FADE IN

A repeat of the conclusion of the last act. Ares whips around with the unconscious Gabrielle in his arms and finds himself facing Xena. They stand staring at each other in shock. Ares is the first to break the silence.

ARES:
     Xena. You're here.

Xena stares uncomprehendingly.

ARES:
     Xena, it's me. That--portal Artemis and Athena created with their firebolts--it brought me here, too. I didn't know you were here. When I--

XENA (shakes her head, still in shock):
     You're here. You--

She trails off and then, as if snapping out of her trance, dashes toward Ares.

XENA:
     Gabrielle!

She takes Gabrielle from his arms.

ARES:
     Careful--her legs--

With a short sob, Xena lays Gabrielle down on the ground and kneels over her.

XENA:
     Gabrielle. Gabrielle--

Ares stands over her, looking down at her in helpless anguish.

Xena takes out a flask from under her cloak and sprinkles some water on Gabrielle's face. Gabrielle stirs and moans a little. With difficulty, she lifts her swollen eyelids.

GABRIELLE (in a hoarse, broken whisper):
     Xena...you're--you're the real--Xena--aren't y... (the word ends in a gasp and she trails off)

XENA (tries to smile through tears):
     Yes, it's me. Don't talk. We'll get you out of here.

GABRIELLE (makes a great effort to speak):
     Xena...no...I know I haven't got (gasps for breath) much time--

XENA (shakes her head):
     No.

GABRIELLE (whispers):
     I just wanted to say--that I love--

XENA (cradling Gabrielle in her arms):
     I love you too--shh--

GABRIELLE:
     I know I'm not your Gabrielle--but--

Xena strokes Gabrielle's hair and kisses her forehead, choking with tears.

XENA:
     No, Gabrielle, don't--

GABRIELLE:
     --these weeks that I've known you-- (she breaks into a hacking cough but manages to speak again) have--

As Xena kneels over Gabrielle, weeping, one of the sentinels sits up in the background, then starts to rise to his feet. Ares turns and knocks him out again with a punch, and he falls on top of his two still-unconscious comrades.

GABRIELLE (her voice fading):
     --and I want to--thank you--

Her voice breaks off. She gasps for air, her gasps turning to a rattling sound as she convulses in Xena's arms, and then after a moment lies completely still.

XENA:
     Gabrielle. (She pats Gabrielle's cheek.) Gabrielle.

ARES:
     She's dead.

XENA:
     No. No!

Reminiscent of "Is There a Doctor in the House," she starts to pound on Gabrielle's chest, then bends down trying to blow air into her mouth.

XENA:
     Come on, Gabrielle, wake up. Come on--

Ares kneels down next to her and gently puts his hands on her arms.

ARES:
     Xena. Come on, we have to get out of here. If you want to take her body--

XENA (savagely):
     No! (She turns around to face Ares) She's not dead! (she breaks into sobs) You let them kill her! Why didn't you do something--why didn't you--you--

ARES (gently but with urgency):
     Xena, I did all I could. I--

Not listening, Xena turns to Gabrielle again and starts to shake her.

XENA (hysterical):
     She's not dead! She's not dead! She's--

Ares puts his hand over Xena's mouth.

ARES:
     Shh--you'll bring the whole palace guard down here! (humoring her) All right. All right. She's not dead. We're going to get her out of here and then we'll--get her patched up. Just come with me, okay?

He tries to help Xena to her feet but she pulls away from him and continues sobbing over Gabrielle's body.

ARES (urgently):
     Xena--please!

FEMALE VOICE (off-camera):
     Touching!

Ares whips around, the sentinel's sword in his hand. The camera pulls back to show the Conqueror standing in front of him. She is wearing her red dress but without tiara or veil, and carrying a sword.

CONQUEROR XENA (to Ares):
     So this is your true love. (mockingly) Who doesn't even notice you exist.

ARES (raises his sword, his face hard):
     Shut up.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Oh, please. (nods toward his sword) Do you really think you stand a chance against me?

As she speaks, the camera turns toward Xena. She is no longer crying. The look of grief on her face changes to one of intense revulsion and hatred.

CONQUEROR XENA (continues, off-camera):
     A has-been war god? Don't make me laugh.

Xena stands up and turns to face the Conqueror.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     The good Xena, I presume.

XENA (savagely):
     You killed Gabrielle.

CONQUEROR XENA (her face hardening):
     There's no place for her in this world, Xena. In my world. Just like there's no place in it for you. (She sighs) Strange, meeting you like this. I'm what you were meant to be, you know. Or maybe you're what I was meant to be, or-- (shrugs) who can sort these things out?

Xena throws off her cloak--she is still wearing the now-tattered blue dress--and draws the sword at her side.

XENA (spits out):
     I'm not in the mood to talk philosophy.

CONQUEROR XENA (laughs harshly):
     No, you're in the mood to kill me. The question is, can you?

XENA:
     Try me.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     My captain said you were wounded. I imagine you heal quickly. (chuckles) But even so...you'd be fighting me.

ARES:
     You'll have to go through me first.

CONQUEROR XENA (her voice softening):
     Ares. I'm giving you another chance.

ARES:
     What?

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Come back to me.

Xena shoots Ares a sharp look.

The Conqueror continues, a sudden passionate, almost pleading note in her voice.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     She doesn't care about you, don't you see? Think about everything I'm offering. My love--my empire--

ARES:
     You're crazy.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     You lost your godhood because of her--did she take your manhood too?

XENA:
     Stand back, Ares. This is between her and me.

She and the Conqueror approach each other slowly, swords raised in a combat stance.

There is a "whoosh" and a flare of blue light. Ares, God of War, materializes slouching against the foot of the cross. Xena, Ares, and Conqueror Xena stare at him, startled.

ARES GOD OF WAR (dryly):
     Enter the God of War.

He looks from Xena to the Conqueror to Ares, and back.

ARES GOD OF WAR (continues):
     Oh--don't interrupt the program on my account. It was just getting interesting.

He walks slowly toward the group.

ARES GOD OF WAR (continues, eying the two women):
     So--the rebel who looks and fights like Xena--is Xena from another world. And this-- (he nods toward Ares) is...me! (bursts out laughing) Well, I thought it was time for me to pop in and complete the quartet.

He approaches the Conqueror, who remains stone-faced, and stares directly at her.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     You know--I have never begrudged you your little flings. But--

CONQUEROR XENA (contemptuously):
     Playing the jealous husband? The role doesn't suit you.

ARES GOD OF WAR (presses a finger to her lips in a "be quiet" gesture):
     But--when you take up with--my counterpart from some other world--and start offering him your love and your empire...well. Can't blame me for taking that just a tad personally, can you?

He touches her face in a seemingly affectionate gesture, then pulls his hand away and steps back abruptly.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     You're on your own.

He raises his hands and clicks his fingers. There is a big flare of blue light and sparks; when it clears, Xena, mortal Ares, and Gabrielle's body are gone as well as Ares God of War, and only the sentinels are sitting up groggily.

With a grimace of anger and pain and a short cry of rage, the Conqueror slams her fist into the palm of her hand.

CUT TO

A temple of Ares, looking like the one in Sacrifice--a large hall with weapons on the walls and statues of Ares, with murky light from candles and torches.

There is a flash of blue light and Ares, God of War, materializes, slouching casually in his throne (in a pose reminiscent of the end of The Furies).

In another flash of light, a somewhat disoriented-looking Xena and mortal Ares, holding on to each other, materialize before Ares' throne. Gabrielle's body also materializes on the floor.

XENA (looks around):
     What--?

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     One of my temples. Nice place to chat, with--a little privacy.

XENA:
     What do you want from us?

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Why don't we start with a full briefing on why you're here and why (gestures toward Ares) he's mortal.

XENA:
     First things first. (She points to Gabrielle's lifeless body) My friend--can you bring her back?

ARES GOD OF WAR (laughs):
     Can I? I'm a god. And I don't know about your world, but here, I'm top god. So I can do pretty much whatever I want. (glances at Gabrielle's body) This one has barely made it to Hades' waiting room, so--

XENA (interrupts):
     Then bring her back.

Ares, God of War chuckles as he rises from the throne. He saunters over to Xena and strokes her shoulder while the mortal Ares glowers at him.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     I don't sell my favors that cheaply. If you want your friend back, you have to give me something more than a few stories. Right now, for instance-- (he plays with a strand of her hair while Xena shoots him a disgusted look) I'm in the market for a new Warrior Queen.

ARES:
     Hey, wait a minute--

ARES GOD OF WAR (points a finger at him):
     You. Shut up and be glad I haven't turned you into a rat. Yet.

Xena steps between them and looks intently at Ares, God of War.

XENA:
     All right--Ares. I'll play your little game. But here's what I want. You bring my friend back--now. And you give me your word that no harm from you or your minions will ever come to her--or him (nods toward Ares) --or my Amazon friends.

ARES GOD OF WAR (slightly sarcastic):
     Loyalty. An admirable quality, really. Anything else on your wish list?

XENA (viciously):
     Only to defeat the Monarch--and have my revenge. (Close-up on her face) You give me what I asked for, God of War--and I swear that once she dies by my hand--I'm your Warrior Queen.

Pan from Ares, who looks shocked and anxious, to Ares, God of War, who looks at Xena with a smug grin.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Deal. (He pauses) No harm from me will come to your friends--you have my word. What else? (clicks his fingers as if remembering) Oh yeah--the girl.

He extends a hand, his palm flat and turned downwards, over Gabrielle's body. A blue glow begins to radiate from his hands, encasing the body. Pan to Xena, who watches with bated breath.

Zoom in on Gabrielle's face, bathed in blue glow. Her eyelids quiver; then, she takes a deep breath, her mouth opening as she gasps for air, and her eyes fly open. The camera pulls back as she sits up with a gasp, looking around in shock. The blue glow fades as she pats herself down, realizing she's alive and unhurt.

Close-up on Xena, who breathes a deep sigh of relief, smiling tenderly and tearing up a little. The camera pulls back as she rushes toward Gabrielle and helps her to her feet.

XENA:
     Are you okay?

GABRIELLE (still in shock):
     Umm...I think so. (starting to come out of her daze) Uh--for someone who was just crucified--I'm great. (bewildered) How--?

ARES GOD OF WAR (to Xena):
     There you go--good as new. As for killing the Monarch--that's up to you, of course. May the best Xena win.

XENA:
     Don't worry, I will. Just take us to the rebel camp.

ARES GOD OF WAR (wryly):
     At your service.

CUT TO

A wide shot of the rebel camp at sunrise.

CUT TO

Inside a hut, Gabrielle is asleep on a pallet.

CUT TO

Xena, in her leather tunic with no armor, sits on a bench outside the hut, sharpening her sword. The look on her face is unreadable.

Ares comes up to her (in his brown leather pants, with no shirt) and sits down next to her. He gives her a rather sheepish look.

XENA (in a neutral tone):
     'Morning.

ARES:
     Hey.

There is a brief, tense silence.

XENA:
     Thank you for trying to help Gabrielle. I know you were risking your life out there. (A brief pause) So you ended up--in Corinth.

ARES:
     Xena, as soon as I realized you were here, I went to look for you. They told me Gabrielle had been captured and you'd gone after her to Corinth. So I went back. I thought I'd find you there.

XENA (resentfully):
     Yeah, this wound slowed me down. I should have been there-- (trails off)

Ares puts his hand on her arm a little hesitantly.

ARES:
     Let it go.

A brief silence. Xena stares straight ahead as she continues to sharpen her sword.

XENA:
     So. You finally found your Warrior Queen.

Ares looks down, his mouth tightening. Then he raises his head.

ARES:
     Xena... You know no one else is like you for me--

XENA (interrupts, bitterly):
     Except--the other me?

ARES:
     She's not you.

XENA (continues to clean her sword with brusque gestures):
     Which didn't keep you out of her bed.

ARES:
     Look, Xena, I-- (he trails off, then sighs deeply and shifts on the bench) I'm--I-- (he takes a deep breath, not sure what else to say) You think I wanted to be--her boy toy?

Xena lowers her sword and turns to him.

XENA (wryly but not without sympathy):
     No, I'm sure you resisted her tooth and nail. (She lifts the sword, contemplates it and runs a finger along the edge of the blade.) Anyway. We've got work to do.

Ares clears his throat and nods, looking away guiltily.

Xena stares ahead. Her look is grim with a touch of sadness.

Ares turns to Xena, struck by a new thought.

ARES:
     Say--back there in the temple...did I miss something, or did you promise yourself to, um--?

Xena rises abruptly and turns, facing Ares.

XENA:
     Like I said. We've got work to do.

CUT TO

A montage of scenes, cross-fading into each other:

* The rebels clash with the Conqueror's troops; the camera briefly lingers on Xena, Ephiny, Callisto and Ares fighting;

* Gabrielle, with some other rebels, tends to the wounded;

* The rebels surge through the streets of a town, its inhabitants greeting them with jubilation;

* Xena and Ares fight back to back on a battlefield;

* The rebels push back the Conqueror's troops;

* The Conqueror's soldiers throw down their weapons.

DISSOLVE TO

An exterior view of the walls of Corinth. The rebel army is camped out in the field, some distance from the walls.

CUT TO

Xena, Ares, Ephiny, Callisto, and Gabrielle are standing in a field, looking at the walls of Corinth.

EPHINY:
     So, what now? (glances at Xena) Varinia, we've done better than any of us could have imagined--but I don't think we have the strength to sustain a prolonged siege.

XENA:
     We won't need to. I'm sending a messenger to the Monarch.

CALLISTO (shoots her a sharp look, sarcastically):
     For what? To call a truce?

XENA:
     To resolve this one on one--with no further bloodshed.

She and Ares exchange a meaningful look.

GABRIELLE (worried):
     Are you sure that's the best way?

XENA (somberly):
     It's the only way.

CUT TO

Close-up on Xena.

Close-up on the Conqueror, in her Roman leathers.

The camera pulls back to show the palace square. Xena and the Conqueror are standing face to face. The square is filled with a large crowd, with a chain of the Conqueror's guards standing in the front row.

Ares, God of War stands slouching against a pillar, his arms folded across his chest, watching. The camera pans over the faces of Gabrielle and Ares near the front of the crowd. As the Conqueror spots them, there is a small, bitter smile on her lips. Then she turns back to Xena and nods.

Xena and the Conqueror begin to circle one another. Xena's sword is drawn, as is the Conqueror's. Their eyes are locked on each other, ready to anticipate any move. With a lightning-fast motion, the Conqueror swings her sword forward--and in a motion just as fast, Xena counters the move. Each clash of their swords erupts in sparks.

The Conqueror swings around to attack Xena from behind. Xena moves out of the way and blocks the Conqueror's sword with her own. She jumps up and pushes the Conqueror back, then lets out her ululation and flips over the Conqueror's head. The Conqueror spins around, facing Xena again. She grins and then lets out her own battle cry and flips over Xena's head, landing directly behind her. Xena turns around to face the Conqueror.

The Conqueror twirls her sword and charges forward. Xena ducks under the blade and raises her own sword to meet the Conqueror's from below. She pushes upward, pushing the Conqueror's sword away and back flips out of the Conqueror's reach as she swings again.

Xena whips around, a gleeful grin on her face. The Conqueror stares at her for a moment before attacking again. Their swords meet once more. They fight like mirror images of each other, every swing, kick, punch, sword thrust, or flip done by one woman almost exactly replicated by the other.

The Conqueror kicks Xena in the leg. Xena backs away but returns with an equally fierce punch to the Conqueror's face. The Conqueror steps back, her nose bloodied, and snarls a little. She charges toward Xena and then flips over her, grabbing her shoulders so that she manages to flip Xena over as well. As Xena is swung through the air, the chakram comes loose from the hook on her hip and falls to the ground. Xena lands on the other side of the Conqueror and steps back. Their eyes meet, both of them breathing hard.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Not easy fighting yourself, is it? Same moves, same tricks...no way to get the advantage.

She glances down as the chakram rolls toward her feet and stops. She picks it up. Xena watches cautiously.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Different from mine but...not bad. (she examines it, then looks up at Xena, grinning) 'Course, I haven't used mine in a while. You think I still got it?

She grins and hurls the chakram at Xena; with no hope of catching it at this close range, Xena manages to duck out of its way. It whooshes over the crowd, hits the wall, making sparks fly, and flies back toward Xena, splitting in two. Xena catches one blade while the other flies back toward the Conqueror, who catches it.

CONQUEROR XENA (grinning):
     Oh, yeah. Nifty!

She charges forward, making to stab Xena with the chakram blade. Xena blocks her with her own chakram half and they struggle, the two sharp piece of metal grating against each other. Finally, they drop the chakram halves and their swords clash again. They get in a couple good swings but are so evenly matched that it's difficult to tell who is winning.

Pan around to show Ares, God of War, watching them.

Suddenly, the advantage seems to shift to the Conqueror. She kicks Xena in the side, making her stagger back, then kicks the sword from her hand and yanks at Xena's arm, throwing her hard to the ground. Xena begins to get to her feet but the Conqueror walks up to her, looking down.

Pan to Ares, God of War, who watches them intently; then to a horrified-looking Gabrielle.

A sympathetic look comes over Xena's face as the Conqueror raises her sword.

XENA:
     You don't have to do this. I changed; you can too.

The Conqueror looks at her for a moment, almost pondering these words. Then, her face hardens.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     It's too late.

The Conqueror begins the motion to swing down but her body suddenly jolts and she stops, her eyes widening. Pull back to reveal an arrow protruding from her chest. The Conqueror gasps and staggers, dropping her sword, then sinks to her knees, raising her hands to her chest. Blood trickles from the wound and down her leathers, and wells up on her lip.

The crowd erupts in shocked gasps and murmurs. Pan to Ares, God of War, who seems taken aback.

Xena watches the Conqueror for a moment before turning her head to look toward the crowd.

Pan to Ares, who stands in front of the crowd, a crossbow in his hand. His eyes meet Xena's; his expression is filled with pained regret.

Pan to the Conqueror as she sees Ares and realizes what has happened. There is a flash of rage in her face, but then it gives way to an odd look of almost-understanding.

Ares walks slowly toward the Conqueror. Gabrielle stays where she is, clearly torn between satisfaction and pity.

CONQUEROR XENA (hoarsely):
     Xena--

XENA:
     Yes?

CONQUEROR XENA (nods toward Gabrielle):
     I'm glad--she's alive.

Xena nods, a flicker of warmth and sympathy in her eyes.

XENA:
     I know she'll forgive you.

The Conqueror tries to laugh and breaks into a cough, blood bubbling on her lips.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Well--that makes everything all right, doesn't it?

Ares comes up and squats down next to her, putting the crossbow down, as Xena steps back.

In the background, we see Gabrielle running up to Xena, obviously asking if she's okay. They hug. Gabrielle looks at the Conqueror, clearly conflicted.

ARES (gently):
     I had no choice.

CONQUEROR XENA (nods and speaks with difficulty, her voice fading):
     Neither did I.

She lifts a hand and touches his face, leaving a streak of blood on it.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     You know--when I made you that offer... (she coughs again) I meant it.

She leans forward and brushes her bloodied lips against his, then slumps against him. After a moment's hesitation Ares strokes her hair.

ARES (whispers):
     Good-bye.

The Conqueror moans, then stills. Ares lowers her to the ground and turns her on her back. Close-up on her face, her eyes closed, her expression strangely peaceful.

Xena lays her hand on Ares' shoulder. He looks up at her with anguish, tears in his eyes.

XENA (gently):
     You okay?

She helps Ares to his feet as he struggles to get a grip on himself.

ARES:
     I... (he swallows hard, wiping the blood from his face) Yeah.

She puts a comforting hand on his back.

ARES GOD OF WAR (off-camera):
     I gotta say...

Pan to Ares, God of War, approaching as Xena turns toward him.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     ...it's pretty scary to think that I could ever turn into that. (points at mortal Ares with a theatrical shudder) Brr!

Xena looks at him for a moment, her face hard with anger and disgust. Then she draws her fist back and punches him in the face.

In the background, Gabrielle gasps and raises her hands to her mouth.

Ares looks at Xena, smiling a little; Xena turns and gives his shoulder a gentle squeeze.

Pan to Ares, God of War, who rubs his face and looks at Xena, uncertain whether to be angry or amused. Finally, he breaks into a grin.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     You know, I appreciate irreverence--but you may be pushing it a bit. (He pauses, looking her over) Oh well--I'm gonna let this one go. I believe we have a deal. (He glances at the crossbow on the floor and at the Conqueror's body) Of course, technically, you cheated--

Pan to Xena, who flinches slightly.

ARES GOD OF WAR (continues):
     --since you didn't actually best her in single combat--but hey, a good leader knows when to delegate. (He presses his hand over his heart in a slightly ironic gallant bow) Welcome, Varinia--Warrior Queen.

Xena looks at him, the expression on her face turning sarcastic.

XENA (suavely):
     I don't think so.

ARES GOD OF WAR (stares uncomprehendingly):
     What?

XENA:
     Well, Ares--the agreement was, the Conqueror dies by my hand and I become your new Warrior Queen. That's not what happened, is it?

Ares, God of War stares at her, the realization that he's been played slowly coming over his face.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     You planned this, didn't you? You let her beat you on purpose so she wouldn't die by your hand.

XENA:
     Does it matter? (smirks) Deal's off.

The God of War looks from the Conqueror's body to mortal Ares, who glances at him with a somewhat bitter half-grin, and then to a very smug-looking Xena. He is visibly torn between frustration and admiration. Finally, he repeats his mock-gallant bow, takes Xena's hand and kisses it, in a gesture reminiscent of Ares in The Reckoning.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Marvelously played, my dear.

As he speaks, the camera pulls back to show mortal Ares mouthing the words along with Ares, God of War. Xena and mortal Ares exchange an amused, knowing look.

ARES GOD OF WAR (continues):
     Of course, it would have been much smarter to take the job.

XENA (smiles a little):
     I made the right choice--for me.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     I'm sure you'll see it my way eventually. (he blows her a kiss) Until next time.

He vanishes in a burst of light.

Xena stands thoughtfully, looking at the spot where he vanished. There are gasps and murmurs around the square; then, slowly, the crowd erupts in cheers. Gabrielle runs up to hug Xena.

GABRIELLE (excited):
     We did it!

Pan to Ares, who shakes his head.

ARES (rolls his eyes and mutters):
     We.

Pan to Xena as she kisses Gabrielle on the forehead, then pulls back and glances at the Conqueror's body.

XENA (somberly):
     Come on. We should build her a funeral pyre.

CUT TO

Evening. A torch-lit hall in the palace in Corinth. A banquet is in full progress as the rebels celebrate their victory.

Medium close-up on Xena and Ares standing by a column, sipping wine from goblets. Ares is in his old leathers again.

ARES:
     Tell me--

Xena turns to him.

ARES:
     Was I ever as bad as that?

XENA (chuckles):
     Worse.

ARES (gasps in mock indignation):
     Aw--that was low.

Xena chuckles and they stand in silence for a moment. Then, Ares' look turns serious.

ARES:
     Xena...about--her--

Xena gives him an uncomfortable look. They are interrupted by Callisto, who comes up to them, eating an apple and holding a goblet.

CALLISTO:
     Mind if I cut in?

Xena nods, looking somewhat relieved. Ares looks both relieved and frustrated.

ARES:
     I, um-- (gestures with his goblet) I'm going for a refill.

As he walks off, Callisto looks after him, puzzled.

CALLISTO:
     Your boyfriend doesn't like me. (shrugs, then turns to Xena) I've got a bone to pick with you, dear. You didn't tell me about that wonderful little plan of yours. I heard all about it from our young bard, who's been telling everyone how Varinia outsmarted the God of War. (chuckles and takes a bite of the apple) I would have volunteered to do the honors.

XENA (looks at her warily):
     You would have enjoyed it too much.

CALLISTO:
     What are you talking about?

XENA (gently but firmly):
     Callisto...trust me--revenge is not good for the soul.

CALLISTO (laughs):
     Well, it's been very good for mine. (lifts her goblet in a mock salute) Cheers!

She turns and starts to walk away. Xena stares after her for a moment, then sees something out of the corner of her eye and turns. Gabrielle is coming toward her, dressed in the Amazon princess outfit similar to the one in The Quest.

XENA (surprised):
     What's this?

GABRIELLE (smiles excitedly and a little shyly):
     Would you believe I'm an Amazon Princess?

XENA (smiles warmly and proudly):
     Absolutely.

GABRIELLE:
     Ephiny gave me her rite of caste. She said I showed the true Amazon spirit when I risked my life to shield her from Velasca.

XENA:
     You did.

GABRIELLE:
     Oh, and I started my scroll--

The camera moves away from them as their conversation fades into the general din of the party, and pans over to Ares. He stands by a column at some distance, sipping wine from a goblet as he watches Xena and Gabrielle talking and smiling at each other.

VOICE (off-camera, behind him):
     She's something, isn't she.

Ares turns around with a start to find himself face to face with Ares, God of War. The God of War eyes him with some distaste.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Do you have to dress like that?

ARES (annoyed):
     Hey--these are my clothes. (shifts his eyes to Xena) And yeah. She's really something. (pauses) You know, that's how it begins.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     How what begins?

ARES:
     She pulls a stunt like this and you just can't help thinking--damn, she's good. Then you try another time, and another--and just when you think you've got her--she turns the tables on you again. One thing leads to the next, and before you know it--

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     --you're totally whipped?

ARES (slightly affronted):
     Not quite the word I was looking for.

ARES GOD OF WAR (chuckles):
     The truth hurts. (He strokes his chin, contemplating Xena.) Yes, I can see how she could become an obsession. A dangerous girl to have around. Well... (pauses) I could kill her. (Off Ares' alarmed look) That vow she tricked me into was to do no harm to you or the girl. Not that I get what she sees in either one of you, but...I am a god of my word. However--I never promised not to kill her. Problem is...

ARES (understanding):
     ...you can't do it. (chuckles)

ARES GOD OF WAR (stung):
     Oh, I can. I just--don't want to.

Ares looks at him for a moment, obviously struck by an idea.

ARES:
     Of course, you could just send her and me back to our own world. (pauses) Unless, of course, that's beyond your powers...

Ares, God of War glares at him, then suddenly bursts out laughing.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Clever! Beyond my powers, huh? (still laughing) Did you really think I wouldn't see through that little trick? Come on, give me some credit. I know how you think.

ARES:
     I'm counting on it.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     I know you are.

ARES:
     I know you know.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     This could be a long day. (brief pause) So. You know the spot where that portal of yours opened up?

ARES:
     Bored already?

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Well, unlike you mortals, I've got things to do. Places to be--

ARES (chimes in):
     --people to kill--

Ares, God of War gives him an amused and slightly exasperated stare.

ARES GOD OF WAR:
     Oh, yeah. You're going back.

CUT TO

Xena and Gabrielle, talking.

GABRIELLE:
     Tomorrow, I'm going to send a message to Mother and Lila. They must be worried sick.

Xena is about to say something when she sees Ares coming up. From his expression, she realizes something important is going on.

ARES:
     We're going home.

Pan to Xena, who looks happy and stunned, and then to Gabrielle, who looks at Xena in shock and with a little sadness.

CUT TO

Xena and Gabrielle are walking down a palace hallway. Ares can be seen in the background walking behind them.

GABRIELLE:
     The legendary Varinia, disappearing without a trace. There'll be some explaining to do.

XENA (smiles):
     I'm sure you'll come up with a good story.

GABRIELLE:
     I knew you'd find your way back someday. (sighs) I'm happy for you.

XENA (squeezes her shoulder):
     Gabrielle...I will never forget you.

GABRIELLE (half-teasing but with a touch of sadness):
     Even though you have your own Gabrielle?

XENA:
     You're not just a copy of her. You've lived your own life--made your own choices. I know you have great things ahead of you. And I'm proud to have been your friend.

Gabrielle smiles wistfully.

GABRIELLE:
     I just wish I'd had a chance to really thank you--

XENA:
     You've thanked me enough.

GABRIELLE:
     And I wish I'd learned more about your Gabrielle. (gives Xena a mischievous look) I bet your Gabrielle isn't an Amazon princess.

Xena ponders this for a moment, then opts for the truth.

XENA:
     Um, actually--she is.

GABRIELLE (slightly deflated):
     Oh. (then, with excitement) Then I guess it was really meant to be, huh?

XENA (sighs):
     Gabrielle...who knows what was meant to be and what we create ourselves, and what--just happens. (stares ahead pensively) You just do the best you can and hope things will work out.

GABRIELLE (nods):
     Right. I should put that in my scrolls. (pauses) Tell her she's very lucky.

XENA (glances at her thoughtfully):
     Life hasn't always been easy for her either, Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE:
     She's lucky to have you.

Xena stops and turns to face Gabrielle, who stops as well.

XENA:
     No, I'm the lucky one.

They look tenderly at each other and hug.

CUT TO

The empty yard where Ares landed in "Worlds Apart." A wide shot of the yard. Ares, God of War stands at one end, Aphrodite (dressed in a glittery black outfit) at another. Xena and Ares stand in the center of the yard, holding hands.

Ares, God of War, and Aphrodite raise their hands simultaneously, each sending forth a blue stream of energy. The two streams meet and forms a fireball which grows larger and brighter until it explodes in a brilliant burst of power, sending waves all through the yard.

When the light clears, Xena and Ares are gone. Close-up on Ares, God of War, who looks somewhat regretful. He shrugs as if to say, "what can you do."

CUT TO

A peddler with a donkey-drawn cart is walking along a road, humming a tune. He stops suddenly and gasps, gaping at something ahead of him, his eyes nearly popping out of his head.

The camera pulls back to show the field near Thebes, the same one seen at the end of "Showdown." A vortex of blue light opens up.

Close-up on the vortex as Xena and Ares tumble out of it, holding on to each other. They're thrown to the ground, landing next to each other, Ares on his back, Xena face down.

The camera pulls back to show the vortex fading.

Medium close-up on the peddler as he shakes his head and looks toward Xena and Ares, obviously tempted to check out the scene. Then he shakes his head and walks on.

CUT TO

Ares stirs and lifts his head. He looks around groggily, then sits up and lightly shakes Xena's shoulder.

ARES:
     Hey. I think we made it.

Xena opens her eyes and takes a deep breath, then pulls herself up.

XENA (lightly but with an undertone of real worry):
     I hope this is the right world.

She sits up. Their eyes meet and they stare at each other. Then, Ares leans in and kisses Xena tenderly. After a moment she pulls away and rises, then holds out a hand to Ares.

XENA (with a small smile):
     Come on.

She pulls him to his feet.

CROSS-FADE TO

A long shot of the farmhouse in Potidaea.

Zoom in on the yard as Xena and Ares walk up to the house.

Zoom on the front door as Xena's hand knocks on it.

The door opens and we see Gabrielle standing on the threshold. She is visibly pregnant and wearing a dark blue dress. For a moment she looks incredulous. Then, her face lights up with joy. Pan to Xena, who smiles at her, tearing up. Ares is standing behind Xena.

The two women hug warmly, their faces filled with emotion. Ares looks away, a little embarrassed by this display.

XENA:
     Gabrielle--

GABRIELLE:
     Welcome home.

She smiles tenderly at Xena as we:

FADE OUT

THE END

[Gabrielle's crucifixion count reached the point of overkill during the production of this motion picture. Poor Gabby.]

Xena: Warrior Princess Shipper Seasons Season 9 Episode 18 The Monarch Story By: LadyKate and Sais 2 Cool with Aurora Written By: LadyKate, Sais 2 Cool and Aurora Collage By: Aurora Images Gathered By: Aurora Cast Xena Lucy Lawless Gabrielle Renee O'Connor Ares Kevin Smith Callisto Hudson Leick Solan Caleb Ross Velasca Melinda Clarke Ephiny Danielle Cormack Original Airdate April 5, 2007 Gabrielle's crucifixion count reached the point of overkill during the production of this motion picture. Poor Gabby. 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.