FADE IN:

14. INT. ZEUS INNER CHAMBER - MOUNT OLYMPUS - LATE NIGHT

The room is free of battle scars. A light covering of dust has settled on everything. There are some cobwebs in the corners, and the cracks in the white marble are from age and neglect.

In the center of the room, we see Ares leaning over a small, rounded, waist-high, white marble pool, which radiates with an eerie light, casting his face in a bluish-green glow.

He waves his hand over the glass-like surface of water. It wavers for a moment, and then becomes milky.

As the water clears, we see Xena and Aphrodite in dark, dreary surroundings. They are talking earnestly, but we can't hear them.

A low, frustrated growl issues from his throat and deep furrows form on his brow.

He impatiently waves his hand again and sees Eve and Gabrielle, sitting at a campfire, talking.

With a slow pass of his hand, their voices become audible. A cruel grin begins to form on his face.

CUT TO:

15. ZEUS' WINDOW:

Gabrielle and a worried Eve sit by the campfire.

You've come a long way from your days as Livia, Eve. I'm sure the Amazons have put all that in the past.

Maybe--but if they haven't, we're going to have a hard time convincing them to help us.

CUT TO:

16. INT. ZEUS' INNER CHAMBER:

Ares' eavesdropping is interrupted by a blinding flash of light as Apollo appears. He quickly moves his hand over the surface of the waters as Apollo approaches him.

The image in the pool disappears.

Ares, the news isn't good. As I suspected, none of the gods will join us.

The fools! When this is over, and I've won....

When WE'VE won...

Right. Whatever... we've won... I'll take care of them! They'll regret not joining us.

I see you've mastered Zeus' Window to the mortal plane...

Not quite. But I've seen Xena's with Aphrodite. Unfortunately I couldn't hear what they were talking about. On the other hand, Eve and Gabrielle are together...alone. From the little I overheard, they're going to try and get help from the Amazons.

And that means only one thing. Aphrodite's sided with them...

Did you have any doubts that she wouldn't?

No, this is why I have another plan.

I can see this 'game' is going to take many interesting twists...

A grinning Ares snaps his fingers and the god Hermes appears.

Hermes approaches the gods slowly. He gazes from the dark face of Ares to the golden face of Apollo with distrust.

I had a feeling I'd be summoned here. So, what do you need from me?

Apollo, curious, cocks his head and listens intently.

I have a message I want you to take to Caesar, Emperor of Rome.

Tell him that I will give him the whereabouts of one Amazon Queen and Livia, the traitor of Rome.

Ares snaps his fingers and a scroll appears in his hand.

You will not give this scroll to him unless he promises to put both of them in the gladiatorial games in the Coliseum.

And what's in it for me?

Ares cocks a brow and raises a hand. A ball of energy begins to form.

Your immortality!

The energy ball sails past Hermes shoulders as the messenger of the gods dodges out of its path.

A bit touchy, aren't we?

But since you seem to be dead set on getting yourself killed, I'll be glad to deliver your message.

Hermes takes the scroll from Ares, nods and disappears.

Now... where was I?

As I see it, with Aphrodite working with her little mortal friends, the rules of the game will change, but only slightly. Instead of us facing off with them, we simply let the Romans handle our dirty work.

Ahhhh... I see... We simply stand back and manipulate. Much as we once did. I like this plan...

Grinning, Ares materializes two goblets of wine. He hands one to Apollo.

PAN OUT:

17. EXT. ZEUS' INNER CHAMBER:

Behind a pillar, just out of sight, Cupid is hiding. He has heard everything. A dark expression clouds his face as he disappears.

CUT TO:

18. INT. HEPHAESTUS WORKSHOP - NIGHT

The workshop has been abandoned for many years. Dust and cobwebs cover everything, from the weapons displayed along the craggy walls, to the great forge that lays silent.

The only light comes from the glow of the lava pit below and the few torches left on the cavern walls.

There is an overpowering sense of sadness.

Aphrodite stares at the pitiful state of the workshop.

Xena feels her chest constrict with feelings of guilt. She looks up mournfully at Aphrodite and whispers in a soft voice.

Aphrodite, for whatever it's worth... I'm sorry.

I was only ...

The goddess seems lost in thought. She turns to Xena and puts her hand up as if to stop Xena from saying more.

Xena, I know. I know. I miss him terribly. My grief was so strong that it almost killed me after he died.

Aphrodite chokes back tears. Then she shakes her head and takes a deep breath, looks at Xena and a small smile forms on her sad face.

If it wasn't for you and Gabrielle rescuing me from Caligula, I would have died too. You two saved my life. I owe you for that, no matter what happened in the past. Hephaestus was just as much a fool as the rest of them.

A flash of light interrupts the hushed conversation as Cupid materializes.

Mother, Xena! Ares has been using Zeus' scrying pool. He knows you've sided with the mortals! He's sent Hermes to tell the Emperor of Rome about Eve and Gabrielle! Something about games at the Coliseum!

What in Tartarus is Zeus' scrying pool?

Oh that... it's a magical pool of water that let's the gods spy in on the mortals. How do you think we know most of what we know about you folks?

At this news, Xena curses herself. She looks at Aphrodite and stares straight into her eyes.

You mean to tell me he can hear everything we're saying right now?!

Down here? No way. Hephaestus made certain of that...

they can't hear OR see us!

You're sure!?

Aphrodite nods and twirls a lock of golden hair.

Aphrodite, there must be a way to rid this world of the god of war, once and for all!

Aphrodite's face turns pale.

Xena, you know we can't do that. As much as I hate to say it the world needs Ares to maintain the balance. We both know what happens when there's no god of war. Remember what happened when Ares lost his sword?

Mortals just lost their ability to control their anger, and rage. No matter how peaceful and loving a mortal is, without Ares they become worse than the worst warlord.

Remembering what happened to Gabrielle, Xena nods.

There's got to be SOMETHING we can do!

CUT TO:

19. INT. PALACE OF CAESAR - LATE NIGHT

Hermes flies gracefully into the great hall of Caesar. His winged feet land in front of a large marble desk at which Caesar is seated. Scrolls cover the desk along with ink pots, quills seals, a carafe of wine, a bowl of fruit and a golden goblet.

Caesar looks up from his scroll and is startled to see Hermes before him.

Caesar rises to his feet.

What brings the messenger of the Gods to me!?

I bring to you a message from Ares, God of War.

And, pray tell... just what message would the Greek god of war see fit to send me?!

Hermes approaches the marble desk.

Would you be interested in knowing the whereabouts of an Amazon Queen?

Perhaps...Livia, traitor to Rome?

Perhaps...and why would your great Ares wish to give me this information? What does he want from the Emperor of Rome?

Don't know... Don't care. I'm just the messenger here.

Hermes brings his right hand up and looks at his fingernails.

Interested or not?

Caesar studies the Greek God for a long, silent moment.

Very well. I will accept this gift from Ares. But, I promise him nothing in return!

Hermes removes the scroll from the folds of his garment and waves it in front of Caesar's nose.

Not even the promise to put both fine specimens in the gladiatorial games of Rome?

Caesar makes a grab for the scroll, but Hermes is quick to retract it.

Uh-uh-uh... promise first...

That I can promise! Tell the god of war that the Emperor thanks him for his gift.

Hermes snaps his fingers and disappears.

Romulus! Summon my Praetorian General!

The young guard salutes and rushes our of the room and down the hall.

Caesar paces impatiently as he studies the map on the scroll. A sinister grin crosses his lips.

Finally, I have you, Livia! You will pay for your treachery to Rome... and for your betrayal of our gods...

And as for you, Amazon Queen! You escaped death once at our hands, but not this time. You will fight or die in the area!

A general in full regalia marches in and stands at attention before Caesar.

Send word to our slavers in Greece that a great prize is near at hand. An Amazon Queen and Livia, Traitor of Rome are within our grasp! They will be traveling alone. Have them brought to me unharmed. I have great plans for them.

See to it that the messenger gives Trombonius this map.

The General gives a curt nod, takes the map from Caesar and salutes by bringing his right fist to his chest, pivots on his heals and marches out, his purple cape floating behind him.

CUT TO:

20. EDGE OF AMAZON TERRITORY: MID MORNING

Eve and Gabrielle are making their way through a great forest. They have been walking since dawn and appear tired.

Gabrielle, I'm worried.

Gabrielle turns towards Eve. Her expression is one of concern. She reaches out to and puts a hand on Eve's shoulder.

It'll be all right, Eve. The Amazons will help us. I know it. And with Aphrodite helping Xena, I'm sure...

It's not that....I'm worried about the Amazons! I know they love you but I know in their hearts they still hate me. I can't bear to face them again.

I'm so ashamed of what I did to them as Livia.

The two women stop. Gabrielle looks lovingly up at Eve. Compassion fills her face. With a gentle hand, she wipes the tears from Eve's cheek and places her hands firmly on Eve's shoulders.

All those things you did as Livia are in the past. True, you can't erase them. There is nothing you can do to bring back the dead. You know that. No one can erase the past. But you've changed. You found the light inside of you and you've atoned for your sins.

The Amazons have accepted that.

Michael told you that you are the Messenger of the One God. Your deeds since the crucifixion of His only living son, have given new hope to many people. News of this one god has been spreading throughout the lands, including the Amazons. So, don't let your regrets overcome you!

Eve nods slowly in agreement and smiles weakly as Gabrielle takes her in a warm embrace.

Now, come on. We've still got a way to go...

CUT TO:

21. INSIDE THE DARK FOREST - NOON

In the trees, high above the ground, a wood and feathers masked, warrior watches as strangers below make their way through the forest.

She turns to a tree several feet away, where two other warrior women crouch in the branches. She points to her eyes, then at the approaching strangers.

Quietly she removes her bow and prepares an arrow for release. The others follow suite.

On the ground, Eve and Gabrielle trudge onward, listening intently for any sound of the Amazons. Their eyes scan the dark undergrowth for any sign of movement.

The sun is high in the blue sky, when suddenly, several arrows whiz by the heads of the two startled women.

Immediately Gabrielle raises her hands high above her head with her palms pressed against together, the sign of a fellow Amazon.

Three toned leather clad bodies drop from the trees surrounding the women. Each wears a carved wood and feathered mask. The one in front of Gabrielle lifts her mask and speaks.

Who enters the lands of the Amazons? Who are you to sign that you are one of us?

I am Queen Gabrielle. I am here to seek and audience with my regent, Varia. This is my companion Eve. We have traveled a long distance this day. Take us to Varia now.

The three Amazons stare at each other in amazement. Immediately they drop to one knee and bow before her.

I'm sorry, Queen Gabrielle. It has been a long time since you have been with our tribe. I didn't recognize you. Forgive my insolence.

The three sentries rise at once. The speaker motions to her right.

Please follow us.

CUT TO:

22. A CLEARING IN THE FOREST - THE AMAZON VILLAGE

The Amazon women are going about their daily chores; tending horses, children, carrying firewood to their huts; some are in the midst of practicing their combat skills as the three Amazon sentries approach the village with their guests.

A sentry at the village entrance brings her spear up, but upon recognizing Gabrielle, lowers it and bows her head.

As the women enter the town, a ram's horn is blown announcing the arrival of special guests.

As the five of them walk through the community, the women stop whatever it is they are doing. Heads turn as the group passes.

The older women recognize Gabrielle immediately and bow down on one knee. The younger women, seeing their elders kneel, immediately do the same.

Varia steps out of her hut, a curious expression on her face. The two guards positioned outside her door salute her.

Gabrielle! Is it really you?!

She rushes over to Gabrielle and embraces her warmly. As she straightens she looks coolly at Eve, but extends a hand in greeting.

Eve... It is also good to see you...

Varia turns her attention to the three escorts.

You may return to your posts...

They nod and jog back the way they came.

The regent Queen puts her arm around Gabrielle's shoulder and leads both women into her hut. The two guards return to attention as the flap closes behind them.

What brings our Queen back to us? Have you decided to settle down? And where is Xena? I can't believe you traveled here without her!

Varia, it's really good to see you again. I know I've been away too long. And no, I haven't decided YET that it's time to settle down and I wish I were coming to you under happier circumstances, but...

... we are in great danger and need your help...

Varia motions them to be seated at the small wooden table in the center of the hut.

She reaches for the carafe in the center of the table and pours each of them a drink before taking a seat herself.

This sounds not only serious, Gabrielle... but ominous as well. What danger are you in? From whom?

Eve sits silently with her head slightly bowed, allowing Gabrielle to explain their dilemma.

It's Ares, only this time he has enlisted Apollo and by now there may be many more gods on his side.

To what end? I don't understand...

Have you heard about the One God? The god of the Hebrews?

We have heard of this one god... and of your battle with the demons that threatened to take over the world from the pits of Tartarus... upon the death of the one who was called His son...

What you heard is true...

Is it also true that he rose from the dead?

Yes. It's all true. We saw him at Galilee when he went out to his apostles. He showed us his wounds and his side where the Roman sword pierced his heart...

Varia's brows rise in awe.

Well, Ares is threatened by this one god and he's determined to rid the world of their belief in Him and to do that he plans to kill me, Xena and Eve, his messenger. Varia, we need your help!

Varia stares at Gabrielle intently. Her expression shifts almost imperceptibly from curiosity, to disbelief, to anger. She gives a deep sigh and then rises to her feet.

If our Queen is in danger, then we must act to protect you. You may stay here until we gather more of our numbers. We will need all the help we can get if we are to defend you against Ares.

Varia strides to the entrance of her hut and gives a command to her guard.

Have the drums summon our sister tribes. I need audience with them by nightfall.

The younger of the two women nods and runs off. Soon drums can be heard beating out the message.

Varia returns to face her guests.

You and Eve will sleep here tonight. I will meet with my lieutenants and tell them of this. When the others arrive, we will all meet with them. In the meantime, our cook will bring you something to eat.

As Varia turns to leave, Gabrielle rises and grasps her left arm. Varia turns to face her; a look of deep concern evident on her scarred but still beautiful face.

Varia, I know that there is great danger in our being here. I want you to know that Xena is working with Aphrodite to find a way to put a stop to Ares' madness. I only hope they can act before any Amazon blood is shed.

We are grateful for your help and the sacrifice this means to the Amazon nation.

Varia gives a stern nod in acknowledgement and quickly marches out of the hut.

FADE OUT: