When Fates Collide
TEASER
Clip from "Destiny."
CAESAR
Good-bye, Xena. Break her legs.
XENA
A-a-a-a-ah!
CAESAR (voice-over)
Stop.
The image stops.
CAESAR (voice-over)
Back it up.
Clips from "Destiny" rewind.
CAESAR (voice-over)
Stop. There. Let's take a look at that.
Clip from "Destiny."
XENA
Why don't you and I work together?
CAESAR
So you wanna help me conquer the world.
XENA
Why not? We'd make an unstoppable team. I'd
love to join forces with you.
CAESAR
Some enemies are harder than others.
XENA
Oh, I count on it.
CAESAR (voice-over)
Much better.
The image pauses and becomes an image in a pool. Caesar is holding a thread from the Fates' loom. The Fates are chained to a pole behind him.
CAESAR
It's ironic, isn't it? How a single stick can change
the entire path of one's destiny. Had I not betrayed
Xena, I'd be ruling Rome today. Instead, I get
stabbed in the back by my good friend, Brutus...while
Xena gets to ride off into the sunset with her girlfriend.
Hardly a fitting end for Julius Caesar.
CLOTHO
You cannot change your fate-
LACHESIS
Once it has been chosen.
ATROPOS
Unchain us now and accept your destiny.
CAESAR
Let me tell you about my destiny. With Hades out
of the picture, underworld security's become
rather...lax, which brings me to this defining
Xena moment. Mysterious...romantic...good lighting.
Caesar cuts the thread.
ATROPOS
Tampering with the loom will alter the very fabric of life-
CLOTHO
Changing not only your destiny-
LACHESIS
But that of countless others.
Caesar lets the new thread weave into the tapestry.
CAESAR
Oh, I'm counting on it.
The thread weaves into the tapestry.
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Another dimension.
CAESAR
That grain must be allocated. The people must eat.
Brutus joins Caesar and clears his throat.
BRUTUS
Caesar?
CAESAR
Excuse me.
He moves aside with Brutus.
CAESAR
What news, Brutus?
BRUTUS
The Chinese emissaries have arrived.
CAESAR
Ah-h-h-h, excellent. Lao Ma's peacemakers.
BRUTUS
This visit is very important to us.
CAESAR
Of course. And, as always, Brutus, I greatly appreciate
your counsel.
Caesar laughs, then hugs him.
CAESAR
My good friend. Now, escort them in.
EXTRA
Open the gate!
The gates open. Xena is sitting atop a horse. She is dressed in blue armour, wearing a blue helmet.
EXTRA
Take your positions!
Xena rides in.
XENA
E-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-yah!
Xena takes out the soldier as she rides towards Caesar.
EXTRA
Get ready!
The horse still races towards Caesar. Xena draws a bow and fires two arrows from it. They hit the door behind Brutus, one just above his head and the other just above his shoulder. Xena stops the horse and flips.
XENA
A-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!
Xena lands on the steps before Caesar.
EXTRA
Oh, my head!
EXTRA
Help me up.
Xena removes her helmet and Caesar moves to meet her.
XENA
My Emperor.
CAESAR
My Empress.
Xena chuckles.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
Rome.
CAESAR (voice-over)
Oh, I have some entertainment planned for my
lady tonight.
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Inside the palace.
XENA
A new wrestler from Thrace?
CAESAR
No, a new play from Athens. I thought you'd
appreciate a taste of your own culture.
XENA
Oh-oh. More drivel from old men with tricky names.
That was very thoughtful of you.
Brutus enters with two emissaries from Chin.
BRUTUS
Emperor.
CAESAR
Ah, honoured emissaries.
XENA
Huh. Well, the senate is meeting to vote on new
weaponry for my men. I feel I should be there.
CAESAR
Of course.
Xena moves over to the emissaries and bows her head. They bow their heads to her. Xena leaves.
CAESAR
Brutus, accompany her, please.
Brutus leaves.
CAESAR
Representatives of Lao Ma from the land of
Chin, welcome.
He bows his head and they do the same.
CAESAR
Now, what have you brought for me?
Emissary #1 steps forward and holds out a scroll, his head bowed. Caesar takes the scroll.
EMISSARY #2
Directly from Lao Ma's hand.
Caesar reads the scroll.
CAESAR
Hm-m. Lao Ma's reputation for fairness is well-deserved.
Rome accepts her offer of an alliance with Chin.
Now, please, accept my offer of hospitality for the evening.
They bow their heads and Alti grabs both of their necks.
CAESAR
May I introduce Alti.
Alti lifts them off of the floor.
CAESAR
High priestess of Rome.
ALTI
The pleasure is all mine.
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Clip from "The Debt II."
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The emissaries are in pain.
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Clip from "Back in the Bottle."
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The emissaries are bleeding from their nose, mouth and ears.
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Clips from "Purity."
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The emissaries die and Alti drops them.
ALTI
A lifetime of pain in one exquisite-
She snaps.
ALTI
-moment.
She laughs.
CAESAR
Xena's right. You are ambitious.
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Xena, Caesar, Alti and other Romans watch the play "Fallen Angel."
MALE ACTOR
The love we have is stronger than the Elysian
fields or Tartarus.
FEMALE ACTOR
We're gonna be together for eternity.
MALE ACTOR
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Xena applauds and so do the rest of the Romans.
MALE ACTOR
Let me introduce to you the writer of "Fallen Angel,"
Greece's own Gabrielle, the visionary voice of Athens.
Xena rises, clapping as the other Romans do the same. Gabrielle steps out. She has long hair. Roses are thrown at Gabrielle's feet. Xena throws her one. Gabrielle gestures to Caesar and Xena. She and the actors bow. Caesar is nervous. Xena and Gabrielle share a look. Xena stops clapping as she stares at Gabrielle.
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Xena and Gabrielle speak. Caesar is watching them. Gabrielle chuckles.
XENA
I found your play very moving.
Alti joins Caesar.
ALTI
What do you suppose the Empress and the writer
are discussing, hm-m? Horse-riding? Sword play?
Brutus enters.
BRUTUS
Emperor...I need to speak with you immediately.
CAESAR
Really, Brutus, this isn't a good time.
BRUTUS
Regarding Chin and her emissaries.
CAESAR
Ah, yes, of course. (to Alti) Excuse me.
Caesar moves off. Xena and Gabrielle.
XENA
What inspires you?
GABRIELLE
It's like the words come from somewhere else.
I just write them down. But you, Empress, all of
Rome talks about you. The country thrives. The
people adore you. They say that the army would
follow you through the gates of Hades.
XENA
Well, everything has its price, Gabrielle.
Brutus and Caesar move aside.
BRUTUS
(whispering) You ordered Lao Ma's emissaries killed?!
CAESAR
Yes. Alti advised it.
BRUTUS
Lao Ma will send assassins.
CAESAR
Don't worry, Brutus. I know how to deal with assassins.
Xena and Gabrielle.
XENA
In the third act, you had your hero throw himself
over the cliff with no fear of dying - all for her.
Caesar looks over to Xena and Gabrielle. He nods to Brutus and walks away.
XENA
Do you really believe that kind of love exists?
GABRIELLE
That's what we all dream about, isn't it? Someone
who looks so deeply into our soul that they'd find
something worth dying for.
Caesar moves over to them.
CAESAR
Excuse me. Your play was, uh, riveting. Well-done.
Thank you. (to Xena) The army's expecting us
first thing in the morning.
XENA
Thank you, Gabrielle, for honouring Rome with
your play. Good night.
Xena and Caesar move off.
CAESAR
Did you enjoy the evening?
Gabrielle looks after them.
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Rome. Night.
CAESAR (voice-over)
Tell me-
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Caesar and Xena's bedchamber.
CAESAR
-what did you and that playwright talk about?
XENA
Her work, her life. She interests me.
Caesar touches Xena.
CAESAR
Really?
He kisses her shoulder.
CAESAR
It's been a long time.
XENA
It's been a long day.
Caesar moves away and picks up a scroll.
XENA
Where're you going?
CAESAR
Well...since I'm not needed here, there's a little
matter I must discuss with Brutus.
Caesar leaves. Xena moves onto the balcony and looks out. Across from her, Gabrielle steps onto her balcony. Xena pulls back and goes back into her bedchamber. She watches Gabrielle. She steps back out and Gabrielle sees her. Gabrielle smiles nervously and bows her head and then turns and heads back into her bedchamber.
ALTI
I had the most interesting vision tonight-
Xena turns to see Alti in her room.
ALTI
-of you and the writer?
XENA
You take liberties, Alti.
ALTI
Really?
XENA
The high priestess has no business in my bed chamber.
ALTI
Well, it's Caesar's bed chamber, too. I saw the
way you looked at her tonight during the play.
She chuckles.
ALTI
Wouldn't Caesar give anything to have you look
at him that way?
XENA
What do you want?
ALTI
You're in my way, Xena and it's time I did something
about it.
Alti attacks her. They fight. Alti grabs Xena's throat.
ALTI
I can see into your soul, Xena. Where you've been
and where you're going. I have that power and I
will destroy you.
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Clips from "The Ides of March," "The Way," "Between the Lines" and "When in Rome..."
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Xena and Caesar's bedchamber.
ALTI
Can you feel the pain and terror in your soul?
Xena is gasping in pain.
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Clips from "The Way," "Coming Home," "The Way" and "The Quest."
ALTI (voice-over)
Secreting its blackness, oozing inside of you?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena and Caesar's bedchamber.
ALTI
And know this, Xena, Caesar, Rome...all of it will be mine.
Xena is gasping, having trouble breathing.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
Blood is pouring from Xena's mouth. Brutus grabs Alti and pulls her back, off of Xena. Xena falls to the floor, holding her throat.
CAESAR
Xena...are you all right?
Xena stands.
CAESAR
Tell me, Alti...is there a single reason I shouldn't
kill you right now?
XENA
Yes...'cause I wanna do it, in the forum before
the public.
CAESAR
Of course. Brutus, have her interrogated. There
may be others involved. And make sure you warn
the guards about her powers.
Brutus takes Alti away. Caesar hugs Xena. Gabrielle steps onto her balcony and looks in. Caesar looks at her and Gabrielle bows her head. Xena moves away from Caesar.
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Rome.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena enters Caesar's office. Brutus is leaving with the guards.
XENA
Where is Brutus going with the royal guard?
CAESAR
Oh, arresting that woman playwright. Alti confessed
that she was an accomplice in her plan. Apparently,
they were both working with assassins from Chin
to destroy us. Hope you weren't too fond of her.
Xena shakes her head then looks down sadly.
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Gabrielle is taken by the guards.
GABRIELLE
There must be a mistake! I've committed no crime
against Caesar!
Barnabus follows.
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Prison. Gabrielle's hair is sliced short.
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Xena and Barnabus walk down the stairs into the prison.
BARNABUS
This is a great honour, Empress. You know, you
once did a great favour for me.
XENA
Oh, I did?
BARNABUS
Mm-hm-m. My youngest daughter was very ill and
you allowed your physician to treat her. You saved
her life, you know.
Barnabus opens the door into Gabrielle's cell.
XENA
I'm pleased. Leave us.
The guard cutting Gabrielle's hair leaves. Barnabus stands there.
XENA
You, too.
BARNABUS
I can't leave the prisoner unguarded.
Xena shuts the door. Barnabus locks it and leaves. Gabrielle stands.
GABRIELLE
Empress.
XENA
Caesar tells me that you are an assassin. Is
this true?
GABRIELLE
An assassin? I've never harmed anyone in my life.
Why should you believe me instead of your husband?
Gabrielle sits.
XENA
I believe you.
GABRIELLE
Why?
XENA
You think that love is worth dying for.
Xena sits beside her.
XENA
That's not exactly the path of an assassin.
The sound of hammering can be heard. Gabrielle sighs.
GABRIELLE
They're building crosses.
XENA
Yes. You can't have a crucifixion without crosses.
Why would Caesar want you dead?
GABRIELLE
I don't know. I'm a playwright. I live on a vineyard
by the sea. I...I have a simple life. What possible
threat could I be to Caesar?
XENA
I don't know...but I intend to find out.
She stands and moves over to the door.
XENA
Guards?!
Barnabus unlocks the door and opens it. Xena steps out and faces him.
XENA
You. Come with me.
Xena heads away. Barnabus closes and locks the door and then follows Xena.
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Alti's cell. Xena and Barnabus arrive.
XENA
Unlock it.
BARNABUS
But Caesar said-
XENA
To enrage the Empress till she beats the tar out
of you?
BARNABUS
No, I must have missed that. I'll open the door.
Barnabus unlocks it and opens it. Xena steps inside.
XENA
Get out.
He closes and locks the door and then leaves.
XENA
You implicated the playwright as your accomplice.
Alti laughs.
ALTI
The playwright? Are you kidding me? What do
you want?
XENA
Your hands on me...like they were last night. They
gave me insight and knowledge. These are things
I value greatly.
ALTI
And why would do that?
XENA
Then rot.
Xena turns to leave.
ALTI
Wait.
Xena stops and slowly turns to face her.
ALTI
Free me-
She stands.
ALTI
-and I'll show you things.
XENA
You keep in mind what my husband will do to
you if I am harmed in any way.
ALTI
Oh...your husband?
Alti puts her hand on Xena's throat.
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Clips from "The Ides of March," "Destiny" and "When in Rome..."
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Xena is standing her in bedchamber, watching Caesar and Alti having sex, Alti on top of Caesar.
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Alti's cell.
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Clip from "Destiny."
CAESAR
Break her legs.
XENA
A-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h!
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Alti's cell. Xena gasps.
XENA
Ow-w-w!
Alti looks surprised.
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Clip from "Adventures in the Sin Trade II."
ALTI
Tell me who the blonde one is!
Clips from "Forget Me Not," "The Way" and "The Ides of March." Clip from "Adventures in the Sin Trade II."
ALTI
Tell me who she is!
Clip from "One Against an Army."
GABRIELLE
You taught me that there are things worth-
Clip from "The Abyss."
GABRIELLE (voice-over)
-dying for.
Clips from "The Ides of March."
CAESAR
You can't have a crucifixion without crosses-
CAESAR (voice-over)
-Brutus.
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Alti's cell.
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Clip from "When Fates Collide."
CAESAR
Which brings me to this defining Xena moment.
Clips from "The Ides of March" and "When Fates Collide."
CAESAR
Mysterious...
Clip from "When Fates Collide."
CAESAR (voice-over)
...romantic...
Clip from "When Fates Collide."
CAESAR
...good lighting.
Clip from "The Ides of March" and "When Fates Collide."
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Alti cell. Alti lets goes of Xena who falls. She gets up and stumbles to the bars, which she holds for support, gasping.
ALTI
Those images...they're not from this life. There's
something...more.
XENA
Yes, much more.
ALTI
Now, your part of the bargain.
The hammering stops.
XENA
The hammering's stopped.
Barnabus steps before the cell.
BARNABUS
Empress, they've taken the playwright.
He unlocks the cell.
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Gabrielle is lead out into the arena by two guards. She's lead to a crucifix that is lying in the dirt.
GABRIELLE
No, please! Ple - uh!
She's put down onto the crucifix and the guards start to tie her to it.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
Gabrielle is tied to the crucifix.
GABRIELLE
Ugh!
The guards ready hammers and nails. A hammer is raised. Xena steps out.
XENA
Stop!
The guards stop and turn to face Xena as she enters.
XENA
I know the truth, Caesar. I know who I was. I know
who you are.
CAESAR
(chuckling) What on Earth are you talking about?
XENA
Crucifying me on the beach was drastic. I must
have been your worst nightmare.
Caesar moves aside with her.
CAESAR
Yes, well, I've had better experiences with women.
XENA
So, it is true. You betrayed me!
CAESAR
A regret I harboured for eternity so I gave us a
second chance.
XENA
You tampered with the Fates and their loom. This
is madness.
CAESAR
Listen, my love. As we speak, our legions are
preparing to conquer the kingdom of Lao Ma - the
richest province in Chin. Once achieved, all nations
will bow at our feet. We'll be the Emperor and
Empress, not just of Rome, but of the world. That
is our destiny.
XENA
And that can still happen. If you set her free, I will
be your Empress and we will conquer the world.
But if you kill her, I will dedicate this life to changing
things back to the way they were and I can do it,
'cause we both know I have many skills.
CAESAR
Release the prisoner.
The guards remove the nails they were about to drive into Gabrielle's hands and start to untie her. Xena runs down the stairs.
XENA
Gabrielle.
Xena shoves a guard out of her way.
XENA
Get out of my way!
Xena moves over to the guards releasing Gabrielle and shoves them out of the way.
XENA
Get your filthy hands off her! Gabrielle. Can you stand?
Xena helps her up.
XENA
Are you all right?
GABRIELLE
Thank you for saving my life, Empress. I am in
your debt.
XENA
I'm not your Empress.
Xena removes her cloak and wraps it around Gabrielle.
XENA
I'm your friend. Bring her a horse! Gabrielle, go
back to your vineyard by the sea. Be happy.
She hugs her.
XENA
Write all those great plays you've got inside you.
Xena moves off.
GABRIELLE
Xena. Xena!
Xena stops, but doesn't turn around.
GABRIELLE
When I thought I was going to die, it all became
so clear. My life is empty despite my success.
Xena turns to face her.
GABRIELLE
I write about love, but I've never felt it before.
Xena wipes the tears from Gabrielle's face.
XENA
Rome is not safe for you. Leave now.
GABRIELLE
I will never forget you.
Xena smiles and nods then gestures for the guards to lead her out. Xena looks at Caesar. Two guards march away from him. Xena looks after Gabrielle and then back to Caesar, glaring at him.
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Alti is on Caesar's bed. Caesar enters.
ALTI
Your wife freed me.
CAESAR
Of course. You showed Xena visions of her former life.
ALTI
She'll never play the good little Empress now.
She chuckles.
ALTI
You need a much more loyal partner Caesar.
CAESAR
I don't trust you, Alti.
ALTI
I love Rome just as much as you do, Caesar.
She stands.
ALTI
And those visions...made my abilities so much stronger.
CAESAR
Prove it. I pardoned that playwright, Gabrielle. Find
her. Kill her.
Alti smiles.
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Gabrielle rides. She sees someone standing by a tree far off.
GABRIELLE
Whoa!
Gabrielle stops the horse. Alti runs in before Gabrielle from the tree, moving at lightning speed. She focuses her eyes on Gabrielle and nods her head. Gabrielle flies off of her horse.
GABRIELLE
A-a-h-h-h-h! No!
Gabrielle hits the ground. Alti laughs. Gabrielle crawls along, but Alti zooms over to her and grabs her throat.
ALTI
Aw such a pretty girl, huh? Do you know what a
fate worse than death means? Dying before you
get a chance to know who you really are.
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Clips from "Sins of the Past" and "The Greater Good."
GABRIELLE (voice-over)
I'm not cut out for this village life. I was born to
do so much more.
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Alti holds Gabrielle's throat.
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Clips from "A Tale of Two Muses," "Sins of the Past" and "Between the Lines."
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Alti holds Gabrielle's throat.
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Clip from "Between the Lines."
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Alti holds Gabrielle's throat. Blood is pouring from Gabrielle's nose and she is gasping.
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Clip from "The Abyss."
GABRIELLE
Xena-a-a-a-a!
Clips from "Them Bones, Them Bones," "The Way" and "The Ides of March."
XENA (voice-over)
Even in death, Gabrielle-
Clip from "One Against an Army."
XENA
-I will never leave you.
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Alti holds Gabrielle's throat and laughs. Xena rides over the hill and sees them.
XENA
Alti-i-i-i-i!
Alti lets go of Gabrielle and stands, looking at Xena.
XENA
Yah-h-h-h! Yah!
Xena rides towards them. She shoots an arrow, but Alti ducks. Xena rides in and stops the horse. She flips.
XENA
She-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-yah!
Alti zooms away. Xena lands, but Alti is gone, no where to be scene. Xena moves to Gabrielle, who's trapped in Alti's trance.
XENA
Gabrielle. Come on, get up. Gabrielle...what has
she done to you? Alti-i-i-i-i-i!
ALTI (voice-over)
My powers have evolved, Xena. That glimpse
into your soul showed me the other world.
Alti zooms around them off on the hill where Xena just was. She's just a blur.
XENA
Alti.
ALTI (voice-over)
I saw just how strong I've become and, thanks to
you, I'm just hitting my stride.
XENA
This isn't about you, Alti!
Alti is standing on the hill.
ALTI
Oh, yes it is! It's all about me and what I know!
Your story will end with your playwright unable
to save her fallen angel.
Alti laughs, then jumps and comes at Xena. Xena jumps.
XENA
E-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-yah!
Xena kicks her and Alti hits the ground. Xena punches her.
XENA
This is where your memories end, Alti. Get up!
Get up!
Xena picks her up. Roman soldiers run in. Xena knocks Alti out and then fights the soldiers. Gabrielle comes back into the world, free of Alti's visions. Xena fights. Soldiers move in on Xena. She plants a spear into the ground and uses it to run around, hitting the soldiers as they come at her.
XENA
A-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!
Xena kills a soldier with the spear. More Romans ride in, along with Caesar and Brutus in a chariot. Gabrielle is grabbed by two soldiers.
XENA
No-o-o-o-o!
Xena is hit in the shoulder with an arrow, and then a second hits her in the thigh. Xena falls to her knees.
CAESAR
Whoa-a-a-a.
His chariot stops. Alti stands. Barnabus takes Gabrielle from the other soldiers.
BARNABUS
You! Watch that sling! Back in line!
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Gabrielle moves to help Xena, but Barnabus holds her back.
BARNABUS
No! No!
Soldiers move over to Xena and pull her to her feet.
BARNABUS
You can't help her, but I can help you.
Xena is pulled to her feet and calls out in pain. Caesar moves over to her.
CAESAR
You couldn't let it go could you?
XENA
You betrayed me again, Caesar. No matter what
life you live, you'll always be scum! Not even the
Fates could change that.
CAESAR
Your death will not be in vain, Xena, because you'll
always hold a special place in Rome's heart...amongst
Caesar's conquered.
Xena spits in his face. The arrow in Xena's shoulder is broken off and a rope tied around her ankles. The other end of the rope is tied to a saddle.
EXTRA
Hyah! Hah!
The soldier rides off, Xena being dragged behind his horse, Xena calling out in pain. Alti laughs.
EXTRA
Yah! Yah!
Alti laughs.
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Palace. Brutus enters.
CAESAR
How do the legions look?
BRUTUS
Excellent, but there is some concern about the Empress.
CAESAR
She defied my orders and attacked Roman troops.
That's an act of treason punishable by death.
BRUTUS
But she's very popular. The troops look up to her.
CAESAR
And...what about you, Brutus? Do you also look
up to Xena? Alti will be joining us on our march
east as my new Empress. Do you have a problem
with that?
BRUTUS
Caesar, if I speak out it is from concern. It
doesn't mean I'm any less loyal to you.
CAESAR
Please, don't misunderstand me. It's not that I
love you any less, but that I love-
He stabs Brutus.
CAESAR
-Rome more.
BRUTUS
Uh! Oh!
Brutus falls down dead.
CAESAR
And I am...Rome.
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Xena lies on a bed in the cell Alti was in earlier. Xena is covered in cuts and bruises. Barnabus brings Gabrielle over. He unlocks the door.
BARNABUS
I can't believe they were gonna kill you for writing
that bad play. I saw it.
He opens the door.
BARNABUS
Could'a used a few more fight scenes.
GABRIELLE
I'll keep that in mind.
Barnabus closes the door and locks it.
GABRIELLE
(whispering) Xena.
XENA
Gabrielle, you shouldn't have come.
GABRIELLE
Alti showed me something. Another world or time.
XENA
That doesn't matter now.
Xena puts her hand on Gabrielle's shoulder and uses Gabrielle to lift herself into a sitting position.
XENA
Ah-h-h-h!
GABRIELLE
(whispering) I'm sorry.
XENA
(whispering) That's okay.
GABRIELLE
Xena, when I'm with you this emptiness that I
have felt my entire life is gone.
She sits.
GABRIELLE
You have to tell me what's going on.
A tear rolls down Xena's face.
XENA
Caesar changed our fate...giving us this
godforsaken world.
GABRIELLE
Must be something that I can do.
XENA
No, what you can do is get out of here alive. I have
to go through this alone.
GABRIELLE
(whispering) I can't let you die.
XENA
Some things are worth dying for. Isn't that what
your play was about? Being prepared to sacrifice
all for love?
GABRIELLE
(whispering) For love.
XENA
In the other world, my destiny was linked to Caesar
and that cross - and I hated them both. But now
I realize that everything happens precisely as it
should. Precisely.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guards walk down the stairs into the prison.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle stands.
GABRIELLE
Xena...
Xena moans in pain.
XENA
Go now, Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
I can't.
XENA
Go now. Get out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guards march.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena's cell.
GABRIELLE
(whispering) No.
Gabrielle gently touches Xena's face and Xena smiles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guards march.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena's cell.
XENA
Get out.
GABRIELLE
Don't.
Barnabus unlocks the cell.
BARNABUS
Empress, it's time.
Barnabus opens the door and guards enter.
XENA
I'll love you forever.
Gabrielle is grabbed and pulled away from Xena.
GABRIELLE
Don't touch her.
EXTRA
Come on!
Xena is pulled to her feet. She stumbles.
XENA
Uh!
As Xena is pulled past Barnabus, she turns to him.
XENA
Get her out alive.
Xena is taken away.
EXTRA
Let's go!
Gabrielle sits on the bed. Barnabus looks at her.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
Xena is lead out into the arena. It's poring rain. Caesar and Alti watch.
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Gabrielle rides through the rain.
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Xena is lead to the crucifix. Alti whispers to Caesar. They kiss. Xena is placed on the crucifix. She moans. Barnabus stands over her, sad.
XENA
Ugh!
Alti leaves. Xena is tied to the crucifix. Caesar leaves.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle rides through the rain.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barnabus watches as pieces of wood are laid on Xena's hands.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caesar and Alti are having sex like Alti had shown Xena earlier in the episode. Caesar moans.
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Xena gasps. A nail is placed on her hand, ready to be driven into it.
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Alti and Caesar.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The nail is placed on Xena's hand.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti slowly draws a dagger that Caesar doesn't see.
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The hammer is raised.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti raises the dagger.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hammer is raised.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti raises the dagger.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hammer is raised.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti raises the dagger. Caesar opens his eyes and sees Alti with the dagger. Alti brings the dagger down.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hammer comes down.
CAESAR (voice-over)
A-a-a-a-a-a-a-ah!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti stabs Caesar.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The nails are hammered into Xena.
XENA
A-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti stabs Caesar.
XENA (voice-over)
-a-a-a-a-h-h-h!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hammer is raised.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti stabs Caesar.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hammer comes down.
XENA
A-ah!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti stabs Caesar.
CAESAR
A-ah!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena cries out with no sound in pain.
CAESAR (voice-over)
A-ah!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The nail is hammered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caesar.
CAESAR
A-a-ah!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena cries out with no sound in pain.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caesar grabs the sheets.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hammer comes down.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caesar grabs Alti's face.
CAESAR
Ugh-ah!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is nailed to the crucifix.
XENA
A-a-a-ah!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caesar holds Alti's face, but she stabs him again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is nailed to the crucifix.
CAESAR (voice-over)
A-ah!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caesar tries to fight off Alti.
CAESAR
A-ah! A-a-ah!
XENA (voice-over)
A-a-agh!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The nail is hit.
XENA
A-a-agh!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caesar.
CAESAR
A-ah!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The nail is hit.
CAESAR (voice-over)
A-a-agh!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caesar grabs the sheets.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti stabs Caesar.
CAESAR
A-a-a-ah!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is nailed to the crucifix.
XENA
A-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The nail is hit.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caesar's face is covered in his splattered blood.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti raises the dagger.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hammer is raised.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti stabs Caesar.
ALTI
A-ah!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is nailed to the crucifix.
XENA
A-a-a-ah!
She sobs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caesar dies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena sobs.
XENA
A-a-a-a-ah...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti gets off of Caesar and leaves.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle rides to the temple of the Fates.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle enters and sees the loom. She sighs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is now nailed to the crucifix. Blood fills the puddles from the rain around her. Her face is frozen in a silent scream as the guards lift the crucifix.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle walks with determination through the Fates' temple.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is raised on her crucifix.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle sees the loom. It's a mess.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is raised on her crucifix.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle looks at the loom.
GABRIELLE
(whispering) It's horrible.
The Fates are still chained.
CLOTHO
We Caesar left us chained-
LACHESIS
We could not mind the loom-
ATROPOS
Creating a world full of chaos and confusion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is raised on her crucifix.
GABRIELLE (voice-over)
We're stuck in this world-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle moves over to the Fates.
GABRIELLE
-because of you?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena's crucifix is dropped into the hole in the ground. The force pulls on her body.
XENA
A-a-a-a-a-a-a-ah!
Xena sobs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle grabs a torch from above the Fates' heads.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is panting in pain. Alti enters and laughs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle takes the torch over to the loom.
CLOTHO
No! Burning the loom-
LACHESIS
Will destroy everything!
GABRIELLE
So be it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is crucified.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fates' temple.
GABRIELLE
Your loom destroyed what was meant to be.
A-a-a-ah!
Gabrielle throws the torch onto the loom, which catches fire.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alti grunts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mist moves out of the burning loom, surrounding Gabrielle. The Fates are horrified. Gabrielle falls to her knees.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is crucified. She slowly, painfully raises her head. Alti looks like she is catching on fire from inside. Xena looks at her, stoic, except for a faint trace of a smile at seeing Alti in pain.
ALTI
A-a-a-a-a-a-ah!
Alti burns to bones and then nothing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The loom explodes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is crucified.
XENA
I love you, Gabrielle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The loom explodes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is crucified. Overlapping image of fire burning.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zooming out from the world, it explodes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blue light.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The correct dimension. Gabrielle walks through the woods. Xena rides up on Argo the Second.
XENA
Hey.
GABRIELLE
Hi.
XENA
You brought the world back to us.
GABRIELLE
I'm glad. I like this one better.
XENA
Even though you're not a famous playwright?
GABRIELLE
Fame...who needs it?
Xena helps her up into the saddle.
GABRIELLE
Did you really like my play?
XENA
It was all right.
They ride off.
XENA
Maybe it could've done with a few more fight scenes.
GABRIELLE
Everyone's a critic.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena and Gabrielle ride.
END OF ACT FOUR
STARRING
Lucy Lawless as Xena
Renee O'Connor as Gabrielle
GUEST CAST
Karl Urban as Caesar
Claire Stansfield as Alti
Ted Raimi as Barnabus
David Franklin as Brutus
Elizabeth Pendergrast as Atropos
Chloe Jordan as Lachesis
Leah Mizrahi as Clotho
David Fomison Passmore as Male Actor
Debbie Newby as Female Actor
Adrian Kwan as Emissary #1
Written by: Katherine Fugate
Directed by: John Fawcett
Disclaimer: As the Fates would have it, Caesar was once again harmed during the making of this motion picture.
