FADE IN

Eve and Evander are standing alone on the hill.

EVE:
      The Messenger of Eli? Evander, what are you doing?

EVANDER (chuckling):
     Well, personally, I'd prefer a title with a little more...pizazz. But this one will do.

Eve remains silent, a troubled look on her face.

EVANDER (off her silence):
     What is it? You want your old job back?

EVE (shaking her head):
     No. (thinking for a moment, sighs) It's just...Eli's message was about peace and love. And you are preaching that to the people, but you are using a sword and promoting violence to do it.

EVANDER:
     But you see what the Elijans don't realize is that the world is shaped by warriors. (nods) Your mother can attest to that and so can my... (he trails off) I'm telling them what they want to hear--that love will save the day--but you and I both know that sometimes you have to fight. Eli preached that love is the only weapon we need against the gods, but without people like us the Elijans would have been slaughtered a long time ago like the sheep that they are.

EVE (disturbed):
     But you don't believe in Eli's message...

EVANDER:
     Sometimes fate calls upon us to play a certain role that may not be who we really are. You of all people should know that--Roman Commander, Messenger of Peace, Amazon Queen...

Eve shakes her head and begins to walk away.

EVANDER (grabbing her arm):
     Eve, wait.

She stops but doesn't turn.

EVANDER:
     I'm sorry. (puts a hand on her shoulder, from behind) When we reach Ephesus, we are going to wage a war against Artemis and we need as many behind us as we can get. The Elijans are so strong in their faith that they are willing to risk their lives in this cause--and so are Artemis' followers. (Eve turns to look at him; he speaks softly) When it's all over, when the world is finally free of the gods' tyranny, and Artemis joins the fallen Pantheon--then I'll give up the Messenger title once and for all. But right now we need these people, and (he reaches out to touch her face but she turns away ) we need you.

Eve looks at him, uncertain.

CUT TO

Virgil standing at the base of the hill, looking up at Eve and Evander talking. He frowns slightly.

DISSOLVE TO

Eve mounts her horse. The rest of the army has begun the march. Virgil rides up to Eve and Eve looks at him. Then Virgil glances ahead, to see Evander riding past them and to the head of the armies. The Elijans can be seen walking beside a wagon of supplies.

VIRGIL:
     So he's Ares' son, the one you saw in the future? (Eve nods) And now, here, he's going to lead us and we're going to follow.

EVE (nods, still unsure):
     I think he has what it takes to rally the people together, get them to fight. (pause) And the Elijans--they believe in him.

VIRGIL:
     Because he's calling himself the Messenger. Even though it's a lie.

EVE :
     Who's to say that he wasn't called by Eli? (pause) I don't know much about him--but he's trying to do what's right. I want to give him that chance.

VIRGIL:
     I hope he knows what he's doing. He could lead us all right to our deaths.

Eve gives him a sharp, uncertain look--the same thought has already crossed her mind.

CUT TO

A room in Ephesus. Kyros, the Elijan traitor, slowly regains consciousness, opening his eyes and looking around. Gabrielle is dabbing his forehead with a wet cloth, cleaning the bleeding cut. Xena is standing behind her.

KYROS:
     You--helped me.

Gabrielle nods.

GABRIELLE:
     We know who you are. (pause) Why were Artemis' warriors after you?

KYROS (sits up):
     Because they don't like it when you leave.

XENA (stepping up, understanding):
     You don't serve Artemis anymore.

KYROS (vehemently):
     I can't. I've already betrayed my friends, my faith, and my God for her. (his voice breaks) I have to atone for those sins. (looks down) I just hope Felix and Petronia will be able to forgive me in Heaven, for I know I will not meet them there.

Kyros raises his head, tears glittering in his eyes. Xena and Gabrielle exchange a thoughtful look.

XENA (softly):
     You've got another chance. Use it well.

KYROS (surprised but also grateful):
     Thank you.

CUT TO

The temple. Faint chanting and drums can be heard from inside.

CUT TO

Women in outfits of semi-transparent dark blue and silver cloth are dancing ritualistically around a raging fire in the center of the temple, chanting, while a woman at the back of the temple beats rhythmically on a large drum. The air is murky with smoke from the fire and incense candles that burn from candleholders in the walls.

The High Priestess walks out toward the dancers. She is a tall, slender woman with brown hair and gray eyes, wearing a feathered headdress, a dark blue robe trimmed with silver, and a silver medallion around her neck depicting an arrow piercing a crescent moon.

Pan up to show a small balcony that looks down over the center of the temple where the altar is and the ritual is taking place. Artemis and Maera stand side by side, looking down.

ARTEMIS (gently, breathing in deeply):
     I'm so close, Maera, I can feel it.

MAERA:
     To what, my Goddess?

ARTEMIS (opening her eyes):
     Power. Absolute power.

The drumming and dancers stop, and everyone turns to the High Priestess and bows.

HIGH PRIESTESS (raises her arms):
     We are gathered here today to honor our goddess, to show her our faith. And there is nothing that pleases her more than devotion of mind, body...and soul.

The High Priestess steps aside. From a room at the back of the temple behind her, two priestesses in dark blue robes with silver trim, veils covering their faces, bring out a young man in a white robe. He seems somewhat fearful but is obviously trying to compose himself as he walks willingly toward the center of the temple where a stone slab lies in front of the fire. He looks up at the High Priestess who nods at him and then he turns to the guards on either side of him. He lies down on the slab and one of the priestesses places a white blindfold over his eyes and the other priestess pulls out a jagged, sapphire-inlaid dagger and hands it to the High Priestess.

CUT TO

Artemis looking down.

ARTEMIS:
     Ephesus is already in my grasp. Rome is next...and then, all of the known world is mine.

CUT TO

HIGH PRIESTESS (raising the dagger):
     With this willing virgin sacrifice, we ensure her power for evermore.

She brings the dagger down, slicing into the young man's chest. He gasps, his robe soaking with blood around the wound; then within moments, he goes limp, dead.

The dancing and chanting begins again. As this goes on, the camera pulls back on Artemis.

ARTEMIS:
      It is my destiny, Maera. Uranus, creator of the universe, was killed by his son, Cronus. Cronus and his siblings ruled until his son Zeus overthrew him and brought forth Olympian rule. Now, the time has come for Zeus and the other Olympians to make room for the new ruler of the world. And since I have no children... (zoom in as a shadow of regret crosses her face, before her expression changes to one of cold glee) the cycle ends with me. My power will be last for eternity. (pauses and looks down at the dancers) Who can stop me now? My mortal brother, his girlfriend and her friends?

MAERA (cautiously):
     My goddess...from what I've heard of Xena, it is not wise to underestimate her.

ARTEMIS (coldly):
     Believe me, Maera, I learned that the hard way. I am ready for her.

The chanting grows louder and more intense.

Pan down to the High Priestess, then zoom in as closes her eyes and tilts her head toward the ceiling.

HIGH PRIESTESS (whispers):
     For you, Artemis.

Quick pan to Artemis. She closes her eyes as well, her body glowing slightly with a faint, green light as she feeds off the energy of her worshipers.

CUT TO

Long shot of a large army traveling along a road.

DISSOLVE TO

Eve, Evander, and Virgil riding at the head of the armies, a forest behind them and a shoreline in the distance. Zoom in for a medium close-up as Eve looks over at Evander.

EVE (smiles slightly):
     I'm impressed you were able to bring together these different people to fight for a single cause. (Evander looks at her) Not many could do that.

EVANDER (smiles, taking the compliment):
     It took some coaxing to get the Elijans and the warriors of the Olympian gods to work side by side. There's no love lost between them, as you know. But you know what they say--the enemy of my enemy and all that. Right now, the followers of the other Olympians hate Artemis even more, with Artemis bent on increasing her power at their expense. Just last week, a temple to Athena was attacked by Artemis' forces seeking to claim the temple in the name of their goddess and convert Athena's worshipers to their ways. Nearly everyone was killed. (pause, looking ahead) The gods know what's at stake. That's why Zeus and Hera asked me to take up this cause.

EVE (shocked):
     Zeus and Hera!

EVANDER (shrugs):
     They are my family, too. (looks at Eve, almost a little sheepishly) I don't know how much your mother has told you, but I've never been a fan of the gods. I've persecuted their worshipers--even those of the Goddess of Love.

Eve gives him a troubled look, then exchanges a quick glance with Virgil.

EVANDER (continues):
           After I found out who my father was, I hated him at first... (he pauses and continues in a lower voice) and sometimes, I've hated myself because of the blood in my veins. (looks up at Eve) I could have gone on hating them forever. But I've come to realize the gods are just like us--both good and bad. I will fight with them if it is right.

Evander rides forward, leaving Eve and Virgil behind. Eve watches him silently, her expression reflecting respect. Virgil gives her a curious look, then looks ahead at Evander.

DISSOLVE TO

Xena, Gabrielle and a few Elijans (including the priest from before) are inside a building surrounding a table, talking strategy.

ELIJAN MAN #1 (to Xena):
     So you have come here to bring Artemis down.

XENA:
     We've seen what havoc she can wreak. It's time we show her that she can't do whatever she wants for her own gain.

ELIJAN MAN #2:
     I don't know how wise that is. If we challenge her...who knows the wrath she will unleash.

GABRIELLE:
     Would you rather live in fear for the rest of your lives, always afraid that you could do something to anger her?

ELIJAN PRIEST:
     So what exactly do you propose we do?

Xena stands, thinking for a moment. Then she glances sideways, to a small window. A portion of the temple glowing in the sun can be seen outside.

XENA (turns back to the Elijans):
     The temple is her most valuable possession. Take it, and then she'll know we mean business.

ELIJAN PRIEST:
     Capture it?

XENA:
     No. (close in on her face) Raze it to the ground.

The Elijans murmur amongst themselves.

GABRIELLE (to Xena):
     And her worshipers? What will happen to them? (Xena is silent) I think we owe it to the Elijans, and to the worshipers of Artemis, to find a peaceful way first before we slash and burn.

ELIJAN MAN #2:
     Gabrielle is right.

GABRIELLE (to Xena, getting an idea):
     Maybe we can talk to them, get them to realize what Artemis is really like--just like we did in that village we were in before we came here. (looks to the Elijans) Who holds the authority around here?

ELIJAN PRIEST:
     That would be Rhodopis. She's Artemis' most loyal servant--the women of her family have been priestesses of Artemis for many generations.

GABRIELLE (to Xena):
     Then that's who we should talk to.

ELIJAN MAN #2:
     You really think she will listen to you?

GABRIELLE (exchanges a look with Xena and smiles):
     We can be very persuasive.

CUT TO

A large mansion, its marble sides gleaming in the sun.

CUT TO

Inside the palace. Two female guards are escorting Xena and Gabrielle down a long hallway. Its walls are covered with frescoes depicting Artemis. One depicts her with a bow and an arrow in a forest, hunting a great stag. Another has her standing on a hill, silhouetted in profile against the large full moon behind her. A third shows her sitting on a wooden throne in the forest, animals surrounding her, archers behind her and people in front of her, bowing their heads in prayer to her.

GABRIELLE (to Xena, under her breath):
     I guess she really is Artemis' biggest fan.

Xena scoffs; the two guards give them dirty looks.

CUT TO

Xena and Gabrielle stand in the middle of a large circular room with marble floors and more wall paintings of Artemis. A tall woman in an elegant dark blue dress, with silver bracelets on her bare arms, walks out and stops in front of them, looking them over. We recognize her as the high priestess from the temple scene.

RHODOPIS:
     You're the two who attacked my guards outside the city this morning.

XENA :
     You mean, the thugs who were attacking followers of Eli? Yeah, that was us.

RHODOPIS :
     Let me guess. Xena, the Warrior Princess.

XENA (grimly):
     The one and only.

RHODOPIS:
     You had no right to help those Elijans.

XENA:
     No, of course not. We should have just let innocent people be slaughtered.

RHODOPIS:
     They were hardly innocent! They had tried to break their friends out of jail. And they were not going to be killed, just sentenced to spend a day in the stocks.

Xena and Gabrielle exchange a surprised look.

RHODOPIS (continues):
      We're not butchers here, you know. We believe in fair and just punishment.

XENA (sarcastic):
     And yet you worship Artemis.

Rhodopis shoots her a sharp look. Gabrielle steps forward.

GABRIELLE:
      And what did their friends do to wind up in jail?

RHODOPIS:
     A few days ago, they entered one of the shrines in the city and desecrated it--smashed the vases and statues, ripped the scrolls, wrote insults to the Goddess on the walls. They also beat up a novice priestess who tried to stop them. She's got some nasty bruises to show for it.

Xena and Gabrielle exchange uncertain looks.

RHODOPIS (continues):
      I know what you're thinking, but we don't punish Elijans without cause. (pause) I know that in some places, overzealous worshipers of the Goddess have mistreated people of other faiths. I do not let that happen here.

XENA :
     That's not how the Elijans feel.

RHODOPIS:
     There has been conflict between the followers of Eli and the worshipers of Artemis, it's true. More of Artemis' people arrive here every day. Now that the Goddess graces us with her presence far more often than she ever has before, her followers' fervor has grown tenfold. This has caused--tensions with the Elijans. But believe me, I am not a tyrant out for their blood. All I want is to keep the peace.

GABRIELLE (angrily):
     Is that why Felix and Petronia were killed? Don't tell me they attacked one of your shrines!

Rhodopis is silent for a moment; she looks slightly troubled, clasping her hands in front of her. Finally, she speaks.

RHODOPIS (reluctantly):
      That was Artemis' own decision. Petronia and Felix refused to pledge that they and their followers would give up all efforts to convert worshipers of the Goddess to their own faith. I would have preferred to continue with peaceful persuasion before--harsher measures were taken. But the Goddess chose otherwise; it was her will.

Rhodopis turns away from them and walks toward a great statue of Artemis in a niche in the wall. She contemplates it thoughtfully.

GABRIELLE (surprised):
     You disagree with your goddess.

RHODOPIS (turns back to face Xena and Gabrielle):
     We are not blind in our worship. We know Artemis can be--extreme in her vengeance when she feels slighted. But a goddess does not have to be perfect to command reverence. She is flawed, just as we mortals are: sometimes petty and cruel, sometimes loving and generous. It makes her more like us.

Xena and Gabrielle watch her in amazement. Rhodopis comes back toward them.

RHODOPIS:
     The people of Ephesus have worshiped Artemis for hundreds of years. We know her. We respect her for everything she is. (looks pointedly at Xena) Just as many people respect you, Xena. (Off Xena's shocked stare) You have many faults, don't you? You have done terrible things. Yet many people look up to you--and you can do good. Then why won't you allow that the same may be true of Artemis?

XENA (glares):
      I'll tell you why not, you--

GABRIELLE (grabs her arm):
      Xena? I think we should leave.

Xena scowls at her. Pan to Rhodopis, who looks at her calmly, obviously satisfied that her words have had an effect.

CUT TO

Close up of Xena's angry face.

XENA:
     I can't believe she had the nerve to compare me to Artemis.

Pull back to show Xena standing inside a room, Ares standing behind her. He puts his hands on her shoulders in a calming gesture.

ARES (grins):
     Don't worry about it. Only a fool would compare you to anyone else.

GABRIELLE (off-camera):
     She's not a fool, though. (The camera pulls back to show her and several Elijans, as well as Darion who is holding Samuel) She's not like anyone we've faced in this war against Artemis. She believes fully in her goddess--and yet she knows Artemis for exactly who she is. These people are not dupes or new converts. Worship of Artemis has been their way of life for generations. I really don't think persuasion will work here.

XENA:
     Then we do it my way. Destroy the temple.

ELIJAN MAN #1:
     But how?

KYROS (off-camera):
     Maybe I can help.

Everyone turns to see Kyros standing in the doorway. He comes closer. The Elijans give him nasty looks.

ELIJAN WOMAN:
     You're not welcome here, traitor.

ELIJAN MAN #2:
      Leave!

As the other Elijans raise their voices in protest, Xena steps up in front of them.

XENA (firmly):
     Quiet! (the voices begin to fade and everyone turns to Xena; she looks at Kyros) He wants to make up for his mistakes. You should give him that chance.

ELIJAN WOMAN:
          You call betrayal a mistake?

GABRIELLE:
     We need all the help we can get, don't we? (to Kyros) Go on.

KYROS:
      Well...if you want to destroy the temple, then I have something to show you.

DISSOLVE TO

A small, dimly lit cave. Xena, Gabrielle, Ares and Kyros enter. The interior is damp. Kyros holds a torch and leads the way. When the entrance is out of view, Kyros stops and the others do, too. There is the sound of something bubbling. Kyros waves the torch forward to illuminate the space in front of them, and they find a rocky basin filled with bubbling oil, heated from deep in the ground.

XENA:
     Greek Fire.

KYROS:
     There's enough here to destroy the temple and then some. Hide it inside and set the place on fire. There'll be nothing left .

GABRIELLE (unsure):
     And what if the fire spreads to the city?

XENA :
     We'll make sure it doesn't.

GABRIELLE:
     What about the people inside the temple?

KYROS:
     We can do it at night. There will be only one priestess inside and four guards.

Gabrielle looks troubled.

XENA (puts a hand on Gabrielle's shoulder):
     Gabrielle, if we can, I promise we will subdue them and get them out. But if we can't--it's still our only option.

After a moment's hesitation, Gabrielle puts her hand over Xena's and nods silently.

Xena looks from Gabrielle to Ares to Kyros.

XENA:
     Let's get to work.

DISSOLVE TO

The same cave, later. Kyros and Gabrielle are using buckets to scoop up oil and pour it into a barrel. There are several empty barrels around the pit of oil. Pan back further back to show Xena and Ares lifting another barrel into a cart that already has two barrels in it.

GABRIELLE:
     How do we get these inside the temple?

KYROS:
     Easy. We claim we're bringing in sacramental wine for the service. I know the symbol used on the barrels.

XENA:
     Sounds like a plan.

There is a flash of green light and a "whooshing" sound. Pan to Kyros, who looks terrified, beads of sweat rolling down his face. Pull back to show Artemis appearing.

ARTEMIS (sneers):
     Unfortunately for you, I have other plans.

Xena reaches for her chakram but does not throw it yet, obviously waiting for a moment to distract Artemis.

Artemis turns to Kyros and shakes her head.

ARTEMIS:
     You've gone and disappointed me, Kyros. (sighs) Just like a man. (pause) I thought I had your loyalty.

KYROS (determined but clearly terrified):
     You never did.

ARTEMIS (sarcastically):
     Pity.

In an instant, she moves toward him and grabs him by the neck, holding him so that his feet are nearly off the ground. He struggles against her tight grip, coughing and gasping.

ARTEMIS (yelling at him, her eyes glowing green with anger):
     Did you think you could defy me and get away with it?! That you could make plans to take me down behind my back?! You fool! I own this city!

Kyros starts to wheeze, choking.

XENA (through clenched teeth):
     Not for long.

ARTEMIS (chuckles):
     You never admit defeat, do you? I gave you a chance to leave. (looks at Gabrielle and Ares ) All of you. You chose to ignore it. (shrugs casually) So, it all ends here. (she gives Ares a mocking stare) You've made your bed with her, brother. Now you'll lie in it...forever.

Artemis laughs and vanishes in a flash with a now-unconscious Kyros. From the green flare that accompanies her disappearance, a streak of fire shoots out toward the oil pit.

Xena's eyes widen.

XENA (shouts):
     Everyone out, NOW!

The fire begins to burn hotter and brighter. In slow motion, Xena, Gabrielle and Ares race toward the entrance when an explosion erupts behind them, sending a huge plume of fire and smoke their way.

FLASH TO

Eve stands barefoot on the beach, the waves crashing against her ankles. To her side, the army camp has been set up along the shore. She looks down at the waves, then at the temple of Ephesus. It's evening; the sun is low.

EVANDER (off-camera):
     Enjoying the scenery?

Eve turns to see Evander who walks toward her. He gives her a small smile. Eve sighs and then looks out to sea.

EVANDER:
     You're having doubts, aren't you?

EVE:
     You mean, about destroying the city? Of course I am. (turns to look at him) I want to stop Artemis as much as you do but...

EVANDER:
     ...your heart won't allow it. (nods) I understand. (he touches her shoulder) We both know her power is in the people she controls. We eliminate them, we have a good shot at eliminating her. The Elijans--we'll get them out. But the worshipers of Artemis...

EVE:
     ...are doomed because of the faith they chose.

EVANDER:
      You know what's at stake, Eve. Preventing that future you saw from coming true. It has to end here.

Eve nods uncertainly. Pull back to show the two of them standing on the shore.

CUT TO

Outside the cave where the explosion took place. Rocks are scattered everywhere. Xena, Gabrielle and Ares are lying face down in the sand at the edge of the cave, all three of them unconscious.

Close in on Xena's face as she begins to stir, opening her eyes slowly. She sits up, holding her head and wincing. She has a gash above her eye. She turns to look at Gabrielle and Ares, then gently shakes them both. They stir and sit up. With a smile of relief, Xena pulls them both into a hug.

ARES (with fake outrage):
     Hey! I don't do group hugs.

XENA (chuckles as she lets go):
     Almost thought my nine lives were finally up. Are you two all right?

Gabrielle nods, noticing some scrapes on her arm. Ares nods as well, a few bruises on his chest and then reaches out and touches Xena's face, wiping the blood away from her cheek.

ARES:
     Are you?

Xena nods, touching his hand.

XENA (smiles):
     I think I've still got a few lives left.

She gets to her feet, and Ares and Gabrielle do as well, dusting themselves off. They look back toward the cave--the opening is much larger now but it's covered in black soot. Then Xena's eyes glance sideways as she sees something lying at the cave's entrance. She stares sadly.

XENA:
     Kyros.

Pan over to show Kyros lying face up in the sand, his neck twisted in a clearly unnatural way, his eyes blank and staring ahead.

GABRIELLE (sadly):
     At least he had that good deed before he died.

Xena nods.

GABRIELLE (to Xena):
     I have to make sure Darion and Samuel are all right. After what Artemis did--

XENA (urgently):
      Go.

Gabrielle runs off.

CUT TO

The sun is setting. Eve mounts her horse and rides off toward Ephesus.

CUT TO

The shoreline. Eve rides along it and then slows when she hears singing and sees a plume of black smoke rising in the distance. She rides forward, turns a corner along a small cliff and soon sees Xena and Ares (their backs to Eve) standing in front of a small fire where a body clearly lies on top of a small pile of driftwood. Xena is singing her burial song. There are a few Elijans with them as well.

Eve jolts as if she had been hit as a memory comes back to her.

Close up of Eve's face as her eyes well with tears.

EVE:
     I'm too late...

FADE OUT

END OF ACT TWO