ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT

The six amazons are sitting, cross-legged, in a row, watching as Xena and Gabrielle pace back and forth in front of them in opposite directions. They try to follow them, but the opposing directions make it difficult and they look like they’re experiencing spasms of some type. Xena and Gabrielle look to each other. Xena pauses, lifts her hand to say something, then drops it and shakes her head. They go back to their pacing.

XENA

So, let me get this straight. You’re on your
Rite of Passage journey, and some how
you got turned around and ended up here?

The apparent leader of the group, ESME stands slowly.

ESME

Yes, we were to complete several
tasks, then return to the village.

Another girl moves to her knees and shoots the smallest girl on the end a dirty look.

SHIRI

But somebody got us lost.

The smallest girl drops her eyes immediately. Xena and Gabrielle exchange looks. Then Xena points to a third girl.

XENA

What’s your name?

The girl looks up and smiles.

GIRL

Dori.

Xena and Gabrielle look at each other, twin brows raise as they shake off the feeling they’ve heard that name somewhere before.

Gabrielle kneels by yet another girl.

GABRIELLE

And you are?

GIRL FIVE

Patia

The fifth in the group stands up and sticks out her chest.

GIRL SIX

I’m Nesha.  I’m the hunter.

Xena crosses her arms and looks down.

XENA

Really?  And tell me, mighty
hunter... are you eating well?

SHIRI

Oh yeah, she can trap a mean carrot.

Gabrielle stifles a snicker and lays her hand on the last girl’s knee.

GABRIELLE

What’s your name?

GIRL THREE

(quietly)

They call me Jinx.

GABRIELLE

Jinx?  Why do they call you that?

ESME

Because she is. This is her third
time out. All the other groups failed
because she jinxed them.

AMAZONS

Yeah!

SHIRI

(morosely)

Our group got stuck with her.

Gabrielle rises, obviously not happy.

GABRIELLE

How can you say that about a sister?
You call yourselves Amazons? Amazons
take care of each other. They help
protect those weaker than themselves
and they don’t make fun of each other.

NESHA

But she got us lost!

XENA

(eyeing Nesha)

And you’ve been doing such a
fine job of providing for your sisters?

Nesha’s eyes drop, unable to meet Xena’s gaze.

NESHA

No, Ma’am.

Gabrielle takes Xena by the arm and draws her away so that they can talk privately.

GABRIELLE

Ma’am. Heh. That was cute.

Xena gives her the ‘look’ and motions for her to get on with whatever it is she wants to say.

GABRIELLE

(Cont’d)

Xena, we have to help these girls.

XENA

No.  We don’t.

Gabrielle looks shocked.

GABRIELLE

Of course we do, Xena.
Did you see them?

Gabrielle gestures to the small group of Amazons, huddling around the fire for warmth.

GABRIELLE

(Cont’d)

I’m surprised they’ve made it even this
far without being hurt, or even killed.
We can’t go ten paces ourselves without
running into someone wanting to rob us...

(beat)

... or worse.  We can’t leave
them on their own like this.

XENA

Yes, we can.  We need to.

(beat)

Gabrielle, You know Amazons have been
sending their daughters out on quests like
these since they formed their Nation.  It’s a
Rite every Amazon must go through to be
seen as an adult in the eyes of the tribe.
If we interfere....

GABRIELLE

But they’re so young....

Xena smiles, giving Gabrielle an affectionate hip-bump.

XENA

You were that young once too, you know.

GABRIELLE

Yeah, and look what happened to me.
Ran away from home tagging along
after a reformed warlord who made
it plain that she didn’t want my company.

(beat)

Xena, I couldn’t even start a fire.  What
do you think would have happened
to me if you hadn’t taken me in?

Gabrielle looks up at Xena, knowing by the softening in her partner’s eyes that her words are having their intended effect.

GABRIELLE

(Cont’d)

And I don’t think I have to remind you that
I was a few years older than these girls.

Knowing she’s been soundly beaten, Xena can only shake her head.

Gabrielle smiles, triumphant.  Going to her toes, she presses a kiss to Xena’s cheek.

GABRIELLE

(Cont’d)

Thanks.

XENA

Only until we get them back on the
right trail and out of the way of these
marauders.  Then they’re on their own.

GABRIELLE

(grinning)

Deal.

FADE TO:

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT

The six young Amazons sit around the campfire, ravenously devouring the meal that Gabrielle has prepared.  Xena and Gabrielle sit several feet away, staring.

GABRIELLE

How long do you think it’s
been since they’ve eaten?

XENA

A few days.

She waves the air in front of her nose.

XENA

(Cont’d)

Don’t think they’ve had
a bath recently either.

GABRIELLE

Why do you think I
suggested we sit upwind?

They watch in silence as a fight breaks out over the last of the food; a squabble that ends with the rabbit Gabrielle has cooked flying back into the fire, dish and all.  Nesha and Shiri throw themselves at one another and tumble to the ground as the rest of the girls scatter like frightened quail.

Xena gets slowly to her feet, her anger evident in her smooth, silent motions.

XENA

(softly)

All right, that’s enough.

Gabrielle stands as well, looking a bit concerned.

GABRIELLE

Xena....

A moment later, the two combatants find themselves dangling several feet off the ground, held in place by a firm hand to the scruff of their necks.  Blazing eyes burn into each in turn, forcing them to stare down at the ground far beneath their feet.

XENA

Your mothers must be
very proud of you both.

SHIRI

She started it.

NESHA

Did not.

SHIRI

Did too!

XENA

Enough!

She settles both back on their feet with a decided lack of gentleness.

XENA

(Cont’d)

Since you both seem to have energy to
spare, let’s put it to good use, shall we?

She points to Shiri

XENA

(Cont’d)

You, clean up this mess.  There’s a
 pond right through those trees.  I want
the dishes and the pan scrubbed
until they shine, do you understand?

The girls shoot a questioning look to their Queen but Gabrielle merely shakes her head, letting them know that they got themselves into this mess and now it’s time to face the music.

Shiri nods, eyes wide and a bit frightened.

XENA

(Cont’d—to Nesha)

And you, prepare the ground for sleeping.
Level it out, remove all the branches and
stones, and lay out the bedrolls.  When
you’re done, come back to me.  You’re
both on guard duty for the night.

Both girls stare at her.

XENA

(Cont’d)

Move!!

The girls scamper away as if Cerberus himself is snapping at their heels.

The other Amazon youngsters stare up at Xena, identical expressions on their faces.  They’re frozen like temple statues.

Gabrielle walks up to stand next to Xena.  Crossing her arms, she stares at the young faces staring back at her.

GABRIELLE

You have a lot to learn
about being Amazon.

The power of those softly spoken words sting deeper than Xena’s display of anger.  The girls look away from Gabrielle, deeply shamed.

JINX

(softly)

We’re sorry, Queen Gabrielle.

Gabrielle smiles slightly, remembering similar words from long ago, and the response she’d received.

GABRIELLE

Don’t be sorry. Just improve.

Behind her, Xena smiles, also remembering.

CUT TO:

EXT. CAMP - EARLY MORNING

Jinx is awake before anyone else and she slowly and very carefully gets up from the bedrolls. She looks around camp at her sisters and then across the fire at Xena and Gabrielle, sleeping together. She looks curiously as she notices the Gabrielle is turned facing Xena. Xena is very clearly protecting Gabrielle by the way she has her arms wrapped around her, even in their sleep.

Jinx smiles and looks wistfully at Esme, then she sighs and picks up a water skin to fill. As Jinx walks out of camp, Gabrielle lifts her head and watches her leave past the two “guards” who are both sound asleep at their posts. 

Gabrielle sighs.

XENA

(sleepily)

We getting up?

GABRIELLE

Not yet. Go back to sleep.

XENA

I was never awake. This is
my automatic voice response.

Gabrielle smiles when suddenly a long exaggerated snore comes from Xena. She brushes her fingers through Xena’s hair as she waits. When she sees Jinx heading back into camp, she lays her head back down, watching the young Amazon through slitted eyelids. Her eyes widen as she feels a feather-light touch against her belly. She grasps Xena’s hand.

GABRIELLE

Be good.

XENA

I’m always good.

Xena pulls her hand free and brushes it against Gabrielle’s thigh, causing Gabrielle to squeal. This in turn causes Jinx to stumble and fall on the water skin. The skin’s top pops off and water sprays on the other girls, causing them to wake up screaming as if they’re under attack. Xena jumps to her feet, bringing her sword with her.

XENA

What’s the problem??

All the girls stop immediately and stare at Xena who is dressed only in her thin sleeping shift. Gabrielle covers her eyes and shakes her head.

GABRIELLE

(muttering)

It’s gonna be one of those days.

CUT TO:

EXT. POND - EARLY MORNING

Gabrielle walks onto the shore of the small pond just as Xena steps out, the water droplets on her skin glittering like diamonds in the rising sunlight. 

She is momentarily taken aback by the vision.

Xena smirks.

XENA

Something the matter?

GABRIELLE

I…uh... I’m worried about those girls.

Xena nods, appearing unconcerned as she leisurely wipes the water from her body.

GABRIELLE

(Cont’d)

I just can’t help thinking that there’s something
wrong with the Amazons.  I can’t picture any
Amazon in her right mind allowing her daughter
to leave the village without even the faintest
sense of how to live outside its boundaries.

Finished with her drying, Xena loops the linen around her neck.

XENA

Guess we’ll find out soon enough.

As if in answer, Gabrielle’s stomach growls.  Gabrielle winces, then sighs.

GABRIELLE

Oh well.  I suppose it’s travel
rations for breakfast.  Again.

Xena grins.

XENA

Oh ye of little faith.

Turning, Xena strides back into the pond, stopping when the water reaches her knees and bending at the waist, head cocked alertly.

A moment later, she explodes into motion, both arms darting into the water.  She straightens and turns, bearing a very large, very squiggling fish in her hands. She tosses it to Gabrielle, who catches the fish with a triumphant laugh.

GABRIELLE

Breakfast!

Exiting the water, Xena walks up to Gabrielle and puts an arm around her shoulders.

XENA

C’mon.  Let’s feed the
beast in your belly.

They walk a few steps before Gabrielle stops.

GABRIELLE

Xena?

XENA

Mm?

GABRIELLE

Not that I’m complaining, but…um… you
might want to put your clothes back on first. Our
little Amazon friends have enough problems
without adding heart failure to the list.

She leers just a little.

GABRIELLE

(Cont’d)

Besides they are SO not ready for you.

Xena rolls her eyes and releases her partner, returning to where her gear lays in a neat pile.

XENA

G’wan.  I’ll meet you back at camp.

CUT TO:

EXT. CAMP - EARLY MORNING

Xena enters the camp running her fingers through her hair.  The young Amazons sit in a circle around the fire, licking their lips as Gabrielle prepares the fish for cooking.

Xena walks up to Nesha.

XENA

So, mighty hunter, we’ve established
that you’re not a very good guard. If you
can’t protect your sisters, do you
think you can at least feed them?

Nesha’s chest puffs out with pride.

NESHA

I could fish before I could walk.

XENA

Mm.  Well, get to it, then.  Your breakfast is
back there, waiting for you to catch it.

NESHA

But....

XENA

No buts.  Providing for your family is
nothing you should have to be ‘asked’
to do.  It’s a privilege. G’wan.  Get.

Nesha scrambles to her feet and walks off in the direction of the pond.

Xena looks at the remaining girls.

XENA

(Cont’d)

I suppose the rest of you were fishing
before you could walk too?

The girls shake their heads, never looking Xena in the eye.

XENA

(Cont’d)

Then I guess you’d better get down there
and learn from your sister, hmm?

The remaining girls jump quickly to their feet and follow Nesha to the pond.

GABRIELLE

Ah.  Peace at last.

Xena strides to Gabrielle and, gathers her in her arms, and gives her a proper good morning kiss. The kiss goes on until the sound of shouting is immediately followed by a very loud splash.

Then another immediately after.

GABRIELLE

(hopefully)

Maybe they’re just bathing first?

XENA

(through clenched teeth)

That doesn’t sound like
bathing to me, Gabrielle.

Another yell, followed by the sound of a very large branch breaking, followed by several splashes in a row.

GABRIELLE

(more hopefully)

Trying to come up with the
right branch for a fishing pole?

Xena growls low in her throat.

JINX

(v.o.off camera)

HELP!  HELP!!

Xena and Gabrielle turn as one and sprint down to the pond.  Jinx launches herself at Gabrielle, sobbing, as Xena dives into the water after a flailing Esme who is rather far out in the pond.

The other girls are frozen in their fear.

As Xena swims out to rescue Esme, Gabrielle drops to her knees and hugs the sobbing Amazon to her chest.

GABRIELLE

What happened?

JINX

(through her sobs)

I…I was only trying to help!!  I swear!! 

Gabrielle hugs the young girl tighter, stroking her curly brown hair.

GABRIELLE

It’s all right.  It’s all right.
Just tell me what happened.

JINX

E….Esme was up in the t…tree trying
to get a branch for a pole.  B…but the
best one was too…too far out and she
was too heavy.  I just wanted to help…I’m
smaller and I could have gotten it.  I could!!

GABRIELLE

I’m sure you could have, sweetheart.
How did she fall?

JINX

S…she wouldn’t listen to me! She said
she wouldn’t break the branch…

but she did, because of me!

GABRIELLE

Honey, she didn’t fall because of you.
She was too heavy, like you said.

JINX

You don’t understand!  I jinxed her! I did!
I climbed up there and the branch broke!
And now she’s dead because of me!

GABRIELLE

She’s not dead.  Xena’s got her.  See?

Gabrielle gently turns Jinx until the girl can see Xena walking onto shore.  She has a very much alive, though unconscious and completely drenched, Esme in her arms.

CUT TO:

EXT. SHORE - DAY

Xena gently lays the half drowned girl on the ground. And then starts checking her neck and head for injuries as her sisters look on. Xena glances up.

XENA

Lesson number one.

The girls move forward.

XENA

(Cont’d)

When somebody falls like that, move
them very carefully. If you don’t, you
could make it a lot worse. And then
you need to check for broken bones.

Nesha leans over, and watches intently.

NESHA

But how will we know?

XENA

If anything is broken, you’ll know. You will
either feel it or your patient will tell you.

Esme starts to come around and opens her eyes very slowly, grinning stupidly when she sees Xena over her.

ESME

Please tell me I needed mouth to mouth.

Xena rolls her eyes and stands up.

She ignores Esme’s comment and speaks to other girls.

XENA

You’re very lucky she hit the water or you might
be taking her body back to the tribe. These
kinds of mistakes are only happening because
you refuse to work together and think things through.

(beat)

So I have a plan.

Gabrielle and Jinx have approached by this time. Gabrielle smiles at Xena while Jinx kneels down next to Esme to make sure she is okay, only to have Esme slap her hand away. Xena notices the action and she puts two and two together.

XENA

Interesting.

(beat)

All right, here’s the drill. On the way back to the
village we’re going to split up into two teams.
I will take three of you and Gabrielle will take
three of you. By the time you get back you will....

Xena looks to Esme.

XENA

(Cont’d)

…Have learned the skills
necessary to pass your Rites.

DORI

Forgive me, Xena, but if
you help us we’ll fail.

XENA

Do you think you’re succeeding now?
Have you accomplished anything?

DORI

No, ma’am

Gabrielle chuckles and mouths ‘ma’am’.
 

Xena glares at her partner and we....

FADE OUT.

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO