Green. The spring meadow was alive with green. The emerald coolness of the forest, the lime green of a ridiculously happy croaking frog, the soft blue-green grass that warmed the thawing ground, that was the green our heroes reveled in. It was a monochromatic symphony that trumpeted new life.

But green is also the color of bile. Venom, caustic, bitter, all consuming hatred. The color of envy looked down at the unsuspecting pair. "How dare they breathe the air of this spring? How dare their hearts continue their defiant rhythm? How dare these mortals enjoy this day when all I have is a mockery?" Of course, the litany of questions served only to boil the vile hostility in her inhuman soul.  She was particularly perturbed with the short blond this day. His zest for life was altogether sickening, especially when she had done her best to snuff out that life. His life kept the other's going.  "What frustration you've caused me, little man!" The acerbic eyes reduced themselves to ribbons of vindictiveness and contempt. "But I'm not finished yet. The pain I inflict on you both this time will drive you both over the edge.....hopefully the edge of a cliff! " That's when the laughter, harsh cackles more like it, stilled the symphony for just one moment.

For just one moment, the birds hushed their songs, the trees ceased their comforting rustle, and that ridiculously happy croaking frog choked back a paralyzed note. The travelers commented on the sudden silence as they searched the sky for its cause. Then just as suddenly as it left, the orchestra of green resumed the melody of spring. The two continued down the path, oblivious to the single peacock's feather floating in discord to the crescendo surrounding them.

Miles away the gentle healer reached for a mixture. It was to ease the headaches she was continually suffering from. She knew it was only a matter of time before her time was through. What was wrong with her; she never reacted this way to those herbs before. As she shook off the approaching haziness, for the first time in years she considered her options. There was no doubt she had to tell him. She had always planned to tell him, but now, nearly sixteen years later, it seemed hopeless. Sarafina sat down to write a letter that would surely be bathed in tears. Why was she so disoriented? As she finished, she sealed it with her precious ring. He had given her that ring, she reminisced against the growing darkness. She sighed and addressed the outer scroll. Sarafina blinked hard as she reexamined the glass bottle she retrieved her mixture from. Funny, she didn't remember it being in a green bottle.

" Mother? Mother wake up or you'll just have to miss out on making the best rabbit stew in all Greece. See, I trapped two huge ones. "

The fifteen-year-old boy approached his mother tentatively. He reached to her, shocked to feel the utter coldness of her hand. He was too stunned to breathe, at first, too frightened to blink, then he shut his eyes, too upset to believe it true. As if closing his eyes could simply make the pain disappear, it was an ironic reminder of the game they played when he was a child, eyes shut tight, giggling, " Mommy, you can't see me! " No! His heart burst. Not now. He was sure she had been getting better. His shaking hand picked up the bottle and dashed it to the ground. Her healing worked for everyone else, why not her? Then he saw the scroll. He was aching to read her last words, but her last words were not addressed to him. She never called him that. It simply read:

He lifted her body from the table, and a smaller scroll dropped from her lap. It was address to Io. That's what she always called him. He gently laid her on the couch then turned to consider the small scroll. He could almost hear her laughing voice now telling him, "You dropped it; you pick it up." He was always obedient to her. He unfurled the scroll and read its contents.

He blinked back the stinging tears.

" Patient, Mother, how can I be patient to a stranger who doesn't even know I exist? What if he doesn't believe you? What if he believes you, but rejects me anyway. " His heart sank as he left her alone to get the women of the village to prepare her body for burial. He dug the grave himself; he was alone now. He would have to start acting like an adult. He had an adult-sized quest ahead of him. He hardly notice the minuscule glass sliver embedded in his finger.

The two laughed and joked all the way to Corinth.

" Come on Herc. How much does a Grecian Urn? " The words scarcely made it out of his mouth when he was stumbling and giggling down the road.

" O Please, Iolaus! That one's as old as the dirt on Olympus. " Hercules frowned and rolled his eyes letting him know, in a good natured way of course, he didn't get the same enjoyment out of these jokes as Iolaus did.

" At least admit it JARRED you out of your deep thought. "

" Iolaus "

" Hey, I'm just trying to save VASE! " The out-and-out laughter reached up and pulled Iolaus to the ground.

Hercules just stood there grinning in complete wonder, boy that laughter was infectious. He never tired of his friend's gift of complete joy even when it seemed a bit on the goofy side.

" Come on, Iolaus. If we're going to reach Corinth by tomorrow night, you're going to have to stop rolling around on ground like a pig. "

" Okay, Okay, just let me catch my breath. " Iolaus stood up, wiped the liquid laughter from his eyes, and drew in a deep breath.

" After all, I wouldn't want to be accused of being BOARING. " And that started the giggling all over again.

Hercules just grinned, groaned, and grabbed Iolaus by the scruff of his neck. " Come on; let's go. " The first few steps, Iolaus' feet did not touch the ground. Then with his characteristic good humor, he picked up his pace as his friend slowly lowered him to the ground. They were going to make good time. He could just tell.

The agora in Corinth was particularly crowded that day. Alcemene could barely catch her breath as she wove in and out of the merchants' stalls. Tonight was a special night, for Hercules and Iolaus were coming for a visit. She planned to the smallest detail her menu. Only their favorites would do tonight. She was smiling, no not only smiling but humming a certain song she heard Iolaus singing once when the menfolk thought the ladies were asleep. She was in the midst of turning bright red when she heard a strangely familiar voice.

" Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me where I can find Lady Alcemene? "

She spun around as soon as she connected voice to face. Standing two feet away from her was a young man. His features transported her back to a time when two very hungry teenage boys would raid her kitchen.

" It can't be. " She mumbled to herself. She regained her composure as she realized the boy was turning in her direction.

" Ma'am? Are you the great Lady Alcemene? " His eyes looked hopeful yet desperate.

" Why yes. I'm she ." She considered him again and noticed he looked tired, dirty, hungry, and what was it? Incredibly sad.

" My Mothe.... " He promised himself he wouldn't cry, but his eyes could never hide anything. Before he knew what was happening, this graceful lady had her arm around his shoulders and was guiding him to her home.

" Why don't you tell me about it after you've had a chance to clean up, rest, and I'm sure I can find something decent for you to eat ."

Her heart ached in an echo of its ache years ago. This boy reminded her in every way of their Iolaus. Just then she saw the scroll with his name on it. Yes, this promised to be a very interesting night. With that thought she hugged him tighter around his shoulders. Very interesting, indeed.

" I can't believe our incredible luck. No bandits, monsters, warlords, not even a natural disaster in the last three days! And now in a matter of minutes, we will be at the home of the most incredible cook in all of Greece. I can picture the warm hearth taking the chill off the cool spring night; the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the house; succulent lamb roasting. Ooh, do you think she'll have those little sweet pastry things? What luck! No problems, good food, friends and family are awaiting us. Hey, let's pick up the pace, Herc. "

Hercules raised his eyebrows at that last statement. " I don't believe it's been me dawdling the last two days on the road. " With that, he took off leaving Iolaus to choke in his dust.

" Humph. First I babble; now, I dawdle? I don't dawdle. Do I? Hey Herc, wait up. " Thus he ran full speed to what the Fates had in store for him.

It was an intimate celebration. King Iphicles, Rena, the baby, Jason, Alcemene, and of course Io were there. The celebration took on an awkward tone as Io emerged clean and rested. The resemblance was striking. It was an unconscious thing, but there they were all staring at this young boy. It was another child who broke through the silence as the young prince toddled over to Io and outstretched his arms.

Io grinned and picked up the small child who began a series of giggles that gained momentum in the rest of the room. Soon, the room was a buzz with laughter, talking, even Jason trying to rouse a song from everyone. " This was more like it. That blazing grin was proof that he was beginning to feel at home," she thought. The adults smiled as they watched Io and the prince playing little hiding games. They all roared when the prince closed his eyes tightly and proclaimed, " Can't see me! Can't see me! " All, that is, except Io. On his face was a poignant cross between a smile and despair as he remembered the genesis of events leading here.

Alcemene had listened quietly earlier that day to the boy's heart breaking tale. To have buried his own mother and take up this long journey alone was another testament to his lineage. She had many questions for Iolaus as he told her that his father didn't know of his existence. He explained that he knew all about Hercules' best friend; his mother had always been honest with him, but to protect her, he always had to pretend his father was a warrior who died in battle. That was only partially a lie. He had heard tales of how Hercules rescued his father many times from the other side. Iolaus had proven his worthiness time and time again to be the best friend of Alcemene's son. Now he wanted to prove his worthiness to be Iolaus' son. He wanted to show him the hunting, fishing, and tracking skills he picked up from the village elders. Alcemene smiled and sighed as she remembered another young man desperately trying to prove himself worthy to his father.

The boisterous laughter brought her back to this evenings' celebration as she joyously witnessed Io pretending to arm wrestle the prince. The little one jumped with glee each time Io proclaimed him to be the winner. There was an immediate bond between the two. " Iolaus, your family and mine forever linked, " crossed her mind as a loud noise announced the two guests of honor. She held her breath.

Of course, Hercules was the first one in the room. Hearing the laughter and the ruckus he questioned Alcemene as he swept her six inches off the floor " Mother! Surely you didn't start without us?! "

Suddenly,Hercules was taken aback as his eyes fell on a vision of his childhood friend.

Her eyes followed his and gently whispered, " Put me down, son. "

Io's palms were sweating so much in anticipation of the next person to come through that door that his trembling hands could scarcely hold onto the scroll.

Iolaus ran into the room wheezing, coughing, and gasping for air. This was partially because he was truly winded, but mostly it was for effect. He loved a good entrance. He looked up to see all eyes on him and was engulfed in total silence. He flashed that brilliant smile to all in the room. " What? You've never seen anyone rip his lungs out to keep up with half a god? " He was confused at the continued silence as the small group parted to reveal the anxious boy holding a scroll.

Iolaus smiled to reassure the youth that he was really one of "the good guys." There was a slight collective gasp in the room as he held out his hand to the boy and said, " Hello there, my name is Iolaus, and your name is....? " Funny this boy looked so familiar.

" My name is Io, sir, " replied the lad as he handed the adult the scroll.

" Hey, that's a lot like my n......... " His voice trailed off as he became visibly shaken by the seal on the scroll. " No. How is this possible? "

His hands were now the ones sweating, shaking as they tenderly broke the seal. His face was so ashen that Alcemene made him sit down and sent for some water for him.

" Maybe, we'd better leave these two alone for the moment, " suggested Jason.

" No! Please stay, " implored the terrified young man. Rena swept up the confused prince and gently announced that it was his bedtime.

" Bye, bye, Io! " The chubby little hand seemed to be waving more courage to the teen.

As Iolaus read that sweet letter bathed in tears, he seemed to quit breathing. Sarafina's dried tears were now joined with those of Iolaus'. It read:

He looked up from the scroll and really saw the boy for the first time. He stood up, still shaky on his feet, but he crossed the room to stand before his son. His son. It sounded so foreign yet so right. As he tried to speak the emotion in his voice stifled what he wanted to say. He wanted to say that he loved Io's mother; he wanted to tell him that he would take care of him. He wanted to tell him that he loved him. But as he approached Io, his first words came out stumbling, stilted.

" Io, I'm so sorry... " He began, but what followed left all those in the room shocked.

" SORRY! You're SORRY? Sorry for what? Me finding you? Making you acknowledge me as your CHILD? Or maybe you are sorry I even exist! " Shrieked Io, his face was a deep red, and his whole body shook with pent-up fury.

Iolaus instinctively retreated as a barrage of bitterness was launched in his direction. His emotions traveled from joy to sadness to despair all in one day. His child hated him. How was that possible? He wanted to explain, but Io wasn't listening.

Just as Io was about to inject more contemptuous venom, Hercules stepped forward and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder and said, " Now, son, you need to take a deep breath and let him..."

" Did you hear that? He called me SON before you would! He's got his hand on my shoulder yet you are trying to back away from me! " He turned to Hercules and pleaded, " Why couldn't you have been my father? Just let me out of here. " And he turned and ran out of the room. He stormed down the corridor before anyone could see the tears straining from his eyes. Now they were burning their caustic trail down his young face. Where had that bitterness come from? He didn't want to say those things; it just spilled out like an upturned wine flask, staining all it came in contact with. He had hurt his own father. He dashed his tears from his face stumbling blindly down the hall to his room. He was too blinded by his new loss, for now he was certain he had lost Iolaus' love or hope of love, to notice a faint odd green glow flickering to nothingness on his finger.

Back in the banquet room, people stared at the floor unwilling to witness the terrifying pain on Iolaus' face. Was this something he deserved? Didn't Iolaus' father desert him? Was this another family characteristic? No this could not be! Io told Alcemene that Iolaus didn't even know he existed. They all knew Iolaus and knew he would never abandon any child. They were certain he would give an explanation. The problem was he couldn't give it. He was too wounded to breathe let alone speak. He felt he was suffocating in that room. So he too retreated to unburden this staggering loss.

Hercules turned to the remaining people in the room and explained as muchas he could for his friend. Iolaus was in love with Sarafina, but her father disapproved. He thought of Iolaus as nothing but a warrior for hire, a former street kid of questionable parentage. After all, hadn't his own father abandoned him? That spoke volumes, didn't it? So her father made a deal with Iolaus, positive he would not be able to fulfill it. If Iolaus could earn enough money to supply the bride price and buy a piece of land, he would give Sarafina to Iolaus. But Sarafina and Iolaus parted already belonging to each other. The vows they took under the stars promised a glorious future. He had sealed it with a ring he had fashioned himself. After four months, Iolaus came back with Hercules in tow to be best man at his wedding. He was greeted at the door with a hateful old man telling him to go away. Iolaus reminded him of his bargain and showed him all the money he had earned. The old man laughed bitterly.

"She's dead. She died along with your brat she was carrying. " He showed them the grave with sadistic glee. It held no marking. In fact, it looked more like a garbage heap than a grave. It would be years later before Iolaus would marry, but he always carried the loss of that promised future buried deep in his heart.

" When he saw the seal on the scroll, he realized she had been alive all these years. It was sealed with the ring he made for her. It must be like losing her all over again. I'll go talk with him, " sighed Hercules.

He walked into the garden to find a broken man sitting on a bench. Iolaus looked years beyond his age as his best friend, one who also was very familiar with loss, found his place next to him.

Meanwhile, Alcemene decided that she had better speak with Io. This was such a different youth she witnessed tonight than the one who shared such hope for a future with his father. She found him sobbing uncontrollably into his pillow. She sat down on the edge of the bed and rested her hand on his golden curls. So familiar she marveled. She comforted him until he finally could breathe steadily.

" Io, what happened? This isn't what you spoke of this afternoon, " she gently reminded him.

" I don't know. It was like I couldn't control what came out of my mouth. For some reason I wanted to hurt him, to make him feel the emptiness I've felt all these years. I know it was not his fault that he didn't know about me, but for some reason I didn't care about what was fair to him. I guess I have ruined everything now. " A lonely teardrop trailed down his face.

" Well, you certainly hurt him, " she observed as she rescued that teardrop, " but if I know Iolaus, he hasn't written you off. You have not ruined everything, " she reassured him. Then she filled in the gaps as to why Iolaus never came for his mother. She possessed the same magic his mother did. She made him feel better, and Io decided it must be a gift given to mothers. With that thought, he remembered his mother's last instructions to him. He would try to make things better in the morning. So far, he hadn't given his father much of a chance be proud of him as his mother had requested. He thanked Alcemene and drifted off to a restless exhausted sleep.

" Come on, Iolaus. Give him a chance to get to know you. Who could resist your charm? Surely you have a thing or two you can teach your son about hunting. Take him hunting tomorrow. I'm sure it will be a great bonding experience, " Hercules suggested. Most aspiring hunters would jump at the chance to learn from Iolaus. Hercules knew Io would definitely be impressed.

" You will come along, won't you? I'm just not sure he is ready to be alone with me. I don't think he trusts me. Who can blame him? He trusts you. Please, Herc? It will help him get acclimated to me, " Iolaus tried to sound hopeful.

" Okay. We'll leave right after breakfast. " Hercules had a strange feeling that his going with them wouldn't turn out to be a great idea, but he knew his friend needed him there.

They parted company that night not quite convinced of their victory tomorrow. Iolaus almost wished he had a hydra to defeat than the task to win over his son. The hydra sounded easier.

" What a glorious day for a hunt! Helios really outdid himself this time,and the sunrise surely must be a promise of things to come. This would be a successful day, " all these thoughts tumbled in her head as she strolled through the garden. Everything bursting with life. She reached out to the hope of a rose peaking through its haven of green.

Just then a servant interrupted her thoughts.

" Lady, is everything prepared? " The servant nervously questioned.

Eyes narrowed as a threat, " Of course! Remember who you are speaking to! Today the hunters become the hunted." She released a low chilling sound. It wasn't a giggle for a giggle implies joy, exuberance, life. This sound, related to yet the antithesis of a giggle promised death, darkness, poison to the soul. The sound made every living thing in the garden shudder. " Make sure these arrows are placed in the quiver of the boy, and you will be rewarded. Fail me and well..." She reached out to touch the rosebud, and it shriveled at her first touch.

" I am forever your servant." The servant took the arrows and backed out quickly being very careful with three green tipped arrows the Lady placed on a silver tray.

" Yes, indeed, a great day for a hunt," She muttered as she dissolved into green shards of light.

The hunting party was gathering with much anticipation. What started out to be three quickly grew into a mob. Through Io's insistence everyone was going on this hunt. It became a great contest.

Iphicles moved quickly to split the group into teams of three. Iolaus, Io, and Hercules made up one team while Iphicles, Jason, and his chamberlain made up the other. The first group to shoot a stag would be declared winner.

It was to be an overnight trip so the lord chamberlain's wife insisted that she be allowed to accompany them. The hunting party took on the appearance of a caravan as tents, cooking stoves, and other luxuries were brought along. Alcemene and Rena decided to attend to lend moral support for Iolaus and Io.

As they set up camp Iolaus muttered, " It looks more like a small city than a campsite. So much for a little hunting trip. How will we ever find a stag let alone shoot it with this noise? And how will I ever capture my son's heart with so many distractions? "

Just then his eyes fell on Hercules and Io walking through the campsite. They seemed to be enjoying the conversation, and Iolaus heard for the first time his giggle coming from someone else. He agonized over that bubbling sound wishing desperately that he had been the instigator of that sound. His agony tightened around his throat and threatened to knot there. His eyes closed just for a moment and a malicious voice whispered, " Hercules gets all the recognition, all the praise, and now all of your son's love. Didn't Io say last night that he wished Hercules had been his father? Didn't you say yourself that he trusted Hercules? " Iolaus' eyes flew open as if to flee from the vicious accusing voice of envy. No, Hercules was trying to help him. He was the one to suggest the trip to gain his son's respect. " But Hercules called him son and Io wanted to call Him father," the voice continued. Iolaus let out a sigh that sang of hopelessness as Hercules and Io approached him.

" Hey, don't you think the best tracker in the world as we know it should get us started? " Hercules announced. " You know, Io, i've seen your father find evidence of a potential dinner in the pouring rain. He's incredible."

Watch it Herc. You're laying it on a bit thick. Yet every praise that came from Hercules was sincere. He had much admiration for Iolaus' skill; it had provided nourishment, discovered the trail of bandits, prisoners, and warlords, and had found desperately lost children. Hercules wondered if it could help this lost teenager and father find their way home.

" The village elders taught me to track. They said if they had found the time away from their own families to train me more, I would be incredible." Io stated.

He wanted it to just be a statement, but for some reason Io had turned it into an indictment. Not again he pleaded silently. He didn't know that his father's heart was making the same plea.

" Maybe I can teach you a couple of things now." Iolaus said hopefully.

"Don't worry about it. I think we'd better go; I saw Jason's group about to leave." Io said quickly.

Hercules was bewildered at the task he had before him. He somehow would make this child aware of the great gift of his friend as a father. He just wasn't sure how. Thus began the contest of greater proportion.

Iolaus had picked up tracks early on. Every time he wanted to share his knowledge with Io, Io was talking with Hercules or seemed distracted or preoccupied. He wasn't aware that Io was struggling against himself.

" Why can't I listen to him? I really am interested, and Ive learned so much this morning. Yet, when I look at him, this anger struggles up inside. I want to say mean things to him, I want to strike out at him even though none of this is his fault. Come on, Io, get a grip. Just try not to say anything at all," and Io bit back a snide remark trying to escape from his mouth.

Then it happened. Just a little spark, and the fuse was lit. Iolaus had just been explaining about ways to camouflage yourself to wait for the prey to come to the hunter. It was an innocent statement, " Then you virtually disappear from the animal. "

" Yea, well you're good at disappearing aren't you? " muttered Io absentmindedly scratching at something embedded in his finger.

" THAT'S IT! I've said that I was sorry I wasn't around, but I didn't know. Why can't you accept that. If I could change the past don't you think I would? I've tried all I know to get you to accept me, but now..." Iolaus trailed off.

" But WHAT? You want to run away again. Well maybe I'll just run away this time then I won't be an inconvenience for you. You can go on your merry way, sleeping with other women, creating more children you want no part of, and then disappearing again! " accused Io.

By now they were standing toe to toe, and Hercules didn't like the way this "conversation" was progressing. Suddenly Iolaus was about to do the unthinkable. It was without thinking that he raised his hand to his son. He stopped himself as a flash of a memory rushed in. It was a memory of a stinging slap across his face delivered by his father. The tears exploded from his eyes, and Iolaus ran from his team. Io with his eyes downcast just stood trembling before a demigod who felt the anguish of them both.

" I guess we'll have to track that stag on our own," remarked Io sheepishly.

" I don't believe I'm hearing this. No, we're not going stag hunting; it's time to have a little talk. Let's go, " and Hercules started guiding them back to the camp. " I understand your confusion, but you must realize..."

" Yes, I know he is a good person, an expert hunter, a mighty warrior, great best friend to the mighty Hercules; I guess he's just a lousy father. You and I have that in common. That and the fact that our fathers never married our mothers." Io uttered sarcastically.

" Now wait a minute. It may be a fact that our fathers never married our mothers, but that is where the similarity ends! My father knew all about me and chose not to be involved. I was there when Iolaus talked incessantly about Sarafina. Believe me; there was a time when every sentence began, 'I love Sarafina so much.' I was there when he was planning out all of your lives together. And I was there when he stood devastated at your mother's grave. Or what we thought was her grave. You are way out of line on that comparison." Hercules glanced down at Io and was astounded at the tears he saw.

" Deep down, I know all of that. I don't know why I'm saying all of these things. I don't mean them. They whirl around in my head, but they're absent in my heart. I just don't know what to do. Maybe it would have been better if he had hit me. I sure would have deserved it, " Io openly sobbed.

"No, Iolaus, your father, would never have struck you in anger. I know you're still trying to heal from the loss of your mother; he knows that too. Let's hope he also realizes that these thoughts are not heartfelt. " With that Hercules put his arm around Io's shoulders as they walked into the camp.

On the other side of the camp still in the woods, Iolaus stood watching the pair. " Well, that's the way it is then. Maybe Hercules will legally adopt him, and Io will have a father he deserves, not one who will smack him around. Maybe then Io will accept me as a friend if not a father. I'll never hurt you again, Io, " Iolaus walked into camp with this sad resolve.

Later that evening, Iolaus planned to talk with Hercules about the future. He was about to try when Alcemene announced that dinner was ready.

" Well, since we're obviously not having venison tonight, it looks like your little contest is still going. Let's hope you enjoy the pheasants we trapped today, " she declared triumphantly. And they sat down at a table to eat their feast.

" This is camping out? " Iolaus pondered as Alcemene passed out the cloth napkins. " Oh well, it certainly smells delicious. " He then caught sight of his son's face across the table. He was talking about Sarafina. She sounded like she grew with such grace over the years. His heart smiled a little when Io recounted how she loved to sing silly songs to get him to laugh. Iolaus remembered that about her. She loved to hear him laugh. His remembering was halted when he heard the answer to a question that had been nagging him since he first met Io.

Jason asked, " How did your mother become a healer? "

" She told me that when I was just six months in her womb, her father kicked her out of the house. She was frantic about where to turn. She kept expecting Iolaus to come claim her. I guess she never knew that he had already come and gone. But anyway, she said it was a very difficult time. She basically lived on the street. Her pride was crushed, but she said it didn't matter; she had to beg to stay alive and to keep me alive inside her."

Io looked at his father to see a fresh wave of guilt sweep over him.

" It was almost time for me to be born. She tried to get help from family members, so-called friends, even casual acquaintances, but everyone was quick to give her a lecture not help. So she just walked away from that village. She said it was a miracle that we both were alive because between villages, she started having the birth pains. She laid beneath the stars and cried out his name with each new pain hoping somewhere he would hear her. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was the healer from the following village. She had been out to help a neighboring farmer who had broken his leg when she heard my mother's cries. " He had to stop to blink back the tears.

As he began again to relate the story she related to him, he became aware that he wasn't the only one. " My mom gave birth to me right there. She always said that was why I preferred the outdoors, that and my father...Well, the healer took my mother under her wing and encouraged the gift that always dwelt in my mom. Because of her ring, the healer first told the tale that my mother had been married to a great warrior who died in battle. After the healer died, my mother took over that task. That would have been impossible if the villagers knew she never really married. "

" Io, why did your mother never try to contact Iolaus? " asked Hercules.

Iolaus looked relieved to hear that question.

" Well, she did once ." Iolaus' head snapped in his direction. " I remember she had heard that he was living in Thebes. She said that she was being selfish, that I deserved to know my father, and he deserved to know me." Io swallowed hard, " I was eight years old, and she took me by the hand with our supplies and headed for Thebes. We were outside the city when we came across a woman who had fallen in the road. My mother rushed to help her. The woman talked continuously as my mother examined her ankle. She wanted to know everything about raising children. Since I was along, I guess she figured my mother knew everything about that. As my mother bandaged her ankle, she revealed that she and her husband had just found out she was with child. She said that they were so excited, and hoped to have many sons in the future. She said her husband was helping his best friend in the forge and would probably fuss at her for running through town. My mother helped her to the forge, but turned away quickly, grabbed my hand, and ran for the forest when she started calling his name. "

" That woman was Ania. " interrupted Iolaus. " I remember her telling me about a kind woman healer and her adorable son. She also told me how she disappeared when she went into the forge to find me " Iolaus was having difficulty keeping control.

Io continued, " We turned back to our village and never again tried to find you. Mother said it would only hurt too many innocents. She hoped that maybe one day, I would try to find you again, but she would never try to complicate things. She said she loved you. "

When Io finished the table was silent for so many reasons. Iolaus was dealing with the ghosts in his past; Hercules was cursing the rotten father who was the author of so much pain; Rena was blessing the kind old healer who took them in. Iphicles fought back the memories of his rebellious youth, and Jason dealt with the demons of his past. Alcemene took it all in and wept silently. And the servant trembled at the task ahead.

" I'm tired now. I think I'd better go to bed. Good night, " was all Io could get out as he left the table. " I think tomorrow will be a big day. "

One by one the table was slowly cleared of dishes and guests. They excused themselves for one reason or another, and soon the only ones left at the table were Hercules and Iolaus. They both were extremely quiet as the others left. No one quite knew what to say so they said nothing. Though Alcemene rose silently, her gentle touch on Iolaus' shoulder spoke more eloquently than ten thousand words spoken by a seasoned orator. Hercules reminded himself to tell her how blessed he felt to have such a gifted mother.

As Hercules started to rise from the table, he felt a hand reach out and stop him. " Herc, we need to talk. I've noticed how much Io has become attached to you and you to him. Now, hear me out before you answer. He'll never let me be the father I want to be to him. But you have that chance. Years ago we agreed that if anything happened to one of us, the other would help raise our children. Well, I'm asking you to consider doing this for me now, " appealed Iolaus.

" Iolaus, think about what you're asking. Yes, I remember our promise, but nothing has happened to you, " Hercules began.

" I don't know; I feel pretty dead right now. If he can't accept me as his father, maybe I can be a friend to him, but he needs a father; we both know what it's like to be a teenager without one. Please spare my son this hurt. " Tears were gathering in his eyes as he continued with a gasp, " How did things get so twisted? Every plan I've ever made for a future that didn't promise oppressive loneliness has been shattered like a bottle dashed to the ground " Iolaus buried his face in his hands.

" Iolaus, he loves you. He's just as confused as you are; he doesn't understand why he wants to hurt you, and he longs to feel accepted by you, " he explained.

Iolaus looked at him skeptically.

"He's afraid of you giving up on him. Regardless of what he says, his heart is terrified that you will reject him. If I were to do as you ask, that would be the same as admitting that Io's fears were justified. Besides, don't you remember what always seems to happen to anyone who tries to be a part of my family? " Hercules felt a sharp pain in his soul as tears were gathering in his eyes too.

" Herc, I'm sorry. Boy, I seem to be saying that a lot lately. I know if anyone understands about shattered futures, it's you. But, I don't see love in his eyes when he looks at me; I see contempt, judgment, and rage. I've always trusted you, Herc. If you say he wants me to accept him, I believe you, but I just don't know what to do to break through the wall he's constructed, and I feel him laying brick after brick to strengthen that wall between us with every passing moment, " proclaimed Iolaus.

Hercules rose and placed his hand on Iolaus' shoulder. " We'll find a way. It may take everyone who cares about you two to ram that wall. But, buddy, it's going down. One way or another, it's going down."

Iolaus sat there for a little while longer until the candles flickered to a wisp of smoke. He felt an odd tingling on the back of his neck as he became aware of someone watching him. The hate in that vigil almost seemed tangible. " It doesn't take a genius to figure out where that's coming from, " he sighed as he sought out his bed roll unaware that Io was sound asleep.

But his senses were correct . Fierce green eyes shone above like perverse twin moons. " That's right, Hercules. The wall will come down. It will come down to crush you and this friend. 'Shatter your future', indeed. How pathetic! " snarled vindictiveness.

Stealthily the servant stole into Io's tent. Three cursed arrows were slipped into a quiver, and hurt and confusion gave birth to betrayal.

Just before sunrise aroused the sleeping world, Io crept from his tent to stare at the stars reluctant to give their dance over to the sun. He stepped into a silent clearing not far from the campsite and whispered a plea. " Mother, I don't know what to do. When I'm not near him, I want so much for him to be proud of me; I want to hear stories that he tells just for me, and I want him to teach me everything he knows about life. Its just that... something happens when I'm in his presence. A bitterness springs up inside me. I've never felt hatred for anyone before; I feel like it's not even me having these feelings. Oh, Mother, how I wish you were here! I wonder; could you use your healer's gift to cure these poisoned feelings? I feel crippled in my heart; if something doesn't happen soon, my spirit will wither and blow away. Help me if you can today."

Io slipped back into the camp unobservant of the man who witnessed with incredible awe the supplication made this morning.

" Yes, Sarafina, help us if you can today, my love, " echoed Iolaus.

The hunt started with good natured ribbing between parties. Side bets were being made promising cleaning out stables, gardens being fertilized, and other unpleasant activities.

Iolaus picked up the tracks of what was sure to be the biggest stag he'd ever seen. They quietly moved through the thicket, eyes searched for other evidence of the stag's trail. Io seemed particularly proud of picking up a clue that Iolaus missed. He felt like he was contributing to the hunt when his finger twitched again. Io shivered as the old anger slipped in. It was different this time, though. Scornful words and and looks blossomed into hateful actions.

Iolaus was crouching to examine a track by some thistle, Io slipped behind him, and before he could control his hostility, nudged him. Iolaus plunged into the thorns, hands outstretched to break his fall.

Hercules jumped into action. " IOLAUS! Here, let me help you! Don't try to pull yourself out." As he carefully chose where to grasp the thorns, Hercules helped Iolaus untangle himself from the barbed net. His friend's hands and arms were bleeding with numerous scratches, but none of the wounds were serious, just painful.

As Hercules tended to the scratches, he blasted Io, " WHAT WERE YOU DOING? I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU ARE CAPABLE OF THAT KIND OF MALICIOUSNESS! "

" Herc, don't. I'm okay, and I'm sure it was just an accident, " reassured Iolaus.

" I don't believe this. I saw what happened, and I know it was intentional. Your little outbursts were one thing, Io, but this was downright violent! You had better get yourself under control, and I mean NOW! " Hercules was on the verge of ranting.

Io looked away, but not before Hercules saw a sneer aimed in his direction. He muttered, " Yeah, right, I'm sorry, " and kicked up a flower that dared to be in his path.

" That's okay, Io. I understand that accidents do happen, " grinned Iolaus.

Hercules just shook his head in disbelief.

They traveled a little farther when they first caught sight of their prey. It was huge. Iolaus was about to send the arrow to its target when Io said, " Hey, why do you get to have all of the glory? Let's all shoot it. That way one of us will be sure to kill it. I don't know about you, but I sure don't want to spend my time cleaning out the Royal Stables! "

" That sounds fair, " stated Hercules; he seemed relieved that the boy was acting more like himself that the hideous brat he'd witnessed earlier. " Okay then, on three.." They all raised their bows when Iolaus stopped them long enough for a short archery lesson.

" Wait a minute, Io. You'll get a truer shot if you raise your bow just a little and straighten it out. Hey, that's right, son, " Iolaus encouraged as he laid his hand on Io's shoulder.

It was if that simple act of affection was scorching his shoulder. Io violently shrugged off his hand, and in doing so, let the arrow fly. It was not only far short of its mark, the noise alerted the beast to their presence, and it ran in the opposite direction.

" Ah, man! See what you made me do? From now on keep your hands off me, and don't ever call me that again! " Io was shouting when he stomped off into the woods.

Iolaus gave Hercules a look that announced the sting he had just endured was a worse that the thistle he was pushed into. They waited for a long time for Io to cool down and return. After a while, it became clear that he had no intention of returning. It was then that Iolaus' tracking skills were put to another purpose....finding his son, one who knew enough tracking himself to cover his tracks.

They came across the other team, and it was decided that the contest would be postponed until the lad was found. They tried calling for him, but he could not or would not be found. Dusk surrounded them making his trail harder to follow. The chamberlain returned to the campsite to inform the ladies of their delay and to see if Io would have returned there. The other four made a small camp for the night. Iolaus was like a caged animal. He paced back and forth on the edge of the firelight. Finally, he could take it no more and took off to find his son in the dead of night.

" Iolaus, wait. You can't just go off by yourself. In the morning we can continue to hunt for him. With his outdoor skills, I'm sure he'll be fine for tonight, " advised hercules.

" Can you be that sure? I can't. Suppose he's hurt or hopelessly lost. What happens to him if a lion or bear or one of Hera's monsters attacks him? Surely you are not asking me to sleep with the knowledge that my son's life could be in jeopardy and I did nothing about it? Could you sleep if he were your son alone in the darkness? " The question Iolaus posed caused both men to swallow hard.

" You're right. I couldn't do what I've been asking you to do. Just dont go alone. Let me go with you, " implored Hercules. So they told Iphicles and Jason of their plan to continue searching and asked those two to wait there in case he was drawn to their campfire.

Io had been fighting malevolent voices for hours. They kept telling him, " It's the only way you'll ever find peace. Do it; just do it. Now one would blame you. He neglects you, humiliates you, makes excuses, and then gets to call you 'son'. He's the reason your mother almost starved. How can you ever be a man with him still breathing? " He tried to drown out the voices by repeating a catalog of brave deeds his father performed. He tried to explain his father's innocence in his mother's difficult life. He told the voices about the love and loyalty at work in his father. He sat there wringing his hands continuously trying to smother the voices. The green flicker in his finger grew to a spark. The friction caused by the constant wringing fanned the ghostly ember, and soon the poisonous flame spread. And he listened to the voices.

Iolaus and Hercules stood at a cliff's edge trembling. There at their feel lay Io's quiver with one arrow in it. The surrounding earth showed some type of struggle and upheaval. Too shaken by the obvious scene of a horrendous accident to be aware of another horrendous sight. Twenty feet away stood Io taking sight of his prey. On the boulder beside him were three green tipped arrows. Hercules backed away from the edge with huge tears spilling from his eyes unknowingly giving Io a clear shot.

" Come on, Iolaus. There's nothing we can do tonight. Tomorrow we can..."

" Can what, Herc? Climb down to the bottom of the cliff and collect the broken body of my only son? What can I say to him then? Sorry for pushing you over the cliff because that's what I did. I pushed him as much as if I had stood here and shoved him, he's dead because of me. Tell me how I live with this one, Hercules? " sobbed Iolaus.

His grief made him an easy target. Io took aim at his father. He raised the bow and straightened it up just as his father had shown him. " That's it. Do it now while he's not paying attention. NOW! " urged the voices.

At that moment, Hercules and Iolaus looked up from their grief to a bizarre sight. Joy flooded over them as they saw that Io was alive, but joy surrendered to terror as the reality of that sight sunk in. The dilemma devastated Hercules. If he jumped out to catch the arrow, Iolaus would go tumbling back over the edge of the cliff, but he couldn't just stand and let his best friend, his brother by choice, be killed by Io. So, Hercules picked up his bow and one true arrow and hoped that Iolaus could one day forgive him for what he was about to do.

" No, Hercules, " Iolaus quietly pleaded. " Look at him...at his eyes. They're not blue anymore." And they looked at this transformed boy. His eyes had an unearthly glow. And they were green. " Io, listen to me. Lower the bow, put the arrow down, and listen to me. Something, more likely someone is controlling you. Don't let them. Listen to your heart, and if you can't hear yours, listen to your mother's. Hear Sarafina's heart. "

Io was fighting the battle of his life. The voices were louder than before. They wouldn't leave him alone, and he was horrified at what they were making him do.

" Please leave me alone, " he whispered, and Hercules and Iolaus knew he was talking to something within him.

" DO IT! " the voices demanded viciously. Io shut his eyes for a moment. When he did, Hercules started to edge closer to the boy. If he could only grab the weapon from him before he hurt someone...

But Io's eyes flew open as he sensed someone drawing closer. " Stay back, " he ordered in a low eerie voice. His aim was ever true at his father's heart, yet he had not loosed the arrow. Just then, he saw her. His mother was standing before him directly in his line of fire.

" Listen to my heart, Io. Don't do this. Fight the voices; fight the poison that took my life before it poisons your soul for eternity. " Sarafina begged her son.

Io shook with illumination. His mother had been poisoned, and whoever killed his mother was trying to destroy him, his father, and even Hercules. He couldn't let that happen. He'd die first. " NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! " he shouted as he broke his bow in two and dashed the arrow to the ground. He started to run from them, but Iolaus was at his side in what seemed to be two steps.

Meanwhile the arrows, one on the ground and two on the boulder, began to vibrate. The ground wasn't shaking, but they were. No, they weren't really shaking; they were writhing. The green tip seeped into the shaft as if it were a weeping wound. The writhing increased to a slither as the arrows evolved into three venomous snakes. Each snake glided to a different person. Io stood transfixed by the consummate evil before him. One was about to sink its depraved fangs into him when Iolaus snatched it by the tail. He swung it wildly and smashed it against the rocks. It dissolved into a green iridescent shower of sparks. Io was disabled by the sight, as another slithered toward his father.

" Get him out of here, Iolaus. I'll take care of these. "

Iolaus picked Io up like a small child and ran with him into the woods.

" Stop! " cried Io, " I'm not a little child. " The green spark flickered again. Iolaus was reluctant to put his little child down, but he saw that look again.

" NO! NOT AGAIN. STOP! STOP! STOP! " screamed Io as he beat his fists into a nearby oak tree. It looked like he was trying to pummel that great tree to the ground with his bare hands. His hands? They were both torn and bleeding from the pounding, but Io didn't seem to notice. He was trying to rid himself of the poison to his soul.

" Stop it, Io. IO, STOP! " cried Iolaus. He grasped both of Io's hands and held them still. " You've hurt yourself. Let me take care of those wounds. Wait. What's this in your finger? " And Iolaus gently used his knife to pry out the minuscule glass shard. " Hmm. Has that glass been in your finger long? " Iolaus asked as he wiped the glass on the trunk of the tree. The tree suddenly rotted from the point where the glass lay to its very roots. The instrument of bitterness was clear to them both.

Io blinked and saw his father through clear eyes. He sobbed openly as he remembered the wicked things he had said and done. He wanted to atone for all the pain he had caused this man; he wanted to offer a thousand apologies, but for the time being he couldn't speak. Instead he gave his father a precious gift. He allowed Iolaus to rock him back and forth. He allowed himself to be comforted by his father.

When the three joined Jason and Iphicles at their small campfire, they decided it was too late to return to the campsite; the small city, as Iolaus called it, was too far away for these exhausted hunters. Io was wrapped in a dreamless sleep while Hercules and Iolaus sat by the fire.

" Hey, Herc, I meant to ask you how you handled those serpents. What happened? I'm sure it will make a great story, " Iolaus coaxed.

" Nah, not really. I've been handling Hera's little pets since I was in the cradle, " answered an unimpressed Hercules. That instigated a round of laughing they hadn't enjoyed in days. Then, they settled down for a much needed rest.

As everyone had drifted off to a glorious sleep, Iolaus crept a little ways from the camp. He stared at the stars and choked back the tears as he began...

" He's a good boy. You said you weren't going to be there for his grown up days, but you were here for him today. He's got a strong heart, and I know you're responsible for that. Thank you, Sarafina. Thank you for the help you gave today. I will always love you as I will always love our son. "

Io stood watching the offering and determined in his heart to become just like his father. " I love you too, Dad, " was his own offering. Iolaus heard, and father and son clung to each other as a lifeline. The tears that escaped were captured by an unseen finger; it watered a love that bloomed into a smile in Elysian Fields.

The weeks that followed were filled with laughter and stories. Stories about Iolaus' youth, his family, his own shaky relationship with his father filled the palace. Stories about being struck by lightning, being purple, enduring dunking, pressing, and giant boars filled the palace with laughter. Stories about fighting hydras, enforcers, visiting the other side, and families lost to Hera's vindictiveness filled Io with apprehension because he had almost been lost to Hera.

It was this final story that started the conversation. " I want to be a man just like you, Dad, " began Io. Iolaus smiled and was filled with an uncharacteristic humility. What a wonder his son was. " To do that, I have to learn to fight. "

" Io, don't feel like you have to fight just because I sometimes am forced to. There are other ways..."

" No, father, I'm afraid not. Suppose she comes after you or me, or even Hercules again? How am I going to feel if she or someone else succeeds in destroying you because I couldn't defend myself? Let me train. I know what you and Hercules do is too important to ask you to stop and train me. "

" Wait a minute. Nothing is more important than you, " Iolaus argued.

" I know you feel that way, but what I want to do is to train the same way you trained. Let me travel to the east where you did. Whoever trained you could train me too. Please let me do this. I'm almost a man, let me take on the responsibilities of a man. I can come back and visit, and when the training is over, maybe you'll let me go on one of your adventures. "

" I'd be proud to have you travel by my side, " Iolaus proclaimed.

And so the plan was put into motion with promises of writing, coming back for visits (Alcemene said that she would make sure this promise was kept), and returning to Iolaus' side if he changed his mind.

It was agreed that Iolaus would accompany him part of the way atleast to the ship. Hercules was going to let this be their family time, but both Iolaus and Io wouldn't hear of him staying back. He was part of their family. And as Iolaus so poignantly put it, " I think the trip back home may be too long to make alone. I could really use the company then. "

So three travelers enjoyed the spring day with a promise of new life and new growth. The countryside was filled with green, soft gentle pure green.

" Hey, Uncle Herc? "

Hercules smiled at the new title. It felt so good.

" Yes, Io? "

" How much does a Grecian Urn? " And Hercules was surrounded by the giggles of two very special people. He stifled a chuckle himself.

Two very angry green eyes glared at the threesome. " Well, you have rescued this one, but there's always the other, little man. " She sneered and dissolved.

Far away, a woman silently rocked and cooed at a child still within her. " Oh! " she jumped.   " Well, little one it won't be long. Be patient, my little love. " A general walked into the chamber carrying a cradle.

" Where would you like this, your Highness? I'm afraid the royal painter hasn't quite finished yet. He wants to know, Queen Niobe, what color you want for the crest. "

" I don't know, Hector. How about a nice pale shade of green? "

 

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