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Finally, let me say, I wrote these scripts out of love for the characters and the stars of XWP. I am posting them here as a tribute to those wonderful and talented people who mean more to me than I can fully express here.

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. LARGE CROWDED VILLAGE - DAY

The villagers are in the midst of their harvest festival. Everyone is dressed in their colorful best, and everyone is talking and laughing as they move along from one attraction to another: a fortune teller, a fire eater, a juggler, minstrels, bobbing for apples, a pie eating contest, various games of luck and skill, food concessions, piles of fruits and vegetables.

XENA makes her way through the excited crowd. She looks around as if she is uncertain about where to go. Noticing that the FORTUNE TELLER is presently unoccupied, she walks over to his table which is set up under an awning. The fortune teller, turban and all, stands and bows.

He points to the chair on Xena's side of the table, so Xena gives in and accepts the offer. They both sit.

The fortune teller is gazing into his crystal ball sitting on the table.

Xena stands and tosses a coin on the table, then turns and walks away, saying:

They come to an area where the crowd thins out, and the structures are more rundown. Boxes and crates are stacked in various locations. ROUGH CHARACTOR #1 runs from a dark alley, brandishing a knife.

Still looking straight ahead, Xena throws a hard punch to the would-be robber's nose. He crashes through a stack of wooden boxes.

Another would-be robber rushes from behind a stack of crates with an even bigger knife.

Without looking or breaking her stride, Xena kicks him into the air and he lands on top of a stack of crates.

From another alley, comes another would-be robber, ROUGH CHARACTOR #3, with an even bigger knife.

Xena, without missing a beat, kicks him through a wall.

Xena stops walking and turns to face the Fortune Teller.

Following Xena's lead, they resume walking.

The Fortune Teller is staring at her.

They continue walking, slowly making their way, as the crowd is again growing thicker and thicker. The celebrating people are a rainbow stream rapidly flowing in all directions.

FADE OUT:

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT. THE APPLE BARREL INN - DAY

A large wooden sign above the entrance depicts a foaming mug of beer.

Xena and the Fortune Teller make their way through the excited crowd and enter the multistoried building.

INT. THE APPLE BARREL INN - SAME

Xena and the Fortune Teller make their way from the entrance, across the crowded room toward the bar. Xena carefully scans the large room, but doesn't discover anything of interest, not even an empty seat.

Xena sees a man leave a stool at the end of the bar. She quickly moves to claim it and sits, the Fortune Teller still at her side.

GABRIELLE comes through a door behind the bar carrying a large tray of clean mugs. She places them on a table and turns to survey the bar. She realizes there is a new customer on the last stool.

Gabrielle glances up and realizes it's Xena. She isn't happy about the revelation.

Gabrielle steps back, grabs a mug and walks down the bar to draw the ale from a large wooden barrel. Xena looks around impatiently, clicking her tongue, and tapping her fingers on the bar. Gabrielle returns with the filled mug and sits it in front of Xena.

Xena catches herself and forces herself to control her anger and be more diplomatic.

ena quickly drops the money into Gabrielle's hand.

Gabrielle turns to walk away, but Xena stops her.

Xena clamps her teeth tightly and rolls her eyes.

Gabrielle walks away behind the bar, and Xena goes out the back door, impatiently shaking her head.

EXT. THE VILLAGE - SAME

Fifteen men on horseback quickly ride into the village, shouting threats and waving swords. Several of the villagers try to resist the attack, but they are viciously killed. At first there is much SCREAMING, but it ends as the attackers get the upper hand. Half of the wild gang of outlaws surrounds the villagers, while the other half of the gang dismounts in front of The Apple Barrel Inn and hurries inside.

EXT. BACKYARD OF THE APPLE BARREL INN - SAME

As Xena rushes out of the out building and runs to the corner of the main building. She looks down a narrow alley to see the commotion going on up front. She hears SCREAMS from inside the Inn, and she turns back to approach the back entrance. She stops and looks up. She decides to climb the thick vines that run up a lattice that connects all of the rear balconies.

INT. THE APPLE BARREL INN - SAME

The large bar room is a confusion of threatening killers and terrified villagers. The outlaws are herding the people over to one side of the room. Three particularly dirty and mean-looking gang members drag Gabrielle from behind the bar and up the stairs. She struggles to no avail, and the savages only laugh at her attempts. I<

PNT. SECOND FLOOR OF THE INN - SAME

Xena is standing at the far end of the corridor. The outlaws just stop and stare at her for a moment.

The three hoodlums drop Gabrielle and rush toward Xena. The first man dives high with his attack, so Xena merely grabs him and guides him through the window behind her. She whirls back around, jumps and kicks the other two. They flip backward and solidly hit the floor. Xena walks forward as the men are attempting to stand. She smashes one through the wall to the right, and the other through the wall to the left.

INT. THE APPLE BARREL INN - SAME

Gabrielle rushes down the stairs and back behind the bar. She then stands there with everyone else, looking up and listening to all the VIOLENT SOUNDS. Suddenly, a body crashes through the ceiling and lands on the bar, along with a downpour of debris. A moment later, a second body crashes through the ceiling and lands on the other end of the bar.

Three outlaws are standing near the bar opposite Gabrielle. One of them, CORK, the gang leader, pounds the butt of his sword on the bar to get Gabrielle's attention.

Xena casually walks down the stairs, sword in hand.

Cork signals for the two men on either side of him to go after Xena. The two men rush forward, their swords ready. Xena parries one thrust, while she kicks the other man. She then blocks another thrust and kicks the second man unconscious. Xena turns to Cork, smiles and motions "Come here". Cork raises his sword and slowly steps forward.

Cork suddenly makes a fast desperate lunge for his target. Xena smoothly sidesteps and runs the man through. With her left hand over Cork's face, Xena pushes him backward and extracts her sword. The man stands silently for a moment, then falls backward to the floor. The several other outlaws in the room make for the door, and the bar crowd roars with delight.

EXT. THE APPLE BARREL INN - SAME

The outlaws rush out of the Inn and quickly mount their horses. One of them blows a shell horn, obviously a signal of retreat. The outlaws ride away, and the crowd cheers loudly.

INT. THE APPLE BARREL INN - SAME

The crowd inside the Inn is cheering Xena, as she makes her way to the bar.

Gabrielle moves off down the bar, and Xena looks like she is about to scream.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. THE APPLE BARREL INN - DAY

Xena is sitting on a stool near the end of the bar. The Fortune Teller and several other people approach Xena.

The Fortune Teller indicates the way, and they all walk toward the nearby door.

INT. AN OFFICE ADJOINING THE BAR - SAME

Xena, the Fortune Teller, and a half dozen villagers file into the room and encircle a table on which sits a wooden chest reinforced with ornate metal banding and fancy corner brackets.

O.s., loud cheering can be heard outside the building.

The group walks out of the room.

INT. THE APPLE BARREL INN - SAME

Xena and the Fortune Teller, followed by the others, emerge into the bar area. The loud cheering that was outside, suddenly erupts inside the bar.

Xena smiles broadly and turns to wave at the excited crowd, but she realizes they aren't paying any attention to her at all. She looks at her own hand in the air, and self-consciously lowers it. And, at the same time, she sees Gabrielle watching her and judgmentally shaking her head.

The rowdy crowd is clustered around a tall man with long hair and a bushy beard, wearing a crudely-made thick-fur coat. The celebrating mob flows up to the bar. Gabrielle is steadily pouring drinks.

Xena walks to the end of the crowded bar and motions for Gabrielle. Gabrielle, with a full mug in both hands, reacts disapprovingly. Xena motions more insistent, so Gabrielle sits the mugs on the bar and hurries down to Xena.

The crowd grows restless and demanding.

The crowd LAUGHS EVEN LOUDER.

Gabrielle looks at the men, waves and smiles.

The crowd shouts for Gabrielle again.

Xena turns and walks away, with deep disappoint clearly displayed on her face.

EXT. THE APPLE BARREL INN - SAME

The crowd is beginning to thin, but many people are still walking around. Riding Argo, Xena motions for the wagon to follow her, as she heads out. Two villagers are on the wagon seat, the chest and the four tied prisoners in back.

EXT. GARDEN BEHIND THE INN - EARLY MORNING

Gabrielle, wearing a beautiful white dress, is sitting at a large round table under the branches of a large tree. There is a nice lawn, with many well-tended plants to finish out the landscape. It is a picture out of "Home and Garden", circa sometime BC.

There is a bowl of apples, bread, cheese, a water pitcher, and drinking cups on the table. There is also a small stack of scrolls, blank parchment, and a writing pen, which Gabrielle presently has in her hand. She is staring at the blank page, but her mind seems to be somewhere else far away.

Merlyck appears on the second-floor balcony, almost directly above Gabrielle. He is now clean shaven with a well-groomed haircut. He has traded his furs for a new white shirt and a brown vest. He stretches, then looks down at Gabrielle.

Merlyck smiles and hurries back inside. Gabrielle puts down the pen, smoothes her dress and brushes back strands of her hair. She seems a little nervous or uncertain about the situation. She picks up the pen and makes a big effort to look busy and deeply engrossed in her writing. Merlyck emerges from the ground-level entrance and walks to the table opposite Gabrielle, who looks up and smiles.

Merlyck just quietly looks at Gabrielle for a moment.

Merlyck sits and takes an apple from the bowl.

Merlyck looks at the stack of scrolls and parchment.

Gabrielle picks up one of the scrolls and hands it to Merlyck.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE GARDEN BEHIND THE INN - SAME

Gabrielle and Merlyck are still sitting at the table. Gabrielle is writing, while Merlyck continues to read. The stack of scrolls has now moved to Merlyck's side of the table. Merlyck puts down the last scroll.

They stand and begin gathering scrolls and parchment.

CUT TO:

EXT. AN APPLE ORCHARD - SAME

Gabrielle and Merlyck stand facing one another.

Merlyck smiles at Gabrielle and her serious expression gives way to a self-conscious smile. They turn and stroll between the rows of apple trees.

Gabrielle abruptly stops walking and raises both her hands in a pleading gesture.

In her excitement, Gabrielle finds herself in Merlyck's arms before she realizes what is happening. They gaze into one another's eyes for a moment, then pull apart and walk on.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

EXT. THE GARDEN BEHIND THE INN - SAME

Gabrielle and Merlyck come walking along the back wall of the Inn, close together and talking in low voices. Gabrielle glances up and sees Xena sitting on the large round table, she breaks away from Merlyck and rushes forward a few steps to stand in front of Xena.

Merlyck moves up beside Gabrielle.

Xena extends her hand, and Merlyck steps up to shake hands.

Gabrielle thinks about it, looks at Merlyck, then looks at Xena. Xena raises her eyebrows in anticipation of a reply.

Xena struggles to keep from laughing. Merlyck chooses that moment to excuse himself.

Merlyck walks away to enter the Inn. Xena and Gabrielle both seem to be dreading whatever is about to happen next.

Xena's unhappy expression suddenly seems set in stone.

CUT TO:

INT. MERLYCK'S ROOM - NIGHT

Merlyck is sitting at a desk looking over a map and some of his notes. He repositions a candle holder, both for better light and to hold down a corner of the map. There is a knock at the door, so he walks over and opens it. He is clearly surprised to see Xena standing there.

Merlyck shuts the door and steps toward Xena. She turns to squarely face him with anger and determination on her face.

Hurt and angered by the accusations, Xena charges toward Merlyck and throws a punch, which misses its mark. Merlyck grabs Xena, spins around and tosses her through the air. She flips once and lands on the bed, with a LOUD CRASH. Xena just lies there, suddenly regarding the man in a somewhat different light. Her anger is clearly gone.

Xena continues to lay on the bed, staring at Merlyck as if he is some kind of enigma. Suddenly the door swings open with a bang and Gabrielle rushes into the room. She is frantic.

Gabrielle spots Xena on the bed, and she is instantly livid.

Xena slithers off the bed and gets to her feet, then turns to Gabrielle, who is waiting for a reply. Xena looks as if she has been caught with her hand in the cookie jar, or maybe some place worse.

Xena gives Gabrielle a sideways glance. Gabrielle is still mad and she isn't buying this Warrior Princess brand of pure B. S.

Smiling, Xena looks from Merlyck to Gabrielle, but they have nothing to say.

Xena uneasily side steps around Gabrielle and makes for the door. Gabrielle keeps her gaze fixed on the Warrior Princess.

Under the pressure of Gabrielle's steady glare, Xena manages a weak smile, nods and walks out of the room.

INT. - THE CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MERLYCK'S DOOR - SAME

Xena stops, scowls and rolls her eyes toward the ceiling. She is not at all happy about this sudden turn of affairs.

CUT TO:

EXT. A WIDE, HEAVILY-USED ROAD - DAY

Xena, Gabrielle, and Merlyck are walking along the road. Other travelers are going in both directions, as well as tradesmen and farmers with full carts.

Merlyck glances around at Xena, who is lagging a bit behind.

Gabrielle looks back at Xena, clearly displaying her displeasure at Xena's remark. Xena nods at her, then looks away. Merlyck shows no sign of detecting an insinuation in Xena's words.

The trio reaches the crest of a mountain. Far below them a vast city stretches across the valley and lines the shore of a wide bay.

Gabrielle excitedly turns to Xena, but catches herself.

Merlyck and Gabrielle laugh and start off down the hill, while Xena reluctantly brings up the rear.

CUT TO:

EXT. WAREHOUSE NEAR THE DOCKS - DAY

Gabrielle has two large coils of rope on her shoulders, and she staggers as she walks to a wagon, where Merlyck is arranging wooden boxes and small barrels. Gabrielle drops the rope into the wagon and returns for another load.

Gabrielle picks up a small barrel, which is heavier than it looks, and awkwardly carries it toward the wagon.

CUT TO:

EXT. A BUSY RETAIL MARKET PLACE - SAME

There are many stalls piled high with colorful merchandise of every possible description. Merlyck is fastening a strand of beads around Gabrielle's neck. When he finishes, she smiles happily and they walk on down the aisle.

Merlyck selects a straw hat from a rack and places it on Gabrielle's head. He forms a frame with his hands and looks at her from several angles. Gabrielle is laughing at him.

He gives the vendor some money.

EXT. THE MARKET PLACE - SAME

Merlyck and Gabrielle are at another location, where the stalls seem to be selling mostly various foods. They are eating some kind of fried pie.

Gabrielle laughs so hard she almost drops the pastry from her right hand, and she has to hold her hat on with her left hand.

CUT TO:

EXT. CROWDED STREET - DAY

Merlyck and Gabrielle are slowly making their way along the street, looking around, not in a hurry to get anywhere. Gabrielle sees Xena come out of a nearby door and start across the crowded street. Merlyck doesn't spot her, and Gabrielle doesn't say anything, but continues to watch her friend.

A frail elderly woman, who is holding a shallow wooden box in her hand, turns around to find herself face to face with Xena. The sight of the Warrior Princess clearly frightens her, but she uncertainly extends the box, and struggles to find her voice.

Xena has been staring uncertainly at the woman, but now she smiles. She pulls her leather money bag from her belt and dumps the entire substantial contents into the woman's box.

The elderly woman is astonished, and she looks at the money and at the Warrior Princess in disbelief.

Xena puts her hand on the woman's shoulder and smiles again.

Gabrielle still says nothing, but she continues to watch. She tries not to show any reaction, but we can tell that the scene has deeply touched her.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE MARKET PLACE - DAY

Xena and Merlyck are slowly walking through the market.

Merlyck makes a sudden turn and hurries over to a stall displaying many styles of silk scarves. He selects one with variegated shades, but mostly bright blue. He holds it next to Xena's cheek.

Xena shoves the scarf hard against Merlyck's chest.

An elderly man, JA, with a scruffy beard and skin like shoe leather comes gingerly walking through the market and spots Xena.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

EXT. STREAM IN SMALL VALLEY - DAY

Xena, Gabrielle, Merlyck, Ja and the line of ten bearers forge the shallow stream in a neat row, then march up the slope to leave the valley.

CUT TO:

EXT. A FOREST - SAME

The group is finding the going relatively easy, because there isn't too much thick undergrowth in this area. The peaceful mood is broken by a flock of birds suddenly bursting from the treetops. Xena, in the lead, stops and raises her hand. Stillness hangs over them like a deadly threat. Gabrielle and Merlyck look at one another.

Xena is staring and listening, with deep concern on her face. Suddenly there is a loud continuing rumble, then the ground under their feet is violently jolted back and forth for several seconds. The line of bearers tumble in various directions, and their loads are scattered across the ground. Gabrielle manages to get to Xena. Merlyck staggers up beside Gabrielle and grabs hold of her, as another strong shock wave hits. Gabrielle is frightened.

Gabrielle staggers off to a nearby tree, for better support. Merlyck and Xena look at her, then smile at each other. When they finally realize they are smiling at each other, they quickly stop smiling and turn away.

The ground continues to shake a while longer, causing some nearby dead trees to topple and crash to the ground.

CUT TO:

EXT. CAMPSITE - NIGHT

Xena, Gabrielle, and Merlyck are sitting near their campfire. The crew has another fire in the distance.

Xena looks across the flames at Gabrielle and Merlyck, and she doesn't see any humor in their conversation.

CUT TO:

EXT. DENSE RAIN FOREST - DAY

The explorers are making their way through the thick vegetation. Then, as they emerge into a clearing, a barrage of spears fly over their heads.

Xena holds her sword at an upward angle in front of her, as she stands in the clearing and slowly rotates to look in every direction. Merlyck stands nearby, holding his sword, with Gabrielle behind him at the base of a tree. Ja and several of his men are standing, swords in hand, while the rest are kneeling or laying in the bushes.

Two native warriors wearing scanty fur outfits, including fur cowls, charge from the jungle. The attackers have spears, and both run at Xena. She deflects the spears with her sword and then kicks both of the warriors for a flying loop.

A large group of natives appear at the edge of the clearing. They all raise their spears simultaneously and throw them at Xena. Quickly swinging her sword from side to side, Xena deflects all the spears, which are sticking in the ground all around her when the episode is over. The attackers are shocked by the feat of the warrior woman, so they flee in fear.

Two rows of attackers emerge from the jungle and approach Ja's position. Xena throws her chakram, cutting off the spearheads of the front row. The chakram ricochets off two trees, takes out the second row, then returns to Xena. The Warrior Princess snaps the weapon back on her belt and turns to face another wave of attackers.

The native warriors are running from the jungle in several locations. Ja and his men are heavily engaged, as more attackers rush out at Xena. She is fighting them off, when Merlyck runs up beside her, and together the attackers are quickly pushed back.

Xena is staring into the jungle, standing with her sword up in front of her. Merlyck suddenly slaps Xena's sword hard with his own. Xena turns to face Merlyck, infuriated by his action.

A native suddenly springs from the bushes and throws a spear. Merlyck sees what is happening, so he lunges forward and knocks Xena out of the way, but the spear rips into Merlyck's left shoulder and he goes down.

After regaining her footing, Xena rushes to the edge of the clearing, but the attacker has vanished into the dense jungle.

The fighting has ended, and all the attackers have vanished. Xena looks all around, looks back at Gabrielle and Merlyck, then runs to help Merlyck. She examines the wound, stands and places her boot on Merlyck's shoulder, and pulls the spear out with a quick jerk. She throws the spear aside and looks around as Ja runs up.

Xena looks back at the jungle again, her expression grave. Spotting no immediate danger, she kneels to attend to Merlyck's shoulder wound. Gabrielle is on the other side of Merlyck, trying to comfort him.

With a hard jerk, Xena rips more of Merlyck's shirt away from the wound, and he groans in pain. The women exchange glares.

CUT TO:

EXT. FOOT BRIDGE THAT CROSSES WIDE, DEEP GORGE - DAY

The group congregates at the edge of the high cliff, where they have a wide view of the bridge. It is a trestle work structure, braced beams of timbers supporting a narrow walkway. It appears to be in good condition.

Merlyck quickly grabs Xena's hand and holds it tightly.

Xena pulls her hand free, giving Merlyck an angry look, then she walks away without comment.

EXT. THE OTHER END OF THE BRIDGE - SAME

Merlyck leans on the end of the railing as Gabrielle and the last of the men file off the bridge and continue on. Xena is bringing up the rear a few yards back. Merlyck walks out to meet her. Xena silently stares at him, still unhappy with him.

Xena lightly punches his wounded shoulder, and he recoils and grimaces with pain.

Xena reaches out to touch Merlyck's arm.

Xena looks at him and seems about to say something, but changes her mind. She walks passed him to leave the bridge.

Xena walks on, offering no answer to the question.

CUT TO:

EXT. CAMPSITE - NIGHT

Xena and Gabrielle are alone, sitting on opposite sides of their campfire. Both are still and quiet. Xena stares intensely at Gabrielle, while Gabrielle occasionally pokes at the fire with a stick and ignores Xena.

There is no reply, and the silent interval grows long.

Xena stands, looks at Gabrielle for a long moment, then turns away and walks into the darkness. Gabrielle shoves the stick into the fire, and wipes a tear from her cheek.

CUT TO:

EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE CAMP - SAME

Merlyck is sitting on the ground, leaning against a tree several feet back from his campfire. Xena appears from the darkness, walks across the clearing, around the fire, and sits on a large branch of a fallen tree. Merlyck gets to his feet and walks over to her.

Merlyck suddenly looks unhappy, and he quickly sits on the tree branch in front of Xena.

Xena gives him a knowing look.

Gabrielle walks up to the nearby bushes. Finding Xena and Merlyck together, she stops and listens.

Merlyck slowly leans toward Xena and kisses her. Xena offers no resistance to his affection.

Gabrielle pushes through the bushes, enraged.

Gabrielle turns and runs away. Xena jumps up to go after her, but Merlyck grabs her arm.

Merlyck rushes off to find Gabrielle. Xena kneels by the fire, stares into the flames with sad eyes, and slowly shakes her head.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE BRIDGE - MOONLIT NIGHT

Gabrielle hurriedly walks across the bridge.

Gabrielle glances back, then breaks into a run to escape her pursuer. Merlyck runs onto the bridge, spots Gabrielle, then goes after her even more determined.

Gabrielle is near the center of the long bridge when it suddenly begins to sway back and forth. Disoriented and thrown off balance, Gabrielle screams as she pitches over the side. She grabs hold of a handrail post and hangs on. Merlyck, lying on the bridge, is being violently tossed around. All he can do is ride it out.

Xena, Ja and the others run up to the edge of the cliff overlooking the bridge. Spotting Gabrielle's precarious situation, Xena is terrified. Xena and the others fall to the ground when another series of shock waves strike.

There are LOUD RUMBLING SOUNDS coming from the deep gorge. Rock slides are occurring in many locations along the cliffs. Huge boulders plummet down, sending up billowing dust clouds. Then the bridge begins to crumble, completely collapsing at both ends, and breaking into dangling sections in the middle.

Xena gets to her feet, almost frantic, she looks at the shattered bridge and the two people on the verge of death. She looks up at the large trees and the thick vines running from the high branches down the face of the cliff.

Ja runs for the rope, as Xena selects a vine. She quickly pulls her sword and cuts the vine. She yanks it free of the other vines and the lower branches of the tree.

Gabrielle manages to climb back onto the bridge. She and Merlyck are standing on opposite ends of a long section of the bridge, and this largest remaining part of the structure is teetering on the brink of falling.

Ja returns with the rope and gives it to Xena, who quickly fashions a harness. Xena hands Ja the rope and vine.

Ja expertly loops and ties a couple of secure knots, fastening the end of the rope to end of the vine.

As another series of shock waves start up, Xena slips the rope harness around her waist and shoulders. She runs as fast as she can and dives off the cliff. As she swings across the gorge, the rock slides have resumed. Gabrielle and Merlyck are struggling to hold on to the vibrating, randomly moving structure. In the deepest recesses of the gorge, fissures are opening and brilliant streams of lava are flowing.

Xena swings over Gabrielle's head, tries to grab her, but she is too high. At the high point of her arc, Xena pulls a loop of the rope free and drops a couple of feet. She swings back toward Gabrielle, determined to get her this time.

The lava erupts into gushing torrents, leaping high into the air. Several LIGHTNING BOLTS FLASH along the bottom of the gorge, THUNDER ROARS along with the RUMBLING SOUNDS of the earthquake.

Xena grabs Gabrielle's wrists as the bridge drops from under her feet. As they swing toward the cliff, they witness the final parts of the bridge being devoured by the fiery monster far below them, and they see Merlyck fall and vanish into the inferno. Xena fights to suppress her emotional pain, but Gabrielle is crying, and on the verge of falling to pieces.

Xena and Gabrielle reach the cliff, where Ja and the other men are waiting. Still crying, Gabrielle moves off. Ja helps Xena get free of the rope.

Xena slings the constraints aside and walks away, her face a mask of torture. Gabrielle is coming up behind Xena, but she is still several yards away. She is still crying, and in a highly emotional state.

Xena spins around to face Gabrielle. The emotions that have been building inside her for weeks, erupts in a blast of pain and anger.

As if stunned by Xena's show of emotion, Gabrielle seems to instantly change. Tears continue to stream down her face.

Gabrielle walks to Xena, and looks up at her.

They embrace, both in tears, Gabrielle sobbing.

CUT TO:

EXT. FORK IN THE TRAIL - DAY

Xena, Gabrielle and JA stop, as the other men move on.

They shake hands.

Holding Gabrielle's hand, Ja cuts his eyes toward Xena.

Ja follows his men, Xena and Gabrielle go in the other direction. The two women are walking slowly, side by side.

FADE OUT:

THE END

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