Moving On

A screenplay

Written By (Copyright):  Caina Q.  Fuller

(This story takes place approx.

Six months after the events in

A Friend In Need Part 2).

 

 

Fade In

 

 

Eve rides over the lush landscapes of Greece until she comes to Amphipolis and reaches the family mausoleum.  She rushes inside and locates the newest sarcophagus in the room.  It has the urn containing Xena’s ashes.  It’s clear who’s grave it is by the large X symbol on the head of the sarcophagus. Eve touches it, her face a mask of shock.  This is her first visit to her mother’s grave.

 

Eve

It’s really true.  You’re

gone before I had a chance to

really get to know you.  Mother…

 

 

Eve collapses over it, weeping for her lost mother.  We can feel the pain in hear heart for we loved Xena too, but now she is gone. 

 

 

Int-Lucifer’s throne room

Lucifer watches Eve on a viewing wall that allows him to witness the events on earth.  He watches Eve weep over her mother’s loss and begins to laugh.

 

Lucifer

(Mocking)

Oh Mother…More like Oh please.

Your mother ruined my life, but

you will make my existence sweet

again.  You just don’t know it yet.

 

He waves a hand over the viewing wall and it changes to show the war going on between Heaven and Hell. He watches as a young woman, the spitting image of Callisto, fights with a guardian angel.

 

Lucifer

(laughing)

They’ve grown so desperate

they’re using those Guardian

Angel’s in battle now.  Send his

soul to me Rachel! 

 

The demon woman looks around as if hearing his command and she runs the angel through with her sword.  She tries to force him to the edge of the cliff they are fighting on but he twists her around, pulls her sword out of his body then kicks her in the gut. She comes falling back into hell, landing before Lucifer.  The new king of hell watches Rachel with disappointment and disgust.

 

Lucifer

You allowed one of those

pathetic Guardian’s to get the

best of you?  I expected more

from the daughter of Callisto.

 

Rachel

He’ll whistle when he flies from

now on but I don’t suppose

you’re going to give me credit

for any of that are you?

 

Lucifer

If you’re looking for someone to

coddle you I’m afraid you’ve come

to the wrong place.

 

Rachel

Lucifer, I’m really very busy so

If you don’t mind, get to the point.

I don’t have time to stand here and

chit-chat with you about non-sense-

 

He cuts her off by grabbing her by the throat and the demons lining the corner begin to cheer, hoping for a good fight to entertain them.  However Rachel is the princess of Hell and she’s not about to let the new king manhandle her. She forces his hand from her throat but he kicks her, sending her flying for the rear wall.  This time she stops her descent just before she makes contact and comes flying back with a Callisto-like scream on her lips.

 

Lucifer tries to hold her off by hitting her with a fireball but Rachel swats it away as if it’s nothing and he barely has time to dodge out of the way before he’s hit with his own fireball.  It hits his throne instead, exploding it into dust.  Rachel attacks with frightening ferocity and he can barely hold his own against her. Finally he succeeds in shoving her away.

 

Lucifer

Enough! 

 

Rachel

(exaggerated southern drawl)

Aw but paw!  I was just

startin ta have a little fun!

 

Lucifer

I have a job for you Rachel. One

I know you will love doing.

 

Rachel

(exaggerated reverence)

And what would that be

my lord?

 

Rachel begins giggling, almost hysterically, and we get the impression she may not be all there after all.  Powerful and a little unstable all mixed together makes for a serious threat.

 

Lucifer

Have you ever heard of

Heaven’s gate Rachel?

 

Rachel

Of course. It’s a portal that

opens all entrances to Heaven

simultaneously. Whoever holds

control of the Gate can force

the angels out leaving Paradise

ripe for the forces of hell to take.

 

Lucifer

Correct.  There is a soul vulnerable

to our attack who knows the

location of Heaven’s Gate.

 

Rachel is momentarily interested enough to take the conversation seriously and she leans in for more.

 

Rachel

No kidding. Who would that be?

 

Lucifer

Your mother was one of the

Most powerful souls ever

to grace the pits of hell.  As you

know she was re-incarnated

into the body of a woman named

Eve.  Find her and induce the

Awakening.

 

Rachel circles Lucifer, her excitement growing by the second.  She was excited at the possibility of winning the war against heaven, but her real motivation was seeing her mother again. She may be a demon, but she’d loved Callisto.  Lucifer has an idea of this and hopes to use  it against her.

 

Rachel

Then we can bring her back to

Hell, corrupt her and take the

Gate.

 

Lucifer

And better still, you’ll have your

precious mother back.  Wouldn’t

you like that?

 

Rachel

(Lying)

It makes no never mind to me

Lucy.  If I’m going to do this I’ll

need unlimited access to earth.

 

Lucifer

Of course you shall have it.

 

Rachel turns to the wall where Eve is sitting against the sarcophagus mourning her mother’s loss. 

 

Rachel

My precious Mommy indeed.

 

 

Close Up on Rachel

Fade Out

End of Teaser

 

Moving On-Act 1

Int-Palace In Heaven

Eli and Michael watch Eve suffer on a reflecting pool in the floor before them.

 

Eli

I feel for her.

 

Michael

Time heals all wounds Eli.

 

Eli

I know. Speaking of time…

Mine has come.

 

Michael

If we are to save the location

of Heaven’s Gate, we must stop

Lucifer from inducing the Awakening.

Are you ready?

 

Eli

I am.  I just wish Xena was there

to help us.  I fear that without

one as powerful as she, we may

lose.

 

Michael

You won’t lose. You will what is

necessary. I have faith in you.

 

Eli

And if I don’t succeed in stopping

Rachel from inducing the Awkening?

 

 Michael

Then Eve will regain all her memories

of her past as Callisto.  She will have

until sunset tomorrow before her new

body dies out. After that Callisto will

once again walk the earth.  If Rachel

does succeed your job will be to keep

Eve out of Lucifer’s grasp until the sun

sets. Then Lucifer will lose his power

to send demons to earth after her

soul.

 

                         Eli

But Eve…

 

Michael

Eve will be gone, replaced forever

by Callisto.  Remember:  Once the

Awakening begins, there is no

stopping it.  All you’ll be able

to do is keep Eve’s soul out of hell

until her transformation is complete.

Make sure you give this to Eve.

She’ll need it to defend herself

with against Lucifer’s demons.

 

Eli steps back, taking Michael’s sword with him.  They share one last look before Eli fades away.

 

Michael

Good-luck my friend.

 

                                                                                      Cut to:

Ext-Village of Eion

 

Gabrielle stands in the center of a small village called Eion.  It’s a fishing town, its main trade being seafood and sales of fishing equipment.  Today Gabrielle is helping to defend the village from an attack from a warlord named Teodore. The villagers are all armed and the town is heavily booby-trapped.

 

Gabrielle

I know you’re all frightened.

I know you don’t want to

lose everything you’ve spent

your entire lives building.

That’s why I’m here.  To do

my best to see that doesn’t happen.

 

The villager’s cheer her but she quickly calms them down.

 

Gabrielle

Wait!  It’s important you remember one

thing: These are trained warriors. Some

of you will die today. Be prepared

for losses.  Also know that I am ready

to give my all to save you. 

 

Villager

And we are prepared to give

our all for you Gabrielle.

 

Suddenly there is a loud banging noise as Teodore’s men begin to ram the city gates.

 

Villager

In memory of Xena!  Xena! Xena!

 

The people pick up the chant, and this touches Gabrielle to her soul. Her hand falls to touch the Chakram which she has now learned to use, and closes her eyes.

 

Gabrielle

For Xena.

 

The city doors burst open and thugs come riding in on horseback. Gabrielle unhooks the Chakram, separates the two halves and throws them in opposite directions.  The halves cut ropes on either side of the main street, releasing two huge logs that swing directly at the foot soldiers storming behind the horsemen.  The battle is on.

 

                                                                                                Cut to:

Ext-Temple to Dahak-That morning

A portal from hell cracks open in the ground before an abandoned temple to Dahak and Rachel comes flying out. She is in full demon form until she settles to the ground.  When her hoofed feet touch the ground she transforms until she looks completely human,  though she’s not aware of that yet.  She holds her head back and sticks out her tongue to catch the cool, refreshing rain.  She relishes in the feel of earth’s nature around her.

 

Rachel

Now this is what I call paradise.

 

She bounds playfully up the steps and proceeds to walk right through the doors. 

 

Int-Temple Interior

The once glorious temple is now full of dead leaves, spider webs and dust.  The formerly shiny shields and swords adorning the walls now barely hang on, and as Rachel saunters further into the room a shield falls the floor with a loud clang.  She laughs in delight, clapping her hands together.

 

Rachel

Will you look at this?  An

honest to goodness temple to

some puny, powerless god. 

 

She rushes up to the altar where she finds a mirror.  For the first time she sees her beautiful face and she holds a hand up to feel her smooth skin.  She doesn’t notice Hope behind her.  Hope is dressed as the Season Three Gabrielle, and she holds a staff tipped with a wicked blade, an evil grin covers her face.

 

Rachel

I’m so beautiful!

 

Hope

At least you’ll go out with a high

self-esteem.

 

Instead of turning, Rachel tilts her head to the side to see who is behind her.  She is thrilled it is Hope, for the daughter of Dahak is exactly whom she is after.

 

Rachel

You must be Hope.

 

Rachel runs a finger through the grime on the altar.

 

Rachel

This place could use a good

scrubbing you know?

 

Hope

You’re right.  I think I’ll start

by washing down the altar. 

With your blood.

 

Hope swings her bladed staff at Rachel but it merely passes through her, causing no harm.  Hope blinks up at her in shock.

 

Hope

Who are you?

(Rachel turns around)

Callisto!

 

Rachel

Wrong.  I’m much more dangerous

than Callisto ever was my dear.

 

Hope attacks again but to no avail.  The blade just passes through Rachel without causing harm. She quickly tires of the game and flicks at Hope as if flipping away a bug, sending her would-be killer flying across the room.  Hope smacks into the rear wall hard enough for pieces of if to rain down on her.  Next Rachel holds up a finger in a “come here” motion and Hope tumbles and rolls toward her.  When she has reached Rachel’s feet, the demon grabs her by the throat and hoists her up, preparing to do more damage.

 

Hope

Stop it!

 

Rachel

Ooh.  Is that fear I hear in

your hoarse voice my dear?

Oh my, that rhymes.  Did you

notice that?

 

Hope

Who are you?  What do you want?

 

Rachel

My name is Rachel, and I want

my Mommy back.

 

                                                                                                Cut to:

Ext-Amphipolis

A man rides into the village, calling for Eve. 

 

Man

Eve! Eve!

 

Int-Mausoleum

 

Eve hears the man yelling for her and she rushes outside to greet him.

 

Eve

I’m Eve. What’s the matter?

 

Man

It’s Eion!  Teodore is attacking the

village and Gabrielle is trying to defend

them.  She’s alone you know, since

Xena died.

 

Eve

                           I know.  Thanks for the message.

 

Eve turns to mount up, but a green mist begins swirling before her and Rachel solidifies within.

 

Rachel

                                                                 Hello Mommy. It’s so good to

                                                see you again.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Time Elapse:

 

Eve

Who are you?  What do you want?

 

Rachel

I’ve been sent by Lucifer.  I’m here

to pierce the veil that is the lie of

re-incarnation. 

 

Eve

In the name of Eli and all the powers

of Heaven I command this evil presence

be cast down.

 

Rachel

(Unaffected)

You must be kidding me.  You’d

try to cast down your own daughter?

 

Eve

What are you talking about?  I

have no children.  Besides, you’re

older than me.  You couldn’t be

any child of mine.

 

Rachel

Now that’s where you’re wrong.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cut to:

Ext-Village of Eion

Gabrielle and the villagers continue to do battle against Teodore and his men.  Her Chakram flies through the line of charging soldiers in two pieces, cutting them down.  After a few men fall it rejoins and flies back to her.  Once she has it she separates it and uses the halves to cut down the enemies attacking her left and right.  Gabrielle gives her own, distinctive battle cry and executes an impossibly high flip to the roof of a building where she sees two enemies converging on one woman.  When she lands she draws her the Katana and begins sword fighting with the men.

 

Once she has dispatched the men she takes inventory of her people versus Teodore’s men, and finds her side is winning.  The villagers set off booby-trap after booby-trap, killing the men in groups.  Finally Teodore himself makes an appearance by riding in on horseback. He is cutting down villager after villager as he rides in, so Gabrielle flips down and lands on the horse behind him.  She wraps her arms around his waist and flips out of the saddle with him, and he lands on the ground before her.  About six of his men rush her, swords drawn, but she quickly puts the pinch on Teodore.  When they see her do this his men hesitate.

 

Gabrielle

I’ve just cut off the flow of blood

to his brain.  He’ll be dead in less

than thirty seconds if I don’t undo

it.  Tell your men to surrender

and I’ll spare you.  If you don’t, I’ll let

you die then kill them all.

 

Teodore is stubborn and he waits trying to call her bluff, but Gabrielle shows no sign of being anxious to take off the pinch.  After she turns to walk away, he relents. 

 

Teodore

Throw down your weapons.  Do it!

 

His men obey and the villagers begin to cheer. Gabrielle removes the pinch.

 

Gabrielle

Chain Teodore’s men and put

them in lock up until they

can be bound for trial.

 

Villager

(who started the chant)

Don’t you mean execute them for

attacking us? 

 

Gabrielle

(dead serious)

I mean bound them and put them

in lock up.  There will be no more

blood shed here today.  Have I made

myself clear?

 

The people complain, clearly not liking Gabrielle’s decision, but they do as she asks and begin to chain the men. 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cut to:

Int-Villager’s house

Gabrielle, bloody and dirty from her battle, enters the house of one of the villagers to freshen up.  She’s tired and soul-sick for Xena, and we can see this in her eyes. Her weariness goes a lot deeper than the physical. 

 

Gabrielle

Xena…

 

Hope

Oh.  How sad.  You miss your

precious Warrior Princess.

 

Gabrielle’s blood runs cold at the sound of the familiar, hard voice of her daughter Hope.  She slowly turns to confront her.

 

Gabrielle

Hope.

 

Cut to:

Amphipolis-Eve and Rachel

 

Eve faces off with Rachel, though Eve is unarmed.  The man who’d ridden into town calling for her unsheathes his blade and tosses it to Eve.

 

Rachel

So Mommy wants to play with

her long lost baby.  I’m touched.

Really I am.

 

Rachel draws a sword from thin air and attacks Eve. The fight quickly turns to Eve’s favor so Rachel spits a long string of disgusting slime at Eve’s blade and it eats through the metal like acid. Rachel quickly breaks Eve’s blade with hers. 

 

Rachel

You know Mommy, I don’t

like that outfit you’re

wearing.  It’s so…I don’t know.

Prissy. How about this?

 

Rachel waves her hand over Eve and her outfit transforms into the outfit Callisto wore when she made her appearance on Xena the first time. Eve looks down at her body, clueless as to what Rachel is talking about.

 

Rachel

Now doesn’t that just feel right?

 

Eve

What is this?  What are you doing?

 

Rachel

This is the Awakening.

 

Rachel’s hand snakes out lightning fast and grabs on to Eve’s face. When she gets hold, Eve begins to see images from her past as Callisto.

 

Image #1-A young 14 year old girl stands in the middle of a burning village as Xena and her men kill the men trying to fight them off.

 

Image #2-Callisto’s father charges Xena and the Warrior Princess cuts him down.  Callisto screams for her father and collapses at his feet.

 

Image #3-“Callisto” Xena and Callisto come face to face for the first time.

 

Eve pulls free from Rachel’s grasp, draws the replica of Callisto’s sword and tries to take Rachel’s head off.  Rachel ducks, Eve thrusts and runs Rachel through, but the sword becomes stuck in Rachel’s body.

 

Rachel

Why don’t you stop fighting?

You can’t defeat me with mortal

weapons.  Come home with me

now. We can get to know each

other again. Wouldn’t you like

                           that mother?

 

Eve

I am not your mother!

 

These words seem to genuinely hurt Rachel but Eve doesn’t care.  She runs to her horse and mounts up, riding out of town.  Rachel allows her to go.

 

Rachel

That’s right Mommy. Run.  You

can’t elude me forever.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cut to:

Int-Eion-Gabrielle and Hope

 

Gabrielle and Hope are standing face to face in cottage in Eion.  Hope is looking at her mother with a mixture of rage and longing.

 

Hope

I just have one question

for you before I kill you.

 

Gabrielle

If you can kill me.  I’m not

the same woman I was the

last time we met.

 

Hope

That’s right.  You’re Xena

now aren’t you?

 

Gabrielle

There will never be another

Xena.  What is it you want

to know before we go into

battle.  For the last time?

 

Hope

How could you choose Xena

over me?  Why did you

follow her instead of taking

over your responsibilities to

Dahak as his wife and the

mother of his child?

 

Gabrielle

(sardonic laugh)

His wife?  Please tell me you’re

Kidding Hope.  You want to know

the truth?  I’ll tell you. He tricked

me into that temple.  He didn’t ask

me if I wanted to have his child, he

just forced himself on me.

 

Hope

You’re lying!   You gave him your

Blood innocence-

 

Gabrielle

I gave him nothing!  Everything he

got from me he took by force Hope. 

 

They share a moment of painful silence as Hope tries to absorb what she is hearing from her mother. It’s obvious that Gabrielle’s account of what happened differs with Dahak’s account. 

 

Hope

Father told me. You married

him and then left him to follow

Xena. You deserted me. 

 

Gabrielle

Nothing could be further from the

truth. Don’t look at me like

you’re surprised. You know your

father was a liar. He always was. The

truth is Hope I had no choice.

 

Hope

You lying bitch-

 

Gabrielle

(grabs Hope by the shoulders)

I loved you!  Xena was going to

kill you but I did all I could to

save you.  Hope, murdered a man

within hours of being born!  I

ignored that and because I did

you survived and murdered Xena’s

son.  It never stopped with you Hope.

We never had a mother-daughter

relationship because we were always

on opposite sides of a never ending battle

between good and evil.  We always will be.

 

Hope

Because I’m the evil one.

 

Gabrielle

Yes.  As long as Dahak lives

you will always be evil Hope.

For you there is no redemption.

There’s only blood and pain.

 

Hope looks as if Gabrielle has punched her in the gut.  She takes in a breath, shoves Gabrielle away and readies her weapon.

 

Hope

Like you said. Our last battle.

 

Gabrielle draws her Katana and faces off with her daughter for their last battle. 

 

Wide shot of the two facing off.

Fade Out

 

Moving On-Act 2

 

Fade In-Eve-Road.

 

Eve rides hard and fast for Eion.  However she almost falls off of her horse when another vision overtakes her.

 

Image-“Return of Callisto” Callisto stands over Gabrielle with sword raised to strike the young bard down.

 

Eve stops her horse and all but falls off as one vision after another takes over.  This time it is from Callisto’s child hood, the day she lost her village to Xena’s army. The vision is short and she comes out of it when she hears a noise near by.  Believing it is Rachel she rushes into the trees lining the road.  The Awakening intensifies and Eve becomes lost in memories once again, and she tries to talk herself out of the memories.

 

Eve

It’s not true. I’m not Callisto, I’m Eve.

My name is Eve.  I loved Mother and

she loved me.  Gabrielle will help me.

she’ll fix this.

 

Eve returns to the ground and begins running to the next town where Gabrielle will be.  As she runs another memory overtakes her and she stops.  She is so completely lost in the memory she repeats young Callisto’s movements.

 

*Thirteen-year-old Callisto stands in the center of a burning village.  She watches as Xena’s army raids her town.  The soldiers kill the men and drag the women and children into slave wagons. 

 

*Callisto looks to her right to see her father pushing her mother and sister into a shed-like building.  He doesn’t see the tree that’s on fire beside the shed. The tree is near collapsing onto the shed.

 

Eve reaches for her mother and sister, weeping as she watches the memories she is helpless to change.

 

Eve

No Daddy! Not the shed.  The

tree is gonna fall!  Daddy!

 

*Callisto-“Mom? Rachel?”

 

*Callisto looks up to see a young Xena (Adrienne Wilkenson) ride into the village, a battle cry on her lips. She swings a mace; killing the village men she passes by hitting them in the face.  When she reaches the center of the square she flips off her horse, lands and begins cutting down more village men.

 

*Callisto-“No!  Don’t hurt us!”

 

Eve

Please, don’t hurt us!

 

*Xena pulls one of her men aside as he chases a village woman.

 

*Xena-“How did this village catch fire?”

 

*Man-“I don’t know Xena.  I don’t know.”

 

*Xena lets the man go just as Callisto’s father attacks Xena.

 

*Callisto-“No!  Daddy don’t!”

 

*Xena quickly cuts him down.

 

*Callisto-“Daddy!”

 

Eve

Daddy!

 

*Callisto runs to Xena’s father, who lies at Xena’s feet, dead.  She weeps over his body.

 

In the present Eve mimic’s the movement’s of young Callisto.  She drops to her knees and weeps over him.

 

*As Callisto holds him, the burning tree falls onto the shed and Callisto can hear her mother and sister screaming as they die.

 

Eve

Mommy!  Rachel!  Somebody help them!

 

Eve gets to her feet and begins to run, still blind in her memories of Callisto’s youth.

 

*One of the soldiers moves up to pull Callisto to a slave wagon but Xena shoves him away.

 

*Xena-“Tell my men to move out.  Release the women and children we have.”

 

*Soldier-“But-“

 

*Xena-“Do it!  This village is a total loss.”

 

*Soldier-“Yes Xena.”

 

*The soldier moves away and Callisto looks up at Xena, tears spilling down her cheeks.

 

*Callisto-“Why?  Why did you destroy my life?”

 

*Xena-“I’m Xena.  It’s what I do.”

 

*Callisto-“Remember the name Callisto. I will be your greatest enemy.”

 

*Xena stares her down for a long moment.  When Callisto doesn’t look away, she mounts up.  She takes up the rear as her men head out of the village, but turns to face Callisto one last time.  We see a wide shot of Callisto looking Xena in the eye.

 

*Callisto- “I’ll make you wish I’d never been born”

 

The images go from Callisto’s village to the Roman arena in “Livia.”  This time we see Livia and Xena face to face in the exact same places Xena and Callisto had been in Callisto’s youth, Xena to the left of the screen Livia to the right.

 

*Livia-“I’ll make you wish I’d never been born.”

 

Eve comes out of her memories, covered in sweat and tears streaking her face.  She finds herself at the edge of the town Gabrielle is defending.  She looks to the local Inn, knowing Gabrielle is inside, perhaps 50 yards away.

 

Eve

Gabrielle.

 

Int-Palace in Heaven

Michael watches Eve as she stares at the Inn.

 

Michael

Eli is too late.  The Awakening

has begun.

 

Ext-Town Square-Eve

Someone taps Eve on the shoulder and she turns to find Rachel standing behind her.

 

Rachel

Boo!

 

Eve takes off for the Inn, screaming for help.

 

Eve

Gabrielle!  Help me!

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cut to:

Int-Cottage

 

Gabrielle and Hope are embroiled in a vicious battle.  Gabrielle succeeds in breaking Hope’s staff with her Katana but her daughter begins to use the staff like chobo’s. To better defend against them, she sheathes the Katana and draws her Sai’s and attacks Hope. 

 

Hope

I’m immortal.  You know you

can’t kill me so why do you try

so hard?

 

Gabrielle

I fight for good. I’ll die to defend

the world against creatures like you.

 

Hope

Xena felt the same way.  Look

what it got her.

 

Gabrielle

(pissed)

I don’t ever want to hear her

Name on your lips again!

 

Gabrielle attacks with a new ferocity until she hears Eve’s voice calling for help outside.  She turns to see Eve running up the street dressed as Callisto with a Callisto look-alike apparently flying through the air behind her.  A portal to hell opens directly in front of Eve and she falls in, though she does manage to grab the edge at the last second.

 

Gabrielle

What the hell?

 

Hope moves to make the fatal blow while Gabrielle’s head is turned but a hand wraps around her wrist and stops her.  Gabrielle turns to find Eli holding on to Hope’s wrist.  Hope goes into a seizure as if she is being electrocuted.  We see Dahak in his realm dying from the contact with Eli, a Holy being.  As Dahak screams, Hope mirrors it until Dahak explodes.  When Dahak dies, Hope collapses to the floor, unconscious.

 

Gabrielle

Eli!

 

Eli

Save Eve.  She must not be taken

to hell.

 

Gabrielle rushes out the door then executes an amazing flip through the air until she lands right in front of Eve. She manages to catch Eve’s wrist before she falls through the portal and hauls her out.

 

Rachel

I don’t believe it! The battling

Bard of Potidea in the flesh!  I

don’t think you have any idea how

much my mother hated you.

 

Eve

Don’t let her spit on you Gabrielle.

 

Gabrielle

Spit? 

 

Rachel does just that and Gabrielle manages to hold up her Sai’s to deflect it. They begin to dissolve immediately of course and she throws them down before the stuff can get on her hands. 

 

Gabrielle

Those were antiques you nasty

little bitch.

 

Rachel

Now is that anyway to talk to your

grand-niece, Auntie Gabrielle?

 

Gabrielle

What are you talking about?

 

Eve

She claims she’s my daughter.

 

Gabrielle studies the all too familiar face and shakes her head. 

 

Gabrielle

Not your daughter.  Callisto’s daughter.

 

Rachel

I don’t care what Lucifer says

Gabrielle.  You’re not stupid. 

And she is Callisto isn’t she?

 

Rachel attacks and Gabrielle defends by separating the Chakram and using the two halves.  The spit is disgusting but it has no effect on the Chakram, much to Rachel’s dismay, and her fireballs are useless against the Chakram as well.  Gabrielle finally succeeds in kicking Rachel back into the portal and it seals shut.

 

Gabrielle

Eve?  Are you ok?

 

Eve doesn’t answer because she is lost in another memory and Gabrielle can’t get her back.  Gabrielle looks up to find Eli standing over them, holding an unconscious Hope in his arms.

 

Gabrielle

Eli, what’s wrong with Eve?

What did that thing do to her?

 

Eli

She’s lost in the Awakening.

 

Gabrielle

What’s that?

 

Eli

There is much to explain.  Just

know for now we can’t stay here.

we need to keep moving.

 

Gabrielle

What about her? 

 

Eli

We take her with us.

 

Gabrielle

No.  Absolutely not.  I don’t doubt

in the least she was working with

that demon to kill Eve. 

 

Eli

I’m going to have to ask you to

trust me on this one Gabrielle.

She goes with us.

 

It’s clear that Gabrielle doesn’t like it but she gives up on her objections.  There isn’t much time before Rachel returns.

 

Gabrielle

Fine.  Let’s go.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cut to:

Ext-Forest.

 

Gabrielle paces back and forth after having heard Eli’s story.  Hope and Eve lie near each other on bedrolls.  Hope is unconscious and Eve tosses and turns, lost in memories.

 

Gabrielle

So once someone is re-incarnated

and they lose their memories of

their past life, you have the power

to force them to remember?  This forced

memory is called the Awakening?

 

Eli

Yes.  Rachel has done this to Eve.

 

Gabrielle

And they want to take her back to

hell to make her to give them the

location of Heaven’s Gate?

 

Eli

Worse. They want to resurrect

Callisto so she will lead them in the

fight to secure their stronghold on

heaven.

 

Gabrielle

You have to save her.  You can’t

let her be turned back into Callisto.

Don’t you understand? She’s all I have

left of Xena.  When I look into her

eyes…it’s like looking into Xena’s eyes. I

can’t lose both of them Eli. I just can’t.

 

Eli

I understand that better than you think

Gabrielle, but because the Awakening

has already begun, it’s no longer a question of

if Callisto will return but when. 

 

Gabrielle

You’re saying you can’t stop it?

 

Eli

No, I can’t. She’s regaining all of

Callisto’s memories.  When that

happens Eve will have only a short

time before her present form dies

out and she physically transforms

back into Callisto.  The only thing

we can do to save her from hell is…

  

Gabrielle

What?

 

Eli

When she transforms back

into Callisto I will have to

kill her body so her soul can

be released back into Heaven.

that way she will be forever safe

in paradise, and so will the

secret of the Gate.

 

Gabrielle sits down and stares at Eve in shock.  She just can’t believe it. She’s lost Xena, now she’s going to lose Eve as well. 

 

Gabrielle

I can’t believe this. I just…

I can’t believe this is happening.

(numbly)

How long do you think it’s going

To take Hope to tell Rachel

Where we are?

 

Eli

She can’t. Dahak is dead and Hope

is no longer a god.  She’s no longer

evil Gabrielle.

 

Gabrielle

No longer evil?  That’s not possible.

 

Eli

It is.  Just as Xena redeemed

Callisto, I have redeemed Hope.

Now she’s a mortal, the same as

you, and when she comes to she’s

going to need her mother to help-

 

Gabrielle

No.  After all she’s done to Xena and me,

I can’t be her mother.  I won’t be her

mother. 

 

Eli

I know having you daughter

redeemed is your deepest desire.

You want to love her Gabrielle.  I have

given you have that chance now. 

 

Gabrielle

You want to give me something?

Save Eve. 

 

Eli

I can’t do that.

 

Gabrielle

Then find someone who can!  I don’t

care who you have to pray to but you

find a way to keep Eve from

turning back into Callisto!  She’s all I

have left of Xena Eli. I won’t lose her.

 

Instead of arguing the point Eli nods his head in agreement.

 

Eli

I’ll do what I can.  I don’t promise

anything. 

 

      Gabrielle

Just promise me you’ll try.

 

Gabrielle storms off into the forest leaving Eli to watch over Eve and Hope.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Time elapse:

 

 

Ext-Forest-Gabrielle

 

Gabrielle comes to a small clearing in the woods and bows to her knees.  She removes the Katana and Chakram and lays them on the grass before her.

 

Gabrielle

Xena, you once told me the dead

can hear the thoughts of the living. 

I believe you hear me now.  What

am I doing?  I’ve been fighting alone

since you died.  I’ve been trying my

best to carry on our work but its so

hard without you.  There’s no joy in

waking up to another day anymore.

Now the only thing I have left of you is

going to die and there’s nothing I can

do to save her.  I finally have a

chance to be Hope’s mother and all

I can think of is how unfair it all is.  Xena

I don’t think I can continue to do this.

not alone.

 

Eve

You’re not alone.  You have me.

 

Gabrielle turns to find Eve, still dressed as Callisto coming toward her.  Eve kneels beside her, wrapping an arm around her.

 

Eve

I remember everything now.  I

remember everything that happened

between us when I was Callisto. I

murdered your husband. I murdered

Xena’s son, my own brother and I-

 

Gabrielle

No.  That’s where you’re wrong.

you didn’t do that, Callisto did. 

 

Eve

But I remember everything. 

 

Gabrielle

Then you remember I forgave you.

Now that you know the truth of your

past, you have only until the sun

sets this evening and you…

 

Eve

I return to being Callisto.  I know.

 

Gabrielle

That’s not all Eve. Eli says…that once

you complete the transformation he

has to kill you.

 

Eve

What?

 

This is one detail she didn’t hear while she was lost in the Awakening. She’s shocked and dismayed, but she wants to keep a brave face for Gabrielle.

 

Gabrielle

He says it’s the only way

To save your soul from Lucifer.

Once you’re back in Heaven

You’ll be safe, forever.

 

Gabrielle dissolves into tears but Eve holds her close, stroking her hair and making comforting shushing noises to her. After awhile Gabrielle calms down.

 

Gabrielle

I’ve lost Xena now I

have to lose my little girl

too.  I just don’t understand it.

 

Eve

You have Hope. Hear me out.

 

Gabrielle

There’s nothing you can say

that would convince me to

trust Hope, Eve.

 

Eve

A relationship with your

child is the most important

thing in a persons life.  This

is your chance to finally have

that with Hope.  Don’t walk

away from it. 

 

Gabrielle

It’s not that simple Eve. 

 

Eve

It can be, if you let it. Promise

me one thing before I…leave

tomorrow.  Promise me you’ll keep

an open mind.  Please?

 

Gabrielle

I’ll try.

 

They hug one more time before they hear blasts coming from the campsite. When they return they find Rachel shooting fireballs at Eli and Eli deflecting them.

 

Eve

Rachel.

 

Close up on Eve

Fade out.

 

Moving On-Act 3

Fade In-

 

Rachel continues to fight with Eli until she looks to find Eve has returned to the campsite.

 

Rachel

There you are mother.  Are

you ready to come home?

 

Eve

I am home Rachel. 

 

Rachel

Oh no, no, no.  Your home is in Hell

with me.  Now come back or I’ll

obliterate your little angel friend here.

 

Eli

Not even in your wildest dreams.

 

Eli throws a ball of white light at Rachel and it slams her squarely in the chest, sending her flying off into the forest, but that’s not the last of it.  Portal after portal from hell cracks open and demons come flying out, hissing at them.  Eli throws Eve Michael’s sword.

 

Eli

Here!  Use this!  It’s Michael’s

sword and it’s the only thing you have

that can send these demons back

to hell permanently.

 

Eve takes the sword looks to Gabrielle.

 

Eve

Shall we dance Gabrielle?

 

Gabrielle

It would be my honor Eve.

 

Gabrielle draws the Katana and Eli hits it with a bolt of light.  When Gabrielle strikes a demon he explodes into a burst of green energy.  Gabrielle, Eli and Eve begin to fight the demons, “killing” one right after the other.  Hope wakes up, confused as to what’s going on so she hides behind a tree.  As Gabrielle and her two partners send the last demon to back to hell, Rachel rushes Hope and grabs her by the throat.

 

Rachel

Gabrielle. Look what I have here. It’s

your…now mortal daughter. Oh,

isn’t that sweet? You had a chance

to have your baby back all nice

and good but Eve here messed

that up by refusing to come home.

 

Rachel picks Hope up by the neck and despite herself Gabrielle starts to move forward to save her. 

 

Rachel

I wouldn’t do that if I were you Gabrielle.

 

Gabrielle

Your choking her.

 

When Eve moves in Rachel tightens her grip.

 

Rachel

You don’t want me to hurt Gabrielle’s

baby now do you?

 

Eve

Gabrielle’s baby…

 

Eve is overcome by another flashback of Callisto in Hell with her child.

 

*Callisto holds up a demon baby, kissing it.

 

*Callisto teaches a demon child to sword fight in hell.

 

*Callisto–You’re growing so fast Rachel.

 

*Rachel–Mommy, why did you name me Rachel?

 

*Callisto–Mommy had a sister named Rachel.  Xena killed her.  That’s why it’s so important we win against the forces of Heaven.  So we can destroy her.

 

*Rachel–Will I get to meet her and Grandma and Grandpa? 

 

*Callisto–Yes, you will.

 

*Callisto looks around to make sure no one is watching her and then kisses Rachel, hugging her up close.

 

*Callisto–I love you Rachel.  You’re the only good thing I’ve ever had.  You will always be my Sweetness, no matter what happens. Remember that.  Remember I will always love you.

 

*Rachel mimics her mother looking around for privacy, bringing a smile to Callisto’s face.

 

*Rachel–I love you too Mommy.

 

Rachel

I can hold her up here like

this all day long, but I don’t

think she can hold her breath

that long.

 

Eve

Put Hope down…Sweetness.

 

Rachel, who is staring at Hope, whips her head around and looks at Eve, hissing at the familiar name.  Eve eases toward her and Rachel tenses.

 

Eve

I’m in a different body true,

but I’m still your Mommy.  I see

that now...Sweetness.

 

Rachel

No!  You’re trying to trick me!

 

Eve has a sense of urgency for the struggling Hope who is choking in Rachel’s grasp.

 

Eve

Rachel!  Please.  I was redeemed. 

I was given a second chance at life

and so can you.  Put Hope down.

You don’t want to hurt Mommy by

hurting some she cares about do you?

 

Confused by her new emotions, Rachel slowly lowers Hope to the ground then lets go.  Hope falls back, choking, and it’s clear that Gabrielle wants to go to her despite her vows never to be Hope’s mother, but Rachel is blocking the way. Eve tries to ease up on Rachel, who takes a step back, then stops to let Eve get closer.  Eve’s eyes are full of pain of what she must now attempt to do.

 

Eve

I remember you now darling. You

were such a smart little girl. 

You learned so fast.

 

Rachel is almost child-like in her confusion about what to do, and we see just how much she really loves her mother and how much she wishes to have a relationship with her again.

 

Rachel

I was?

 

Int-Throne Room-Hell

 

Lucifer watches the exchange, sitting on the edge of his seat.

 

Lucifer

That’s right Rachel.  Let her get

close then take her!  I know you’re not

falling for this sentimental trash.

 

Eve

Oh yes.  You learned so fast.

I was so proud of you.  Good

girl.  Good.

 

Rachel

I’ve missed you Mama.

 

This seems to break Gabrielle’s heart, and Rachel’s words inspire Gabrielle and Hope to share a meaningful look. 

 

Eve

And I’ve missed you.  A soul can

never forget someone so dear to

them as you are to me.

 

Eve is still moving toward Rachel. When she is close enough she intends to strike Rachel down with Michael’s sword.  This will vanquish Rachel to hell forever, never to return to earth.

 

Rachel

Mama?

 

Eve

Yes?

 

Rachel

I can’t be good Mama.  I’m evil.

I was born to be evil.

 

Eve

I know.  I made you what you are.

I’m so sorry for that.

 

Eve swings Michael’s sword once she is close enough, trying to slash open Rachel’s gut.  Rachel’s reflexes are sharp and she jumps back just before any serious damage can be done to her and she cries out in heartbreak at her mother’s betrayal.

 

Rachel

No Mama!

 

Eve kicks Rachel in her already wounded gut, sending her flying back into the last remaining portal to Hell.  Gabrielle looks to Hope, wanting to comfort her but she resists the urge and stays put.

 

Eli

I know it’s hard but we have

to keep moving before she returns.

 

Eve

(hurting over “killing” her child)

What do you mean?  She can’t return.

I used Michael’s sword to vanquish her.

 

Eli

No, you only wounded her.  She can

still return.  We need to keep you safe

until sundown and the Awakening is

complete. Come on.

 

They mount up.  Eve gets on the horse she’d taken from Eion, and Gabrielle holds her hand out to Hope. 

 

Hope

Are you sure?

 

Gabrielle

Very sure.  Come on.  We’ll talk later.

 

They ride off in an effort to stay ahead of the forces of hell long enough for the sun to set.

 

                                                                                      Cut to:

Int-Lucifer’s throne room

Rachel lies on her side in hell, crying softly.  She does not see Lucifer watching her from the shadows with disgust on his face.

 

Rachel

Why Mama?  Why?

 

Lucifer comes out of the shadows and walks slowly toward her.  He stands over her for a moment then brutally kicks her in her wounded gut.  She screams in pain and he grabs her by her hair, jerking her to her feet. 

 

Lucifer

Rachel.  You sentimental fool! 

I should have known you’d still have a

soft spot for you mother.

 

Rachel jerks free of Lucifer and we see her face coated with tears.

 

Rachel

Don’t you worry about my spots Lucifer.

 

Lucifer

She made you weak with all her

talk of love!

 

Rachel

Weak?  Because she taught me to feel?

 

Lucifer

Yes! It’s feeling’s that land

people in this God-forsaken

place. I should know.

 

Rachel

For the first time since I met you I hate you.

 

Lucifer

Do you really think I care?

Your job is to bring me Callisto’s

soul!  Not ponder your

existence!

 

Rachel

I didn’t ask to be created!

 

Lucifer

Nobody does!  I’m not here to

debate the reason for it all Rachel. 

I’m here to offer you a choice.

 

All of Rachel’s fire seems to drain from her.

 

Rachel

I can barely stand the suspense,

so tell me what it is.

 

Lucifer

The Awakening has begun.  It’s

Unstoppable once it starts.  Your

mother is returning regardless of

if she wants to or not.  If you can

have her here in hell when she

completes her transformation at

sunset, I can corrupt her and she

will tell me the secret location

of Heaven’s Gate.

 

Rachel

I know.  You’ve told me this a

Thousand times.  What’s the

choice you were talking about?

 

Lucifer

You can bring her back to hell where

she belongs and have your precious

mommy back, or, you can roast forever

in the Lake of Fire.

 

Rachel

You sick bastard.

 

Lucifer chuckles, genuinely amused be the fear he sees in her eyes at this and the anger it inspires within her at the same time.

 

Lucifer

That’s my girl.  Fail, I will

torment you for eternity.

 

Rachel

Fine.  I’ll do that, but first there’s

something I have to do for myself.

 

Lucifer

Do for yourself? What would that be?

 

Rachel

None of your business!

 

Lucifer

I’m the King of Hell little girl. 

Everything is my business.

 

Rachel

And I’m Hell’s Princess.  I’ll be

back when I’m finished.

 

A green mist envelops Rachel and she fades away before he can object any further.  Lucifer settles back in his new throne looking contemplative as he tries to figure out what she may be up to.

 

Ext-War

Michael and other angels continue to do battle against the forces of Hell on the same battleground seen in “Fallen Angel”.  While Michael is fighting he hears a whispering sound and pulls another angel to him.

 

Michael

Do you hear that?

 

Angel

I don’t hear anything.

 

Michael let’s him go and looks around as he flies into the air to searches the stone pillars below him for the source of the voice.  He finally finds a pillar with only one being.  As he flies closer he sees it is Rachel.  He draws his sword, ready to fight.

 

Rachel

I didn’t come here to fight.

 

Michael

There’s a first.  What do you

want demon?  I’m busy.

 

Rachel

I have questions that need answering.

 

Michael

Go to your master.  He’ll answer them.

 

Michael turns to fly away but there is something in Rachel’s voice that makes him stay.

 

Rachel

Please Michael.  He’ll only lie.

 

Michael

Ask.  I don’t promise to answer.

 

Rachel

But your answer will be the truth.

I know that much.  I was born of hell

by two demons.

 

Michael

True.

 

Rachel

I was never given a chance

to choose to fight for good. 

I was always told I was bad,

and that I had no soul.  Is this

true?  Am I only what I was told that

I am or am...Am I more?

 

Michael studies her with something akin to pity.  He knows she is here because of the love she has found for her mother, and perhaps this can be her saving grace.

 

Michael

You already know the answer to that

question Rachel.

 

Rachel

My mother…she hurt me today.

 

Michael sighs and walks slowly over to her, taking her shoulders in his hands.

 

Michael

You must ask yourself: Which

did your mother’s betrayal

hurt worse?  Your body or your

soul?

 

Rachel

My soul.

Rachel dissolves into tears but Michael takes pity on her and pulls her close, rocking her until she can calm down.

 

Michael

Yes.  Your soul. You’re right

Rachel; you didn’t have a choice.

You were forced into hell and

for that, I’m sorry.

 

Rachel

Save me Michael.  I don’t want to do

these terrible things anymore.

I just want to know peace and…

I’m afraid of being tortured.

 

Michael

Your salvation is up to the

Master, not me.  Besides, you’re not

the first one to ask for divine

mercy today.  I will see what I

can do. 

 

Rachel

You promise?

 

Michael

I promise.  Until then do what

your master orders. This will

keep you from suspicion.  Go.

 

Rachel

Are you sure that’s wise? I

might actually succeed.

 

Michael

I’m very sure. No go.

 

Michael turns to leave but Rachel has a few last words.

 

Rachel

Thank you Michael.  For

being so kind.

 

Michael

You’re welcome Rachel.

 

                                                                                               

Rachel watches Michael fly off.

Close up on Rachel

 

Fade out.

 

 

Moving On-Act 4

Fade In-Road-Two hours before sunset

 

Gabrielle, Eli, Hope and Eve make their way down a road.  As they do rain clouds have darkened the sky, threatening a storm.  Gabrielle dismounts.

 

Gabrielle

Can you guys ride on? I need to

speak with Eli.

 

They agree and continue on while Gabrielle walks on with Eli.

 

Gabrielle

Eli, why are you here? 

 

Eli

You know.  I want to save

Eve and Hope for starters.

 

Gabrielle

There’s more, I can feel it.

 

Eli

You’ve become so wise Gabrielle.

There is more. My time to be

reborn to earth has come.  I am

here to find a mother.

 

Gabrielle

Who?

 

Eli

I had hoped you would be the one,

but something tells me it’s not meant

to be.  Your path as a warrior will not

allow it.

 

Gabrielle

I’m not ready for that. I Have so

much I need to do before I can

even consider falling in love

or starting a family.

 

Eli

I understand.  Believe me.  However

you do have a child that needs you.

 

Gabrielle

Eli, I just don’t know if I can forgive

her of all the things she’s done. I want

to but…

 

Eli

You feel that doing so would be a

betrayal to Xena’s memory. Gabrielle,

the greatest gift one person can give

to another is love.  You cannot have

love without forgiveness. 

 

Gabrielle

You have no idea what I’ve been

Through with her Eli-

 

Eli

(takes her shoulders)

I know exactly what you’ve been through

with her Gabrielle.  I also know she needs

you now more than she ever did. 

Can you really turn your back on

your own child? 

 

Eli looks to the sky. 

 

Eli

It’s going to rain soon.  We need to get

out of sight and out of the storm.

 

Hope

(calling back to them)

My fa…Dahak’s temple is up ahead. We

can take shelter in there.

 

Eli

Sounds like a plan.  Come on!

 

Rain begins to pour and Gabrielle mounts up behind Hope.  Eli fades away and the three women take off for the temple.

 

Int-Heaven’s viewing room

Michael paces back and forth before the reflecting pool but stops when a beautiful blond angel appears.  Michael shakes hands with the angel.

 

Michael

Micah, friend.  What did He say?

 

Micah

Yes.  Concerning Eve’s fate, He

says Gabrielle will only know peace

when she silences her will.

 

Michael

What does that mean?

 

Micah

I have no idea. I’m just the messenger here.

As far as Rachel goes Eve must slay the

demon in time. 

 

Michael

Let me get this straight: Gabrielle will only

know happiness when she silences her will, and

Eve must slay Rachel to save her.

 

Micah

Don’t interpret Michael.  That’s

not what I said.  Gabrielle will

only know peace when she silences

her will, and Eve must slay the

demon in time.  Tell them exactly

what He said. Apparently they

will figure out the answers on their own.

 

Michael

For their sakes I hope you’re

right.  I’ll give them His message. 

 

 

Int-Lucifer’s Throne Room

Lucifer sits on his throne.  He calls out in a thundering voice to his legions. In every corner of hell, his voice is heard.  In one room, a group of souls are hanging by their feet.  Demons beat them with whips.  They stop their torture only to listen to Lucifer’s speech.  In another torture chamber, a group of demons toss people into a lake of pure fire.  We see inside the fire glimpses of souls writhing in agony.  In another room there are guillotine’s lined up, about five in a row.  Demons drag tortured spirits toward them to be beheaded.  In yet another room a man is trying desperately to climb from a pit full of snakes.      The snakes cling to him as he climbs.

 

Lucifer

My children.  The time has

come when we will take back

our daughter Callisto.

 

The demons cheer at his words and Lucifer pulls Rachel to stand at his side.

 

Lucifer

You all know Rachel, daughter

of Callisto and your former

king Mephistopheles.  She was born

of Hell and she will lead hell to victory!

 

The demons begin to cheer Rachel’s name, but all of her usual sarcasm and arrogance is gone.  She looks at the demons not with pride, but with sadness, and becomes stiff when Lucifer wraps an arm around her and whispers to her.

 

Lucifer

You know the price of failure so

you’d better make me proud.

 

She gives him a hateful stare and fades away in a green mist. 

 

Int-Temple to Dahak

Gabrielle, Eve and Hope enter the temple to Dahak to find Eli waiting there already. 

 

Hope

We made it just in time.  It’s freezing.

 

Gabrielle

I can fix that. 

 

Gabrielle throws her chakram at the altar.  The disk splits in-two and flies around the altar and it falls apart into neatly sliced pieces and everyone but Hope laughs and cheers.  Gabrielle holds out her hand.

 

Gabrielle

Come back to Mama.

 

Obediently the Chakram rejoins and flies back to Gabrielle as if it understood what she’d said.  Hope goes over to a window, disturbed at the sight of the altars destruction.  Realizing she’s done something to hurt her, Gabrielle grin slides from her face.

 

Eve

Go to her.

 

Gabrielle

(hesitantly)

Hope?  I’m sorry. It was rude of

us to laugh.  He was your father.

 

Hope

He was the only one to ever love

me.  Now I wonder if he really did.

Love me I mean.

 

Gabrielle is wounded by Hopes words.  Eve and Eli watch the exchange.

 

Gabrielle

Hope, I told you before that I did love

you. I just…

 

When Hope doesn’t answer, Gabrielle turns her to face her.

 

Gabrielle

I’ve told you a million times that’s not true.

 

Hope

It feels like the truth Mother.

 

Gabrielle

Our past is full of sorrow Hope,

and we can never undo that, but

we can start from today. You

were reborn, so let us be reborn.

This can be day one for us Hope.

If you want it.

 

Hope

It’s what I’ve always wanted.

 

Gabrielle

I love you Hope. 

 

Hope

I love you too. I’m sorry for

all the things I’ve done to you.

I really am.

 

Gabrielle thinks back onto what Eli had told her on the road just minutes ago.

 

Gabrielle

You can’t have love without

forgiveness Hope. I forgive you.

 

              Hope

I’ve waited my entire life

to hear you say that.

 

Eli and Eve watch the tender exchange with emotion, but the moment doesn’t last long as Rachel and her demons arrive outside.

 

Rachel

Mother!  I’m not asking you

anymore. I’m telling you to

so come on!

 

Eve

My long lost daughter.

 

A hole is blasted through the temple doors and we look outside to see about thirty demons waiting in the courtyard.

 

Eli

The sun will set in less than an hour.

 

Eve

Hope, is there a back door?

 

Hope

Yes, in the library there

are some tunnels, but I have

no idea where they lead.

 

Gabrielle

Go!

 

Rachel sees them taking off for the rear of the temple.  She looks regretful at the next order she must give.

 

Rachel

Attack!

 

The demons prepare to fly in but Eli holds his hand to the sky.  Suddenly the rain begins to eat through the demons like acid and they explode one after another.  Rachel makes it through before the rain can harm her.

 

Gabrielle

What did you do?

 

Eli

I turned the rain to Holy water.

 

Hope

Brilliant Eli.

 

Hope opens a floor space in the library as Gabrielle bolts the door. 

 

Eli

I have my moments.

 

Gabrielle

Careful Eli. Pride comes before a fall.

 

Int-Tunnels

Eli, Gabrielle, Eve and Hope enter the tunnels to find three possible routes.

 

Gabrielle

Which one Hope?

 

Eve

Does it really matter?

 

Gabrielle

Don’t start acting like your

mother.  I don’t mean Xena.

 

Eve

Ha-ha.

 

A green mist appears in the corner and Rachel appears.  Gabrielle faces off with her.

 

Rachel

Mother, before you run

will you tell me one thing?

 

Eve

What?

 

Rachel

Do you really hate me?

 

Eve

I don’t hate you Rachel. 

I just can’t help you in

your fight against good.

 

Gabrielle and Hope share another meaningful look.  This is all too familiar with them.

 

 

Gabrielle

Hope, pick one and run for it.

I’ll follow shortly, I promise.

 

Rachel

I love you Mother.

 

Eve

I love you too sweetheart.

Good-bye.

 

They all take off down he center tunnel, which Gabrielle blocks with her body.

 

Gabrielle

You spit on me again and I’ll

kick your ass worse than it ever has

been before.

 

Rachel

You’re threats can’t even begin to

compare with the one Lucifer is

holding over my head right now.

 

Gabrielle attacks Rachel.  They clash swords.  Rachel manages to get Gabrielle’s sword from her hand but loses her own in the process.  Gabrielle spins twice, kicking at Rachel who ducks both kicks.  Rachel sneaks in a solid punch to Gabrielle’s stomach, who returns it to Rachel in kind.  Gabrielle attempts to hit Rachel seven more times but Rachel blocks each blow. 

 

Int–Tunnel

 

Hope, Eve and Eli run down the tunnel at full speed. 

 

Int–Chamber. 

 

Gabrielle and Rachel continue to attempt to kick and punch one another.  Gabrielle finally gets in one good punch that sends Rachel flying into the back wall.  She slides down, nearly unconscious.  Gabrielle turns and runs down the tunnel with them.

Finally she catches up with the others only to find the tunnel is a dead end.

 

Gabrielle

We’re going to have to go back.

 

The sound of demons coming up the tunnel alerts them that the way they have come is blocked off.  They have no choice but to continue forward. Suddenly an arm reaches out of the wall behind Hope and wraps around her waist.  Hands come from everywhere, the walls, the floor, pulling on Hope, Eve and Gabrielle, but they do not touch Eli.  They attempt to fight them off but they are unsuccessful.  One demon’s hand starts to choke Hope.

 

Eve

Hope!

 

Gabrielle

Hope!  They’re not grabbing

you Eli!

 

Eli

Hold onto me!

 

When the women touch Eli the appendages let go of them with screaming noises coming from the walls.  Gabrielle takes the Chakram and prepares to throw it at the support beam.

 

Eve

Gabrielle don’t!  This is a dead

End tunnel, we’ll be trapped.

 

Gabrielle

If those demons get to us,

we’re going to dead end.

Trust me Eve.

 

Gabrielle collapses the tunnel and they are thrown into darkness but a small beam of light comes through from above.

 

Eve

You see what I see?

 

Gabrielle

I think I do.

 

Gabrielle throws her Chakram and it tears through the small hole in the ceiling.  They begin to climb out.

 

 

Ext-Final battle field.

 

When everyone emerges from the tunnel they see the sky has mysteriously cleared and the sun is almost set.  Suddenly Eve is afraid as Eli touches her shoulder.

 

Eli

Eve, it’s time.  You know

what I have to do now.

 

Eve

Gabrielle, I want to tell

you that you’re like a mother

to me.  I love you and…

 

Gabrielle

Go. Be with Xena.  Be sure to

tell her how much I love her and…

 

Gabrielle and Eve break down into tears and Gabrielle pulls Eve close in one final hug. 

 

Gabrielle

If I could die for you I would.

I wish I could save you.

 

Michael

Maybe you can save her.

 

The group turns to face Michael, not noticing Rachel hovering above the group, studying the setting sun

 

Lucifer

This is your last chance Rachel.

Fail now and you will burn forever.

I will personally see to it.

 

Rachel hears his threat and it visibly scares her+.  She draws her sword and flies oward Eve.

 

Gabrielle

He heard my prayers and those are

His answers?  What do they mean?

 

Michael

I don’t know.

 

Gabrielle

What do you mean you don’t

know?  You’re an angel!

 

Michael

That doesn’t mean I have

all the answer’s Gabrielle.

 

Rachel lands behind them.

 

Rachel

I need to talk to you Mother.

 

Gabrielle moves in to defend Eve.  She’s not about to allow her to try anything with Eve at the last moment.

 

Gabrielle

You’re not taking her to Hell. 

 

Eve

Gabrielle, I think I can handle

this.  Please.

 

Gabrielle grudgingly steps aside to let them face off.

 

Rachel

You said you loved me. Did you

mean that?

 

Eve

Yes.  I meant it with all

my heart.

 

Int-Lucifer’s throne room

Lucifer watches the exchange with disgust.  Its time to end this once and for all.

 

Lucifer

I knew she was weak. Legions!  Attack!

 

Ext-Battlefield

 

Rachel

Even though it means I will

suffer for eternity, I want you

to know that I quit.  I won’t try to

take you back to hell. I love you.

 

Eve

I know you love me sweetheart.

 

Eve takes Rachel into an embrace and as they hug, the ground begins to rumble. Suddenly, all across the field portals open and thousands of demons fly out. 

 

Gabrielle

How are we supposed to stand up to that?

 

Michael

You’re not. Heaven will.  Watch.

 

A bright ball of light appears over the field, like the one seen at the beginning of “Fallen Angel” and thousands of angels fly from it to land on the earth.

 

Gabrielle

My God. The war in Heaven

has come to Earth.

 

The angels land and go into a massive battle with the demons.

 

Gabrielle

Eli, keep Hope safe.  I think

I know what I have to do to

save Eve. (she closes her eyes

and tilts back  her head in prayer)

I give up my will and my desires…

 

Eve faces Rachel and looks down at the sword Eli had given her and God’s answer suddenly has meaning.

 

Eve

I know what to do. I know

how to save you.  I understand.

 

Suddenly Eve attacks Rachel, who instinctively fights back.

 

Rachel

I thought you loved me!

 

Eve

I do love you  That’s why I

have to slay the demon!

 

Eli

(whispering)

My time has come and I have

no one to take me.

 

Eve and Rachel fight while Gabrielle prays in the middle of the battle.  Hope, who has heard Eli, pulls him aside.

 

Hope

I heard what you said to

mother about returning

to earth.  Eli, you gave me

a new lease on life. You gave

me my mother.  Let me

return the favor.

 

Eli

Are you sure you’re ready?

 

Hope

I’ve never been more sure

about anything in my life.

I’ve lost one child already.

This will give me a second

chance at motherhood.

 

Eli

Thank you Hope.  You have

no idea what this means

for me. 

 

Hope

I think I do. (hugs Eli)I’ll see you in

nine months.

 

Eli lays his hand on Hope’s stomach and his hand begins to glow.  Slowly he disappears into her.  Just as the sun is about to set Eve knocks Rachel to her back and looks deeply into her daughter’s eyes.

 

 

Eve

I love you.

 

Eve runs the sword through Rachel and there is a brilliant flash of light.  When it fades the field is empty with the exception of Eve, Gabrielle, Hope, Rachel and Michael.  It is clear from the robes she is wearing and the glow about her head that Rachel has been transformed from a demon to an angel.

 

Rachel

I’m an angel.

 

Fade out

 

Moving On-Final Ending

 

Fade in-Campsite-night

Gabrielle and Hope sit next to the fire and watch as Eve talks privately with Rachel.

 

Rachel

You saved me Mother.  I have

been given a place in paradise

forever.  How can I ever thank

you? 

 

Eve

There’s no need to thank me

Sweetness. I would have traded

places with you if it hadn’t

meant giving up Heaven’s Gate.

You’re my daughter. I love you.

 

Rachel

(hugging Eve)

I love you too. I just found you

and I don’t want to leave. 

 

Eve

Are they calling you?

 

Rachel

Yes.

 

Eve

Then go.  I’ll keep you in

my heart always.

 

Rachel

And you in mine.  If I

see Xena, I’ll tell her you

love her.

 

Rachel kisses her mother’s forehead then steps back and fades away.  After a moment of pulling herself together, Eve returns to the fire.

 

Gabrielle

Today has been a day of miracles.

Three women have been

blessed with their children.

What an amazing gift.

 

Hope

Family is one gift I will always cherish.

 

Eve

I will continue my mission as

the Messenger Of Peace.  You know,

with us as a team the world will

never be the same again.

 

After a short moment of laughter Gabrielle grows serious again.

 

Gabrielle

Let us never take a single day

for granted.  Let us never

forget those we’ve left behind. 

 

Gabrielle holds her hand toward the center of the circle they have formed to make a pact.

 

Eve

 Never forget Mother.

 

Hope

Never forget Xena.

 

Gabrielle

(emotionally)

We’ll never forget Xena.

 

Wide shot of the group.

 

Fade Out

 

The End

Friday-June 22, 2001.

Caina Q.  Fuller.