Escape From Elysium: A Sequel to Ride The Lightening

Prologue:

Iolaus and Hercules had been walking along in companionable silence for the first five miles of their journey to find the entrance to the Other Side. They were on a mission to liberate the souls of their loved ones before Hades had a chance to use them as pawns in his battle with Xena and Eve.

The heroes were each lost in deep thought about the events of the previous evening and this morning. Hercules was preoccupied with the overwhelming news Michael had given them...that both he and Iolaus were to be immortal (if they both wanted immortality). Iolaus, however, was deeply involved in committing to memory all of the words that Hercules had spoken to him the night before, finally putting voice to the depths of his feelings about the hunter's friendship and their tie of the soul.

Iolaus giggled when he realized that Herc didn't get flowery about anything. He expressed his feelings pretty much like he lived the rest of his life -- straight ahead and to the point -- no fancy stuff. I guess that meant he would have to be sentimental enough for the both of them in this partnership.

Hercules turned back to look at his partner who had been trailing slightly behind him and offered a small smile. He asked the hunter if he wanted to share what he was so amused about.

"No Herc, I was just thinking about how unbelievably amazing all of this is and I'm having a hard time getting over it."

"I know what you mean, Iolaus. I'm still trying to digest it all myself."

The heroes fell back into their companionable silence but this time Hercules waited for his partner to catch up with him so they could walk side by side for a while.

Hypnotic...that was the word Iolaus was looking for. The dance and crackle of the campfire produced an hypnotic effect and both he and the demigod were caught up in its effects.

"Immortality, Iolaus...Michael's offer is fantastic. We have to talk about this sometime real soon."

"Herc, I've been thinking of nothing else." Hercules cleared his throat rather loudly and Iolaus added, "well almost nothing else, since he told us this morning. It's making my brain hurt," groaned the hunter as he sent a half-hearted grin to his partner.

"Immortality is a concept I've been living with since I was very young and it makes my brain hurt too," said the demigod grinning sympathetically back.

"Well to tell you the truth, until now it's only something I've thought about in connection with you," said the hunter as an involuntary shiver ran down his spine. "But putting it together with my name -- you know, 'Immortal Iolaus' or 'Iolaus the Immortal' -- nothing like that ever occurred to me except in my dreams." The hunter's voice trailed off as he turned to warm himself at the fire.

"Mine too," whispered the demigod. "Mine too."

Iolaus heard the soft whispered words of his partner and they arrowed straight to his heart. He turned his head slowly until he locked gazes with the demigod wanting to search his eyes to read the truth in the demigod's soul. Needing to know that in the past, on some level, the demigod wanted them to be immortal together.

"You know, Iolaus, we've never really discussed it much after you came back. What's the whole story with the Light and Michael and this guardian business?"

"There's so much, Hercules. It could take days to explain and then that wouldn't even be enough to get everything into words. There are no words yet to describe some of what I saw."

"Well then, I guess it's a good thing that we could be immortal. You can take your time telling me," joked the demigod.

Iolaus attempted to give Hercules what he called 'the big picture' and then he said he would fill in more information as he remembered it. The hunter spoke for the better part of two hours before he started to yawn and look around for his bedroll.

"Oh and by the way, Herc, remember what you told me after we stopped King Tyndareus from making a big mistake with Ares over his daughter's marriage?"

"What?"

"You know, about the world being round and not sitting on the backs of 4 giant elephants?"

"Oh that, yeah Iolaus, I remember."

"You were right. It is basically round and there are no giant elephants. But that bit about the earth going around the sun and causing the seasons, well, I wasn't around the Light long enough to find that out so we'll just have to wait to see if you're right about that too."

"Okay Iolaus, we'll wait...but how long? Which brings us back to the immortality question."

"Look Herc, I'll do whatever you want -- I'm with you either way. Let's get some sleep and we'll let Michael know right after we get everyone out of Hades' clutches and on their way to the Light with the other Guardians."

"If that's what you want, it's okay with me Iolaus. I think we better take watches tonight though. Deimos and Discord are going to figure out soon enough that they didn't kill us and then they'll be back with a vengeance."

"Okay Herc but can you go first? I'm beat, buddy."

"Good night, Iolaus. I'll wake you after three or four hours."

Iolaus settled on his bedroll next to the campfire. The evening air was cool and Iolaus' blanket threadbare. He grumbled a bit as he lay there pulling it around his shoulders for warmth. The hunter wished, just for a moment, that he had taken Iphicles up on the offer of some new supplies for their journey. He had been so distracted by Hercules' state of mind right before they left Corinth that he couldn't have been bothered thinking of his own comfort, and in the condition his partner was in, he wouldn't have noticed if he had been wrapped in burlap or in silk.

Hercules had been in this continuous state of distraction over the death of Zeus. The hunter had been watching him for weeks now as the demigod unconsciously balled his mighty hands into fists and beat a rhythm on his thighs with them as he walked along. Iolaus noticed it had gotten a little better since this morning when Michael delivered the message of Zeus forgiveness, but the tension and sadness were still there, just under the surface. He fervently hoped when they were finished with this task in the Underworld his friend would be in a better position to begin the healing process.

He knew that Hercules hadn't yet moved from his spot on the other side of the fire. Pulling on all of the heightened hunter's senses he had developed over the years, even with his eyes closed, he could tell that the demigod was staring at him...giving him the once over. It had been happening more frequently of late, especially since he had returned from the Light. It was comforting in a way. All of that power and strength concentrated on him, safeguarding his sleep. It was something he had taken for granted during their years of traveling together and he would have to remember to tell his partner thanks. He fiddled with the blanket a little more, finally wrapping it securely around his head and shoulders, forcing himself to get some sleep.

"Iolaus, listen. Do you hear anything?"

"No, Herc. I haven't heard anything for a while. What's up?"

"Well, we've just passed a village and there was absolute quiet. No voices, no horses and carts, no activity. I think we should go back and investigate."

"Okay, Herc. What do you think is going on?"

"I don't know, but I don't like it."

They found a deserted village with signs that all of the inhabitants had left abruptly. Fires still burned in the forge; food was left cooking on hearths that were still warm indicating to the two heroes that the villagers weren't long gone.

"How many more towns are there between here and the gate to the underworld, Herc?"

"Two, if I remember correctly, Iolaus. Let's get going."

"Okay Herc but wait here one minute, I need to check out just one more thing."

Hercules waited patiently near the town square while he watched his partner head straight for the inn, and return less than a minute later.

"Find anything or anyone, Iolaus?"

"No, Herc. Didn't expect to. Let's go."

Hercules shook his head, expecting more of an explanation than that from his partner but he just took it in stride knowing he'd eventually find out.

The next two villages were just as deserted as the first. In each of the villages the demigod and hunter searched for signs of life, hoping that someone had gotten left behind who could explain the mystery. They found no one. In each of the villages, Iolaus searched the inn right before they left to follow the trail again, but still didn't give Hercules a clue as to why he was doing it. Now Herc's curiosity was totally piqued and he would have to ask Iolaus what he was up as soon as they got back on the road.

In each village ample evidence pointed to the fact that the people left abruptly without taking provisions for their journey. Iolaus had given up trying to figure out how many people were involved in this mass exodus. The individual tracks were too numerous to count but very easy to follow. The two heroes figured that the villagers had about a four to five hour lead on them but that they would eventually catch up and get some answers.

"Iolaus, back in those villages - why did you check out the inns right before we left?"

"Isn't it obvious, Herc -- accommodations for the way back -- you know, who should get to hold the feast in your honor for rescuing them."

"What? How do you know these people need rescuing, Iolaus?"

"Come on, Herc. These villagers didn't all go on vacation at the same time. Of course they need rescuing and you're just the demigod to do it. In their gratitude they'll fall all over each other trying to host a thank you feast for you and I'm just gonna let you know which village you prefer to do the hosting."

"Thanks, Iolaus. That's one less thing I'll have to worry about."

"Always glad to help Herc.

Hercules laughed. "Iolaus, you are..."

"Incredible...endlessly creative. I know Herc, let's go."

"You're right, the word is incredible...and don't ever change, buddy." returned the demigod as he put his hand on his partner's shoulder and walked with him down the road.

They followed the tracks for hours. Hercules was convinced that all of the missing villagers were headed to the underworld.

"Oh good," the hunter giggled, "then we won't have to make any unnecessary detours. How much longer, Herc?"

"Just over that mountain pass. We'll camp out tonight and get some rest, and then we'll go in fresh in the morning."

They prepared to set up camp but heard noises from up ahead. The two heroes checked it out and found hundreds of villagers - men, women and children - sitting very still in an encampment outside of the entrance to the underworld.

"So that's it, huh...the entrance to the underworld?"

"Iolaus, you've been here so many times I would've thought you'd recognize the place by now."

"Yeah, but I've never gone in through the front door before, Herc."

They snuck down into the camp and found all of the villagers in some type of trance. None of them appeared to be injured or hurt in any way. The demigod tried to snap several people out of their zombie-like states but nothing seemed to work. In case someone was watching, the two heroes hid among some bushes in a rocky outcropping several yards away from the encampment, taking turns sleeping and biding their time until dawn.

Iolaus woke the demigod right before dawn and the first thing he heard was the maniacal laughter of Deimos and the scolding voice of Discord.

"There must be no one watching the store on Olympus. Those two idiots have been making an awful lot of trouble for the past couple of days," complained Iolaus.

"No, by now one of my relatives would have taken over. But whichever one it is, they're not experienced enough to keep their eyes on those two."

"That's not good," injected the hunter.

"No, that IS the good part Iolaus. At least it lets us know Ares hasn't taken over because the first thing he would have done is to put them both in the Abyss of Tartarus for safe keeping until he solidified his position."

"Well Herc, then if Discord and Deimos are here, maybe it's Hades who took over Olympus."

"Good thinking, Iolaus. You're probably right and that's what we're going to find out - exactly what these two are up to."

Iolaus crawled out of their hiding place first, scouting the area for any of the gods' flunkies. While Discord and Deimos were involved deep in argument, he motioned for the demigod to join him in the crowd.

They kept low and edged closer to here the two gods were standing so that they could listen in on their conversation.

"Listen up Deimos, you dummy. We can't take them all across at once. This isn't our domain. Only Hades and Charon can get them across the Styx and Hades isn't here anymore. He's too busy running Olympus into the ground with that bitch Athena."

The two heroes exchanged knowing glances. Grateful that they at least knew part of what was going on with the gods.

"Gotcha, Cuz...so what are we gonna do, huh...throw them across? Charon's boat can only fit 20 at a time. Uncle Ares has been complaining about that for hundreds and hundreds of years but it still only holds 20."

"So that's what we'll do...we'll take two boat loads over the first time. After the first twenty are loaded up we'll bring them back to the outside and take another 20 back. It'll be a continuous stream of these zombies coming and going until we get everything that we need. It'll take two days at the most. Then Uncle Hades and the others can have Olympus...the rest of the world will be ours!"

"Oooohhh...I love the way you think. Especially when it doesn't involve pain for me. Hehehehehehe....."

"Deimos?"

"Yeah, Cuz?"

"Shut up!" and connecting with a well-placed kick to the god's midsection, Discord vanished only to reappear next to the entrance to the underworld.

She was holding and violently shaking what appeared to be a long, flowing black cloak. As our heroes approached they could see that the cloak wasn't empty. Charon was still in it and Discord was threatening him with dire consequences unless he cooperated. Charon laughed and shrugged her off with a muttered "what could be more severe and dire than what I already have. If you can come up with something worse than what I do for a living Toots, let me know. Hades could use some new forms of torture for Tartarus...hahahaha... "

"Okay, okay...look Charon I'll make you a deal. Hades isn't coming back here. Zeus is dead and your boss and Athena have taken over Olympus. Deimos and I are taking over the world so we'll give you rule of the Underworld. You'll be in charge of all of this. The Elysian Fields, Tartarus...the whole works. What do you say? Oh, never mind...just do what I tell you to and you won't get hurt...understand!"

Discord threw Charon through the doorway to the Underworld and turned back to count off 20 strong-looking people to take on the first crossing of the Styx. The demigod and hunter took the opportunity to sneak in the door to the Underworld and confront Charon.

"Oh no, not you two fella's again? Please go away...you cause so much trouble every time you're here."

Hercules attempted to soothe the boatman with reason. "We're here to help you Charon. We're going to make sure that Discord and Deimos do no harm while they're down here -- and then, when Hades gets Olympus straightened out he'll come back here and have you to thank for keeping his Underworld secure for him."

"I don't trust you...you're the one who stole the pig right out from under my nose. you're a sneaky one, you are. But I kind of like your little friend here...I don't know what it is...there's something about him. What do you have to say Blondie? Cerberus got your tongue?"

Hercules and Iolaus exchanged glances and the hunter took the lead with Charon. "Look my friend, how would you like to have a couple of days vacation? If you help Herc and me upset Discord's plans...I'll personally see to it that you get two full days off so you can go to our world and enjoy yourself to your heart's content. What do you say? I'll even see that you don't have to pay for food or lodging...come on, Charon. You're not gonna get a better offer from the 'goddess of grim' over there."

"Okay, Blondie. You've got yourself a deal. But how're you gonna replace me. I'm a pretty irreplaceable kinda guy. Your big friend's got the looks but he's a bit too tall, if you know what I mean. He'd never fool them. You're about the right size but it would only work if you keep all covered up and your mouth shut 'cause you'd have to be a pretty good actor to get them to believe that you're me...know what I mean? Here...take my spare cloak...gotta keep a spare cause some times the dead guys have a problem with being dead and it scares the you-know-what outta them. Never hurts to keep a spare, I always say."

Iolaus grabbed the spare cloak, sniffed it and sent a scathing look to his partner before he threw it over himself. Hercules pulled the hood so it almost completely covered the hunter's face. The demigod hid himself in the dark recesses just inside the door of the Underworld and Charon hid himself in the dark recesses of the boat while Iolaus busied himself on the shore. As the hunter carefully moved the ropes holding the boat at dock, a rat scurried out, squealed and clung to the skirt of the cloak. The hunter grabbed up a rock knocking the rodent unconscious. He picked the rat up by its tail just as Discord gave him a rough shove.

"Are you ready old man? Let's get going I don't have any patience for this. I want it underway now!"

"Keep your bloomers on Toots...I'm ready. In fact, I was just getting you a 'welcome to the Underworld present," and with that Iolaus waved the limp rat in front of the goddess's face. She screamed and whacked it into the river, muttering under her breath about the 'help these days'.

Deimos joined Discord and they watched the first batch of people board Charon's boat. In the meantime, Hercules had removed one of the villager's cloaks so that he could sneak onto the boat in his place. As the boat shoved off, the partners could hear the cackling of the gods behind them and Discord's confident "wait until Ares finds out about what we're doing...he's gonna be so jealous he didn't think of it himself."

When the boat docked on the other side of the river Iolaus and Charon quickly switched places. Discord instructed Deimos to take the boat back and bring the next 20 villagers across while she took the first group to meet with the Council of Warlords at the gates of Tartarus. Charon distracted the god briefly giving Iolaus just enough time to sneak off the boat and follow the first group.

With Discord in the lead of the villager zombies, Hercules was able to fall to the back of the group and silently communicate with Iolaus. The demigod motioned him to keep a discrete distance and make sure no one was following them. Iolaus hunkered down behind a boulder, grateful for a chance to rest after all of the walking they had been doing for the past couple of days.

Hercules pulled the cloak closely around him and crouched down making himself as small as possible to hide among the villagers. They arrived at the Great Hall of Warlords where Discord had the villagers sit on large rocks that were strewn about the huge cavern. Hercules listened as Discord openly discussed her plans for taking over the world with the Council of Dead Warlords. The demigod was not entirely surprised to find Darphus leading this evil crew.

When Deimos showed up with the second batch of villagers Hercules found his chance to sneak out of the Hall, return to find his partner and fill him in on all that he had learned.

"Iolaus, we don't have much time. Discord has brought these villagers here so that the souls of the warlords and their lieutenants can inhabit their bodies. They plan to leave the underworld in these new bodies and take over the world in Discord's name. She wants to destroy all the temples of the other gods or convert them for her own worship."

"So do we have a plan yet?" inquired the hunter.

"Yeah, we've got to get Discord and Deimos out of the way fast and stop them from bringing any more villagers across the Styx. Then we've got to get the villagers who are already down here back over to the other side before the warlords have a chance to occupy their bodies. Then we have to get our families out of here and on their way with Michael."

"And how are we going to accomplish all of this in time, Hercules."

"Not WE Iolaus, YOU... how are you going to accomplish this. Listen, we don't have too much time so we're going to have to get some help from the gods for this. And after what happened with Zeus, I can't ask for that help. So it's up to you buddy. My sister Aphrodite will come if you call her. She's sweet on you. Now here's how you get her to help..."

The heroes had moved further away from the Hall of Dead Warlords so there was no danger that they would be overheard.

Iolaus began to call Aphrodite's name. On the third call the hunter could perceive the sparkling pink aura that always announced the arrival of the goddess of love.

"What's the hurry...I'm coming already!" complained the blonde goddess as she fully materialized. She smiled at the hunter and looked around to take in her surroundings. "Oh no, Curley - you're dead again?" What's that all about?"

"No, 'Dite. I'm not dead this time...not yet, at least - but I could very easily become dead unless I stop Discord and Deimos from going through with their sinister plan. I need your help."

"How can I help you Sweetcheeks? This isn't my playground?" replied the beautiful goddess.

"Well, uh, you can go back to Olympus and alert Hades to the fact that those two are causing big trouble down here," urged the hunter.

Aphrodite looked as if she were going to refuse to help, so Iolaus took out the big guns and appealed to the goddess' ego.

"You know 'Dite, if these warlords are allowed to escape, they'll take over the world and then all the temples will be for Discord and none for you. What do warlords need with love when they can take what they want?"

"You're right Sweetie. I can't let the "goddess of grim" get away with that," said the blonde goddess through gritted teeth as she popped out of sight.

Iolaus waited about 15 seconds and heard Hades loud, disembodied voice demanding the immediate presence of the two minor gods on Olympus. He heard Discord's frustrated scream echo throughout the caverns. After another 5 seconds the goddess' scream was followed by Deimos' triumphant cackling laughter which was followed 5 seconds later by a shouted "No...Discord...No" which was then very quickly followed by Deimos' screams of agonized pain.

Iolaus began to count the seconds off on his fingers...one...two...three...four...then the bright pink flash returned and 'Dite materialized before him again with laughter in her eyes and a smug little smile on her lips.

"How's that for action, Sweetcheeks?" crowed the happy goddess.

"Perfect, 'Dite. That was just perfect. Now if you could help me with just one more thing I'll be forever grateful."

"How grateful, Blondie? Do you care to give me a sneak-preview?" purred the blonde goddess as she moved closer to the hunter and began to twirl her fingers through his hair.

"Um, 'Dite...please 'Dite...not now. Remember, we still have to stop the warlords. I'll have more time to show you my gratitude later. Now...about the villagers..."

"Well Sweetcheeks, I've set the villagers free from Discord's spell...at least the ones who were still above ground. I can't do anything to help the villagers who are already down here. This is Hades realm. He's the only one who can deal with them and he's a little preoccupied now with everything that's going on in Olympus. Sorry, but it looks like you'll just have to wait for Hades, or help them find a way out yourself, Curley. Once they're above ground the spell will automatically be broken for them too."

"But Aphrodite, how can you expect me...just one man, to get the villagers away from all of those warlords."

"You're right, Sweetie. You do so many amazing things that sometimes I forget you're just a mortal. Listen, I'll keep my eye on the warlords and if they look like they're going to do anything stupid I'll transport the villagers to the other side of the Great Hall Caverns. That's as close to the gates of the underworld as I can get them. You'll have to take it from there." And with that final word, Aphrodite disappeared.

As the demigod and the hunter walked through the caverns of the underworld heading towards the Elysian Fields, Hercules explained more of the plan hatched by Discord and the dead Warlords. He was certain that the war lords would wise up soon and attempt to leave Tartarus inside the remaining villagers. At least they would be able to get that limited amount of them out.

"I figure we've got about 24 hours before they finish arguing about who's going and who's staying and they start to track down the villagers after 'Dite relocates them."

They finally reached the top of the hill overlooking the demigod's farm. Iolaus put his hand out to stop the demigod. "Wait up a minute Herc. I can't go down there just yet. Give me a minute." The hunter sat down hard on the ground next to his partner's feet and just looked over the peaceful scene below him. Hercules could tell by watching the rise and fall of his partner's chest that Iolaus was using his breathing techniques to center himself before confronting what lay ahead. Hercules crouched down next to his partner and put his arm around the hunter's shoulders.

"Iolaus, I've been down here with my family a couple of times already. So before we go down there I've just got to warn you. You're going to experience emotions that you thought were dealt with and forgotten a long time ago. Don't let it drag you down. Enjoy the feelings, my friend, but don't let yourself get lost in them."

Alcemene spotted them first. Joy shot across her face, then stunned realization. She ran to her son, threw her arms around him, then released one of her arms to pull Iolaus into the hug too. She raised her tear filled eyes to gaze at them and whispered, "both of you? Back-to-back like you always said?"

"No Mother, no...we're not dead. We've come because there's something very important we have to discuss. We need to get Anya and we've got to find Solon, Xena's son, and bring them here too. Can you help us?" Hercules gently inquired.

"Anya's here already with Iskander. We spend most of our time together. Aeson should be able to find Solon quickly. They're the best of friends."

"Good. Let's get inside and we'll fill you all in as soon as everyone is together."

After a joyous reunion that lasted for the better part of an hour, Hercules sent his sons off to bring Solon to him. While they waited for the boys to return, the demigod and his partner sat with their wives and Alcemene enjoying the two youngest children at play together.

Iolaus was stunned to find that Zeus had allowed his infant son, Iskander to grow to a certain point. He now appeared to be approximately 6 years old. He was the spitting image of his father with a riot of curly blond hair and sparkling blue eyes that were full of fun and wonder.

Alcemene told the two heroes that Zeus allowed it so that his grandsons would have a playmate. But it seems that Ilea is the one who had become extremely attached to Iskander. "Just about as attached as you two have been ever since you met as children," added the demigod's mother.

Ilea had been listening to the conversation and when she heard her grandmother talking about her and Iskander, she crawled up onto the demigod's lap and gave him a crushing hug. "Don't worry, Daddy, I love Iskander a lot now but I'll always love you, too." Hercules hugged his daughter tightly to him and buried his face in her long blonde hair.

This exchange brought tears to the eyes of all of the adults in the room. Iolaus reached out to his partner, put his hand on the demigod's arm and squeezed lightly to offer his steadying support.

The boys returned and Hercules explained everything to their families about the happenings on earth since they died. About Zeus, about Xena and Eve, about Michael. After Iolaus gave a brief explanation of the Light and Bliss they were all in agreement. They would be ready to leave the Elysian Fields before dawn.

As the women rose to go to the kitchen, Iskander piped up with his small voice and said "I'm not going. I'm staying here." Iolaus moved toward his son and put his hand on the boy's shoulder, but Iskander shrugged it off and ran out of the room. Anya looked at Iolaus and turned to follow their son. Alcemene put a restraining hand on Iolaus' arm as he prepared to follow his wife and son. "Iolaus, this is the only place that Iskander has known since his birth. Of course he's going be upset at leaving. Don't worry. Anya will speak with him and he'll be just fine. You wait and see."

The hunter reluctantly listened to Hercules' mother and returned to the hearth to sit with his partner.

That settled their plans for the escape. Now all they would have to do is stay put for the night and sneak out with their loved ones a couple of hours before dawn. Neither one expressed the fear that they would run into the warlords before finding the villagers and getting everyone out safely.

The two heroes relaxed in front of the hearth fire, feeding their souls on the normal household sounds all around them. Pots and pans clanging in the kitchen, children playing and laughing. Each man fought his own personal emotional battle, struggling to realize that this was no longer their world.

The beloved voice of Hercules mother broke their revelry.

"Come on you two. Dinner is on the table and we're all waiting for you."

Iolaus stood, eager to join the family at the table but Herc's hand around his wrist stopped him in his tracks.

"Iolaus, we can't eat."

"Of course we can eat Herc. I'm starving and you should be too."

"No Iolaus, we really can't. If we eat anything...anything at all while we're down herein human form...we'll never be allowed to leave the underworld again," stated the demigod with an emphatic tug on the hunter's gauntlet to get his point across.

"Oh...oh right! Like Persephone...I almost forgot. Your mother's cooking smells so great it made me forget about the consequences."

Iolaus settled on the stool next to the hearth fire wondering how he was going to keep his stomach from growling. He picked up a pewter cup that had been sitting on the table next to him and started to play with it...turning it over in his hands trying to keep himself busy until the family finished their meal.

Hercules watched his partner fidget with the cup and for a few moments he became lost in a memory. A very pleasant memory of a time, almost exactly like this, when he was sitting with his partner, in his home, at this very same hearth, basking in the warmth of both the fire and his special friendship.

Iolaus was tapping the pewter mug against his lips, deep in his own thoughts. He raised his eyes and met the demigod's straight on.

A brief feeling of déjà vu swept over the hunter too, and he sent a sly, knowing grin to his partner over the rim of the mug.

"What?" inquired the demigod.

"You KNOW what, Hercules," responded his partner in a voice that was just on the verge of laughter.

"Iolaus, are you thinking...? Yup, you are." The demigod flashed the hunter a brilliant smile as he jumped out of his seat, almost knocking it over in the process. He called to the women in the other room.

"Mother...Deineira...Anya...look, you know we can't eat while we're here and the smell of your wonderful cooking is too tempting for us to resist so..."

"...so we're going to take care of some unfinished business before we get you ready to leave here," injected the hunter.

"Right. We've got to take care of this um, unfinished business now...before we leave. You'll have to stay here, in the house. We don't know when Hades is going to show up and it may not be safe for any of you outside of this house."

"Yeah, Herc's right. Don't worry. We'll be back soon," Iolaus promised.

"But not too soon," added Hercules as he almost ran out of the door with Iolaus following close behind, leaving the women astonished.

"I wonder what's gotten into them all of a sudden," said Anya.

"I'm sure it's something very important, my dear. Don't worry, they'll be back soon just like they promised," soothed Alcemene. Then turning to her daughter-in-law she muttered, "but I can't understand what could be so urgent in the Elysian Fields to make them run off like that."

Deineira closed her eyes, as if she were deep in concentration. As the memory returned to her, she smiled broadly. Opening her eyes she turned her smiling face to her mother-in-law and said, "they're dealing with something that they should have finished years ago. Just pay attention to what Hercules told us. And this time, no matter what we hear, we're staying in the house."

Hercules made it to the barn about two seconds before Iolaus. The demigod turned and watched as his partner stripped off his vest and threw it onto a pile of hay in the rear stall. Hercules shirts followed the hunter's vest to the pile.

Grinning, the demigod took the lead in their ritual "dance" with some taunting. "So you think you can take me with these new 'abilities' of yours? It'll be a cold day in Tartarus before you can best me, buddy?"

"Oh yeah? Take your best shot, pal. 'Cause I've got a move for anything you do," returned the circling hunter.

Iolaus' head was swimming. He couldn't believe his luck at getting this second chance to prove himself to his friend here in this place. He had been looking forward to showing the demigod his new abilities but this was almost too good to be true. His heart was already pounding with the anticipation and they hadn't even touched yet.

"This isn't going to work unless you attack me," said Iolaus as he replayed the scenario from memory.

"Oh, I'll attack you alright Iolaus, and I'll keep at you until you cry 'Uncle'."

"That's not what you're supposed to say next, Herc."

"I know. I'm improvising a little," he answered as he launched himself in an attack on his partner.

The hunter easily flipped the demigod over his shoulder and laughed at the sight of the Herc sprawled at his feet.

Hercules rose to his feet and charged at the hunter again. Only to find himself flying through the air, landing flat on his back on the barn floor. Hercules shot his legs out catching Iolaus ankles between his own powerful ones and pulled the hunters legs right out from under him. The demigod attempted to pin his partner but Iolaus threw him off easily with a show of his newly enhanced strength. When Hercules charged the hunter once again, Iolaus employed his new jumping ability and vaulted clear over the demigod's head, landing lightly behind him.

Hercules was enjoying the game and the challenge. Iolaus was good to begin with but with these new abilities of his it made him that much better. Some of the gods he'd tussled with over the years didn't challenge him as much as his best friend. Hercules was grinning non-stop now because he was so happy for the hunter.

Time was running short and, no matter what he had told the women, they would eventually come looking for the two of them. So when Iolaus vaulted over the demigod's head one more time, the demigod jumped too and snatched the hunter out of mid air, pulling him to the ground.

As Iolaus lay sprawled face down in the hay pile, Hercules grabbed him by the ankle and slowly pulled him backwards until he was pinned in a wrestling hold even a god couldn't get out of.

"You ready to say 'Uncle' yet, partner?" queried the demigod.

"You're not finished yet, pal. You still have to try to stuff me in that water barrel again. That way we can finish this little exercise session properly," panted the hunter. The taunting light in blond's eyes found its mark directly in the center of the demigod's ego.

Hercules stood and bent over to pick Iolaus up but he wasn't counting on the calculated movements of his partner.

Iolaus flipped onto his stomach and let his legs shoot out at the demigod in a donkey kick movement, catching his partner in the stomach which sent the demigod reeling back into the wooden wall of the rear stall.

In a lightening fast move the hunter was on his knees with his elbow pressed against the demigod's windpipe. Hercules was momentarily stunned. Iolaus watched the shock run across his partner's face and he giggled. "Just about now's when you grab my arm and start tickling me. So, in the interest of preserving my dignity, I give up." The hunter stood and offered his hand to his best friend. Hercules took it. "You didn't say "Uncle," prodded the demigod as he gave that hand a hearty shake.

"Lucky for you Herc, I never will," replied the hunter.

Iolaus walked to the back stall of the barn, shrugged into his vest and threw Hercules his shirts.

"How are you holding up so far, Iolaus?" asked the demigod with an air of concern.

"You know I'm not good with all this emotional stuff, Herc. Part of me wants to stay here with them forever while the other part is being purely rational. Either way it's confusing and I wish I could skip over the next few hours and have the future be here already. Let's go, okay Herc?" said the hunter as he left the barn to return to the house.

"Yeah, buddy. Let's go," muttered the demigod as he closed the door to the barn and turned to follow his future.

Hercules and Iolaus reentered the house to the sounds of the dinner dishes being cleared from the table and the gentle laughter of the women in their lives. They were turning to congratulate themselves on the fine night ahead when they heard Anya's quick loud intake of breath. Running to the door of the children's room to join the women they were met by Anya's frightened face. "Iolaus, they're gone. Iskander and Ilea are gone!"

The children had been sent to the room to play and to await their baths while the dinner dishes were being taken care of. Being normally quite children, no one missed them when they slipped out of the house.

As Iolaus worked to calm Anya down, Alcemene pulled her son back towards the kitchen so she could speak to him privately.

"Hercules, I think I have an idea where the children may have headed. In fact, I'm sure you'll find them both over at Iolaus' forge. Skouros has taken up living over there since he's been in the Elysian Fields and Islander and his grandfather have become very attached to one another. That's the reason the child said he didn't want to leave here before. He knew he would be leaving his grandfather behind forever."

"Thank you, Mother. Let me tell Iolaus and we'll go get the kids back."

The heroes were quiet on the way to Iolaus' forge. Hercules knew his partner was mentally kicking himself for overlooking his father. Iolaus didn't like what he thought it said about him. Hercules assurances that it was an honest slip up, nothing to be upset about, fell on deaf ears.

They silently approached the forge and peered into the window at a heartwarming scene in the main room. Iolaus had to shake his head several times in disbelief -- Skouros sat in Anya's old rocking chair next to the hearth fire holding a child on each knee. A momentary twinge of something around his heart caused Iolaus to catch his breath. Could he be jealous that he had never had this...this closeness with his father? The feeling was tucked away quickly for examination at another time. Iolaus would just be grateful that both his father and his son could find comfort in each other here.

Hercules motioned for his partner to pay attention to the conversation taking place around the hearth...

"Why, the last time Hades and I watched your dad, Iskander, he was fighting 10 bad guys all at once; all of them twice as big as himself, and he did it...he flattened them all and took 'em to jail...all for the greater good and protection of Greece. A true hero he is. Not taking anything away from your daddy, sweet little Ilea, but your daddy...he's half a god and my boy is only half a General Skouros. I was a great General in my time, don't get me wrong, but I'm still only a mortal man. Now, Iskander's father, he doesn't have the size or strength of your daddy, little girl, but he's got the heart...a fighting heart...a hero's heart...and that just makes him that much better..."

"Herc," interrupted the hunter, "he doesn't mean that...he's just..."

"Yes he does, Iolaus. He means it from the bottom of his heart and I agree with him...because everything he just said is the truth. Well, except for the part about all 10 of those guys being twice your size...only 3 or 4 of them were."

Iolaus looked up to see the laughter twinkling in Herc's eyes and he gave his partner a quick shot to the shoulder uttering, "Quit the comedy, buddy. Now, let's go in and get this over with. But Hercules could see through his partner's blustery manner...the words Skouros spoke effected the hunter deeply. It was a shame he had to wait this long to finally hear them though. With a shake of his head, Hercules followed his partner to the door of the forge.

Iolaus knocked and Skouros called for the heroes to enter.

"It's about time you showed up! These two should have been in bed a long time ago. You're spoiling them rotten, you know. They'll get soft just like the two of you. Now take them home and no arguments," barked the retired General.

The two heroes grinned at him over the heads of the children.

Iskander grabbed his grandfather around the neck in a fierce hug and whispered, "I love you grandfather, please don't make me leave you."

"Now you go ahead, young man. Be a good little soldier and listen to your General. I'll see you later, I promise," said Skouros as he hugged his grandson back, with no less fervor.

Hercules picked both children up, putting Iskander on his shoulders and holding Ilea close to his heart. "I'm gonna take these little stray children back to their mothers so they can explain their disappearance to them. And you two can follow. Try not to be too long though, we still don't know what the situation is and things could be dangerous." With a nod to his partner and the General, Hercules ducked out of the forge and headed home.

"Does he always act like such a mother hen, boy?" asked a grinning Skouros.

"Yeah, but he really means well," answered the hunter with a matching grin. Then turning serious Iolaus began, "Dad..."

"Listen, my boy. You don't have to hide anything from me. You didn't come here to take me. If you want to leave me here in Elysium I understand. This is my place, the place I earned with my deeds while I was back on earth..."

"Dad, stop, please. I'm here to ask you to come with us. It just took me a little longer to find you. I never thought you'd come here...to this house. I know I rebuilt a lot of the place, and added the forge, but I didn't think..."

"Didn't think what, boy? That I'd want to relive the memories this place brings out? No matter what it looked like to you, I did have many happy years here with your mother and when you were a baby. It's just that...things change sometimes. Besides, where else would I go? Most nights I called a battle field my home and, in case you haven't noticed, there are no battle fields in the Elysian Fields!"

"Look, Dad...I want you to come with us. But I can't let you come into this thing blind. Let me tell you all about what's been happening in the world since you've been dead and let me tell you a little about the Light...where the others will be going and why they're going there. Then you can decide for yourself."

Iolaus gave his father a quick version of the whole picture and sat back to let him digest what he'd been told.

The hunter could see many emotions chasing themselves across his father's grizzled face. Worried about the time and believing his father was deciding to stay in the Elysian fields Iolaus felt he had to interrupt the General's train of thought.

"You know, you promised Iskander that you would see him again and I'm not going to let you disappoint my son the way you disappointed me by not showing up when you promised. So, if you're thinking about staying here..."

"What ever gave you that idea, boy? Of course I'm going with my grandson. I was anyway whether you wanted me to or not. I wasn't thinking about that. I was thinking about how you're going to get those 40 villagers past the warlords without engaging in a skirmish."

"You mean you've been sitting there thinking strategy all this time? What...?" began the hunter.

"You've got to be prepared, boy. These warlords are tough demons and they won't be turned from their ambition easily. You and your demigod friend need a plan and you're going to need help. Do you remember those Generals I was spending time with in the Asphodel Caverns? There are well over 50 of them. They're not used to taking orders and they may be a little rusty but they're fighting men nonetheless. Why, I bet they'd jump at the chance to mix it up with some scurvy warlords. Anything just so they won't have to spend any more of their eternity talking dry, boring strategy and rehashing forgotten battles in the Asphodel Caverns."

Iolaus threw his father a grin and offered him his arm in a warrior's handshake. "Dad, I think that's one great bit of strategy. Let's go join the others and tell Herc your idea."

In the dark and quiet hours before dawn, Hercules and Iolaus scouted the path that they would have to take with the souls of their loved ones. They made it to the fork in the road. From here Hercules would take the women and children, heading to the area of the Great Hall closest to the shores of the Styx where he would await the forty villagers.

Iolaus and his father would take the other fork to the Asphodel Caverns. They would rally the generals and then Iolaus would contact Aphrodite and have her transport the villagers to the far side of the Great Hall where his partner would be waiting.

Satisfied that the way to the fork was still safe for transit, the two heroes doubled back to the house. At the crest of the hill the demigod halted his partner with hand to the shoulder and a soft word.

"Iolaus, are you ready for this...I mean, I don't like the idea of us being separated, especially with forty, very angry warlords nipping at your heels," worried the demigod.

"Hercules, we've hashed this over before. I'll be just fine. My dad and I will have those 50 fallen generals as a buffer between us and the warlords. That should buy us enough time to get to the villager you're leaving behind to transport my father's soul and to meet you at the Styx. As for you...just make sure you're there and that you have Charon's boat waiting and ready to go, just in case," replied the hunter.

Even in the almost total darkness Iolaus could see the frown that crossed his partner's face and in an attempt to lighten the mood he added, "besides Herc, after putting my son to bed and spending the past 4 hours with Anya, I'm so charged up I feel like I'm ready for anything that the gods or warlords could throw at us!" And as if adding punctuation to his words, the hunter danced around the demigod, shadow boxing and clowning around.

Hercules chuckled softly and threw his arm around his partner's shoulder leading him towards the house. "That's what I love about you, buddy...always trying to put a better face on things."

"Thanks," murmured the hunter.

Iolaus was comforted by the true sentiment behind his friend's words but he still wanted to keep things light for both of them so he added, "Oh and by the way, before I forget...pick the second village."

"What? What are you talking about, Iolaus," queried the demigod.

"You know, to host the 'thank you for saving us Hercules!' celebration. Pick the second village -- they have the best inn."

"Iolaus, you are..." Hercules began.

"Incorrigible...I know, buddy. But you wouldn't have it any other way," giggled the hunter as he walked through the front gate.

Everything proceeded smoothly after Iolaus and Hercules split up at the fork in the road. The hunter and his father made it to the Asphodel Caverns unchallenged. They rallied the generals to aid in their campaign to stop the warlords with promises of directions to the Elysian Fields for all those soldiers who agreed to lend their help. As one, the generals agreed to help Skouros and his son. Then as they were wont to do, they began discussing various strategies to accomplish the defeat of the warlords. Drawing diagrams of the Great Hall in the sand, they discussed best defenses and strategic points of attack.

Iolaus excused himself from this 'council of war' and wandered off towards the holding area for new souls so he could call Aphrodite and put part two of the heroes plan into action. Iolaus' father followed him at a discrete distance, wanting a chance to talk with his son before the action started. He was several yards behind the hunter and was just about to call his name when he heard his son calling on the goddess Aphrodite in a very familiar tone of voice. The general was preparing to lecture his son about having a more humble and subordinate demeanor when addressing the gods when he spotted the almost blinding flash of pink sparkles and hearts that announced the presence of the goddess of love.

"Oooohhhh Sweetcheeks, I was really beginning to worry about you. Are you okay?" crooned the blonde vision of beauty as she ran to the hunter, threw her arms around him and kissed him softly on his cheek.

"I'm just fine, 'Dite. But I won't be if Hephestus finds you wrapped around me like this," Iolaus chuckled as he attempted to extract himself from the goddesses clinging embrace.

Skouros almost didn't dare breathe. He could hardly believe the scene that was unfolding before his very eyes. His son summoning Aphrodite who appeared in person almost immediately. The goddess of love so obviously enamored of his son. His son calling the great goddess by a nickname that hinted at familiarity and affection. The general's head was spinning. He felt the need to sit down but was afraid to move even a muscle thinking it might disturb what was unfolding in front of him.

"I do have a favor to ask though, 'Dite. You remember yesterday when you said you could help move the villagers to the other side of the Great Hall closest to the Styx. Well, I really need your help and it's got to be fast. I've only got one shot at spoiling Discord's plan to take over all your temples and that means getting the villagers out of here and trying not to get myself killed at the same time.

"You know I'll do anything to help you that I can, Sweetness. I'll transport them, because it looks like the warlords are getting ready to make their move soon...but like I told you, I can't do anything more than that. This isn't my playground."

"If you can do that for me, Dite, it will be enough. I can take it from there. You know I am so grateful for your help. I owe you one. If there's ever anything I can do for you..." the hunter trailed off.

"I'll leave that up to you Sweetcheeks. I'm sure you can come up with something that will make me happy," purred the flirting goddess.

Skouros had to clasp his hand in front of his mouth so he wouldn't emit a gasp as he watched the goddess flirt so openly with his boy. He was about to burst his buttons with pride that his son commanded such a degree of importance and attention from the goddess.

Iolaus took stock of his situation and realized that if there were anything further he could do to assure the success of this operation, he should do it. So, without further thought, being a man of action he strode purposefully up to the beautiful goddess, took her tenderly in his strong arms, met her sea blue eyes with his cerulian ones, dipped her gently backwards and gave her the most thorough kiss she had experienced in a thousand years.

Almost reluctantly breaking the kiss, they separated and Iolaus spoke first. "Now, do you think you can get it done right, 'Dite? Count to 100 and then transport the villagers."

Running her rosy fingertips over her lips, still feeling the lingering effects of the magic the hunter just worked on her...the goddess nodded, gave Iolaus a broad smile, blew him a kiss and popped out in a flash of pink sparkles. Her disembodied voice lingered in the air, "I'll take care of the villagers, you take care of yourself, Curley."

Taking one second to straighten his vest and adjust his codpiece, Iolaus turned to make his way back towards the generals and found his father standing in the shadows, still afraid to move.

"Come on Dad, no time to lose," said the hunter.

"Right away, Iolaus...son," replied the awestruck soldier.

When they had proceeded but a few yards., Iolaus swung back abruptly, stopped his father with a hand to his breastplate and said "What did you call me?"

Skouros thought back a few seconds and said, "I called you Iolaus...son."

"What happened to Boy?" queried the stunned hunter.

"I just thought I'd like to finally say your name with the respect it deserves," muttered the humbled General

Iolaus searched his father's face for a brief moment, grinned and uttered the only words that would make it past the lump in his throat. "Thanks, Dad."

Iolaus watched as the fallen generals made their way down the road where they could cut off the path that the warlords were expected to take to the Great Hall. Only when the last of the generals disappeared around the dividing wall did Iolaus and his father take the road down to the Trails of Travails...the shortcut to the Great Hall.

Coming from the darkness of the Asphodel Caverns and the even darker Trails of Travails that led to the right fork of the Great Hall, Iolaus at first was blinded by the light upon entering the Hall. When he could finally take in his surroundings he found himself in a vast chamber so filled with firelight that it gave him the impression of being hollowed out of red clay. He was looking along the length of it. The floor sloped down to the left side. On his right it sloped upward to what appeared a cliff edge, beyond which was an abyss of blinding brightness. A broad shallow river was flowing down the middle of the cavern. The roof was so high as to be invisible but the walls soared up into darkness with broad curves like the roots of a beech tree. Columns were formed by the joining of stalactites and stalagmites; wide at the tops and bottoms, tapering in the middle like grotesquely elongated hourglasses.

Iolaus and his father splashed across the river which was hot to the touch and approached the cliff edge. The fire appeared to be thousands of feet below them and they couldn't see the other side of the pit in which it roared. Their eyes could only bear it for a second or so, and when they turned away the rest of the cavern seemed dark.

They didn't have much time to get across and would have to get themselves oriented quickly in order to find the way out.

Slowly, shakily and with disjointed movements which were enhanced by the flickering firelight, human forms, scarlet in the firelight, flooded into the left fork of the Great Hall. Infamous warlords followed by Greece's greatest fallen generals. The acoustics in the Great Hall caused an almost deafening noise at the first clash of battle between the two groups. Iolaus pulled his father behind one of the giant elongated columns and searched for the way out of the cavern. He was desperately trying to stay hidden and not become entangled in the raging battle. He knew he only had to go a little further along in the Great Hall to find the villager that was left behind to transport his father's soul .

The hunter called on all his senses to find the path. He looked around and finally spotted it. Keeping himself and his father low to the ground, they proceeded towards a long gallery open to the fire-pit on one side, a terrible place where clouds of steam went up for ever and ever. Iolaus continued crawling until he spotted the villager. Hercules had left the man sitting on an outcropping of rock behind a large column. Here the ground was impossible to cross in a crawl. Sharp, uneven stones protruded from the red earth. They would have to cross the last 50 yards in open space. Iolaus could only pray that the warlords were so preoccupied by the fallen generals that they wouldn't be noticed. He motioned to his father to follow him and they made a run for it. Before they had gone 10 paces a shouting cry went up from the midst of the battling warlords. The hunter recognized that voice and, in spite of the almost unbearable heat rising from the fiery pit, an icy chill ran up his spine. Darphus...the leader and most bloodthirsty of all warlords...the one man Iolaus never wanted to have to face again. He urged his father on towards the villager's body.

Hercules had seen the first boatload of villagers off across the Styx in Charon's boat. The demigod sent the souls of Anya and the children over in this first boat-load. Each precious soul situated inside a villager's body, the demigod gave them careful instructions to wait on the banks of the other side until he and Iolaus joined them. When he could see Charon's boat heading back towards him, he asked Deinerrra and his mother to see that the rest of the villagers got back across and to wait with the rest. The demigod knew something was wrong because his partner should have joined him by now. He told the women to send the boat back for him and Iolaus as soon as they disembarked. He was going back to see what was holding his partner up.

Darphus and three of his best men fought past the ring of generals and beat a fast path towards Iolaus and his father's soul.

In a low, firm voice the hunter instructed his father to make his way to the villager's body and take it over as quickly as possible. He further instructed his father to take the path around the fire pit and run to Hercules as fast as the body would allow him. Hercules would know what to do. With a hearty 'Yes, Sir," the general took off. Iolaus spun around to face the approaching warlords.

Darphus barked orders at his three subordinates to kill Iolaus and to capture the villager making sure that no injury occurred to its body.

Iolaus took exception to the scarred warlord's orders. He blocked the path his father had just taken and he proceeded to do damage to the three well armed men who were doing their best to get past him.

With whirling kicks to the warrior's bodies and some well timed defensive moves, the blond whirlwind sent them one after the other tumbling over the cliff's edge into the fiery pit so far below.

Just slightly winded from the effort, the hunter turned and found himself face to face with one of his nightmares. Iolaus gave himself a mental shake. Trying to buy his father a little more time, with a large amount of bravado, he taunted the warlord. "What do you want, huh...you want a little taste of the fire too, Darphus. Come on...come and get me."

"That's the last body. That's what I want and it's mine...I'm not going to let you waste it on taking that pathetic old man out of here." growled the enraged warlord.

"That 'pathetic old man' as you called him happens to be my father and the only way you're getting out of here is over my dead body."

"That's fine with me. I'll squash you like the annoying little insect you are and take over that body myself. I'm getting out of here and you're not going to stop me," yelled Darphus.

"No, Darphus, we're both going to stop you," came the booming voice of the demigod from the entrance of the Great Hall.

Iolaus breathed a sigh of relief but it was just a little too soon. The warlord attacked with a passion and a force that was frightening.

Hercules was still too far away to be of much help to Iolaus in the terrible battle with Darphus. He realized that he would have to jump the chasm that separated him from his partner. Taking the long way around would waste precious time and he could see that Darphus wasn't allowing Iolaus to get anywhere near him. He was keeping the hunter at a distance with two sturdy spears. It was obvious that the warlord remembered how much damage his partner could inflict if he could get near enough make contact and Iolaus' enhanced strength would do no good if he couldn't get close enough to Darphus to use it.

The warlord used the spears to his advantage and relentlessly drove Iolaus to the edge of the fire pit.

Holding the hunter at spear point, Darphus swept his legs out from under him with the other spear. Iolaus felt himself tottering on the edge of the pit. The crumbling ground under his feet meant that he couldn't use his jumping abilities from here and he couldn't catch himself in time.

Hercules caught his breath and screamed as he saw his partner go over the edge of the cliff. With a mighty jump, and screaming his partner's name, Hercules crossed the chasm landing right next to the place where Iolaus had gone over.

Iolaus heard his partner screaming his name as he clung to a slim ledge a couple of feet below the rim of the fire pit. The ledge was burning hot under the hunter's calloused fingers. Daring not to move, he clung to that ledge for dear life, hoping his partner would be able to get to him in time. Relief flooded through him when he felt the demigod's cool hands touch his arms right above his gauntlets. Iolaus finally allowed himself to breath a sigh of relief as he was hauled back over the cliff's edge.

Iolaus had no time to gather his thoughts after being hauled back over the edge of the cliff. As soon as Hercules released his arms, the hunter crouched over with his hands on his knees, took a deep breath and looked up at his partner to thank him. Hercules was about to turn away from the cliff's edge to check on the whereabouts of Skouros and Darphus when he caught the widening horror in Iolaus' eyes.

"Nooooooooooo," screamed the hunter who threw himself up out of the crouching position directly at his partner's chest thinking to knock his partner to the ground and out of the way of the spear Darphus had unleashed at the demigod's unprotected back.

Hercules brain, working so much faster than his body, took in the reaction of his partner as the sound of the approaching projectile finally reached his semi-divine ears. Realizing it was already too late to save himself, he braced himself both for the hunter's super-strength hit from the front and the spear's impact from the back. He didn't want Iolaus to take the spear for him. He knew the force of a hit like that on the much lighter hunter would send his partner hurtling over the cliff's edge again.

Hercules felt the spear impale him through the back, emerging just under his breastbone, but it didn't stop there. The spear continued through the demigod and continued into the beloved flesh of the hunter who had just impacted with him in an unsuccessful attempt to push the demigod out of the way.

With a supreme effort, the demigod managed to stay standing with his arms solidly and protectively around his partner.

"Iolaus...Iolaus..." grunted Hercules with an effort.

"Hurts Herc..." moaned Iolaus as he clung limply to the demigod.

"Yeah, hurts some..." said the demigod as he began to search the area over his partner's head in time to see Darphus turn on his heal and stalk after Skouros who was already inside of the villager's body.

"Iolaus, listen...Iolaus, stay with me," whispered the demigod.

"At least we got to talk before dying this time. Sorry, Herc..." the hunter trailed off.

"I said to listen, Iolaus...Iolaus we're not dying," Hercules whispered a lot more firmly.

"But it hurts so much, Herc." the hunter moaned again.

"Only for a little while...Look, we're immortal, Iolaus. I'll explain later but right now we've got to stop Darphus," said Hercules.

It took a few seconds for his partner's words to sink in. "Immortal, but Herc..."

"I told you, I'll explain myself later. Now, hug me tight because this might hurt. I'm going to break off the spear head that's sticking out of your back then I'm going to push you off of the shaft. As soon as you're off, I'm going to need you to run around behind me and pull the rest of the shaft out. Do you think you can do that we've really got no time. Your father's in trouble. Now, are you ready..."

As Iolaus hugged Hercules tightly, resting his head on his partner's broad shoulder, he blew at some strands of the demigod's hair that were tickling his nose and chuckled to the demigod, "Couldn't have done this back to back."

Skouros had been taking stock of the body he was inhabiting. The villager was young, strong limbed and agile. The demigod was very smart to leave such a one behind, just in case. Hercules scream as he jumped the chasm caught the General's attention and he raised his head just in time to see his son go over the cliff. He watched as Hercules made the rescue, pulling Iolaus back over the edge. He watched as Darphus threw the spear and he watched as that spear impaled both the demigod and Iolaus.

He sized up his options and seeing that his son and Hercules were severely injured and may have given their lives for his sake, he felt he could do no less. If there were a chance, no matter how slim, that he could go back and save them, the soldier in him would valiantly make the attempt.

Darphus' complete attention was now on him. The scarred warlord was barking orders at him to get out of the villager's body and give it to him. Skouros refused, backing up all the while. From this position he could see what was transpiring behind the warlord's back. He watched in guarded fascination when Hercules broke the spear head and removed his son from the shaft. He saw Iolaus run behind the demigod and pull the rest of the spear shaft out. He saw his son and the demigod pick up weapons that had been dropped by the three warlords who had originally accompanied Darphus to this fork of the Great Hall and he saw the two heroes approaching the warlord from behind.

Skouros attempted to keep Darphus' attention focused on himself. Talking to him, taunting him and backing up all the while. The General was searching for something to aid him in this maneuver when he stumbled slightly as he took a backwards step. The feel of something cold and sharp against his calf caught Skouros' attention. 'Yes! A bootknife,' rejoiced the general. 'Now we're in business,' he thought.

With the gleam of adrenalin-fed insanity in his eye and with lightning speed Skouros reached into the villager's boot and pulled out a rather mean looking hunting knife. Holding it close to his body he addressed the warlord in a voice that sounded of 'checkmate'. "Make any attempt to take this body and it will be a corpse faster than you can say your own name."

"You're crazy, old man. I don't believe for a minute you'll kill that body. Not while you think it's your ticket to freedom." growled Darphus.

Skouros checked one more time over the warlord's shoulder to see how close his son and the demigod were. Satisfied with what he saw, the General again turned his complete attention to Darphus. "You've took my motivation for leaving this place away when you killed my son. Now I have nothing to live for on the outside. If killing this body keeps you imprisoned down here forever it'll be my pleasure."

"Don't do anything hasty, old man. I'll make you regret it for all of eternity if I'm stuck down here because of you. We can work out some kind of a deal..."

"No deals, Darphus," came the demigod's voice with barely concealed rage.

Skouros could see the emotion that flashed across the warlord's face and knew from years of battle field experience that the man was going to try something...one last act of desperation and he prepared himself.

Darphus' eyes gleamed feverishly as he hoisted his last spear and turned to face the heroes. With a mighty warrior's yell he made ready to release the missile in the demigod's direction. Right before the spear left the warlord's hand a surprised look came over the scarred face and his eyes rolled into the back of his head. The spear dropped from his hand and clattered to the ground right before the warlord's body pitched forward, a large, mean looking hunting knife protruding from the center of his back.

Iolaus rushed over to the motionless form, gave it a sound kick then pulled the hunting knife out of the warlord's back. Hercules rushed up next to his partner and, muttering something about 'just to be safe,' he picked Darphus' up over his head. With a mighty roar he threw the warlord off the cliff into the fire-pit.

Skouros approached the heroes. He offered the demigod his arm in a warrior's handshake. Hercules took it and congratulated the General for his fine aim. Then Skouros turned to his son with a wide grin. He offered his arm in a warrior's handshake. Iolaus took it and his father pulled him in for a hug. "Son," he whispered into Iolaus' ear. "I can understand the thing with Aphrodite. The men in our family have always had a way with the women, if you catch my drift. But this thing with the spear. You've really got some explaining to do there."

The hunter gave a hearty laugh and whispered back "I'll explain it to you Dad, just as soon as Hercules explains it to me."

While all of this was transpiring with Darphus, the forty warlords had suffered a resounding defeat at the hands of the fallen generals. Hercules and Iolaus delivered on their promise to give each soldier the directions to the Elysian Fields. With Iolaus' father, the two heroes left the Great Hall so sounds of wild cheering and celebration.

As the trio walked towards the banks of the Styx where Charon was waiting for them with his boat, Hercules offered his explanation of the amazing happenings. The demigod reminded Iolaus about their conversation two nights before as they sat around the campfire. They had been discussing Michael's offer of immortality and Iolaus told his partner that he would go along with whatever the demigod decided. While Hercules kept watch he came to a decision but he didn't want to wait until after this rescue mission to tell the archangel. So, while Iolaus slept, the demigod called Michael and told him that they had chosen immortality...to be Guardians of the Light on earth, as the angel called it.

"You could have told me about this a little sooner, partner. I really thought I was dead again," said the grinning hunter. "And believe me...four times dead is more than enough for one body to take."

"You've been dead four times?" gasped the stunned General.

"Well three times I guess. You really can't count the first because Zeus turned back time so my death would never really have happened," explained the hunter rather matter-of-factly.

"Zeus turned back time!?! Just so you wouldn't die?!? Skouros gasped again.

"Basically..." answered his son. "Yup," added the nodding demigod.

They spent the boat ride back across the Styx in silence. Hercules and Iolaus just happy to sit together in the stern of the boat the demigod's arm draped companionably around Iolaus' shoulder and Skouros pondering what manner of man his son was to warrant the King of the Gods turning back time to reverse his death.

The boat docked and the three men disembarked to celebrate a joyous reunion with the rest of their family, whose souls had separated from the villagers' bodies.

Hercules and Iolaus brought the forty villagers the rest of the way to the door of Hades' Underworld. The villagers were slightly disoriented and weak from hunger but otherwise unharmed. The villager who had hosted Skouros' soul appeared to be a respected figure among the others and they elected him spokesperson for the group. He approached the two heroes and told him that the villagers remembered everything that had happened to them from the minute Discord and Deimos entranced them until the spell lifted when they hit the banks of the Styx. He wanted to heartily thank them on behalf of all of the villagers and invite them to a celebration in their honor.

"Oh, that sounds great!" enthused the hunter. "A big celebration with food and music and dancing girls? You know, I think it would be a great idea to hold this celebration in the second of your three villages because they have the best..." The hunter stopped speaking when his partner's elbow jabbed him painfully in the ribs

"Location...the best location," finished the demigod a little loudly as he shot a warning look at his grinning partner.

"Hey, I was just going to say that Herc, before you cut me off," returned the hunter with a sly grin. Then turning to the villager Iolaus added, "it's in the middle and easy for everyone to get to."

"Good choice, my friend," said the villager as he shook Iolaus' hand. "Besides, they've got the best inn for miles around and you definitely deserve the best."

The hunter gave his partner one of those 'uh huh, you see?' raised eyebrow looks that the demigod always dreaded. It meant that his partner was right for a change and would be ribbing the demigod about it for months.

Hercules sighed, shook the villager's hand and said, "we'll be there in a day or so, as soon as we finish tying up some loose ends here. Thanks."

The heroes took a good look at the late afternoon sky. They hadn't realized that the fight with Darphus had taken so long. It was much too late in the day for Michael to come and pick up the souls of their loved ones. Iolaus explained that the archangel liked to do those sorts of things in the minutes right after dawn. It looked like they would have to stay overnight in the entrance to the Underworld before they could summons Michael to transport their families to Bliss. They quickly gathered kindling for a campfire and headed back in.

The heroes spent a quiet, uninterrupted night surrounded by those they loved. Their children sitting in their laps, their wives by their sides they reminisced and began the process of letting go.

Dawn arrived all too soon and the partners reluctantly called on Michael. He appeared immediately in a glorious golden cloud accompanied by bands of beautiful angels.

Each soul took leave of the heroes. Solon shook hands all around and whispered a message for his mother into the demigod's ear. He turned and waited for his two friends, Clonus and Aeson as they took leave of their father. Surrounded by angels the three ascended into the clouds as the others watched them float out of site. "They'll be on the other side waiting for you," assured Michael. Anya and Deinneira were next, leaving the heroes with words of love and gentle kisses that left the two men with tears welling up in their eyes threatening to fall on cheeks lined with grief.

Alcemene. Impossible to say goodbye to this soul again. The demigod picked his mother up in his strong arms and swung her off of her feet. "Can I tell you again how much I love you? Do you know how much your love has meant to me, Mother?"

She hugged him back just as fiercely, "I know, Hercules. Just know how proud I am of you...you and Iolaus." Alcemene looked around for her 'other son' and spotting him she invited him over to join in the hug.

"You two are so special and I'm so proud of the both of you. We'll be thinking of you all the time until we can be together again. But I do have one question before I go. Will Jason be able to find me there...in this new afterlife? I don't know how I could endure an eternity with out him."

Michael wandered over to the three. He looked up into the bright light of the cloud, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Be assured, good lady. If Jason stays the course and continues to lead his life in such an exemplary manner, you will be joined together again when it's his time."

With one last hug, Alcemene ascended and all attention turned to the last three souls. Skouros held his grandson's hand tightly in his own and Ilea held tightly to Iskander's.

Skouros looked at the two men he had grown to respect. Pulling himself up to attention, he gave them a warrior's salute and stepped back to give the heroes time with their children.

Iolaus couldn't speak. His son wrapped his small arms around his father's neck and kissed him on his tear stained cheek. "I love you, Daddy. Don't be sad. I'll take care of Mommy and Ilea. And maybe the nice man with the wings will let me watch over you sometimes like Hades did."

The hunter stood and quickly wiped the moisture off of his face as he handed his son back to his grandfather. He even managed a smile because that's the image of himself that he wanted to leave his son with...a warrior standing tall with a smile on his face.

"Don't be afraid, Ilea," said the demigod as he released his daughter.

The little one looked up at her father as she hugged his leg for the last time. "I'm not afraid, Daddy. When I'm with Iskander I'm never afraid." And she moved over to take her friend's hand in hers. The little girl glanced up into Iskander's face with a look that spoke of pure hero worship. Hercules could see that Iskander returned the look with the same gleam of fiery, protectiveness in his eyes that Iolaus had for him and the demigod's heart was immediately comforted and at peace. Then, in a flash, they were gone.

"Hercules, Iolaus we will remain in contact. And you know, if you need me, all you have to do is whisper my name. I hear you and I will answer."

Finding themselves alone, the partners returned to the Underworld to deal with the promise they had made Charon.

"You'd better call 'Dite. Let her know everything here's been taken care of and get her to help with Charon's reward," instructed the demigod.

"Will do, Herc. Are you sure you don't want to talk with her?" inquired the hunter.

"No, Iolaus. Not after what happened with Zeus. I'm sure none of them want to see me again, even 'Dite."

"I think you're wrong, buddy. But I'll give you a few minutes to hide before I call her."

"You can hide in my quarters," offered Charon. "It's not much, but I call it home. Up there, behind the boulders you'll see a platform covered by curtains. Now hurry. The faster you hide, the quicker I can go on vacation and I'm so ready for one. I haven't been outta here in a thousand years. Just don't touch anything. I'll know if something's missing...especially the lanterns!"

The demigod nodded his thanks and took off for the boulders. Iolaus waited for a minute after he saw his partner disappear behind them and he called Aphrodite.

The goddess of love looked genuinely relieved that her 'Sweetcheeks' had come through this ordeal relatively unscathed and totally grateful to the hunter for foiling the plans of Discord and the Council of Dead Warlords. When Iolaus explained Charon's part in helping their cause, the blonde goddess was willing to help with his reward but she reminded the hunter that she could do absolutely nothing in the Underworld. She would see to the boatman's earthbound part of the vacation and she would return him on time to the gates of the Underworld but Iolaus would have to see that Charon's duties were covered while he was gone.

"You ready short, dark and gruesome?" Aphrodite asked the ancient boatsman.

"You bet I am Toots. Let's get outta here I've got 48 hours to tear up the town and I don't want to wait another minute," Charon exulted.

The beautiful goddess approached the hunter and reached out to take both of his hands in hers.

"Curly, thanks for everything and now I've got a favor to ask of you. And you can stop blushing...it's nothing like that," she softly smiled. "I want you to give my brother a message. Tell him that I don't understand. I don't understand why he did what he did with Zeus. But I do know his heart. It's good and true just like always. The message is that no matter what, I still love him. Good bye, Sweetness." The goddess of love faded out of site taking Charon with her.

When Hercules heard the grumbling and cursing coming from the cavern he knew that his sister was gone and he could safely come out of hiding from Charon's quarters.

"What did she mean I have to take Charon's place Herc? Why me? We were both in this together," whined the hunter.

"Yeah, but you were the one who made the promise and besides, I'm way too tall to get away with the masquerade. It's up to you, buddy," gloated the demigod.

Iolaus grabbed the extra cape and the boatman's poll from where Charon's had dropped them, loudly muttering something about 'tall people being long on arrogance."

The loud muttering continued until the hunter was almost out of site and the demigod was just about to return to Charon's quarters when he heard Iolaus calling to him.

"Don't think you're going to be sitting in Charon's rooms all day long doing nothing, Herc. There were some nests of quail about a quarter mile back down the road that I spotted on the way here and you'll find plenty of tubers only a few yards from the nest. Some dessert would be nice and some wine too. It only seems right we should be celebrating tonight. And bring plenty of everything, with all this work, I'm going to be very hungry.

"Work or no work, you're always very hungry, buddy," returned the grinning demigod. "Don't worry, I'll run into the closest village for supplies and be back before you know I'm gone."

With a matching grin the hunter replied "No need to rush, Herc. After all, we have all the time in the world now." Iolaus turned on his heel towards the Styx except now he had a new bounce in his step and he was whistling a happy tune.

"All the time in the world,' reflected the demigod. 'Sounds good, my friend... sounds so very good.'

The End

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