YHo1014790@aol.com
Peter Rabbit
Disclaimer: The characters of Hercules and Iolaus belong to Renaissance Pictures. No money is being made from this story. The story is written for entertainment purposes.
Summary: When little Hercules and little Iolaus get lost in the woods..can Peter Rabbit get them out of this predicament?
Author’s note: Purely an Easter piece. This story takes place before the Young Hercules series and way before the regular series.
CHAPTER 1
“Come on Herc..it’ll be fun..our first hunting and camping trip! No adults or anything! Uncle Flavius says it’s okay..I know my way around a forest..honest I do!”.”pleads a nine year old Iolaus.
“I don’t know Iolaus..I mean you are a good camper and everything but..all alone in the woods by ourselves..at night..Iolaus..you know I’m afraid of the dark..” whines a seven year old Hercules.
“Listen Herc..if it’ll make you feel any better..you can bring your teddy bear..I bought my good luck charm..” Iolaus smiles brightly as he shows Hercules a worn rabbit’s foot. “With this magical rabbit’s foot, nothing can go wrong! All I have to do is rub my rabbit’s foot and everything’s alright again!”
“What about the wild animals…maybe we should bring your Uncle Flavius along just in case..!” asks a doubtful Hercules.
“Don’t worry about the wild animals..I’ve got that covered too..”
“Iolaus..I don’t think rubbing your rabbit’s foot will make the wild animals go away..” remarks Hercules sarcastically as little Hercules rolls his eyes (much like the adult Hercules would do at any of Iolaus’ wild antics).
“All we have to do is light the fire brightly and the wild animals will be scared away. The trick is to keep the fire burning all night and as long as the fire burns we’ll be safe..no problem..we’ll just take turns staying awake. Uncle Flavius and I have done that many many times!” Iolaus remarks confidently.
“If my mother says it’s okay..then I’ll go..with you.” says Hercules reluctantly and gives Iolaus a “I don’t think you know what you are getting me into” look.
“Ah come on Herc..I know what I’m doing..and I can guarantee you nothing will go wrong!..Let’s go to Alchemene’s house and ask her permission!” Iolaus bounces confidently toward Hercules’ house without a care in the world, his blond wild curly locks blowing in the soft summer afternoon wind.
The usually shy, cautious little demigod follows his reckless, impulsive friend to his mother’s house.
Alchemene is cleaning up the garden as she sees her two sons racing up to the house. Iolaus..that little blond whirlwind..the son of her heart..and Hercules. She wonders where Iolaus gets the energy to keep up with her demigod son. Hercules smiles and laughs as Iolaus beats Hercules again to the kitchen. Iolaus grabs the sticky sweet snack Alchemene had lain out for him on the kitchen counter and proceeds to golf down the sweet honeyed baklava in one gulp. She watches in fascination as Iolaus then proceeds to wipe his sticky hands on his pants. Hercules ever so timid and shy eats his baklava in small bites like a bird and like his mother marvels at Iolaus’ endless appetite, energy and hunger for life. Hercules locks eyes on his mother..as identical azure eyes meet in merriment and amusement over Iolaus’ ferocious eating habits.
Iolaus runs up to Alchemene with sticky hands and all and proceeds to give Alchemene a sticky bear hug all over Alchemene’s garden apron. “Alchemene..how are you?” Alchemene fondly ruffles Iolaus sun drenched wheat colored hair as he smiles brightly at Hercules’ mother with eyes the color of the sky.
“Iolaus..is that the chocolate from the honeyed baklava all over your chin..go to the well and wipe your face off..and wash those sticky hands thoroughly with soaproot..you know your mother will scold you if you go home looking like that!”
Iolaus ducks his blond head as he remarks mischeviously “Alchemene, I’ve been a lot dirtier than this and I’ve never gotten in trouble for it. Mama is used to me..muddy and all! “ as Iolaus giggles at his own remark.
Hercules chimes in “I’ve seen Iolaus muddier than mud and his mother just dunks us in the lake..with our clothes on!”
Iolaus runs to the water barrel and washes up with Hercules following close behind. Alchemene shakes her head. She is glad that Hercules has found a new friend to play with. What with Iphicles being gone, Iolaus fills a place in both hers and Hercules heart that Iphicles left empty when he was forced to live with his grandparents when the grandparents had deemed Alchemene an unfit parent because Hercules was born out of wedlock. She watches as Iolaus shows Hercules how to better dunk his head in the barrel and how to find soaproot to clean his hands. Iolaus is the big brother Hercules deserves. Alchemene loves the way Iolaus takes such good care of her little demigod son. Iolaus has a big enough heart to overlook the fact that Hercules is the son of the King of Gods and that Alchemene bore Hercules out of wedlock. Iolaus never cared about such narrow minded opinions. As Iolaus looks at his best friend, he sees not a demigod..but the best friend he has ever had. Someone who doesn’t care that he is the shortest kid in the village. Someone who follows him around like a stray puppy—like the little brother he never had. He loves Hercules like a brother…and would do anything to keep this kid brother out of harm’s way.
“Come on Herc..you’ve got to dunk your head all the way into the barrel..okay now close your eyes and hold your breath..I’m going to put soaproot in your hair..now take your hands and rub your hair with the soaproot..now rub your face with the soap..yeah that’s it..”
Iolaus watches as Hercules rubs his soap soaked hair and bubbles and lather form in his chestnut wavy hair..and all over his face. “Ow Iolaus..the soaproot hurts my eyes! “
“Herc..you should try closing your eyes if you don’t want the soap to sting your eyes! Sheesh everyone knows that!”
Hercules closes his eyes very tightly as he washes his face with soaproot “Iolaus..I can’t see anything..where’s the water barrel?”
Iolaus pushes the wet and soapy Hercules towards the water barrel and physically dunks Hercules’ head into the barrel without warning.
Hercules sputters as his head is suddenly dunked into the barrel “Hey Iolaus..what was that for? I almost drowned in there..you could have given me some warning you know!”
Iolaus laughs until his sides hurt..
“Oh Herc..you can’t drown in a water barrel..you just crack me up!”
“Oh yeah Iolaus!” Iolaus sees the angry look come into Hercules usually soft eyes as Iolaus backpedals away from Hercules as Hercules physically lifts Iolaus and dunks him clothes and all into the water barrel. Iolaus sputters with water soaking all over him as he gives an astonished look at Hercules. “You’re right..it is very funny!” as Hercules holds his sides as he laughs at a very sodden Iolaus.. Alchemene arrives with towels only to find her two sons both soaking wet with soap and suds on their face and torso.
“Okay boys..time to dry off..and no wrestling in the mud..I’ve got lunch ready!”
Both boys eagerly dry off and run into the kitchen. The aroma of freshly cooked vegetable and beef stew wafts through the hot summer afternoon.
Iolaus sits down and eagerly starts to wolf down his portion of lunch. With food in his mouth, Iolaus asks Alchemene the all important camping question.
“Alchemene..” as Iolaus continues to chew on his beef stew “Can Herc and I go camping by ourselves tomorrow night? We’ll be right nearby..and I know my way around the woods..my Uncle Flavius taught me everything..he even made me go into the woods and back blindfolded..please Alchemene..please?”
“Please Mom..I’ve never gone camping before..it’ll be fun..please Mom..I promise I’ll stick by Iolaus..and he’s two years older..he’ll look after me and make sure I don’t get lost” Sadness descends on Hercules’ face as he recalls how Iphicles used to look after him too. Alchemene sees the lost look in Hercules’ azure eyes and her heart skips a beat in sympathy for her youngest son as she understands how much Hercules needs this camping trip to help him heal over Iphicles’ continued absence. But then again Hercules has never gone on an overnight camping trip..what about the wild animals..would it be safe for her little boy to be out all alone? Iolaus is barely older than Hercules..
“You may go camping under one condition..that you allow Uncle Flavius to follow you close behind..is that clear?” Alchemene wags her finger at both boys.
“Yes m’am” says both boys in unison for when Alchemene uses that tone of voice neither Hercules nor Iolaus dare disobey her.
(At Uncle Flavius’ house)
Iolaus paces the floor of the cabin as he rubs his dirty muddy hands through his equally dirty muddy blond curly hair as he explains his embarrassing situation to his favorite Uncle. “Alchemene won’t let Herc come along unless you follow us..she doesn’t trust that I can take care of Herc..I mean we won’t be that far away and I’m nine years old..other boys my age have gone camping overnight why can’t I?”
Uncle Flavius gives his favorite impulsive nephew a patient smile “That’s because..Hercules is NOT nine years old..you forget Iolaus that despite Hercules’ size..he is still only seven years old..how many seven year old boys go camping overnight by themselves? Hercules may look big..and he may be the Son of Zeus..but he’s still a little seven year old boy!”
“Alright..alright” concedes Iolaus. “So I guess you’re coming along BEHIND us faraway BEHIND us because you’re babysitting Herc..NOT me right?”
“That’s right Iolaus..I’m babysitting little Hercules..not you! You are a big boy who can take care of himself..okay with you if I track far behind you Iolaus?”
Iolaus gives his uncle a big bear hug “Thanks Uncle Flavius..I love you..Herc and I will have a wonderful time..our first time hunting, fishing, camping and sleeping under the stars all by ourselves..I’ll make you proud uncle..I’ll show Herc..all the hunter tricks you taught me!”
“Well Alchemene..can Herc come along? My Uncle Flavius will be there to chaperon us..well he’ll actually be tracking us..please Alchemene..please?” Alchemene finds it hard to resist those pleading cerulean blue eyes as she concedes.
“Alright Iolaus..if your Uncle will be there..then I will allow it..then Alchemene gives Iolaus two backpacks..these backpacks are filled with medicine, blankets and food..and this..”
“Oh Mother..we won’t be needing that!”
“Hercules I insist on it..you will have to have this on your camping trip!”
Iolaus looks curiously into Hercules’ backpack and asks “What is that?” Iolaus looks at a small glowing circular object which glows even brighter when Hercules touches it.
“It’s how Mother contacts Zeus in case of an emergency..so that Father can help her..” explains Hercules.
“Mother I’m big enough..I don’t need Father to come along..this is our first adultless trip..” pleads Hercules.
“It’s take it or leave it..Hercules..Iolaus and his Uncle can go on their camping trip without YOU..”
“Yes, Mother.” Hercules stuffs the glowing object into his backpack reluctantly.
“Kewl..you can call Zeus with that thing! Why don’t you want Zeus to come along? I don’t understand..he’s the King of the Gods!” whistles Iolaus in awe as Iolaus stares at the object with wonder—his cerulean blue eyes opened wide with curiosity.
“Zeus is my father..a father I’ve never seen..who’s never visited
me..I don’t want to “call” on him..ever!” Hercules stomps away from Iolaus
angry and hurt at the same time.
Alchemene takes Iolaus aside and tries to explain the situation. “Hercules has
always been aware that he’s different. Other boys have fathers who take them
hunting, fishing and who tucks them into bed at night with stories of heroes
and brave war deeds..but Zeus has never done any of these things for
Hercules..it hurts him..a part of Hercules wants desperately to know his
father..to get his father’s attention..to get his father’s love..another part
of Hercules is angry at Zeus for not being there..it’s difficult
for Hercules that’s all.”
“I understand..Alchmene..my father Skouras comes home from war..and he..” Iolaus stops talking as he suddenly finds the floor fascinating to watch. The tousle-headed blond ducks his head in shame. Alchemene takes little Iolaus into her embrace and whispers into his ears.
“I know..Iolaus..I know what Skouras does to you when he comes home..I’m sorry he..is not a good father to you..but I want you to know Iolaus..it is not your fault..you are a good, decent boy..” Alchemene grabs Iolaus into her arms as the young boy sobs silently.
“Shhh..it’ll be alright..you will always have me..Iolaus..I love both you and Hercules with all my heart..if ever you need me..don’t hesitate to come to me..you know I’ll do anything for you..Iolaus..son of my heart..”
Iolaus looks up at Alhcmene with tear-drenched cerulean eyes and smiles “I love you Alchemene just like I love my Mama..and thanks..”Alchemene kisses Iolaus’ forehead as Iolaus wipes his tears away and runs to play with Hercules.
Alchemene watches as the two boys wrestle each other to the ground..each being the healing balm to the other’s heart..as their bond of friendship grows ever stronger. Alchemene prays to Zeus “Look after them..on this camping trip..make sure my boys come home safely..”(This would be the first of many such prayers as these wayward boys would grow into manhood and take many more such dangerous trips..Zeus will always be there to look after them.)
From Olympus, Zeus nods his head as he answers back “Yes, my dear..I will make sure that my son and his little friend are safe.”
CHAPTER 2
“Well Herc..isn’t it a great day? Look at the birds chirping..the crisp sweet air” as Iolaus inhales deeply and pounds his chest for emphasis.
Hercules as usual follows Iolaus from behind and finds himself nodding his head in agreement with Iolaus’ assessment with the beauty of the woods “But Iolaus..these woods were just as beautiful yesterday..why are you just noticing its beauty now?”
“Because Herc..no adults..for a whole day and a whole night..we’re like the adults now..like grown up heroes..” Iolaus gets into a defensive posture as he fights pretend bandits that only he can see. Iolaus waves his pretend sword down into the ground in a dramatic fashion and says “Bulls-eye..I got him right in the heart..that bandit is never going to harm another man woman or child.. Look Herc..I just slayed the mighty Genghis Khan..the deadliest warlord in Greece..I’m a hero!”
Hercules imitates Iolaus’ moves and pretend smashes two heads together and throws a pretend bandit smack into a tree. “Now that’s how to teach the bad guys a lesson..they won’t mess with us..Iolaus and Hercules..the greatest heroes in the world..back to back heroes forever..Me and you Iolaus together we are unstoppable and unbeatable!”
“Herc..you really mean that..you would watch MY back?” Iolaus still feels wonder that Hercules would want to be his friend..his future brother in arms.
“Of course Iolaus..you watch my back and I watch yours..Mama told me the story of two brave heroes..she says that a long time ago..a brave blond man saved her life..this blond hero said that he always watches the back of his best friend..that he and his best friend are back to back heroes..that’s what heroes do for each other..they save each other’s lives while helping to save other people’s lives..just think if this blond hero had not saved Mama..I would not be here either.”
“Kewl..what a neat story..did your Mama say who this blond hero is? We can find him and be just like him!”
“No. Mama says when I’m older she’ll tell me. So Iolaus wanna watch my back?”
“Sure Herc..wait let’s make it official. “ Iolaus takes out his hunting knife and pierces his finger until it bleeds. “Okay Herc..just cut your thumb a little bit..don’t worry it doesn’t hurt at all”
Hercules even at this young age trusts Iolaus with his life so he takes Iolaus’ hunting knife and pierces his thumb with it. Hercules scrunches up his face as he cuts his finger and resists the nausea and he sees his life’s blood seep out of the wound. He looks up at Iolaus for approval “Did I do that right?”
“Yeah Herc..okay..now we mix our blood together like this.” Iolaus puts his finger over Herc’s finger. “Now we are truly brothers..your blood runs in me and my blood runs in you..I swear a blood oath Herc to watch your back forever and forever.”
“I, Hercules, promise to watch your back, Iolaus, forever and forever and to always be your brother in arms forever and forever back to back heroes!”
“Wasn’t that fun! Now we are really brothers isn’t that just Kewl?” Iolaus asks.
“Kewl..I love being brothers with you.” as Hercules suddenly sweeps the smaller boy into a tight bear hug and he hugs Iolaus with all his Olympian strength. Hercules is grateful that Iolaus has chosen him to be his best buddy, partner and brother. Being the village freak left Hercules very lonely and very unpopular among the village children. In fact, Hercules had no friends until Iolaus came along. I don’t know what Iolaus sees in me but I’m going to do my very best not to disappoint him and to keep his friendship as Hercules makes an oath to never break Iolaus’ heart and to always be there for his brother of the heart forever and ever.
“Okay, Herc..you can let go now..I REALLY need to breathe!”
Hercules becomes aware of his overuse of Olympian strength and becomes alarms as he drops the smaller boy on the ground “Oh Iolaus..did I hurt you? did I squeeze you too tightly? You are alright right? “
“I’m fine..Herc..stop hovering over me..I’m fine. I’ve got my second wind now!”
“Come on let’s get some fish and set up camp!”
“Are you sure you’re alright..you look blue in the face!”
“I’m sorry I hugged you so tightly..I forgot to be careful.”
“Careful?”
“Yeah well..Mama says that Iphicles was taken away because he has to go to some school far away but I know the real truth.”
“And that is..?” Iolaus asks out of curiosity and out of concern for little Hercules suddenly looks so serious that Iolaus is afraid that Hercules might actually start crying. Hercules blinks his eyes with unbidden tears as he tries to control his emotions as he tells Iolaus why he thinks Iph was taken away from him. A sad frown descends on Hercules’ features as he tries to explain.
“I accidently pushed Iphicles and I used too much of my strength..my grandparents think I’m dangerous..that I’m some kind of freak..that’s the REAL reason why they sent Iph away..please Iolaus..you’re not going to leave me because I hugged you too hard are you? You’re the only real friend I have and I promise I’ll never hug you that hard again! I will always control my strength..I don’t want to lose you the way I lost Iph!” as little Hercules struggles to hold in his tears.
Iolaus is moved by this speech and surprised at why Iphicles was taken away “Herc..Herc..I promise you I’m not going anywhere..look at my fingers..we’re blood brothers now..we made a blood oath to always be there for each other remember?”
Hercules gives Iolaus a wide grin “My blood runs in you and your blood runs in me..we’ll always be together even when we’re apart..we’ll always be there for each other..okay..I feel better now..” Hercules stomach growls so loudly that Hercules blushes as he notices Iolaus had cocked his head at the sound and was now looking directly at Hercules stomach.
“I thought I made loud hungry noises..you take the cake Herc..come on let’s get you some fish before your stomach gets any louder that it’ll scare the birds away!”
A blushing embarrassed Hercules follows Iolaus to the fishing hole. They set up their fishing poles.
“You know Iolaus..I can fish without fishing rods..all I do is grab the fish and then hit them with a rock!”
“Nah..you can’t catch fish like that..everyone uses a fishing rod to catch fish!”
“Not me..I bet you that I can catch more fish hitting it with a rock than you can with that fishing rod!”
“You’re on!”
As the afternoon wore on, Hercules caught as many fish hitting it with a rock as Iolaus did with a fishing rod.
“I guess it’s a tie! You know Herc..I’ve never seen anyone fish like you do..where did you learn to fish like that?”
Hercules suddenly blushes as he looks at his feet “Well..it’s a long story..Iolaus..”
“Tell me..we’ve got plenty of time..I’m dying to know Herc..you can’t keep me waiting in suspense like this!”
“Well Iphicles and his friends were going fishing..we didn’t have enough fishing rods..as Iph’s friends were older they decided that I would watch while they fished..I didn’t want to be left out..I wanted to show them that I wasn’t too little to fish..so I went into the lake..took a rock and smashed all the fish I could..at first it didn’t work out too well..I smashed too hard..the fish went all into pieces..Iph’s friends laughed at me but not Iph..he stood up for me..he was proud of me.”
“Look Hercules” says Iph “Don’t smash the fish so hard..just hit the fish lightly and you can fish just as well as my friends and I do with our fishing rods.”
“So I followed Iph’s advice..I went into the water and I just hit the fish lightly with the rock and that day the sons of Alchemene bought home more fish than all the other boys in the village combined! I sure do miss Iph..and I’m glad you’re here Iolaus..”
Iolaus takes Hercules by the hand in sympathy and says “Remember..Iph loves you and wherever he is, he will keep right on loving you..he’s right there in your heart as Iolaus takes Hercules’ hand and places Hercules’ hand directly on Hercules’ chest right over Hercules’ pounding heart.”
“Thanks Iolaus..like Iph..you always know just the right thing to say. Come on let’s go clean and cook the fish before they stink!”
“Right behind you” Both boys race to the lake’s edge to clean and gut the catches of the day. Each boy tries to beat the other as to who can clean and gut the fish the fastest. As usual it’s Iolaus who finishes first since he’s gutted and cleaned fish many times with his uncle and Hercules is all thumbs since he hasn’t gone fishing since Iph left.
“Beat you again Herc! I am the fastest and best fisherman in Greece” as Iolaus struts his stuff prouder than a peacock.
“Next time..Iolaus..I’ll beat ya! You’ve done this more times than I have! That’s cheating..no fair!” Hercules complains.
“Sore loser!” exclaims Iolaus as he crosses his arms on his chest.
“Am not!”
“Are so!”
“Am not!”
“Are so!”
Hercules knowing that Iolaus is right that he is a sore loser tackles Iolaus to the ground and tickles Iolaus in his ribs. Iolaus laughs helplessly as he thrashes about on the ground. Then Iolaus uses the oldest trick in the book. He points to an area behind Hercules and says “Look Herc..it’s Aphrodite!”
Hercules stops tickling Iolaus and turns to look in the direction Iolaus pointed. Iolaus uses Hercules’ distraction to tackle Hercules to the ground as he proceeds to tickle the young demigod in all his ticklish areas. With Iolaus firmly on his chest, Hercules is pinned to the ground as he helplessly thrashes about on the ground as he laughs involuntarily at Iolaus’ tickling. “Okay..okay Iolaus..I’m a sore loser..stop..heheheee stop hehehehe tickling me! hehehe You win! Ow my ribs hurt!” as tears of laughter run down little Hercules’ face.
Iolaus gets off Hercules and wipes the mud from his pants as he says “That’s right..I’m the winner..you’re the loser which means YOU build the campfire..I’m going to relax in my bedroll!”
“Alright Iolaus” concedes the younger boy “I’ll go get the wood for the fire and light the fire!”
The two boys lay on the lake shore both stuffed with fish. They sit cheerfully by the fire as they get sleepier and sleepier.
Each boy washes his face and hands in the lake to get the fish stink out and then they each climb into their bedrolls for a good night’s sleep. “
“You know Iolaus..the stars look beautiful tonight..”
Iolaus squints “It’s too bad there’s so much fog..I can barely see any stars.”
Hercules realizes that with his demigod sight he can see more than the average mortal so he corrects his mistake and pretends that he cannot see through the fog..for Hercules just wants to blend in and be like everyone else.
“You’re right..Iolaus..on second thought..can’t see anything over the fog.. Goodnight Iolaus.”
“Goodnight Herc”
As the two boys peacefully sleep by the lake, Zeus makes a surprise visit and tucks both boys firmly into their bedrolls. Athena accompanies her father on this trip.
“Hercules is growing up to be quite a strong demigod. He will be a very decent man when he grows up.” Zeus says as he removes a wayward lock of chestnut colored hair from Hercules’ forehead.
“I don’t understand Zeus..why don’t you intervene more often in Hercules’ life..he thinks you don’t care about him!” Athena asks.
“Every time I intervene..my children become spoiled..look at Ares or Apollo..No I can’t take that chance with Hercules..the Fates tell me that Hercules is the future of mankind that he will someday guide mankind into an era of peace. I am proud of Hercules. Look at his strong aura..”
“Yes Father..he has your aura. He is definitely the future. But look at Iolaus’ he also has a strong warrior spirit. He doesn’t even know yet that he will be Guardian of the Light..the future belongs to them both..”
“Guardian of the Light? I didn’t know that.” Zeus exclaims.
Athena takes a wayward lock of sun-drenched hair from Iolaus’ forehead “Iolaus will become my Golden Hunter..he will walk by Hercules’ side forever..they will always be there for each other..in thick and thin..it is Iolaus that gives Hercules his heart..his humanity..”
“I agree with you there my daughter..it is because of Iolaus special friendship to Hercules that Hercules will not grow up to be an arrogant half god like my other sons..no he will grow up to be a leader among men..with Iolaus there to anchor his heart and keep him from using his Olympian strength for selfish purposes. You know my daughter..I fear that’s what will be our downfall.” Zeus exclaims tiredly.
“What downfall Father?”
“Athena..the fates have decreed that it will be our arrogance that will spell the downfall of the Olympian Gods. That is why I have been careful with Hercules so that he does not grow up self-centered.I get the feeling he will be the last of the Olympians..I want my son to be our legacy..”
“Oh Father..such nonsense..nothing will bring down the Olympians..after all we’re Gods” Althena disappears in a flash of silver.
Zeus knows better as he whispers to himself “Arrogance..if we think just because we’re Gods that we’re infallible..then we’re doomed already. Zeus disappears in a flurry of silver as well.
As the boys sleep, the fog thickens. Hera laughs as she continues to make her fog spell stronger and stronger. Yes, my boys..sleep on for in the morning I will have made the fog so thick that both of you will become completely lost and little Hercules and your pesky mortal friend will be dead and Zeus will be there to find your pathetic little bodies by the lake. Hera points a finger at Zeus’ throne and exclaims to Zeus in angry jealous voice “This is your punishment Zeus for sleeping with that harlot Alchemene and having that bastard half breed Hercules..I will kill Hercules if it’s the last thing I do and I will enjoy every minute that you mourn for that freak!” Hera waves her hand and the fog grows thicker and thicker…
CHAPTER 3
“Ah Herc..” yawns Iolaus “I think it’s morning but it’s so foggy out that it’s hard to tell!”
Hercules opens his eyes and even with his demigod eyesight he has a hard time seeing Iolaus’ bedroll so for a moment he panics “Iolaus..I can’t see you..where are you?”
A voice from out of the fog answers “I’m right here Herc..I can’t see you either!”
The hairs on both boys necks stand up on end as they realize that they are both in a bad situation if the fog continues to be this thick. “Iolaus..I can’t see the lake..I can’t see anything!”
“I bet Uncle Flavius must be freaking out..he’s supposed to be tracking us..you know to make sure we’re safe..if we can’t even see in front of our noses..no way my uncle can track us..” Iolaus exclaims as he starts to get anxious and Iolaus starts to pace wildly.
“Iolaus..what are we going to do? How will we get home if we can’t see?” Hercules asks.
“Don’t worry Herc..I’ll find a way out of this mess..I always do..”
Iolaus scratches his head for an answer. After all I am the older one..I promised Alchemene that I would take care of Herc..and Herc looks up to me..he follows me around like a puppy dog..imitates what I eat..how I dress..and what I like, he likes..he likes the fish I eat..the hobbies I like..I’ve got to get Herc out of this one..after all I just promised him to watch his back forever..I can’t let him down..I can’t.
“Listen Herc..I’m going to..you know call of nature..I’ll be right back! Stay where you are okay Herc? Don’t go anywhere!”
“Iolaus don’t take too long..I’m scared..” Hercules tries to hold in his tears but to no avail. Hercules hugs his knees to his chest as he rocks back and forth trying very hard not to cry but the tears of fear fall anyway. I’m glad that Iolaus can’t see me cry. He’ll just think I’m a crybaby.No, I must help Iolaus get out of this after all I promised to watch his back and to be back to back heroes forever. I can’t let him down..I can’t. Hercules takes out the glowing object that his mother says he could contact Zeus with. With mixed feelings, Hercules rubs the glowing object and prays fervently for his father’s help “Father, I..need you..I’m scared..Iolaus and I..we’re lost..too much fog..please help me..I’m sorry I’ve been angry with you lately..it’s just I’ve always wanted you to be with me..I was angry because you never visit me..please Father help us now..I don’t know what to do..”
From Olympus a surprised Zeus hears his son’s plea for help. “It’s Hercules..he needs me..I must help him..I promised I wouldn’t intervene..but I must go and intervene..but how?” Zeus snaps his finger as a very amusing answer pops into his head. Zeus crosses his fingers and hopes to himself “I hope this works!”
Iolaus zips up his pants after his nature call but is still no closer to an answer. Damn with this thick fog I won’t be able to get us home. Shit! I’m lost. I can’t use the sun to track us home..it’s too cloudy..can’t retrace our footsteps..too foggy..can’t use the treeline..too foggy.can’t follow the river or lake shore back to Thebes..too foggy..what am I going to do? Iolaus feels terrified at the prospect of being truly lost..
Iolaus walks back to Hercules no closer to an answer to their dilemma but being the designated babysitter and responsible older sibling, Iolaus puts on a brave face. “Hey Herc..we’ll just wait the fog out and as soon as it clears..we can go home! We have plenty of supplies..and all that fish you crushed with that rock..we won’t go hungry..and your mother packed our backpacks full of food and medicine”
Hercules not able to hold back his terror any longer cries as he rocks his little body back and forth “Iolaus..I want my mommy..I’m scared..” Iolaus runs over to Hercules and let the younger boy cry into his shoulder gently saying nonsense cooing words into the scared boy’s ear. “Herc..it’ll be alright..you’re with me..I’ll keep you safe..I promise my oath as a blood brother..I won’t go anywhere..remember Herc..you’re not alone.”
Hercules stops crying as he stares at a very pink object just over Iolaus’ shoulder.
“Ah..Iolaus..I think you should take a look behind you..Ah..it’s big..pink..I think it even has big rabbit ears” as Hercules starts to back away cautiously from Iolaus and the rabbit.
Iolaus sees the widening terror in Hercules’ blue eyes and turns around and to his amazement he sees a pink rabbit glowing in the mist.
Suddenly out of the mist, a giant pink rabbit appears. Both boys stare with their jaws slackened wide in surprise.
Iolaus backpedals away with Hercules in tow as Iolaus recovers his wits first “Who are you?”
The giant pink rabbit smiles “I’m Peter Rabbit. You boys must be hungry. I have a basket of chocolate just for you”
Iolaus who was sick of eating nothing but fish for the last few hours steps forward to hungrily look at the chocolate. The basket is golden. The chocolate is shaped like eggs from a chicken wrapped in a silvery paper that glows in the dark much like the glowing object in Hercules’ knapsack used to contact Zeus. Could this be the magic of Zeus? Iolaus does a double-take and gives the giant pink rabbit a suspicious stare.
Zeus, who had morphed into a giant pink rabbit reads Iolaus’ thoughts and is impressed by this mortal’s amazing intelligence. So that’s why he gets picked to be Guardian of the Light someday..he knows it’s me. Not bad..not bad at all..so Zeus telepathically links to Iolaus’ thoughts and says “Yes, Iolaus it’s me Zeus. The eggs are safe. Please don’t ask why. Just suffice for you to know that it’s dangerous for me to come in my true form so here I am. If Hera finds out that I’m here, well, son you don’t want to know..My wife really knows how to bear a grudge.” Zeus looks at his frightened son and worries about Hera’s wrath once she finds out that he has helped Hercules get home. Zeus would not be the least surprised if this fog originated from one of Hera’s spells. The vengeful witch will spare no effort to kill Hercules just because of her jealousy to Alchemene..I have to be careful..Hera might be watching. This pink rabbit gig is the best idea I’ve had in centuries!
Iolaus nods his head as he reaches to take a chocolate. He unwraps the silvery wrapping and pops the chocolate into his mouth and savors the sweet chocolaty taste. Hercules imitates Iolaus’ actions. He carefully unwraps the silvery wrapping; pops the chocolates into his mouth, but winces as the chocolate is too sweet for Hercules’ taste.
Peter Rabbit speaks “I’m here to bring you boys home. Your parents are very worried about you. You’ve both eaten some magic chocolate eggs. All you have to do now is concentrate and picture your homes and you will be instantly transported there. No need to be scared. What harm can a giant pink rabbit do to you?”
Hercules and Iolaus close their eyes. Hercules pictures his mother’s kitchen and the safety of his mother’s loving arms and in an instant he is transported back home. Iolaus pictures his mother’s worried face and tears and his heart constricts at her suffering as he is instantly whisked home as well.
One moment Alchemene was pacing her kitchen floor and the next, little Hercules is popped right into his mother’s waiting arms. Alchemene’s cries of relief could be heard in the next county as she lifts Hercules in the air and hugs him tight. Similarly, a certain blond cerulean-eyed mother hugs her little Iolaus tightly to her breast as she cries tears of joy. “Oh my baby” both women cry “You’re home at last!”
Zeus zaps back to Olympus happy and satisfied that Hercules and Iolaus are now safe in their mother’s arms. Hera could be heard screaming in anger as she realizes that her fog spell did not work. I’ll get Hercules next time..that bastard half-breed will not live to his 18th birthday..on that I swear as Hera takes out her anger by throwing around some of Zeus’ thunderbolts on some innocent unsuspecting mortals.
Zeus sits on his throne as he opens the window to the mortal world to watch Hercules and Iolaus grow up.
“Mother..you won’t believe this..”Iolaus pipes up and down..”This big giant pink rabbit saved us! And then Iolaus leans over to whisper in Alchemene’s ear “It was Zeus in a pink rabbit suit..he saved us..but he doesn’t want anyone to know because somebody dangerous named Hera is after Hercules..” Alchemene’s only answer is to arch her eyebrows in surprise as she telepatheically links to Zeus and mouths in surprise “You appeared as a pink rabbit..?”
A rather embarrassed Zeus answers back “Hercules called for my help..he was scared..it was the first idea that popped into my head..Hera would never suspect that I would morph myself into a pink rabbit..Peter rabbit!” Zeus giggles for the first time in many millennia. Alchemene does her best to hide her amusement from both Iolaus and Hercules as Hercules continues to tell Iolaus’ amazing tale of meeting a pink bunny rabbit named Peter.
“Yeah Mother” Hercules chimes in always imitating Iolaus “This rabbit’s name was Peter Rabbit..it was big, hairy and pink..it had big teeth in the front of its face..”
“And Mother..Peter Rabbit gave me the most delicious chocolate..they were magic chocolate eggs!” Iolaus adds dramatically. Eurytheia believes her son as she sees the chocolate stains all over Iolaus’ face and clothes as if an army of chocolate eggs had attacked her precious wayward mischevious son.
“Well the chocolate was way too sweet..but all I had to do was close my eyes and I was home! I’m so glad to be home!” cries Hercules.
Alchemene and Eurytheia look at each other as they are not quite sure what to make of such an outlandish story. A pink giant rabbit? Magical chocolate eggs? Alchemene cocks her head as she hears a rare sound..the gentle rolling laughter of Zeus. Alchemene rolls her eyes as all this starts to make sense to her. She whispers to Zeus “Thank you for bringing Hercules home.”
Eurytheia looks out the window as the fog has completely cleared. The sun is shining outside with not a cloud in the sky.
“I’ve never seen a fog lift so fast in my life! I swear that the Gods are behind this!”
Alchemene shakes her head “I have no doubt about that at all! No doubt at all!”
Hercules tries to get his mother’s attention as he pulls his mother’s dress desperately “Mother, Mother, can Iolaus and I go out again..I want to meet the pink giant rabbit and thank him properly..please Mother..please..?”
Uncle Flavius walks into the cottage and reassures the two worried women “Don’t worry this time I’ll bring Marcus with me..why don’t we make it a picnic and all go outside into this sunshine?”
Alchemene and Eurytheia smile and say “That’s a deal. Hercules, Iolaus..come..come..we are all going on a picnic..and Hercules..who knows..you might run into your fath..I mean that giant pink rabbit again..” Hercules gives his mother a quick hug and runs off to tell Iolaus about the picnic.
Zeus closes the window to the mortal world and sits back on his throne and ponders the possibility of a world led by Hercules, Son of Zeus and he smiles contentedly at the thought. Yes, Hercules will make a fine king someday with Iolaus, his ever faithful partner at his side forever.
THE END
No pink rabbits were harmed in the writing of this story! Iolaus did eat too many chocolate eggs and had quite a stomach ache that night ! Happy Easter everyone!