XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS
SUBTEXT VIRTUAL SEASON 7

PRODUCTION #V712
Been a Wonderful Life

VIRTUAL AIRDATE
March 20, 2002

STORY BY
Denise Byrd & Trish Kocialski

TELEPLAY BY
TNovan

PRODUCED BY
Carol Stephens

DIRECTED BY
Denise Byrd

SCREENGRABS 
Judi Mair

ARTWORK
Lucia

TITLE GRAPHIC
MaryD

Xena: Warrior Princess is a trademark and copyright of 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. VILLAGE - DAY

XENA and GABRIELLE are standing back to back in defensive poses.  Xena has her SWORD in her hand and a smirk on her face.  Gabrielle has her SAIS drawn and is watching several of the men that have them surrounded. It's very clear that none of their opponents really concern either woman.

GABRIELLE
(teasing)
Go in to town, you said. Get a hot meal, you said.

XENA
Like I KNEW the town was under attack?

GABRIELLE
(smirking)
So much for your many skills.

Xena chuckles, then lands a left cross on the jaw of one of the men foolish enough to move within striking distance.

As Gabrielle fights along side Xena, she notices the residents of the town are putting up very little fight against the thugs.  Most of the villagers are hiding behind any cover available to them.  A few of the younger men are attempting to assist, but mostly they are on their own.

Xena and Gabrielle turn and end up facing each other as they prepare for the next round.  Without a word, Xena reaches out and puts her left hand on Gabrielle's head, pushing her down. As soon as Gabrielle is out of the way, Xena swings her sword and cuts down the bandit who was going to skewer her partner from behind.

Gabrielle turns very briefly, just in time to see the man fall to the ground.

GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
Remind me to thank you later.

XENA
Count on it.

Both women continue to fight the gang of thugs. Xena is obviously enjoying the little skirmish. There is a wild look in her eyes and a satisfied grin on her face as she throws a combination of punches and kicks at the men who surround her.

Gabrielle wrenches a sword from the hand of the man in front of her, then kicks him backward.  She regains her footing and turns to find the next bad guy. Her defenses slowly lower as she watches Xena take down the last three men.  As the last man falls to the ground the remaining men pick themselves up and make a hasty retreat.

Xena is still looking for a fight. She glances around quickly, breathing heavily and prepared to launch another attack.

Very slowly the occupants of the village come out of hiding and gather around Xena, who is still looking for another attack.  Gabrielle smiles as she watches the villagers go to her partner.  They are cheering now, and offering their thanks to her.

Xena slowly brings down her defenses, and quietly starts to accept the praise of the crowd. Gabrielle stands back with a smile and watches as old women try to give gifts of food and children offer flowers to their hero.

As they make eye contact with each other, Gabrielle can sense the power and the energy coming from Xena. She gives her head a little shake and glances back as Xena is led away by the grateful townspeople.

Tucking her sais away, she looks around at the village which has taken a huge amount of damage from the attack.  The injured are being helped up by a few able bodied people.

Sighing, she runs her fingers through her hair, as she takes a mental inventory of what needs to be done now that the fight is over.  As she considers the problems before them, an old WOMAN moves to her side.

WOMAN
Come child, surely you need food and rest.

GABRIELLE 
Thank you, but I’m fine.

WOMAN
I'm Cassandra. You and your friend are truly saviors.

GABRIELLE
I wouldn't go that far.

CASSANDRA
Oh, I would. We haven't had a moment’s peace since Rellton came into the valley. He and his men are always pillaging or demanding tribute. We are a village of simple farmers and craftsmen. You and your friend have truly saved us.

Cassandra looks to the inn where Xena has been led.

CASSANDRA 
(Cont’d)
She is a natural born leader.

GABRIELLE
Yes. Yes, she is.

CASSANDRA
Do you think she would be willing to help us? Possibly train some of our men to defend us?

GABRIELLE
I...I don't know.

Gabrielle looks to Xena who is standing in a crowd comprised of the younger men of the village. They are in awe of her and it's quite clear she is enjoying the attention. Raw energy is practically pouring from her.

GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
You can only ask her.

CASSANDRA
Then I will have Elder Dugan make the inquiry.
(beat)
I'm afraid if she accepts, we can't offer much in the form of payment.

Gabrielle chews her lip for a moment, and then gives a slight smile to the old woman.

GABRIELLE
If she accepts, it won't be for what you can pay her. She'll do it because that's what she does.
Cassandra notices almost a melancholy look on Gabrielle's face.

CASSANDRA
Is there something wrong, child?

GABRIELLE
No. I was just thinking about the past.
CASSANDRA
Oh, take it from someone who has lived as long as I, the past is a dangerous place to dwell.

GABRIELLE
Trust me, I know. But have you ever wondered what the world would be like today, if just one thing in your past were different?
CASSANDRA
I think everyone has had that thought at one time or another.

GABRIELLE
I think I just had mine.

She looks around, realizing there are things to be done.

GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
I really should help these people. Will you excuse me?

CASSANDRA
Of course, but please come to the inn soon and have something to eat.

GABRIELLE
(reassuringly)
I will. I promise.

Cassandra moves toward the inn as Gabrielle walks toward the building being set up as the hospice. As she walks, she watches Xena, who is now showing a young man the proper way to wield a sword.

GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
(to herself)
What would you be now, Xena? If I had died in Thessaly, where would you be? Would you be ruling Greece with Solan at your side as your heir?

Shaking these thoughts off, Gabrielle enters the hospice.

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT. VILLAGE - EVE

Xena is walking across the village square. She watches as several people clear out the debris left from the fight. She has a small pail and a loaf of bread in her hands. She looks at the food and continues to the hospice.

INT. HOSPICE - EVE

Stepping inside, she sees Gabrielle sitting in the center of the room, a baby cradled in her arms.  She is surrounded by children who are watching her intently while she tells a story.

Xena leans on the wall and watches from a distance as even the adults in the room are enthralled by the tale Gabrielle is telling.

Cassandra joins Xena, and takes a seat on a crate.

CASSANDRA
Your friend there is very special.

XENA
I know.

CASSANDRA
She has many talents. She fights like a seasoned warrior. Treats the sick and wounded as if she's been doing it all her life. And she is a master storyteller. She has kept the little ones captivated for hours.

XENA
She has many skills.

Xena looks to the old woman for a moment, then back to Gabrielle.

XENA 
(Cont’d)
She should have been the finest bard in all of Greece. Being with me made her those other things.

CASSANDRA
Well, she certainly doesn't seem to be suffering because of it.

XENA
Oh, she has suffered. More than any one person should have to.

CASSANDRA
And what could you do differently to make things better for her?

XENA
I'm not sure there is anything.

CASSANDRA
Then you shouldn't let it worry you.

XENA
It doesn't worry me. Sometimes I just wish things had been different.

CASSANDRA
Seems you and your friend do have a lot in common.

Cassandra gets up and leaves Xena to watch Gabrielle. Gabrielle looks up from her audience and sees Xena. She finishes the story and then gets up to join her partner after handing the baby back to its mother.

XENA
(grinning)
Beauty and the Beast huh?

GABRIELLE
I didn't think they needed a story of war here.

XENA
Am I your beast, Gabrielle?

Gabrielle reaches up a hand, tenderly touching Xena's cheek.

GABRIELLE
No. You are my beauty.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT

Xena is finishing banking the fire as Gabrielle is sitting on the bedroll with a pile of scrolls around her. As Xena tosses the last log on the fire, she notices Gabrielle staring into the flames. She moves next to her and takes a seat.

XENA
Did you find it?

GABRIELLE
Find what?

XENA
Whatever you were looking for.

GABRIELLE
Oh, not really looking. Reminiscing really... thinking back. Do you ever wonder what would have happened if we had been separated permanently years ago?

XENA
Say, if the ambrosia hadn't worked?

GABRIELLE
Exactly. Or if maybe Perdicus had lived.

Xena gives Gabrielle a thoughtful look that may even be a bit hurt.

XENA
Perdicus?

Gabrielle realizes immediately what she has done and turns to reassure Xena.

GABRIELLE
Oh Xena, I didn't mean it that way. I love you. You know I love you. I was just wondering what would have happened if things had been different.

XENA
I guess we'll never know so there's not much sense in really worrying about it. Right?

GABRIELLE
Right.

Xena takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly as she contemplates the need to change the subject.

XENA
Too nice a night to stay inside.

GABRIELLE
Absolutely.

She looks up at the sky.

GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
The sky is so clear. Look at all the stars.

Xena lays down on the bedroll and tucks her hand behind her head, staring up at the stars.

XENA
It's a ladle.

Gabrielle laughs and pulls her boots off before lying down next to Xena. Her head comes to rest on Xena's shoulder, as Xena wraps her arm around Gabrielle's back.

GABRIELLE
It's a bear.

XENA
Ladle.

Gabrielle laughs, and pokes Xena in the ribs.

GABRIELLE
Bear.

CUT TO:

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

From the edge of the woods, a light seems to take form from the very expansion of the stars that Xena and Gabrielle had been looking at before falling asleep. The light comes together in a fine point on the ground, and slowly takes a familiar shape.

EPHINY steps out of the light and looks down at her friends. She smiles, seeing them entwined around each other.  There is a thick blanket covering them, to ward of the chill of the night air.

EPHINY
Some things never change.

She kneels down next to Gabrielle and gently shakes her friend.

EPHINY 
(Cont’d)
Hey sleepyhead, wake up.

Gabrielle wakes slowly, clearly not enjoying being brought out of her warm slumber.

GABRIELLE
Wha....

She looks up and then shakes her head before lying back down and closing her eyes.

GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
Sorry, Ephiny. I'm too tired to dream tonight. Come back tomorrow.

Ephiny tries to hold back a laugh, but she isn't very successful.

EPHINY
You're not dreaming Gabrielle.  Come on now.  Wake up.

Gabrielle shakes her head again and opens her eyes.

GABRIELLE
I have to be dreaming, you're dead.
(beat)
Unless of course....
(beat)
Oh no, not again.

Now Ephiny truly laughs as she shakes her head and helps Gabrielle out of Xena's grasp.

EPHINY
No, Gabrielle, you're not dead.

Gabrielle rubs her eyes and tries grasp what's going on, but she isn't doing very well.

GABRIELLE
Then why are you here? Is Xenon in trouble again?

EPHINY
No, no, Gabrielle.  They are fine and the baby is growing like....

GABRIELLE
A centaur?

EPHINY
Yes. A centaur. No, I'm here for you and Xena.

Gabrielle gives her friend a confused look, then glances down at Xena.

GABRIELLE
But we're fine. Better than we have been in a long time, actually.

EPHINY
I know, but since you got here, you've both had little questions running around in the back of your mind. And I think you need the answers to those questions. But you have to know that you might not like what you see.

GABRIELLE
I've already seen that. Nothing you could show me would be as bad as that.

Ephiny nods as she too looks down at Xena.

EPHINY
I understand. Shall we wake her up and begin?

GABRIELLE
Both of us?

EPHINY
(nodding)
Both of you.

Gabrielle kneels down and shakes Xena gently.

GABRIELLE
Xena? Wake up.

XENA
Huh? What's wrong Gabrielle?

GABRIELLE
You need to wake up. Ephiny is here for us.

Xena sits up right away, looking directly at Ephiny.

XENA
Hello, Eph. What are you doing here?

EPHINY
I'm here to answer some of your questions, Xena. Come on. It'll be all right. I promise.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

EXT. MIST - NIGHT

Xena and Gabrielle, holding hands, follow Ephiny through a swirling mist. Xena shivers slightly, and Gabrielle looks to her.

GABRIELLE
What's wrong?

XENA
I hate mists. They're nothing but trouble.

Ephiny chuckles without turning around. She simply keeps leading them through the mist, which begins to lessen and finally disappears to reveal a dense forest.

GABRIELLE
This is the Amazon forest.

EPHINY
Yes, it is. This is what would have happened if the ambrosia hadn't worked.

The trio moves further through the woods into the Amazon village.

CUT TO:

EXT. VILLAGE - DAY 

The village appears to be thriving. Amazons from many tribes mingle together, working, laughing, sparring. Gabrielle looks around slowly.

GABRIELLE
It's the same, and yet it's different.

EPHINY
Very different. Follow me.

As they walk through the village, Xena is quick to notice that not one single woman is paying them any attention.  They approach the Queen's quarters, and the two guards at the door don't even attempt to stop them as they walk inside.

CUT TO:

INT. HUT - DAY

Xena gives a disgusted look back at the door as they enter.

XENA
Wonderful security they've got here.

EPHINY
Huh? Oh them. They can't see or hear us. We are only observers here. We can't interfere in any way.

Xena is about to respond when a cloth at the back of the room rustles and Queen Gabrielle steps through. Her eyes widen as the Gabrielle standing next to her gasps softly.

The Queen standing before them is clearly the bard, but not the same Gabrielle standing with Xena.

Queen Gabrielle is older, thinner. Her hair is still long, braided in traditional Amazon style.  Her clothing is obviously Amazon, reflecting her rank as Queen of the tribe. The only thing out of place is the maroon cloak that hangs on her right side, obscuring the entire side of her body.

Xena notices right away that Queen Gabrielle is leaner, more muscular and battled scarred. Gabrielle notices that her alternate self has eyes that can only be described as dead.

As they watch, Queen Gabrielle takes a seat at a desk and begins looking through a stack of old, tattered parchments. She leafs through them, slowly spreading them out over the desk. She lets her fingers trail over the script as if she were saying a prayer.

QUEEN GABRIELLE
(whispering to herself)
I should have said something.

Xena bites her lip as she watches this 'ghost' of Gabrielle.

A knock on the frame of the door causes all occupants of the room to turn.

QUEEN GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
Come!

Another version of Ephiny enters the hut, bowing slightly at the waist.

REGENT EPHINY
My Queen.

Queen Gabrielle rises from the desk, crossing the room to meet her Regent.

QUEEN GABRIELLE
Ephiny, you are just about my only friend here. Why do you insist on these absurd titles?

REGENT EPHINY
I apologize my Que... Gabrielle. The warriors are ready for your inspection.

Queen Gabrielle rolls her eyes and smiles as she adjusts the cloak over her right side.

QUEEN GABRIELLE
Then let's not keep them waiting.

As the two leave the hut, the trio can see that embroidered on Queen Gabrielle's cloak is Xena's CHAKRAM along with the design that is crafted on her breastplate. As the Gabrielle and Ephiny of this time and place leave the hut, the observers follow.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. VILLAGE - DAY

As Queen Gabrielle and Regent Ephiny enter the village, Amazons young and old gather around their queen, offering her kind words and fresh baked breads. A few of the very young girls bring her a few wild flowers they have picked from the nearby fields, until she is holding a small bouquet. 

Xena leans over and whispers in 'her' Gabrielle's ear.

XENA
They love you, bard.

As they continue walking through the village, the crowd slowly disperses. Queen Gabrielle looks at the flowers in her hand.

QUEEN GABRIELLE
I need to take these to her. Such a waste to let them die.

Regent Ephiny just shakes her head and follows her into a grove of trees out to a small clearing, over looking a meadow with a stream running through it. A large tree stands on a little rise. A large stone crypt is shaded by the tree.

Queen Gabrielle walks slowly to the tomb and places the flowers in a small holder attached to the side of the crypt. She runs her hand over the cool stone, with a sad smile on her face, then leans over and gives it a soft kiss.

QUEEN GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
Hello, my love. It's a beautiful day.

She pauses, and wipes at the solitary tear running down her face.

QUEEN GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
Gods, Xena....  Why did it take your death for me to admit that to myself?  To you?

Regent Ephiny only watches as Queen Gabrielle takes a seat on a small stone bench.

Xena pulls 'her' Gabrielle a little closer to her when she notices the inscription on the crypt.

Xena of Amphipolis
Warrior Princess
She gave her life so that others could be free 
We shall never forget

Queen Gabrielle looks up to the sun shining brightly down into the meadow and reflecting like diamonds off the water of the stream.

QUEEN GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
The festival is going to start soon. I wish you were here to see these women. They always compete so hard for the honor of bearing your chakram and being the Queen's champion for the year.

Regent Ephiny takes a step forward.

REGENT EPHINY
Gabrielle, please, please don't do this do yourself! It's been almost ten years since Xena died. The nation thrives under your rule. Yet you won't enjoy the life you have given us.

Queen Gabrielle looks up to her but then turns away. Regent Ephiny flinches a bit at the look on her friend's face but continues.

REGENT EPHINY 
(Cont’d)
You've worked and fought hard to make this nation complete Gabrielle.  Why must you continue to grieve?

QUEEN GABRIELLE
I grieve, Ephiny, because it's all I have left. It's all there is for me.

REGENT EPHINY
But there are so many here who would be your friend, or more, if you would only let them. Don't you think it's time to let her go?

QUEEN GABRIELLE
No.

REGENT EPHINY
Why not?

QUEEN GABRIELLE
Because I never told her I loved her, Ephiny. She died without ever knowing how I felt.

Queen Gabrielle looks back to the tomb and rubs her hand over the cool stone.

QUEEN GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
I have let her go as much as I am willing.

REGENT EPHINY
Which is not at all! Gabrielle, you don't do anything other than attend to village business and sit out here. You don't write anymore....

Queen Gabrielle flings back the cloak to reveal the fact that her right hand is missing.

QUEEN GABRIELLE
I CAN'T write anymore Ephiny!  Caesar saw to that when we defended our land against the Romans.

REGENT EPHINY
You can still tell stories, and you don't even do that any more.

QUEEN GABRIELLE
All my stories died the day she did.

REGENT EPHINY
Gabrielle....

Queen Gabrielle rises quickly from the bench, making sure to arrange her cloak to cover her disfigurement. She takes a heated step towards Regent Ephiny.

QUEEN GABRIELLE
ENOUGH! I have given everything I had... everything I am to this nation. Isn't that enough? You can't have my soul, Ephiny. Xena has that, and it will only be complete when I am with her again. And Gods willing I won't have too much longer to wait!

Xena has Gabrielle in a tight embrace as Gabrielle buries her head in Xena’s neck and refuses to look at the scene before her. A single tear runs down Xena cheek as she looks to their Ephiny.

XENA
I think we've seen enough here.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT

The trio exits the mist and find themselves back in the campsite. Xena is still holding Gabrielle tight.

EPHINY
Things didn't work out quite like you thought they would, huh?

XENA
(shaking her head)
No. Of all the things I imagined for Gabrielle, that was never one of them.

GABRIELLE
Xena, it didn't happen. I'm still here. We're still here. We're fine.

EPHINY
Ah yes, but that was only one side of the coin now, wasn't it? There's more to be seen.

XENA
Such as?

GABRIELLE
(quietly)
What would have become of you if something had happened to me. 
(to Ephiny)
Right?

Ephiny only nods.

Gabrielle stands up and squares her shoulder, taking Xena's hand again and pulling her close.

GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
Let's go.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

EXT. VILLAGE - DAY

Xena is walking down a dirt road, leading ARGO. She is unarmed, not wearing her normal leathers and armor, but is dressed in common clothing. Boots, trousers, shirt tucked in and held with a wide belt and a rough-hewn cloak. She looks tired, with black circles under her eyes.  It's quite apparent she hasn't been sleeping well, if at all. Argo tosses her head and nudges her mistress.

XENA
Easy, girl. Not much farther now. We'll be there soon.

Ephiny, Xena and Gabrielle step out of the mist right next to Gabrielle's childhood home.
They watch as the other Xena walks slowly up to the house.

Before she can even drop Argo's reins, HERODOTUS steps out on the porch with a makeshift pitchfork in his hands.

Herodotus
Get off my land, you murdering bitch!

Ignoring the outburst from the old man, Xena retrieves Gabrielle's scroll bag from behind Argo’s saddle. Turning slowly, she holds it out for him to see.

XENA
This was Gabrielle's. They're her scrolls. I thought you might like to have them.

Herodotus
Isn't it enough that you got my little girl killed by taking her into a war zone? Now you have to torture us by coming back here. Didn't bringing her body back to us satisfy your sadistic nature? Her mother hasn't been well since the day we buried her. You've managed to destroy my family. Now I may die trying, but if you don't get off my land, I swear I'll kill you myself!

Without breaking eye contact with the enraged man, Xena bends at the knees and places the bag on the ground. Then she stands and takes Argo, walking away from the house without another word.

The trio follows as she walks down a path to a simple tombstone in a small clearing. She lets the tears flow down her cheeks as she walks over and kneels down by the stone. She takes a few moments to clear some weeds away from the base.

XENA
Hiya, bard. Gods, I miss you so much. Gabrielle, please forgive me. I never should have taken you there.

Gabrielle can feel her Xena pull in a quick, deep breath. Turning to face her, she can see fear, pain and regret in her blue eyes.

GABRIELLE
Xena, Xena listen to me. It didn't happen that way. You brought me back. I'm right here.

Gabrielle wipes a tear from Xena's cheek and presses a kiss there.

She whispers on Xena's cheek.

GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
I'm right here.

The other Xena is kneeling over the grave, seemingly lost in her grief as she rocks slowly back and forth.

XENA
Why is it that we never realize what love means until it's too late? I know you can hear me.

She gives a sad smile, trying to make a joke.

XENA
(Cont’d)
And for once, you have to be quiet and listen to me. I love you, Gabrielle. I'm not sure I can keep on the path that I started with you, but I promised you that I wouldn't become a monster. That's a promise I intend to keep.
(beat)
I put down my sword. I knew if I picked it back up, there would be no turning back. You gave me so much and I won't dishonor your memory by becoming something that you'd hate.

She looks up into the sky to see a dove land in the tree above her. She can't help but smile as she continues to speak to the stone.

XENA 
(Cont’d)
Actually, I think you'd be proud of me. I'm using my skills as a healer. I travel around and do what I can for people. Amazing, isn't it? From the messenger of death to the bringer of mercy.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. AMPHIPOLIS – DAY

Xena rides up to her mother's tavern and dismounts, taking the time to stretch as she looks over the village. Most of the inhabitants aren't paying her a great deal of attention, more concerned with going on about their own business.

She removes her saddlebags, tossing them over her shoulder.  She slowly walks into the building.

CUT TO:

INT. INN - DAY

CYRENE is standing at a table, running a cloth over it as she cleans up from her last guest. She looks up and smiles when she sees Xena. She quickly moves to her and embraces her daughter.

CYRENE
Thank the Gods you’re here!

XENA
What's wrong?

CYRENE
It's Solan....

Gabrielle tightens her hold on Xena at the mention of her long dead son's name. She looks to Ephiny.

GABRIELLE
Solan is alive?

EPHINY
Yes. But....

Just watch.

Gabrielle looks over to see her Xena biting her lip and holding back tears.

GABRIELLE
(whispering)
I'm sorry.

XENA
It's behind us now, Gabrielle. There's nothing to be sorry for.

The Xena of this place and time pulls back from Cyrene with a panicked expression on her face.

CYRENE
I tried to send word, but no one could find you.

XENA
What is it? Where's Solan?

CYRENE
He's gone, Xena. He left about a month ago. He was so upset that you brought him here and left him.

XENA
I explained that to him. It's too dangerous for him to travel with me. There are still too many people out there who would kill us both, given half a chance.

CYRENE
I know that. I tried to tell him that, but he wouldn't listen. He just kept saying you really didn't want him. That first you left him with the centaurs then you brought him to me. He's positive that you don't love him.

XENA
That's ridiculous. The reason I did those things is because I love him. You, Solan and Toris are the only things left in my life that mean anything to me.

CYRENE
Xena, he's a headstrong young man. He simply doesn't understand.

XENA
Where did he go?

CYRENE
I'm not sure, but I heard a rumor he had joined an army to the north of here. I sent Toris to look for him. I haven't heard from him for two weeks. Xena, you have to do something.

XENA
I will, don't worry.

Xena dashes from the inn and vaults onto Argo's back.  They leave the village at a gallop.

CUT TO:

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT

Xena stops just at the edge of a large army camp. She dismounts Argo and sends the horse off with a slap to the rump.

The trio watches intently. Xena's eyes go wide when she realizes what she is watching herself walk into.

XENA
(whispering)
Oh no.

GABRIELLE
What?

XENA
It's Callisto.

GABRIELLE
Callisto? But, Callisto's dead.

EPHINY
Not in this reality. In this time and place, she is fast on her way to becoming the worst threat that Greece, and possibly the entire world have ever known.

The Xena they are watching moves slowly and carefully into the rear of the camp. She is still unarmed. Moving quietly, she unhooks her cloak from around her neck and holds it in her hands like a net.

Listening intently, she waits for just the right time. Then she tosses the cloak over a sentry, throws him to the ground and knocks him out with a fist to the jaw. Opening the cloak, she looks down at him and then to the sword on his side. After a very brief hesitation, she pulls it from the scabbard and turns back for the camp.

Hidden in the shadows, she stops next to a tent to try and count the soldiers in the camp.

XENA
(to herself)
Hundred to one seems fair enough.

Continuing quietly, she moves in between the tents totally undetected by the men in the camp.  This is partly due to the gambling that is going on and the ale that is flowing freely.

She spots what she knows must be Callisto's tent across the camp. She continues to move between the tents until there is no choice but for her to move out into the open. Stepping out of the shadows, she only manages one step before she hears SOLAN'S voice behind her. 
This Solan is older than the boy that Xena and Gabrielle know. He is a sturdy young man, handsome, but with a disillusioned, almost cruel look on his face.

SOLAN
Well, it's about time you came to visit, Mother.

Turning around, she is face to face with her son. Standing behind him is Callisto and five guards. Callisto gets a maniacal grin on her face as she steps forward, clapping her hands together in almost child like glee.

CALLISTO
Oh Xeeeenah, welcome. I've missed you.

XENA
I didn't come for you, Callisto.  I came for my son.

Callisto circles Xena slowly, continuing to give her the most ghoulish of grins.

CALLISTO
I heard about your little friend. Such a shame. She was a cute one.

Xena is clearly getting angry at Callisto's taunts. She takes a step forward getting close to Callisto before hissing.

XENA
Don't you talk about her! You have no right to talk about her.

CALLISTO
What's the matter, Xena? Aren't you interested in facing the fact that you're responsible for another innocent death?  I heard you took her into the middle of the Thessalian/Mitoan war. Clever girl, you. Let someone else do your killing for you.

XENA
ENOUGH! I'm here to get my son.

Callisto wanders back to Solan and slings her arm over his shoulder, giving him a very possessive rub on the chest.

CALLISTO
He has no interest in leaving with you. He has come to a place were he is welcome and wanted.
(beat)
I won't dump him off somewhere like yesterdays scraps.

XENA
(holding her hand out)
Come on, Solan.

SOLAN
I'm not going anywhere with you.

Slowly he draws a sword from a scabbard at his waist.

SOLAN 
(Cont’d)
As a matter of fact, you're not going anywhere either.

He raises his sword and waves the blade at Xena to do the same.

XENA
I won't fight you, Solan.

CALLISTO
See, Solan.  I told you. She cares more for the dead than she does her own son. She won't break her promise to sweet little, DEAD, Gabrielle.

Xena ignores Callisto's taunts, looking at her son.

XENA
I won't fight you, because I love you.

CALLISTO
(whispering to Solan)
She's lying to you. She'll take you back to that hideous little village and then she'll ride away again. Just. Like. Always.

There is a look of confusion on his face as he listens to Callisto, but continues to hold his mother's gaze. Suddenly all the resentment and anger he has felt towards his mother comes boiling to the top. He breaks away from Callisto and charges Xena with deadly intent.

Xena blocks his blow easily, then side steps to let him go sliding by. He turns and prepares to strike again.

SOLAN
I HATE YOU!

XENA
Solan, don't do this. Don't become like me.

Callisto laughs again and waves her men off as they step forward to assist Solan.

CALLISTO
Let him do this himself. If he can't fight her, he's of no use to us.

Everyone forms a circle and watches as Solan continues to provoke his mother.

SOLAN
Fight me, damn it!

XENA
(blocking another blow)
No!

Soon his anger erupts further and his blows start becoming harder and furious.

SOLAN
Then I'll kill you!

Ephiny notices as they watch, that Xena has turned away, and Gabrielle has tears streaming down her face. Gabrielle looks to their escort.

GABRIELLE
We don't need to see this. We both know what she'll do. Please, take us away from here.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT

The trio returns to the campsite. Xena sits down on a rock and rubs her eyes as Ephiny and Gabrielle watch.

EPHINY
(whispering to Gabrielle)
It didn't end the way you thought it would.

GABRIELLE
You mean, she didn't let him kill her?

Ephiny shakes her head and draws Gabrielle to the side.

EPHINY
They killed each other. Solan was so consumed in his hatred of his mother for leaving him, that he had already started down the slippery slope. Xena knew that so....

GABRIELLE
She killed him to keep him from becoming like her?

Ephiny only nods. Gabrielle turns and moves to Xena, kneeling by her. She rubs her back and forces her to look up.

GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
It didn't happen that way. And while what did happen was horrible, we both know that he's happy.

XENA
I know. I mean when Solan died, I couldn't imagine a worse end for him
(beat)
Until now.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

EXT. CAMP - MORNING

Ephiny watches as Xena and Gabrielle sleep in each other's arms. She looks around as the sun rises, knowing she has to wake her friends. Standing, she takes a deep breath and crosses to them, kneeling by their heads. She gently combs her hands through their hair.

EPHINY
Hey guys. C'mon, wake up.

Xena stirs first, carefully extracting herself from Gabrielle's grasp. She sits up and looks at Ephiny.

XENA
I thought you'd be gone.

EPHINY
We're not done. But you two were so exhausted last night, I didn't want to push you.
Xena moves from the furs, gingerly covering Gabrielle back up before she goes to the firepit and puts a log on the embers so the fire will catch.

XENA
We've seen enough.

Ephiny joins her friend near the fire and looks her right in the eye.

EPHINY
No. No. you haven't. There's more.

XENA
We don't need to see more.

EPHINY
Xena, trust me. This will be worth the trip.

XENA
We get the gist of the thing, Ephiny. We're better off with each other than without.

EPHINY
(laughing)
We didn't need to do this for me to tell you that. The very first time I saw you two together I knew that.

XENA
The first time you saw us together she was....

EPHINY
(cutting Xena off)
....Warming her way into your heart. C'mon let's wake her up and do this.

Xena sighs, then moves to Gabrielle and gently shakes her awake.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

Ephiny, Xena and Gabrielle are standing on top of a hill looking down at a city that has been burned to the ground. There is not a square foot of ground that is not blackened. There are remnants of buildings left, but not much of anything else.

XENA
(to Ephiny)
This is the fun part?

Gabrielle suddenly grabs Xena's hand.

GABRIELLE
Xena, this is Athens!

EPHINY
You're half right. This is what Athens WOULD have become if Callisto had survived. But because of you two, it is still a thriving, growing city.

Xena smiles at Gabrielle and kisses her on the top of the head.

XENA
Well, whaddya know?  We did good.

Ephiny
Oh, the best is yet to come.
(motions to the mist)
Shall we?

Gabrielle and Xena nod simultaneously and walk toward the mist with Ephiny.

CUT TO:

EXT. VILLAGE - DAY

There is a celebration taking place. It appears to be a wedding. The groom is dressed in formal attire.  His clothing is old fashioned, yet totally foreign to Xena and Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE
Where are we?

EPHINY
This is the future. Several generations into the future.
(pointing to the groom)
See that good-looking fellow over there? Xena, that's your great, great, great, great, grandson.

Xena's smile widens as she takes a good look at the young man.

XENA
He has my eyes.

Gabrielle can't help but laugh at Xena’s pride in the young man.

EPHINY
But the best part is he will be the forefather of a man who will find a cure for a disease called polio. It will save millions of lives, Xena. Shall we move on?

GABRIELLE
Sure!

CUT TO:

EXT. DESERT - DAY

The sand is blowing around them as they stand atop a dune and look down into a valley. There are several men digging and crating dirt away. Gabrielle points to a figure in a felt hat.

GABRIELLE
She looks like me!

EPHINY
There's a good reason for that. She's a descendant of yours.

GABRIELLE
How can that be? I don't have any....

EPHINY
There's plenty of time, Gabrielle. Trust me... I can speak from experience.  Where there's a will, there's a way.
(beat)
Her name is Janice Covington. She is about to make an amazing discovery, Gabrielle. Your scrolls.

GABRIELLE
My scrolls?

EPHINY
Yes. So you see, it's imperative that you keep writing. It'll be very important in the future. You'll scrolls will be the key to keeping a man named Hitler from taking over the world.

GABRIELLE
How can that be?

EPHINY
I wish I could tell you my friend, but I'm afraid I can't.

XENA
Why?

EPHINY
There are some things you are destined to do yet, Xena, and to reveal the whole story for you might jeopardize those things. Just know that you have and will continue to do things very important.

Ephiny takes her friends hands and smiles at them.

EPHINY 
(Cont’d)
So, my friends, you see, you have made a HUGE difference, in so many lives they cannot be counted. Apart, you could not have accomplished what you have together. You two are meant to be together, and it will be that way forever.

Xena turns to Gabrielle and stares deeply in her eyes.

XENA
We know.

FADE TO:

EXT. VILAGE - DAY

Xena and Gabrielle are standing in the center of the village they defended the day before. They are locked together in an embrace, kissing each other passionately. After a long moment they part, still looking at each other and smiling. Finally, Gabrielle takes a step back, allowing her hand to rest on Xena's breastplate.

GABRIELLE
So?

XENA
So.

GABRIELLE
I, ah, I guess it's been a wonderful life huh?

XENA
Been? No, Gabrielle. It is a wonderful life. And I'm glad I'm sharing it with you.

GABRIELLE
(teasing)
You know, under all that armor and leather you really are sweet.

XENA
Hey! Not so loud. I have a reputation to maintain here.

GABRIELLE
(whispering conspiratorially)
Your secret is safe with me. I promise.

XENA
I knew it would be.

Xena cups Gabrielle's cheek, brushing her thumb over her lips in an extremely tender gesture.

XENA 
(Cont’d)
I love you, Gabrielle. I don't think I take the time to tell you that enough.

Gabrielle smiles shyly, glancing down and back up.

GABRIELLE
I love you, too.

They continue to look at each other, almost as if they're seeing each other for the first time. Because they're distracted in each other, they don't notice Cassandra coming toward them. Gabrielle finally takes notice and smiles.

CASSANDRA
Welcome back.

They both give her confused looks. She smiles and offers them her hand.

CASSANDRA 
(Cont’d)
Come with me.

They look at each other for just a moment, then decide to go with the old woman. They notice as they follow her that the village is now deserted. It had been teaming with people yesterday and now it appears desolate.

They continue to follow her into what appears to be an old temple, but inside it is designed to look more like a small theater in the round.

Cassandra takes a spot on the stage and motions for Xena and Gabrielle to take seats in the area where the audience would be.

Suddenly a light floods the stage. Ephiny walks out of the shadows and joins Cassandra. 
Xena stands up, but Gabrielle takes her hand to hold her in place.

GABRIELLE
Xena, it's okay.

Xena looks back to her partner, then retakes her seat.

CASSANDRA
This is the last part of your journey, my friends. A journey of self-discovery.

There is a flash of light, that causes Xena and Gabrielle to shield their eyes. When they look back to the stage, Cassandra and Ephiny are gone. In the place they stood are two beautiful women unknown to them, and behind them, seven more. The woman who was standing in Ephiny's place takes a step forward.

CLIO
I am Clio, Muse of History. My sisters and I have come to you to show you the fortune that you have brought each other and those around you. Your history is wrought with many experiences. Some of them tragic....

Xena puts her arm around Gabrielle and pulls her close, resting her cheek on the top of her head.

CLIO 
(Cont’d)
Some of them wondrous.

Above Clio, a mist swirls, and visions of Xena and Gabrielle's past are seen. There are glimpses of the Titans, the centaurs, Goliath and Cecrops  that move and swirl within the mist.

Another woman steps forward and smiles down at them.

THALIA
I am Thalia, Muse of Comedy. In your life you have also experienced great joy.
Scenes in the mist now turn to visions of Gabrielle playing the flute as she and Xena walk down a country road.

Gabrielle smiles at this vision of her much younger, innocent self and sinks closer into Xena's embrace.

The mist then shows Xena tossing fish at Gabrielle and Hower.

Xena chuckles and give Gabrielle a little squeeze.

XENA
I'm sorry about that, by the way.

GABRIELLE
(grinning)
No, you're not.

Xena laughs as yet a third woman steps forward.

TERPSICHORE
I am Terpsicore, Muse of Dancing. Your spirits are many things... compassionate, kind and adventuresome. And you have brought these qualities to those you have touched with your deeds.

The mist swirls and the faces of those people Xena and Gabrielle have met appear one by one. The faces of Pandora, Salmoneus, Meleager, Joxer and many others morph from one to the other.

Xena sniffs and wipes her eyes quickly with her fingertips as she sees her mother and her brothers in the mix.

Gabrielle lovingly rubs her back, offering support and comfort.

The fourth woman steps forward.

EUTERPE
I am Euterpe. The Muse of Lyric Poetry. The story you have woven together is as beautiful as any song.

A fifth woman steps to the forefront.

POLYHYMNIA
I am Polyhymnia. Muse of Heroic Hymns. Your story is one of the greatest ever told. A story of deeds well done. Fights for honor and righteousness rather than glory or fame.

The sixth woman steps next to her sisters.

MELPOMENE
I am Melpomene, Muse of Tragedies. While you have certainly known tragedy in your lives, it has made you stronger. It has made you worthy of the blessings of strength, courage and determination.

One of the last three women present steps forward and spreads her arms in a welcoming, almost comforting gesture.

ERATO
I am Erato, Muse of Love Poetry. Your journey has blessed you with many things, but the most important of these is love. For within each other, you have found love. True and unerring. It is what keeps you warm and safe, even when you are apart. It is what gives you the strength to go on when the odds seem insurmountable. It is what provides you with your passions.

Xena and Gabrielle look to each other and know that what Erato is saying is absolutely true. Everything they have done has only served to bring them closer together. Xena winks, and they return their attention to the groups as the eighth woman comes forward.

URANIA
I am Urania, Muse of Astronomy.

The mist expands until it is covering the ceiling of the theater. It darkens and then becomes a beautiful view of the night sky. Stars twinkle in their place and one or two even shoot across the expanse.

URANIA 
(Cont’d)
This is your future. Unknown, but amazing and filled with possibilities. It is like the world you see before you, ever expanding, but constant and always yielding something new for you to discover.

Finally, the woman who had been known to them as Cassandra steps forward, taking a spot in from of all the others.

CALLIOPE
I am Calliope, Muse of Epic Poetry. The story you have woven will never be forgotten. Xena, with your heroic deeds, you have made your place in history as one of the great defenders. And Gabrielle, as my sisters and I guide your hand, you tell these stories, which have made your life. A life filled with all of the experiences that only mortals can truly feel and understand. It is because of the two of you that we still go on. The twilight did not take us, because your passion and your pride and your belief kept us whole and complete.

Calliope steps down to stand in front of them, she smiles and places a hand on each of their cheeks.

CALLIOPE 
(Cont’d)
Gods will come and go. But because of you, our power will always remain. Mortals now and for future generations will look to us for guidance and inspiration. It is the hope of my sisters and myself that we can give them as much as you have. Thank you both... for everything.

The room grows dark and everything feels to be fading away.

FADE TO:

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT

Xena and Gabrielle find them selves back in their camp, lying in each other’s arms, staring at the night sky and the stars above their heads.

GABRIELLE
Wow.

XENA
There's an understatement.

Xena turns her head to face Gabrielle.

XENA 
(Cont’d)
I don't know what to say. That was incredible. I never realized how much we've done.

GABRIELLE
We've been more important than we knew, and not just to those people we've known or helped, but to each other. Xena, I never imagined the things that could have happened to you, if I had been taken.

XENA
I know. I never thought that things could go so bad for both of us.

Xena takes Gabrielle's right hand and tenderly places a kiss on the palm.

XENA 
(Cont’d)
You have no idea how much I love your stories and your passion for writing them. I'm so glad you've found it again. It's such an important part of you, that it's an important part of me too.

Gabrielle takes her hand and traces gently around Xena's eyes.

GABRIELLE
I know what you mean. I saw you in that other time and I just couldn't believe....

You looked so tired, so lonely. Your strength and control are so much of what you are.  You've shared with me the most important part of yourself. Thank you.

Xena sighs and pulls her lover tighter, looking once again at the stars.

XENA
We spend so much time taking care of other people.  We never really take the time to take care of ourselves.
(beat)
I guess we should take some time for us a little more often.

Gabrielle laughs and pats Xena's stomach.

GABRIELLE
I've been telling you that for years.

XENA
(nodding, laughing)
I know, I know. I should learn to listen to the bard.

GABRIELLE
No argument there.

XENA
You know, separate from each other we are whole people, but together we are....

Xena stops, seemingly trying to find the right word to describe what she is feeling. Gabrielle props herself up and her elbow and looks down into Xena's eyes, which are sparkling with the reflection of the stars and the firelight.

GABRIELLE
Complete? Together we are complete.

XENA
Yes, yes, that's it. We are complete.

Gabrielle leans over and gives Xena a tender kiss on the lips and then pulls back.

GABRIELLE
I love you, Xena. I promise to tell you that more.

XENA
I love you too, Gabrielle and I promise to show you that more.

Xena pulls Gabrielle back into her embrace. Gabrielle rests her head on Xena's shoulder. Both are quiet for a long moment, obviously considering the things they now know.

A star streaks across the sky and ends its journey in the ever-disputed constellation.

XENA 
(Cont’d)
It's a ladle.

GABRIELLE
It's a bear.

FADE TO:

EXT. CAMP - MORNING

Gabrielle tosses handfuls of dirt on the embers of their fire as Xena tightens the last of their gear on Argo. She returns to her and offers her a hand up. Gabrielle takes it and is pulled up immediately into a tight embrace.

XENA
Ready?

GABRIELLE
Always. Shall we try to find our next adventure?

XENA
Nah, let it find us.

GABRIELLE
Now that's a plan. I like it.

XENA
Let's go.

The walk hand in hand back to Argo. Once Xena is settled in the saddle, she reaches down and pulls Gabrielle up behind her. Xena nudges Argo and they start off, moving up a little hill on a path that will take them to a ridge.

XENA 
(Cont’d)
I thought you might like to take one last look at that little village. This should take us above it.

They continue, but when they get to where they should be able to see the village, they discover it is gone. All that is in the valley is a field of brightly colored wild flowers, swaying gently in the light breeze and filling the air with a sweet aroma.

Gabrielle tightens her hold on Xena, sighing as she looks at the thousands of flowers in every color she can imagine.

GABRIELLE
You know what?

XENA
What?

GABRIELLE
I think that was our place. Just for us.

XENA
I'd have to agree with you.

GABRIELLE
Xena, if we ever do decide to stop traveling and settle somewhere, can we come back here?

XENA
Absolutely. Think this is where we're meant to be.

GABRIELLE
Nah, this is just a place. We're meant to be together.

XENA
I couldn't agree more.

FADE OUT.

DISCLAIMER
Xena and Gabrielle were not harmed during the making of this motion picture and they FINALLY got to ride off into the sunset together.