For Evander's Sake
DISCLAIMER: The characters Evander, Nemesis, Hercules, Iolaus and all the other Olympian characters mentioned in this story belong to Renaissance Pictures. No money is being made from this story. This story is being written for entertainment purposes only. I am only borrowing these characters and then I promise to put them back.
SUMMARY: This story takes place right after the series finale " Full Circle". For Evander's sake, Hercules must learn to forgive his father Zeus. With the help of Iolaus, Hercules tries to come to terms with the loss of his family and Zeus' role in his life.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Other titles for this story were: Forgiveness, or Missing Scene from Full Circle. It was hard to find a title for this story. I chose For Evander's Sake because I believe it was for Evander's sake that Hercules made the effort to try to let go of his past and forgive his father for the sins of the past.
CHAPTER 1
"Uncle Herc..I so look forward to visiting Olympus. I so much want to meet Aphrodite, Artemis, and I can't wait to see Zeus and Hera again....Mother says that Zeus gives these dinners every year! I love Grandpa Zeus and Grandma Hera very much... pipes an enthusiastic Evander.
"Yes, Evander, I'm glad you're so happy to visit Olympus" answers Hercules in a monotone unenthusiastic voice.."Now Evander, go along with your mother..I think it's suppertime.." Hercules then walks down the road so that no one can see the angry scowl on Hercules' face. Just thinking about Zeus and Hera still makes Hercules angry. Hercules does not want Evander to sense his anger or his disappointment in Zeus, his father. Hercules watches as Iolaus and Evander talk. Hercules knows in his heart that he is going to have to forgive Zeus one way or another for Evander's sake.
Evander has many powers. Whatever Evander imagines, materializes. Both Hercules and Iolaus want to make sure that Evander grows up learning how to use his powers responsibly. The purple monster incident is one such example where Evander imagines a purple monster with polka dots and it materializes and almost destroys the village marketplace. However, Evander's powers also allows him to feel empathetically what others are feeling.
"Uncle Iolaus..why is Hercules sad? Why doesn't he want to see Zeus? I can feel the anger and sadness in his heart whenever I talk about Grandpa Zeus..queries an overly curious Evander.
"Evander, your Uncle Hercules loves his father Zeus very much..you know that don't you Evander, can't you feel the love that Uncle Hercules feels for Zeus? Concentrate on that. Don't worry about the rest. I'll take care of it. Okay Evander? says Iolaus
Evander closes his eyes and concentrates on Uncle Hercules feelings. "Oh Uncle Iolaus, I can feel Uncle Hercules' love for Zeus..it's like no matter what Zeus does..Uncle Hercules will always love his father..Uncle Hercules loves Zeus because..." Evander hesitates as he concentrates on Hercules..his little brows furrowing in the effort. Iolaus thinks how much Evander resembles Hercules that whenever Hercules needs to concentrate on a hard task, Hercules would also furrow his brow and tilt his head in that same exact manner...
"Uncle Hercules loves Zeus because..Zeus is his father..I can sense Uncle Hercules' sense of duty and loyalty to his father...says Evander looking expectantly at Iolaus' kind blue eyes. Evander thinks that Hercules is lucky to have such a good friend. Evander can sense Iolaus' brave, generous and forgiving heart. Evander knows that Iolaus can help Uncle Hercules forgive Zeus....
"Listen to me, Evander, I know that you can sense alot of emotions that you don't understand..just concentrate on the positive feelings for now..I promise you I'll take care of Hercules' heart...continues Iolaus...
"I have faith in you, Uncle Iolaus, you are the Guardian of the Light..I know that you can fix the sadness I sense in Hercules' heart..because you can fix anything" says Evander as the little five year old boy gives his Uncle Iolaus a great big bear hug. "You should also know that out of all the people in the world, Hercules trusts you the most..if anyone can fix Hercules' broken heart...it's you..Uncle Iolaus.." Iolaus is truly moved by Evander's faith and love in him. Iolaus is so touched that tears mist up as he gives Evander a big bear hug and in a husky voice he says "Thank you, Evander..for having faith in me..I love you too..."
Nemesis walks out of the kitchen to see why her son Evander has not yet come home. She sees Iolaus and Evander talking in the yard. She thinks it must be a serious conversation for Evander to forget dinner.
Nemesis decides to call out to her son "Evander, it's dinnertime! Oh and you can bring Uncle Iolaus as well! I know I won't have any leftovers tonight! Come boys, it's dinner time!"
Suddenly Evander can smell the aroma of roasted rabbit and other dishes wafting through the air. Evander's little stomach grumbles. He can sense his mother's worry as to why he has not yet come in for dinner.."Uncle Iolaus..I'd better go..Mother is starting to worry and she has dinner ready..You and Uncle Herc want to come for dinner..besides Uncle Iolaus I can sense YOUR hunger!' says Evander mischeviously.
Iolaus blushes as he realizes the depth of this boy's powers for Iolaus has not even realized just how loudly his stomach has been growling and just how delicious the aroma of garlic and other seasonings that are wafting in the evening air outside Nemesis' kitchen window. Evander runs to the house but turns around briefly towards Iolaus and says "I know you will keep your promise to help Uncle Hercules.." then Evander runs towards the house to eat dinner.
Hercules also smells dinner cooking and decides to walk back towards the house. He notices that Evander has finished his conversation with Iolaus...so he approaches Iolaus and pats his best friend on the back. Only hearing the last half of Evander's conversation with Iolaus, Hercules teases "So, what promise did you give to Evander..to help Uncle Hercules?"
Once again, Iolaus blushes as he realizes that Hercules might have overheard what Evander and he had been talking about so Iolaus explains to Hercules his conversation with Evander "Evander is worried about you, Hercules. He doesn't understand why you are angry at Zeus and he senses your sadness and anger whenever you talk about Zeus and especially about Hera...Evander is so excited about his Olympian relatives..Evander can't wait to meet Zeus again and to visit Olympus..he is really looking forward to the the upcoming dinner with Zeus tomorrow night..how do you feel old buddy..about Zeus?..are you alright?"
"You know, Iolaus, I want Evander to be happy..I know that Zeus has changed..I know that even Hera has forgiven Zeus for his indiscretions..and for Evander's sake..she's even given up tormenting me..I had hoped that Evander would not sense my sadness and anger towards Zeus which is why I walked away from you and Evander earlier..continues a brooding Hercules..."I want Evander to have a good time on Olympus tomorrow night..I don't want to get in the way of Evander.. getting to know his own grandfather..but if Evander can sense my anger towards Zeus..then Evander's going to want to know why..I know I have to do something about this anger..somehow resolve it..so Evander can have a good time with Zeus tomorrow night..Iolaus, help me..what should I do?"
"Hercules, for Evander's sake, you have to forgive Zeus..he's your father..Evander looks up to you as a role model..if he can see that you can forgive Zeus despite everything..then Evander will learn..forgiveness..and unconditional love..Hercules for Evander's sake, try to forgive Zeus..pleads Iolaus.
"Forgive Zeus? thunders Hercules "You know what he has done..WHERE WAS HE WHEN I NEEDED HIM? He wasn't there for Deianndra or for Ilea or any of my kids when Hera's fireballs burned them to death....
"Well..you know like I said before..Zeus is not perfect..he makes mistakes like everyone else..continues Iolaus
"You're defending Zeus?..He's King of the Gods..yet how many times has Aries or Discord threatened my life or your life? and WHERE WAS ZEUS? thunders Hercules
"What about my childhood? WHERE WAS HE? I grew up never knowing what he looked like..I remember dreaming about my father..I even blamed myself..I thought I was a bad boy and that's why he wouldn't visit me! exclaims an irritated Hercules "WHERE WAS HE when Mother died? Zeus didn't even bother to come to her funeral! Just how do you expect me to forgive Zeus?
Then he takes Evander and releases Hera from the Abyss..he risks Evander's life and it's not the first time that Zeus has used an innocent so that he can have his way..My father is a selfish bastard who thinks of nothing but himself..so what if he was lonely..that's no excuse for endangering Evander..Zeus knows how dangerous Hera is..What kind of "father" is he? and You expect me to FORGIVE him? says Hercules incredulously.
Without stopping Hercules in his anger continues "Did Zeus ever think for once what the consequences of his actions are? Did he ever think of someone else besides himself? Does he ever care about others beside himself? Gods or mortals? continues Hercules.."I sometimes wonder if Zeus is even capable of love!
"Hercules, continues Iolaus patiently.."You know that Zeus has always loved you. He is proud of you otherwise Aries would not have been so jealous of you...do you remember the first time we both saw Aries at the Academy? Do you remember what Aries said?
"Yeah, I remember..Aries said "I want to kill you Hercules..for until you were born..I was the favorite son of Zeus..now all Zeus can talk about is his "precious" Hercules..it's always Hercules this or Hercules that..I'll find a way to get rid of you brother dearest..count on it!" and then Aries disappeared. I remember that was the first time I had ever met my half-brother Aries..." How can I forget Aries..? or any of my other "godly" relatives who has made my life a living nightmare! Do you remember how many times Aries attacked the Academy? Did Zeus intervene even once to save the cadettes? Did Zeus intervene when Discord, Strife or Daimos tried to kill you or I? "
"For one thing, Zeus loves you..otherwise he would never have protected you and Alchemene from the wrath of Hera and the other Gods" continues Iolaus patiently..
"Well, Iolaus if Zeus loves me..he sure has a funny way of showing it considering I never saw Zeus once during my childhood..you know as much as I do how that pained me..I had to find out from a fuming jealous Aries that I was Zeus' favorite! Some father Zeus turned out to be!" says Hercules sarcastically.
"You know Herc, sarcasm just doesn't suit you. You know as well as I do that Zeus loves you very much..if it weren't for Zeus you wouldn't be alive! How many times has Aries shot those electric bolts at you and how many times has Zeus' protection order saved your life? Zeus loves you or he wouldn't have given such a protection order for you! says Iolaus.
Suddenly the air around Hercules and Iolaus starts to turn electric. A brilliant blue flash of light and Aries appear in front of Hercules and Iolaus. Aries face is a picture of pain and indignation as he tries to talk some sense into a stubborn Hercules..
"You know, little brother, the runt is right. Old Zeus does love you. You are still his "favorite". Even though I am Evander's father, Old Zeus won't let me near my own son..He wants YOU to raise Evander...you have to forgive Zeus..sooner or later Evander is going to ask questions about why you are angry at Zeus...for my son's sake..Hercules..forgive Zeus..so Evander can have a fun time tomorrow night on Olympus..Evander can feel your pain..Hercules..continues Aries..
Another blue flash of light and Aphrodite appears with more or less the same message. "Little bro, listen to Sweetcheeks..he's right you know..I mean even old horse-faced Hera has forgiven Zeus..so if old horse-faced Hera can forgive Zeus why can't you? Don't let old horse-faced Hera be the better person! pouts Aphrodite.."Besides LOVE is always the way to go! bro!
Iolaus looks up at Aphrodite and winks before continuing "Herc, it's time to let go of the past..and forgive Zeus...after all Zeus is your father..." .pleads Iolaus...
"If I forgive Zeus..that means I have to forgive Hera as well..it's not that easy Iolaus..I mean if I forgive Zeus..it's like forgiving Hera for killing my wife and children..it's not so easy Iolaus to let go of the past..I still miss Deianndra..my children..and then there's Serena..Iolaus..you have no idea what you're asking"
"I have no idea what I'm asking! " exclaims Iolaus incredulously "You're not the only one who lost his family to Hera or the whim of the Gods..I lost Anya..my son Telemachus..I lost the chance to truly bond with MY father because he was a follower of Aries...Hercules..how can you say such a thing!" Iolaus blanches in indignation beneath his tan...Tears run down Iolaus' face as he remembers the deaths of his wife Anya and his children...
Seeing Iolaus' tears..Hercules grabs Iolaus into one of his crushing bear hugs and apologizes "I'm sorry Iolaus..I lost my head..you know my temper..I..if it weren't for you..I would have continued to smash all of Hera's temples to kingdom come..I..I.."
Iolaus extricates himself from Hercules fierce bear hugs "Herc..Imy ribs..ouch..can't breathe.." says Iolaus..Hercules forgetting his half-God strength loosens his grip on Iolaus.. "Sorry Iolaus..I..just got carried away..I'm just so confused..I want to forgive Zeus..but Iolaus..I don't know how.. I mean I know he's my father and all but..." In his confusion and frustration, Hercules runs his hand through his chestnut hair...
Evander watches from the kitchen window the conversation going on between Iolaus and Hercules. He senses all their emotions. He has no understanding of any of it. He has faith that Iolaus will help Hercules through his pain....most of all..he senses Hercules love for Zeus...
Iolaus sits down on a boulder. Iolaus wipes his unruly curly blond hair from his forehead, takes a deep breath before starting his lecture "Hercules, if I can forgive Skouras..Gods know what a terrible father he was..surely you can forgive Zeus...at least Zeus never hit you..abused you..called you names...left you hungry..made you feel small and insignificant...gave you bruises and broken bones...and yet Hercules, I still loved Skouras..I loved him enough to overlook his shortcomings...
"Yeah, I remember your bruises..when I was little you told me that you had fallen on something..I actually believed you..I thought you were the most accident-prone kid in the village...although I started getting suspicious when you started showing up with broken bones...I remember how ashamed you were of some of the things Skouras did to you..yet you still forgave him..I don't know if I have a generous or forgiving a heart as you Iolaus..I don't know if I can be as big as you and forgive Zeus the way you have forgiven Skouras..continues Hercules uncertainly...
"Hercules, take it from someone who's been there..letting go of the past..of Skouras was the most liberating thing I'd ever done..I used to think of my father as some kind of monster...but when I saw him there in the Underworld..he just looked like a tired old man...Herc, you have to get past seeing Zeus as the negligent father.. just see him as a human being with flaws..only then can you forgive him..forgiveness starts with understanding..and trying to see things from Zeus' point of view...pleads Iolaus...
"You know Iolaus..the moment Zeus brought Evander back to life..I started to feel gratitude towards Zeus..in that moment of time when I felt Evander's life essence come back to his body..I felt love for my father..and all the old hatred and anger dissipate as I was so grateful to both Zeus and Hera for bringing Evander back to life..Don't get me wrong, Iolaus, I do love my father..it's just so hard to forget what happened to Deiandra.." muses Hercules...
"Herc, I know the pain that both Hera and Zeus has put you through..I died 4 times..but Zeus did save my life once..remember he did turn back time so that I never died..Herc..try to remember the good things..don't dwell on the bad..forgive Zeus..if not for you..do it for Evander..forgive Zeus for Evander's sake" continues Iolaus his blue cerulean eyes pleading with Hercules' azure eyes..."Talk with Zeus..tell him how you feel..do this for Evander..please Hercules..you owe Evander this much"
Aries and Aphrodite watch this conversation with interest. Aries intervenes saying "Evander can feel whatever you feel Hercules, if you are still feeling anger toward Zeus Evander will know and then someday my son is going to want to know why..my son looks up to you Hercules..since I can't be his father..then it's up to you, Hercules to set an example for Evander..for my son's sake, please Hercules go talk to Zeus..."
Hercules looks first at Aries, then at Aphrodite and then finally at Iolaus. He thinks about Evander and about the upcoming dinner on Olympus. Hercules thinks" I cannot keep my feelings about Zeus masked from Evander's telepathic powers...Sin is right..I do have anger in my heart..I don't want Evander to feel that dark side of my soul..if Iolaus can forgive his father well so can I..Evander deserves to learn compassion from me..not anger.."
"Alright, I'll go to Olympus right now to talk to Zeus..for Evander's sake" concludes Hercules. Evander watches Hercules walk away with that familiar brooding expression on his face. Evander feels the pain and sadness in Hercules' heart. Evander wishes it was within his power to erase that pain from Hercules' heart. Tears of empathy roll down Evander's face as he experiences Hercules' grief. Just at that moment, Iolaus walks in the kitchen to eat his dinner.
"Hey Evander..what's with the waterworks? asks Iolaus as he bends over to wipe away Evander's tears...
"Oh, Iolaus, I was crying because I felt Hercules' pain..he feels so sad..he misses his wife and children..I now know it's because he somehow blames Zeus..I don't understand why he blames Zeus..I just know he does..he also blames Hera..it breaks my heart to see Uncle Hercules so sad..I just wish there was something I could do.." as Evander starts crying earnestly into Iolaus' shoulder burying his head in Iolaus' blond curls...
"Don't cry Evander!..I kept my promise..Hercules is going to Olympus now to talk to Zeus..I think he will forgive Zeus...Hercules has a strong and forgiving heart and you of all people should know that since you can actually feel what Hercules feels..don't worry when Uncle Herc comes back from Olympus to take you to the family dinner tomorrow night...he will no longer be sad..you see forgiveness brings peace to the heart..I know...I forgave my father and so will Herc..." says Iolaus softly.
"Thank you Uncle Iolaus..you really are at peace..I can feel your heart..I feel that it wasn't easy for you to forgive your father..your father gave you so much pain..now I feel you are happy..I love you Uncle Iolaus...with all my heart" as Evander hugs Iolaus. Iolaus' cerulean blue eyes lights up with mischief as Iolaus tickles Evander. In the next room, Nemesis can hear the two boys roughousing in the next room. She is glad that Evander has Iolaus in his life. She is glad she listened to Hercules and did not kill Iolaus while she was Hera's Enforcer. She watches as Iolaus tackles Evander and tickles Evander all over until Evander uses his powers to tackle and tickle a surprised Iolaus back .Iolaus' giggle can be heard reverberating all over the house...
CHAPTER 2
On Olympus, Zeus and Hera are preparing for the annual family dinner. Hercules approaches Zeus and Hera with misgivings in his heart. Even from Olympus, Hercules can feel Evander's love for him. I will forgive Zeus..for Evander..for me...
Surprised Zeus sees a puzzled Hercules enter Olympus. Hercules walks toward Zeus' throne. Hera leaves the room in order to give Zeus and Hercules some privacy. Hera already knows what the conversation would be about--forgiveness. Already, Hera has forgiven her foolish husband for his indiscretion with Alchemene. Now, it's about time that Hercules forgives Zeus as well.
"Hello Father" says Hercules " I suppose you're wondering why I'm here...I came here because of Evander..in part to thank you and to thank Hera for saving Evander's life"
"Hercules, there's no need for you to go any further. Aries and Aphrodite have both talked to me..I know why you are here..I have not been a very good father to you Hercules..and I am sorry..I am sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me..I am sorry I didn't intervene when I should have..I did care about Deianndra and the grandchildren....I do agree though we need to clear the air before Evander makes his first visit to Olympus...says Zeus...
"Hercules, let me tell you...that despite what you must think of me..I have always loved you. I loved Alchemene...it has taken all this time for Hera to forgive me for that transgression..yet out of that transgression came my greatest gift..YOU, Hercules. I am so proud of you son..of the man you have become..great hero to the people..father to Evander.."
"I have always watched your life from afar. You have always been in my heart, Hercules..my love for you has always been there..since the day you were born..I have protected you.. I have watched over every moment of your life..I made sure that Aries' electric bolts would not hurt you..I am sorry at how many times Aries has made your life a living nightmare..I am sorry at how many times Hera has tormented you and Iolaus..please forgive me, Hercules for not being the kind of father you were to your children...forgive me for not being able to save Deiandra and the grandchildren..pleads Zeus..
"Father, when I was little I used to dream about you. I wondered what you looked like. I wanted so much for you to love me. Why couldn't you have come at least once to tell me that you loved me? Do you have any idea how much pain you caused me simply by NOT BEING THERE? says Hercules with tears in his eyes.
"As a youth, I would have given anything to have you in my life..do you know how many times I risked my life and the lives of my classmates at the Academy just so that I could meet you? Well do you? challenges an angry Hercules...
"Hercules, believe me when I tell you that I had no idea that you felt this way..I had no idea how much you needed me..I was so convinced that you would be happier without me..that you would have a better childhood without me..I didn't want you to end up spoiled and vain like Apollo or like Aries or flighty like Aphrodite...I wanted a better future for you, son...believe me when I say that I've always had your best interest at heart...finished Zeus.
"Father, I don't care about your other children..don't you understand..I would have ..you're my father..I would have moved heaven and earth to just have had a father in my life...you have no understanding do you if what it is to be a father? says Hercules..
"When Hera sent those fireballs and killed Deianndra and the children..you have no idea how much I hated being YOUR son and to be punished for YOUR indiscretions..and then Serena was killed..I felt that being YOUR son was a curse! Do you know how it feels to have everyone you love die? finished Hercules...
"How dare you talk to your father in such a manner.. I am still your father....fumes an angry Zeus..in Zeus' hand a lightning bolt begins to form....
At that precise moment, Athena appears. She puts a soothing hand on both Zeus and her baby brother Hercules and says "Don't forget, Hercules, why you came to Olympus..it's not to rehash the past..it's to bury the hatchet..let go of the past..to start over again with Zeus ..for Evander..please..don't forget Evander, Hercules"
Artemis also appears and adds "You know Hercules, despite everything Zeus has done, you still love Zeus..it's what Aries calls your blind spot..and despite all of Zeus' "efforts" at being a father, you know in your heart, Hercules, that Zeus has never stopped loving you...You two both need to see past your anger and focus on how much you both love each other as father and son..."
Aphrodite not wanting to be left out in any of her older sister' games "Come on bro, do like Sweetcheeks did, forgive and forget..if Sweetcheeks can forgive that rat Skouras, well, you can forgive Zeus..right little bro?
Hercules azure eyes looks into his father's. "Father, I am willing to entertain the idea of forgiving you..for Evander's sake. When you and Hera saved Evander's life, you restored some of my faith in you..I guess for having saved Evander and for Evander's continued happiness I am willing to bury the past..if you are.." Hercules extends his hand for a warrior's handshake. Zeus extends his hand and shakes Hercules hand in a warrior's handshake.
"Hercules, son, I know I don't deserve your forgiveness..thank you for forgiving a foolish old man for his indiscretions and his past mistakes..I promise you this..because Hera has forgiven me..she will NEVER harass you again..You are free of her curse..from now on..you will be able to marry..have children..and you will never have to fear Hera's wrath again....I give you my word, Son..from now on I will NOT let you down..exclaim Zeus..."Most of all I promise you Hercules, not to let Evander down..I will be the kind of grandfather...you would have wanted me as a father..perhaps it may not be too late for us to start over, son.."Zeus looks at Hercules hopefully...Hercules looks at his father with tears in his eyes as he realizes that he can actually forgive his father despite everything..he gives Zeus a hug...
From her mirror, Hera watches Hercules and Zeus. She watches as Hercules forgives his father and her for past sins. She sees how hard it is for Hercules to bury the hatchet, but she also sees how much love Hercules has for Evander and that this whole visit to Olympus truly is for Evander's sake.
Hermes says "You know Mistress Hera..once Hercules forgives Zeus and you..he will bring Evander to Olympus for the annual dinner. Everyone on Olympus knows that Hercules only forgave Zeus for his past transgressions for Evander's sake."
"To tell you the truth, Hermes, I also forgave Zeus because of Evander. It was Evander who got me out of the Abyss. When Evander was getting me out of the Abyss I could feel his innocence and his love. Evander truly cared about my suffering and my loneliness in the Abyss. Before I regained my memory, I had the privilege of being young again, I learned to love again, Hermes..I learned to love first Evander and then Zeus. We were a family again..and Zeus was SO charming..continues Hera..
When Aries restored my memory with the Fate's history string, I felt all the old hatred come back..what did my hatred cost me..it cost me Evander's life..when I saw Evander's still lifeless body..I realized how destructive my hatred had become..do you think Hercules can forgive me? for Deianndra? for killing the ones that HE loved? cries Hera..her green eyes formally so cruel and cold filling with tears of regret.
Before Hera can lift her head, Hermes has momentarily left the room to tell Hercules about his highly UNUSUAL conversation with Hera. When Hera lifts her head, she sees not Hermes..but Hercules standing there. For the first time, his azure eyes are not filled with anger or hatred, only compassion and understanding. Hera thinks how much Hercules resembles Zeus in his youth.....
"Hera, I don't know where to start. I want to thank you for saving Evander's life by forgiving Zeus. We both know how much Zeus' past indiscretions have hurt both of us. For Evander's sake, I am willing to bury the past and start over..so that tomorrow night..Evander will learn to love his grandparents..I want Evander to learn love..not hate..says Hercules..so for Evander's sake..I forgive you, Hera..and I forgive Zeus..says Hercules simply as he kneels in front of Hera..
"Hercules, I do promise you that I will never hurt you..or your friends and family again. I learned my lesson about the destructiveness of hatred. You will never have to worry about my wrath again..I give you my word. If Discord, Strife or Aries ever give you any trouble, you just send them over to me..remember we all love Evander..I want us to be a family again..to make Olympus a safe and happy place for him...yes, Evander is the future..and so is your compassion, Hercules..Zeus is right in having you raise Evander...now go to Evander..and tell my grandson how much we all love him here on Olympus. With a wave of her hand, Hera sends Hercules back to Evander and Iolaus.
When Hercules lands back at Nemesis' house, he finds Evander tickling Iolaus to death. Iolaus' giggle can be heard reverberating around the house. Iolaus is in the helpless position of being tickled with no end in sight. Iolaus thrashes helplessly on the floor while Evander floats in the air tickling his uncle...the moment Hercules appears Iolaus cries out hoarsely.."Herc, help me..he's tickling me..he won't stop..make him stop..my ribs hurt..Herc..please..as Iolaus giggles helplessly but also painfully as each giggle elicits a stab of pain from Iolaus' ribs..
Hercules gives Evander a stern look and says "Evander, stop it..remember the game..in another shoes..how would you feel if someone tickled you endlessly....stop tickling Uncle Iolaus..I'm sure your Uncle Iolaus has learned his lesson..leave him alone..besides I have something serious to talk to Uncle Iolaus.."
Evander watches Hercules and he feels Hercules' heart to be light and happy despite Hercules severe face and voice tone but he can feel Hercules' disapproval of his tickling game so he stops using his powers to tickle Iolaus. Immediately Iolaus feels relief. With the tickling gone, Iolaus is able to sit up and take regular breaths again without the painful giggling...
"Thanks Herc.."says Iolaus breathlessly. "How did it go on Olympus? Were you able to forgive Zeus?
"Oh..says Evander realizing that Uncle Hercules and Uncle Iolaus need their privacy so he invents an excuse to exit the room " I hear my mother calling me..more pumpkin pie for me" Evander runs out of the room in a hurry...but not before hugging both Uncles and whispering into Iolaus' ear "I'm sorry I tickled you so hard, I love you Uncle Iolaus..thank you for restoring Hercules' heart..you kept your promise.."
"Well..Iolaus..it was an interesting visit on Olympus..you want to know the most amazing thing about it all..pauses Hercules.."You were right..as soon as I saw my father as a human being with frailties..and Hera as the wronged wife..well..a lot of my anger dissipated"
"You know Herc..with me the turning point came when I saw my father in the Underworld.. alot of things fell together..My father never knew his mother, Leandra because she was kidnapped by the Titans when Skouras was only three..so there was no one there to teach my father to be loving or affectionate..once I understood why he was so cruel to me...I was able to forgive him...Herc, says Iolaus...
"You know Iolaus..another interesting result of my trip to Olympus was that Zeus promised me that I would never have to worry about Hera's wrath again because she has totally forgiven him..He says that I can now get married and have children and not have to worry about Hera taking revenge or being jealous..he says it's because he and Hera are so much in love....Hercules pauses as if to consider his next comment.
"Wow..to be able to marry and have children and not worry about Hera..that's a relief..just think Herc..we can retire and settle down..are you sure Herc I mean about Hera? Has she really changed? queries Iolaus..his cerulean blue eyes looking into Hercules azure eyes for confirmation.
"Hera promised me that if Aries or Discord or Damos ever makes trouble for me that she would see to it that they are punished accordingly..I honestly believe that Evander is the future of Olympus. Already Evander has caused Zeus and Hera to fall back in love. He has caused Hera to embrace love and forgive Zeus for all his trespasses..Evander even caused me to forgive Zeus. Evander brings hope..I truly am glad that I made this trip to Olympus.." concludes Hercules.
"You know with Evander on Olympus tomorrow night..maybe dinner with my "godly" relatives might actually be fun for a change!.Want to come along Mr. Guardian of the Light? You know that's how Evander sees you!
"Sure..who am I to turn down free food? as Iolaus thought about the mounds and mounds of food surely decorating an Olympian table. "Just point me towards the food, Herc..I don't care what your relatives say or do..as long as there's food, I'll have fun..." as Iolaus gives Hercules one of his megawatt smiles.
"Iolaus..don't you ever tire of food?" Hercules laughs out loud at the hurt incredulous look on Iolaus' face.
"Never..Herc..Never! laughs Iolaus..joy and mischeviousness glimmering in Iolaus' blue eyes as he looks up at Hercules.
"Ah there you two are..Evander has been asking for you..Hercules, he wants you to tuck him into bed.." says Nemesis.."Evander is so excited about his first dinner on Olympus..he's practically jumping out of bed..I can't get him to sleep.."
"Now Evander, tomorrow is the banquet..now get some sleep okay..I'll tell you a story about me..but only if you promise to close your eyes first..Hercules tells Evander about HIS first trip to Olympus as Evander slowly drifts off to sleep.
Aries watches invisibly at the sleeping form of his son. Pride shines in his brown eyes as he realizes how important his son has become to the future of Olympus and how many Gods love HIS son, Evander. Aries watches jealously as he sees his half-brother Hercules tuck HIS son into bed. With extreme sadness and yet extreme pride, Aries invisibly kisses his son on the forehead and whispers "I love you, Evander, you are truly a very special child."
As Aries is about to leave Evander’s side, another blue flash of light appears heralding the arrival of Zeus into Evander’s sleeping bedroom. "Hold on Aries..I’m afraid there have been some last minute changes for the banquet" says Zeus
"What do you mean, Father..? asks Aries..his dark brows furrowing threateningly.
"Nemesis has made it quite clear that she doesn’t want you to be near Evander. She doesn’t want you to be at the banquet, Aries. I agree with Nemesis. It is best that you stay away from Evander and let Hercules raise the child. That is my decision and Hera agrees." ended Zeus suddenly as he disappears from the room before Aries can make another statement.
Tears of sadness fall from Aries’ face as he contemplates the sleeping form of his son knowing that he would not be permitted to see Evander or even talk to Evander. "Someday, son I promise I will get to know you..I just wish I could get to know you today" Overcome with emotions of sadness, a weeping Aries leaves the bedroom in a flash of blue light and Aries last thought before leaving is "My half-brother, Hercules doesn’t know how lucky he is..to have Evander in his life..." as Aries disappears into the dark night.
Epilogue
"Thanks Uncle Herc..Uncle Iolaus..it was a great banquet..Grandpa Zeus and Grandma Hera were so nice..You know Uncle Herc..I love Grandma Hera very much..she has the nicest green eyes..and Grandpa Zeus let me ride on his lightning bolts..it was such fun! exclaims Evander. " I loved eating the baked hydra and dragon tooth pie..the food and the ambrosia was great! Grandpa sure knows how to throw a party!"
Evander continues obviously too excited to stop "Aunt Athena is so wise..I mean she had to leave the banquet early in order to take care of Aunt Discord again...Uncle Herc..what did Aunt Athena mean when she told Aunt Discord "you will go to Tartarus if you do that again?"
Before Hercules can respond, Nemesis puts a stop to her son’s unceasing questions about Olympus or his endless fascination with his godly relatives and their antics "Now, Evander go to your bedroom and put on your pajamas..then we can have storytime and Uncle Hercules and Uncle Iolaus can tell you more stories..now go!" Evander kisses his mother and runs into his bedroom to put on his pajamas.
"I’m sorry Hercules, Iolaus..Evander is still so excited about the banquet. He’s fascinated and awed by it all..I’m just glad Aries wasn’t there..I just don’t want Aries near my son..I told Zeus to keep Aries away from Evander..I’m glad Zeus forbade Aries from coming...it’s just that Evander needs his childhood..his goodness..I worry about him, Hercules" says Nemesis...her grey eyes reflecting worry...
"Don’t worry Nemesis, as long as Iolaus and I are here..we will help you take care of Evander..he will have all the love he needs from us.." reassures Hercules his blue azure eyes reflecting compassion and warmth.
"Mom! Mom! Aunt Athena is here ! Can she stay and tell me stories! Please Mom! Please! pleads Evander...
"Alright..you may listen to only ONE story from Aunt Athena..then young man it’s time to turn in..You have school tomorrow. Now give Mommy a kiss and now say goodnight to Uncle Hercules and Uncle Iolaus before they go..says Nemesis...
"Okay Mom..good night Uncle Hercules..good night Uncle Iolaus I love you.." Evander gives both his uncles a big hug as he runs into the bedroom to listen to Aunt Athena tell him stories about Olympus.
"Well, Herc..how did the banquet go for you?" asks Iolaus curiously.."How did it feel to be with Zeus and Hera at the same table as Evander?"
"Well..Iolaus..I guess I’ve learned a valuable lesson out of all of this" starts Hercules his blue eyes furrowing in concentration and deep thought as he continues "Burying the past and forgiving Zeus has been difficult..I’ve had to learn to see Zeus as an imperfect being..and to love him despite his faults..Aphrodite is right..if horse-faced Hera can love Zeus and forgive him..well I guess so can I..believe me, Iolaus, Zeus has ALOT of faults for me to forgive!"
"You thought it was easy for me to forgive Skouras? added Iolaus sarcastically.."Despite all the abuse he put me right, Herc, I found it extremely rewarding to just let go..and that meant loving him for who he is..it helped me get rid of my anger and my hatred..and it helped me move on with my life..."
"Iolaus, you’re right..forgiving Zeus has allowed me to see past my anger..my grief..it allowed me to release my anger and just think of the future..You know Iolaus, Sin is wrong..because I no longer have anger in my heart...I think I can love again..maybe even marry...this whole forgiveness thing..it feels as if I’ve cleansed my soul.."
Evander snuggles closely to his favorite full-God relative as he tilts his head as if listening to the empty air, his little body trembling with excitement as he breathlessly expresses his happiness to Athena as he feels Hercules’emotions coursing through his body.."Aunt Athena..whispers Evander.."I think Hercules’ heart is healed..I can feel it. he’s happy in his soul..Aunt Athena...is that why you came here to see if Uncle Hercules is alright?"
Sitting on the bed, Athena also feels Hercules’ change of heart and she feels glad that Hercules is finally able to let go of the anger he has kept buried since Deianndra’s death so Athena sits close to Evander and whispers "You are wise beyond your years little Evander. I have felt it too. Hercules forgives Zeus..yes he has been healed..it’s all because of you Evander..he forgave Zeus for your sake..Hercules’ love for you has allowed him to heal...Evander, you are truly a wonder..."Athena gives Evander an affectionate hug "I love you, little Evander..now my angel..I must be going..sleep well"
"I know, Aunt Athena..I know how much Uncle Hercules loves me and I love you all" Evander smiled as he closes his eyes and drifts off to sleep.."
"You know Herc, ..why don’t we check out the festival in Corinth..we can visit Iphicles.. I hear Iphicles has a new wife..then we can swing by Jason at the Academy? What do you say? urges Iolaus...
"Sure, Iolaus..the festival at Corinth sounds like fun.." pipes Hercules enthusiastically. "I haven't felt this good in years..as a matter of fact..why don't we judge the beauty contest! It'll be fun!..don't look so surprised!..I'm not always a wet rag you know!
"This is going to be a fun festival Herc!" as Iolaus ,his blond hair glistening in the afternoon sun, bounces down the road with his best friend Hercules...Iolaus thinks "Life can't get any better than this!...as he starts to sing bawdy love songs to irritate Hercules as they walk down the road of life together.
Watching from Olympus, Zeus smiles as he realizes that Hercules is finally at peace with his past and loves him with all his heart..thanks to Evander and a certain blond Guardian of the Light..Yes, thinks Zeus..Evander is truly the future of Olympus...