ACT II

7. EXT. LILA'S FARMHOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON

Callisto is standing right in front of Xena in her original evil form. She's dressed in her black leather ensemble with a very evil grin on her face and a psychotic look in her eyes. Xena continues to stand there in stunned silence.

Aww Xena, didn't you miss me?

I know I've missed you.

How?

That's my girl. Always so articulate.

What happened to Eve?

The way I see it, she had the unfortunate luck of being born to you... so, I guess the rest is just all down hill.

Although I did hear that she managed to murder a bunch of people, so you must be very proud.

Xena approaches Callisto, and presses her sword against her neck. A look of pure anger radiates from her.

WHERE IS EVE!

Callisto runs her finger leisurely along the blade of Xena's sword.

Xena, always so quick to be violent.

That's the one thing I've always loved about you.

Callisto does a quick back flip away from Xena, and draws her sword. She begins to spin the sword in concise figure-eight movements.

How did you make it back?

You know Xena, you ask a lot of questions.

Well, why don't you try answering them...

if you know what's good for ya'.

Threats will get you nowhere.

So, why don't you answer some questions for me first. One for one... an eye for an eye.

Fine.

How does it feel to be the destroyer of so many lives... Mine, Eve's, and even your precious Gabrielle's?

The words cut right through Xena, and cause her rage to dissipate a little. A flash of sadness could be seen in her blue eyes, but she shakes her head to clear her mind of those thoughts. Xena refocuses. Her eyes harden to display the anger burning within her.

What about all the lives you've destroyed?

A girl's got to keep herself amused.

Now my question.

I just answered your question.

A frustrated Xena lets out a low growl.

What do you want?

Enough talking, more fighting.

With a lightning quick move, Callisto pounces on Xena slashing her sword down upon her. Using her warrior reflexes, Xena easily blocks the attack and pushes Callisto backwards.

The two fiercely exchange blows with audible sounds of swords clanging against each other. An intense battle rages on with neither fighter gaining the upper hand.

Xena blocks Callisto's attack once again, but this time, she is able to backhand the blonde with her left hand. This distracts Callisto just enough for Xena to knock her sword out of her hand using a blow from her own sword.

Callisto recovers quickly, and with a swift kick manages to send Xena's sword flying out of her hand.

Callisto lands a swift uppercut to Xena's jaw followed by kick to the stomach.

Xena stumbles a few steps backwards, as Callisto surges forward in her attack.

Xena flips over her, and as Callisto turns around, Xena connects with a roundhouse kick to the side of her head, followed by two rapid punches to the face.

She then sweeps Callisto's feet out from underneath her, causing her to hit the ground with a thud.

Xena pins her down, trying to keep her from escaping.

Start talking. I want some answers.

Whatever do you mean?

Stop the games!

What's going on? How did you get back?

Oh Xena, I'll always be around.

You can't really get rid of me.

In a blink of an eye, Callisto is able to free her legs. She drives both her feet into Xena's stomach, sending her sailing backwards.

Callisto jumps to her feet, and begins to sprint off into the forest.

Scrambling to her feet, Xena begins to chase after her. Callisto's maniacal laughter can be heard throughout the forest as she simply disappears.

Xena stops running, stunned by what has just happened. She begins to search the forest, looking for any traces of the missing woman.

CUT TO:

8. INT. LILA'S FARMHOUSE - KITCHEN - LATE AFTERNOON

Gabrielle, Lila and Sarah are still catching up on village news when Gabrielle's face suddenly grows sad and she rises from the table.

What's wrong Thea Gabrielle?

Gabrielle smiles bitter sweetly and gives Sarah a quick hug.

Nothing's wrong, Sarah.

It's just good to be home. I think I'm gonna take a quick look around the house if you two don't mind.

Gabrielle kisses the top of Sarah's head, and walks over to Lila and gives her sister's shoulder a quick squeeze.

She walks through the small farmhouse, past what used to be her parents' old bedroom, which is now Lila's room.

She takes a quick peek inside the room, smiles to herself and then moves down the small hallway to the room on the far right.

This room once belonged to Gabrielle and Lila, but is now Sarah's room. She walks into the room, and closes her eyes.

FADE TO:

9. INT. FARMHOUSE - LILA AND GABRIELLE'S ROOM - FLASHBACK

A younger Gabrielle is telling Lila a story as they both sit on the bed.

And the Bacchae swooped down and took hold of their next victim... sneaking up behind her until...

BAM!!

Lila is startled and jumps off the bed as Gabrielle says "BAM". However she never loses her concentration, and watches her sister very carefully, hanging onto Gabrielle's every word.

They grabbed her by the neck and began sucking the life from her body.

By the gods, Gabrielle, you make story telling such an art!

Lila's face grows serious for a moment. She thinks for a minute, and then slaps Gabrielle on her arm. The slap comes off a little harder than expected, evident from the loud smacking sound.

OUCH!

Hey, that hurt!

Gabrielle rubs her arm to ease the sting.

Serves you right for scaring the Hades outta me with that "BAM"! You just had to throw that in there, didn't you?!!

Why yes, sister, yes I did.

Lila starts to tickle Gabrielle, and they both dissolve into a fit of giggles on the bed.

CUT TO:

10. INT. FARMHOUSE - SARAH'S ROOM - PRESENT

Gabrielle smiles sweetly from the memory of her childhood with Lila. Her thoughts are interrupted by a far away voice.

Gabrieeeeellllleee...

Gabrielle returns from her trip from the past, and begins trying to place the voice. It's eerily familiar.

Hello Gabrielle, my sweet. It's been too long.

Gabrielle spins around, and readies herself in a defensive stance as she realizes that the voice belongs to Najara. She sees her old adversary standing right in front of her, looking just as she did the last time Gabrielle saw her, over 25 years ago. A look of complete shock crosses over her face.

Why Gabrielle, I'm hurt. I thought you'd be glad to see me. After all...

we've been through a lot together.

What are you doing here?

Oh, I've missed you, Gabrielle! It's been an eternity since the last time I saw you. Day in, day out without you by my side.

Xena had no right to take you from me! You were mine!

I was never yours Najara! You tricked me, lied to me, and made me think things that weren't so.

I never lied! The Djinn NEVER lie!

How did you escape from prison?

The Djinn have their ways of taking care of their chosen ones.

And why haven't you...

aged?

Don't you see Gabrielle, we are meant to be together. I'm here to claim you, take you where you belong...

With me!

No! Don't you understand, I don't belong with you...

and I never will!

Well, if I can't have you, no one will!

A crazed Najara charges toward Gabrielle. Najara releases a flurry of punches, and Gabrielle blocks each one of them. Gabrielle launches a kick towards Najara's mid-section. She grabs her legs, and flips her backwards. Gabrielle lands on her feet, and is ready to attack.

I see you've given up on non-violence.

Can't you see how Xena has ruined you... taken you off your path.

Xena is my path. Her journey is my journey.

Since we last met, I've learned there's a time for fighting and a time for peace. Besides you're not exactly the model of restraint and diplomacy.

You're right Gabrielle. There is definitely a time to fight, and unfortunately for you, that time is now.

Najara unleashes a roundhouse kick of her own, but this time it is Gabrielle who is able to stop it. Grasping her leg, she spins her around, and as she does lands a fist right to her face.

Najara is stunned, but quickly recovers. She is able to land a blow to Gabrielle's stomach followed by a punch to her face.

Gabrielle loses none of her determination acting as though the assault does not affect her. She retaliates instantly with several punches of her own to Najara's ribs, causing the woman to hunch over a bit.

Gabrielle connects with a powerful kick to her head, sending her flying backwards. As Najara hits the wall, she disappears. Gabrielle stands there in shock for a few moments, and then runs out of the room.

CUT TO:

11. INT. FARMHOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON

Gabriele comes flying out of the room and bumps right into Sarah and Lila.

Aunt Gabrielle, are you okay?

What's wrong?

I'm fine. I er... just remembered something I needed to tell Xena. I'll be right back.

Gabrielle continues running through the house, and out the door, heading in the direction of the barn.

Mother, I'm concerned. Aunt Gabrielle looked upset about something.

Lila pats Sarah's arm reassuringly.

I'm sure it's nothing, my child. You know how Gabrielle gets when it comes to Xena.

Yes I do.

And mother...I am NOT a child anymore.

Lila lovingly kisses the top of Sarah's head.

You'll ALWAYS be my child, Sarah.

CUT TO:

12 - EXT. BARNYARD - LATE AFTERNOON

Gabrielle emerges from the house, and begins to scan the area for Xena. She sees her near the edge of the forest, sword in hand, and slowly evaluating the land around her. Argo is standing close to the barn door. Gabrielle begins running towards Xena.

Xena!

Xena immediately turns towards Gabrielle, and beings running towards her, a look of worry on her face.

Gabrielle, are you alright?

Gabrielle nods her head 'yes'.

I was just going ask you the same question.

What do you mean...

nevermind that...Gabrielle, something very strange just happened...

I know. That's what I was coming out to tell you.

Xena, what do you mean something very strange just happened? How did you know what just happened?

Gabrielle, I was here when it happened.

I was out here gathering firewood, when Callisto appeared. Evil Callisto. We fought, and then she disappeared into the woods…vanished.

Callisto was here?!

Xena turns around, and peers into the woods for moment before returning her attention to Gabrielle.

How did you know what happened?

I didn't. I had an interesting experience of my own.

Najara appeared.

Najara.

One minute I am in my old room all alone, and the next minute she was there. She began telling me about how she was there to claim me. When I said I wouldn't go with her, we fought...and then she disappeared.

Gabrielle, something is very wrong.

Callisto is no more. She's Eve. It doesn't make sense.

And Najara. The last we saw of her, she was in a coma and in prison.

Xena, do you think she died, and this was her ghost. It would explain her being able to vanish into thin air.

I don't know, Gabrielle.

But I don't think that would apply in Callisto's case.

True, but something is bringing back these images from our past.

And I intend to find out what is causing this.

We need some answers.

I know just the place to go.

FADE OUT:

END ACT II

ACT III