The Haunting of Amphipolis
TEASER
Heaven. Michael and Raphael watch Xena, Gabrielle and Eve riding.
MICHAEL
Xena is finally coming home to Amphipolis. She
has no idea what awaits her.
RAPHAEL
I'm more concerned about what awaits us if she
should fail in her destiny. If the realm of Hell should
spill onto the Earth, we will be the ones to face it.
MICHAEL
Xena has killed most of the Olympian gods. She
is the only mortal prepared to face this.
RAPHAEL
I hope she is prepared - for all of our sakes.
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Xena, Gabrielle and Eve ride along.
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Xena hums "Glade Ma Glade" as the three ride into Amphipolis.
XENA
Eve, you were just a baby when your grandmother
took you in her arms and sang the anthem of Amphipolis.
GABRIELLE
She stood up against Athena. She was very courageous.
EVE
I can't wait to see her.
XENA
Me neither. You're gonna love Amphipolis. It's...so
full of life.
Xena looks around Amphipolis. It's cold, dark, empty and the wind is blowing through it.
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The three have arrived at Cyrene's tavern. A tumbleweed rolls by.
XENA
What happened here?
GABRIELLE
It almost feels deserted.
XENA
My mother would never leave this place.
They go in.
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Xena opens the door and they enter. The tavern is covered in dust, cobwebs and leaves. It's been abandoned for years. Xena is horrified as she looks around.
EVE
(to Gabrielle) Mother grew up here?
GABRIELLE
It's never looked like this.
EVE
There's a coldness in this place. It's freezing.
XENA
I'm going upstairs.
Xena goes up the stairs.
GABRIELLE
I'll check the back.
Gabrielle leaves. Eve looks around, a worried look on her face.
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Xena moves through a hall upstairs. It's covered in leaves and cobwebs and a wind blows through it. Xena hears her mother scream and sees a shadow on the wall of someone being pulled along.
XENA
Mom.
Xena runs down the hall, but when she turns the corner, nothing is there.
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Outside, the wind howls.
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Eve carries a candle and has lit most of the others in the room. She moves to a torch.
MEPHISTOPHELES (voice-over)
Livia.
Eve turns, looking for the source of the voice, but sees no one.
EVE
Who's there?
She shakes her head and turns back to light the torch. Once it is lit, she turns, and suddenly Villager #1 is there, holding a torch.
VILLAGER #1
Light the fire!
Eve watches as a second villager drags Cyrene down the stairs. Villager #1 joins the second villager and they pull Cyrene along. Cyrene struggles against them. The villagers pull Cyrene towards Eve and then right through her. Cyrene vanishes. Xena enters from upstairs.
XENA
Eve?
Gabrielle enters.
XENA
Are you all right?
EVE
Grandmother?
XENA
Did you see her, Eve?
Eve doesn't answer.
XENA
Eve!
EVE
I felt her. I could feel her spirit. She's dead, Mother.
She shakes her head.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
GABRIELLE
Eve, you've never seen Cyrene, before. How do
you know it's her?
Eve is near tears.
EVE
I could feel her. I could feel her spirit. I know it
was her!
XENA
I believe you, Eve. I saw her, too.
EVE
She's in so much pain. She wanted to be at
peace, but she was helpless. She's trapped in
this house.
Xena and Gabrielle look around.
XENA
(whispering) Mother.
EVE
She's not alone. There are other souls here. This
house, it's--it's a gateway or a spiritual crossroads or-
XENA
It's haunted.
EVE
There's a stillness. It's like before a battle. It's
as if I can feel the realms of Heaven and Hell taking
up sides.
XENA
If my mother's not at peace I'm going to find out why.
Xena heads towards the door.
GABRIELLE
Xena, where are you going?
XENA
The mausoleum.
GABRIELLE
Do you want us to come with you?
XENA
Thanks, but I feel I need to do this alone.
Xena leaves.
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Lightning shoots through the sky.
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Xena walks through the howling wind to the mausoleum. She enters.
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Inside. Xena moves to Cyrene's sarcophagus to see Cyrene's bones thrown on top and covered in leaves, sticks and rubble.
XENA
(whispering) Mother.
Xena moves to the sarcophagus and begins to remove the rubble and toss aside the sticks in anger. She picks up one of Cyrene's bones which has been charred black. She puts Cyrene's bones into the sarcophagus as she speaks.
XENA
Oh! What did they do to you? They've taken everything.
Now you can't rest. And where was I? Oh, Mother.
Tears roll down her face.
XENA
I will find you. Wherever you are, I will find you. I'll
make it right. I'll make this right.
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Outside the tavern. Lightning flashes.
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Inside. Eve and Gabrielle are sitting at a table, a bowl of fruit in front of them.
EVE
Cyrene must have been a remarkable woman.
GABRIELLE
She was.
EVE
Her spirit was so frightened.
GABRIELLE
It's okay.
Gabrielle takes a bit from her fruit. Eve looks at the bowl to see the fruit covered in maggots.
EVE
Gabrielle? Did you already eat any of this?
Gabrielle looks at the fruit she just took a bite from to see maggots crawling on it. She drops it and runs out of the room.
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Eve carries the bowl of fruit outside and tosses it onto the ground.
EVE
Uh!
Eve looks around and then at the maggots which double in numbers every time the lightning flashes. Eve is sickened.
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Gabrielle walks to a bowl of water and uses her hands to cup some and drink. She puts the wet hands to her face.
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Eve walks over to the maggots.
EVE
In the name of Eli...
Eve stops, suddenly knowing what she has to do. She kneels in front of the maggots.
EVE
In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven,
I command this evil presence to be cast out.
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Gabrielle looks at her hands to see maggots crawling out of her skin. She starts tearing into her skin trying to pull them all out. Her hands are bloody as she tears off her skin.
GABRIELLE
(whispering) No. No.
Gabrielle holds her hands up to see they are nothing but bone. She has torn off all the skin.
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Outside.
EVE
In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven, I
command this evil presence to be cast out!
Eve slams her hands to the ground and the maggots vanish.
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Gabrielle looks at her hands to see they are back to normal. She shakes her body, repulsed.
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Eve looks about, amazed. She then looks at her hands and slowly holds them to her.
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The mausoleum.
XENA
Mother I don't know what happened to you, but I
swear I will find out.
Someone is watching Xena.
XENA
I'll put you at peace.
The Beggar looks out to see Xena gone. He steps out, but Xena grabs him.
BEGGAR
P--please! I--I didn't mean to spy. I come in here
when there's a storm.
XENA
What happened to my mother?
BEGGAR
You're - Xena. Cyrene waited years for you to come
home. Mephistopheles sent evil spirits to Cyrene's
tavern - a long time ago. Over the years she--she
went mad.
XENA
Why are her bones charred black?
BEGGAR
When the crops failed, people blamed the evil in the
tavern. They said Cyrene was a witch - for Mephistopheles!
Xena lets him go.
XENA
They burned her at the stake.
BEGGAR
I tried to tell them she wasn't a witch, but--but uh,
who was gonna listen to me? Cyrene was a good
person. She was kind to me - even near the end.
Those evil spirits - they were never in her. They
were in the house and they're in there still.
Xena runs out.
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The outside of the tavern.
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Gabrielle walls through a hall. She sees a strange symbol on the floor of a screaming face.
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Outside, Eve watches in disgust as the stone where the maggots were begins to smoke. When the smoke clears, the same symbol of the screaming face is on the rock.
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Xena tries to open the door to the tavern, but it will not open.
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Gabrielle hears voices coming from the symbol. She lies down and puts her ear against it. Hands reach out and grab her. She screams.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
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Xena pounds on the door with a fist.
XENA
Eve! Gabrielle!
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More hands reach out and grab Gabrielle who screams. The hands pull her into the symbol.
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Gabrielle lands in green, brackish water, where ghouls (who are rotting corpses) grab at her. She screams.
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Xena pounds on the door.
XENA
Gabrielle!
Eve opens the door.
EVE
Mother - are you all right?
XENA
Yeah. Where's Gabrielle?
EVE
I don't know.
Xena moves away.
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The ghouls pull at Gabrielle. She breaks free long enough to the get to the surface for air. The ghouls grab at her again, trying to pull her back under.
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Xena and Eve enter the hall where Gabrielle was pulled into the symbol.
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The ghouls try to pull Gabrielle under.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena hears Gabrielle.
XENA
Gabrielle?
Eve looks about, worried. She moves past Xena and continues down the hall. Xena looks about, determined and then follows Eve. Wind blows the leaves off of the symbol. Gabrielle can be heard yelling from behind it very faintly.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
The ghouls grab at Gabrielle.
GHOUL #2
This one is not the messenger! You will live all the horrors
of Hell until the blood of the messenger is spilled!
Gabrielle is pulled under the water again.
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Eve turns to Xena.
EVE
Maybe she went upstairs.
XENA
No, she's here someplace.
Xena sees the symbol on the floor and kneels down in front of it. Xena can hear Gabrielle yelling from behind it very faintly.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Xena yells and slams her hand into the symbol and it passes through to where Gabrielle is.
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Gabrielle reaches up her hand.
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Xena reaches farther for Gabrielle. Eve holds onto Xena so she is not pulled in.
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The ghouls try to grab Gabrielle and pull her under, but Xena has her hand and will not let her go.
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Xena pulls.
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Gabrielle is pulled up, out of the water.
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Xena starts to pull Gabrielle up.
GABRIELLE
Xena! Let me out! Get me out! Please!
Eve grabs Gabrielle's other hand and she and Xena pull her up.
XENA
You all right? You all right?
GABRIELLE
Yah!
Gabrielle convulses.
XENA
What?
GABRIELLE
It burns! It burns!
XENA
All right!
Xena grabs her and leads her away.
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The outside of the tavern.
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Gabrielle is standing under running water and Xena is helping her scrub off the slime. Eve stands off to the side.
GABRIELLE
What's causing this?
XENA
Mephistopheles.
EVE
The King of Hell is doing this?
XENA
He cursed this house long ago. For years my mother
fought the evil spirits here. It drove her mad. The
townspeople thought she was a witch for Mephistopheles.
They burned her at the stake.
EVE
Oh, Mother.
Eve moves to Xena's side and Xena holds her.
EVE
That's why she's not at peace. If she died unabsolved,
Mephistopheles would have possession of her soul.
GABRIELLE
Xena, why would he attack your family? He has
an entire world he can rule.
EVE
He's preparing for war. It's no accident I'm in this house.
Eve looks at her hands and moves away. Xena holds out her hand after Eve.
XENA
Eve.
Eve keeps walking away and leaves the room.
GABRIELLE
Those things they said - they said that they seek
the blood of the messenger. This is Eve's battle.
XENA
No, if he picks a battle, he's picked it with me. I
won't lose my daughter the way I lost my mother.
Xena leaves.
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Xena enters another room in the tavern. Suddenly a cloth is on the table and then the body of Lyceus with a vision of Xena from the past standing over him, in her old armour, holding a sword. She lays the sword on his chest.
PAST XENA
Lyceus - my brother.
Cyrene's ghost appears at the head of the table.
CYRENE
Lyceus.
Cyrene holds his head. Past Xena from the past turns to Cyrene.
PAST XENA
I did all I could.
CYRENE
(sobbing) Oh - yes - you did all you could. You
raised the army. You talked him into fighting.
These - these may as well be wounds from your sword!
She slaps Past Xena.
CYRENE
He was the only thing I had left and you took him
from me. Lyceus.
She hugs Lyceus' head and weeps. Past Xena faces Xena with hard eyes, then they all vanish. Xena stares at where the shadows where.
XENA
Mother, I'm just so sorry...about everything.
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Clouds roll and lightning flashes.
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Eve is kneeling outside. Blood pools in the cracks of the stone walkway. Eve looks down and sees it.
EVE
Uh.
The blood gathers and then begins to drip upward in the air.
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Gabrielle showers. She runs her fingers through her hair, but her hands are covered in blood and leave streaks over her head. She can feel the blood and looks at her hands in horror to see them covered in blood. The blood is oozing from small holes in her hand.
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Eve watches the blood in horror and sees the symbol of the screaming face in the stone. She watches the blood dripping upward in the air. She is disgusted.
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Gabrielle's feet are now bleeding. She has the wounds of being crucified. Gabrielle stumbles, gagging.
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Outside.
EVE
In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven, I
command this evil presence to be cast out. In the
name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven, I command
this evil presence to be cast out.
She holds her head in her hands.
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Gabrielle falls.
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Eve watches the blood flow faster, then move towards her like a small river. It fills the symbol full of blood and then a wave of blood crashes over it and heads towards Eve. Eve screams.
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Gabrielle is lying down, hands dripping blood. She raises her head, her eyes golden yellow. Mephistopheles has possessed her.
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Eve holds her head in her hands as the blood moves towards her. She is near tears.
EVE
In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven - I
command this evil presence to be cast out.
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Gabrielle stands, wind blowing through her hair. She licks the blood from her hand.
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Xena enters a room in the tavern.
XENA
Gabrielle?
Gabrielle/Mephistopheles is crawling naked on the ceiling. She/he laughs and then yells as she/he jumps and lands on Xena. Xena grabs a cloth and rolls on the floor with Gabrielle/Mephistopheles, wrapping the cloth around her/his naked body, while tying her/his hands behind her/his back.
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The river of blood moves towards Eve.
EVE
In the name of Eli - and all the powers of Heaven,
I command this evil presence to be cast out!
She slams her hands into the river of blood and it vanishes.
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Xena looks at Gabrielle/Mephistopheles who laughs.
XENA
Gabrielle?
GABRIELLE/MEPHISTOPHELES
She's with me, Xena.
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Eve slowly pulls her hands toward herself.
EVE
Mother! Gabrielle!
She stands and runs into the tavern. The ground cracks and a portal to Hell opens.
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Inside.
XENA
Mephistopheles, why are you doing this to my family?!
Gabrielle/Mephistopheles tries to lick Xena's hand, but Xena pulls it away.
GABRIELLE/MEPHISTOPHELES
I seek the Messenger of Eli - your daughter.
Gabrielle/Mephistopheles laughs. Eve enters and kneels next to Xena.
XENA
What do you want with her?!
EVE
He knows I can do this-
As Eve talks, Gabrielle/Mephistopheles laughs.
EVE
In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven, I
command this evil presence to be cast out!
She touches Gabrielle/Mephistopheles, whose body convulses.
XENA
Why have you come here?!
GABRIELLE/MEPHISTOPHELES
You killed the Olympian gods, Xena. The time has
come for my reign to begin. I shall inherit the Earth.
When your blood is spilled, Eve, I'll be made flesh.
XENA
It will never happen Mephistopheles. Never!
Gabrielle/Mephistopheles roars.
GABRIELLE/MEPHISTOPHELES
Your mother cried out for you, Xena...even at the end.
Xena looks to where she saw the shadows of the past before.
CYRENE
I beg you - no!
The ghost of Cyrene is tied to a stake, surrounded by wood. Villagers are all around her with torches.
CYRENE
I'm innocent. I swear to you!
EXTRA
You'll pay for what you've done!
EXTRA
Burn her!
EXTRA
Burn the witch!
The wood is lit.
CYRENE
Xena-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a!
Cyrene burns. The shadows vanish.
GABRIELLE/MEPHISTOPHELES
I helped eat her soul, Xena! She'll spend eternity
reliving only agony you put into her life! Unless - you
spill your daughter's blood and bring me into
the world.
EVE
No.
Gabrielle/Mephistopheles laughs.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
Gabrielle/Mephistopheles struggles against Xena and Eve.
EVE
In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven,
I command this evil presence to be cast--out!
GABRIELLE/MEPHISTOPHELES
Damn you! I leave this body, Xena, but I'll keep
your mother's soul! Do you want your mommy?
Release me into the world.
XENA
Again, Eve. Do it again, now!
EVE
In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven,
I command this evil presence to be cast--out!
Mephistopheles leaves Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
Uh! Uh!
XENA
Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
(whispering) Xena.
XENA
You're dizzy. Oh, Gabrielle. Help me untie her.
Xena holds Gabrielle up and Eve unties her. Eve remains kneeling, too tired to stand as Xena picks up Gabrielle.
XENA
Okay. Oh, Gabrielle--oh--glad to have you back.
She hugs her.
XENA
Gabrielle, Mephistopheles has my mother. I've
gotta find a way to release her soul - but cleansed
or not, I want you out of here.
Eve hands Gabrielle a blue outfit to wear.
GABRIELLE
Where do you want me to go?
XENA
Mephistopheles is using you.
GABRIELLE
I'm not leaving.
EVE
He can't take her again. She's been cleansed.
GABRIELLE
He's afraid of you.
Eve nods, but she is tired and looks sick.
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Outside, lightning flashes.
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Eve steps outside, still looking ill. She can hear screams coming from the portal. She shakes her head. She moves to the portal and kneels in front of it.
EVE
In the name of Eli and all-
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Inside. Xena walk along and Gabrielle follows her.
XENA
Mephistopheles controls every inch of this house.
GABRIELLE
Xena, you're going to need me.
XENA
Listen to me.
Xena grabs Gabrielle's arm, and suddenly their arms are joined together.
XENA
Pull!
They can't pull free. They try again, but are pulled back together and then their legs join. A table comes shooting across the floor at them. They jump over it and then a chandelier falls, which they jump away from.
XENA
We gotta get to Eve!
They start to leave, when a chain wraps around Gabrielle's leg and neck. A dagger comes flying at her, but Xena catches it. Xena draws her sword, cuts Gabrielle free and they run out of the tavern.
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Eve is kneeling before the portal.
EVE
In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven
I command this evil presence to be cast out!
Xena and Gabrielle enter, still joined together.
XENA
Eve! Eve!
Eve stumbles over to them and touches their shoulders.
EVE
In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven I
command this evil presence to be cast out! In
the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven, I
command this evil presence to be cast out!
Xena and Gabrielle are freed from each other. Eve falls and Xena and Gabrielle catch her and lower her to the ground. Eve moans and crawls back towards the portal.
GABRIELLE
Look at her. Xena, how can she fight this battle?
Eve starts to pray again and Xena stands and moves over to the portal.
GABRIELLE
Xena-
Xena stands in front of Eve on the other side of the portal. Eve looks at her, but keeps praying.
EVE
In the name of Eli and all the powers of Heaven...
MEPHISTOPHELES (voice-over)
She's dying, Xena. The battle you have her fighting-
EVE
In the name of Eli-
MEPHISTOPHELES (voice-over)
-is one she cannot win.
EVE
-and all the powers of Heaven, I command you-
MEPHISTOPHELES (voice-over)
It will cost her her life. And I will be the victor.
Her soul will belong to me.
Eve cries out as the skin from her arms crack and chip off. Xena draws her chakram.
XENA
Mephistopheles!
MEPHISTOPHELES (voice-over)
It's not your daughter's life that I seek, only her
blood. Just a few drops of blood, spilt in my name,
will bring me into your world. Fight me there or
your daughter will join your mother in eternal torture.
EVE
-to be cast out.
Xena moves over to Gabrielle.
XENA
Gabrielle, I have to go fight Mephistopheles.
GABRIELLE
Xena, you can't release him.
XENA
No, I'm gonna take the fight to him.
GABRIELLE
Th--that's the spiritual realm.
XENA
I'm gonna put The Pinch on myself.
GABRIELLE
No.
XENA
Yes.
GABRIELLE
No!
XENA
I should be dead just long enough to meet
Mephistopheles there. Then I need you to release
The Pinch and bring me back.
GABRIELLE
Xena, I can't. I don't-I don't know how.
XENA
Yes, you can. I'll show you.
Xena takes Gabrielle's hand and presses it to her neck.
XENA
Here.
GABRIELLE
Right there?
XENA
No, that will stop my heart. There.
GABRIELLE
I can't believe you're showing me this now.
XENA
We don't have any choice.
She nods to Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
Xena, if I can't do this, that means that you're
down there forever.
XENA
You can do it. I believe in you. Bring me back, Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
(whispering) Okay.
Xena uses Gabrielle's hand to put The Pinch on herself, then falls into Gabrielle's arms. Wind blows the leaves. Gabrielle lays Xena down and Xena's eyes close.
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Hell. Cyrene moans and enters, covered in blood and holding a bloody ax.
XENA
Mother.
Cyrene does not see or hear her. Cyrene moans.
CYRENE
Gods, forgive me! I've killed him!
XENA
Mother, it's me.
CYRENE
My Orestes! I had no choice! I had no choice!
My husband!
XENA
Mother, I will find a way to release you. I promise.
Cyrene walks off, crying, then vanishes. Mephistopheles appears behind Xena.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Don't make promises you can't keep.
They fight.
MEPHISTOPHELES
I thought you were the god-killer, Xena. How were
the mighty Olympians so easily taken?!
They continue to fight.
XENA
I'm just a little distracted by your good looks.
They keep fighting.
XENA
A-la-la-la-la!
Xena flips and kicks him back, but he rises again. The fight continues.
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Eve joins Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
I don't know what I'm doing.
EVE
I'll try and find water. Maybe it'll help wake her up.
Gabrielle places a hand on Eve's cheek.
GABRIELLE
Yeah.
Eve leaves.
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Hell. Xena kicks Mephistopheles back, but he stops himself and floats.
XENA
A-la-la-la-she-ya!
Xena flips and lands in front of him. Mephistopheles laughs.
MEPHISTOPHELES
You can't hurt me in the spirit world - Xena.
XENA
No harm in trying.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Your power to kill gods is on Earth.
He laughs and punches her.
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Earth.
GABRIELLE
I'm right here, Xena.
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Hell. Xena is sent flying back. Mephistopheles laughs.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Now you see you can't harm me here.
He laughs.
XENA
If you come into my realm, I will kill you before
you take a step.
MEPHISTOPHELES
And then take my throne?
XENA
What are you talking about?
MEPHISTOPHELES
Whoever kills me must take my place and reign
over Hell.
He laughs.
MEPHISTOPHELES
And frankly, Xena, I don't think you're up to the job.
Xena nose starts to bleed. Mephistopheles laughs.
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Earth.
GABRIELLE
Come on.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hell. Blood is flowing from Xena's nose.
XENA
Release my mother.
MEPHISTOPHELES
You know my price.
XENA
I won't do it.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Very well. If you won't spill Eve's blood, then perhaps - the
right pressure in the right place might cause Eve
to spill her own.
He laughs and disappears.
MEPHISTOPHELES (voice-over)
Your daughter will be mine, Xena.
Xena collapses.
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Mephistopheles' face appears, then disappears in a bucket of water. Eve enters. She grabs a smaller bucket and fills it with water from the larger one. She then empties the smaller bucket onto a plate. A severed head falls out. Eve is disgusted. The eyes on the head open and Eve backs up, even more disgusted.
SEVERED HEAD
Do you mind? I was getting a drink.
His body picks up his head.
SEVERED HEAD
You don't remember me, do you? On the road
outside Rome? You beheaded me from horseback.
You hardly gave it a thought.
EVE
I didn't. That wasn't me.
SEVERED HEAD
Oh, I think I'd remember. You came galloping by, and-
He moves his hand over where neck should be.
SEVERED HEAD
Sh-h-h-h, just for kicks. "All roads lead to Rome"
my eye.
AXE VICTIM
Hey.
Eve turns to see a man with an ax in his head.
AXE VICTIM
You threw this at me from twenty yards. I was tryin'
to save my wife, Livia.
EVE
I'm not Livia.
AXE VICTIM
We died unabsolved! We can never be at peace.
Men, women and children who Eve killed as Livia appear.
EXTRA
It's Livia.
EXTRAS
Livia. Livia. Livia. Livia. Livia.
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Outside.
GABRIELLE
Xena. Hey.
Gabrielle tries to take off The Pinch.
GABRIELLE
Uh!
It doesn't work. She tries again
GABRIELLE
Uh!
Xena still doesn't wake up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eve looks at her victims.
EVE
I'm not Livia.
AXE VICTIM
You don't believe us? Look!
Eve turns to look in a mirror and Livia is the reflection, covered in blood from people she has killed.
EVE
It's not me.
Livia steps out of the mirror and all the victims move back, scared.
LIVIA
Oh, it most certainly is. We're the same. The same
cunning mind - the same dark soul - the same love
of power.
Livia turns to face the victims.
LIVIA
Yah!
The victims all move back, terrified.
LIVIA
You see how they cringe in fear of us? We didn't
just kill them, we trapped them forever in limbo.
EVE
I can't undo that. If I could help them, I would.
LIVIA
Prove it! Spill your blood. Bring forth Mephistopheles
and they will be released from torment. You can
do it.
EVE
No. That can't be the way. I'm not you. I'm not Livia!
LIVIA
Really. Then why do you get a tingle when I do this?
Livia grabs one of the victims and punches him in the stomach.
EVE
(whispering) No.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle tries to take The Pinch off of Xena. It doesn't work. She feels for a pulse.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Livia punches the victim again.
EVE
Stop!
Livia uppercuts him.
EVE
Stop!
Eve jumps into Livia's body. The victims vanish. Eve moans, pulling at the bloody cape as she falls to her knees. She draws the sword to find it covered in blood. Eve is both disgusted and horrified.
EVE
Yah!
She tosses it aside.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle tries to undo The Pinch, but it doesn't work.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inside. The winds pick up and blow leaves around Eve (still dressed as Livia). Eve begins to sob.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle holds Xena's arm.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Again, Gabrielle tries to undo The Pinch, but cannot.
GABRIELLE
Come on!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eve cries out.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle touches her fingers to her lips and then gets ready to do undo The Pinch.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leaves blow around Eve.
EVE
No!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle gets ready.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eve screams.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabrielle gets ready.
GABRIELLE
Yah!
Gabrielle hits the side of Xena's neck and Xena awakens.
GABRIELLE
Xena.
Gabrielle hugs her.
XENA
Eve. Where's Eve?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eve is curled up on her haunches, slowly rocking back and forth. The vision created by Mephistopheles is over, so she is back in her clothes, not Livia's. Xena and Gabrielle run in.
XENA
Eve! Eve.
Xena and Gabrielle run to her. Xena pulls her to her feet and holds her.
XENA
Come here.
EVE
I'm going to stop Mephistopheles.
XENA
No, I won't let you stop him that way.
She picks up a dagger.
XENA
He's already got my mother's soul. He's not gettin' yours.
EVE
Then how can we stop him?
XENA
By giving him exactly what he wants. Trust me.
Eve nods. Xena and Eve leave.
GABRIELLE
Xena.
Gabrielle follows.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
Xena supports Eve as they walk along. Eve is hardly able to stand.
GABRIELLE
Wait.
Gabrielle grabs Xena's arm.
GABRIELLE
Xena.
Xena and Eve stop and Gabrielle moves in front of them.
GABRIELLE
Xena - you cannot spill your daughter's blood.
XENA
It's better than the beating she was taking in there.
GABRIELLE
You will bring Hell onto Earth. After all the evil we've
seen, you want to unleash that onto the world?
XENA
My mother's soul is trapped. My daughter is half
dead. And the portal to Hell opened up in my
backyard. I am going to face Mephistopheles,
Gabrielle. It is the only way.
GABRIELLE
You cannot kill every demon from Hell!
XENA
I only need to kill one. And he will never expect
me to-
GABRIELLE
To what?
Xena doesn't answer.
GABRIELLE
To what?!
XENA
To take his place.
Eve looks up at Xena with worried eyes.
XENA
Mephistopheles said whoever kills the King of
Hell must inherit the throne.
Eve shakes her head.
GABRIELLE
(whispers) Xena.
XENA
I will cross that bridge when I come to it. But I am
not going to let Mephistopheles torment my family
any longer. Do you hear me?
GABRIELLE
Eve. Eve, your destiny is to stop this evil, not bring
it into the world.
XENA
We make our own destiny in this family. Eve - the
choice is yours.
Eve sobs.
EVE
Yes.
Eve takes the dagger from Xena and Xena moves to stand beside Gabrielle.
EVE
(to Gabrielle) Destiny comes to pass in strange
ways. I'll fulfill mine. I'll deliver Mephistopheles
into the only hands capable of beating him. Will
you help me?
Gabrielle moves to Eve's side. Xena draws her sword. They all step out, Gabrielle supporting Eve.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voices scream from the portal. The three move to the portal.
EVE
In the name of Eli...let my sinful blood be absolved
by your goodness. Let it bring about a victorious
end to our battle with your enemy.
XENA
(to the portal) Let's see what you got up here,
you swine.
EVE
Hear our plea! Bring forth Mephistopheles! The
Master of Lies! The King of Hell! So that we may, with
your strength - fight him! So that we may end his
reign for all eternity! In Mephistopheles' name!
Ah-h-h-h-h!
She cuts her hand and a drop of blood hits the ground near the portal. The earth shakes. Gabrielle and eve step back.
XENA
You two, get out of here! (to herself) This is my
fight now. (yelling) Show yourself, Mephistopheles!
Mephistopheles rises from the portal and the blood flows red hot through his veins. He laughs.
MEPHISTOPHELES
I am at last made fle-e-e-e-e-e-e-esh!
He laughs.
XENA
Enjoy it while it lasts.
Mephistopheles flips over to Xena and they fight as Gabrielle and Eve look on.
MEPHISTOPHELES
You're hold back, Xena. Is something bothering you?
XENA
Other than your stench?
Mephistopheles attacks and the fight continues.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Isn't this what you wanted? To face me on Earth
and make me pay for all I've done to you?! Does
the thought of taking my place on the throne of
Hell - suddenly not appeal to you?
XENA
You're lying about that.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Are you willing to risk it?
He attacks. They fight. Mephistopheles kicks her away.
MEPHISTOPHELES
Last chance, Xena - to get your revenge!
He laughs.
MEPHISTOPHELES
If you'll take my place.
Xena's is kneeling on the ground, her back to him.
MEPHISTOPHELES
No? That's exactly what I was counting on.
He laughs. He gets ready to attack, when Xena turns around and stabs him in the chest. He screams.
XENA
So--be--it.
Mephistopheles screams and explodes. Gabrielle moves to join Xena.
GABRIELLE
Xena.
XENA
What?
GABRIELLE
Look.
Cyrene is standing with Eve in a spotlight. She holds Eve's hands.
CYRENE
You have your mother's eyes.
Eve laughs.
CYRENE
You're tall like her, too. You're gorgeous.
Xena and Gabrielle walk over to them.
CYRENE
I love my granddaughter, Xena.
Eve smiles.
XENA
She couldn't wait to meet you.
CYRENE
Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
We missed you.
CYRENE
After all these years, I...I wondered if I'd ever see
you again, but I never gave up hope, Xena.
XENA
Neither did I. I finally find you, and you're gone.
CYRENE
I'll never really be gone, Xena - not as long as you
keep me alive in your heart.
The light washes over Cyrene and she disappears.
XENA
Mom, I-
Xena reaches out as though to pull Cyrene back. She is sad that is all she got to say, but then she smiles, knowing Cyrene's soul is finally at peace.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The outside of the tavern.
EVE (voice-over)
Gabrielle, what's wrong?
GABRIELLE (voice-over)
The legend.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the portal. Xena, Gabrielle and Eve stand beside it.
GABRIELLE
Xena, you killed the King of Hell. What happens now?
XENA
I don't know. I've got a feeling it's not over yet.
The portal smokes.
END OF ACT FOUR
STARRING
Lucy Lawless as Xena
Lucy Lawless as Past Xena
Renee O'Connor as Gabrielle
GUEST CAST
Adrienne Wilkinson as Eve
Adrienne Wilkinson as Livia
Darien Takle as Cyrene
Anthony Ray Parker as Mephistopheles
Charles Mesure as Michael
Tamati Rice as Raphael
Gilbert Goldie as Beggar
Wayne Peters as Severed Head
Justin Curry as Axe Victim
Steve Wright as Villager #1
Sara Ashworth as Ghoul #1
Lutz Halbhubner as Ghoul #2
Teleplay by: Joel Metzger
Story by: Edithe Swensen and Joel Metzger
Directed by: Garth Maxwell
Disclaimer: No maggots were harmed during the making of this motion picture, although a few were found stuck in Gabrielle's teeth.
