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 ==
<U>RECAP:</U>
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
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