This story is not intended to violate any copyrights held by MCA, Universal Studios, or Renaissance Pictures concerning Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. This story is for fun and no money was made from it.
Author's note: It's recommended that you read these chapters in order, or else they won't make much sense. The setting is at the end of season four, obviously before season five.
To read a summary of previous chapters, click here
Hercules watched with troubled eyes as his friend trudged down the road. Iolaus never used to trudge, he always bounded along with seemingly undying energy. But lately he was listless and quiet, and he refused to tell the demigod what was bothering him. After all they had been through over the last year, the partners had become closer than ever, and it hurt Hercules that his friend couldn't, or wouldn't, confide in him. As he watched Iolaus disappear around the bend in the road, Hercules shook his head and continued on his own path. All he could do was be there for his friend and trust that Iolaus would come to him when he was ready.
Hercules regretted not being able to attend the Lenaean festival with him, but had encouraged him to go on alone, hoping that the festival would put some of the life back into his partner. Iolaus was really starting to worry him, and with everything that had happened lately, Hercules had become very protective of those close to him. Hera was gone, but that just left the "My-sole-purpose-is-to-destroy-Hercules-and-all-he-loves" position vacant. He had no doubt that Ares would be first in line to fill it. Iolaus, in his current despondent state, would be an easy target for a vengeful god. Hercules resisted the urge to go after the hunter, knowing that he was capable of handling himself, but he couldn't help wondering if sending him off alone to the festival was such a good idea after all.
Iolaus was firmly convinced that it was not a good idea. He was not in the best of moods, and being surrounded by happy, celebrating villagers was not helping. It also didn't help that everyone he ran into seemed to inquire as to Hercules' whereabouts within the first two minutes of conversation. Iolaus had gotten used to being "that guy with Hercules" over the years, but he had always thought that he was accepted for himself here. He had always been given the hero's welcome, but now he was realizing that these people were no different than all the others. No legendary half-god, no interest in him. Except for the women. Acknowledged hero or not, Iolaus was a charmer. The hunter had long since proven that he had a way with the ladies, and several of his former acquaintances were approaching him and letting him know in not-so-subtle ways that they were available for the night. He flirted half-heartedly with some of them, but he really was not interested. Elissa had stolen his heart, and if he couldn't be with her, he would be alone. It had been almost a year since he'd seen her last, but the pain of leaving her had not diminished, in fact, it had grown stronger. All that had happened since Epidaurus had only served to enforce his feelings for her. In one way or another, he had almost lost Hercules several times, and he HAD lost Alcmene, the woman that had been mother to him. He needed to be with Elissa now, needed to love her and feel her love for him.
Iolaus spent most of the festival wandering around alone. He didn't feel like joining in any of the games and he was content to be by himself for awhile. The food was beckoning him, even in his deepest depressions he could still pack it away, but he only had a few dinars and decided to spend it wisely. Since Hercules wasn't with him, he doubted the food would be complimentary. Sure, he could always sweet-talk a pretty young barmaid into giving him something, but he didn't seem to have the energy this time. He was contemplating leaving the festival early and setting up camp in the forest when he saw Aurora. She was with her aunt and uncle, and Iolaus hadn't seen her since they had taken her away, although he thought about her all the time. The hunter had been prepared to raise his foundling as his daughter, and he'd felt an incredible loss when her family had come to claim her. But now he knew it was the right thing to do. She was happy and well cared for, and had begun to speak again. Aurora belonged with her family, but when she hugged him and told him that she loved him, Iolaus knew she would always be his Little One. Seeing her had somehow made him feel a bit better, so he decided to try and enjoy the rest of the festival.
Iolaus made his way around the booths, managing to avoid Falafel's stand. A noise from the stage caught his attention, so he headed in that direction. The man that was performing was not like any minstrel Iolaus had ever seen. This guy was tall and thin, not conventionally handsome and rather scruffy. He also looked incredibly angry, scowling at the audience. As he sang a song about Athena, he played his lyre savagely, slashing his fingers over the strings. Iolaus became transfixed, as was the rest of the crowd. The minstrel finished the song by swinging his arm in great circles, forcing chords from his instrument on every pass. Then, without warning, he swung his lyre around and smashed it onto the stage, over and over, until the instrument was completely demolished. He threw what was left of the neck into the crowd, glared at them, and stalked off. The music had intrigued Iolaus, but he had to frown over the destruction of the lyre. All of the kids in the audience were going wild, apparently not sharing his disdain for the waste of a perfectly good instrument. Maybe I AM getting old, he thought to himself. The hunter shook his head and decided it was time to hit the tavern.
Everyone else must have had the same idea, because the tavern was packed. Iolaus didn't feel like company, so when he finally got a mug of mead, he slipped outside and found a bench to himself. He nursed his drink for quite a while, thinking to himself, until a shower of golden sparkles broke his reverie.
"Aphrodite, I'm not in the mood," he said forcefully.
"I can see that, Sweet Cheeks," the goddess of love said lightly. "You're bumming out the whole party."
"What do you want?" Iolaus asked irritably.
"It's not a question of what I want. It's what YOU want, Curly."
"What are you talking about?" She had only just appeared and Iolaus was already starting to get a headache.
"I'm talking about that healer chick you've been mooning after."
"What about her?" Iolaus said tightly. Aphrodite took his chin in her hand and gently redirected the hunter's gaze across the square.
"She's over there." Iolaus felt his heart jump as he caught sight of Elissa. She was looking at the wares for sale, and coming dangerously close to Falafel's stand. He drank in her beauty and light, but he was afraid to go her. Iolaus almost couldn't stand it the last time they parted, and he didn't want to feel that pain again. But on the other hand, the pain of not being with her was almost as great.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked the goddess.
"It's my job, Curly," she said, exasperated. "You love her, she loves you, and I have to hook you up."
"It's not that simple," the hunter said quietly, never taking his eyes off the healer.
"I know, that whole deal with Hercules," Aphrodite said, giving a dismissive wave. "But you two belong together, trust me. This is love, sweetie, and not even my brother is strong enough to stop it. Now quit moping around back here and go and have some fun."
"Thanks, Aphrodite." Iolaus gave her a broad grin before she vanished in a flash of light. He knew he couldn't stay away from Elissa, no matter how much it would hurt when it was time to leave, and he felt the emptiness leave his heart with every step he took toward her.
"Hello, stranger," he said softly. Elissa whirled around and a brilliant smile lit her face as she saw him. She threw her arms around him and he held her as if he'd never let go, looking deeply into her eyes. Iolaus had given up trying to place the familiarity that always shone from their emerald depths, but he still depended on it to comfort him.
"How are you?" she asked. The hunter knew what she wanted, so he released her from his embrace and removed his vest. Thanks to her careful ministrations, the wounds from the lashing he'd received had healed very well. There was a faint scarring, but at a glance everything seemed normal. She ran her fingers gently over the smooth flesh, and her touch sent shivers running through him.
"What are you doing here?" he asked quickly, to distract his mind.
"Looking for you," she said as he slipped his vest back on. "I remembered you telling me about this festival when we were in Epidaurus, and I was hoping I'd find you here. I've got something for you." She rummaged in her satchel for a moment and pulled out an object wrapped in cloth. Iolaus unwrapped it carefully and gasped as he realized what it was.
"Where did you find this?" he asked in amazement.
"That is a long story, my friend. Let's just say it took some doing."
"I can't believe this," he said, slipping his medallion over his head. He had lost it in Epidaurus when one of the whiplashes had severed the cord, and he thought it was gone forever. "I've said it before, but you never cease to amaze me." She smiled brightly, delighted that he was so happy with her gift. "Come on," Iolaus grinned as took her by the hand and led her back to the stage. The musicians that were performing were spirited, but decidedly more tame than the last minstrel was. As they began to dance, Iolaus let everything go. He had always held back a little when he was with Elissa, afraid of what would happen if he let his feelings go unchecked, but this time he decided he was going to be happy and enjoy their brief time together, whatever the consequences. They danced perfectly for several songs, relishing in the closeness and just being together, before Iolaus stopped and asked her if she'd like to take a walk. The healer agreed, and they left the festival hand in hand and began strolling down the road as the sun began it's descent.
"I have so much to tell you, but so much has happened since I saw you last, I don't even know where to start," Iolaus said, thinking about the events of the past year.
"I've heard stories. If it was anyone else I wouldn't have believed them, but with you and Hercules, I'm willing to believe anything." Elissa grew serious. "Iolaus, I heard about his mother. I'm sorry."
"Yeah, it was pretty rough on him."
"And you too, I'm sure. I know what she meant to you."
"She always gave me a home and a family when I needed it," he said softly, squeezing her hand. "I almost left them to go find you. I knew if anyone could help her, you could."
"I would have come if I had known," she said.
"I know. But Alcmene was ready to go. It was her time."
"That doesn't make it any easier," the healer whispered. Iolaus nodded.
"Did you hear about Hera?" he said abruptly, trying to change the subject. "Hercules took care of her once and for all."
"Is she gone for good?"
"We can only hope," the hunter sighed. "Herc seems to think so, but with that witch you never know. It certainly would be nice not to have to deal with any more of her little pets, like that one." He pointed to a statue of Hercules battling the Hydra.
"Well, that looks like a friendly little thing," Elissa grimaced.
"That was a tough one. We killed it right over there," Iolaus informed her, waving at an area on the other side of the road.
"We?"
"Yeah, Hercules and I."
"Then why aren't you in the statue, too?" she asked, puzzled.
"That's the way it goes," he shrugged. "We do the labors, Herc gets the credit. It's the way it's always been. I'm used to it." Iolaus began walking again. His tone had been light, but Elissa could sense his pain underneath.
"That isn't right," she said, catching up with him.
"It's ok," he said, trying to end the conversation.
"Doesn't it bother you? Even a little?"
"Sometimes." The hunter had stopped walking and turned to face her. "Don't get me wrong. I love what I do and I love being partners with Hercules. I don't do it for glory. But sometimes… Sometimes I wish people would say 'Good job, Iolaus. Thanks for saving our lives.' It's hard to always put your life in danger and never get any recognition for it. I know this sounds really shallow…"
"Not at all," she reassured him.
"Hercules and I know what we are to each other, and usually that's enough. But sometimes I just get so tired of living in his shadow. Then I feel bad for talking about him like this. He's my best friend, and I owe everything to him. He changed my life, made me who I am."
"I think you're selling yourself short," she told him softly. "No one can ever really change another person. You can only draw out what's inside of their heart. Hercules didn't change you. He only brought out the good qualities that you were hiding. And there are a lot of them, Iolaus. People do notice it, but only on a smaller scale next to Hercules. He's a legend, a half-god. He has a reputation built up before he even arrives, so of course the crowds flock to him. But Iolaus, you have your own crowd. It grows one person at a time. Hercules may gather the masses by his legend, but you gather individuals by your humanity. People who know you, really know you, can't help but be drawn to you."
"I don't know," the hunter said, blushing.
"And I have a theory on why you don't get any recognition with Hercules. Do you want to hear it?" Of course he did. "I think that people need a hero. Mortal lives are so fragile; we need a champion to look up to, someone invincible to fight for us. Hercules is this legendary half-god, strongest man in the world, and everyone had made him larger than life. When the gods come after us, we believe that Hercules will save us. No one wants to believe that sometimes he needs help. And no one really wants to believe that sometimes his mortal partner needs to bail him out. If the mighty Hercules needs help, it takes away from the myth and suddenly the danger becomes much more real. If Hercules ISN'T invincible, what will happen to us? It's a frightening thought. So people build him up to the point where he's undefeatable to make their world more secure, and you get tossed to the side as a consequence."
Iolaus considered this for a moment. He didn't know if he believed it or not, but it made sense and it did make him feel better.
"If you want to know the truth," she continued. "I think you're an even greater hero than Hercules."
"Now that's going too far," he laughed, but she was serious.
"Think about it. You do the exact same things that Hercules does, but you don't have the strength of a god or a powerful father to protect you. He may even be immortal, but you don't have any of that in your favor. Yet you're right there beside him, battling gods and monsters and risking your life because someone has to. All the risks, none of the perks. That is a true hero, Iolaus."
The hunter was distinctly embarrassed, but he was feeling better. He wasn't sure if she really believed all of this, or if she was just trying to cheer him up, but it was working.
"Ok, you've convinced me. So, tell me more about how wonderful I am."
"Well," she said, laughing. "You're incredibly brave, and handsome, and charming. You're strong, yet kind and gentle. Very sweet and clever. How am I doing?"
"It's a start," Iolaus said frowning. "But what about my lightening speed? And my legendary sense of humor? Or my amazing agility? Watch this." He leapt on a log that teetered precariously over the stream they had been walking by. The hunter made a big show of balance as he walked to the end of the log and back. "What do you think?" he asked her, bowing grandly. However, he wasn't prepared for her hand as it shot out to his chest. One quick shove, and he found himself toppling backward into the water.
"What was that for?" he demanded as he surfaced. Elissa was doubled over with laughter and couldn't answer him at first.
"I was just testing that legendary sense of humor," she gasped when she could talk. "Your amazing agility needs a little work."
"Very funny. You want to help me out of here, please?" He reached out his hand, but when she took it he pulled her into the water next to him.
"I can't believe you fell for that!" Iolaus exclaimed, but his laughter quickly died as he realized she was floundering to keep her head above water. He rushed to help her, but as he neared she leapt out of the water and attacked him. The hunter was caught off guard, and he found himself shoved back under the water's surface.
"And I can't believe you fell for THAT," Elissa cried as he came up sputtering.
"So you want to play rough," Iolaus said menacingly, cutting his hand across the surface and sending a wave of water spraying toward her. The healer shrieked and backed away, splashing him as he came after her.
Darkness had fallen and they were both half-drowned by the time they called a cease-fire and climbed out of the stream.
"Why don't we get some wood and start a fire?" Iolaus suggested as he tried to shake the water from his hair. When Elissa agreed, he turned his back on her and concentrated on gathering kindling. He couldn't help noticing the way her wet dress was clinging to her body, and he figured the sooner they dried off, the better. Not that it was an unappealing sight, but it made it all the more difficult to control himself. Soon he had a good fire going, and he stretched out next to it and watched her comb her auburn hair.
"So how have you been?" he asked, suddenly aware he hadn't yet done so.
"I've been ok," she said. She put her comb back into her satchel, hiding her face, and the hunter noticed a shiver run through her frame.
"Are you cold?" he asked, moving closer. Iolaus didn't wait for an answer, but pulled her gently into his arms. Elissa stiffened for a moment, then melted against him, resting her head on his strong chest.
"I missed you," she whispered.
"I can't tell you how much I've missed you," Iolaus whispered back, his voice thick with emotion. "Elissa, I think about you all the time. Whenever I'm with you, everything is right with the world. And when I have to go, it's like a dagger in my heart." She turned slightly in his arms to look at him. Even in the firelight he could see that familiarity he could never place in her eyes, and the light that always shone from her bathed him in warmth and comfort.
"But I have to go." The hunter's voice broke with these words. "There is nothing on earth that I want more than to be with you. But I just can't do that to Hercules. I've betrayed him before, and I just can't do it again."
"And I would never ask you to," Elissa said sadly. "I feel the same way about you, but I understand why you have to go."
"I don't want to talk about it any more," Iolaus said suddenly, blinking back the tears that were threatening to spill over. "We're here together tonight, and I don't want to spoil that. Let's just enjoy what we have while we can." The healer nodded, choking back her own tears, and leaned back against him.
"Besides," the hunter said. "I haven't told you the best story yet. You'll like this one." He grinned as he conjured up the image of Hercules in pig form. It wasn't very funny at the time, but since everything worked out all right, he could now look back on that incident with quite a bit of mirth.
Iolaus and Elissa talked by the fire throughout the night. He couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly she molded into his arms, like she belonged there. And even though they would have to part in the morning, for now it felt right just to hold her and know that she loved him.
Morning came all too soon for the hunter. Reluctantly, he got up and doused the dying embers of the fire.
"When do you have to meet Hercules?" Elissa asked him.
"Midday," he answered, glancing at the sky. It was shortly after dawn.
"Why don't we go back to the tavern and get some breakfast? It's on me," she said. Iolaus suddenly realized that it had been almost 24 hours since he'd eaten, and her suggestion met with no opposition. He took her hand and together they strolled back to Lenaea.
"We missed the festival," the healer said as they entered the town and witnessed the cleanup proceedings.
"I didn't miss anything," Iolaus told her sincerely, squeezing the hand that fit so perfectly inside his own. They went inside the tavern and lingered over their meal, but before long it was time for them to part. Elissa walked with the hunter to the edge of town.
"Where are you headed next?" he asked, stalling.
"I think I'll go on to Mycenae," she replied. "Cimon is supposed to be there in two days. If I don't get sidetracked, I can catch him."
"I'm sorry he wasn't here." Iolaus was telling her the truth. He really did like her brother.
"Me too, but he had that bard competition in Sparta." They looked at each other sadly for a moment before she came into his arms.
"Even though we can't be together," Elissa whispered in his ear. "I'm yours for as long as you want me." Iolaus buried his face in her hair and tried to hold back the tears.
"I love you," he whispered back to her. He had said the words many times before, but this time was different. His whole being was put into those three words. He pulled back a little to look into those green eyes that were shining with love. "I really needed to see you. You have no idea how much I needed it. You are my life, Elissa. Now, and always."
"Take care of yourself, my brave warrior," she said softly. The healer leaned forward and brushed her lips against his cheek. It took every ounce of his strength to let her go, but Iolaus released her and watched her turn and start down the road. He watched until she was long out of sight, then started his own journey to the Calydonian crossroads.
Iolaus reached his destination when the sun was overhead and sat down to wait for Hercules. Despite the pain of watching Elissa leave him, he was happy. Being with her, even for a brief time, had been precisely what he needed. She had restored his confidence in his abilities and his purpose, and her declaration of love had filled his heart and given him strength. The hunter knew that when night fell and he was lying by the fire, his arms would ache with emptiness and his heart would be crying for her, but for now he was happy and he wanted to enjoy it. Iolaus leaned back against a tree and closed his eyes, reliving their night together.
He hadn't realized he'd fallen asleep until Hercules shook him awake.
"Hey, Herc," he said, stretching. "How's King Oeneus?"
"Out of trouble, for the moment." The demigod watched carefully as his friend scrambled to his feet. "How was the festival?"
"It was the best festival ever!" Hercules was amazed. He had hoped the festival would perk Iolaus up a little, but this was beyond his expectations. The hunter was completely reanimated. That infectious grin and unbridled enthusiasm left him with no doubts that his partner was back.
"So who is she?" he asked slyly.
"What are you talking about?" The hunter was the picture of innocence.
"Come on, Iolaus. I've seen that dopey smile too many times not to know what caused it. Spill it."
"Oh, Herc, she's the most amazing girl I've ever met." Hercules shook his head at his friend's dreamy expression, but he couldn't help smiling. Sometimes dealing with Iolaus and his love of the week could get tiring, but the demigod had to be grateful to any girl that could get the hunter back to his old self.
"You say that about every girl you come across," Hercules commented. It was true, Iolaus realized. He'd thought about the long list of women he'd professed to love at one time or another. And it was a very long list. Dirce, Lia, Niobe, Daniella, Xena AND Gabrielle, Evanthia, Lydia, Breanna, Electra, Cynea, Nebula, and scores of pretty village girls from all over Greece.
"That's it, Herc," the hunter said slowly. "If you took the one thing that I loved the most about each one of those women and combined them all into one girl, you'd have her. She's beautiful, and kind, and smart. There's something regal and dignified about her, but she's not afraid to have fun. She's passionate, yet grounded, and brave and strong."
"Does she have a name?" Hercules inquired.
"And there's an innocence about her, like she's never seen anything bad," Iolaus continued, ignoring the question. "She has this exuberance for life, and when I'm with her, I feel like nothing could ever go wrong again." Hercules looked sharply at his friend as they veered off the road and headed for a nearby spring. He had noticed the way the hunter had carefully avoided his question, and he couldn't help feeling that something wasn't right about this.
"You've learned all this about her in one night?'
"Well, no," Iolaus admitted. "I've known her from before. It feels like I've known her all my life. From some other realm. Hercules, it just feels so right with her. I can tell her anything, and she makes me feel like my whole purpose in life is just to love her. Besides, she laughs at my jokes."
"At YOUR jokes?" the demigod teased. "She must be an incredible girl indeed. But if she's so wonderful, why did you let her go?" He realized it was the wrong thing to say as he watched the hunter's face fall and his enthusiasm vanish.
"There's a … situation," Iolaus said softly.
"Is she married?" Hercules asked.
"No."
"Engaged?"
"No."
"Big mean boyfriend?"
"NO! It doesn't have anything to do with another man."
"Then what?"
"It's complicated," Iolaus told him. "We just can't be together now, no matter how much we want it." The sadness was back in his friend's eyes, and Hercules was suddenly aware that this problem was what had been upsetting the hunter all this time.
"Iolaus," he said carefully. "I don't understand why you won't tell me about this. You know I'm your friend and I would always stand by you." He held up his hand for silence as Iolaus began to protest. "But, whatever this 'situation' is, I think you should face it. It's obvious that you love this girl, and it sounds to me like she's worth fighting for."
"She is," Iolaus exclaimed. "But Herc, you don't know what you're saying."
"Then tell me. I'll help you with whatever it is. Just tell me what's going on!"
They had come to the spring that bubbled out of the ground and Iolaus knelt beside it. He trailed his hands in the cool water and thought desperately. He hated not being able to tell Hercules about this, and he knew how much he was hurting his friend by not telling him. Maybe it was time. Iolaus stared at his reflection in the water as he chose his words. But instead, a gasp escaped his lips.
"What's wrong?" Hercules asked. The hunter didn't answer, but kept staring intently into the water. "Iolaus? Come on, you're starting to look like Narcissus. Iolaus?"
"Hercules, I have to go." Iolaus quickly got to his feet.
"Go where? Will you please tell me what is going on?"
"You're right, Herc. I have to face the situation. I have to go after her."
"Then I'll come with you."
"No. I appreciate that, but I have to do this on my own. Look, I promise I will explain everything after I find her, but I have to go now." Iolaus left the demigod staring after him in confusion and began sprinting down the road.
As he'd stared at his reflection in the water, the hunter had seen the healer's eyes staring back at him. Aphrodite was right. They did belong together. For the first time, Iolaus had finally realized what that familiar look in Elissa's eyes had been. It was the other half of his soul. He had to find her, and he knew that once he did, there would be no letting her go.
Iolaus turned toward Mycenae. She had a few hours head start on him, but he was sure he could catch up with her before too long. His heart raced, and adrenaline pushed him to run faster. He was going to Elissa, and nothing would stop him now.
Disclaimer: Any similarity between the lyre smashing minstrel and Pete Townshend is purely intentional. Who fans unite!!!!
Chapter 4: A Legal Matter
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