Subj: Vampires, Gods and Time 5 of ?
Date: 10/31/99 6:40:42 PM Central Standard Time
From: Mysterious Millicent

Hercules home near the city of Athens--

Hercules wheeled around and said suddenly, "Father!"

"I have someone here who really wants to see you my son." And from behind Zeus' robe came a tiny hand followed by the face of a beautiful little blonde-haired girl with sky blue eyes. She looked up at Hercules and running towards him shouted, "Daddy! Daddy!"

Hercules looked down at the little girl and more tears filled his eyes. He reached down and grabbed the little girl as she fell into his arms. Bringing her close to him he hugged her and said almost inaudibly, "Ilea, sweetheart!"

The little girls arms went around her fathers large neck, and she held on for dear life. She loved her Daddy, it was very plain to see and the feeling was indeed reciprocated. After a few minutes, Hercules brought Ilea's face in front of his and smiling said, "How are you, Ilea?" Ilea put her little fingers to her father's cheek brushing the tears away and said, "Daddy, why are you sad?"

Hercules sighed and said, "I'm not sad, sweetheart, " and then giving her a big squeeze he continued, "I'm just very glad to see you." And with that he began to tickle her. The little girl began to giggle and say, "Stop Daddy!"

Zeus took all of this in, realizing how much this meant to his son. And he had further plans.

Barnabas too was watching this scene and was reminded of his little sister Sarah, whom he doted on and loved dearly as well.

Zeus, motioned to Barnabas to come to him and when Barnabas was closer, Zeus whispered, "Come with me Barnabas, and let's leave my son and his daughter alone for a few minutes. I have something to ask you."

When Zeus and Barnabas had gone outside the house Barnabas was feeling a bit uncomfortable. He had never been walking let alone talking with a god before. And this wasn't just any god, this was the all-powerful King of the Gods. (not to be confused with the all-powerful Queen of the Gods).

Zeus finally turned to Barnabas and said, "I love my son, Barnabas, no matter how it may seem. I love him more than myself. And I am tired of my wife trying to destroy his life. I have come up with a plan to thwart her schemes, teach my son Ares a lesson and give my son back his life. You saw how much he loves his children. That is how much I love him. So I want you to do something for me.

Barnabas was afraid and at the same time awed that the all-powerful King of the Gods would ask him for help. "What do you want of me, my Lord Zeus?"

--------------------------------------

Hercules had Ilea on his lap and they were playing a game of rocks, parchment, dagger and of course Ilea was winning. Hercules could not believe that he was holding his little girl again. He missed his whole family. His sons, and of course Deianeira. He couldn't believe that his Father had brought he back to visit. And what was he up to anyway?

Ilea looked at her father and said, "Daddy?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Mommy says that you can't live with us right now, but you will be soon. Why can't you live with us now?" Ilea looked into her father's face searching for an answer.

Hercules swallowed hard and tried to explain, "Ilea, it is not my time to come to the Elysian Fields yet. But when it is, I will be with you and your brothers and your Mom for always. I know it is hard to understand, sweetheart, but I just can't come now."

"But I want you to come now, Daddy. I miss you! And so does Mommy!" And the little girl began to cry.

Hercules held his little girl close to his breast and stroked her soft golden curls. Whispering softly he said, "I know sweetheart. I wish I could to." Then he put his finger under her chin and pulled her face close to his and said softly, "But always remember, Ilea. I will love you always and I will always be your father."

Ilea shook her head yes, in agreement. And then Hercules picked her up and said, "You know what I found the other day?"

The little girl sniffled, wiped her eyes and said, "What?"

Carrying Ilea, Hercules walked into the bedroom to the dresser and picked up a large wooden box. When he opened the box, Ilea shouted loudly, "Diddy do. Daddy, you found Diddy do!" A doll that Aphrodite had given Ilea when she was 2. It was her most cherished possession and one that Hercules had found laying a few feet from her remains when Hera destroyed her with that fireball. He had kept it all this time and now was happy that he could give it back to his daughter.

Ilea held the doll close to her chest for a moment and then when Hercules put down the wooden box, threw her arms again around his neck and kissed her father on the cheek. "Thank you Daddy. I love you!"

Hercules kissed Ilea on the cheek and said, "And I love you too, sweetheart!"

"I'm sorry, son, but it is time to return Ilea." Zeus said.

Hercules looked at his father and nodded. But the little girl clung onto her father and refused to let go. "No grandfather, I want to stay with Daddy!"

Hercules looked at his daughter and said, "Ilea, your mother will be worried about you, and I will come to see you as soon as I can," he paused looking at Zeus, "That is if grandfather will permit it.

At that moment, a shimmering of light appeared and in the house stood the beautiful Goddess of Love Aphrodite.

"Hi big brother, my Lord Zeus."

"Will you return Ilea to the Elysian Fields for me, Aphrodite?" Zeus commanded.

"Of course, my Lord." and turning to Ilea, she said, "Hey, Ilea wanna fly with me?" Aphrodite said as she held out her hands for the little girl.

Ilea looked at her father not wanting to leave but then gave him a kiss on the cheek and said with tears in her eyes, "Goodbye, Daddy."

Hercules smiled at his daughter and said, "Goodbye, sweetheart. Take care of your mother for me ok?"

Ilea, feeling somewhat important at the moment said, "I'm a big girl now, I will take care of Mommy. I promise." And Aphrodite scooped her up in her arms, and then saw her doll, "Oh, you brought Diddy do! Well, let's see if she can fly too. Ready? Wave goodbye."

Ilea waved goodbye and Hercules waved back and then both Ilea and Aphrodite were gone in a sudden flash of light.

Hercules looked at Zeus and said, "Thank you Father. That meant so much to me."

Zeus put his hand on his son's strong shoulder and said, "I know, my son. But I have high hopes to make amends for not being around more to help you. I have found a way to put an end to Hera's harrassment of you."

"Father, are you serious? You really are going to help me?"

"Yes, I am Hercules. I am tired of seeing you in pain. You have a right to be happy and I am tired of Hera's constant interferring. And Ares is getting entirely too cocky for his own good. Hera has spoiled him to the point that he can do nothing wrong. But that is going to stop now, or I am not King of the Gods." And with the last statement there was a trememdous clap of thunder that shook the entire house.

Then to Barnabas and Hercules, Zeus bekoned to the table where they all sat down and Zeus began to relay his plans. With each point Hercules began to smile. His Father was finally going to help him. And nothing Hera could do would stop him.

(From outside the house a figure landed and walked over to the window. Although the figure could not hear what was being said, it was clear something was going on that needed Hera's attention. Zeus was with his son and that stranger Barnabas Collins. "I must warn Hera!" And the figure again flew skyward)

NO DOLLS WERE SUFFOCATED IN WOODEN BOXES IN THE MAKING OF THIS STORY