Title: Eve
Disclaimer: The characters Hercules and Iolaus belong to Renaissance Pictures. No money is being made from this story. This story is written for entertainment purposes only.
Timeline of story: This story is written right after the Xena episode “God Fearing Child” and before the Xena episode "Lifeblood" where Yakut dies.
Summary: The Olympian Gods punish Hercules for killing Zeus. Hercules feels tremendous guilt for killing Zeus and the Gods use Hercules’ guilt against him by giving Hercules nightmares and painful headaches. Only with the help of Iolaus can Hercules regain his sanity.
-/CHAPTER 1
It is a bright sunny day in Thebes. Iolaus is enjoying a well-earned vacation after months of fighting monsters and warlords with Hercules. Iolaus has just finished fishing and hunting and has decided to go to a tavern to enjoy a glass of ale….
“Waitress..another ale for me..” says Iolaus his cerulean blue eyes gleaming and slightly drunk..
“You know Iolaus..I think you’ve had enough ale for today perhaps you should go home or maybe I should take you home for good keeping” flirts the waitress as she notices Iolaus’ tone body..his laughing blue eyes..his curly blond hair and his megawatt smile..
“I need to find Iolaus..Iolaus of Thebes..” as Joxer desperately looks around the room “Iolaus, there you are..Hercules is in trouble..I have a message from Xena..please..Iolaus we must hurry..” says Joxer breathlessly..
“Joxer..take a deep breath and talk slowly..now tell
me..what’s wrong?” says Iolaus his cerulean
blue eyes glowing with apprehension…
“As you know, Hercules has been protecting Xena and her
baby from the wrath of the Gods..The Olympian Gods believe that Xena’s baby
will bring death to the Olympian Gods so Hercules is trying to protect
Xena..but after Xena gave birth..Hercules has gotten awfully sick…” says
Joxer..
“Hercules? Sick? Hercules never gets sick,Joxer, you
must be mistaken..Hercules’ a half-God..he just doesn’t get sick..”says
Iolaus
“Well Xena’s the one who’s really concerned.
Hercules acts as if nothing’s wrong but Hercules been getting these
nightmares ever since Hercules killed Zeus..” says Joxer
“Hercules killed Zeus? Hercules killed his own father?
Are you sure Joxer? Is that what happened?” asks an anxious Iolaus now
hurrying up his pace to get to Hercules faster..
“Well..all I know is what Xena tells me..she says that
Zeus was able to launch one of his thunderbolts at Eve just as Xena was giving
birth..Hercules then took the rib of Chronos and stopped Zeus from hurting
Eve..in order to stop Zeus..Hercules had to stab Zeus with the rib of Chronos
and this rib of Chronos killed
Zeus.” says Joxer
“So you’re telling me that Hercules killed Zeus to
save Eve’s life..I don’t understand why did Zeus want to kill Xena’s
baby?” asks Iolaus
“Gabrielle says that the Fates have decreed that the
birth of Xena’s baby Eve, will bring about the twilight of the Gods..this
baby has all the Olympian Gods running scared..Zeus wanted to stop the birth
of Eve at all costs to save his life..that’s where Hercules comes in.”continues
Joxer..
“Okay..I get it now..good old Herc would do anything to
save an innocent’s life especially a child’s life..so he pledged his life
to save Eve and in saving Eve..he killed Zeus..okay..so what’s the problem?
The baby’s safe..says Iolaus..
“Well yeah..the Gods have continued to chase after
Eve..Athena tried to kill all of
Xena’s village to get Eve..Hercules heard about this and came back to help
Xena..that’s when Xena noticed the nightmares and the headaches…she’s
really worried about Hercules..so she sent Gabrielle and I to an oracle to see
what’s wrong with Hercules…continues Joxer…”You know Hercules won’t
even admit he has a problem…
“Well..interrupts an impatient Iolaus “What did the
Oracle say? What’s wrong with Hercules? What can I do to help him? You know
Joxer Hercules is my best friend and you know I’ll do anything to help
him..if I can..
“The Oracle seems to think that the Olympian Gods are
punishing Hercules for killing Zeus..they’re using Hercules’ guilt against
him..The Oracle says that the only way to break the spell is for Hercules to
admit how guilty he feels and let go of his grief and talk about what happened…Xena
thinks YOU are the only one Hercules will open up to. and trust...that YOU are the key to
Hercules’ heart..that’s why YOU must come…” says
Joxer..
As Iolaus approaches the camp, Xena talks with Iolaus and
tells her version of what happened…
“I have to tell you Iolaus..I’m really worried about
Hercules..He’s here to help protect Eve from the Gods..but these headaches
are really slowing Hercules down..you should hear his nightmares..he screams
half the night..I don’t know what to do..I can’t talk to him..Hercules is
SO STUBBORN! He won’t even admit that he has a problem..that’s why I sent
for you Iolaus. I know that you and he have been best friends all your
lives...if anyone can get Hercules to talk, it's you, Iolaus.” says Xena
“This doesn’t make any sense..I mean..don’t the
Gods have a decree like not hurting each other or something and besides
Hercules is a half God..he’s never been susceptible to
Morpheus’ influence before..I’ll do anything to help Herc if I
can..if this really is the work of the Gods..What can I do to help?” asks a
helpless Iolaus…
“I don't know if Hercules has the God's
protection now that Zeus is dead..Iolaus, talk to Hercules..see if you can talk some sense into
him..please Iolaus..he trusts you..he might tell you something that he’s too
proud to tell Gabrielle or me..you’re his closest friend..please help
Hercules..I know he’s in pain even if he doesn’t want to admit it
himself..I don’t want to see him suffer..I just don’t know what to do”
pleaded Xena…
Hercules sees Iolaus talking to Xena. He’s surprised
that Iolaus would interrupt his well-earned fishing trip to see Xena. Curious
to know what’s going on, Hercules walks over to Iolaus and slaps Iolaus on
the back and gives Iolaus a big grin.
“Hello Iolaus so what brings you away from your fishing
hole? I thought you wanted to take a vacation..you said no more vengeful Gods,
monsters or bandits..and that nothing could come between you and that fishing
hole jokes Hercules.
Iolaus looks at Hercules. He could see what an effort
Hercules is making to smile at him. He sees the dark circles under Hercules’
eyes indicating several nights of nightmares..Iolaus knows the Gods are
punishing Hercules for Zeus’ death and that with Zeus' death, Hercules no
longer has Zeus' protection order so the Gods can hurt Hercules this fact
worries Iolaus..“Well Herc..thought I could lend you a
hand in protecting Eve..you know watch your back” says Iolaus evasively…
“Back to Back heroes..I’ve always known I can count
on you Iolaus to watch my back…well we’re making camp here tonight..I’m
turning in early..Hercules gives a fake yawn..we are all turning in early so
that we can leave at the break of dawn…goodnight Iolaus..” says
Hercules..Iolaus notices how tired Hercules looks and now he knows something
is wrong with his dearest friend. It tears at Iolaus' soul to see Hercules in
so much obvious pain. Several times during the day, he has noticed Hercules
hold his temples as if in pain. To see how tired Hercules is at this
early hour worries Iolaus.
"Goodnight Herc..see you in the morning…” as Iolaus spreads out his bedroll and gives an exaggerated yawn and stretches his arms to indicate his willingness to turn in early. Iolaus does not get much sleep as he watches Hercules toss and turn throughout the night holding his head in pain. Iolaus wants so much to help his best friend but he doesn't know how.
"Why do you Gods always have to
interfere? Play with us mortals? yells Iolaus to the sky. "Leave
Hercules alone. He is one of you. He was only trying to help Eve."
Eventually Iolaus falls into a very light sleep.
CHAPTER 2
The night brings more nightmares for Hercules as Morpheus
continues to punish Hercules for killing Zeus..Iolaus watches helplessly as
Hercules tosses and turns grabbing his head as if in pain….
“Father..there must be some other way..you don’t have
to kill Eve..Father no! cries Hercules..
Zeus takes a thunderbolt and is able to launch the
thunderbolt at Xena. Hercules can see Eve’s head crowning..Hercules cries
“No Father..there must be some other way..No Father.. insists Hercules
Zeus continues to aim the thunderbolt at Xena and ignores
Hercules pleas “No, Hercules” says Zeus calmly..”There is no other
way..I must prevent the birth of this child..it’s either she dies or the
Gods die” Zeus prepares to throw the thunderbolt at the baby..
“Remember Hercules you have the blood of an immortal
inside you..remember whose blood courses through your veins…as Zeus prepares
to throw the thunderbolt..Hercules stabs his father with the rib of
Chronos..Zeus lies on the ground dying for several moments as he looks at
Hercules and with his dying breath says “You killed me just like I killed
Chronos..like Father like Son..I want you to know Hercules..how proud I am of
you..You are just like me…”
With his dying words said, Zeus disappears in a flash of
blue light. Hercules looks at the empty ground and cries in pain as he
realizes that Zeus is gone “FATHER!” as tears fall down Hercules’ eyes
and his heart is crushed…and is soul is devastated with the loss of his
father and with the knowledge that HE killed Zeus..
Morpheus amplifies the nightmare and makes Hercules
relive the moment of Zeus death over and over again until Hercules is crushed
by his own guilt. Hercules cries out in his sleep..”No Father..there must be
some other way..” “No Father..don’t leave me..” Iolaus shakes Hercules
awake…. Morpheus and the other vengeful Gods laugh at Hercules’ obvious
distress…
“Herc, wake up..you’re having a nightmare..Herc wake
up..” says Iolaus as he shakes Hercules awake. Hercules bolts awake. Sweat
glistening on his muscular body matting his chestnut hair. Azure eyes filled
with terror, then sadness, then guilt..then realization that everyone in the
camp is looking at him…
“Iolaus..Xena..I’m alright..you know just another bad
dream..no big deal..” as Hercules blushes at all the unwanted attention as
Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, and Iolaus are all giving Hercules concerned stares..””Listen
everyone get back to sleep..we have an early day tomorrow “ as Hercules
tries to keep his voice calm and steady…” We have to be alert and awake
tomorrow just in case Athena tries again to attack Eve..let’s get back to
sleep” Hercules turns on his bedroll and goes to sleep.
Xena whispers to Iolaus and Gabrielle “It’s obvious
that Hercules is not going to talk about his nightmares to any of us..so I
think we’re going to have to approach this in another way...I have a plan..”
“What is your plan?” asks Iolaus “I think Herc is
ashamed to talk about what happened with Zeus..if you know Herc as well as I
do..you would know that Herc loved his father very much despite their
differences..I just don’t know how I’m going to get him to open up…whatever
we do..we’d better do it soon..Herc looks like he’s about to fall apart!”
Xena continues to whisper to Iolaus and Gabrielle “We
will travel to the Northern Amazon..there is a Amazon named Yakut who can help
Hercules get rid of his bad dreams..she’s a great Shamaness..Gabrielle and I
have worked with her before to get rid of Alti…I’m thinking of sending
Iolaus inside Hercules’ dream and have Iolaus rescue Hercules’ soul from
inside his nightmare..”
Gabrielle continues as realization dawns “You mean
destroy the dream by going inside the dream like the way you destroyed Alti by
destroying Alti inside her dream world..you were able to get your baby’s
soul back in the dream world..we can get Hercules’ soul back the same way
and stop the Olympian’s interference…”
“That’s right Gabrielle..and Iolaus is the only one
who can do this..Hercules trusts Iolaus and with Iolaus there..Hercules can
then let out his grief and his guilt or whatever” then Xena turns to Iolaus
“ Do you understand what Gabrielle and I are talking about?”
“Sort of..you want me to enter Hercules’ nightmare
and..I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do..” asks a puzzled Iolaus
“But you know I’ll do ANYTHING to help Hercules..ANYTHING!..but
what do we tell Hercules?
“Don’t worry I’ll make up something..Uhm..we’ll
tell Hercules that the Northern Amazons have a special milk for the baby…just
whatever you do..don’t tell Joxer..he’ll spill the beans for sure”
whispers Xena..”Let’s all get some sleep..Hercules will be waking up with
the dawn..it’s a plan..okay Iolaus..Gabrielle?”
“Definitely Xena” says Iolaus and Gabrielle together.
Hercules, Xena, Iolaus , Joxer and Gabrielle travel to
the Northern Amazon territory. Hercules remains quiet and withdrawn throughout
the trip. Iolaus worries about Hercules’ precarious health. It’s Hercules
who decides to set camp. Iolaus knows it’s because Hercules is tired.
Everyone is walking on pins and needles and worrying about Hercules’ fatigue
which is so unlike Hercules. Luckily during their journey, none of the Gods
have chosen to attack Eve who remains asleep in Xena’s babysack that Xena
carries on her back. The tired group arrive in the Northern Amazon territory
after two days of hard travel….
“Greeting Yakut..how are you doing? “ as Xena gives Yakut, the Shamaness and spiritual leader of the Northern Amazons a warrior
handshake.
“I know why you are here Xena..I think it’s a good
idea. Iolaus is the right choice to make the dreamscape quest. Does Hercules
have any idea why he is truly here?” asks Yakut…
“No, Hercules has no idea. We will have Iolaus enter
Hercules’ nightmare tonight shortly after Hercules falls asleep..are you
ready Iolaus? asks Xena..
“Ready as I’ll ever be” says Iolaus..”What exactly do I have to do?”
“We will begin the dreamscape ritual after Hercules
falls asleep..so everyone..we must all pretend to fall asleep and then once
Hercules is sound asleep..we will all gather our minds together as one and
send Iolaus into Hercules’ nightmare..all you have to do Iolaus is to follow
the ritual and go into a trance-like sleep when we tell you to..don’t worry
we’ve done this to Xena and Gabrielle before…” reassures Yakut…
That night the full moon shines its brilliance on the
group. Everyone gets into their bedroll and says goodnight to Hercules. As
soon as Hercules falls asleep, Iolaus is summoned to the circle center. The
Amazons form a circle around the sleeping form of Hercules. Iolaus is then instructed to close his eyes and listen to the
ritual words. Iolaus finds himself falling deeper and deeper into sleep and he
can hear only the Shamaness’ voice as he descends deeper and deeper into a
trance-like sleep. “Iolaus..you are now going on a dreamscape quest..enter
Hercules’ dream..enter without fear..watch what goes on..until you are
needed..do not worry..you will know what to do when the time comes…”
Iolaus feels his soul leave his body as he feels
disoriented at first. Then he hears Xena screaming as she is giving birth to
Eve. He sees Hercules and Zeus fighting with thunderbolts. He knows he’s
inside Hercules’ mind.
Iolaus is inside Hercules' nightmares and memories.
CHAPTER 3
Iolaus watches in fascination the struggle between
Hercules and Zeus. Iolaus also sees Xena giving birth as Iolaus sees Eve’s
head crowning. He also sees Zeus
preparing to throw a thunderbolt…
“No Father! There must be another way! You don’t have
to kill Eve! Please Father don’t make me do this!” as Hercules holds the
rib of Chronos above Zeus’ chest…
“Son..there is no other way! I must prevent the birth
of this child..either this child dies or the Gods die..as Zeus prepares to
throw the thunderbolt at Eve..Hercules stabs Zeus in the chest…
In his dying moments Zeus looks Hercules in the eyes and
says “You killed me just like I killed Chronos..You are just like me..before
I die..I want you to know..Hercules..that I am proud of you..proud of what you
have done with your life..I know I’ve not always been a good father..I am
proud of you..my son…as Zeus finishes these words..Zeus’ body
disintegrates in a flash of light….
Knowing that he has just killed his father, Hercules
cries out in pain “Father!” as tears roll down Hercules’ eyes..at that
moment Iolaus chooses to run to Hercules and give him a big bear hug…Iolaus
hugs Hercules as one would comfort a small child..”Herc..it’ll be
alright..here cry on my shoulder..I’m here..” In one grieving motion,
Hercules sobs wordlessly into Iolaus’ shoulders..babbling words like “Iolaus..I
loved him..I didn’t want to kill him..I should have found another way to
stop Zeus..Iolaus he was my father..Why did he have to make me kill him? There
had to have been another way..Oh Iolaus..” The other words were
unrecognizable as Hercules continues to heave and cry and let go ALL the pain
and ALL the guilt….Waves of sobbing shake Hercules' body as he cries into
Iolaus' shoulder. Hercules can feel Iolaus' comforting presence and
warmth..wash away some of his guilt and pain of having to kill his own
father..the pain..Hercules' tears soak Iolaus' shirt. Tears of compassion fall
down Iolaus' sleeping face as well as Iolaus feels Hercules pain and grief.
Iolaus holds the sobbing Hercules close to his heart...not willing to ever let
him go...Hercules, I will always be here for you..just let it out! coos Iolaus
as if speaking to a small child..Everything will be alright..I won't leave you
ever..my soul brother...my brother of the heart...
The Shamaness watches as the sleeping body of Hercules
has wrapped itself around Iolaus and has started crying and saying “Iolaus..it
was my fault..I killed Zeus..I’m not a good son..I'm responsible for Zeus'
death..all I ever wanted was his love..why did he make me kill him? Why? Why
did he want to hurt Eve?Why? I don't understand..Oh Iolaus..I loved him..Why?
So unnecessary..so senseless..it's all so SENSELESS...” Tears fall down
Hercules’ sleeping eyes as he continues to mumble in his sleep hugging a
sleeping Iolaus as he seeks comfort from his guilt…
“It is time for us to wake Hercules up and get Iolaus
out of the nightmare..I do believe that Hercules is now healed..the Gods can
no longer use Hercules’ guilt against him..first let’s get Iolaus out
gently…” The Shamaness softly whispers to Iolaus “It is time for you to
leave now..wake up Iolaus” Iolaus slowly feels himself drifting back to
consciousness as he realizes that he is holding a weeping yet sleeping
Hercules in his arms…
“Hercules will wake up soon..Iolaus..you and he have a
lot to talk about..but I think that this dreamscape quest has been a success
as you can see..Hercules has been cleansed of his guilt..you must now make
Hercules understand that he did what was necessary to safeguard the child and
that Zeus even in his dying moments understood this…if anyone can heal
Hercules of his wounds, it’s you Iolaus..for you are the keeper of Hercules’
heart..you are the Guardian of the Light..Iolaus, you are the light in
Hercules' heart..says the Shamaness simply.
CHAPTER 4 Epilogue
Iolaus watches as Hercules plays with Eve. The sunshine is back in Hercules’ kind compassionate azure eyes. Hercules bounces Eve up and down as the baby coos and stares adoringly into Hercules’ face.
“It’s amazing..now that the nightmares are gone and that Hercules understands that he did the right thing..I want to thank you Iolaus for everything..Hercules looks happy..Eve is happy..I don’t understand this chemistry..this friendship you two have..but you restored Hercules’ sanity..Morpheus and the other Gods can no longer hurt Hercules with the memory of Zeus’ death..says an amazed Xena…
“Herc still has some healing to do. He now knows that
Zeus was wrong in wanting to kill Eve..Herc has always been a family man..I
think he misses his children very much and that’s why he loves Eve so
much..I want to thank you Xena for making Hercules the Godfather of Eve..you
have no idea how much being a father means to Herc… says Iolaus with tears
in his eyes..
“Goochey Goochey Goo “ as Hercules tickles Eve..”Peeka
Boo! Now you see me now you don’t! as Hercules continues to play with Eve….
“Yes, Herc will be alright..so Xena, Gabrielle..where
are we headed next? I’m ready to slay more monsters..fight whatever Gods
would want to hurt Eve..we’re all in this together!” says Iolaus as he
gives Xena one of his megawatt smiles. “Yep..it’s going to be a great day
for fighting the bad guys..just Herc and I..just like always! Sapphire eyes
meet azure eyes as Hercules and Iolaus walk along the path of life together.
Hercules slaps Iolaus on the back and even sings one of Iolaus' baudy songs to
the amazement of Xena and Gabrielle. Little Eve coos the melody of the baudy
song to the amazement of even Iolaus.