Blood Brother

Written by (copywright):  Caina Q.  Fuller

Episode #4 in “The Messenger” series.

 

 

Teaser

 

Fade In

 

Int-Tunnels of Tartarus

 

Close up on the booted feet of a mysterious woman as she walks toward the camera.  The camera glides up the woman’s figure until it reaches her face.  We see it is Persephone, wife of Hades and new ruler of the underworld in her husband’s absence. 

 

She makes her way through the tunnels of Tartarus.  To her left is a pit where CONDEMNED SOULS are being kept.  One soul attempts to pull himself out, and as his hand reaches over the surface we see it is covered in snakes. 

 

Condemned Man

Persephone! Help me please!

 

Persephone cruelly kicks him in the face as she passes, sending him plummeting back down to unknowable depths.  On her right are chambers full of tortured men and women.   Demon-like creatures are beating some while others are being burned with hot pokers.

 

Persephone turns a corner and comes to a rock wall and waves her hand over the surface.  It becomes transparent and we see Eve lies on a smooth floor.  The room is round and large, with rock walls as smooth as polished steel.  In the center of the room is an empty pedestal.

 

Eve’s attention is captured by images playing out on the ceiling of Callisto fighting Xena. She also watches Livia raid villages and murder innocent villagers.  Persephone decides to spice up Eve’s torment with a little subliminal suggestion.

 

Persephone

Eve.  It’s hot in this room. Very hot.

 

Eve reacts as the room suddenly becomes hot.  Sweat pours from her face and she looks around for the source of the intense heat, even though she cannot see Persephone.  A glass of icy cold water appears on the pedestal in the center of the room, but when Eve moves for it the floor disappears from beneath her feet and she barely manages to catch the edge as she falls in.  Eve pulls herself out just as hissing snakes come out to bite at her bare heels.  The floor seals shut behind her.  Eve tries again but the same thing happens.

 

Persephone

You must have the water Eve.

Don’t give up.

 

Eve eases her way toward the water.  This time the floor holds and she manages to wrap her hands around the glass, which is covered in cool condensation.  But just as Eve is bringing it to her lips the water turns to blood and she screams in horror and disappointment.

 

Eve

No!

 

She stares at the blood in disgust, but her thirst gets the better of her and she gulps it down.  When she does she begins to choke and gag, and after awhile of writhing on the floor in misery she calms.

 

Eve

I’m even thirstier than I was before.

Somebody help me!

 

Persephone begins to laugh, relishing Eve’s torment.

  

                                                                                                              Dissolve to:

 

Ext-Elysian Fields

 

MARCUS, Xena’s old lover, makes his way through the beautiful, grassy fields of paradise.  A sword hangs on his back though he doesn’t really need it here.  The handsome warrior looks about, searching for someone though he isn’t successful finding him. Finally he stops a passerby.

 

Marcus

Have you seen him?

 

Man

I think I saw him going to Tartarus

again.  Maybe an hour ago?

 

Marcus sighs with pure irritation and takes off for an exit. 

     

Cut to

 

Int-Tunnels of Tartarus

Marcus rounds a corner to find another handsome young man with a fighting staff fighting off four condemned souls of Tartarus.  One by one he defeats them by shoving them back into the pit they are climbing out of.  The young man is SOLON, Xena’s son.  He looks to be about 21 now.  He’s got short, sandy brown hair and blue eyes, and his form with the staff is superb. When Solon is finished with the condemned souls, Marcus draws his sword. 

 

Marcus

What have I told you about coming

here without back up?  This place is

dangerous. 

 

Solon

Actually, it’s not as dangerous as

you think.  These people look forward

to my visits.

 

Marcus

And how is that?

 

Solon

I bring them food and water.  They

feel like fighting better on a full

stomach.

 

Marcus rolls his eyes at this news and begins to try and talk some sense into Solon.

 

Marcus

There’s a reason these “people” as you

call them are in here.  They led horrible

lives on Earth. 

 

Solon

If I know my history right so did you.  But

look where you are Marcus.  All because

someone loved you.  Someone showed

you mercy. 

 

Marcus recants a little and his anger subsides.  The young man is right after all.  Had Xena not loved him as much as she did, he’d be rotting in this place along with the same souls that Solan was fighting now.

 

Marcus

You are your mother’s son, you know

that?

 

Solon

Besides that, I need some excitement.

After awhile even Elysia can become 

hopelessly boring.

 

Marcus

(grinning playfully)

You know, sometimes I have half a mind

to toss you in one of those pits myself. I’ll

bet a few hours in there would teach you

not to venture in here alone. 

 

Solon

(good naturedly)

Oh yeah? Then bring it on old man.

 

Marcus moves in on Solon, a wide grin on his face and his sword in his hand.

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

 

Int-Eve’s Torture Chamber

Eve is staring once more at the scenes on the ceiling when Persephone enters and circles her.

 

Eve

What do you want?

 

Persephone

I want to see you suffer of course.

 

Eve

Can’t you do that from the

comfort of your own chambers?

 

Persephone

Yes, but it’s not nearly as entertaining

as seeing your pain up close.  It’s a lot

like making love.  Watching others is

entertaining.  Actually doing it is even better.

 

Eve jumps to her feet, angry.

 

Eve

You want some thrills Persephone?

I’ve got plenty for you. 

 

Persephone isn’t prepared for Eve’s sudden attack.  Eve drives her fist across the other woman’s face then follows through with a kick to the jaw.  She moves to kick her again but Persephone is ready and she catches Eve’s foot. 

 

Persephone twists Eve’s ankle but Eve turns with it and drives her other foot into Persephone’s face.  From there on the new ruler of the underworld is hopelessly outmatched by Eve’s skill.  Eve begins beating up on her until Persephone steps back to put some distance between them. 

 

Persephone

                                    Cerberus!

 

Hades three headed dog MATERIALIZES before Eve and charges her.  She dodges the dog easily and he goes flying through the wall, leaving a gateway that begins to MELT shut.  Eve begins to run for it.

 

Persephone

No!

 

Persephone dives for her but they both end up falling through the hole and into a pit.

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

 

Int-Tunnels of Tartarus

 

Marcus and Solon fight sword to staff, but it doesn’t take Marcus too long to cut Solon’s staff in half.  When Solon attempts to use the two halves like chobo’s Marcus grabs each half and yanks Solon to him, hard. Marcus and Solon crash heads and Solon stumbles back in pain.  He is just about to fall into the pit when Marcus grabs him by the collar, saving him.

 

Marcus

You make the same mistake

every single time boy.  You

hold the staff too low and when

you spin you leave your center

open for attack.  Depending

on your opponents weapon and

physical strength they can either

disarm you or-

 

Marcus’ lesson is interrupted by the sound of growling and two women’s screams from above.  When they look up, they watch as Cerberus falls from the ceiling and continues down into the pit behind Solon while Persephone and Eve land on the dusty floor at Marcus and Solon’s feet.  There is the distinctive sound of breaking bones when Persephone lands atop Eve.

 

Solon looks down into Eve’s eyes, which are full of pain, and an image of Xena is superimposed over her face.  Solon recognizes her immediately as who she is: His sister.

 

Solon

Eve!

 

Persephone stands, uninjured, and Solon kneels beside his sister to examine her. Eve’s body is slowly covering with bruises from the injuries she sustained in the fall with Persephone.

 

Solon

You’re going to be alright.

 

Eve

Who are you?

 

Solon

My name is Solon.  I’m your brother.

 

Close up on Eve’s shocked expression.

Fade Out.

End of Teaser

***************

Blood Brother-Act 1

 

Fade In on-Persephone

Persephone stands over Eve and Solon

 

Persephone

Step away from her Solon.  You

shouldn’t even be in Tartarus.  You

know that.

 

Solon

What has she done to deserve

eternal damnation?

 

Persephone gives a bitter laugh.  She knows Solon is oblivious to Eve’s past as Livia as well as her role in the death of the Olympian gods.

 

Persephone

You don’t want to know that Solon.

Trust me.  Now move away from her!

 

Solon snatches one of the pieces of his staff from Marcus and stands Persephone down when Persephone leans in to grab Eve.  The new Queen of the underworld stares at him in almost comical shock, for she is not used to the souls she governs challenging her in this fashion.

 

Solon

I won’t let you torture her.

 

Persephone

You have a good heart Solon. I know

you come in here to try and offer these

scum relief by giving them food and

water.  I also understand she’s your sister,

but if you don’t get out of my

way I will condemn you to eternity

in Tartarus with her.   Do you want that?

 

Marcus may not want Solan coming into Tartarus the way he does, but he loves Solan like the boy was his own son, and he’s not about to stand by and allow Persephone to try and bully him.

 

Marcus

Hades decreed that no good soul

should ever lose his place in Paradise.

 

Persephone

Well, Hades isn’t here now is he? 

Thanks to her and her bitch mother Xena.

I rule the underworld now and the

rules have changed.  Step back Solon.

 

Solon

No, I don’t think so.  Marcus,

If you’re truly my friend…

 

Marcus

Say no more son.  Run with her. I’ll

hold this so called goddess off.

 

Marcus draws his sword and Persephone backs away in surprise, more than a little touch of anxiety on her face.  All she’d wanted to do was have a little fun torturing Eve, not start a war with two warriors she didn’t have the skill to deal with. What had started out as a game was quickly turning into a coup.

 

Persephone

You two are making a big mistake.

                                    Neither of you want me for an enemy.

 

Eve

She’s right. I deserve what I’m

getting.  Go on now. I can take

care of myself.

 

Solon

Shhh.  Your bones are broken.  This is

going to hurt, so get ready.

 

Solon picks Eve up and she screams in pain.  Every bone in her body was shattered by the long fall into the cavern, and her body feels like mush in his strong arms.  Solon takes off with Eve down the tunnels of Tartarus, heading for the healing waters of the Elysian Fields.

 

Persephone

Cerberus! Find them.  As for you

Marcus…I think you should take

on someone who can match

your skill.  Draco!

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

Draco.  Draco fights off another condemned soul inside one of the pits of Tartarus.  He is dressed in rags and caked with dirt, but when he hears Persephone’s voice he begins to DISSOLVE.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

Draco APPEARS beside Marcus wearing his old outfit from Xena. He looks at his clean body in a mixture of confusion and relief.

 

Persephone

Cut him up into little pieces Draco.  He’ll

be spending eternity here in Tartarus.

 

Draco looks Marcus over then stares Persephone down hatefully.

 

Draco

I have nothing against this man

Persephone.  Why should I help you?

 

Marcus

That’s right.  Her husband put you

in Tartarus.  You owe her nothing.

 

Persephone

((rolling her eyes in exasperation)

You should help me because you

will be rewarded an eternal place

in the Asphodel Meadows.

 

Draco

Asphodel Meadows huh?

(looks Marcus over)

It’s not paradise, but it beats

Tartarus any day.  Sorry friend, but

I have to think of my future.  It’s nothing

personal, I assure you.

 

Marcus

Believe me, I understand.  I just

Hope that you understand that I

also have my future to consider?

I’ll fight you.

 

Draco

(grinning evilly)

I’d be sorely disappointed if you didn’t.

 

                                                                                                                        Dissolve To:

 

A Gateway to the Elysian Fields

 

Solon holds Eve as he stares at the Gate to the Elysian Fields.

 

Eve

Solon, you shouldn’t be doing this. 

I’m not worth it, believe me.

Solon

You’re family.  That makes you worth

it to me.

 

Eve

I don’t want you to lose your place in

paradise for me.  Please take me

back to Persephone.  Maybe she’ll

forgive you-

 

Solon

Persephone is an anal-retentive bitch

who takes a sick pleasure in torturing her

victims. She wasn’t always like that but she’s

changed recently.

 

Eve

That’s because of me.

 

                             Solon

No, it’s the way she chooses to be.  No more

talk of guilt huh?  I have a plan in mind to get

you out of here.  But first…

 

                              Eve

First what?

 

Solon

I can smell doggie breath.

 

Cerberus comes charging from the left and Solon barely ducks before the beast tackles him.  Each move he makes with Eve causes her incredible pain because of her broken bones.  Without wasting time Solon lays Eve down, holds out his right hand and a crossbow appears.  When Cerberus charges him again, Solon takes aim at the center head.

 

Solon

Sorry boy, but you leave me no choice.

 

Solon fires the crossbow and it sticks in the right eye of the center head.  The dog begins to whine and yelp, as he takes off in the opposite direction, running for his mistress.  Solon picks Eve up again.

 

Solon

It’s time to mend your broken bones.

come on.

 

Solon picks his sister up and continues on with her into the Elysian Fields.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Dissolve To:

Virgil’s stables-Morning

 

Virgil sits in the loft of his stables, watching some villagers build the pyre for Eve’s funeral.  Beside him is Eve’s body, wrapped from head to toe with only her face showing.  There is a rustle behind him and Virgil turns to find Calantha climbing the ladder behind him.

 

Calantha

Virgil?  I have some fruits cut for

your breakfast.  Why don’t you

come down and eat something huh? 

 

Virgil

Thanks sis, but I’m not hungry.  Go

on without me.

 

Calantha

She’s been gone for two days.  It

feels a lot longer than that somehow.

 

Virgil studies his sister,s profile as she looks down on Eve’s peaceful face.

 

Virgil

She killed our father then turned around

and save you from a life long mistake. 

Amazing what one person can do isn’t it?

 

Calantha

Yes it is.  That’s what I feel every time I think

of Eli’s God and what the power of his love

can do to change us.  Virgil, this isn’t your

fault.  Phobos did this.  Why don’t you eat?

Just a little something?

 

Virgil

I can’t.  I just can’t.

 

Calantha

All right.  I’ll be in the house.  You’ve

left it a mess you know.  I feel

sorry for your future wife, whoever she is.

 

Calantha leaves and when she does Virgil strokes Eve’s face as he breaks down into tears.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

Off of Virgil’s face

 

Ext. The surface of a lake

A body splashes into the water.  The camera pulls back to show Solon dipping his sister into the water of a lake.  When she comes up she is clean and all of her wounds are healed.

 

Solon

There.  Doesn’t that feel better?

 

Eve

Oh God.  I feel…I feel better than I

ever have before.  It’s incredible.

 

Solon

Come on.  Let’s get you something to eat

and then you can tell me all about how you

ended up here while we start working to get

you out of here.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut To:

Marcus and Draco clash swords while Persephone strides down the tunnel.  She is heading towards the Elysian Fields after Eve.

 

Marcus

Listen, Draco.  We should work

together.  Persephone is going to condemn

an innocent boy to Tartarus just

because he wants to save his sister.

 

Draco

Look at my face.  Do I look like the type

to care about such things?

 

Marcus

I used to be like you. Then someone

changed me.  You may know her. Xena.

 

At Xena’s name Marcus gives a howl of RAGE and tries to behead Marcus. 

 

Draco

That bitch convinced Cupid to

allow a love spell to stay on me!  I spent

my entire life pining after her sidekick

Gabrielle. I never found love again

because of that! I died barely a year

after they did because I was distracted

by grief over Gabrielle.  I hate Xena!

 

Marcus

Ok.  Wrong example then.

 

Draco tackles Marcus and they go falling into another room, off camera. 

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

Persephone-Tunnels of Tartarus

 

Persephone makes her way through the tunnels of Tartarus until she reaches the gate to the Elysian Fields. When she does she hears the sound of a whining dog.  Cerberus comes toward her, pawing at the arrow in his eye.

 

Persephone

Cerberus!  What has Solon done to

you?  You poor thing.  Come here.

Let Mama help you.

 

Persephone removes the arrow and lays her hand over the wound and heals it. 

 

Persephone

Don’t worry boy.  You will have your

revenge soon enough.  Go to my quarters.

I’ll deal with Solon and Eve.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut To:

 

Off of Persephone’s face

Solon and Eve make their way through the beautiful fields of Elysia.  Eve tears up an apple hungrily, and gulps down juice from a decanter.

 

Solon

We’re almost there.  Once you’re

inside I need you to stay where I put

you while I find Marcus.  If this plan is going

to work I’m going to need him.

 

Eve

Are you sure about this?  I mean, once

I’m gone you’ll still have to stay here.

There’s no telling what she will do to you

and Marcus for helping me.

 

Solon

You let me worry about that.  I’ve tasted

paradise and I don’t plan to let it go

that easily.  Tell me something sister.

How is mother?

 

Eve

Isn’t she here?

 

A look of panic claims Solan’s face at these words.

 

Solon

Here? Why would she be here?

 

Eve

Mother is dead Solon.  I thought

you would have been re-united

with her by now. 

 

Persephone

Your mother was probably sentenced

to a fate worse than Tartarus. She

deserves every bit of what she gets too.

 

Eve and Solon turn to find Persephone glaring at them.  With her are about fifteen guards.   Each man is armed with swords and throwing knives.

 

Solon

Persephone.

End of Act One

**************************************

Blood Brother-Act 2

Fade In-Eve and Solon

 

Eve and Solon stare down Persephone and her guards.

 

Persephone

You have a choice here Solon:

You can surrender Eve and keep

your place in the Elysian Fields, or,

you can resist and I take Eve anyway.

If I have to go through the trouble

you’d better believe I’m sentencing

you to Tartarus.  What’s  it going to be?

 

Solon

I’ll take my chances in Tartarus.

 

Eve

No, you won’t.  I’ll come with you

Persephone. 

 

Solon

But Eve she’s-

 

Eve

No.  I’m not going to allow you

to throw away your future in

paradise for me.  I know we don’t

know each other very well, but I

feel a bond with you. I won’t let

you sacrifice yourself for me.

 

Eve hugs Solon then turns to Persephone.

 

Eve

I’ll come with you Persephone.  Just

leave Solon alone.

 

Persephone

You’re being so noble I could

just lose my lunch.

 

Persephone nods at her guards.

 

Persephone

He defied me.  Now you’ll both

be spending the rest of eternity

together. In Tartarus.

 

Seeing that Persephone openly intends to betray the deal she made only seconds ago, Solon hold out his hands and a pair of Sai’s appear.  He looks sheepishly at Eve who is staring at him.

 

Solon

What can I say?  Gabrielle is

my hero. 

 

He holds his hand out for a sword.  When it appears he gives it to her.

 

Solon

Remember, everybody here is

dead so you’re not killing anyone.

 

 

Solon and Eve fight off Persephone’s guards.  Whenever the guards receive a “fatal” blow they turn to dust.  When it becomes clear that Eve and Solon are superior to her guards Persephone begins to throw fireballs at them, but it’s useless.  Solon uses his Sai’s to deflect them back at her.  One of them hits Persephone squarely in the chest, sending her flying back.

 

Solon

Run!

 

Solon and eve take off into the trees.  When Persephone sits up from her place on the ground they are gone.

 

Persephone

Damn you Solon!

 

                                                                                                                        Cut To:

 

Off Persephone’s face to Marcus

 

Marcus and Draco are still battling it out.  Marcus finally gets the upper hand and runs Draco through, sticking him to the wall.  He then takes off, heading for the Elysian Fields to find Solon and Eve.

 

Draco

That’s right, run.  Coward!

 

Int.  Tunnels

Marcus rounds a corner in the Tunnels and faces the gate.  He is just about to go in when guards march by. 

 

Guard#1

Persephone wants us to find

Marcus before Solon can join

forces with him again.  When we

get our hands on him we’re to

cut him up and let him spend

eternity in pieces.  Search every

inch of Tartarus then move on to

the Asphodel Meadows.  Move out!

 

Marcus

Great.

 

                                                                                                                        Dissolve to:

 

Caverns-Elysian Fields

 

Solon leads Eve to a secret hiding place in some caves.  Inside one of the many cave entrances, is a garden with a pool and a table laden with food.

 

Solon

This is where I used to watch

mother.  I haven’t been here

for awhile.  Where could her

soul be?

 

Eve

I don’t know, but we will find it

someday.  I promise.  Thank you

for all you’re doing for me Solon.

 

Solon

Hey, what are big brothers for?

Pay her a visit.

 

Eve frowns when Solon is gone, confused about what he meant by paying her mother a visit. 

 

Eve

Pay her a visit?

Solon

Yeah.  You can’t see her

now but you can see visions of her

past. The way she was when

I knew her.

 

Eve

I’ll do that.  Be careful.

 

Solon

Always.

 

                                                                                                Cut to:

 

Ext-Village of Torone-Virgil

 

Virgil stands before the funeral pyre that some villagers are making for Eve’s funeral. 

 

Calantha

It’s not your fault Virgil.  Phobos

did this.

 

Virgil

He used what was in my heart

against Eve.  That’s what really

happened.

 

Calantha

Maybe, but you can’t continue

to blame yourself like this.  Its

eating you up inside, I can see it.

 

Virgil

                                                Shouldn’t it Calantha? I committed

murder.

 

Calantha

You were used by a selfish, revenge-minded

god Virgil.  You know what I think? I think Eve

would want you to forgive yourself.  I know she

doesn’t hate you.

 

Virgil

It’s not just Eve Calantha.  She

the last of Xena’s family.  How am

ever going to face Gabrielle?

 

Calantha

Like the man you are.  Tell Gabrielle

the truth.  If she’s anything like her

reputation, she’ll forgive you.

 

                                                                                                            Cut to:

 

Off of Virgil’s face-Tartarus

Solon, Sai’s at the ready, makes his way through Tartarus.  As he does he barely manages to hide from a group of guard searching for Marcus.  When they are gone, he eases around a corner and comes face to face with Marcus.  They yelp in surprise.

 

Marcus

Solon! You scared me to de…

never mind.  Where’s Eve?

 

Solon

I left her in my secret garden.  She

won’t be safe there forever

though.  We have to get to the

ambrosia. 

 

Marcus

I thought that’s what you had in mind.

The ambrosia is on earth though.

How do you plan to get to it?

 

Solon

Hades chamber, remember?  It will

allow a soul to appear to anyone on

Earth.  You can communicate with her

friend Virgil.

 

Marcus

And how do you propose I do this

without Persephone finding out about it?

 

Solon

That’s where I come in.

 

 

                                                                                                            Cut to:

Draco

Draco listens around a corner to Solon and Marcus’ conversation with a wicked grin.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

Off Draco’s evil grin

Int-Persephone’s private chambers

 

Persephone paces back and forth, wringing her hands in frustration.  In the corner Cerberus watches, sniffing the air and picking up on her frustration. 

 

Persephone

This is falling apart Cerberus.

Solon is planning something, I

can feel it.  His mind is every bit

as sharp and devious as his mother’s.

I’m willing to bet my place as

Queen of the underworld he’s planning on

hiding Eve in the Elysian Fields forever.

Well, I’ll be damned if I let her live in the lap

of luxury after she helped her mother

murder my beloved Hades.

 

 

Cerberus growls in agreement while she paces back and forth. 

 

Ext-Hades’ castle

Solon has climbed the rocks of the castle wall to the only window in the tower, which is at the very top of the castle.  Marcus watches him climb like a nervous mother hen below.  Gently Solon eases himself in.  When he does Cerberus picks up on his sent and begins to growl.

 

Persephone

What is it boy?

 

All three of Cerberus’ head’s bark at the windowsill where Solon entered.  Persephone eases toward a mace that adorns the walls.  Once she is armed she moves toward the curtain.

 

Persephone

All right. Whoever you are, come

out.  Now!

 

She gasps when Solon emerges from behind he curtains.  His Sai’s are sheathed at his waist but he doesn’t draw them.

 

Persephone

Solon.  Gutsy move coming in here.

Gutsy…but stupid.  Cerberus!

 

Cerberus moves to attack, but after having been hurt by Solon so badly he is hesitant.  Solon stomps at him and the dog jumps back, whimpering in fear and this greatly upsets Persephone.

 

Persephone

Cerberus!

 

Solon

I’m not here to fight Persephone.

I’m here to talk.

 

Persephone

About what?  Freeing Eve?  I

will never agree to that.

 

Solon

She told me what happened.  She

told me how because of your husband

and the other gods she had to

grow up without her mother. Ares molded

her into a vicious killer.

 

Persephone

Oh, boo-hoo.  Poor child.

 

Solon

That’s right.  She committed horrible

sins Persephone, that’s true.  But Mom

never would have killed your husband if

he would have just walked away.

 

Persephone

Well it’s a little too late for that now

isn’t it? He’s gone forever.

 

Solon

                                                It’s not Eve’s fault.

On the view screen behind Persephone, Marcus moves through the halls of the castle.  Solon is succeeding in distracting her, but Cerberus is watching intently, a low growling starting in the back of his throat. 

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

Int.  Halls

Marcus moves through the castle halls. Finally he reaches a door to the “Chamber” that will allow him to communicate with the living.  Before he can reach the door however, Draco appears, blocking his path.

 

Draco

Hello there friend.

 

 

 

Close up on Marcus

Fade out.

End of Act 2

**************************************

Blood Brother-Act 3

Fade In-Marcus and Draco

 

Marcus

I don’t have time for this right

now Draco.

 

Draco

I understand that, which is why

I’m going to take you up on

your offer to work together.

 

Marcus

For what price?  I have nothing

I can offer you that’s better than

a place in the Asphodel Meadows.

 

Draco

Oh but you will.  You’re going to the

Chamber to try and communicate

with the living.  You know where

there’s a stash of ambrosia.

 

Marcus

And if I agree to resurrect you you’ll

keep quiet about me going after

the ambrosia.  What’s to guarantee

you won’t betray Solon?

 

Draco

You’ll just have to trust me now

won’t you?

 

Marcus

Trust you?  Never.

 

Draco

Like you said:  We don’t have time

for this. Go and get that ambrosia.  I’m

a man of my word.  When you return

I promise Solon will have some of the

ambrosia as well.  If there’s enough, that is.

 

                                                                                                            Cut To:

Off of Draco’s face

Eve’s hide out

 

Eve sits on the bench before the table of food.  Before her is a plate with a fish skeleton and other fruit leftover’s.  Eve absentmindedly sucks on her teeth as she gets up and looks around. 

 

Eve

Solon said to pay Mom a visit.

How do I do that?

 

After a brief search of the garden she comes to the pool and decides to go for a dip. 

 

Eve

I guess I’ll just have to settle for

a swim then.

 

Eve removes her rags until she is in her underwear and dives into the pool.  As soon as she hits the water she is transported back to Xena’s past.  She is an observer in a small village.  Close enough to touch things but the people around her are unaware of her presence.  Eve turns and when she does, she finds the village has been replaced by a barn.  Inside Xena and Gabrielle are arguing.  It is a scene from “Maternal Instincts” when Gabrielle first tells Xena hope is alive.

 

Eve

Mother!  Gabrielle? Is that you?

 

Xena

Hope? The child is Hope?

 

Gabrielle

I never meant to lie…

 

Eve watches the scene until Xena runs out after Solon. Eve takes off after her, chasing behind Xena until she watches her mother find Solon’s body. 

 

Eve

Oh my God.  I remember this.  I

remember all of this.  Mother I

am so sorry.  Please forgive me.  Callisto!

 

The site of Xena screaming over Solon’s dead body is replaced with Callisto in the cave.  Eve goes up to her, looking at her former incarnation with hatred. 

 

Eve

I hate you.  I hate everything

you’ve done.  I hate everything

about you!  Let me out of here!

I don’t want to see the pain anymore.

 

Callisto’s image fades to be replaced by “Seeds of Faith.”  Eve watches Xena and the angel Callisto face one another. 

 

Xena

…You gave me this child?

 

Again she watches Xena accept Callisto’s soul into her unborn child.  Fast forward to Eve’s birth.  Eve witnesses Hercules fight Zeus off in an effort to save Xena, Eve and Gabrielle. 

 

Eve

You should let him kill me.  I

don’t want to relive the pain

anymore.  Please, stop it!

 

As if the force that is showing her these images is responding to her will, Eve is shown all of the happy moments of her infancy with Xena and Gabrielle. 

 

Clip-“God Fearing Child” Xena looks down at baby Eve “We’re gonna be together now Eve.  You and me.”

 

Clip-“Eternal Bonds” Xena holds Eve while looking for a sign of Gabrielle and Joxer’s whereabouts.  When she follows Eve’s gaze to the scroll in the air, she laughs at Xena’s words.  “Well, why didn’t you say something?”

 

Clip-“Kindred Spirits” Xena pushes Eve in the swing.

 

Eve

(thinking)

Oh mother.  I love you so much.

This is bliss…

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

 

Eve floats in the water with her eyes closed, oblivious to her surrounding’s as she is lost in the past.  A smile graces her face as she sinks deeper into the WATERS OF MEMORY.

 

                                                                                                                        Dissolve to:

Int.  The Chamber

Marcus enters the Chamber.  It’s a room identical to Eve’s torture chamber from the beginning of the episode, only where the pedestal was there is a low stone slab.  Marcus cautiously walks up to the slab and steps on it.  When he does nothing happens.  He looks around for anything else in the room to help him operate the stone slab.

 

Marcus

(to no one in particular)

Um, I’m looking for a mortal named

Virgil. 

 

Suddenly an image of Virgil and the other villagers of the town lie Eve’s body on the pyre.  Marcus’ eyes widen in shock at this. 

 

Marcus

No!  Don’t burn her!

 

Tight on Virgil’s face as he watches the village men lay Eve’s body on the pyre.  Suddenly there is a bright light reflected in his eyes as Marcus comes rushing out of the pyre itself with his hands stretched out before him.  Virgil jumps back, startled to see a ghost emerge from a funeral pyre.  The rest of the villagers scream in fear and take off running in all directions.

 

Marcus

Can you see me?

 

Virgil

Yes I can see you.  Who are you?

What are you?

 

Marcus

My name is Marcus and I’m a friend

of Eve’s. Whatever you do, don’t

burn Eve yet.  There’s hope she

can still be resurrected.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

Off Virgil’s face to Persephone

Persephone and Solon face one another down.  Cerberus is gathering his courage to attack Solon again slowly but surely, and now that Marcus is off the screen he sees no reason to stay.

 

Persephone

What possible reason could you

have for coming here?  You know

you can’t talk me out of my decision

to condemn Eve.  Besides, do you

really think she can spend a few months

going around preaching sermons and

that is somehow going to excuse all

of her crimes as Livia?

Solon

Like I said, she told me all about

that and-

 

Persephone

And its all the fault of the gods.  Right. I don’t

buy that in the least.  But don’t

worry.  You’re going to get to know

your baby sister all to well.  Let’s see

how much you come to love her

when you’re both roasting in a

torture chamber!  Cerberus, attack!

 

Cerberus has his courage back in full and he jumps Solon.  The tackle sends them both flying out of the window and they go plunging down the impossible heights, screaming as they fall.  Solon and Cerberus land in the moat surrounding the castle and begin to claw their way back up.  When Solon surfaces a powerful hand jerks him up out of the water.  Solon looks up and finds himself face to face with Draco.

 

Draco

Here you are little boy.  I’ve

been looking everywhere for you.

 

Solon

Draco.

 

Draco

The one and only. 

 

Solon

What do you want with me?

 

Draco

You’re my insurance that Marcus

keeps his end of the bargain.  Now

lets go. 

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

 

Ext-Village funeral.

 

Virgil loads Eve’s body into a wagon.  The sun is beginning to set as he does this, and it concerns Marcus.

 

Marcus

Could you hurry?

Virgil

I’m doing the best I can. It would

help if you could lend a hand.

 

Marcus

I would but…

(Marcus passes his hand through

the wagon)

 

Virgil

Yeah I know.  I’m ready.  Lets go.

 

Calantha comes rushing down the steps of the house with Joxer’s sword. 

 

Calantha

Here Viggie, take this.  You may need it.

(to Marcus) I know you’re a ghost

but try to take care of him.

 

Marcus

I’ll do my best.  Let’s go Viggie.

 

Marcus and Virgil hop into the wagon and ride off. In the direction Marcus points him to.  We see they ride all night through the landscapes of Greece until the sun begins to rise the next day. 

By morning Virgil is all but asleep in the wagon with Marcus sitting beside him. 

 

Marcus

Hey!  Wake up.  You’ve been

asleep for almost an hour.

 

Virgil

Oh, sorry.

 

Marcus

It sure is nice to be in the land

of the living again.

 

Virgil

Isn’t the Elysian Fields better than

this?

 

Marcus

Yeah in some respects.  Not in

others.  I miss Xena.  Where is she

anyway?

 

Virgil

(Uncomfortable)

Xena’s dead.  Isn’t she in Elysium

with you?

 

 

Marcus

No, she’s not. I haven’t seen her.

When did she die? 

 

Virgil

In a far off country called Japan.

she died to save forty-thousand

souls. 

 

Marcus

Then she should be in Paradise.

Instead no one has seen her.

 

Virgil

Xena and Gabrielle have taught

us there is more than one underworld.

She died in Japan so she must be

with their gods.

 

Marcus

But she deserves to be with the

ones she loves.  What about

her son, her mother?  Me for that matter.

What about…

 

Marcus’ voice trails off as he sense danger up ahead.  Before he can react about four men come out of the trees lining the road and block their path.

 

Virgil

Great. Thugs.

 

The leader of the pack rides toward them, a wicked grin revealing a mouth full of rotted, broken teeth.  Virgil reacts in disgust, as does Marcus.

 

Thug#1

Morning gentlemen.  Nice morning for

a ride isn’t it?  What’s that in the wagon?

 

Virgil

My friends body.  We’re taking her home

for burial this evening.

 

Thug#1

(feigning sympathy)

Oh.  Well in that case I’ll do you a favor:

I’ll let you pass by with a five percent

discount.  Seeing as how you’re

grieving and all.

 

Marcus

You’re all heart.

 

Virgil

(under his breath)

Don’t get me in a fight Marcus…

 

Thug#1

If there’s one thing I can’t stand,

it’s a potty mouth.  Boys!  Lets search

the wagon.

 

Virgil

We don’t have any money.  We

just want-

 

Thug#1

Shhh.  Quiet now before I get mad.

 

Virgil

(becoming angry)

I don’t give a damn if you get

mad or not.  I said we don’t

have money!  If I did I sure as hell

wouldn’t give it to you.

 

Thug#1

Well, in that case…finish them

boys.

 

The men behind Thug#1 draw cross bows and level them at Virgil and Marcus. Tight on Virgil’s face. Fade Out

End of Act Three.

 

********************************************

Blood Brother-Act Four

Fade In

Int-Persephone’s private rooms

 

Persephone sits on her throne watching Draco lead Solon through the tunnels of Tartarus. 

 

Persephone

What is Draco doing? 

 

She continues to watch until she sees them heading for the gate of the Elysian Fields.  Once they are inside, she fades from her chair.

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

 

Ext-Forest in Elysian Fields

Persephone appears behind Draco and Solon as they make their way through a forest in the Elysian Fields.  They soon come to Solon’s private cave.  Persephone follows them inside and we see Solon’s shock that the room is empty, until he finds Eve’s clothes next to the water.

 

Solon

She’s submersed herself in the

Waters of Memory.  She’s happy

now.

 

Persephone

Oh, isn’t that just wonderful?

Eve is happy now.  That’s what

matters most around here isn’t it?

What are you doing Draco?

 

Draco

That’s none of your business

now is it Persephone?

 

Persephone’s jaw drops open to the floor as she stares at him in wide-eyed shock.

 

Persephone

You would dare speak to

me in such a tone?  I guess this

means our contract is over?

 

Draco

I suppose it is.

 

Persephone

Cerberus!

 

Persephone waits for her dog to appear but nothing happens and Draco begins to laugh.  She calls for him again but nothing.

 

Persephone

What have you done with him?

 

Draco

Oh he’s fine.  He’s just been…

chained in the back yard so to speak.

that is where dogs belong isn’t it?

 

Persephone

You’d know.

 

Draco laughs again and snaps his fingers.  When he does a net made of Hephaestus’ metal drops from the ceiling, trapping her beneath it. 

 

Persephone

What are you doing?

 

Draco

Guaranteeing my escape from

Tartarus.  If I can’t be resurrected,

I’ll settle for taking your husbands

place. 

(he runs a finger along her lips)

In every sense of the word.

 

Persephone spits at him and he slaps her.  Now that Draco’s attention has been pulled from Solon, Solon jerks free of his grip and dives head first into the Waters of Memory.  Under the water, Solon sees Eve steadily sinking and he swims to get her.

 

Draco

Fool.  Does he think he can

escape me that easily?

 

                                                                        Cut to:

Solon grabs hold of Eve and swims back up with her towards the surface.  As they get closer to the surface Eve becomes more and more aware of her surroundings.  When they break the surface Eve coughs and sputters.

 

Eve

What’s going on?

 

Draco

Come on!  Get out.

 

Draco grabs her and pulls her to the surface.  When she is out of the water he takes in the sight of her body.

 

Draco

Ruling the underworld will definitely

have its advantages.

 

Solon

Stop leering you sick bastard.

 

Solon tosses Eve her clothes and she begins to dress. 

 

Solon

We’re in something of a jam. Draco

here knows about our plans to resurrect

you. 

 

Eve

And you want the ambrosia

for yourself.  You are every bit

the scum Gabrielle describes

in her scrolls, you know that?

 

Draco

Whatever.  As long as I escape

Tartarus you can call me whatever

you want.  Now move out.

 

Persephone

What about me?

 

Draco

Oh, I haven’t forgotten about you.

Not at all.

 

Draco heaves Persephone from the floor and tosses her over his shoulder.  They all exit the cave.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

 

Ext-Road-Day

 

Virgil and Marcus hold their hands up while the leader of the thugs searches Virgil’s pants.  His hands linger a little too long in Virgil’s pockets for Virgil’s comfort.

 

Virgil

If there was anything there,

you would have found it by now,

don’t you think?

Marcus

He must have spent a lot of time

in prison.

 

Thug#1

Ah shut up.  You’re next.

 

The thug reaches for Marcus pants pocket but his hands pass right through Marcus.  He jumps back in fear.

 

Marcus

Now!

 

Virgil grabs the leader and spins him around just as his men fire.  Virgil uses the leaders body as a shield and he ends up taking his men’s arrows for Virgil.  Virgil has his sword out and is on them before they can re-load.  The men drop their cross bows and attack Virgil and Marcus.  It doesn’t take them long to realize something is not right with Virgil’s traveling companion.

 

Thug#2

Hey!  This guy isn’t real!  He’s-

He’s a ghost!

 

Marcus

That’s right.  Straight from Tartarus!

 

 

Marcus gives a ferocious battle cry and jumps toward them and they take off for their horses, frightened. 

 

Marcus

Let’s get back on track.  There’s

no telling what Persephone is

doing to them in the underworld.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut To:

 

Int-Corridors of Hades’ Castle

Draco carries Persephone over his shoulder while he forces Solon and Eve to walk before him.  Solon takes this time to communicate with Eve.

 

Solon

Marcus and I had a plan. He’s to

feed your body the ambrosia and

resurrect you.  After that he’s

supposed to return to my hide out

in the Elysian Fields and we were

to eat the ambrosia together.

 

Eve

Can’t we still do that?  Once we’re

alive again we can take Draco out.

 

Solon

It’s rumored the stash isn’t a large

one.  If Draco gets the ambrosia

then one of us will have to stay here

in the underworld.

 

Eve

It’ll be me. I’ve had my shot at life

but you didn’t.  You should-

 

Solon

No Evie-

 

Draco

Hey!  Stop whispering!  I want

absolute silence.

 

Solon casts him a bitter look but turns without speaking.  They arrive at the Chamber and Draco pushes them inside. 

 

Draco

Get in there!  Both of you.

 

Once inside they find Marcus on the pedestal.  His eyes are shut and a white light with an unidentifiable source shines down on him. 

 

Draco

Now we wait.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

 

Off of Marcus’ still form

Ext-Road

Virgil

I’ve been through here a million

times and I never knew there was

a temple to Zeus here.

 

Marcus

It was abandoned about 25 years

ago when Hercules killed him.

 

Virgil

I take it We’ll be going the rest of

the way on foot?

 

Marcus

Yep. It’s not a good idea to leave

her body here.  Can you carry her?

it’s not that far.

 

Virgil

Of course I can. Let’s go.

 

Virgil slings Eve over his shoulder then follows Marcus into the trees.

 

Ext-Temple to Zeus

Marcus and Virgil arrive at the temple to Zeus.  Vines and other vegetation have over grown it to the point that all one can really see is the entrance.  Virgil, now covered in sweat and looking worse for the wear, forces the door open.

 

Virgil

Not that far huh?

Marcus

The Ambrosia was hidden in the

heart of the idol.

 

The room is full of leaves and small animals. The walls are covered with faded murals of Zeus’ adventures and various weapons sparsely adorn the walls as well.  In the center is an altar and behind the altar is a ten-foot statue of Zeus.  Virgil draws his sword and breaks into it. 

 

Virgil

Hidden in plain sight.  Always

the best place to hide something

I suppose.

 

Virgil removes a small bowl.  Inside the bowl are three slivers of Ambrosia. He takes one of the pieces and looks at Marcus.

 

Virgil

How are you going to hold onto this?

 

Marcus

Lets just see if I can hmm?

 

Virgil hands Marcus the bowl.  The bowl passes through his hands but the ambrosia stays but he begins fading away.

 

Marcus

My mission is complete.  Quickly!

Feed some to Eve.

 

Virgil

It was an honor to meet you Marcus.

 

Marcus

Same here.  If all goes well

We’ll see one another again soon…

 

Marcus fades away and Virgil turns to Eve.  He slips the Ambrosia into her mouth and she begins to glow.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

 

Off Eve’s glowing body

Int-Chamber

The light shining on Marcus fades away and he looks around in confusion. He also has the ambrosia in his hands.

 

Draco

I’ve lived up to my end of

the deal Marcus. I kept Persephone

from finding out about your

mission.  Now give me he ambrosia.

 

Eve begins to feel the effects of the ambrosia in her human body and she starts glowing. 

 

Draco

Where is she going?

 

Marcus

We fed the ambrosia to her body

on earth.

 

Draco

Give me the ambrosia!

 

Eve

Solon, I’ll wait for you by the

exit!

 

Solon

I’ll be there.

 

Marcus

We both will.

 

Draco

Like hell!

 

Eve fades out                                                                                             Cut to:

 

Int-Temple to Zeus

Eve suddenly gasps and her eyes fly open.  She is unable to move, however, because of her funeral wrappings.

 

Virgil

Eve!  I’m so sorry I killed you.

 

Eve

I know. I heard your thoughts

while I was in the underworld.

We’ll talk  about it later.  Get me out

of this.  I have to Get to the entrance

to Tartarus!

 

Virgil

But, you’re not wearing anything

under that.

 

Eve

Then we’ll improvise. Come on!

 

                                                                                                Cut to:

Int-Chamber

Marcus holds out his hand and a sword appears.  He tucks the ambrosia away in his tunic and begins to fight Draco.  While he does this, Solon turns to Persephone.

 

Solon

If I set you free, will you help us

atop Draco?

 

Persephone

(nodding)

Yes I will.  I give you my word.

 

Solon rips the net off of Persephone and stands to face Solon.

 

Persephone

I know just what needs to be done.

 

Solon unbars the door and when Marcus sees this he flips over Draco and takes off with Solon to the underworld’s exit.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

Eve and Virgil ride hard on the horses now freed from the wagon.  Eve wears enough wrap only to cover her more private areas as she pushes her horse to the limit to make it to the Underworlds entrance.

 

Time elapse

 

Eve and Virgil arrive at the lake that is the entrance to the underworld.  They dismount and stand next to the water.

Virgil

Now what?

 

Eve

Now we wait.

 

                                                                                                                        Cut to:

Solon and Marcus make it to the steps that lead to the lake above. 

 

Marcus

                                                Ready?

Solon

As I’ll ever be.

 

Marcus takes out the ambrosia and Draco comes flying out of a corner, attacking, and the ambrosia falls to the dusty floor.  Solon is about to join the fray to help Marcus when Persephone arrives with Cerberus and more guards that block Solon from helping Marcus fight.

 

Persephone

Not so fast Solon.

 

Solon

Persephone.  What are you-

 

Now Marcus and Draco scream, cutting Solon off.  They are on the ground, crawling hand over hand for the Ambrosia.  Marcus is just about to get his hands on it when Cerberus, sniffs the Ambrosia and like any normal dog eats it.  Persephone laughs when the dog returns to her side and she pets him.

 

Persephone

Was it a tasty snack?

(Cerberus belches and Persephone

turns to Marcus and Solon)

Like I said before.  I know exactly what

needs to be done.  Guards!  Take them.

 

                                                                                                Cut to:

Int-Torture Chamber

Solon and Marcus stand with their hands tied above them as a demon-like creature beats them with whips.  Persephone stands and watches, laughing.

Persephone

I hope your happy Solon, Marcus.

You’ve traded your eternity in the

Elysian Fields for a stranger.

 

Solon

She’s worth it to me.

 

Marcus

She’s Xena’s child, she’s definitely

worth it to me.

 

Persephone

Well, we’ll see how long it takes

her to get herself killed and put

right back in here with you.

 

                                                                                                Cut to:

Ext-Lakeside

Darkness is almost upon them and still no sign of Marcus and Solon.

 

Eve

Something went wrong.  They

didn’t make it!  I have to save them.

 

Eve moves to get into the water but Virgil stops her. 

 

Eve

What are you doing!  Let me go!

 

Suddenly Persephone appears, ghost-like before them.

 

Persephone

Unlike Hades I can no longer

appear on Earth in the flesh.  At

least not while I rule the underworld.

 

Eve

Where is my brother?

 

Persephone

I managed to stop his escape

attempt.  Marcus, Solon and Draco

will spend eternity in Tartarus.  One day

you will die Eve, and I will have

my revenge.  For now, live with the

knowledge your precious

brother and your Mother’s boy toy

will suffer for eternity. All because of you.

 

Persephone fades away, laughing almost hysterically.  Once again Eve moves for the water.

 

Eve

I have to save them!

 

Virgil

You can’t save them Eve.

 

Eve

I have to try!

 

Virgil

Why? So you can get taken by Persephone

and make everything Marcus and your brother

did to save you in vain?

 

Eve

But he never got to know life Virgil

I did.  I can’t let him-

 

Virgil

(Holding her close as she weeps)

I know Eve,  better than you think.

but you can’t betray what they’ve

sacrificed. Perhaps one day you

can do something about it, but for now…

 

Eve

(Close up on her tear-stained face)

I will never forgive myself for this.  Never.

 

The End

Copywrite Caina Q.  Fuller 2001.