ACT 8
FADE IN
Inside the Queen's Hut in the Amazon Village.
Gabrielle:
I agree. Any suggestions?
Hedda:
Not of yet, but if you'll move out of the way and let me get a better view of that map…
Gabrielle rolls her eyes but steps aside. Hedda bends over the map table and concentrates. She trails a finger in one direction.
Cyane:
There is a watch-post near that side of the wall. They'd see Ares troops coming before they could even get into formation.
Hedda nods silently, still deep in thought. Eve moves beside her and she too studies the map.
Eve:
With that many men at Michael's Command, there's going to be major casualties regardless of how we attack. They have enough manpower to spread evenly around the city wall, and then some.
Cyane:
Well, we have to find a weak spot. Our sisters who will open the gates from the inside need to be on the road by noon if we want them to get to Corinth by dusk. We can't just stand around asking 'What would the First Cyane do?'. Before we send them in, we need to be sure we can get them out.
Gabrielle:
The Christian holy week will end on Sunday. We can postpone the operation one more day, but beyond that…
Hedda gets an idea, and she nearly shakes with excitement.
Hedda:
We won't have to! I've got a plan! If it works, our casualties will remain small, the Christians' will explode beyond their worst nightmares, and like the First Cyane did so long ago, we will change the face of warfare forever!
Watching Hedda, Gabrielle is suddenly filled with a mixture of confidence and trepidation. Hedda is wearing that 'awed by my own warrior genius' look Xena always had before a battle when she knew she had her enemies army dead to rights.
Gabrielle:
(concerned) So, just what is this great plan of yours?
Hedda smiles wickedly, having heard the trepidation in Gabrielle's voice, and wordlessly, taps the map. We zoom onto her finger, which is positioned on a small mountain just outside Corinth. The mountain acts as a buffer for the city below, and the barricading wall connects with it.
Gabrielle:
Who taught you how to read a map? That's Mt. Ziria. There's no way around it!
Hercules:
It's why the founders of Corinth chose that valley to build their city. They only had to defend from 3 sides instead of 4.
Hedda:
Aunt Athena, who, in answer to your question, taught me how to read a map, always said that a good commander was one who could see the battlefield in three dimensions. (turning to Eve) Remember Telanicus' special project?
Hedda lets her finger slip off Mt. Ziria and winks at Eve, whose expression turns to shock.
Eve:
You can't be serious! Telanicus' plans were only a blueprint! He was going to test them out one day, but…
Hedda:
Athena and I fixed the kinks in his equations and built a prototype, which I tested myself. It worked flawlessly. We can duplicate the process here in the village, and fit them to our best warriors.
Suddenly Hercules realizes just what they're discussing.
Hercules:
Ah, Hedda, a young friend of mine once built something similar and it worked then too, till the wings melted and he plunged to his death.
Hedda:
Because he made the mistake of using wax and feathers. We'll be using a thick silk to pull over the frame.
Eve:
Where are we going to get that much silk in time?
Hedda:
When they heard what was happening to my family in Greece, the leaders of the provinces I helped to liberate in Chin took up a collection and purchased two large wagons full of silks, jewelry, and local perfume to help finance an army to free my homeland. Right now it's stored in one of Daddy's most secure temples and the priests are under orders to burn it all rather than let it fall into Christian hands. I was going to wait till summer when I could've gotten the best prices, but it looks like my plans are going to have to change.
Eve:
It's seems to be our best shot at catching the Christians off guard and limiting casualties.
Hercules silently considers the plan before speaking.
Hercules:
It's definitely risky… but I believe it could work.
Now convinced, Gabrielle nods her assent to the plan.
Hedda:
It has to work. (with pure determination) I'm not going to lose what little joy I've managed to salvage from your wonderful Xena! (turning to Ares) Take me to Olympus. I have some blueprints I need in Aunt Athena's library. Then we'll go to Thrace for the silk wagons.
Ares rolls his eyes at being ordered around by his own daughter.
Ares:
(sarcastically) Anything else I can do for you, Ma'am?
Hedda:
(not in the mood for jokes) No, nothing, thank you.
CUT TO:
A Montage of the Next Two Days Events.
Hedda appears in the center of the Amazon Village with the 2 silk wagons. Varia and several Amazons begin unloading the wagons as Hedda organizes a group of Amazon weapon-smiths and leads them into hut, blueprints in her hand.
A group of twenty Amazons, dressed in Christian robes and accompanied by sixteen men on horseback, approach the Gates of Corinth, have their possessions checked by the guards, and are welcomed inside without any trouble.
Two dozen Amazons are building wing-like frames and binding them with rope and a thick, glue-like, sap.
Hedda jumps off a high scaffold, rolls when she lands, then arises with her sword drawn. 99 other Amazons, among them Gabrielle, Varia, and Minera, repeat what they have just seen.
Hercules and Eve explain the plan to Todonius who follows along on a small map.
More Amazon building, only this time they are securing the ornate silk to the lightweight frames. However, we can't see exactly what they are building.
Ares stands next to Hedda atop a mountain, his hands behind his back. When he pulls them out, he's holding the Conqueror's chakram and sword, which he gives to Hedda. Tentatively, with tears in her eyes, she takes the weapons, replacing the sword on her back and clipping the chakram to her belt. Ares smiles proudly and they hug.
Gabrielle sits alone in the Queens hut writing a scroll by candlelight. Smiling, she finishes her last sentence, rolls up the parchment, and snuffs out the candle.
CUT TO:
Outside of Corinth, just after sun-up. It's a beautiful morning and the Archangel Michael is giving orders to the Leader of the Knights of the Faith, who nods in understanding. Suddenly a Sentry comes running from the watch-post.
Sentry:
(out of breath) A huge army is approaching! They're about a mile off! At least five hundred men!
Michael and the Leader of the Knight of the Faith exchange confident looks.
Michael:
You know what to do.
The Leader nods and sprints off.
CUT TO:
On the Road to Corinth. Ares Army of over 500 men, which is being lead by Eve, with Hercules, Todonius, and the Militia men bringing up the rear, all march down the road.
CUT TO:
Outside Corinth. Everything is in a frenzy as the Christian soldiers prepare for battle outside the city gates. The Leader of the Knights of the Faith is barking orders and getting his men into position. Once they are in formation they begin marching to meet Eve's massive army. When the last of them has left, an innocent, if loud, birdcall rings down from Mt. Ziria.
CUT TO:
Inside Corinth. Throughout the city, the cloaked Amazons suddenly stop what they were doing and begin to move towards the city gate with their male escorts at their side. The sound of a whistle is heard, and a CITYGUARD rushes towards the group.
Cityguard:
What are you people doing? Disperse immediately!
They ignore him and when he tries to block them, they push him aside.
Cityguard:
I said stop!
When they don't head the guard's second warning but pick up their pace, the man blows his whistle three times in succession. At this, the Amazons throw off their robes, draw their weapons, and arm their male companions.
Cityguard:
Holy Sh*t! (shouting) Amazons! Amazons in our city! Stop them!!!
Easily taking out the Cityguard they run towards the gate. As they reach their destination, the TWELVE GUARDS at the gate try to fight the Amazons off, but they too are slaughtered. One of the Amazons gives a loud birdcall, just as THREE DOZEN MORE CITY GUARDS arrive.
CUT TO:
A Half-Mile Outside Corinth. Ares' Army meets up with the Christian Army. For a second, all is silent, and then Eve raises her head defiantly.
Eve:
ATTACK!!!
The Fighting begins as Ares' smaller, but better trained, Army attacks the Christians. The battle is vicious and bloody. We see Hercules and Todonius among the fray, each kicking major butt. Then we pull back to the top of a hill, just above the battle, where Michael and the Leader of the Knights of the Faith, who sits atop his horse, watch the action. Suddenly a young CHRISTIAN BOY comes rushing onto the battlefield. Michael disappears, saves the boy, and brings him back to the hill.
Michael:
Just what do you think you were doing, child?!
Christian Boy:
Amazons! Amazons are taking over the city! My mommy says they kill little boys! Please help us, Archangel! Please!!!
Michael and the Leader of the Knights of the Faith look at each other.
Michael and the Leader:
(simultaneously) A Diversion!
The Leader kicks his horse and speeds off.
Leader:
Fall Back! They're in the city! Fall Back!
The Christian Army begins to fall back towards the city. Eve climbs back on her horse, quickly moves to the frontline of her forces, and raises her sword.
Eve:
Forward! Forward! Don't let them get back to Corinth alive!
Ares' Army pushes forward, pursuing the retreating Christians. Eve smiles at how well the plan is going.
CUT TO:
Just Outside the Corinthian Gates. The Leader of the Knights of the Faith rides hard, stopping before a group of guards outside the closed gate. His army is still on their way.
Guard #1:
Sir, the city is under attack by Amazons! We held to your orders not to enter the city, but…
Leader:
I gave those orders for a reason. Now we have them trapped, and their pitiful band of heathens won't be able to reinforce them. You made the right call.
The first men from the Christian Army arrive, and the guards smile with relief. Michael appears beside the Leader of the Knights of the Faith, also very pleased.
Michael:
This seemed a better vantage point to witness the destruction of their army and with them any threat the Amazons can pose us. Those unruly women will learn to kneel before the might of our god or they will be destroyed!
The Leader and the dozen or so guards nod in agreement, as the Christian army takes up a defensive formation around the city wall. We focus in on one CHRISTIAN SOLDIER as he pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket and wipes the sweat from his brow, knowing the army they just fought will be here any second. As he sees Eve and her forces riding over the last hill, he readies himself for the fight ahead. Suddenly, throughout the valley is heard the collective warcry of 100 angry Amazon Warriors. The Soldier looks up in the direction of Mt. Ziria where the sound came from, and gasps, completely forgetting the approaching army in front of him.
Christian Soldier:
Lord in Heaven!
A LoDuca-tized version of 'Ballad of the Green Berret's' begins to play, as from the perspective of the Christian Soldier, we see Amazon after Amazon, each with a sword and a bow and quiver full of arrows, strapped to her back, jumping off the mountain, in hang gliders. As Ares Army reaches their stunned prey, the frontlines are easily subdued. Then the real battle begins as the still larger Christian Army comes out of its stupor and begins fighting in earnest. Focused on the raucous Amazons, Michael spots Gabrielle among them, then notices Hedda, who is wearing a feraly smug expression as she howls with her Amazon sisters.
Michael:
She's insane!
CUT TO:
Ares stands in the middle of the battlefield. Next to him Hercules is finishing off one of the Knights of the Faith with his own sword. Looking up, Hercules spots Hedda descending. When the gliders get low enough, the Amazons take the bows and arrows from their backs, and start picking off Christian soldiers.
Hercules:
(to Ares while taking on another two Knight of the Faith) I have to give you credit; she's one in a million!
When another Knight tries to join the fight with Hercules, who is barely holding his own against the first two men, Ares vaporizes the second Knight with a fireball. Hercules kills both remaining Knights and looks at Ares, stunned.
Ares:
(with barely restrained emotion) She's her mother's daughter.
CUT TO:
Michael:
(majorly p*ssed) Archers! Bring those WHORES down NOW!!!
On top the City Walls, several archers light arrows and aim at the descending Amazons. Suddenly, a dozen more Amazons, lead by Queen Cyane, leap out of the trees surrounding the city, land on the wall, and attack the archers. Two or three arrows are successfully fired, but no more make it out of the bow as the Amazons toss their Christian masters from their perches. Cyane lights a torch and waves it high to signal the other Amazons.
Cyane:
(looking straight into the eyes of Michael who is directly below her) Freedom! FREEDOM!!!
Incensed, Michael leaps into the air, lands upon the wall, and despite Cyane's excellent fighting skills, quickly runs the Amazon Queen through. In slow motion, we watch as Cyane crumbles and falls off the wall. Turning his eyes towards the sky, Michael takes off to intercept Hedda.
CUT TO:
Descending from Mt. Ziria. Hedda sees Michael coming towards her and draws with her sword, equally eager for a fight. The two meet mid-air in a stunning display of acrobatic combat.
Michael:
You and your harlots may win this battle, but you will NEVER win the war! My Lord is eternal!
Hedda laughs openly.
Hedda:
As you so well know, there are ways to kill a god, any god… and his winged freaks too!
Angered, Michael charges Hedda and their swords clash once more.
Michael:
The only way to destroy my god is to eliminate ALL life on Earth, and I don't think you have the stomach for that, Hedda!
Hedda:
I will find another way, but don't underestimate my resolve! I will do whatever it takes to see your god dead!
Michael:
You'd destroy your entire world? I don't think so!
Hedda:
You and Xena already destroyed my world! From lifelessness Zeus created this world, and I swear in the name of all the dead Olympians, to lifelessness I would return it rather than let your god rule!
Hedda lands a series of kicks to Michael's midsection, knocking him back. She pulls her chakram, separates the two halves, and sends them flying. Laughing, Michael evades the blades, only to have several of his feathers sheared off when the chakram halves ricochet off Mt. Ziria back at him. Losing face and balance, Michael is forced to land, as Hedda catches the united chakram with ease.
CUT TO:
From the Battlefield. We pull back to see the Amazons begin to land, swooping down into the battle where they decimate the less skilled soldiers. Hedda is truly in her element as she kills Christian soldier after Christian soldier. At one point, she and Gabrielle are fighting back to back. When Eve gets knocked down by one of the Knights of the Faith, Hedda throws her chakram from across the battlefield and the weapon embeds itself in the back of the man's skull; Eve retrieves the chakram, throws it back, and continues fighting. Hercules and Todonius fight together as a team. The Christians are being slaughtered, despite having nearly twice the army. The Leader of the Knights of the Faith realizing he's been beaten, that Michael is nowhere to be seen, and if he wants to save any of his men he has to retreat.
Leader:
Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!!!
Callia, who is still fighting a Christian soldier, is suddenly disarmed. The soldier is about to stab her, when Minera runs him through from behind. Callia is relieved, but we see a dangerous glint to Minera's eyes. She is filled with bloodlust. Searching for a new victim among the fleeing men, Minera spots a young Christian warrior backed into a corner and guts him mercilessly. She begins killing as many Christians as she can before they can run away. Then covered in blood, she falls to her knees and howls.
Minera:
(mad with rage and grief) DALEN!!! DALEN!!! DALEN!!!
Callia is more frightened than she was during the battle and looks around for help. Seeing Gabrielle and Hedda several feet away, she is unsure what to do. Suddenly a hand closes on her shoulder and she looks up into Varia's sympathetic eyes.
Varia:
This is the part of battle no one can prepare you for. Go on; I'll take care of her. (encouragingly) Go on.
Callia looks once more at the distraught Minera, then runs towards Gabrielle and Hedda.
The Amazons cheer as the remnants of the Christian army, just over a hundred men, begin to retreat from Corinth. Varia gives a new birdcall and the gate to Corinth opens. The Amazons inside, who have secured the city, kick out the captured Corinthian cityguards and soldiers, as well as Christian priests and the like, who join the retreat. However, all is not peaceful, as Hedda and Gabrielle stand arguing.
Hedda:
(to Gabrielle) We have to regroup and go after them!
Gabrielle:
(sighing) Look around you, Hedda; most of their army is here, dead! We've won!
Callia and several other Amazons have started to gather.
Hedda:
Until the next time! The remaining soldiers aren't just going to disband. They'll regroup and recruit more soldiers! Michael will insist upon it and they'll do whatever he tells them too. Martyrdom is nothing compared to going to Hell! You should know; YOU'VE actually been there! Now come on, we just have to…
Gabrielle:
(with finality) I said NO!
There is a small explosion form inside Corinth, followed by screaming. A second later an Amazon rushes out of the gate.
Amazon:
Queen Gabrielle, Ares' warlords are in the city. They've stared looting!
Gabrielle:
Damn it! We have to defend the city!
Hedda:
(angrily) Defend against our allies?!
Gabrielle:
Obviously your father's forces have decided our alliance has come to end and are attacking civilians! What are we supposed to do?!
Hedda:
(softly) We go home. I don't like the idea anymore than you do, but if we fight those warlords now, next time the Christians attack we won't have their support! And you know as well as I do that we couldn't have done what we did here today without them! If we are to win this war we need them believing there's a tangible reason to fight or they'll just go over to the other side and fight for Michael.
Gabrielle:
Hedda, I'm not going to sacrifice the innocent people of Corinth…
Hedda:
(cutting Gabrielle off) No, you'll just sacrifice Amazon lives in their defense! We've lost too many of our people thanks to Livia and Bellerephon and my father when the Furies turned him into a nut job! We can't afford to waste our warriors defending those who didn't have the backbone to stand up for themselves when the Christians first started taking over!
Gabrielle:
(enraged) We ARE going in there to defend those people and that is final!
Gabrielle turns and begins to walk away.
Hedda:
(to herself) If that's the way you want it… (loudly) Queen Gabrielle, I demand the Royal Challenge!
The Amazons gasp. Gabrielle turns around, walks up to Hedda, and looks her straight in the eye.
Gabrielle:
Choose your weapon or choose your champion.
Hedda:
(confidently) War-staffs. And I always fight my own battles, Gabrielle.
The Amazons surround Gabrielle and Hedda in a circle. Varia, who is half-supporting the now catatonic Minera, approaches the circle and tosses her staff to Gabrielle.
Varia:
Use it well, My Sister!
Hedda frowns at Varia, but swallows her anger. She walks over to Callia and places a hand on her staff.
Hedda:
(softly) May I?
Callia nods eagerly, and hands Hedda her staff. Hedda twirls it expertly, getting a feel for the weapon.
The Amazons close off the circle with staffs of their own. Hedda and Gabrielle circle each other for a few seconds before Gabrielle attacks. They fight magnificently for several minutes, but finally Hedda knocks Gabrielle on the back of her head and she goes down.
Eve:
Gabrielle!
Eve, who had been watching from the sidelines, tries to run into the circle, but is stopped.
Hedda:
She's not dead; she's just unconscious. I won't kill one of my sisters. (to the Amazons around her) And she is still our sister! We will take her back to the village. She can sleep it off in my hut. Collect the weapons and supplies, the enemies as well as our own, and round up all the horses. We're going home!
Callia:
All hail our new queen, Hedda!
The Amazons cheer and call out approvingly to Hedda who is smiling, head held high, the picture of triumph.
CUT TO:
The Queen's Hut in the Amazon Village. Night. Eve is sitting on the edge of a bed, putting salve on Gabrielle's split lip. Gabrielle begins to stir, and Eve grabs a cup, bringing it to Gabrielle's mouth, and helps her take a small drink.
Eve:
Easy. Easy.
Gabrielle:
(weakly) I feel like a busted goat skin.
Eve:
You look it.
Gabrielle:
(softly) So I lost… and Hedda is queen.
Eve:
Eli help the Amazon Nation.
Hedda:
(from the entrance of the hut) Thanks, but I don't think Eli has much say in things anymore. It's a shame really; he had such a beautiful dream before he was rooked into the Twilight, and now Michael and his god have tossed him aside like an old boot. (regretfully) Truly a shame.
Gabrielle:
(sighing) We're not in the mood for your dark humor, Hedda. As soon as the sun rises tomorrow, Eve and I will be leaving.
Hedda:
That is what I came to talk to you about. (humbling herself) If there is one thing I've learned in these past three years it's how precious family truly is, and how easily it can be torn from you forever. The Amazon Nation is a family, Gabrielle. Your Sisters need you… myself included. If you do leave our people tomorrow, please don't leave us for good.
Gabrielle:
(confused) You do realize, I'm not going to play your yes woman? You'll most likely be fighting me on every major decision. Why would you want that hassle?
Hedda considers her reply for a moment.
Hedda:
Growing up Aunt Discord tried to kill me eight times. The first two I was too young to remember, but the last six are well scorched into my memory. Scorched being the operative word. See this?
Hedda pulls off her right boot and we see an old burn scar that covers the ball of her ankle and a small part of her foot as well.
Hedda:
I was six and I couldn't yet flip fast enough to completely escape one of her fireballs.
Gabrielle:
I'm sorry.
Hedda:
Don't be. She never burned me again. Despite the initial misery, I can honestly say I became a better warrior because of her. Just as I'm sure I'll become a better Queen with you around, despite the inevitable misery that will entail.
Gabrielle:
For both of us, I'm sure.
With Eve's help, Gabrielle gets up, faces Hedda, and raises her forearm.
Gabrielle:
To a strong Amazon Nation.
Hedda entwines her forearm with Gabrielle's in the traditional greeting.
Hedda:
(smiling) To a strong Amazon Nation.
Gabrielle sits back down on the bed, and sighs.
Gabrielle:
So, where's Hercules?
Hedda:
He's with Toddy and the militia trying to figure out a way to get into Corinth and oust my father's warriors. I'm sending Arcetius' men over to them tomorrow morning, once they've sufficiently recovered from their 'victory celebrations', and I told Uncle Hercules that the Amazons will help in the rebuilding efforts once the warlords have had their fill. I do want to help the people of Corinth, Gabrielle, just so long as no Amazons have to risk their lives to do it. But I know you can't go along with that; it's not your way. So, first thing tomorrow, I'll lend you two horses and you can go meet up with them.
Varia enters the hut and nods to Hedda, Gabrielle, and Eve.
Varia:
Hedda, I hate to disturb you, but there are two women here to see you.
Hedda:
At this time of night?
Varia:
I would have turned them away but they were very insistent and they come from Artemis and Athena's temples. I know how much your aunts meant to you, so I…
Hedda:
It's alright, Varia. Send them in.
Varia nods and motions to the visitors. TWO PRIESTESSES, both in their late forties, enter. One carries a large box, the other a scroll. They both scowl upon seeing Gabrielle and Eve but say nothing.
Hedda:
(clearing her throat) You wished to see me?
Athena's Priestess:
Most Dear Defender, I come bearing a message…
Artemis's Priestess:
And I a gift, in honor of your recent victory and ascension to Queen of the Amazon Nation.
Hedda stares numbly at them but accepts the
box and the scroll anyway.
Athena's Priestess:
As were the final requests of both our Mistresses'.
Artemis' Priestess:
We wish you well, Defender.
Athena's Priestess:
Our hearts go with you always, Defender.
The Two Priestess bow before Hedda then turn and leave.
Gabrielle:
What was that all about? And what did they mean, Defender?
Hedda:
(still confused) I don't know. I guess we'll find out together.
Hedda places the scroll and the box on the table and lifts off the lid. Inside is an Amazon Queen's Mask of extraordinary craftsmanship, including Amazon symbols and Hedda's rune, delicately engraved in gold along the brow. Hedda lifts the mask out of the box to study it and tears spring to her eyes. Carefully returning the mask to it's box, Hedda picks up the tied scroll. Her heart is breaking as she realizes whatever is written in it will be the last communication she will ever share with her Aunts, but not to read it would be to deny their last requests. Tears are now falling at a steady pace and Hedda puts the scroll down again, barely able to see much less read.
Eve moves to Hedda's side
and places a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Eve:
(sympathetically) Do you want me to read it for you?
Hedda:
(striking out) Ofcourse not, it might just be the secret of how to kill you, and I wouldn't want to spoil that surprise till my sword was buried in your back.
Eve nods understandingly, and walks away. Gabrielle grits her teeth.
Eve:
(compassionately) Okay.
Hedda:
(calmer) Would you two mind spending the night at Varia's? I need to be alone for this.
Eve:
It's your hut.
Hedda:
(mildly apologetic) Thank you.
Eve and Gabrielle leave, and Hedda splashes some water on her face from a nearby basin. Sitting down, she sighs then picks up the scroll and unties it. Slowly she unravels the parchment, and begins to read.
Athena V.O.:
My Little Warrior:
New tears threaten, but Hedda forces them back and rubs her eyes with her arm, and starts again. Where the deaths of the gods are mentioned in the scroll, we see the corresponding clips from 'Motherhood'. Throughout the reading we see the past where Athena is writing the scroll intercut with the present where Hedda is reading it.
Athena V.O.:
My Little Warrior. Xena is alive and has the power to kill gods. This morning, your Uncle Hephestus, Aunt Discord, and Great Uncle Poseidon all died in battle against her and her daughter, but if your are reading this, then you already know that. And you will also know that I too am dead. Centuries ago the Fates told Zeus that I would meet my end with my sword in hand, so you must try not to grieve for me. I died as a true warrior. That said, I also know that you are destined to survive and to become the salvation of our people. You, Hedda, are the Defender of Olympus; the half-god/half-mortal champion, that was prophesied at the commencement of our great war with the Titans, to come to us in our darkest hour, and save the Olympian race from extinction.
In awe, Hedda puts down the scroll and takes three steadying breaths. Pausing several seconds, she picks up the parchment again and continues.
Athena V.O.:
Your Grandfather, Zeus, always assumed it was to be Hercules, which is why he was so adamant in protecting him. But by the time your uncle was full grown, I knew better. Hercules doesn't care about Olympus or it's people, and when Eve was born he killed our father to protect her. He may be Zeus' son, but he's not 'Of Olympus'. I know Apollo and Discord used to taunt you and say that you were just another mortal ape, but that has never been true. You're not only 'Of Olympus', you are its greatest accomplishment. The oddity is that you're Ares' daughter. (in the present, Hedda chuckles) Otherwise, you are perfect, and I love you more than I have ever loved another living being in the tens of thousands of years that I have lived. When you were born, I went to the Fates and confirmed, as much as anything can be confirmed with the Kindly Ones, my suspicions that you would become the Defender of Olympus. They told me that your destiny would truly begin the day that you became the rightful leader of a nation of mortals. When Artemis made you an Amazon with a royal rite of caste, it became clear to me that it would be the Amazons that you would one-day rule.
We see a Montage of Hedda's Coronation the next morning, as Athena's Voice Over continues to read the scroll:
A delighted Callia and two other Amazons dress Hedda in traditional Amazon attire.
Led by Hedda, the three climb the dais steps where Hedda stands, looking as grave as a woman about to be hung, before the nearly four hundred assembled Amazons. Varia comes out carrying Hedda's ornate mask.
Varia:
The mask of the new queen.
Turning she hands the mask up to Hedda.
Athena's V.O.
So, I told Artemis that the Fates had decreed you would one day become an Amazon Queen. It was then that she designed for you the mask that accompanies this scroll, and convinced Hephestus to construct it, which wasn't too difficult; you know he loved you like the daughter he and Dite never had. It would greatly honor us all if you took this as your mask at your coronation; that way we can be with you in spirit at least.
Hedda raises the mask above her head, keeping it there for a moment, as Athena's Voice Over finishes the scroll.
Athena's V.O.
I wish there was more advice I could give you, some way I could make the upcoming years less painful, but part of the reason you are the Defender is because you have a human heart. Right now, it may seem like a curse, but from what I have seen in your uncle Hercules, it can also be an invaluable gift. Use the best parts of that heart and of your Olympian heritage, and know that no matter what happens, win or lose, you will always be My Little Warrior.
Hedda places the mask back upon her head. She takes a deep, steadying, breath, then pulls it down over her face, symbolically accepting the dual roles of Queen of the Amazons as well as Defender of Olympus.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT 8
END OF 'And Not To Yield'