ACT ONE

FADE IN

Gabrielle and Eve run up behind Xena, who is walking at a brisk pace.

GABRIELLE:
     Xena, I'm not sure I understand. What's a kitsune? Why is it so dangerous?

XENA:
     When I was traveling with Akemi, she told me once of a race called the kitsune. They were fox spirits.

EVE:
     Foxes?

XENA:
     Yes. Some kitsune served Jappa's gods and were loved by the people. But those that didn't... (pauses, licking her lips) Well, they delighted in suffering.

GABRIELLE (gasps):
     That's horrible.

Xena nods solemnly but both she and Eve avert their eyes.

CUT TO

Panoramic shot of what is at first a peaceful countryside but changes rapidly into the burnt remnants of a village. Charred bodies of men, women and children litter the ground, some dismembered, others with gardening tools imbedded in them. Xena, Gabrielle, Eve and Argo stand amidst the ruins. Eve and Gabrielle wear expressions of horror. Xena looks as though she expected nothing less.

EVE:
     This was slaughter...

GABRIELLE (still staring around):
     One man did all this?

XENA:
     A demon. Not a man.

EVE:
     Elem has always been a peaceful village. Why would someone do this? Elem was never rich or powerful. There was no profit to be gained, not even prowess. Why?

GABRIELLE (harshly):
     For fun.

Xena begins taking her bedroll out of Argo's saddle.

XENA:
     Set up camp. We'll leave tomorrow at dawn, so we'll need all the rest we can get without losing time.

Xena throws Eve and a startled Gabrielle their bedrolls.

GABRIELLE (disbelieving):
     Xena?

XENA (laying on her bedroll on some cold ashes):
     Yes, Gabrielle?

GABRIELLE:
     What about the people here?

XENA (slightly sarcastic):
     They're dead, Gabrielle. I can't help them.

GABRIELLE (slack-jawed):
     Xena, these people deserve to be buried. They deserve their final respects.

XENA:
     I already told you, Gabrielle, we can't lose any time!

GABRIELLE:
     But Xena--

XENA:
     Look, Gabrielle, I'm leaving tomorrow at daybreak to make sure that we don't have to worry about anyone else's last respects. You can come or not.

Xena pulls the cover over herself, violently turning away from Gabrielle, who stares in silent horror until Eve places a hand on her shoulder. Gabrielle, slightly relieved, turns to Eve.

EVE:
     She's right, you know.

Eve walks away and proceeds to lay her bedroll beside Xena's. Gabrielle hesitates a moment, before placing her bedroll down too.

CUT TO

It's daybreak and Xena is already fastening Argo's bridle. Gabrielle stirs, then looks to her friend with disappointment on her face.

GABRIELLE:
     You're just going to leave, aren't you?

XENA:
     Gabrielle, I told you I was leaving at daybreak. Are you coming?

GABRIELLE (shaking her head slowly):
     I can't, Xena. No one else will tend to these dead and I can't just leave them to rot. The dead deserve respect.

Frowning slightly, Xena walks to her companion.

XENA:
     Take care of Eve for me.

GABRIELLE:
     You know I will.

XENA:
     I'll meet you in Athens when I've defeated the kitsune.

GABRIELLE (puzzled):
     Athens? But Xena, I was going to help you in Imat when I was done here...

XENA:
     I know. Gabrielle, I can't risk you coming in that far after me. There's too great a chance of the kitsune catching you.

GABRIELLE:
     Xena, I can take care of myself.

XENA (slightly worried):
     Against warlords and murderers, yes, but Gabrielle, look around you. Look at what this demon is capable of.

GABRIELLE:
     Xena, that's only more proof that you'll need my help.

XENA (firmly):
     No, Gabrielle. I'll meet you in Athens.

Gabrielle opens her mouth to speak, but shuts it at Xena's piercing glare. Finally, Gabrielle nods.

GABRIELLE:
     Athens.

XENA:
     Good girl.

Xena walks away from Gabrielle, mounts Argo and rides west. Gabrielle continues to look at the spot where Xena disappeared on the horizon.

GABRIELLE:
     I'm not an infant, Xena. (shakes her head) I'm a warrior now.

Gabrielle abandons her bedroll and sets to the task of burying the dead, allowing Eve to continue sleeping.

CUT TO

Fade into a beautiful green forest, dew on the grass, light streaming through the leaves. An attractive, black-haired man leans contentedly against a strong tree, apparently savoring the forest's docile beauty. A soft smile plays at his lips as a peaceful wind blows his cropped hair about his face. In the grass behind him, there is movement and two gleaming eyes show through the foliage. The man inhales deeply, savoring the forest air. Suddenly, his eyes open wide and he sits up sharply, seemingly troubled, just as a fox jumps out of the bushes as we:

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE