XENA - ANOTHER SEASON 5 - Episode 13

LAST MAN STANDING, PART 1

by Andreas Hloupy (andreas.hloupy@siemens.at)

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Xena: Warrior Princess, Gabrielle, Argo and all other characters who have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess, together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.

NOTE: All works remain the © copyright of the original author. These may not be republished without the author's consent

EXT. Amazon village – Day

The Amazon village looks like an army camp – wooden palisades have been build or strengthened around an inner circle of maybe two dozen huts, with extra watch platforms constructed on trees within this parameter. While a central, circular area is kept free, the rest of the space between the huts is filled with piles of weapons and arrows, supplies, water buckets against fire, wooden covers and sheds.

The only gate into this inner space is open but heavily guarded by Amazon warriors in full attire – including mask. In- and outside of the palisades Amazons are busy to improve the defenses even more. A clear noon sky and its burning sun look down on this.

Suddenly movement comes into this well organized picture, with Amazons abandoning their work one by one and walking or running towards the gate.

Finally XENA and GABRIELLE can be made out as the source of all this excitement.

Gabrielle is walking in front, wearing her brown, shorter than knee-length skirt with extra, darker parts in front and on the back that reach down almost to the ground, a short rust-red top, boots and brown leather straps around both lower arms. The bard carries her chobos by a loop of rope over the shoulder. She walks slowly, but determined and confident, looking open and friendly into the eyes of the surrounding Amazons, greeting known faces left and right.

Xena walks a few steps behind her, wearing dark-blue leather trousers, knee high black leather boots and an open, armless coat made of large patches of dark-blue leather and light gray cotton parts, stitched together and padded, over a hard black leather top. She only carries the Chakram at her belt, with her sword and other package carried by Argo who follows directly behind her, even so Xena doesn’t hold his bridle.

The warrior princess looks more serious than her friend, but also nods greetings to some of the Amazons.

The whole spectacle - surely over a hundred women have already gathered around the two arriving warriors, moving along with them – enters the inner area through the gate and moves towards the free center.

Meanwhile CHILAPA and AMARICE have left the Queen’s hut and are now standing in front of it, side by side, watching the approaching host of people.

Both wear their full Amazon attire – but no masks. This includes boots, tightly cut two part leather outfits, all adorned with decorative leather and metal peaces, colorful leather bands or feathers.

When Chilapa sees who is causing all this commotion her face shows a wide smile. She puts her hand on Amarice’s shoulder and their eyes meet for a moment, Amarice also smiling.

Then they walk towards the free area to meet with Xena and Gabrielle. Although still forming a tight mass around the two, the other Amazons respectfully make place for Chilapa and Amarice.

When the reigning Amazon queen reaches Gabrielle both fall happily into each other’s arms.

After they hugged it’s Amarice’s turn, while Chilapa equally happy greets Xena, who has reached the group in the meantime. When finally Amarice parts from Gabrielle to welcome Xena, Chilapa turns to Gabrielle again – a little more serious.

Gabrielle throws Xena a quick, serious look and than turns to Chilapa again.

Chilapa has turned towards a group of huts right next to hers and motioned the Amazons still standing in a circle around them to part. In front of these huts a group of maybe two dozen Amazons have assembled, all wearing ceremonial Amazon outfits including masks in different form and making … there are at least half a dozen different Amazon tribes to distinguish through clothing, weapons and decoration, including the fur covered representatives of the northern tribes.

Chilapa bows towards them and they respectfully greet back. Gabrielle, too, exchanges a polite welcome with the Amazon delegations.

Then she turns to Chilapa with a very serious look on her face.

Chilapa returns Gabrielle look seriously, thoughtfully. Amarice on the other hand seems overjoyed because of the compliments for her queen, stepping next to her.

Amarice looks confused while Chilapa seems to already have an idea of Gabrielle’s plan.

Immediately total silence falls onto the whole village.

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TITLE SEQUENCE

In a time of ancient gods ... warlords ... and kings ...

... a land in turmoil cried out for a hero!

She was XENA ...

... a mighty princess, forged in the heat of battle.

The power ...

The passion ...

The danger ...

Her courage will change the world!

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INT. Amazon village, hut – Day

It’s a large, but simple hut, which seems to be used mainly for weapon and supply storage. GABRIELLE is preparing for the upcoming challenge, being helped by XENA to dress in her Amazon outfit.

While Xena checks the leather bands on her back, Gabrielle renews the leather grip on one of her chobos. Both look concentrated, serious and thoughtful.

Xena has finished her work and walks around Gabrielle, taking a last look. She stops right in front of her.

Gabrielle is now finished with her work too and raises her head to look straight at Xena.

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INT. Amazon village, Queen’s hut – Day

AMARICE is standing in the middle of the richly decorated hut were CHILAPA, too, prepares for the upcoming fight, checking her fighting staff.

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EXT. Amazon village – Day

Hundreds of Amazons have assembled on the free area in the center of the village, leaving a circular space in the middle free for the fight.

Right now CHILAPA and AMARICE leave the Queen’s hut while GABRIELLE and XENA come out of a hut on the opposite side of the village.

Both pairs, with the combatants in front and their companions right behind them, carrying their weapons of choice, walk towards the free area. For both groups a respectful corridor is forming immediately.

Amongst the watching Amazons the representatives of the other tribes are standing together in a group in the front, observing everything.

When Gabrielle and Chilapa have entered the circle the corridors behind them immediately close. It is unusually quiet.

Xena steps in front of Gabrielle and hands her the chobos.

They smile at each other and Xena puts her arm reassuringly on Gabrielle’s shoulder for a moment. Then she turns and joins the surrounding Amazons.

Meanwhile, Amarice has handed Chilapa the fighting staff.

Chilapa smiles at Amarice. Amarice face stays serious while she hugs Chilapa quickly and then also joins the crowd.

Both Amarice and Xena look worried while Gabrielle and Chilapa walk towards each other, their weapons still not raised. The two opponents meet in the middle and stop, only a step apart, looking straight into each other’s eyes.

The Amazon crowd answers with a high-pitched yell out of hundreds of throats. After a few seconds silence has returned.

Gabrielle and Chilapa both make a step backwards and raise their weapons. Xena and Amarice, who have watched all this quietly, look at each other across the fighting ground, both worried and thoughtful. When Gabrielle and Chilapa start to move, their faces immediately turn to the fight again.

Both fighters move simultaneously, Gabrielle raising her chobos and jumping forward and Chilapa falling back a step and holding her staff forward, horizontally at about eye level.

When Gabrielle reaches her opponent she attacks with both sticks and Chilapa pulls the staff upwards to block them. With the impact Chilapa falls down to one knee but withstands the attack. Gabrielle raises the right chobo while holding the left one across at her side.

Chilapa, looking upwards, straight at Gabrielle’s eyes, throws her staff to the side in a quick, decisive movement, and crosses her lower arms in front of her body, her hands forming fists.

Gabrielle freezes in her movement, staring down at Chilapa in a kind of surprised admiration. The circle of watching Amazons is dead quiet and all eyes are on the blond bard. Xena and Amarice let their looks jump between the two combatants – and finally look at each other again.

Slowly Gabrielle lowers her weapons and takes both chobos into her left hand. With a thankful smile she offer Chilapa her right hand. The former queen reaches up and they each grab the other’s lower arm to form a tight link. Than Gabrielle pulls Chilapa up and hugs her tightly, while the crowd still stays silent.

Finally, Chilapa pulls free and takes a step back.

Like one voice the surrounding Amazons repeat Chilapa’s shout and great celebration breaks out thereafter. Within a few moments cheering and shouting women swarm the fighting ground. Chilapa and Gabrielle, still standing only one step apart and smiling at each other, are tightly surrounded by the crowd, only respect seems to prevent them from being overrun.

Xena and Amarice, both obviously relieved and happy, are still standing on their respective place, seemingly not noticing the pushing around them. While Xena looks straight at Gabrielle, Amarice doesn’t take her eyes from Chilapa.

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EXT. Amazon village – Day

The celebrating crowd has made room for a more ceremonial arrangement. In front of the queen’s hut GABRIELLE is flanked by XENA and AMARICE. CHILAPA stands in front of her, a magnificent new mask in her hands.

The whole tribe is gathered within the palisades, filling every free place with women in full Amazon attire – including ceremonial masks. Only a small area is free around the new queen and her friends. The delegations from the other tribes seem missing.

Now Chilapa raises the mask and holds it towards Gabrielle. The bard, still in full Amazon attire, takes the mask with both hands and lifts it above her head. The Amazons let out shouts and yells of approval, celebration and joy, raising their arms in the air. The sound gets almost deafening when Gabrielle pulls the mask over her face.

Meanwhile Chilapa has stepped aside and taken her place between Gabrielle and Amarice.

Now there is movement in front of the hut right next to the one where the new queen stands. While the women that were standing in front of it move to the side one after another the representatives from the other tribes leave the hut and march towards Gabrielle. A few steps away in front of her they from a loose group, each one bowing slightly in a respectful gesture. Gabrielle mirrors their greeting and then waits quietly for their action.

One of the Amazons makes a step forward and starts to speak, in a loud and clear manner.

The speaking Amazon turns her head left and right to look at the other members of the delegations, receiving some encouraging smiles and nods.

Gabrielle has meanwhile taken off the mask and now holds it in her right arm, visible for everyone. Her face shows sincere interest in the speech and she is patiently waiting for her turn to respond. Xena, Chilapa and Amarice still hold their places next to the new queen.

Gabrielle as well as Xena, Chilapa, Amarice and every other women listening - with the exception of the representatives - is utterly surprised at first. But joy and pride quickly take over while Gabrielle makes a step forward. She hesitates for a moment - and then simply nods once, looking serious and determined.

While the delegation members smile collectively, the surrounding Amazons start to celebrate wildly.

Gabrielle - seemingly relieved and finally enjoying the moment - turns to Xena and their eyes meet for a quiet second, but then Gabrielle is surrounded by cheering Amazons and separated from her friend.

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EXT. Forest – Day

CHILAPA and GABRIELLE are walking along a small forest trail with XENA and AMARICE following right behind them. While Xena has her normal outfit, although now carrying her sword on the back, the other three all wear their respective Amazon attire, although without mask or unnecessary decorations. While Gabrielle has her chobos, Chilapa carries a staff and Amarice is armed with a sword as well as bow and arrows.

Chilapa is talking seriously and intensely with Gabrielle in the front while Xena and Amarice trying to get the conversation, too.

Amarice throws Xena an angry look.

Suddenly Chilapa stops and motions the others to crouch down and follow her carefully. Only a few steps ahead the forest ends and the surrounding changes into a flat plain, showing almost no sign of vegetation - or animal life for that matter.

The four women approach the last row of trees and stop their advance right behind them. In the distance on the plain in front of them a well build army camp in roman style, including a watchtower near the edge, can be seen.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

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EXT. Forest – Day

XENA, GABRIELLE, CHILAPA and AMARICE have moved back a few steps from the edge of the woods and now stand in a circle, emotionally discussing.

Gabrielle looks around and while Chilapa nods enthusiastically and Xena agrees too, although displaying much skepticism, Amarice simply avoids Gabrielle’s eyes and looks to the ground. The Amazon queen smiles for a moment, but her look quickly turns serious again.

Xena, Chilapa and Amarice look at each other, surprised.

Gabrielle turns her head to face Xena and their eyes meet in a long, deep, thoughtful look. Finally Xena looks to the ground.

Xena looks up, again into Gabrielle’s face.

Chilapa and Amarice stare silently into the circle. It’s very quiet for a moment.

Gabrielle looks to Xena, not really surprised – kind of sad.

Gabrielle turns around and slowly wanders to the edge of the forest.

Amarice angrily turns around and marches back into the forest, quickly disappearing from sight.

Xena nods thoughtfully and holds out her hand to Chilapa. The Amazon takes it and they exchange a last serious look. Then Xena turns and follows Gabrielle.

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INT. Amazon village, Queen’s hut – Day

AMARICE and CHILAPA just enter the hut. Some of the decorations have disappeared and the bags and belongings of Gabrielle and Xena are spread around, including Gabrielle’s normal cloth.

Amarice doesn’t answer, but her look softens up and she smiles at Chilapa.

Chilapa is interrupted when an AMAZON WARRIOR enters the hut, dragging a man along with her. His arms are tied on his back.

It’s CALES, the former army commander of the Tharsian tyrant who was brought to senses by Xena, revolted against the mad king and left the city after his death. He wears leather trousers and knee high, black boots, a dirty, white shirt and a padded, armless vest. He seems calm and confident.

Chilapa motions the Amazon warrior to leave, which she does.

Chilapa now stands directly in front of Cales while Amarice circles around him, looking very hostile.

Amarice lets out a high-pitched yell and the AMAZON WARRIOR who brought Cales in immediately enters the hut.

The Amazon simply nods and pushes Cales towards the door and through it, although he doesn’t show any sign of resistance.

Both Chilapa and Amarice turn to each other, Chilapa looking thoughtful and Amarice still angry.

Suddenly an AMAZON MESSENGER enters the hut, obviously out of breath. Amarice and Chilapa both turn to her.

The women just stands there, seemingly unable to find the right words while leaning forward, ringing for air.

Amarice makes a few quick steps towards her and pulls her up.

The Amazon now gets out a few words, just loud enough for Amarice to hear.

After the Amazon has ended her short message Amarice slowly lets go of her and turns to Chilapa. Her face shows shock … and sadness.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

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INT. Amazon village, Queen’s hut – Day

AMARICE and CHILAPA are still standing as before, both in shock and desperation. They stare at each other. The messenger is just leaving.

Both women are lost for words, just looking at each other. Amarice seems to get more and more angry again.

Amarice slowly shakes her head and turns away – it’s again silent for a few seconds.

Amarice turns back to Chilapa - her face showing now just blank hatred.

Amarice suddenly seems to get an idea.

Amarice turns and storms out of the hut. Chilapa makes a step to follow her, but stops in her movement.

Amarice, not reacting to these last words, has left the hut. Chilapa - left alone - stares sad and thoughtful at the empty door.

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EXT. Camp of the mercenaries – Day

The camp looks very much Roman, although it has no palisades. But the tents are lined up in orderly fashion, forming a tight block around a central free area, with the bigger commander’s tent and other important tents around it. Other important areas seem to be the large watchtower right on the edge of the dried river bed next to the camp, an enclosure for about 50 horses, large supply and weapon piles and a free place with two large catapults, pointing in different directions.

The camp, build for about 4000 men of heavy infantry, seems very busy, with many groups working, extending or maintaining the camp, groups of soldiers on guard duty or simply exercising, but also groups of men in front of some tents relaxing around fires, gambling, talking or just sleeping.

In front of commander’s tent a long table is standing, with maps and other scrolls spread on top. THEODORUS is standing next to it, concentrating on some of the writings in front of him. There are no guards at the tent, but two officers are standing on the other side of the table, seemingly awaiting commands.

Theodorus wears Roman style armor, including a helmet, and a red cape. He seems fairly old, with long gray hair and a face full of scars and wrinkles, looking intelligent and experienced.

Suddenly a SOLDIER is approaching the table, stopping a few steps away and silently waiting until he is noticed and addressed. After a few moments Theodorus lifts his head and looks at the man.

Theodorus is surprised for a short moment but quickly regains his control.

The soldier turns around and runs towards the other side of the central area, where two soldiers guard an unarmed man, hands tied. It's CALES.

He is dressed as before, but he looks heavily beaten - his face is covered with cuts and bruises, his left eye seems to be closed by a big swelling. What can be seen of his arms is covered with welds, too, like beaten with a staff or stick.

The soldier stops halfway between the general and the prisoner and waves them to come forward. The two soldiers push Cales forward and quickly cross the free space, being joined by the third soldier in the middle.

Cales is stopped in front of the general, with two guards each keeping one hand on his shoulder while the third one stops a few steps to the side.

The guards just nod and turn around, quickly retreating from the commander's tent.

Theodorus musters Cales from top to bottom while Cales does the same with him.

Cales shortly lifts his tied-up hands.

Theodorus slowly walks around the table and stops in front of Cales. They look into each other's face, seemingly trying to provoke reactions from one another. Suddenly Theodorus starts to smile.

Cales face stays serious, almost businesslike.

Theodorus pulls out a dagger from his belt and cuts through the ropes tying Cales' arms. While Cales is rubbing his hands, Theodorus motions one of the nearby standing officers to get closer.

Cales turns his head towards the soldier for a moment. The man positions himself right next to him, one hand on his sword.

Theodorus turns and walks away, towards the alley to the left of his tent. Cales only waits for a moment, then he simply follows him, his guard following right next to him.

They walk between the rows of tents and groups of soldiers which all show great respect towards Theodorus.

Theodorus, Cales and his guard have reached the edge of the camp - right were the watchtower is standing next to the dried-out riverbed, which goes some twenty of more feet below ground level and reaches some hundred feet across.

Four soldiers are on top of the tower. The platform is reached by a ladder, surrounded by wooden protection and covered by a straw roof. One of the soldiers on top notices Theodorus and greets respectfully.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

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INT. Camp of the mercenaries, prison tent – Day

It is really a supply tent, with boxes and barrels covering the back half of it. The front half was cleared of them and two wooden logs were rammed into the ground - XENA and GABRIELLE each are sitting in front of one, tied against them with the hands on their backs.

Xena is injured. She either resisted the capture or was tortured afterwards; maybe both - cuts and bruises, some looking quite nasty and fresh, cover all parts of her body. She only wears a ragged, dirty white, knee-length dress. In addition to her hands and arms a rope was tied around her throat, pulling her head back against the log.

Gabrielle is also wearing similar clothes to Xena and also has signs of wounds and injuries, but nothing fresh. She seems to be handled much better then her friend and only her hands are tied to the log.

A Roman SOLDIER is standing at the entrance of the tent, not letting the two women out of his eyes. Apart from his Roman style armor and his short sword he carries Xena's Chakram.

Now THEODORUS is the first to enter the tent, then CALES and his GUARD come in, too. They form a kind of half-circle around the prisoners.

Gabrielle and Xena both look up and are both for a moment surprised to see Cales. They both recover quickly and turn to Theodorus, looking at him angry and cold.

Xena and Gabrielle turn back to Cales, again surprised.

Theodorus turns to Cales right next to him while at the same time motioning the soldier on the entrance to come forward.

It's quiet for a moment. Gabrielle and especially Xena look at Theodorus in shock and disbelieve … then Xena turns to Cales.

Cales goes down on one knee and leans forward to Xena. She is angrily pulling on her ropes, trying to get forward. He speaks calm and quiet, but loud enough for everyone in the tent to hear.

Theodorus takes the Chakram from the belt of the soldier and holds it forward to Cales.

Cales gets up from his knee and looks at the Chakram in Theodorus' hand. He nods.

Cales takes the Chakram in his right hand and turns to Gabrielle. The Amazon queen looks calm and prepared, while Xena next to her continues to pull on her ropes and stare increasingly hatefully at Cales - sometimes at Theodorus.

With Theodorus and the two soldiers stepping back to the entrance of the tent, Cales again goes to one knee and cuts the ropes that hold Gabrielle to the log - her hands stay tied to her back.

He stands up and grabs her under her right arm, pulling her up. When she stands he puts his left hand against her chest and pushes her backwards, towards a pile of boxes. When she stands with the back to them he positions himself right in front of her.

Theodorus and the soldiers follow everything quite interested and intrigued … Xena has stopped to pull on her ties and just stares at Cales back. Tears have formed in her eyes and her mouth is forming words - but no sound is coming from her.

Cales holds the Chakram now loosely in both his hands in front of him. Gabrielle is standing against the pile, looking first at the weapon and then staring into his eyes, fearful but calm.

Suddenly he moves the Chakram with his right hand. With one forceful and quick strike, he draws the Chakram forward and upward, right along the middle of Gabrielle's body. There is a short, surprised and painful sounding noise from Gabrielle, echoed by a loud, painful shout from Xena.

When the Chakram appears over Cales head - where he keeps the weapon for a few moments - the blade is covered in blood, some even splattering upwards and to the side, leaving small red dots on the boxes and probably on Cales face.

Gabrielle stands still for a moment, than Cales grabs her dress with his left hand, pulling her away from the boxes and then releasing her body to fall to the ground. Her dress is cut open from the belly upwards, with blood covering the wound and the edges of the dress, spreading slowly.

When she hits the floor, Xena's shouting dies down - the warrior princess stares in utter shock at the body, which is landing on the side and rolls to end up chest-down on the ground.

Cales slowly turns around, the bloody Chakram still in his right hand, steadily held in front of his face. As it would be expected his face and clothing is covered with little red dots.

Theodorus looks very satisfied and smiles at Cales.

Theodorus turns to the guard that was following Cales up until now.

While Cales slowly walks past Theodorus to silently leave the tent, looking calm and even a little satisfied himself, the general turns to Xena.

Xena has lost all anger or hatred from her look. She just stares at the body of Gabrielle, crying silently.

to be continued …