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).

FADE IN:

1. INT. - MT. OLYMPUS, THE HALL OF ZEUS - MID EVENING

Various bowls of fruit sit on a large round marble table, accompanied by golden goblets for each person present.

Numerous Olympians sit around the table holding small plaques in their hands totally engrossed in their game.

Ares, dressed in his usual black leather attire, stares at his cards.

Lachrymos, the god of despair wearing a dull gray robe, looks at the table.

Cupid, the son of Aphrodite, sits with an air of confidence, while his mother, who is clad in little more than what could be called lingerie with a sheer pink cloth draped across her shoulders, watches her son curiously.

The last, Fortuna, the plump bubbly goddess of fortunes, sits in her outlandishly vibrant gown enjoying every thrilling minute of their game and the high stakes it represents.

Ares contemplates his cards then glances up at Cupid with a neutral expression.

I'll see your 10 worshippers and raise you another 10, wingboy.

Hurry up and play your hand Cupid. You probably won't win anyway and I'm not getting any younger.

Cupid ignores the grumpy god and returns to his serious examination of the three warlords in his hand, judging whether or not they're good enough to beat Ares.

The game is down to the two of them, as the other gods have already folded their hands.

Cupid doesn't want to lose this hand...especially to the God of War.

A sudden bright light flashes in the hall of Zeus before Cupid can make his call.

All heads turn to the figure of a tall, silver armored warrior with blonde hair and beard, who's disrupted their game.

Odin.

The god of war turns his attention back to his cards.

To what do we owe this....

...pleasure?

Odin walks up to the table of Olympians with a look of pity.

So this is what the great gods of Olympus have been reduced to?

He picks up one of the miniature worshipper chips, looking it over with scant interest.

Squabbling immortals fighting for every last worshipper they can get their hands on.

It's more of a game of fun and fortune. Play your hand right and the rewards can be more than you bargained for. Hence, the attraction. If you ask me, I think it's a horribly dull person, or god, who doesn't give it a proper chance. You should try it yourself Odin, who knows, you might come to like it.

I have no time for childish games. My purpose here is simple.

With our numbers at an all time low and this new One God threatening our worshipper base, we gods need to put aside our differences and band together. It's a big world; the time when we could ignore each other is over.

An alliance could strengthen both our pantheons.

Fortuna leans in to Aphrodite and whispers conspiratorially.

Probably better that he doesn't try. You know what they say about old dogs learning new tricks. He'd probably just embarrass himself.

Her comment doesn't go unheard by the Norse God. His eyes narrow and he snaps his fingers. Instantly a chair appears opposite Ares.

All the gods, except Lachrymos, bite back grins.

Odin strides over to the chair with a grin directed at Fortuna.

You might be surprised what this 'old dog' can do my dear. Deal me in.

Triumphantly, Fortuna gives some chips to Odin as Ares shuffles the cards with a hint of mischief in his eyes.

Why not make things a little more interesting...

Aphrodite eyes her brother warily.

How interesting?

Who cares, as long as we play the game.

Lachrymos pauses, then looks at Ares impatiently.

Deal already.

Ares looks around the table, one eyebrow lifting in challenge and daring mischief.

How 'bout we up the ante and let the mortals deal our hand.

Odin leans forward, interested despite himself.

What do you have in mind?

FADE OUT: