BACK TO BACK HEROES, Part 2
Disclaimer: I am not trying to make money from these stories..written for entertainment purposes only!
Summary: Can Hercules learn not to be overprotective of Iolaus?
Author’s note: This story is a sequel to Back to back heroes Part I and To have a friend Part III. Can the “blonde angel” rescue Herc from the evil clutches of King Brutus? Read on and find out. This story takes place after the Hercules episode “Revelations”.
CHAPTER 1
Hercules vainly tries to pull the heavy manacles off his legs and arms but Hercules feels as if his mighty strength have all but abandoned him as if his very life essence is being drained from him. Hercules feels lethargic and tired as if his whole body were being weighed down by lead weights and every movement is painful..like wading through molasses. Every thought is an effort..even batting his eyes in the constant effort to stay awake—the urge to sleep is so strong in Hercules—Hercules shakes his head to clear it as he thinks “No I have to stay alert..in case King Brutus tries something..I must stay alive long enough for Iolaus to get here..Iolaus my friend..hurry up..I don’t know how much more of this I can take..”
King Brutus examines his prisoner with pride “Sorry..ah mighty Hercules..no use in trying to break out of these chains..these chains were forged by the great Hephaetus himself..I hear once that Ares was once tied up in these chains and couldn’t break out of them..no Hercules..if a full God cannot get out of these magical chains..then neither will you…plus these chains have a magical spell that I concocted that saps your Olympian strength and pours your life force into mine..in other words..the more you struggle the stronger I become!” King Brutus gloats.
“Just what do you want with me?” Hercules tries to bellow but his voice comes out as a whimper as Hercules fights the nausea caused by the draining of his life force.
“Ah what do I want? I want your immortality..my dear Hercules do you have any idea what it’s like to grow old? I was once a vibrant young man..every woman in the kingdom wanted me..I was so fierce in battle every warlord trembled in their boots when my army marched on them..to be OLD” Brutus spat at the word “Old age carries with it weakness..my wife and son conspired to kill me..they thought I was a doddering old fool..they tried to take this kingdom from me..but I showed them..I killed them both..and then the piece de resistance was when I stole the Sorcerer’s book to create this spell that is slowly killing you..Hercules..I even managed to trick Hephaetus into giving me these chains..”
“How did you trick Hephaetus?” as a weakened Hercules decides to play along to buy time for Iolaus to rescue him.
“I told Hephaetus that I was a weak old man and that I needed these chains to regain some youth and vitality long enough so that my son would grow up and become king..” laughs Brutus at the gullibility of Hephaetus.
“Why should Hephaetus care..he’s never shown any interest in mortals before?” Hercules asks perplexed at this turn of events and even more perplexed at Hephaetus’ behavior.
“Ah..this is where it gets interesting..I told him that I was Aphrodite’s favorite..that I knew how to get Aphrodite to fall in love with him..you see the poor fool was so in love with Aphrodite that he was willing to do anything..that’s what made it so easy to trick him..you see Hercules..love makes you weak..”
“That’s where you’re wrong..Brutus..love is what makes us strong..obviously you’ve never been loved in your life..and you’re so selfish that you’re incapable of feeling love for anyone else or else you would understand the power of love..” Hercules argues getting out of breath like an old man as Hercules struggles with each breath.
“The great Hercules is wheezing like an old man…I don’t need love..Hercules..once my youth and strength is restored I will retake all my old kingdoms and more.” Hercules shivers as he looks into Brutus’ eyes and sees nothing but madness.
“I don’t understand..how do you plan on taking all of Greece?”
“Iolaus is the key.”
Realization dawns on Hercules’ handsome drawn features as he says “So all of this has been a trap for Iolaus? How could Iolaus help you gain power?”
“Iolaus’ power of the Light..I have a separate set of chains forged just for him..chains that will drain Iolaus of his life essence and transmit it to me..with your semidivine strength and Iolaus’ godly gifts..I will be invincible..unstoppable..why even the Gods will fear me.. no longer will I be a doddering old man..ignored by everyone..look at me Hercules..I’m already in my prime..young..virile” Brutus flexes his muscles to prove his point.
“So Hercules..how does it feel to be old? Your hair is as white as snow..those bags under your eyes definitely looks better on you than they did on me..so Hercules does your joints ache all over..do you find it difficult to stay awake as I’m talking..is it hard to focus and concentrate on what’s going on around you..forgetting..slipping into dementia aren’t we?”
Hercules tries very hard to focus his eyes on Brutus..but all he sees is a big blur “Brutus..you won’t get away with this..Iolaus will stop you..I know it..I can feel it with every fibre of my being..he won’t let you..ah..he won’t let you..ah” Hercules fights his frustration as he forgets the rest of his sentence.
Brutus laughs at Hercules vain attempt at bravado “Very good..Hercules..having trouble remembering the end of sentences..isn’t growing old..as Aphrodite would phrase ‘such a blast’? Squinting your eyes will not make you see better..trust me I know..been there done that..eventually you’ll go completely blind..twas my fate before I regained my youth!”
“Brutus..that’s not your youth you’ve regained..you’ve stolen my life so you could relive yours..that’s my youth you’re enjoying!” rants Hercules.
“Listen Brutus..you’re holding me for nothing..ah..Iolaus and I had a falling out..he’s not coming here to rescue me..I ah..damnit..”
“Ah how wrong you are Hercules..even with the falling out..that blond angel will come to your rescue anyway..ah yes I’ve heard about Iolaus’ angelic good deeds..which makes me even more eager to acquire his powers..I’ll take Iolaus’ power the way I took yours!”
“I won’t let you hurt Iolaus! You are insane..I’ll stop you!” Hercules once again tries in vain to pull on his chain using the last bit of energy left in Hercules dying old body..King Brutus welcomes the new surge of Herculean power for each time Hercules struggles on his chains, Brutus receives Hercules’ life force.
“I didn’t know you still had it in you..old man!” crows Brutus in triumph “I’ve beaten the Great Hercules!”
“No you haven’t King Brutus!” as Iolaus who had sneaked into the castle makes his presence known.
“You won’t get my brother you bastard!” cries Iphicles who brandishes his sword.
“Over my dead body” joins Jason in the quartet.
Both Jason and Iphicles take on the palace guards while Iolaus charges directly towards King Brutus in a beserker’s fury blinding his sight as Iolaus looks over and sees how old Hercules has become. Hercules’ white hair has all but fallen out; Hercules sharp blue eyes were unfocused as if blind; wrinkles crisscrossed Hercules once smooth handsome face and it pains Iolaus to hear Hercules’ raspy breath as Hercules wheezes for each breath of air.
“I will get you Brutus for what you’ve done to Hercules..I won’t let you get away with this!” Iolaus dodges Brutus’ punches as he looks to hone in on Brutus’ weak spots.
“Little man..how can you stop me..now I’ve got the strength of Hercules!” bellows a proud Brutus.
Iolaus takes one last look at Hercules slumped figure as he notices with alarm the paleness of Hercules’ proud contenance and the blueness of Hercules lips and fingertips indicating Hercules impending exit from this world.
“Hold on Herc..I told you I’ll protect you and that’s what I’m going to do..I’ll save you the way I saved you from the Four Horseman..I’ll now let anything happen to you!”
“Little man..look at Hercules..he’s practically dead..there’s nothing left to save” crows Brutus as he dodges Iolaus’ punch.
Iolaus finally loses his patience with Brutus and storms towards Iolaus’ chest barreling him down and pinning Brutus to the floor as he yells “Don’t call me ‘little’ nobody not even Herc calls me ‘little’” as an insane fire ignites Iolaus’ usually kind cerulean eyes..Stunned and surprised by the viciousness of Iolaus’ attack, Brutus begins to fight back against Iolaus and is astonished to learn that Iolaus is a lot stronger than he looks. Brutus looks into Iolaus’ eyes and sees the insane fire within..more insane than his own..Brutus begins to shiver for the first time in fear at the possibility that he had underestimated ‘the blond angel’.
As Iolaus contemplates life without Hercules as he sees ..to his horror that Hercules looks like a 90 year old man..with some white hair..wrinkles..sunken eyes..and the once proud massive chest and shoulders..a shrunken skeleton..the raspy breathing as Hercules struggles to breathe and stay alive..Iolaus can hear the slow and waning heartbeat in Hercules chest..as Iolaus knows Hercules will die soon if he doesn’t get him away from those blasted manacles, Iolaus lets out a primeval yell “Noooo! Hercules!” as Iolaus sends out an electric bolt coursing through the mad king’s body.
The mad king looks unbelievingly that such a small blonde man can discharge so much energy as he watches in slow motion as Iolaus fashions a ball of energy in his hand and then throws the ball of energy directly into Brutus’ chest. As the electricity hits Brutus, his eyes open wide with pain and surprise. His last coherent thoughts were ‘Damn I underestimated that ‘blonde angel’!’ as he falls to the ground writhing in pain.
Brutus gasps at the exquisite pain as the electricity sets every cell in his body on fire.. As Brutus rapidly loses consciousness, he loses his ability to hold on to his aging spell on Hercules. As Hercules regains his youth, Brutus ages..his hair turns white..his face once again becomes sunken with age..his whole body loses its youthful glow of strength as Iolaus’ electric bolts drain Brutus of all the youthful energy he had stolen from Hercules. As the life force energy drains out of Brutus, it returns to its rightful owner—Hercules.
Brutus’ lies prone on Iolaus’ feet as Iolaus experiences the full range of beserker’s fury “You will pay for what you did to Hercules” as Iolaus prepares to send even more deadly electrical surges through Brutus’ body to fry him to death.
As the spell loses its’ potency, Hercules feels a new surge of energy return to his body as he groggily opens his eyes. His muscles stop aching..his head no longer spins..the wool around his brain finally lifts..as Hercules feels his demigod strength return to him little by little..his hair turns back chest nut brown..the wrinkles disappear..his eyesight clears.As his azure eyes focus on the world around him, Hercules is shocked to see Iolaus glow with an unnatural light apparently still throwing electricial bolts of energy into an already practically incinerated Brutus who has now returned to his original aged state.
“Iolaus..Iolaus..snap out of it..you’re electrocuting an old man..Iolaus open your eyes..he’s practically dead..there’s nothing left to fry! Iolaus you’re NOT a killer..please Iolaus..hear me..stop this..he’s not worth it!” Hercules cries in desperation hoping against hope that he has penetrated Iolaus’ wall of rage.
Iolaus hears a distant voice pleading for him to stop..Iolaus turns his head to see his childhood friend young and virile again.
“Herc..is that really you?” Iolaus sees Hercules’ familiar azure eyes looking at him with worry and concern—even disgust at what he’s doing to Brutus..Iolaus quickly gets off Brutus and turns off the electricity flowing to Brutus’ body. That’s when Iolaus realizes that he’s been frying an old man..Iolaus backs away from Brutus in shock “Ah Herc..what have I done?”
“Iolaus..I’m alright really..Iolaus..do me a favor..get me out of these chains..I’m still too weak to move.”
“Sure Herc.” Iolaus steps towards his childhood friend and easily snaps the chains off Hercules’ arms and feet.
“Thanks Iolaus..what a relief!” as Hercules rubs the sore skin and muscles around his arms and legs.
So relieved is Iolaus to see his best friend in one piece that Iolaus impulsively gives a weakened Hercules a bear hug.
“Iolaus..let go of me..I need to breathe!” pants an out of breath Hercules.
Both Jason and Iphicles are still surprised at the ease at which Iolaus broke the chains off Hercules’ arms and manacles as Jason wryly comments to Iphicles “Remind me not to get Iolaus angry!”
Iphicles adds “Remind me not to cross Iolaus in a dark alley!”
Jason riposts “Amen to that!” Both Jason and Iphicles give Hercules a warm warrior handshake welcoming Hercules back into the land of the living.
Iolaus pats Hercules on the back and gives his best friend his trademark grin as he joyfully jaunts out of the castle saying “Come on Herc..I’m starving..let’s get something to eat!”
Hercules follows Iolaus with that same goofy smile on his face and adds “That’s my Iolaus! I’m sure glad he’s back..I sure missed him!”
“Aw Herc..that’s the 105th time you’ve said that to me!”
Iphicles orders his men to pick up the fallen Brutus “Put that man in my dungeon so that I can decide how to punish him later”
The guard salutes Iphicles “Yes, your majesty!” and rides away with an unconscious aged king slumped across his mount.
After walking a few meters, Hercules stops to catch his breath.
“Iolaus..I can’t walk any further..I don’t feel so well..I feel kind of dizzy..” Iolaus’ golden eyebrows frown with worry and concern as he notices the palor on his best friend’s face.
Iolaus stops and puts his hand on Hercules’ forehead which is no mean feat.
“Hercules..bend down..”
“Why?”
“I have to see if you have a fever..you don’t look so hot.”
Hercules obliges Iolaus and sits down on a nearby log that had fallen across the road. Iolaus puts his hand on Hercules’ forehead.
“Herc..you’re burning up with fever..we need to take you to a healer.”
Iphicles gives his little brother a worried look he too feels Hercules’ fevered head.
“Guard..take Hercules to the royal healer..NOW!”
“Yes your majesty!” The guard motions to Hercules to ride with him to the castle.
“Aw Iolaus..I hate horseback riding!”
“Well..it’s either horseback or I carry you Hercules..now take your pick! Iolaus flexes his strong Guardian of the Light muscles as he walks towards Hercules to prove his point.
Once again Hercules sees an unnatural light emanating from Iolaus as Hercules backs away from Iolaus and surrenders
“Alright..alright..you get your way..I’ll go on horseback!” an embarrassed and chastened Hercules whispers to Iolaus “You didn’t have to embarrass me in front of Jason and Iph..have some pity for a sick man!”
“Well..Herc” adds Iolaus in a teasing voice “when you act like a child..well I treat you like one!”
Hercules ducks his head in surrender as he pouts and says “Yes Mother..whatever you say.”
Without a backward glance, Hercules mounts a horse and rides away with the royal guard towards the royal healer in King Iphicles’ castle.
At Hercules’ retreating back, Jason smirks “You’ve really got the knack of Alchemene’s voice..Iolaus..Hercules hasn’t been that obedient since his mother used to tell him to do his chores!..Come on Iolaus..we can’t let Hercules arrive at the castle without us..sometimes I wonder what Hercules would do without us!”
Iolaus winks at Jason and adds “He’d still be back at King Brutus’ castle all tied up like a stuck pig!”
Jason laughs at this response as he asks “Didn’t one of Athena’s bows turn Hercules into a pig?”
Iphicles gives them both a quizzical look “My brother was turned into a pig?”
Iolaus slaps Iphicles on the shoulder and laughs at the shocked expression on Iphicles face “Yeah..long story..come on..we have to catch up with the palace guards..Herc needs me now..he’s very ill..and I’m worried..I need him to get well..I love Herc..he’s like..”
Jason finishes Iolaus’ thought “Well..at least..this misadventure with Brutus will make Hercules realize that you are his equal after all it was you who had to rescue his sorry semidivine butt out of that mess..I think you’re going to find a very apologetic Hercules when we get back to the castle..be gentle with Hercules..he means well..maybe now you guys can patch things up..what do you say?”
“Did you see the way Hercules quickly surrendered and went on that horse..yeah I think you’re right Jase..I’ve more than proved my point..I don’t need rescuing at all..I can hold my own!”
Jason laughs at this remark “And you throw one mean thunderbolt!”
Both Iolaus and Jason share a moment of cheerful camaraderie as they poke fun at Hercules’ expense.
As Iolaus settles into his bedroll that night, he gives a small prayer to Michael “Michael..give me back my powers of healing so that I can heal Hercules..I’m really worried about him..Herc hasn’t been this sick since he was a child..please Michael..heed my prayer..if you must take a life..take mine..The world still needs Hercules!”
From the heavens, Michael hears Iolaus’ prayer and is once again touched by the depth of love and friendship between these two men as he remarks to Raphael “What a remarkable pair they make!”
CHAPTER 2—Epilogue
The royal healer of Corinth shakes his head sadly as he finishes his examination of a very sick and feverish Hercules “Hercules is weak..it’s still touch and go..if his fever breaks..then he’ll be alright..but I’ve done all I can..make sure he drinks this echinacea tea every hour on the hour..it’s up to Hercules now!” the healer puts an extra blanket over a sleeping and feverish Hercules as he exits the sick room.
Iphicles watches his brother sleep as he talks to Hercules “I used to be so jealous of you. You always were faster and stronger than me..I was the older brother and yet I couldn’t keep up with you..then when I got sent to Grandma’s house..I thought Mother chose you over me..but how wrong I was..please Hercules..get well..so I can show you how much I love you!”
Iphicles turns around as he hears Jason and Iolaus enter the room. Jason asks “How is he?”
“The healer says that it’s up to Hercules now..we have to wait until the fever breaks..”
“Jason, you must get some sleep. I’ll take first watch and I’ll wake you if anything changes.” Iphicles offers.
Iolaus interjects “No, I’ll take first watch..you guys get some sleep..I want to be with him..please..”
Both Jason and Iphicles yawn and agree to take second and third watches “Tell us if anything changes.”
Iolaus leans over Hercules’ prone body. Iolaus closes his eyes to summon the power of the Light. Iolaus feels the warmth of the Light surging through his veins as he feels himself overwhelmed with God’s love. Iolaus places his hands over Hercules’ chest and he is surprised by the heat emanating from Hercules’ body. Iolaus lets the healing light guide his movements as he lets the Light go through his body to heal Hercules’ broken body. Iolaus sways as he heals Hercules “Please Michael..heal my best friend..he means everything to me..I promise to be by his side..back to back heroes forever.” Iolaus heals Hercules in the same way he had healed people when he was Guardian of the Light. As Hercules’ sickness is slowly drained from his body and absorbed by Iolaus, Iolaus’ body glows for an instant bathed in the Light..just for an instant Iolaus’ wings sprout all of a sudden from Iolaus’ back..as Michael wipes away all traces of Hercules malaise from his favorite Guardian of the Light.
Iolaus feels all of Hercules’ aches and pains as Iolaus drops into unconsciousness by Hercules’ side. The next morning, Jason and Iphicles find Iolaus calmly asleep by Hercules’ side.
Jason feels Hercules’ forehead and sighs a breath of relief “The worst is over..his fever is broken..”
Iphicles shakes his head in wonder “That’s a miracle..he got over a fever overnight..look how sweet they both look sound asleep..you know Jason..I used to be so jealous of how close Iolaus is to Hercules..but not anymore..I get the feeling that Iolaus somehow saved Hercules’ life and that without Iolaus by his side..by brother would have died long ago..either by Hera’s arrows..her enforcers..or when Hera took away his family..no Iolaus has served as Hercules’ anchor to sanity all these years..instead of feeling jealous of Iolaus..I feel grateful..”
Jason nods his head as he echoes Iphicles’ sentiments “Iolaus saved Hercules’ life countless number of times..he’s a true heroes..he fought warlords, angry gods and monsters without the use of Hercules’ semidivine powers..no he’s truly a unique individual..I’m honored to have such a friend.”
Iphicles takes Jason aside so as not to wake our two sleeping heroes “You know Jason..I had the most unusual dream last night..I dreamt that Iolaus sprouted wings..became the ‘blonde’ angel and bathed Hercules in some kind of Light to save him..then I heard a voice saying ‘Hercules..it’s not your time yet’ your place is by Iolaus’ side—back to back heroes forever.”
Jason does a double-take as he stares slack-jawed at Iphicles and babbles in amazement “I had the same exact dream..I wasn’t going to mention it because I figured you would think I was crazy..that voice..I saw another angel in the room..he called himself Michael..he transmitted some kind of light energy through Iolaus..that’s when Iolaus sprouted wings for just a moment..this light energy healed Hercules..broke the fever..it was the most bizarre dream..and then I felt their deep bond of friendship..and then you won’t believe this..Michael looked straight at me and smiled before he disappeared in a flash of light.”
Iphicles nods his head slowly as he is still stunned by Jason’s dream “I had that same exact vision..Michael’s eyes held compassion..and dare I say..admiration..even Michael is awed by the brotherly love between Hercules and Iolaus..I felt privileged and honored to even have that dream.. to see Michael..to witness the Light..it was remarkable..”
Hercules could hear whispering so he turns his head to see Jason and Iphicles chattering away in the corner of the room and then he sees an exhausted Iolaus snoring in a chair. Hercules’ eyes reflects the love and gratitude that he feels for Iolaus as he knows he owes his life to the golden hunter. Iolaus’ hair is tousled as usual; his purple vest crumpled; saliva drooling from the sides of his mouth gives Iolaus ‘the blonde angel’ an almost comical look.
“Look Jase..Hercules’ awake..go get the tea..the healer says Hercules is supposed to drink that foul-smelling tea every hour”
“I’m right on it” Iphicles approaches Hercules and forces Hercules to drink the tea.
Hercules grimaces as he is force-fed the bad-tasting tea with poppy seed in it. Hercules’ eyes grow heavy as he drifts off to a natural healing sleep.
(Several days later)
“Aw come on Iolaus..I’m sick of being sick in this bed..I’m well enough to go out..stop motherhenning me..you’re driving me crazy hovering over me like that” complains a bed-ridden snappy bored Hercules.
“The healer says you have to stay in bed at least two weeks..your body went through a lot..it grew old and then young in a very short space of time..it needs more rest.” Iolaus quietly explains to Hercules as if speaking to a child.
Hercules leans back and surrenders “Yes, Mother.Can’t I at least go out in the garden?”
“Alright..Herc..try to arm wrestle me..I’ll prove you’re still not up to par!”
Remembering Iolaus throwing electric bolts at Brutus, Hercules looks at Iolaus’ hand with trepidation and decides to acquiesce to Iolaus’ demands for now.
“You win..I’ll even drink that icky tea..you and Jase insist on forcing down my throat. That stuff tastes awful..can’t you at least put some honey in it or something?” complains Hercules in a plaintive voice.
“No, the healer says anything else will dilute the effects of the tea. Now be a good Hercules..gulp this down..it’s good for you..”
Hercules frowns as he adds “You know you sound more and more like Mother every day. You’re enjoying this way too much!”
“I guess that means you’re not going to mother hen me anymore or fight my battles for me right?” Iolaus remarks with his hands on his hips.
“Yes, Iolaus..I’ve already said I was sorry..it was a dumb idea for me to have gone to face Brutus without you..from now on we face all dangers together..back to back heroes forever..forgive me?” Hercules azure eyes locked onto Iolaus’ cerulean eyes and pleaded for forgiveness.
Hercules’ eyes had all the earmarks of a puppy’s eyes begging for attention as Iolaus could never stay mad at Hercules for long and his resolve to stay angry all but melted as he looked into Hercules’ puppy dog eyes “Herc..how did Alchemene ever resist your…pleading?..alright alright..I forgive you..”
With a smirk Hercules returned with his goofy smile and said “I learned that puppy eye trick from you Iolaus..Mother could never resist your pleading looks..so I mimicked you..that trick really works..after all I learn from the best.” Hercules chuckles as he sees the shocked look on Iolaus’ face. Iphicles and Jason hold their sides as they hunch over with laughter. Never one to be a spoiled sport..Iolaus mouth twitches as he tries hard to hold onto his serious “do as I say or else” face that he had seen on Alchemene so many times whenever she wanted to punish him..but Iolaus failed miserably as he breaks down in laughter with the rest of the gang.
Several weeks later..
(By the lake, with Hercules pretty much recovered from his ordeal, Hercules and Iolaus take a little vacation)
“You know Herc..you should try catching fish with a rod..you’ll never get anything to eat that way!” teases Iolaus good-naturedly.
“Don’t be so sure..Iolaus..you’re just jealous that you can’t catch fish with your hands..you don’t have my patience and skill! Returns Hercules.
“Oh yeah..is that a dare? What do you want to bet..a whole week of serving me break in my bedroll?” challenges Iolaus.
“You’re on..I bet I can catch more fish with my hands than you can with that rod!” challenges Hercules.
“You’re on!” returns Iolaus.
“Oh..Iolaus..no cheating..!” warns Hercules
“Who me cheat?” as Iolaus gives Hercules his “I’m innocent who me?” look.
“Yeah..I mean it..no zapping with electric bolts sort of thing.” Hercules teases.
“Oh yeah..then you can’t use your semidivine senses or strength.” Iolaus teases.
“Deal!”
A few minutes later, an out-of-breath messenger comes running towards our two fishing heroes looking for Hercules.
“Is Hercules here?”
“Yes, I’m Hercules.” Hercules turns politely to face the young boy. “Here have a seat. Catch your breath and tell me how I..then Hercules looks at Iolaus who already has his hands on his hips….ah “ah tell me..how Iolaus and I can help you” corrects Hercules looking at Iolaus for approval..Iolaus nods his head in silent communication of his approval.
“You see Hercules..I need you and Iolaus’ help..a monster’s been slaying our village..some children are missing..please hurry..we have no time!”
“Come on Herc..let’s go slay another monster!” as Iolaus drops his fishing rod and prepares to leave camp.
“Take the lead!” as Hercules tells the messenger to lead the way. “We’re right behind you!”
Iolaus slaps Hercules on the back and joyfully proclaims “Let’s go slay this monster TOGETHER!” as Iolaus emphasizes the last word with meaning.
Hercules gives Iolaus an annoyed look as he riposts “Okay Iolaus..you don’t have to constantly keep hitting my head over this King Brutus incident..I’ve learned my lesson..alright..never to doubt your abilities..never to enter an unknown village..evil warlord..monster..whatever without YOU to watch my back or else I could end up very dead..alright..? I thought we were through this already!” exclaims a very annoyed Hercules with his hands on his hips..his face scowling down at a mischevious Iolaus..Hercules shakes his head as he begins to realize that Iolaus is just teasing him.
“Just checking Herc!” Iolaus teases “Just checking!”
Hercules understands the message and returns “Good to have you back Iolaus!”
Iolaus smiles a smile so bright that it could light up heaven itself as he repeats his favorite mantra “Good to be back, Herc. Cerulean eyes and azure eyes lock as they express: gratitude, love, brotherhood and friendship. To break up this mushy moment, Hercules interjects: “What are you waiting for, Iolaus..WE’VE got monsters to slay..warlords to defeat...” and then with a meaningful pause Hercules gives Iolaus’ shoulder a warm squeeze as he whispers, his voice cracked with emotion and his own elation at having his best friend back from the dead.. “Together..back to back like we pledged as kids”
Iolaus running full speed ahead turns his head to see his best friend panting behind him and he thinks ah it’s great to be back in the land of the living again with Hercules at my side and people to save..now that’s the life!
THE END