XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS
SUBTEXT VIRTUAL SEASON 8

PRODUCTION #V808
Magic in the Air

VIRTUAL AIRDATE
January 22, 2003

WRITTEN BY
TNovan

PRODUCED BY
Carol Stephens

DIRECTED BY
Denise Byrd

SCREENGRABS
Judi Mair

ARTWORK
Lucia

TITLE GRAPHIC
Linda (Calli)

Xena: Warrior Princess is a trademark and copyright of Universal/StudiosUSA and Renaissance Pictures.  This is a fan based not-for-profit work of fiction and is not intended to infringe upon their rights.

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. ROAD - EVENING

XENA is holding ARGO II’s front left foot. She’s using a small knife to pick dirt and stones from the horse’s hoof.

GABRIELLE is holding her bridle, stroking her face and soothing her while Xena continues to work.

GABRIELLE
(to Argo)
It’s okay girl. We’ll get you all fixed up.
(to Xena)
What’s the verdict?

XENA
The shoe is shot. We need to find a blacksmith. I can’t fix this mess myself, at least not out here. She needs to have a new one forged or her hoof will split.

Gabrielle looks around at the forest before them. It’s dark, thick and the tall trees seem to loom over them, as if they’re watching every move Xena and Gabrielle make. The sky is dark with heavy clouds swirling in the distance and blue flashes of lightening striking behind the trees.

GABRIELLE
(to herself)
It was a dark and stormy night....

XENA
What?

GABRIELLE
Nothing. Just talking to myself. So where do you think we’re going to find a smith?

XENA
Well, if we stay on the main road, we can be in Sikyon in three days. If we do that, we risk Argo going seriously lame.

GABRIELLE
Options?

XENA
If we cut through the forest we can be in Phileious in half that time, but....

GABRIELLE
(to Argo)
There’s always a ‘but’.

Argo whinnies and nods her head in agreement.

XENA
But we have to get around the base of the Kyllene mountain range.

GABRIELLE
You mean the supposedly ‘cursed’ Kyllene mountain range?

XENA
That’s the one.

GABRIELLE
Oh goody.

Xena chuckles at Gabrielle’s lack of enthusiasm and tucks her knife away before taking Argo’s reins.

XENA
Sorry sweetheart, but we really don’t have any choice.

GABRIELLE
I know.

Gabrielle takes Xena’s hand as they start walking from the road toward the forest. 

GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
So what are we having for dinner?

XENA
Whatever we can scare up.

GABRIELLE
Oh, ha, ha.

CUT TO:

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT

There is a lovely fire going. Xena is fixing a piece of tack and Gabrielle is scribbling something on a scroll. The remnant of a roast rabbit is still on the spit. The bedrolls are placed under a tarp to ward off the rain that is threatening to fall. Gabrielle isn’t writing; she’s drawing.  After placing a finishing touch on her artwork she looks up to Xena.

GABRIELLE
Okay, try it now.

Xena just sighs and her shoulders slump slightly, then she smiles and straightens. She takes a deep breath carefully, almost as if she is studying Gabrielle who is diligently hiding the drawing. Xena closes her eyes and concentrates.  Her head tilts just slightly as her eyebrows slowly rise.

XENA
A bunny.

Gabrielle only sighs as she turns the parchment around and shows Xena the drawing of the bow and arrow she has just completed.

GABRIELLE
Does this look like a bunny?

XENA
Obviously not. I’m sorry, Gabrielle.  Mind reading isn’t necessarily one of my many skills.

GABRIELLE
Then how do you explain that we seem to know what the other is thinking or doing? What’s driving me really nuts is that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I’d like a little consistency here. That’s why I’m testing this theory.

Xena places the bit she was working on in her saddlebag, then stands and stretches.

XENA
It is consistent in the fact that sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t.

GABRIELLE
I knew you were going to say that.

XENA
(chuckling)
See?

Gabrielle rolls her eyes and puts the parchment away as they get ready for bed. Xena is careful to make sure the tarp is secure on three sides to protect them from any storm that may blow in. Gabrielle joins her and begins unlacing her boots. 

GABRIELLE
The legend says the mountains are cursed, but the forest is pretty creepy too. Have you noticed there are no animal noises?

XENA
Yeah, I noticed. I actually caught our dinner at the edge of the woods. I didn’t see any sign of any game at all in the cover of the trees. No droppings, nothing.

GABRIELLE
I think it’s just the thickness of the trees that keeps light and wind from traveling in here that makes it so creepy.

Xena lies back on the bedroll.

XENA
No it’s not.

Gabrielle turns and crawls up next to her and lays her head on Xena’s shoulder.

GABRIELLE
Enlighten me.

XENA
It’s the ghosts and monsters.

GABRIELLE
Oh, you’re funny.

XENA
Thanks, I try.

GABRIELLE
You get to sleep with one eye open tonight.

XENA
Don’t I always?

Gabrielle snuggles closer and Xena pulls a heavy cover over them. Lifting her head to look at the fire, she’s satisfied that it will burn through the night.  She lays back and holds Gabrielle closer.

XENA
(Cont’d)
Goodnight, Gabrielle.  Don’t let the bacchae bite.

FADE TO:

EXT. CAMP - MORNING

Xena stretches and the very first thing she notices is that Gabrielle is gone. She is up immediately, also noticing that all of her partner’s belongings are gone too. She is immediately on her feet.

XENA
GABRIELLE!

Moving around their campsite, Xena also finds that Argo is gone, but her tack is still piled next to the shelter they had been sleeping in.

XENA
(Cont’d)
GABRIELLE!

When silence once again meets her yell, she quickly begins gathering her gear.  Then she starts looking for any signs of her partner or her horse.

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT. FOREST - MORNING

Xena is moving through the forest rapidly but carefully, still searching for any sign of Gabrielle but having no luck at all. She stops in the middle of a small clearing and turns in small circles, looking for anything that will lead her to Gabrielle. She stops as something unseen catches her senses and she draws her sword and points in the direction of the perceived threat.

XENA
(Cont’d)
Show yourself!

She waits patiently as two small figures in hooded cloaks step from the shadows. She is tense and watching them with a very wary eye as very small, strong hands reach up and lower the hoods. The figures under the hoods resemble humans, but their faces are more angular. Somehow Xena gets the impression that no matter how odd they may look, they are very wise creatures. They are about four feet tall, with a bluish gray hue to their skin, eyes that seem to be almost golden and ears that are small and come to a point. A small crop of dark hair rests on the head. They look at Xena but make no effort to advance. Finally one seems to smile, as it holds up a hand in a calming gesture.

CREATURE
Fear not, warrior. I am Tril and this is Kal. We mean you no harm. We are of the Forest Clan. We heard your cries and came to see if we could help you.

Xena slowly lowers her sword as she sizes them up and decides they are not a threat to her.

XENA
My companion is missing.

KAL
The little blonde warrior?

XENA
Yes? Do you know where she is?

Tril and Kal look between each other. Tril finally nods and looks to Xena.

TRIL
We fear that the Mountain Clan may have taken your companion.

Xena’s brow goes up and her grip tightens on her sword.

XENA
Where are these people?

TRIL
High in the mountains. It is a treacherous place and wrought with danger.

XENA
I don’t care. I need to find Gabrielle.

KAL
Warrior, we have great knowledge of the Mountain Clan. Perhaps you will come back to our village and we can help you prepare.

XENA
I don’t have time for this.

TRIL
You must make time. If you try to reach her unprepared, then you will surely condemn you both to death.

KAL
I swear to you on the spirits of our ancestors that we only wish to help you in your quest to retrieve your friend. The Mountain Clan is war-like and very dangerous. You need to better understand them before you can safely encounter them.

XENA
Why would they take Gabrielle?

TRIL
Orcin, our wisest priest can tell you more, warrior. Please?

They both turn and gesture towards a path that leads deeper into the forest.

KAL
For your friend?

Kal gestures again. Xena puts her sword away and gestures for then to go first. They put their hoods back up and begin shuffling down the path with Xena right behind them.

CUT TO:

INT.  BEDCHAMBER - SAME TIME

Two hooded figures very much like the ones Xena encountered in the forest stand over a large ornate bed, watching an unconscious Gabrielle.

FIGURE 1
Finally, we have found the one.

FIGURE 2
She will certainly be able to help us attain our objective. 

FIGURE 1
Do you think she will help us?

FIGURE 2
I am certain of it. Come.  Let’s leave this warrior to rest.

CUT TO:

EXT. VILLAGE - DAY

Xena enters the village and is surrounded by curious onlookers. She notices that the apparent difference between the men and the women in this village is that the men all wear hooded robes. The women wear robes without hoods and they all seem to have the same long golden hair with ornaments of various kinds hanging from them. It doesn’t take Xena long to figure out this is how they mark the class system in this village and the women with more ornate decorations are considered a higher class.

The one thing that strikes her immediately is that there don’t appear to be any children in this village.

XENA
Where are your children?

KAL
Children? That is not a word we are familiar with.

XENA
Babies?

Kal and Tril look at each other and can only shrug, clearly not comprehending what she is asking.

XENA
Offspring? You know, like....

She looks around and sees a goat tied to a post, munching some hay. At her teat is a newborn kid. Xena walks over and pets the baby, indicating to it.

XENA
Babies.

KAL
Ah, yes. You mean kinder. The little ones.

XENA
Yes, Kinder.  Where I come from they are called children.

TRIL
Chil-dren

He tries the word out as if testing if he likes it or not. He smiles and nods his approval

TRIL
Children is a good word.

XENA
So, where are they?

KAL
We have no children. We are the last of our people.

TRIL
Fortunately, our kind is very long lived and the need for kinder is not urgent.

This gets a raised brow as well, but she has far more important concerns than finding out the answer to that comment.

XENA
All right, where is this priest?

KAL
Orcin will rise in the evening.  You may talk to him then. 

TRIL
Until then, please allow us to honor you buy providing food and a place to rest.

KAL
I am afraid that our dwellings are too small for you to use, but you may make camp anywhere inside the village.

TRIL
Make sure that your camp is well inside the village. There are many dangers outside the protection of this circle.

XENA
(muttering)
Apparently.
(to Kal)
Listen, I really need to talk to....

KAL
Warrior, Orcin is in a deep trance. He will not emerge until evening.

TRIL
You may speak with him then.

A WOMAN from the clan comes to Xena and offers a warm loaf of sweat bread. Xena smiles at the gesture and takes the bread.

XENA
Thank you.

KAL
She can’t understand you warrior. Only Tril and I speak your language. One of us would be happy to translate for you.

XENA
Thanks.  Just tell her I said thank you.

Kal turns to her and points to Xena.

KAL
Orei beva riits forna.

The woman smiles at Xena and backs away, bowing and smiling.

XENA
(quietly)
Oh boy. It’s going to be a long day.

CUT TO:

INT.  BEDCHAMBER - SAME TIME

Gabrielle comes to, waking slowly,  rubbing first her eyes then her temples. She takes what appears to be a painful breath as she sits up, draping her legs over the side of the bed.

GABRIELLE
Oh man! I feel like I’ve been hit by lightening.

Taking a deep breath she raises her head and looks around the room.

GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
Where am I?

Standing on slightly shaky legs, she moves slowly around the room, looking at everything in it as she tries to work out where she is. She stops in front of a chest that has things piled on top of it that she vaguely recognizes as her own. Running her fingers over the cloak and the bag, she looks around the room, walking to and stopping before a polished metal plate used for casting a reflection.

GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
Who am I?

FADE TO:

EXT. VILLAGE - LATE DAY

Xena is sitting next to a small fire with a cup between her hands. She is clearly enjoying whatever is in the mug.  The smile on her face as she swallows says it all. Kal, Tril and several others from the village sit with her.

XENA
Why aren’t their any kinder?

TRIL
There is a serious dilemma for my people. While not an immediate concern, the fact that there are no kinder will be an issue eventually.

KAL
You see the two clans used to be one. But many years ago, there was a quarrel between members of the clan and it was split in two. One group left and moved to the mountains.

XENA
Becoming the Mountain Clan.

TRIL
Correct. You have noticed that our eyes are different from yours. The only way you can tell our people apart is by eye color.

KAL
The Mountain Clan has silver eyes.

TRIL
And for there to be kinder, gold and silver must come together.

XENA
Could make things difficult.

TRIL
Very.

XENA
So the Mountain Clan doesn’t have any kinder either?

KAL
No.

XENA
Well, that’s good. I don’t have to worry about children getting hurt.

From the back of a village a wise and aged voice reaches her ears.

ORCIN
No. You only have to be concerned that the Mountain Clan won’t kill your friend. Come, we need to talk.

Xena looks at the very old man in purple and gold robes. She notices he is the only one dressed in robes like that.

KAL
That is Orcin.  Please go with him. 

She gets up and follows the old man as her eyes dart back and forth between him and the group she has just left.

CUT TO:

INT. CAVE - EVENING 

Without a word to Xena, Orcin enters a cave and takes a seat on a fur-covered bench. Xena enters and ducks just slightly at the entrance, but once inside she finds she can stand to her full height, albeit a little cramped. She looks around and sees books and scrolls on shelves that line the walls of the cave. There is a table where vials of various colors bubble and smoke. A small tray of crystals hum and radiate colors of the rainbow.

XENA
Nice place.

ORCIN
This is something new to you, Warrior?

XENA
No, I’ve been in worse.

A smile curls his lips, as if he is having a bittersweet memory.

ORCIN
I was not speaking of my place. I was speaking of humor.

He stops and considers her, looking at her intently.  Their eyes meet while he learns of the warrior before him.

ORCIN
(Cont’d)
You have a very old soul. You have made many journeys and will make many, many more.

XENA
I’m not surprised.  There’s no rest for the wicked.

ORCIN
But it is good, these journeys. For there is one that travels with you....

XENA
Gabrielle.

ORCIN
(nodding)
In this life, yes. Gabrielle. Intertwined for eternity are you both.

XENA
Forever?

ORCIN
Yes.

XENA
Hope we have a little easier time of it next time.

ORCIN
All will be different, but will be same.

XENA
How can that be?

ORCIN
Different because who you will be together, but same because you are together.

XENA
Well, I’m not ready to give her up in the here and now, so I need to know how to get her out of there.

ORCIN
Patience, Warrior. Your partner is safe for now. We must prepare. The Mountain Clan people are very powerful and they will be more so now that they have your companion to fight for them.

XENA
Fight? Fight who?

ORCIN
The Forest Clan.

CUT TO:

INT.  DINING HALL - NIGHT

Gabrielle, dressed in fine robes of soft white flowing silk is seated at a large table laden with food and all there for her. The two creatures sitting at the table with her are watching her patiently as she reaches a tentative hand for a ripe fruit.

GABRIELLE
And what exactly happened again?

GHIN
There was a minor accident the other day.  Your horse stumbled and you hit your head.

GABRIELLE
Well that explains that then. Amnesia.

She stops and thinks about it.

GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
How did I know that?

NHIF
That is the way these injuries are, General.

Gabrielle nods and takes a bite from the fruit in her hand. Her eyes seem far off as she considers the conversation and trying to reconcile it with what few things she thinks she knows.

GABRIELLE
My horse?

GHIN
General, I’m afraid that she broke her leg and we had to put her down.

A brief vision of Argo flashes through her mind and her eyes close as if they are trying to capture what her eyes are seeing.

GABRIELLE
Oh no. She’s going to be heartbroken.

NHIF
She?

GABRIELLE
What?

GHIN
You said she. Who, General?

She sits back against her chair and thinks about it. She looks as if she’s going to say something, then she just turns to them and shrugs.

GABRIELLE
I don’t know.

GHIN
I’m sure it will come back to you.

GABRIELLE
I hope so. I have a feeling she is very important.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

EXT. VILLAGE - DAY

Xena is walking with Orcin through the village. She scratches her head and stops walking, forcing him to stop and turn to her.

XENA
Let me get this straight. These Mountain people took Gabrielle so that they can wage war on you and take this ‘power source’?

ORCIN
Yes. They need a warrior.

XENA
Gabrielle won’t fight for them. She’s not that kind of a warrior. 

ORCIN
She won’t have a choice, Warrior.

XENA
Of course she will.

Orcin just sighs and shakes his head.

ORCIN
You do not have all the answers to a problem that you don’t understand.

XENA
No, but I know Gabrielle and she will not fight for them.

ORCIN
Come with me.

XENA
Look I’m really running out of....

ORCIN
Patience, Warrior.

XENA
Gods!

She looks to the heavens in frustration as Orcin slowly walks into the woods.

CUT TO:

EXT. TEMPLE - DAY

Orcin stops at the steps of the temple and gestures to it.

ORCIN
This is the root of the problem.

XENA
An old temple?

ORCIN
It is not an ordinary temple. Not like the ones you had for your multi-gods. This temple has been here since before even them. This structure has been standing since the beginning of time, in one place or another.

XENA
You have a mobile temple? Interesting. 

ORCIN
Not any longer. You see, there is a power source inside the temple that gave my kind the resources we needed to move from place to place. But many years ago there was an accident that broke it. It still has great power, but not enough that we can move. However, there was a conflict between the people of our one clan over this power source. Silver wanted to use it to explore and change this world.

XENA
And you didn’t?

ORCIN
It is forbidden. We may only observe. Never interfere.

XENA
So the tribe split into two clans and you’ve been at war over this thing since?

ORCIN
No, as you can probably tell, my kind is very mild mannered. We have no desire for war. We would happily take them back if they agreed to live in peace with us here. But over time they have become more aggressive.  They want conquest and they want the power source. They would only allow those of us who can have kinder to live. The others that are too old will be slaughtered.

XENA
Then how do you keep them from coming in here and taking it? It sounds like they could wipe you off the map.

ORCIN
Ah well, Warrior.  We have defenses, you see.  Just not with iron and wooden weapons.

XENA
Ah, I get it now.  Parlor tricks like the Gods used.

ORCIN
If it makes you happy to think of it that way, yes. But I assure you that our powers are significant.

XENA
I’m sure they are. So you’ve been holding them off with hocus-pocus and they need Gabrielle to come down here and break through the defenses.

ORCIN
Something like that, yes.

XENA
And once she gets in, they follow and then scorch and burn.

ORCIN
Yes.
(beat)
So now we need a warrior who can beat their warrior.

XENA
I can’t fight Gabrielle.

ORCIN
You must.

CUT TO:

INT.  THRONE ROOM - DAY

Gabrielle is looking in another mirror... this one a full-length mirror. Her reflection shows her clothes that feel foreign to her but she can’t put her finger on why. Long pants are tucked neatly into high black boots. Thighs are covered in a light plate mail that extends down from her waist, protecting her all the way down. A long sword is hanging from her back, the hilt ready to be pulled from the right. A white blouse and tan vest with heavy black gloves complete the picture.

She shakes her head, wondering why it doesn’t feel right and not having the answer. She reaches for a golden goblet that is immediately to her left and sips from it, humming at the sweet wine. Ghin enters the room, hands tucked in the sleeves of his robe and a smile on his face.

GHIN
General?

GABRIELLE
Yes, Ghin?

GHIN
We trust that your meal was satisfactory?

GABRIELLE
Yes, the rabbit was....

She has a flash of a roast rabbit on the spit.

GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
(slowly)
... one of the best... I’ve ever... had.

GHIN
Then are you ready to proceed to the war room?

GABRIELLE
Yes, of course. Lead the way.

CUT TO:

EXT. TEMPLE - DAY

Xena is sitting on the steps of the temple with her face in her hands running everything through her brain, which at this point hurts a lot. She scrubs her face and looks to Orcin, who appears to be levitating about an inch off the ground.  She is unimpressed.

XENA
That old trick.

Orcin only smiles.  He likes Xena even if he doesn’t know why.

ORCIN
Yes, I was resting.

XENA
Try a mattress.  Does wonders for the back.

ORCIN
You’ve has similar training?

XENA
Two life times ago.

ORCIN
No, two life times ago, you were a prince. Gabrielle was a maid in your court.

XENA
Not my princess?

ORCIN
But she was. You may have married another, but she had your heart. Then and now.

XENA
You know, I thought I was imagining it.

ORCIN
You mean that feeling you get when you look at each other and just naturally know what the other is thinking? When she is missing you don’t feel complete.

XENA
You mean like now?

ORCIN
Very much like now.

XENA
Then I need to go get her.

ORCIN
You will, but you can’t go up that mountain. They will kill you.

XENA
Ye of little faith.

Another smile lights Orcin’s wizened features.

ORCIN
You are quite the enigma, Warrior. Great fierceness, combined with a tenderness rarely seen in your kind.

XENA
My kind?

ORCIN
The warrior. It has been my experience that warriors become so good at what they do they forget how to love.

XENA
I had, but that was a gift Gabrielle gave me.

CUT TO:

EXT. MOUNTAIN - DAY

Gabrielle is standing on the ridge of the mountain looking down at the small village. She closes her eyes tight and rubs her forehead feeling something, but unable to put her finger on it.

GHIN
General? Are you all right?

GABRIELLE
I’m fine. I just keep hearing echoes of someone calling my name. 

GHIN
You’ve had a tiring day.  Perhaps you should return to the fortress and rest.

GABRIELLE
No, I want to take a walk and try to clear my head.

GHIN
No!
(beat)
I mean, it’s not safe. You shouldn’t be out alone.

Gabrielle’s hand comes to rest on the hilt of her sword and she allows her fingers to drum it lightly. 

GABRIELLE
I think I’ll be all right.

Ghin looks around hesitantly and finally nods.

GHIN
Very well, but please stay close to the fortress.

GABRIELLE
I will.

CUT TO:

EXT. TEMPLE - DAY

Orcin is standing in front of Xena, his hands tucked into the sleeves of his robe.

ORCIN
Would you like to see your partner?

XENA
That was a rhetorical question, I hope.

ORCIN
Just checking.

He seems to chuckle as he hands Xena a small crystal from the folds of his robe. Xena looks at it, one brow arching.

XENA
You’re joking.

ORCIN
I never joke. Concentrate on your partner and you will be able to see her.

Taking the stone, Xena holds it in her hands, cupping it almost reverently since it is her only connection to Gabrielle at the moment. Inside the stone there seems to be a swirling blue smoke that clears to reveal an image of Gabrielle walking through a field of stones. 

XENA
(softly)
Gabrielle....

CUT TO:

EXT. FIELD - DAY

Gabrielle stops and places both hands to the sides of her head as if in intense pain.

GABRIELLE
(softly)
Xena?

CUT TO:

EXT. TEMPLE - DAY

Xena is ecstatic that Gabrielle seems to have heard her and she is about to try again when the clouds start swirling and the image is gone. Jumping to her feet she puts her hand out, thrusting the crystal at Orcin.

XENA
Bring her back.

ORCIN
I can’t.

Xena’s eyes narrow.  She’s about at the end of her rope. Taking a deep breath she straightens.

XENA
Why not?

ORCIN
She is not my partner. I have no power to communicate with her.

FADE TO:

INT. WAR ROOM - EVENING 

Gabrielle is sipping from a golden cup and looking at a map of the valley below. There is a fire in the hearth and despite its barren walls the room seems almost comfortable if not homey. Gabrielle’s finger taps the spot on the map that indicates the temple.

GABRIELLE
I wonder....

Getting up, she crosses the room and pulls the door open, yelling for her assistant.

GABRIELLE
Ghin!

As if by magic he appears at the end of the hallway and scurries toward her.

GHIN
Yes, General?

GABRIELLE
Explain to me one more time in very clear terms why we need to take this temple from the Forest Clan.

GHIN
Many years ago we were one tribe. There was a conflict over the power source in the temple. Our people wanted to destroy it to keep it from becoming a threat to this land. In their hands it is a very dangerous weapon. They have been preparing spiritually to use it. We must stop them. If we don’t, this place will be a wasteland.

GABRIELLE
Then we don’t need to hurt them... just destroy the power source?

GHIN
I wish it were that simple. They have great power; they will try to keep us from the temple. We must not let that happen.

GABRIELLE
There has to be a way.

GHIN
I’m afraid not.

GABRIELLE
It doesn’t feel right.

GHIN
Perhaps it is just nerves, General. I’m sure all will be well one our battle plan is in place.

GABRIELLE
Perhaps.

FADE TO:

INT. BED CHAMBER - NIGHT 

Gabrielle is tossing and turning in bed.  Sleep is not coming easy. She finally throws back the covers and walks to the window. Unlatching the hook, she opens the shutters and looks out over the forest. She can see the lights from several small fires.

GABRIELLE
You’re down there, aren’t you? Waiting for me. Who are you? Why do I need you?

CUT TO:

INT. WAR ROOM - SAME TIME

Ghin and Nhif are standing near the map table, leaning on it as if they are completely exhausted.

GHIN
Her mind is stronger than we thought. I am having a very difficult time keeping the other out. Their bond is stronger than simple consciousness of each other.

NHIF
I have never seen two together like this. They are a part of each other.

GHIN
And even separately they are very powerful. I can barely keep the Master Warrior out. She is distressed over the tyro.

NHIF
This is more than a student-teacher bond. This is about what they call love, hate, desire, joy, pain, and all their other emotions. This is a blending of their very essence. How they have learned to blend and balance it. One makes up for the weaknesses in the other.

GHIN
How do we defeat this? If we can’t control the tyro, we will not succeed in this quest.

NHIF
We are in control of her; she is not remembering anything of any value.

GHIN
But you agree that it is getting harder to control her?

NHIF
Yes, their pull on each other is strong. 

GHIN
What we take from one is replaced by the other.

NHIF
We cannot fail.

GHIN
We will not fail.

FADE TO:

EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT

Xena is lying on the ground looking up at the mountain and the barely visible visage of the fortress. She continues to stare with steely eyes, unblinking and unmoving. A mist starts to settle over the ground and her eyes slip shut. 

FADE TO:

INT. BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT

Gabrielle finally lies back down and pulls the covers over her, holding them under her chin like a child frightened by the monsters that live in the closet. She stares at the ceiling as a mist floats through the window and as it settles in the room, her eyes slip shut.

FADE TO:

EXT. MIST - NIGHT

Xena is walking through a barren mist.  Her sword is in her hand as she cautiously moves further into the mist. Ahead of her, she sees a figure with its back turned. She continues to move forward. She stops suddenly when she realizes who the figure is.

XENA
Gabrielle?

Gabrielle turns and faces Xena. There is no recognition in her eyes as she draws her own sword.

GABRIELLE
Who are you?

XENA
Gabrielle, it’s me. Xena.

GABRIELLE
I don’t know you.

XENA
Yes, you do. We’ve been....

GABRIELLE
I said I don’t know you. Who are you and where are we?

Xena takes a deep breath. She looks at the sword gripped in Gabrielle’s hand, knowing at the moment it may be a very real threat, but regardless she sheaths her own sword.

XENA
I don’t know where we are. But you have to believe me when I tell you that you do know me and we are friends.

GABRIELLE
Then tell me why I don’t remember you. Trust me, if we knew each other, I’d remember you.

XENA
I don’t know why.  We made camp two days ago just inside the forest and when I woke up you were gone. I’ve been trying to find you ever since.

Gabrielle shakes her head, trying to clear it and thinking on the information she has just been given.

GABRIELLE
You’re the one.

XENA
What?

GABRIELLE
That’s been saying my name. I can hear you in my head.

XENA
Yes, I’ve been trying to....

Before Xena can finish, the mist goes black.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

EXT. VILLAGE - MORNING

Xena shoots straight up from a sound sleep, grasping at air as if she is reaching and grabbing for a person.

XENA
GABRIELLE!

Her yell brings several members of the village. They watch from a safe distance as she comes to full awareness and looks around for her missing partner. Kal moves quickly through the crowd and stands before her.

KAL
Warrior?

XENA
I had her! Damn it! I had her!

KAL
Warrior? Who did you have?

XENA
Gabrielle! I had my hands on her! I nearly had her!

KAL
That’s not possible. Your tyro is in the mountains.

XENA
Tyro? What is a tyro?

KAL
Uh... student. She is your student.

XENA
Gabrielle is not my student.

KAL
You taught her, of course she is.

Realization suddenly sets in for Xena. She nods slowly as she looks around the village.

XENA
Orcin!

She waits. He slowly emerges from the shadows of the trees.

ORCIN
Yes?

XENA
They took her because I trained her?

ORCIN
Yes. They knew they couldn’t control you.

XENA
They’re using mind control to make her do what they want.

ORCIN
Yes. You saw her, didn’t you?

XENA
I was there with her. Or somewhere with her.

ORCIN
You broke through their control.

XENA
But she didn’t remember me.

ORCIN
Their control. Not their spells.

XENA
Then I can get to her.

ORCIN
Possibly. However the reason that your last encounter ended so abruptly is no doubt because they discovered your communication and put a block up around it. Were you using the stone I gave you?

XENA
No. I mean I don’t know. I fell asleep and....

ORCIN
Was the stone in your possession?

XENA
Yes.

ORCIN
The stone is an amplifier. It enhances your natural abilities. The connection you have with her. But it does have a price.

XENA
Of course it does. Everything has a damn price.

ORCIN
Only that they can detect it. If you want to get to your partner you will have to find another way to avoid detection.

CUT TO:

INT. EXERCISE ROOM - DAY

Gabrielle is doing a series of sword drills. She’s working hard and sweat is pouring from her face and neck. Her breathing is hard and labored and it’s clear that what she is trying to do is wear herself out. She finally slows and drops to her knees, staring out a large window at the moon. The position is almost one of defeat as her arms open wide and her head falls back as she looks up to the moon. Her eyes close and then snap open as her hand comes up and grabs the chakram out of the air.

She looks at it, studying it and turning it over in her hand. She finally takes it in both hands. When she does, visions flash through her mind. 

FADE TO:

EXT. AMAZON VILLAGE - CEREMONIAL PLATFORM - AFTERNOON
 
The Amazons start to sing and dance around them, but Xena and Gabrielle only have eyes for each other. They move closer to each other, then go very still, eyes locked and the world around them disregarded.
 
ADELIA
And so, two are made one, and the blood of an outsider is brought into the
Amazon Nation. Xena, we welcome you.
 
Xena leans forward and kisses Gabrielle. Their hands are still clasped together.

FADE TO:

INT. ARES’ TEMPLE - NIGHT - LATER

Ares snorts. Xena turns to Gabrielle and holds her hand out. Gabrielle accepts it, and allows herself to be drawn over to Xena. She tilts her head and waits, watching Xena's face.
 
XENA
See that, Ares? Love is the look in her eyes.
 
Ares rolls his.  Xena cups Gabrielle's face.
 
XENA
(Cont’d)
Love is equal, Ares. Love is two people sharing.... Everything.

CUT TO:

INT. EXERCISE ROOM - DAY

Gabrielle shakes her head and looks at the weapon again.

GABRIELLE
Xena?

She examines the chakram more closely and finds a small piece of parchment tied to it. Unwrapping it, she begins reading it. A smile slowly crosses her lips.

GABRIELLE
Xena, how could I have forgotten you?

Gripping the chakram she moves back to the window and looks out. In the valley she can see a clearing with a fire and a lone figure standing next to it. She looks at the chakram, and then distance between them.

GABRIELLE
I suppose you think I can throw this all the way down there.

Taking a deep breath she throws the chakram and watches as it flies a straight path down the rocky face of the mountain and into Xena’s waiting hand.

CUT TO:

EXT. CLEARING - NIGHT

Xena snatches the chakram out of the air and clips it to her hip. She turns to Orcin and raises a brow, giving him a satisfied little smirk. 

XENA
Told ya it would work.

ORCIN
So it seems.

XENA
She did exactly what she was supposed to do.  She worked herself into a physical and mental exhaustion.

ORCIN
Breaking their spell and giving you the opening you needed?

XENA
Yes.

ORCIN
You have taught her well.

XENA
We’ve learned a lot from each other.

ORCIN
So now you believe you’ve restored her memory of you.  How do you expect to work together to defeat them? You still can’t get into their fortress.

XENA
We have many skills.

CUT TO:

EXT. MOUNTAIN FACE - EVENING

Gabrielle is seated on a large dark horse, looking down at the village below her. Ghin and Nhif are standing next to her.

GABRIELLE
We have a problem, gentleman.

GHIN
Yes?

GABRIELLE
Yes, the Forest Clan has recruited a warrior of their own.

Ghin and Nhif look at each other and then both sets of eyes move to Gabrielle.

GHIN
But certainly not a warrior who can defeat you, General?

GABRIELLE
Perhaps, but we’re not going to give them a chance to find out.

GHIN
You are ready to attack?

GABRIELLE
As ready as I can be under the circumstances. We can’t let them get ready. We can’t let her fortify their defenses. Ghin, you and I are riding down there at first light.

GHIN
We are?

GABRIELLE
We are. Be ready just before dawn.

CUT TO:

EXT. MIST - NIGHT

Gabrielle is walking through the mist and smiles when she sees Xena coming from the other direction.

GABRIELLE
About time you showed up.

XENA
I had trouble sleeping. 

GABRIELLE
I know the feeling. So do you want to explain all this to me?

XENA
We don’t have time right now. It’s complicated. Just make sure you get that little troll down to the village by sunup.

GABRIELLE
We’ll be there. Don’t worry.
(beat)
I’m sorry I forgot you, Xena.

Xena smiles and reaches across to take her hand.

XENA
It was a spell. You didn’t forget me. You just didn’t remember me. There’s a difference. If you had forgotten me, I wouldn’t have been able to make contact with you.

GABRIELLE
I’m really glad you did. I would never have forgiven myself if I had done what they wanted. Spell or not.

XENA
Well, we don’t have to worry about that now. Be there before sunup.

GABRIELLE
I will.

Gabrielle leans forward and kisses Xena very gently almost afraid the contact might end their time together.

GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
Oh I want more of those when we get through this.

XENA
You got it.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

EXT. TEMPLE - PRE DAWN

Xena is outside the temple, pacing back and forth as Orcin watches from his place a few inches about the ground.

ORCIN
You are sure she’ll come and bring Ghin with her?

XENA
I’m sure. 

She turns and looks at the old man.

XENA
(Cont’d)
This is what you wanted isn’t it?

ORCIN
Yes.

Xena turns away from Orcin and lifts her head as if she is looking for something. She places her hand on her sword and waits patiently.

XENA
Get ready and stay out of the way.

As Orcin moves to the side near the temple Gabrielle comes riding through the woods at a full gallop. She barely slows her horse as she dismounts and lands before Xena, her own sword drawn and at the ready.

GABRIELLE
Give it up Xena.  You can’t win this one.

One brow goes up over Xena’s eye and she stands a little straighter.

XENA
Really? You think you can take me?

GABRIELLE
I know I can. I know where your weak spots are.

XENA
Let’s test that theory, shall we?

They engage, swords clashing together so fiercely that they create sparks. Both Orcin and Ghin bring their hands up to shield their eyes.

Battling back and forth, they both are exerting a tremendous amount of force on each other. They are breathing heavily and muscles are tense and rippling as they move in perfect symmetry throwing blows and having them blocked expertly by the other. They move in a circle, forcing both Ghin and Orcin to move away from them and closer to each other.

Xena throws a round house at Gabrielle, who ducks it and rolls away. When she comes up her sword is at Ghin’s throat and simultaneously Xena’s is at Orcin’s

XENA
Surprise.

CUT TO:

INT. TEMPLE - DAY

The doors burst open. Xena and Gabrielle herd their prisoners in at the point of their swords.

GHIN
How dare you!

GABRIELLE
How dare we?

She moves around and get very close to his face.

GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
Look, little man.  Don’t even consider trying to make us the bad guys here. How dare you try to use me against Xena and these people!

GHIN
We needed to get the power source.

XENA
Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that too.

She gestures to Gabrielle.

XENA
(Cont’d)
Keep an eye on our little friends here.

GABRIELLE
Oh don’t worry. They aren’t going anywhere.

Xena crosses the room to a small pedestal which holds a glowing stone, much like the Ixion stone. Carefully she reaches for it with just a bit of hesitation. After having a couple bad experiences with this kind of thing, she’s understandably cautious.

XENA
If I disappear into a time warp, kill them.

She takes the stone from the pedestal and looks at it curiously as she realizes it’s not going to zap her into another dimension.

XENA
(Cont’d)
Small miracles. 

She walks back over and places it on the floor between the two men.

XENA
(Cont’d)
This is what you both want, and when two groups of people want something this bad, that’s just a recipe for disaster. I think we need to destroy it.

Xena steps back from the stone.  Grabbing them by their robes, she drags Ghin and Orcin with her.

XENA
(Cont’d)
Go ahead, Gabrielle; I think you deserve the honor.

Gabrielle moves over the stone and raises her sword.

GHIN
WAIT!

Gabrielle’s posture relaxes a little as she looks over, but she doesn’t lower the weapon.

GABRIELLE
What?

GHIN
You... you can’t destroy it!

GABRIELLE
Watch me.

XENA
(to Orcin)
Did you mean what you said?

ORCIN
Yes, but they must be willing.

XENA
Go ahead Gabrielle.

She raises her sword again, this time bringing it down and splitting the stone in half.

GHIN
NO!

CUT TO:

EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT

Xena and Gabrielle are laying together in a bedroll as the people of the village mill around and begin to make room for those who will be returning.

GABRIELLE
So tell me?

XENA
What would you like to know?

GABRIELLE
How to make wine.

Gabrielle playfully pinches Xena, making her squirm.

GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
I want to know how you figured it out.

XENA
Ah yes, one of my better moments I think.

GABRIELLE
Well, while you’re lying there being all proud of yourself, tell me.

Xena chuckles and holds Gabrielle tighter.

XENA
Well, it all started when Orcin started talking about our lives together. Even the ones in the past. He reminded me that we have a very special connection that I could use to do what we needed, but....

GABRIELLE
There’s always a but.

XENA
Seems like it. But because of the spell they had cast around you and because we don’t have great control over whatever this is, I needed a booster.

GABRIELLE
And you found a booster?

XENA
Orcin gave me one.

She pulls the stone from a pack by her head.

XENA
(Cont’d)
Here you go. This did it. Let me get to you the first time, which was enough to jog your memory.

GABRIELLE
You knew my training would take over and I’d work myself to exhaustion.  That was when you sent the flying chakramgram?

XENA
Exactly. And once you saw the chakram, I had high hopes that it would do the trick. You and I have a long history with that thing.

GABRIELLE
Okay I understand all that, but how did you determine who was telling the truth about the stone.

XENA
Well that was a little more difficult. But it came to me that if it was really as powerful as we had been led to believe then the one who wouldn’t want it destroyed was the one we needed to keep it away from.

GABRIELLE
Oh, that’s clever.

XENA
Thank you.

CUT TO:

EXT. VILLAGE - DAY

Xena and Gabrielle are standing in the middle of the village as the Mountain Clan is welcomed back.

There are obvious tears of joy among them as families appear to be reunited. Gabrielle smiles and takes Xena’s hand.

GABRIELLE
Nice job.

XENA
Yeah, we did all right.

GABRIELLE
We usually do.

There is a break in the commotion when Orcin comes into the village with Tril and Kal. Kal is leading Argo.

XENA
Argo! There you are.

They both move to the horse who is apparently happy to see them as well.

XENA
(Cont’d)
Where have you been?

GABRIELLE
Some guy probably came along with an apple.

ORCIN
She was waiting on the edge of the woods. Until the two clans were reunited, this forest was not the most pleasant place to be.

KAL
We took the time to make her new shoes, Warrior. A gift from us to you for all of your help. I think you’ll find that these shoes won’t wear out very quickly. They are made from a special metal only found here.

XENA
Thank you.

Ghin approaches and Orcin seems to greet him with a friendly nod. 

GHIN
Thank you both. Our people had become so obsessed with gaining the stone we had lost the memories of how important just being with our own people had become. We are forever grateful.

GABRIELLE
Think nothing of it. It’s what we do.

ORCIN
Before you go we want to give you something.

Tril moves forward and gives Ghin a small box and Orcin a box very similar.

GHIN
For you, Warrior.

He hands Gabrielle the box. Opening it she finds a small silver ring, she smiles and nods.

GABRIELLE
Thank you.

Orcin hands Xena her box and she finds a small golden ring.

ORCIN
Wear it in good health, Warrior.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR

TAG

FADE IN:

EXT. ROAD - DAY

Xena and Gabrielle are both riding Argo as they slowly move down a road like so many others they have ridden before. 

GABRIELLE
So where to now?

XENA
I hadn’t anything in particular planned. Do you have someplace you’d like to go?

GABRIELLE
Doesn’t matter to me as long as we’re together. I don’t much like being separated from you. Under any circumstances.

XENA
We won’t be. Family should be together. 

GABRIELLE
(teasingly)
How profound.

XENA
I thought so. I guess that fact hit home with those people. Their conflict had gotten so out of hand they couldn’t have children. They need each other. Just like we need each other. I don’t ever intend to lose sight of that again.

Gabrielle squeezes Xena hard around her waist.

GABRIELLE
Oooo, I love it when you get all mushy and romantic.

XENA
(teasingly)
Yeah, well don’t get use to it.

GABRIELLE
I won’t. 

They continue together down the road into the setting sun.

FADE OUT.

DISCLAIMER
No creatures where harmed during the making of this motion picture, but Gabrielle has vowed to stop camping in forests that are supposedly cursed.