Succession


This transcript is dedicated to the memory of Kevin Smith.


TEASER

Ares and Mavican are under the covers on a bed.

ARES
Oh, yeah! Oh-h-h-h!

He laughs.

MAVICAN
Hah!

Grunts and groans come from under the blanket.

ARES
Oh, yeah!

Ares exhales a puff of smoke from his mouth in the shape of a chakram. Mavican sighs.

MAVICAN
Well, you know, you can cut the party tricks. You're
looking for an heir. A mortal to carry on your name.

ARES
Oh, I've considered it.

MAVICAN
Well, here I am. My sword, my life, my heart.

They kiss.

ARES
Honey I hate to be the one to break this to you but
one action-packed roll in the sack does not make
you the heir to Ares' mantle. No, you're not the one.

He gets out of the bed.

MAVICAN
I don't blame you for not seeing it. So come on,
test me.

Ares is dressed.

ARES
Mavican you are way outta your league. You have
no idea what my standards are. So why don'tcha
go back to that little gang of bandits you're leading
and leave the world domination to professionals, 'kay?

Ares moves to walk out the door, when a sword flies past his head and digs into the door.

MAVICAN
I'm serious Ares. I don't know what Xena had to
say or do to get the job but I want it.

Ares takes the sword.

ARES
First, it is not a job. Second, Xena never asked
me for anything. That's how I knew she was the
one. Now, I've got som'in real important to deal
with, but I'll come back later. Don't be here.

Ares disappears.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Men go flying.

GABRIELLE (voice-over)
Xena that guy was mine.

XENA (voice-over)
I can handle it.

GABRIELLE (voice-over)
Yeah, well, I can help you. Xena-

XENA (voice-over)
Stay back Gabrielle!

Xena gives a yell.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle steps into a courtyard and collects water from a fountain.

GABRIELLE
I'm not a kid anymore. You think that she would
know that.

Ares appears.

ARES
Considering all you've been through.

Gabrielle draws her sais.

GABRIELLE
Ares, whatever you're looking for, look somewhere
else. Mm-m!

Gabrielle digs her sais into a melon and continues collecting water.

ARES
Do I always have to be after something? You've
been away awhile. Maybe I missed you. Maybe
I'm trying to help.

GABRIELLE
You only help yourself.

ARES
Aw, ultimately that is true but it doesn't mean I
don't understand. Here, let me take a shot at this.
Uh, Xena has been overprotective of you. She's
been treatin' you like you're still...

GABRIELLE
They were five bandits, five of them. She could
have handled four and I would have been happy
with just one. But no, no, she had to take them all.

ARES
It is hard to shed your perceptions of a person.

GABRIELLE
I'm tired of it.

Gabrielle picks up her sais,

ARES
Hey, I notice you're gettin' pretty good with those.

GABRIELLE
At least someone noticed. So Xena doesn't
appreciate that I've been practicing. It's-

She turns but Ares is gone. She picks up the water bags when two daggers hit them, cutting them open. Gabrielle gasps. Mavican flips in with a yell.

GABRIELLE
Who are you?

MAVICAN
The name is Mavican. I'm looking for Xena.

GABRIELLE
What do you want with her?

MAVICAN
I wanna kill her and I understand that killing you
is the best way to meet her.

Gabrielle looks at her.

END OF TEASER



ACT ONE

Gabrielle draws her sais. Mavican throws her spear but Xena runs in and catches it. Xena is dressed in her new blue leather outfit.

GABRIELLE
Xena I had her.

XENA
Yeah, yeah.

MAVICAN
That was incredible. I'd have to say Xena, you
are one person where the hype isn't enough.

XENA
You wanted so talk to me so, talk.

MAVICAN
Talk? No, no, no, I wanted to kill you. Still do actually.

Mavican draws two more daggers and throws them at Xena. Xena blocks them with her sword. Mavican throws two more but Xena blocks them. Xena throws her chakram, which seperates into two pieces. Mavican dodges the pieces several times.

MAVICAN
Yah-h-h-hah-h-h-h! Yah-h-h-hah-h-h!

The chakram joins back together and Xena catches it.

XENA
Who are you?

MAVICAN
I'm your successor. I'm taking your place. Ares
doesn't believe it yet-

She draws her sword.

MAVICAN
-but we're going to convince him. Hah-h-h-h-h-h!

Mavican runs at Xena and the two fight. Ares appears and uses a lightning ball to knock the two apart.

ARES
Hey! Just stop it! Stop it, right now!

A pillar crashes.

ARES
(to Mavican) What in the name of...me, didja think
you were doing?

MAVICAN
Getting your attention.

ARES
By destroying Demeter's temple? No. See?
Destroying temples in the name of other gods,
we just don't do it.

MAVICAN
Who cares about her? I'll destroy a thousand of
her temples if I have to. I toldja I was good.
(to Xena) Tell him. Tell him how good I am Xena.

XENA
Good enough to die young. What's this all about Ares?

ARES
Oh, she's not my idea. She's just some hothead
I picked up for a little, uh...diversion? Now she
thinks she's my right hand girl.

MAVICAN
You know Ares your problem is that you don't see
potential. See, you're still hung up on what you
had and lost. Xena. Well, I'm here to let you
know there's better. Hah!

She throws another dagger. Xena moves to catch it but Gabrielle throws a sai, which it catches the dagger and both go flying into a watermelon.

ARES
Huh? Maybe, she's right. I've been considering
your successor for some time. (to Mavican) You
wanna take her on? Okay, let's take this where
we can't do any harm.

Ares opens a portal.

ARES
All right, listen up! The rules are simple! You kill
Xena, you win! I bring you back here! Xena, it's
a little more difficult! You kill Mavican, you win!
You stay right where ya are!

GABRIELLE
That's not fair!

ARES
Oh?! You're going too Gabrielle! Of course, if
anyone wants my help, all she's gotta do is call!

MAVICAN
Woo-hoo! Come on Xena! Don't disappoint me!

Mavican yells and jumps into the portal. She disappears.

XENA
Ares we're not playing your little game.

ARES
I didn't ask if you wanted a choice. Maybe she's
got a point. Is there someone better than you?
Don't you think I've waited long enough to find out?

Ares gestures and the portal becomes like a vacuum. Gabrielle and Xena are pulled towards it.

GABRIELLE
No!

XENA
Hold on!

Ares waves and mouths, "Bye." Gabrielle is pulled into the portal.

GABRIELLE
Xena-a-a-a!

XENA
Gabrielle I'm coming!

Xena yells as she is pulled in. Ares closes the portal.

ARES
Let the game begin.

He disappears.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle awakens with a gasp. She's in a black room with a single spotlight on her.

GABRIELLE
Xena!

No answer. Gabrielle looks around but there's nothing.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena awakens in a forest.

XENA
Gabrielle? Gabrielle? Gabrielle?!

Mavican flips in.

MAVICAN
Yah-hah!

Xena moves to draw her chakram but it's not there. She moves to get her sword but it's not there either.

MAVICAN
No weapons, no Gabrielle. Just you and me.

Xena and Mavican fight. They both flip, Xena giving a yell. They land and face each other.

MAVICAN
What's the matter Xena? Can't get in that killing
blow? Oh, wait Ares said you can't kill me!

Mavican attacks Xena.

MAVICAN
Just too much on your mind to fight straight, huh?
And the sun's going down. What kind of a fighter
are you in the dark?

XENA
You know what Sweetie? You talk too much.

Xena flips with a yell, kicking Mavican. Xena kicks Mavican and sends her rolling down a hill. Xena looks over but Mavican is gone. Xena has cuts on next to her eye and on her cheek.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun goes down.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle is in the woods. She looks about.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena stands in the same dark room Gabrielle was in. A portal opens, allowing Xena to see Gabrielle. Gabrielle can't see Xena.

GABRIELLE
Xena?

XENA
I'm here Gabrielle!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle looks about as though she heard Xena.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

XENA
Wherever here is.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle comes upon Mavican's camp. She starts to collect a vine.

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Xena watches Gabrielle.

XENA
What are you doing?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle sneaks into the camp.

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Xena watches Gabrielle.

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Gabrielle lays the vine on the ground. Gabrielle hears a noise.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

XENA
Watch it Gabrielle.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican drops down before Gabrielle.

MAVICAN
Lookin' for Xena? See Gabrielle looking is your
problem. If you just stay still, she'll come to ya
and that's what I'm counting on.

GABRIELLE
Mavican, Amazons invented the technique of
fighting from trees. The first thing they teach you
is not to let your footprints end where you jump!

Gabrielle pulls the vine on the ground, which has a stick tied to the end. It hits Mavican in the back of the legs and takes her down. Gabrielle grabs a stick and holds it on Mavican like a staff. Mavican sits up.

GABRIELLE
Oh, no! Ares said that Xena couldn't kill you.
He didn't say anything about me, so don't do
anything stupid.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

XENA
Watch it!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican kicks the staff from her hand and then kicks Gabrielle back. Mavican uses the vine to tie up Gabrielle. She pulls Gabrielle towards her.

MAVICAN
Yah! I'm trying to decide, is live bait preferable
to dead bait? Especially when the bait wants
to kill me?!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican has Gabrielle.

MAVICAN
No, if Xena sees you dead, she might do
something sensible.

Mavican knocks out Gabrielle.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

XENA
It's all right Gabrielle. As long as it's me that she
wants, you're going to be okay. You're gonna be okay.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle awakens in a cage. Mavican is sharpening a spear.

MAVICAN
Did you have a nice nap?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle. Gabrielle has cuts all down her arm.

MAVICAN
You know it's strange.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican's camp. Mavican has cuts on her arm, chest and at the corner of her mouth.

MAVICAN
I really thought Xena would have done something
during the night, under the cover of darkness.
At least, that's what I would have done. So what's
it like? I mean, being with Xena?

Mavican moves over to Gabrielle.

MAVICAN
It's like a brush with eternity, isn't it?

GABRIELLE
What are you talking about?

MAVICAN
Oh Gabrielle please, you're a part of making the
legend true. Those scrolls you write. Yeah, I got
a hold of one a while back. You know? You really
should write more. I'm gonna need someone to
write me into history after I kill her.

GABRIELLE
I hate to tell you this but history is fickle.

MAVICAN
History will remember me Gabrielle!

GABRIELLE
Why? Because you think you might kill someone?

MAVICAN
You don't get it. Ares doesn't get it. People will
talk about me for ages.The woman who stood
toe-to-toe with Xena.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

MAVICAN
And win or lose, I'll be remembered.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican's camp.

GABRIELLE
You need help.

Mavican chuckles.

MAVICAN
Oh-h-h, I wish it were that simple. I'm not crazy
Gabrielle. Haven't you ever been struck with the
difference between us and the gods? They're
immortal because we make them that way.
Don't you think there was a moment when Xena
just did it all for destiny?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

XENA
Destiny.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican's camp.

MAVICAN
Sun's up.

Gabrielle turns into Xena. Now Xena is in the cage.

MAVICAN
Oh, Ares!

She laughs.

MAVICAN
You are too rich. Oh, Ares we're gonna make such
a great team.

Mavican laughs.

END OF ACT ONE



ACT TWO

Mavican chuckles.

MAVICAN
This is too funny. I mean, did Ares think he was
evening the odds?

XENA
Ares put me and Gabrielle into one being.

MAVICAN
You get the day shift, she gets the night watch.

She snickers.

MAVICAN
Oh, come on Xena you've gotta admit, it's pretty
funny. He got her out of the way so you wouldn't
get distracted. Of course I kill you, I kill her and I
was just beginning to like her. Oh well.

Mavican moves to throw her spear.

XENA
Listen Mavican. I know Ares. He's only concerned
about one thing and that's himself.

MAVICAN
You mean he was planning on using me? That's
strange Xena 'cause I thought I was using him. It
seemed like a great arrangement.

XENA
Mavican I've been down this road before. I know
what it's like to chase destiny. You can't win. If we
can work together, we can defeat Ares. This is all
about us fighting one another. If we don't, Ares loses.

MAVICAN
No-o-o! If we don't, I lose. Xena I'm on a path that
I can't change. I know it and I accept it. But if I don't
walk this path, I'm nothing. Hah-h-h!

Mavican throws four spears at Xena, which she dodges. Mavican throws a fifth spear and it hits Xena in the stomach. Xena holds the spear.

XENA
Uh!

Mavican moves over to her. Xena hits Mavican with the spear, having pretended it hit her. Xena fights Mavican from inside the cage. She breaks it and gets out but Mavican is gone. Mavican yells to Xena.

MAVICAN
It's no use Xena! I just have to wait for sundown
and Gabrielle!

She laughs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena moves to a river and has a drink. Xena now has a cut on her arm as well. She picks up a rock and it breaks in her hands. She smells it. She looks up.

XENA
What do you want?

Ares appears. He chuckles.

ARES
I swear. Hey Xena, I want your honest opinion,
objectively. I mean she's better than I thought.

XENA
I don't get Ares. All this just to see your new
girlfriend fight?

ARES
No-o-o-o, watch my old girlfriend fight. I've missed it.

XENA
Where you been lately.

ARES
Oh, yeah you fight all the time.

Xena moves to a tree and starts pulling the bark off.

ARES
In fact you did a pretty good number on Caesar
and those Romans. Pity, really A lot of potential.
Still Mavican has that, uh, certain something,
something which you seem to have lost. And I
just wanna find out if anybody else has got it.

XENA
And what about Gabrielle? Is she up in the dark
little room you set up?

ARES
Ya like that, huh? Yeah, I thought it might fire ya
up if you could watch the game. And no, Gabrielle
is there, but she can't see us.

XENA
So what's the point? Why have ya joined us both
together so that we can both fight Mavican individually?

Xena rips the bark off.

ARES
Why not? Besides she's gettin' pretty good at it.
She's smart too. Even though someone doesn't
want to admit it. She's already figured out part of
the riddle.

XENA
That I can't kill Mavican but Gabrielle can? Well
you'd like that, wouldn'tcha?

Ares disappears.

XENA
(to herself) You'd like that, wouldn'tcha?

Xena leaves.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena gathers some vines. She pulls a thorn out of her leather and looks to see thorny vines.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican moves through the woods, carrying spears and a wooden shield. She sees some rocks. She knocks two together and makes a sharp piece.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena's camp. Xena crushes the rock she held earlier into a pile and then covers it with dry grass. She moves to the fire and crushes some of the rock into it, which makes the smoke build and carry.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican sees the smoke.

MAVICAN
Oh, I see. You want me to find you. That's nice,
very nice.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena sets a staff-like stick leaning on a tree. Xena suddenly flips with a yell, dodging a spear. Xena picks up a flaming stick.

XENA
Okay Mavican, show yourself.

Mavican walks in.

MAVICAN
I hate to kill ya Xena. There's so many things I
could learn from you, like how do you know when
you're about to be attacked?

XENA
Just always assume you will be.

MAVICAN
Ah-h-h so it's more philosophical than a gift. Must
be tiring on the soul. Thanks.

Xena throws the stick, which hits the crushed rock. It explodes in a puff of smoke. Mavican yells. Xena pulls a thorny vine from the ground and wraps it around Mavican. Xena brings down Mavican. She flips with a yell and lands next to Mavican. Xena starts to tighten the vine and ties up Mavican's hands. The sun goes down and Gabrielle becomes Xena. Gabrielle looks around, confused and Mavican punches her. Gabrielle rolls off of Mavican and Mavican stands.

MAVICAN
The only thing I'm gonna regret about this is not
killing Xena directly, but any kill is a good one.
The game is over.

Mavican holds up a stake.

END OF ACT TWO



ACT THREE

Gabrielle stands and looks about.

GABRIELLE
Where's Xena?

MAVICAN
You really don't know? Ares has put the two of
you in the same body. You get the nights, she
gets the day. Problem is, you're stuck with me for
the night.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

MAVICAN
Or at least long enough for me to kill you.

XENA
Come on, Gabrielle, look around you.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle looks around. She sees the staff-like stick.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

XENA
Good girl.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican sees the staff-like stick.

MAVICAN
What? You think you can take me on with a staff?
Please Gabrielle, I perfected the art.

GABRIELLE
I have nothing to lose, do I?

Gabrielle runs and pulls on the staff. It breaks a vine and huge log comes flying out of the trees. Gabrielle ducks and the log slams into Mavican.

MAVICAN
Uh!

Mavican is sent flying back.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

XENA
Now run! Get out of there!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican pulls out the sharp rock and throws it into Gabrielle's shoulder. Gabrielle grabs the staff and runs off.

MAVICAN
You can't hide Gabrielle! I'll find you.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches.

MAVICAN
Before sunup, you're mine.

The window closes.

ARES
You have to like her style, the focus, the intensity,
the ability to learn and adapt.

Xena turns to see Ares sitting on a throne.

ARES
She is just incredible. I can't believe I took her
for granted for so long.

XENA
You're just using Mavican to get to me Ares. It
won't work. Why don't you give up on me?

ARES
Xena I have given up on you. And what makes
you think I was talkin' about Mavican?

XENA
This is about Gabrielle. You're not testing Mavican.
You're after Gabrielle.

ARES
You're not jealous? I mean, despite what Mavican
thought, I have been thinking about your heir. And
who better than one you trained?

Xena punches him in the face.

XENA
You leave her out of this.

ARES
Arrogance! There's the fire, there's the anger
you lost.

XENA
She'll never follow you.

ARES
Well she hasn't heard my offer yet. And anyway,
how well do you really know her anymore? Well
I guess we'll find out when she kills Mavican.

The room falls into darkness.

XENA
Ares!

The spotlight appears.

XENA
Come on Gabrielle, you can fight him. You know
Ares well enough.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle moves through the woods. She is bleeding heavy from her arm. She moves into a cave. She sees a deep pit.

GABRIELLE
Xena, where are you?

Gabrielle moves off.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican touches blood on a leaf. She looks up at the moon.

MAVICAN
Plenty of time.

She moves off.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle has a fire going. She picks up the staff. She sees the sheet of bark tied to it. She opens it. It's a letter from Xena.

XENA (voice-over)
"If you read this, you'll know that I'm here. Ares
has merged us into the same body. But the same
way that the world shares day and night, never
sees the same two together. Mavican is tough
but we can defeat her. A lot of it depends on you,
though. You've figured out part of Ares' riddle but
you can't kill her Gabrielle. It's something that Ares
wants to see and I don't know why yet. Together we
can get out of this."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle puts some water on her wound. Ares appears.

ARES
Hello Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE
What do you want?

ARES
I've been watching you. I think you've got potential.

GABRIELLE
Potential for what? N--n--never mind. I really don't
want to know.

ARES
You've also got a slanted opinion of me. Okay
only somewhat slanted but I'm serious. You're
not quite there yet but maybe I've been dismissing
you too easily over the years. Maybe the heir to
Xena's throne has been right in front of me all along.

GABRIELLE
Are you out of your mind?

ARES
How's your wound? Okay? Here's the deal. I've
learned a few things from Xena a--a--and perhaps
my way of peace through power isn't quite what I
thought it was.

GABRIELLE
You are so full of-

ARES
No now that is Xena's problem these days. She's
so set in her ways.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

ARES
She won't even make an effort to see change.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ares looks at Gabrielle.

ARES
Now you should know that more than anyone. It's
okay. You don't have to answer. It's obvious. It's
painfully obvious.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

ARES
So please, don't-

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cave.

ARES
-do to me what Xena does to you. Just--just hear
me out, honestly. Okay?

GABRIELLE
Okay.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

ARES
What I need, what I think I've always needed, is
someone strong enough to lead people. I think
the key is to find someone-

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cave.

ARES
-who's learned how to fight but has the discretion
not to. Now there's something Xena never had.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cave.

GABRIELLE
What about Mavican?

ARES
What about her? She's set in her ways already.
And have you listened to her speak? No the old
Ares, he would have loved her but not me. I want
you to look beyond our past. I know how you feel
about me. You got good reason. But maybe, uh,
maybe gods can change too.

GABRIELLE
What happens to Xena?

ARES
Xena. Xena goes home, lives with her mother
and spends the rest of her years safe in the
knowledge that someone she trusts is in control.
Now I wantcha to think about this but don't take
too long. Mavican is really-

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

ARES
-intent on killing Xena.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cave.

ARES
Of course her destiny is in your hands.

Ares makes one of Gabrielle's sais appear.

ARES
With this you can kill Mavican.

Gabrielle takes it.

ARES
Now you do that and I'll know you're ready.

Ares leaves. Mavican enters.

MAVICAN
Nice place. Room for one more?

Gabrielle holds up her sai.

XENA (voice-over)
No Gabrielle!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

XENA
(whispers) Don't do it. Don't do it.

Xena watches Gabrielle.

END OF ACT THREE



ACT FOUR

Cave.

GABRIELLE
Back off Mavican, I'm warning you.

MAVICAN
You're warning me? Gabrielle I'll admit you've
got somethin' but it's over.

Mavican and Gabrielle fight.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavican pushes Gabrielle back. Gabrielle doesn't move.

MAVICAN
Come on! Attack! You're on the defensive. Kill me
if you can! You don't have the nerve.

Gabrielle attacks her. Gabrielle gets Mavican to her knees and holds up her sai over Mavican's head.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena watches Gabrielle.

XENA
(whispering) Don't do it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle shoves Mavican back.

GABRIELLE
Ares wants me to kill you. If I do that then he wins
and we all lose! I'm not gonna do it.

The sun starts to rise. Gabrielle throws down the sai. Mavican kicks Gabrielle back. Mavican turns away from Gabrielle. Gabrielle looks into a pool of water and sees Xena instead of her reflection.

GABRIELLE
Xena.

Mavican grabs the sai. Gabrielle becomes Xena. Mavican attacks and Xena flips away with a yell. Xena grabs Mavican's throat and Mavican holds the dagger at hers. Xena has the same wound in her shoulder Gabrielle did.

MAVICAN
How's the wound Xena? It's just a little gift I gave
Gabrielle and now you're stuck with it. Didn't you
just know she'd be your fatal flaw?

XENA
Everybody's got one. What about yours?

MAVICAN
Nice try. I have no flaw!

Mavican head butts Xena and Xena kicks her. Mavican shoves Xena into the rocks. Xena is still holding Mavican's throat and Mavican still holds the sai on Xena.

XENA
Sure you do. It's your misguided belief in your
own destiny.

MAVICAN
My destiny is to kill you.

XENA
That's wrong. Your destiny is to be forgotten.

They fight. Xena knocks Mavican to the ground. Xena takes the sai. She flips up to roof and pulls out a root. Rocks start to fall. Xena flips away with a yell. Rocks block the entrance.

MAVICAN
No-o-o! What are you doing?!

Xena throws the sai into the fire.

MAVICAN
We're trapped in here!

XENA
That's right, trapped, where no one can hear us,
and no one will ever know what's happened to
you. Whether I kill you or you kill me, your destiny
is finished.

MAVICAN
No-o-o!

Mavican attacks Xena. They fight, Xena beating Mavican.

MAVICAN
Did you forget? You can't kill me!

XENA
That right?

Xena moves on Mavican and Mavican is looking worried. Xena hits her several times. Xena jumps into the pit with Mavican and they each hold the same vine. Xena laughs.

XENA
You see? Even if I die, you're gonna live on in here,
buried alive at the bottom of this pit 'cause nobody
knows you're here.

MAVICAN
Oh!

Xena shakes the vine.

MAVICAN
Ares knows!

XENA
But Ares doesn't care. You see? To him, you're
just a loser.

MAVICAN
No! Lemme go! Lemme go! Ares! Ares! Help me!
Help me!

Ares appears.

ARES
Mavican are you asking for my help?

MAVICAN
Yes, I'm asking for your help God of War.

XENA
She's asking for your help.

Ares makes the portal appear behind Xena. Xena smiles as she's pulled into it. Ares closes it. Mavican faces him.

MAVICAN
What are you doing Ares?! You said I could ask!

ARES
Yeah, I said ya could. I never said ya should.

Ares disappears.

MAVICAN
Ares! No-o-o-o! No-o-o-o-o! No-o-o-o-o!

Mavican is left alone in the cave.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The portal opens and Xena and Gabrielle are tossed out.

GABRIELLE
Xena.

XENA
Are you all right?

GABRIELLE
Yeah.

Xena sees the wound on Gabrielle's shoulder (Xena no longer has this wound).

XENA
Oh, here, this.

GABRIELLE
It--i--it--it'll heal.

Ares appears.

ARES
No, d--don't say it. Have a little respect for me,
will ya? You won already!

XENA
We both won. Gabrielle I'm proud of you.

ARES
Oh please. I gave her an opportunity for greatness.

XENA
Following you is not an opportunity Ares. It's
a curse.

ARES
You say 'Min-o-taur,' I say, 'Mine-o-taur.' Whatever.

GABRIELLE
You said anyone could ask for your help.

XENA
Years ago, Ares said to me that anyone who
asked for his help doesn't deserve it. So when
Mavican asked-

GABRIELLE
She lost.

ARES
I really gotta be more careful with my riddles.
The offer's still open. Think about it.

Ares disappears.

XENA
You know I'm surprised that you didn't consider
it. What he said.

GABRIELLE
Xena what he said doesn't matter. I know you.
Sometimes I wonder if you really know me but
I know what's in your heart.

XENA
Then you know more than I do. Gabrielle I do see
you. Sometimes I have trouble facing it but I
promise, I will.

Gabrielle sighs.

GABRIELLE
You don't know how much that means. Maybe
Ares did some good after all, huh?

XENA
Tell you what.

Xena claps Gabrielle on the back.

GABRIELLE
Ow.

Xena leads Gabrielle away.

XENA
The next bad guy we come across is all yours.
The next seven little bad guys we come across,
they're all yours.

GABRIELLE
'Little?' Is that a crack about my height?

XENA
No, they're just harder for me to reach.

Xena chuckles.

GABRIELLE
Yeah. Well I guess that makes sense.

XENA
Ah, yeah.

GABRIELLE
Good strategy.

XENA
Yep.

They walk off.

END OF ACT FOUR


STARRING
Lucy Lawless as Xena
Renee O'Connor as Gabrielle

GUEST CAST
Kevin Smith as Ares
Jenya Lano as Mavican

Written by: Steven L. Sears
Directed by: Rick Jacobson

Disclaimer: Ares' libido was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.