Xena: Warrior Princess

Only a fool would challenge the gods this way, Sisyphus.

Don't worry, Karis. I've taken care of everything.

Sorry, sweetheart. The king doesn't want any visitors, today.

But, stick around. I'll show you a good time.

Hey, I said no...

- Run ! Don't touch her ! - She killed him !

How can you eat at a time like this ?

- It's a trap, isn't it ? - Patience, Karis...

you'll spoil the surprise.

Come in. We've been expecting you.

I guess you know who I am.

- And this is my wife... - Karis, hello.

You know my name ?

I know everyone's name, though few know mine.

It's Celesta. Are you ready to begin your journey, Sisyphus ?

Of course.

But first, there's so much I wanna know about you.

You're not afraid of me.

On the contrary, I'm fascinated.

And how about you, Celesta ?

Are you not the least bit curious about my world ?

Sit.

Enjoy a sumptuous feast of earthly delight.

All right, Sisyphus... but this doesn't change things.

As soon as we're finished, we will go.

Splendid. After all,

a visit from you happens only once in a lifetime.

A toast...

to a long life, and a peaceful death.

My flame !

What is the meaning of this ?

I wasn't told you were a sorcerer.

No sorcery, my dear...

a simple trick... devised with wires and boards...

an illusion I created... to deceive you.

But, do you realize what this means ?

Of course...

and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Looks like they're having fun...

not that I envy them, or anything.

I mean, what does she have that I don't have ?

OK... love.

But what about the important things in life ?

Travel, adventure, meeting interesting people ?

And as for the apple, I can pick my own.

Well, well... if it isn't the legendary Xena.

I lost my appetite

- Do I know you ? - I'm Toxeus.

I saw you fight Nestor awhile back.

My army could do with a... warrior like you. How about it ?

Join a band of worthless, lowlife scum...

- I think I'll pass. - Pity...

I have a strict recruiting policy... join or die.

Another wasted death.

In a time of ancient gods...

...warlords...

...and kings...

A land in turmoil cried out for a hero...

She was Xena...

a mighty princess, forged in the heat of battle...

...The power...

...The passion...

...The danger...

Her courage will change the world...

I don't get it.

Toxeus knew your reputation.

So, why would he wanna fight you ?

Becuase he knew my reputation.

You mean, he wanted to be known as the man who killed Xena.

- That's not a smart goal. - What's up ?

What's happening ?

I don't know.

Take cover.

Go !

Always ready for a fight.

That's why I like you, Xena.

- Hades. - God of the underworld...

at your service.

What do you want ?

Hey, relax. I'm a big fan...

though for a while, you were working us pretty hard down there.

I need your help.

My sister's been captured by King Sisyphus.

He holds her at his castle. I want you to rescue her.

- Why me ? - You know him.

You've seen the deadly tricks he's capable of.

But you have to act quickly. Time is short,

and the price of failure is high.

What are you talking about ?

In a few hours... Celesta's eternal flame will burn out.

If you don't release her before that happens...

eternal suffering will be the fate of all mankind.

You know who my sister is... don't you ?

Death.

I've been thinking.

If Sisyphus gets his way, and nobody ever dies,

people will have to watch how they word things.

I mean, if you tell someone that you'll love them forever,

it means forever.

Let me take a look.

Take this.

It's for the pain.

Is his leg broken ?

Among other things.

Take this.

Go help the others.

Save your medicines.

There's nothing you can do for him.

What happened here ?

Rockslide in Ketamus.

The others are old or sick.

We're heading for the hospital in Corinth.

Let me help.

Suit yourself, but you're wasting your time with that one.

Only death will give him release.

Hold still.

- Get away from me. - I'm trying to help you.

Here.

Thanks.

I've gotta stop his bleeding.

Easy, easy... you'll be OK.

- So, where you from ? - Carthage.

Carthage ?

Well, we have your great city to thank for the weather.

There was once a young man, Lepidus.

And he met the beautiful Io in Carthage.

They fell madly in love.

The gods... they grew jealous of their... great love...

and condemned them to separate destinies...

Lepidus to live only in the summer, and Io, only in the winter.

Luckily, Aphrodite... she took pity on the lovers and,

thought of a way to reunite them.

How ?

What's it gotta do with the weather ?

Well, Aphrodite turned Lepidus into snow,

and Io into rain.

So, in the winter, when snow falls,

it's really Lepidus, blanketing his love, Io.

And in the spring...

well, the gentle rain... that's Io caressing Lepidus.

You'll be all right.

Thanks.

Where did you learn that ?

Ah, books... I read a lot about medicine.

No, I meant the... the great bedside manner.

Oh... well, I guess a good story... always helps me through the hard times.

Hi, I'm Talus.

Where are you headed ?

Well, I was on my way to Corinth... when I met these people.

Never seen so much suffering.

Gabrielle ? Get me some more water.

There's a pond not far from here.

Let's go. And I've got a story for you.

And so, until we release her, nobody on earth can die.

Well, that explains it.

You know, awhile ago, I would've been glad

to hear that Death had been taken.

- But now... - I know.

It's like, after seeing all this suffering,

I understand how important she is.

You know...

not everyone would risk so much for the sake of mankind.

- You're very brave, Gabrielle. - Well, I have a lot of help.

When I was a small boy, my mother worked for King Sisyphus.

- Really ? - I practically grew up in the castle.

- I could... show you the way. - That sounds great.

What's this ?

Jasmine blossom...

it's a rare beauty... just like you.

Wait !

No ! Stop it !

Where is she ?

Some guys never give up.

You look good.

Like I said Xena, I don't take 'no' for an answer.

I could get used to this.

Give it up, Xena !

You can't kill me. I'm a god.

You're no god, Toxeus.

Death's capture has kept you alive.

And when I release her, you will die.

That's not gonna happen !

Just where I want'cha !

I'm not that easy.

I know I can't blow out your candle, Celesta.

But I've noticed, when you're not holding it, it burns down very nicely.

If it burns out, I will cease to exist.

Well, that's the point.

You should've thought of that before you came to my castle.

I had no choice.

You should not have angered Zeus.

I can't concern myself with Zeus' petty jealousy.

My kingdom needed water. I made a deal.

It's not my time, and you know it.

- That is a decision for the gods. - Not anymore.

It isn't like you to be so cruel, Sisyphus.

What happened to the compassionate man I married ?

My compassion brought death to my door.

If I release her now, it'll be all over.

What else would you have me do ?