Hercules: The Legendary Journeys is the property of MCA. No copyright infringement is intended. ________ Betrayals “One wrong move and I kill you.” It was a hell of a way to wake up, Hercules reflected wryly. He’d felt the touch of the blade at his throat and the whispered threat before he’d had the chance to even register the stranger’s presence. Now, with the sharp blade of a knife pressed against his throat, it was a little late to take this guy down. “Can I help you?” Hercules asked calmly, making a point not to appear threatening. “You can die.” The man leaned closer and sneered. Hercules grimaced. Just once he’d like to meet a would be assassin who didn’t have bad breath. “I’d really rather not,” Hercules admitted. “Anything else you’d like me to do?” He strained his ears trying to hear a third person across the fire. Where was Iolaus? Not even he could sleep through an attempted murder. Unless he wasn’t sleeping. If this cretin had hurt him... “Oh, you’re going to die, Hercules.” The stranger sneered again, revealing yellowed teeth and more bad breath. “Hera’s will be done, it’s time for you to die!” He started to press the knife into Hercules’ throat even as Hercules raised his arms to push the man away. “Someone’s going to die, but I doubt it’s him.” A slightly harsh and welcomingly familiar voice came from behind them and the knife suddenly halted its descent. Hercules could feel the knife tremble against his skin. “Iolaus?” he called. “For Poseidon’s sake, Herc! I leave for five minutes and look at the mess you get yourself into.” His friend’s laughing voice was a welcome sound after his worries of a moment ago. “Well forgive me for falling asleep!” Hercules retorted lightly. “How was I supposed to know one of Hera’s zealots was going to pay a visit?” “Ever hear of being prepared? One would think-” “Hey! Do you mind? I’m trying to kill someone here!” The assassin glowered at both of them. “Is that so? Cause from where I’m standing it looks like you’re about to surrender.” Iolaus shifted slightly and Hercules saw the sword in his hands pressed against the back of the killer’s neck. “I recommend you drop that knife and move away from my friend.” He poked the man with the sword. “Or I’ll have to kill you.” For a heartbeat nothing happened. Then with a muffled curse he removed the knife and handed it to the man behind him. “Very good,” Iolaus approved. “Now back away slowly. Don’t try anything.” As soon as the stranger backed off Hercules got to his feet. “Who are you?” he demanded. “Who sent you? Some warlord? Are you an assassin?” “I am a loyal servant of Hera!” the stranger spat. “I serve the Queen of the Gods and no other!” “Oh, of course,” Hercules sighed. “What else?” “What’s your name?” Iolaus asked. He pressed the sword even harder against the back of the man’s neck. “Come on now, no secrets.” “Thymos!” he snarled. “Well, Thymos, why don’t you go on your way and tell your mistress that we don’t appreciate being woken up in the middle of a night, hmmm?” Iolaus removed his sword from Thymos’ throat. The attempted assassin glowered at the hunter, sparing an equally vile glare for the demi-god a few feet away, before turning his back and stalking off into the woods. Iolaus and Hercules both remained on their feet for several minutes, watching as Thymos vanished amongst the trees. “Think it was a good idea to let him go?” Iolaus asked. “What else could we have done?” Hercules shrugged. “He’s not a very good assassin anyway, if he didn’t even know you were around somewhere.” Iolaus grinned. “Hera should find herself some better help.” Hercules shot him a teasing look. “Don’t say that. She’ll probably hear you.” “Just our luck.” Iolaus sheathed his sword and set it down beside the patch of grass he’d used as a bed. “Just because of this I’m sleeping late.” “I thought you were the one in the big hurry to get to Mycanae,” Hercules pointed out. “Anxious to see Xena and Gabrielle again?” He grinned at his friend. “Or maybe just Gabrielle?” Iolaus ignored him. “We’ll still have plenty of time,” he said. “And I’m tired. You tend to forget that you have much longer legs.” Hercules rolled his eyes. “Go to sleep.” “That’s what I’m trying to do!” “No,” Hercules said patiently, “you’re trying to sleep late. There’s a difference.” “I can’t do one if I don’t do the second,” Iolaus said teasingly. “So shut up.” Hercules chuckled and settled down for the night. “Fine, fine. Night.” “G’Night,” Iolaus muttered, already half asleep. Hercules had just dropped off into sleep when he heard something. He was asleep at the time, so he wasn’t sure exactly what it was he heard, but it was sufficient to awaken him. He didn’t move, and opened his eyes only enough to see. There was nothing out of place that he could see, but although the light from the full moon illuminated the small area he and Iolaus had used for a campsite fairly well, the trees surrounding them were draped in shadow and darkness. He held his breath as a branch snapped behind him. Someone was definitely out there. Had Hera’s assassin returned? Across from him Iolaus suddenly shifted in his sleep and rolled onto his side, one arm sprawled out before him. Behind him, the footsteps paused a moment. Iolaus made no further move though, and there was no change in his breathing to indicate that he had also been awakened, and the footsteps resumed. Hercules waited, whoever it was seemed to be coming to them so he may as well just wait for them to enter the camp site where Hercules would have the advantage of surprise. If he went after the intruder now they’d see him coming, and quite possibly vanish into the shadows of the forest. The footsteps came closer still, circling around him. For an instant Hercules believed that it was simply a hiker or traveler who had decided to avoid the campsite. His doubts as to the intruder’s intentions were put to rest when the footsteps circled around behind Iolaus, then suddenly began coming closer again. ‘They’re going after Iolaus,’ Hercules realized with a moment of dread. ‘Damn.’ He could see the intruder now and recognized Thymos. There was something in his right hand, the light of the moon glinted off the metal object. ‘A knife?’ Hercules wondered, even as he jumped to his feet and lunged at Thymos, all in the time to took to blink. He hit Thymos head- on, knocking the assassin away from the sleeping Iolaus. Thymos grunted as he hit the ground beneath the considerable weight of the demi-god. Thymos struggled against Hercules’ grip, trying to stab at him with the hand that held the knife. Hercules spared one hand to knock the knife away, then pinned Thymos’ arm down. “I thought I told you to be on your way,” Hercules said. “What were you going to do? Why were you going after Iolaus?” “He has sinned against Hera as greatly as any other!” Thymos gasped. “She will be pleased at his death!” “Not today,” Hercules muttered. “Wow,” came a sarcastic voice from behind them. Hercules looked over his shoulder and saw Iolaus standing a few feet away, sword in hand. “I’ve become a personal enemy of Hera. I’m honored. Before she always just wanted to kill me to get to you.” “This isn’t exactly a good thing, you know,” Hercules told him. “Offending a god-“ “I’ve offended plenty of gods,” Iolaus said through a yawn. “Remember the beauty contest?” “Yes. And so do Athena and Artemis, by the way.” While they spoke Hercules pulled Thymos to his feet, careful to keep the man’s arms pinned behind his back. “You got something to tie him with? We can turn him in at the next village we come to.” “Yeah, I think so.” Iolaus rummaged through the sack of supplies they’d brought with them. “Yup. Rope. Does your mother know us or what?” He wound the rope around Thymos’ wrists, carefully wrapping it around and between his wrists so the assassin wouldn’t easily get loose. Thymos roared with rage as Iolaus began to bind him and he struggled against Hercules’ grip. The frantic struggles of the other man caught Hercules by surprise by the sheer ferocity of their nature and Thymos was able to get one arm loose. He brought a knee up into Hercules’ groin and wrenched out of his grip as the taller man gasped in pain. Iolaus grabbed him from behind, but Thymos whirled, throwing Iolaus off him to the ground. He looked around him frantically even as the two recovered from their momentary surprise and came at him again. He saw what he was looking for and laughed. He leapt to the side, grabbing at something on the ground and came up just as Iolaus and Hercules reached him. Instead of avoiding them he jumped forward, arm extended, right into Iolaus. The smaller man grunted in pain and threw Thymos away from him. One quick punch from Hercules and Thymos was out of it, lying on the ground at their feet. But Thymos was the least of Hercules concerns. Iolaus reached for his shoulder, where the knife Thymos had stabbed him with was still embedded, intending to pull it free from his shoulder. Before he could even grasp the ornate handle his entire body was suddenly enveloped in a shimmering wrap of energy and a agonized scream was ripped from his throat. To Hercules’ horrified gaze it seemed almost as if pure lightening was running through his friend’s body. He moved toward Iolaus almost on instinct and wrenched the knife from his shoulder. As soon as the blade was removed the energy stopped. Iolaus collapsed into Hercules’ arms and the demi-god carefully lowered the hunter to the ground. Checking only long enough to make sure Iolaus was breathing well, Hercules went for the rope, tying Thymos’ arms and legs securely, perhaps a bit tighter than was strictly necessary and returned for Iolaus. His friend’s eyes were closed, but his chest rose and fell with a reassuring consistence. Hercules touched his shoulder lightly and Iolaus’ eyes parted slightly. “Herc?” he murmured. “I’m here,” Hercules reassured. “That guy throws... one hell of a... punch,” Iolaus murmered. “Maybe I’m not so... honored... after all.” Hercules smiled. “Come on, let’s get you back to the campsite. You can rest.” He carefully lifted Iolaus, ignoring the slight protest, and carried him back to where they had set up for the night. He set Iolaus down in the same place he had been sleeping before they were disturbed, resting his head on the pack of supplies. He went back for Thymos, dropping Hera’s assassin on the ground as far from Iolaus as possible while keeping him within Hercules’ arm reach. He checked on Iolaus one last time, relieved to see that his friend had dropped into sleep. Hopefully whatever Thymos’ knife had done would be largely undone after a good night’s rest and a good breakfast. ‘So why,’ wondered Hercules just before the dark oblivion of sleep overtook him, ‘don’t I think it’ll be that easy?’ *** What? Where am I? Where is this? Hercules? Don’t tell me I’m dead again! “Nothing so simple, fool.” Who are- by the gods. You! “How does it feel to know that you will help me achieve my vengeance? In a few days, Hercules will be dead - by your hand. I’m sure his friends will be more than happy to avenge his death. You will tried and executed for killing the man who is a legend.” No! It won’t work. He’ll know. “How? I’m you. You’re me. And we are the last person he’d suspect. He’ll probably allow himself to be killed before lifting a hand against you.” You bitch. “Says the man who’ll kill his best friend.” *** By the next morning Hercules was willing to believe that his suspicions of the night before were just the effects of the turbulent night. Iolaus was largely himself, a little groggy and in a bit of a bad mood, but all in all healthy. Hopefully Hercules had managed to remove the knife before it had done whatever Hera intended for it to do. After breakfast Hercules hefted Thymos over his shoulder. “Ready?” he called to Iolaus. “Ready,” Iolaus replied. He hefted the pack of supplies. “Let’s go. Don’t want to be late.” Hercules grinned. “Heaven forbid.” Iolaus rolled his eyes but otherwise ignored the teasing. They dropped Thymos at the next village and continued on, reaching Mycanae by early afternoon. Hercules got them rooms at the nearest inn while Iolaus claimed an outside table at the local tavern. By the time Hercules rejoined him Iolaus had ordered for the both of them. Hercules raised a curious eyebrow at the contents of the plates before him. “The waitress assured me it was a delicacy,” Iolaus explained. “It’s pretty good, really.” Hercules took a few tentative bites and decided that his friend was right. “Very good.” They spoke little as they finished eating, Iolaus keeping his gaze concentrated on his plate and Hercules scanning the crowd for Xena and Gabrielle. Just as the silence was beginning to drive Hercules insane, he spotted the familiar flash of strawberry blond hair. Peering through the crowd he saw Gabrielle, and beside her, Xena leading Argo. “They’re here,” he told Iolaus. Iolaus dropped a few coins on the table to cover the meal and he and Hercules went to join the two women. Xena smiled a greeting while Gabrielle greeted the both with hugs. “What’ve you two been up to?” Gabrielle asked. “I heard something about someplace called Atlantis, did it really sink? And Iolaus I heard about your cousin, I’m so sorry, really. And is it true that Aphrodite and Hephaestus are married? All the priests and priestesses at Aphrodite’s temples are going on about it, but nobody knows any details. How are Alcmena and Jason? All’s well I hope. How’s your nephew, Hercules? And-” “Gabrielle,” Xena interrupted, “remember to breathe.” Gabrielle paused, blushed a little and smiled. “Well, we have days to catch up. How are you? Was your trip okay?” “We’re well,” Hercules replied. “Our trip was...” “Typical,” Iolaus supplied with a wry grin. “That bad, huh?” Xena asked. “Three headed-monster? Blood-thirsty warlord?” “Hera’s newest assassin,” Iolaus supplied. He rolled his injured shoulder slightly. “More effective than most.” “You’re all right?” Xena asked. “Not seriously injured?” “Nah,” Iolaus shook his head. “Only my pride.” “You’ll both survive,” Hercules teased. “Have you two found rooms yet?” Xena shook her head. “Come on then. There are only a few rooms left in the city. Seems there’s a real crowd coming in for the festival.” “I’ll catch up with you guys,” Iolaus said as they prepared to go. “I want to drop by an old friend’s for a minute.” Hercules nodded as his friend faded back into the crowd. Xena noticed the look on his face. “What is it?” she asked. “Iolaus,” Hercules said by way of explanation. “He’s been acting oddly ever since last night.” “It’s probably nothing,” Xena said. “Iolaus can take things too seriously sometimes. Maybe he’s just feeling badly about being injured.” Hercules nodded. “That could explain it. He does tend to blame himself more than the other guy.” “We’re in the middle of one of one of the biggest festivals to be held all year. There’s food, drink, dancing, music and many a pretty girl to take his mind off it. And worse comes to worst,” Xena smiled, “Gabrielle seems to have taken a shine to him. Trust me, Hercules, Iolaus will be back to his old self in no time.” *** Crystal blue eyes surveyed their surroundings with vague contempt. ‘Some temple.’ A priest strode forward, intent of showing the man away. His expression showed clearly what he thought of the presence of the short blond hunter, carrying a sword and showing the signs of a morning’s hard travel, in Hera’s temple. Before the priest could say anything the man held up a hand. The priest’s eyes widened at the ornately carved dagger in the hunter’s hand. “Apologies,” he said. “Be welcomed to Hera’s temple.” He bowed quickly and scampered away. The hunter strode forward to the center of the temple. He placed the blade he’d used to deter the priest on the alter. He murmured a few words unknown to most mortals and understood by even fewer. A flash of light emanated from the alter, centered above the blade. It passed in a moment, and when it did the blade was like any other. The hunter took it from the alter and slipped it into his boot. Without a word he turned and left the temple. *** Sweet gods and goddesses. She’s going to kill him. And he’ll never see it coming. *** “How’s your friend?” Hercules asked. Iolaus blinked at him, uncomprehending for a moment. “Oh. Fine.” “Who was it,” Hercules pressed. “Anyone I know?” “No. You haven’t met him,” Iolaus replied. He set his sword beside the pack of supplies. “I’m gonna crash, all right? See you tomorrow.” “Yeah. Good night.” Hercules regarded his friend oddly in the darkness for a moment before laying down on the other bed. There had been only one room left at the inn when he’d arrived, but the inkeeper had provided them with an extra cot so neither would have to sleep on the floor. Iolaus had offered to take the cot, claiming that Hercules was too big to be comfortable on it. That was the only normal thing Iolaus had done all day. First it had been his uncharacteristic silence. Then his relative lack of excitement at seeing Xena and Gabrielle; Hercules knew for a fact that Iolaus had been anticipating seeing both of them again. And then this. Hercules knew Iolaus better than he knew himself, and he knew when Iolaus was lying. The blond hunter had fooled warlord’s, mercenaries and monsters, but never Hercules. And Iolaus had just lied to him now. Hercules couldn’t understand what there was to lie about. If Iolaus had wanted to do something he wouldn’t have intervened. And if it was the person Iolaus was lying about, well, that just wasn’t his style. Iolaus was very open about things, including his friends. Hercules knew that there were few of Iolaus’ friends he hadn’t met. And few of his girlfriends for that matter, he thought with a slight smile. So what had Iolaus been lying about? Deciding he’d have to keep an eye on Iolaus, Hercules pulled the blankets tighter and fell asleep. *** “A hike?” Gabrielle asked. “But the festival starts today!” “It’s not far,” Iolaus assured her. “We can be there and back by this afternoon. The festival won’t start until dark.” Hercules and Xena exchanged a glance behind their friends’ backs. Iolaus? Willingly leaving town during a festival? Even if it was before the festival officially started? Not likely. It had been Iolaus’ idea. He’d suggested it over breakfast. Why not, he suggested, take a little hike into the mountains surrounding Mycanae? He knew of a perfect picnic spot. They could stop for lunch before returning for the festival. He claimed it would be better than fighting the crowds and the four could catch up. To Hercules it rang completely false. Apparently Xena felt the same way. Gabrielle, not knowing Iolaus as well as her two companions, thought it was a perfect idea. “What do you say, Xena? A picnic in the mountains? Is there a stream nearby?” she asked Iolaus. “Maybe we can go swimming. Last time I did anything like swimming was when we were trying to get away from those barbarians. Remember, Xena? With the Athenians?” “I remember,” Xena drawled. “And that wasn’t swimming. That was called ‘running for your life and wishing the damn river wasn’t in the way.’” Gabrielle giggled. Iolaus didn’t even crack a smile. ‘What is with him?’ Hercules wondered. It had been two days now and his friend’s odd behavior was beginning to worry him. “Maybe a picnic is a good idea,” he said. “Xena?” She met his gaze for an instant, saw what he was thinking. “All right.” “Great,” Iolaus said. “Gabrielle, why don’t we get the food? Hercules, Xena, we’ll meet you at the gates in an hour, okay?” Reluctantly, Xena and Hercules nodded. “An hour,” Hercules repeated. *** No! Damnit, Herc you gotta hear me! *** They met at the gates at the end of an hour as agreed. Iolaus and Gabrielle each carried a basket filled to the brim with fruits and breads and wine. Xena loaded the baskets onto Argo and they set out. As Iolaus had promised it didn’t take long to reach the picnic site. And as he had promised, it was beautiful. A clearing in the woods, set just beside a wide stream and filled with lush green grass and wildflowers. Gabrielle was thrilled. “Nice,” Xena said. “I’m going to set Argo to graze. Why don’t you two take the food?” Iolaus and Hercules each grabbed and basked and headed for Gabrielle who had picked out the ‘perfect spot’ to set up lunch a few feet away from the bank of the stream. Lunch itself was rather enjoyable, although most of the conversation was provided by Gabrielle. Iolaus remained mostly silent and when he did speak it was without the usual enthusiasm or teasing that was usual. Xena and Hercules were both too busy watching Iolaus to pay much attention to the conversation. *** They know something’s wrong. I can see it in their eyes. They’ll be ready for you. “No they won’t. They see only you. And by the time they realize that something’s wrong Hercules will be dead.” *** “There’s something I want to show you,” Iolaus said suddenly. “You’ll love it trust me. Xena, Gabrielle, do you mind finishing up here? We’ll only be a minute.” Before either could reply, Iolaus was scrambling to his feet, pulling Hercules up with him. “Go right ahead,” Xena said dryly as the two men headed up stream. “We don’t mind. *** Herc, don’t listen to her! Damnit, she’s gonna kill you! Please, gods, let him know what’s happening. “Will you stop already? You’re pathetic whining is giving me a headache.” Go to Hades. I’m sure he’s warming a nice place in Tartarus for you. “You do have nerve.” If you kill him there won’t be anywhere safe for you. The gods will know. “The Gods won’t know, because they’ll believe what the mortals will believe: That the mighty Hercules was killed by his beloved friend. Now shut up. I’m busy.” *** “What is it you wanted to show me?” Hercules asked, glancing around. “I don’t see anything but trees.” Instinct saved his life. He heard the footsteps racing toward him, nearly silent and dodged out of the way and instant before a knife would have become embedded in his back. He stared in shock at his assailant. “Iolaus?” he asked incredulously. “What are you doing?” “What I should have done a very long time ago, son of Zeus,” Iolaus spat. Hercules shook his head, unwilling, *unable,* to believe what he was hearing. “Iolaus, please-” Iolaus didn’t wait for him to finish, lunging forward again, knife held firmly in his grasp. Hercules barely had time to move. It would have been easy enough to reach out and knock Iolaus out of commission, but the idea of striking his friend left a sick feeling in Hercules’ stomach and a pain in his heart. “Iolaus, what is this all about? Why are you doing this?” Iolaus laughed. “The loyal friend, hmmm? You won’t stop me to save your own life. That’s twice now you could have taken me down. You can’t keep dodging forever.” “*What is going on?*” Hercules demanded. “Iolaus-” “Did it ever occur to you that I have my own agendas to fulfill?” Iolaus asked sarcastically. “Have you ever once, in your pathetic little vendetta, wondered just why I went along with the whole thing? Did you ever wonder why I keep cheating death? Really, *Herc.*” He grinned widely. “I have the favor of the Queen of the Gods.” Hercules felt as if someone had punched him in the gut. He stared at his best friend, the man he loved as a brother, speechless in the face of this sudden revelation. “No...” “Yes,” Iolaus hissed. “I’ve spent decades waiting for Hera’s orders to kill you. And you never suspected anything, did you? Even when Xena convinced me to turn against you so easily?” He laughed. “Such nobility. Such loyalty. I’d be honored if I cared.” Denial raged in Hercules’ mind and thoughts, even though he was faced with more proof than he ever would have wanted to see. Iolaus served Hera? Even as his heart screamed that it wasn’t possible, Iolaus himself told him different. He felt sick, hopeless and horribly alone. And even in the face of this betrayal, he couldn’t bring himself to defeat the man he’d believed to be his closest friend. Iolaus must have sensed the course of Hercules’ thoughts for he chose that moment to attack again, shouting a battle cry that surely reached the women downstream. And the blade found flesh. *** The blond hunter stood over the prone form of the demi-god, the knife in his hand dripping blood. A cruel smile twisted the handsome features of his face even as his mind raged with grief and his heart tore itself in two. *** Xena and Gabrielle had finished cleaning up and were waiting for the two men to return when Iolaus’ battle cry tore the air. There was a moment of shock as they exchanged glances - what could have gone wrong? - before Xena pulled Gabrielle up behind her on Argo and raced in the direction Hercules and Iolaus had gone in. Xena kept on hand on Argo’s reins and the other on the chakram, not sure what they’d see. It wouldn’t be bandits, not this far away from any of the main routes. The nearest road into Mycanae was five miles away. Mercenaries? Who was there to kill? Monsters? There had been no reports. Someone sent for the soul purpose of attacking them? Probably. Xena stare in horror at the scene before her. Iolaus stood over Hercules’ still form sprawled on the grass. She cast a quick look around and saw no one. She was about to ask what had happened when she saw the knife in Iolaus’ hand and the smile on his face. “By the gods. Iolaus?” He knelt and calmly wiped the blade on Hercules’ vest. “You got here faster than I’d expected. No big deal, really.” Horror didn’t explain what Xena felt then. *** The hunter watched with something like amusement as Xena approached. She moved slowly and cautiously, like he was a wild animal. “If you’re wondering what’s going on, I’m happy to fill you in.” He slid the knife back into his boot. “I killed Hercules. There. Wasn’t that simple?” He grinned at the expressions on the two warriors faces. “Oh, don’t be so surprised. I turned against him once before, didn’t I, Xena?” The warrior princess flinched at the mocking tone and ignored the questioning gaze of her younger friend. “Iolaus, why?” “Hera’s will be done,” he intoned softly. “And I dare say it has been.” Xena’s war cry filled the air as she threw the chakram. It careened off trees and headed straight for the hunter. He waited until the last moment, then calmly reached and grabbed it from the air. “Nice shot,” he said mockingly. “My turn.” With a twist if the wrist he sent the chakram flying back toward its owner. Xena’s eyes widened and she leapt out of the way. The chakram embedded itself in a tree behind her. She stared. The chakram was completely in the tree. She’d have to cut it out with a knife. She turned back to the hunter and drew her sword. Gabrielle had her staff ready, watching the scene play out before her. The hunter hoped she would be *very* disappointed. “Come along, warrior princess. Avenge your lover.” Xena attacked. *** Oh, Gods, Herc... She’s busy with Xena and Gabrielle. I can feel her control fading. She’s so busy fighting she’s not paying attention to me. If I can find some way to warn Xena, to tell her the truth... *** Xena gasped as a foot kicked her firmly in the stomach, knocking the breath from her. It took her precious seconds to scramble back to her feet. Seconds that should have cost her life. Instead, when she turned, she saw Iolaus on his knees, one hand pressed against his head, the other bracing against the ground. What was the matter with him? She hadn’t landed any hits that could have caused that much damage and Gabrielle was too far away to have landed a blow. So why did Iolaus look like someone was tearing out vital pieces of his anatomy? *** “Stop it! You’ll destroy everything!” That was pretty much my plan, bitch. Go ahead and scream. Just makes this more enjoyable. “No!” You’re weakening. I can feel it. Be gone, you hateful old witch. “You will regret this. If you thought my wrath lay heavily before, it will crush you now.” What more can you do to me? “You would be surprised.” Famous last words. Go to hell. *** Xena wasn’t entirely certain what happened next. Iolaus screamed in pure agony, doubling over and collapsing in the grass. Xena fought back the impulse to go to his side, to find what was hurting him. Something was happening here, and she’d be damned if she let herself be caught by surprise again. Iolaus’ body suddenly convulsed and Xena stared as what seemed to be lightening coursed through him. The energy gathered and a sudden flash of light nearly blinded her. She blinked rapidly to clear her vision. “Sweet gods.” Above Iolaus’ body hovered two hauntingly familiar eyes, the color of peacocks and filled with rage. “Hera,” Xena breathed. A scream of rage erupted, the very air around them seeming to thicken with it. Streams of energy lashed out, striking Xena, Gabrielle and the two men lying sprawled in the grass. Xena was thrown backward by the force of the energy, and lost consciousness as her head slammed into a tree. *** She couldn’t have been out more than a few moments before she awoke, for the sun hadn’t moved in the sky. She pushed herself to her feet and glanced around. Gabrielle was also climbing to her feet, looking none the worse for wear. There was no sign of Hera. ‘Hercules! And Iolaus!’ Xena rushed to Hercules’ side. Blood still flowed from a wound in chest as Xena frantically felt for a pulse. She held her breath, nearly crying with relief when she found one, thready and uneven, but there. “Gabrielle! Bring the medicine bag!” Gabrielle pressed the bag into her hand and hurried away. Xena saw her kneel at Iolaus’ side. Xena hurriedly cleaned and bandaged the wound in Hercules’ chest, grateful it had missed both heart and lungs. “We have to get him to a healer,” she said. “Is Iolaus-?” “He’s alive,” Gabrielle said. “But unconscious.” Xena brushed a strand of golden hair from Iolaus’ face. “He’s better this way. When he awakes he’ll remember what happened and wish he were dead.” “It wasn’t Iolaus’ fault,” Gabrielle protested. “Hera was controlling him. You saw her!” “Do you think that’ll make a difference to Iolaus?” Xena asked softly. “Help me make a stretcher for them. And hurry. Hercules is still loosing a lot of blood.” She cast the blond hunter one last glance before joining Gabrielle. ‘Don’t let her destroy you.’ *** Iolaus awoke to a pounding pain in his head. He opened his eyes slightly, wincing a little as the light burned his still sensitive eyes. He waited a moment and tried again. This time the pain was not so much and he was able to open his eyes and take in his surroundings. ‘Where am I?’ He was in an unfamiliar room. He tried to sit up, but the pounding in his head only increased and he fell back with a groan. The door to the room opened. “Iolaus? Are you awake?” A blond head peeked through at him. “Gabrielle?” Iolaus stared at her, uncomprehending. How had she gotten there? Had he and Hercules reached Mycanae? He frowned. “Where’s, Herc?” Gabrielle’s gaze dropped a bit. And Iolaus remembered. “Oh, gods. Oh no. Please.” He stared at Gabrielle with tear-filled eyes. “Tell me it didn’t happen. I didn’t-” he choked on the words. “Oh, gods please, Gabrielle, did I kill him?” “No,” Gabrielle said fiercely. “You didn’t. He’s alive, Iolaus. Don’t worry. Xena and the healer took care of him. He’ll be fine.” She smiled down at him. “Seems Hera didn’t know much about anatomy. She missed everything important.” “You know it was Hera? How?” Iolaus shook his head. It didn’t matter. Hercules was alive. That’s all that mattered. They could hang him for this if they wanted and he’d go willingly knowing Hercules had survived. “We saw her,” Gabrielle told him. “We don’t know why exactly. She seemed to go to a lot of trouble to make us think you killed him. She said a lot of things...” “I remember,” Iolaus said bitterly. “It wasn’t you,” Gabrielle said. “It *wasn’t.* You understand? We all know that.” “I need to see Hercules,” Iolaus said softly. “You’ve been unconscious for three days,” Gabrielle told him, “and delirious with the fever for two of them. I’m not sure you should be up-” “Please, Gabrielle,” Iolaus pleaded. He’d beg if that’s what it would take. “Please. If you were me, and it were Xena...” Gabrielle caught whatever she would have said. “All right,” she said softly. “Come on, I’ll help you. He wanted to see you, anyway.” Fortunately Hercules was resting in the room across from Iolaus’. It took what little strength Iolaus had to reach it, and he was embarrassed at how heavily he was leaning on Gabrielle. “I guess you want to be alone,” Gabrielle said. “So I won’t be here. Think you can get inside by yourself?” Iolaus nodded and leaned against the wall for a moment after she left.. Bracing himself, both physically and mentally, he pushed the door open. Hercules lay in the bed to the right of the door. He was sitting up and seemed well on the road to recovery, but Iolaus’ heart still wrenched at the sight of the thick bandages covering his chest. The demi-god glanced over and froze as his gaze met that of Iolaus. For along moment neither said anything. Finally Hercules said, “You going to stand there all night? Get in here. Sit down. Gods, Iolaus, you look like hell.” Iolaus managed to close the door and make it to a chair without falling on his face or showing how shaken he was. He’d anything but to be invited to sit down. He’d expected to be drop-kicked out a door. “Are you all right?” he asked. “I’m fine. Bored, but fine. Xena threatened the innkeeper with certain death if he let me leave so I can’t even get out of bed without him and his wife fawning over me.” Hercules smiled a bit. Obviously he wasn’t as inconvenienced as he was pretending to be. “Where are we?” Iolaus asked. “I don’t recognize-” “Xena didn’t know where we were staying so she got more rooms.” Hercules shook his head. “I didn’t ask how.” Iolaus didn’t reply. He was studying his friend carefully, drinking in the sight of him, whole, breathing and alive. Everything Hera had just put him through didn’t matter as long as he knew he hadn’t killed Hercules. “And you?” Hercules asked softly. “Are you all right?” Iolaus laughed softly. “Oh, I’m fine.” *** Hercules didn’t believe him. Iolaus looked like death warmed over. He was pale, dark circles beneath his eyes making him look even worse and he leaned into the chair as if it was the only thing keeping him from collapsing onto the ground. Hercules hadn’t been certain he’d even have the strength to make it into the chair. Watching Iolaus’ progress from the door had almost been painful. Whatever Hera had done to Iolaus, it had left him drained and weak, a pale imitation of the man he usually was. What worried Hercules’ most was the look in Iolaus’ eyes. When he met his friend’s gaze he saw pain and grief and shame. Iolaus blamed himself and Hercules didn’t know how to convince him otherwise. “What happened?” he finally asked. “How did Hera- Was it the knife?” “Yeah,” Iolaus replied quietly. “It was after Thymos stabbed me, when I fell asleep. She waited until I was weak and moved in for the kill. It was… the same knife,” he managed in a whisper. “She changed it.” “She would have had to use a lot of power to do that,” Hercules mused thoughtfully. Especially since she wasn’t even in her own body.” “She went to the temple,” Iolaus explained. “That’s when we split up after lunch.” He laughed bitterly. “Just my luck someone would’ve recognized me.” Hercules smiled. “The idea of you in Hera’s temple? Half the countryside will drop dead of shock. The other half will wonder what you were destroying.” He was surprised when not only did Iolaus not return the smile, but his eyes filled with tears and his breath came out as a ragged sob. Hercules’ heart went out to his friend, he could only imagine how he would feel in Iolaus’ place. “Iolaus,” he said. “Iolaus.” His friend wouldn’t meet his gaze, instead, Iolaus stood unsteadily and managed to make his way to the window. Hercules could see him trying to get his emotions under control. Ignoring the protests from his injuries, Hercules carefully swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, slowly making his way to Iolaus’ side. He reached out and placed a hand on Iolaus’ shoulder. The simple touch seemed to break down the last of Iolaus’ weakening defenses. The tears came in earnest now, spilling down his cheeks. He staggered away from the window, and away from Hercules, but the demi-god wasn’t going to let it go that easy. He tightened his grip on Iolaus’ shoulder and pulled his friend into a tight embrace. Iolaus struggled for all of a second before his small reserve of strength gave way. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I am so sorry.” Hercules felt his own tears against his face and his heart constricted at the raw agony in Iolaus’ voice. He tightened the embrace, careful of his superior strength. “I’d forgive you,” he said, his throat practically raw, “but I can’t think of anything you’ve done that would require my forgiveness.” Iolaus raised his head to meet Hercules’ gaze. “How can you say that? I almost killed you.” “It was Hera,” Hercules said simply. “She did all this, not you. And if I could get my hands on her for what she did to you-“ “To *me!*” “Yes to you. I’ve seen you die, remember, Iolaus? And that was a thousand times worse than any harm she could have done me with a knife. And you didn’t just see me die, you were forced to wield the blade itself. I may have blamed myself for the Enforcer, but I can only imagine what you feel right now.” He caught Iolaus gaze and refused to let it go until he was certain Iolaus knew what he was trying to say. “I do not blame you. This was Hera’s ultimate revenge. Again. She thought to destroy us both at once. Don’t you dare let her succeed, you understand? Don’t let this destroy you, because that would destroy me, too.” Iolaus desperately wanted to believe him, Hercules could see it in his eyes. “I’ve never lied to you,” he reminded the hunter. “So believe me when I tell you this wasn’t your fault.” The tears filled Iolaus’ cerulean eyes again, and this time he returned the embrace. “Oh gods,” he managed. “If this keeps up I’m gonna start thinking Hera’s got it in for us.” Hercules laughed, delighted to hear the beginning of Iolaus returning to himself. *** From farther away than any mortal could comprehend, a pair of blue and green eyes watched the healing with hate, and bided their time for revenge. ________ end