This episode opens with Xena and Gabrielle taking a break in the forest, as Gabrielle relieves Xena's shoulder pain with a much needed massage. Gabrielle exclaims, "What in Tartarus have you been carrying on these shoulders?" An elusive Xena replies, " I wouldn't know." Xena and Gabrielle sense that they are not alone and prepare for what they do best ---battle on! Gabrielle flips and rolls backwards claiming her staff as Xena kicks backwards, her boots making contact with two unsuspecting attackers. As Xena and Gabrielle overcome their attackers, Xena takes a scroll from one of them and hands it to Gabrielle. Both read the scroll aloud only to discover that it is an arrest warrant for Xena, for the murder of Velasa. Haunted by the name, Xena remembers Velasa, as flashbacks begin flooding her mind. Xena admits to the crime, having confessed that Velasa was an innocent person and she was killed to suit Xena's own purposes. She admits her willingess to return to the village to be tried for her past sins. Gabrielle is perplexed by Xena's actions and behavior, as Xena unclamps her beloved chakrum and hands it to Gabrielle. A reluctant Gabrielle takes the weapon. Gabrielle endures her warrior's pain as the chains and shackles are placed on Xena. The next scene opens in the courtroom as a trial ensues. Xena agrees with the testimonies of her persecutor's, having acknowledged that Velasa had a "light" of her own. Xena continues with flashbacks of those dreaded events as the trial proceeds. Gabrielle continues to try and defend her warrior friend. Xena agrees to accept the consequences and punishment of her deeds as the truth of Velasa's death is revealed --- she was tied by her right arm to a stake in a cave and was eaten alive by crabs. Xena is sentenced to life in prison on Shark Island. As Xena awaits to board the ship for her destination, Gabrielle attempts to talk her out of her decision. Xena explains that Velasa had the same spirit as Gabrielle and nothing can take the place of Velasa's death. As Xena is torn from her embrace with Gabrielle and hauled to the ship Gabrielle pleads with her to "listen" to her and escape, informing her that this is not justice. Xena bound for Shark Island, leaves a distraught Gabrielle to devise her own plan of escape. Gabrielle, chakrum in hand, begins to develop a plan as the healer from Shark Island arrives, stating he has retired. Gabrielle inquires of his position and plans to board the next ship for the dreaded isle. Meanwhile, Xena arrives at Shark Island as a crude initiation results in an escaped prisoner's hanging - thus leaving all the prisoners to ponder their fate. Xena steps into the rescue of a frail prisoner as a tough prisoner confronts her. (Consequently this tough prisoner was put behind bars by Xena). As a fight ensues, Xena wins, of course! The prisoners worn down from a rough day's work are sent to eat their meal, all except Xena, who insists to bury the hanged prisoner. Xena, through a terrible storm, meaningfully erects a grave and altar for the girl prisoner, as she notices a dark robed figure watching her through a nearby window. The next day Xena comes to the defense of a weak prisoner and is sent to do the job for both of them, while the headguard continues to torment her in her efforts. Finally, after willing to take no more, Xena jumps into action, single handedly taking on all the guards while the prisoners enjoy the show. Immediately the dark robed figure appears putting an end to the fight as she yells, "Murderer." Xena is astonished as she realizes that this robed figure is none other than her victim - Velasa. Velasa describes her escape from the crabs as she also reveals her prosthetic arm and hand to reveal the damage done to her. Velasa's guards, at her command, tie Xena "like a pig for slaughter" and throw her into a deep dark pit. Velasa's words echo "you finally have the punishment you sought but it's for a crime you didn't committ - don't you just love the irony.?" Xena soon discovers that she is not alone as the rats from hell begin attacking her and covering her body. Meanwhile a new healer arrives on Shark Island and is brought to Velasa's quarters, Gabrielle. Gabrielle realizes the identity of Velasa as she is caring for her "old" wound. Velasa begins describing the tall, dark haired evil that took her beauty and mutilated her soul. Gabrielle, in search of Xena, insists on checking the state of health of the prisoners. Meanwhile Xena has trained the rats to keep their distance. Gabrielle, enroute for Xena, continues to be followed by Velasa's chosen guards. Gabrielle decides to do a little "cleaning up" and uses a broom as a makeshift staff attacking the guardsmen. Gabrielle locates Xena's whereabouts and tosses her chakrum towards the opening of the pit. Her chakrum balances itself on the bars over the pit entrance, and Xena is left to hear Gabrielle's screams in the distance as she has been discovered. Xena fueled by her desire to save Gabrielle begins wrestling with the binding ropes around her. Velasa discovers the true identity of Gabrielle and is forced to determine her fate. As a new batch of prisoners arrive on Shark Island they are also to bear witness to a hanging. Gabrielle's hanging. As her head is placed in the lynch Velasa is unable to give the command for Gabrielle's death. Meanwhile Xena reclaims her chakrum. A distraught guard decides that he can make the command for Gabrielle's death. As Gabrielle is about to face her death, Xena's chakrum appears severing the rope, releasing Gabrielle from its grip. A battle ensues between the prisoners and guards as Xena makes her way to Gabrielle's side. Quickly Velasa appears and Xena informs Gabrielle to take her to safety. Velasa and Gabrielle enter Velasa's quarters as Gabrielle succesffully fends off several of the attackers. However, she falls victim to one and is knocked unconcious. Xena enters and battles the prisoner, pummeling her through the wall, thus continuing to fight her until she is kicked into a barrel outside. Velasa approaches, as a tired and war torn Xena pleads with her to find the goodness that once eluded her. Velasa thanks Gabrielle for her insight and help in rediscovering her soul and for thanking Xena for saving her life. Gabrielle returns Xena's chakrum to her and asks her to finally "forgive herself," upon which Xena replies, "that's not for me." Xena does vow, however, to "not let that monster that I used to be, the one that lies so close to my heart, destroy the good I can do now." And Gabrielle reaffirms that vow with her own stating, " not as long I'm around."By Jennifer
