Title: God’s Love, Part 1
Disclaimer: Monica, Andrew and Tess and all the characters of the TV show “Touched by an Angel” are the property of Martha Williamson and CBS Productions. The characters of Jester, Sovereign and Empress of the TV show Hercules:The Legendary Journeys belong to Renaissance Pictures. This story is for entertainment purposes only. No money is being made from this story.
Summary: The Jester needs Monica to bring hope back into his life after he suffers abuse at the hands of the Sovereign.
Author’s note: This story takes place before Hercules rescues the Olympian Gods in the Alternate Universe and before the episode Stranger and Stranger.
CHAPTER 1
Bleeding from the any whip marks on his back, Iolaus/Jester screams out loud as the next whiplash hits his already scarred and bleeding back. The executioner takes pleasure in torturing this insignificant Jester. Iolaus/J feels as if his back is on fire. Jester is oblivious to the tears rolling down his face. His throat is hoarse from the endless screams of pain.
“Very entertaining dear,” as the Empress moves closer to the Sovereign watching this spectacle of pain from the royal seatbox. “nothing like a good whipping on that pathetic annoying little man to get me in the mood” Empress approaches the Sovereign in a provocative manner.
“His jokes were getting a bit boring. I think the crowds are enjoying this spectacle don’t you think dear?” says the Sovereign as he bends over to lick the Empress’ ear.
“Yes, and having the whipping take place in the coliseum instead of the Gladiator fights was a stroke of sheer genius my cruel darling” as the Empress prepares to lick the Sovereign’s neck.
“You know Empress, you look very sexy in your new low-cut gown. Why don’t we head to the royal bedchambers? The Sovereign azure eyes are only on the Empress.
“Yes, my Sovereign” as she looks at his dark brown beard, his chestnut colored hair and his cruel azure eyes she thinks he is a living god. “Let’s retire to the royal chambers this spectacle is getting tiresome. I’ll be glad if that annoying little Jester is dead by dawn.”
Sovereign slips his arm around the Empress’ waist as they leave the coliseum together. Their eyes locked on each other “I will drive you crazy with desire tonight, Empress, this will be a night you will never forget” The Sovereign and the Empress exit the Coliseum along with their entire entourage. The Sovereign leaves the Jester to his whipping without even a backward glance.
As each whip lash hits its mark, the crowds scream for more. “Whip him! Whiphim!” shouts the crowd. Even Cupid God of War enjoys the spectacle thinking I love the way the Sovereign thinks. I wish he could be this imaginative with his entertainment every week. Watching that little man squirm in pain and agony is certainly great fun. I just love the spectacle of blood. Iolaus/J winces every time he hears the crowd demand more lashes to his already painful back. The feelings of rejection and hurt increases each time the crowd screams “Whip him!”. Iolaus/J cries as his heart breaks when he realizes no one cares if he lives or dies, not even his supposed friend, the Sovereign. How could the Sovereign betray him? He was supposed to be my friend? Slowly but surely, Jester stops fighting to live for he has nothing to live for. Not even his jokes are funny any more, not if the Sovereign is punishing him like this. Just what am I? I’m just a joke to everyone. I am nothing.
Iolaus/Jester almost wishes that oblivion would take him away. He can’t stand the pain and most of all, he can’t stand the jeering from the crowd. Doesn’t anyone care for me? Doesn’t anyone realize what pain I’m in? Why did the Sovereign do this to me? I thought he was my friend. Tears of betrayal and rejection roll down Jester’s face as he realizes he has no friends in this world as he realizes that he is truly all alone.
Iolaus/Jester can no longer feel his arms and legs. His curly blond hair is matted with blood and sweat. Breathing has become more and more difficult as he has several cracked ribs along with the festering whip lashes on his back. I can’t stand this anymore. I can’t stand the pain. Is there no one out there to help me? Please someone help me! I can’t hold on much longer…
With Iolaus/Jester almost unconscious, the Executioner decides to end the whipping spectacle. He carries the Jester’s body into a dark dungeon. The crowd booes as it realizes the whipping entertainment is over.
“Tess, that poor man, he’s in such pain and agony! How can the Sovereign be so cruel to him and just leave him out in that cold dank dungeon like that” Monica cries as her eyes fill with tears of compassion.
“Monica, don’t worry, Iolaus/J is our next assignment. We’re here to help him. Our job is to keep hope alive.” Tess explains softly. “This will be your first assignment, Monica. You are to be his Guardian Angel and explain to him that he is one of God’s children and how special each of God’s children is. Right now, he feels all alone in the world. He needs to know that he is not alone and that God loves him.”
“Oh Tess, look he’s crying..he’s in such pain..poor baby..I can feel his loneliness…his desperation..his pain..” On an impulse, Monica takes human form. She takes the stray blond hairs off Iolaus’ head and whispers soft comforting words intohis ear “Don’t worry, baby I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
His back on fire, Iolaus/J feels a comforting presence by his side. Without understanding why, Iolaus/J instinctively trusts this kind stranger. The normally shy Jester lets Monica hold and rock him ever so gently. Jester heaves and cries into Monica’s shoulder as the full sting of Sovereign’s betrayal burns through Iolaus/J’s soul.
“My poor little Jester, I know you are in pain, but you mustn’t give up hope..Monica softly strokes his soft golden curls in an effort to soothe the crying Jester.
Pain-filled cerulean eyes meet Monica’s compassion filled brown eyes as Jester pours his heart out to his Guardian Angel “Why did the Sovereign order this whipping? I thought he liked me. What did I ever do to deserve this pain? Why doesn’t anyone love me? Were my jokes that bad? Jester chokes on his own blood as he attempts to speak.
Monica’s heart breaks as he sees Iolaus/J in so much pain. “Tess, please what can I do for him? He’s suffering so much! Can’t we at least lessen his pain? No one deserves this kind of treatment. How can the Sovereign be so heartless? So cruel?”
Tess takes human form and stands beside Monica as she continues to hold the injured Jester in her arms rocking him slowly to sleep..his tear-stained face still glistening in the dull moonlight coming from the dungeon window “Monica, he has been comforted by your very presence. I can feel it.”
“But Tess..that’s not enough! There must be something we can do to lessen his agony..Tess, I can feel his life force just ebbing away..Tess, he’s dying..” Monica cries in alarm.
Pain overwhelms the little Jester as he drifts from unconsciousness into a coma. Monica tries to save his life by bathing him in the soothing comfort of the Light. For the moment while Iolaus lies in Monica’s comforting arms, Iolaus is unable to feel the excruciating pain of the whip lash welts festering on his back.
“Monica, his injuries are severe. It’s amazing that he’s lived as long as he has..The Sovereign has abused him physically all his life..but this time is the worst..that’s why we’ve been sent here to intervene.” Tess explains.
Andrew appears “I’ve just finished talking with the higherups..it’s important we keep Iolaus/J alive. The destiny of two realms depends on this man’s life. Monica, you must make Iolaus/J realize just how precious he really is. Iolaus/J has a good heart and a pure soul..God knows that he is a beautiful person but Iolaus/J must realize his true worth..We cannot allow the Sovereign to break his spirit.”
Monica looks down at the unconscious Jester. With a touch of her hand, she gently heals all wounds on the Jester’s back as well as all other physical injuries. “Andrew, I’ve healed him using the Light of God’s love..he should survive now..I can tell him how much God loves him and that he is not alone.”
Andrew watches Monica with worried concern. He realizes that Monica is too naïve to understand the extent of Jester’s pain. I’d better explain to Tess that Monica may not be capable of fulfilling this assignment if she doesn’t understand what she is getting into. Monica thinks that Jester’s pain comes from his recently whipped back. Monica has a lot to learn.
Andrew looks at Tess as he says “Monica does not understand her assignment, does she Tess? Healing his back is not going to bring him back.”
“No, Andrew, she doesn’t understand. Not yet. She doesn’t comprehend the extent of the cruelty the Jester has endured.” Tess says to Andrew.
“Well, then you know Tess, I did NOT come here as the Angel of Death. If Monica cannot finish the assignment then you,Tess, will have to make Jester understand his importance in this world.” Andrew gives Tess a worried glance.
“Andrew, you are wrong about Monica. She may be young and naïve but I have faith in her abilities. I know she will be able to finish this assignment. Her empathic abilities are strong. Once she understands the Jester’s emotional pain, then she can use her empathic abilities to heal him. That’s why I chose her for this assignment, Andrew... Trust me on this one, Andrew, I know this will work.” Tess explains.
Puzzled at the lack of response from the Jester, Monica asks Tess what’s wrong with the Jester.“Tess, Andrew, he’s still dying. I’ve healed his physical wounds. This isn’t making any sense. Why is he still dying? I can still feel his life essence ebbing away and it’s not his time..not yet..he’s still has so much to live for..why..?” Monica looks at Andrew and Tess “Please, help me..what do I do?” Monica cries. “He is such a special person. I can’t lose him..not like this..he doesn’t deserve to die alone and forgotten..”
“Monica, dear, physical wounds are easy for us to heal..it’s the psychological wounds that are killing Iolaus/J..his heart is breaking because he feels alone and forgotten..he feels he has no purpose in this world…that’s why he’s dying…Monica dear, use your empathic abilities and then you will understand why he’s dying.” Tess explains. “As soon as you starts healing the Jester, you will empathically feel Jester’s anguish and you’ll understand what it is to die of a broken heart and only then can you heal him and give him hope.”
“Then I shall heal him of his wounds” Monica once again places her hands on the Jester. A sudden warmth of healing surges through the Jester’s body, through the healing ritual, Monica can feel what the Jester feels. Monica is shocked as she feels the extent of Iolaus’ anguish..Feelings of humiliation, rejection, fear, betrayal, loneliness, hopelessness, despair are unlocked from deep within Iolaus’ soul. Monica takes her hands off the Jester as if she’d been burned by acid. Tears of despair and sadness fall down Monica’s face as she realizes the extent of Sovereign’s cruelty on the poor little Jester.
“Oh Tess, I’ve felt his anguish. I understand why he is dying. What can I do to stop his pain? “ cries Monica.
“You must teach him that God loves him. Teach him that God never leaves his children alone. Once he believes you, he will be healed. “Tess says.
Andrew adds “Teach him the meaning of the Light. Once he realizes that God is love, he will have hope. Once he has hope again, he will have faith. God has faith in all his children, big or small. Your assignment, Monica, is to make him realize that and it won’t be easy.”
“So this is my assignment Tess? Make him see just how beautiful he really is? The way God sees him?” Monica asks.
“That’s right baby..this is your test.” Tess answers.
“I won’t let you down, Tess, I promise. Monica answers.
The joined powers of Tess and Andrew bring Iolaus/J back to consciousness. Eyelids flutter as frightened cerulean eyes try to focus. First thing Iolaus/J sees is Monica’s kind face. His last memory is being whipped in front of a mocking crowd with the Sovereign laughing at his agony..Iolaus looks around puzzled as to why he hasn’t died..
“Iolaus, please you must listen to me. I’m Monica. I’m your Guardian Angel. You’re very close to death…Iolaus, you need to hang on..I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. Your existence has a purpose and that God loves you. As your Guardian Angel, I love you and care about you very much. You have so much to live for. Please Iolaus..in God’s eyes, you are a beautiful person..”Monica gives Iolaus a pleading look.
“Monica, I’m not worth the trouble. I’m better off dead. I’m a coward afraid of my own shadow. I’m not even a good Jester. I’m not good for anything. Just let me die in peace.” Iolaus tries to close his eyes and will his death to come sooner.
“Iolaus, PLEASE you are important. The fate of two realms depends on you living…You have to believe that you are beautiful because that’s how I see you and that’s how God sees you. You have beautiful blond hair..caring compassionate blue eyes..generous, forgiving heart..you have a kind, sweet soul..you..”Monica gets interrupted by Iolaus/J.
“..Me..important? and to whom? Nobody in this world cares. I certainly don’t care anymore. If I were to die tomorrow, who would miss me? certainly NOT the Sovereign? Tell me Monica who would give a darn?” Anger flashes in Iolaus’s eyes as he dares Monica to answer his question.
Softly, with her soft brown eyes looking directly into Iolaus’ angry blue eyes Monica answers “I would care.” Tears fall down Monica’s face as she can no longer control her emotions for she feels that she is losing Iolaus and that he is dying no matter what she says and she is grieving for Iolaus already. “Iolaus, if you die, I will miss you. I don’t know what I will do without you. I love you..as a mother loves a child..” Ohhh and Monica sobs into Iolaus’ shoulder and she heaves while sobbing “Please don’t die..I will miss you..”
Shock is the first emotion to register in Iolaus’ consciousness as the realization dawns on him that SOMEBODY cares for him. “Don’t cry, Monica. I’m sorry. You really do care about me don’t you? I don’t understand why.” As Iolaus says the last statement in bewilderment, Monica’s crying increases. The sting of the Sovereign’s betrayal is still fresh on his mind. He feels his back only to see that it has been healed. He can’t understand why this beautiful girl would actually care for him. No one has ever been nice to him before, let alone cry over him.
“Hey, I’m sorry I made you cry.” It’s Iolaus’ turn to gently rock Monica and comfort her. For the first time as Iolaus looks down to see the vulnerable form of his Guardian Angel in tears, he notices her beautiful halo. She really does love me. I never knew that God would send someone so beautiful to save me. I guess I must be important after all. She really must be an angel. She has a kind of divine beauty. Tears of compassion and gratitude roll down Iolaus’ cheeks as hope fills his heart as he realizes that God loves him and that it was Monica who had healed his back. He can’t understand why God would send someone as beautiful as Monica to someone as insignificant as himself. Iolaus puts his hand through his hair in bewilderment.
Monica feels the change in Iolaus and stops crying. Monica feels Iolaus’ bewilderment and surprise that someone cares for him. She feels that this is a new experience for him. She can’t understand how the Sovereign could be so cruel to someone so gentle and kind as Iolaus. She wants more than anything else to make Iolaus aware of his own inner beauty.
Iolaus looks at Monica and sees how much she cares for him. Not since Anya has anyone even bothered to look at him as anything more than a Jester..as entertainment. Anya..Sovereign killed Anya only because Anya had the misfortune of falling in love with Iolaus. At Anya’s death, the Sovereign laughed cruelly saying “The Jester is mine. And you Jester will always be by my side. I will NOT allow you to marry or have children. If you dare fall in love with anyone else, I will have them beheaded. Is that clear? You are to have no friends, no wives, no family. Your heart and soul belongs to me. Since Anya’s death, the Jester had been careful to conceal his heart from the world until Monica. With the passing years, it was the growing weight of loneliness that was slowly killing him and breaking his heart until Monica came along. Monica brought light into his heart again, a light that had been extinguished at Anya’s death—the light of hope.
“You really are an angel, aren’t you? It’s just still so hard to believe that God would send an angel to someone as unimportant as me. In my world, I’m a total nobody, a total zero..I mean it’s a miracle how you healed my back and all..Thanks..I don’t think anyone has ever been nice to me before, until you, Monica” Iolaus cerulean blue eyes lock onto Monica’s with an expression of awe, surprise and gratitude.
“Iolaus, is it so hard for you to believe that God thinks you are special? God loves all his children. I love and care about you. It’s just not your time to die. Someday soon a very kind man will rescue you from this world. He will become your friend..your protector..your partner..” Monica explains.
Anger furrows Iolaus’ face “Protector? You mean another Master? Another Sovereign to enslave me? I’d rather die than be somebody else’s slave again!” Iolaus distances himself from Monica.
“No, Iolaus, you misunderstand. He won’t enslave you. He’ll be in pain. You will be his salvation. Don’t you see Iolaus, it’s your destiny to help people..to heal them of their wounds.. You’ll be his friend..He’ll introduce you to your wife..He’ll be best man at your wedding...” says Monica.
“Me? Have a wife? As in fall in love? As in happily ever after? Really?” Iolaus is so happy that he grabs Monica by the shoulders and gives her a hug. “You mean I’d be free to marry..have children..have a family..I won’t be a joke anymore..I’ll have people who love me and care about me? Tell me, Monica, what’s this man’s name? How do I meet him?”
“His name is Hercules. He will come into this world to save the Olympian Gods trapped in this world and he will take you to his world. He is a kind and gentle man. You can trust him. Do you believe me, Iolaus?”
“Hercules” Iolaus repeats the name in awe. “Wow!”
“Iolaus, do you believe me now when I tell you that God loves you. God sent me here to bring you hope..I care about you too. If you have faith in God, you will never be alone.” As Monica speaks, a warm shaft of light envelopes Iolaus’ body and soul with the glow of its celestial love. “Iolaus, do you feel God’s love? Do you feel how God loves all his children and thinks they’re special? Can you feel the Light?”
Iolaus sees the heavens open. A warm shaft of Light descends from the sky and envelopes his body with its warmth and love. “Monica, I feel the Light. I feel God’s Love. God doesn’t think of me as just a mere Jester, a fool. He loves me as Iolaus. It’s like I’m one of his children. He thinks of me as someone special. Oh, Monica, I feel Anya’s love as well. She tells me she is in God’s Light. She tells me that she watches over me. She doesn’t blame me for her death…Anya says she has no regrets..Anya tells me to believe in the Light..” Tears run down Iolaus’ face as his feelings of loneliness and despair are replaced with feelings of hope and love.
Monica looks at Iolaus with eyes filled with compassion “You see, Iolaus, you are NOT alone..if you believe in God, he will always walk with you no matter what path in life you take. God will always be with you. From the heavens, Anya will aways watch over you. So you see, Iolaus, it is NOT your time to die. You have so much to offer this world. Don’t let the Sovereign break your spirit. You are strong if you believe in God.”
“You mean if I pray God will hear me? Anya will hear me? “
“Yes, Iolaus. God loves you. He will not leave you alone. That’s why God sent me to watch over you. To care for you. To make sure that the Sovereign does not break your heart. God watches over your heart and soul. The Sovereign is wrong. Your heart and soul does not belong to the Sovereign, it belongs to God. You are one of God’s children. God is your Father.”
“Monica, I believe you. You have no idea how good it feels to know that God cares for me. It makes me feel so special. I don’t feel so alone..so small..I thank you Monica for..”Iolaus’ voice chokes with emotion as he cannot continue his sentence..
“Have faith and hope because Hercules will be coming soon to rescue you from this world. “Promise me, Iolaus, you will not let the Sovereign break your spirit?” Monica asks with a worried frown.
“I promise, Monica. I will wait for Hercules. I will help him free the Olympian Gods. You have to leave don’t you Monica?” Iolaus asks.
“Yes, I have another assignment. Now lie back and close your eyes to rest.” Monica says.
Iolaus lies down on the bare floor of the dungeon. He closes his eyes. In his dreams, he sees a white dove take off. He knows in his soul that it’s Monica saying goodbye and telling him to have faith in God’s love. The next morning, Iolaus wakes up and sees a white dove feather on the dark dungeon floor. He holds the feather to his heart and whispers “I promise you Monica, I will wait for Hercules. I won’t let you down. I believe in God’s love.”