EXT.: WOODS/CAMP SITE/NIGHT
XENA and GABRIELLE SLEEP quietly. JASON SITS awake, his sun glasses on. He looks back and forth very slowly, his samurai sword ready for action.
FADE TO:
EXT.: WOODS/CAMP SITE/MORNING
JASON is still awake, SITTTING. XENA slowly WAKES UP, SEEING JASON still awake.
XENA-
Do you ever get tired?
JASON-
Not all the time, no.
XENA-
Sooner or later, you have to fall asleep.
JASON-
I wouldn't want to sleep anyway. The nightmares I have will keep me awake.
XENA GETS UP, walking over to ARGO. She pulls off a water pouch from the saddle, opening it.
XENA-(offering the pouch) Want any?
JASON-
No thank you.
XENA-
Ok.
XENA OPENS the pouch and begins to DRINK from it. GABRIELLE AWAKES, SITTING up.
GABRIELLE-
Good morning, Jason.
JASON-
Good morning.
GABRIELLE-
Good morning, Xena.
XENA-
Good morning.
JASON-
Gabrielle, you wouldn't happen to be ok, would you?
GABRIELLE-
Yeah. Why do you ask?
JASON-
Well, when you were asleep last night, you seemed like you were having a nightmare or something.
GABRIELLE-
I did?
JASON-
Yeah.
XENA-
I'm surprised she didn't wake me up.
GABRIELLE-
Did you do anything to wake me?
JASON-
I..... I think we better get to moving. We don't have all morning.
JASON GETS UP.
JASON-
I'll give you a little while. Besides, I need to clean up some.
JASON WALKS off screen. XENA and GABRIELLE LOOK at each other curiously.
FADE TO:
BACKGROUND COLOR: BLACK
FADE TO:
EXT.: LAKE
JASON is SWIMMING, getting himself cleaned. He comes out of the water behinds some bushes. JASONs clothing is slung over a branch behind some bushes. He begins to GET DRESSED when GABRIELLE COMES OUT of nowhere.
GABRIELLE-
Jason, we're.. (surprised finding JASON getting dressed) AH!
GABRIELLE quickly TURNS AROUND, somewhat embrassed.
GABRIELLE-
Oh, I'm sorry!
JASON-
It's ok. An honest mistake. Give me a moment to get some of my clothes on.
JASON gets his underwear and his pants on.
JASON-
Ok, you can turn around now.
GABRIELLE TURNS back around to face JASON. He SITS down to get his boots on.
GABRIELLE-
I'm so sorry about that.
JASON-
Gabrielle, just chill. It's an honest mistake. Even I could make that mistake.
GABRIELLE-
You would?
JASON-
Yeah. I mean, it could be worse, I could have walked up on you. But I wouldn't really act up so much about it though.
GABRIELLE-
Well, I must have to say, you have big muscles in your arms.
JASON-
What these things? They're nothing much. You can say I haven't been to the gym since I came here.
JASON PUTS ON his shirt and STANDS up.
JASON-
Now, you were saying something to me before you were disturbed?
GABRIELLE-
Oh, yeah. Xena and I are ready to go.
JASON PICKS UP his jacket.
JASON-
Ok. Let's motivate.
JASON and GABRIELLE WALK off.
Cut to:
EXT.: WOODS/DAY/LATER
XENA, GABRIELLE, JASON, and ARGO WALK through the woods. XENA and GABRIELLE hang back, as JASON leads the group, a little ways ahead, and out of ear-shot distance.
GABRIELLE-
I swear, I have never been so embrassed in my life.
XENA-
So what Gabrielle? Sooner or later, you were going to catch a guy with his pants down.
GABRIELLE-
But I didn't expect to catch Jason. I mean, when was it when you ran into a guy who was just getting dressed.
XENA-
That is none of your buisness. Did that thought that Jason might have seen another woman naked occur to you?
GABRIELLE-
What?
XENA-
Remember? You told me that Jason and his girlfriend Sarah only did it one time, right?
GABRIELLE-
Right.... Xena, don't tell me...
XENA-(cutting GABRIELLE off) Why not? You look and sound like her. So, what makes you so sure that you and her had the same dimensions?
GABRIELLE-
Since you are pointing that out, it would almost be like..... like a payback.
XENA-
Right, so now you and him are even in a way.
GABRIELLE-
I guess you're right.
JASON STOPS in his tracks. XENA and GABRIELLE STEP up next to him.
XENA-
What is it?
JASON-
We're being followed.
XENA-
What?
XENA LOOKS around.
XENA'S POV: WOODS
XENA doesn't see anything.
XENA-
I don't see anything. It's empty.
We look back at the group.
JASON-
Don't look.... listen.
CLOSE UP: XENA'S EAR
We can hear the noise of movement from somewhere. We look back at the group.
XENA-
Where?
JASON-
>From what I can tell overhead.
XENA-
In the trees?
JASON-
Yeah. Smart crafty punks, whoever they are.
GABRIELLE-
Any ideas?
JASON LOOKS down off screen.
JASON-
Act like we're taking a break.
They do so. GABRIELLE SITS down on a nearby tree which had been knocked over. XENA WALKS over to ARGO and ACTS as if she is looking for something in the pouch. JASON PICKS up a rock and leans against a near-by tree. He begins to WHISTLE. All of a sudden, quickly THROWS the rock hard into the air. We follow the rock until it HITS something. We get the view of something falling. A SCREAM comes from nowhere as the person falls. JASON SMILES.
JASON-
BULLSEYE!!!
The fall is very short. The FIGURE HITS the ground hard. XENA COMES up next to the downed FIGURE, HOLDING her sword ready. GABRIELLE and JASON WALK up on the other side.
GABRIELLE-
Nice aim.
JASON-
It was a lucky shot.
The FIGURE looks up at XENA, GABRIELLE and JASON.
XENA-
Who are you?
The FIGURE has a cloth covering her face. She REMOVES it to revile.... EPHINY.
GABRIELLE-
Ephiny?
JASON-
You know this chick?
XENA-
Yes, unfortunitely.
EPHINY-
Hello Xena, Gabrielle. Who are you? JASON-
I knew she was going to ask. I am Jason.
XENA HELPS up EPHINY. EPHINY RUBS her forehead.
JASON-
Sorry about that.
EPHINY-
It's alright.
GABRIELLE-
What were you doing following us for?
EPHINY-
I heard you were on your way here.
JASON-
News must travel faster than it does in my time.
EPHINY-
Well, I am glad you came when you did.
XENA-
Why? What's wrong?
EPHINY-
There's a small problem between the Amazons and the Centuars.
JASON-
Time out. Centuars? As in upper torso of a human, lower torso is the body of a horse?
GABRIELLE-
Yeah.
JASON-
Figures. I mean, all the myths about the gods and goddesses are true, it would figure if mythical creatures would be true. What's next? It turns out that Hercules is a true to life hero, walking around fighting for good?
XENA-
Since you bring it up....
It hits JASON.
JASON-
I just walked into that one didn't I?
EPHINY-
It appears that someone or something has killed one of the Centuars.
XENA-
Sweet Zeus.
EPHINY-
The Centuars need the Amazons help. But we don't know what to do.
JASON-
Does the idea of setting up traps come to mind?
EPHINY-
Who do you think you are talking to me like that?
JASON-
Maybe the only person with brains in this group.
EPHINY PULLS out her Amazon Sword. She places it at JASONS throat.
JASON-
Oooh. I just love it when women do that.
XENA-
Ok, Jason. Knock it off. Ephiny, you kill him, your death will be a lot worse than his.
EPHINY-
You wouldn't.
JASON-
No, she wouldn't, but I might. Think fast.
JASON QUICKLY snatches the sword from her hand and GETS HER in a headlock.
JASON-
You need to practice.
JASON lets her GO and HANDS her the sword back.
EPHINY-
You're good.
JASON-
I've heard that before.
GABRIELLE-
Ephiny, Jason is a genius. He is also a good fighter. Just a few weeks ago, he brought down Dahak.
EPHINY-
That was you?
XENA-
You heard?
EPHINY-
Who hasn't? So, you're Keresapa?
JASON-
My mother was the only one who ever called me that. Please don't start.
EPHINY-
A face to go with the story.
GABRIELLE-
Ok, should we get to going?
EPHINY-
Of course. Follow me.
They WALK OFF.
EXT.: AMAZON VILLAGE/LATER
The group ENTER the village. JASON LOOKS around as they walk.
JASON-
I guess one myth isn't true.
GABRIELLE-
What myth is that?
JASON-
That the Amazons would cut off their right breast, making them able to throw a javin or shoot a bow good.
GABRIELLE-
Where did that come from?
JASON-
It was from Greeks.
XENA-
Where do you get all these myths and stories from?
JASON-
I read.
An AMAZON WARRIOR RUNS up to EPHINY, almost out of breath.
EPHINY-
What is it?
AMAZON WARRIOR-
There's been another murder. This time, it's a five year-old.
EPHINY is stunned. XENA and GABRIELLE are little confused. JASON, he shows no emotion whatsoever.
JASON-
Sound like the Centuars have more on their hands than you thought, right Ephiny?
EPHINY-
We have no idea what it is that is doing this.
JASON-
What kind of injuries are on the first body?
EPHINY TURNS around to face the group.
EPHINY-
The first victim's wounds were very odd. Every bone in his body were crushed, then a huge chunk of his stomach as taken out.
XENA-
Doesn't sound like any creature I've ever heard of.
JASON-
You're not the only one. The only thing I ever heard of that could do that may not even exist yet, and it is not even in the area.
EPHINY-
We will have to get started on figuring out how to deal with the problem as soon as you get settled in.
GABRIELLE-
Looks like we share a hut again.
JASON-
That sounds lovely. All we need is me getting a good stab in the stomach and bring Dahak back, it would be like the first time we three met again.
ARGO NUDGES JASON.
JASON-
Ok, ok. Us four. I was just kidding. Xena, your horse is the only one I know who really understand me.
XENA-
You'll get use to it.
CUT TO:
EXT.: AMAZON VILLAGE/NIGHT
Several AMAZON WOMEN DANCE around a huge bonfire, honoring the gods. JASON, EPHINY, XENA, and GABRIELLE SIT at a table EATING. A map sits on the table and JASON points at several areas.
JASON-
Here's what I think, if you set up some traps(POINTING it out on the map) here, here, here, and here, you have this path here open. It could be used as an escape route for any Amazon or Centuar who is being chased by whatever it is that is doing this.
EPHINY-
What about this opening here?(POINTS AT an open area on the map)
JASON-
We dig a pit there. A very deep pit. Whatever it is must be big. We cover that with some branches and leaves, making it look like a part of the ground. If it slips over it, it'll fall in. Then either the Amazons or the Centuars have the option on how to kill it and what to do with its body afterward.
XENA-
How about spikes? Put spikes in the bottom of the pit.
JASON-
No, that won't do. If anyone falls into the pit and there is spikes at the bottom, it would kill them. That's why it's better to have it where there's no spikes.
GABRIELLE-
What about the hunting parties?
EPHINY-
Yes, we have several hunting parties looking for food from morning to afternoon.
JASON-
Unless you want to feed this thing, I suggest you have them come in at mid-day. Besides, I am thinking with a 21st century brain. This is Anicent Greek times. I should know better right?
XENA-
Jason, sometimes your ideas do help out. But in a situation like this, your ideas aren't exactly up to par.
JASON-
Hey, I happen to know how to fight, sweets. I saved your rear-end from Dahak, didn't I?
XENA-
Of course. But there is one thing you are not really good at.
JASON-
Oh yeah? Please enlighten me about something I do not know.
XENA-
You do not have years experiance in hunting or fighting. You only stick with knowledge you picked up from scrolls, engravings, and word of mouth.
JASON-
Ok, Xena. I know I don't have the years of experiance like you do. But I am a genius. I can't help it if I was the lucky one the gods cursed with the ability to be smarter than the smartest person on the planet. If you feel that I am not worthy of me being a genius, and you think that you can do a better job, take it up with the complaint department.
XENA-
Jason, I didn't say I wanted to be smart as you. It's just sometimes it's just hard to put up with you when you are right.
JASON-
The ABCs of me.
EPHINY-
Ok, back to the problem at hand.
JASON-
What times did both attacks occur?
EPHINY-
About a little bit after dark.
JASON-
Ok, I suggest a curfew for both the Amazons and the Centuars starting a.s.a.p. Everyone should be indoors at the time of sundown. No one, no matter what the cicumstances, must go out. If anyone needs to go out in an emergency, they must not go alone. Have at least four people or more.
GABRIELLE-
What if the creature comes around to a living area and attacks?
JASON-
Gabrielle, it's like the movie Jaws. First you cut off the food supply, then you hire someone to kill the bloody thing. So, the curfew, we cut off the supply.
XENA-
Who are we going to hire to kill this thing?
JASON-
No one. We do the dirty work ourselves. EPHINY-
What?
JASON-
Come on, it's like hunting a deer. Except that this deer can fight back.
XENA-
Do you always have a way of viewing things?
JASON-
If I did, I wouldn't tell.
FADE TO:
BACKGROUND COLOR: BLACK
FADE TO:
EXT.: WOODS/MORNING
XENA, GABRIELLE, JASON, EPHINY and two AMAZON WARRIORS walk through the woods, slowly doing a search and destroy.
JASON-
How far till we reach the village?
EPHINY-
Not far.
JASON-
After we get back to the village, we take a quick break, then we head back out.
GABRIELLE-
Jason, my legs hurt as it is. I don't think that doing this a second time is going to do any good.
JASON-
Well, knowing my luck, we might find this thing.
POV: OVERHEAD
We look through somethings eyes as the group passes underneath. We look back at the group. We look as one of the AMAZON WARRIORS stops, trying to tighten one of her boots. The others aren't paying much attention. Neither does she. Something slowly comes up behind her. There is a loud snap. She turns around.
POV: AMAZON WARRIOR
We look at her through the eyes of something. It CLOSES IT on her. She SCREAMS. Everyone TURNS AROUND, shocked. We see a huge snake wrap around the AMAZON WARRIOR. We can hear every bone in her break.
JASON-
Oh man.
XENA-
What in the name of Zeus is that?
JASON-
I don't think you want to know.
The snake unwraps itself, and bites off some of the meat from the dead AMAZON WARRIORS body. EPHINY PULLS out an arrow, and LOADS a crossbow. She AIMS. JASON seeing this, TRIES to stop it.
JASON-
NO!
Too late. EPHINY FIRES. The arrow EMBEDS itself into one of the sides. The snake turns its attention to the group.
XENA-
DUCK FOR COVER!
The snake lunges at GABRIELLE. JASON seeing this, TACKLES GABRIELLE, causing the snake to miss her. He PULLS her up to her feet and PULLS her over behind a tree.
GABRIELLE-
Don't you ever get tired of saving me?
JASON-
Not really. I don't want to loose another girl I love.
GABRIELLE LOOKS at JASON, surprised that he said that. He looks around the tree, seeing EPHINY and XENA FIGHTING the snake, both of their swords DRAWN. JASON doesn't realize what he said, but he is in thought. He looks over on the ground.
JASON'S POV: CROSSBOW AND ARROWS
The crossbow and arrows that EPHINY was carrying sit on the ground. We look back at JASON as he turns to GABRIELLE.
JASON-
Stay here.
JASON DIVES for the crossbow and arrows. He PULLS out an arrow and LOADS it into the crossbow.
CROSSBOW POV: SNAKE, XENA, and EPHINY.
JASON takes AIM of the crossbow and FIRES. The arrow flies across the area, EMBEDDING into the neck of the huge snake. The snake CRIES OUT in pain. It quickly SLITHERS away. JASON RELOADS the crossbow, running over to XENA and EPHINY.
JASON-
You ok?
XENA-
We're fine.
JASON-
I thought I knew what that thing was, but I had no clue that it exsisted in this time and place.
EPHINY-
What was that?
JASON-
Anaconda.
EPHINY-
A what?
JASON- An Anaconda snake. The largest snake in my time. That thing we just saw was born and bred in Africa.
XENA-
What's it doing here?
JASON-
I don't know. Maybe it lost its way here or something.
EPHINY WALKS over to the dead body of the AMAZON WARRIOR. GABRIELLE COMES from behind the tree. XENA LOOKS over to see GABRIELLE.
XENA-
Are you ok?
GABRIELLE is somewhat still surprised by what JASON said to her.
GABRIELLE-
Um, yeah. Yeah.... yes I'm fine.
EPHINY BENDS down and CLOSES the DEAD AMAZON WARRIORS eyes. JASON WALKS up and STOPS next to her.
JASON-
I'm sorry for your loss.
EPHINY-
How can you be sorry? You couldn't have done anything.
JASON-
I know how it feels to loose someone you know. Even if it was for a short time. I lost everyone I knew. And this person racks up with everyone else I knew who have died.
EPHINY-
How can you kill that thing? That.. Ana...Ana...
JASON-
Anaconda. Well, if we were in 1998, the best weapon to kill it with would be a shotgun. But since this is Anicent Greece, that type of weapon hasn't been made yet. So, what do you suggest we do with the body?
EPHINY-
We'll give her the proper rights.
JASON-
If you want, I'll carry her body back to the village.
EPHINY-
How can a person like you learn to respect people who you don't even know?
JASON-
I really don't know. I guess I got it from my mother.
EPHINY GETS UP and WALKS OVER to XENA and GABRIELLE. JASON PICKS UP the body and HANGS her over his shoulder.
EPHINY-
We better get to going.
GABRIELLE-
Yeah... I think that's the best option.
They begin to HEAD BACK to the village. JASON CARRIES the body. XENA and GABRIELLE walk side by side.
XENA-
What is it?
GABRIELLE-
What?
XENA-
I know something is up with you. What is it?
GABRIELLE-
It's nothing.
XENA-
Look, if it has to do with that snake....
GABRIELLE-(cutting in) No. It has nothing to do with that snake. Just a small moment that involves the snake.
XENA-
What moment?
GABRIELLE-
It's nothing. Nothing at all.
XENA-
Gabrielle, tell me or I will use my pressure points and make you talk.
GABRIELLE-
Ok. Since you don't care about something personal. I must first warn you that this might be misunderstanding.
XENA-
What?
GABRIELLE-
I think Jason is in love with me.
XENA-
What?
GABRIELLE-
After Jason saved me from the snake, he said "I don't want to loose another girl I love."
XENA-
Sounds like you misunderstood him.
GABRIELLE-
What if I didn't? He said "another girl I love". He loved Sarah and he lost her.
XENA-
Gabrielle, you just misunderstood him. Besides, maybe the last person he loved was his mother.
GABRIELLE-
But she's a woman. Not a girl.
XENA-
Not that you know of.
GABRIELLE-
Why do you sound like you disaprove of the idea of Jason and I together?
XENA-
I don't disaprove of the idea of you and Jason. It's just that I don't want to see you hurt again. Remember when you got married to Perdicus? Callisto killed him. I don't want you to go through the same thing. Besides, what if you are misunderstanding what Jason said to you? What if you tell him that you shouldn't speed up a relationship and you find out that Jason didn't have those kind of feelings towards you? It would turn your friendship into a total tailspin.
GABRIELLE-
What if he does have feelings towards me?
XENA-
Then may the gods help us all.
Cut to:
EXT.: VILLAGE/NIGHT
We see a ceremony for the DEAD AMAZON WARRIOR, as her body is creamated. We see XENA, GABRIELLE(now in Amazon clothing), and JASON STANDING among the group of AMAZONS and CENTUARS. Everyone is paying attention to the ceremony. JASON LOOKS out the corner of his eye at GABRIELLE.
JASON'S POV: GABRIELLE
Almost like a dream, GABRIELLE appears to have a small glow to her. We look back at JASON. GABRIELLE, feeling like she is being watched, LOOKS over at JASON. As she is doing so, JASON quickly LOOKS back at the ceremony. GABRIELLE LOOKS back at the ceremony, not sure of what she had thought. XENA, looking out the corner of her eye looks at both of them. Then she smirks, thinking that both of them together is a silly thought.
EXT.: VILLAGE/LATER
The ceremony is over. JASON and GABRIELLE WALK back to their hut.
JASON-
I must say, you look beautiful. I mean, you always look beautiful, it's just that seeing you in that makes you look a lot better a little bit. I guess it helps you look... whats the word? Oh, yes. Now I remember. Charming.
GABRIELLE-
Do you always smooth talk to the girls in your life?
JASON-
I don't smooth talk or what other people call "pillow talk". If I did, I would be kicking myself for every time I used it.
GABRIELLE-
I want to thank you for saving my life.... again.
JASON-
No need. Knowing that you are still on the face of this planet is worth it.
GABRIELLE-
To tell the truth, I have been saved so many times, I think I really am a target for being saved.
JASON-
Yeah. Kinda like being a character in a story. There's the sidekick. One who is friendly, loyal, and usually the one in distressed.
GABRIELLE-
Why is that?
JASON-
I don't know. I mean, you never see the sidekick ever having to save the hero. I mean, for example, you and Xena. Have you ever had to rescue Xena from some kind of danger?
GABRIELLE-
Yes, But, not equaled up to the number of times she saved me.
JASON-
Well, think about it. Sooner or later, you might be lucky, and you could save Xena.
They WALK UP to the hut. JASON OPENS the door and lets GABRIELLE ENTER first.
INT.: HUT
JASON ENTERS, closing the door behind him. He WALKS OVER and SITS down on his bed. GABRIELLE SETS her STAFF down on a nearby table.
JASON-
I got a question, how is it that everyone around here knows you too well?
GABRIELLE-
Well, it's a long story, but I can sum it up in a few words.
JASON-
Please do.
GABRIELLE-
I am an Amazon Princess.
JASON-
Wait a minute... You mean to tell me that when the queen dies, you take her place?
GABRIELLE-
Yeah. My staff is kind of a symbol of me being an Amazon.
JASON-
Well, Princess definately fits you. But now look at me. What could I be labeled as? Xena's a Warrior Princess, you're an Amazon Princess... I guess that makes me the King of Fools or something.
GABRIELLE-
You're not a fool. Why would you think that?
JASON-
I wouldn't know. What would people call me if I weren't such a brainiac? A fool right?
GABRIELLE-
Jason, somethings been bugging me for a while.
JASON-
Oh uh. I think I know what you're going to say...
GABRIELLE-
You do?
JASON-(begins to chuckle) Yeah. You're going to tell me to loose the shirt.
GABRIELLE-(chuckles) What?
JASON-
You want me to loose the shirt. Look, I know that several people may not have the same style of clothing that I have, but this is the only shirt I have. Tie-dyed or not, it's still a good shirt.(chuckles)
GABRIELLE bursts into LAUGHING. JASON SMILES knowing he has cracked her up. She slowly clears up and tries to keep a straight face.
GABRIELLE-
Well, that's one thing.(chuckles) But I have a question to ask of you.
JASON-
What is it?
GABRIELLE-
After you pulled me behind the tree, when the snake attacked me... you said that you didn't want to loose another girl you love. And I... I was wondering if... if you were implying that you were in love with me. But I might have misunderstood you. And...
GABRIELLE STOPS, NOTICING something about JASON. He LOOKS down at the ground, almost as if he was ashamed.
JASON-
I was hoping you didn't catch that.
GABRIELLE-
You do have feelings for me, don't you?
JASON doesn't reply.
GABRIELLE-
Why... why didn't you just tell me earlier?
JASON-
I was afraid you didn't have the same feelings. Of course, why would a girl like you fall in love with a freak like me?
GABRIELLE-
Jason, you're not a freak.
JASON-
Yes I am. I know I am. I've lived my life with people hating me for what I am. The last girl I loved ended up dead in a car wreck which I was behind the wheel. I didn't want to be rejected by a person who I hold dearly as a friend, but care about more than that.
GABRIELLE-
Jason, I know you must feel like an outcast. I mean, you grown up ahead of your own age. Many people grow up before their age. Look at Xena for example. She first was a little girl in her village before it was ransacked by raiders. But after that, she grew up and fought back.
JASON-
And now she's making up for all the wrong she did. I know that story Gabrielle. I saw Xena's evil. Remember?
GABRIELLE-
Yes, I remember. Jason, I know how much you loved Sarah. I know you blame yourself for what happened. But you must realize that a heart after it's broken can be healed. You just have to give it a chance to see if it works again. If you have feelings for me, that shows that you're ready to love again.
JASON-
But what about you? Could you ever find any space in your life to fit me in?
GABRIELLE-
I did. When we first met. When I first realized that you needed help, I was willing to help you out.
JASON-
Are you willing to love me? Just tell me straight out, yes or no.
GABRIELLE is silent for a brief moment. Just as she is about to answer, XENA ENTERS.
XENA-
We all need to rest. We have another long day ahead of us.
XENA LOOKS in between GABRIELLE and JASON.
XENA-
What? Did I barge in on something?
Just as GABRIELLE is about to speek.
JASON-
No. Nothing important.
XENA-
Ok.
XENA WALKS over to the table and begins to TAKE OFF her armor. GABRIELLE LOOKS at JASON as he lies back in his bed.
JASON-
See you in the morning.
GABRIELLE WALKS over and GETS into her bed. She TRIES to get some sleep, but her mind is keeping her up. She looks over to see JASON LAYING on his side in bed, facing away from her. She thinks that he is asleep. We look over at JASON, he is wide AWAKE himself.
CUT TO:
EXT.: VILLAGE/MORNING
JASON is PRACTICING fighting with his samurai sword. He fights as if he was fighting a invisable person. He STOPS, seeing XENAN LOOKING at him. JASON LOOKS over at XENAN.
JASON-
Just practicing.
XENAN-
Where did you learn how to fight like that?
JASON-
I read.
XENAN-
Read what?
JASON-
Everything and anything.
EPHINY WALKS up next to XENAN.
EPHINY-
Good morning, Jason.
JASON-
Good morning. If you're looking for Xena and Gabrielle, their still asleep.
EPHINY-
Ok. (to XENAN) Go back to the hut.
XENAN-
But I want to stay here and watch Jason.
JASON-
Kid, the best person to listen to is your mother. Because if you don't start now, what will make her be sure you'll listen to her later? Believe me. You want to start a bond that will make sure your mother will trust you, do as she says, ok?
XENAN-
Ok.
XENAN HEADS in the direction of the hut.
EPHINY-
Thank you.
JASON-
Don't mention it. I was a kid too once. You can say I still know how to speak the language.
EPHINY-
You're still a child at heart?
JASON-
I don't know. You can say that when I was five, my mind was in its teens. It's a long story.
EPHINY-
Ok. I'm sure you can tell me some other time.
JASON CONTINUES to PRACTICE as EPHINY ENTERS the hut.
INT.: HUT
GABRIELLE is SITTING in her bed. XENA, is LAYING on her side.
EPHINY-
Hey Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE-
Oh, hi. You kinda cought me off guard.
EPHINY-
Is Xena still asleep?
GABRIELLE-
I guess. I really haven't checked.
EPHINY-
What's the mater, Gabrielle?
EPHINY MOVES over and SITS on the side of the bed.
EPHINY-
You look like you haven't got any sleep.
GABRIELLE-
I haven't. I've been up all night. Thinking. I couldn't get any sleep because my mind was too busy to think of sleep.
EPHINY-
What were you thinking about?
GABRIELLE LOOKS over EPHINY'S shoulder at XENA. Then she LOOKS back at EPHINY.
GABRIELLE-
Ok. But you must not tell Xena about this.
EPHINY-
Ok.
GABRIELLE-
Promise me. Promise me that you won't.
EPHINY-
I promise you. I'll take it to the grave if nessicery.
GABRIELLE-
Ok..... Jason is in love with me.
EPHINY-
Oh my...... No wonder you had me promise. How long has he been?
GABRIELLE-
I don't know. I... I really didn't catch it at first. I thought it was just a misunderstanding at first.
EPHINY-
When did you catch this?
GABRIELLE-
Yesterday. After he tackled me to get me clear of the snake.
EPHINY-
When you took cover behind the tree?
GABRIELLE-
Yeah. He said he didn't want to loose another girl he loved. I told Xena that afterwards, and she said that it seemed to think that it sounded like I misunderstood him. But when Jason and I were alone together, before Xena came in, we had a talk.
EPHINY-
Do you love him?
GABRIELLE-
I don't know. I mean... Since he loves me, how would I be able to be sure that I have the same feelings for him.
EPHINY-
Well, it takes a little time. I'm sure that you'll learn to adjust to it. Almost like a new pair of boots. You'll get used to the fit.
GABRIELLE-(chuckles) Well, that's a good way of putting it.
EPHINY-
Well, I'll have to check back with Xena when she is awake. As for you, you need to get some sleep.
GABRIELLE-
Ok. Thank you.
EPHINY-
You're welcome.
EPHINY GETS UP and LEAVES the hut. GABRIELLE LAYS back in bed, and she CLOSES her eyes to get some sleep. We pan over to XENA. She lays back flat on her back in bed. She is AWAKE. She had been listening to the whole conversation. She looks over at GABRIELLE, some concern on her face.
Cut to:
ENT.: VILLAGE/AFTERNOON
JASON SITS at a table, LOOKING at a heart locket.
JASON'S POV: HEART LOCKET
A very shiney gold colored locket rests in the palm of his hand. We look back at JASON.
JASON-(almost to himself) How could I...?
We see XENA WALK UP and TAKE A SEAT across the table from him.
XENA-
What is that?
JASON-
A heart locket.... or a necklace if you want to call it that.
XENA-
May I?
JASON-
Sure.
JASON HANDS over the locket to XENA. She looks at it.
XENA-
That's incredible. I've never seen this kind of craftmans work before.
JASON-
Well, keep that image in mind, Xena. Because you won't see any other lockets like that until the 19 Century.
XENA-
Another one of those things that don't exist yet?
JASON-
Yeah. I bought that locket for Sarah a day before the wreck occured. I was planning on giving it to her when we had reached L.A. But the wreck occured. So, I carry it as a reminder.
XENA-
Of how much you loved her?
JASON-
About how much I loved her, about her, to remind me of the accident, whichever you prefer.
XENA HANDS the locket back to JASON. JASON PUTS it in his jackets front breast pocket.
XENA-
I want to say you did a good job yesterday, by saving Gabrielle.
JASON-
That's what I get for reading football play books. Besides, I know how much of a friend she is to you. You were there for her before me. So I guess I was doing you a favor.
XENA-
Well, I thank you. I mean, it could have been any one of us in the way of that forsaken snake. Would you have done the same if it was Ephiny or if it was me?
JASON-
Of course. I mean, Gabrielle isn't the only person I feel who needs to live.
XENA-
Sooner or later, you'll realize you can't save everyone.
JASON-
I have before. Dahak, remember? I not only saved you guys, I save the future and the current time that we are in. Not only the lands, but the people and the gods too. So far, they are basically in debt to me.
XENA-
Is everyone here in debt to you, too?
JASON-
No... Just the gods themselves. I mean, they picked me to fight. I fought for them, so now they are in debt to me. Weither they like it or not.
JASON LOOKS at XENA for a moment.
JASON-
You're not here for chit-chat. You're here for something else.
XENA-
How would you know?
JASON-
Because, you have that look in your eyes. The same look that anybody else would have when they have something on their minds, but don't want to share it. So what is it?
XENA-
I found out. About you being in love with Gabrielle.
JASON-
Who told you?
XENA-
No one. Gabrielle was telling Ephiny. And she thought I was asleep whe she told her. I just overheard.
JASON-
Does Gabrielle know yet? That you overheard I mean.
XENA-
Not yet. Jason, are you sure that the reason you are in love with Gabrielle isn't because she looks like Sarah?
JASON-
Yes. I am sure that the reason why I love Gabrielle is not because she looks like Sarah.
XENA-
Then what's the reason?
JASON-
She has a glow. A glow that Sarah once had. But Gabrielle's glow is even brighter than Sarahs glow.
XENA-
A glow? What glow?
JASON-
The glow of the heart. That glow. You thought I was in love with her because she looks like Sarah, didn't you?
XENA-
Yes.
JASON-
Ah, Xena. Look, it's not what is on the outside that counts. It is what's on the inside that matters. I mean, I'm sure you fell in love before.
XENA-
Yes I did. I treated him cruelly. But I loved him.
JASON-
And you had his kid.
XENA-
Who told you?
JASON-
No one. I can just tell. I look at you very closely, and I can notice some kind of motherly concern. Now, friends aren't that close. I told Hope, who at the time I thought was Gabrielle, that you and Gabrielle seem to have a mother/daughter relationship. Guys who are friends treat each other if they were brothers, girls would treat each other as if they were sisters. But you and Gabrielle, are like mother and daughter sometimes. Besides, you have the waist.
XENA-
What waist?
JASON-
A woman, who hasn't given birth, their waste would seem to be a little small. But for a woman who has given birth, their waist would be about an inch wider. Women in my time refer to that as ruining their figure.
XENA-
So with that, you can tell I had a child?
JASON-
What? I can't help it. You trying living as me for one day.
XENA-
If I did, I would kill myself.
JASON-
Anyway, we are far off the subject. So, lets return to it. Current topic is love.
XENA-
Do you know she was married? Her husband was killed a little while after they were married.
JASON-
So, you mean she's a widow?
XENA-
Yes.
JASON-
So she was somewhat right about what she told me. About the heart healing after it's broken.
XENA-
Besides, has she told you she loved you?
JASON-
No.
XENA-
I'll tell you this Jason. If she decides to start loving you, and you hurt her, I'll kill you. You understand?
JASON-(not really surprised) Yeah, sure, whatever.
XENA GETS UP and WALKS OFF. JASON WATCHES her as she leaves.
JASON-(to himself) Again, with the motherly concern. Always trying to take up for Gabrielle. And look at me, I'm sitting here talking to myself. That is chaos theory, right there.
Cut to:
EXT.: VILLAGE/NIGHT
GABRIELLE WALKS, trying to find JASON. She STOPS, LOOKING around trying to spot him
JASON-
Be careful, Little Red Riding Hood. For the wolf is out tonight.
GABRIELLE SPINS around to find JASON, leaning against the wall of a hut, hidden in shadows.
GABRIELLE-
Have you been hiding from me?
JASON-
No. I was just waiting on you.
JASON STEPS out from the shadows.
JASON-
Xena knows, Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE-
I know. She told me. Look, I'm sorry for what she...
JASON-(cutting in) Gabrielle, don't. She was just trying to say that she didn't want to see you hurt. I respect that. Speaking of the warrior princess, where is she?
GABRIELLE-
She is with Ephiny on their scouting party.
JASON-
Let me guess, sitting up in a tree?
GABRIELLE-
Yes.
JASON-
I figured that.
GABRIELLE-
They're going to be up there until dawn.
JASON-
I hope the gods will keep an eye out for them. And if anything happens to them, then I'll go speak with them face to face myself.
GABRIELLE-
You're joking, right?
JASON-
Nope. I mean it.
GABRIELLE-
Such full of spirit, huh?
JASON-
Another one of those traits that I might have gotten from my mom.
GABRIELLE seems as if she has something on her mind.
JASON-
Ok, go ahead and spit it out. I know that look to well. Tell me what's on your mind.
GABRIELLE LOOKS over her shoulder, then back at JASON.
GABRIELLE-
Not here. Lets go back to the hut.
JASON-
I guess that's fine with me.
JASON and GABRIELLE WALK off towards their hut.
INT.: HUT/MINUTES LATER
GABRIELLE and JASON ENTER, JASON CLOSING the door behind him.
JASON-
Ok, now tell me, what is it that you are thinking about?
GABRIELLE TURNS around to face JASON.
GABRIELLE-
I've been thinking about... you know.
JASON-
Yeah.
GABRIELLE-(stepping closer to JASON) I have put a lot of thought into this. I never really thought I would hear myself say this to you.
GABRIELLE LEANS forward and KISSES JASON. She BREAKS the kiss, seeing she caught JASON off guard.
GABRIELLE-
I... I love you, too.
JASON is unsure of what to do.
JASON-
Um, uh, I guess this means... I don't know what it means.
GABRIELLE-
Jason, I was wondering.... could I be your girlfriend?
JASON STANDS, thinking.
JASON-
Call me Cody.
GABRIELLE SMILES, knowing JASON has decided. JASON PULLS out the heart locket he has from the pocket he sat it in eariler. He HOLDS it out. GABRIELLE TAKES ahold of it, LOOKING at it.
GABRIELLE'S POV: LOCKET
We see the locket through GABRIELLE's eyes. We look back at her, a look of surprise on her face.
GABRIELLE-
Oh, Cody..... It's beautiful.
JASON-
I knew you might like it.
GABRIELLE TURNS around. JASON PUTS it on her, connecting the chain in the back. JASON HUGS GABRIELLE, taking her in his arms. He WHISPERS in her ear.
JASON-
You'll always have my heart.
GABRIELLE SMILES, glad to be with someone she loves. She TURNS around, facing JASON. They KISS PASSIONATELY.
Cut to:
EXT.: WOODS
Up in a tree, XENA and EPHINY sit, keeping an eye on the ground below.
XENA-
Do you think Jason and Gabrielle belong together? Just in your opinion.
EPHINY-
Well, they act well together. I really don't see why they should be.
XENA-
So, you're not afraid that Jason will hurt Gabrielle's feelings if he has a change of heart?
EPHINY-
Jason seems to be faithful to Gabrielle. I really don't see why you should be worrying. Gabrielle is the type of girl that anyone could love. So, why would you be worrying about Jason being in love with her?
XENA-
Are you kidding? He is a genius, he is above everyone here. He might be smarter than the gods themselves. He shouldn't be in love with Gabrielle because he is too much for her. I mean what if something happened to him? At first, he was a person who craved death more than anyone else I ever met.
EPHINY-
But now he is from that. Thanks to you and Gabrielle. Let him love her for whatever reason, Xena. If Gabrielle wants to love him, then it's her choice, not yours.
XENA-
I'm just watching out for a friend I love. You'd do the same.
EPHINY-
But when it comes to love... you just have to leave it alone.
XENA-
I just want to be sure that she is safe.
EPHINY-
But you also want to see her happy, right?
XENA-
Right.
EPHINY-
Then let her choose to love whoever she wants to love. If you are truely her friend, then you will take my advice and let it be.
XENA SITS quietly, thinking about what Ephiny said to her. She LOOKS off towards the direction of the village.
Cut to:
INT.: HUT
We see GABRIELLE lying flat on her stomach on her bed. She SIGHS pleasurablely.
GABRIELLE-
You are good.
JASON-
Thanks.
We pull back to find JASON MASSAGING GABRIELLE's back.
GABRIELLE-
I know that you didn't do this with Sarah.
JASON-
Well, Sarah wasn't around very much, you know?
GABRIELLE-
Yeah. (sighs) You're treating me as if I was a goddess or something.
JASON-
You never know, you might have been in a former life.
GABRIELLE-
What?
JASON-
It's nothing. In my time, many people believe they had past lives before their current one. Some aren't really sure if that is true or not.
GABRIELLE-
Who do you think you were in a former life?
JASON-
I really don't know. I haven't put much thought into it. Besides, there's always the next life to think about it, am I right?
GABRIELLE-
Yes, I suppose. Do you think that I am Sarah in one of my future lives?
JASON-
I don't know. That is a possiblility that Sarah is a reincarnation of you or she might be related to you in some way. Enough about Sarah, Gabrielle. There's only you now.
GABRIELLE-
Cody, do you ever wonder what the future is like?
JASON-
I'm from the future, Gabrielle. I know what it's like.
GABRIELLE-
Can you tell me about it?
JASON-
Everyone is against each other.... the government is greedy... trust is the hardest thing to come by... A place I couldn't stand myself.
GABRIELLE-
Would you have tried to kill yourself if I was living in your time?
JASON-
I don't know. I don't I would. If you were there, you'd be the only reason why I would live.
GABRIELLE-
You don't like being alone, do you?
JASON-
No. I realized that being alone is the worse thing ever known. I realized that when I was very young, when I was five.
GABRIELLE-
But there were other people in your time.
JASON-
They all hated me. They all hated what I was.
GABRIELLE-
Why?
JASON-
Because of what I am. A genius. People fear what they don't understand. And fear spawns off hate.
GABRIELLE-
People feared you because you are a genius, and hate you because you are better than them? I see why you felt like you were alone.
JASON-
It's just another part of being human I guess.
GABRIELLE-
Jason, how could it be human for people to hate someone who is like them, but only different? Did you eve try to tell everyone how you feel?
JASON-
I tried. But they didn't listen. They never listen. So, now you know why I felt outcasted. Because I was.
GABRIELLE uses a blanket to COVER herself as she gets up.
GABRIELLE-
I'm sorry about that.
JASON-
Don't worry about it. You can almost say "it's a part of the past". I've got better things to worry about.
GABRIELLE-
Like what?
JASON-
Like you.
GABRIELLE TURNS around to face JASON.
GABRIELLE-
You are just full of surprises aren't you?
JASON-(smiles) There's only one way to fine out.
JASON LEANS forward, and they KISS very passionately. GABRIELLE breaks the kiss. She HUGS him.
GABRIELLE-
I love you, Jason.
JASON-
I love you, too, Gabrielle.
CUT TO:
EXT.: VILLAGE/MORNING
We see XENA WALKING back to the hut after a long night of being up in the tree. She WALKS up and ENTERS the hut.
INT.: HUT
XENA ENTERS. She STOPS, LOOKING OVER. We find JASON ASLEEP, GABRIELLE in his arms, also asleep. XENA WALKS over to the table, PICKS up a bucket of water and WALKS back over to the bed. She DUMPS the whole bucket of water onto GABRIELLE and JASON. They both WAKE UP, SURPRISED by being drintched in water. GABRIELLE LOOKS at XENA.
GABRIELLE-
Xena! What was that for?
XENA doesn't answer. She looks at her. Then it hits her.
GABRIELLE-
Xena, it's not what it looks like.
XENA-
Really?
JASON-
Xena, if you think Gabrielle and I procreated, then you are totally wrong. We are on level one.
XENA-
Which is...?
JASON-
Only kissing.
XENA-
Then why is it that I find Gabrielle in your arms when I came in?
JASON-
You see...
GABRIELLE-(cutting in) No, Jason. I'll tell her. I asked Jason to share a bed with me, just for last night. But we didn't do anything else. Especially THAT.
XENA-
Why should I believe you?
JASON-
Maybe the dead giveaway is that we STILL have our cloths on?
XENA now NOTICES their cloths, which are still on them. She kinda SMILES sheeply.
XENA-
Um, sorry.
JASON-
You should have thought before you acted.
JASON tries to slick his hair back, since his hair is wet. XENA LEAVES the hut. JASON TURNS to GABRIELLE
JASON-
Does she always act like this or is this a bad day for her?
FADE TO:
BACKGROUND COLOR: BLACK
FADE TO:
EXT.: VILLAGER/TWILIGHT
The sun is almost down, several of the villagers scatter to make it indoors. JASON SITS on a fence, wearing his sunglasses. He stares straight, looking at the woods just a little ways from the village.
JASON-(almost to himself) I know you're out there somewhere. Show your ugly face, if you dare.
He pulls out a stick of gum from his pocket and unwraps it. He crews on the piece of gum, waiting. On the other side of the village, we see one a AMAZON WARRIOR at work on sharpening her sword. She has her back turns towards the woods. She hears a noise, sounding like a twig snapping. She turns around, looking off into the woods. She sees nothing. She turns back around and continues to sharpen her sword. There is another twig snapping sound. She turns around, looking into the woods again. She holds her sword ready, walking towards the direction of the woods. She stops, seeing nothing. She turns around and runs into another AMAZON WARRIOR.
AMAZON WARRIOR 1-
You scared me to Hades and back.
AMAZON WARRIOR 2-
Sorry. What are you doing this far out in the open for?
AMAZON WARRIOR 1-
I keep hearing something, but every time I turn around to see what it is, it isn't there.
AMAZON WARRIOR 2- It's just a deer or something. Don't worry about it.
AMAZON WARRIOR 2 WALKS off, leaving AMAZON WARRIOR 1 alone. She WALKS over to the horses in the horse stable. Next to the stable is a water troft. She stands, looking at the horses. All of a sudden, the snake POPS out of the water troft, catching the AMAZON WARRIOR off guard. It BITES into her shoulder. She SCREAMS in pain. On the other side of the village, JASON TURNS hearing the scream. JASON BOLTS towards the direction of the screaming. JASON SNATCHES a hunting spear from a near-by table as he runs. He comes up to the horse stable, finding the snake FINISH off the AMAZON WARRIOR.
JASON-
Well, hello to you.
The snake TURNS its attention to JASON.
JASON-
Come to papa!
The snake LURCHES forward at JASON. JASON JABS it with the spear. The snake SLITHERS off into the woods.
JASON-
Oh, no you don't! We finish this one way or another!
JASON CHASES after the snake. The AMAZONS, along with XENA and GABRIELLE come RUNNING up. They LOOK down at the dead AMAZON WARRIOR. GABRIELLE is more concern about something else.
GABRIELLE-
Where's Jason?
XENA LOOKS around, noticing that he is gone. There is the sound of a REBEL YELL from the woods. XENA LOOKS towards the woods.
XENA-
Something tells me he has decided to chase after it.
EPHINY-
He must be crazy.
GABRIELLE-
He's a genius. Everyone else is crazy.
GABRIELLE WALKS off back into the village. XENA WATCHES her as she does.
CUT TO:
EXT.: WOODS/NIGHT
JASON has set up a fire, he SITS, preparing to fight. He takes a leather strap and STRAPS his switchblade to the outside of his boot, checks it to see if it is tight. It is. He SITS quietly, waiting for dawn to come.
FADE TO:
EXT.: WOODS/MORNING
JASON is still in the spot he has been sitting in. He GETS UP, PICKING UP the spear and heads off into battle.
CUT TO:
INT.: VILLAGE/HUT
We see XENA WAKING up. She LOOKS over at GABRIELLE, finding her wide AWAKE. XENA begins to GET OUT of bed.
XENA-
How long have you been awake?
GABRIELLE-
Most of the night.
XENA-
Worrying about Jason, I see?
GABRIELLE-
Pretty much, yes.
XENA GETS UP and WALKS over to GABRIELLE's bed. She takes a SEAT on the side of the bed.
XENA-
Gabrielle, I wanted to say I'm sorry.
GABRIELLE-
Xena, please don't. You were forgiven a long time ago.
XENA-
I feel I shouldn't be. I told you many of times that seeing you happy would make me happy. But the idea of Jason, is something else.
GABRIELLE-
Well, Xena. Everything is different when you look through better eyes. I'm just a little worried about Jason. I'm just... I'm just...
XENA HUGS GABRIELLE, showing some motherly concern.
GABRIELLE-
I'm just afraid that Jason is...
XENA-(cutting in) Shh. Don't worry about that until we find out it did. Ok?
GABRIELLE doesn't reply. She is silent.
CUT TO:
EXT.: WOODS
We find the snake slowly slithering through the woods. We look down at it, as it passes under the branches. We pan up to find JASON, ready to attack. He gets a good grip on the spear and jumps down.
JASON-
TALLY HO!
He lands on the snake's back. It TURNS, finding JASON there. It tries to wrap around him, but he quickly moves, slipping out of the grip of the snake. He holds the spear ready.
JASON-
Come and get some.
The snake ATTACKS, trying to bite JASON. He fights it off with the spear, stabbing it a few times. The snake realizes that it is in trouble and tries to slither away.
JASON-
Oh, no you don't!
JASON THROWS the spear and it embeds itself into the snakes side. The snake speeds away quickly. JASON RUNS, trying to keep up with it, hoping to end it all.
JASON-(kind of singing) Oh, I' gonna kill that snake even if I die A lot of lives at stake Gonna take the big ride!
JASON SLOWS to a STOP. He he finds something he thought that might have been there.
JASON'S POV: SNAKE HOLE
A hole leading into the snake's den lies open, almost asking JASON to come in. He looks at his watch.
JASON-(to himself) Note, Snake died at 11:13 a.m.
JASON DECENDS into the den.
INT.: DEN
The den is as big as a cave. JASON LIGHTS his Zippo and gets a view of the cave.
JASON'S POV: CAVE
It is in fact a cave, the snake must have been using it as a den for protection. We look back at JASON as he LOOKS down and around to find something to light. He finds and PICKS UP a torch. He LIGHTS the touch with the Zippo. The cave is bigger than what JASON thought. Their are a few dead bodies of warriors and a few Centuars.
JASON-(voice echos in the cave) I see you've been busy.
He BENDS DOWN and PICKS UP a sword that has been laying on the ground. He LOOKS around the cave, trying to figure out where the snake is at. He HEARS something fall over behind him. He SPINS around, sword ready. He is very alert and ready. He slowly WALKS toward the direction of where the noise came from. He stops.
JASON'S POV: CAVE
Everything seems still and silent. All of a sudden, the floor begins to blow up, heading directly for him. JASON JUMPS CLEAR of the path, the snake popping up from the ground where he was standing. JASON LANDS HARD, dropping the sword. The snake comes up, looking at JASON. It LUNGES at him. JASON GRABS a sheild that is resting on the ground next to him. He uses it, keeping the snake from biting him. He looks over to across the room, seeing a spear poking up from above a pile of dead bodies. JASON, tries to get up, but the snake's multiple attacks cause him to be force back down onto the ground. The snake rears back for another attack. JASON POPS up and HITS the snake with the sheild. The snake is stunned by the attack. JASON RUNS and DIVES for the spear. He GRABS it, falling to the ground. The snake jumps at JASON, ready to kill him. JASON HOLDS the spear up, causing the snake to fall onto it. It's weight pushes itself down onto the spear. JASON ROLLS away from the snake, the spear still stuck in it. Surprising enough, the snake is still alive. JASON PICKS UP a sword and ATTACKS. He DRIVES the sword deep into the snake's skull, killing it. JASON gets up and stumbles over to the hole of the cave. JASON SITS down, almost out of breath.
JASON-
I need a vacation.
Cut to:
EXT.: AMAZON VILLAGE
GABRIELLE, XENA, and EPHINY SIT at a table, waiting. A few of the other AMAZONS work. All of a sudden...
AMAZON WARRIOR-
SOMEONE APPROACHES!
This catches the attention of XENA, GABRIELLE, and EPHINY. We look at the woods as JASON DRAGS the dead body of the snake into the village. He looks like as if he had taken a very rough beating. He DRAGS the snakes dead body to the middle of the village, where XENA, GABRIELLE and EPHINY sit. He DROPS the tail of the snake onto the ground. The three women get up from the table, and walk around to the front of it. Some of the AMAZONS come up, looking at the snake and at JASON.
JASON-
Here's the solution to your problem.
XENA WALKS over and stops next to JASON. She looks at the snake, not exactly surprised nor impressed. JASON looks at GABRIELLE, who is looking right back at him. He is about to go to her when the blade of a sword rests against his throat. We find out that XENA is the one holding the sword. She seems somewhat angered.
XENA-
Give me one good reason why I should let you go to her, especially after something like this.
JASON stands silent, but calm.
JASON-
Because, I trust you.... and I know you trust me.
XENA is still somewhat angered. She keeps the blade at JASON's throat. She lowers her sword.
XENA-
Just don't EVER do that again.
JASON LOOKS over at XENA, then back at GABRIELLE. He WALKS over to her. They HUG, glad to be with each other.
GABRIELLE-(sobbing) You've got a lot of time to make up for.
JASON-
I'll sure be glad to make it up.
They KISS for a brief moment. EPIHANY TAPS on JASON'S SHOULDER, getting his attention.
EPIHANY-
So, what do you suggest we do with the snakes body?
JASON LOOKS over at the snake then back at EPHINY.
JASON-
Have you ever eatten snake?
EPIHANY-
Not really.
JASON-
Neihter have I. But, I'm willing to try.
We pull back, getting a shot of the whole scene, the dead snake, the AMAZONS, XENA, EPIHANY, GABRIELLE and JASON.
FADE TO:
BACKGROUND COLOR: BLACK