Mighty Aphrodite

Written by © Caina Q. Fuller

Episode #10.

Teaser

Fade in. Outside view of Mt. Olympus.

Int. Main Hall

HERCULES is dragged into the main hall by ARES, his hands chained with cuffs made of the metal of Hephaestus. Hercules sports several cuts and bruises on his face and arms. His clothes are ripped and stained with blood from his wounds.

Ares

On your knees!

Ares shoves him to his knees then cuffs the mighty mans ankles together. Before him are five thrones, three of them occupied by gods. Ares takes a seat in the far left, next to him is DEMETER, next to her is her daughter PERSEPHONE, next to Persephone is APOLLO.

Cut to:

Int. Temple of Aphrodite

APHRODITE stands before CUPID, who has a bow ready. Cupid’s son BLISS appears next with a clear, cylindrical container that contains what looks like a slimy, black snake. In fact it’s an arrow made by ZEUS himself.

Cupid

Are you sure about this Mom?

Aphrodite is clearly nervous, but she nods her head yes.

Aphrodite

I’m sure. I owe Hercules too much to let

him go down like this.

Cupid

You have to have the antidote arrow

within three days of being hit with this

one. If you don’t you’ll have to remain in

your new state forever.

Aphrodite

I know. It’s a chance I’m willing to take.

Cupid

Ok then. Let’s do it.

Cupid takes the writhing arrow out of its container after Bliss pulls off the lid. The arrow twists and turns, looking wet and disgusting like a snake, but as soon as he puts the tail end of the arrow against the black bow string it straightens into a glistening black arrow with a wickedly sharp head that looks like a snake with its mouth open wide, revealing sharp fangs that are capable of piercing the flesh of a god. Aphrodite takes a deep breath and closes her eyes as Cupid takes aim.

Cupid

I love you Ma.

Aphrodite

Right back at ya kid. You too Bliss.

Cupid fires the arrow and as soon as it hits her, the arrowhead comes alive. It’s fangs bite into the flesh of her chest, just above her heart. It wiggles its way into her chest. The penetration of the arrow is clearly agonizing to Aphrodite, and she falls to the floor, writhing and screaming in agony.

Bliss

Grandma!

Cupid holds his son back from running to Aphrodite’s side, even though instinct in him is willing him to rush to her aid and save her from her pain.

Cupid

Wait! The arrow isn’t finished yet. Let it

finish!

Bliss

But she’s in pain.

Cupid

Not for long.

Aphrodite gives one last scream and then lies still. An ugly black cloud begins to cover her in a cocoon until we can no longer see her.

Int-Main Hall of Olympus

Hercules faces the four gods who sit on their thrones in all their arrogant glory.

Demeter

Do you know why you are here Hercules?

Hercules

I killed Zeus.

Demeter

Correct. The New Olympian order, headed

by Ares, Apollo, Aphrodite, Persephone and

myself have found you guilty of patricide.

Apollo speaks up from his place beside Demeter.

Apollo

It is the judgment of this council that you

have betrayed Olympus. You killed our

king to save a mortal that was prophesied

to one day bring about the fall of the

Olympian Order. Because of your actions

that prophecy came true.

Ares

This council also finds you guilty of

evading justice for twenty six years.

Hercules

Justice? You bastards have no idea

what justice is.

Persephone

Have you anything to say in your defense

Hercules?

Hercules

If I translate the crap you just spouted

you’re asking me if I’ll beg for my life?

Hell no.

Demeter and the others follow suit.

Demeter

The council sentences you to death for the

crime of murder against your father, as

well as your crimes against the Olympian

order. The sentence is to be carried out

forthwith.

Hercules

What a surprise.

They hold up their hands and energy balls form in the palms. They are just about to hurl them at Hercules, surely killing him, when a mist begins to form before him like a protective shield. A mysterious wind kicks up until it becomes a struggle for the gods to remain on their feet. Under the force of the wind their energy balls dissipate.

Persephone

What is this? What’s happening?

The wind forms a funnel that closes in on itself until it solidifies into Aphrodite. Only it’s not the Aphrodite we have always known her. The new Aphrodite has short, auburn hair and she is dressed in a golden skirt outfit very similar to Athena’s. Flatfooted boots that come up to her knees each have a dagger strapped to them, and a sword hangs on her back. Aphrodite’s belt is also lined with small throwing knives. She looks like quite the warrior, and every god in the room, Hercules included, stares at her with wide-eyed shock.

Close up on Aphrodite’s deadly serious face.

Fade Out.

End of Teaser.

Act One

Fade In-Potidaea

Gabrielle, Hope, Eve and Lila stand with other townspeople in front of a temple. It’s a massive structure, obviously new, and a plaque over the door marks it as a temple to Aphrodite.

Gabrielle

Since when did Potidaea become loyal to

Aphrodite? I thought Athena was our

patron goddess.

Lila

She was sis, until Xena killed her.

Gabrielle

Oh, yeah. There is that.

Lila

We like to worship living gods here in

Potidaea.

Gabrielle

Alright, smart-aleck.

Eve

Shouldn’t you be dedicating yourselves

to Eli’s God?

Sarah

(ignoring Eve’s question)

I think it’s a beautiful temple. I just

hope she likes the way I decorated the

interior.

Hope

You have a great talent for interior

decorating Sarah. I’m sure Aphrodite

will be pleased.

Gabrielle

Yeah. And if she’s not, I’ll drive my foot

so far up her-

Hope

Mom!

Gabrielle

Sorry. I forgot myself for a moment.

Hope

I’ll say.

Genia exit’s the temple and Gabrielle starts the applause, but Genia quickly clears her throat and brings the crowd to order.

Genia

May I have your attention everyone? I am

Genia, Aphrodite’s new High Priestess.

(The crowd cheers)

Thank you. Today I will be opening

the doors to you for the first time since

construction has finished. The goddess

would like for me to thank you all for your

hospitality and kind words of encouragement

to her since the loss of her beloved family.

Gabrielle rolls her eyes and Eve elbows her for it as Genia opens the doors to the temple.

Genia

But before you all step in, you should

know that the decorating was done

by Potidaea’s very own Sarah. Daughter

of Lila and Lector!

Everyone claps for Sarah, and then follows Genia into the temple. Oohs and ahhs abound and everyone showers Sarah with compliments on the wonderful job she’s done decorating the temple. Gabrielle wanders to the back, to a shelf lined with potions. There is a sign above the potions that reads (in ancient Greek): Do not attempt to touch potions.

Gabrielle

Sarah, you’re work is amazing.

Sarah

Thank you Gabrielle. I’m just glad every-

one likes it.

Lila wraps a proud arm around her daughter, and Gabrielle reads the plaque above the wall of potions aloud.

Lila

I told you they would silly.

Gabrielle

Genia, if you don’t want anyone to try and

touch the potions, why do you have them

in plain sight? Isn’t that a bit dangerous?

Genia

Go ahead and try to touch them.

Gabrielle reaches for a bottle but when her fingers almost make contact she gets a nasty electrical shock.

Gabrielle

Ouch!

Genia

Only Aphrodite can touch them.

Cupid appears in the middle of the room and everyone drops to their knees in deep respect, but Cupid isn’t interested in their worship right now.

Cupid

I would like to ask that everyone but Eve

and Gabrielle leave the temple immediately.

The people scurry away but Genia goes to him and hugs him.

Genia

Daddy? What’s going on?

Cupid

(kisses her cheek)

Hello sweetheart.

Eve looks to Gabrielle and mouths “daddy” to her with a big question mark look. Gabrielle shrugs her shoulders. She doesn’t know what’s going on anymore than anyone else, so she’s in for a shock.

Cupid

I need to speak with Gabrielle and Eve.

Go on now. I’ll see you soon.

Genia shrugs and leaves with Lila, Hope and Sarah.

Gabrielle

Cupid. It’s been a long time.

Cupid

(in a hurry)

Gabrielle. You haven’t changed a bit. Still

as lovely as ever. Now down to business.

Mother has asked that I find you and ask

for your help.

Gabrielle

What’s the matter?

Cupid

You’ll see soon enough.

Cut to:

Int. Main Hall of Mt. Olympus

Close in on Aphrodite’s stern expression.

Persephone

Aphrodite?

Apollo

What are you doing Aphrodite?

Demeter

Get out of the way. You don’t want to get

hit with four energy sphere’s do you? You

know how much that would sting.

Aphrodite

I’m not going to get hit with anything. I’m

also not going to allow you to murder my

brother. This council is a farce of justice

and I’m not-

Apollo comes up out of his throne in a rage, screaming at her.

Apollo

This council has decided his fate and I’ll

be damned if I allow some half-witted

blond bimbo get in the way of our justice!

He throws his best energy ball at her but she absorbs it as if it is nothing. They stare at her in shock but they don’t have long before they notice Aphrodite’s eyes glowing.

A “sphere” of energy, as Demeter likes to call it, shoots out of Aphrodite’s midsection and smacks into Apollo. He flies back into his throne, his skin charged with his own energy. What’s even more amazing is he is unconscious.

Ares

What the hell? How did you do that?

The younger god’s don’t know what is happening, but Demeter does. She stares Aphrodite down then takes her daughters hand.

Demeter

This is war Aphrodite.

Aphrodite

One you know you’ll lose Demeter.

The two goddesses fade away, followed by Ares who takes Apollo with him. When it is just Aphrodite and Hercules, she pulls her big brother to his feet as if he weighs nothing and examines him.

Hercules

I think you have some explaining to do.

Gabrielle (o.s)

You’re not kidding.

Main Hall-later

Aphrodite sits in Zeus’ old throne. She smiles, showing she likes the feel of it.

Aphrodite

A girl could get used to this chair.

Eve

So you had Cupid shoot you with an arrow

that Zeus made to change a god’s

personality?

Cupid

Not just her personality. Her very nature.

She is now the ultimate goddess.

Aphrodite

Cupie, please. You say that like its news.

I’ve always been the ultimate goddess.

Cupid

Before, that was only in your own mind.

Now it’s the truth.

Hercules

You’re not just the goddess of Love,

you’re the goddess of War, the goddess

of wisdom, nature. Need I go on?

Aphrodite

Not for me you don’t.

Gabrielle

Well you do for me. How can she be the

embodiment of all of those functions?

The only one that could do that was…Zeus.

Hercules/Eve

The King of the gods.

Everyone looks at Aphrodite again, this time in genuine, but quiet, amazement.

Aphrodite

That’s me. Queen bee of this little hive.

I only have three days before I have to be

hit with the antidote arrow or else I’m

stuck like this until someone finds a way

to kill me.

Gabrielle

You could change back now. You’ve saved

Hercules. There’s nothing left for you to do.

Aphrodite

Didn’t you hear Demeter, Sweet pea? She’s

declared war against me. If I step down

before I put them in their places and

guarantee their cooperation, Hercules is

as good as dead as soon as I return to

my former position as goddess of Love. I

can’t return to normal until real changes

have been made here.

Eve

So what are we doing here?

Aphrodite

We’re going to make some changes around

here. Even I need some help to do that.

You and Gabrielle can see these gods in a

way I cannot as a god myself. But before

we continue.

Aphrodite waves a hand over Eve, Gabrielle and Hercules.

Eve

I feel strange. What did you just do?

Aphrodite

I’ve given you a head start. Now, lets

make some plans.

Cut to:

Int. Demeter’s quarters

Demeter, Persephone, Ares and Apollo have gathered in Demeter’s quarters on Mt. Olympus. There is total chaos as Ares, Apollo and Persephone bombard Demeter with questions.

Apollo

What has she done?

Persephone

How can she suddenly be so powerful?

Ares

I want to know how Aphrodite can absorb

energy balls like that. That could be a

useful trick for me.

Demeter

Wait! If you’ll all calm down I’ll tell you.

There were only two gods I have ever

known that could do what I just saw

Aphrodite do. Zeus and Hera.

Ares

Are you saying she has somehow managed

to become as powerful as Hera?

Demeter

Very astute observation Ares. That’s

exactly what I’m saying. I don’t know

how she’s done it, but Aphrodite is more

powerful than all of us combined and

then some. There is only one way to stop

her.

Apollo

Well. Don’t keep us in suspense. How?

Demeter

Lorca.

Close up on Demeter

Fade Out.

End of Act One.

Act Two

Fade In

Gabrielle, Eve and Hercules walk with Aphrodite down a corridor in Mt. Olympus. Just as they reach the end of the line, Aphrodite stops and holds up her hands.

Gabrielle

What?

Aphrodite

Let me round the corner first. I can feel

something isn’t right.

Aphrodite rounds the corner and sure enough energy balls start blasting at her. She soaks them all up as if they are nothing, but Demeter appears behind her.

Demeter

Aphrodite!

The new Queen of the gods turns and Demeter holds her hand out. A net snakes from the palm of her hand like a web from Spiderman’s hand, covering Aphrodite and making her fall to the floor in a powerless heap. It is made from the metal of Hephaestus, and even she is unable to get out of it.

Hercules

Aphrodite!

Hercules moves out to save her but is almost hit by an energy ball from Apollo on his right, and Ares appears in the hall to his left, throwing another energy ball at him, which almost hits him. Eve reaches out and jerks Hercules back just in time for him to avoid another energy ball from Apollo.

Hercules

Thanks.

Eve

I do owe you one, don’t I?

Eve flips into the hall and faces Ares down, while Gabrielle flips toward Apollo with the Chakram drawn to deflect Apollo’s energy balls. The women jump at the same time so they cross over one another in mid air.

With Ares busy fighting Eve, and Apollo busy fighting Gabrielle, Hercules tries once more for Aphrodite. Just as he is about to make contact with the net, Persephone appears and kicks Hercules in the back, sending him crashing face first into the wall in front of him. Persephone then touches Aphrodite and fades away with her, as well as Demeter. Eve sees Aphrodite taken and she calls a retreat.

Eve

Retreat.

Ares locks onto Eve’s eyes with a hard stare and holds out his hands.

Ares

Sorry baby, but you’ve gotta go. It was

fun while it lasted.

He hits her with an energy ball just as Apollo does the same to Gabrielle. Both women fly backwards through the air until they smack into each other back to back. The land in an unceremonious heap on the floor, but they are not dead as the gods expected. While the gods react in shock at Eve and Gabrielle’s new immortality and seeming invincibility, Hercules goes up to a pillar and begins to push.

Hercules

Eve! Gabrielle! Run!

He shoves the pillar over and the room begins to rumble as it collapses. To keep the gods from running, Gabrielle separates the Chakram and tosses it at them. The dancing weapon flies circles around them, keeping them distracted while the room caves in and they make their escape.

Once most of the damage from the collapsing room has been done, the Chakram rejoins and returns to Gabrielle.

Hercules

We have to regroup. Come on. I know a

good place to hide.

The group takes off, leaving the two gods buried.

Close on Herc’s face.

Cut to:

Int. Lorca’s Cave

Persephone and Aphrodite appear inside a massive cave, without Demeter. In the center of the cave is a hole, about twenty feet in diameter, but the center seems bottomless.

Aphrodite

What is this place? I’ve never seen it

before.

Persephone

This is Lorca’s cave.

Aphrodite

Who’s Lorca?

Persephone

Lorca is a mistake more than a who. He

was a monster so horrible even his

mother Echcidna could not control him.

Hera and Zeus had to force him into this

cave. We’re at the base of Mt. Olympus,

in case you’re wondering.

Aphrodite

I know we’re still in Mt. Olympus, I’ve

just never seen this place before. You

know some petty monster can harm me,

so why are we here?

Persephone kneels down before Aphrodite, an angry look consuming her beautiful face.

Persephone

You were the goddess of Love, Aphrodite.

You tell me why we’re here.

Aphrodite

Hades. You forget that I lost someone

in the battle against Xena too Persephone.

Persephone

You must not have loved Hephaestus

very much.

Aphrodite

You little bitch! How dare you say some-

thing like that to me! Hephaestus meant

everything to me!

Persephone

I say it because you were all buddy-buddy

with Xena even after she’d killed your

husband. How could you? How could you

betray his memory like that?

Aphrodite

First off I never betrayed Hephaestus’

memory. Secondly, I understood something

a spoiled brat like you never could.

Persephone

Really? What’s that?

Aphrodite

I understood that if I were in Xena’s

shoes, I would have done the same thing

for my children. My husband was fighting

a war that never should have been

fought, and he paid the price for that.

So did your husband.

Persephone glares at Aphrodite with tears welling up in her eyes. Aphrodite’s words hurt, not because they were cruel, but because they’re true. She can deny it to the world all she wants, but she cannot deny the truth to her heart.

Aphrodite

Persephone, you’ve changed so much

since Hades died.

Persephone

I’ve grown up.

Aphrodite

(shaking her head no)

No. You’ve grown bitter. You’re no

longer the same woman Hades fell in

love with and fought so hard to keep. If

he saw you now he’d be sorely

disappointed.

Now Persephone is next to tears and she stands back, as if Aphrodite has done something horrible like spit in her face. Persephone decides to change the subject.

Persephone

You said no monster could hurt you. Well

you’re wrong. Lorca was imprisoned here

by Hera and Zeus because he has the

power to kill a god. He’s like a vampire.

He feeds on our immortality and our

powers until we’re reduced to our mortal

core. From there he will feed on your

blood until you’re dead. Once he realizes

we’ve brought him something to eat, he

will rise. You will die.

Persephone holds up her hand and Aphrodite floats to the center of the pit. She dangles in mid air. At first there is silence, but then horrible sound, like moans of agony, begin to rise from deep within the pit.

Aphrodite

Persephone, wait. I’m not going to beg.

I just want to say one last thing.

Persephone

What?

Aphrodite

How long do you think you will be at the

top before some other god like Ares or

Apollo finds a way to get you in here?

What’s left of Olympus is in chaos. We

need order and structure. I can give that

to us now. Demeter can’t. You can’t. I’ve