ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. HEDELON CITY DOCKYARD PRISON - NIGHT

The wagon rolls to a halt inside the prison courtyard. Eve and Xena jump out as a group of men approach from the other side. They open the back of the wagon and start loading boxes in.

Xena and Eve hide in the shadows.

EVE

I don't recognize

any of them.

Xena watches the men.

XENA

You have any idea

what they're doing?

EVE

(shaking head)

No. What's in the boxes?

You know, don't you?

XENA

Stuff to sell at market.

Eve watches the men.

EVE

Maybe they're just

making a living.

(eying Xena)

I know that's not the

 first thing you'd think of.

Xena's eyes narrow.

XENA

Nope. Gabrielle's the honest

wage earner in *this* family.

Xena gives Eve a pointed look. Eve looks briefly away. Then she looks back.

EVE

Sorry. I know you're trying to

do what you thinks right.

(pausing)

And I'm glad you're

still around.

XENA

(sighing)

You're doing what

you thinks right too....

Three men in robes enter the courtyard. Eve lets out a just audible gasp.

XENA

(cont’d)

Recognize em? Or are

you going to tell me

anyone can grab a robe?

EVE

(softly)

No. I know them.

Eve moves towards the men, taking the lead now. Xena slinks along behind her until they are just in back of where the men stand talking.

ROBED MAN

Hurry up. I want to get this

stuff out of here in case

someone thinks

to come looking.

WAGON LOADER

What's the hurry? You're

not scared of that big

monster woman the

guards saw, are you?

Eve looks at Xena. Xena looks vaguely amused.

ROBED MAN

No. I just don't want any

more mistakes. We're

moving the prisoners

outside the city, too.

Eve now looks pretty upset.

WAGON LOADER

Get better work out of em, I bet.

ROBED MAN

We're jacking up the taxes too. Had a

whole bunch of yokels show up here

this afternoon hearing about....

(affected voice)

The Message.

Eve's hands tense. Xena merely watches her.  The men all laugh.  The robed men turn and walk out, passing within inches of where Eve and Xena are.

Eve and Xena fade back into the shadows.

CUT TO:

INT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE - INNER CHAMBER - NIGHT

Gabrielle sits surrounded by acolytes. San is there, as is the blond girl. They seem to have reconciled themselves to Gabrielle's presence, and appear relaxed and interested.

GABRIELLE

So, that's the story. I'm glad to see

that Eve is spreading Eli's message

to so many people. It's a good one.

SAN

Gabrielle, how do you know so

much of what happened? You're

not any older than we are.

GABRIELLE

(wryly)

You'll just have to take

my word for it.

GABRIELLE

(cont'd, looking up)

I'll see if the mediation's over.

Be right back.

Gabrielle gets up and leaves. Behind her, the acolytes gather together and whisper.

CUT TO:

EXT. HEDELON CITY MAIN TEMPLE - NIGHT

The robed men who have just left the prison walk towards a back entrance to the temple. Xena and Eve follow them.

ROBED MAN

Let's get a drink while they're

all up studying their navels.

His two companions laugh. They open a hidden door and slip inside.  Xena and Eve pause as the door closes quickly behind the men and they are caught outside.

XENA

You need to see more?

EVE

(quietly)

No.

Xena puts a hand on Eve's shoulder.

EVE

(cont’d)

How can something as

good as his teachings

go so bad, mother?

Xena nods towards the front of the temple.

XENA

I don't know.

XENA

(cont'd, pointing)

Let’s go inside.

Xena and Eve walk towards the entrance. Behind them, the hidden door slides open and two men look out, watching them leave.

CUT TO:

INT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE - CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Gabrielle walks down the corridor towards Eve's chambers. She hears voices coming, and ducks into a small alcove.  Two men walks slowly towards her.

ROBED MAN

I told you they followed us. We

can't take any more chances.

SECOND ROBED MAN

What can we do? You

know those crowds suck

up every word she says.

ROBED MAN

They'd follow anybody.

(laughing)

We just have to give them

another Enlightened One.

The men turn down a side hallway and disappear. Gabrielle pops out of the alcove and races to the corner, looking around it to see if she can spot the men.

GABRIELLE

Damn it.

The men have disappeared from view.  Gabrielle turns and races for Eve's chambers.

CUT TO:

INT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE - EVE'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT

Gabrielle enters. The room is still empty. Disturbed, Gabrielle sits down on the edge of the bed to wait.

GABRIELLE

Why can't it ever be simple with us?

(musing)

It used to be just scrungy warlords

every week. Then it was armies.

Then it was gods. Then it was ghosts.

(sighing)

Now we can't even stop for a festival

without getting involved with the fate of

the world.  Boy that gets old sometimes.

Gabrielle leans her elbows on her knees and props her chin on her fists.

The outer door opens, and Xena and Eve enter. They both look grim.  Eve goes to her prayer table and sits down, staring pensively at the floor.

XENA

I see you survived the sermon.

GABRIELLE

Did you see what you

needed to, Eve?

Eve nods.  Xena sits down on the bed next to Gabrielle.

XENA

They know something's up. They

were moving their slave goods out.

GABRIELLE

I know. They're also planning

on a change of prophet.

Eve looks up at her in surprise.

EVE

What?

GABRIELLE

(steadily)

I heard two of your helpers

discussing how to replace you with

someone less dangerous.

EVE

(hotly)

I'm not dangerous!

I realize these men....

(sighing)

I know they've been taking

advantage of people, but....

XENA

(flatly)

Eve, you know better than that.

Eve falls silent.

XENA

(cont’d)

These bastards know a good thing

when they see it. We've got to....

Eve gets up.

EVE

*I* have to decide

what to do about it.

She turns and speaks firmly.

EVE

(cont’d)

And I need time to think. Alone.

Xena gets up. Gabrielle joins her.

XENA

All right.

Eve seems to regret being somewhat rude.

EVE

There's another room beyond

that door. You can get

some rest if you want.

(hesitating)

I just have a lot to consider.

Xena and Gabrielle walk to the door.

XENA

Don't think too long. The longer

they have to plan, the tougher

it'll be to stop them.

Xena opens the door and walks through. Gabrielle gives Eve a worried look, but follows.

Eve sits down on her bed. She stares at her folded hands for a few moments. Then a knock comes at the outer door.

EVE

Yes?

The door opens, and the little blond girl looks in.

EVE

(cont’d)

Hello, Amber.

Encouraged, the girl enters.

AMBER

That new woman said you were

meditating, Enlightened One. I

didn't want to bother you, but I

knew you’d had no supper.

EVE

(quietly)

I’m not hungry, thanks.

(thinking)

But you know what

you could do for me?

AMBER

Anything, you know I will.

EVE

Tell everyone that tomorrow I want

to have the biggest listening ever.

I have a new message to give you.

The girl's eyes light up.

AMBER

Oh! I will! I'll tell everyone!

The girl runs out. Eve hitches herself back and sits against the wall, appearing very thoughtful.

CUT TO:

INT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE - GUEST CHAMBER - NIGHT

The guest chamber is even more austere than Eve's. There is a pallet roughly large enough to hold a small goat, one chair, and a table.  Xena and Gabrielle have chosen to sit on the floor instead, which has a woven reed mat on it.

Gabrielle has produced a pita sandwich from somewhere, and she is sharing it with Xena, along with the contents of a furry waterskin.

XENA

I think I was too rough on her.

GABRIELLE

(thinking)

Sometimes you see your goal so

clearly, you don't have much

patience with people who don't.

They are both silent, thinking of other times.

XENA

I could have given her the

benefit of the doubt.

(pausing)

But I don't tend

to do that either.

Gabrielle breaks her half of the sandwich in half and gives it to Xena.

GABRIELLE

It’s a lot to absorb, Xena. She's really

done some good things here, and now

she has to face the fact that those good

things have been so twisted.

(sighing)

That's hard. But I think she

just needs some space.

Xena nods.

XENA

You're right. Tomorrow we'll

figure out how to save the

sheep and boot the wolves.

Gabrielle snuggles up against Xena and they put their arms around each other.

CUT TO:

INT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE - EVE'S CHAMBERS - LATE NIGHT

Eve is standing, her hands clasped, her eyes closed in mediation.

After a moment of silence, she opens her eyes and goes to the inner door, opening it carefully.  She looks through the open doorway.

Inside, Xena is seated against the wall, apparently dozing. Gabrielle is curled up sound asleep in Xena's arms.

Eve stands there just looking at them for a little while. Then she slowly closes the door again, and leans against it.

CUT TO:

INT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE - MAIN CHAMBERS - MORNING

There is an air of great excitement. Many of the acolytes stand in small clusters, talking together. 

Xena and Gabrielle enter and look around.

XENA

Where is she?

Gabrielle points to the door leading into the worship area of the temple.

GABRIELLE

That's a good bet.

Xena and Gabrielle walk to the large, closed doors. Xena takes hold of the handles and hauls the doors open, striding through them into the main worship hall. The crowd of acolytes stops and stares in shock.

Gabrielle follows Xena, closing the doors after them with a little smile for the crowd.

CUT TO:

INT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE - WORSHIP HALL - MORNING

Eve is standing near the raised platform at one end of the hall. It has a high ceiling, and is gracefully, if austerely decorated.

Eve turns as Xena and Gabrielle enter. She stands near the platform and waits as they approach.

EVE

Good morning.

I’m glad you found me.

Xena had been about to say something. Now, she pauses and apparently changes her mind.  Gabrielle steps up to the dialog box instead.

GABRIELLE

San just told me you're

calling a big meeting.

Eve nods.

EVE

That's right. I intend on sharing

with  everyone what we... What

I found out yesterday.

XENA

(warily)

That could be dangerous if word

gets out that's what you're doing.

Eve nods again.

EVE

Yes.

(briefly smiling)

I made sure it got out.

A knock at the door sounds very loud inside the room. The door opens, and Amber sticks her head in.

AMBER

Enlightened One, I have

done as you asked. The

messages are posted.

EVE

(smiling)

Thanks, Amber.

Amber leaves. Eve turns and goes back to the platform, walking up onto it and arranging some draping.

XENA

(flatly)

You're making yourself a target.

Gabrielle crosses behind Xena and stands near the back wall, where the crowned sun sigil is carved in wood and mounted on the stone.

EVE

We both know people need to

see the truth. Just hearing it

isn't enough sometimes.

XENA

Are you expecting your faithful

to rise up in outrage?

(wryly)

What if they're in on it?

Eve seems disturbed. She fiddles with the draping again.

EVE

That's my chance to take. I'm putting

my message... the values I've

chosen to teach, on the line.

XENA

These guys have a lot a stake.

They might not care who gets hurt.

(pausing)

Or killed.

EVE

I’m aware of that. But someone

has to stop this, and I started it.

Eve walks off the platform and heads for a side door.

XENA

Eve....

Eve turns.

EVE

You're not going to lecture

me on putting myself in the

line of fire, are you, Mother?

Xena's jaw clicks shut.

EVE

(cont’d)

I’m glad. I know you

understand what I'm doing.

Eve walks through the side door. Xena looks at Gabrielle. Gabrielle merely turns and follows Eve. After a second, Xena also follows.

CUT TO:

EXT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE STEPS - DAY

Two of the robed men meet on the steps.

ROBED MAN

Did you hear? Did you

see those posters?

SECOND ROBED MAN

Relax. I've got it covered.

ROBED MAN

With all those worshippers in there?

What about that monster woman?

SECOND ROBED MAN

(smiling)

I told you. Relax.

The two men climb up the steps and enter the temple.

CUT TO:

INT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE INNER CHAMBER - DAY

Eve enters. She gets halfway across the room when Gabrielle and Xena enter after her.

GABRIELLE

Eve.

Eve stops, but does not turn.

EVE

I'm sorry. I need some time to

prepare what I'm going to say.

XENA

You can't just go up there and

start throwing accusations, Eve.

At least let's talk about....

EVE

No.

Eve turns and goes to Xena. She reaches out and takes her hands.

EVE

(cont’d)

Mother, please. This is my choice.

I'm willing to accept the

consequences, just like you were.

GABRIELLE

Right or wrong?

Both Eve and Xena look at Gabrielle.  Gabrielle walks back to the door into the temple and goes through it, slamming the door after her with a loud bang.

Xena and Eve stare at the closed door briefly.

Then they return their attention to each other.

XENA

She'll be all right.

Xena and Eve walk over to the bench seats and sit down.

EVE

It's ironic, isn't it? When I first met

you after growing up, I was busy

killing the person I've become today.

XENA

Is that what this is about? You

trying to make up for that?

Eve shrugs.

XENA

(cont’d)

Free advice. It doesn't work.

Eve gets up. She runs her hands through her hair.

EVE

I wanted to teach people about getting

along. About how to live together,

and help their neighbors.

(beat)

About love. Eli's kind of love.

She turns towards Xena.

EVE

(cont’d)

I've been talking about love for almost

two years now. But when I see you

and Gabrielle, I wonder if he ever

understood what love really is.

Xena considers.

XENA

(smiling)

I think he understood the concept.

The reality's something else altogether.

Eve sits down next to Xena.

EVE

Enough to give up your

own redemption for?

XENA

Enough to be my redemption. So

don't take too many chances, Eve.

You never know when you might

come around a corner and find what

you're searching for right next to you.

Eve nods, but it is clear she's not really buying into the words.

EVE

Mother, I want you to promise

me that no matter what

happens, you won't interfere.

XENA

Eve....

EVE

Promise me. This is my destiny.

Let me take it wherever it goes.

Xena stands. Eve stands as well. Xena puts her hands on Eve's shoulders.

XENA

All right.

Eve appears relieved.  Xena hesitates, then pulls Eve into a hug.  Eve returns the hug wholeheartedly. 

EVE

When this ends, we'll go

have some ale and talk.

I really have missed you.

XENA

Lousy as this whole thing is,

I'm glad it lead us here.

They break apart, and Eve smiles.

EVE

You can wait here.

I'm going to go, um....

XENA

Go on. She loves you too.

Eve leaves, much relieved.  Xena sighs, and sits down. Her eyes roam around the interior of the room, and she appears apprehensive.

CUT TO:

INT HEDELON CITY TEMPLE WORSHIP HALL - DAY

Outside the door, a loud hum of conversation now can be heard. There is an air of excitement that penetrates into the worship hall.

Eve enters, looking around, and spots Gabrielle talking to Amber. She hurries across the room to where they are standing.

AMBER

Enlightened One, everyone is coming.

It's so full outside, you can hardly

move. Can I open the doors?

EVE

Soon, Amber. Can you make sure

the outer doors are all wide open?

It's getting warm in here.

AMBER

Of course!

(smiling)

I'll be right back.

Amber scampers off. Gabrielle watches her leave. Then Gabrielle turns towards Eve.

GABRIELLE

Sorry.

EVE

Don't be. It's kind of nice having people

around who worry about me but don't

treat me like a mud and wattle statuette.

GABRIELLE

Mm. I hear being on a pedestal can

really put a kink in your neck.

Eve smiles. She clasps Gabrielle's arm, and they briefly embrace.

EVE

Do you really think this is the

wrong thing to do?

GABRIELLE

To be honest, we did something kind

of like it back at that village.

Eve laughs softly.

GABRIELLE

(cont’d)

But that was different.

EVE

Because it was you.

GABRIELLE

(smiling)

Something like that.

It is what we do.

EVE

(thoughtfully)

It's good to know you're

out there doing it.

The noise of the crowd grows, and the doors start to open.

GABRIELLE

Xena still back in there?

EVE

I made her promise

not to get involved.

Gabrielle gives Eve a pat on the side, and then she turns and heads for the inner door.  At the entry, she turns.

GABRIELLE

Good luck.

Eve lifts her hand and waves, then she stands to one side as the doors open and the crowd starts pouring in.

CUT TO:

INT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE - INNER CHAMBER - MOMENTS LATER

Gabrielle enters. Xena is seated on the bench. Gabrielle walks over and sits down next to her.

XENA

She make you promise?

GABRIELLE

No. Still has a thing

or two to learn.

Xena grunts.

XENA

I think that cute smile of

yours just fools everyone.

Gabrielle lets her head rest against Xena's shoulder.

GABRIELLE

Hope her plan works.

XENA

(sighing)

It's no crazier than some

of ours have been.

Gabrielle takes Xena's hand and holds it.

CUT TO:

INT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE WORSHIP HALL - DAY

Eve stands on the platform, looking out over the crowd. The room is packed, but Eve searches the faces in front of her and sees a number who appear more watchful than eager.

The light from the windows set high up in the roof of the temple hall falls on the platform, outlining Eve as she waits. People are still entering in the back.

Amber approaches Eve, and kneels near the front of the platform, offering her a handful of flowers.

EVE

Ah... thanks.

What are these for?

AMBER

No reason. I just thought

they were pretty and

that you'd like them.

Eve sniffs the flowers and smiles.

EVE

They are, and I do.

Amber gets up and backs away to stand in the front line of acolytes.

The vast room is now overflowing. Eve steps back with her flowers, and prepares to start talking.

CUT TO:

INT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE INNER CHAMBER - DAY

Xena and Gabrielle sit listening. Through the wall, they hear Eve start to speak.

EVE

(V.O.)

My friends. Thank you for

coming to listen to this new

message I spoke of.

(pausing)

It is not a good message.

It is not warm, and it

does not speak of love or

kindness or sharing.

A low murmur is heard through the door.

EVE

(V.O.)

(cont’d)

It is instead a message of

cruelty. It is a message of

thievery and hurt, and worse, it

is a message that all of this has

been visited on those around us.

VOICE

(V.O.)

No! Here?

EVE

Here. And elsewhere.

(louder, almost growling)

And in MY NAME.

Gabrielle squeezes Xena's hand.

GABRIELLE

(whispering)

She sounded just

like you, there.

Xena manages a smile.

MALE VOICE

(V.O.)

Wait! I have heard

another message!

Murmurs.

MALE VOICE

(V.O.)

(cont’d)

I have heard that demons have

come, and forced their own

cause here! Through you!

VOICE

(V.O.)

What?

MALE VOICE

(V.O.)

Strangers have come! We have

all seen them! We must stop

the demons! Now!

Xena and Gabrielle quickly stand up.

XENA

I think we've just

been involved.

GABRIELLE

I think you're right. But

even if we weren't....

XENA

She'll just have to forgive me.

Xena and Gabrielle race for the door.

CUT TO:

INT HEDELON CITY TEMPLE WORSHIP HALL - SAME TIME

The room is in chaos. Groups of people are shoving their way forward towards Eve.  Some acolytes have been pushed to the ground. Eve is trying to yell over the din.

EVE

No! No! Listen to me!

MALE VOICE

Don't listen to her!

It's the demons voice!

Xena and Gabrielle enter. They start fighting their way towards the stage.

AMBER

No! They aren't demons!

You're the demons!

Amber scrambles up onto the platform with Eve. She points into the crowd.

AMBER

(cont’d)

Look! There! He's got....

EVE

(desperately)

Listen to me! All of you! They've

taken our goodness, and used it

to steal money from our neighbors!

Look around you! Look!

MALE VOICE

Demons! There!

You see!!! Hurry!

Xena reaches the edge of the platform. Eve spots her, and for a split second a look of utter relief covers her face. Xena sees it.

Gabrielle grapples with a large man just in front of her. She spots a weapon under his robe.

GABRIELLE

Xena!

Xena starts to turn. She stops and whirls as she hears a crossbow being cocked even through the crowd. She searches frantically.

AMBER

Eve! Look! He's....

A man in the crowd has raised a crossbow. He points it at Amber and releases the trigger.

MALE VOICE

Stupid girl!

Eve sees it coming. With a lunge, she grabs Amber and turns as the arrow reaches them.

The arrow takes Eve in the back, piercing her through.

She starts to fall.

The archer falls as well, Xena's dagger buried in his heart just a moment too late.

Eve sags in Amber's arms, and they collapse to the ground.  Xena is there in an instant. There is blood everywhere. Xena gently rolls Eve over, but it is too late.

Eve is dead.

Gabrielle comes to Xena's side and kneels, holding on to Xena.

AMBER

(quavering)

She was right.

(sniffling)

There are demons among

us... out there. With bows.

Her voice breaks.

AMBER

(cont’d)

Killing our dream.

The crowd has been stunned motionless. Now they look around. Men begin to draw weapons from underneath their robes.

AMBER

(cont’d)

(yelling)

Don't let them!

Amber leaps up, her robes drenched in Eve's blood. She rushes at the closest armed man and leaps at him in utter anger.

In a sudden, shocking motion the acolytes turn on the rogues in their midst. In the close quarters, the men cannot use the weapons, and it turns into a huge melee.

But on the platform, ignoring the crowd and the fight, Xena takes Eve's hand and clasps it, her expression profoundly sad.

Gabrielle puts her arms around Xena and simply holds her. 

The acolytes send up a yell of triumph as they start to drive the rogues to the ground.

For Xena and Gabrielle, the sound is an empty one.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR

TAG

FADE IN:

EXT. HEDELON CITY TEMPLE STEPS - MORNING

Gabrielle sits with Amber on the steps. The front of the temple is draped in white. Amber still wears her bloodstained robes.

AMBER

It's like that story you told us, isn't it?

When Eli had to die, to make sure

his dream stayed alive?

GABRIELLE

(sadly)

People shouldn't have

to die, Amber.

AMBER

But we never would have woken

up, to drive the evil out of

our midst otherwise.

GABRIELLE

Maybe. But I can't help

mourning the loss of a friend.

(softer)

A child.

AMBER

(very thoughtfully)

I'm glad I gave her those flowers.

I think you were right, she liked them.

Gabrielle looks up, to see Xena coming down the street with Argo II. She stands.

GABRIELLE

I hope you keep her ideas going.

AMBER

We will. We're going to send

out teachers. It was Eve's great

dream to do that once they were

ready. They'll make sure the

right message is heard this time.

Gabrielle clasps Amber's shoulder.

GABRIELLE

Good luck.

AMBER

Why don't you stay with us?

You could help. You know

the teachings like she did.

Gabrielle watches Xena come closer to them.

GABRIELLE

Because my ears hear

a different voice now.

Gabrielle steps down and joins Xena as she passes. They walk side by side down the street, towards the far gates.

CUT TO:

EXT FOREST GLADE - EVENING

Xena and Gabrielle sit next to their campfire. The sun has just gone down, and it is getting dark. The air is cool, and the stars are just coming out overhead.

They are both very quiet. The fire's crackling is the only sound for a while.  Finally, Xena takes a sip of what is in her mug while Gabrielle continues to stare into the flames.

XENA

You know, I don't even

know how I should feel.

GABRIELLE

Hm? What do you mean?

XENA

Should I be crying?

Screaming? Angry?

(sighing)

I'm not.

GABRIELLE

Xena....

XENA

I'm just numb.

(looking around)

Maybe it's happened to me so

many times in my life, I've just gotten

accustomed to the horror of it.

Gabrielle puts her cup down and puts her arms around Xena, rubbing her back with one hand. Her expression is heartsick.

GABRIELLE

I think it's just shock.  I feel

like that too. Like I can't

believe it happened.

Xena seems a little comforted by that. She rests her head against Gabrielle's.

XENA

Yeah. I think you're right.

Xena tips her head back and looks up at the stars.

XENA

(cont’d)

Maybe she was right. Maybe

this was her destiny.

Gabrielle also looks up.

GABRIELLE

Maybe.

They both lean against each other, as they stare into the flames.

FADE OUT.

DISCLAIMER

No real live religions were harmed in the making of this motion picture,

but the moral rectitude of humanity in general did take a few dings.