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 ?
- I want you with me, my love. - And I will be.
In a few hours, the candle will burn down, and extinguish...
so will Celesta.
And you and I will be together for all eternity.
Men... follow me to the next village.
There, we'll make our own conquests.
So, you're the new leader, Seerus ?
Toxeus ?
But, Xena killed you !
- You're still alive. - Very observant.
There is no death anymore.
But how ?
That's not important.
What I need is an army... to stop Xena,
before she ruins it for all of us.
Who's with me ?
Xena's a powerful woman.
I mean... look what she did to you.
Cowards !
Maybe this will make you change your minds !
- What did you have in mind ? - I knew you'd come around.
Saddle up !
We'll follow Xena to Corinth...
and capture Death for our own safe-keeping.
- What if she tries to stop us ? - How can she ?
We're immortal !
And if she tries... we'll make her one of us.
The undead forever !
So, what do you think of Talus ?
He's nice.
'Nice' ?
You're kidding, right ?
You didn't hear the story he told. It was warm and sensitive.
And it cheered up that poor man. He's perfect, Xena.
- He's funny, he's smart, he's... - All right.
All right. He's more than nice.
I'm glad you'll have some company.
Why ?
- Where you going ? - You two head to the hospital.
- I'm going on alone. - But, what if...
Gabrielle, the hospital should be full of people looking for relief.
Tell them about the injured people on the roadside.
And stay out of trouble.
She'll be all right.
I hope so.
ToThey've split up.
We'll do the same.
One of them will lead us to where Death is held prisoner.
Follow them closely ! And report back to me.
Remember, your deaths depend upon it.
Faster ! Lead the way !
Nice try.
What is it ?
Xena is here to rescue Death.
- Xena, why ? - She's a warrior.
Without death, Xena has no way to defeat her opponents.
This makes things much more interesting.
Water. Water.
Please.
Someone ?
You see what you can do for her. I'll fetch water.
Thank you.
Don't be afraid when I tell you this.
I died this morning.
But as I was crossing to the other side...
a strange thing happened...
and I wound up back here.
Where is Death ?
King Sisyphus has captured her.
But don't worry... my friend, Xena, will make everything all right again.
Oh... is your friend a god ?
No...
but she knows Sisyphus, and she can take care of herself.
But what of Death ?
How will she handle her ?
What do you mean ?
Come closer.
If your friend touches Death,
or allows Death to touch her,
she will die.
Xena's in trouble. I have to go to her, Talus.
Sisyphus has guards posted at every gate.
It doesn't matter. You know the castle. Now tell me how I can get in.
I'll do better than that.
- I'll show you. - You don't have to go, Talus.
We may come in contact with Death herself.
I assure you, Gabrielle, I'm not afraid of her.
Welcome back, Xena.
Always the grand entrance.
We need to talk.
What should we talk about ? Relive old battles ?
Let's talk about Death.
Why must you be... so depressing ?
Don't you realize the pain you've caused ?
Nonsense. My subjects are overjoyed.
Their king has given them eternal life.
You're blinded by your selfish desire to live, Sisyphus.
Now, tell me where she is...
or I'll make your eternity a living Hell.
Still favoring brawn over brains, Xena ?
Think about it. You must have loved ones...
somewhere.
You never have to leave them...
never have to watch them leaving you.
You'd have eternal bliss.
Perhaps you should take some time...
mull it over a while.
Sorry, Sisyphus...
time is the one thing I don't have.
On the contrary...
time is the only thing you have.
I found an escape tunnel... back when my mother worked in the castle.
Nobody knew about it, except us children.
Here it is. Come on.
Not much of a housekeeper, is he ?
This way.
Yeah.
Talus, this could be dangerous. You should go back.
And leave you alone.
There's no reason for both of us to risk our lives.
Look, Xena's my friend. It's got nothing to do with you.
I'm not leaving you, Gabrielle.
I've never met a girl who knows every line of Sophocles by heart.
I'm not gonna let anything happen to her.
Thank you.
Actually, I'd rather not be alone in a place like this.
Well, there's no need to worry about that.
You know... there's a high rate of infection in wounds left untreated.
Right...
maybe we should find you a doctor... you can't be too careful.
- Then again, we could just... - Run !
- Get them ! - Which way ?
Forget him ! Get the girl !
Get her !
- Wait, it's me. - Talus ?
What are you doing here ?
Gabrielle wanted to tell you not to touch Death.
Of course not.
Where is she ? I told her to stay out of trouble.
She was concerned about you. I don't know where she is now.
We ran...
and there were these tall, ugly guys who looked like they were dead.
- And then I fell in here. - They were Toxeus' men.
We've gotta get out of here.
Ah, it's all my fault ! I should never have let her come !
When Gabrielle has her mind set on something,
nothing can change it.
You'll learn that soon enough.
We've got to find her.
I've never seen this part of the castle before.
It must be in one of the king's traps. We'll never get out.
Listen.
It sounds like water.
It must drain somewhere.
I found it. Let's go.
I want her ! Hey !
This way !
Find them !
ToWhere are they ?
We cornered the girl, but the guy fell down the trap door.
You lost them ? Fools !
Search the castle !
Find Death, and bring her to me !
Right ! Let's go ! Come this way, quickly !
Check behind those arches !
Come on.
Rats !
Stay right behind me, Talus.
Talus ?
I'm OK.
I guess I'm just not... used to this much excitement.
Why were you headed to Corinth ?
I grew up in Corinth.
I guess I just wanted to see it.
One last time.
Is there anything I can do ?
No... thanks.
Does Gabrielle know ?
I should'a told her... I know.
How long have you known ?
I started getting the pains... about a year ago.
And they've been getting worse ever since.
This makes my job a lot tougher.
What you're doing is right.
There are too many people who need her.
I can see why Gabrielle thinks you're so special.
Come on.
Sisyphus... I need to talk to you.
Not now, Karis. Xena has proved more of a challenge than I thought.
What we've done is wrong. I realize that, now.
We've cheated death. How can that be wrong ?
What about those who need her ?
The people who are in pain ?
I've given them life. Isn't that what they want ?
If I were to give myself a mortal wound, would you have me suffer as well ?
Enough of this nonsense !
If Xena wins, I die.
This hall leads to the king's private chamber.
Good.
- Your Highness ? - Talus.
I want to help you.
Why ?
Because what my husband has done is wrong.
Look, you can't defeat him without me.
Enough if you survive his traps, you'll never reach Celesta in time.
Thanks for the advice.
Wait ! Please.
I know another way.
Well, Xena.
It seems, finally, the spider has caught the fly.
What's the meaning of this ?
It's time for you to listen to reason, Sisyphus.
I agree.
It's time to let Death go, Sisyphus.
Not without a fight... draw your weapon.
No weapons... there's someone you should meet.
Do you remember me, your Highness ?
My mother and I lived in the castle when I was... a small boy.
Talus...
- how are you, my boy ? - Not good, your Highness.
I'm dying...
or at least, I should be.
You were very good to my mother and me.
Now, I ask you for one more act of kindness.
Let Celesta go.
You don't understand. If I let her go, I will die.
You shouldn't fear it.
I did for the longest time.
But now my suffering has... grown so... real...
and deep.
Now I know... death can be a friend...
- a resting place. - You must understand, Talus, that...
I'm not suffering.
My life can still be good.
I don't believe that.
When the good King Sisyphus
sees all the pain and misery he has caused the world,
he'll die inside a million times in regret for what he has done.
Don't you see ? It's not how long you live that matters.
It's how well you live.
Please, let her go.
You're a great king, Sisyphus.
Be remembered that way.
I was so concerned with my own life,
I forgot about the rest of the world.
I've been such a fool.
Oh... it's not too late.
I will miss you.
Don't count me out yet.
Sisyphus... there's not much time.
Xena ! Talus ! They're right behind me !
Stay away from those chains !
Or this young thing... will be Death's first victim.
- Let her go ! - Talus...
let me.
Shouldn't you be looking for a shallow grave somewhere ?
Just a few more minutes.
Come on, Toxeus...
wouldn't you rather have me by the throat
than that scrawny little girl ?
- Are you offering to join me ? - Run me through, and I'm yours.
No, Xena !
You unlock Celesta. I'll handle the others.
- Die, Xena ! - Not today !
Get away from those chains.
- You all right ? - That was a little close.
I'm ready, Celesta.
Your time will come. First, someone else needs me.
Wait.
Wait. There's been some kind of mistake.
No, Gabrielle, it's... no mistake.
I have to say goodbye.
'Goodbye ?'
I don't understand.
Talus is very sick. He has been for a long time.
But I didn't know.
I'm ready.
No. You don't have to take him.
We saved you. You owe us.
Please.
I should've told you.
Forgive me, Gabrielle.
All I wanted was a memory of you.
This can't be happening.
We'll meet each other again, someday...
on the other side.
You won't forget me ?
How could I ?