FADE IN:

6. EXT. SMALL LAKE - MORNING

A small lake shimmers like an opalescent blue jewel in the warm mid morning sun. Surrounding the lake is a lush, green forest, bright with the promise of summer.

Jutting slightly into the lake is a narrow strip of land. Perched on the tip is a small but majestic temple built of the purest white marble slightly tinged with pink.

Suddenly a scream from the middle of the lake rips through the peaceful quiet as a light haired head pops up quickly followed by a dark haired head.

YEEEEEEEAHHHHHHKKKKKK!

Xena, don't DO THAT!!

A smirk touches the lips of the Warrior Princess and then disappears.

Do what? I didn't do anything.

Yeah. Sure. Right. I supposed that was a fish that touched me there!

Touched you where?

You know VERY WELL, where where was!

Honestly, sometimes I think you're just a big kid.

Who, me?

The two women tread water as Gabrielle glares at Xena.

Yeah, you!

With that remark, the bard lunges at the Warrior Princess, grabs her around the shoulders and pushes down hard.

As Xena lets her body sink, she grabs the wrists of her friend, pulling her forward over her head, flipping Gabrielle through the air to land with a splash behind her.

The dark haired warrior surfaces and turns around, looking for her friend, ready to have some more fun. Several moments pass but the water remains calm.

Gabrielle?

Gabrielle!

The look on Xena's face turns to one of concern. She dives under the water and searches frantically for a couple of minutes then comes up for air.

GABRIELLE!!!

From the shore behind her, she hears a chuckle. Jerking her head around, she sees Gabrielle nonchalantly sitting on a rock near the marble temple.

GOTCHA!

Xena swims swiftly to shore.

Seeing the expression on her friend's countenance, Gabrielle's face grows serious.

Umm, I was getting water logged! Figured it was time to get out.

And how come you didn't answer when I called?

Well, I was practicing my breath control and seeing how far I could swim under water without surfacing.

I did pretty good, didn't I?

Xena studies her with suspicious blue eyes as she picks up a towel and dries herself off.

Okay... would you believe it was because I had water in my ears?

Xena smiles and lies down beside her friend.

Now I might be able to believe that.

But you know I don't.

The two friends smile at one another, stretch out and let the warm sun dry them off.

I didn't think you would.

CUT TO:

7. INT. TEMPLE OF ATHENA - MOUNT OLYMPUS

Cupid rushes into the temple room and stops just short of running into Aphrodite.

We've got trouble, big trouble and it has Ares written all over it.

Aphrodite looks down at the arrow she still holds in her hand, then looks back to her son, dreading the news he's brought her.

What's he up to now?

You're not going to like it.

I never do.

Nodding, Cupid inhales softly.

Seems he's got a plan to put the Greek gods, well, us, back on top by eliminating the competition, the One God, by taking out Xena, Gabrielle and Eve.

Can't he just leave them alone?!

It gets worse.

He's managed to convince Apollo to side with him on this one.

I've had ENOUGH of Ares and his little plans!

The love goddess vanishes in a furious shimmer of light.

CUT TO:

8. INT. THRONE ROOM - MT. OLYMPUS

Ares stands with Apollo in the middle of the room. Their voices are hushed. The Furies slither from one god to the other in continuous motion, voicing words of encouragement for Ares' plan when suddenly Aphrodite bursts onto the scene in a flash of fury.

What's the matter with you? Not enough of us died the first time that you're going to try and lead the rest of us to slaughter because this One God is stepping all over your grandiose ego?!

The Furies cower slightly and hiss at Aphrodite, slinking closer to Ares in the process.

Aphrodite, how nice to see you. Lack of worshippers in your temples leaving you with nothing better to do than to barge in on matters that don't concern you?

That's not why I'm here and you know it!

On the contrary, that's exactly why you're here.

That's exactly why WE'RE all here. Because no one else in this god forsaken place is brave enough to do what has to be done! And guess what, I'm the god to do it.

Aphrodite's lips curl into a knowing grin.

This is about her isn't it? This is all because she would never have you. Would never give you the son you so desperately wanted from her and that just infuriates you so you're taking your anger out on her and her family!

Ares, if this is true...

Don't be a fool!

You'll never win with her you know. You'll ultimately fail.

Ares' face reddens with anger as Apollo watches with interest.

She won't this time!

Ares pauses to compose himself and turns to glance at Apollo.

There's no more bargaining. No more games. Xena has made her choice. What I do is for the good of the gods and Xena will NOT stand in MY way. Athena was the fool who got the others killed. I'm going to lead us to the glory that belongs to us! The respect and worship that's rightfully ours!

Apollo grins, raising a goblet of wine to salute Ares.

Aphrodite's face contorts into a mask of frustration and fury.

The Furies ease away from Ares with cockiness marring their features.

I'll have no part in any of this, Ares!

And if you were smart, Apollo, you wouldn't either.

Aphrodite vanishes.

CUT TO:

9. EXT. LAKESHORE - NOONTIME

A tendril of smoke swirls upward as Gabrielle bends over a small fire, turning several fish browning in a skillet. She glances over at Xena who is making small repairs to her leathers.

Lunch is just about ready.

Good, I'm hungry.

You're hungry? Miss Never Notices What's Put on her Plate is hungry?

Yep, all that swimming this morning gave me an appetite.

Well, in that case, maybe you better go catch some more fish!

Xena smiles, turns around and hands two leaf wrapped packages to her friend. Gabrielle opens them and sees two large fish fillets.

Grinning, the bard deftly flips the cooked fish onto two plates and places the fillets in the pan.

As long as you catch and clean them, I'll cook them!

Sound like a deal to me. Also means I won't have to clean fish guts off my chakram!

Awww, I haven't done that in... well, at least 27 years!

Both friends grin in remembrance as Gabrielle flips the fish fillets.

It shouldn't be much longer before Eve meets up with us. Did the note she sent happen to mention when we should be expecting her?

Xena sneaks a piece of cooked fish meat into her mouth with a sly grin as Gabrielle unsuccessfully tries to slap the warrior's fingers away.

Nope. Just that she'd meet us here before the next full moon.

Well that's not so bad, I don't mind lounging around here for a week or so. We could use the rest and relaxation.

Not arguing the point, Xena sneaks another piece of the fish into her mouth with a triumphant smile.

CUT TO:

10. EXT. SMALL LAKE - LATE AFTERNOON

The pans and dishes are clean and neatly stacked by the campfire. The two women are sitting at the shoreline.

The afternoon is exceptionally warm and the cool sparkling water of the lake is enticing.

Xena gets up and dives in, but Gabrielle remains seated.

Aren't you coming in? The water's great!

Gabrielle looks at Xena with a slight smirk.

I am NOT going back in there until you promise you won't do what you did this morning!

Honest, it wasn't me. It must've been a little fish.

Gabrielle shoots Xena a dubious look.

Yeah, a little fish with five fingers!

Okay, okay, so it was a big fish.

Yeah, and Xena was its name!

Gabrielle stubbornly lies down on her towel. Xena slowly trudges through the water toward shore and settles down next to her friend. She reaches for her towel, and begins to dry herself off.

I've got a better idea.

The warrior flops backwards with her arms behind her head in a very relaxed pose.

How 'bout we just lay here and soak up some rays.

Before Gabrielle can comment, a moving shadow falls across the reclining bard. She sits up, her hand in front of her eyes to block the suns rays and a moment later, she can make out the pacing figure of the goddess of love.

Xena rises to her elbows and watches as Aphrodite paces, oblivious to their presence. She looks over at Gabrielle.

Wonder what's got her panties all in a bunch?

Gabrielle lightly elbows her friend in the side.

This is not good...not good at all!

Xena and Gabrielle continue to watch as Aphrodite continues to pace.

Xena clears her throat purposefully, catching the goddess' attention.

Aphrodite scrunches her face in confusion and looks around her garden, then notices them.

Xena? Gabrielle? What're you doing here?

Gabrielle and Xena exchange worried glances.

Umm... you invited us... remember?

Aphrodite, what is it? What's wrong?

Aphrodite bends down to one knee and grabs Gabrielle by the shoulders and stares into her eyes with an almost desperate look.

It's Ares. He's on a rampage and he wants your heads and Eve's on a spear!

Is that it? Is that what has you all worked up?

Xena looks at Aphrodite clearly unimpressed.

No, no, you don't understand. It's more than that.

Suddenly, Aphrodite is back on her feet. She picks up her pacing again and continues to ramble.

Apollo has taken up Ares' quest to stop the progress of the One God, which includes offing both of you and Eve.

Aphrodite takes a breath.

That's bad, very bad.

Xena and Gabrielle exchange another worried glance.

CUT TO:

11. INT. TEMPLE OF ARES

Large mounted torches illuminate a spacious antechamber in the back of one of Ares' temples; one that has served his war efforts on more than one occasion.

Large maps made of thick hide with drawings of Greece and surrounding lands in varying scales adorn the stone washed walls.

Weapons of all shapes and sizes fill the empty spaces between the maps. In the center of the room, used as his planning center, sits a large, round table made of dark marble.

The dark brooding figure of Ares is hunched over the table pointing, while the Golden God Apollo stares and listens intently.

It's just too perfect. I amaze even myself!

The war god's smile spreads wide, his teeth glistening as he chuckles at his own brilliance. He cracks his knuckles to emphasize the point.

It can't fail, Apollo. We will be triumphant!

Apollo leans over the maps.

So the slavers are here.

Ares confirms with a nod.

You will create a diversion here...

Yes, a little landslide... nothing big...

... to separate Xena from the others, giving the slavers a better chance at capturing this... Messenger of the One god and Xena's little friend?

Apollo is silent for a moment then looks up at the god of war.

Why not take Eve before she meets up with the other two?

For that matter... why not simply take them out and be done with it?

Ares' face goes dark, and with furrowed brow and a stern voice he responds heatedly.

Because there's no sport in it! No taste of victory when all's said and done!

And you want to taste your victory...

You bet I do! Those three have put me through Tartarus and back and I intend to savor every moment of this game!

Apollo sits on the edge of the dark table and rubs his chin, one brow arched as he studies the god of war.

This should prove to be very interesting entertainment, Ares...

Ares walks over to one of the battle axes on the wall. He takes it off and twirls it into battle position; the glints of light flash from the ax mimicking the glint in Ares eyes.

Yes, but the thing is we need allies, Apollo! Who else can we count on?

Apollo looks at him intensely and pauses for a moment. His smooth aquiline features suddenly contort.

Ares, I doubt any of the others would be willing to risk their immortality after what happened before.

He gives a sigh as Ares' eyes burn into him.

All right, I'll talk to them.

With that there is a blinding flash as the god of the sun disappears.

CUT TO:

12. EXT. SMALL LAKE - EARLY EVENING

The lake acts as a mirror to the shimmering hues of pink orange and purple that stretch across the sky as the sun begins to set.

The white columns of Aphrodite's temple reflect in the ripples of the lake. Shadows from the olive trees stretch longer and longer along the meadow.

Three figures stand beside the lake. Aphrodite is beside herself with a mix of rage at Ares and worry over her chosen one, Xena and Eve. Her pacing only serves to make Xena tenser.

Xena's jaw clenches as she scans the horizon for any sign of Eve.

Gabrielle tries to comfort her soul-mate when she sees a dark figure appear on the slope just behind Xena.

Eve! Thank the gods!

Xena spins to face her daughter. Both Gabrielle and Xena rush to embrace the weary traveler. Eve's face brightens at the sound of her name and the sight of her mother and Gabrielle.

Mother, Gabrielle!

All three embrace. But Xena quickly breaks her hold and looks at her daughter with a worried frown.

Hi there, Eve... It's been a while...

Eve returns the smile, somewhat apprehensively. She turns to Xena.

Mother, what is it?

Xena puts her arm around her daughter's shoulder and gently but firmly steers her toward Aphrodite's temple.

It's Ares. We've got trouble.

CUT TO:

13. INTERIOR OF APHRODITE'S TEMPLE

The temple is still beautiful with smooth white marble columns ringing the hall. Where once there were bowls of lush fruit and fresh flowers, only dust and dried petals lay. Golden statues of the Goddess of Love glisten in the light of the oil lamps as the last orange rays of the setting sun recede.

Okay, what's going on?

Ares is up to something...apparently he wants to kill us--again!

What's burning a hole in his britches, now?!

A few things. But he's really ticked that he's losing followers to this one god of yours...

Well he better get used to it because people don't want to follow the ways of war anymore.

I tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't listen to a word I said.

Aphrodite grabs her forehead and begins to pace again.

Oh why can't he leave well enough alone!

Xena puts a firm hand on the goddess' shoulder.

You've got to stop this now. I need everyone thinking with a clear head. And that includes you, if at all possible!

The goddess nods and takes a deep breath.

Cupid appears visibly distressed.

Mom, we got trouble, big trouble.

And you're not gonna like what Uncle Ares is up to!

All heads turn to hear his report.

Ares is trying to gather more gods to help him and Apollo.

From what I could hear, he's looking to capture all three of you...

Something about this all being a game...

This doesn't sound good at all... not at all...

Xena turns and glares at Aphrodite as Gabrielle places a reassuring hand on the goddess shoulder.

You've got to calm down, Dite... You won't be able to help us come up with a plan if you're going to stress over this... Remember... You're a goddess...

Xena picks up the pacing where Aphrodite leaves off. She is scratching her chin, deep in thought.

Not you too... You're both making me dizzy...

Xena looks at both Gabrielle and Eve; the fire clearly noticeable in her eyes.

He wants a game. Then we'll give him a game.

The first thing we need to do is split up. You and Gabrielle need to find help. At first light I want you both to head for the Amazon village... Find Varia. See if the Amazons will help us...

I don't know, Mother. The last thing the Amazons would want to do is have anything to do with what I may be involved in...

There's always that possibility, Eve. But it's the only way. You and Gabrielle have to find the Amazons and convince them to help us because we're going to need all the help we can get if Ares is successful in recruiting the remaining gods.

What are you going to do?

Xena turns her attention to the Goddess.

I'm going to work on a plan with Aphrodite.

Any ideas?

There may be something in one of Hephaestus' workshops that can help us.

Then we should go and check them out...

Xena reaches out and draws Eve close. She gives Eve a tight hug. She whispers something in her ear and releases her daughter.

As for you, go back and keep an eye on your uncle.

Look, I don't want any part of this.

You're already a part of this. Ares must be stopped. Do you think he's not going to take revenge on anyone who didn't side with him?

Xena's right. The gods that don't side with him are as good as dead... So, you might as well go down fighting.

Yeah, you got a point there.

Okay, I'm outta here. See ya later.

Cupid vanishes as the Warrior Princess gives Gabrielle a knowing look, clasps her shoulders and then nods to Aphrodite.

In a flash of pink sparkles both the warrior and the goddess disappear.

FADE OUT: