FADE IN

Daybreak. The first pink light of dawn is seen on the horizon. A long shot of the sleeping city.

DISSOLVE TO

The beach near Evander's camp. A large crowd of Elijans--the ones from Ephesus as well as the ones that traveled here with Evander. Evander stands facing them, on a rock he is using as a platform.

EVANDER (speaking with fervor and power):
     I know our faith teaches that fighting isn't the way. And if our plan works, none of you will have to fight today. But if you must--if it is our only chance to stop Artemis' deadly cult here and now, and end our persecution once and for all--then I have to ask for your full commitment to this cause.

The Elijans listen intently.

EVANDER:
     Are you with me?

The Elijans hesitate a moment and then begin to pump their fists in the air and cheer. The sound rises around him and Evander holds his head high, proud.

EVANDER:
      Then let me tell you about your part in the plan.

Pan over the Elijans' faces as they listen raptly.

DISSOLVE TO

Xena, Ares, Eve and Virgil are sitting in a tent having breakfast. Evander comes in.

EVANDER:
     Well, the Elijans will do their part. They'll also fight if they have to.

EVE (shakes her head):
     It isn't their way.

EVANDER:
      If things go as planned, they won't have to. But if it's the only choice--then don't you think it's worth it?

Eve frowns and nods slowly.

XENA:
      It's daybreak. Artemis' worshipers should be heading to the temple just about now.

EVANDER:
     Then we have to go. (to Eve) Are you ready?

EVE (rises):
     As ready as I'll ever be.

CUT TO

Worshipers of Artemis congregating on the square in front of the temple.

Pan around and then up and over the temple, through a window to the inside where daylight is now streaming in. A great golden statue of Artemis towers over everything.

The camera pans over the floor. Near the back of the temple, one of the large marble tiles begins to vibrate, then is lifted up in the air and comes to rest on the floor. Evander rises out of the opening, climbs out on the floor and looks around. The temple is empty. He beckons to someone who is still down in the passage. Elijans start to climb out and then hide behind the vases and statues.

Evander walks toward the doors and stands behind a vase.

The doors open and worshipers start coming in.

Zoom in on Evander's face, an intense stare in his eyes.

DISSOLVE TO

The empty square in front of the temple. Xena, Ares, Virgil and Eve are standing beside a statue of Artemis by the temple steps, watching. The temple doors are open.

After a moment Evander walks out of the temple, followed by Artemis' worshipers. The people seem slightly dazed as they walk after him. The camera zooms in and pans over the crowd of worshipers. We see that some of the Elijans have mixed with them.

CUT TO

Xena, Ares, Eve and Virgil watching.

ARES (grins):
     Like a charm.

VIRGIL (frowns):
     Frightening, isn't it. To see that someone can control people's minds this way, even if it's for good.

XENA (turns to Ares, warily):
     And you never knew your son had this kind of power.

ARES:
     Even I didn't have it when I was a god.

EVE:
     He didn't know he had it, either.

VIRGIL (looks to Eve):
     How did you know?

Eve looks at Virgil but has trouble looking him in the eye.

EVE:
      A hunch. I asked him to try it on me...and it worked.

Eve averts her eyes and then looks in the direction of the group of people being led by Evander into the square.

EVE:
     For everyone's sake, let's hope it works on them, too.

She turns to Xena, Ares and Virgil.

EVE:
     Good luck.

Xena nods, putting a hand on her shoulder.

XENA:
     Good luck to you, too.

Eve shares a brief, tender look with Virgil. He nods and then she walks toward Evander and the people as Xena, Ares and Virgil head in the other direction.

CUT TO

Xena and Ares are coming up the temple steps, followed by Virgil and the warriors of the gods.

Ares looks up toward the temple, looking hesitant for a moment.

ARES:
     Xena--whatever happens in there...

He trails off. Xena turns to look at him, a tender and uncertain look in her eyes.

XENA (in a hushed voice):
     Be careful.

She takes his hand and squeezes it firmly in a moment of reassurance. Then, letting go of his hand, she draws her sword; Ares does the same. They glance at each other and then follow the army up the steps.

CUT TO

Xena, Virgil and Ares enter the temple and look around. The warriors can be seen behind them.

Pan to the golden statue of Artemis. The camera slowly zooms in on its face. The eyes have begun to glow green.

Pan to Xena.

XENA (whispers):
     She's here.

Suddenly, a flame bursts to life from the altar in front of the statue. Everyone except Xena and Ares falls back. Ares narrows his eyes and grips his sword tighter.

The flame shoots up high toward the ceiling, then erupts in a blinding flash of green. Some of the warriors cry out from the shock; everyone shields their eyes. When the glow dims, Artemis is standing on the altar steps in front of the fire, her gold outfit reflecting the light.

ARTEMIS:
     So. This is where you die.

XENA (points her sword toward her):
     No, Artemis. This is where your reign ends.

ARTEMIS (mockingly):
     You think this army is going to stop me?

XENA (darkly):
     You lose this temple...you lose your worshippers...and then it's over. It's that simple.

ARTEMIS:
     Is it?

Artemis extends her hand and launches a large fireball toward the group. They scatter out of the way; some of the gods' warriors deflect the fireball with their shields and it hits the back wall, creating a small indentation in the smooth marble.

ARTEMIS (lowers her hand smugly):
      Nothing is ever simple when you're up against a god. (looks at Xena, then shifts her eyes to Ares, glaring) You should know that better than anyone.

Close-up of Xena's determined face.

FLASH TO

The city square. The people are gathered around Eve and Evander standing on a platform, listening intently to Eve speak. Evander stands silently by her side, his hand on the hilt of his sword in a posture very reminiscent of Ares.

EVE:
     You have all been deceived. Artemis--is nothing that she says she is. She kills for pleasure, for power, and for herself. You are only in her good graces as long as it serves her purposes. Otherwise, she would toss you out like everyone else if she didn't need you.

The Elijans in the crowd speak up, backing her.

Close-up on a middle-aged Elijan woman.

ELIJAN WOMAN:
     She's right!

Quick pan to a young Elijan man in another part of the crowd.

ELIJAN MAN:
     Artemis is evil!

VOICES (off-camera);
     -- Down with Artemis!
     -- Artemis lies!

Murmurs erups in the crowd, growing louder.

Pan to Eve.

EVE:
     Artemis is death! Reject her and live!

The camera pans over the crowd. We see Rhodopis, listening raptly.

Pan back to Eve. Evander steps closer to her as the crowd's angry murmurs turn to shouts.

EVANDER:
      It's working.

EVE (her face impassive):
     It is.

CUT TO

Inside the temple. Xena, Ares, Virgil, and the warriors are facing off against Artemis who stares at them. She raises her hand and a fireball appears in her palm.

There are three flashes of light on the side of the temple: one gold, one green, one blue. Artemis turns toward the flashes, startled; so do Xena and the others. We see Athena, Zeus, and Hera materialize.

ATHENA:
     You're right, Artemis. Nothing is ever simple when you're up against the gods...especially when the gods are your own family.

ARTEMIS (curls her lip in a snarl):
     You're here to defend them? (Zeus, Athena and Hera stand still and silent) Fools! Don't you know they will destroy us?

ATHENA:
     No. (she looks slightly regretful for a moment but then her face hardens, determined) You'll destroy us. You've already begun--stealing our worshipers and temples to make yourself more powerful.

ARTEMIS:
     I'm preserving our way of life.

ATHENA (shakes head):
     No. You're preserving yours.

Artemis shakes her head.

ARTEMIS:
     You want a fight? You've got it. (raises her voice in a deafening, shrill shout) Maera!

The back doors of the temple are thrown open on both sides and Artemis' warriors stream out; they are led by Maera, now dressed in silver armor and helmet.

ARTEMIS (points to Xena, Ares, Virgil and the Olympians' warriors):
     Kill them!

MAERA (to the other warriors of Artemis):
     Attack!!

Overhead shot of the temple interior as the two groups of warriors clash.

Pan down for a quick succession of close-up shots of Artemis' warriors battling the warriors of the other gods, of Virgil and then Ares fighting the temple warriors. Then zoom in on Xena who is fighting one of Artemis' warriors, a woman nearly her match in height and strength wielding a large, jagged-edged sword. Xena dodges her swings, ducking under her and flipping over her, then plunging her sword into the warrior's chest.

Pan to Artemis watching, still standing in front of the altar. She frowns as the fight unfolds and she sees some of her warriors fall, then snaps her eyes to where Xena and Ares are fighting back to back. Her eyes begin to glow a faint green.

ARTEMIS:
     It looks like I'll have to get involved myself.

A bow and arrow materialize in her hands.

CUT TO

Athena, Zeus and Hera looking at the fight.

ZEUS (looks at Athena):
     You know what you have to do. For all of us.

HERA:
     We all decided. This is our only option.

Close-up on Athena's thoughtful, troubled face.

CUT TO

The city square. Eve is still speaking.

EVE:
     Artemis has killed innocent people and destroyed villages to gain worshipers. If we let her continue, she will end up enslaving all of Greece and beyond, and all that awaits humankind is a bleak and terrible future. But you have the power to stop her. Not warriors but people like you. It is your faith that has made her strong. Reject her, and she is defeated.

A great cry goes up from the crowd. Someone runs up to the statue of Artemis and throws a rock at it. Others follow suit as cries of "Down with Artemis!" and "Death to Artemis!" are heard.

Close-up on Rhodopis, her face contorted in rage.

RHODOPIS:
     Lies! Lies! I have spent my life serving a lie!

She pulls off the necklace with Artemis' symbol, throws it on the ground and stomps on it.

Pull back to show Eve and Evander watching silently. Eve looks somewhat uneasy.

EVE (to Evander):
      I think we've done all we can here. (pause) How long will it hold?

EVANDER:
     For as long as I want it to. I'll take it off when it's all over.

EVE:
     Then let's help the others.

EVANDER:
      I have no powers left to use in the battle--but I can still fight with this. (places his hand on the hilt of his sword)

Eve and Evander run up the temple steps. Pan down to show Artemis' followers dispersing.

CUT TO

Xena runs a warrior through with her sword.

Pull back behind her to see Eve and Evander entering the temple.

Pan to show Eve looking around at the fighting; she sees Xena and Ares across the room, then sees Virgil fending off several of Artemis' warriors.

Eve charges forward, doing a spectacular flip over some other warriors and landing in the middle of the fight. She sounds a Livia-like war cry as she lands near Virgil and pushes the warriors back, knocking two down and stabbing a third. Evander watches her, clearly impressed.

Pan to Xena as she looks up, hearing the recognizable war cry, and sees Eve bringing down a warrior.

Pan to Eve and Virgil.

VIRGIL (smiles):
     Thanks for the help.

Xena comes running toward them.

XENA:
     Eve!

EVE (breathing hard):
      Mother. I'm all right. (anticipating her mother's question) It's done. The people of Ephesus have turned against Artemis.

XENA:
      So it worked.

EVE (nods, looking somewhat troubled):
      Perfectly.

Pan around to show Evander stab a warrior in the gut and throw her aside as another one comes at him. He snarls and parries the blow from his attacker. He slices the sword across the warrior's side and the warrior falls to the ground, dead.

CUT TO

A close-up of a bow being drawn back, a golden arrow lying across it.

CUT TO

Evander fighting another warrior.

CUT TO

Artemis holding the bow, a look of focused rage on her face.

CUT TO

Evander fighting.

CUT TO

The arrow being released. A shot of the arrow flying toward Evander, from the "arrow's POV."

Before the arrow can gets close, a fireball shoots from off camera, intercepting the arrow and hitting it, causing it to disintegrate before it reaches Evander. Pull back to show Athena lowering her hand.

CUT TO

Ares, who has seen what happened. He and Athena exchange a quiet look, then he nods his thanks and she returns the nod.

Artemis snarls and disappears, reappearing in front of Eve who has just downed another one of her warriors. Eve looks up, startled--but just as Artemis raises her hand, Athena appears in front of her to block her way.

ARTEMIS:
     So. You really have taken their side.

ATHENA:
     It's over, Artemis. (Athena pulls the Dagger of Helios from her belt) If nothing else can stop you...

Pan to Artemis, whose eyes are filled with rage and disbelief; then for a close-up of Athena's face.

ATHENA (continues):
     ...then so be it.

Snarling, Artemis throws a fireball that sends Athena flying backwards toward the other side of the temple. She crashes into the wall. The Dagger of Helios skids across the floor. Before Athena can move to retrieve it, Artemis launches another fireball and a battle between gods begins.

As Athena and Artemis shoot fireballs at each other...

CUT TO

In the city. The people have gone on a wild rampage, running down the streets, knocking over statues of Artemis. Some people go into their homes and come out with trinkets, statuettes and scrolls, throwing them to the ground and stomping on them or setting them on fire. Others cheer. Cries of "Death to Artemis!" are heard.

CUT TO

The temple. The fighting still rages.

Pan to Xena and Ares, standing next to each other, looking in the direction of Artemis and Athena.

ARES:
     The Dagger of Helios... (looks at Xena) I didn't think Athena would go this far.

XENA:
     I'm going to get it.

She races toward where the dagger lies on the floor.

ARES (shouts):
     Be careful!

CUT TO

Evander fighting two of Artemis' warriors. Maera is coming up behind him, her sword drawn.

CUT TO

Ares, who sees this and looks anxious. He starts making his way toward Evander.

CUT TO

Evander, who has just dispatched the warrior he was fighting. He spins around just as Maera swings her sword. He doesn't have time to block her and her blade slices his hand.

They begin to spar. After a few swings, Maera gains the advantage and kicks Evander down. The sword falls from his hand and he seems dazed by the fall. Maera leaps forward, straddling him, and is about to bring down her sword.

Close-up on Maera's face as her eyes suddenly open wide. She looks shocked, blood trickling from her mouth. Pull back to show a sword embedded in her chest.

Maera staggers and falls backwards, dead.

As Evander scrambles to his feet, he sees Ares standing nearby, breathing hard. After a moment Ares goes over to yank his sword out of Maera's body, then stands up.

Evander examines the cut on his arm, then looks up at Ares and chuckles.

EVANDER:
     Looking out for me?

Ares hesitates a moment, then nods, grinning a little and trying to sound nonchalant.

ARES:
     Better late than never, huh?

Evander holds out his other hand toward Ares. Ares looks at it and then the two of them clamp forearms in a moment of camaraderie.

CUT TO

Athena and Artemis still fighting across the room. Their fireballs have done considerable damage to the walls and the columns surrounding them; we see large scorching holes, debris and rocks lying on the floor all around them. Artemis manages to knock Athena down on her back; in the next moment, she turns to see Xena diving for the dagger of Helios.

Snarling, Artemis makes a dive for the dagger. She throws Xena off with a kick, then picks up the dagger herself. She charges Athena, who is just rising to her feet--but just then, another fireball hits Artemis square in the chest and she herself is knocked down.

Pan to Hera, her face cold, lowering her hand.

Artemis gets up, still holding the dagger.

ARTEMIS:
     I have the dagger, Athena.

ATHENA:
     Not much longer.

A lightning bolt hits the dagger in Artemis' hand and shatters it completely. It falls to the ground in a shower of dust as Artemis winces and grabs her hand.

Across from them, Zeus lowers his hand.

Athena, Hera and Zeus all flash away, then reappear directly in front of Artemis, who looks shocked. All three of them raise their hands, determined, pointing toward Artemis and shooting a bolt of fire toward her--in a shot reminiscent of Athena, Hades and Hephaestus shooting at Xena's cart in Looking Death In the Eye.

Close-up on Artemis. Her eyes go wide as she is hit with the surge and flies back, screaming.

She is thrown across the room into a large column with such force that it causes the column to fall over. The column hits another column and a chain reaction begins. The temple is now truly falling apart.

The warriors of Artemis and those of the other gods begin to scatter as pieces of the ceiling fall, crushing some people and blocking the path to escape.

EVE:
     This way!

She and Virgil guide the warriors to the doors.

CUT TO

Ares, who looks around for Xena. She comes running toward him.

XENA:
     Come on. We have to go!

ARES (to Evander):
     You all right?

EVANDER:
      Yeah.

The three of them run toward the doors of the temple.

CUT TO

Artemis getting up. She seems weakened and unsteady on her feet. There is a bleeding cut on her arm.

ATHENA:
     You're losing it, Artemis.

ARTEMIS:
     What?!

ATHENA (calmly, points to her arm):
     Your godhood.

Artemis looks at the cut. She gasps in anger and disbelief.

ATHENA:
     Your followers are dwindling. You're becoming more like a mortal with each moment. You can't escape this.

Snarling, Artemis tries to send a green fireball toward Athena--but it is small and weak. Athena easily catches it in her hand as it disintegrates.

ATHENA:
     I told you you're losing your touch.

With a roar, Artemis gathers her strength to send a firebolt toward Athena but Athena dodges it and it hits a still-standing column.

CUT TO

The followers of Artemis are still rampaging through the streets; it's utter chaos. Some people are seen destroying a shrine.

CUT TO

As Xena, Ares and Evander head toward the entrance, a column begins to collapse in front of them. Ares pushes Evander forward and Xena jumps out of the way as the column falls between her and Ares.

XENA:
     Ares!!

The dust is thick and the roof of the temple has now given way, large rocks falling to the floor. The great statue of Artemis is swaying and won't be standing for much longer. Xena looks around for Ares but cannot see him.

Eve runs up to Xena and grabs her arm.

EVE:
     We have to go.

Xena yanks her hand away.

XENA:
     Not until I know Ares is safe.

EVE:
     Mother! You have to save yourself!

As debris continues to fall, the temple has nearly collapsed completely. The statue starts to topple forward. There is still no sign of Ares. Eve pulls on Xena's arm again.

EVE:
      Come on!!

The statue is falling. Xena and Eve leap out of the way.

The statue comes crashing down and the entrance to the temple collapses, causing a huge explosion of dust and debris.

CUT TO

Outside. Xena and Eve are running out of the collapsing temple.

Pan to Evander, who stands on the steps, looking worried. His eyes meet Xena's and she shakes her head, her face frozen in silent dismay.

CUT TO

Inside the temple, the place has collapsed entirely. The head of the large golden statue lies apart from the rest of the body. Broken vases and piles of rocks are everywhere.

Pan to Artemis, who is trapped under the rubble, unable to move. Her head is bleeding.

Athena comes up to her.

ATHENA:
     It didn't have to come to this. If you had only worked with us instead of against us...

ARTEMIS (groans):
      I did what I had to do.

ATHENA:
      And it was all in vain.

ARTEMIS:
     No. This is how it had to be.

Athena shakes her head, disappointed, and disappears in a shower of gold.

Artemis tries to get out from under the rubble but cannot.

CUT TO

As the dust settles, Xena is walking around the collapsed part of the temple, searching for any sign of Ares.

Eve watches Xena, her face anguished. As she walks toward her mother, a metallic gleam in the rubble catches her eye. She walks toward it and moves a few rocks to expose the blade of a sword. She moves back the rocks and pulls out Ares' sword.

EVE:
     Mother.

Xena whirls around at the sound of Eve's voice.

Eve stands up, holding Ares' sword.

Pan to Xena as her face falls.

CUT TO

Inside the temple, Artemis is still trapped and struggling. Exhausted, she goes still.

The ghosts of Leto and Apollo fade into view.

APOLLO:
     Athena was right, sis. It didn't have to end this way.

ARTEMIS:
     What else could I have done?!

LETO:
     Let the Twilight takes its natural course. Instead, you made it happen faster.

Artemis' eyes begin to well with tears.

ARTEMIS:
     Get away from me.

But they only get closer, and behind them Artemis now sees the ghosts of Dionysus, Demeter, Hermes and other lesser gods.

ARTEMIS (shouts):
      Get away!

LETO:
     Even if we leave, it won't help you. Soon, you will become one of us.

APOLLO (hollow):
     Just another dead god.

ARTEMIS (throws her head back and screams):
     Noooooooooooo!!!!

DISSOLVE TO

A nearby tavern. Eve, Virgil and Evander are seated around a table. The tavern is nearly deserted.

Xena is sitting away from the others in a chair by the wall, cleaning her sword aimlessly. Ares' sword lies at her feet.

EVANDER:
     In a couple of hours, they should all go back to normal.

VIRGIL:
     Will they remember what happened?

EVE (glances uneasily at Evander):
     I think they will. (She pauses, thoughtful) I'm still not sure it was right to do this. Take away their free will...

VIRGIL (puts his hand over hers):
     It was the only way to defeat Artemis. Better than killing them.

Eve gives him a brief look and nods, still uncertain.

EVE:
     Well, Artemis is defeated. I suppose everything has turned out for the best... (she glances over at Xena) Well, not quite everything...

Eve watches her mother.

EVE (speaking to the others):
     I was so concerned about saving Gabrielle...it never occurred to me that someone else could be taken in her place. (sadly) Maybe there's only so much you can do to make the future better...

Evander lowers his eyes, a touch of sadness on his face.

After a brief pause, Eve stands up and walks toward Xena. She puts a hand on Xena's shoulder, squeezing it gently.

EVE (sincerely):
     I'm so sorry, Mother.

Xena does not react to Eve for a long moment. Finally, she lowers her sword and looks up into Eve's eyes. She looks very vulnerable. Eve kneels down and hugs her. Xena stiffens for a moment, then she buries her face in her daughter's shoulder.

EVE (whispers):
     I'm sorry... I know how much he meant to you.

Xena pulls back and squeezes her shoulder, tears glittering in her eyes. Then she slides her sword into the scabbard, picks up Ares' sword, stands and walks off. Eve watches her go, sadly.

CUT TO

Xena comes out of the tavern and leans against the wall, Ares' sword gripped tightly in her hands. She closes her eyes for a few moments. Then she turns her head to see a clear view of the hill with the temple's ruins. Suddenly, her look turns to determination and she walks toward the temple with a purposeful stride.

CUT TO

Xena walks up to the fallen remains of the once majestic temple. She scans the scene, looking around. There are some people nearby, going through the rubble and taking valuable objects: gold and silver goblets and daggers, coins and jewelry.

She walks around toward the side of the temple. There are some fallen columns propped up against each other as if to create an entryway and some rocks piled underneath. She stands in front of the columns, looking at the rubble, her eyes searching and somewhat hopeful.

Cautiously, she dives into the space underneath the columns and looks around. There is nothing there.

Xena crawls out and sits in the rubble. Her expression turns to sorrow as if the tough exterior has cracked once more.

She lowers her eyes to Ares' sword in her hands. Slowly, she runs her fingers along the hilt. She blinks, and a tear rolls down her face and falls onto the blade. There is a long moment of silence.

Footsteps are heard behind her, crunching in the rubble, but she doesn't notice.

VOICE (off-camera):
     Crying for me? Never thought I'd see the day.

Xena jumps to her feet and turns around abruptly.

Ares stands a short distance away beside a still-standing piece of a column, smiling a little. He begins to walk toward her. He is definitely somewhat worse for the wear, limping a little, with cuts and bruises on his arms and blood on his face.

Xena stands still as he walks toward her, then in an impulsive movement, she drops Ares' sword and enfolds him in her arms. He wraps his arms around her tightly, running a hand through her hair. Xena closes her eyes with a choked sob.

After a long moment, she pulls back from him and they look into each other's eyes. Ares wipes a tear from her cheek with his thumb.

ARES:
     Sometimes...hugs are just right.

Xena laughs through tears.

XENA:
     I thought--

ARES (grins):
     Guess you're not the only mortal with nine lives.

They embrace again.

ARES:
     We did it, Xena. We beat her.

XENA (pulls back):
     Is she dead?

ARES (shakes his head):
     I don't know. But even if she's alive, she's so weakened that--

XENA:
     No. We cannot leave until we know she's finished for good.

There is a flash of gold light behind her. She and Ares turn around quickly to find Athena standing there.

ATHENA (looking at the fallen temple, distant):
     It took decades to build that temple. And just a few hours to turn it to rubble. It's always easier to destroy than to create. (looks at Xena) Ironic, isn't it?

XENA (shrugs, gazing at the temple briefly as well):
     That's life for you.

Athena nods.

ATHENA (after a pause):
     Artemis is gone.

XENA:
     So she's a ghost.

ATHENA:
     As we all will be...eventually.

They share a long look, then Athena looks at Ares.

ARES:
     Thanks, sis.

Xena looks from Athena to Ares and back, suddenly realizing.

XENA (to Athena):
     You helped him out of the temple.

ATHENA (wistfully):
     We're family.

XENA (with genuine feeling):
     Thank you.

Athena gives a small nod. The golden light flares around her and she disappears. Xena stands still, thoughtful. Then she takes Ares' hand. He smiles at her.

CUT TO

Evander's camp. The armies are on the move.

Pan to Ares, Xena, Eve, Virgil and Evander standing beside Evander's tent.

EVANDER:
      Well, my work here is done. I should be headed back to Pelius.

EVE:
     And your army?

EVANDER:
     It's served its purpose. The gods will call their warriors back. (Gives Eve a long look) It was a pleasure fighting at your side. (After a moment, to Xena) Yours too.

There is an awkward silence. Finally, Evander looks at Ares.

EVANDER (quietly):
     Dad. I--I'm glad you're all right.

ARES (slaps his shoulder, obviously disguising his emotion):
     You've made me proud, kid.

As Evander nods to the others and walks away, Ares watches him leave, a small smile on his face.

CUT TO

Gabrielle's campfire by the cliff. She is eating bread and cheese. Samuel is sitting in her lap, tugging playfully at her cloak.

Pan to Darion climbing down from the cliff.

DARION (shouts):
     The temple is gone.

GABRIELLE (looks up):
     Are you sure?

DARION (jumps down on the ground):
     Yeah. There's nothing left. (cocky) It's not something I'd miss, would I?

GABRIELLE (quietly):
     Then we've won.

Darion gives her a nervous look.

DARION:
     Gabrielle... (pauses) Do you think they're all right?

GABRIELLE:
     I'm sure they are. (reassuring, though there is worry in her own face) You know Xena. Come on, let's put out this fire and go back to find them.

She gets up, holding Samuel. Darion starts packing.

The sounds of horses neighing and rattling metal is heard. Gabrielle looks up. Half a dozen Roman warriors ride around the cliff, coming toward them. Darion looks nervous. Gabrielle puts a comforting hand on his shoulder.

A Roman officer, a well-groomed man who is obviously the head of the group, halts and signals to the others to stop. He looks at Gabrielle and the boys, sizing them up.

ROMAN OFFICER (politely):
     Sorry for the intrusion, ma'am. We saw the smoke and thought it might be a man we're looking for, camping out here.

GABRIELLE (laughs, hiding her anxiety):
     Well, unless it's this man... (points to Darion) or this one... (holds up Samuel) he's not here.

ROMAN OFFICER:
     I can see that.

He dismounts and comes toward her.

GABRIELLE:
     Then what do you want?

ROMAN OFFICER:
     Maybe you've seen our fugitive. We've been told he's been spotted in these parts.

He comes closer and takes a pouch from his belt. He opens it, pulls out a small rolled-up piece of parchment and hands it to Gabrielle.

Gabrielle unrolls it as the Roman Officer speaks.

ROMAN OFFICER:
     A Greek by the name of Haimon. (Just then, Gabrielle sees a sketch of Haimon's face) About my height, slender build, dark hair--

Pan to Darion, who looks frightened.

GABRIELLE:
     No, I haven't seen him. (looks at the officer and hands the parchment back) What did he do?

ROMAN OFFICER (taking the parchment, rolling it up and putting it back in the pouch):
     It's just Roman business. (nods to her) Sorry to have bothered you; we'll be on our way.

The officer goes back to his horse and mounts. Gabrielle and Darion watch him silently.

ROMAN OFFICER:
     If you do see him--be careful. He's a desperate man; been on the run for months now. Desperate men are dangerous.

GABRIELLE:
     Thank you, I will keep that in mind.

The officer turns and rides off, the other Romans following him.

Gabrielle looks after them until they disappear. The camera begins to zoom in on her and Darion.

GABRIELLE (softly):
     Haimon...

DARION (fervently):
     We have to help him.

GABRIELLE (close-up on her face):
     I know.

FADE OUT

THE END

[The future was changed, but not damaged, during the production of this motion picture.]

Xena: Warrior Princess Shipper Seasons Season 10 Episode 7 Eye of the Storm Story By: Aurora Written By: Aurora Edited By: LadyKate Collage By: Aurora Images Gathered By: Aurora Cast Xena Lucy Lawless Gabrielle Renee O'Connor Ares Kevin Smith Darion Alexander Gandar Eve Adrienne Wilkenson Evander Oded Fehr Artemis Josephine Davison Darion Alexander Gandar Athena Paris Jefferson Demeter Sarah Wilson Apollo Scott Michaelson Zeus Charles Keating Hera Meg Foster Leto Jan Hellriegel Felix Peter Johnson Petronia Mary Crawford Maera Kelly Stevenson Kyros John Cronk Original Airdate August 18, 2010 The future was changed, but not damaged, during the production of this motion picture. DEDICATED TO KEVIN SMITH All characters and storylines that have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess are a copyright and trademark of Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No infringement was intended during the writing of this script. All original characters and storylines are a copyright of the respective authors and of the Shipper Seasons. No script may be reproduced on a website elsewhere without the author's consent. © Shipper Seasons www.shipperseasons.com

This script is provided by GDev Resources.