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by Richard Carter Jr
cjcs@flash.net
(Note: Agape is presented in standard teleplay format which is why it is in a fixed font. This is to help all of you budding screenwriters out there see what the normal teleplay format is. It uses tabs and double tabs rather than centering the text. I tried many HTML permutations to present Agape in it's original format but with a variable font, but without success. I felt that this should be shown with the proper format, so that's why the fixed font. You can also download a zipped version of Agape which includes the page breaks and numbering. Just download it and view it in your favorite word processor. --Tom)
XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS
"Agape"
Written by
Richard Carter Jr
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. ROAD IN WOODS - DAY
XENA leads her horse ARGO. GABRIELLE carries PAN, a
small dog.
GABRIELLE
I think dogs must be man's best friend,
don't you think?
XENA
Man's best friend?
GABRIELLE
Yeah. Oh, I mean-- it's not that you
aren't my best friend or anything. I
was just--
XENA
I knew what you meant.
Gabrielle hugs the dog.
XENA (CONT'D)
I still don't know why you picked him
up.
GABRIELLE
Look at him. He's small. He's
helpless.
XENA
He has fleas.
GABRIELLE
I'm sure he'll be very useful.
Xena smirks.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
When... when we're asleep, he can warn
us if somebody approaches.
XENA
Argo does that.
GABRIELLE
(to Argo)
And very well, too.
(to Xena)
But aren't two sets of eyes better
than one? And--
Pan BARKS.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
What is it, boy?
Everyone stops.
Bushes RUSTLE in the woods.
Xena draws her sword. Pan BARKS some more and wriggles
out of Gabrielle's hold.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
Pan! Come back here.
Gabrielle chases after the dog, calling its name.
XENA
Gabrielle!
Xena sheathes her sword, and mounts Argo.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
A 3-meter-high wood wall surrounds the modestly-sized
village. One-third of the wall is on fire.
Outside the wall a battle rages between MALE VILLAGERS,
mostly old men, and a small band of MARAUDERS.
Swords clash against sword and shield, but the Villagers
are clearly over-matched. One-by-one the defenders fall.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
On high-ground over-looking Pallasos, Pan stands watching
the fighting. Gabrielle catches up and scoops up Pan.
GABRIELLE
Oh no.
(turns)
Xena!
Xena's already there. She pulls her sword.
XENA
Stay here.
Pan BARKS again. Again, there's RUSTLING in the woods.
XENA (CONT'D)
On second thought...
Xena reaches down and helps Gabrielle, still holding
Pan, onto Argo.
XENA (CONT'D)
You're taking the dog?
GABRIELLE
You don't leave me, I don't leave him.
We're friends.
XENA
Whatever.
Xena urges Argo to Pallasos.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
XENA
stops Argo near the wall but out of the way. She
dismounts. ULULATING, she charges the Marauders.
THE VILLAGERS
lie hurt or killed on the ground.
THE MARAUDERS
meet Xena's charge with gusto.
Xena slashes one. She kicks another. She ducks and
lets two Marauders knock each other out with their staffs.
GABRIELLE
dismounts Argo. Pan wriggles from her grasp once again
and runs toward the battle.
GABRIELLE
Pan!
XENA
looks up. She sees a SCOUT on horseback emerge from the
woods and spur his horse onward -- skirting Pallasos.
Pan BARKS. Xena turns just in time to see a Marauder
with a sword, and ducks.
Xena loses her sword. She picks up a staff and smites
the Marauder.
Pan GROWLS and bites at the Marauder's heels. Xena knocks
the Marauder out.
Gabrielle rushes up.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
I told you he'd be a help.
XENA
Uh-huh.
THE LARGE GATE
of Pallasos opens, and out come many WOMEN carrying
buckets of water. They all run to the flaming parts of
the wall, and douse the flames.
XENA (CONT'D)
Let's give them a hand.
Xena and Gabrielle rush to help.
INT. DRACO'S TENT - DAY
Draco isn't happy. The Scout stands before him.
SCOUT
And then the Marauders were beaten by
a woman.
DRACO
Let me guess: dark hair, big sword,
yells like "lelelelele"?
SCOUT
That's her.
DRACO
(to himself)
Xena.
SCOUT
Xena!?
Draco hates being overheard.
DRACO
Out!
The Scout rushes out.
Draco angrily clears the scrolls from his table.
DRACO (CONT'D)
So much for a nice and easy pillaging.
Frustrated, he takes a knife and throws it at a pole.
It lodges by the hooded head of a robed figure.
DRACO (CONT'D)
And who in Hades are you!?
The figure pulls back the hood revealing the face of
love and beauty: APHRODITE; with a voice to match.
APHRODITE
I can help you get the warrior princess.
Draco raises an intrigued eyebrow.
FADE OUT
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. DRACO'S TENT - DAY
Draco faces opposite Aphrodite.
DRACO
What interest could the Goddess of
Love have in my beating Xena?
APHRODITE
I never said "beat", I said "get".
DRACO
Beat. Get. What's the difference?
APHRODITE
One's more profitable.
DRACO
I'm listening.
APHRODITE
Suppose Xena could be made to join
forces with you again? You two together
would be unstoppable.
DRACO
And she'd do this of her own free will,
I suppose?
APHRODITE
Of course not. Don't be dense.
DRACO
Then how?
Aphrodite produces a vial.
APHRODITE
With this.
DRACO
Poison?
APHRODITE
Of a sort. It will weaken her resolve.
She'll fall in love with you. You can
use that to make an invincible army.
DRACO
What will this cost me? Gods don't
usually give gifts to mortals.
APHRODITE
Just get Xena on your side. Ares will
be happy. If Ares is happy, then I'm
happy.
DRACO
I understand.
APHRODITE
No. I don't think you do.
Draco takes the offered vial.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
The fires are quenched, but the wall is badly damaged.
WOMEN tend to the men who fell before Xena showed up.
Xena and Gabrielle are sooty from the fire. Gabrielle
holds Pan.
HELIS, the strong village matron, approaches Xena.
HELIS
Thank you for your help.
Xena looks at the fallen.
XENA
I wish I'd arrived sooner.
HELIS
You saved the village. Nothing matters
more.
GABRIELLE
What did those men want?
HELIS
This is Pallasos.
Xena and Gabrielle look confused.
HELIS (CONT'D)
One of Athena's sacred temples.
GABRIELLE
They attacked you because they hate
Athena?
HELIS
You don't know?
XENA
Know what?
HELIS
I'll show you.
Helis leads the way.
INT. TEMPLE - DAY
Xena and Gabrielle follow Helis into the simple temple.
At Helis' prompt, a PRIESTESS pulls open a curtain that
hides--
A STATUE OF ATHENA
A classic-styled sculpture of the goddess stands on a
pedestal. The statue is about 1-meter tall, made of
gold, ivory, and silver. It seems to glow.
Gabrielle and Xena are both in awe.
GABRIELLE
I've never seen anything so beautiful.
HELIS
It is said to have been forged by
Hephaestus, himself.
GABRIELLE
I can believe that.
XENA
Do many know it's here?
HELIS
Of course. Everyone.
At Helis' prompt, the curtain is lowered.
EXT. PALLASOS - DAY
The village is simple. A hub of carpentry, pottery,
weaving, and metal-working.
Helis, Xena and Gabrielle walk down an avenue.
HELIS
People come here looking for Athena's
favor.
GABRIELLE
Against invaders.
HELIS
And other things. We have a library,
philosophers come by to teach and
exchange ideas, artisans come for her
favor.
XENA
Where are all of your men?
HELIS
They've gone to the east at the request
of a nearby King trying to repel an
invasion. We haven't had any trouble
for many years, and the men have gone
off before.
ORESTIA, a shy little girl goes up to Xena and offers
her a flower. Xena kneels down.
XENA
This is nice. Thank you.
HELIS
This is my daughter, Orestia.
ORESTIA
Are you our Goddess?
GABRIELLE
Your goddess?
HELIS
No, Orestia. She is not. But she is
a brave warrior.
ORESTIA
But her eyes--
HELIS
Many people have eyes that color. Now
go and play with your friends.
Orestia runs off.
HELIS (CONT'D)
(to Xena)
The way you fight, many here think you
must be a champion for the goddess.
XENA
I don't fight for the Gods any more.
Excuse me, I have to see to my horse.
Xena leaves.
HELIS
Did I say something?
GABRIELLE
Let's just say that Xena's past isn't
something she likes to remember.
O.S. Pan BARKS. Gabrielle realizes he's missing.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
Pan? Pan?
(to Helis)
Have you seen a little dog?
HELIS
Is that him over there?
Through the crowd, Gabrielle sees Orestia and other little
CHILDREN playing with Pan.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Draco's MESSENGER rides up to the gate.
EXT. PALLASOS - DAY
Xena tends to Argo. Gabrielle walks up.
XENA
Where's your dog?
GABRIELLE
He's playing with the children.
XENA
I arranged a place for us to stay
while...
There's a general COMMOTION as in b.g. the Messenger
strides straight to Helis. Xena and Gabrielle follow.
EXT. OUTSIDE TEMPLE - DAY
The Messenger waits as Helis reads the short scroll.
Xena and Gabrielle look on.
HELIS
It's a note wanting to negotiate the
terms of our surrender.
GABRIELLE
Surrender?
XENA
May I?
Helis hands the note to Xena.
XENA (CONT'D)
Draco.
HELIS
You know this person?
XENA
Too well.
HELIS
Can we negotiate with him?
XENA
No.
GABRIELLE
You could.
HELIS
Could you?
XENA
I'm not a member of this village. I
can't speak for you.
HELIS
You defended us. You're a member of
this village more than you know. If
this Draco is as bad as you seem to
think, I don't think we could ask for
a better champion.
Xena and Gabrielle exchange a look.
XENA
(to Messenger)
Tell Draco that if he wants to
negotiate, he'll have to talk to me.
Xena.
The Messenger eyes widen. He bows and turns to leave.
Pan BARKS and nips at his heels. The Messenger runs
away with the village LAUGHING.
Xena's not laughing.
EXT. DRACO'S CAMP - NIGHT
Draco wears a blindfold. A SOLDIER with a sword attacks
him. Swing, swing, swing -- Draco dodges cleanly every
time.
The Soldier lunges, Draco drops him.
Draco pulls off his blindfold.
DRACO
Pathetic. Get him out of here.
Draco walks toward his tent where the Messenger waits.
The Soldier springs up and with a knife rushes Draco.
Draco turns.
The Soldier stops just short of Draco. Draco smiles.
DRACO (CONT'D)
Good. I like a man who doesn't quit.
The Soldier relaxes.
Draco pulls his own knife and plunges it into the
Soldier's heart. The Soldier drops dead.
DRACO (CONT'D)
But you've got to learn to finish what
you start.
(to a Lieutenant)
Clean up this mess.
Draco walks into his tent.
INT. DRACO'S TENT - NIGHT
DRACO
So, is Xena ready to meet with me?
MESSENGER
Um, er, uh, yes sir.
DRACO
Good.
(laughs)
Good.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Gabrielle fidgets while Xena double-checks Argo's bridle.
GABRIELLE
You do realize that this is a trap?
XENA
I want you to get the village ready to
defend itself.
GABRIELLE
Me?
XENA
I can't be here. This village is an
easy target, and they need to get
prepared.
GABRIELLE
What can I do? I don't know how to
set up for a battle, or--
XENA
You can organize. Get the women to
finish repairing the wall, and then
set up weapon stations all around the
top. Spears, arrows, rocks... Just
in case Draco attacks while I'm gone.
GABRIELLE
Don't you think Athena will protect
this village?
XENA
I think Athena helps those who help
themselves. You should also dig some
traps along the wall.
Xena mounts up.
XENA (CONT'D)
And if Draco does attack, barricade
that gate. Anyone here caught outside
the wall will be die.
GABRIELLE
Be careful.
XENA
You too. I don't want to have to go
breaking in a new best friend.
Xena slowly rides off.
INT. DRACO'S TENT - DAY
Draco empties the vial into a goblet that sits on a food
laden table.
Xena enters.
XENA
Hello, Draco.
DRACO
Xena. How long has it been?
XENA
Not long enough. Your note said
something about negotiating a surrender.
I accept.
DRACO
You're developing a sense of humor.
As much as I liked the good old days,
that's the one thing that your time
away has improved.
XENA
You know I'm not going to let you take
that village.
DRACO
Does it always have to be business
with you?
XENA
What did you have in mind?
DRACO
Lunch?
Xena warily finds a place to sit.
DRACO (CONT'D)
Niko!
NIKO, an aide, enters the tent.
DRACO (CONT'D)
Lunch.
Draco pours wine into each of the goblets. He walks
over to Xena and hands her one.
XENA
Thank you.
DRACO
What are you doing here? Last I heard
you were saving some village up north.
Xena takes a sip of wine.
XENA
What are you up to?
Draco drinks some wine. Xena does also.
DRACO
I want the statue.
XENA
You know I'm not going to let you--
let you have it.
DRACO
Of course you are. Xena, are you all
right? You look a little green.
Dazed comprehension crosses Xena's face.
XENA
The drink...
Xena passes out.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. DRACO'S TENT - NIGHT
Xena wakes up, but remains groggy. She reaches for her
weapons... they're gone. She stands.
Draco enters.
DRACO
Feeling better?
XENA
What happened?
DRACO
You were acting very strange. Now
that you're rested, perhaps we can
continue our talk.
XENA
Our talk?
DRACO
We were planning a raid to take the
statue from Pallasos.
XENA
Raid?
DRACO
You're not having second thoughts?
XENA
Of course not. I-- I'd do anything
with you at my side.
Draco relaxes -- the potion worked.
DRACO
You don't know how much I like hearing
you say that.
Draco grabs Xena by the arms and kisses her hard. Xena
responds affectionately.
INT. TAVERN - NIGHT
Gabrielle sits at a table. Pan stands on the table,
eating from Gabrielle's dinner plate.
GABRIELLE
I think something's gone terribly wrong.
Sure, Xena disappears for days sometimes
without a word, but this is Draco we're
talking about. What do you think?
(a beat)
What can I do? She left me in charge
of setting up defences. If I left,
she'd kill me. But then again, if
she's in trouble and I don't leave,
what kind of friend would I be?
Pan BARKS.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
You're right. I'm--
HELIS (O.S.)
Who are you talking to?
GABRIELLE
Oh. Uh-- nobody. Nobody. Just
thinking.
HELIS
Would you like to come and see our
progress?
GABRIELLE
Yes. Thank you. Come on, Pan.
Pan continues eating.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
Pan...
HELIS
Why not let him eat? Nesta will watch
out for him.
NESTA, the tavern keeper, nods.
GABRIELLE
Ok. Let's go, then.
Pan never looks up from the plate.
EXT. DRACO'S CAMP - NIGHT
Xena stands at a table covered with maps. Draco's MEN
stand around.
XENA
There are no defences anywhere around
here. But they are fortifying the
village. It's not going to be easy to
get close, so we will need to attack
from two different directions.
Draco sees a figure standing in his tent. He slips away.
XENA (CONT'D)
They are going to dig pit traps and...
INT. DRACO'S TENT - NIGHT
Aphrodite waits for Draco.
APHRODITE
Is our plan proceeding?
DRACO
It's going very well. She's like the
old Xena -- thirsty for battle.
Aphrodite cringes at the thought.
APHRODITE
Yes, yes. Spare me the details.
DRACO
How long with the spell hold?
APHRODITE
As long as I want it to. You doubt
me?
DRACO
Forgive me, Aphrodite, but experience
has taught me to never be surprised at
whatever Xena might do. I just don't
want her turning on me.
APHRODITE
You want proof?
DRACO
If you don't mind.
APHRODITE
Fine. I'll send a -- no. No, I won't
tell you.
(MORE)
APHRODITE (CONT'D)
(giggles)
Surprises are so much more delicious.
DRACO
Now wait a minute...
APHRODITE
Take most of your men on a scouting
mission before Xena wakes up. You'll
have your proof.
XENA (O.S.)
There you are.
Draco turns. Xena has just entered the tent. He turns
back to see that Aphrodite has disappeared.
XENA (CONT'D)
I was starting to get lonely.
DRACO
Well, we can't have that.
XENA
No. That would be bad.
DRACO
What should we do about it?
XENA
Later. It's your turn to talk to the
men.
Draco gives Xena a quick peck on the lips.
DRACO
Right.
Draco exits the tent. Xena follows.
EXT. PALLASOS - NIGHT
Gabrielle and Helis oversee the arming along the wall
near the gate.
HELIS
I think Orestia has lost her heart to
your dog.
GABRIELLE
I think he likes her, too.
HELIS
She's been so quiet since my husband
died last season.
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry.
HELIS
I thank the gods that you and your
friend found us. If only for Orestia's
sake.
They reach a group of women on a platform near the top
of the wall stocking spears into a basket, and arrows
into quivers.
HELIS (CONT'D)
Do you think we've prepared enough at
all of the stations?
GABRIELLE
I think we're ready for just about
anything.
HELIS
Really? You made Draco sound
terrifying.
GABRIELLE
I'm not going to lie to you. Draco is
very strong. But Xena and I have
defeated him before.
HELIS
Just you two?
GABRIELLE
Yes. There's nothing two women united
can't do -- and we have a whole village
filled with women fighting for a cause.
HELIS
I almost feel like we've won already.
GABRIELLE
That's good. But we can't get
overconfident. I'm going to look at
the work we've done outside the walls --
just to double-check that everything
is ready.
Gabrielle cracks the gate open. Helis hands her a torch.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
Thanks.
HELIS
Rap three times and then one time, and
we'll let you in.
GABRIELLE
Three times, then one time. Got it.
Gabrielle walks out. Unknown to her, Pan quietly follows
her before the gate closes.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - NIGHT
Gabrielle skirts the wall for several steps. She listens.
No one follows.
Gabrielle takes a deep breath. Her courage up, she walks
toward Draco's camp. Pan continues quietly following.
EXT. DRACO'S CAMP - DAY
Xena wanders over to the dying camp fire and picks off
some meat from the left-over roast beast. She's met by
the Messenger.
XENA
Where is everybody?
MESSENGER
Draco heard there were some raiders
nearby, so he sent out the men.
In b.g. there's RUSTLING and a TWIG SNAP.
XENA
You hear something?
The Messenger shakes his head.
EXT. WOODS NEAR DRACO'S CAMP - DAY
Gabrielle can see Xena, but knows she's made too much
noise. She steps back. Pan starts BARKING.
GABRIELLE
Shh. Shhh!
EXT. DRACO'S CAMP - DAY
Xena pulls her sword. There's a glint in her eye.
From behind Xena, YELLS and WAR CRIES sound as RAIDERS
rush in on foot into Draco's camp.
THE MESSENGER
immediately ducks for cover -- which annoys Xena.
XENA
ULULATES and charges the scruffy and smelly band of men.
Xena's out numbered fifteen-to-one. The Raiders don't
stand a chance. Slash, stab, knife throw, punch, kick --
the Raiders drop easily. Half the band is taken out
with one throw of Xena's chakrum.
EXT. WOODS NEAR DRACO'S CAMP - DAY
Gabrielle holds Pan and crouches under cover near a tree,
quietly rooting Xena on.
EXT. DRACO'S CAMP - DAY
Two Raiders remain standing. Xena stuns one with a kick
to the head. The last Raider fights with a staff, and
fights well.
Xena gets hit in the stomach. She's tripped up and thrown
to the ground. As the Raider prepares for the coup de
grace, Xena sits up and plunges her sword through the
Raider's gut. He falls dead.
Xena's eyes are alive. Her smile flashes.
She grabs the stunned RAIDER.
XENA
What did you think you were doing?
RAIDER
We needed weapons.
XENA
And you thought you'd steal them from
us?
The Raider starts to cry.
XENA (CONT'D)
Give me a break.
Disgusted, she throws the Raider back to the ground.
DRACO
shows up with some of his men.
DRACO
Xena!
EXT. WOODS NEAR DRACO'S CAMP - DAY
Gabrielle watches with some concern.
DRACO AND XENA
meet in the middle of the carnage. They put their arms
around each other's waists.
GABRIELLE'S
eyes are wide with shock.
GABRIELLE
It's not possible.
XENA AND DRACO
enter Draco's tent.
INT. DRACO'S TENT - DAY
Xena relaxes as Draco removes his weapons.
DRACO
You are impressive.
XENA
Would you have it any other way?
DRACO
Definitely not.
Draco moves lustfully closer.
XENA
I'm hungry.
DRACO
Hungry?
XENA
Those idiots interrupted my breakfast.
DRACO
Say no more.
Draco kisses Xena's hand.
DRACO (CONT'D)
I am your servant.
Draco exits.
Xena grabs a stone, sits back, and sharpens one of her
knives.
GABRIELLE (O.S.)
(sotto)
Xena!
Xena doesn't hesitate. She turns and throws the knife
at Gabrielle -- pinning some of Gabrielle's hair to a
post. Gabrielle's eyes widen with fear as Xena reaches
for a sword.
Pan rushes in BARKING. He nips at Xena's heels.
XENA
What the--?
Gabrielle yanks her hair free and runs out of the tent.
Xena stabs at Pan, but the dog is too small and quick.
Pan runs out of the tent after Gabrielle.
Xena rushes out, but literally bumps into Draco, sending
a plate of food flying.
XENA (CONT'D)
Did you see that girl!?
DRACO
What girl?
XENA
The one that was just in here.
Xena pushes Draco out of the way and runs outside.
EXT. CLEARING - DAY
Argo, wearing only a bridle, stands near a tree where
she's tied. Gabrielle comes running.
GABRIELLE
Argo! Argo... I know we've had our
differences. But if you ever liked me
at all, you'll get me out of here before
I get killed.
Gabrielle unties Argo, and uses a nearby boulder to jump
onto Argo' bare back.
Argo jerks around, but takes off in a gallop away from
the camp. Pan follows, BARKING.
XENA
reaches the clearing.
XENA
Argo!
Xena reaches for her chakrum, but she isn't wearing it.
XENA (CONT'D)
Damn.
Draco reaches her.
XENA (CONT'D)
That girl took Argo.
DRACO
I thought your horse would only let
you ride her.
XENA
That's what I thought, too. You know
she's going to tell them we're coming.
DRACO
It won't matter. It will just make
the fight a little more interesting.
XENA
I'm going to get my horse back.
DRACO
Tomorrow.
XENA
Tomorrow.
Xena smiles a wicked smile.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Argo runs at a full gallop toward Pallasos. Gabrielle
hangs on for dear life.
GABRIELLE
You can stop now. Argo. Please, stop.
Stop!
Just short of the main gate, Argo pulls up.
Gabrielle lands on the ground on her bum.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
Thanks.
(to herself)
I actually think I'm getting better at
this.
Gabrielle gets up painfully. She grabs Argo's reigns
and leads her to the gate. Gabrielle pounds on the gate.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
Hello!? It's Gabrielle! I'd like to
get in, please. Hello!?
(a beat)
Whoops.
Gabrielle hits the gate three times, and then once more.
The gate opens. In b.g. distant BARKING.
INT. TAVERN - DAY
Gabrielle stands surrounded by WOMEN of all ages.
GABRIELLE
I've never heard of Xena ever being
defeated in battle. If she's joined
with Draco, then this village is going
to be destroyed.
HELIS
So, what? Are you telling us to run?
GABRIELLE
I'm just saying--
PRIESTESS
We won't run.
The Women all echo that statement. They won't run.
HELIS
We can't run.
PRIESTESS
This town is a sacred place. We cannot
leave. Athena is the goddess of
defense. She will not let us be
defeated. What if we can kill your
friend?
GABRIELLE
Kill Xena?
PRIESTESS
If she's as dangerous as you say, then
if we kill her, we might be able to
defeat this Draco.
HELIS
Listen to us... Who would have thought
two days ago we'd be talking about
killing a woman who saved our village?
Now we stand on the edge of total
annihilation. This isn't a time for
rash decisions. I suggest that we
take a break and think about what we
are considering. Can we defeat this
army? Should we try?
The Women MURMUR.
HELIS (CONT'D)
(to Gabrielle)
If we stand and fight, will you help
us? If anyone knows Xena's weaknesses,
it would be you.
Gabrielle looks around. She swallows hard.
GABRIELLE
I'll help you.
HELIS
We'll meet again tonight.
EXT. DRACO'S CAMP - NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT
INT. DRACO'S TENT - NIGHT
Xena lies on a bed without her armor on. She looks greedy
for love.
Draco picks up a bunch of grapes. He puts one on Xena's
lips. She eats it. He puts another on her lips. She
eats it.
Xena takes a grape and feeds it to Draco.
Draco tosses the grapes aside.
Xena and Draco kiss. Long and hard and passionate.
V.O.: APHRODITE LAUGHS
Draco becomes alert.
DRACO
Did you hear that?
XENA
Shut up.
Xena pulls Draco back down for more kissing.
INT. TEMPLE - NIGHT
Gabrielle enters. The curtain is drawn, revealing the
statue.
GABRIELLE
Hello? Hello?
Gabrielle sits on the steps near the statue.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
What am I going to do?
ATHENA (O.S.)
About what?
Gabrielle stands -- startled. Before her is a hooded
figure -- tall and muscular under her hood and cloak.
ATHENA (CONT'D)
I didn't mean to startle you.
GABRIELLE
You didn't. Well, ok you did, but I
thought I was alone.
GABRIELLE
Xena. Something's wrong with her.
She's like the Xena I heard stories
about.
ATHENA
Ruled by Ares.
GABRIELLE
She's going to attack this village.
Xena never loses.
ATHENA
She's a great warrior.
GABRIELLE
But she's my best friend.
ATHENA
Would you die for her?
GABRIELLE
Yes.
ATHENA
Would she for you?
GABRIELLE
Of course. Well, maybe not now... I'm
sure she's under some sort of spell.
ATHENA
You're wise. I like that. Would it
help if I told you that you were right?
She is under a powerful spell.
GABRIELLE
But who...?
ATHENA
Maybe the Goddess of Love.
GABRIELLE
Aphrodite? But that doesn't make any
sense.
ATHENA
Doesn't it?
GABRIELLE
Why would she do this? She's the
goddess of love. I could understand
if the god of war did this, but --
wait... Aphrodite and Ares are lovers.
Xena is her gift to him.
ATHENA
Exactly.
GABRIELLE
But that doesn't solve my problem.
How can I defeat a goddess?
ATHENA
It's not as difficult as you might
think.
GABRIELLE
No?
ATHENA
If you are truly Xena's friend, then...
The temple door opens and the Priestess enters.
PRIESTESS
What are you doing in here!?
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry. I was talking to--
Gabrielle looks around, but Athena's disappeared.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
Where...? I was talking to the other
priestess.
PRIESTESS
There is no other but me.
GABRIELLE
But... I don't understand. She was
right here.
INT. DRACO'S TENT - DAY
Xena, dressed for battle, kicks the still sleeping and
undressed Draco.
DRACO
There better be a good--! Xena.
(disappointed)
You're dressed.
XENA
We have a village to destroy.
DRACO
Aren't we eager?
Xena is like a child on Christmas morning.
XENA
I can't wait to smell the heat of
battle. It seems like it's been so
long.
DRACO
That's the Xena I know and love.
Xena bends down and kisses Draco.
XENA
We leave in five minutes.
She walks to the exit.
XENA (CONT'D)
You should probably put something on.
Xena exits.
DRACO
This is going to be a very good day.
EXT. PALLASOS - DAY
Gabrielle holds Pan. She paces back and forth. Helis
arrives.
HELIS
Nervous?
GABRIELLE
No. Not nervous, exactly.
HELIS
Then what?
GABRIELLE
I was in the temple last night, and I
talked with this woman. I thought she
was a priestess, but then your priestess
came in and said she was the only
priestess. Anyway, she said that Xena
was under a spell.
Helis' eyes widen.
HELIS
Do you know who it was?
GABRIELLE
She said that Aphrodite--
HELIS
No. I mean, who was this woman?
GABRIELLE
She didn't say.
HELIS
What did she look like? Was she tall
and strong and--
LOOKOUT (V.O.)
They're coming!
Everyone's attention is drawn to the gate.
EXT. TOP OF WALL - DAY
In the distance, a cloud of dust moves slowly forward.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Xena and Draco lead the army at a steady pace. Xena's
eyes are bright and hungry for battle. She's happy.
By the side of the road, seen only by Draco, stands
Aphrodite. As they pass, he looks at Xena and smiles --
pleased with himself.
EXT. PALLASOS - DAY
It's ordered mayhem as Women dash to their stations.
Gabrielle doesn't see it. She's lost in thought.
HELIS
Gabrielle. Gabrielle. Are you all
right? Your friend is coming.
Comprehension appears on Gabrielle's face.
GABRIELLE
Would you die for her--? That's it!
HELIS
I don't understand.
Gabrielle searches the crowd. She sees Orestia standing
out of the way.
GABRIELLE
Orestia! Come here, please!
(to Helis)
I know what I have to do.
(to Orestia)
Orestia, can you look after Pan for me
and keep him safe?
Orestia nods her head and eagerly reaches for the dog.
ORESTIA
Yeah.
GABRIELLE
Take him inside your home and play
with him until this is all over.
Promise me.
ORESTIA
I promise.
Orestia quickly goes away with Pan in her arms.
HELIS
That was nice, but what are you going
to do?
GABRIELLE
I have to go outside.
Helis looks at her like she's crazy.
EXT. CLEARING - DAY
Draco's army and Xena pull up. They organize for their
charge.
DRACO
Ready?
XENA
Like taking candy from a baby.
They see the village gate open.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Gabrielle, a spear in hand, hesitantly walks out from
the village -- the gate locks closed behind her.
In front of her is Draco's army.
GABRIELLE
I must be crazy.
EXT. CLEARING - DAY
Xena and Draco can't believe what they're seeing.
XENA
She must be crazy.
DRACO
No doubt about that. Isn't that the
girl who stole your horse?
Xena's eyes light with anger.
XENA
Yes it is. Keep the men here. I want
to take care of this myself.
Xena spurs her horse on.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Xena stops her horse and dismounts. She draws her sword.
GABRIELLE
Xena. Hi. Um--
Gabrielle realizes she has the spear. She throws it
down.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
Uh-- I'm unarmed. You wouldn't...
XENA
Where's my horse?
GABRIELLE
Argo? She's inside. I can get her if
you want.
XENA
I'll get her. But first things first.
Xena raises her sword.
GABRIELLE
Wait! Please. I know you're going to
kill me, but can I say something first?
Please?
XENA
Make it fast.
Xena lowers her sword.
GABRIELLE
I just wanted to forgive you. I know
it's not your fault. You wouldn't be
acting like this if it wasn't for
Aphrodite.
XENA
Time's up.
GABRIELLE
Even though it ends today, it was worth
it to be your friend.
XENA
Friends? Right.
GABRIELLE
I know you don't believe me now.
(kneels)
If you ever cared for me, please make
it a clean cut.
XENA
Fine.
With a fire in her eyes, Xena raises her sword.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Xena raises her sword and swings.
A SPEAR
forged by Hephaestus plants itself in the ground and
blocks Xena's sword before it reaches Gabrielle.
XENA
is shocked.
Gabrielle looks up and sees Athena.
GABRIELLE
You...
XENA
You're going to pay for that.
ATHENA
I don't think so.
Xena swings. Athena grabs the spear and deflects the
blow. Xena tries again. Athena looks bored.
APHRODITE (O.S.)
Don't interfere, Athena!
Aphrodite stands by the gate.
GABRIELLE
Athena?
Xena twirls her sword. She's perplexed.
ATHENA
We're at my temple, not on Cythera.
Your threats don't mean anything here.
(to Xena)
She's the one you should be fighting.
GABRIELLE
Aphrodite is why you are with Draco.
She did something to you.
ATHENA
Listen to your friend. She was willing
to die to save you. You owe her.
Besides, I'll never let you take this
village.
Athena vanishes.
GABRIELLE
Xena?
XENA
Gabrielle?
APHRODITE
Don't fight me.
XENA
Fight.
APHRODITE
You love Draco.
XENA
Draco.
APHRODITE
You have to make him happy.
GABRIELLE
She's never going to--
Aphrodite reaches out her hand.
Gabrielle immediately starts choking.
XENA
NO!!!
Xena musters her strength and charges Aphrodite -- pinning
her to the wall.
XENA (CONT'D)
What have you done to me?
APHRODITE
Go to Draco. Rule with him. That's
what your heart wants you to do.
XENA
I--
APHRODITE
You can't resist. You have no
protector.
ATHENA (O.S.)
She does now. Release her.
Athena half-draws her sword.
ATHENA (CONT'D)
Release her or fight.
APHRODITE
Feh!
With a wave of her hand, Aphrodite disappears; as does
Athena.
EXT. CLEARING - DAY
Draco sits impatiently on his horse.
DRACO
Something's wrong.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Sad and confused, Xena turns to the still kneeling
Gabrielle.
XENA
Gabrielle, are you alright?
GABRIELLE
Are you?
They look at each other for a long time. They each want
to say something, but nothing is coming out.
They hug.
EXT. CLEARING - DAY
Draco is annoyed.
DRACO
Never send in a goddess to do a man's
job. Attack! But Xena's mine!
The army charges.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Gabrielle and Xena stand opposite each other.
XENA
I would have killed you.
GABRIELLE
But you didn't.
XENA
Because of Athena. Why...?
GABRIELLE
She asked me if I'd die for you.
XENA
Gabrielle...
GABRIELLE
You're my friend.
Xena sees the charging army.
XENA
Well, friend, you better get back
inside. I have a score to settle.
GABRIELLE
Be careful.
Xena runs to her horse.
Gabrielle raps three then one on the gate, and re-enters
Pallasos.
XENA
charges Draco; both with their swords drawn.
Xena and Draco clash swords. Draco's army flows around
them toward Pallasos.
Xena's sword clips fringe from Draco's helmet crest.
Draco spurs his horse to the woods. Xena follows.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Draco's men charge the wall.
EXT. PALLASOS - DAY
Gabrielle watches the charge from the top of the wall.
GABRIELLE
Now!
ARCHERS launch arrows, and other Women launch spears.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Draco's men duck and some fall to the rain of arrows and
spears.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Draco jumps up onto his saddle, and leaps from his horse
onto a low thick branch.
Xena echoes the leap, but adds a somersault.
XENA
I don't know what you did to me, but
you're going to pay.
DRACO
It was Aphrodite's idea. Don't tell
me you didn't enjoy it.
XENA
I'm going to enjoy this.
Xena attacks. Swords clash. Draco defends himself
briefly before jumping to another branch.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Draco's men fling flaming containers of oil over the
wall.
EXT. ROOFTOPS - DAY
A container breaks on the roof, spreading fire.
EXT. PALLASOS - DAY
Gabrielle watches from the wall.
GABRIELLE
Fire!
A catapult swings into action.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Draco's men get pummeled by various kitchen ware: pots,
pans, kettles, etc.
EXT. PALLASOS - DAY
Gabrielle turns at Pan's BARKING.
GABRIELLE
Pan, you were supposed to stay with--
Gabrielle sees the house Orestia went in is now an
inferno.
Gabrielle rushes down a ladder. Helis sees Gabrielle,
and then sees the fire.
HELIS
Orestia!
Gabrielle never hesitates -- she runs into the burning
building.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Xena and Draco continue fighting in the trees.
Parry, thrust, jump to another branch. Parry, thrust,
jump to another branch.
Xena knocks Draco's sword from his hand.
DRACO
Uh-oh.
Draco turns and runs -- leaping from branch to branch.
Xena follows.
Draco comes across a vine. He swings, YELLING something
between a Tarzan yell and a scream of terror. He lets
go and lands squarely in the saddle of his horse.
With a LAUGH, he rides back to Pallasos.
Xena whistles, but the horse doesn't come. Annoyed,
Xena gets her own vine and swings to the horse.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Draco runs into his retreating men.
DRACO
Attack! Attack!
Xena emerges from the woods, ULULATING, charging closer.
DRACO (CONT'D)
Next time!
Draco wheels his horse around, and joins his men in
retreat.
Xena slows her horse, and heads to Pallasos.
EXT. PALLASOS - DAY
Gabrielle, covered in soot, accepts thanks from Women as
Helis holds Orestia who in turn is licked by Pan.
Xena walks up.
XENA
What happened to you?
Gabrielle smiles triumphantly.
EXT. PALLASOS - NIGHT
The whole village celebrates their victory with FOOD,
MUSIC, and DANCE.
Xena and Gabrielle stand out of the way.
XENA
You almost died today.
GABRIELLE
Twice.
XENA
Twice. Do you know how stupid that
was?
GABRIELLE
I thought it was brave.
XENA
Same thing. You were really courageous.
You saved that little girl, and you
saved me. If it wasn't for you, I'd
be back in my old life: raiding and
killing and...
GABRIELLE
I didn't do anything you wouldn't have
done for me.
XENA
But--
GABRIELLE
Ordinary people can be heros, too.
XENA
I've never thought of you as ordinary.
The celebration finds its way to Xena and Gabrielle.
HELIS
What are you doing over here? We
wouldn't be having this celebration if
it wasn't for you.
Gabrielle gets dragged into the group. And so does Xena.
It's a celebration for the ages.
EXT. OUTSIDE PALLASOS - DAY
Xena and Gabrielle load up Argo. Helis and Orestia,
holding Pan, go up to Gabrielle.
HELIS
You are welcome to stay.
GABRIELLE
Thank you.
Orestia, tears in her eyes, holds Pan out to Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
You know what? If it wasn't for Pan,
I wouldn't have known you were in
danger. He saved your life. That
means that you are both responsible
for each other.
ORESTIA
Huh?
GABRIELLE
If you promise to take really good
care of him-- do you want to keep him?
Orestia's eyes light up. She hugs Gabrielle tightly
before running off and playing with the dog.
HELIS
(to Xena)
Your friend is something special.
XENA
Yes she is.
Gabrielle comes closer.
XENA (CONT'D)
Ready to go?
GABRIELLE
(to Helis)
Goodbye.
Gabrielle and Helis hug.
Xena and Gabrielle walk off together with Argo.
XENA
That was pretty generous of you.
GABRIELLE
It was worth it to see the smile on
Orestia's face.
XENA
I still want to know how you managed
to ride my horse.
GABRIELLE
I guess she sensed that something was
different.
XENA
And now everything's back to the way
it was.
GABRIELLE
Not everything... Now you have Athena
on your side.
XENA
Ares isn't going to like it. I think
our lives are going to get a lot more
interesting.
They walk off into the countryside.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT FOUR
THE END
* It's hard to reach for a star and still keep your shirt tucked in. *
