Battle Lines II Production Draft

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Battle Lines II

Episode #8
Production #V0808

Written by: Brooks Wachtel

Directed by: Charlie Haskell

Production Draft - April 07, 1998
Pages 1, 3-4, 6, 8-9, 11, 14, 16-17, 19-21 - April 27, 1998
Pages 4, 15, 21, 24 - May 02, 1998

Pacific Island Pictures, LTD, All Rights Reserved © 1998

Cast List

Hercules
Jason
Iolaus - (ee-OH-lus)
Cheiron - (KI-ron)
Lilith
Strife
Discord
Cyane - (si-AN)
Simula (an Amazon Seer)
Cavil (a Centaur Elder; Strife in disguise)
Amazon Scout
Buff Amazon Guard
Centaur

Set List

Interiors:
Great Hall - Centaur Village
Ares' Throne Room
Amazon Council Tent
Cavern of Hephaestus' Torch

Exteriors:
Amazon Camp
Meadow
Forest
Forest Stream
Woods
Battlefield and Adjoining Forest
Another Part of the Forest
Forest Path

Teaser

RECAP:

FADE IN:

EXT. AMAZON CAMP - NIGHT

NARRATOR (V.O.)

Previously, on Young Hercules...

CYANE

We've finally found a place to call our own.

Hercules, Cyane, Iolaus and the Amazons crowd around.

SIMULA

We were attacked! It was horrible!

CYANE

Who was it? Who did this thing?!

SIMULA

Centaurs!

INT. GREAT HALL - CENTAUR VILLAGE - DAY

CAVIL

You see? It has ever been thus between the Amazons and us! Their cunning against our strength! They accuse us of the very crimes that they commit!

CHEIRON

Return to the Amazons. Tell them, the choice is theirs. Leave, and avert the war. Or stay, and let it begin.

EXT. MEADOW - LATE DAY

HERCULES

Then two people I care about are going to spend tomorrow trying to destroy each other.

NEW MATERIAL:

INT. ARES' THRONE ROOM - MOUNT OLYMPUS - DAY

There's a huge chess board with Amazon and Centaur pieces. DISCORD picks up an Amazon and Centaur -- balancing them in each hand like the scales of justice.

DISCORD

The Amazons think the Centaurs have attacked them -- and the Centaurs think the Amazons have attacked them. Mortals are so clueless!

She smashes them together and they crumble.

DISCORD

I just love it when my plans cause pain.

STRIFE, sipping from a glass, hands another glass to her.

STRIFE

'Your' plan?! My plan!

DISCORD
(enough already)

Okay, our plan.

They both grin like nasty kids who just got away with something really wicked. Strife raises his goblet for a toast.

STRIFE
(gleeful)

I feel gloriously loathsome! Uncle Ares is gonna...

Bolts of energy smash the goblets from their hands. ARES POOFS in dramatically -- hands still smoking from firing the blasts.

ARES

...be very, very upset!

Strife jumps back, screaming, startled. Discord stands her ground, unimpressed.

DISCORD

What's your problem?

STRIFE

I bet he hates your little scheme.

Discord shoots him a look. Ares fires a bolt that sends Strife tumbling across the room and toppling over Ares throne.

ARES

It's not bad, except for one tiny detail.

DISCORD

Let me guess -- the Amazons.

ARES

Who said you could mess with my favorite mortals?!

Strife picks himself up off the floor and moves to Discord.

STRIFE

Maybe next time you'll listen to me.

Discord ignores Strife, except for flicking her wrist and hitting him with another energy bolt that again hurls him across the room and toppling behind Ares throne. She addresses Ares.

DISCORD

Okay, so Strife did get a little carried away. But after all, last time I checked, dear brother, you were the God of War.

Strife slinks from behind the throne as Ares moves toward him.

STRIFE

Swords. Spears. Mayhem. You now, all that great -- war stuff. Isn't that worth a few Amazons?

Ares thinks, balancing Amazons on one hand and war on the other.

ARES

War, Amazons... Amazons, war...

(decides)

War is good. Carry on. But, guys, one last thing...

STRIFE

Be sure to wash our hands after every conquest?

Ares grabs Strife by the collar, brings him close, and growls:

ARES

Hercules. That sniveling half-mortal spawn of Zeus. Daddy's coddled little favorite.

STRIFE
(finishing thought)

...that you despise.

ARES

Don't -- let me repeat this -- don't underestimate Hercules.

EXT. FOREST - AFTERNOON

HERC and LILITH hurry through the woods toward the Amazon camp.

DISCORD (V.O.)

I'm way ahead of you. Our miserable little half-brother's about to be history.

FADE OUT.

Act One

FADE IN:

EXT. FOREST - AFTERNOON - CONTINUOUS

As they walk, Hercules looks serious, lost in thought.

LILITH

You haven't said a word in the last two miles.

HERCULES

Cheiron's only given the Amazons until dawn tomorrow to get out of Centaur territory or...

LILITH
(heated)

This is Amazon land now! And we aren't going to be chased off by anyone. If the Centaurs want a war -- we'll give them one!

HERCULES

There's got to be another way.

LILITH

There isn't. They've been hunting us down when all we want to do is live in peace.

HERCULES

The Centaurs claim the Amazons are doing the same thing to them.

LILITH
(struck a nerve)

And you believe them?

HERCULES

Look -- I just don't want to see people I care about die!

LILITH

That's not true! You're just taking that centaur's side!

HERCULES
(angry)

His name's Cheiron! He used to mean something to you, Lilith. He was more than a teacher -- he cared about you.

She storms off. Herc starts after her, but realizes it's useless. He lowers his head and kicks the ground in frustration.

EXT. FOREST - STREAM - AFTERNOON

Hercules comes through the trees, calling:

HERCULES

Lilith?

He spots her sword and picks it up, concerned. He yells:

HERCULES

Lilith!

Then he spots something on the ground.

HERCULES

Centaur tracks!

He looks at the tracks in dismay.

EXT. AMAZON CAMP - DAY

The Amazons prepare for battle, readying weapons, honing skills. TWO PAIRS thrust and parry in sword drill while THREE ARCHERS swing down on vines from the trees, land as one and in unison fire arrows that hit the same mark. Other misc. preparations, as:

Iolaus (V.O.)

Let me get this straight: You're deep inside Centaur territory -- Lilith is suddenly missing, there are Centaur tracks all over her last known location -- but the Centaurs are innocent...

Hercules and Iolaus talk, in the woods, just outside the perimeter of the Amazon camp (seen/heard in the distance).

IOLAUS

Herc, what's wrong with this picture?

HERCULES

What's wrong is that we're not looking at the whole picture... Someone planted those tracks.

IOLAUS

With their handy-dandy hoof-print makers?

HERCULES

Look, we both know that Cheiron's too honorable to lie.

IOLAUS

He wouldn't know where to start.

HERCULES

And I haven't known Cyane long -- but I know she wouldn't lie to send her people into battle.

IOLAUS

But they can't both be telling the truth.

HERCULES

Whoever fought Lilith left scorch marks on a tree branch. Centaurs don't fight with fire, neither do Amazons. Which must mean...

IOLAUS
(starts to get it)

It's a set up!

HERCULES
(excited)

She's got to listen to us now!

INT. AMAZON COUNCIL TENT - NIGHT

A dagger is thrust deep into a plank of wood, less than an inch from a red "X" bull's eye.

CYANE, having tossed the dagger, stands with Hercules, Iolaus, SIMULA, and TWO AMAZONS at the far end of the vast tent.

CYANE

Lilith was from your own academy -- your blood should boil to avenge her!

HERCULES

Don't you see -- someone wants that rage -- wants this war!

CYANE

Who? Do you have proof?

Hercules is stuck -- he knew she'd ask, but still doesn't have an answer. Simula strides forward.

SIMULA

Of course the boy doesn't. The Centaur leader is his teacher -- he probably betrayed Lilith himself!

Hercules' honor is stung, but he holds his temper. He's got to make them listen. He ignores Simula and addresses Cyane:

HERCULES

All I'm asking is that you talk to Cheiron -- find out what's really going on before starting something that you won't be able to stop.

CYANE

Don't lecture me about war. You play at it in the schoolyard -- I've seen the real thing!

HERCULES

Then you know how important it is to find another way.

SIMULA

There is no other way! It has ever been this between the Centaurs and us! Their cunning against our strength! They accuse us of the very crimes that they commit!

Hercules recognizes the exact, word-for-word phrase used by CAVIL in the Centaur camp. He whispers to Iolaus while looking suspiciously at Simula.

HERCULES

Where have I heard that before?

SIMULA

I say there's only one way to deal with Centaurs!

She tosses her dagger. It sticks the target near Cyane's.

Cyane looks at the other two Amazons. War or peace? They heft their daggers and toss them.

The two new daggers strike with such force that they shatter the wooden target.

Hercules looks at Cyane, hoping to change her mind, but the decision's been made, she's resolute.

CYANE

My first duty is to my people. We attack at dawn.

EXT. AMAZON CAMP - NIGHT

Hercules and Iolaus walk toward the edge of camp. All around them the preparations and training for the war continue.

HERCULES

I don't know what to do. Both sides are so blinded by hate and distrust that they won't listen.

IOLAUS

Sure. If you want to trick somebody, make him so angry he can't think straight, and he'll do your work for you.

Hercules stops -- that's a good point -- then he spots:

Simula, at the edge of the camp, glances furtively, then steals into the woods.

HERCULES
(pondering)

I think someone on each side knows your trick.

Hercules starts after her, then turns back to a confused Iolaus.

HERCULES

There may be a way out of this -- but if I'm not back by dawn...

IOLAUS

Back? Back from where?

HERCULES

...do anything you can to stop the war.

Herc rushes off, leaving a very frustrated Iolaus.

IOLAUS

What?!

(to himself)

Stop the war! Sure, I'll just lie down in front of a charging Amazon chariot. No problem.

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

Hercules follows Simula in the dark woods. She's elusive -- he sees her, then she's gone. She appears, then vanishes into the shadows, leading him deeper into the forest.

Hercules stops, he's lost her. Suddenly, she jumps him from behind with a flying kick that sends him sprawling.

SIMULA

Looking for me?

Herc gets to his feet, ready to fight. Simula reaches up, grabs a thick branch and snaps it off like a twig. Herc is amazed.

HERCULES

How is it that an Amazon and a Centaur use the exact same words...

SIMULA

...when trying to start a war? Get a clue, bro...

Simula TRANSFORMS into DISCORD.

DISCORD

I'm Discord - the half-sister you're gonna wish you never had.

Hercules reacts in surprise.

HERCULES

Sister!? How big a family do I have?

She sneers and tosses the huge branch. Hercules catches it, staggering back, then balances it and advances toward her.

HERCULES

Well, Sis -- when Cyane finds out the truth...

Discord grins and flings FIREBALLS, but Herc uses the branch to deflect them. Hercules lunges forward and uses the branch to pin her against a massive tree trunk.

DISCORD

Uhn! And how's that going to happen? It'll be a trusted Amazon's word against yours.

Herc applies pressure, pushing the branch harder.

HERCULES

Where are the missing Amazons and Centaurs?!

DISCORD

Okay! Back off. They're in the Cavern of Hephaestus' Torch.

He drops the branch, releasing her.

DISCORD

You'll never free them and get back by dawn.

HERCULES

We'll see.

He rushes off to rescue the hostages. Discord sneers, making no effort to stop him. Strife POOFS in behind her.

STRIFE
(angry, pissy)

Wait until Ares finds out that you spilled the beans!

DISCORD

You mean that I've just sent Hercules to his doom?

Discord picks up the thick branch. Energy bolts flash from her eyes, turning it to kindling. She tosses the flaming log to Strife, staggering him back. He drops it like a hot potato.

DISCORD

I think I can take the heat.

INT. CAVERN OF HEPHAESTUS' TORCH - NIGHT

Hercules enters and races deeper into the cavern.

He rounds a bend, coming to the TORCH CHAMBER and stops short. It's lined with dozens of highly polished shields.

In the center is a pedestal in the shape of a mailed glove, and in the open palm a large PULSATING RED CRYSTAL -- HEPHAESTUS' TORCH.

Bound against one wall by gleaming, six inch thick metal manacles are Lilith, the TWO MISSING AMAZONS, TWO CENTAURS, and the real SIMULA and CAVIL. They all spot Hercules.

LILITH

Hercules! How did you find us?

HERCULES

A little goddess told me.

Herc examines the thick manacles -- They're too thick to break.

HERCULES

Hephaestus sure does solid work! Is there a key?

Lilith nods toward the opposite wall. A key of gold rests on a golden pin protruding from the jagged rocks.

Herc rips the key from the wall. There's a LOUD CRACKLE. The red crystal in the chamber's center FLASHES and an ENERGY BOLT blasts from it, streaking toward Hercules.

Hercules ducks and the energy bolt barely misses him, tearing a ragged chunk out of the stone wall. The crystal fires another. It hits one of the shields and REBOUNDS across the chamber into another shield. The energy bolt ricochets off shield after shield, picking up speed each time it hits.

Herc flattens as it nearly gets him. It recoils again, faster and faster -- he's on the ground and it's headed right for him. The deadly red energy fills the FRAME.

FADE OUT.

Act TWO

FADE IN:

INT. CAVERN OF HEPHAESTUS' TORCH - NIGHT (CONTINUOUS)

Hercules rolls out of the way of a red energy bolt. The Torch Crustal fires several more bolts. They ricochet all through the cavern. The prisoners dodge as bolts blast walls around them.

Herc, twisting and turning, vaults clear of a bolt, landing hard.

HERCULES

I knew Discord gave in too easily!

The Torch Crystal fires again. Hercules rips a shield from the wall, using it to deflect the bolt. It hits another shield and ZINGS back at him.

The Torch spits out three bolts at once. Hercules is in the middle of a maelstrom -- they dart everywhere at blinding speed.

Lilith studies the battle. A bolt SMASHES the wall inches from her head. She barely reacts, keeping her focus on Hercules.

Hercules, one arm limp at his side, uses the shield but he's giving ground -- there's just too many of the fast moving bolts.

LILITH

Hercules. Remember Cheiron's lesson -- attack the dragon at its heart!

She's right! Hercules holds the shield in front of him and closes on the Torch. It fires several more bolts, but Herc's shield deflects them right back into the crystal. As they absorb back into the Torch it GLOWS brighter.

Herc closes to only a foot away. A CRACKLING arc of red energy hits the shield, which GLOWS the same crimson color. Hercules grimaces, fighting the pain and keeps advancing, keeps feeding the energy back at the source. There's an EXPLOSION of energy.

Lilith and the other prisoners watch intently. Is he all right?

The GLOW FADES revealing the smoking ruins of the pedestal and crystal. Hercules picks himself up from the ground.

He gets the key and undoes Lilith's bonds.

HERCULES

Thanks for the tip.

LILITH

It looks like you were right all along. Maybe you cadets aren't such a lame bunch after all.

She gives him a warm smile. He shyly smiles back.

HERCULES

Not all of us.

EXT. BATTLEFIELD AND ADJOINING FOREST - DAY

TWO AMAZON SCOUTS peer out from the cover of trees.

There's an open field -- coming out of the forest at the far end is a SQUAD OF CENTAURS. One of the Amazons nods to the other, who rushes back into the woods.

EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST - DAY

Cyane and TWO AMAZONS confer over a parchment map.

CYANE

Your squad will destroy the Centaur rear-guard, then drive their main body into the woods...

A BUFF AMAZON GUARD, firmly gripping Iolaus' arm, hauls him closer and shoves him toward Cyane.

AMAZON GUARD

The boy, Iolaus, requests an audience, your highness.

Iolaus rubs his arm -- her grip was like iron.

IOLAUS

Thanks, big guy.

CYANE

Hercules is not in camp. Has his loyalty to Cheiron led him to change sides?

IOLAUS

Hercules doesn't have a 'side.' Cyane, please listen to me. I know a con when I see one, and this has set-up chiseled all over it.

The Amazon Scout runs in.

AMAZON SCOUT

Your majesty. The Centaur scouts have taken the field.

IOLAUS

Please give Herc time. He's a good guy and he cares a lot about you.

Cyane doesn't have time for this -- the war's about to start.

CYANE
(to guard)

Put him somewhere!

The buff Amazon Guard grabs Iolaus and pulls him away.

IOLAUS

Cyane -- it's not too late! I'm begging you -- don't do this!

Cyane ignores him, draws her sword and orders the Amazons:

CYANE

Begin the attack!

EXT. BATTLEFIELD - DAY

The Centaurs advance into the open field. A Rear Guard holds the edge of the forest, bows ready for trouble. But above them, Amazons secreted in the trees drop down nets, trapping them.

The Amazons slide down vines, and in one fluid motion fire a flight of arrows at the Centaurs on the field.

The Centaurs use shields to block the arrows. But the fusullade is forcing them out of the clearing. Cheiron yells orders:

CHEIRON

Take a squad and stop those archers. We can't let them drive us into the trees where the Amazons have the advantage.

A Centaur nods, and he and a few of his warriors charge back toward the forest.

Cyane spots their maneuver, she calls to her warriors:

CYANE

Half of you attack -- force them this way.

High in the trees, Amazons ready their bows, spears, and nets..

EXT. FOREST PATH - DAY

Hercules and Lilith run along a forest path.

HERCULES

That was quick thinking back there in the cave.

LILITH
(sad; introspective)

So I'm a good warrior, huh?

HERCULES

Isn't that what you wanted?

LILITH

I was so excited when I joined the Amazons -- they were real warriors and they accepted me. A sword or an arrow solved every problem.

Hercules nods sympathetically and she gives him a pale smile.

HERCULES

It's never that easy.

EXT. BATTLEFIELD - DAY

The battle rages. Cheiron and Cyane are locked in combat but are so evenly matched that neither can gain the advantage. She attacks with a sword, but he parries her moves with his spear. Their faces are contorted in animalistic rage and fury.

CYANE

I will destroy you for what you've done to my people.

Cheiron is no longer the philosophical sage of the Academy, but a warrior, blind with rage and hatred.

CHEIRON

Toor! Your lies stain the honor of this battlefield. Give up or face obliteration!

CYANE

Never!

They battle, countering each other's moves.

Across the battlefield, the other Amazons and Centaurs are also equally matched.

Discord and Strife POOF in near Cyane and Cheiron.

STRIFE

Wow! Look at 'em go at each other.

DISCORD

You know, the destruction of one leader at the hand of the other might be just the touch we need...

STRIFE
(loves it)

Of course! The losing side would never make peace. So, who wins?

Discord smiles evilly and gestures toward the combatants.

As Cheiron raises his spear to throw at Cyane, the spear GLOWS magically, then immediately shatters in his hand.

Cyane zips her sword point an inch from his chest.

CYANE

Leave these lands forever, Cheiron -- or breathe your last!

CHEIRON

Slay me and another Centaur will take my place. Injustice cannot abide!

She draws back to strike when a hand grabs her wrist, stopping her. It's Hercules.

HERCULES

Cyane!

She YELLS and instinctively spins, smashing into him with a roundhouse kick that breaks his grip, sending him to the ground.

Strife looks accusingly at Discord, his anger building:

STRIFE

Is it my imagination -- or is your 'doomed' half-brother still alive?!

Hercules leaps to his feet and pins Cyane's arms to her sides. She struggles to break free as:

CYANE

Let me go!

HERCULES

I can prove you've been tricked.

All over, the warriors stop fighting.

HERCULES (O.S.)

Just stop fighting and listen!

Discord and Strife exchange concerned looks -- then TRANSFORM into SIMULA and CAVIL and rush to the battlefield.

SIMULA (DISCORD)
(dramatically)

Don't listen to him! We must avenge our dead sisters!

SIMULA (O.S.)

You mean us?

Simula and the missing Amazons emerge from the woods -- astride Cavil and the other missing Centaurs.

Cheiron recognizes one of the Centaurs with relief. He rushes to him and they embrace.

CHEIRON

Nephew! I was afraid I'd lost you!

Iolaus helps Lilith to her feet and checks her wound.

IOLAUS

Just a scratch -- you'll be okay.

The genuine Simula and Cavil come face-to-face with their counterfeits as the Amazons and Centaurs move closer. Discord tries to save the situation.

SIMULA (DISCORD)

Where did you get those fakes?!

Cyane and Cheiron exchange glances -- they aren't being fooled. They angrily draw weapons at Simula/Discord and Cavil/Strife.

Strife TRANSFORMS into his true self, whispers to Simula/Discord:

STRIFE

I think they're on to us.

Discord TRANSFORMS into her real appearance. She's livid.

DISCORD

Well they are now!

The Amazons and Centaurs, weapons drawn and moving as one, encircle the two gods.

POOF -- they're gone just as dozens of spears, arrows and swords slice into the ground where they were standing.

INT. ARES' THRONE ROOM - MOUNT OLYMPUS - DAY

Discord and Strife appear in Ares' throne room in mid-bicker:

DISCORD

You really blew it this time!

STRIFE

Me?! Wait 'til I tell Uncle Ares that Miss Drama Goddess spilled the plot to Hercules!

DISCORD

If you live that long!

(ALT: Can cut her line)

Suddenly bolts of energy smash them against the wall, pinning them like bugs. Ares glares at them, energy streaming from his hand, pinning them. He growls through clenched teeth:

ARES

Start talking... and make it good!

EXT. AMAZON CAMP - DAY

The camp is full of Amazons and Centaurs -- dressing each other's wounds (NO BLOOD), sharing food -- getting along. Hercules, his belongings wrapped in a cloth for traveling, embraces Cyane.

HERCULES

We always seem to be saying good-bye.

CYANE

It doesn't have to be that way.

Hercules gently withdraws from the embrace and shakes his head.

HERCULES

You know that can't happen -- I have to go back with Cheiron and you have to lead your people...

She softly touches his cheek.

CYANE

You have the heart of an Amazon. I pray our paths will cross again.

She gives him an inviting smile.

CYANE

Since the Fates haven't given us much time - let's use it wisely.

He hesitates for a beat, then their heads move closer and they kiss. It's wonderful, but:

IOLAUS

Hey, Herc...

Iolaus rounds the side of the tent surprising them. Hercules jumps away from Cyane, who glares at Iolaus.

IOLAUS

Oh! Hey, uh... don't mind me.

HERCULES

Iolaus, we gotta talk about your timing.

IOLAUS

Sorry, but Cheiron wants to see you.

EXT. AMAZON CAMP - NEAR PATH IN WOODS - DAY

Cheiron, Iolaus and Hercules all have their packs tied about -- time to hit the road.

CHEIRON

There are times when emotion cloud reason and even a teacher forgets the lessons he has taught for so long... You reminded me of them, and I thank you.

Hercules nods in quiet understanding. Then:

LILITH (O.S.)

You guys weren't leaving without me, were you?

Lilith, an arm in a sling, holding her travel sack, joins them.

IOLAUS

You're coming back to the academy?

LILITH

There may be one or two things left for Cheiron to teach me.

(to Cheiron)

I understand what you meant now. I'll never be 'one of the guys' -- but being different isn't always bad.

CHEIRON

It can be your burden or your strength. The choice is yours.

Cheiron cocks his head "let's go" and they start off, just as a squad of Amazons stride by. Iolaus is entranced.

IOLAUS

Couldn't we stay a little longer...

(pleads)

We could learn a lot from the Amazons -- please -- I could really fit in here!!!

He starts off after the Amazons, but Herc grabs him.

HERCULES

Iolaus, you'd never pass the physical.

FADE OUT.

THE END