Iolaus' arms rested on the rail of the ship, his blue eyes scanning the ocean. They were alone on the sea, no other ships in sight. The wind ruffled his short, blonde hair and at the sound of approaching footsteps, he turned, sending his friend a welcoming smile. "Hey, I was just admiring the view."
Hercules joined him at the starboard side. "Nebula isn't talking much."
"Yeah, I noticed. She's really nervous, though she would never admit it," Iolaus pivoted, pressing his back against the railing. "I'm beginning to wonder if this is such a good idea."
"It's not going to be easy, but if Nebula wants her throne back . . . " Hercules didn't miss the look of pain that crossed his friend's face. "Do you want to talk about what's bothering you?"
Folding his arms, Iolaus lowered his head. "I'm trying not to think about what this might mean, Herk."
"You mean when Nebula regains her throne."
Iolaus took a few steps away from the rail before whirling to face his friend. "I don't know what to expect, Hercules. Right now, Nebula won't let me anywhere near her. It's like she's in another world all by herself. And I can't penetrate that . . . that wall she has built up around her."
"You broke it down once before," Hercules reminded him.
"Yeah, I know, but that was different. A lot of things have happened since then."
"Well, the two of you love one another, Iolaus. It will work out for the best."
"Did you think that when you lost Serena, Hercules?"
"Not at the time, but I do now. Serena has a much better life now than she ever could have had with me. I loved her, but we were from two very different worlds. I think, eventually, I would have come to regret losing my strength and she would have regretted giving up the Golden Hind. It might not feel like it now, Iolaus, but if it's meant to be, then, you and Nebula will be together."
"I wish I could be so sure," Iolaus responded glumly.
The demigod dropped a hand down on the hunter's muscular shoulder. "I'll do whatever I can to help."
Iolaus smiled. "You already are helping, Herk. That's why you're here."
Hercules' hand fell back to his side and he watched his friend walk away.
Evening shadows were falling when Iolaus located Nebula. She was standing on the main plank, shouting orders and glaring at the crew with her former animosity.
"Nebula, I think we should talk."
"Not now, Iolaus. I have to keep this crew in shape," she swept past him and cuffed one sailor on his ear. "If you don't know what you're doing, just say so and I'll take over myself."
"Yes, Captain," the man mumbled, rubbing his stinging ear.
"Nebula!" Iolaus caught her arm in a firm grasp. "What has gotten into you? He made a mistake."
Nebula peeled his fingers away from her arm. "This is the way that I run my ship, Iolaus. If you don't like it, then don't watch." Her long strides carried her away from him.
"Something's changing her," Iolaus sensed his friend's presence at his side.
"I see what you mean. Maybe it would help if I talked to her?"
Iolaus shrugged. "It's worth a shot, but don't count on it."
Hercules joined Nebula at the helm. "It's a beautiful night," he titled his face toward the sky.
Nebula cast one glance at the inky blackness before returning the gaze toward the open sea. "I suppose."
"Do you want to tell me what's got you on edge?"
"Did Iolaus put you up to talking to me, Hercules?"
"No, I volunteered," the demigod admitted. "Nebula," he touched her arm softly. "We just want to help."
Nebula drew in a deep breath and gripped the helm tightly. "I just wish that I was doing the right thing, Hercules. Do you know what my regaining my throne could mean?"
"For your people or for you and Iolaus?"
Her smile was sad. "Both, I suppose."
"For your people, it will probably be a welcome change. For you and Iolaus, well, I would have to say that it's up to the two of you to decide what happens next."
"Now, do you understand why I can't talk to him about this?" Nebula pushed away from the helm.
"You have to talk to him, Nebula. He's worried about you; he's worried about what this will mean to both of you," Hercules moved forward and wrapping an arm around her shoulder, guided her toward the steps leading away from the helm. "Now, why don't I keep an eye on things up here and you go find Iolaus? He shouldn't be that difficult to locate. Just look for the guy with his heart on his sleeve . . . so to speak."
Nebula covered his hand with hers. "You're a good friend, Hercules."
"Go on," he gave her a gentle shove in the right direction and folding his arms, smiled.
The piece of wood had been shaved away to practically nothing yet Iolaus continued to slide the dagger back and forth in a whittling motion. His eyes weren't focused on his work; he was staring off into the distance, the partially obscured moon making it difficult to really see anything. So deep in thought was he that he didn't hear Nebula's footsteps until she was almost upon him. Then, leaping to his feet, he brandished the dagger for protection.
"Hey, it's me," she held up her hands in surrender.
"Nebula, you shouldn't sneak upon someone like that."
"I wasn't aware that I was sneaking," she replied, leaning forward to pull the weapon out of his grasp. "Pretty scary looking knife you got here. Thinking of using it on anyone I know?"
Snatching the dagger back, Iolaus shoved it into the waistband of his leather pants. "I was whittling."
Twin dark eyebrows rose in question. "Whittling? You just don't strike me as the whittling type, Iolaus."
"Yeah, well, there's probably a lot of things about me that you don't know," tossing the diminutive piece of wood aside, he faced her.
She winced at the coldness of his tone. "Iolaus, I think I owe you an apology."
His eyes didn't thaw. "You think?"
Reluctantly, she gave in. "Alright. I do owe you an apology. I know that you didn't have to come with me and I shouldn't treat you the way that I have. I'm sorry, Iolaus."
"So, why have you been this way, Nebula? Why won't you talk to me? You're shutting me out when you know that I only want to help you."
She turned her back toward him, her eyes dropping to the wooden deck. "Iolaus, you should know that it isn't easy for me to be close to someone, to share my feelings. I've been alone for so long."
"But you're not alone anymore," Iolaus interrupted with a heavy sigh. "Nebula, listen to me. You know how I feel about you." His steps were quiet as he approached her. His hands dropped to her waist. "We've been good together. I don't want it to end."
She placed her hands over his. "Neither do I, Iolaus, but we might not have a choice."
He turned her in his arms. "There's always a choice."
"If I regain my crown, where does that leave us?" She lifted her hands to cup his face. "Iolaus, I love you, but I know that your place is with Hercules . . . at least for now. Besides, you would never be happy in Sumeria."
Iolaus didn't deny the truth of her statement. "But the even bigger problem is that I would never be happy without you, Nebula."
Her eyes filled with tears. "I've cried the most since I've met you than I have in my entire life."
He laughed slightly. "I don't know if that's good or bad."
"I never thought I could cry before . . . even when Arachne took every single one of my men, I didn't cry. When I realized that Gilgamesh was evil, I didn't cry. It was only when that dagger took your life that I cried, Iolaus. It seems like I've been crying ever since." She looked away from his probing gaze. " You've softened my heart and although I don't regret any of this, I don't know if this . . . softness is good for my kingdom. I don't know if I have what it takes to rule Sumeria anymore. Because I'm not as hard as I once was, I don't know if I can make the decisions that need to be made. When I'm with you, I don't have to worry about being soft, but when I'm Queen, I can't afford that luxury."
"Nebula," his hand caught her face, gently turning her face so that their eyes met once more. "What makes you think that you have to be hard to rule a kingdom? Some of the best kings I know have a heart of gold. You've been hard because you've had to be hard. I didn't do anything but show you that softness isn't a weakness. It can be strength on its own."
"Iolaus, what are we going to do?"
"I'm not sure yet, but I know that something will work out. We can't worry about tomorrow because it isn't here yet. Let's just take it one day at a time," taking her hand, Iolaus led her toward the bench. Seating himself, he tugged her down beside him. "Don't give up on us yet, Nebula, and don't shut me out. You're not the only one thinking about what's going to happen in Sumeria. But we've got a fight ahead of us if you're going to regain your crown. Let's just get through that first."
"I don't know if I can let you go again, Iolaus," she admitted softly.
His fingers brushed her cheek. "You might not have to."
Her smile was as sad as her heart. "I just hope the gods don't take the decision away from us again."
Leaning forward, Iolaus kissed her. "Will you stop worrying? You know as well as I do that the gods don't control our fate. They can interfere for a while, but in the end, we all follow our own destinies."
Nebula's hands cupped his face. "I do love you, Iolaus."
He grinned broadly, missing the lingering sadness in her eyes. "How could you not love me?" Their lips met once more before Nebula pulled away. "What's wrong?"
She sighed, taking his hand in hers. "Maybe there's more to this than just the fact that I don't want to lose you."
"Such as?"
"I can't forget what it was like before. I'm not sure that Sumeria is any readier for a queen now than it was a few months ago." Nebula got to her feet, her hand still holding his.
"Nebula, it's normal to have doubts, but Sumeria isn't going to change unless you help it to change. Giving up isn't the answer." Iolaus squeezed her hand gently.
"Maybe I don't look at it as giving up; maybe it's self-preservation. You know, when I was a captain, I was in command. No one questioned my orders; they just obeyed. When I was queen, everyone questioned my orders as well as my right to give them. I'm just not so sure that I'm doing the right thing anymore." Her eyes glistened with tears. "And here I go again with the tears. How am I supposed to know that what I'm doing is right?"
"There are no guarantees. You have to take chances in life."
She managed a shaky smile. "I just wish I could be sure."
Iolaus kissed her again. "Unfortunately, you can't. You just have to follow your heart."
Nebula's smile widened. "You really are good for me."
Iolaus returned her smile. "I know."
Hercules breathed a small sigh of relief before turning his back on the couple. He descended the stairs leading to the sleeping quarters. This was going to be a difficult enough journey without the tension between his best friend and Nebula. He walked toward the porthole and looked out into the night. He couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had been with him since he'd boarded the ship. Something was going to happen even before they reached Sumeria. He'd known the gods long enough to know that one of them was up to something. Now, which one it was, he wasn't sure, but he'd lay odds that it wasn't his half-brother, Ares, this time. Ares tended to stay away from the water. That made Hercules feel only marginally better. If he had to pin it down, he'd say the god in question was Poseidon. The thought didn't make him rest easier. Poseidon could be a treacherous adversary and Hercules couldn't remember the last time he went up against the god. And the big question would be why would Poseidon try to stop them from reaching Sumeria? What was in it for him? Knowing the gods, Hercules knew that very few of them did anything that did not benefit themselves in some way. His steps carried him to the sleeping bunk and he stretched his long frame out on the hard mattress, already knowing that he wouldn't get much sleep that night.
Hercules didn't have long to wait before his suspicions were confirmed. A streak of lightning shot across the deck of the ship, singeing the wooden boards and sending a line of fire running up the main mast. Thunder clapped in response to the surge of electricity and what began as a soft rain soon turned into a vicious deluge. Hercules was one of the first to make it to the main deck. Iolaus was right behind him.
Sailors, stuffing their arms into their shirts, hurried above deck. Extinguishing the fire and lowering the mast, they swirled around, trying to shield their heads from the torrential onslaught. Cupping their hands to be heard above nature's angry sounds, the sailors shouted instructions to one another until Nebula thrust herself into the melee. Her orders were short and succinct; no one questioned the commands.
The rains continued to slam against the defenseless ship and the lightning bolts made it dangerous to stay above deck. "Alright! Everybody, get below now!" Nebula gave the last command.
Iolaus quickly reached Nebula's side, taking her hand. "Come on!"
"No, I can't! Someone has to stay above just in case there's fire or flooding! Down below we wouldn't see a thing and it can happen very fast!"
"Then, I'll stay!" Iolaus shoved her in the direction of the lower door. "Go on!"
"This is too dangerous, Iolaus! This is my ship! I should be the one to stay to protect her!"
"Nebula, by the gods, we don't have time to argue now! Get below deck!" Iolaus was shouting, more to be heard than in anger.
Hercules reached for the pirate, one hand closing around her upper arm. "I'll stay out here with Iolaus. It's best if you're below with your crew. They need you now," he had leaned forward to make sure she heard the words.
"Just what I need, a couple of heros," she grumbled, pulling her arm away. "Alright, I'm going. Iolaus," she raised her voice, "don't you get hurt!"
He saluted her. "I'll give it my very best effort."
"Don't worry, Nebula. I'll protect him," the softer words were meant for Nebula's ears only and the look of gratitude she gave him wasn't seen by Iolaus.
"You don't have to stay," Iolaus tried to convince his friend.
"It's better if there's two of us out here," Hercules threw off the suggestion that he depart.
The seas were churning, whipping solid waves of water over the sides of the ship.
"Do you know why Poseidon is doing this?" Iolaus grabbed hold of the helm to keep his balance. "I don't remember ticking him off in the last few years."
"I have no idea why he's up to this, but I'm about to find out," Hercules struggled against the shear of the wind to reach the side of the ship. "Poseidon! I know you can hear me! Show yourself, Poseidon! This isn't fair! These people have done nothing to you!"
From out of the ocean, a blue-tinted image appeared, rising well above sea level. In Poseidon's hand was a staff. A blue crown was perched upon his head and a scowl was on his face. "Hercules. It's been a while."
"What's going on, Poseidon? Why are you doing this?" Hercules didn't waste time with pleasantries.
The god laughed heartily, the sound rising above the roar of the ocean and the rumbling of the thunder. When his mirth had ended, he fixed the demigod with a glare that would have scared mortal men. "Who are you to question me, Hercules? Just because your father is Zeus doesn't give you the right to question the gods."
Hercules rolled his eyes. "I don't have time to listen to you beat your chest, Poseidon. We all know that you're a god. Now, you can either tell me what's going on or once we reach the shore, I will make it my business to make your life miserable for the next, oh, two, three hundred years."
"And what makes you think that you're going to make it to shore?"
"Oh, we'll make it," Hercules' voice rang with confidence.
Poseidon laughed again. "By the gods, I like you. You've got courage. That's sadly lacking today. I'll make a deal with you. I'll give you and your friends safe passage to the shore if you will sacrifice one member of this crew to me."
"And what member would that be?" Hercules had his suspicions.
Iolaus sputtered his indignation. "You can't be serious. Why are you even bothering to ask him who he wants-"
Hercules held up one hand for silence. "Well, Poseidon?"
The god grinned wickedly. "The pirate, Nebula, of course."
It was just as Hercules had suspected. "No deals, Poseidon, and we'll still make it to shore safely."
"I could destroy this ship with the twitch of my finger."
"But you won't," the words were a challenge.
Poseidon roared with disapproval and swung his staff forward, creating a gust of wind that sent both Hercules and Iolaus flying through the air to land with similar grunts of pain against the opposite railing. The demigod pushed himself to his feet and extended his arm to help Iolaus to his. Slowly, they approached the god once more.
"Nice effort, but," Hercules lifted his hands, "we're still alive. Why don't you go ahead and kill me, Poseidon. Here I am. Come on. Hit me with your best shot. I have no weapon and you're a god. You could take me out. I'm waiting."
The God of the Sea raised his arms, swirling them forward. Immediately, the winds stilled and the rain ceased. "You win for now, Hercules."
"You still haven't told me why you started all of this," Hercules leaned over the rail as the god descended toward the water.
Poseidon just smiled and sank below the surface.
Iolaus shuddered. "I wonder what that was all about."
"I...have no idea, but I don't think it was just for his amusement," the demigod cast one last glance toward the sea before heading back toward the lower deck. "I'll let the others know that it's safe to come out now."
Iolaus followed. "So, you think some of the other gods put him up to it?"
Hercules shook his head grimly. "I don't think so. Of all the things I know about Poseidon, I know that he's only vindictive when he has a reason to be vindictive. If someone aboard this ship has challenged him, then he has a reason to kill them."
Iolaus' feet stilled and he stared up at his friend. "You think Nebula challenged Poseidon? Oh, come on. She's done some risky things in her time, but even Nebula wouldn't inflame a god. That's . . . suicidal."
"Maybe he caught her at a bad time," Hercules tried to explain.
The lower deck door swung open. "Well, here she is now. Let's just ask her," Iolaus extended his hand to pull the dark-haired woman up the steps.
"Ask me what?" Nebula shared a look of equal confusion between the two men.
"Poseidon wanted Hercules to sacrifice you. Do you know why he wants you?" Iolaus folded his arms across his chest, fully prepared to believe whatever his love told him. He wasn't prepared for the truth.
"It happened a few years ago. I outsmarted him. He's left me alone ever since then. I don't know why he chose now to take offense," Nebula brushed off her pants and headed toward the helm. "Let's get this thing back on course." Lifting her head proudly, she directed her instructions toward the sailors that were now pouring out of the lower deck.
In two strides, Iolaus was by her side. "Let me get this straight. You angered a god and you're not concerned that he might, oh, I don't know, kill you!" The last words of the sentence ended on a shout.
Nebula looked surprised. "Iolaus, will you calm down? He hasn't killed me yet and I don't think he will. He just wants to torture me a little. Like I said, I've been perfectly safe up until now. To be honest, I'm surprised that he chose to do this now. He could have killed me long before now."
"You should have told us about this," The golden-haired hunter growled low in his throat as he turned around. "You know, these aren't the kinds of surprises that we like. You've placed this entire crew in danger."
Nebula slammed her hands against the helm. "I know what I'm doing, Iolaus."
"Not this time, you don't. There is a very angry god out in that sea," he pointed for emphasis, "who wants your lovely skin. And we are on his ground, so to speak. This is his play area, Nebula. He knows all the ins and outs of the ocean; we don't. Basically, we are at his mercy and you want to stand there and tell me you know what you're doing? Well, I can tell you what I think you're doing. I think you're sacrificing a bunch of innocent men in your quest to return to Sumeria. And I think you should have been a lot more honest with your crew because they might never see their families again." With those words, Iolaus descended the stairs without looking back.
Her hands splayed against the smooth wood, Nebula watched Hercules approach. "Here to pick up where your friend left off?"
"No, I think he just about covered it. He's right, you know. You should have told us. It's not like Iolaus and I have never had a god angry with us before. I doubt it would have scared us off."
"Hercules, I have to get back to Sumeria. I owe it to my people and to be honest, when I decided to return, dealing with Poseidon was the last thing on my mind. All these years, he hasn't bothered me. Why should I think of him now?"
Hercules touched her shoulder. "I see your point, but when the rain started, when everything started, that's when you should have told us."
"It was too late."
"It's never too late, Nebula. I can take care of Poseidon; he won't hurt me...at least not much, but you need to tell the crew what's going on. We'll dock in Akkad and then, if any men want to take a return trip to Greece, that will be their chance."
Nebula positioned herself in front of him. "There's no time to dock in Akkad, Hercules. We need to get to Sumeria as soon as possible."
Dark, blue eyes questioned her. "Is there a reason why you're in such a hurry, Nebula?"
"I just want to get this over with, Hercules."
"You've waited this long. One more day isn't going to make that much of a difference."
"It might," Nebula mumbled below her breath, keeping her eyes averted from the demigod's knowing gaze.
Hercules leaned forward into her line of vision. "There's something else, isn't there? Something more you're not telling us?"
"It's nothing that I can be sure of, Hercules. That's why I haven't mentioned anything."
"Why don't you let me decide whether or not the rest of the crew needs to know?" Hercules folded his arms across his chest and waited.
"I had a vision last night; I thought it was a dream."
"And what happened?" He prompted when it didn't seem like Nebula would continue the explanation.
Nebula wrapped her arms around her waist and backed away from the helm. "It was Ninhursag."
Hercules didn't look any more informed. "And I'm supposed to know who this Ninhursag is?"
Nebula's head shot up. "She's Sumeria's Mother Goddess, the Queen of the Mountains, not unlike Zeus."
"And this vision of Ninhursag...what did it say?"
"She told me to turn back, not to come to Sumeria."
Great, Hercules thought with an inward groan. Just what he needed. Didn't the gods have anything else better to do besides controlling the mortals? "Did she tell you why she didn't want you to come to Sumeria?"
"No. She just said not to come, that there was danger."
"Let me get this straight. The Mother Goddess is warning you that you might be in danger?"
Nebula bit her lower lip and looked away. "Hercules, I've decided that I'm going to leave the crew in Akkad. I will travel to Sumeria by myself...without you or Iolaus."
"That's not going to happen, Nebula. Even if the crew agreed to leave, you don't actually think that Iolaus or I will leave you, do you? We came to help and that's what we're going to do...just as soon as you start being honest with us. And trust me, Iolaus and I have been through just about everything two people can go through and still come out on the other side. You're not going to scare us away."
"She wouldn't tell me why I shouldn't come, Hercules, but I don't think she was warning me because she cared about me."
"You think it was a threat."
"Maybe she's the one who is going to try to kill me," Nebula surmised with a shrug of her shoulders. "Others have tried before."
"But if this goddess is to Sumeria what Zeus is to Greece, we might have a bit of a problem," Hercules rolled his eyes. "You're one mortal, Nebula. It wouldn't be that difficult for her to have killed you long before now...like when you were on the throne here in Sumeria. Why didn't she kill you then?"
"I don't know. I don't know that much about Sumerian gods, Hercules. I've spent my life trying to avoid them, not get close to them. I'm sure you can relate to that."
Hercules didn't bother denying the supposition. "Well, we'll just have to keep an eye out for this god's appearance."
"I think Ninhursag might have made a deal with Poseidon," Nebula walked toward the lower deck.
"That's possible, but there would have to be something in it for Poseidon," Hercules gave a short laugh. "Most of the gods are selfish and greedy. She would have had to have made it worth his while."
Nebula took a deep breath and looked up at the now starry sky. "She could do that, Hercules. No one knows all of Ninhursag's powers, but she is not a goddess you want to fight."
Hercules blocked her path. "You're scared of her, aren't you?"
She glared up at him. "Any mortal would be stupid not to be afraid, Hercules. She isn't your ordinary goddess. You're thinking Aphrodite or Discord. Well, don't. Think more Dahak."
Twin eyebrows rose over amazed, blue eyes. "She has powers that equal Dahak's?"
"I'm not sure about everything that she can do, but there are stories about her powers, her fits of rage that have destroyed nations. And legend has it that she does not have, nor has she ever had, a soft side. Even her children know when to stay out of mother's way," Nebula couldn't keep from shuddering. "My father challenged her once. He was lucky he only lost a leg that time. He never challenged her again. That's Ninhursag's style....she'll take you apart one piece at a time."
"But we're not sure that she wants to kill you, Nebula. Maybe she is just warning you to stay away."
"Who's warning you to stay away?" Iolaus rejoined the couple on the main deck, his eyes flashing from his best friend before settling on Nebula.
She shook her head. "Hercules will explain it to you. I'm going to try to get some sleep before daybreak." With those words, she started down the stairs, not even sparing one backward glance.
Iolaus threw up his hands. "I give up. There is no winning with her. She gets us into a situation where a lot of good, innocent men could die and somehow, she turns it around to where we're at fault."
Hercules lowered a hand to his friend's shoulder. "Iolaus, maybe you'd better listen to this before you judge her."
The shores of Akkad came into view just after daybreak. The crew was just starting to wake up. There were shouts of hello and good morning greetings before work got underway. Knowing they were docking, the men were eager to stretch their legs on dry land. It had been a long journey and the brief respite was more than welcome.
"Iolaus, are you awake?" Nebula's voice was soft in the dimly lit deck room. Leaning down, she touched one hand to his shoulder.
Blue eyes met dark brown. "I'm awake. I haven't gone to sleep yet." He pushed himself to a sitting position, scrubbing his face with his hands. The ship was moving slowly, alerting him to the fact that the ship wasn't far from dropping anchor. "How close are we to shore?"
"We'll be there in about an hour," Nebula sat down on the edge of the bunk, one hand resting on his forearm. "Iolaus, I came to ask you if...well, if you would stay in Akkad. I don't know what's going to happen once we reach Sumeria and I.."
"Nice try, Nebula, but Hercules told me all about your vision. I'm not hiding while you face this god by yourself."
"Iolaus, you're a mortal."
"And so are you. I believe Gilgamesh was the only half-god in your family..unless there's something else that you haven't shared with me."
Nebula stood. "I'm mortal, but these are my risks to take. If I am to regain the throne, I will have to go through Ninhursag and whatever obstacle she puts in my path."
Footsteps thundered on the stairs and one sailor stuck his head down below, excitement stamped across his weathered face. "We've got company, Captain."
Nebula was already on her way toward the stairs. "Who is it?"
"Looks like a band of pirates," the crew man grinned. "Shall we show them that they've picked the wrong target?"
"Well," The beautiful captain smiled, a predatory gleam in her eyes, "we might just have to do that, Toris. Go alert the men. Tell them to arm themselves. I'll be right up."
Iolaus had gotten dressed during the exchange and now, as he strapped on his sword, he was shaking his head. "Nebula, don't start a war unless you know the enemy. That ship might not be pirates."
Nebula's grin broadened. "Iolaus, I know the sea like you know the land. I can tell with one look if those guys are pirates and if they are, well, let's just say that they're going to have a bad day." She left him standing in the middle of the room.
"What does it look like?" Iolaus joined Hercules at the rail.
"Trouble...as usual," the demigod couldn't keep the resignation from his voice.
"You think this has anything to do with Nebula's vision?"
"Right now, I don't know what to think anymore. She's your woman. Can't you talk to her?" Hercules teased.
"My woman!" Iolaus scoffed. "You've talked to her; you know what she's like. Do you know, she even asked me to stay behind in Akkad?"
Hercules face lit up. "You know..."
"Don't even think about it, Herk. I'm not staying here." Iolaus focused his attention back toward the open water. "They're moving closer and," his breath escaped his lungs in a loud whoosh of air, "unfortunately, it looks like Nebula was right."
The vessel drew near and it was plain to see that it was not the welcoming committee. One man stood at the bow of the ship, his massive arms folded across an equally impressive chest. His head was shaved, bronzed from the sun. Several gold hoops dangled from his thick earlobes and when he grinned, his teeth were few and far between. In his hand, he carried a saber with a wickedly sharp blade and a band of grimy looking pirates stood several yards behind him, all armed with blades matching their captain's.
"Great. Just great," Hercules muttered before positioning himself next to the helm. Cupping his hands, he called out. "That's far enough! We don't know who you are, but we're not looking for trouble!"
"Either they didn't hear you or they're just not interested in what you have to say," Iolaus noted with a grimace. "Or maybe they're the ones looking for trouble. So, it would appear that we're about to have a fight on our hands."
"Why should today be any different than any other day in our lives," Hercules jumped down to the deck, standing back to back with his friend just as the other ship bumped against the side. In seconds, the main level was swarming with armed pirates with greedy smiles and beady eyes. "Which ones do you want?" Hercules asked his best friend.
"Oh, I'll take the few who don't look like tree trunks," Iolaus responded, ducking a blow that would have toppled him. "Hey! That isn't nice!" With a running leap, he landed around his attacker's neck, delivering several, short, furious jabs to the temple that downed the man with a grunt of pain.
"Nice move," Hercules noted, bringing two pirates together so abruptly, their gold chains rattled with the contact.
"Thanks, I've been perfecting it over the years," Iolaus returned, sliding to the deck to sweep his right leg out in a hook that proved effective in tripping two of the intruders.
"Behind you!" came Nebula's warning call just in time.
Iolaus was on his feet and whipping around to evade a potentially lethal blow with a club. Holding one finger up in admonition, he paused for a split second before diving forward, sending his head into the bigger man's stomach. An "oof" of pain greeted his ears and the golden hunter grinned in satisfaction. Then, directing his gaze toward Nebula, he mouthed his thanks.
Nebula smiled and whirled around to kick an approaching attacker, sending him sailing through the air. Strolling forward, she lifted his collar and punched him squarely in the face. "Next time, wait until you're invited to come aboard."
Just when it seemed like the fighting would never end, Hercules felled the last man and silence descended once more. Breathing heavily, the demigod stepped over the throng of bodies and came to stand in front of Nebula. "Friends of yours?"
"Not every pirate knows the other pirates, Hercules. I've never seen these guys before in my life."
"That's probably because they're not pirates," Iolaus noted as he squatted beside the downed body of the captain of the attacking ship.
Hercules joined him. "So I noticed. These are hired thugs, Nebula, made up to look like pirates. These gold chains aren't real and their ship, take a look. It's too clean, almost stripped bare. Someone knew we were coming."
"Only a god could know that," Nebula replied quietly.
"Well, now that we've met the welcome wagon, I think it's time we met the head of the committee," Hercules muttered grimly.
"We're about to drop anchor. Some of the men may choose to stay behind when we leave port," Nebula tried not to look worried as she voiced her fears.
Iolaus put a hand on her shoulder. "We'll be alright."
"If we're going to go up against a god, Iolaus, we need all the help we can get."
"These men are mortal, Nebula. They have every right to think of their own lives," he tried to reassure her.
She gazed at him, her eyes soft with love. "You and Hercules don't just think of your own lives."
His blue eyes held his smile. "We're different. Not everyone wants to be a hero."
"And you're saying you do?"
"It was never my goal in life, Nebula, but, I do what I have to do to help people. If that makes me a hero, then, that's the way it is. But I really believe that Hercules is the hero. He goes up against the gods practically every day of his life without thought for his own mortality."
"He might be immortal."
"Maybe," Iolaus acknowledged, "but I really don't think it would matter to him even if he knew he wasn't immortal. He would still be the same."
Nebula reached for his hand. "You know, you're his hero."
Iolaus' eyes shot to her face. "What?"
"He told me once....that you were his hero."
The golden hunter smiled. "He was just saying that because we're friends."
"I don't think so, Iolaus. He had just held you in his arms while you died." It felt strange saying the words.
To Iolaus, it was strange to hear the words. Shaking off the feeling of doom that settled around his shoulders like a cloak, he wrapped an arm around Nebula's waist and guided her toward the bow of the ship. "We really should go see if they need help; I think we're dropping anchor."
Nebula stopped him with both hands catching his. "Why, Iolaus, I do believe that you're the one who's blushing this time."
Iolaus looked down, shifting uncomfortably. "Cut it out, Nebula. We need to get to work."
"Alright, I'll let you off the hook this time."
"By the way, did I mention that I appreciated the save back there?" Iolaus linked his fingers with hers.
"Anytime," Nebula walked beside him slowly. Then, suddenly, she stopped, her sudden cease of motion bringing him to an abrupt halt. Her hands framed his face and she kissed him, boldly, without thought for onlookers.
There were catcalls and shouts of encouragement from the crew as they stopped what they were doing to view the scene unfolding before them.
Never a shy one, Iolaus quickly took over the kiss until a light tap on his shoulder brought him back into focus. Lifting his head, he glared at the interruption. "Hercules, couldn't you see that I was busy?"
The demigod laughed shortly. "Yeah, I could see that but, unfortunately, now is not the time. We've dropped anchor. We should be ready to get underway in about fifteen minutes."
Iolaus' gaze drifted back toward Nebula's face. "Then, we have more time."
Snatching a handful of his friend's vest, Hercules guided him away. "I don't think so, Iolaus. I need your help."
"Hey," Iolaus protested the manhandling and straightened his clothing. "I appreciate your confidence in my abilities, but I'm sure you can handle whatever needs to be done."
"Iolaus..." Hercules' voice was tinged with irritation. "Could you forget about your love life and concentrate on what's about to happen?"
"What's about to happen?" Iolaus' attention automatically shifted to his best friend's words.
"I'm...not sure yet, but after what's already happened, I know that we're not going to sail into port without a hitch."
Iolaus' breath released on a heavy sigh. "Why can't it ever be easy?" Grumbling, he trailed after Hercules as the demigod made his way to land.
They were underway in less than fifteen minutes, having lost only two men who had decided that no amount of gold was worth their necks.
"So, are you prepared for this?" Nebula leaned over the railing, letting the wind blow the hair away from her face.
Iolaus grinned at her. "I'm always prepared."
"Good, because we're about a half a mile from Sumeria now."
"You nervous?"
It was Nebula's turn to grin. "I'm never nervous, Iolaus. It's part of my personality. I prefer to make people nervous."
Iolaus giggled. "And you do that so well."
"I made you nervous when we first met."
"You made me angry," the golden hunter corrected her.
Twin eyebrows rose over chocolate brown eyes. "Just angry?"
"Well, uncomfortable at first," he capitulated.
"That's another word for nervous, goldilocks."
He held up one finger. "And that nickname, you know how much I hate it. Why do you like to antagonize me...and other people?"
The smile faded from the captain's beautiful face. "Maybe it's a defense mechanism. Never let people see how much they've gotten to you, you know. It's always been my motto."
Iolaus sidled closed to her. "Then maybe your motto needs changing. I could help. I'm pretty good at things like that."
Nebula's eyes twinkled with amusement. "You're pretty good at a lot of things, Iolaus."
He met her gaze squarely and then laughed. "You'll get no argument from me." He leaned closer, eyelids closing over deep blue eyes. Nebula met him halfway, touching her lips to his.
"Iolaus," Hercules called from the bottom of the deck stairs.
The golden hunter tossed his hands up in the air. "Why does he always interrupt at the most inconvenient times?"
Nebula pressed her hands against his chest. "You'd better go before he drags you off again."
"Yeah. Uh, save my place," Iolaus gave her a quick, hard kiss and then he jogged toward his friend. "What's up?"
"If you were looking toward the bank, you would have noticed that we are no longer alone," Hercules pointed toward the shoreline.
Iolaus spun around, squinting his eyes against the glare of the sun. Even at the half a mile distance, it was difficult to miss the swirling black cloud that was centered over Sumeria. "What in Tartarus is that?"
"I would say that it's the gods' way of welcoming us to the country."
Iolaus gave his friend a grim look. "Well, I don't know about you, but I feel real welcome."
"Yeah. We'd better go warn the others and get prepared for the worst."
The ship was just off the shore when the voice came. It was loud, raspy and echoed with its fury. "You don't belong here anymore, Nebula!"
Bravely, Nebula stepped forward. "Why don't you show yourself instead of hiding behind a voice? I have a right to confront my attackers."
In a circle of fire, the voice materialized into a feminine shape, an auburn-haired woman with eyes the color of the ocean. Her skin was so pale it was almost translucent and she towered above the bow of the ship as she moved forward. "Do you know who I am, Nebula?"
"If the stories I've heard are true, you're Ianna, Goddess of Love and War."
"Love and war?" Iolaus and Hercules queried simultaneously.
The goddess' lips twisted into a thin parody of a smile. "Very good, Nebula, but do you know why I'm here?"
Arms folded, legs slightly apart, Nebula glared across the distance separating them. "Am I supposed to?"
"You should know. Nanhursag warned you, didn't she? You shouldn't make a habit out of ignoring the warnings of the gods, Nebula. Your vision could have saved your life. Believe it or not, she was trying to protect you."
"Well, I don't believe it. The gods have never cared about me or any other mortal," came Nebula's cold voice.
Ianna's eyes glazed with fury and lifting one hand, she pointed one lethal-looking fingernail toward the ship. In the blink of an eye, Nebula's feet lifted off the deck and as the goddess crooked her finger, the Sumerian Queen sailed into the air to hover just inches away from the circle.
"Nebula!" Iolaus shouted and raced forward only to be brought up short when Ianna lifted a hand.
"You cannot help her now, Iolaus. Neither can you, Hercules." Ianna swept her hand in an arc, creating a glass shield that surrounded the ship. "You can leave as soon as Nebula and I are gone, but heed my warning. Do not try to find your lady friend; you will only bring about her demise that much quicker...as well as your own. Leave now and you will leave alive. Follow and I will destroy each and every one of you. Even Nanhursag won't interfere now." Reaching upward, she curled her hand around Nebula's arm, pulling her inside the circle. "Say goodbye to your friends, Nebula. You will never see them again."
Nebula's eyes met Iolaus' through the shield and fire and she read his reassurance. "Iolaus, go home. Hercules, take him home, please!" She shouted seconds before she disappeared.
The shield disintegrated immediately. The stunned crew waved their hands in the air, trying to touch what was no longer there.
Iolaus whirled around to face his friend. "We can't just leave her, Hercules."
The demigod touched the golden-haired man's shoulder. "No one said we were leaving, Iolaus. I wouldn't leave her here anymore than you would. We just have to come up with a plan and then, we have to find them. Someone in this country must know about their gods and where they hide."
"I'll go find out," Iolaus spun on his heel and headed toward the exit, but Hercules was quicker, catching a hold of his friend's arm. "What are you doing?"
"I don't think you should go, Iolaus. There's a lot of people here that know you."
"Yeah, like they don't know you. If they see you, they'll know you aren't just a visitor."
"I'll go," came a small, quiet voice from behind the two men.
The duo turned to see a man as small as his voice watching them. Hercules cast an uncertain look at his friend before directing his attention back to the man. "What's your name?"
"Oneus." The man responded. "And I already know that it's a dangerous mission."
"Then," Iolaus tilted his head in confusion, "why do you want to go?"
"Because I've run from danger all my life. Now's the time to face it."
"But now is not the time to prove your bravery," Iolaus returned with a slight snap to his voice.
Hercules gave a slight shake of his head. Then, he moved slowly toward the man. "We appreciate your willingness to help, Oneus, but I think Iolaus is right. We can't send you off this ship knowing that you're not used to dealing with danger. If something were to happen to you-"
"If I choose to go, you can't stop me," Oneus declared bravely. "And I say I'm going."
"Actually," Iolaus barred the man's path, "Hercules could stop you. So could I, but if you're so intent on risking your neck, then," his shoulders lifted in a shrug as he tossed a glance at his friend, "we won't stop you."
Oneus' chest puffed with pride and he nodded his head importantly. "You just tell me exactly what you need to know. I'll get the information and be back before you know it."
Hercules had his doubts, but he provided the young man with the necessary information and watched him take his leave. "Do you think he'll make it back?"
"It will take a miracle." Iolaus sighed heavily. "I should have gone."
"You couldn't go. We need you in one piece when we do find Nebula."
"I can't just sit here while that...that...goddess does whatever she plans on doing to her."
Standing in front of his friend, Hercules placed his hands on Iolaus' shoulders. "Look, I know how you feel about her, but you have to think clearly. You can't just run off after her when you don't know what kind of danger that will put Nebula in. We've always solved these kinds of problems together, Iolaus. Don't go off on your own this time."
Iolaus lowered his blond head. "You're right, Herk. We'll do it together."
"Good." Hercules' hands dropped to his side. "Now, let's get busy. I have an idea." He walked away, leaving his friend to follow.
"Why do I always dread those words?" Mumbling to himself, Iolaus followed.
Ianna's temple was a dark and dreary place. The windows were boarded not even allowing the smallest ray of sunshine to penetrate the shadows. The floors were cold beneath Nebula's bare feet and as she stood chained to the wall in what she could only assume was the dungeon, she wondered, not for the first time, why she was there. How long had she been there and when was Ianna coming back?
"I thought you were supposed to be the Goddess of Love, too. I'm not feeling warm and fuzzy long about now," Nebula muttered aloud, her eyes surveying her cell, searching for a way out, or, if the guys found her, a way in. Even as she'd told them to leave, she'd known they wouldn't. They just never gave up; it was in their nature. She remembered that all too well when Iolaus had been captured by Arachne, the gigantic spider with eight hairy legs. She had left him for dead; Hercules had refused to give up. In the end, the Greek half-god had been right. And she'd noticed over the last year or so that he was more often right than wrong.
And then there was Iolaus. There was no doubt in her mind that he wouldn't leave Sumeria without her....or at least without trying to save her. Her lips curved into a smile as vivid images raced through her mind. Soft, sweet kisses, the look in his eyes and the long, long nights that not even death could take away from her. Her smile broadened. "Kill me if you will, Ianna. I've had a good life."
The heavy door swung wide, revealing a scantily clad Goddess of War. She strolled into the room, the red silk gown billowing behind her. Inspecting her nails, she approached Nebula. "So, you're not afraid to die."
Nebula's chin tilted proudly. "I'm not afraid of anything you can do to me, Ianna."
The goddess smiled a mirthless smile. "No? What if I spare your life but take Iolaus'? Oh, surprised that I know about the two of you? There's not too much that I don't know about you, Nebula. I am, after all, a goddess. You're in love with Iolaus and he loves you...enough to die for you as he's already proven. Your weak gods in Greece sent him back to life. Our gods would never have allowed him to live again once he'd crossed over. Greek gods are useless! Even Poseidon couldn't do the job he was supposed to do." She spat the words, glaring her anger at Nebula.
"So, Poseidon was on your payroll. What was in it for him?"
"More power than he could ever achieve as a mere Greek god."
"Well, now that we've established how you feel about the Greek gods, do you want to tell me why you brought me here?" Nebula refused to allow the goddess to see how much her words had terrified her.
Ianna laughed sharply. "You honestly don't know? Your brother knows."
Nebula's face tightened. "My brother is dead."
One long fingernail tapped against the goddess' chin as she nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, yes. Poor Gilgamesh. He should have listened to me, but he was too greedy, always wanted more than what he had. I could have made him a god. I could have given him the immortality and the power he craved so much, but it wasn't enough. He didn't want to be my equal; he wanted to be my ruler. That's why he opened his arms to Dahak." She shook her head sadly. "But, in the end, I knew that he would not prevail...especially once your friend, Hercules, arrived. And then Iolaus had to step in and save you in that manner that most women find extremely irresistible. To me, it was only annoying. You shouldn't have let him do it, you know. You should have been willing to die for your country, for your people."
"I couldn't stop him, Ianna and you know it. It was Iolaus' decision." Nebula was growing angrier by the second.
"And a stupid decision at that. Where did it get him? Well, no matter. I hope he enjoyed his brief time here on earth again because I'm going to send him back." Turning, she floated back toward the door. "Oh, are you comfortable? Do you need anything?" The cackle rang throughout the empty halls of the temple.
"You won't get away with this, Ianna. You've never gone up against Hercules and Iolaus. Dahak couldn't defeat them. What makes you think that you can?"
Ianna smiled a smile of supreme satisfaction. "I know Iolaus' weakness and having watched the blond man die, I also know Hercules' Achilles heel." With those words, she departed, closing the door behind her with a flick of her finger. The locks slid back into place, effectively cutting off any chance of escape through that passageway.
For a brief moment, Nebula allowed herself to feel despair, but only for a brief moment. She had to believe that Hercules and Iolaus would come for her. She couldn't lose faith now. Vainly, she struggled against the chains the bound her to the wall. "You will regret this, Ianna. I promise you that!" She yelled into the rapidly cooling air.
Ianna's only response was an echoing chuckle that sent a chill down Nebula's spine.
"Laugh now, you witch, but we'll see who's laughing in the end." The Sumerian Queen hissed. "Now I know why I was having such doubts about coming back here. Nothing like home sweet home." She struggled against the chains, knowing the effort was futile. Tossing her head back, she glared up at the stoned ceiling. "If I get out of here alive, I'm getting out of this country. I should have known better than to come back in the first place. I was right; I don't belong here." Lowering her head, she stared down at the dirt-covered floor.
She should have listened to her heart. The sea had always meant freedom to her, being able to go where she wanted to go any time she chose to leave. In Sumeria, she was chained to a throne, forced to rule over a people that didn't want to follow her, the very people who considered her a lesser citizen. All men should have the opportunity to spend a few days with Iolaus. He treated her as an equal, yet, wasn't afraid to stand up to her, face her down if he had to. Her lips curved into a smile. By the gods, she loved him. But what would her change of plans mean to their relationship? Maybe Iolaus didn't want the same things she did. She knew that she would never be content to stay at home with the kids while Iolaus was racing across the countryside with Hercules. No, she could never be the little woman. Damn. It seemed like this was a no-win situation. Her head lifted once more. "Maybe it would be better if you didn't come after me, Iolaus." Even as she spoke the words, she knew she didn't mean them. She wanted to see him once more...even if it was just to say good-bye.
Oneus staggered aboard the ship, his chest heaving, sweat pouring from his brow. Falling into Hercules' arms, he gasped for breath. "They were...following...me."
"I'll go check it out. Iolaus, find out what he knows," Hercules quickly passed the man over to his friend before descending the plank.
"No, no," Oneus called out. "I led them on a merry chase. They lost me. I was only trying to tell you that," he straightened, "they're on to us. They know we're here and that we've come for their king."
"We haven't come for their king," Iolaus protested. "We've come to help Nebula regain her throne. If that means the king gets hurt, well, he never should have overthrown her from the start."
Hercules returned to the trembling man's side. "Did you find out anything?"
Now beaming, Oneus shifted importantly, reading to impart his knowledge. "Of course. Ianna has two temples, one for her purposes as Goddess of Love and the other for her Goddess of War persona. She's an evil one, alright. The townspeople think that she should never have been given the Goddess of Love title, but well, they don't really like to talk about it. I mean, can you imagine Aphrodite as Goddess of Love and War? I don't think she would be very good at war. Not that I have anything against Aphrodite," he cast an apologetic look at Hercules lest the demigod take offense, "but she just doesn't look mean enough, nothing like Ares. In fact, I think-"
"Oneus," Hercules interrupted, coming to stand in front of the man, "what did you find out?"
"Oh, that. Well, the war temple is on the east side of the city. It's about a day's journey, but from what I understand, it's almost impossible to get inside unless you have the blood of a god." He paused. "Which, of course, you do."
Iolaus was already shaking his head. "There's no way I'm letting you go in there alone, Herk. We don't know this Ianna; we don't know what she's capable of doing to you."
Oneus cleared his throat loudly. "Actually, we do know what she can do. From what I understand, she's very vicious. Can take down a hydra just by drawing her finger in the air....if they had any hydras over here, that is. She has destroyed entire villages with the sweep of a hand and some men even say that none of the other gods want to cross her because of what she can do." He took in a deep breath before continuing. "And that's the story with Gilgamesh. She, um, well, she wanted him for her, well, you know."
Hercules' eyebrows rose and he leaned forward. "Lover?"
Oneus blushed. "Yeah, that."
"And he didn't want her," Iolaus supplied helpfully.
The young man's feet shuffled uncomfortably. "Right."
"So, she was happy when Gilgamesh was destroyed, then?" Hercules asked.
"Actually, no. She claimed to love him, but she thought he deserved what he got...so does his whole family in her eyes." Oneus strolled around them now that he'd regained the use of his legs. "Which is what seals Nebula's fate. Ianna is going to kill her."
"Over my dead body," Iolaus' sword cleared the sheath and he started forward, but Hercules' outstretched arm blocked his path. "Move out of the way, Hercules. I'm going after Nebula."
"Iolaus," Hercules took a couple of steps, effectively placing himself in front of the only exit save a dive overboard. "You heard what Oneus just said. You can't go into the temple."
"And I can't just stand here while that...that woman kills Nebula. She has to have a weak spot, Herk."
"And we will find it," the demigod assured his friend. "I'm not going to let Nebula die."
Iolaus was only slightly appeased. "I'm going with you."
"Fine, but only until we reach the temple. Then, you stay outside. Agreed?"
Iolaus didn't respond.
"Iolaus?" Hercules' voice hardened.
Still no response.
The son of Zeus folded his arms across his chest and glared down at his best friend. "We're not going anywhere until I have your word that you will stay put once we reach the temple."
"If you set foot inside that temple without the blood of a god in your veins, you will die instantly," Oneus offered as a warning.
Iolaus' eyes widened. "Well, since you put it that way..." he raised his hands expansively. "Be my guest, Herk. I'm right beside you all the way until we reach the temple."
Ianna's head lifted and she sniffed the air appreciatively. "Ah, Hercules. You're on your way to save your friend. How noble, but incredibly foolish. Well," she buffed her fingernails on the black sheath she now wore, "don't say I didn't try to warn you." Rolling to her feet, she lifted her arms in the air, twirling them around like weapons. When she finally brought them back down to her side, the winds outside the temple had begun to stir wildly. Smiling to herself, Ianna settled back down on the satin cushions and prepared to wait for her visitors.
"Maybe there's a back way in," Oneus suggested hopefully.
"If she's anything like our gods, this Ianna would know anyway. I'll just have to face her." Hercules gave the small man a grim look. "You should have stayed behind with the rest of the crew."
"I've already explained to you..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, you've run from danger all your life, but this isn't the kind of danger that you're going to want to face today, Oneus," Iolaus pointed out with much exasperation. "Have you ever gone up against a god before?"
Oneus shook his head glumly. "I've never even gone up against a mortal before."
"Then, you're really going to have to stay back when we reach the temple." Hercules' eyes scanned the path for any signs of impending danger.
"Do you think you can win?" Iolaus fell into step beside his friend as Oneus lagged behind.
Hercules stopped in his tracks, his eyes meeting his friend's. "I guess we'll soon find out."
"I'd really like it if you didn't die today, Herk."
"Yeah, me, too, but...that might be a little more challenging than usual. Take a look." His blue eyes were trained over Iolaus' shoulder a few yards away.
The golden hunter spun around, sword at the ready, but he quickly realized that a mere mortal's sword would be no match for what lay ahead.
Armed guards. Only two, but when you factored in the fact that those two were well over ten feet in height, two was all Ianna needed to defeat an army.
Oneus gave a strangled sound of fear and tried to keep his knees from knocking together. "How are we going to defeat them?"
Hercules and Iolaus exchanged glances. "Oneus, hide. Iolaus, you take the one that looks slightly smaller."
The blond man gave a nervous giggle. "Oh, yes, the one that's only two temples tall as opposed to the one on the right whose three."
Hercules gave his friend a baleful look. "Funny, but I think your humor lacks a little punch." Ducking low, he raced forward, rolling to his feet in a low crouch a few paces away from the first soldier. "Hey, down here!"
Iolaus was darting back in forth in front of the remaining soldier, swinging his arms wildly. "Hey, you! Can't you see me? Come on, metal mouth, let's get this over with." He hoped getting it over with didn't include his untimely demise....again.
"Iolaus, be careful," Hercules warned, diving between the legs of the giant to end up standing behind him. With a mighty lunge, he planted both feet behind the knee of the soldier, a move which only served in making the enemy stumble. He quickly regained his balance and turned around to face his attacker. With one meaty hand, he smacked Hercules square in the chest, sending the son of Zeus flying through the air.
"And you're telling me to be careful?" Iolaus gave a half-laugh as he ran back out of range once more. "Can't you do any better than that, you big oaf?" He taunted relentlessly.
The soldier, his eyes glittering furiously, took several lumbering steps toward Iolaus.
"Uh-oh," the golden hunter murmured before jumping toward a grove of bushes just in the nick of time.
Hercules was back on his feet, spitting dirt and brushing twigs off his clothes. "Clever, very clever," he admitted. "Now, why don't we try it a different way? Iolaus, over here!"
"Oh, good, we're going to work together," Iolaus didn't bother to hide the relief in his voice as he ran to join his friend, the soldier tagged as 'his' right behind him.
"Run, Iolaus!" Hercules instructed.
Fear lending wings to his feet, the golden-haired man raced forward as Hercules ran to join him. "On three," the demigod shouted.
"Three!" They both hollered in unison before diving at an angle.
The soldiers, however, didn't have the agility to stop so suddenly and with a loud clang of armor, they met in the middle. Staggering back from one another, they tried to regain their balance, but failed miserably. Amidst a series of creaks and groans, the soldiers descended to the ground, disintegrating immediately.
Hercules pushed himself to his feet. "Something's wrong."
"Let me guess. You think that was too easy," Iolaus knew his friend too well.
"They go down once and they disappear? Yeah, I'd say so." Hercules had only taken one step toward the temple when he was proven right once more. "Hello, Ianna."
The goddess glided forward on feet that barely touched the ground. "Very good, Hercules. It would appear that I have underestimated you."
"Don't feel bad about that. A lot of people do," Iolaus offered with a shrug.
Ianna's eyes swam with fury. "I only do it once. You might have defeated my men, but you can't defeat me."
"Again, something that a lot of people think...including other gods," Iolaus put in once more.
"Iolaus, will you shut up?" Hercules snapped in a low voice. "She's mad enough as it is."
"Come inside, Hercules. It will be just you and me. See if you can defeat me and release your friend." With a waggle of her fingers, Ianna drifted back toward the temple doors.
Iolaus caught the demigod's arm before he could take a step. "Herk, be careful. She looks like she fights to kill."
Hercules touched his friend's shoulder and nodded.
Seconds later, the doors closed behind him with a loud creak.
Oneus came out of hiding to stare at the double doors, his face a study in fear. "He might not come back, Iolaus."
Iolaus glared at the younger man. "He'll come back. Hercules has been on missions like this before; he's come back from them. He'll come back from this one." He hoped he looked as confident as he sounded.
Oneus continued to stare doubtfully at the temple, obviously not convinced.
With the closing of the door, the light faded and Hercules had to stand still to allow his eyes to adjust to the darkness. Then, slowly, he walked forward toward the first corridor. He didn't have far to travel before Ianna reappeared.
"Do you like my temple, Hercules?" The raspy voice was starting to grate on the demigod's nerves.
"Actually, I think you could use a decorator."
The smile faded from the goddess' face. "Soon, it won't matter to you what my temple looks like for it will become your grave."
Hercules rolled his eyes. He hated melodrama. "Well, why don't we get this over with?" He stepped back and extended his arms away from his body. "Here I am. Come and get me."
Ianna's eyes darkened and lifting one finger, she pointed the deadly weapon at her target. "I suppose Greece will miss you." Her lips curled into a feral smile before she drew a circle in the air. A ring of fire appeared and leaning down, she blew it toward Hercules.
He didn't have much time to react, but fortunately, he'd always had good reflexes. Leaping safely out of the way, Hercules slammed into the far wall, wincing as his shoulder exploded with pain. Another ring of fire hurtled his way immediately and again, he evaded it.
Ianna was growing more irritated with each passing moment. "I'm through playing with you," she hissed.
Hercules tilted his head to one side, surveying her with something akin to sympathy. "Really? I was just getting warmed up."
This time, the goddess raised both hands and let out a screech of fury.
"Uh-oh," the demigod muttered below his breath, "why can't I learn to keep my big mouth shut?" The question trailed off in another frantic dive for survival as sword after sword came whistling his way. Two he caught, the rest he dodged. Straightening to face her, he whipped the swords back and forth in arcs, getting the feel of the steel. "Why don't you fight me, Ianna? One on one. No powers. See if you can win that way."
Ianna looked bored with the suggestion. "And why should I do that?"
"Because you made the challenge; I get to choose how we fight. It's...an unwritten law of the gods where I come from. And you wouldn't want them to think that you thought you were too good for those kinds of laws, would you? After all, you would hate for my friends to return to Greece and tell our gods what you think of them, wouldn't you? I don't think it would take very much convincing to bring several of the more, well, darker gods, back to Sumeria." Hercules watched her face for any signs of relenting, relieved to see the acquiescence written there.
"Alright. We'll do it your way, Hercules. I'll beat you without using the powers at my disposal." With a snap of her fingers, Ianna disappeared, only to reappear moments later dressed in skin-tight black leather pants and matching top. Her long, auburn hair was tied back with a thick piece of rope and her feet were stuffed into knee-high boots. "This is better, I think."
"Whatever works," Hercules began circling the goddess, tension in every muscle of his body as he waited for the first move. He didn't have long to wait.
Ianna was quick, her hand snapping forward to deliver a blow that would have felled an ordinary man. She drew back with surprise when the demigod barely stumbled. "You're stronger than I gave you credit for."
"Thanks, I think," he replied, catching her wrist in a punishing grip. "But now it's my turn."
Her teeth gleamed whitely in a smile. "You're too much of a gentleman to hit a lady, Hercules."
"Who said I was hitting a lady?" Bracing his feet, he dragged her forward, then with a hand against her collarbone, shoved her backwards, sending her sliding toward the back wall of the temple. She collided with a brass statue before slamming into the wall with a loud gasp of pain. Before she could recover, Hercules was standing in front of her. A series of jabs doubled her over and the demigod looked around for something to restrain her. Pulling a nearby chain from the wall, he made short work of securing her hands behind her back. Then, he raised her high overhead. "Give it up, Ianna. I am leaving here with my friends...all of them."
"Never!" She struggled furiously against his grasp and the chains to no avail. Without her powers, she was no match for the half-god's strength. "Put me down, Hercules. You should know that these ordinary chains can't hold a god."
"No? Then, break them."
She didn't respond.
"I'm waiting."
"You are going to let me go, Hercules."
"Actually, I think I have a better idea," he carried her down the corridor. "Why don't you tell me where Nebula is? Once we're safely aboard the ship, I'll release you."
"Without getting what Nebula came for? Ismach works for me, you know. He's the king that took her place. He will never relinquish the crown to her. So, why should I trust you when you say you're leaving?"
With a heavy sigh, Hercules brought her to her feet, one hand still holding her arm. "Why don't you tell me what this is all about? Maybe we can work out a solution."
"Why would you be willing to work out a solution?"
"Because fighting isn't always the answer."
"I loved Gilgamesh," she responded quietly, her eyes drifting away from the demigod's searching gaze. "But he didn't love me. And when he died, I was heartbroken, even though we weren't together. I had always hoped..." she broke off.
"That you and he would end up together," Hercules finished the sentence for her.
"It doesn't matter now. He's dead." Some of the earlier fire returned to her eyes. "And his sister must pay for my disgrace."
"Does anyone know that he rejected you?"
"No! I would never have told anyone!" Ianna looked horrified at the thought.
"Then, where's the disgrace, Ianna? If only you and Gilgamesh knew and he's no longer among us, don't you think your secret is safe? Why punish those around you for something they had no control over?" Releasing her arm as a gesture of good will, Hercules walked in front of her. "You had Nebula overthrown because you wanted her to leave Sumeria, didn't you?"
"I knew if she stayed, I would want to kill her. I couldn't stand to see her face, knowing that she was Gilgamesh's blood. He had rejected me and he died before I could make him pay. I never would have killed him, but I was going to take everything away from him."
"And now? Are you going to destroy his remaining family and her friends for revenge? Ianna, you're not just the Goddess of War; you're the Goddess of Love. Don't you think it's time you acted like it? How long have you been living for revenge?" Turning her around, he easily snapped the chains that bound her hands. Then, his hands on her shoulders, he guided her back to face him. "We are not your enemies; we don't want to fight you. I don't want to fight you. Now that I've released you, the next move is yours. You can continue the fight, which you will lose or you can walk away."
Ianna looked down at her free hands and then back up at the demigod's face. "Don't you think you're taking a chance releasing me?"
"Sometimes, you have to take chances in life. I don't believe that you really want to kill me or any of my friends. You've been hurt and you want revenge, but believe me, revenge isn't all it's cracked up to be."
"What would you know about revenge, Hercules?" Her voice carried a trace of the old bitterness that had brought them to this point.
"You'd be surprised," he responded simply. "Will you release Nebula?"
The goddess turned her head away. "She's in the last room on the right. She's chained to the wall, but that shouldn't be a problem for you. Tell her that...well, it doesn't matter. Just let her know that her throne will await her return if that is what she really wants. Ismach will be gone." In a flash of light, she was gone, the halls echoing eerily with the silence.
The door creaked open once more and Nebula tensed, then, sagged with relief. "Hercules, how did you get past Ianna?"
Snapping the chains that bound her as easily as a child snaps a twig, he wrapped one arm around her waist for support. "Actually, she's not as bad as we thought she was."
Nebula stared at him. "Right. And Ares is really a nice guy."
He only smiled in response as he led her toward the exit, toward freedom.
Iolaus was pacing on the steps, his face a study in irritation. "What could be taking so long? How hard is it to defeat one goddess?"
"Actually," Oneus held up one finger as he prepared to begin his dissertation on that point.
"Never mind," Iolaus quickly interrupted. "Hercules is usually pretty good at this. I can't imagine that Ianna would win. I mean, it's never happened before. It couldn't happen. Hercules wouldn't let it." He paused. "Would he?" Then, waving his hands, he descended the stairs. "At least, I don't think he would lose." He was so busy talking to himself that he didn't hear the door behind him open. "I just wish he would hurry up." He glanced at the sky. "Two more minutes and I'm going in."
"That won't be necessary," the demigod's voice carried his amusement.
Iolaus whirled around, his eyes going from his best friend's face to just beyond his shoulder. His lips curved into a smile. "Nebula." The one word conveyed his relief and in three strides, he was at her side, taking her hands in his. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, just a little shaken."
"So, you killed her then?" Iolaus angled the question over his shoulder.
"Actually, no. She and I reached an agreement," Hercules grinned.
"Agreement? What kind of an agreement could you make with a blood-thirsty god?"
"Why don't we get going? I'll tell you about it along the way."
Nebula didn't move. "You know, boys, I've had a lot of time to think while I was chained up in there and I don't think I want my crown, after all."
Iolaus stared at her. "You're kidding, right? I mean, that's what we came all this way to get. You wanted to regain your throne."
"And now I don't," she responded quietly.
"Why?" Hercules voiced the question that was in Iolaus' eyes.
"Because I don't belong here. I couldn't see it before we left, but I can see it now. I didn't belong here the very first time I came back and I don't belong here now." She looked around her. "This isn't my home; it will never be my home."
"But you grew up here," Oneus put in from the side.
Nebula spared him a glance. "But it's not where I want to spend the rest of my life." Her eyes were now focused on Iolaus.
Hercules, picking up on the signal, captured Oneus' arm in his hand and led him away. "We'll just walk on ahead."
"But we can't hear anything that way," the young man protested, trying to free his arm.
"Oneus," the demigod's voice carried a warning that stilled the man.
"So, where do you want to spend the rest of your life, Nebula?" Iolaus didn't take his eyes off of her face as he waited for her answer.
"Do you really have to ask?"
"No, but it would be nice to hear you say it," his teeth flashed with a grin.
"Sumeria isn't my home because home is where your heart is. I've heard that line many times before, but I never believed it, that is, until I fell in love with you. I don't want to stay here knowing that I will probably never see you again. I know that we haven't made each other any promises, but I'd rather take my chances in Greece. At least I'll get the chance to see you now and then."
Iolaus touched her face, his fingertips drawing a diagonal line to her lips. "You're right; we haven't made each other any promises, but it's not too late."
Her eyes widened. "Iolaus, what are you saying?"
Taking her hand, he started walking. "Why don't we talk about it aboard ship?" He paused. "But if you're not staying, we can't just leave the people to Ismach. He's not the kind of king they need."
"Ianna's already taken care of that. Hercules told me that he would no longer be king."
"So, then, if not you, then, who will rule Sumeria?"
Nebula cast a glance back at the forbidding temple. "I get the feeling that Ianna will take care of that."
"So, did the two of you...talk?" Hercules asked once he'd joined Iolaus on deck.
"Yeah, we did."
"And? Are you going to make me guess?"
Iolaus grinned. "We just talked about our lives, what's going to happen now."
"What is going to happen now?" Hercules slanted him a glance.
"We're not sure. Both of us know how we feel about one another, but we've gone through a lot, together and as individuals. We want to take it slow, make sure it's right, you know."
Hercules smothered a grin. "So, when are you getting married?"
Iolaus shouldn't have been surprised, but he was. "How did you....never mind. It's that half-god thing, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I believe it is." Hercules gave his friend a congratulatory hug.
"Well, we want to keep it quiet for now, not share it with anyone just yet. There's a lot of things to consider and-"
"Iolaus," Hercules interrupted, "you're getting married."
The golden hunter's face split into a grin. "Yeah, I guess I am." The two men embraced one another, laughing.
THE END
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