God Fearing Child


This transcript is dedicated to the memory of Kevin Smith.


TEASER

Zeus is with the Fates.

ZEUS
My dreams are dark. There's danger. Illuminate
that section-

He touches a string.

ZEUS
-there, my Fates. Tell me.

CLOTHO
As it has been since time beyond remembering.
You will continue to rule supreme among supreme.

LACHESIS
Until such time, as a child not begotten by man
is born.

ATROPOS
A time that's fast approaching.

ZEUS
Nonsense. Everything that breathes upon this
Earth breathes because we've given it life.

Hera enters.

ZEUS
Our dominion here is eternal.

HERA
You told me once, dear husband, that all things must
come to an end. Why should we be any exception?

ZEUS
Because I have always been the master of
fate. I'm not about to become its servant.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena and Gabrielle's camp.

XENA
Oh Gabrielle. Come here, give me your hand.

Xena takes Gabrielle's hand and places it on her stomach.

XENA
No, no. Here.

Gabrielle feels the baby kick and gasps. Xena laughs.

GABRIELLE
That was a drop kick.

XENA
I know.

GABRIELLE
Just like Mom.

XENA
We are not alone.

GABRIELLE
Xena wait. I had a dream last night. You and I
were both giving birth to your baby. It was like it
was coming from both of us.

XENA
That's very nice. You know, if I could give ya half
the labor pains, I would do it.

Gabrielle chuckles.

GABRIELLE
Well, sadly, that's not the case.

XENA
This kid's going to change our lives completely.

GABRIELLE
Yeah. I'm gonna be more alert Xena. I'm worried
about its safety.

XENA
We do seem to find our share of trouble.

Hercules enters with a stuffed hydra toy.

HERCULES
Yeah, like the big trouble you found when you
forgot to tell an old friend of yours you were about
to have a baby.

XENA
Hey old friend, did you hear that I'm about to have
a baby?

HERCULES
Well then I would say congratulations are in order.

He hugs her.

XENA
Good to see ya.

HERCULES
Aw, it's good to see you. And you.

He hugs Gabrielle.

HERCULES
Wasn't your hair a little bit longer last time I saw you?

GABRIELLE
I was gonna ask you the same thing.

XENA
Who's your friend?

HERCULES
Oh I, uh, I named him Iolaus, but he happens to
be for you, or should I say for your child.

Hercules and Xena stop and listen.

GABRIELLE
What is it?

HERCULES
Six behind you.

XENA
Six behind you. Care to dance?

HERCULES
Are you sure? Uh-

XENA
Sure, I'm sure.

HERCULES
Let's dance.

Xena gives a yell and runs at the entering Proxidicae. Xena, Gabrielle and Hercules fight.

HERCULES
Sleep tight.

Xena flips with a yell. The fighting continues. Xena flips with a yell. The fighting continues. They defeat the Proxidicae. Hercules lifts up one Proxidicae and Xena puts The Pinch on another.

HERCULES and XENA
Who sent you?!

HERCULES' PROXIDICAE
Zeus has decreed it!

HERCULES
Decreed what?!

XENA'S PROXIDICAE
The unborn child of Xena must die.

Xena punches her Proxidicae, knocking him out.

END OF TEASER



ACT ONE

All the Proxidicae are knocked out.

GABRIELLE
Xena, why would Zeus wanna hurt your child?

XENA
I don't know but I'm not gonna stand around
waiting for him to take another shot at me.

A Proxidicae rises. Xena draws her chakram.

HERCULES
No, wait!

Xena kills him. He turns to blue dust, which spreads to the others.

HERCULES
Proxidicae. Zeus' secret guard. You kill one, the
rest get stronger.

The Proxidicae rise.

XENA
Tremendous.

Xena, Gabrielle and Hercules run.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The group moves along.

GABRIELLE
Do you think we lost 'em?

HERCULES
For now but they'll keep coming.

GABRIELLE
Xena what are you gonna do? You can't hide from Zeus.

XENA
I can if I'm invisible.

GABRIELLE
Hades?

HERCULES
The helmet of invisibility.

XENA
I used it once to help Hades square things in Tartarus.

GABRIELLE
Xena tell me we're not going to Tartarus.

HERCULES
The underworld's a place for the dead. If you
give birth there, your child will be stillborn.

XENA
If it's a choice between your father and my child,
I choose my child.

HERCULES
Agreed but let me talk to him first.

XENA
All right. But if you can't stop him, I'm going to use
the helmet to get close to him.

HERCULES
It won't come to that but even if you're sitting on
his lap, I mean, he's still the King of the Gods.

XENA
No there are ways to kill a god.

HERCULES
You know about the ribs of Cronos. No mortal
has ever been able to find the remains.

XENA
But I bet you could.

HERCULES
W--w--w--wait. Before anyone goes killing my
father, at least let me have a meeting with him
and see what this is about.

They can hear the Proxidicae.

EXTRA
Follow me!

EXTRA
Nothing over here!

GABRIELLE
It's Proxidicae.

XENA Your choice
Hercules.

HERCULES
Xena, I would die before I'd let anyone hurt your child.

EXTRA
Clear!

Xena and Gabrielle run off.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lake.

GABRIELLE
It looks so deep.

XENA
It's the only way I know to get into Tartarus.

Xena stares out over the water.

GABRIELLE
Are you all right?

XENA
It's always going to be this way, isn't it? My child
will always face an uphill battle to be happy.

GABRIELLE
Xena your baby won't have to do it alone. You will
always be there.

XENA
I couldn't save my son.

GABRIELLE
Xena that was not your fault. We both have regrets
about Solan. This is going to be different. You
and I will dedicate our lives to protect your baby.
Come on, you can't fail!

XENA
We won't fail. All right. Let's go.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zeus' temple.

HERCULES (voice-over)
Zeus!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inside.

HERCULES
Show yourself! Zeus!

Zeus enters.

ZEUS
You don't understand Son. Xena's child is an
abomination, sired by a force more destructive
than you can imagine.

HERCULES
I suppose you expect me to take your word
on that.

Hera enters.

HERA
Your father is telling you the truth Hercules.

HERCULES
I can't imagine two people I trust less to tell
me the truth.

ZEUS
The birth of Xena's child will herald the death of the Greek gods.

HERCULES
Oh, so that's what this is about. Once again
you're only looking out for yourselves. You know,
I can't believe I ever thought putting you two back
together would be good for anybody!

ZEUS
You selfish pup! You walk through life reaping
the benefits of my immortal blood and all the
while you look down on us?! Do you really believe
that humanity can survive without gods?

HERCULES
Yes I do.

ZEUS
You have the blood of a god Hercules. This could
mean your death as well.

HERCULES
I also have the blood of a mortal. I'll take my chances.

ZEUS
Reconsider. You've always held a special place
in my heart Hercules but it's a place that can as
easily be filled by your loving memory.

Hercules stares at him for a long time.

HERCULES
I don't think I'll be calling you 'Father' anymore.

Hercules leaves.

HERA
The fates have decreed our destiny. Perhaps,
well this is just our time.

ZEUS
The boy tells me that destiny is what we make it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tartarus. Gabrielle and Xena fall from an opening.

GABRIELLE
Wh-

XENA
You know I'll never get used to that.

EXTRA
Down here!

XENA
This way.

They hide behind some rocks. The Proxidicae move off.

GABRIELLE
Which way?

Xena and Gabrielle move the other way.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zeus' temple. Ares appears.

ARES
To what do I owe this dubious pleasure?

ZEUS
Is it so odd for a father to want to spend time with
his son?

ARES
Okay...so now I'm your son? Please don't insult
my intelligence. You obviously want something.

ZEUS
I need you to keep Hercules out of my way.

ARES
Why can't you do it yourself?

ZEUS
Because what I must do to Xena and her child I
cannot ask of anybody else.

ARES
Oh. Oh, you are a real piece of work. You know
that? You want me to keep Hercules busy so you
don't have to kill him. Meantime you intend to
murder a woman I'm rather fond of.

ZEUS
So fond of her as to bring about your own death?
That's exactly what will happen if this child is born.

ARES
No. No deal.

He starts to walk away and then turns back.

ARES
That is unless of course you're willing to offer me
something in return.

ZEUS
Such as?

ARES
You have always kept a watchful eye over Hercules.
Well now I'm asking you to turn the other way
while I do what I have to stop him.

ZEUS
You're asking for my permission to kill my own son?!

ARES
What is it about him you have never seen in me?!

ZEUS
Aw, it's not just you. He has managed to do
something that we gods have tried and failed to
accomplish. He's earned humanity's love in every
gesture, except fear.

ARES
And Xena has earned mine. So I guess we both
have something to lose. Well Dad, what's it
gonna be?

Zeus raises his hand and gestures. Ares disappears.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hercules walks along. Ares appears.

ARES
You have no idea how glad I am to see you again.

HERCULES
And you don't know how little I give a damn.

ARES
Well you've been lucky so far little brother, I've
always gone kind 'a easy on ya.

HERCULES
Oh. So like, all those other times I just knocked
you flat on your ass you were just pretending.

ARES
I was just worried what Dad'd do if I really hurt
you. You've always been his favourite.

HERCULES
Well you see that's the difference between you
and me. See I never really cared what Daddy thought.

ARES
Good, good. Then you won't mind if he doesn't
turn up to your funeral.

Ares throws a fireball. Hercules ducks and it hits a tree. Ares makes another fireball. Hera appears with a fireball in her hand too.

HERCULES
Oh boy.

They both hold up their fireballs.

END OF ACT ONE



ACT TWO

Hera throws the bolt at Ares.

ARES
Uh-h-h-h-h! Uh! Uh!

Ares hits a tree and loses consciousness.

HERA
Hercules, you're in the forest of the Titans and
I know why.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tartarus. Xena and Gabrielle come across some cocoons where people hang, watching little portals in the wall.

GABRIELLE
What's happened to them?

XENA
They're doomed to spend the rest of eternity
watching the lives they left behind.

GABRIELLE
It's so cruel.

XENA
It's Tartarus Gabrielle. No one gets here by accident.

XENA (voice-over)
Come on Solan. Don't run away. There's no need
to be afraid.

Xena turns and looks at one of the portals.

XENA (voice-over)
I won't bite you. I promise.

The portal shows a clip from "Orphan of War."

XENA
You can come down now Solan. I know you're
up there.

Xena turns to see Solan hanging in one of the cocoons.

XENA
(whispering) Solan. Solan?

SOLAN
Mother?

Xena draws her chakram and cuts Solan free.

XENA
(whispers) Sweetheart. Solan.

Xena helps him down.

XENA
Solan how did you get here? You're supposed
to be in the Elysian Fields.

SOLAN
I didn't want to go.

XENA
You chose this?

SOLAN
Hades told me that in the Elysian Fields you don't
even know you're dead. You just live the same
day over and over, thinking your family's gonna be
home any minute but they never come. The next
morning it just starts all over again.

XENA
That's so you don't miss the people you left behind.

SOLAN
If not missing you means not seeing you, I'd rather
stay here. At least this way I'd still get to be with you.

XENA
(crying) Oh, sweetheart.

SOLAN
Please don't cry. It was my decision.

XENA
And I love you for it. But I can't let you stay here.
I'm taking you where you deserve to be. Don't argue
with me. Gabrielle? Once we get the helmet we're
taking Solan to the Elysian Fields. Come on.

They leave.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hercules looks down at Ares.

HERA
He'll be out for quite some time.

HERCULES
Ha-ha. Okay, you know, you're gonna have to
explain this one to me.

HERA
I want to help.

HERCULES
Really? Now the only person you know to help is
yourself.

HERA
No, for the first time in your life you're wrong about
me Hercules.

HERCULES
Oh I don't think so. You see whatever you and Zeus
have planned here I'm not gonna play.

HERA
Zeus doesn't know that I'm here. I came to
help you. You must believe me.

HERCULES
And why should I believe you? You've been trying
to kill me since the day I was born.

HERA
And yet here I am offering to fight by your side.
Hercules our war is over. You showed me
that when you saved my grandson.

HERCULES
You wanna help me, huh? Even though saving
Xena's child could mean the end of the gods.

He chuckles.

HERCULES
You'll have to excuse my skepticism.

He starts to move off.

HERA
Hercules? I know what you're looking for.

He turns back to look at her.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena, Gabrielle and Solan hide as the Proxidicae walk by.

GABRIELLE
Xena. Xena I'll scout ahead.

Xena nods and Gabrielle moves off. Xena starts to climb the stairs but Solan does not follow.

XENA
Solan, come on.

SOLAN
I don't wanna go.

XENA
Solan I know what's best for you.

SOLAN
I'll never see you again.

XENA
Sweetie you're gonna be so happy. Don't you
wanna be happy?

SOLAN
I wanna be with you.

XENA
But you will. I'll come back to you, I promise.
Now come on.

SOLAN
You just wanna take me to the Elysian Fields
'cause you don't need me anymore.

XENA
What are you talking about?

SOLAN
You have a new baby now.

XENA
O-o-oh. Listen Solan. There's not a day that's
gone by that I haven't thought about you. You've
changed my life forever. You know why? There
was a time when I wasn't a very good person.
Then I had you and you were so beautiful. You
were so perfect that I knew I couldn't be all bad.
Looking back, you were a vision of hope. That's
what you'll always be for me.

GABRIELLE
Xena, all clear.

XENA
(to Solan) You ready? Come on.

Xena and Solan leave.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena, Gabrielle and Solan enter the cavern where the helmet is.

XENA
That was too easy.

GABRIELLE
Tell me about it.

Hades enters.

HADES
I'd be happy to.

The Proxidicae enter.

HADES
Make yourselves comfortable. You'll be spending
eternity here.

They are surrounded.

END OF ACT TWO



ACT THREE

Hades faces Xena.

HADES
Xena, old friend. You know I don't enjoy wanton
violence. If you surrender now I'll spare your friend
and I'll personally escort your son to the Elysian
Fields. You know, these Proxidicae are very difficult
to defeat.

XENA
We could evade them forever Hades.

HADES
But you don't have forever do you? Time is
running out for you and your baby, which the Fates
have decreed will bring about end of the Olympian
order. That I cannot allow!

Xena says nothing.

HADES
Take them.

The Proxidicae attack. Xena and Gabrielle fight them, Xena protecting Solan. Gabrielle grabs the helmet and puts it on, becoming invisible.

EXTRA
No-o-o-o-o-o!

XENA
Go! Run Solan!

Xena and Solan run out. Gabrielle fights the Proxidicae and Hades. She leaves.

HADES
Tear the underworld apart if you have to but find them!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hera and Hercules walk along.

HERA
How much do you understand about where we're going?

HERCULES
I know my grandfather Cronos is buried there.

HERA
And what do you know about him?

HERCULES
Zeus killed him.

HERA
But do you know how?

HERCULES
He never told me but I've heard the stories.

HERA
Well what I'm about to tell you has never fallen
upon mortal ears. In order to let sunlight into
the world, Cronos removed one of his ribs and
crafted it into a dagger. With it he pierced the
blackness and light spilled from the heavens
like blood.

HERCULES
And Zeus used it to kill him. Then he destroyed it.
If I can find Cronos' remains I can get another rib.

HERA
Which is why we must trust each other. No one
with mortal blood can find these bones. You need
me to lead you there.

HERCULES
And why would you wanna do that?

HERA
I love Zeus. Hopefully the remains of Cronos will
be enough to scare him away from Xena.

HERCULES
Hopefully but I still don't get it. Why would you
side with humanity?

HERA
From the moment Zeus and I created mortals I've
spent my time hating them for the infidelities he
shared with them. But once I forgave him, I realized
that humanity is the only creation I am truly proud of.

HERCULES
I never thought I'd say this. I believe you. But how
can I be sure you aren't gonna change your mind?

HERA
Because of a lesson I regret teaching you long ago
Hercules. Parents should never outlive their children.

Hera moves ahead. Hercules looks after her.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zeus slaps Ares' face.

ARES
Yeah, yeah, baby. Yeah, go.

Zeus picks him up and shoves him into a tree.

ARES
What?!

ZEUS
Was it too much to expect you to honor your
commitments?!

ARES
I don't know. Was it too much to expect you to
control your wife?

ZEUS
Explain yourself.

ARES
She's helping Hercules...or didn't you know that?
Well it seems to me your renewed vows aren't
worth the papyrus they're printed on.

ZEUS
If she's helping Hercules she could lead him
t...no. No, she wouldn't dare.

Ares laughs.

ARES
She's a woman! Whatever you're thinking, you're
probably right.

ZEUS
Then I shall rid the world of Xena and Hercules myself.

Zeus walks off.

ARES
Yeah, you go do that, Dad.

Ares watches him go.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hera stops.

HERCULES
So why are we stopping?

HERA
That mortal blood really limits your vision doesn't it?

Hera raises her hand and a stone wall appears. It opens.

HERA
The dagger's inside. Its power allows you to kill
the Proxidicae. But there's something that you
must know.

HERCULES
No, there's something you must know. I can never
forgive you for taking my family from me.

HERA
If there were anything that I could do to change
that, believe me, I would.

HERCULES
I'm not finished. In spite of how I feel, I know that
choosing to help me was a decision you made
at the risk of losing your husband. And for that I'm
grateful. Now what did you wanna to tell me?

HERA
Zeus knows me all too well. Once he discovers
that I'm helping you, he'll anticipate us trying to
get Cronos' bones.

HERCULES
I'm counting on it.

They enter.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tartarus. Xena moves along with Solan. Ares is waiting.

ARES
I thought I might find you here.

Xena holds up her fists.

ARES
That won't be necessary. In my brother's kingdom,
I have no powers.

XENA
Oh good. Now I can really wipe the floor with you.

ARES
You don't wanna do that.

XENA
You're right; I'm in too much of a hurry.

Xena moves off. Ares follows.

ARES
Xena I wanna protect your unborn child from the
other gods.

XENA
Why would you wanna do that?

ARES
Well I've had a falling out with Dad and as you
know, I've always had a thing for you.

XENA
For me and my friend. Look your stalking me is
not helping the trust factor any.

Xena moves on, but Ares is in front of her.

ARES
This is not your standard god obsession. Okay?
I'm having urges that I'm not real proud of.

XENA
I'm not going to become your little warrior queen,
Ares. Besides you expect me to believe you'd
protect a child the Fates say will destroy you?

ARES
They say it'll destroy all the gods. Now if I'm
gonna be mortal...I could live out my life...with you.

XENA
What are you talking about?!

ARES
I have feelings for you, okay? I care about you,
damn it.

XENA
Aw, oh no, no-

ARES
I see your face everywhere.

XENA
Stop it! You stop it! You're so desperate you're
trying to convince me that you love me. Well
go on, say it. Say it. Say you love me. The time
for you and me has been and gone.

Xena moves off.

ARES
It was worth a shot anyway.

Xena faces him.

ARES
I thought in your present condition you might be
a little more gullible.

XENA
I am pregnant, not brain damaged.

Xena leaves.

ARES
I love you Xena.

Ares walks away.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena and Solan arrive at the gap that leads to the Elysian Fields. Two of Hades' men stand guard.

XENA
Solan you see that gap there? We've gotta get
you through there somehow.

Gabrielle takes off the helmet and appears.

GABRIELLE
Xena, the Proxidicae are looking all over for us.

XENA
It's good to see you.

GABRIELLE
It's good to see myself.

Xena moans in pain.

SOLAN
Mom?

XENA
It's okay. It's okay.

Hades appears.

HADES
Come out, come out, wherever you are!

GABRIELLE
Whatever we do, we better do it quick.

Xena moans.

HADES
Xena I know you want to save both your children.
But you're smart enough to recognize a lose-lose
situation when you see it.

XENA
Gabrielle, give me the helmet quick. Gimme. Solan
when I give you the word I want you to put on the
helmet and run for the gap. When I give you the
word okay?

SOLAN
Promise you won't forget me.

XENA
I cross my heart and hope to die.

SOLAN
(whispering to Xena) If it's a girl, it should be
named Eve.

XENA
That's a great idea.

Xena hugs him.

XENA
Okay, love you.

Xena kisses him.

XENA
I'll always love you. Get behind me and wait for
the word all right?

GABRIELLE
Are you ready for this?

XENA
As ready as I'll ever be.

Xena runs out, yelling. She and Gabrielle fight Hades' men.

XENA
Solan, go!

Solan puts on the helmet. Xena and Gabrielle defeat Hades' men. Hades makes a fireball and throws it, but Xena knocks it back with her chakram, knocking Hades out.

SOLAN
Mom is that you?

Xena turns to see Solan in the Elysian Fields.

XENA
Solan it's me sweetheart.

SOLAN
When are you coming home?

XENA
Soon sweetheart. I promise. You won't even know
I'm gone. Go on now.

Solan moves off. Xena moans in pain. Gabrielle holds her.

XENA
Gabrielle.

She moans.

GABRIELLE
Okay, let's go home.

They leave.

END OF ACT THREE



ACT FOUR

Xena and Gabrielle run out of a cave.

XENA
Stop!

GABRIELLE
Okay.

Xena moans in pain.

GABRIELLE
Xena.

The Proxidicae run in. Xena yells and attacks.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fates.

LACHESIS
The birth of Xena's baby approaches.

CLOTHO
Bringing with it the death of the gods.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hercules breaks open a piece of the coffin to Cronos' bones.

HERCULES
What's the catch?

HERA
The catch?

HERCULES
Oh you know there's always a catch. You know
in this case I...I grab the rib and a giant boulder
comes rolling after me.

He jumps in.

HERCULES
Or maybe a fireball shoots out.

HERA
Only immortal eyes can lift the bones of a Titan.

Hercules crawls out with a rib.

HERCULES
Huh, I guess you're right.

HERA
They need no other protection.

Zeus shoots a lightning bolt and breaks the rib.

ZEUS
You, on the other hand, will need all the protection
you can get.

HERCULES
Well at least it wasn't a trap.

ZEUS
Well, well...the two of you together. It's not too
late to change your mind.

Hercules holds up the rib.

HERCULES
And it's not too late to change yours.

ZEUS
So be it.

Zeus shoots a bolt, but Hercules holds up the rib, which absorbs it.

ZEUS
No matter. My Proxidicae are dealing with Xena
and her little friend.

Hera shoots a fireball at Zeus.

ZEUS
Ah-h-h-h-h-h-h!

Zeus falls, breaking a pot and loses consciousness.

HERA

I will not be responsible for the death of another
innocent child. Go make sure that Xena's safe.

HERCULES
He'll kill you if he has to.

HERA
I can handle him.

Hercules leaves.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena and Gabrielle fight. Xena is in pain. She gets kicked in the face and keeps fighting. Hercules enters.

HERCULES
Hey!

Hercules kills two Proxidicae.

HERCULES
Xena!

Hercules throws the rib through two Proxidicae, killing them. Xena moans and catches the rib. Xena kills the Proxidicae.

XENA
Oh-h-h-h-h-h! Gabrielle!

Xena falls to her knees.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zeus moves to Hera.

ZEUS
Our eternity together will have to be cut short
dear wife.

HERA
That is your decision. It always has been.

ZEUS
You've disappointed me.

HERA
This is the first thing that I have done right in
an eternity.

ZEUS
And the last.

Zeus kisses her and a tornado forms around them. When it stops, Hera is gone.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fates.

LACHESIS
The child's time is near.

ATROPOS
Unless Zeus prevents its arrival, the Greek gods
are doomed.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle helps Xena along.

XENA
I've gotta sit down.

GABRIELLE
Okay.

Gabrielle helps Xena sit behind a tree.

XENA
Where's Zeus?

HERCULES
Zeus is my problem. You've got enough to worry about.

Hercules leaves.

XENA
Gabrielle, listen to me. I want you to get outta here.
Get away from here. If Zeus gets past Hercules
I don't want you getting caught in the crossfire.

GABRIELLE
Xena I'm not going anywhere, okay?

Xena moans in pain.

GABRIELLE
Sh-h-h-h.

XENA
Nah-h-h-h-h-h.

GABRIELLE
Quiet, quiet.

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Hercules walks along. Xena can be heard moaning. Zeus appears and shoots a lightning bolt, which sends the rib flying into a tree.

ZEUS
So, it's come to this.

HERCULES
This isn't gonna end well for either of us but I'm
ready to live with what I have to do.

ZEUS
If you live.

Zeus hits him with a lightning bolt.

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Xena leans against the tree.

XENA
Ah-h-h-h! Get it off me! Take it off.

Xena moans and Gabrielle takes off Xena's coat.

GABRIELLE
It's okay.

XENA
(moans) I'm cold.

GABRIELLE
You're cold?

Gabrielle moves to put the coat back on.

XENA
No!

GABRIELLE
Okay.

Xena holds up her wrists, showing Gabrielle her gauntlets.

XENA
Take these off.

GABRIELLE
Okay, okay.

Xena moans and Gabrielle takes off her gauntlets.

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Hercules picks up a broken pillar.

ZEUS
This is not about you and me. It's about survival.

Hercules throws the pillar and Zeus breaks it with a lightning bolt.

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Gabrielle is with Xena.

GABRIELLE
Um. Hey do you remember-do you remember
when Ephiny had her baby? Remember how
you helped her?

XENA
Please be quiet.

GABRIELLE
Okay.

XENA
Just be quiet.

GABRIELLE
Just breathe.

Xena moans in pain.

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Hercules picks up a statue head and throws it. Zeus breaks it with a lightning bolt. Zeus throws a bolt.

HERCULES
Whoa!

Hercules jumps. Zeus throws another bolt, hitting a pillar.

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The pillar falls near Xena and Gabrielle. Xena moans in pain.

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Hercules stands.

ZEUS
Give up my son. The child must die!

Zeus throws a bolt, which knocks Hercules into a tree.

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Xena calls out in pain.

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Hercules punches, but Zeus holds up his hand, which becomes like an invisible shield.

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Gabrielle holds Xena.

GABRIELLE
You're doing great. Come on.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hercules keeps fighting, but he falls to his knees. Zeus knocks him on his back.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena moans.

GABRIELLE
Come on, push! Come on Xena, push!

Xena moans.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zeus walks past Hercules.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena screams. Zeus walks over to them.

GABRIELLE
It's coming.

Xena moans. Zeus rounds the corner. Eve is born and cries. Xena looks at Zeus. Zeus makes a lightning bolt in his hand. Hercules gets the rib.

HERCULES
No-o-o-o-o-o!

Hercules runs at Zeus and stabs him.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hades.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zeus' temple shakes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clouds roll.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena holds Eve.

XENA
It's a little girl!

Hercules sits with Zeus. Zeus takes out the rib. Hercules holds him. Zeus gasps.

ZEUS
You have sworn never to call me Father again...but
you will always be my son.

HERCULES
This didn't have to happen!

ZEUS
Every son...must eventually take his father's
place...like I did mine. Hercules...you've never
disappointed me...especially today.

Zeus exhales and dies. He disappears. Hercules looks to the sky.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fates snip Zeus' lifeline.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hercules looks down.

HERCULES
Father.

Hercules looks to the sky.

HERCULES
Father!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dark clouds roll over the sun.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena holds Eve. The Earth shakes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lightning flashes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ares is with the Fates. The ground shakes. Ares looks at his hands and raises an eyebrow.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena holds Eve, who is crying.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The dark clouds move away from the sun.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later. Eve is wrapped in Xena's coat. Xena holds Eve, rocking her. Gabrielle touches Eve's head. Hercules stares off.

XENA
I'm so sorry Hercules.

HERCULES
All my life I've told people that they can live without
the gods. Now I guess we'll find out. She's beautiful.

XENA
Thank you.

HERCULES
Have you thought of a name?

XENA
Her name is Eve.

GABRIELLE
You've already named her?

XENA
Solan did when we were in Tartarus.

Hercules looks at Gabrielle and the two leave Xena alone with Eve.

XENA
We're gonna be together now Eve...you and me
and your brother, forever and ever.

Xena looks up.

XENA
You hear that Solan? Forever. Forever.

Xena looks at the sky and then back to Eve, rocking her. The clouds above are white and the sky is sunny.

END OF ACT FOUR


STARRING
Lucy Lawless as Xena
Renee O'Connor as Gabrielle

GUEST CAST
Kevin Smith as Ares
Kevin Sorbo as Hercules
Charles Keating as Zeus
Meg Foster as Hera
Stephen Lovatt as Hades
Nicko Vella as Solan
Elizabeth Pendergrast as Atropos
Chloe Jordan as Lachesis
Samantha Adriaanse as Clotho
Slade Leef as Xena's Proxidicae
Stuart Thorpe as Hercules' Proxidicae
??????????????? as Eve

Teleplay by: Roberto Gaston Orci and Alex Kurtzman
Story by: Chris Manheim
Directed by: Philip Sgriccia

Disclaimer: Zeus cashed in his chips during the production of this motion picture.