ACT 2
FADE IN:
The Main Hall on Mount Olympus. 27 years ago. Zeus sits on his throne, his mind a million miles away, or more accurately, 60,000 years in the past when he first saw Hera. As his mind replays their happier years together, his eldest daughter, Athena, rushes in, but he is so deep in his memories, he doesn't even notice.
Athena:
(all business) Father, we have a situation; Ahura Mazda is here to see you, something about his son, Kal, being killed, and Ares having a part in it all; surprise, surprise. Anyway, I…(realizing she's being ignored) FATHER!!!
Hearing his calmest daughters shrieking for his attention, Zeus is startled out of his daydreams.
Zeus:
(irritated and a little embarrassed by the erotic memory he'd been reliving moments before) What do you require, Athena?
Athena:
As I was saying, Ahura Mazda is here to see you, and he says it's urgent. I have Aphrodite playing hostess, as I knew you might very well be… (blushing slightly) busy. (clearing her throat) Anyhow, it seems that Ahura's son, Kal, was killed and from what I can gather from his ranting, Ares was involved.
Gabrielle:
(V.O.) But Xena killed Kal protecting me. Ares was there, but he wasn't responsible for that.
CUT TO:
Hedda's Bedroom in Athena's Temple. With Gabrielle's comment, we are ripped back to the present.
Hedda:
(smirking) Defending Daddy already? But in answer to your question, Ahura Mazda and Kal had a far warmer relationship than Dad and Grandpa Zeus. Think of it as you would a mortal family; Ahura Mazda was merely a grieving father who wanted to strike out at anyone even remotely connected to his son's death, and since Xena was out of his reach what with Eli and his god protecting her and the unborn Bitch of Rome she was carrying. And with you, being Xena's soulmate and all, were thus equally off limits, the buck had to fall somewhere. Anyway, where was I?
CUT TO:
The Great Hall on Mount Olympus. 27 years ago, but a day after the last flashback.
Zeus is sitting on his throne again, this time fully in the present. Athena and Aphrodite stand before him. None of them look happy, in fact they all look as though they have to deliver bad news, which is exactly what they have to do.
Athena:
Father, I must go on record as saying this is wrong.
Aphrodite:
Yeah Daddy, this is way uncool. Ares finally finds someone he cares about, other than himself, and you're going to punish him for it? Haven't you and mom redistricted his love-map deep enough into the sewer as it is? To do this now…
Zeus:
I know. I don't like it any more than either of you do, but it was all I could do to get Ahura to agree to this. He wanted me to kill Ares or to throw him into the Abyss of Tartarus with your mother, but I couldn't do that, not for this. If we don't go through with this, there could be war between our two pantheons, and when gods go to war…
Aphrodite:
(sadly) Innocent mortals pay the heaviest price. I know… but it's still terribly grody!
Athena:
Let's get this over with.
Zeus:
(straightening himself) Ares!
Ares appears, a scowl marring his features.
Ares:
(cutting his mother off) What did I do now?
Zeus:
You allowed a fellow god, Kal, to be killed by a mortal under your purview.
Ares chuckles and shakes his head in disbelief.
Ares:
Let? Let?! Excuse me, but nobody LETS Xena do anything! Kal wasn't the first god she's killed. Ever hear of Indrajit? Hope? Callisto? Grant it, Callisto was only a god because she'd gotten her paws on ambrosia, but who gave her the ambrosia in the first place, XENA! By the gods, she's brilliant! (shaking himself out of his Xena induced stupor) And I tried to warn Kal about her, twice, but he wouldn't listen. Am I being blamed for his stupidity as well?!
Athena:
(bitterly whispering under her breath) Basically.
Zeus gives Athena a warning glance, but ultimately returns his attention to Ares.
Zeus:
Ares, the matter is not open for discussion. You are here to receive my verdict. (clearing his throat) Ares: God of War, for allowing a mortal whom you sponsored to gain access to the Chakram of Light, which directly resulted in the War God, Kal's untimely death, you have been found guilty of negligence in your duty to the Olympian order and her allies. As a result, I sentence you to be made mortal, and to reside within parallel dimension #8, until such time as I feel you are in full realization and repentance of your crimes and see fit to restore you to Olympus.
Ares:
(shaking his head) I can't believe this! I can't believe you're… scratch that, I CAN believe it! It's Ahura Mazda, isn't it? I heard he came here yesterday all puffed up about something, and now I know why!
Zeus:
Ares, try to understand…
Ares:
Oh, I understand; I'm your scapegoat to prevent a conflict with Ahura and his clan! I have to wonder through, if it were your dearest Hercules who'd been in the Chakram chamber a few days ago, whether you'd be so hesitant to go to war on his behalf, FATHER!
Zeus:
(near pleading) Ares…
Ares:
Don't even bother; your hands are tied, right? (disgusted) Just send me to this parallel world 8 or whatever before I loose my lunch!
Zeus sighs, but raises his hand over his son's head. Defiantly, Ares locks eyes with his father, and uses every ounce of will to remain on his feet while his godhood is ripped from him. Aphrodite starts to cry at the pain on Ares face, and Athena uncomfortably, places a steadying hand on her shoulder. When it is done, Zeus is about to send Ares away, when Athena rushes forward.
Athena:
Father… one minute, please.
Zeus nods his ascent, and Athena moves to stand facing the now mortal Ares.
Athena:
(sympathetically) Ares…
Ares:
(touched by her concern, but wanting to appear nonchalant) Don't worry about me, I'll survive; (menacingly to Zeus) I always do!
A warrior herself, Athena nods in understanding, as Zeus raises his hand, palm up this time, and her brother disappears to his fate.
CUT TO:
The Universe of Xena: the Conqueror. Corinth. A half hour before sunset. A vortex opens in an alleyway behind a bar, but no one is around to see it. Suddenly, Ares is spit out onto the street, and the vortex disappears.
Ares:
(glumly, rubbing the arm he fell on) Thanks DAD.
Ares climbs to his feet and dust himself off, checking he is still in one piece. Noticing his sword is missing, he rolls his eyes.
Ares:
I guess the first order of business is to find a new weapon.
Thug #1:
(V.O.) Let us help you with that.
Ares looks up to see himself confronted by six armed thugs, all sneering predatorily. Realizing these men actually mean to beat him up and rob him, Ares chuckles and shakes his head.
Ares:
(smiling) Now that's what I call neighborly.
Thug #1:
Get him!
The six thugs come after Ares and he easily kills them all. After the fight, he looks over the bodies and takes a sword from the former leader.
Ares:
(to the corpse) Thanks. You've been a great help. (lifting the last small pouch of dinars from the dead thugs) I really appreciate it. (nodding to himself) Being mortal's not so hard. I got a new weapon, some dinars in my pocket. Now if memory serves, the next thing I'll need is a room for the night, a hot meal, and maybe some… companionship.
Smiling confidently, Ares walks off in search of this evening's shelter, leaving the thugs' bodies in the alley.
CUT TO:
The Phoenix's Eye Inn. Just after sunset. The inn is better than most, but nothing to write home about. FIVE PROSTITUTES at the bar drink their drinks, but their eyes keep wandering over to a table in the back. Occasionally, one of the women mutters something under her breath, and the other two laugh. The Camera pans across the small establishment to find Ares heartily licking his fingers, the remnants of a chicken and some leftover veggies sitting on the plate in front of him. He takes a slug of wine, and finally wipes his mouth with the untouched napkin. Full and contented after his meal, he stretches, and his eyes fall on the women eyeing him from the bar. He smiles and flirts a little, before going over to the other end of the bar where the old bartender is pouring drinks.
Ares:
(to the old man) Another mug of wine, (waving to the prostitutes) And one for each of the ladies.
Bartender:
(incredulously) All five?
Ares:
(nonchalantly) It's a slow night.
Ares places three dinars on the table, and the Bartender shrugs and goes about carrying out his customer's request. The door to the tavern opens and closes, letting a cloaked patron enter. The bartender looks up and smiles.
Bartender:
Glaphira! How ya do'in? Your regular tonight?
Glaphira:
(pulling back her cloak to reveal her face) Sure Martin.
Seeing Glaphira, Ares memory brings him back to the minutes right before the final showdown between Xena and Agathon in 'The Dirty Half Dozen', but his focus shifts to Glaphira supporting Darnel, as they all wait to see what happens.
Ares:
(smiling his most disarming smile) Glaphira?
Glaphira:
(curtly) It's a name like any other.
Ares:
Yes, but from where I come from, the person that bears that name is friends with a woman I was hoping to find. Her name is Xena. She's also called 'The Warrior Princess' and 'Destroyer of Nations', but she doesn't particularly care for those titles anymore. I may need her help, and I was hoping you might know where she is?
Glaphira looks at Ares quizzically. She hadn't heard Xena referred to with those terms in years, but she figures, whoever he is, he's definitely worth talking to, and maybe granting his request.
Glaphira:
Do you mean, Xena: the Conqueror?
Ares:
(thinking, then smiling broadly) Yes, Xena: the Conqueror; I like that! I definitely like that!
Glaphira:
Brave man. Foolish man. However, the Conqueror has eccentric tastes. She will pay well for one such as you. (signaling to a group of Eight Soldiers that are sitting around a nearby table) Take him!
The men stand, and move on Ares.
Ares:
(sighing) Here we go again.
One of the Soldiers charges Ares, who dodges the man's attack. However, despite this early fumble, Ares realizes that these men aren't your average thugs. They fight well, too well, as if they were trained by the best. Seeing the badge on one of the men's uniform, Ares realizes this is one of Xena's men. He continues fighting as long as he can, knowing it's expected, but eventually he is brought down by a club to the back of his head and everything goes black.
CUT TO:
Inside the Conqueror's Dungeon. Evening. Ares, who has been dumped on a cot inside a small cell, is beginning to regain consciousness. Rubbing the back of his head, he groans in pain, but sits up and feels the bump he's received. Deciding there's no real damage done, he stands and stretches, then inspects himself for physical damage. He finds nothing more than a few minor scrapes and bruises, but he also notices that his leathers have been cleaned and the metal buttons polished. He looks at his boots and finds them shinier than he's ever seen them, and upon feeling around his face, he can tell his sideburns have been trimmed very precisely. He felt like the prize goose once it has been prepared for the feast, and that might be exactly what he was.
Ares looks around for possible means of escape, but as the window is tiny and the door to the cell is solidly constructed, he soon realizes that there is no way out until someone comes for him. Sitting down on the small cot and ponders his situation and his limited options.
A Half Hour later Ares is still sitting and thinking, when he hears several sets of footfalls coming toward his cell. Seeing this as a potential chance to escape, he pulls himself up behind the door to his cell and waits in silence. The door opens, but no one comes in. Suddenly, the door is thrown back fully, hitting Ares hard and sending him onto his butt. Before he can get up on his own, Glaphira's soldiers drag him to his feet.
Glaphira:
(chuckling) Ah, somebody likes to play games! Good; that will please the Conqueror. (menacingly) She likes to play as well! (when Ares doesn't reply) A man of few words, will wonders never cease. You really are a prize aren't you? Well, come on Pretty Boy! Let's go meet your new Mistress!
As Ares is lead away by Glaphira and the guards, a broad grin spreads across his face. Glaphira notices.
Glaphira:
(confused and abrasive) What are you smiling about?
Ares:
(dismissively) You wouldn't understand.
Glaphira knees Ares in the stomach, and he doubles over coughing.
Glaphira:
You were saying?
Ares:
You know, it's hard to believe you're still single.
Glaphira cuffs Ares on the side of the head, careful not to bruise his face and damage the merchandise. Ares just smiles his most infuriating smile, adding a cocky swagger to his walk.
Glaphira:
I hope for your sake you're as good as you seem to think you are. The Conqueror has any man who doesn't 'live up to her expectations' killed, and it's not an easy death, if you know what I mean.
Ares:
(with conviction) Anyone who would disappoint Xena deserves to die, slowly and painfully. (smirking condescendingly) Rest assured Glaphira, I won't 'displease' her.
Glaphira:
(disgusted by his bravado) See that you don't.
Reaching the huge silver doors to the Conqueror's Throneroom, Glaphira, Ares, and the Guards stop. She pulls on the velvet rope next to the doors, and waits a moment, until one of Xena's personal guards comes out to meet her. When the man looks up, we see it's Darnell.
Darnell:
(teasingly) Hey, Glaphira, still pimping for our fair Conqueror, I see. It's been over week since your last visit; I was getting concerned; thought you might have run off and gotten married or killed, or both.
Glaphira:
Announce me, Swine!
Darnell:
Yeah, yeah, I love you too. Maybe, after you've concluded your 'business', we can pick up a late dinner, and…
Glaphira tries to deck Darnell who agilely deflects her blow. Ramming her up against the wall, Darnell presses his long body into hers, and the heat between them is palpable.
Glaphira:
(breathily, and barely putting up a fight) Get off me, You Slug!
Laughing heartily at the mix of anger and hunger in her eyes, Darnell pulls away.
Darnell:
I'm wearing you down, admit it!
Glaphira:
I'd rather burn in Tartarus!
Darnell chuckles again, but this time turns as if he was about to enter the throneroom. However, just as he's about to slip through the door, he looks at Glaphira intensely.
Darnell:
(seductively) Whether you admit it or not, I can tell, I'm definitely wearing you down.
Before Glaphira can reply, he slinks into the Conqueror's Throneroom, and Glaphira growls in frustration. It takes all her willpower to not kill the amused Ares, but she merely casts him an icy glare, and turns her gaze to the large silver doors. A moment later they open, and even Ares, who has been in many a throneroom, is impressed as he looks around.
However, when his eyes finish taking in his surroundings and they fall on the Conqueror, sitting atop a golden throne, and all thought ceases. For the first time in his life, he is brought to his knees in utter awe of the new and startling feelings the sight of this woman has engendered in him. In fact, he is so out of it, the Guards have to drag him the last few feet to the pure marble steps that climb to the throne.
Glaphira, who is now amused by the stunned look on Ares face, steps forward.
Glaphira:
I bring you this offering, for your consideration, my Conqueror. As you can see, he is an exceptional specimen.
Having paid no attention thus far, The Conqueror finally looks down at Ares, and does a double take. Their eyes lock, and both gasp softly.
Ares:
(whispering in sheer awe) Xena…
Equally as mesmerized, but for different reasons, the Conqueror descends her throne to stand two steps above Ares, both sets of eyes intensely locked on each other, as if nothing else mattered. After a moment of silence, The Conqueror tears her eyes away from Ares' and looks accusingly at Glaphira.
The Conqueror:
(demanding an explanation) Where did you find this one?
Glaphira:
(nervously) Here in Corinth. He approached me at the Phoenix's Eye, asked me where could find 'The Warrior Princess'. I'd call it a win/win situation.
The Conqueror watches the woman slave trader for any hint that she is lying, but finds nothing but sincerity and a healthy dose of fear. Slowly, the Conqueror nods, stares at the kneeling Ares, then looks up again.
The Conqueror:
(urgently) Clear the room! (shouting) NOW!!!
Glaphira:
(timidly) Ah, Xena, there's still the matter of my payment…
The Conqueror:
(to Glaphira, but with her eyes fixed on Ares) You'll get twice your usual fee. (dangerously) Now turn around and walk out of here, while you still can walk!
Glaphira:
(halfway out the door already) As usual, it was a pleasure doing business with you, My Conqueror!
With this, Glaphira scurries the rest of the way and is the last one out the door, which shuts behind her, leaving Ares and The Conqueror alone together.
The Conqueror:
(commandingly) Get up.
Conflicting emotions cross the Conqueror's face, as she circles the now standing Ares. She examines his arms, legs and butt, then grabs his hands and studies them as well. She comes to stand before him, and searches his eyes for some explanation to what her own eyes are telling her.
The Conqueror:
(in confusion and disbelief) Ares?
Ares:
(totally besotted) My Conqueror.
The two remain standing face to face, staring into each other's eyes for several seconds. When suddenly, The Conqueror's hands shoot out, catching Ares in 'the pinch'.
The Conqueror:
(growling with anger) Ares is dead; you can't be him! WHO ARE YOU?!
Ares falls to his knees again, this time in pain and fear, as he grabs at his throat. He can only stare up at The Conqueror is shock, while she stands her emotionless mask back in place, waiting for an answer or for him to die at her feet.
The Conqueror:
You only have thirty se…
Ares:
(in panic) I know, I know, thirty seconds to live! Look, Xena, I am Ares! I gave you your Chakram! I know that you made your first kill when you were 16 and Cortese's army attacked your village! Your brother, Lyceus, was killed in that battle, and before it was over, you had slain nine men!
The Conqueror takes the pinch off Ares, and he slumps at her feet, dragging in deep breaths.
The Conqueror:
Alright! Enough! You obviously know things about me that only Ares could know. So how did you come back from the dead? From what I hear, hind's blood is a one-way ticket to oblivion?
Ares:
(still catching his breath) It's difficult to explain.
The Conqueror:
(growling) Try VERY hard!
Ares:
(now breathing more normally) Alright. You must think of life as a road with many forks in it. Each time you make a choice, there are other choices that you discard, other roads that you do not travel. However, despite the fact you do not travel them, those roads still exist. To mortals they are usually irrelevant. The kindly Fates make sure of that. But Gods are sometimes able to experience these other roads. And we can even get trapped on a road we never took. That is how I got here. On the road I traveled, you are not this Great Conqueror, (daring to look the Conqueror in the eye) though for all the world I'd prefer you were.
The Conqueror:
(struggling with powerful emotions, but keeping her face neutral) Am I dead on the road you come from, as you are on mine?
Ares:
No, much worse. You protect the weak and the worthless! You and your annoying little bard friend travel from village to village with barely a dinar between the two of you, defending the masses of chattel, instead of taking all that should be yours, all that you deserve! (disgusted) In my world, you are a hero!
The Conqueror bursts out laughing, and Ares sighs, thinking her joy is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen.
The Conqueror:
(between bouts of laughter) A hero? So the little blonde mercenary who stole the gemstone off my scepter was right.
The Conqueror continues to laugh loudly, and Ares, emotionally uplifted, joins her. Without warning, the Conqueror stops laughing and tackles Ares, forcing her lips against his. After the initial shock, Ares begins kissing her with equal desire and flips her onto her back. He catches her right hand as she raises it for leverage, then threads his fingers with hers, pinning her hand above her head as his lips travel down her throat.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT 2
READ ACT 3