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"The Stygian Forest"
by Gwen Olivier
golivier@juno.com

Note:  This was written during the 5th Season after Stranger and Stranger and 
before Love on the Rocks, when the fate of Iolaus was still unknown.  This is an 
alternative story to bring him back.

***

	Hercules awoke to the increasingly familiar, always mouthwatering aroma of 
Iolaus' cooking; but before rousing, he allowed himself a few moments to 
remember the loved ones he had lost.  He had long since come to terms with the 
deaths of Deianeira, Ilea, Aeson and Klonus; however, he still felt a pang of 
sorrow as he thought of each of them and the lives they could have had if things 
had only been different.
	Alcmene's more recent loss still brought unbidden tears to his eyes.  And 
there they were right on cue.  He sighed heavily as they streamed silently down 
his face, and he was suddenly thankful that his back was to Iolaus.
	IOLAUS.  
	Thoughts of his best friend brought a crushing weight
to his heart and ripped his soul into tiny pieces.  He shuddered at the grief 
that overwhelmed him at unexpected moments like now leaving him emotionally 
devastated even though he had thought he was handling it.
	Iolaus looked up from the finished breakfast and noticed the heartrending 
sobs wracking Hercules' recumbent form.  He removed the food from the fire and 
turned his back to Hercules unwilling to intrude on his privacy.  He moved 
farther away from his new friend and buried his head in a scroll.
	Hercules had a hard time bringing his emotions under control.  But finally 
the wave a grief subsided, and he lay there exhausted even though he had had a 
good night's sleep.  Finally, he pulled himself together and forced himself to 
sit up.  He looked across the camp fire at Iolaus' back.  The man was aware of 
Hercules' inner torment and was doing his best to appear oblivious.  Hercules 
had to admire his effort. "Good morning."
	"Huh?"  Iolaus glanced over his shoulder.  "Oh, good morning."  Once he 
noticed Hercules was all right, he hurriedly wrapped up the scroll.  "I'm sorry, 
I just became really interested in this scroll.  I'm afraid I forgot about your 
breakfast.  It's cold."
	Hercules grimaced and nodded at him.  "I'm sure it's fine.  I told you 
before, you don't have to..."
	Iolaus met Hercules' eyes, "I know."  Iolaus quickly looked away, "I'll 
rewarm it while you go wash up."  Iolaus reached for the pan and moved it back 
toward the smoldering fire.  Hercules studied his new friend a moment knowing 
instinctively that he had nothing to fear in revealing
his emotional vulnerability to him.
	"I appreciate your thoughtfulness," he said as he stood up.
"I'll be right back."  Iolaus looked up and nodded, and Hercules took off toward 
the stream.

	Ares threw a handy vase at the image he had been watching.  BORING!  He 
jumped to his feet and stalked across his chamber.  Boring.  Boring.  Boring.  
His maudlin brother and his insipid companion were not even worth his effort.  
They were beyond pathetic.  He still could not comprehend how his magnificent 
plan had so horribly backfired on him?  It had
earned him the wrath of all the other gods.  And instead of destroying Hercules, 
it had simply taken away Ares' pleasure in tormenting him.  
	Well, Ares knew when to admit defeat and move on.  It was definitely time 
to make some changes.  And he knew just the person he needed to stir things up.  
Suddenly he was glad he had not done away with the little twerp.  At least he 
had a warrior's heart unlike his simpering replacement.  The god of war could 
always appreciate a warrior even if he was a goody goody boy.  Yes, he was just 
what was needed.  Ares' mood was improving already.  He allowed himself a 
sinister smile just thinking what fun this could be.      
	
	As Hercules finished his morning ablutions, he wondered if the man waiting 
back at the camp site realized just how much Hercules needed him to fill the 
void left by so many losses, especially the loss of the friend who looked so 
like his new companion, but was so different in so many ways.  Hercules knew he 
was being selfish.  Iolaus was not a warrior, and
he had no desire to be a warrior or a hero.  He just wanted to tinker and invent 
things.  It was hard to do that rambling all over the countryside. 
	Just a little more time, my new friend.  I just need you with me for a 
little while longer until the emotional wounds left by my best friend's death 
have time to heal.  He drew in a deep breath then turned and headed back to the 
campsite.

	Iolaus checked on the fish wrapped in leaves simmering on his camp fire 
before allowing himself the luxury of staring out over the water as he did much 
of the time since Ares had marooned him on this miserable little island.  It had 
food and water and shelter, but it was a lonely place to be.  He thought of 
Hercules and wondered yet  again whether his friend had given up the search for 
him.  He probably had, but Iolaus had to have something to keep him going, so he 
preferred  to think that Hercules was out there looking for him and one day...
	The air near him shimmered and suddenly Ares was standing before him.  
"Ares."
	"This is your lucky day."
	"How's Hercules?" asked Iolaus.
	"If I were you, I would keep my mouth shut and do exactly as I was told."  
Ares paused for effect.  "Unless, of course, you like living  here."
	"What do you want me to do?"
	Ares smiled at Iolaus.  A smile that made Iolaus' skin crawl.  But if he 
had a chance of getting back to Greece, he was going to take it.  Ares held out 
a cup to Iolaus.  "Here, drink this."
	Iolaus looked at the cup.  "What is it?"
	"Your ticket home.  You interested or not?"
	Iolaus grimaced and took the cup.  He sniffed at it.  "You're trying my 
patience," snarled the god of war.  "Drink it all or I'm out of here."
	"Okay, okay."  Iolaus put the cup to his lips and swallowed.  An evil grin 
spread across Ares' face.  Iolaus looked up from the cup feeling very betrayed 
and then he fell bonelessly to the sand.  Ares stood over Iolaus' unconscious 
body and laughed.

***

	Hercules was enjoying the day as he strolled across the
countryside with Iolaus next to him.  The birds were singing, and...No, it 
couldn't be.  But it was.  Instinctively his heart told him that it was.  He 
stopped suddenly--listening.  Iolaus continued on for a few paces before 
stopping and turning back.  "What is it?"
	"Do you hear that?"
	Iolaus paused and listened.  "Hear what?"
	It stopped.  Hercules must have imagined it.  He made a face, "Nothing," 
he said.  But he didn't believe it for a moment.  Something was definitely up.  
He could sense it deep inside.  They continued on their way.  There it was 
again.  Hercules stopped again and listened.  "I have to check this out."  He 
turned off the path entering the woods to his left.  Iolaus watched him a moment 
and then followed after him wondering
what was up, until...
	"Hey, I hear someone giggling," said Iolaus.
	Hercules paused and turned to look at him.  "Yeah, and it sounds just like 
you."
	"Me?  I don't sound like that," said Iolaus.  He listened a
moment.  "Do I?"  When Hercules nodded affirmation, Iolaus made a face.  "Hey, 
you don't suppose...?"
	"I don't know what I suppose, but I'm going to find out."
Hercules turned and continued toward the noise.  Iolaus trailed after him.
	Several hundred yards ahead, they came to a clearing in the woods.  
Hercules stopped abruptly as he spied Iolaus sprawled against the bole of a 
giant tree giggling at the antics of a squirrel.  His heart leapt for joy at the 
sight of his old friend, but the joy immediately turned to suspicion.  Iolaus 
was dead.  This had to be someone else.  Still something inside beckoned him to 
believe that this was truly Iolaus.  He was trembling inside as he forced 
himself to move closer.  He paused a few feet away from Iolaus.  It looked and 
sounded so much like his best friend.  He was even dressed in Iolaus' clothing--
purple vest, green pants, brown boots, complete with unbroken medallion.  
"Iolaus."  He
barely breathed the name.
	Iolaus glanced up.  "Hercules," he yelled exuberantly throwing both arms 
wide in a gesture of welcome so familiar that Hercules' heart almost skipped a 
beat.  "Long see no time...I mean, time long, hic...,"  he dissolved into 
another fit of giggles.  Then he tried to get up.  He was having a really hard 
time of it, so Hercules gave him a hand.  Holding him by his upper arms Hercules 
looked him in the eyes.
	"Iolaus, I...you can't be here."
	Iolaus looked down at himself and then up at the man
standing next to Hercules.  He frowned confused.  "Can't?"  He gestured toward 
Iolaus2.  "I seem to be beside myself," he slurred. 
	"Oh," said Hercules, "this is Iolaus from the Sovereign's world."
	Iolaus stared hard at Iolaus2.  "Hello, Iolaus, nice name, I'm Iolaus, 
too."  He frowned again.  "I think."  He looked at Hercules.  "I are he, aren't 
I?"
	Hercules frowned and shook his head, "I wish I knew."
	Iolaus looked back at Iolaus2.  "He's an uncommonly handsome fellow, isn't 
he?" 
	"Uh, yeah, sure."
	Iolaus2 who had been staring at Iolaus in total shock finally
recovered enough to hold out his hand.  "Hello, Iolaus, it's nice to meet 
me...er...you."  Iolaus reached for Iolaus2's hand, lost his balance and fell to 
the ground.  Iolaus2 leaned over to clasp his forearm to help him up, but Iolaus 
managed to pull the other man down on top of himself.
	"Oops.  I sorry."
	Iolaus2 picked himself up and dusted himself off.  "It's all
right.  Are you okay?"  
	"Fine."  Iolaus2 held his hand out to Iolaus again.  Hercules stepped up 
next to him.
	"Allow me."  He grasped Iolaus' hand, but only pulled him into a sitting 
position.  Then he squatted down to get a better look at him.  "What's wrong 
with you?"
	"Ares made me drank."  He paused.  "I...he...me 
drinked...er...drunked...oh, just one sip, 's all."  He gave Hercules a lopsided 
grin.  "I don't feel so goo...."  Hercules grabbed him as he passed out and 
eased him to the ground.
	Iolaus2 spotted a cup a few feet away from Iolaus and
quickly moved to pick it up.  He examined it carefully holding it up to his nose 
to sniff at it.  "This doesn't look good."  He offered the cup to Hercules. 
	Hercules took the cup and sniffed at it.  "What is it?"
	"Intoxicating honey."
	"Intoxicating honey?"
	"Yeah, the Sovereign used to give it to his enemies.  He found it 
amusing." 
	Hercules cast a worried glance at the now slumbering Iolaus.  "How long 
does it take to wear off?"
	"It doesn't wear off.  You have to have the antidote."
	"The antidote?"
	"Yeah, the water from the spring of Antiphone in the cave of Andrios," 
said Iolaus2. 
        "The cave of Andrios?"
	"Yeah, you know, it's in the middle of the Ethereal Forest."
	Hercules sighed, "I hate to tell you this, but in this world, the cave of 
Andrios is located in the Stygian Forest."
	Iolaus2 eyes opened wide.  "Stygian?  As in Hades?"
	Hercules nodded, "Uh, huh."
	"Oh, no," Iolaus2 squeaked as he fainted dead away.  Hercules stared at 
the two men sprawled on the ground in front of him and sighed heavily.  This was 
going to be a very long trip.  Unless...
	"ARES!" shouted Hercules towards the heavens.  He was answered by Ares' 
evil laughter ringing through the woods.  A moment later Ares appeared sitting 
on a branch of the tree over the two Iolauses' heads.
	"Hello, little brother, are you having a problem with your
mortals?" smirked Ares.
	"Who is this?" demanded Hercules gesturing toward Iolaus.
	"Is that any way to thank me for returning your long lost buddy from the 
dead?"
	"How do I know this is the real Iolaus?.
	"Now, think about it, bro.  Dahak was a god.  He could
shift-change without having to use Iolaus' real body.  But it sure was fun 
letting you think it was your little friend here.  He's been on an island since 
right before you went to Sumaria.  He can tell you all about it if you can 
manage to get the antidote."  Ares looked meaningfully at the two men on the 
ground.  "Unfortunately, I'm afraid your two companions are not going to be much 
assistance to you on your quest.  Happy journey."
Ares waved his arm and disappeared.
	Hercules looked long and hard at Iolaus who was now staring back at him 
with a bemused expression on his face.  Could it really be the friend he had 
thought he lost?  His instincts told him it was.  But what if he was just 
deluding himself since he wanted to believe so badly.  He knew that he couldn't 
trust Ares, but just what was he up to?
	Iolaus2 stirred and grabbed at his head.  Well, Ares was right about one 
thing.  A journey to the cave of Andrios was certainly going to be interesting.  
One Iolaus, who could care for himself if he was really the man Hercules hoped 
he was, was bombed out of his gourd, while the other Iolaus was afraid of his 
own shadow.  Although Hercules had to admit that Iolaus2 had come a long way in 
the few weeks they had been together, 
some of the evils lurking in the Stygian Forest were unnerving even to Hercules.  
He didn't hold much hope for his two companions if he came up against some of 
the creatures he knew to be there.  
	He reached down and offered his hands to the two men.  Iolaus2 was on his 
feet in a second, but even on his feet Iolaus was anything but steady.  Hercules 
was afraid the only way they could make any progress was for him to carry the 
man.  But before he could do anything, Iolaus2 moved to Iolaus' other side and 
grabbed him around the waist.
	Hercules smiled to himself as he thought of another threesome from his 
Academy days.  Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.  As they started off 
half dragging Iolaus between them, Iolaus2 cleared his throat.  "Huh, Hercules, 
this um...Stygian Forest, well, the Ethereal Forest is full of all sorts of 
interesting and magical creatures."
	"Yes, Iolaus, it's filled with all sorts of creatures.  Many of
them are magical and interesting, but I don't think they have quite the same 
temperament as the ones you are referring to."
	"Oh, I see.  Well, um...maybe it would be better if I just waited here 
with Iolaus while you go get the water."
	Hercules hated to admit that he really liked the sound of that idea, but 
if this truly was his best friend, there was no way he was going to leave him 
alone in his condition.  "Iolaus, you have to start dealing with this fear you 
have.  It's only going to make your life miserable."
	"Well, yeah, but..."
	"Besides, Iolaus here can always giggle any evil creatures to death."
	"Evil creach...er...critt...uh...you talkin' 'bout Ares or
Sovereign?" asked Iolaus.
	"The Sovereign's dead," said Hercules.
	"Nah uh, you still alive.  I didn't kil...murd...make him dead.  I 
wouldn't do that to my best duddy...uh, buddy," Iolaus finished with a fit of 
giggles.
	Hercules stopped and grabbed Iolaus with both arms to look him in the 
eyes.  "Wait a minute.  Are you saying that the Sovereign was with you?"
	Iolaus nodded with his whole body.  "Till flew days ago,
Ares took him way.  Afraid I k...k...kill...somethink...oh, yeah, Sov.  But I 
woodn't, Herc, hu...hurt you.  You f...fr...frrriend."
	Hercules frowned at Iolaus2, "Then maybe you can't survive the death of 
your otherworld counterpart after all."
	"Who said could?" asked Iolaus.
	"I'll explain it when you're sober.  But if that's still true,
then maybe you are the real Iolaus."
	"Of course, I'm real.  Why wouldn't I be real?"  He looked down at himself 
and then at Iolaus2 again.  "Are you real?"
	"As far as I know, and I'm really not looking forward to this trip to the 
forest of bloodthirsty demons," said Iolaus2.
	Iolaus giggled.  "He'sssss funny.  I like him."
	"Me, too.  Now, come on."  Hercules moved Iolaus back into position in the 
middle and started off again.  "We'd better get moving.  This cave is two days 
away."
	"Two days!  Oh my," gasped Iolaus2.  Hercules was glad the man didn't 
faint again.
	"What now?" asked Hercules as they started off again.
	"If we don't find the antidote in forty-eight hours, and if
it's still true that when one dies, the other one dies, we're both
dead men."
	"Great," muttered Hercules to himself.  Ares' laughter filled the trees as 
Hercules grimaced and picked up the pace.

***

	Ares was livid.  He could not believe how incredibly boring his little 
endeavor was turning out to be.  His obnoxious half brother and the simpering 
fool had done a day and a half's worth of traveling in a single day in spite of 
the drunken twerp's prattling and stumbling gait.  And instead of being put out 
about their troubles, Hercules was acting like a love sick puppy so glad to have 
his little runt of a friend back that he didn't care about the noise.  Ares had 
a headache from the nonstop drivel, but Hercules acted like it was music to his 
ears, and the fool was
extremely quiet.  It was unnatural.  It was boring.  It was maddening.  If 
things didn't pick up when they reached the forest, Ares was going to have to 
make things happen.  He rubbed his hands together in anticipation, then went off 
to find some other source of amusement while the insipid mortals
settled down for the night.

	It had been well after dark when they had finally stopped to rest.  
Iolaus2 had started a fire with his spark jug while Hercules had found some nuts 
and berries for dinner.  Iolaus was frowning mightily at one particular berry.
	"Ssssquirrrrrel food.  I hates ssssquirrellll ffffoood."  Hic.  He giggled 
and popped the berry into his mouth and fell backward onto the ground closing 
his eyes--the bemused expression still on his face.  Hercules stared at him a 
few moments while he downed his own meager supper.  As much as he tried to not 
let himself succumb to the man, he could not help being joyful and feeling that 
this really was Iolaus come back to him.
	"Hercules."  Iolaus2's quiet voice startled Hercules.  He winced at his 
own reaction and looked over at the man.  Iolaus2 smiled a weak smile at him.  
"I'm glad you've found your friend again."
	"If he is my friend."
	"You mean you think there are even more than two of us around?"
	Hercules shrugged.  "He died in my arms.  And then I had to fight to free 
his soul from Dahak.  I honestly don't know what to think."
	"What do you feel?"
	"Truthfully?"
	"Truthfully."
	"I'm not sure.  I want it to be him so badly, I'm afraid to trust my 
instincts."
	"But your instincts are telling you it's him."
	Reluctantly Hercules nodded affirmation.  "Yeah, from the moment I first 
heard him giggling."
	"You share a very strong bond."
	"That we do, my friend."
	"You won't need me any more, now that he's returned."
	Hercules sighed, "Iolaus, you're my friend, too, why wouldn't I need you?"
	Iolaus2 looked down and poked at the ground with a stick.  "Well, I know 
you wanted me with you because I helped fill the void his absence left in your 
life."
	"You're very perceptive.  But I've come to know you, and I really like you 
for who you are--not because you remind me of him.  In fact, the better I get to 
know you, the more different you both are."
	"How do you mean?"
	"Well, you hold your body differently, you stand differently, you talk 
differently, your voice is softer.  Your facial expressions are different.  And 
what you care about is different.  You are both wonderful people, and I am happy 
to have the both of you as my friends.  In fact, I can only foresee one 
problem."
	Iolaus looked up at Hercules unable to hide the concern he felt.  
"Problem.  What's that?"
	"Your name.  I don't think I'll ever have any problem telling you two 
apart, but when you're both called Iolaus, it makes it kind of hard to know 
which one I'm addressing."
	"Yes, I thought of that, too.  But I figured I'd be going off on my own, 
so it wouldn't really matter."
	"I would never force you to stay if you don't want to, but I wish you 
would."
	"Well, if we don't find that cave in time, it might not matter
anyway."
	"So let's get some rest.  We have a long day tomorrow."
	"Right.  Good night, Hercules."
	"Good night, Iolaus."
	"Goo' night, Herc."  Hic.  "Goood night, Iolaus."  Giggles.
	"Iolaus, I thought you were asleep."
	"Nope."
	"Did you hear what I said?"
	"Heared...heard...every word, I thingggkk."
	"I'm sorry if I offended you."
	"'M not offensive, 'm I?"
	"Not in the least," laughed Hercules, "now, get some sleep.  Good night, 
Iolaus."
	Quiet fell over the campsite, but it was a long time before
Hercules finally closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

	They were up early and back on the path at dawn the next morning.  "We 
made good time yesterday," said Hercules, we should be reaching the woods around 
noon."
	Iolaus2 drew in a deep breath and let it out.  "Well, at least it will be 
daylight.  I'm sorry, Hercules, I know we've been over this before, but I'm just 
not a brave person."
	"Iolaus, just because you feel fear doesn't mean you're not
brave."
	"It doesn't?"
	"No, feeling fear and doing what needs to be done anyway is what makes a 
man brave.  Not being afraid doesn't require courage.  I know you now, I know 
you can do this."
	"Courssse, he caaan, he loookkks like me."
	"There is that."
	"You know, I've been thinking about what we talked about last night," said 
Iolaus2.  Then he paused.  When Hercules didn't say anything, he said, "Since 
this is his world, I've decided that I should be the one to change my name."
	"Whoooossssseeee werld?"
	"Yours."
	"Oh."
	"Well, that's very generous of you," said Hercules.
	"I can changed my name, toooo, ikf I want to."
	"Yes, you can, but I think we should wait till you're sober."
	"I fffeeeeel goot."
	"I'll bet you do," grinned Hercules.  "So did you have a name in mind, 
Iolaus?"
	"Well, I'm not really sure.  I thought about Reginald."
	"Yuuuuuckkkkkk," said Iolaus.
	"Or Seymore."  Iolaus gave him the raspberry.  And then descended into a 
fit of giggles.
	"What else?" prompted Hercules.
	"Well, Angelmichaelo or better yet Michelangelo?"
	"Mickell issth a nithe name."
	"Michelangelo is a mouthful."
	"I guess.  I'll have to keep thinking."
	"Uncle Fffflatusssssss uzzzed to call me Ioly, but I like
Iolaussssss bestess," said Iolaus.
	"Me, too, I'm afraid.  It's been my name all my life."
	"Well, then we'll just learn to deal with it," said Hercules.
"Why don't you change the subject and tell Iolaus what it was like being a 
teacher at the Academy."
	"The Academmmmy?  He teached, tau...professed at there?"
	"Yes, and he was quite good," said Hercules.
	"Professssssor Iolaus," said Iolaus.  "I like dat."
	"Professor," repeated Hercules.  "He does like to invent things.  What 
about it, Iolaus, would you mind being called Professor?"
	"I don't know.  I mean I'm very flattered and all, but I don't feel..."
	"If you don't like it, say so, if you think you're unworthy or
something, I think it suits you," said Hercules.
	"You do?"
	"Sure.  You were a great teacher, Professor."
	"Well, I'm still not sure."
	"Okay, we'll try and see what happens.  You can always change it again."
	Iolaus2 gave a heavy sigh, "Very well, if you don't think it's too 
pretentious."  Secretly, Iolaus2 was grinning inside.  He liked the idea of 
being a professor.  He liked the idea just fine.
	"Not at all."
	As they moved forward, an ominous miasma of doom engulfed them.  Iolaus2 
cringed involuntarily.  "What is that?"
	"We're on the edge of the Stygian Forest.  It's not a very
pleasant place."
	"'S creepy.  Let's go."  Iolaus pulled them toward the woods.
	"Hang on a minute, Iolaus."
	"That's what I been doin', otherwide, I fall down."
	"Yeah, well, maybe the professor has changed his mind."  He looked 
meaningfully at Iolaus2.
	"Well, the sooner we get the antidote into him, the better, so I can do 
this."
	"Good.  That's what I wanted to hear.  Let's get to it."
	They moved forward with confidence even as they entered the woods and the 
sunlight all but disappeared leaving them in an Stygian twilight.  The 
atmosphere turned clammy and cloying.  It made breathing difficult.  The trees 
were gnarled and tangled and anything but pleasant to look at.  And they could 
hear screams and shrieks of the gods knew what off in the distance.  Iolaus2 
gasped as something cold brushed against his shoulder.
	"You all right?" asked Hercules.
	Iolaus2 swallowed hard.  "Uh, huh.  Let's find the cave."
	Hideous laughter rang through the woods.  Hercules recognized Ares' at 
once.  Iolaus2 shuddered.  "What was that?"
	"You really don't want to know."
	"I guess you're right."
	They walked deeper into the woods for another half hour before a Stygian 
creature jumped out from behind a tree and confronted the trio.  "A 
monsssssterrrrr," exclaimed Iolaus.  "I'lllll get it."  He lurched for the 
creature falling flat on his face.  Iolaus2 froze and his eyes grew to the size 
of saucers.  Hercules leaped over Iolaus and faced off with the monster.  As 
Hercules did battle with the creature, something tapped Iolaus2 on the shoulder.  
Filled with dread, Iolaus2 did a slow turn and
fainted dead away when he saw the creature behind him.  Ares smiled to himself 
as he picked up Iolaus2's water container and added something to it.  Then he 
disappeared as Hercules did away with the monster and turned to find his two 
companions sprawled on the ground.
	He grabbed Iolaus2's water container and was about to pour it in the man's 
face when Iolaus grabbed the leather strap and pulled hard.  The water spilled 
on the ground next to Iolaus2 who opened his eyes and frowned at Hercules.  He 
continued wrinkling his nose, then struggled to sit up.  "What's that smell?"
	Hercules grabbed the water container back from Iolaus and
sniffed at it.  "Intoxicating honey."  
	"Thirsssssty."
	Hercules looked at Iolaus2.  "Will any more hurt him or make him worse?"
	Iolaus2 shrugged, "I don't think so."  He hesitated.  "I'm sorry, 
Hercules, I tried to be brave, but I..."
	"It's all right, Professor, you're still here.  That says a lot
about your integrity."  Hercules studied the water container a moment before 
handing it to Iolaus.  Then he looked at Iolaus2.  "You didn't drink any did 
you?"
	"No, it takes effect almost immediately."  He looked at Iolaus who was 
drinking the water.  "What if there's something in addition to the intoxicating 
honey in there?"
	Hercules looked at Iolaus, "Too late now.  I wonder how it
got in there?"
	"The hideous beast who snuck up on me probably put it there.  I think the 
creature you fought was just a distraction."
	"Ares wants to make this as difficult as possible."
	"Ares, the god of war?  You think he's behind this?"
	"Oh, yeah."
	"I much prefer Ares, the god of love."
	Iolaus was trying to get to his feet.  "I ready now."
	"Good, let's keep moving."  Hercules scooped Iolaus up and continued pass 
the fallen creature.  Iolaus2 grimaced as he sidled by the monstrous carcass.  
He was grateful he was traveling with Hercules. 	

	Ares sneered.  They were really pushing it.  What to do?  What to do?  Ah 
hah.  He had it.  He would just help the Stygian Forest do its thing.  His 
little brother would soon be in an agony of torment, and Ares would finally have 
some fun.  You're mine, little brother.  His laughter rang out loud and hideous.

	A blood-curdling sound reverberated through the forest making Iolaus2 
visibly cringe.  Hercules was about to reassure his friend when the trees around 
them started to move, blocking them in whichever direction they tried to move 
until they were completely surrounded.  
	"Damn you, Ares," shouted Hercules as he lowered Iolaus to the ground and 
started searching for a way out.  There was none.

***

	Hercules had walked around the enclosure three times without finding any 
visible means of escape.  The trees were very tall and their branches appeared 
to be entangled.  Even if he could make the climb, there was no assurance that 
he would be able to find a way out.  Nothing looked promising.  Still he had to 
try something.  He moved to a spot where two trees came together and examined it 
carefully.  Then he backed up to the 
other side of the enclosure and made a run at the spot using his great strength 
to try and break through.  His momentum did cause a small opening in the trees, 
but numerous gnarled branches quickly filled the  space before he could force 
his way out.  He backed off and looked toward the tops again, then he began 
searching for the best place to start climbing.
	"Uh, Hercules," said Iolaus2 tentatively.
	Hercules turned to the man who was holding his spark jug and looking at 
the spot where the gnarled limbs had grown.  "Huh?"
	"I have an idea."
	"I'm listening."
	"Well, I'm a lot smaller than you are, so I could probably squeeze through 
a lot easier.  And I thought if we set those limbs on fire they may back off 
long enough for me to escape to get the spring water to save him."  He gestured 
at Iolaus who was lying flat on his back singing a bawdy song.
	Hercules smiled at the Professor.  "What do you need me to do?"
	"Well, it will probably be easier to break through these
branches rather than the trees, so let's gather up some brush and stick it 
around the limbs so it will burn.  Then when we're ready, you run against the 
spot with all your strength while I use the spark jug to light the fire and, 
hopefully, push on through."
	Hercules shook his head incredulously.  The man had to know how dangerous 
this was going to be, yet he seemed willing to risk his life.
	"Are you sure you want to try this?"
	Iolaus2 shrugged.  "It's the only thing I can think of at the
moment, and we are under a deadline here."  He looked at Iolaus.  "I know the 
way to the cave.  It's not very far from here.  Although I must admit it's a lot 
nicer path in my world."
	"I'm sure it is."  Hercules stooped down to scoop up an armload of brush, 
then moved to stick it in and around the newly grown limbs.  Iolaus2 did 
likewise.  When they had finished, Hercules surveyed their handiwork.  Iolaus2 
moved to the base of the trees with his spark jug.  Hercules moved closer and 
held out his hand to Iolaus2.  "Good luck, Iolaus."
	Iolaus2 grasped his forearm in farewell.  "Yeah, well, I...uh...in case 
things don't work out, I want to say thank you."
	"For what?" asked Hercules.
	"For giving me the chance to come to your world and to be your friend."
	Hercules clasped Iolaus2's hand in both of his.  He could feel the man's 
trembling.  "It was my privilege, Professor."  Iolaus2 glanced down embarrassed.  
"Remember, it's okay to be afraid."
	Iolaus2 swallowed hard and nodded.  Then he glanced over at Iolaus who now 
appeared to be sleeping peacefully.  "I'll remember."  He  hesitated making a 
strange face.
	"What is it?" asked Hercules.
	"He's quieted down.  They usually sober up before they slip into the final 
coma.  I'd better hurry."  He took his spark jug and started the flame as 
Hercules backed away as far as he could in the enclosed space.  As Hercules 
started running toward the designated spot, Iolaus2 put the spark jug to the 
brush then waited for his chance.  Hercules plowed into the limbs with all his 
might as the brush went up in a roar of flames.  Iolaus2 saw an opening and 
quickly crawled through.  Hercules tried to follow, but was quickly cut off.  
The limbs had Iolaus2's right foot, but the man applied the spark jug to them 
and pulled himself free.
	"I made it, Hercules, I made it," called Iolaus2 as he climbed to his feet 
only stopping long enough to smother a smoking spot on his vest front.
	"Great going, Professor."
	"I'll hurry as fast as I can," called Iolaus2 as he turned and
sprinted down the path.  He ran steadily for the better part of an hour before a 
grotesque creature jumped out in the path before him.  Iolaus froze for a 
moment.  "It's okay to be afraid," he repeated to himself.  "It's okay to be 
afraid."  The creature who had been momentarily as startled as Iolaus2 was now 
moving towards him.  Without thinking Iolaus2 dove into some bushes along the 
side of the path.  Then scrambling to his hands and knees he crawled through the 
undergrowth for several hundred
yards before he finally slowed down and listened.  Hearing nothing threatening, 
he climbed to his feet and made his way back to the path.  It was blessedly 
deserted.  And he was near a fork in the road.  In his world the fork on the 
left led to the stream which ran along side of the cave.
	He quickly headed down the left-hand path and was rewarded by the sound of 
moving water, but when he finally came to the babbling brook, he was startled to 
see black brackish water where he had expected a clear refreshing waterway.  
Crinkling his nose at the acrid smell, he followed the stream in the direction 
of the cave.
	He began to wonder if the water from the spring of Antiphone in the Cave 
of Andrios would even be drinkable and whether it would provide the cure Iolaus 
needed.  He spied the entrance to the cave up ahead.  He ducked down in the 
bushes deciding the direct approach was not necessarily the best approach in 
this case.  He was glad he had chosen to use caution
when three odd-looking animals emerged from the cave.  Iolaus2 stayed perfectly 
still hoping the stinking water would mask his scent.  His heart nearly stopped 
beating as one of the animals sniffed in his direction, but finally all three 
turned and headed off the way he had come.  Iolaus2 breathed a sigh of relief 
which quickly turned into a swallowed gasp as a giant ogre approached the cave 
and went inside.  
	"Great," thought Iolaus2, "always when you're in a hurry."  He sat where 
he was and waited.

	Hercules paced the enclosed space wondering how Iolaus2 was doing.  Iolaus 
watched him, but remained strangely quiet.  Hercules wondered whether he should 
try to keep him talking or not.  He supposed it wouldn't hurt.  He moved over 
and sat down next to Iolaus.  "How are you doing, buddy?"
	"Okay."
	"The Professor is trying to get the antidote for you."
	"Can't you just break out of here?"
	"Doesn't look that way.  But I guess it wouldn't hurt to keep trying."  
Hercules started to get up, then stopped suddenly and looked down at Iolaus.  
"Iolaus, are you sober?"
	"Huh?"
	"Talk to me.  Tell me where you've been."
	"I was on an island all by myself.  It was lonely, Hercules.  I pretended 
you were out there looking for me, but I was afraid you would never find me."
	"I'm sorry, Iolaus, I thought you were dead."
	"Is that why you went back for the other Iolaus?"
	"No, I just stumbled across him trapped between worlds.  I thought that 
was why he was still alive while you were dead."  He paused and looked Iolaus in 
the eyes.  "You died in my arms, Iolaus, I...," Hercules was overcome with 
emotions.
	Iolaus sat up suddenly and almost passed out.  Hercules reached out to 
steady his friend.  "Take it easy."
	"I...I'm sorry, I didn't know."  He rested a hand on Hercules' shoulder.
	Hercules eased him back to the ground.  "Here lie back down."  He looked 
around and noticed Iolaus2's pack.  He grabbed it and used it as a pillow for 
Iolaus' head.  "There how's that?"
	"It's fine."  Iolaus put a hand on Hercules' arm.  "I don't know who died 
in my place, Herc, but it wasn't me."  He paused.  "Do you think I could be an 
imposter like you told the Professor?"
	"Do you feel like an imposter?"
	"I don't feel too good, but I never stopped being me.  Even when Ares put 
the Sovereign with me for a few days, I knew I couldn't kill him because it 
might kill you.  But Ares didn't know that I wouldn't kill him; that's why he 
took him away."  He hesitated.  "In fact, I was not only glad to have the 
company.  I was glad to have somebody that reminded me of you no matter how 
distantly.  That's why I thought you might have gone

fter the other Iolaus because you missed me."
	"You have no idea how much I missed you.  I even left Greece for a while 
because I missed you so much.  It's good to have you back."
	"It's good to be back."  He reached up and held his head with both hands. 
"I think."
	Hercules felt a sudden chill around his heart.  He couldn't watch Iolaus 
die again.  Where was Iolaus2?  What was taking him so long?

	Iolaus2 waited several minutes, but when the ogre failed to come back out 
of the cave, he decided he could not wait any longer.  Iolaus and Hercules were 
depending on him.  He got back on his hands and knees and crawled carefully 
toward the entrance.  When he reached it, he stayed close to the side and lay 
flat on his belly as he crawled into the obsidian darkness.  He was terrified as 
he worked his way along the wall in the direction of the spring of Antiphone.  
He stopped every few feet to
look and listen.  Gradually his eyes adjusted to the darkness.  There was an 
access to the spring water twenty feet away on his left.  He kept moving forward 
watching and listening.  There was no sign of the ogre.
	Finally, he neared the base of the spring and reached for his water 
container.  His hands were shaking so badly, he had a hard time removing the 
cap, but he managed somehow.  Then he slowly moved to his knees and stuck the 
container into the spring.  He had just finished filling it and replacing the 
cap, when he sensed something behind him.   
	His heart was pounding wildly in his chest, but he knew he had only one 
chance to survive in order to help his friends, so he reached for his spark jug 
and swung around holding it up in the air as he spun the flint wheel.  The flame 
appeared startling the ogre and Iolaus2 sprinted for the mouth of the cave as 
fast as he could move.  As he emerged from the entrance, two ghostly creatures 
were approaching.  Iolaus2 ran right through them feeling an unearthly shiver, 
but he kept on going down the
path back towards Hercules.

	Ares wanted to kill something.  Anything.  All his wonderful plans had 
proven to be worse than boring.  Maybe he could salvage some pleasure out of 
goading Hercules now that he realized how painful it was going to be to watch 
his little friend die yet again.

	Hercules sat watching over Iolaus who seemed to be sleeping peacefully.  
Suddenly Iolaus opened his eyes and reached out to Hercules, who took his hand 
in both of his own.  "Don't grieve for me, Hercules.  I had a good life."
	"Iolaus, I...," tears filled Hercules' eyes.
	"How touching.  And me without a handkerchief."
	Hercules looked up, his faced filled with sadness.  It made Ares nauseous.  
"Ares, why are you doing this?"
	"Why do I do anything, little brother?  It amuses me."
	"I swear, if he dies, you're going to regret this day for all
eternity."
	"OOH, is that a threat?  I'm shaking in my boots."  He strolled closer to 
stand over Hercules and Iolaus.  "Tell me, bro, what exactly do you have in 
mind?"
	"Sending you to join Hear for starters."
	"You wouldn't dare."
	"Try me.  And, of course, there's what you did to the other gods.  I'm 
certain I could get some of them to help me make your existence miserable."
	Ares pursed his lips and nodded.  "Well, they are still kind of peeved, 
but I don't think you have it in you to do me in."
	"When my wife and children died, Iolaus kept me from doing anything 
foolish.  But I promise you, if anything happens to him, you don't want to know 
what I'll be capable of doing to you."
	"Oh, promises, promises.  I would love to have you join me in rallying the 
forces of evil in this misbegotten little world."
	"Don't hold your breath."
	The sneer on Ares' face turned suddenly sinister, but a noise from across 
the enclosure made both men look.  A huge fire was burning an opening in the 
trees.  Hercules jumped to his feet, while Ares simply stared in disbelief as 
Iolaus2 came through the flames.  He rolled on the ground to put out the fires 
that had started on his clothing, then he was up on his feet moving toward 
Iolaus with a water container.
	"I don't believe it," snarled Ares.  "I forgot all about that
sniveling insignificant dweeble.  And here he is being all heroic.  How 
perfectly disgusting."
	Iolaus2 was pouring water down Iolaus' throat.  Iolaus sputtered and 
Hercules moved to help him into a sitting position.  Ares glared at the 
threesome.  "Well, little brother, I guess your little Professor here saved you 
from having to do anything distasteful to me.  Better keep an eye on him.  
Later."  Ares disappeared.
	"What did he mean?" asked Iolaus2.  "Did he just threaten me?"
	"I wouldn't worry about him, my friend, he likes to blow steam."  He 
stooped down and scooped Iolaus up.  "Come on, let's get out of here before that 
opening decides to close."  He carried Iolaus out of the enclosure and all the 
way out of the forest.  As they moved away from the
aura of evil surrounding the forest, Iolaus began to stir.
	"Hercules, you can put me down now."
	Hercules was grinning from ear to ear.  "Why would I want to do that?"
	"Hercules, please, put me down."
	"Oh, well, since you asked nicely."  He put Iolaus on his feet and looked 
at him.  "It's great to have you back, buddy."  Iolaus nodded and grasped 
Hercules' forearm in a warm greeting.  Then Hercules turned to Iolaus2.  "And 
I'd like you to meet the Professor."
	Iolaus looked at Iolaus2 and extended his arm.  "Glad to finally meet 
you," said Iolaus.
	"Likewise," said Iolaus2 clasping his arm.
	"And I want to thank you for saving my life," added Iolaus
reaching out with his other hand to grasp Iolaus2's arm between both of his own.
	"It was a privilege to help."  Iolaus2 was suddenly embarrassed.  "Well, I 
didn't really...I mean I was saving my own life, too."
	Hercules put his hand on Iolaus2's shoulder.  "Professor, weren't you the 
least little bit afraid while you were retrieving the water?"
	Iolaus2 shrugged.  "Well, actually, I was terrified."
	"But you did what needed to be done."
	"I guess so."
	"That makes you a hero in my book.  And I also want to thank you for 
saving Iolaus and yourself and for freeing me from that enclosure."  He reached 
out and grasped Iolaus2's forearm.
	Now Iolaus2 was really blushing, but he was also beaming with pride.  "I 
don't know what to say."
	"Say you're welcome."
	"You're welcome."
	"Great.  Now that we got that out of the way," said Iolaus rubbing his 
hands together, "what's for dinner?  I'm starving."
	Hercules couldn't hide his happiness at hearing that familiar refrain 
after all this time.  His smile was like the sun as he put an arm around each 
Iolaus and led them along the trail.  "Well, I'll tell you what, Iolaus, if you 
catch a rabbit, the Professor here will fix you a meal you will not believe."	
	"Why can't you catch the rabbit?"
	"You're the hunter."
	"I really don't like rabbit."
	"How could anyone not like rabbit?"
	The roar of Hercules' laughter filled the countryside as the happy trio 
continued on their merry way.

THAT'S ALL, FOLKS

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