FADE IN

Inside a temple, sunlight shines in through many windows, lighting up the ornate tiled floor. The doors open and Hercules walks in slowly. His eyes fall upon a gray-haired man in white and red robes who stands facing one of the windows looking out. Hercules stops and looks at him for a moment before stepping further into the room.

HERCULES:
     Father.

Zeus turns his head to look back at Hercules and then returns his gaze toward the window.

ZEUS (after a pause):
     I know why you're here, son. You want to know--

HERCULES:
     --what happened to Xena and Ares.

ZEUS (turns around):
     I don't know where they went after that portal opened up.

HERCULES:
     You don't know anything? (thinks for a moment) Could they have ended up in that other world where the Sovereign ruled?

ZEUS:
     That was just one of the many worlds that exist--side by side--worlds that are both like our own and very different. It's possible they ended up there; or maybe somewhere else. I have no way of knowing for sure.

HERCULES:
     Can't you--

ZEUS:
     Hercules... (moves closer to him and reaches out his hand) ...there are limits to even my powers. Especially now with the Twilight... (looks at his hands, then looks up) If I could do something to help Ares, I would. He's mortal now--vulnerable to all the hardships of--human life. He's the first of us to face that fate.

HERCULES:
     You're worried about Ares? (Zeus is silent; Hercules turns somewhat skeptical) Or are you just thinking about the day you'll have to face your own mortality--just like him?

ZEUS (after a brief pause):
     Ares is my son. For thousands of years, I didn't acknowledge it as I should have--and he wasn't... (pauses) the son I wanted him to be. I think you know he's changed. He went down to Hell to save me and--the rest of us. And now... (pauses) He is my flesh and blood. (He turns and looks out the window again) I've already lost several members of my family. (pause, then very quietly) I don't wish to lose him, too.

Hercules stares silently at Zeus, surprised and moved.

HERCULES:
     I'm going to do what I can to find out what happened to them--and bring them back.

Zeus looks back at him and, for a moment, they share a gentle, understanding look.

ZEUS:
     Thank you. (sighs) I wonder what kind of danger he could be in--right now.

CUT TO

Ares is asleep in the bedroom in the Conqueror's palace, under a fine linen sheet--white and embroidered with an Egyptian-style design--that reaches up to his chest.

The camera pulls back to show the Conqueror sitting on the edge of the bed. She is wearing the same silk kimono we saw her wearing in Act 3. After a moment she reaches out and touches Ares' face.

Ares stirs and opens his eyes; then he looks startled and sits up with a jolt.

CONQUEROR XENA (with a soft laugh):
     Relax. Rumors to the contrary--I don't bite. (mischievously) Unless it's called for.

Ares stares at her, confused.

Close-up on Ares as he stares at the Conqueror.

Ares looks down, obviously feeling guilty.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     What's wrong? (teasing) Did I rob you of your virtue?

Ares gets up from the bed, wrapping the sheet around his waist.

ARES:
     If you think I'm going to be your boy toy--

Close-up on the Conqueror; for a moment, she looks almost hurt.

CONQUEROR XENA (softly):
     Is that what you think this is?

ARES:
     What am I supposed to think it is? Love at first sight? Please.

CONQUEROR XENA (comes closer to him):
     You think I just want to--keep you here in a gilded cage until I get tired of you and find a new pet?

ARES:
     Look--I don't care what your game is. I'm not playing.

The Conqueror comes even closer. She puts her hands on Ares' shoulders and he flinches slightly.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Maybe there's no game. Maybe--I like you.

ARES (swallows nervously):
     Xena--

His voice breaks off before he can quite finish the word. For a moment, his face is full of emotion, as he obviously realizes that the woman he just called "Xena" is not his Xena.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     You're free to go if you want.

Ares looks at her, pondering this.

CONQUEROR XENA (gently):
     But I'm asking you to stay. And I'm not used to asking.

He stares at her uncertainly. The look in her eyes is soft and vulnerable.

CONQUEROR XENA (continues):
     Besides--who knows what might happen to you if you do leave? (Her voice is still gentle but now has a barely noticeable edge of a threat.) Remember, Ares--you have nothing in this world--no friends--nowhere to go. Here in the palace, I can vouch for your safety. Out there... (She trails off)

Ares looks at the Conqueror, weighing her words. After a moment he takes her in his arms, pulls her up against him almost forcefully and kisses her.

When they pull apart, Conqueror Xena lifts a hand to caress Ares' face and run her fingers through his hair.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     You'll need some new clothes, you know. Can't have you walking around the palace looking like the God of War.

ARES (digesting this):
     The--God of War.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Well, of course. This world's Ares. Some of my people have seen him--I don't want them talking.

ARES (looks at her thoughtfully):
     Are you and he--?

CONQUEROR XENA (smirks):
     Already jealous? Don't worry. We have a good business relationship. (off his skeptical look) You still don't trust me.

ARES (with a wry grin):
     I'm mortal, not stupid.

CONQUEROR XENA (chuckles):
     Come here.

She pulls him into another kiss, then draws away, contemplating him with a smile that manages to be tender and smug at the same time.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     If anyone asks--your name is Aristos. You fought with me at Corinth, years ago; you've lived in Miletos since. Got that? (off his uncomfortable nod) Good. Come on. Breakfast's waiting. After that--I have plans.

ARES:
     So do I. (off her surprised look) I'm going out for a walk in the city--by myself.

The Conqueror opens her mouth to protest but he cuts her off.

ARES:
     You wouldn't want me to feel like I'm in a gilded cage--would you, now?

The camera pulls back for a wide shot of Ares and the Conqueror in the luxuriously decorated room.

CROSS-FADE TO

An exterior view of a massive, forbidding temple.

CUT TO

Ares, dressed in a black shirt with wide long sleeves and a red vest, walks through the temple's massive open doors, decorates with friezes of battle scenes, and into the torch-lit antechamber of the temple. Two temple warriors in black, red and silver stand at the doorway to the main hall of the temple. They cross their pole-axes, barring his way.

TEMPLE WARRIOR #1:
     What do you want? Only warriors in the Monarch's army are allowed inside.

ARES (sarcastic):
     I see! Members only.

TEMPLE WARRIOR #2:
     Except by special permission. Same as in all the other temples.

ARES (taken aback):
     What--all the temples of all the gods?

TEMPLE WARRIOR #2 (scoffs):
     All the gods? Are you drunk? Ares is the only god worshipped in the Empire! Everyone knows that!

ARES:
     Of course they do. (with fake bravado) Now, that's the kind of one-god religion I can get behind. And now that we've cleared that up--I've got some business with your boss.

TEMPLE WARRIOR #1:
     What kind of business?

ARES:
     Well, that would be between me and him, wouldn't it.

The warriors contemplate him for a moment; then, one of them turns and calls out to a female attendant passing by.

TEMPLE WARRIOR #2:
     Nikia! Tell Geras someone wants to see him.

The young woman nods silently and walks off. In a long shot, the camera tracks her as she walks up to the altar and talks to the priest, a tall, balding man clad in black and silver vestments. The priest turns to look in the direction of the doorway, then walks toward it.

Pan to Ares, who clears his throat and fidgets slightly under the glare of the warriors.

The priest approaches.

PRIEST (to Ares):
     You asked to see me?

ARES:
     You'll do. I need to talk to Ares.

PRIEST (scoffs):
     Ares doesn't talk to just anybody.

ARES:
     I'm not just anybody.

The priest looks him over with curiosity, then sighs and rolls his eyes.

PRIEST:
     Dear me...not another would-be son of Ares.

Ares stares in shock, obviously unprepared for this turn of events.

PRIEST (continues, looking him over):
     Yes, yes--the resemblance is quite remarkable... (shakes his head) but I hate to disappoint you--doesn't matter if you are. (condescendingly) My Lord Ares doesn't really take an interest in these cases--except for a chosen few he singles out from childhood. So--run along.

He starts to turn around.

ARES:
     Hold on.

The priest half-turns toward him, looking conspicuously bored and impatient.

ARES (bracing himself):
     What if I told you I am Ares in another world and--I could use some help getting back home?

PRIEST (momentarily interested):
     Well, that's a new one. (sighs and shakes his head) Very lame. You're lucky you didn't get to try that one on my lord Ares--he probably would have fried you on the spot.

He turns and walks away. Ares stares after him. As he walks toward the altar, the priest motions to two more temple warriors who starts heading toward the doorway, their hands on the hilts of their swords.

CUT TO

An exterior view of the massive temple. Ares comes down the temple steps. He stops and looks back at the temple, then turns and sighs.

ARES:
     Gilded cage it is.

CUT TO

Close-up on Xena staring ahead. The camera pulls back to show her standing in the yard of Gabrielle's house, looking at Gabrielle as she draws water from the well. In a brisk stride, Xena approaches Gabrielle. Gabrielle puts down a full bucket and turns to look at her.

XENA:
     Here, let me help you with this.

GABRIELLE (after a brief silence, a hostile undertone in her voice and look):
     Why do you keep looking at me that way?

XENA (a little flustered):
     What way?

GABRIELLE:
     Like...like you think that maybe I'm your long-lost sister or something. (harshly) Because I'm pretty sure I'm not.

XENA (sighs):
     Gabrielle...the truth is--

She breaks off. Gabrielle stares at her warily.

GABRIELLE:
     What?

XENA:
     The truth is--you look so much like someone who was-- (her voice nearly breaking with emotion) more than a sister to me.

Gabrielle looks at her mistrustfully.

GABRIELLE:
     Really. (after a brief pause) Was. Is she--

XENA (shakes her head):
     We--became separated. I don't know if I'll ever find her again. I hope to the gods she's all right.

A brief pause.

GABRIELLE:
     What was she like?

XENA:
     She was...a girl much like you, who left her village because she knew she was meant for something more. (with warmth in her voice) She was brave, caring--compassionate--she believed in love and forgiveness... (sighs) She believed she could change the world. (after a pause) So did I.

GABRIELLE (wistfully):
     I used to be like that. (brusquely) Then I grew up. (off Xena's anguished look, her voice softening) I'm sorry, but--it's true. If your friend is everything you say... (she shakes her head, trailing off, then looks at Xena) What was her name?

Xena is momentarily taken aback, then rallies quickly.

XENA:
     Flora.

GABRIELLE (frowns):
     Flora. Not the Black Wolf? (Off Xena's shocked look) You know, the rebel leader. (sighs) She was put to death in Corinth about two years ago. (snorts) Not that I could look anything like her--people tell stories about how beautiful she was...

Xena lowers her eyes for a moment, then looks up.

XENA:
     No. No, that wasn't her. (pauses) My friend was...is very beautiful.

There is an awkward pause. Then, Gabrielle comes closer to Xena.

GABRIELLE:
     I...look, there's something I have to tell you. Ever since you showed up, I've had this weird feeling that... (shakes head) it was as if we knew each other. (chuckles bitterly) Though I'm pretty sure I've never had a friend who looked like you. (she grows pensive) Actually, when I first saw you, I thought you looked a little like...that she-demon. Of course, I've only seen her face on coins... (she sighs and looks away, and finishes in a near-whisper) and on a banner her troops carried when--they came to this village.

XENA (stares at her):
     She-demon. You mean--

GABRIELLE (spits out the word):
     The Monarch. (pauses) It's so strange, too--you having the same name. I don't know if I'll ever get completely used to it.

Xena stares at her, realization gradually dawning on her but her mind still refusing to accept it.

XENA (heavily):
     The same--name.

GABRIELLE:
     Well, of course. (with disgust) Xena of Amphipolis. (disbelieving) You didn't know?

XENA:
     I, uh--

She looks away. Close-up on her face, racked with shock, horror and guilt. Then she manages to compose herself and turns to Gabrielle again.

XENA:
     I try not to think about it.

GABRIELLE:
     I don't blame you. (Pauses) Of course, you're nothing like her.

Close-up on Xena as she stares ahead, her face hard and impassive.

CUT TO

Close-up on the Conqueror, giving a shout as she blocks the thrust of a sword.

The camera pulls back to show the Conqueror sparring with Ares in an inner courtyard of the palace, framed in stern marble columns.

The Conqueror is wearing leathers similar to those of Empress Xena in "When Fates Collide"; Ares, the same outfit as in the previous scene (black shirt and red vest). It's a spectacular fight somewhat reminiscent of Ares sparring with Livia ("Livia"), as both opponents thrust, parry, block, spin, kick and leap in a complex martial ballet.

Conqueror Xena vaults over Ares and thrusts her sword at his back; he swings his arm, spinning at half-turn, and blocks her thrust from behind, then spins around and kicks her sword upwards, out of her hand. Before he can take control, she catches it and spars with him again. He is now clearly on the defensive as she presses on and he merely parries her thrusts and backs away. Finally she knocks his sword out of his hand with a hard blow of her own blade, and then, before he can recoup, leaps up, somersaults, and slams her boots into his chest, knocking him down on his back. She lands next to Ares and plants her left foot on his chest, pointing her sword at him.

She is breathing hard, her eyes glistening. Ares looks up at her as he tries to catch his breath; his face reflects a mix of frustration and fascination.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     So. Am I as good as your Xena, hmm? (pauses, then teasingly) Better?

The look on Ares' face changes to anger. The camera zooms in on his hand as he reaches toward Conqueror Xena's right foot, grabs her ankle and yanks at it hard--then zooms out to show the Conqueror sprawling on her back, a look of shock on her face.

Ares leaps up and grabs his sword; Conqueror Xena scrambles to her feet just as he charges at her. Their swords clash again as Ares swings his blade with an angry grunt. As they spar, Ares clearly has the advantage this time and the Conqueror backs away toward the wall of the courtyard. She seems surprised by his aggressiveness.

Briefly, the Conqueror seems about to take control again, but Ares blocks her thrust with a forceful move and then kicks her in the side so hard that she staggers a little. She kicks out; he catches her ankle and flips her over. She lands on her feet--but his next kick knocks the sword out of her hand, and he manages to catch it a split second before she can.

With a harsh cry, the Conqueror delivers another spinning kick that knocks her sword out of Ares' hand and sends it flying--but, at the same time, he body-slams her into a marble column, pressing up against her.

ARES (breathing hard):
     Don't--talk about her-- (she tries to strike out but he grabs her wrists, pinning them down) --again.

The Conqueror laughs gleefully.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     You're beautiful when you're angry.

The camera zooms in as she leans forward and captures his lips in a hard kiss.

As he pulls away, we:

CROSS-FADE TO

Ares and Conqueror Xena in a hot tub. Ares is leaning back, his eyes closed. The Conqueror runs a playful hand over his chest.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Being mortal hasn't robbed you of your--technique.

ARES (sarcastically, without opening his eyes):
     I'm so glad you approve.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Stop sulking. It doesn't become you.

ARES:
     Why should I sulk? My life is perfect.

The Conqueror shoots him a sharp look; then leans back, settling against his shoulder and closing her eyes. For a moment her face looks peaceful. He slips an arm around her and she squeezes his hand.

CONQUEROR XENA (her eyes still closed):
     You know, the girl you told me about? The one that became Xena's best friend in your world? The bard?

Ares sits up, opening his eyes, and abruptly moves his arm away from the Conqueror's shoulders.

ARES:
     I told you--I don't want to talk about her.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     I'm not talking about her. I'm asking about her friend.

Ares climbs out of the tub, wrapping a large dark red towel around his waist, and turns to face Conqueror Xena, who remains in the water, looking up at him expectantly.

ARES:
     Short, blonde and preachy? What about her?

CONQUEROR XENA:
     What was her name?

ARES (reluctantly):
     Gabrielle.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Where's she from? You said that--Xena picked her up in some village.

Close-up on Ares as he glances at the Conqueror, clearly suspecting she's up to no good. He shrugs.

ARES:
     How would I know? Some rat hole that was probably too poor to have a name.

The Conqueror gives him a piercing look, trying to figure out if he's telling the truth.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     You--don't know.

ARES:
     You know, I'm so glad trust is not an issue in this relationship. (He picks up an apple from a tray of fruit on a tripod table by the tub and bites into it) What do you want with her, anyway? Looking for another pet?

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Hmm. Maybe I'm looking for a bard to chronicle my deeds.

ARES (takes another bite of the apple):
     Trust me, she's not the type.

The Conqueror comes out of the tub and approaches Ares, making no move to cover herself. Ares can't help but look at her.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     So, you really don't know where she's from.

ARES (nonchalantly):
     Want to put the pinch on me?

Medium close-up on Conqueror Xena as she slowly raises a hand and touches her fingers to Ares' neck, while he does his best to hide his nervousness. After a long moment she finally speaks.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     No.

She leans forward to kiss his neck.

CROSS-FADE TO

Outside Gabrielle's house, at dusk. Xena and Gabrielle walk toward the door. There is something lighthearted in their demeanor.

GABRIELLE:
     We make a pretty good team, huh? We've almost got half the field cleared.

XENA (chuckles):
     As long as you remember to save the storytelling for after work.

Gabrielle jostles her playfully.

GABRIELLE:
     I didn't hear you complaining at the time!

XENA:
     Never. Nothing like a good story about Ulysses to get the blood pumping.

Gabrielle laughs. They walk into the house, the camera following them. Hecuba and Lila are seated at the table.

GABRIELLE:
     Mother, you'll never believe how much Xena and I got done today...

She stops, noticing something is wrong. Hecuba is seated with her head in her hands. Lila rubs her shoulder soothingly.

GABRIELLE:
     What's wrong?

Hecuba looks up, her eyes red from crying.

HECUBA:
     We've just gotten word from your Uncle Petros and Aunt Ruth. They've lost their farm. And their boys... (she sighs and shakes her head)

GABRIELLE:
     Cledus and Isaachar? What happened?

LILA (with hatred in her voice):
     The Monarch. What else? She ordered the village destroyed because someone cut down some rebels crucified by her men.

A look of realization dawns on Xena's face.

HECUBA (sniffling):
     Cledus and Isaachar were killed trying to protect the livestock.

GABRIELLE:
     By the gods...

XENA (quietly):
     What village was this?

LILA:
     Ophion. It's about twenty leagues north of--

XENA:
     Amfissa. I know it.

HECUBA:
     I've told Petros and Ruth they could come here. We'll be crowded--but what choice do we have?

GABRIELLE:
     We'll make it work, Mother.

Xena looks sickened.

XENA:
     Excuse me. I need to--

She turns and rushes out of the house.

CUT TO

Outside. Xena leans against the porch railing. Gabrielle exits the house.

GABIRELLE:
     Xena? What is it?

XENA (sighs):
     I'll be heading out tomorrow at first light.

GABRIELLE:
     Things will be crowded here but that doesn't mean you have to go. (she touches Xena's arm) We need you.

Xena looks out as if at some distant point.

XENA:
     I don't belong here, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle pulls back as if stung.

GABRIELLE:
     Well, I thought that you...I mean--I thought that we... (she shakes her head and smiles bitterly.) Never mind.

XENA:
     I didn't mean it like that. I meant that I don't belong here. (She throws her arms out wide. After a moment she sighs and shakes her head.) This world...Gabrielle, you're not going to believe what I'm going to tell you. (she pauses) I'm from some kind of...other world.

Gabrielle stares at her in shock.

XENA (continues):
     A world that's almost an exact copy of this one--except that some things in it have happened--so differently. I ended up here because a battle between two gods opened up a window between worlds--and now I have no idea how to get back.

GABRIELLE (laughs incredulously):
     You're right, I don't believe you. Xena, if you wanted to leave, all you had to do was--

XENA (interrupts):
     My best friend in that other world was Gabrielle of Poteidaia, daughter or Herodotus and Hecuba. She was also betrothed to Perdicus--she also wanted to leave her village because she knew she was meant for something more. The only difference is that she left with me.

Gabrielle stares at her, disbelief mingled with outrage.

XENA:
     You don't believe me? When you were fourteen, you used to sneak out at night after everyone was asleep and meet Perdicus down at the lake. (she pauses) You got your first kiss then. One night, you told him a story you had made up, about a goat who had an easy life on a farm but dreamed of running free in the mountains.

Gabrielle backs away slightly, her eyes widening.

XENA (continues):
     So she ran away and was attacked by a wolf--but Athena saved her and made her a constellation among the stars. (she chuckles) Perdicus didn't understand a word of it and it made you angry.

GABRIELLE (vehemently):
     How could you know that? I never told anyone about that--not even Lila.

XENA:
     Because you told me. You told me a lot of things.

Gabrielle thinks a moment, recovering from the shock.

GABRIELLE:
     If what you're saying is true--if there's another me in another world, that means there's also...

Xena turns away, then turns to face Gabrielle again.

GABRIELLE:
     So I guess it isn't a coincidence that you and the Monarch have the same name.

XENA:
     She's my responsibility, Gabrielle. I have to stop her--maybe I'm the only one who can. I am her.

GABRIELLE (shakes her head):
     That's not true, Xena. You might bear the same name and face, but you are nothing like her.

XENA:
     You're wrong. (anguished) Gabrielle, I was on that path once--leading an army, living a life full of violence and greed and conquest. I turned my life around thanks to--two people...one of whom was y- (she stumbles) my world's Gabrielle. I could have been the Monarch. Even now--there's still a piece of me that's her...and that's what's going to help me defeat her. (after a pause) Tomorrow morning, I'm off to the Amazon lands to join the rebels.

A long pause.

GABRIELLE:
     If you're going--I'm not letting you leave me here. You've got to take me with you.

XENA (frowns):
     No, Gabrielle. You've got your family to think about. Besides--do you have any idea how dangerous this is? I'm going up against the Monarch--and you've already lost so much to her. You're my friend and I don't want you following me into that.

Gabrielle reaches out to squeeze Xena's hand.

GABRIELLE:
     That's what friends do, Xena. They stand by each other when there's trouble.

Xena thinks a moment, moved; Gabrielle's words have clearly struck a chord. She smiles and squeezes Gabrielle's hand back.

XENA:
     All right, friend.

CROSS-FADE TO

Dawn. A long shot of Xena and Gabrielle, with the horse Xena rode into Potidaea, walking down the road.

CROSS-FADE TO

Afternoon. Outside the cave where Xena buried her armor.

A succession of shots follows that looks deliberately like the opening-credits shots of Xena putting on her leathers, armor and boots, accompanied by music from the opening credits. The camera then pulls back to show Xena in full gear and Gabrielle standing next to her. Gabrielle looks at Xena with undisguised admiration.

Xena puts on a cloak that covers her armor, mounts the horse and holds out a hand to Gabrielle, helping her into the saddle.

They ride away into the woods as we:

FADE OUT

TO BE CONTINUED...

[Xena and Ares lost their way home during the production of this motion picture.]

Xena: Warrior Princess Shipper Seasons Season 9 Episode 17 Worlds Apart Story By: LadyKate and Sais 2 Cool Written By: LadyKate and Sais 2 Cool with Aurora Collage By: Aurora Images Gathered By: Aurora Cast Xena Lucy Lawless Gabrielle Renee O'Connor Ares Kevin Smith Mavican Jenya Lano Hercules Kevin Sorbo Darion Alexander Gandar Zeus Charles Keating Kirilus Stephen Lovatt Athena Paris Jefferson Lila Willa O'Neill Hecuba Lisa Crittenden Original Airdate February 22, 2007 Xena and Ares lost their way home 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.