As was the case with many of the caves spread out around Greece, the cave these three friends were staying in had a frying pan, a small pot, a few plates, cups and utensils tucked into a small opening in one wall. Travelers often left them so no one would have to go hungry. The Iolaus who was the superb cook had been the first to notice them earlier in the evening. As he lay next to the fire with his new friend's afghan over him, he was already mentally preparing the next morning's breakfast. He would get up at the crack of dawn as he always did, find some eggs and bring some water up from the river.
Throughout the night, the Iolaus who was Hercules' lifelong friend kept waking up, freezing and hoping for warm weather to arrive soon. He almost wished he had enough money to live at an inn forever, but realized that wasn't the life he preferred. This is what he loved: traveling with Hercules, no matter what the circumstances. He sat close to the fire until at one point he nodded off and nearly toppled into it. He jerked himself awake, added a log to the dying embers, and laid down again. His two friends were sound asleep, and he envied the other Iolaus wrapped in the new afghan. He thought about how odd it was to see his double, and could easily understand how Hercules could confuse one with the other.
The cold night wore on, and at the earliest sign of daylight barely creeping into the cave entrance, Iolaus whispered, "What's that?" before his eyes were open.
A blonde head spun around from nearby and said, "What's what?"
"That smell. It's...." he yawned, "Wonderful."
Iolaus smiled. "Good morning. It's some eggs. Hercules loves these."
Iolaus sat up, still so cold he could hardly move. "Good morning. Hercules told me about your cooking. He really misses it."
Iolaus put the steaming eggs on a plate and handed it to his mirror image.
Iolaus took a bite. "This is wonderful," he said. "Herc was right, you ARE a great cook. I've never had eggs like this."
Iolaus smiled and said, "Thank you. Oh, um....here." He handed Iolaus a cup of hot herbal tea, then returned Iolaus' afghan to him.
"Great, thanks," Iolaus said. "Are you always up so early cooking breakfast?" Iolaus set his plate and cup down and wrapped his afghan around himself.
"Well, like I once told Hercules, old habits die hard. I never slept well in the other world, so I'd get up early and make the Sovereign's breakfast and practice a new routine for his....amusement." He realized he hadn't thought of those days in quite a while.
Iolaus clearly remembered what life was like in that world. The day he was mistaken for his counterpart and dragged into that nightmare of a place, the Sovereign used him as a punching bag from the time he arrived until he escaped. He could only imagine the abuse his friend endured for years. "Iolaus," he finally said, as he continued eating the eggs, "I'm really happy for you that Hercules got you out of there. It's like he said, you didn't deserve the treatment you got. The Sovereign was brutal."
"Thanks. Hercules really did save my life. You know, it's so funny sitting here talking to you in person."
"What do you mean?" Iolaus took a sip of hot tea, delighting in the fact that it was helping to warm him up.
"Well, just after Hercules brought me here he took me to the memorial he erected for you and..."
Iolaus stopped chewing and looked up. "He took you where?"
"He didn't tell you about the memorial?"
Iolaus shook his head. "No! What memorial? Where?" He grinned in surprise.
The other Iolaus was suddenly afraid that he had said something he shouldn't have. "I....I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't have said that."
Iolaus noticed how shaken he'd become and said, "No, it's okay. I didn't mean to upset you. It's just that this is the first I've heard of it. Where is it?"
"It's in a place Hercules said you loved. I'm sorry, Iolaus."
"It's okay....really." Iolaus tried to convince his friend that this revelation did no harm.
"Don't be mad at Hercules. He truly honored your memory there."
Iolaus looked at his still sleeping friend. "I could never be mad at him. After what I did, I'm surprised he'd do something like that."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean being stupid enough to get myself killed and all, then becoming possessed by a demon."
"Oh, Dahak," Iolaus stated.
"He told you about that?" Iolaus thought the whole world must know of that ugly incident by now.
Iolaus nodded.
"Is there anything about me he DIDN'T tell you?"
"Oh, I'm sure there is, but he had such a hard time with your loss. He always seemed to feel better when he talked about you."
"Yeah, well I'll think twice before I jump in front of anymore flying knives!" Iolaus finished the eggs and said, "Iolaus, that was the best meal I've ever had!"
Iolaus laughed. "That's funny, that's exactly what Hercules says every time I cook for him."
"Well, I can see why."
Just then Hercules turned over and peeked out of half-closed eyes. Seeing the two blond heads he said, "What are you two doing up so early?"
"Herc, Iolaus just made the best breakfast I ever had."
"Didn't I tell you?" Hercules said, and fell asleep again, pulling his arms in close for warmth. Iolaus decided to make the supreme sacrifice and gave up his afghan once again to cover Hercules with it. Maybe later he would suggest that Hercules make one for himself.
The two Iolauses continued talking softly. "So uh, Herc tells me that the two of you hung around together for a long time."
"Yeah, but everywhere we went, people thought I was you. You left quite a reputation."
"I did?" Iolaus wasn't sure if this was good or bad news.
"People always wanted me to fight or save their town or their road from barbarians. I could never fill your shoes. I even said that at your memorial. I told you that I could never take your place, but I just hoped there was a little of you inside me. You were the hero I could never be. I had to ask Hercules to teach me how to defend myself before I got beaten up by someone thinking I was you. At least here...." he suddenly broke off his sentence.
"At least here what?"
"Well, when the Sovereign beat me up, I didn't dare fight back or he would have killed me. At least here I can fight back."
Iolaus nodded. "It must have been hard for you to come to this world and then have to deal with all that."
"Well," Iolaus said thoughtfully, "In a way. But I like it here better. Actually, no one beats me up every day or forces me to entertain them. For the first time in my life I can just be myself."
"That's great, and you're lucky you found Nautica."
"I should get back to her today. It's our first night apart, but I couldn't pass this up. You're so lucky, Iolaus."
"I am?"
"Having Hercules for a friend all your life. You had....HAVE lots of friends. Everywhere I go I'm reminded of it. I think people are talking to me because of me, only to find out they think I'm you. Not everyone knows what happened to you."
"I guess when you put it that way, I am lucky. We've been through so much, Herc and I. But you're lucky yourself now. You found a wife."
Iolaus smiled broadly. "Yeah, she's really special. I can't wait for you to meet her."
"I'd like that."
In fact, I kinda have a surprise, but I'll tell you when Hercules wakes up."
"Really? What kind of surprise?"
"Well, a good surprise, but I don't want to say anything yet."
"Okay," Iolaus smiled. "You know, Herc was right, it really is early. Do you mind if I get some more sleep?"
"Not at all. I'll just straighten up the mess."
Iolaus laid down and slept another hour until he was awakened when he smelled those familiar eggs cooking again. This time they were for Hercules who was just getting up.
"Iolaus!" Hercules exclaimed, "You didn't have to do this."
"I know, but I wanted to." He handed the plate of piping hot eggs to Hercules.
"Well thank you. Since you got married I haven't been eating this well." Hercules looked down at the eggs and saw movement out of the corner of his left eye. A purple vest with an arm sticking out had a fork in its hand, aiming to carve a section of eggs from the plate. "Hey!" Hercules shouted. "You said you already ate."
"Well, it was worth a try," Iolaus grinned.
The other Iolaus laughed at the antics of these two. "Um, Hercules? I have something to tell you and Iolaus."
"Uh oh," Hercules replied. "Everything's okay, isn't it?"
"Oh yeah, everything's fine."
The other Iolaus sat back down at the fire and helped himself to some more hot tea, then cupped the mug in his hands to warm them as he listened.
"Nautica and I talked it over and....well, to make a long story short, we're moving."
Hercules' face fell in sudden shock, wondering to what distant sea they were going.
Iolaus realized what Hercules was thinking. In the time he had spent with this tall friend, he found that he often knew what Hercules was thinking, sometimes even voicing Hercules' thoughts before he spoke them. "Oh no, Hercules, I don't mean we're MOVING, not like far away or anything. What I mean is," he rubbed his hand over his face as he thought of how to say it, "We're moving to land!"
Several seconds later, Hercules smiled broadly. "Iolaus, that's great!" He looked at the other Iolaus who smiled as well.
"Well, we discussed it and Nautica wants a change. She loved it when she was on land before, and she only went back into the sea because she had to. I'm going to open a shop where I can work on my inventions. Nautica knows that's what I've always wanted to do and she's behind me one-hundred percent. She said I gave up so much to be with her and she's willing to do the same for me. We're going to talk to Aphrodite about giving Nautica legs again, and see if something can be done so she won't transform back to a mermaid when she gets wet. And about the seas freezing? That's all been taken care of."
"Iolaus, that's the best news I've had in....about four days!" He grinned at the friend he had recently pulled from the other side of life. "So have you decided where you'll set up your shop?"
"At first we talked about Athens, but decided it's a little too big and busy. At least if it's anything like the Athens of the world I came from. So we're going to find a smaller, quieter place. If people like my inventions, they'll come to buy them."
"Iolaus, this is wonderful news. When will all this happen?"
"Very soon. In fact, we were finalizing details when Dite appeared and said you were looking for me. So as soon as I get back, it's just a matter of time."
The other Iolaus saw how happy Hercules was with this news and said, "Iolaus, if there's anything we can do to help you, you just let us know, okay?"
"Iolaus thought reflectively. "Well, there is one thing."
"Name it," Hercules said, without hesitation.
"I thought that maybe you could put in a word with Aphrodite. We really need her help on this."
"Consider it done, Iolaus," Hercules smiled. "But you know she likes you and Nautica. You don't need us to intervene."
"I know," Iolaus answered quietly, "But it never hurts to cover all avenues. Maybe I can take some flowers to her shrine. I did that before and she helped me. Of course, I owed her a major apology that time."
"For what?" Iolaus asked.
Iolaus smiled at the memory. "I sort of insulted her....the way she was dressed. Or I should say the way she was NOT dressed."
His two friends laughed knowingly.
"Then Nautica was kidnapped and I needed Dite's help. Flowers work every time."
"So she helped you rescue Nautica?" Iolaus asked.
"Boy, did she ever! She gave Discord a good lesson in manners, and I took on a dozen barbarians who were holding Nautica."
"Iolaus, you never told me that," Hercules said. "I guess your lessons in self-defense paid off, huh?"
Iolaus laughed. "Yeah that, plus I finally had something to fight for."
"That's terrific, Iolaus," Hercules smiled. "I always knew you could do it. You have the strength, you just needed some strategies." He finished the eggs and put the plate down. "Iolaus, what you can do with eggs! So, can we walk you back to your home?"
"Sure," Iolaus smiled broadly. He gathered up the tin plates and cups to take to the river to clean.
"Here, let me help you," Hercules said.
"That's okay, I've got it. You two relax and I'll be right back."
After he left the cave, Iolaus said, "He's quite a character, isn't he?"
Hercules smiled. "Yeah, he sure is. He's had such a hard time adjusting to being here, but he's finally coming around. I mean, it's such a change from where he came from."
"Yeah," Iolaus nodded, "He told me it's been hard with everyone thinking he's me."
"Well, that's a lot to live up to. I mean, you have quite a reputation."
"So I hear," Iolaus laughed. "By the way, Herc, what's this memorial you erected for me?"
As Hercules started to stand up, he froze in place, then sat down again. "He told you about that?"
Iolaus nodded. "He didn't mean to. I mean, I guess he thought I already knew."
"I guess I just didn't think to tell you," Hercules said.
"It's okay, Herc, really. In fact, I think it's....well, NICE."
"You do?"
"Well yeah, Buddy. I mean, who ever gets something like that and gets to come back to see it?"
"Would you like to see it?"
"Of course!"
Hercules nodded. "Okay, after we walk with Iolaus back to the beach, we'll go."
Iolaus returned from the river and put the dishes back where he had found them. The other Iolaus put the fire out and folded his afghan. Then he changed his mind and wrapped it around his shoulders as they walked out into the cool mid-morning air. They walked in the sun wherever they could for warmth against the chill in the air.
A short time later they reached Iolaus' beach, as Hercules now thought of it. This time it was not as hard for him to see this friend return to the water, knowing that he would be back soon to stay. "Well, my friend," Hercules smiled, "We'll see you again real soon, okay?"
"Okay, Hercules." Iolaus reached out to shake Hercules' hand, but Hercules took his shoulders and gave him a big hug. Iolaus turned to the vested Iolaus and reached for his hand as well, but Iolaus also gave his new friend a hug.
"You take care of yourself, Iolaus," he said.
"You too," Iolaus answered. He had never known anyone like these two heroes. "Maybe Dite can sort of 'pop in' on you two and let you know where Nautica and I end up."
"I'm sure she will," Hercules smiled. "We'll see you later."
Iolaus walked into the sea and was gone, back to Nautica with lots of stories to tell her about his other two best friends.
Iolaus and Hercules left the beach and headed in the direction of the memorial where Hercules promised to go. "You know, Hercules," Iolaus said as they walked, "You've done so many good things for so many people all of your life, but you know what?"
"What, Iolaus?"
"The best thing you ever did, the number one best thing ever, was getting Iolaus out of that place he lived!"
Hercules smiled, "You know, you're right. I can't believe he's the same person I met a few months ago. If anyone ever deserved a second chance at a decent life, it's him."
They walked on in silence for a while. Iolaus still had his afghan wrapped around his shoulders. He had gotten the earlier non-stop babbling out of his system and was now content to just walk with his best friend. He wasn't sure what this memorial would be, but from what the other Iolaus said, he had nothing to worry about. What had he said? 'Hercules had truly honored your memory there.' He smiled to himself.
Late in the afternoon they walked around a bend in their path and there it was, the memorial to Iolaus. "It's not much," Hercules said.
Iolaus looked up at this tall man. "Don't say that, Hercules, it's a LOT." He approached the obelisk and said, "It's kinda weird to see, you know? But it....well, it means a lot to me."
Hercules could only nod. He hadn't been here in a while. Finally he said, "Maybe I should destroy it. I mean, you're back now and it might make you feel....I don't know....weird."
Iolaus thought a few seconds and said, "No, don't destroy it. It IS weird, a little, but it's okay."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure." Iolaus was silent for a few minutes as he looked at what his friend had done for him. "I'm uh, honored that you did this. Thanks, Herc." He looked around at the familiar surroundings where he hadn't been for a long time. "This is one of my favorite places in the whole world."
Hercules took a deep breath, suddenly aware that he had hardly been breathing at all. "Well, I know that, Iolaus, and that's why I put it here."
They finally walked away from the area to look for a place to spend the night. Iolaus eventually broke the silence. "I wish Iolaus was with us to cook tonight."
Hercules laughed. "What's the matter, you don't like my cooking anymore?"
"No," Iolaus laughed.
Hercules reached over and punched Iolaus' shoulder, pushing him ahead on the path. Iolaus punched him back, and they walked along the path laughing as they always did. "Well, when he and Nautica get settled somewhere, I bet it wouldn't take much to get them to have us over for dinner."
"I think you're right," Iolaus smiled.
"It's great that they're coming back to live in a village. Iolaus said he would give up the world for Nautica, and he literally did. But he has so much to offer the world that he really needs the chance to work on his inventions and everything else he can do."
"He should open a tavern," Iolaus said. "He'd be a terrific chef. People would come from miles around."
"Yeah, he's a man of many talents, which is strange considering his background. He just needed a chance, that's all."
They came upon a cave where they decided to stay for the night. Once again, they gathered wood for a fire as Iolaus asked, "So what's for dinner?"
"I dunno, fish?"
They made a path through the trees to the river they had walked next to all day, and within a half hour, Hercules had caught four fish. As they returned to their shelter, Iolaus said, "Hercules, do you think I've lost the ability to catch fish?"
"Iolaus, you never HAD the ability to catch fish."
"Hey," Iolaus said, pretending to be deeply hurt.
"I doubt it. Sometimes I catch them and sometimes you catch them."
"Yeah, but lately you've been catching all of them."
"Jealous?"
"Jealous! Are you kidding? Absolutely not! He thought a few seconds. "Well okay, maybe....a little."
"Don't worry, Iolaus, your turn will come."
They decided to stay in this place for a couple of days and just relax. Hercules appreciated every moment that he didn't have to run off to help someone, to do nothing but be with his best friend again. He just needed some time away from intervening to help villagers and battling barbarians, and he was getting some much deserved rest this week.
On their third morning at this place, they were getting ready to eat when a familiar glow of shimmering light flashed in front of them. "Aphrodite!" Hercules exclaimed.
"Hi Bro," she smiled. "Hi Curly."
Iolaus smiled at her. "Hi Dite."
"I have some news for you. Iolaus and Nautica are officially land-dwellers now. They're in a village and want you to come for a visit as soon as you can."
Iolaus and Hercules smiled at each other. "That's great news," Hercules said. "Tell us where it is and we're on our way."
The pair walked a few hours that day, once again following the well-worn path along the river, until they came to a small, dusty town. It didn't take five minutes to find Iolaus. He was juggling apples in the street at a vendor's cart, a mile-wide smile on his face as he entertained his bride and anyone else who cared to watch.
Hercules poked Iolaus on his shoulder. "Shhhh," he whispered, "Let's surprise him." They quietly snuck up to Iolaus, neither saying a word.
Suddenly Iolaus saw them over Nautica's shoulder and nearly burst. "Hercules! Iolaus!" There were hugs and slaps on backs all around. Iolaus introduced Nautica to the other Iolaus, then said, "Come on, I want to show you something."
They proceeded up the street to a small house with a small workshop next to it. "Look," Iolaus beamed, "It's ours!"
"Iolaus," Hercules said, "Really?"
"Yeah, the man who lived here died. He had no family or anything, so we get to keep his furniture and tools and everything. I'm going to clean out the workshop and fix it up so I can use it. I have a hundred ideas for inventions."
"I bet you do," Hercules smiled.
"Hey, I bet you guys are hungry."
"Well...." Iolaus answered, "I'm starving."
Hercules laughed. "Don't let him kid you. We been eating enough fish to last us a week."
"Yeah, I guess we have," Iolaus agreed, "But I'm not about to turn down any chance for some of your cooking."
The other Iolaus laughed. "Come on in and make yourselves at home. I'm sure I can throw something together."
"Nautica, did you have any idea you were marrying the world's greatest cook?" Hercules asked.
"He's the world's greatest everything," she smiled, and kissed her new husband.
"Newlyweds," Iolaus muttered to Hercules, and changed the subject. "So uh, what ideas are you working on?" He sat down next to Hercules while Nautica served lemonade. The couple had just moved in, but had already laid in a supply of food and cooking utensils, and looked like they had been living there for months.
Iolaus busied himself cutting up vegetables and tossing them into a pot that hung in the fireplace. "Well, I have an idea for a better way to cook than in this hearth. It's too hot and dangerous to always keep reaching into the fire like this when I need to stir the pot. I'm thinking of making a separate table to cook on. It would have a large, flat top to put the pans on, and sides, and the fire would be contained inside it, out of the way. I'll make it out of iron, just like the spark jug, so it won't catch on fire."
"Iolaus, you are truly an amazing man," Hercules smiled. "After we eat, what if I help you clean out that workshop?"
"Me too," Iolaus offered.
Iolaus looked at these two guys from where he was stirring the pot, trying to keep his right arm from being singed by the leaping flames. His smile lit up the room. "That would be great! Thank you. Thank you both."
Hercules smiled at him, honestly glad that he had helped give this special friend a second chance so many months ago. Two friends, each given another chance at life. Hercules knew at that moment that life did not get any better than this.
End
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