It was the kind of day that made Hercules want to just lay in the sun and soak up rays. Unfortunately, Hercules and his two closest friends had to pick something up for Cheiron, the headmaster at the Academy Hercules went to, in Marathon, a town half a day away. Hercules and his buddies Iolaus and Jason were taking a shortcut home through the desert. Little did they know, something was waiting for them.

Hercules was glad his two friends were with him. If one of his "loving" relatives decided to drop by, Iolaus and Jason could take care of themselves. Iolaus was an ex-thief who, when caught red-handed, had a choice to go to jail or the Academy. Jason, on the other hand, was the Crown Prince of Corinth. The Academy was his relief of his prince duties. "They'll never believe I need them," thought Hercules. "They'll say 'you're a demi-god, you don't need two mortals'."

That was true. Iolaus and Jason felt less than Hercules. Hercules was son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Alcmene. Even though he was super strong, he needed his friends sometimes.

"By the gods!" exclaimed Iolaus.

Jason replied, "What is it, Buddy? Are we out of food?"

"No," Hercules replied for his friend. "Look," Hercules pointed at a huge sandstorm coming straight at them.

Meanwhile, on Olympus, Hera sat on her throne. She was waiting for that thing that called itself a sand spirit to report to her.

"M'Lady," said the spirit while bowing to the Queen of the Gods.

"How is it?"

"It is done," answered Spirit.

"Good, Hercules shall be blinded by sand. Then he will be easy to kill," Hera plotted to herself. Then, she added, "Now, go! Don't mess up!"

Back in the desert, Hercules was getting worried. "We haven't got this far in our studies," Hercules thought. "What are we going to do?" Then, to the guys, Hercules shouted, "stay together and cover your eyes!"

He looked around. Iolaus and Jason were nowhere to be seen.

"Hello!" exclaimed Spirit.

"You must be behind this storm!"

"So, he's not all muscle! Well, not for long!" Spirit rushed at Hercules and, to knock him off his feet, dived toward the demi-god's feet.

Fortune was with Hercules, luckily, and he was able to dodge the sand spirit's attack. Spirit dropped to the ground. Hercules grabbed Spirit and punched him. As soon as Spirit was unconscience, the sandstorm cleared.

"Hercules!" both of the guys said in unison as they ran to join their friend.

"Let's go home, guys," said Hercules as he dusted himself off. His friends both agreed.

On Olympus, however, things weren't as calm.

"That's the last time I use something non-living!" screamed Hera at Spirit.

"Please, M'Lady......"

"Quiet! Why, I should-" by the evil smirk on Hera's face, Spirit knew she wasn't planning something good. Using her godly powers, Hera slammed the door to the room they were in. Seconds later, a scream was heard.

"Your Majesty!" the cup bearer to the gods, Mary-Lou, said. "What happened?"

Hera answered, "let's just say, there's one less spirit that will do my dirty work." Hera started laughing evilly as Mary-Lou gasped at the lifeless body of a poor sand spirit.