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. CEDAR FOREST, LEBANON - NIGHT

Panoramic shot of the Cedar Forest from overhead. The avenues of the forest are a dark, frightening place. Silvery moonlight streams down from above, painting the lanes of trees in shadows formed from nightmares. The wind moves between the barren trunks and empty branches like a thing alive.

Through this dangerous land moves a small knot of Elijans. Their clothes speak of a mix of lands, but they are as one in their fear, their eyes darting all about in borderline panic.

Their nominal leader, Hamid, is a tall man with dusky skin and travel worn clothes. Close behind him is Josip, a Gaul in equally worn clothes.

Josip leans closer to Hamid to speak directly into his ear.

Are you sure this is the way?

This is the way she directed. She said there would be clear signs to follow.

Both look up as the sound of a tree crashing to the ground is heard somewhere ahead of them. A nervous glance passes between them and Hamid looks back to the rest of the group.

The others now have eyes for him alone, eyes wide with fear and uncertainty.

Sanctuary should be just a little further. Stay together!

Hamid and Josip slowly look back to the path before them, which they see is no longer empty.

Standing before them is a figure even taller than Hamid, silhouetted against the moonlight. The figure appears to have a cape draped across his shoulders and holds a sword out before him like a cane, its massive blade pointing downwards.

Too late.

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2. EXT. FORESTED HILL - NIGHT

A familiar smile is on the face of the newcomer, one filled with perfect teeth and absolute madness.

It is the Archangel Michael, his face still partially in shadow. The cape about his shoulders suddenly unfurls to reveal itself as his wings, which stretch out to the fullest.

The sword is likewise raised, the business end of it now pointing in the general direction of the Elijans.

Michael bends slightly at the knees and leaps upwards, taking to the air with sword held high. The Elijans watch all this with rapt attention, until he dives back down towards them. The Elijans manage to duck just in time, though they are still too awestruck to do more.

Michael laughs manically.

Run! Run all of you!

The Elijans begin running up the path where Michael had appeared. The Archangel himself continues circling like a vulture overhead.

He swoops down once more, knocking both Josip and Hamid to the ground. Josip quickly regains his feet and keeps running, but Hamid slips as he tries to follow suit.

Michael is suddenly there, rising up to tower over him.

Hamid is too terrified to do more than raise his arm in a feeble show of resistance. Michael grins wildly down at him.

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3. EXT. GROUND - NIGHT

Hamid's face is a picture of utter terror. He still tries to crawl away, unable to shift more than a few inches either way. A look of awe covers his features. He appears transfixed and unable to look away.

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4. EXT. FOREST PATH - NIGHT

Michael grins his insane grin and holds his sword at the ready. He looks upward, only his eyes moving, as though awaiting someone.

His grin widens ever so slightly, barely noticeable to the terrified Hamid.

The sword comes down but is abruptly halted by another blade that appears from nowhere. The gleaming edge stops a hand's span away from Hamid's forehead.

Michael slowly looks to his left, from where the sword originated. His grin becomes a shallow sneer.

At last!

A woman warrior stands there. She is dressed in a somewhat familiar outfit: silver breastplate, white tunic, leather trousers and boots with a short red cape draped over her shoulders. She wears a helmet with a fierce-looking faceplate that covers everything except her eyes.

She pushes Michael back with such surprising force and speed the archangel is unbalanced for several seconds. Michael is as surprised as Hamid, who has managed to get back to his feet.

Who...?

The warrior slowly removes her helmet, long, wild hair falling out to frame a familiar face.

It is Eve.

Eve moves herself to stand between Hamid and Michael. She keeps her eyes and sword fixed firmly upon the archangel. Without even glancing back, she addresses Hamid.

Go. They're just over the second hill.

Eli's peace be with you!

Michael has watched this exchange without comment. His grin is back, wider than ever. A low, rumbling chuckle can be heard escaping his chest as he addresses them, also in Aramaic.

Are you both finished?

Hamid stumbles off with a final, frightened glance towards Eve. Eve herself squares her shoulders and scowls at the archangel, her sword at the ready.

Michael gives her a slight, almost courteous bow at the waist and raises his sword once more.

The air around them crackles with anticipation as the combatants face each other.

Why?

Michael's eyes flare at the question.

That is not for you to know. Ever.

Eve's features harden, her course now set.

The peace of Eli be with you.

But not with you.

The standoff continues for several more beats.

Michael suddenly roars, his sword becoming a blur as it arcs downwards towards Eve's head. Eve brings her own weapon up to block it.

Thunder sounds as the blades make contact.

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