Warlord Daze

The following is a bit of alternative fiction based on certain characters from the Xenaverse. It is not meant to infringe on anyone else's rights.

Hera, who'd suffered through an eternity of dealing with Sovereign for this very moment, watched impassively as Zeus stepped out of the vortex. He smiled charmingly at her, with that twinkle of his, and opened his arms wide as if he expected a hug. She stayed where she was, folding her arms across a generous, but not overly so, bosom. If he wanted a hug, he could come to her. "Zeus," she said. She hadn't rescued him so he could try his old tricks and she wasn't buying them. Things were Not better between them, just because she'd helped him. Still, she felt she had to make the effort of something. She sighed. She didn't even know what to say. Something. Anything, to take this discomfort away.

She kept it simple, a royal eyebrow raising, but letting go of the sneer, "Welcome back." It was as good as she could do and it had damn well better be enough. He'd shamed her a great deal in this long life of theirs. He owed her.

Zeus nodded and dropped his arms. He pursed his lips together and took a step forward out of the door of the vortex to avoid his tumbling son. Hera was being far more gracious than she had to be, and he knew it. "Thank you," Address it specifically fool, "Hera." He meant it, please believe that he meant it.

Hera shifted a little, unfolding her arms, trying to decide whether to stay for Hercules' return or go. She finally settled on staying. She'd learned a few things from the Sovereign. They were not, perhaps the same person, but there were enough similarities that Hera thought she had a small grasp on what made Hercules tick. She began to think that trying to kill the man was defeating her purpose.

Hercules was being pushed by a vicious vortexual wind, and did something between a roll and hop when he popped out. He managed to land on his feet, but staggered. Dust puffed up from the landing and flung itself in his face, blinding him. The opening tinged with lightening, flying blue and white, closed behind him abruptly with a whooshing sound.

Hera nodded to the demigod, "Welcome back, son of Zeus." It was the first time she'd ever acknowledged him. He didn't know how to take it, but having witnessed her effort to save, he couldn't be ungracious. He returned the nod, and added a thank you. She replied, "It was a necessity, but," her pause was significant and her manner . .if it wasn't tender. . it wasn't hostile, "you are welcome. There were those who missed you."

Her glance slid to Iolaus, who was crabbling his way to a standing position. Hercules swore, then hastened to the blonde warrior's side. "Iolaus." He'd seen it all, seen it all. It grieved him beyond words that his. . .friend had been hurt so.

"Hey there, buddy," Iolaus cheer was forced and he fought the shiver that tingled up his spine. He didn't know whether to call it revulsion, or whether it was his body identifying who he'd really loved. The blonde didn't shirk from the strong man's touch, however, but grasped an arm and lifted himself into a hug. "It's good to see you, Hercules."

The demigod's nostrils flared. His jaw clenched. "Don't call me that." Despite the vehemence of his words he was careful, ever so careful in how he held Iolaus. There was so much. .so much to work out.

"What? I . .I don't understand. ."

"That name. .it's. .it's. .It'll never be the same Iolaus. He.."

"You saw it. .you," Iolaus felt a fear clench his heart and threaten to pull it out. He moved to escape H. .the embrace.

"No," Again, the words, harder than he expected. Iolaus flinched. Cut to his core, Hercules let the man go, "I . .that's.."

"That's okay, Her. .I. .I'll understand if you don't want . ."

"Don't want? Iolaus," Damn could this be any more awkward. But he had to say it, "*You* I will always want. Whatever makes you . .happy is what I want. .I'm just so sorry he. .I'm. .so.."

"It wasn't your fault. I. .I was promised lethe after everything. I plan on drinking it." Hercules looked as if he'd been slapped. They both knew the implications. Iolaus couldn't move back into the embrace, but. .He clapped his hand on Hercules' shoulder, "Hercu. ."

"No, Iolaus...I can't.." The strong man looked at his friend, "Call me. ." He couldn't think of anything right off.

Hera spoke up softly, suddenly near them both. "Call him . .Herakles." The strongman blinked at her, "It is. .close enough. .you can. .say Sovereign was your twin and work at. .reclaiming honor for the family name. .Yes?"

"The family name," The demigod was looking fairly astonished. "You. . ." The thought of sharing Hera's name as part of his own staggered him with it's implications. Was it over? Really over?

"And you," Hera touched Iolaus face gently. "The gods and the world owe you many favors. .but..Herakles will need help setting things right. Can you wait upon the loss of your memories, or do you truly desire them gone, now." A cup appeared in her hand and she gave it to him, "Remember, once drunk, All your memories shall be gone."

"All of them," the blonde whispered. Iolaus held the cup solemnly then looked at his friend and then at the field. His thoughts turned very far away.

The demigod held his breath, waiting.

Then Iolaus handed Hera the cup, "Naw, I can wait. Like you said, there are things to fix. I'll," He looked at the demigod, then back at the goddess, "I'll call you when I'm ready."

"As you wish. You know where my temples are," Her. .akles didn't think he'd ever hear that note of compassion in the Goddess' voice and almost envied it, but for the cause. "And you," She turned to Zeus' son, "Do not be a stranger. Call on me as needed, but. . .don't expect me to solve All your problems for you."

"I. .I won'. .I mean. .I will . .I . .mean. ." Damn he was confused.

Hera narrowed her gaze, "Well don't make it an obligation, just show up now and then. When you want to talk." She leaned forward conspiratorily, and kept her gaze on Zeus and Athena, who was hugging the King of Gods, "Frankly, I'm sure you didn't get Everything worked out with him during your interment. Did you?"

Herakles couldn't help the snort. Hera smiled in understanding. "He's a difficult. .person to understand sometimes. I know from experience." She looked Herakles in the eye, "Take care of Iolaus. He was valiant."

"I will," Herakles voice was soft, and he gazed at his friend gently, "I promise."

"Now I must attend to *other things,* Excuse me," Hera breathed in, gazing across to where Xena cradled her near to screaming lover, then was gone. Neither of them noticed.

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This page was last updated: May 15, 1998

İMAY 1998

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