Subj: Vampires, Gods and Time 11 of ?
Date: 11/18/99 12:38:01 PM Central Standard Time
From: Mysterious Millicent

The Underworld, Hades castle--

Hades stood by the window of his castle that overlooked the Elysian Fields. He was really getting tired of the gods petty quarrels. Each time one of the gods of great power decided to wage war on another god he always wound up getting many mortals entering into the Underworld. His paperwork was mounting up and he knew that soon Zeus would come for an account and there just was no way he would have inventory up to date.

But this time, he knew that Zeus would be very lenient. He smiled when he thought of what was going to happen. For some time he had been very tired of the war between Zeus and his wife, Hera, the all-powerful Queen of the Gods. He never had harbored any fond feelings for his sister, but he had always remained loyal to his brother and King, Zeus. However, he never ceased to be bored with the constant bickering and mud-slinging between his two siblings who were the royal leaders governing from Mount Olympus. Hera had gone way too far this time, and he was going to enjoy her humiliation in these matters. Perhaps it would humble her a bit.

“My love, what are you doing?” came a sweet voice from the doorway. Hades turned to see his loving wife Persephone, leaning up against the door frame with a look of concern on her face.

“I am just thinking of Zeus and Hera, love.” Hades said with a smile as he crossed the room to take his wife’s hands in his. “You have made sure that Deianeira and Hercules’ children are safe?”

Persephone kissed the hand of her husband and said, “Yes. They are waiting for you, my Lord and Husband.”

“Good. I will go to them now. And when I return, we can continue the little game we started earlier.” Kissing his wife on the forehead, Hades then looked at his beautiful wife with a mischievious grin. Persephone acknowledged that smile with a wry grin, knowing full well what Hades had in mind. Then Hades turned and left the chamber.

Within a matter of minutes, Hades appeared in another room of the castle. He looked around and saw Deianeira and her daughter Ilea sitting at the table weaving a tapestry. The little girl’s hands were way too small but nimble. She was learning well the craft. She had managed to prick her fingers only twice and was becoming much swifter on the loom, even for a 5 yr old. Hercules’ two sons were on the other side of the room struggling and in total competition with the other, with regards to two large and heavy swords Hades had provided for their amusement.

“I am the stronger!” Said Aeson who was really trying to lift a large, heavy and thick sword but was only able to bring the sword a few inches from the ground before it landed back on the floor with a loud ‘clink’.

“No, I am stronger, brother.” Klonus responded and lifting his sword up, moved to attack stance and stood tall and proud, holding the very heavy sword.

Hades was impressed. Apparently the eldest sibling of the great warrior had indeed, inherited some of his father’s skills as well as his strength.

“I am happy to see that you are all getting on well.” Hades said quietly, so as not to frighten any of them.

Deianeira looked up from the weaving and said, “Is there any word of my husband, my Lord Hades? When is he coming for us?”

“Soon, Deianeira I promise you, very soon.” Hades replied.

Little Ilea put her needle down and ran to Hades and said, “You are really nice, Uncle Hades, to bring my daddy back.” And lifting her arms up in a gesture to be held, Ilea looked into Hades blue eyes showing no fear.

Hades picked up the little girl and held her close to him. Even tho Klonus appeared to possess great strength, and Aeson appeared to have developed both patience, kindness and understanding, it was this little one, Ilea who possessed the greatest of the three. For she possessed no fear, showed great strength of wisdom and had a great capacity for love. He was very touched with this little one and it made him desire a child of his own. And tonight he would make sure that Persephone realized his desires.

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

Cave near Athens--

As Iolaus sat at the chair weeping unashamed for his fallen friend and comrade a shimmering of light appeared. Iolaus did not look for he knew it was either Ares, Strife, or Drakon come to harass him.

“Iolaus, why do you weep?” a strong male voice came from behind. Iolaus knew that was not the voice of Strife, Ares, or Drakon unless they were disguising themselves. He turned slowly to see who was addressing him. Before him stood a man dressed in royal robes and wearing a golden wreath of leaves about his head.

Iolaus’ mouth dropped open. For there in front of him was the King of the Gods, Zeus himself!

Iolaus bowed down and said in a voice full of anguish. “Why, my Lord Zeus, King of the Gods and ruler of all that is. Why have you let your son and my friend die?”

Zeus walked over to Iolaus and touched him on the shoulder. “Do you really think that I would let my son die at the hands of Hera or Ares?”

Iolaus stood up with the help of Zeus and with tears still in his eyes said, “But Ares and Strife said that Hercules was dead and the city of Thebes was preparing a STATE FUNERAL for the fallen hero. Why, my Lord. Why?”

“Iolaus, I am not dead, my friend.” another voice pierced the silence.

Iolaus looked to his left and saw Hercules standing there as plain as day.

Iolaus was so overcome with joy that he rushed to Hercules to embrace him as a fellow comrade. And then backing away a bit he looked into Hercules blue eyes and said, “What is going on?”

“Father, has a plan for Hera, Iolaus. And one that I am sure you will enjoy as much as I.” Hercules replied.

“We can talk of this later, but for right now, let’s get you out of here, Iolaus. We have much to do in a short amount of time.” Zeus interjected.

There was a momentary blinding light and Iolaus felt himself being lifted as before. But this time, even though the light was much more powerful he was supported by his childhood friend and comrade, Hercules. Within a few moments, the cave was silent, quiet, dark and empty. No light shone and no life filled the air of the cave.

ONCE AGAIN, IOLAUS WAS NOT DAMAGED IN TRANSPORT FROM THE CAVE BY ZEUS IN THE MAKING OF THIS CHAPTER--