The following episode written for The Xena Warrior Princess Virtual Season is a work of fiction based upon the television series Xena: Warrior Princess. The original characters are used strictly for fan purposes and not for profit. There is no intent to infringe upon or violate any copyrights held by Studio USA, Renaissance Pictures, Universal Television or any other organization that owns the rights to this series. 

The script, story ideas, and any characters created by the authors that are not part of the original series are copyrighted and remain the sole property of those authors. Also, any original artworks are copyrighted and remain the sole property of those artists. Permission to use any of the written or drawn works herein must be submitted to the original author(s) and artist(s).

1. EXT. OVERLAND - EARLY EVENING

Xena and Gabrielle gallop along the edge of a forest at full speed as they make their way towards Mount Olympus.

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2. INT. THE THRONE ROOM ON MOUNT OLYMPUS - EARLY EVENING

Ares is sitting on Zeus' throne, leaning forward on his elbows, his fingers steepled. He presses them against his face, his thumbs resting under his chin. He taps his hands against his face as he ponders his situation. Finally, he rises and strides out of the room.

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3. EXT. OVERLAND - NIGHT

Xena and Gabrielle rein in their horses beside a small clearing in the woods. They dismount and walk their horses into the gap between the trees.

We'll rest here for the night. We can't risk our horses ending up lame.

Thank the gods! I'm exhausted! And as for food...I could eat a horse!

She looks over at the horses.

No offense meant, of course.

If they had only half the brains of Argo, I'd worry about their feelings, Gabrielle. As it is, don't lose any sleep over it.

The two companions build a campfire and settle down to eat their rations.

How much further, Xena? Seems like we've been riding forever and our rations are nearly gone.

Relax, Gabrielle. We should reach Mount Olympus by midday tomorrow. Besides, I can still catch us a rabbit for supper, freeze or no freeze!

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4. INT. A BEDCHAMBER ON MOUNT OLYMPUS - NIGHT

A beautiful woman, resembling the goddess at Demeter's temple, paces the marbled floor of a bedchamber. The room is sparsely furnished, containing little more than a four-poster bed draped with velvet coverings and a few rugs scattered about the floor. Strangely, there is no door, only a balcony window. She walks over to the window and gazes down at the Earth below. As she moves to open the window, a shadow crosses it. She steps back hurriedly as a screeching harpy throws itself at the glass. The window rattles but holds. The harpy screams its frustration.

Damn harpies! So tiresome aren't they? Kinda spoil the view, don't you think?

The woman turns to see Ares standing in the center of the room.

Ares! I demand that you release me at once!

The God of War folds his arms. He eyes her thoughtfully.

Okay. You can go.

Demeter stares at Ares in astonishment.

Go on! You're free to leave anytime you wish.

Demeter looks confused.

Of course, the only way you can leave is out that window and...oops, silly me I forgot! You lost your powers and it's a long way down - unless you can fly.

Ares joins Demeter at the window. He looks down and sighs dramatically.

And the harpies are still out there so it looks like you're out of luck. Sorry!

He turns to face Demeter, his smile insincere.

Please, Ares! Let me go! Why are you doing this?

Don't ask me. Ask your precious little daughter.

What has Persephone got to do with this?

Why don't you ask her yourself?

You know I can't.

Nope, too bad. Anyway, the deal is this. Once Xena and her irritating friend have the Cronos Stone and pass it to me, you get to go free. Of course, your whiney daughter doesn't get her precious hubby back but hey, that's life!

You made a deal with my daughter? Hades in return for the Cronos Stone? That's not possible. Persephone doesn't even know it exists!

You mean she didn't, until I kind of dropped her a hint. Now she knows, she wants to get her revenge on Xena and bring her husband back from the dead!

I've gotta admit, she's got spirit! I like that in a woman!

Demeter pales.

You stay away from my daughter, Ares! I'm warning you!

Ares raises his hands in mock submission.

Hey! Relax, mom. She's in safe hands! Which is more than can be said for those wretched humans down there.

Please, let me at least lift the winter. My people are sick and dying from hunger. I must help them!

Then, you'd better hope Xena finds that stone quickly. The sooner I get it, the sooner you can go free.

He disappears leaving the goddess alone with her thoughts.

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5. EXT. OUTSIDE MOUNT OLYMPUS - AT NOON THE NEXT DAY

The two companions halt outside a cave leading into the mountain. They dismount.

We'll have to take our chances with the horses. We'll tie them up loosely to those trees right there. Hopefully, they'll be safely hidden from any bandits on this road.

Xena starts to lead the horses into the trees. Suddenly, she drops the reins, reaches for her sword and pivots around.

Get ready, Gabrielle. We may be in for a fight.

Gabrielle readies her spear. Seconds later, a figure appears in front of the cave, blocking the entrance. It is the Archangel Michael. He stands, hand on sword hilt. Xena faces him, her sword gripped firmly with both hands, the tip pointed at his heart. Gabrielle looks uncertainly at Xena.

Xena smiles that dangerous, disarming smile.

Hello, Michael. Glad you could drop by! It's always a pleasure to try and kill you.

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