The big forest clearing lies dark and empty under a clear but moonless sky.

After a few silent moments the silence is broken.

XENA breaks through the line of trees and runs towards the center of the clearing. She wears a white, toga-like dress and her hair is open. She looks angry – frustrated.

When Xena reaches the middle of the clearing she stops, stands still for a moment and than slowly starts to walk around a small imaginary circle, looking towards the edge of the clearing.

Xena stops still, quietly looking around for a few moments.

The voice seems to come from behind her, close to the edge of the clearing. Xena whirls around and stares in that direction.

There are a few moments of silence, than HADES appears, putting his helmet under his arm. He has a serious but indifferent look on his face.

Xena walks a few steps towards him.

Xena stops a few steps before Hades, all the time staring straight into his eyes.

Xena is baffled for a moment.

Xena turns away from Hades and looks to the ground. Her eyes close and her face shows a mixture of sadness and anger. She clenches her fists very hard – the knuckles turn white.

Xena raises her head and opens her eyes.

Xena turns around and makes a few quick steps towards the place where Hades was standing. She has lifted her arms, poised to attack the god. But Hades has already disappeared and only his voice can be heard.

Xena stops and looks around.

There is a long moment of silence.

XENA is sitting in the middle of the same forest clearing. The sky is bright and blue now and a light wind moves the branches and the high grass. Xena has her head between her hands, slowly and slightly rocking forth and back, seemingly in deep thought.

After a few silent moments the silence is broken.

Xena doesn’t react.

Than first LYCEUS and right behind him MARCUS step into the clearing. Both are dressed in light, white clothes. When they see Xena they stop, look at each other – serious and worried – and than walk towards her. They stop a only a few feet away from her, next to each other.

Xena lifts her head to look at Marcus.

Xena jumps up and turns her back to the two men, folding her arms in front of her.

Lyceus and Marcus again look at each other. Marcus nods encouraging and Lyceus steps right behind Xena, talking close to her ear.

Xena turns her head and stares at Lyceus. Her look is soft but sad.

Lyceus raises his hand and strokes lovingly over Xena’s head.

Xena brushes away his hand with a quick movement of her arm, turns towards him and than steps backwards.

She looks really angry now, almost hateful.

Lyceus looks worried and confused.

Xena silently stares into Lyceus eyes where tears are starting to form. Her look is cold, hateful.

Xena turns and sees SOLIN standing right next to Marcus, dressed in a simple white toga. He looks worried, too.

When Xena sees him, her face becomes softer immediately. She seems to forget her rage and slowly walks towards her son.

She stops right in front of him and starts carefully stroking his hair. Tears run down her face as her look turns into peaceful sorrow.

Xena turns her head towards her brother.

GABRIELLE is sitting with her back to a dead tree, staring into the night. She is dressed in a simple, two-part outfit, which looks ragged and dirty. She seems to freeze, rubbing her shoulder and arms.

Right next to her TELCHIN, a small, haunted looking man wearing an old, dark robe, squats on the ground, staring at her.

The night is dark, no stars or moon can be seen but there is still some eerie light floating through the trees. Strange sounds of pain and sorrow come from everywhere.

Telchin puts his head to one side and looks up.

Telchin looks back at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle looks back at him, almost smiling.

Telchin smiles back and than looks up towards the sky again.

Gabrielle looks at Telchin for a few silent moments, her look turning more seriously.

Suddenly her face shows surprise.

Gabrielle closes her eyes and hides her head in her crossed arms.

Gabrielle looks up and tears fill her eyes.

Gabrielle hides her face again, sobbing. Telchin watches her for a few silent moments, serious.

Suddenly he seems to have an idea, jumping up.

Gabrielle looks up, curious.

Gabrielle jumps up and grabs Telchin on his shoulders.

Telchin shrugs his shoulders, turns and slowly walks into the night, Gabrielle following him impatiently. Their forms slowly dissolve in the darkness.

The village is a loose collection of huts and houses without real system or even a connecting road. The sky shows a perfect blue and the sun is shining brightly. People, all dressed in white and generally looking happy and content, can be seen between the buildings. Nobody seems to work, they are all busy enjoying themselves … talking, playing, reading or simply relaxing.

There is one building that stands out – a circular stone hall with a huge dome on it’s top. It’s white and golden exterior glisters in the sun and it rises high above the village.

XENA and LYCEUS walk along, side by side, slowly approaching the hall. Xena seems calm and relaxed, but serious.

Xena and Lyceus look at each other and she even smiles for a moment.

Then Xena points at the big hall.

Lyceus puts his hand on Xena’s shoulder.

They now have reached the hall and the enormous entrance lies open before them. They stop and Xena looks up along the walls … paintings and statues of magnificent beauty cover them.

The inside of the building is one huge, domed hall. The circular room has a diameter of one hundred yards or more, being at least as high. The dome has a hole on top that let’s light in – the rest is covered with paintings of heroes, gods and their most famous deeds.

The walls are covered with tapestry, filled with big Greek letters, listing all the names of the great heroes. This reaches from the bottom of the dome almost to the ground.

The bottom level of the wall is covered with a selection of weapons, armors and other tools used by the different heroes – going all around the hall.

The floor of the hall is made of marble – but the whole hall is empty with the exception of those wall decorations. A single man is standing near the entrance, eyes closed, seemingly waiting for something.

XENA and LYCEUS enter the hall through the huge, open gate and walk straight to the lone figure.

The CURATOR, dressed in a simple gray robe and looking quite old, opens his eyes and looks straight at Xena.

The old man leads Xena and her brother to the wall close to the entrance … a collection of weapons, including a Chakram, covers it.

Xena walks up to the wall and carefully touches her former weapon.

Xena seems very thoughtful and Lyceus gets a little worried.

The curator and Lyceus look at each other, a little embarrassed. Then the curator turns away and walks towards a different part of the hall.

Lyceus looks at Xena and she returns a reassuring nod. He turns away and follows the curator.

Xena follows them with her eyes and then – with one quick motion – takes down the Chakram and hides it in her dress.

Xena smiles.

The village lies quiet under the sinking sun, looking very similar to its first appearance.

XENA and LYCEUS come out of the hall of heroes and he kisses his sister goodbye, walking off in one direction while Xena slowly strolls in the other.

After a few yards Xena stops, turns and watched Lyceus disappear between the buildings. When he is gone her face turn very serious, anger shows again.

Men and women around look surprised and confused, watching Xena as she continues her outbreak.

People now come to see what’s up and slowly form a loose circle around the warrior princess.

MARCUS now appears amongst the curious bystanders, looking extremely worried.

The voice seems to come from a point a few yards behind Xena. She smiles wickedly as she slowly turns to face the still invisible god.

Xena moves quickly and seemingly out of nowhere the Chakram appears in her hand and she throws it with great force.

The Chakram flies towards the point Hades voice came from and it seems to hit something in the air.

Hades suddenly becomes visible as his helmet of invisibility – hit by the Chakram – drops to the ground a few yards to the side. The Chakram falls to the ground, too.

Hades looks surprised and even panicked – as do the people gathered around.

Xena lets out her war cry and makes a body flip towards Hades. With two quick hits and a kick she sends him flying back into a group of bystanders. He goes down and looks disabled for now.

Xena turns towards the helmet, but Marcus suddenly steps between her and the artifact.

The bystanders have pulled back, some even running away. Xena looks determined and very.

Xena is quiet for a few moments, but her determination doesn’t seem to falter.

Xena again lets out her war cry and somersaults over Marcus to the point where the helmet dropped.

But the helmet is gone.

When Xena looks around she sees a small girl, carrying the helmet under her arm, running away and just disappearing between the buildings.

Xena makes a step forward, but suddenly Marcus is next to her and grabs her arm, holding her.

She tries to break away from that grip but her first try fails and she throws Marcus a hateful look.

She hits Marcus with her other hand square on the chest and he is pushed back a few steps, having to let go of Xena.

She runs towards the place were the girl disappeared between the houses and huts, but the girl is gone – no trace is left. She raises her head towards the sky her face torn in anger and frustration.

XENA enters the hall, dragging with her a tied up HADES. The CURATOR, standing only a few yards from the gate, turns when he hears and freezes when he sees them. He looks stunned and utterly surprised.

Xena drags Hades, who doesn’t put up much resistance and looks angry and a little confused, towards the middle of the hall. A few dozen men and women also enter, but stay close to the exit.

Hades looks shocked.

Reaching the middle of the hall, Xena pushes Hades to the ground and stares at him, silently.

One man leaves the group at the entrance and walks towards Xena and Hades.

KAPANEUS - the one that approached from the group of bystanders - has reached Xena and her prisoner. Both look surprised at the newcomer … a strong, young man with a strong and confident aura.

Kapaneus throws a hateful look at Hades.

Xena’s look wanders between Hades and Kapaneus.

Kapaneus points towards the group of men and women standing at the entrance.

XENA stands in the near the entrance to the hall, clad in an bronze armor and carrying a sword and her Chakram. KAPANEUS and a few dozen other men and women stand scattered around the hall, all armed, most of them wearing armor or shields – on the walls there are now blank spots within the collection.

HADES sits on the ground in the middle of the hall, angry and frustrated.

Xena is talking to Kapaneus while the CURATOR is standing close by.

Kapaneus gestures a group close to the entrance to follow him and hurries to leave the hall.

Xena overlooks the rest of her force and seems satisfied.

The curator steps behind Xena and clears his throat. Xena turns and seems annoyed.

The curator looks at Xena silent, baffled. When Xena turns to walk away he shakes his head.

Xena stops, thinks for a second and than turns her head towards the old man.

Xena abruptly turns and walks away.

XENA stands by HADES, checking the ropes that bind him.

KAPANEUS enters the hall, looks around and runs towards Xena when he sees her.

Xena turns around.

Kapaneus stops in front of Xena, looking triumphant, though she seems less than enthusiastic.

Xena steps close to Kapaneus, moving her face right in front of his.

Xena pushes Kapaneus to the side and walks towards the hall’s gate.

A group of men, dressed in white, has gathered near the entrance to the hall of heroes, waiting. The sun has already reached the horizon and nightfall is closing in.

XENA leaves the hall first, than Kapaneus and the others. After a few steps Xena has to stop as OTREUS, the leader of the waiting group, steps in her way.

Xena draws the sword and points it at Otreus. The curator in the mean time has left the hall, too, and watches from the entrance.

He turns towards Xena's followers.

Xena stares at her sword, weighting it in her hand. Her men look at each other, unsure how to react. Otreus steps past Xena and continues to talk to her little army.

Otreus turns and faces Xena again.

He lifts his hand to take the sword but Xena doesn't let go.

Xena now stares straight at Otreus, seemingly in thoughts - remembering something.

Xena thrusts forward the sword in her hand, right through the chest of Otreus. Otreus looks down on the gaping hole in his body, than he looks back to Xena, utterly surprised.

He slowly slides down to the ground - all that are gathered around stare at the dead body, frozen by disbelieve and shock.

The CURATOR knees next to the dead body of Otreus, XENA stands next to them, staring at the chest wound - she still holds the sword in her hands, looking disturbed but showing no sorrow.

The rest is standing in a loose circle, her army on one side and the people which accompanied Otreus on the other.

The curator stands up and looks into Xena's eyes.

Xena turns to Kapaneus and her face suddenly shows determination again.

Kapaneus stares back at Xena for a few silent seconds, but than he snaps out of it and gestures the others to follow him. The crowd separates to let them pass, silently.

When Xena starts walking a second hole appears in the crowd and she passes untouched, ignoring the fearful looks thrown at her.

Suddenly SOLIN is standing in her way. He seems sad and looks straight and open into Xena's face.

She stops, but her angry and determined expression doesn't change this time.

Xena storms past Solin and joins her army to walk out of the village.

Solin follows her with his look, disappointed and sad.

XENA stands in front while her army is forming a line behind her, carrying weapons and torches. KAPANEUS stands to her right.

In front of them a small group of men and women have gathered, they look nervous. A loose group of huts and houses can be seen in the background.

The group stands silent for a moment, than one men steps forward, shaking.

Xena steps forward and looks straight into the man's fearful face.

Xena hits the man across his face and he is thrown to the side, crashing hard into the ground. While all the villagers step back in shock and fear one women runs forward and throws herself down next to the man.

Xena looks first at the woman, then she looks around at all the terrified faces.

She turns abruptly and walks away, gesturing Kapaneus and the others to follow.

XENA stands on top of a hill, looking into a valley where the lights of another village can be seen. She has her arms crossed and seems thoughtful.

KAPANEUS walks up the hill quickly, carrying a torch. When he reached the top he steps in front of Xena and waits until she turns her head towards him.

The village lies quiet under the moonless sky. Small groups of man have gathered around some buildings, busy arming themselves with work tools.

Xena and her army suddenly burst into the village, weapons raised, and immediately attack the villagers.

Xena first throws her Chakram to cut through some of the tools the defenders try to use. Than she jumps right into the fight, using her sword and leg kicks to deal out doom to some unfortunate souls.

The battle is short as the villagers are no match for Xena's men. Moments after the battle has started half the defenders flee into the night, while the rest is beaten.

When it's over a strange silence falls over the scene - Xena and her man stand scattered around the village, dead, injured and unconscious villagers lie on the ground. Kapaneus and the rest of the army seem surprised, even shocked of what they have done.

Another hill, another valley … another village lies before XENA. This time her army has taken up position on the hill, forming a line, carrying torches, ready to attack. She stands to the right side of the line, looking down into the valley, observing the village.

KAPANEUS comes running up the hill from the village side, stopping in front of Xena, breathing heavily.

Kapaneus walks towards the middle of the line and takes a position a few feet in front of it. Than he rises his torch and for a moment there is silence.

Kapaneus starts running down the hill and the whole line is following him, shouting.

When they are halfway down the hill Xena slowly follows them.

GABRIELLE and TELCHIN walk side by side through the dark forest. Strange sounds can be heard from all sides, strange moving shadows and the light the seems to come from nowhere give the scene an eerie look.

Gabrielle and Telchin both seem uncomfortable - tired and freezing they carry their bodies one step at a time.

Suddenly the forest ends and the two step through the last line of dead trees.

They stop immediately as a seemingly bottomless chasm blocks their path. It stretches from side to side as long as they can see and its at least 100 yards to the other side.

Although night, the other side can be seen quite good. Green hills reach from one horizon to the other, white capped mountains hinder the sight but a few valleys open towards the chasm and show healthy forests and thriving fields. Even the sky seems different, cloudless, covered with stars.

Strangely, above a few hills in the distance large clouds of black smoke can be seen, like from a large fire.

Telchin seems baffled.

But Gabrielle doesn't seem to notice the flaw.

Suddenly Gabrielle starts to cry, hiding her face in her hands.

Telchin tries to comfort her but seems unsure how to do it.

XENA and her army have surrounded a group of young man and women, amongst them the GIRL is still carrying the helmet of Hades. They are hurdled around a few trees, comforting each other.

Both groups look tired and weary from the long hunt, their clothes and armor dirty and ragged. They just stare at each other for a few silent moments. Finally KAPANEUS steps forward.

Xena steps also forward, next to Kapaneus, and looks expectantly at the helmet.

The girl, maybe even more afraid than the others, steps forward. When a woman tries to stop her she avoids her grip and quickly makes the few steps towards Xena.

Kapaneus moves forward to take the helmet away from the frightened girl, but Xena holds him back, staring at the girl.

XENA and GABRIELLE sitting at a campfire, talking. It's the night before they go off to save the oracle of Delphi from Callisto's attack.

XENA is still standing in front of the girl, holding back Kapaneus. She stares at the girl and looks as if she has seen a ghost.

The girl gets visibly uncomfortable and tries to make a step backwards. But she stumbles and falls, dropping the helmet right in front of Xena's feet.

A triumphant shout comes from Xena's army while she continues to stare at the girl.

HADES and his guards are sitting and lying in the middle of the hall - nobody else can be seen. While Hades is awake all the guards seem to sleep.

Hades seems to read the names on the tapestry.

Suddenly sounds of an approaching group of people can be heard outside. Hades turns his head and look expectantly towards the entrance. He is very disappointed when XENA, KAPANEUS and the rest of the rebels enter the hall.

He gets even more upset when he sees that Xena is carrying his helmet under her arm. She is walking straight towards him.

Hades guards in the mean time have woken up and scramble to their feet. Two of them grab Hades on his shoulders and pull him up.

Xena stops in front of Hades while her army forms a circle around them.

Xena doesn't say anything, her face looks pale and serious, but it doesn't show any triumph or satisfaction. She just gestures the guards to walk away and than steps behind Hades.

There is laughter from the ranks and Kapaneus looks at Xena.

With one quick movement she draws her Chakram and cuts through the ropes binding the god. Before anyone can react she drops the Chakram, takes the helmet in both hands and puts him on Hades head.

Hades immediately becomes invisible.

Kapaneus storms forward, towards the place Hades was standing, but the thrust of his sword only hits air.

He points his weapon at Xena.

Xena looks at Kapaneus, sad, tears forming in her eyes.

Kapaneus stares at Xena, unsure what to do.

Kapaneus turns around but doesn't seem to be able to locate Hades.

Kapaneus seems baffled at this replay, but than he realizes the meaning of these words and his eyes widen.

Suddenly a black cloud engulfs Kapaneus and he vanishes from sight. When the black cloud disappears, Kapaneus is gone, too. Only the armor and the weapon he was carrying are left lying on the ground.

The man and women of Xena's army stumble around in confusion when in rapid succession black clouds appear and one after another is taken away, leaving only a pile of weapons and armor spread around the floor.

Xena is standing in the middle of the hall, eyes closed, expecting her punishment.

When the shouting around her is gone she opens her eyes and finds herself alone. Realizing that no cloud is coming to take her away she drops to her knees, hiding her face in her hands.

Xena stays silent, dropping her arms and raising her head to look around again. Tears run freely down her cheek.

Suddenly it's silent within the hall. Xena knees on the ground, lonely between the half empty walls and the scattered pieces of metal on the floor.

The curator enters slowly and without saying anything he starts to pick up weapons and carrying them towards their place at the wall.