ACT II

21. INT. THE CHAMBER ABOVE THE FORGE - NIGHT

FADE IN:

Xena hangs onto the rope with one hand, now brandishing her sword at the winged serpent with the other. She swings wildly on the rope. The serpent rises, wheels and dives towards her again with a terrible high-pitched screeching sound.

Xena is caught off balance. She almost loses her grip on the rope. She steadies herself and strikes out at the serpent but it has risen to make another swooping attack. Its huge red eyes glow eerily in the dimness of the chamber.

CUT TO:

22. INT. THE CORRIDOR ABOVE THE FORGE - NIGHT

Gabrielle enters the corridor behind Maliacus. Defiantly, she steps in front of him, her back to the ledge. She takes a deep breath as the stifling hot air of the chamber washes over her.

Maliacus, no! She's my friend! If you kill her, you'll have to kill me too.

Maliacus looks sad.

You're my friend. I not want to kill you.

Then help me, Maliacus! Xena needs that stone. Many people's lives depend on it.

My stone. Xena stole it! She must pay!

He gently moves Gabrielle aside and strides to the ledge. Peering over, he sees Xena dangling on the end of the rope. Gabrielle hurries to the ledge, peers over it.

Xena!

XENA!

They arrive to see Xena make a vicious swipe across the serpent's neck.

The creature screeches horribly and backs away towards the opposite side of the chamber.

Gabrielle grasps her spear and hurls it at the serpent. It sails towards the creature, scrapes across its leathery wing then hits the rock-face, sticking in a small fissure.

The serpent screeches again and rises up the column of rock towards its ledge.

Seizing her chance, Xena shimmies up the rope and reaches the ledge.

Maliacus obstinately stands on the rope above her, preventing her from climbing up. He seems uncertain what to do, especially as Gabrielle hovers nearby.

Maliacus, you want your stone back, right?

You stole it! Give it back or else!

Xena winks at Gabrielle, who is fearful for her friend's life. Xena nods towards the recess in the rock below them.

It's down there! Go get it if you want it.

You lie!

See for yourself.

She points out the recess. Leaning over the edge, Maliacus can see the lava pit and the shining crystal within it.

Maliacus grasps the rope.

Maliacus, wait! Let Xena up before you climb down. The rope might not hold your weight and hers.

Reluctantly, Maliacus allows Xena to clamber onto the ledge. She glares at him. Intent on retrieving the stone, he climbs down. On reaching the recess, he plunges his hand into the lava. With a gasp, he draws out the stone.

Ouch! That's hot!

Maliacus! Behind you!

Maliacus feels the sharp talons of the serpent dig into the flesh of his neck. Irritated, he attempts to pry its claws loose. He feels a sharp pain in his hand as the serpent's jaws close on it. Still gripping its claws, he yanks the creature away from him. Blood drips from his hand.

Quick! Grab some rocks!

She and Gabrielle gather loose rocks and pelt the serpent with them, careful not to hit the Cyclops. Distracted, the serpent pulls away, craning its neck upwards to face its tormentors. Seizing his chance, Maliacus hits the creature with a vicious backhand swipe.

The serpent is knocked heavily backwards towards the opposite rock-face. It hits the rock with a loud thump; its head smacks against the hard stone. It screeches painfully. Dazed, it shakes its head and flaps its wings furiously to maintain balance. It maneuvers forward to attack.

Xena and Gabrielle act swiftly. They wave their arms and make a noise.

Over here, you flying carcass of rotten meat!

Come and get me! Look! I'm unarmed!

Taking the bait, the winged serpent ascends and weaves towards them dizzily. It moves towards Xena who is ready. At the last minute, it veers towards Gabrielle who stands frozen in shock. Xena waits until it is virtually in Gabrielle's face, then:

Gabrielle! Duck!

She obliges. Xena spins round with a two-handed slashing movement, removing the serpent's head from its body. It falls with a splash into the lava below and is consumed by fire.

That was a bit too close for comfort!

I know. Are you all right? Sorry about that - I had to act quickly.

I'm okay. The main thing is - you killed it!

Thanks to our one-eyed friend down there! And he's got the stone for us as I hoped he would. Trouble is, it won't be easy getting this one from him.

I'll talk to him.

Gabrielle waits for Maliacus to climb up out of the pit.

Hey, Maliacus! Can I talk to you?

I got my stone back! Maliacus is happy again. Can sleep now. Much to be done tomorrow.

Maliacus, I know the stone means a lot to you but we really need that stone.

Maliacus clutches the stone tightly. Warily, he glances at Xena.

It's mine! A gift from my master for hard work, he said.

Maliacus, the gods hid the stone for a reason. It has great power and it will fall into evil hands if you keep it. The gods will come for it and take it from you.

Maliacus looks first at Gabrielle then at Xena. He narrows his eyes suspiciously.

She's telling the truth, my friend. Ares wants the stone and he'll stop at nothing to get it.

Ares! He's after my stone?

I'm afraid so.

Maliacus looks helplessly at Gabrielle. He clutches the stone even tighter.

Look, I've got an idea. I'll give you something of mine in exchange for the stone.

Like what?

Gabrielle examines the contents of her bag. She pulls out an ornate scroll.

What about this scroll? It's one of my favorites. It tells of Xena's quest in the Norselands to return the Rheingold to the Rhein maidens.

Maliacus can't read. No good.

Er...okay. Let's see what else I've got.

Xena steps in.

Look, Maliacus. I know you don't like me much, especially me killing Hephaestus and everything...

Maliacus' head snaps up.

Er, Xena...

Oops! Shouldn't have mentioned that!

Maliacus starts to move towards Xena. He looks angry.

Listen! Hephaestus tried to kill my baby and I was defending her. I bet he didn't tell you that, did he?

The Cyclops looks confused. He shakes his head.

No, he not tell me that.

Anyway, the point is that I want to make a deal with you.

A deal?

Yes, a good one. In exchange for your stone, we'll supply you with your own herd of sheep. That way, you can have mutton whenever you wish. Provided you're not greedy, of course.

Xena, what...?

A whole herd of mutton? You'd do that for Maliacus?

He licks his lips as if he can already taste it.

Is that a yes then?

She holds out her hand. Maliacus steps back.

How I know this not a trick?

No tricks, I promise. We'll get you the sheep, once we've returned Greece to normal.

And for that, we'll need your stone.

Maliacus considers this for a moment. Finally, he nods and passes the stone to Xena.

Okay. I give you my stone; you give me mutton in return. That's a good deal.

Thanks!

Pocketing the stone she makes her way back towards the chimney. Maliacus follows meekly behind.

Gabrielle looks annoyed. She stands up, hoists her bag over her shoulder, and then climbs down the rope to fetch her spear.

Of all the...! He chose sheep over one of my scrolls!

Startled, she remembers her spear is on the far side of the chamber. Cursing, she swings her body back and forth on the rope, slowly gathering momentum. She kicks away from the rock and swings to the other side of the chamber. With a heave, she pulls her spear out of the fissure.

CUT TO:

23. INT. HEPHAESTUS' FORGE - EARLY MORNING

Xena and Gabrielle are sat at the opposite end of the forge, away from the hearth. They are alone. Maliacus has left the forge to seek food.

I thought he'd never leave! That last story must have done the trick.

It must have been the way you told it!

That's why you're the bard - not me.

Now's our chance.

Gabrielle nods. They both produce their respective halves of the Cronos Stone. Gabrielle hands her half to Xena.

Okay, here goes.

She takes a deep breath then presses the two halves of the stone together. There is a blinding flash as they merge into one.

Xena now holds a glowing purple globe that visibly pulses with powerful energy.

Xena, it's beautiful!

Xena doesn't reply. Instead, she narrows her eyes, reaches for her sword and whips round to face the hearth. Following her cue, Gabrielle jumps to her feet, grabbing her spear.

Okay, Ares. Show yourself! I know you're in here.

The God of War steps out from the shadows in front of them. He looks exasperated.

I really wish I knew how you did that!

I knew you'd show up sooner or later.

Yep, it's good to see you too, Xena. And you brought your puppy dog with you. How cute!

Gabrielle smiles insincerely. Ares ignores her.

I won't ask what you want, Ares, because we both know you're here for the stone. Shame you're not gonna get it.

After all the trouble I've been through to get it, you think I'm just gonna walk away? Come on, Xena, you're smarter than that!

Or maybe you're losing your touch.

It doesn't take a genius to work out you want that stone badly. The question is - why?

Xena! Look at me! I'm a god who's faced his mortality, not once but three times over! That last time was the last straw. It's not gonna happen again.

Gabrielle looks at Ares in astonishment.

You're afraid! Ares, the mighty God of War is afraid of what it means to be human!

Ares shifts uncomfortably under Gabrielle's penetrating gaze. He snorts loudly.

Afraid? Me? Baby, you're losing it! Let's just say instead that I'm looking out for my own interests and if that means killing the both of you...

He shrugs.

...then so be it!

So it's back to the old Ares then is it? Didn't you learn anything as a mortal?

I found out what it was like to be weak...to be ruled by emotions. That's not gonna happen again. With the stone, I'll be invincible. The other gods will bend to my will.

So why take it out on your followers and the rest of the Greeks by putting the freeze on?

That wasn't revenge! That was to get Xena's attention. I knew you - and especially you - would be eager to help those wretched, pathetic peasants.

It wasn't hard convincing Persephone to agree. She really hates you, you know.

So you twisted her mind. Worked on her desire for revenge so she'd side with you.

Her desire for justice, you mean, as well as your desire to atone for your glorious past. I knew you'd be wracked with guilt once you found out about the kid. Knowing all that, how could she resist?

Except you're not gonna let Persephone resurrect Hades, are you? You wanted us to do the dirty work, retrieve the stone for you so you could run off to Olympus with it, leaving Persephone to pick up the pieces and the Greeks to suffer at your hands.

Ares looks hurt.

You're only half right, Xena. Yes, Hades stays dead but I don't break my promises, you know that. I said I'd release Demeter and so I will, once I have the stone.

He moves forward slightly. His eyes glint greedily as he eyes the stone. He holds out his hand.

Now, we can either do this the hard way or the easy way. Give me the stone, Xena and you both go free. Otherwise, I may just have to kill you.

There's gratitude for you. After all we've done to help you.

Oh yes. Of course! How rude of me.

He mockingly feigns gratitude.

Xena! Gabrielle! I'm so grateful! How can I ever repay you?

Cut the dramatics, Ares. We're not gonna hand over the stone.

Looks like it's the hard way, then.

He draws his sword.

That's fine by me.

Gabrielle steps forward.

This time though, Ares, you're going to have to fight both of us.

Ares grins madly.

Two mortals against a god? I accept your challenge. First things first though. To ensure a fair fight, you understand.

Ares turns to face the forge's entrance. He raises his arms and brings them down slowly. As he does so, the entrance seals itself with solid rock.

Xena and Gabrielle glance at each other, troubled. Whilst Ares' back is turned, Xena passes the stone to Gabrielle. She puts it in her bag and hides it behind a rock towards the back of the cavern.

There! Try to trick me and you won't escape from here. You'll be trapped.

His smile disappears as he notices Xena is no longer holding the stone. He growls. As one, he and Xena charge towards each other.

Arrrrrgggghhhhh!

At the last possible moment, Xena flips over Ares' head.

Simultaneously, Ares somersaults forward, landing directly in front of Gabrielle.

Xena spins round to engage Ares but he's not there.

Gabrielle tries to fend off Ares' attack with her spear, once more using it as a staff.

With a single stroke, Ares slices the weapon in two.

Gabrielle now faces the God of War with two sticks. She grasps them firmly, determined to wield them as best she can to defend herself.

So, you want to play dirty, eh?

Xena is now behind Ares. With the butt end of her sword, she gives Ares a resounding thump across his back.

As he turns to respond, Gabrielle cartwheels away towards the hearth. She sprints towards the weapons rack and grabs a sword.

Xena and Ares cross swords.

I'm game if you are!

He grins a smutty grin.

Not on your life!

How about on hers then?

Ares nods towards Gabrielle who is moving towards him.

Xena does not flinch or turn around.

Gabrielle is quite capable of taking care of herself. She's proved that time and time again. You can't use her against me this time, Ares. She's a fully-fledged warrior - just like me!

Oh yeah?

He disappears. Moments later, Gabrielle cries out and there is a clatter.

Xena turns to see Ares holding his sword to Gabrielle's throat. Her sword has fallen to the ground.

Gabrielle!

See what I mean, Xena? Your little tag-team effort has one huge weakness! Now...give me the...ouch!

Ares stops in mid-sentence as Gabrielle stabs him in the knee with the spear point she's still holding.

As he groans and hops around clutching his injured knee, Gabrielle retrieves the fallen sword and moves to stand with Xena. The warrior princess smirks unpleasantly.

You were saying?

He was asking for the 'ouch' I think. Shall we give it to him?

Ares curses loudly and hobbles towards the pair of them. His face is full of menace.

Okay, I'm done with playing games. Let's finish this.

That's fine by me.

Together, Xena and Gabrielle lunge at Ares. The combined force of their attack drives him towards the weapons rack.

As he backs into it, he loses his footing and tumbles into it. Both he and the rack crash to the ground with an almighty clang. The impact knocks his sword from his hand and it skims across the floor away from him.

Ares scrambles to his feet, leaps over the fallen rack and dives for his weapon. He arrives too late. Sprawled across the floor, he reaches for his sword only to find Xena's boot placed firmly over it. Both she and Gabrielle are standing over him, swords pointed at his body.

Not so fast, Ares!

Ares smiles weakly. Then, his face hardens and he de-materializes and reappears on top of the anvil. He is holding Hephaestus' hammer against his shoulder. There is no sign of his knee injury.

Well, girls, it's been fun but I'm really bored now!

He jumps from the anvil and moves to where Gabrielle has hidden the stone.

Gabrielle! The stone!

Xena and Gabrielle race across the floor to try to intercept Ares.

As they approach, he whirls round to face them. Before either of them can grind to a halt, he flings his arm out in a backhand swing striking Xena and Gabrielle heavily with the lethal weapon. The hammer has expanded to its full size and its impact flings Xena and Gabrielle across the length of the forge. They hit the opposite wall with a loud thud, drop to the ground and lie still.

Ares wrestles with himself for a moment, shrugs and then searches for the bag containing the stone. On finding it, he opens it up and starts to empty its contents.

Triumphantly, he pulls out the stone. He lifts it up to inspect it.

At last it's mine! Now I'm truly invincible!

He gazes at the stone briefly. Guilt crosses his face as he looks over to where Xena and Gabrielle are slumped against the wall.

Sorry, Xena. I just couldn't let you win this one.

He disappears and reappears next to his fallen sword. He picks it up and leaves.

Silence. Faint mutterings. A few curses and he's back. He looks exasperated as he struggles with his feelings.

Of all the...! I'm the God of War and supreme ruler on Mount Olympus! Why should I care?

He looks down at the fallen warriors...at Xena.

But I do.

He places his hand on her forehead, hesitates and then lays his other on Gabrielle's head. Blue light streams out from his hands.

Xena and Gabrielle groan and start to stir. By the time they've regained consciousness, Ares is gone.

Whaa..?

She sees Gabrielle.

Gabrielle? Gabrielle!

A groan as her companion stirs.

Xena! What appened?

We must have hit our heads. Are you all right? Anything broken?

I'm okay, except for this vicious headache...

Ares!

She leaps to her feet, moves to the back of the cave. There she discovers the spilled contents of Gabrielle's bag.

He's got the stone. There's no time to lose. We've got to go after him.

Right! Just don't shout so loud! It's giving me a headache on top of my headache.

Slowly she rises to her feet and joins Xena. She sees the upturned bag.

My things! Ares, you...you...son of a Bacchae!

Faint laughter fills the forge. Fuming, Gabrielle gathers her possessions and re-packs her bag.

You ready?

Yes, let's get out of here! I've just about had it with this place.

They turn towards the exit. It is still sealed. Xena pushes against it but to no avail.

Ares planned this all along. Gabrielle, check the chimney will you? Gabrielle checks.

It's sealed up well and good. There's no way out of here. Ares has got us trapped.

FADE OUT:

END ACT II

ACT III