy rain sets in, she spreads out her arms, looks up into the sky and closes her eyes.

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EXT. Hilltop - Day

XENA is still standing in the middle of the rainstorm, her expression somewhat angry, but also tired and resigned.

Xena hurls around, staring into the direction where the voice came from.

Across a green field surrounded by groups of trees at the foot of the hill, another one raises approximately to the same height as the one Xena is standing on … and there is GABRIELLE, kneeing, her arms spread, shouting towards the sky. She is maybe 500 yards away, barely recognizable through the rain and the distance.

For a few moments Xena just stares at the bard in the distance. Her expression turns from surprise into joy and than into irritation and wonder. In the end joy takes over again and Xena makes a step forward.

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EXT. Another hilltop - Day

GABRIELLE still knees, eyes closed and her arms stretched out on the grass.

Gabrielle opens her eyes, drops her arms and turns her head, staring into the direction the voice came from.

There, on top of the next hill, XENA is walking towards her, moving faster with every step - starting to run.

Gabrielle's eyes fill with tears although her face shows overwhelming joy.

When Xena disappears from view behind some trees that are standing between the two hills, Gabrielle raises her face towards the sky again.

Than she jumps up and starts to run herself, down the hill towards the field.

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EXT. Field - Day

The field lies empty between two hills and groups of trees on the other two sides. Heavy rain is pouring down and small puddles have already started to form.

XENA, still running, has just reached the edge of the field. She still carries the Chakram in her right hand, although she does not seem to notice it. She slows down and continues walking towards the other side.

There, on the opposite side of the field, GABRIELLE now appears next to a few trees that have obscured the view. She runs past the trees but stops immediately she sees Xena. After a few moments she also starts walking.

Both women are wet to the bone, but they don't seem to feel it. Their looks are locked onto each other, there expressions showing joy, with a little disbelief mixed in - with the rain coming down it's hard to tell, but both seem to have tears in their eyes.

Suddenly, when the two are just a few steps away from each other, shouting is coming from the trees on the two open sides of the field.

Groups of roman soldiers appear between the trees, running towards the center of the fields, urged forward by officers. They all wear normal Roman armor with large shields and pillums - the roman spear.

Xena and Gabrielle turn around, each facing a different group of soldiers. They look at the soldiers, angry, frustrated. Than they turn their heads towards each other.

Only a few yards apart, their eyes lock and they both smile.

Than they look back towards the oncoming soldiers and get ready to defend themselves. Xena stands sideways and has the Chakram ready in the back hand, slightly whipping with her bend knees. She shakes her head to get the dripping hair out of her face. Gabrielle awaits the Romans frontally, her arms hanging loosely at her side.

Both women look determined, even happy.

Than, almost at the same time, both groups of soldiers reach the area around the two women … and attack each other.

More or less ignored by the soldiers, Xena and Gabrielle find themselves standing in the middle of a fierce battle between groups of Roman soldiers, barely to be separated.

Both groups fight well organized, attacking each other in teams, putting good use to their shields. One of this formations moves forward, between Xena and Gabrielle, pushing them further apart. The two women watch the battle around them in surprise and disbelieve.

Then one of the Roman soldiers tries to push Gabrielle out of his way with his shield - Gabrielle moves fast and efficient. She steps to the side, grabs the mans pillum with two hands, turning it around and thereby forcing the soldier to let go of it. With one sweeping motion she pushes his feet away from under him and he falls on his back.

Gabrielle then breaks the pillum over her right knee, raising the two resulting sticks high over her head. With full force she brings them down on the lying soldier, hitting him flat on the chest with both of them - the soldier writhes in pain for a moment and is than relieved by unconsciousness.

As if this was a signal for both groups, soldiers of both sides, while still mainly fighting each other, now suddenly seem to see Xena and Gabrielle as their enemies, too.

Gabrielle and Xena are pushed further apart while they try to leave the battlefield, occasionally attacked or blocked by soldiers.

But even while fighting, both women use quite moments in-between to look for the other one and when their eyes meet they through each other encouraging smiles.

Xena puts her Chakram to good use to block and disable the Roman weapons while obviously holding back on any attacks. One try to somersault over a group of soldiers behind their shields fails because of the heavy ground.

Gabrielle uses her provisional chobos very efficient, mostly attacking the lesser-protected legs of the soldiers.

Neither Xena nor Gabrielle has killed anyone, so far.

In the mean time both sides have brought in reinforcements and the whole field is crowded with fighting soldiers - neither Xena nor Gabrielle are able to leave the field through that mass of fighters.

Suddenly, there is the signal of retreat - almost simultaneously on both sides. Officers shout for their man to pull back in orderly fashion and to take the wounded with them.

Gabrielle is right now fighting with one soldier carrying a short sword. She blocks his wild swings with her chobos, returning blows against his head. He can block one blow with his damaged shield, but the other hits him on his helmet and he is thrown back, to the ground.

Gabrielle moves forward, towards the man lying on the ground. The soldier lifts his head, sees the approaching Gabrielle and, showing panic in his expression, throws his sword towards her. Gabrielle avoids the thrown weapon with a quick sidestep, but one feet is caught in an peace of armor, lying on the ground and she slips.

Gabrielle tries to find her balance, but the slippery ground doesn't allow it - she falls sideways. Letting go of her chobos she is able to break the fall with her arms.

When she pushes herself up again, her face covered with mud, obscuring her view, another soldier jumps forward and hits her head with his shield. She is thrown to the side and falls down again, nearly unconscious.

Soldiers, already on the retreat, hurry past her - but two soldiers stop next to her, each grabbing an arm and dragging her with them. Gabrielle's weak struggle is unable to prevent this.

Xena in the mean time has fought against one of the officers, blocking the blows of his sword with her Chakram. After a view defensive move she pushes away the sword, whirls around and hits him in the chest with a high kick, sending him flying back.

With soldiers running away from her and no immediate enemy Xena turns and looks for Gabrielle, finding the bard being dragged away by two soldiers.

Xena makes a step towards the bard, but in the mean time the officer has stood up and has approached her from behind. Diverted for a moment, Xena notices the attack to late and she is hit on the head with the broad side of the sword, sending her stumbling forward and finally falling to the ground, unconscious.

Two soldiers pick up Xena and carry her away, following the retreating soldiers - but in the opposite direction as Gabrielle. The officer picks up the Chakram and follows them.

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TITLE SEQUENCE

In a time of ancient gods ... warlords ... and kings ...

... a land in turmoil cried out for a hero!

 

She was XENA ...

... a mighty princess, forged in the heat of battle.

 

The power ...

The passion ...

The danger ...

Her courage will change the world!

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EXT. Camp of the senate's army - Day

It's a roman army camp - and it's a large one. Rows of tents for soldiers and equipments are surrounded by wooden fortifications. Catapults and wagons are standing around in groups, small and large groups of soldiers can be seen everywhere, acting disciplined and serious. In the middle of the camp a group of larger tents form a circle, with the one for the army commander especially large and the covered entrance guarded by two soldiers.

Although it doesn't rain, the heavy, wet ground shows that it has until not long ago - making it difficult for everyone to walk through the camp. Everything is covered with mud and dirt.

BRUTUS is standing in the entrance of the tent, under the canopy, between the two stone-faced guards.

He wears a polished silver armor and seems to be the only one around not dirty or covered in mud. He looks serious, thoughtful, staring into the distance.

An CENTURION is approaching Brutus, stopping a few steps away from him. He waits patiently until Brutus turns his attention towards him.

The centurion is quiet for a moment, nervous and unsure. He looks around and finally seems to find something to say.

Brutus follows the outstretched arm of the centurion with his look, being pointed towards a group of chained prisoners, guarded by Roman soldiers, walking past the ring of bigger tents.

The prisoners are about a dozen soldiers … and GABRIELLE. Her short blond hair, apart from being dirty, shows patches of dried blood, her own most likely. Someone has given her a blanket she has herself rapped into, but she is still barefoot. She looks tired, but deep in thought.

Brutus is more than surprised to see her. He seems stunned.

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INT. Camp of the Triumvirate's Army, Commanders tent - Day

It's the inside of a large, circular tent, split in half by a closed curtain. Maps and crude charts are hanging from the walls while a large table with a single map, covered with small wooden figures, is standing in the middle of this part of the tent. The floor is covered with carpets, there color not longer visible under the dirt.

OKTAVIAN is standing in front of the table, his eyes staring at the map in front of him. He has one of the wooden figures in his hands and plays with it absentminded. He wears a polished golden armor and a red cape.

He is a young man, wearing his brown hair short and his face beardless. His body is well trained, but the most striking feature are his piercing blue eyes.

With the back towards him, looking at one of the charts LEPIDUS is standing in the tent, too. He wears armor very similar to a normal soldier, but he carries a golden baton in his hands, indicating a higher position.

Lepidus is an older man and his long hair and beard are already gray.

There are a few awkward moments of silence.

Suddenly the curtain covering the entrance is pulled to the side and MARK ANTONY enters the tent. He wears a silver armor and a black cape.

He has short, blond hair and a lean figure. He smiles, which gives his face a boyish look.

Oktavian finally lifts his head and looks away from the map, now staring at Mark Antony.

Now Lepidus has also turned towards Mark Antony, who is still standing near the entrance.

Mark Antony's smile grows even wider.

Oktavian's face shows surprise while Lepidus fails to get the point.

Oktavian and Mark Antony look at each other and their smiles show a silent understanding.

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INT. Camp of the Senate's Army, Commanders tent - Day

It's a large tent with no separations - in the background a more personal area can be seen with a bed, a few chests, armor and weapons as well as papers lying around.

In the front half of the tent, opposite to the entrance, a large table goes almost from side to side, with a few benches standing around. Maps, but also food and a dirty cape are spread across it. It's half-dark, only a small fireplace and thinner parts of the tent spending any light.

BRUTUS is sitting in the only chair on one end of the table, leaned back, eyes closed. He is alone, still wearing his armor.

Suddenly light falls into the tent as the curtain covering the entrance is pulled aside. GABRIELLE enters, slowly and suspicious. Behind her the curtain is closed again.

Gabrielle was obviously bathed, her skin and hair shining in the dark surrounding. She wears a Roman armor, but of course no weapons, shield or helmet. Her sandals seem new, but are already dirty from the mud outside.

She looks around, not yet fully accustomed to the darker inside of the tent.

Gabrielle seems surprised.

Gabrielle, seemingly satisfied with the answer, moves forward and sits down at the table. She pulls a plate with food towards her, but doesn't touch it.

Brutus leans forward to get a better look at Gabrielle.

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INT. Mark Antony's tent - Day

It's another large tent, this one separated in several compartments by thin curtains. The area immediately behind the entrance is richly decorated, with carpets, braziers, cushions around a low table and a few chests.

MARK ANTONY, still in his armor, walks up and down, deep in thoughts, his hands crossed behind his back.

The curtain at the entrance is pulled aside and Xena enters. She still wears her ragged outfit, dirt and blood all over her body. She looks around suspiciously when the curtain behind her is pulled down again.

Mark Antony has stopped his walking and stands now only a few steps away from Xena. They are both looking at each other, Antony amused and Xena still distrustful.

Antony looks surprised and irritated for a moment, but than he goes over the comment with a nervous smile.

Xena expression softens a little bit.

Xena stares at Antony for a moment, thinking.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

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INT. Camp of the Triumvirate's Army, Commanders tent - Day

It's again the inside of the large, circular tent, split in half by a closed curtain. Maps and crude charts are hanging from the walls, although fewer than before. A large table with a single map, covered with small wooden figures, is still standing in the middle of this part of the tent.

OKTAVIAN is standing one side of the table. He still wears a polished golden armor and a red cape. MARK ANTONY stands on the opposite side, wearing his sliver armor and black cape. LEPIDUS stands on the third side of the table, leaving the side towards the entrance open. He has changed into a dark, blue robe, richly decorated - he doesn't fit the surrounding but seems to ignore the fact.

Oktavian and Antony study the map in front of them while Lepidus watches the entrance to the tent.

After a few moments the entrance is opened and XENA steps into the tent. She now has cleaned herself and wears a Roman armor, complete with sword and sandals. She moves confident, walking right up to the table, talking the fourth side of it.

While Lepidus watches her the whole time, Oktavian and Mark Antony still focus on the map.

Casually he brings forward Xena's Chakram and hands it over to her. She takes it, a little surprised, weights it in her hands and than hangs it over the sword at her belt.

Xena now looks at the map.

Oktavian and Mark Antony look at each other with the hint of a smile.

Lepidus looks questioning to Oktavian and Mark Antony. Before they can answer, Xena suddenly moves.

She backs away from the table with a quick step, draws her Chakram and throws it with one fluid motion. The sharp weapon cuts through the tent's wall and hits something on the outside. A short, painful sigh can be heard, followed by the noise of someone falling to the ground.

Xena smiles satisfied while three Romans look at her surprised.

Moments later someone pulls aside the curtain of the entrance.

The curtain is closed again. Oktavian and Mark Antony now are smiling, too while Lepidus is very excited.

Lepidus now seems totally confused.

Antony looks straight at Xena, smiling.

Xena looks up from the map and throws a contemptuous look at Mark Antony. Then she turns her attention towards the map again.

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INT. Camp of the Senate's Army, Commanders tent - Night

BRUTUS is alone in his tent, standing thoughtfully in front of the fireplace. He wears a simple gray robe, his armor spread next to the fireplace, probably to dry.

It seems hard for Brutus to find the right words.

Brutus turns away from the flame and stares at the table with the maps.

Brutus walks to his chair and falls into it, sighing.

Brutus silently listens … but only the fire can be heard.

Brutus leans back and closes his eyes.

Very faint, somewhere in the distance, someone laughs.

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INT. Camp of the Triumvirate's Army, Commanders tent - Night

LEPIDUS, OKTAVIAN and MARK ANTONY, all three wearing armor again, are standing in the back half of the tent they held their war council in. It's a provisional temple for Ares … the sides lined with racks of weapons and armor, in the middle a small golden figure of a warrior on a marble pedestal. Lit braziers spend light and some warmth.

The three are standing along the curtain separating the tent and look seriously towards the little statue.

Suddenly, in a flash of light, an armor-clad body appears next to the pedestal - MARS.

He has the face and statue of Ares, but wears blood-red leather armor with a large, decorated helmet. A black cape hangs down from his shoulders and although the air is totally still inside the tent, the fabric is constantly moving, waving like in a strong breeze. He carries no weapons, his arms hanging loosely at his side. His expression shows anger and arrogance. He just stares at the three Romans.

Lepidus is the first to find his voice.

Lepidus is totally confused while Oktavian and Mark Antony look at each other, seemingly unsure about the situation.

Mars looks to the side, at the small golden statue next to him. With his right hand he grabs it and holds it towards the mortals.

Suddenly the statue starts to burn, at the same time melting down. The metal drips to the ground and forms a small golden puddle at the floor, burning through the carpet.

In another flash of light Mars disappears.

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EXT. The void - Darkness

There is total darkness … and total silence … except for two voices.

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INT. Camp of the Senate's Army, Commanders tent - Day

BRUTUS is again alone in his tent. He stands near his bed, dressing. He already wears most of his armor and is just tying the belt around his waist. He looks tired.

The curtain at the entrance is pulled aside and GABRIELLE enters the tent. She again wears a Roman armor and looks refreshed, confident.

Gabrielle's expression turns into sadness. Brutus looks at her, seriously.

Gabrielle is surprised and shocked.

Gabrielle turns around and steps towards the entrance, pulling aside the curtain. Suddenly she stops.

Gabrielle turns back and walks towards Brutus.

Brutus sits down on his bead, shaking his head.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

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INT. Camp of the Triumvirate's Army, Commanders tent - Day

The tent is empty, left like it was the day before. Many sounds come from the outside - shouting soldiers, wood- and metalwork, signal horns and animals.

The curtain at the entrance is already pulled away and XENA is the first one to enter. She wears the roman armor, sandals, carrying a short sword and her Chakram.

She walks over to the table and thoughtfully looks at the wooden figures, representing the battle order.

A few moments later MARK ANTONY enters the tent and stops right at the entrance. He smiles when he sees Xena and observes her patiently. He has changed his silver armor for a standard one, complete with helmet and sword.

Antony walks to the table and leans backwards against it, not letting Xena out of his eyes.

Xena finally looks up from the map and turns towards Mark Antony.

Antony is silenced for a moment.

Xena turns away and slowly walks towards the curtain separating the two halves of the tent.

Xena stops in front of the curtain, closing her eyes.

Before she can answer an exhausted CENTURION is entering the tent in a hurry.

Both Xena and Mark Antony turn to him and look at him expectantly.

Mark Antony and Xena look at each other seriously, silently. After a few moments of waiting the Centurion finally turns around and hurries outside again.

Xena walks back to the table and again stares thoughtfully at the wooden figures.

Another exhausted CENTURION enters the tent. He struggles to regain his breath.

The Centurion turns around and leaves the tent.

Suddenly Xena turns to Mark Antony, showing an expression of realization.

Antony, seeing Xena's fast approach towards the truth, has slowly moved his hand towards the sword on his belt, watching Xena closely.

Xena slowly moves back and away from the table, looking into Mark Antony's eyes.

Xena takes her Chakram into the left hand and draws the short sword with the right. Mark Antony immediately draws his own sword, too.

A few moments of silence … nothing happens.

Suddenly OKTAVIAN storms through the entrance. His golden armor is dirty and damaged and blood runs down from under his deformed helmet. He carries a bloody sword in his hands and seems exhausted.

Oktavian stops, quickly understanding the situation and turning towards Xena.

With that Oktavian and Mark Antony attack Xena simultaneously. She can block both blows, one with the sword and one with the Chakram.

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INT. Camp of the Senate's Army, Commanders tent - Day

BRUTUS and GABRIELLE, both in roman armors but without helmet or weapon, stand next to each other at the table, looking at a map in front of them.

Gabrielle nods silently.

A CENTURION appears at the tent entrance.

He turns away, but is stopped by Brutus' voice.

With a gesture Brutus allows the Centurion to go - which he does.

Before Gabrielle can complete the sentence a man storms into the tent and runs towards Brutus.

The ASSASSIN wears blood-red leather armor and holds a short sword in his right hand. Before Gabrielle can react the assassin jumps forward, thrusting his sword into the back of Brutus.

The consul stumbles to the side, turning towards the assassin, who now stands near the table, the bloody sword still in his hand, seemingly surprised about his own success. Brutus looks at the killer with wide-open eyes, showing a mixture of surprise and sadness.

Gabrielle, overcoming her first surprise, now moves quickly. She jumps forward, throwing her whole weight against the assassin while Brutus is slowly sinking to the ground.

They both fall to the ground, Gabrielle on top of the man. She grabs his right hand with both her hands and twists it around until the assassin drops the sword.

With the left hand the man now tries to get to his dagger he has in his belt, but Gabrielle acts quickly and determined. She lets go of the assassin's right hand, locks her two hands together and hits killer right across the face … twice.

After the second hit the assassin stops to struggle - unconscious.

Gabrielle jumps up and moves over to the dying Brutus, kneeing down next to him. He lies on his back and blood appears on the carpet, forming a growing spot. Gabrielle takes one hand of Brutus and squeezes it. She has tears in her eyes. Brutus himself still looks surprised.

Brutus' voice is slowly fading.

Another CENTURION storms into the tent, only to stagger back outside when he sees the dying Brutus.

Brutus suddenly seems to feel a surge of pain as he grabs Gabrielle with both his hands, trying to pull himself up.

Gabrielle can only watch in tears as Brutus sinks back again.

With that a last shudder moves through his body … than he lies still. Gabrielle carefully closes his eyes.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

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INT. Camp of the Triumvirate's Army, Commanders tent - Day

XENA, OKTAVIAN and MARK ANTONY are still fighting. Xena has positioned herself in front of the entrance to block Oktavian or Mark Antony from leaving. She continually blocks their attacks with her two weapons, but she isn't able to effectively counterattack against these two able fighters.

Suddenly the voice of Lepidus can be heard from the outside.

Xena as well as the two Romans are totally surprised.

Xena stares to the ground in disbelieve - shock. Oktavian and Mark Antony on the other side smile triumphantly.

Xena lifts her head and stares hatefully at Oktavian.

Xena quickly turns and runs out of the tent. The surprised shouting of Lepidus and other soldiers can be heard.

They smile at each other.

LEPIDUS now enters the tent, looking dirty and tired.

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EXT. The void - Darkness

There is total darkness … and total silence … except for two voices.

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