Land of Illusia

~ Land of Illusia ~
by Daniel Strickland

Notice: This story is all my original work, except for the names and loose characterizations, and I hold a strict copyright to all material, words, ideas, and treatments contained and based on this story. All rights are reserved! This story may not be copied, nor may derivative works be based on it without the expressed, written permission of me, Daniel Strickland. All inquiries for permission to use portions or all of this story as a basis for production in other media, including video, should be directed to:

Daniel Strickland: codebreaker2001@hotmail.com

Fade to:

EXT.: VILLAGE/DAY

It's the village from where we last left from "The Forsaken Time". The VILLAGERS WALK,doing their usually stuff. We pan over to see...

EXT.: HUT

We look at the hut that we last saw from "The Forsaken Time". It sits quietly.

INT.: HUT

We find XENA and GABRIELLE ASLEEP in their beds. We pan over, finding JASON FINISHING PUTTING on his clothes. He WALKS over to a table, finding a wooden bucket full of water.JASON PICKS up a cup and DIPS it into the bucket. He DRINKS some of the water, almost asif he hadn't drunk anything in a month. GABRIELLE WAKES up, finding JASON on his feet.

GABRIELLE-
I see you're doing a lot better.

JASON-
Yeah. What happened? Where are we?

GABRIELLE-
Remember that village we stopped at before we entered Los Angeles?

JASON-
Yeah.

GABRIELLE-
We're there. When you stopped Dahak, you reversed what Dahak had done. That includes the people getting killed. This place was alive when we got here.

JASON-
Which one of you patched me up?

XENA-
It was me.

It appears that XENA had AWAKEN while they were talking. She SITS UP in her bed, RUBBINGthe back of her neck. She YAWNS.

JASON-
Thanks.

XENA-
You're welcome. I figured it was either that or see you die. And you don't deserve that.

JASON-
That's easy for you to say.

XENA GETS UP and MOVES over to JASON. She LIFTS JASON's shirt to check on the bandages to see if they are doing ok. GABRIELLE begins to PUT ON her boots.

GABRIELLE-
I forgot. Thanks for saving us.

JASON-
No problem. It's the best thing I could do for a friend.

GABRIELLE-
You're classifying us as friends now?

JASON-
Yeah.

XENA FINISHES checking the bandages.

XENA-
It looks like they're doing ok.

JASON-
That's a good thing, right?

XENA-(moving over to the table, where her armor and her weapons sit)Yes.

XENA begins to PUT ON her armor.

GABRIELLE-
How did you know that you had to get Dahak in the heart to kill him?

JASON-
I didn't. It was a lucky shot.

There is a KNOCKING at the door.

GABRIELLE-
I'll get it.

GABRIELLE GETS UP and WALKS over to the door. She OPENS it, the VILLAGE LEADER ENTERS.

VILLAGE LEADER-
I'm sorry to disturb you all, but you've got a problem.

XENA-
What is it?

VILLAGE LEADER-
Several Romans are on their way here.

GABRIELLE-
What?

VILLAGE LEADER-
It appears that Caesar has sent several of his men to capture you and take you to Rome.

JASON-
Wait a second... Caesar? As in Julius Caesar?

VILLAGE LEADER-
Yes.

JASON-
I studied him. I learned several battle plans from him.

GABRIELLE-
When?

JASON-
Summer of nineteen ninty-one.

XENA-
We better get out of here before they get here.

JASON-
You don't have to tell me twice.

JASON QUICKLY MOVES over to the bed to put on his boots.

Fade to:

BACKGROUND COLOR: BLACK

Fade to:

EXT.: FIELD/LATER

XENA, GABRIELLE, JASON, and ARGO WALK along in a field.

JASON-
So, let me get this straight. Julius Caesar ordered for you to be put on a cross, you nearly died, and now you hate him?

XENA-
Do I need to explain the same story over and over again?

JASON-
Not really. I mean, I knew the guy could be calm and gentle sometimes. Well, according to history, at least.

GABRIELLE-
What does history say about him?

JASON-
That he was one of the most greatest Romans to ever live. And that he was a mastermind when it came to battle.

XENA-
Well, your history is flawed.

JASON-
Give us a break, Xena. Not all historical events from the seventeen hundreds and back are historically correct. For all I knew, Rome might have already fallen to the spears of the Germans at this time.

XENA-
What?

JASON-
Forget it. If you did understand, it might alter the future. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. I MIGHT be altering the future being here.

GABRIELLE-
That's possible?

JASON-
Trust me, Gabrielle. By killing a flea, you might be altering future events.

XENA-
Well, get used to it, kid. You're stuck here.

GABRIELLE LOOKS around at the field. She has a CURIOUS LOOK on her face.

XENA-
Gabrielle? What's the matter?

GABRIELLE-
Is it just me, or have we been here before?

XENA LOOKS around.

XENA-
Not that I can recall.

GABRIELLE-
Must be Deji Vue.

They slowly climb a small hill to reach what appears to be a drop-off. A very good ocean view. All of them come to a STOP.

JASON-
Looks like a dead end. We must have taken a wrong turn back there somewhere.

XENA-
You might be right.

All of a sudden, several ROMEN WARRIORS come up behind the group.

JASON-
Guys, I have a bad feeling about this.

WARRIOR LEADER-
You're feeling is right.

The group WIP AROUND to find the ROMEN WARRIORS standing behind them. A number of six.

XENA-
This is great.

WARRIOR LEADER-
Xena, Caesar has ordered us to bring you to him.

JASON-
You wouldn't mind telling us WHY would you?

WARRIOR LEADER-
I'm just doing what I'm told.

XENA-
Go back and tell Caesar that I'm not going to come to him.

WARRIOR LEADER-
We have orders to bring you back.... Dead or alive.

JASON LEANS over to XENA.

JASON-(whispering)Can we take them?

XENA-(whispering back)Yeah. Three against six is a good number.

JASON-(whispering)Yeah, if you were on their side.

The ROMEN WARRIORS slowly CLOSE IN on the them. XENA PULLS out her sword, GABRIELLEHOLDS her stick ready. And JASON PULLS out his sameri sword.

JASON-
Fellas, you can tell Caesar that he can take Rome and shove it up his two-hole! LET'S ROCK!

Both groups CHARGE on each other. JASON TACKLES down TWO of the ROMAN WARRIORS at thesame time. GABRIELLE TRIPS one of WARRIORS and HITS the another one in the back of the head with her stick. She SWINGS it like it was a baseball bat. XENA lets out her BATTLE CRY as she PICKS up one of the WARRIORS and BODY SLAMS him hard on the ground. She SWINGS around to find the WARRIOR LEADER CHARGING. She FLIPS over him, letting out her BATTLE CRY AGAIN, and LANDS behind him. She KICKS his legs out from under him and USES pressure point, cutting the blood flow to his brain. JASON has one of the WARRIORS that he tackled out of it. Now he's facing the last one. They SWORD FIGHT close to the edge of the drop off. They both LOOSE their swords. JASON TACKLES the WARRIOR, both FALLING to the ground, very close to the edge. The WARRIOR PULLS OUT a dagger, and TRIES to stab him. JASON holds the KNIFE from him, the WARRIOR seeming to be winning. JASON ROLLS him over, causing both of them to FALL over the edge. JASON GRABS ahold of a root, sticking out of the ground. The WARRIOR GRABS JASON'S foot. JASON SCREAMS in surprise, TRYING to keep ahold of the root. XENA and GABRIELLE FINISH up, REALIZINGwhat's happened. They both RUN over, SEEING JASON holding on to the root. They both GET DOWN ontheir KNEES. XENA REACHES down for JASON.

XENA-
Jason, give me your hand.

JASON REACHES up and TAKES ahold of it. XENA tries to pull him up, but the WARROIR's weight due to his armor, weighs him down. The WARRIOR takes the DAGGER and STABS JASON in the leg. JASON CRIES in pain.

JASON-
Why you....!

JASON KICKS the WARRIOR as hard as he can in the head. The last kick KNOCKS the WARRIOR out,but he still has AHOLD of JASON'S LEG. XENA tries to pull him up, but the weight is too much.

XENA-(straining)I can't pull him up! He's too heavy!

JASON-
XENA, HELP! I'm slipping!

We see their hands, showing that JASON is indeed SLIPPING. GABRIELLE REACHS down, trying toGRAB ahold of JASON's jacket. JASON's hand slowly slips out of XENA's. JASON SCREAMS on thefall down. He HITS the water HARD, knocking him out. The WARRIOR'S WEIGHT PULLS him down under the water.

GABRIELLE-
JASON!

GABRIELLE GETS UP, about to JUMP after him. XENA quickly GRABS GABRIELLE.

XENA-
WAIT! I realized where we are.

GABRIELLE-
So? We've got to get Jason! He could drown!

XENA-
No he won't! Remember when we fell into Illusia?

GABRIELLE LOOKS at XENA for a moment. Then it hits her.

GABRIELLE-
You mean, we're...

XENA-(cutting her off)Yes. Look. If the threshold to Illusia is still there, Jason might have been pulled into there.

GABRIELLE-
What are we going to do?

XENA-
We're going to go after him. But we have to make sure that we are clear that no matter what happens, we try not to go through what happened the first time.

GABRIELLE-
I'm sure I can handle myself.

Both XENA and GABRIELLE STEP up to the edge. They look at each other.

XENA-
See you when we get there.

At the same time, they both JUMP from the edge, falling towards the waters below.

Fade to:

BACKGROUND COLOR: BLACK

Fade to:

CLOSE UP: JASON'S EYES.

We get a shot of JASON'S EYES. They are CLOSED. He slowly OPENS his eyes.

JASON-
Wow, what a dream. (pause) Wait a minute..... Where am I?

We pull back to see JASON LYING on a floor somewhere.

EXT.: SOMEWHERE/DAY.

JASON SITS UP and LOOKS around at what appears to be a FOREST with a CHECKERED FLOOR.FOG slowly begins to come in.

JASON-
What is going on here?

JASON GETS UP. He LOOKS around. He CHECKS his leg. It appears that it hasn't been stabbed.

JASON-
Freaky. I remember....(stop)

JASON LOOKS around again. He is not sure what is going on. We see a FIGURE COME UP behindJASON. JASON has a bad feeling and TURNS around to come face to face with.... HOPE. JASON BACKS away quickly.

HOPE-
Not real happy to see me, huh Madison?

JASON-
It's impossible. You're dead. I killed you.

HOPE-
Well, the past comes back to haunt the present. You could ask Xena that.

JASON-
Where are we?

HOPE-
You can hide your secrets and pain, and save them for the summer time's rain. You can burry your memories and hope that they stay dead, but they'll always come back to haunt you in your head.

JASON-
Quit with the rhymes and tell me WHERE we are.

HOPE-(sings)How is everything within yourself?Do you feel like that you are not whole?That can be a problem you know,who can save your pour soul?You'll be proven wrong for onceYou think you're foolproof, don't ya?Well, you'll breakdown all at onceAt the powers in the Land of Illusia.

(JASON RUNS and HOPE slowly WALKS following him. JASON gets LOST in the FOG.)

Illusia is the land of nightmares and dreamsIt can fool you so easy, nothing is what it seemsMemories come back to haunt and secrets you hideThings from the past you thought had diedNo matter how much you run or scream you'll find out that this is not a dreamThe pressure of everything might get to yaVery hard here in the Land of Illusia

(JASON TRIPS over a root sticking out of the floor. But instead of falling on the floor, he falls to the ground, which is now dirt. JASON LOOKS UP

JASON'S POV: CABIN

JASON SEES what appears to be an old beaten-up cabin. He GETS UP and RUNS for it. HeTRIPS on the step as he gets to the porch as HOPE COMES UP and CONTINUES SINGING)

You can feel old feelings that you've forgotten to useYou can try to fool yourself until the night is throughYou better not sleep and you better not yawn.I guarantee you this, you'll be dead by dawn.Stay awake or it'll be "Nice knowing ya"Here forever in the Land of Illusia!

INT: CABIN

JASON manages to make it in. He SLAMS the door and LOCKS it. He BREATHES heavy from therunning he's done. He WALKS over to a window and looks out.

JASON'S POV: OUTSIDE

JASON can see woods. The floor that he was on is gone. We look back at JASON. He BREATHES asigh of relief. He LEANS against a nearby wall.

JASON-
What is happening?

JASON LOOKS around the place. He looks above the fireplace of the cabin to find a pump-action shotgun. He SNATCHES it from it's resting place, also FINDING a box of shotgun shells. He OPENSthe box and DUMPS the whole box of shotgun shells into his jacket pocket. He WALKS over and SPOTS a trap door in the floor. He BENDS down and OPENS it, AIMING the gun down. He DESENTSdown into...

INT.: CELLAR.

JASON WALKS down the stairs to find a cellar. The cellar has several boxes marked with writing on them. JASON ignores them as he finds a bench. He PICKS UP a nail gun. He LOOKS over to findsome BOARDS.

INT.: CABIN

JASON BOARDS up the windows in the cabin using the nail gun.

Cut to:

EXT.: CABIN/NIGHT

Night hangs over in the woods, the cabin brightly lit. Some light shines out through the boarded up windows.

INT.: CABIN

We find JASON SITTING in a rocking chair. He ROCKS slowly back and forth, the shotgun in his lap. He TRIES not to fall asleep, taking HOPE's advice. We can hear JASON's thoughts.

JASON-(thinking)I've got to keep awake. I've got to keep awake. Can't fall asleep. Sleep equals death. Death is bad. Sleep is bad. Must stay awake.(slowly is drifting off to sleep) Must stay awake. Can't fall asleep. Won't fall asleep.

JASON falls ASLEEP. Everything is quiet. SCREEH! JASON SNAPS AWAKE. The sound of the screeching moves from one end of the cabin to the other.

EXT.: CABIN

We see a HAND holding a switch-blade knife. It SCRAPS along the outside wall of the cabin.

INT.: CABIN

JASON BOLTS from the chair and MOVES over to a window. He LOOKS out, trying to see what it ismaking the screeching. But he can't see a thing. CRASH! Something BREAKS the window and YANKSon JASON's shirt collar. Whatever it is PULLS, SLAMMING JASON into the boards.

JASON'S POV: MALE FIGURE

A MALE FIGURE, very well built and his face covered by shadows, PULLS JASON into the boards inside, causing him to SLAM into the boards multiple times. We look back at JASON as he STICKS the barrel of the shotgun out the window. He FIRES the gun, SHOOTING the figure. The figure STUMBLES back, but doesn't fall. JASON BACKS UP away from the window, COCKING the gun. Hesoon realizes that a shell is JAMMED in the gun. He TRIES to get the shell out. The FIGURE PULLS out the knife and CHARGES at the window. He BREAKS the boards down, trying to get into the cabin.

JASON-(trying to get the shell out)Come on, come on!

The FIGURE BREAKS the last board and climbs in. At that moment, JASON PULLS the shell out of the gun. He COCKS it as the FIGURE attacks. BLAM! The shot forces the FIGURE BACK. BLAM! BLAM!BLAM! BLAM! The last shot KNOCKS the FIGURE out the window. There is a loud THUD from outside,the FIGURE out of view. JASON COCKS the gun again, WALKS over to the window. His eyes GROWWIDE with surprise.

JASON'S POV: THE SPOT WHERE THE FIGURE LANDED.

The FIGURE isn't there. We look back at JASON as he QUICKLY PICKS up the board. He GRABS the nail gun and begins to NAIL the boards back into place. He SETS the nailgun down, PICKING up the shotgun. He HEADS back over to the chair.

JASON-(sings)Oh, what is happening to me?Was that figure there or not?This world is very hard to seeAnd I almost totally forgotHope told me a little about IllusiaSaying that it can play mind gamesI'm I sure I can make it through. Ya.But fiction and reality here are the same.(takes seat in chair and begins to ROCK, RELOADING the gun)

This world may be of my own makingbut it won't take me down.For those who are here are forsakingAnd I never thought I'd feel this down.How can I get back to that land I heard aboutBack to the friends I know.>From this land without a doutI have no emotions left to show.I've felt grief and pain throughout all these yearsand my anger slowly grew.And I've weaped over a thousand tearsand now what am I suppose to do?

(JASON SETS his gun down next to his side)

You can try all the tricks in the galaxy and hope to take me down with a bite.But I can still think, you seeI won't give up without a fight.

JASON PICKS up his gun and SETS it in his lap. The sound of FOOTSTEPS outside the door comeup. JASON looks over at the door, sitting quietly.

JASON'S POV: DOOR KNOB

The door knob SITS quietly. And then it slowly TURNS. We look back at JASON as he SPRINGS intoaction. He FIRES three shots from the shotgun, blowing holes into the door. There is silence for a brief moment. JASON WALKS over to the door. He UNLOCKS it and slowly opens it. He stares outside.

JASON'S POV: WOODS

JASON can see only the woods through the door. We look back at JASON as he LOWERS the gun.

JASON-
I must be loosing it. I've got to get a grip on myself.

All of a sudden, WHAM! JASON is ATTACK by a figure. The FIGURE pins him to a near-by wall. JASON STRUGGLES, trying to get free.

FIGURE-
JASON! JASON STOP IT!

JASON doesn't listen, he tries his best. JASON soon REALIZES who the person is. It's XENA.

XENA-
JASON, IT'S ME! It's Xena. Calm down.

Fade to:

BACKGROUND COLOR: BLACK.

Fade to:

INT.: CABIN

XENA THROWS a log on the fire in the fireplace as JASON SITS on the couch.

JASON-
I really am sorry, Xena. I thought you were the psycho trying to kill me.

XENA-(getting up and moving over to the couch)I understand. You were trying to protect yourself from being harmed.

JASON-
What happened to Gabrielle?

XENA-
I don't know. We jumped in at the same time. Maybe she landed somewhere else. Orshe might have not entered Illusia.

>From a far off distance, there is the sound of music. XENA MOVES over from the couchto a window. She LOOKS in between the boards.

XENA'S POV: A CAVE

A little ways from the cabin is a cave. The music appears to be coming from there. Welook back at XENA, as JASON COMES up next to her.

JASON-
What is that music?

XENA-
It's Bacchai.

JASON-
A Ba-WHO-a?

XENA-
Bacchai. A single bite from one of those things can turn a young innocent female into awild and soulless creature.

JASON-
Single bite?

XENA-
These creatures have fangs, and hide during the daylight.

JASON-
Vampires.

XENA-
What?

JASON-
You might call them Bacchai, but for us "future-hicks" we call them vampires. (pause) Youdon't think Gabrielle is in there, do you?

XENA-
It's possible.

JASON-
Ok, then we will need to pack up on many of vampire weapons. Garlic, wooden stakes, holywater, and everything else.

XENA-
What?

JASON-
How you kill these things are using holy objects. Wooden stake in the heart, a cross, that stuff.

XENA-
Hate to burst your bubble, Jason. But can't kill the Bacchai. But you can reverse what had happened by killing Bacchus, the one who they are devoted to. That is if you were a Bacchai,and a woman.

JASON STANDS silent for a moment. He looks over.

JASON'S POV: CELLAR TRAP DOOR

JASON sees the door, hanging open. We back at JASON and XENA. A SMILE grows on his face.

JASON-
Let's go into that cave and carve ourselves some vampires, shall we?

INT.: CELLAR/MINUTES LATER

JASON and XENA ENTER the cellar, MOVING over to the workbench. JASON SEARCHES for somethingto use as a weapon. He finds something very familar. He PICKS UP a chainsaw, similar to the one he used the last time. He HANDS XENA the shotgun. She GRABS ahold of the barrel.

JASON-
Hold it still.

JASON STARTS up the chainsaw and SAWS off the extending end of the shotgun, making the handle shorter. He CUTS off the chainsaw, TAKING the gun. He HOOKS up the chainsaw to his belt and COCKS the shotgun.

JASON-
Rock and roll.

Cut to:

EXT.: MOUTH OF CAVE

XENA and JASON WALK up to the mouth of the cave and STOP. They have their weapons READY.

XENA-
Are you sure you won't blow off in there?

JASON-
Xena, I've brought down a god, do you think these things are gonna scare me? I didn'teven jump when I saw that shark in JAWS pop out of the water.

XENA-
Remember, this is a search and rescue mission. She may not be in there.

JASON-
If we're wrong... Well, you get the picture.

XENA and JASON start their way into the cave.

INT.: CAVE

JASON and XENA slowly CREEP their way along the cave wall. The MUSIC still plays. They finally reach...

INT.: LAIR

The MUSIC continues to play. We see several BACCHAIS DANCING. BACCHUS SITS on his thrown,OVERLOOKING the women as they dance.

BACCHAI WOMEN-(singing)We worship you our masterthe one we truely adoreHow can we serve you masterin this land of forgotten loreFor we are yours to commandand we will do what ever you likeWe are willing to make ammendsand we owe you forever our lives

(JASON and XENA CREEP along the nearest wall, keeping behind some giant rocks)

For you we only love as factand you love us in returnWe made a pure clear pactand we will never burnFor you we love, masterAnd our love for you holds trueWe shall always love you masterEven when the earth is through.

(In the background, we can hear some SCREAMING. XENA and JASON look at each other

JASON-(whispering)Are you thinking what I am?

XENA-(whispering)Yes. Gabrielle.

They continue to LOOK ON as what appears to be a cerimony continues)

You gave have made us happyand for that we owe you lifeYou've told us to do things snappyNow we offer you this sacrificeMay this sacrifice fuel youand hold you warm at nightfor she knows her life is throughand soon will owe you her life.

They bring the "sacrifice", BOUNDED and GAGGED. The sacrifice turns out to be GABRIELLE. They DROP her on her knees in front of BACCHUS. He LEANS forward towards her, SMILING.

BACCHUS-
I remember you... I remember you well. You killed me along with your friend.

GABRIELLE-
Yes, we did.

BACCHUS-
Too bad that your friend isn't here to save you this time. (to one of the BACCHAI) Do it.

He SITS back on his throne. One of the BACCHAI WALKS over and PICKS UP GABRIELLE. ShePREPARES to BITE GABRIELLE. BOOM!! The BACCHAI WOMAN who was about to bite GABRIELLEis sent FLYING across the room. All BACCHAI, and BACCHUS turn. They find XENA and JASON,their weapon's DRAWN.

JASON-
Sorry, ladies. (cocks the shotgun) But my friend declines the offer.

BACCHUS-
GET THEM!

Several of the BACCHAI ATTACK XENA and JASON, but they FIGHT them off. XENA FREES GABRIELLE. JASON FIRES a few more shots from the shotgun.

JASON-
HURRY UP!

XENA and GABRIELLE RUN OVER to the exit of the room. JASON COVERS them, keeping the shots continuing.

JASON-
GO! I'LL COVER YA!

XENA-
Jason! Now is not the time to play hero!

JASON-
GO! I'LL BE BEHIND YA! GO!

XENA GRABS GABRIELLE and they get out of there. JASON slowly FOLLOWS behind them,covering using the gun, WALKING BACKWARDS.

EXT.: MOUTH OF CAVE/DAY

XENA and GABRIELLE come out of the cave, noticing thc change in the setting.

XENA-
Where are we?

GABRIELLE-
What's wrong?

XENA-
This isn't the place Jason and I came in. Where's the cabin?

XENA'S POV: LAND

It is totally different from the woods that JASON and XENA were in before. Now it's agrassy field, with a sky of purple. We look back as XENA and GABRIELLE. XENA TURNS around to see if JASON is coming, only to find the mouth of the cave GONE. GABRIELLEalso SEES this.

GABRIELLE-
I don't get this. Where are we?

XENA-
I don't know.

GABRIELLE BEGINS to walk forward when she TRIPS. She nearly falls but XENA CATCHES her.

XENA-
Are you ok?

GABRIELLE-
Yeah. I tripped over something.

XENA and GABRIELLE LOOK DOWN. GABRIELLE'S eyes grow WIDE.

POV: TOMBSTONE

GABRIELLE had tripped over a tombstone. The name on the tombstone is Mark Madison. Date ofhis birth August 7, 1957. Date of death March 14, 1979. We look back at XENA and GABRIELLE

GABRIELLE-
Mark Madison?

XENA-
Maybe Jason's father.

GABRIELLE-(pointing)LOOK!

POV: TOMBSTONE

There's another tombstone. This time Rebecca Madison Date of birth, April 19, 1959. Date ofdeath, May 23, 1998. We look back at XENA and GABRIELLE.

GABRIELLE-
Jason's parents?

XENA-
I think so.

XENA TURNS AROUND, finding more TOMBSTONES. GABRIELLE LOOKS on as well.

GABRIELLE-
This is getting too creepy.

XENA and GABRIELLE WALK along the rows of tombstones, reading off each name.

XENA-(reading the names from the tombstones)Mark Jones, Paul Cooks, Rob Parish, Scott Adman, Angelina Michaels, Jean Karr... Thesemust be the people who Jason has lost over the years.

GABRIELLE-
I think your right.

GABRIELLE POINTS at one tombstone.

POV: TOMBSTONE

Name on tombstone, Sarah Cooks. Born: July 17, 1979. Died: June 12, 1996. We lookback at GABRIELLE.

GABRIELLE-
Jason's girlfriend.

XENA-
He's lost a lot of people.

GABRIELLE TURNS around and PAUSES. Her eyes GROW WIDE with fear.

GABRIELLE-(voice shakey)Xena, you need to have a look at this.

XENA TURNS around to see what GABRIELLE is looking out.

POV: TOMBSTONE

This one reads: Here lies Jason Madison. Born: July 12, 1979. There is no date of death. Andit appears that it is a freshy dug grave. We look back at XENA and GABRIELLE.

GABRIELLE-
I don't understand. Why would Jason have a tombstone and grave when he isn't even dead yet?

XENA-
Maybe he is still bent on suicide or he feels that he's not going to get out of here. We need to find him.

XENA and GABRIELLE begin to HEAD OFF towards the far off hills.

Cut to:

INT.: CAVE

JASON is BACKING UP through the cave, fighting off the Bacchia. He EXITS the cave.

INT.: CASTLE

JASON ducks behind a door as a BACCHIA WOMAN ATTACKS. The mouth of the cave DISAPPEARS. It's just JASON and the BACCHIA WOMAN. They continue to fight, until JASON SHOOTS her head off. Her headless body FALLS to the floor. JASON STANDStheir for a moment.

JASON-
Woah. Cool.

We see SOMEONE come up behind JASON, who is unaware of it. He begins to RELOADhis gun. The SOLDIER ATTACKS him, knocking the gun from JASON's hand and the chainsaw off of JASON's BELT.

JASON-
LET GO OF ME! LET ME GO!!!!

SOLDIER-(towards off screen)HELP ME OUT!

We see some more SOLDIERS come into the room. They DRAG JASON out of the room.

JASON-(struggling)LET ME GO!

One of the SOLDIERS notices JASON's shotgun and the chainsaw. He PICKS them up witha smile on his face.

FADE TO:

BACKGROUND COLOR: BLACK

FADE TO:

INT.: CHAMBER/MINUTES LATER

We find a massive chamber, with a throne, a bed, and a mirror. We notice SOMEONE SITTINGon the throne, covered in darkness by the shadows. JASON is draged into the room, still struggling.They DROP him onto the floor.

VOICE-(female)Leave.

The SOLDIERS leave, JASON and the person on the thrown are the only two there.

VOICE-(female)Well, it's a real pleasure to meet the man behind the myth. Jason... James.... Madison.

JASON GETS UP and LOOKS into the darkness of the shadows, trying to see who the person is on the throne. The PERSON GETS UP and WALKS out into the light.... It's XENA! But somethingis different about her. Her hair is short, and she wears the old armor that XENA used to wear beforeshe changed her ways. She also wears a necklace, with what looks like a miniture copy of herChakram, with a red ruby in the center of the circle. She CIRCLES JASON.

JASON-
Xena, how..... You're not Xena.

EVIL XENA-(circling JASON slowly)I'm Xena alright. I used to be what Xena was. I am the thing she hates now. The thing she regrets toever have been.

JASON-
What are you talking about?

EVIL XENA-
If you ever ask Xena about her past, she'll tell you about a time where she was on a thirst for blood. She would take over villages, murder those who apposed her, and show no mercy. But when she became Miss "Goodie Little Two Shoes", I was put aside. Of course, I payed her a little visit the lasttime she came here, but now, as you can see, I've got my own body. Enough about me.... what aboutyou?

JASON-
Me?

EVIL XENA-
Yes you. Who else?

EVIL XENA WALKS over to the bed and LAYS across it. She PROPS her head on her hand, LOOKINGat JASON seductively.

EVIL XENA-
I've seen you kill. And you've got a better record than I do.

JASON-
I only kill for personal reasons. For self-preservation or for my friends.

EVIL XENA-(smiling wickedly)Oh, really? What about your friends? The ones in the club? Your parents? Your dear Sarah Jones?

JASON-
THAT is no far. I had nothing to do with those...

EVIL XENA-(cutting in)Ok, maybe not your parents and your friends in the club..... But what about Sarah?

JASON-
That was an accident.

EVIL XENA-
So? You were behind the wheel of the car. You were responcible.

FLASHBACK: JUNE 12, 1996

We see the Trans Am's tire blowing out. Hearing Sarah SCREAM as the car flips over.

FLASHFORWARD: NOW

JASON CLOSES his eyes and SHAKES his head as if trying to drive away the memory.

JASON-
It was an accident.The tire blown out. It wasn't my fault.

EVIL XENA-
Oh, really? If you hadn't decided on taking MacReady Road, everything would have been fine. Shewould have lived to be there for you when your mother died.

JASON-(covering his ears)Shut up.

EVIL XENA-
She would have been the perfect wife too.

JASON-(angered, still covering his ears)Shut up.

EVIL XENA-
She might have had your child if she had lived.

JASON-
SHUT UP! (starts crying)Shut up, shut up, please, just.... shut.. up...

EVIL XENA GETS UP off the bed and MOVES over to JASON. She PULLS him into her arms and HUGS him.

EVIL XENA-(soothing voice)I'm sorry. Shh. It's ok. I didn't mean that. I'm sorry. It's just in my nature.

JASON-
To do what? Tear out peoples hearts?

EVIL XENA-
Well, that's one of the things.

EVIL XENA LOOKS into JASON's eyes. He seems almost hypnotised by her. She LEANS forwardand KISSES him. He RESISTS at first. Then, he slowly gives in. She slowly MOVES JASON overto the bed, not breaking the kiss. They both FALL on the bed, caught in a lover's embrace. EVIL XENALAYS BACK, allowing JASON on top of her. She PULLS back, breaking the kiss. She REACHES into JASON's pocket and PULLS OUT his switchblade. She POPS the blade out and CUTS her wrist, allowing blood to slowly exit. She HOLDS her wrist up next to JASON's mouth.

EVIL XENA-
Drink. And let us be one.

JASON GRABS ahold of EVIL XENA's arm and SUCKS on her bleeding wrist. She CLOSES her eyes and SMILES as if she is enjoying it. She PULLS her arm free from JASON, and REPLACES it with hermouth. They KISS, blood covering both of their faces.

Cut to:

EXT.: FEILD/LATER

XENA and GABRIELLE continue to WALK. They both slow to a STOP. They look at something off screen.

POV: LOS ANGELES

It's Los Angeles, looking the same as it did in "The Forsaken Time". We look back at XENA and GABRIELLE.

GABRIELLE-
Los Angeles? What's it doing here?

XENA-
I think it's from Jason's mind.

GABRIELLE-
Do you think anyone's home?

XENA-
Let's find out.

EXT.: EMPTY STREET/MINUTES LATER

GABRIELLE and XENA WALK down the empty street. Both of them STOP.

XENA-
Do you notice something different?

GABRIELLE-
What?

XENA-
What's different about this place since we last saw it?

GABRIELLE-
It looks even deader?

XENA-
Either than that.

GABRIELLE-
There's no sound.

XENA TAPS her heel on the concrete ground. There's no echo what so ever.

GABRIELLE-
Why would there not be any echo?

XENA-
I don't know. It makes it harder for us to hear if there's....

VOICE-(male)Someone sneeking up behind you?

GABRIELLE and XENA SPIN around to find several HIGH-TEC SOLDIERS AIMMING guns at them.Several MORE come out of two near-by ally ways.

SOLDIER LEADER-
You're coming with us.

INT.: CLUB/MINUTES LATER

We see XENA and GABRIELLE escorted into the inside of a club. The massive room has a bar, several tables, a few boxes of weapons, and a few TV sets flashing with images. GABRIELLE STARES in amazement.

GABRIELLE-
Wow. I never knew that Jason's time was almost like this.

XENA-
This just might be a part of what Jason thinks. Maybe the way he sees the world.

We see the SOLDIER LEADER walk up to a woman. She is dressed in an black overcoat, a pair ofblack pants, boots, and a green t-shirt. The SOLDIER LEADER SAYS something to her. She TURNSaround to see their guests. She WALKS up to them, with a friendly smile.

WOMAN-
Hello, welcome to my club. (to the SOLDIERS) Let them go. They're friends.

The SOLDIERS BACK off.

XENA-
Who are you?

WOMAN-
I am Angelina Michaels. But you can call me The Empress. And you are in my club. I am theowner, and the leader of the resistance.

GABRIELLE-
The resistance?

THE EMPRESS-
Yes. Right now, an evil is building up to the south. We've got to face them so they can't get in here.

XENA-
Wait a second.... You said your name was Angelina Michaels?

THE EMPRESS-
Yes.

XENA-
That was one of the names on the tombstones in the graveyard.

GABRIELLE-
So, if she's dead, then how would she be here?

XENA-
Maybe memory, maybe some old advise.... it could be anything.

XENA WALKS over to a map of Los Angeles. Green thumbtacks are pointing out the locations ofseveral outposts that they have sent up around the city. THE EMPRESS WALKS over, noticing XENA's curiousity.

XENA-
Is this your plan for when your enemy attacks?

THE EMPRESS-
Yes.

XENA-
I hate to tell you this, Empress, but the locations of your troops isn't good. If you want your troops turned into an all night massicure, then this is the plan to follow.

THE EMPRESS-
What do you suggest?

XENA-(pointing it out on the map)I suggest to when your enemy heads down this way, you should have them blocked off at each side and fight from the front. This gives them a route to escape. No one dies, only a few injuried.

THE EMPRESS-
Will you help us out, Xena?

XENA-
I'll do my best.

GABRIELLE STANDS quietly, not really paying much attention to XENA and THE EMPRESS.

VOICE-(female)Are you as bored as I am?

GABRIELLE TURNS and LOOKS at a GIRL who's at least 19 years-old.

GABRIELLE-
Yeah. Somewhat.

GIRL-
I'm 2Cool.

GABRIELLEToo Cool?

2COOL-
No. Not too. Two. As in the number two.

GABRIELLE-
Oh. Nice to meet you. I'm Gabrielle.

2COOL-
My real name is Jean Karr, my hacker name is 2Cool. I know you know Code.

GABRIELLE-
Who?

2COOL-
Code? Jason Madison?

GABRIELLEOh, yeah. I forgot. He went by Code Breaker, right?

2COOL-
Yeah. And that's what he was, too. I wish he was here to help us out. I mean, he's a good thinker.Better than any of us here. Most of the geniuses here are level 4. Code is a level 7.

GABRIELLE-
What does a level 7 mean?

2COOL-
Beyond Understandable. For many of years, Code's mother, Rebecca, had taken him every typeof government research group for them to study him. They even had geniuses who ranked at level 6, and they weren't able to figure him out. I mean, the did every type of test on him, from "What would you do if..." to "think fast" to the hardest test that anyone has ever made. And he passed EVERY single one of them as if he was counting numbers. Usually, he would be misunderstood and sometimes unpredictable. And when something happens, he flips out and goes wild and does something unexpected.

GABRIELLE-
What does he do unexpected?

2COOL-
Could be a number of things. Code's the kind of person when you get him in a corner, he'll think fast, plan fast, and overcome the enemy. He'll punch his way through, or he'll think hisway through. That's one of the things that the Empress likes about Code.

GABRIELLE-
You mean they...

2COOL-(cutting in)No. Not that. They only had a friendship. The Empress herself, is a level 6.7. When she broughtCode in, they were almost like brother and sister. They understood each other too well. Of course, when he lost his girlfriend, Sarah, everything went kind of downhill. He wouldn't talk to any of us, not even his mother. Trust me, if you had Code as a boyfriend, you would wantto hold on to him.

GABRIELLE-
But Jason and I aren't that way.

2COOL-
Hence the word "if".

XENA TAPS on GABRIELLE's sholder.

XENA-
I need to speak with you in private.

XENA and GABRIELLE WALK over away from the others.

XENA-
Gabrielle, it appears that we've stumbled in on what is about to be an all out war.

GABRIELLE-
You're joking, right?

XENA-
No. It appears that both their enemy and them are ready for the first blood to be drawn.

GABRIELLE-
What can we do?

XENA-
We're going to have to help them.

GABRIELLE-
And how do you suggest we do that?

XENA-
I've got some battle skills that they could use.

GABRIELLE-
What about Jason?

XENA-
What about him?

GABRIELLE-
Well, everyone here is saying Jason is the perfect one to help out in this thing. If we couldonly find him...

XENA-(cutting GABRIELLE off)The war would have already started. We've got to stay. We'll try to find Jason later.

XENA WALKS back over to the map. GABRIELLE LOOKS at XENA for a moment.

GABRIELLE-(to herself)May the gods watch over us all.

Cut to:

INT.: CASTLE/LATER

We see EVIL XENA creep out of her chamber, wearing a silk robe, slowly CLOSING the door behind her. She WALKS down the hall to enter the....

INT.: DINNINGROOM

She ENTERS, walking over to see that dinner is ready. We find HOPE sitting in one of the chairs.

HOPE-
How did it go?

EVIL XENA-
Very well.

HOPE-
How is our super soldier by the way?

EVIL XENA-
He's resting.

EVIL XENA PICKS UP a plate and begins to load up on some food. HOPE takes a SIP of wine froma glass sitting in front of her.

HOPE-
So, when is the attack?

EVIL XENA-
A few hours. My soldiers are ready, and so is the plan.

HOPE-
I've been listening to the whispers from Los Angeles. Xena and my mother have arrived thereand have decided to join in on the fight. When do you think he will be up?

EVIL XENA-(taking a seat next to HOPE, beginning to eat)In a few minutes. I am so hungery.

HOPE-
Does he think you love him?

EVIL XENA-
I have him wrapped around my finger like a string. He'll be VERY useful.

HOPE-(sings)Oh, how evil are we truely?For the gods I do not know.

EVIL XENA-(sings)Are we evil truely?I guess it doesn't show.

HOPE-(sings)For when he head to that dreadful townWe are going to fight and win.

EVIL XENA-(sings)No small and weak army will take us downAnd their group is surely pinned.

HOPE and EVIL XENA-(singing)For we now have the upper handin this great battleFor we can will take over this landand be back in the saddle.

(EVIL XENA GETS UP from the TABLE so does HOPE. The WALK around and MEET on the other side of the table

EVIL XENA-
How will everything go?

HOPE-
We take out their soldiers, then we get Xena and Gabrielle, we'll rip them to shreads, then we getrid of Madison.

EVIL XENA-
NO! He's mine. I'm keeping him.

HOPE-
Don't tell me you are falling for him?

EVIL XENA-
No. He's very.... pleasurable for me. Besides, it's been a long time since I had something to keepme warm at night.

HOPE SMILES and SHAKES her head in disaproval.

HOPE-
Whatever makes you happy.)

HOPE-(sings)Well, we will show them the endAnd make them suffer in painWe'll chase them down around the bendeven through the rain.

EVIL XENA-(sings)For they'll suffer with no mercy at our hands and we'll smile wide on our facesWe'll burn them , stab them, toss them in quicksand>From here to many of places.

HOPE and EVIL XENA-(sings)For now we rest and grow strongand soon they will regretFor everything for them is going wrongfor their match they have met!

Both EVIL XENA and HOPE LAUGH. EVIL XENA slows down to a stop to catch her breath.

EVIL XENA-
I must be getting back. I don't want my love to wake up, noticing I'm gone.

EVIL XENA quickly HURRIES out of the room. HOPE WALKS back around the table and SITS backdown in her chair.

HOPE-(to herself)As soon as Xena and my mother dies, we will use Jason himself. We shall both be satisfied.

INT.: CHAMBER

We see EVIL XENA SLOWLY ENTER, trying hard not to wake up JASON. She CREEPS overto the bed, where JASON SLEEPS quietly. She REMOVES her robe and GETS UNDER the covers.She SLOWLY and GENTLELY takes him into her arms, not waking him in the progess. She KISSEShim on the forehead.

EVIL XENA-(whisper)Soon, we shall win. And we shall be together. Forever.

FADE TO:

BACKGROUND COLOR: BLACK

FADE TO:

INT.: CLUB/LATER

Several HIGH-TEC SOLDIERS EAT at several tables. XENA and THE EMPRESS STAND, talking about the arrangement of the troops. GABRIELLE SITS at the bar, DRINKING some water from aglass. She looks over to find a sign on a wall. An arrow points to what appears to be a hallway.The sign reads: "The Vault". GABRIELLE seems interested in the vault. She GETS UP off the stooland WALKS down the hallway.

INT.: HALLWAY

GABRIELLE WALKS up to a door, a sign on it reads "The Vault". She GRABS for the doorhandleand OPENS the door. She ENTERS.

INT.: THE VAULT

Inside the vault, she finds shelves full of books, several file cabinets, and what appears to be a TVand console. She WALKS over, and looks at the titles of the books.

GABRIELLE'S POV: BOOKS

The titles on the books are dates. Reaching from June 18, 1979 to the date of the events of "TheForsaken Time". She pICKS UP the lastest book from it's resting place and looks through it. It has several pictures from "The Forsaken Time", only in Jason's POV. Several pictures in sequnce: Inside the Mustang as it falls towards the rocks of the beach below, XENA and GABRIELLE when JASONfirst met them, the village before they were attacked. We look back at GABRIELLE as she CLOSES the book and PLACES it back in it's place.

GABRIELLE-
These must be Jason's memories.

She WALKS over to the cabinets. She TRIES to open one of the drawers, but it won't budge. SheTRIES another one of the cabinets. None of them will open.

GABRIELLE-
Ok. Jason's secrets, I guess.

She MOVES over to the TV and console. She looks closely at it, noticing several buttons. She TOUCHES play on it. On the screen, something comes on. She looks up at it, startled.

GABRIELLE'S POV: TV SCREEN

On the screen, GABRIELLE sees what appears to be a hillside view of Los Angeles. She cansee JASON sitting on the hood of the Mustang, alone and quiet. He looks over to see a figurefar off, looking at him. It's the female figure from "The Forsaken Time". She's too far off to geta good view of her face.

JASON-(on the screen)Mom?

We look back at GABRIELLE. She LOOKS down at the console and PUSHES another button.

GABRIELLE'S POV: TV SCREEN

JASON is on the screen RUNNING through a maze from some kind of monster, almost a combination of a werewolf and zombie. JASON RUNS into door. The door lock is a number keypad. He punches several numbers into it, trying to break the code.

JASON-
Please, lord, please!

We look back at GABRIELLE, with wide eyes. She pushes another button, causing the screen to goblank.

GABRIELLE-
Dreams and nightmares. Jason's memories, secrets, dreams and nightmares. What can I do in here,I wonder?

GABRIELLE STANDS for a moment, thinking. All of a sudden, she walks over to the bookshelf, andbegins to look back for a certain date. She FINDS the book she was looking for.

GABRIELLE'S POV: BOOK, DATE JUNE 12, 1998

We look in the book as GABRIELLE flips through the pages. She sees pictures of JASON and SARAH COOKS. Of when JASON picked her up, to the picnic at a park out of Los Angeles, the wreck itself,and one of SARAH DYING on the table in the emergency room, several doctors and nurses trying tosave her. We look back at GABRIELLE as she READS.

GABRIELLE-(reading from the book)I made a promise to Sarah. I promised her that we'd be together forever. But it appears I failedat upholding my promise. I made the mistake of using MacReady Road. I often wish I didn't take that road. I tried to reach out to her, but I couldn't move. All I could do was sit and watch her die. I sometimes wish that I never taken that god forsaken road. If I hadn't, Sarah might have still been here. But she died, and it is my fault. I'm sorry, Sarah. (closes the book) Oh, Jason it wasn't your fault.

She PLACES the book back in its spot.

GABRIELLE-(sings)I can understand what has happened to youI have often felt that way.But you know you have to make it throughAnd hope to have a better day.The pain and sorrow always stayAnd you often feel like you have diedBut you have to find your own wayAnd there's nothing left to hide.

(GABRIELLE WALKS over and SITS down in a chair.)

For there's always tommorrowmay your fears be sweaped awayFor there should be no more sorrowLet your sadness fade awayYour pain is not to yourselfothers felt the sameBut you've got to stand and face yourself, And you won't feel ashamed.

(GABRIELLE REACHES over to the shelf and PULLS out another book.

GABRIELLE'S POV: BOOK

GABRIELLE FLIPS through the pages, pictures showing JASON when he was a baby, with hismother REBECCA, JASON being rocked to sleep by his mother. We look back at GABRIELLE as she SMILES.

GABRIELLE-
Oh, how cute.)

Oh how could you grow up so fastyour mind ahead of your ageEveryday quickly becomes a part of the pastand you are the center stageFor your world is different from mineI know that seems so strangeBut we are both in the same timeand we both are almost the sameFor we know how it is to love and looseSo many things we both have to ponderDeath is not the thing to chooseand love has and will always conquerWhere ever you are I hope these words get to youFor they may not make any senseFor this is the present and the past has been throughAnd I hope you will recognize my presenceFor that I am a friend of yoursthere are things that do not dareFor I know that friends of yoursare people who truely care.

GABRIELLE PUTS the book back in its spot. She LEANS back in the chair and sighs.

GABRIELLE-
May the Gods watch over you, Jason.

Cut to:

EXT.: CASTLE COURTYARD

We find EVIL XENA's SOLDIERS, in armor and ready to fight. EVIL XENA WALKS outinto the courtyard. The SOLDIERS STRAIGHTEN up.

EVIL XENA-
Alright boys. You know exactly what we are going to do, don't you? Well, fellas. We've got anextra hand. (towards offscreen) Honey, why don't you introduce yourself to the boys?

We see THE FIGURE that attacked JASON at the cabin STANDING in the shadows. The FIGUREsteps out of the shadows to revile.... JASON! He looks somewhat different than the last time we saw him. His hair is slicked back, his skin is a little pale. He wears his sunglasses.

JASON-
I maybe bad.... But I feel good.

EVIL XENA WALKS up to him and KISSES him. We see HOPE COME out of the shadows.

EVIL XENA-
Jason, my dear, I know you know Hope?

JASON-
Of course, we had a previous meet.

HOPE-
It's a real pleasure to meet you again.

JASON-
I guess.

EVIL XENA WALKS JASON over to a near-by table, where a map of Los Angeles sits.

EVIL XENA-
Well, sweetheart, what do you think?

JASON-
I think that they will block off each side, giving us one entrance into the area and a way to escape. If we come up from the rear, they'd never know what happened to them until they realized it.

HOPE-
What are you thinking?

JASON-
We get to the club, block off the rear entrance from the outside, get in there, and fillthe whole place with tons of dead bodies.

HOPE-
Sounds like fun.

EVIL XENA-
Now, now Hope, that's not the only thing. Jason here, when we get inside and find Xena andGabrielle, will do the honors of ridding us of them. Of course, he has the option.

JASON-
Any special parts you want me to save for you?

HOPE-
I'll take my mother's head... if that's no bother.

EVIL XENA-
Alright fellas! Let's move out!

EVIL XENA, HOPE, and JASON WALK over and mount several horses. The SOLDIERS begin to FILE OUTof the COURTYARD.

EXT.: FIELD

We see the massive ARMY as they MARCH towards Los Angeles. They are totally packed with heavy weaponary.

Cut to:

INT.: CLUB

XENA and THE EMPRESS LOOK OVER the plans of the club.

THE EMPRESS-
There's only two entrances into the club itself. (points out on the map) Here, the main entrance, and here, the back alley.

XENA-
I think we might want to block that off.

THE EMPRESS-
No need. The door opens out from the inside. And it has a lock. Whoever goes out, can't getback in unless someone opens it from the inside.

XENA-
Ok. We might need that alley as an escape route if nessicary.

GABRIELLE COMES up next to XENA.

GABRIELLE-
How's everything?

XENA-
By the way it looks, we might be ready for them.

THE EMPRESS-
Look, Xena, I know you're tired. Go over to the bar and have a drink, take a load off.

XENA WALKS over to the bar, GABRIELLE FOLLOWING. XENA TAKES A SEAT on one of the stool.

GABRIELLE-
Xena, you are not going to believe what I found.

XENA-
What is it?

GABRIELLE-
There's a place here called "The Vault". Inside has Jason's memories and thoughts, his dreams and nightmares, even his secrets.

XENA-
So that's where you disappeared to. (To BARKEEP) Give me the best wine you've got.

GABRIELLE-
Xena, I've been looking into Jason's memories. I've learned alot about Sarah.

The BARKEEP hands XENA a glass of wine.

XENA-
Who?(takes sip of wine)

GABRIELLE-
Sarah Cooks, the girl Jason first mistook me for?

XENA-
Oh. So, what's she like?

GABRIELLE-
A lot like me. Not only does she look like me, but we've got a lot of things in common.

XENA-
Like what?

GABRIELLE-
She likes to write. She's very gentle, very nice, and doesn't hold any grudges against anyone. XENA-
Sounds a lot like a future version of you.

GABRIELLE-
I know, and that's just the normal parts.

XENA-
How deep did you get into Jason's thoughts? (sips)

GABRIELLE-
Too deep.

XENA-
How deep?

GABRIELLE-
So deep, I know how... entament their relation got.

XENA-
You mean...

GABRIELLE-(cutting XENA off)Yes. That.

XENA-
Good grief. How many times?

GABRIELLE-
One.

XENA-
You're kidding?

GABRIELLE-
I'm telling the truth, I swear to Zeus himself.

XENA-
Just one time?

GABRIELLE-
I know, hard to believe.

XENA-
Not hard, impossible.

GABRIELLE-
Oh come on, Xena. I mean, it's easy to understand. Jason told me that she was raped. He wastelling the truth. He told her that he was willing to wait for as long as possible for her toget over what happened. He left it for her to choose.

XENA-
That sounds very understandable. Of course, I'm surprised he was able to wait so long. How long exactly did he wait? (sip)

GABRIELLE-
For at least seven months.

XENA-(nearly chokes on wine)By gods! What did he do until then?

GABRIELLE-
He stayed faithful. They always would wait until the weekend... whatever that is, and they would share time with each other. He used to hold her in his arms, she used to bite hisneck as a joke they shared... (sighs) Boy, I wish I could have a boyfriend like that.

XENA-
Gabrielle... Don't.

GABRIELLE-
What?

XENA-
Don't you see what's happening? You're falling into a fantasy that is from a first personpoint of view. Jason might have been faithful to Sarah, but what makes him sure that Sarahwasn't lying to him? I mean, she might have had other men in her life other than Jason, maybeeven lied about the rape, just to have time with someone else.

GABRIELLE-
Xena, how would you know about lying to a man?

XENA-
I used to do it. I would first sucker them into thinking I loved them, then I'd used them, and thenI'd dispose of them. That was of course in the past. I hate the person I used to be.

GABRIELLE-
Well, Xena, Sarah wasn't like that. That and you are a better person than what I heard of the old you. I'm beginning to wish I hadn't read so much about her. I know so much, I could probably be her.

XENA-
What do you mean?

GABRIELLE-
Well, I look like Sarah, and I sound like her too. Since I read about Sarah, I can easy fool Jasoninto thinking I'm her. Maybe a little too well.

XENA-
So you can impersonate Jason's dead lover?

GABRIELLE-
I know. But I don't think I'd ever do it. EVER.

A HIGH-TEC SOLDIER comes RUNNING in. He RUNS up to THE EMPRESS.

THE EMPRESS-
What is it?

HIGH-TEC SOLDER-
It's her and her soldiers. They're on their way here.

THE EMPRESS-
ALRIGHT PEOPLE! THIS IS THE MOMENT OF TRUTH! LET'S GET READY!

All of the HIGH-TEC SOLDIERS begin to REACT, GRABBING their weapons. XENA and GABRIELLEMOVE over to THE EMPRESS.

XENA-
Looks like the war is about to start. I hope your soldiers are up to the fight.

THE EMPRESS-
If not, may the gods have mercy on our souls.

EXT.: CLUB/ROOF

We see several HIGH-TEC SOLDERS GETTING READY for the fight. We look at the LEADER of theSOLDIERS as he looks through a pair of binoculars.

LEADER'S POV: EVIL XENA'S SOLDIERS

We can see the SOLDIERS MARCH down the empty street. We look back at the LEADER.

LEADER-
Looks like they've awaken a giant today.

EXT.: CLUB/BACK ALLEY

We FOLLOW SEVERAL of the SOLDIERS as the come up, PUSHING a tow truck in the way ofthe door exiting the club. They RUN off as soon as they are done.

EXT.: LOS ANGELES/EMPTY STREET

We see the SOLDIERS as they MARCH down the street.

SOLDIERS-(singing)One, two, three, four We are the dogs of warTwo, three, four, five,It's time for them to dieWe are the dogs of wartheir match that they have metWe have won many times beforeWe will win, you betFor we are smart and strongWe will not dare to looseAnd the others are so wrongHave the pleasure to loose.

(We pan over, find EVIL XENA, HOPE, and JASON up on their horses.

JASON-
Such a lively crew, aren't they?

EVIL XENA-
Oh, yes. The best of the best. The few and the proud.HOPE-
We'll see how good they are when the time comes.)

No one shall stop us no matter how hard they tryThis goes for all of usIts either do or dieFor we are the dogs of warand we shall never yield We are strong and never poorWe shall die on the battlefield.

The club comes into view.

SECOND IN COMMAND-
COMPANY HAULT!

All SOLDIERS come to a STOP. EVIL XENA, HOPE, and JASON SIT on their horses as the SCOUTcomes riding up.

EVIL XENA-
Is everything set?

SCOUT-
We have the door in the alleyway blocked off. All is ready.

EVIL XENA-
Jason, my love. Will you be the leader of this raid?

JASON-
What do I have to loose, except you my dear?

EVIL XENA-
Nothing my sweet. Bring us forth into that club.

JASON GALLOPS off to the front of the group.

EXT.: CLUB/ROOF TOP

We see XENA and GABRIELLE run out onto the roof, joining the HIGH-TEC SOLDIERS.

XENA-
How's it looking?

LEADER-
I think they are about to attack.

The LEADER HANDS XENA a pair of binoculars. XENA LOOKS at them curiously, then looksthrough them.

XENA'S POV: EVIL XENA and HOPE

XENA LOOKS through the binoculars and sees EVIL XENA and HOPE.

XENA-
Great.

GABRIELLE-
What?

XENA-
It appears that we are fighting an evil version of me, and your daughter, Hope.

She continues to LOOK. She SPOTS JASON, RIDING his horse to the frount of the group.

XENA-
Oh, no.

We look back at XENA as she LOWERS the binoculars.

GABRIELLE-
What is it?

XENA-
Jason's down there.

GABRIELLE-
What?

XENA-
Jason is down there and he looks like he's on their side.

EXT.: STREET

We see JASON getting to the front of the group.

JASON-
YOU READY TO KILL?

SOLDIERS-
YEAH!

JASON-
YOU READY FOR BLOODSHED?

SOLDIERS-
YEAH!

JASON-
THEN WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? CHARGE!!!

The SOLDIERS, lead by JASON, CLOSE IN on the club.

INT.: CLUB

XENA and GABRIELLE RUN up to THE EMPRESS.

XENA-
Jason's on their side!

THE EMPRESS-What?

XENA-
Jason's joined up on their side.

GABRIELLE-
Why would he do that for?

XENA-
Maybe he's been seduced by evil.

EXT.: CLUB

Several HIGH-TEC SOLDIERS FIRE their guns as the SOLDIERS come up. Several SOLDIERS KILLthe group of HIGH-TEC SOLDIERS. It is an all out fight between both sides. There's gunfire, and the clinging and clanging of metal on metal. We see JASON DISMOUNT his horse, pulling out his CHAIN SAW. He STARTS it up and ATTACKS a few of the HIGH-TEC SOLDIERS.

INT. CLUB/HALL

Several more of the HIGH-TEC SOLDIERS BLOCK OFF the entrance into the club in hope of stopping the group.

THE EMPRESS-
HURRY! BLOCK IT OFF WITH AS MUCH AS YOU CAN!

EXT.: CLUB

The SOLDIERS have FINISHED OFF the last of the HIGH-TECS. Now they TURN their attention to the door.

JASON-(calling out)BATTERRING RAM!

A tow truck comes up in a distance, turning to face the building. All of the SOLDIERS and JASON get clear. The truck ROARS down the road, sounding like a lion.

INT.: CLUB/HALL

The entrance FLIES APART as the tow truck SMASHES through. Several HIGH-TEC SOLDIERS, one of them being 2COOL, run into the hall, firing their guns as the SOLDIERS come RUNNING in. The SOLDIERS KILL the HIGH-TECS.

INT.: CLUB

Several more HIGH-TECS and SOLDIERS FIGHT as they ENTER the room. THE EMPRESS PICKS UPa rilfe and begins to SHOOT at several of the SOLDIERS.

THE EMPRESS-
Sorry boys, but you need an invitation!

XENA and GABRIELLE JOIN IN the fight, trying their best to make it to the exit. XENA lets out herBATTLE CRY as she FIGHTS using her SWORD. GABRIELLE BRINGS down several of the SOLDIERS, with one good swipe of a pipe she found. She MANAGES to GET to the emergency door.She PUSHES ON IT.

EXT.: ALLEYWAY

We see the door SLAMMING up against the tow truck.

INT.: CLUB

GABRIELLE TURNS around, HITTING another SOLDIER with the pipe, sending him flying into the glassof a jukebox.

GABRIELLE-
XENA! THE DOOR'S BLOCKED!!

We look back at THE EMPRESS, FIRING off the rifle at several more of the SOLDIERS. All of a sudden,BOOM! THE EMPRESS TIGHTENS UP with pain and shock. She DROPS to her knees and FALLS over dead. Behind her is JASON. He had FIRED the shot that killed her. XENA and GABRIELLE are takenPRISONER, just as HOPE and EVIL XENA ENTER the room.

HOPE-
Hello, mother.

EVIL XENA-
The club is ours.

FADE TO:

BACKGROUND COLOR: BLACK

FADE TO:

INT.: CLUB/LATER

We see XENA and GABRIELLE being TIED to an overhead pipe on a near-by wall. We see EVILXENA walk up to them as the SOLDIERS who are tying them up FINISH.

EVIL XENA-
Well, well, well.... Look at what the cat drug in. It's been a long time Xena.

XENA-
It has, hasn't it?

EVIL XENA-
As you can see, I've got my own body now. And I see you've made a friend too.

GABRIELLE-
Better than the friend you have.

EVIL XENA-
You mean Hope? She's very good to tell the truth. She has a good mind.

XENA-
Why did you attack this group? They done nothing to you.

EVIL XENA-
It's my nature. And I live by my code.

XENA-
We both live by the same code. You don't murder weaponless women and children.

EVIL XENA-
That is one of the things I hate the most. But no, you always say it's not right. Well, now I don'thave to put up with you and your pathic little morals anymore.

JASON STEPS UP, CHAIN SAW in hand. He STARTS it up.

HOPE-
I don't about you, but I'm in the mood for some raw meet.

JASON BEGINS to WALK FORWARD, closing in on GABRIELLE. She THINKS quickly about whatto do. Then it hits her.

GABRIELLE-
Jason! Jason, it's me! It's Sarah!

JASON STOPS in his tracks a little ways from her, almost stunned.

GABRIELLE-
Jason, I don't hold you responcible for my death. It wasn't your fault.

EVIL XENA-
Jason, my love, kill her!

GABRIELLE-
Jason, you promised we'd be together forever. I love you

She LEANS forward and BITES JASON on the neck, like from what GABRIELLE read from thebooks in the Vault. JASON STEPS BACK, surprised. He RUBS his neck. GABRIELLE looks athim, wondering if her impresonation worked. JASON CUTS OFF the chain saw.

JASON-
I need to use the restroom.

JASON DROPS the chain saw and HURRIES out of the room. EVIL XENA COMES UP and SLAPSGABRIELLE.

EVIL XENA-
You might have delayed your death, but you didn't stop it.

INT.: RESTROOM

We see JASON ENTER the room, LOCKING the door behind him. He GRABS his hair, as if hishead is hurting. He STUMBLES around the room, in a conflict between him and himself. He can'tfigure out what to do. He SLAMS himself into a mirror, breaking it. He FIGHTS himself. Both of hisHANDS PUNCHING himself in the face and stomach. He moves over to the sink.

JASON-
Get... out of..... me!

Jason STICKS his finger into his throat and BARFS up the blood he drank from EVIL XENA. The bloodsplats against the sink's bottom.

INT.: CLUB

A SOLDIER PICKS UP the chain saw and STARTS it.

EVIL XENA-
Finish them.

The SOLDIER SLOWLY closes in on them, about to kill GABRIELLE. HOPE SMILES wickedly.BOOM! The chain saw goes flyingout of the SOLDIERS hands, flying across the room. Everyone turns to see JASON, HOLDING the shotgun, looking like he has returned to normal.

JASON-
Yo, she-bitch.(cocks gun) Let's go.

ALL SOLDIERS begin to ATTACK. JASON FIGHTS them off, using the shotgun, FIRING like crazy.He RUNS OUT of shells to the shot gun, and begins to swing it like a baseball bat.

JASON-
BRING IT ON!

He KNOCKS DOWN several SOLDIERS. He JUMPS UP onto the bar and RUNS down it.Several SOLDIERS try to get him by cutting his legs off with their swords, but JASONJUMPS over each blade. He DIVES off the BAR, falling behind it. He finds another shot gun.

JASON-
Am I lucky? Or is it just fate?

He picks up the shotgun and pops up from behind the bar.

JASON-
YEAH, BABY!

He FIRES, taking out the remaining SOLDIERS in the room. EVIL XENA and HOPE slowly BACK AWAY from XENA and GABRIELLE as JASON JUMPS over the bar, walking over to them. He AIMSthe gun at EVIL XENA and HOPE.

JASON-
You shouldn't have done that. You know I don't let anything happen to my friends, you pricks.

EVIL XENA-
But my love, I...

JASON-(cutting in)I AM NOT YOUR LOVE, YOU OVER GROWN POOR EXCUSE FOR EVIL! My grandmother can bemore evil than you! Heck, I was born in Hell!

HOPE-
Jason, think about what you are doing. You are missing out on a good thing.

JASON-
Well, Hope, that's a thing being a Madison, you miss out on a lot of things.

JASON PULLS out his switchblade, and CUTS XENA and GABRIELLE free.

GABRIELLE-
Jason?

JASON-
What?

GABRIELLE-
I'm sorry for impresonating Sarah.

JASON-
Gabrielle, I thank you for doing that. Because if you didn't, I'd still be in the clutches of thesetwo pricks.

GABRIELLE-
You're welcome.

JASON-
Xena, do you want me to do with these two?

XENA-
I don't know. What do you want to do?

JASON-
I want to kill them.

XENA-
Be my guest.

JASON COCKS the gun, aiming it at HOPE. BOOM! She is sent FLYING across the room, she crashesinto a table on the far side of the room. He COCKS the gun again and aims at EVIL XENA.

EVIL XENA-
Damn you, Jason.

JASON-
Nonono, Xena. Damn YOU.

He fires. She is sent FLYING across the room, landing on top of HOPE on the far side of the room.JASON DROPS the gun. He turns around to face XENA and GABRIELLE.

JASON-(sings)What was that thing that I became?How could I be such a fool?So much of my life has been lameAnd it has been uncool.

XENA-(sings)We all have delt with our own pastFor some it remainsThe present always seems to lastFor some the rest of our days

GABRIELLE-
For we all have suffered from painWhich we try our best to hideBut the sad memories alway remainAnd its something we can't deny

XENA, GABRIELLE, and JASON-(sings)We have nothing left to fearFor friendship is a tie that bindsLove can conquer all the terrible yearsAnd breaks any kind of lineMay we be fearless and brave Up till our utter endTogether we all will stayFriends to the end.

The room slowly fades away into a black void. We look down at XENA, GABRIELLE, and JASON. JASON blacks out first, falling into the floor.

GABRIELLE-
JASON!

All of a sudden, she blacks out as well, falling next to JASON. XENA SMILES as she CLOSES hereyes, falling to the floor, joining GABRIELLE and JASON.

FADE TO:

EXT.: BEACH/DAY

We look down on XENA, GABRIELLE, and JASON. They all LAY on the BEACH, the water splashing onthem as they lay in the exact positions that they were in when they blacked out . JASON WAKES up. He rubs his forehead.

JASON-
Oh, what a headache.

GABRIELLE and XENA slowly SLIP back into reality. XENA helps up GABRIELLE and JASON.

JASON-
Where are we?

XENA-
We're home.

JASON-
Home sweet home, like the old saying.

There is the sound of a horse cry overhead. XENA TURNS around and LOOKS up off screen.

XENA'S POV: ARGO LOOKING DOWN

We see ARGO LOOKING down off the cliff. We look back at XENA as she smiles.

XENA-(calling towards off screen)ARGO! We're alright! Stay there!

JASON-
Xena... I'm... I'm sorry for...

XENA-
Jason, don't worry. It was what I used to do. Besides, it wasn't really me anyway.

GABRIELLE-
How about we get out of here?

JASON-(pointing at GABRIELLE)I quote her.

XENA CHUCKLES. XENA, GABRIELLE, and JASON WALKS OFF towards the hill to get back towhere ARGO is.

GABRIELLE-
Jason, I have one question.

JASON-
What's that?

GABRIELLE-
Do you still think death is your way out?

JASON-
To tell you the truth, Gabrielle..... No. Not anymore.

FADE TO:

BACKGROUND COLOR: BLACK

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