Author's Note: This is my response to the May 2001 Challenge: In the episode "Judgement Day", Hercules is mortal and wounded and accused of murdering Serena. Xena, Gabby, and Iolaus are tending to him in the cave, where he steals Xena's sword and sneaks off. We are led to believe he is making a suicide run. But when he arrives in town, the plan is already in place to expose the real killer. The challenge was to write the missing scene inbetween. And as always, I don't claim to own these characters, just borrowing them for non-profit entertainment.
“We’ve got to stop him.”
The expression on Iolaus’ face mirrored the concern in the warrior princess’ voice.
“Let’s go,” he commanded, leading the way outside the cave where he quickly picked up on Hercules’ trail.
“Xena,” Gabrielle said quietly. “Do you think he’s all right? He said something about not being able to live with himself if he was the one that did it.”
“He’ll be all right once we find him,” Xena told her. She stole a glance at Iolaus, knowing that if Hercules was suffering, than the hunter would be also. But he was striding along, his face set in a mask of grim determination.
Hercules had lost his godly strength and had been wounded, but they were still unable to catch up with him until he was just outside of town. He knew that his friends were approaching, but he kept walking forward, looking straight ahead and gripping Xena’s sword tightly in his hand.
“Hercules!” Iolaus appeared at the side of his partner, taking two strides for every one Hercules took to keep up with him. “What are you doing?”
“I’m doing the right thing, Iolaus. Don’t try to stop me.”
“Herc, wait. Just listen to us for a minute.” The hunter bounded in front of his friend.
“I’m done listening. Get out of my way.”
“I’m not going to let you sacrifice yourself to some lynch mob.”
“Iolaus, get out of my way!” Hercules’ voice was cold and hard.
“No.”
“I’m warning you...”
“What? Are you going to hit me?” Iolaus stared defiantly up at his partner, blue eyes locked onto blue eyes.
“Xena,” Gabrielle whispered to her friend. “Can’t you do something?”
“No,” the warrior whispered back. “Hercules is lost right now, and Iolaus is the only one who can bring him back. He knows what he’s doing.” I hope, she added silently.
“Iolaus, I’m turning myself in. If you don’t get out of my way, I’ll do what I have to.”
“Then do it.” The hunter stared down the larger man unflinchingly for several moments. “Look, Herc, I know what you’re going through.”
“No, you don’t!” The words exploded out of Hercules as rage overtook him. “You don’t know what its like to wake up and find your wife dead beside you, and not know if you did it or not! But what do you care? You didn’t want me to marry her anyway. You’re probably glad she’s dead.” Immediately Hercules hung his head as he realized what he was saying.
“Hercules,” Iolaus said gently. “Look at me.” When his friend didn’t respond, the hunter reached out a hand to rest on his shoulder. “Look at me.” Hercules raised his head to fix eyes heavy with sorrow and regret and guilt on his partner. “You can’t know how sorry I am that Serena is dead. I wouldn’t even be standing here now if it hadn’t been for her. She had a good heart and she loved you very much, and I know how much you loved her. Believe me, I know how much this is tearing you apart. But charging into a mob scene and getting yourself killed isn’t going to solve anything.”
“I don’t know what to do,” Hercules whispered, voice breaking as tears filled his eyes. “I don’t think I can take this.”
“The gods are at work here,” Iolaus continued softly. “You know that Ares is behind this. If you give up now, then he wins. Is that what you want?”
Hercules gave a small shake of the head.
“I know you’re hurting,” the hunter comforted him. “But Xena has a plan. We’ll make Ares answer for what he’s done and clear your name once and for all.”
“But what if I did it?” Hercules whispered.
“You didn’t,” Iolaus declared with conviction. “I know you better than you know yourself, Herc, and there is nothing in the world that could’ve made you kill Serena, gods or no gods.”
“Listen to him, Hercules,” Xena suggested, stepping forward to place a reassuring hand on his arm. “Don’t give Ares the satisfaction.”
“Come on,” Iolaus coaxed. “Let’s go get you off the hook, and then we’ll deal with the rest together. You know I’m here for you, for whatever you need, and I’m not going to let you go through this alone.”
Hercules let out a long, shuddering sigh as Iolaus took a step forward and hugged him. He held on to the hunter tightly, drawing in his strength and support as he realized that he wouldn’t be able to get through this without the man who was his rock. The brother of his choosing protected him while others were trying to break him, and he would also be there to help Hercules as he tried to mend the pieces of his shattered heart. He knew, and was eternally grateful, that Iolaus would never quit on him, even when he wanted to quit on himself.
“Thanks, buddy,” he whispered in the hunter’s ear. As he let go, Hercules brushed the tears from his eyes and turned to the two women who were watching him with sympathy, also grateful for their loyal friendship. “So, what’s this about a plan?”
The End
Monthly Challenge Index
Home
The Iolausian Library