ACT 3
FADE IN:
The Conqueror's Bedchamber. The Next Morning. The sun is rising in the sky, while inside The Conqueror's bedchamber, Ares begins to stir. Stretching, he sits up, looks around, and smiles.
The Conqueror:
Good morning.
Ares looks up to find The Conqueror standing at the door to her chamber, watching him. She is fully dressed, and appears to have been up for hours already. She climbs back into bed with Ares, and snuggles close to him.
Ares:
How long was I asleep?
The Conqueror:
A few hours, but you were 'up' very late last night. Even as a mortal, you have tremendous energy.
Ares wraps The Conqueror in his arms, and they both smile at how right this simple moment feels.
Ares:
(smirking) I could say the same about you. I'm surprised I even survived last night. You've obviously learned a lot since the last time we... I mean, since the last time the other Xena... Oh to Tartarus with it!
The Conqueror smiles proudly, then a thought occurs to her, and she lifts her head.
The Conqueror:
The other one, the hero, she gave you up as a lover when she turned, didn't she?
Ares:
(sighing) Yes, my half brother, Hercules, brainwashed her into believing that I held no value to anyone 'good'. After that, she didn't want anything to do with me. Although, in her defense, some of the things I did to get her back were a tad cruel.
The Conqueror:
Hercules, I never heard of him. What was he god of?
A deep laugh bubbles out of Ares.
Ares:
Nothing, my Dear! He was simply the product of one of Zeus' dalliances with a mortal woman. However, in this world, he was never born and that fact is the fork in the road as it were. It was his meddling in your destiny that turned you from me. Your glorious reign as ruler of the entire known world here is proof enough of that. (bitterness creeping into his words) As much as I hated him before, I NEVER even guessed at all that he has cost me!
The Conqueror returns her head to Ares bare chest, kisses it twice, and hugs him. She then looks up and meets his eyes.
The Conqueror:
(reassuringly) Well, you needn't worry about him any more. After all, he doesn't even exist here.
Looking deeply into Ares' eyes, The Conqueror kisses him, gently at first, then with great passion.
CUT TO:
The Conqueror's Bedchamber. Just before noon. Ares and the Conqueror are lying naked in bed together, caught up in the afterglow. A look of indecision crosses Ares face, but after a moment, he looks down at the woman in his arms and decides to speak his mind.
Ares:
As happy as I am here with you, like this, neither of us would stay happy with only mortality ahead of us. There is still so much more to the universe to conquer, you know? Olympus for starters. (smiling ferally) with you at my side, Zeus won't know what hit him!
Needing to come clean, the Conqueror nuzzles his bare chest, then sits up and sighs.
The Conqueror:
Zeus won't know anything; he's dead. All the gods are dead; those from other lands as well as your family.
Ares sits up in shock.
Ares:
How?
The Conqueror:
(haunted by the memory) I had the same thought you just did; that the known world wasn't enough and that I should conquer the heavens as well. So I had a trained dog retrieve the Chakram of Light, as an animal's soul is always pure, and I started in the Norse Lands, working my way south, eliminating gods as I went. I offered most of your family a choice, to betray your father and follow me. You, Strife, Apollo, and your mother joined me and we defeated your father and the rest, but not before your father escaped. He found the last of the golden hind, and claimed her blood, then snuck into this fortress and killed the rest of your family in their sleep. He then disguised himself as one of the palace guards, in order to get close enough to kill you, but he never counted on me knowing all my guards personally. I weeded him out, and had him cornered. I decided to let you make the kill, since it was you he had tried to murder, but he had an extra dagger hidden in his vest. Before you could strike, he had buried it in your chest! I swear, I went crazy and hacked him into pieces with his own sword, but it was too late; there was nothing I could do. (raw with grief) You were already gone.
Finishing her story, the Conqueror fights back tears, but a few manage to escape despite her best efforts. Ares pulls The Conqueror close.
Ares:
(with absolute conviction) You are a warrior, a conqueror! It is who you are meant to be. (relinquishing his embrace and looking the Conqueror straight in the eye) Never loose sight of that, and NEVER regret what you do for that power!
The Conqueror smiles and nods, and Ares holds her again, feeling more loved than he's ever felt in his entire life. After a moment, Xena lifts her head and by her expression and the hard look in her eye, we can see that the Conqueror has overtaken the woman.
The Conqueror:
Well, if we're going claim the powers of the gods, we should first see about getting your sword back.
Ares and the Conqueror both smile conspiratorially at the same time.
CUT TO:
A Steep Mountainside. Three weeks later. Midmorning. Ares, The Conqueror, and a Legion of Soldiers make their way down the mountain on pack mules. To orient the viewer to the sudden jump in time, and to make sure they remember this is only a retelling of past events, Hedda gives a short narration.
Hedda:
(V.O.) So my parents headed East, traveling first on horseback, then on pack mules, to the place my mother had hidden the sword that had once belonged to the Ares of her world, and which held the powers of that Olympus for anyone who knew how to claim them. Once my father had restored his godhood, he would have made my mother not only a goddess, but Queen of the Gods, and mother to a new pantheon. But plans are nothing without action, and as mere mortals, the journey took them a little over three weeks. Somewhere on that journey, I was conceived.
Once they've reached the foot of the mountain, Ares rides along side the Conqueror.
Ares:
(trying not to wine) Xena, we've been on the road for almost three weeks now. Where exactly did you stash my sword?
The Conqueror:
(sighing) I told you, Ares, I had it hidden out here so it wouldn't fall to my enemies. It's quite a weapon in a skilled hand.
Ares:
(wiping the sweat from his weary brow) True.
The Conqueror:
(seeing her lover's thinly masked exhaustion) Don't worry. We're almost there. If we hurry, we can be there by nightfall.
Hearing this, Ares kicks his mule into high gear. The Conqueror smiles at him, but doesn't move her mount. When Ares realizes this, he turns around, and calls back to her.
Ares:
What are you waiting for?
Laughing with happiness, the Conqueror catches up.
In a short MONTAGE, they travel one more day over rough terrain.
Sunset. As the sun begins to set, they are traveling on a little-used road, open road on a level, grassy plain. Suddenly, the Convoy is brought up short by a REDHEADED AMAZON standing in the middle of the road, although nobody can remember seeing her as they were approaching. It's as if she just appeared on the road out of nowhere, and as Ares observes the young woman, he notices immediately that something is definitely not right with her. She seems unnaturally devoid of self somehow, but as a mortal, Ares can't put his finger on why that is. When the girl opens her mouth to speak, a raspy and frightening voice, comes out.
Alti:
(V.O from the lips of the Redheaded Amazon) Welcome back, Xena.
The Conqueror:
(surprised) Alti? Are you in there? You've obviously changed since the last time we saw each other.
Ares breath catches at the mention of Alti's name. Having watched many of Xena's adventures outside of Greece, he was well aware of who the witch was, and of the danger she could pose. And he now also knows what has been disturbing about the Redheaded Amazon. Tapping The Conqueror lightly on the shoulder, Ares points to the Redheaded Amazon and silently mouths the word 'Zombie'.
The Conqueror:
(confused) What's a Zombie?
Alti:
(V.O. from the Redheaded Amazon, chuckling) Very good, War God.
Ares:
It's a parlor trick of the gods. What you do is you kill a mortal, then insert your spirit into the fresh corpse. (trying to explain) It's like controlling a mannequin. However I've never seen anyone but a god do it so well.
The Conqueror:
So Alti hasn't actually left her body then?
Ares:
No My Dear, although your 'friend' is probably less than a mile from here, as it's very difficult to control a zombie from long distances. Hera could do it, but then again, Hera spent centuries practicing.
Suddenly the Redheaded Amazon's body falls in a heap, like a puppet with its strings cut. This time Alti's voice comes from behind the Convoy.
Alti:
Right again.
Swinging around, Ares and The Conqueror are finally confronted with the real dark Shamaness herself, standing behind the last mule in their Convoy. The Conqueror smiles, climbs off her mule, and approaches Alti, as Ares silently holds his breath.
The Conqueror:
(embracing Alti in a friendly hug) Alti, it's good to see you!"
Alti:
(also smiling) Likewise. I know why you're here, Xena. You want the sword back to allow Ares to regain its godhood. We are 3 days travel from where I have hidden it. I'll lead you there.
The Conqueror:
(nodding to her Lieutenant) Alright. Let's move on out!
As the Convoy begins turning around, Ares looks Alti over as his mule passes her. She nods in his direction, and this anerves Ares. She's dangerous, and as a mortal he's as helpless as any one else in the Convoy, The Conqueror accepted, should she decide he doesn't fit into her plans.
CUT TO:
A Clearing Away From the Rest of the Convoy. Night. The Conqueror and Ares lay together in their bedroll, staring up at the spectacular display of stars.
The Conqueror:
It's a beautiful night out. I miss being on the road. Life as the Destroyer of Nations was a blast. Life as the Conqueror takes some getting used to. Looking up at the stars like this is one of the things I miss most.
Sighing contentedly, the Conqueror rests her head on Ares shoulder. Ares, however, is far more wound up, and can't appreciate the lightshow. His mind keeps wandering to Alti and the danger she represents.
The Conqueror:
(unsure of what to say) You want to talk about it?
Ares:
I don't trust Alti.
The Conqueror:
Then you're not just a pretty face after all. Nobody trusts Alti. I'm not even sure Alti trusts Alti. (in response to Ares dark mood) Look, there is one thing you can trust when it comes to Alti; she'll always do whatever will bring her the most power. She has it way too good under my reign for her to be too eager to rock the boat.
Ares:
I understand that, but I've seen what she can do, and after what she did to you…
The Conqueror:
(sitting up) What are you talking about? We made a deal and she gave me the spiritual power to conquer the world. Now, I don't know what she did to the Xena of your world, but that is all Alti has ever done to me.
Ares suddenly has a flashback to 'Maternal Instincts' when Xena held Solan's dead body and shrieked in pain. He knows about Alti's curse on Solan, and how it worked just as well in this universe as it did in his own. However, he can't see how telling the Conqueror would do any of them any good. It wouldn't bring Solan back, and the Conqueror would end up hurt for no reason. He'd never get the chance to regain his sword and his godhood, and she'd never become his queen. Not to mention, he doesn't want to go back to being the focus of every one of Xena's regrets. With this last thought, he decides not to tell her.
Turning on his side to look at The Conqueror, Ares eyes meet hers, and he's totally lost. He reaches out to caress her cheek, then kisses her deeply, consumed by a feeling he doesn't understand, but he is defenseless before.
CUT TO:
On the Road. The Next Morning. The sun is barely up and the Convoy is on the move. Ares has bags under his eyes, but otherwise feels an odd sense of peace coursing through him, especially when he looks at The Conqueror. Savoring the feeling, he sits up straighter in his saddle and takes a deep breath of the fresh, open air. His eyes wonder to the mule in front of his, and more specifically, to the hot butt of the rider. Ogling her backside, Ares smiles salaciously.
The Conqueror:
(without even turning around) I'd keep your eyes on the road, Ares.
Everyone in the Convoy has a good laugh, Ares included. He feels alive in a way he never felt his first two times as a mortal, and for a moment he lets himself relax in the saddle. The moment that ends too quickly as Alti rides up beside him.
Alti:
War God, I think we have things we need to discuss.
Ares:
(trying to sound flippant) I can't speak for Xena, but I doubt she'd have a problem with you watching from several feet away like you were last night. If that's what gets you off, I hope you enjoyed last night's performance.
Alti:
(smiling) I was just confirming my suspicions. (nodding towards Xena) She's falling in love with you, you know?
Ares:
(leaving no opening for conversation) I know.
Alti:
(chuckling at Ares' unease) Relax; we're on the same side. We both want Xena to remain as she is, what she was always meant to be, not to become what she became in the world you come from.
Ares:
(defensively) And it's all my fault that she became what she did, is that it?
Alti:
Not all your fault, War God. There were several others. (without preamble) So, who is the little blonde woman?
Ares is confused for a moment, then realizes who Alti is speaking of.
Ares:
Little blonde woman? I think you must mean Gabrielle.
Alti:
(mulling over the name) That's sounds right. She's powerful in her own way. She's a threat to the Xena we both… admire so much.
Ares:
Figure that out by yourself, did you? Well, you're right; she can fight well enough. She's an Amazon Queen after all, though she rarely resides with her tribe. She's so small and so relatively unskilled, and yet she has this power over Xena… that Xena anyway.
Alti:
(mildly surprised) An Amazon Queen. Interesting. What tribe was she born to? Who were her parents? Does she have any other children besides that demon girl you bedded? If I am going to find this little nuisances' counterpart in this universe and keep her away from the Conqueror, I need to know more about her, and you know this Gabrielle better than I do. We need to work together.
Ares:
You don't need to worry about her. Gabrielle is dead in this universe. Xena had her crucified for trying to start a rebellion in Corinth just over two years ago. (smiling proudly) She even had her legs broken, to serve as an example.
Alti:
(considering this) How exactly did your Xena first loose her way and become a self-righteous do-gooder? I recall from my vision that a tall, muscular, dark blonde man was involved. I sensed he was part god, but I have never seen him before, and he isn't part of this universe.
Ares:
Ah, Hercules, my favorite bastard half-brother! You needn't worry about him either, Alti. His never being born is what makes this world so glorious!
With all she is learning, Alti is not pleased. There are obvious paradoxes here and every Shamaness knows that paradoxes mean trouble. Suddenly Alti has a horrible insight, and looks directly at Ares.
Alti:
(grave concern in her voice) This universe was created artificially wasn't it? Someone went back in time from your world and tampered with your brother's birth, didn't they?
Ares:
(sighing blissfully) Yeah, a mortal turned goddess named Callisto, and that demon daughter of Gabrielle's you saw, Hope. (laughing at his own joke) For once, those two managed to do something worthwhile.
Alti:
(seriously) Don't get so cocky, War God! While it may seem advantageous on the surface, it will ultimately be the destruction of this entire universe and a general collapse of most others. Only one dimension could survive and to do that it would have to be devoid of all magic or divine elements. In layman's terms, we'd ALL loose our powers, permanently! We'd be lucky if we became the stuff of myth and legend!
Alti's words strike fear in Ares' heart, but he puts on a brave face. Whatever may come, he and Xena will face it, head on, together.
Ares:
(scornfully) Don't you think apocalyptic prophesies are a little melodramatic?
Not waiting for her reply, Ares speeds up his mule to ride next to The Conqueror. She is the focal point of all his faith, and he needs to be near her to reassure himself that they will get through this, should what Alti predicted come to pass.
The Conqueror looks over at her tension-riddled lover and stops their mules, letting everyone else move ahead of them so that they can talk privately. Once there is some distance between the two of them and the Convoy, the Conqueror lets the mules continue, but at a slower pace.
The Conqueror:
So, did you have a nice chat with Alti?
Ares:
(putting on a carefree face) Yes and no, but isn't that how all chats with Shamans and their like go. If she had given me a direct answer, then I'd be worried.
The Conqueror can sense that Ares is holding back, and she is reminded of the first time she met Alti. She assumes she has the answer to Ares distress, and shakes her head.
The Conqueror:
(sighing in frustration) She told you about the baby, didn't she?
Ares looks at the Conqueror like she just sprouted another head, but as he watches her hand snake protectively to her stomach, he realizes what she means and his eyes bulge in surprise. Loosing his balance, he falls of the mule and onto his butt.
Ares:
(shocked) You're pregnant?!!!
The Conqueror stops her mule and smiles proudly, patting her flat belly.
The Conqueror:
Yep.
In awe and complete, unabashed, joy, Ares picks himself off the ground, grabs the Conqueror off her mule, and kisses her fiercely.
CUT TO:
The Conqueror's Tent. The Next Morning. Ares wakes to find himself and the Conqueror naked and tangled together, and he finally realizes what he's been feeling these past few days. He watches her sleep for several moments before pulling himself out of their bedroll and getting dressed.
CUT TO:
The Campsite. The other members of their Convoy are all going about their morning business. Ares crosses the camp to the only other tent still up. Putting on his most superior attitude, Ares struts into the tent to find Alti eating breakfast.
Alti:
You wish to speak with me War God?
Ares:
It's more like a warning. Keep away from Xena and our child!
Alti:
Why would I want to harm Xena or your daughter-to-be, Xena's heir and very much her mother's daughter?
Ares tries to contain it, but joy briefly flickers in his eyes. He had been hoping for a girl, one just like her mother.
Ares:
I don't know why you'd want to harm my child or the woman I plan to make my goddess, but I don't know why you felt a need to curse Solan either. It sure didn't keep Xena on her true path in my world, now did it?
Alti:
So you know about that, do you? (confidently, knowing the answer) And the Conqueror, does she know?
Ares:
You're alive to have this conversation, so obviously she doesn't. Besides, what good would it do to tell her? If Xena found out you cursed her son before his birth, she'd kill you as surely as she killed you in my world, and you're not the type to go down without a fight. You'd find some way to wreak havoc with our little family from beyond the grave. (resigned) It's who you are.
Alti:
(knowingly) And who you are.
Ares:
Quite true. However, I will make Xena fully aware of what you did if you even think of harming our child or us! Do I make myself clear?!
Alti:
Perfectly. But you should be thanking me for getting rid of the boy for you. If it wasn't for his death, Xena would never have allowed herself to accept comfort or to have become attached to your counterpart in this universe, and thus to you when you arrived several weeks ago.
Ares:
(holding in his temper) That may be, but I've said my peace and I swear by the River Styx, I will honor it! YOU will not harm one hair on the heads of MY family or you'll suffer the same fate, or worse, that you suffered in my dimension, and I believe you already know what that is!
Alti:
As I stated before, I have no intention of hurting your family, War God. I know what you think of me, but I am far more like you than you care to admit. We have to work together if any of us, Xena and your unborn daughter included, are to survive!
Ares:
(dryly) I'll keep that is mind. (with finality) Just remember what I said.
Stalking off, Ares leaves Alti's tent to go bathe before breakfast.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT 3
READ ACT 4