Chapter Six: The Cretan Bull

They'd stopped by the palace to pick up the sack of gold Iphicles had promised in return for the weapons Jason had sent, and then on to the port to reclaim their wagon, a little surprised to see that it was still there. It was a gesture of respect, in its own way, by the dockworkers and tradesmen in return for Hercules saving that poor girl from an illegal marriage to the scurvy pirate. They'd posted their own watch on the demigod's wagon to ensure no one just drove it away.

Iolaus remained silent for most of the trip back to the Academy, reflecting on the promise he'd made, telling himself sternly that he could learn to live with it…all the while knowing that was a lie. Not forever. He couldn't imagine doing what he'd done last night, standing back to watch another battered almost to death, just because he'd given his word not to help. It violated everything that he was, everything he believed in. So…he knew it was only a matter of time. And a matter of finding a way to tell Hercules the promise was off. A way to face the fear in the demigod's eyes.

Sighing, he decided he'd have to start finding a way to help Hercules live without him. Because eternity was a long time. And given the cards he'd been dealt, he seriously doubted he'd last that long.

Hercules, too, was silent, aware of the tension in Iolaus, afraid he knew only too well what his friend was thinking about. Maybe…maybe if they just lived quietly, didn't go looking for trouble. But, then, he sighed. It wasn't like they'd ever looked for it…trouble had a way of finding them. When the gates of the Academy came into view as they crested a rise, he turned to Iolaus, and said, "I know this is impossible. That it can't go on like this forever. But…just a little longer, okay? Until we can figure out what to do, how to change the limits…."

Iolaus looked down at his clasped hands, hearing the pleading tone, the desperation in Herc's voice. 'Figure out what to do…' he thought, 'like there's anything either of us can do about this.' But, he nodded, agreeing to keep the promise for now. "Okay," he murmured, looking up toward the sprawling complex that spread out before them. "A while longer…."

Jason came out to meet them as they pulled into the yard, heading the team toward the stables. The new Headmaster was surprised to see that Hercules was alone and wondered what had happened to the little guy from the other world, afraid they'd run into trouble. His face clouded as he loped across the yard to meet his friend, calling out, "Where's Iolaus? What happened?"

Reminded of the good news, Hercules smiled as he climbed down from the wagon, leaving the tending of the team to the cadets who'd emerged from the stables. Reaching up to take the bag of gold from the seat, he turned to hand it to his friend, as he answered, "Well, Jason, it's a long tail…two tails, actually…."

"What?" Jason replied, taking the gold and unconsciously hefting it gladly, his attention still on the missing Jester. But, the demigod's smile at least let him know the story wasn't dire. "So…tell me!"

Laughing, the demigod looped an arm around his friend as they turned to head toward the mess for an ale. "Well, you see, there was this girl and some pirates…oh, and Poseidon's Trident…."

"Hercules!" Jason protested, punching his friend's arm. "Either tell me the story clearly or I'll just have you repeat what Iolaus has to say about it!"

The demigod grinned as he heard his buddy snicker behind him. At least this was a story they could all be sure had a happy ending.

* * *

They puttered around for the next couple of days, Hercules again taking over the athletics program, while Jason made the necessary arrangements to buy the supplies needed and to see the repairs he wanted made were underway. The ex-king had been delighted by the love story, very pleased that the Jester had found love and a new life, though he thought he'd miss the little guy, and the youngest cadets were sorry to hear he wouldn't be back. Over the course of the past days, Jason had found a new reason for life and he found he enjoyed it. Having only agreed to take on the headmaster role temporarily, he'd decided to keep it. Teaching these young minds gave him a purpose that he could be proud of fulfilling and he'd planned to offer the Jester a permanent job.

Then, one day, Jason was surprised when one of the parents dropped by the Academy to see how her daughter was getting on…and the Headmaster realized why that particular cadet had seemed so hauntingly familiar to him.

"Lilith!" he cried, "I don't believe it! By the gods, it's good to see you again!"

Grinning, she hugged him and then stood back. She'd known he was here, Seska had written to her with the news of the new Headmaster and all the recent excitement. It was why she'd come. "I agree Jason… it's been too many years."

Taking her by the arm, Jason led her to his office, delighted to see her again, feeling young suddenly, as if all the years had fallen away. "Come in!" he urged. "We have a lot of catching up to do."

"More than you know," she murmured, casting him a sideways glance, thinking how good he looked, how good it was to see him again. She'd been right to come. He wasn't a king anymore, with a life and duties that could hold no room for her. Nor was he married now…though she tried not to hope he might still, somehow, feel as she did, what they'd felt in their youth. But, it was time he knew the truth…time that Seska knew as well.

"I've met your daughter," he was saying as they entered his office and he settled her in a chair, leaning back on his desk as he gazed at her fondly. "She's a fine cadet…you must be proud of her."

"I am, and I'm glad you approve of her," Lilith replied, looking away from a moment. Swallowing, taking a deep breath, she plunged right in. "You see…she's your daughter, too."

His face went blank with shock, as he stammered, "My…Seska?"

Feeling her heart sink, she hastened to assure him, "Not that I expect anything of you…and she doesn't know. It's just that I thought you deserved to know…."

"Why didn't you tell me?" he exclaimed, standing straight, a flash of anger in his eyes. "Years ago… why…?"

"Oh, Jason," she sighed. "You were the King…and what was I? A scruffy little tomboy cadet? There was no room in your life for me then…for us…."

"Not such a tomboy as I recall," he replied softly, remembering. Moving to pull her to her feet, to hold her in his arms, he said quietly, "I loved you, Lilith…I would have loved our child. You should have told me, not borne this burden all alone."

"She's never been a burden, Jason…how could she be?" Lilith replied, fighting a sob. "She's your daughter…I wanted her, never wanted anything more in my life. And…she's wonderful."

Jason hugged her tightly, and lightly kissed her brow. "I have a daughter," he whispered, amazed, thrilled…a little frightened. "I…would it be alright…to tell her now?" he asked, hopeful, wanting this suddenly, wanting more than anything to have a family again…to hold…to love.

"If you want to," Lilith agreed, glad to know he did. So glad to feel his arms around her again.

"Oh yes," he sighed, pulling back to smile at her, happiness glowing in his eyes, "I want to, very much."

And so they went to find Seska, to tell her the news, both of them so nervous they were shaking. What if she hated it, the whole idea? They found her in a class and asked that she be excused. Surprised to see her parent so unexpectedly, delighted, Seska hugged her mother enthusiastically, and then they went for a walk out to the garden in the back of the Academy, where there was a bench in the shade of an old tree.

Drawing her daughter down beside her, glancing at Jason for encouragement, then back to gaze into Seska's eyes, Lilith began a little tentatively, "Seska…I've never told you who your father was, only that I loved him very much, but couldn't tell him about you. I told you I'd explain when you were old enough. Well…you're old enough."

The young cadet frowned when her mother paused, confused, startled to be having this conversation with the Headmaster standing there. She flicked a look at Jason…and it was the expression on his face that explained it all. Jason, Captain of the Argonauts, former King of Corinth, hero…and her Headmaster…was her father?

"You?" she breathed, her eyes wide, wondering what he thought of her, whether he wanted to know about her.

"Yes, me," Jason replied, smiling softly, nervously. "Your mother just told me…and I only wish I'd known years ago. I know this is a shock for you…and I don't expect you to like me straight off…but I really hope we can become friends, at least…."

"Poppa?" she murmured, tears brimming in her eyes, as she unconsciously lifted a hand toward him. She'd always wondered…wondered if her father would want her…and she could see in his eyes that he did. And, she felt all shivery inside…all trembling and wanting…needing….

Jason reached for her and pulled her up into a tight hug, whispering, "Oh my girl, my darling girl…I'm so glad…"

Lilith sat with tears in her own eyes, one escaping to roll down her cheek…and was touched when Jason held out a hand to her, drawing her up into a joint hug. "We're a family now," he choked through the lump in his throat, "if you'll have me."

She smiled brilliantly at him, then leaned in, her head on his shoulder, one arm around him, one around her daughter, and sighed with relief. Home…she was finally home.

* * *

Hercules and Iolaus were delighted to see Lilith…and thrilled with the news. Iolaus had a few pithy observations to make about their youthful days at the Academy that Hercules chose not to share with the others, prompting Iolaus to laugh at him. Lilith, for her part, was glad to see Hercules again, and hugged him warmly. But, when she heard about Iolaus, her eyes flickered about the emptiness and her lips parted, as she sighed, "Oh Iolaus…I've missed you so much…I want to hug you, too."

"Tell her to consider herself well and truly hugged," Iolaus replied. "Better yet…hug her for me, big guy."

So, Hercules complied, while Lilith smiled sweetly at the place she knew Iolaus was standing.

Jason went about as proud as any father of a newborn daughter, except he had the fun of seeing her laughing and carrying on, brash and straightforward, a worthy student if not a brilliant one, and brave, taking on her male counterparts without blinking an eye…and besting them better than half the time. "She takes after you," he observed fondly one day to Lilith, who he had prevailed upon to stay at the Academy, with him.

Seska felt as if the sun had come into her life, as if all the pieces that had been missing were now falling into place. She blossomed under her father's approval, feeling a new confidence…and her mother's serene happiness was not lost on her.

"They all look like they belong together," Iolaus observed one evening as he watched them head out the gates for a walk. Turning to Hercules, he asked softly, "Does it bother you…I mean…Alcmene…"

"No," Hercules shook his head, smiling softly. "Of all of us, mother would be the one who would most want him to be happy. And he is…they all are. I'm glad."

They fell into a thoughtful silence, reflecting that everything seemed to be working out for the best. Iolaus' twin had found the love of his life and had a wonderful, fulfilling future ahead of him. Jason had found an old love, and a new daughter…a family when he'd thought he'd spend the rest of his life alone. They were each very happy for their friends.

But, the happiness of the others, the brightness of their futures, was a sharp contrast to the dark shadows that loomed before them, their own future uncertain, definitely unsettled. Hercules cut a glance at Iolaus, his eyes worried…afraid. He could tell his buddy was restless, unhappy…that he couldn't hold Iolaus to that promise forever. But it very nearly killed him to think about what would happen then. And Iolaus was only too aware of Hercules' disquiet. Talking with the animals was okay as far as it went, but it was a long way from what he'd somehow imagined when he'd refused to go back to Elysium. He knew Hercules was avoiding trouble, sticking close to the quiet life of the Academy, and he knew why. But, Herc was 'way too young to 'retire', and the world needed him. It bothered Iolaus to know he'd become a 'problem', a burden, someone who caused more concern than he alleviated. None of this was working out the way he'd hoped…but he didn't have a clue as to how to make any of it better.

It was also increasingly clear that the others were more at ease when he wasn't around, when they didn't have to remember to include him, so he'd again taken to roaming the woods while the others were occupied with their tasks. He returned in the evening to the staff mess to keep Hercules company over his meal, now that Jason was more often with Lilith and Seska in the main mess. During those times they'd pretend to one another that everything was fine, though each knew only too well that it wasn't. Then Iolaus would drift away again while everyone else slept. It was lonely, unfulfilling. But, he honestly loved the quiet of the forest, loved watching the animals, loved the smell of it…the sound of the rushing water in their favourite fishing stream. He drank it in…and told himself it was enough.

One day as he was ambling back to the Academy in the late afternoon, he heard the shout of a messenger calling for Hercules. Quickening his pace, taking care not to 'flit', he arrived in time to see the guy hand a scroll to his buddy. Iolaus was curious but not surprised, well, not surprised that someone had sent Hercules had received a scroll…maybe surprised it had taken this long for the world to catch up with Herc and send him a request for help. That's what it would be. That's what it always was.

Iolaus knew he'd likely have to reassure Hercules that he wouldn't do anything stupid so that Herc would agree to help whoever needed him this time. Giving himself a mental kick, he told himself to get with the program and stop feeling sorry for himself. He'd wasted enough time on wishing things could be different than they were and it was time to move on.

He moved to stand beside his friend as Herc unfurled the missive, frowning in concentration as he read:

'Hercules, it's been a long time since last we spoke and I know you have been traveling difficult roads. I find myself having to demand another labour of you, though I had sincerely hoped the last would have resolved the threat to what you value most. And yet, a worse threat has arisen and must be resolved. I demand, in keeping with your oath so long ago to do my will, that you go to Crete, to destroy the Cretan Bull that guards a small seemingly insignificant cottage. It's a massive creature, turned mean, and defeating it will not be easy. But, if you succeed, you will want to share the refreshment you'll find on the kitchen table with the one who travels with you. I will pray for the success you both deserve…. Eurystheus'

Thoughtfully, Hercules rolled the scroll back up and slipped it into his vest. Long ago, he'd been coerced into a vow to do Eurystheus' will to safeguard Iolaus' life, and had then been forced into a desperate final labour to remove the threat the gods held over them both. He'd been furious with Eurystheus at the time, until he'd won, and he'd understood the wisdom and courage of the older man in setting the task for him. Somehow, his old mentor had learned of their current situation, and though the note was cryptic, the demigod had no doubt it was the miracle he'd been longing for.

"What is it, Hercules?" Iolaus asked, concerned at the distant look on his partner's face, getting ready to launch into his 'well, of course you have to help,' speech.

Turning to gaze down at his best friend, Hercules replied evenly, "We're going to Crete. Eurystheus has something he wants me to do for him there…I have to honour the old vow."

The demigod wasn't prepared to share his hopes for what this might mean. There wasn't enough in the note, and perhaps he was only reaching for straws, desperate to believe that he was being handed a gift so precious he was afraid it would shatter if he held it too tightly. He couldn't raise Iolaus' hopes, it wouldn't be fair if it turned out he was just engaging in wishful thinking. But…he couldn't help the hope he felt, and it shone in his eyes.

Surprised to hear who the message had been from, Iolaus studied his friend, knowing there was more, something Hercules wasn't telling him. It had been nearly twenty years since his buddy had sworn himself to do Eurystheus' will, and had as a result engaged in some pretty dangerous tasks at the time. But… Eurystheus had found a way for them to beat the blackmail the gods held over them, Iolaus' life in exchange for Hercules agreeing to whatever they willed. To hear from the man now, after all these years…Iolaus wondered…and couldn't help but see the hope in his best friend's eyes. Swallowing, trying not to read too much into Herc's expression, he asked, "When do we leave?"

"Right away," Hercules replied, turning to tell Jason they had a journey to take, a deed to do. 'A labour,' he thought as he headed into the building, 'a task for some great prize, a prize of immeasurable worth and meaning…gods…please let it be the 'prize' I want, need, most in this life…please….'

* * *

They caught a ship at Corinth, a merchantman with goods to trade with the wealthy Minoan people. A large ship, it made good time, but it still took three days to cover the distance across the turquoise seas. All that Hercules would share was that he had to destroy a bull that had turned mean and was terrorizing the populace. Iolaus studied him quietly and let it go. There'd be time enough to see what was going on when they got there.

It was an easy sail, and Jason had insisted upon paying the fare, so Hercules didn't have to work his way. They spent long hours by the rail, watching the eternal sea, at peace with one another. Iolaus was tickled, and not a little moved, by the way Hercules just ignored the sailors who clearly thought he was crazy, talking and laughing to himself by the ship's rail. Oh, at first the demigod had tried to explain, while Iolaus giggled hysterically, but after a while, he just gave up and let the sailors think whatever they wanted as they gave him a wide berth.

But, Iolaus was also mindful of his thoughts on the way back from Corinth, that he had to find a way to help Hercules find peace without him, should that ever be necessary. Because, though he could see the hope in the demigod's eyes, and could guess that somehow they were being offered some kind of reprieve, he didn't dare rely upon it. So, as they reminisced about the crazy times they'd shared, the triumphs, and laughed at the more ridiculous memories, like being purple, Iolaus found himself frequently finding the opportunity to reflect on how he'd loved his life and wouldn't have changed it, none of it. And, he found an equal number of occasions to observe on the good Hercules did, the difference he made in the lives he touched, the people who cared about him…the meaning of his life.

Hercules heard the quiet observations, or those offered teasingly…and those barked out in laughter. Heard them all, and knew what Iolaus was trying to tell him. That he'd have to find a way of letting his friend go without being destroyed by it. He knew Iolaus was concerned about him, wanted to know that he'd be alright if anything happened…but…Hercules couldn't believe that could ever be possible. He'd lost too much, all those he'd loved best and he just couldn't bear the idea of one day irrevocably losing Iolaus.

He didn't understand it himself, this need, this overwhelming sense that they were bound together, that one couldn't exist, not as a complete being, without the other. Gods, he'd tried to find his own way, but he'd felt empty and utterly devastated, as if his own soul had been ripped from his body. Others lost those they loved… Jason had recovered from losing his mother. The Jester had managed to live with the horror of what his Hercules had become. But, in his heart, Hercules knew he couldn't be whole without Iolaus by his side, as he'd been for as long as the demigod could remember. His mother used to tease them, used to say they shared a single soul, and he hadn't understood, not until the past year, how right she had been.

Without Iolaus, he just wasn't whole.

Hercules knew he couldn't go through it again. Ever since Hades had warned him that Iolaus could be lost if he continued exerting his will to impact on the world to help people, Hercules had felt as if he was walking on the edge of an abyss. He expected it to crumble out from beneath him at any moment, unpredictably, outside of his control. His security and balance rested upon the promise he'd demanded from Iolaus. He knew it was selfish, that what he'd demanded of his friend was in some ways unconscionable…but he couldn't help it. He'd do anything, demand anything, to keep his friend by his side. But, this wasn't really up to him. It was up to Iolaus. Everything depended on how long his friend would agree to leash his own will before it became too much and oblivion became more desirable that the guilt of not helping when and where Iolaus knew he could.

The promise Hercules had forced had been carefully crafted that night when he couldn't sleep. The wording was entirely deliberate. 'On my life', he'd made Iolaus vow, and he'd meant it. It was the ultimate selfishness, and Hercules knew it. He hoped he'd die before he lost Iolaus again…and, if his hope wasn't to be granted, he'd decided he would kill himself rather than face the madness Iolaus' loss would bring. For himself, and for the world…his strength was too great, he could pose too much danger if he simply went mad. Oddly, the decision had brought him a measure of comfort. What good was a body anyway, once the soul was gone? Hercules hadn't shared any of this with Iolaus…wasn't sure he'd find the words to explain it. But, more, he knew he'd already placed intolerable burdens upon his friend. It was his decision alone to make, his life…his soul…his choice.

Perhaps, if they were lucky, if Fortune turned her fickle face toward them and smiled, perhaps this Cretan Bull was the key. And…if it wasn't…well, he tried not to think about that. But, deep down, he knew if they didn't find a solution in Crete, he'd beg his father, agree to anything…there had to be a way to make Iolaus safe without hurting him like this promise hurt him. And, if that failed, well, then it was only a matter of time.

That awareness of time, that realization that it was fleeting, that he couldn't count on having Iolaus much longer, made every moment precious. So, Hercules laughed and teased, was teased back and immersed himself in the joy that Iolaus brought into his life…grateful and made humble by the gift Iolaus made of himself, as he had always done, treasuring his friend and gifting him back with all that he was

* * *

They docked at the port of the capital city, Knossus, in the shadow of the massive palace that could house five thousand people in comfort. It was the marvel of their world, built by Daedalus to withstand earthquake and any attack, not that the Minoans were prepared for war. It wasn't a part of their culture of art and commerce. As they strode through the busy streets leading to the palace, Hercules marveled at what they had created here and wondered if it could last…if beauty could forever hold back greed and war.

He asked directions at the palace on how to find the Cretan Bull…and it seemed everyone knew where it was to be found. A day's journey into the hills, to a narrow valley with a narrower river. He'd find the bull in a large fenced meadow against the cliffs. And, yes, there was an ancient cottage there, though none had ever visited it, flush against the unscalable cliffs as it was, the only path to it led past the jealous bull. No one knew who the cottage had belonged to, though it was rumoured to have been a favourite retreat of Gaia herself…it was only known that it had been there forever, and the bull had been there eternally guarding it from the curiousity of mortal eyes. The bull, their symbol of fertility, was believed to be Gaia's own. It was the only way they could explain the wonder of its size and longevity.

Thanking the priestesses who had given him the directions, for the Minoans still worshipped Gaia, the ancient goddess of the earth and not the Olympians, they set out on their trek into the interior. It was a pleasant journey, the island beautiful, rich in agriculture, lush with green mountains and rushing streams and rivers. Flowers bloomed wild and trees blossomed, scenting the air delicately around them. In its own way, Crete was a kind of paradise.

The journey was too long to complete that day, since their ship hadn't docked until well after the sun had reached its zenith. They made camp by a stream and Hercules fished…his own way, much to Iolaus' teasing contempt, and they lingered over the fire, Hercules too excited by what the morrow might bring to relax into sleep.

"So…you're going to kill Gaia's bull," Iolaus observed dryly. "Do you really think that's wise?"

Hercules looked away as he shrugged. "It's a labour assigned by Eurystheus. I don't have any choice. If it angers her, she'll have to take it up with him and whoever concocted this up."

"Uh huh," Iolaus grunted, gazing across the fire with a knowing look, "so, you don't think he dreamed this up on his own?"

"I don't know, Iolaus…the other labours were all his idea so far as I could ever tell," Hercules replied blandly.

"What aren't you telling me?" the soul demanded, crossing his arms as he leaned against a tree and looked down at the demigod sitting cross-legged by the fire.

"What?" Hercules replied, an involuntary smile shocked to his lips. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh come off it. I didn't fall out of an olive tree this afternoon. Something's up…Eurystheus has come up with something to help us, hasn't he?" Iolaus scoffed.

Hercules sighed as he looked into the flames. "Maybe…we won't know until we get there, and until I defeat the bull. I'm…I'm a little afraid to hope for too much, you know?"

"Yeah," his buddy sighed, moving to sit across the fire from him, "I know. Herc…the things Eurystheus asks…they're dangerous. I don't want you to risk too much…"

Hercules stared for a long moment into the flickering flames before he shook his head a little, and looked up, his eyes dark with his own promise, "I won't risk more than I think it's worth."

Iolaus rolled his eyes, as he protested, "That's what I'm afraid of! Herc…"

But, the demigod cut him off, his voice steady as he demanded, "Iolaus…this time it is my choice. Whatever happens, I want you to remember your promise to me…on my life, you'll keep that promise."

"You're a hard man, Hercules," Iolaus sighed, twisting his lips in discontent as he gazed at his friend, his eyes clouded with fear and deep reluctance to agree to something which might well cost Hercules his life.

"Promise," the demigod pushed.

Gazing into the flames, Iolaus nodded once as he replied, his voice soft but oddly intense, "On your life, Herc…I promise."

* * *

It took the whole of the next morning, and then into the afternoon, before they crested the final hill and looked down into the long, narrow valley below, the thin ribbon of a river glinting in the sun as it meandered along the middle of the cleft between the mountain cliffs.

They could make out the meadow, and the high stone wall which enclosed it…the cottage against the far sheer wall of rock…and the bull.

They both paused in silent shock as they stared down at it. Though they were some distance away, they were staggered by the size and power of the beast.

"Dear gods, Hercules…" Iolaus breathed. "It's a monster."

Swallowing, the demigod nodded but then simply squared his shoulders as he led the way down through the forest to the valley below.

"Wait!" called Iolaus, skipping a little in his haste to catch his friend as he ran down the steep path. "You can't just walk in there! You need a weapon!"

Hercules paused at that, and with another look through the trees at the beast below, he nodded. "You could be right." Striding to a sturdy oak, he reached up and ripped a thick branch from the body of the tree and tore smaller branches from it to create a lance. Reaching for the knife he carried in the back of his belt, the knife he and Iolaus had once forged together, he shaved the tip of the lance until the point was sharp. Slipping the knife back into his belt, he turned and continued down the narrow path.

Iolaus just looked at him, and then down to the bull below and shook his head. This was not good.

It didn't get any better as they got closer. The stone fence, as thick as a barricade, was as high as Hercules' shoulders. Beyond it, they could see the Cretan Bull clearly now, and it stood ten feet high at its shoulder. Heavily muscled with a hide like iron, it looked as if it had been carved of stone. Sensing their presence, the heavy head turned to face them, and they saw eyes blazing like twin fires, horns curved and shaped to dagger like tips and they could have sworn when it snorted at them that smoke blew from its nostrils.

"Uh…Hercules, I don't think this is such a good idea," Iolaus muttered with a shudder he couldn't quite suppress.

His head cocked a little as he studied the beast, Hercules shrugged. "Doesn't matter," he replied. "It's a labour set by Eurystheus…I have no choice."

"Bull!" protested Iolaus as he stepped in front of the demigod. Glancing over his shoulder meaningfully, he continued, "And I mean that with that guy in mind. That old vow doesn't mean anything anymore. What'll happen if you refuse…some god'll show up and blast me? I'm already dead!"

Hercules just looked down at his best friend for a moment, then quietly replied, "You know what will happen, eventually. I won't just accept that, Iolaus…not when I have a choice."

Stepping around his friend, he tossed the lance over the wall, then jumped to lever himself up and over, into the field.

"Hercules!" Iolaus called out, but the demigod was already striding toward his fate. "Dammit," the soul muttered, passing through the wall to watch the battle play out.

"It'll be all right," Hercules reassured him, calling back over his shoulder, his eyes remaining on the bull that had turned to face him and was pawing the ground, its head low, snorting at the invasion of its turf.

"Yeah, right," Iolaus replied, his eyes narrowing as he watched the beast gather itself for its charge.

And then it was lumbering down the long field toward the demigod, its great hooves churning up the ground, the earth trembling with the weight of it as it picked up speed, coming faster than a spring flood tearing down a mountain.

Hercules took a balanced position, readying his improvised lance for the fatal thrust, tall and strong as he stood alone in the field, focused on the task at hand. The demigod felt curiously fatalistic as he watched the massive beast thundering toward him, not at all sure the flimsy oak lance would be sufficient to kill the monster. He might well die in this attempt, this hope that might even be misplaced, that there was something inside that cottage which could restore Iolaus, or in some way protect his soul. But, if he did die, he figured that at the least, they'd be souls who could hang around together…because no one was taking his soul anywhere Iolaus couldn't go. He felt no fear for himself, only that he might let Iolaus down. On the other hand, if he won this contest, all their problems might well be over. Lifting his head, smiling in anticipation of watching his buddy drink from the chalice, he shifted a little, poised to thrust the lance as the bull pounded ever closer.

Iolaus watched, afraid to blink, as he watched the beast thunder down the field toward his best friend. Swearing to himself in his anxiety, he knew Herc was risking this for him and it was driving him crazy to just stand here and watch. Taking a mental breath, he tried to calm himself, telling himself that Hercules could do this…Herc could do anything. He'd be fine. And then he saw the massive bull swerve at the last moment, away from the thrusting lance, so that it scraped harmlessly along its side, leaving the demigod wide open to its relentless assault! Iolaus was already starting to run forward, when it's massive head rolled toward the demigod as it came on, undeterred, and determined to kill this trespasser.

Iolaus screamed as the dagger-like horn gored the demigod's side and the force of the blow knocked his best friend flying back to land hard in the rocky field, an audible 'thwack' as his head connected with a stone and he lay sprawled unmoving in the dirt, blood staining his vest.

The bull was charging after him, intent upon trampling its victim into the ground…and Iolaus was pounding after it, knowing he could never catch it in time this way…knowing he could not watch it murder Hercules. In a blinding moment of almost raw terror, he threw his promise to the winds. A vow on Herc's life would be meaningless anyway if the demigod was dead.

"Sorry," he murmured as he flitted with supernatural speed to cut off the bull's charge. "For your life…I have to do this!"

As he blew into position, Iolaus focused all of his force, everything that he was on creating an impassable wall between the bull and his best friend. "Get up!" he screamed just before the bull hit, knowing he couldn't hold it off forever, just long enough he hoped for Hercules to get himself out of the way.

Titanic power hit a will of steel, and dust blew up around them as the bull crunched to a halt, bellowing in surprise, then dug in its hooves to get past the puny being who'd dared to try to keep it from its kill. Iolaus pushed back with all his might, his energy focused on this one thing, to save Hercules' life. Nothing else mattered. Nothing.

Hercules groaned and lifted his head, shocked into motion when he saw what was occurring. The lance was still gripped in his fist and he scrambled to his feet. "IOLAUS!" he screamed. "STOP!"

His buddy had little choice. He'd expended all he had. Just as his strength failed, Hercules lunged in, driving the lance with all his power, made greater by his desperate fear and fury. "You promised me!" he screamed, unable to accept what Iolaus had done…overwhelmed to know it had been done deliberately, for him. The crude weapon plunged deep into the bull's body, tearing into its heart…and bellowing its agony and rage, it dropped as if pole-axed straight to the earth.

Just next to the place where a wasted soul had crumpled to float about a foot off the ground…gray and insubstantial.

Hercules dropped to his knees, screaming, "NO!" as he looked into the fading features of his best friend.

"Live…Herc," Iolaus murmured, his eyes clouded, sightless, his voice thin and reedy, as insubstantial as a wisp of fog. "For…me."

"NO!" shouted the demigod again, mindless in his terror, as he scrambled to his feet and raced headlong to the cottage, driving the door from its hinges with his shoulder as he plunged inside. Oblivious to his own injuries, to the blood pouring from his side, he looked wildly around the dim interior and spotted the table…and the plain clay chalice, worn and chipped.

Lunging forward, only then did he realize how badly he was hurt as he staggered, dizzy. "Not now," he growled, as he reached for the goblet and had to steady himself on the edge of the table to keep from collapsing. A trembling, unsteady hand gripped the precious cup, wondering what it contained. Salvation? Poison? Desperate, knowing that only this could save Iolaus, and only if he could get it back to him in time, Hercules lifted the cup to his lips. Just a sip. And he'd know. Know if it was a deadly poison…or a potion to bring life.

Strength surged through him and he whirled back to the door, the chalice gripped in one hand, the palm of the other covering it, sealing the rim so none of the precious liquid could spill away. He charged back across the field, still tasting the ambrosia thinned with sweet nectar on his tongue, and fell to his knees by the wavering wisp of mist, barely discernable now as the shape of his friend. He tipped the goblet to let the potion flow toward the dim outline of his buddy's mouth, slipping a hand under the shadow of Iolaus' head to catch whatever spilled through the insubstantial remains of all that was left of his partner.

"Come on," he groaned, feeling liquid splash into his palm. Steadying himself, he poured more slowly, but continued to try to get the libation into his buddy…heaving a sobbing breath when Iolaus' form began to become clearer…less gray…less insubstantial. More…a little more…and still more, emptying what he'd caught into his hand back into the chalice, then laying his hand again beneath Iolaus' floating form. "Come on, buddy…come on," he begged breathlessly.

Iolaus' body grew heavy and sank to the earth, his head pillowed in Hercules' palm. The last of the potion dripped past his slack lips and Hercules tossed the empty clay vessel away, running his trembling fingers through his hair, then reaching to draw Iolaus closer against his body.

He shuddered to feel skin and muscle, his breath catching in his chest as he gazed down into Iolaus' pale face, still, unresponsive, but no longer only a wraith. Then, finally, he saw the rise and fall of Iolaus' chest as he drew in breath, felt the warmth return to his partner's skin. Hercules closed his eyes, drawing Iolaus tight to his chest, his head bent over his partner's, tears streaming down his face as he wept, blind with the relief that surged through his heart…and his soul.

It was long minutes later before Iolaus stirred, groggy, confused as he muttered, "Sorry…couldn't let…on your life…had to save…"

"Shhh," Hercules soothed, trembling fingers stroking his buddy's curls back from his face. "Rest, Iolaus…just rest." Vaguely astonished that he still existed, Iolaus knew something was different, but he couldn't focus…and drifted back into the darkness. He'd been so far gone that even the ambrosia had scarcely been enough to bring him back.

In the moment that he'd realized Iolaus had abrogated the promise, Hercules had been furious, furious with his partner for betraying something so sacred, furious with himself for having been injured and leaving Iolaus with little choice. And, he'd been terrified that at the very brink of salvation there would only be intolerable loss. But, the urgency to act had driven all feeling away, focusing all his attention on doing everything he could to save his friend. Now, he couldn't be angry…how could he be? He would have made the same choice to save Iolaus' life that Iolaus had just made for him, and he knew it. It was the story of their lives…at their most vulnerable, it was the other who was there, and the greatest loss one could suffer, was the greatest gift the other could give. They'd been lucky…they'd both survived once again. And all Hercules could feel was an immense, all-consuming gratitude that Iolaus was safe, at least for now.

As the tumult of his own emotions eased, Hercules shifted and picked his partner up, to carry him away from the carcass of the massive bull, back to the cool shadow of the stone wall. Leaning against it, Hercules slipped to the ground, moving to cradle Iolaus comfortably against his body…and he just gazed down into the beloved face, his own transformed by the light of blissful happiness, as he murmured softly, "Thank you… whoever you are…thank you."

* * *

It was another hour before Iolaus stirred again. Blinking against the light, he tried to remember what had happened…and then he stiffened in awareness. He could feel Hercules holding him! Startled blue eyes widened as they looked into the soft gaze above. "What…?" he whispered, not daring to hope. The last thing he could remember was the bull pushing past him, Hercules screaming somewhere behind him…he was terrified that being able to feel Hercules' strong grip only meant that he'd failed…that Herc was dead too.

"Welcome back, buddy," Hercules replied softly, a warm smile playing on his lips…and then he pulled Iolaus toward him, hugging him tightly as he choked once again, "Welcome back!"

Iolaus was stunned for a moment as the words sank in. Back? Alive? With a body? Trembling with the awareness of being real, of having substance…of being able to touch again, Iolaus felt a blaze of incandescent joy burst through him as he hugged Hercules right back, holding on for all he was worth. Life! Hercules had won his life back…whole, real. Overwhelmed, overcome, he couldn't stop the tears that slipped down his cheeks, couldn't help crying with the unbelievable and achingly incredible wonder of it all.

And, for once, he didn't feel ashamed of the tears, didn't regret them.

* * *

Iolaus was a man reborn, in every sense of the word. He couldn't get enough of being solid! As they made their way back to Knossus, he deliberately tramped through every stream they came through, splashing and laughing like a kid. He'd try to catch fish the way Herc did, giggling in delight when he was successful and then just toss them back in again. As they moved through the forest, he pushed at trees and rocks, repeatedly relieved to not be able to simply pass through them…once he remembered. The first time they'd come to a sizeable oak, he'd forgotten and had tried to walk right through it…only to end up on his butt, rubbing his head and giggling like a maniac.

He kept up a non-stop chatter all the way back to the city, partial phrases and excited statements of anticipation. "Gotta hug Lilith and pound Jason on the back!", "Wow, wait'll Jason realizes he can really see me, hear me…no more of having to put up with the pitiful stories you tell!", "Fishing…we have to go fishing…and to a festival…which one is on this time of year?", "Boar stew," he sighed blissfully, "and fresh baked bread…and rabbit!" And, "taverns…ale…and barmaids!" he giggled, "Dancing…and, and everything!" And, "I can fight now, back you up…like it used to be…gods," he sighed in relief. "Oh, and we've got to go see Iph…let him know everything's alright," softly, as he remembered how Iphicles had reacted to knowing he was but a ghost.

Hercules nodded, grinned, murmured, "Uh huh," and laughed outright at the more boisterous antics. The world was alive again, full of sound and colour, laughter and joy…and he couldn't get enough of it.

But all that was nothing compared to when they finally arrived in the town. Iolaus grabbed the first pretty girl he saw and whirled her around in an impromptu dance, while Hercules apologized, trying to explain his friend had been 'away' for a while. When they hit the market, Iolaus reached for an apple, and bit into it, an expression of rapture on his face and then couldn't resist cartwheeling down the mosaic paving outside the palace, drawing startled attention from the priestesses…and then he actually kissed one of them, bringing a blush to her cheek and a twinkle to her eyes. When they ambled past the women's bathhouse, he deliberately looked at Hercules and tried to walk through the wall, laughing so hard when he couldn't that he almost fell down and had to lean on the wall for support.

Hercules rolled his eyes, and lent his buddy support until he could stand on his own again. Happy. This is what it felt like to be happy. He'd forgotten. They both had.

Finally, they made it to the dock and learned a vessel wouldn't be departing for Corinth until the next morning. They bought some cheese and bread from a food cellar and took themselves off to sit on the edge of the dock, down at the far end, away from the bustling workers.

"Yummm," Iolaus sighed as he munched the simple meal. As far as he was concerned it was ambrosia. As they watched the sun set in the west, its dying light staining the sea a brilliant pink verging on deep rose, Hercules looped an arm around his buddy's shoulders and Iolaus let himself be pulled back to rest against the demigod for a quiet moment.

"How'd you do it, Herc?" he asked quietly, finally calming down enough to remember to ask. "How'd'ya get me back?"

"Remember the cottage in the back of the meadow?" Hercules replied, smiling softly.

"Yeah?"

"There was an old pottery chalice of ambrosia and nectar on the table," the demigod explained. "It wasn't easy getting it into you…I mean you'd just about disappeared…I was afraid…."

Iolaus pulled away at the tremble he heard in his buddy's voice at the terrible memory. Turning to face Hercules, he offered, "It's over, Herc…I'm sorry it was so hard…."

Which reminded Hercules, "You promised you wouldn't do that!" he scolded, but gently, no longer needing the anger, understanding too well what had driven his best friend to risk oblivion. Not for the world this time. For him.

"Yeah, well…I'd warned you it couldn't last…" Iolaus offered lamely, looking away. "I couldn't just stand there and watch that brute crush you into the earth," he added quietly. Perking up, he added a trifle impishly, "Besides, I figured if the promise was 'on your life' and you were dead, it wouldn't mean anything anyway, so I just pushed it a bit."

"Pushed it," Hercules echoed. Then smiled, thinking of how Iolaus had held off the raging bull with the simple, sheer force of his will. "Well, that you did. Almost too far. Now that you're back, how about you make sure you don't die again anytime soon. It really wears me out, you know?"

Iolaus snickered a little as he replied, "Okay…I won't if you don't."

Chuckling, Hercules couldn't resist ruffling his buddy's hair as he replied, "I'm the not the one who routinely throws himself in front of trouble."

Pulling away, feigning umbrage, Iolaus snapped, "Oh no? Well, I beg to differ and I could give you countless, countless examples…but standing in front of a monstrous bull that's thundering toward you with no more than a toothpick in your hand comes to mind. I'm not the only one who takes risks! Standing in front of a raging bull…how crazy is that?"

"Hey, I had a good reason for that!" the demigod protested, his eyes twinkling.

"Really? What reason could ever be good enough for that kind of insanity?" Iolaus demanded, shuddering as he again remembered the moment when the bull swerved away from the lance and gored his friend.

"Saving your soul," his best friend replied quietly, all trace of laughter gone from the eyes that gazed gratefully upon the partner Hercules had come too close to losing forever.

"Oh, well…yeah, I guess that's okay, so long as you had a reason," Iolaus allowed, bowing his head, humble before the immensity of love Hercules felt for him.

"I always have a reason…but not often one that's as important to me as this one was…as you are," the demigod clarified, once again looping his arm around Iolaus' shoulders. "I'm glad you're back."

"Thanks, Herc," his buddy replied softly. "For everything…for the bull…but almost more for not caring that everybody thought you were crazy whenever you talked to me in public! You are one really brave guy, you know that? I had my reasons, too, you know, for jumping in front of that bull. I know I broke my promise to you…but, well, when it comes to reasons, I had the best reason in the world."

"I know," Hercules sighed wondering again how he ever deserved what Iolaus so selflessly offered, all, everything that he was, and he gratefully squeezed his friend's shoulder, knowing he'd never have the words to really express how he felt. "Thanks."

Gazing out at the tranquil sea, Iolaus reflected, "But, all things considered, I think I'll stick to living for a while. I'm not cut out to be a ghost…being dead just isn't me, you know?"

Hercules grinned as he gave his friend a playful shove. Remembering the bathhouse in particular, he laughed, "I know. Believe me, I know! It's good to have you back…really back, I mean."

"Believe me, it's good to be back!" Iolaus replied, meaning it, especially knowing it couldn't last forever, but was only one more miraculous reprieve. Jabbing Herc with his elbow for the hell of it, he teased his friend into a light wrestling match that ended up tumbling them both into the water. Coming up to the surface, spluttering with laughter, he thought with exuberant joy at being alive, 'Even if it's only for a while…gods, it is so good to be alive!'

* * *

"Well, that's done then," Hades murmured with a certain satisfaction as he turned from his window on the world.

"Hmm," Zeus nodded, sipping his wine. For one, he was glad it over and done. His grandmother had not been pleased to lose a bull she'd had for eons, but she had a soft spot for her great-grandson and his irrepressible friend, so she'd agreed to allow the labour to be devised. Atropos, on the other hand…well, she'd been harder to placate, and he'd finally just told her that if Hercules succeeded in his labour, she'd have to make good on the deal, and that was that.

"How long before they figure out that new body is as eternal as the soul within it?" the God of the Underworld wondered.

"Quite a while," his brother responded. At the questioning look, Zeus continued, "They both have a great deal to learn yet. Iolaus has to learn that a time will come when he won't be able to save Hercules' life and he'll have to learn how to live with that. Hercules has to learn that he is indeed half-mortal…and come to terms with an existence without Iolaus by his side."

"After all this?" Hades protested, imagining the angst yet to come, shuddering at it. "Why?"

"Neither will be quite whole until they learn to stand on their own…but it will all only make them stronger together in the end," Zeus replied sagely. "Besides, Hercules will bargain anything to ensure an eternity neither of them quite believes in yet. So…Iolaus' body can be injured, sorely injured…but he will heal. And grow old. Until one day when I decide the time has come. One day…when I'll reveal to them both that Iolaus is also now a god, though a lesser one. A warrior god. One day…but not yet. If I told them now, they'd more likely throw the gift back in my face than thank me for it!"

Hades shook his head at his brother's machinations, but whatever he might have said was lost when Ares blazed in from Olympus. "Alright," he demanded, "how'd you do it?"

He'd been watching, closely, and hadn't seen any evidence of direct interference by any god, let alone these two. But he knew they had to have been responsible. Which meant Zeus had violated one of his own principal rules.

The brothers shrugged, both assuming looks of injured innocence. "I have no idea what you're talking about," Hades replied with a sardonic chill.

"Nor I," Zeus proclaimed with majestic affront at being accused of violating his own rules. The very idea!

"The runt is back and don't tell me you didn't make it happen," Ares stormed, his eyes flashing. He had every intention on trading on Zeus' weakness for his 'favourite' son. The God of War had his own 'intervention' all planned out.

Zeus shrugged, as he replied with a certain interest, "Really? The last I'd noticed, Eurystheus had sent Hercules on yet another labour…those labours were your doing as I recall."

Ares' eyes narrowed as he studied the two scheming gods, knowing he'd been had. Well, he'd figure it out, if it took a thousand years. There was time…all the time in the world.

Growling low in his throat with frustration, he vanished in a black cloud of smoke.

Hades smirked as he lifted his goblet to toast his brother's ingenuity…and Zeus lifted his own to toast Hades' success in implementing his scheme. But, just before he took another drink, the King of the Gods threw a stern look at his brother as he growled, "Oh…no more barring of Elysium or inadvertently creating immortals."

"Don't worry," Hades assured him. "I don't plan to ever do anything like that again."

Still, he thought as he sipped his libation, he wasn't displeased to have found he'd had an unexpected power. Or to have used it. If only once.

It made things a little more interesting to think that even as gods, they didn't know everything.

* * *

Atropos sulked, and sniffed as she regarded the tapestry, irritated with her sisters' benign acceptance of it all. "Gods…always wanting their own way," she muttered.

Lachesis calmly entwined the new length of golden thread, weaving it into place along the bronze one. "At least the shadows of evil are gone, and the threads are strong again. He helped rid us of Dahok…the gift of his life was little enough in return."

Stuffing her shears into her apron, Atropos shrugged, then nodded grudgingly. "Yes…I suppose you're right. But…mark my words, that one is nothing but trouble. He'll be messing up the pattern again before we know it. Even gods can be threatened, especially if they don't even know they're a god! And that Son of Zeus, going around thinking he's invincible…well, we'll see."

Clothos just bowed her head over her spindle, smiling cheerfully as she spun long lengths of golden thread, glad she no longer had to hide them away in her own pocket for when they'd be needed. It seemed everyone had finally seen what she'd known for a long time…this world needed these two heroes, needed them bound together, so they'd be strong, stronger than either could be alone…needed them now and always would.

Finis … Finally! !