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ACT TWO
20. EXT. WOODS – NIGHT
FADE IN.
Directly beneath the path of the urn is a smooth rock about 8 inches in diameter. The murderer hits the ground hard, as Gabrielle dives for the urn and catches it before it hits the stone.
GABRIELLE
(sigh of relief)
WHEW! That was way too close!
As Gabrielle tucks the urn into her pack, she feels a chill down her neck. Turning, she looks up to see a sword descending. She rolls to her right, cradling the urn protectively in her arms. The sword embeds itself into the earth, just inches from her head. The assassin, tugging to free the blade, is kicked hard by Gabrielle’s left foot, catching him under the chin. He goes down in a heap. Gabrielle jumps to his side and does a quick one/two jab to his throat.
GABRIELLE
(menacingly)
Okay, you have 30 seconds to tell me why you murdered the kannushi and stole Xena’s urn!
The assassin weakly shakes his head no. Gabrielle rips off the scarf concealing his features. In the dim moonlight she gazes down at the face of a man in his early forties, who bears a strong resemblance to … AKEMI! Gabrielle inhales sharply.
GABRIELLE
Tell me or you will die here, without honor!
ASSASSIN
(gasping)
I did it for my father!
GABRIELLE
(puzzled)
Your father?
The man nods weakly. Gabrielle gives two quick jabs, the man jerks and then starts to breathe again as a small droplet of blood trickles from his left nostril.
CUT TO:
21. EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Mioto comes rushing out of the woods.
MIOTO
Gabrielle! Are you hurt?
GABRIELLE
No, I’m fine. This is the killer of Kai-i-Choku. He says he killed for his father. Do you recognize him?
MIOTO
He looks familiar. I have seen him in the village often. Perhaps the elders will know more.
GABRIELLE
Let’s get him back to the temple.
Gabrielle takes the sash off the prisoner and binds his arms behind his back. She bends down and picks up the sword and hands it to Mioto. They walk off pushing the prisoner before them.
DISSOLVE TO:
22. INT. MAIN TEMPLE – NIGHT
Gabrielle and Mioto enter with the prisoner. The halls are bustling with villagers and monks, carrying lumber, flora, and musical instruments. They can hear hammering and chanting. A monk sees them approach, and hurries off to fetch the elders. Another rushes up to them and as he nears, Mioto turns to Gabrielle.
MIOTO
Gabrielle, I must take the warrior’s urn to the Guji. She must be present during the kessai performed to purify the holy men…
Another young monk joins them and bids them to follow him. Gabrielle reluctantly removes Xena’s urn from her backpack and hands it to Mioto.
GABRIELLE
(pleadingly)
Don’t let anything happen to it, please, Mioto.
MIOTO
(nods as he takes the urn)
You have my word, Gabrielle.
Mioto rushes down the long hall toward the shamusho, where both he and Gabrielle had first met the kannushi. Gabrielle pushes the assassin forward, and they follow the young monk down the opposite end of the corridor. Villagers and other monks stare as they pass them in the halls.
They stop in front of a closed door. The young monk steps inside the small windowless room. He strikes a flint, lighting a small oil lamp hanging on the wall. There are a few mats in a corner.
MONK
Please, put the prisoner in here.
Gabrielle pushes the assassin in. He struggles briefly and loses his balance, falling. He rolls to his knees and spits at Gabrielle’s feet.
PRISONER
Filthy foreign devil! Your friend will never come back. Yodoshi will see to it.
Gabrielle glares coldly at the prisoner before she and the monk exit the room.
DISSOLVE TO:
23. INT. TEMPLE CORRIDOR - NIGHT
The corridor has started to fill with the curious. Several monks are whispering among themselves. They grow silent as Mioto and Kai-i-Jo appear, hurriedly walking toward Gabrielle, the young monk trailing behind them.
KAI-I-JO
Ichiro tells me you have captured Kai—i-Choku’s killer. Now his kami will rest in peace, knowing justice will prevail.
GABRIELLE
What is going to happen to him?
KAI-I-JO
He will be executed.
GABRIELLE
For the murder of Kai-i-Choku?
KAI-I-JO
And for profaning the temple.
GABRIELLE
He said he did it for his father.
KAI-I-JO
(looking confused)
His father? Who is his father?
GABRIELLE
I don’t know. But he looks very much like Akemi, and he said Yodoshi would see that Xena wouldn’t come back. I have a feeling his father might be Yodoshi.
KAI-I-JO
(distressed look on his face)
This does not bode well for the village.
(a beat)
This man’s kami must be purified… Leave him to me. I will tell you what, if anything, I can find out.
Mioto pulls Gabrielle gently away.
MIOTO
Come Gabrielle. There is nothing you can do now. You must offer your thoughts and prayers to the deities… bid them join us on the morrow…
Gabrielle nods and reluctantly allows Mioto to lead her down the hall.
FADE OUT.
24. INT. HOLDING CELL – NIGHT
Kai-i-Jo paces before the prisoner, hands behind his back. He stops abruptly in front of him.
KAI-I-JO
You might as well tell me who you are and why you have risked so much to steal the warrior’s ashes.
PRISONER
I will tell you nothing. Do your worst.
Kai-I-Jo notices the dried blood on the prisoner’s upper lip.
KAI-I-JO
(continued)
Perhaps I should just let the foreign female deal with you. She is most angered that you stole her friend’s ashes. Of course, if she kills you, you will be dishonored and your soul will never find peace.
(a beat)
Deal with me and when your time comes, you will at least die honorably.
PRISONER
(struggling to free his hands)
Why do you care what becomes of me?
KAI-I-JO
Because it is my duty to see that all people permit the good kami to direct them and reject the evil kami that try to corrupt them.
PRISONER
I am doing the honorable thing. My father was destroyed by the foreign warrior. She is to blame. My father said...
He abruptly halts his words.
KAI-I-JO
(sneeringly)
Your father said what? Who is your father? Or do you not name him because you are ashamed of him?
PRISONER
(proudly)
My father was the great Yodoshi. All revered and respected him. He cries out for vengeance! As his only son, it is my duty to help him, to free him so he can become what he once was. I will be there at his side, helping him. His lands will be mine. He promised me!
KAI-I-JO
(scornfully)
You believe him? A man who killed his family, killed innocent people and stole their lands, a creature who caused thousands to die and then ate their souls? Pah! I have no use for you. Nor do I believe Yodoshi can come back. He was destroyed by Xena!
PRISONER
(smugly - still trying to free his hands)
Much you know! My father is great. His essence is still alive, imprisoned in the very wea…
The prisoner stops abruptly.
KAI-I-JO
Yes, imprisoned where? Tell me! If you wish to die honorably, you will TELL ME!
The prisoner gives the elder a defiant look and turns away.
Seeing that no more is to be gained, Kai-i-Jo leaves, barring the door behind him. The young monk, Ichiro, stands outside.
KAI-I-JO
Guard this door, let no one but an elder inside. And stay alert!
Ichiro bows respectfully as the Kai-i-Jo rushes down the corridor.
CUT TO:
25. INT. TEMPLE HALLS - NIGHT
Mioto and Gabrielle walk through the halls. Monks and villagers dart about in a seemingly random pattern, however upon closer look, we see that each is performing a specific task.
Behind them in a spacious room, torch fires dance illuminating an elaborate ceremony comprised of monks and villagers. Music can be heard floating through the air, graceful and serene.
GABRIELLE
(sighs)
Tell me, Mioto… What is it exactly that I must do to fulfill my duties?
MIOTO
In the Haiden, you must pray throughout the night. While in prayer, let your thoughts and memories of your friend fill your mind and your heart.
GABRIELLE
(smiling weakly)
That shouldn’t be too hard to do… I remember a great deal that is good and honorable about Xena…
(a beat)
What about you and the other kannushi?
MIOTO
I shall join my brothers for the kessai. We must all be purified in thought and in kami, before dawn. The kessai will go on throughout the night.
Mioto smiles.
They hear someone walking behind them. In unison they stop and turn. It is Kai-i-Jo, a troubled look on his face. Mioto and Gabrielle bow respectfully towards him.
MIOTO
(continued)
What is troubling you, Kai-i-Jo?
KAI-I-JO
The assassin is the son of Yodoshi. If the Dark One can contact his son, who knows what other havoc he can wreak? We thought he had been destroyed. But it appears, wherever his kami has gone, he still corrupts the weak and selfish.
(resignedly)
He had started to say where Yodoshi’s kami is imprisoned, but stopped. I am afraid we will get no more from him tonight.
Gabrielle’s eyes dart towards the assassin’s cell, a determined look on her face. As if sensing what she was thinking, Kai-i-Jo puts a hand on her shoulder.
KAI-I-JO
(continued)
No, Gabrielle. There is no time. You must fulfill your obligation in this matter. Mioto will take you to the Haiden. He will get you at sunrise. Tonight we must not only purify ourselves, but we must make certain Yodoshi cannot reach another corrupted soul…
Gabrielle realizes he is right. She and Mioto bow towards him then leave.
CUT TO:
26. EXT. TEMPLE - NIGHT
In the sacred garden, monks are picking flowers by torchlight. They are chanting "kakuriyo, amatsukami, kunisukami, we beckon you to the great purification ceremony."
As the baskets fill, others take them out to the stables where the carpenters and flower arrangers are preparing the biers.
DISSOLVE TO:
27. EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT
A monk dressed in the traditional white of his rank leads a procession of musicians and dancers through the streets of Higuchi. He sprinkles the ground and buildings with waters from the temple’s sacred fountain. On either side of him, his brothers hold up torches and spread small handfuls of white salt as the villagers watch from windows and doors, bowing their heads in respect as the monks and musicians pass their homes.
DISSOLVE TO:
28. INT. HAIDEN - NIGHT
Gabrielle is alone in her temple room. She glances toward an open window that looks out into the sacred garden. She can hear the chanting of the monks and villagers as they work. She walks to the window and looks up at the waning moon.
GABRIELLE
(with hope in her voice)
I hope nothing interferes… I can’t fail Xena, now… I can’t…
(beat)
I can't!
Gabrielle sighs, and walks over to a pillow where she kneels. She claps her hand once. Palms pressed together she closes her eyes, and goes into deep prayer.
FADE OUT.
29. INT. HOLDING CELL – NIGHT
The assassin is pacing back and forth, struggling to free his hands. Finally he manages to wiggle them free. He rubs his wrists, then suddenly stops, cocking his head as if listening to something.
VOICE
(filtered)
You are weak. Incompetent. Useless. When did you turn into a woman, Saburo?
The assassin responds to the voice.
SABURO
I am sorry. Please forgive me.
VOICE
(filtered)
How can I forgive your failure? How can I forgive your letting that foreign woman defeat the son of Yodoshi?!
CUT TO:
30. INT. HALL OUTSIDE HOLDING CELL - NIGHT
Hearing a voice from inside the cell, Ichiro steps closer to the door and presses his ear against the smooth surface to listen.
SABURO
(pleading)
Please, grant me another chance. I will not fail.
CUT TO:
31. INT. HOLDING CELL – NIGHT
VOICE
(filtered)
You had your chance...for everything. You nearly told that accursed Kai-i-Jo where my kami is imprisoned. At least you had the forethought to hold your tongue.
Saburo falls to his knees, his head bowed. Quiet sobs wrack his body.
VOICE
(filtered)
(continued)
That is what I expect from you. Tears mourning your lack of strength. You are no son of mine!
Saburo fumbles around in his garments and pulls out a short dagger. With a moan of despair, he unceremoniously thrusts the blade into his abdomen, then falls forward, pushing the blade deeper.
VOICE
(filtered)
(continued)
How pathetic... Even in seppuku he cries out...
CUT TO:
32. INT. TEMPLE HALL - NIGHT
Upon hearing the muffled moan within the cell, Ichiro opens the door to find the assassin dead by his own hand. Ichiro rushes off to find the Kai-i-Jo.
FADE OUT.
33. INT. SAIKAN - NIGHT
FADE IN.
Ichiro enters. Many of the monks are dressed in their Saifuku for the ceremony. He peers over the heads of the milling crowd, seeking the Kai-i-Jo and spots him at the front of the huge room, standing beside others of his rank. Silently he makes his way through the rows of monks and lower echelon kannushi until he reaches him. Ichiro leans in and whispers in Kai-i-Jo’s ear. Kai-i-Jo looks at him with disbelief and turns to the Guji, who is standing beside him.
KAI-I-JO
(to Guji)
Guji, Ichiro has informed me the assassin has killed himself. Please go on with the kessai. I will be back shortly.
GUJI
(nods)
Do what you must. But do not be late for the final ceremony. It is important that we are all cleansed.
KAI-I-JO
(bows)
I shall not be long…
DISSOLVE TO:
34. INT. CORRIDORS OF HONDEN - NIGHT
The two men walk hurriedly through the corridors.
KAI-I-JO
Tell me what you heard before opening the door…
ICHIRO
I heard him talking… It sounded as if he were speaking to someone… But there was no one else in the room…
KAI-I-JO
(shaking head)
This does not bode well, Ichiro. For if he was speaking to the hidden world, then there are other forces at work… evil kami… if he was speaking to his father, Yodoshi, we are not rid of him! His evil lives on… imprisoned somewhere…
ICHIRO
(nodding)
What shall we do?
KAI-I-JO
(solemnly – shaking head in despair)
I do not know… All is in the hands of the deities we beseech to join us…
DISSOLVE TO:
35. INT. HOLDING CELL – NIGHT
A wispy essence rises from the crumpled body of Saburo. He smiles and fades. A moment later, the kami of Kai-i-Choku appears. He glances down at the corpse. He raises his head, spreads his arms and closes his eyes.
KAI-I-CHOKU
(to the deities and kami in the hidden world)
By the mercifulness of justice, purity and righteousness, I beg of you… lead me to the kami of the body that lies here…
Speeding streams of multicolored lights engulf the kami of Kai-i-Choku and he vanishes.
DISSOLVE TO:
36. INT. HAIDEN - NIGHT
Gabrielle is kneeling before the tier of flickering scented candles. Wisps of incense rise from the censers on either side of the tier. Gabrielle is deep in prayer. Her thoughts are of Xena and all the things Xena has done to atone for her past evil deeds. As she prays, she has a vision of Xena standing in a garden… she whispers the warrior’s name…
GABRIELLE
(softly)
Xena…
DISSOLVE TO:
37. EXT. GARDEN – TIMELESS
Xena walks into frame, stepping out of a mist. She appears to be both distracted and distraught. Drained, she sits by a waterfall and looks into the koi-filled pond. Xena’s fingertips touch the top of the water. We see a misty image of Gabrielle appear.
XENA
(to image of Gabrielle in pond)
I've been trying to return to you, Gabrielle...I really have. But I can't seem to get away from here. Something is holding me back, and I don’t know what it is.
(beat)
I try to walk away, but just as the mist starts to clear, I find myself back where I started...and without you.
(sighs)
I know you can't hear me...but maybe you can feel me. Please know that I will find my way back you to. Don't give up hope… and don’t worry about me. I'm safe and in good hands...
CUT TO:
38. EXT. GARDEN – TIMELESS
Behind her, a figure steps out of the mist. It is Borias. He watches her for a long moment, listening. He shakes his head sympathetically and takes several steps forward.
BORIAS
(in his thick, heavy accent)
You couldn’t teach a dog to bark, Xena… How do you expect to find your path back to your friend?
Borias saunters to where Xena is seated. Xena startled to hear his voice, turns and stands quickly to her feet.
XENA
(surprised)
Borias!? What are you doing here?
BORIAS
(shrugs)
I was summoned… Told that an old friend needed my help… and so, here I am.
He spreads his arms slightly and approaches Xena and embraces her. Hesitantly she returns the embrace.
BORIAS
You know, Xena… in may ways you were a competent warrior. But when it came to making judgment on people, you were, in many ways… foolish.
XENA
(shrugs)
Yeah, well… I couldn’t have done too bad… We were stuck with one another for a while.
BORIAS
(laughs)
We had some good times… but our relationship was stormy at best, no? Both headstrong. Both greedy for wealth and power… and in at least one instance… it has come back to haunt you in not such a good way…
(he spreads his arms and looks around)
Just look at where it’s gotten you…
XENA
(nonchalantly)
I’ve been in worse situations…
BORIAS
(nods contemplatively)
Perhaps… but you always managed to come out on top… this time… it appears to have blinded you to many truths… then and now… Your own pathetic need to atone refusing to let you see the errors of your decisions…
XENA
(turning from him)
You don’t know what you’re talking about, Borias…
BORIAS
(shrugs)
Xena, you would be surprised at what I know… death is a learning experience… it teaches us many things… prepares us for another time and place…
(beat)
I knew things then as well. And I knew the whole thing felt wrong… she played you, Xena…
XENA
(cutting Borias off)
I was foolish! And my actions caused a lot of death, pain and anguish… There are times people have to face up to their actions… take responsibility for the things they’ve done…
BORIAS
Perhaps. Or perhaps you have merely grown weary of life… perhaps it was just too much for you to go on… and you decided this time… would be the last time you would put yourself through death… finalize it…
XENA
You don’t know what you’re talking about! Why would I do that?
BORIAS
(shrugs)
A misplaced sense of guilt, perhaps? Your need to prove worthiness? Your need to seek approval? Martyrdom?
XENA
(spins to face Borias)
Martyr!? You think I’ve decided to atone for what I did for these people to be considered a martyr!?
BORIAS
(spreads arms slightly)
I don’t know, Xena… Why have you decided to remain here? Akemi told you that you have redeemed yourself… you have redeemed her… you have redeemed the 40,000… So…
Borias begins to fade away.
BORIAS
(continued)
Why are you here?
CUT TO:
39. INT. HAIDEN – PREDAWN
A gong sounds and Gabrielle awakens to find herself on the floor, her head on the pillow. She looks around, gathering her bearings, her dream and vision a fading blur. Mioto appears at the entrance. He is holding clothing, her sais and Xena’s chakram. Resting on top are a pair of boots. He bows and enters.
MIOTO
It is time.
With a nod Gabrielle rises and bows.
MIOTO
(hands Gabrielle the garments)
Your weapons have been purified… These garments have also been purified. Put them on. I'll await you, outside.
Mioto turns and leaves.
Gabrielle places the sais and chakram on the pillow. Unfolding the garments, she sees that it is armor, similar to the one Xena had worn. There is a silver breastplate with an etching of a dragon, similar to the tattoo drawn on her back by Akemi. There is a cape with the same design. The bottom is a skirt of dark green suede leather, trimmed in silver. Boots of the same material complete the outfit. Gabrielle begins to dress.
DISSOLVE TO:
40. EXT. TEMPLE - DAWN
Gabrielle and Mioto walk out of the temple and start towards an open field for the last of the ceremonies, an archery contest. A narrow lane is marked off by ropes. Four men mounted on horseback, holding bows and dressed in red, blue, white and green wait for the signal to begin.
MIOTO
This is a contest of great skill and daring. Riding on galloping horses, each archer takes two turns at firing his arrows at a small target. The most hits in the center determine the winner. The archers fire as many arrows as they can before they are past the target. Each archer is dressed in a different color hanten. His arrows bear the same colors.
GABRIELLE
(nods)
What's the purpose of the archery contest?
MIOTO
This is the final ceremony to please the deities. Two of the four archers will be the ones to take the biers of flowers to the summit of Mount Fuji, the throne of the deities. Then we start the ceremonies to ask for their presence so that we, or rather you, can present your case on Xena's behalf.
(pause)
Something happened last night, Gabrielle. The assassin committed seppuku…
GABRIELLE
Oh no! What happens now?
MIOTO
We do not know... The Kai-i-jo has purified his cell and did what he could for the body, but he is afraid that Yodoshi's kami may be able to touch the kami of those who are weak… We have been performing ceremonies since late last night to prevent Yodoshi from reaching out to anyone else, but until he tries again, we will not know if it worked.
They walk on in silence.
DISSOLVE TO:
41. EXT. ARCHERY RANGE - DAWN
Gabrielle and Mioto find the kannushi and stand side by side in full view of the archery range and bow to the kais.
The Guji gives the signal to begin. One by one, the archers spur their horses into a full gallop. They ride down a narrow rope lane, drawing their bows and guiding the horses with their knees.
Mioto and Gabrielle turn to whisper to one another.
GABRIELLE
What do the biers represent?
MIOTO
One bier represents time: the past, the present and the future. The other represents planes of existence: man, heaven and earth.
The archers thunder past. First the one in blue fires three arrows. The white rider manages to get 4 arrows loosed. The green archer fires off 4 arrows as well. Finally the man in red gallops down the lane, he fires one arrow at the target then abruptly turns in his saddle and fires at Gabrielle and Mioto.
CUT TO:
42. EXT. ARCHERY RANGE - DAWN
Gabrielle, her senses always alert, reaches out and catches the arrow before it would have embedded itself in Miotos’s chest. As the archer in the red hanten, notches another arrow, Gabrielle hands Mioto the one in her hand and rushes onto the field.
CUT TO:
43. EXT. ARCHERY FIELD - DAWN
Before the would be assassin can fire the arrow he’s notched, a green arrow slices through his bowstring. The red arrow falls to the ground. Gabrielle, Mioto directly behind her, rushes towards the Kai-i-Jo who is already with the crowd. They have the erstwhile assassin in their grasp. As she arrives, he spits on the ground by Gabrielle's feet.
GABRIELLE
Please don't tell me he's another child of Yodoshi...
KAI-I-JO
No. He is one of our warriors and from an honorable family...Yodoshi must have gotten to him last night.
(addresses the archer)
Why would you do this, Haruto?
HARUTO
Master Yodoshi promised me everlasting life if I were to kill the one who dares bring back the accursed warrior who’s imprisoned his kami!
YODOSHI
(voice over – no one else hears him)
You are weak, Haruto. Do not tell them anything and you might regain my trust...
HARUTO
(to Yodoshi)
What I did was wrong! I let you blind me to the truth!
KAI-I-JO
Haruto! Are you saying Yodoshi's way is all you want?
YODOSHI
(voice over)
Well...is it?
HARUTO
(to Yodoshi, confused)
Is it what?
Gabrielle senses there is more going on here than the kannushi realize. She steps forward and, though Mioto tries to stop her, takes the face of the archer in her hands so she can look into his frightened eyes.
GABRIELLE
Is Yodoshi talking to you right now?
HARUTO
Yes...
YODOSHI
(voice over)
Break free and kill the foreign woman. Break her neck and join me!
HARUTO
NO!
Haruto forces his head from Gabrielle's hands and closes his eyes.
KAI-I-JO
Which one is it, Haruto?
Gabrielle puts her hands on him again.
GABRIELLE
Haruto...look at me, please.
YODOSHI
(voice over)
Do not disobey me.
GABRIELLE
Haruto. Be strong! Fight against him. He can't do anything to you.
HARUTO
Yes, he can...
GABRIELLE
No! Not any more! He’s powerless where he is now. Only if you let him completely into your soul can he do anything. And only THROUGH you! He’s USING you! Like a puppet to do his dirty work!
Haruto looks at Gabrielle, then at the Kai-i-Jo. There is an inner turmoil you can see on his face. Tears fill his frightened eyes.
HARUTO
(nods knowingly)
His kami is imprisoned in the sacred katana.
GABRIELLE
(excitedly)
I know where the katana is! It’s on Mount Fuji!
KAI-I-JO
Take him to the holding cell. We will deal with him when we get back. Archers, please continue.
The archery contest resumes. As the monks take away their prisoner, Kai-i-Jo places a firm hand on the shoulder of Mioto.
KAI-I-JO
Take three brothers with you and go to Mount Fuji now. Find and secure the katana.
MIOTO
(bows respectfully)
As you wish.
GABRIELLE
I’m going with you. I know where Xena fought him. I was there. I can help.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
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