Hercules rushed up to the table outside the tavern where Iolaus sat staring morosely into a mug of ale. "Here it is!" He waved a roll of parchment under his best friend's nose. "The latest issue of the Corinthian Chronicle. And our advertisement is in it!"

"Your advertisement, you mean." corrected Iolaus, glumly.

"Oh, come on, Iolaus. Cheer up. It won't be that bad. You'll see."

Hercules sat down next to Iolaus and unrolled the newspaper. "Here, in the classified section, at the bottom of the page." Iolaus leaned closer to read the words.  

WANTED: HERO
To do good deeds and help the helpless.
Must be willing to travel.
Warrior training essential
Apply at the castle in Corinth.
NO SPARTANS NEED APPLY

Iolaus studied the scroll in silence for a few moments. "Well?" Hercules looked at him impatiently. "What do you think?"

"At least, you put in the part about the Spartans." Iolaus shuddered.

"Is that all you have to say?" Hercules scowled. "I put a lot of thought into this ad. It's important that we find just the right person for the job."

"Damn it, Herc." Iolaus jumped up out his seat and began pacing back and forth, gesturing wildly. "I don't want…I don't need a new partner. Just because things are different now, just because of your new…uh…status…doesn't mean…" Iolaus faltered. He stopped pacing and looked at his friend helplessly. " Why can't we just go on the way we were?"

"Zeus won't allow it. Believe me, Iolaus, I asked. I even begged." Hercules reached up and laid his hand gently on Iolaus' shoulder, " but I'm a god now and I have responsibilities."

"What responsibilities?" Iolaus snorted. "You don't even have a title. If you're gonna be a god, you have to be the god of something."

" Oh, Zeus is taking care of that. He's going over the job vacancies looking for a good position for me. He'll let me know when he finds something," Hercules pulled Iolaus back down into his chair and signaled the serving girl for two more mugs of ale." But now, my friend, we have to get you taken care of."

Iolaus gazed sadly down at the table. "I'm going to miss you."

Hercules gave his friend's shoulder a quick squeeze and smiled down at him fondly. "I'll be around. I'll be popping in and out so much you won't have time to miss me."

Iolaus raised his head. Bright tears stood in his blue eyes. " It won't be the same, though." He lowered his gaze to the table again. A lone tear trickled down his face and he brushed it away. "Why did you have to die? It was so senseless. It was only one arrow. You could have caught one arrow."

"I didn't see it coming. It happens. Even to me." Hercules sighed.

"I should have seen it. I was supposed to be watching your back."

"And done what? Jumped in front of it. Oh no, I never want to go through that again. Besides everything turned out all right. I was immortal after all and here I am."

Iolaus was silent and Hercules added. "It wasn't your fault, you know."

"Yeah, I know, but if I had known you were immortal, I wouldn't have cried so much." There was a hint of reproach in Iolaus' voice.

"I 'm sorry, Iolaus. I didn't know, either, until I found myself with Zeus, standing over you, watching. It was very touching. I cried too."

"Well, you could have said something or showed yourself!"

"Zeus wouldn't let me, not right then. He said it would look pretty silly if I died and then jumped right back up again. I probably would have scared the Tartarus right out of you. And then there was something about rules."

"Oh right, rules." Iolaus muttered.

There was a brief silence before Iolaus spoke again, "Still I don't see why it should make a difference. We can go on doing what we've always done. Make Zeus listen to reason."

"Zeus? Reason?" Hercules snorted.

"Yeah, right." Iolaus struck his fist on the table. "Damn it, Herc, I'm not just thinking about myself. The world needs you. Everything will be different and I'm afraid…"

"That I'll change?" Hercules smiled softly. "I'm still me, Iolaus, I always will be. Being a god won't change who I am and what I believe in."

"I know." Iolaus was quiet. He didn't want to tell Hercules that it seemed as if there were no place for him in Hercules' world any more, because that sounded so selfish. But that was how it seemed and it made him feel lonely and a little lost.

As if sensing his friend's thoughts, Hercules went on gently. "You know how I feel about you, Iolaus, you'll always be my best friend. And I'll be looking in on you every chance I get."

Iolaus smiled up at him. "I know, but…"

Iolaus broke off as the air in front of them began to shimmer. A flash of light and a shower of pink sparks heralded the arrival of the Goddess of Love.

"Hi, guys." Aphrodite settled herself on the bench beside Iolaus. "How's the partner hunt going?"

"What do you want, Aphrodite?" Hercules drained his mug of ale.

"Is that any way to greet your favorite little sister?" She nestled close to Iolaus and kissed him on the cheek. "Poor babycakes, you must feel terrible."

"Aphrodite."

"I'm just trying to make sweetcheeks feel better." She ran her fingers through his hair and kissed his forehead. "It isn't every day you lose your best friend."

"Oh, I don't know." Hercules replied, dryly. "Happens to me all the time."

Aphrodite wound one arm around Iolaus' neck. "If you're ever lonely, come down to my temple and give me a yell; 'Dite will make it all better." She tickled his ribs, sending him into fits of laughter.

"Thanks, 'Dite. I'll remember that." Iolaus gasped, prying her fingers out of his ribs and squirming out of her grasp.

"If you're finished nuzzling Iolaus, you could, maybe, tell us why you're here?"

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Daddy sent me. He says to tell you to wrap things up down here. He's in a real stew about your future, so he's called in the whole gang to help him decide."

"I can't go now, I haven't even started interviewing, yet."

"Oh, they don't want you, now. The squabbling will go on for days. You stay here and find Curly a terrific new partner." She kissed Iolaus again. "Zeus'll send somebody when he ready for you."

"Isn't that just like him?" Hercules said angrily. "Don't I get any say at all? Suppose I don't like what he decides?"

Aphrodite shrugged. "You do what the rest of us do. Complain. Not that it will do you any good. Say, how about teaming up with me? I'm swamped with petitions. I'll handle the guys and the boring, lovelorn gals are all yours. Hercules, the God of Love. It's definitely you." Aphrodite giggled.

Hercules rolled his eyes. "Aphrodite, thanks but no thanks. That just doesn't sound like me."

"Okay, bro, but I'll keep the offer open." She winked at Iolaus. "Toodles." and she disappeared.

"Well, back to business." Hercules rubbed his hands together and tried to look cheerful.

Iolaus, who had brightened up during Aphrodite's visit, looked more miserable than ever. "I suppose we've got to interview the applicants, if there are any."

"Not we, buddy, me. You're going fishing with Jason for a few days."

"Hey, I can't even be there? What if I don't like the guy you pick?"

"Complain."

"You're just like your father, you know that?

Two days later, at dawn, Jason and Iolaus, with packs of camping and fishing gear at their feet, said their good-byes to Hercules at the castle gates. Jason looked bright and chipper, Iolaus, tired and cross.

"Have a good trip. Five days should give me plenty of time. I have six applicants already and there's sure to be more." Hercules held up a fistful of scrolls and tried to smile radiantly at his friends.

Jason threw his pack over his shoulder grinning. "Don't worry about us." He ruffled Iolaus' hair. "Fresh air. Good fishing. We'll put the roses back into those cheeks in no time." Iolaus scowled at him and hoisted his own pack.

Jason waved a cheery good-bye and started off down the road. Iolaus said nothing, but gave Hercules a wan smile and followed.

Hercules sighed. It broke his heart to see Iolaus so unhappy. He would do anything in the world to bring the glorious smile back to that gloomy face and restore his best friend's happy-go-lucky nature. He looked down at the parchments in his hand. Where in the world would he find someone to whom he could entrust his partner?

Three days later, Iphicles, having finished the day's kingly duties, decided to check on Hercules' progress. He walked down the corridor to the little room he had set aside for his brother's use, opened the door, and was nearly bowled over by a burly warrior leaving in a great hurry. Iphicles watched the man as he stalked to the outer door, yanked it open, stepped outside and slammed it heavily behind him.

"What's with him?" he asked upon entering the room.

"Bad temper." Hercules threw down his quill and slumped wearily behind a small desk.

"Not a good match for Iolaus." Iphicles grinned. "He's got a bad enough temper of his own. They'll kill each other. So how are the interviews going?"

"Terrible!" Hercules rubbed his hands over his tired eyes. "I've seen thirteen warriors so far and none of them is a good match for Iolaus. They are all either too feeble, too reckless, too stupid, too lazy, or…or violent or mean-tempered. Some have criminal records, and one, I swear, is certifiably insane." Hercules groaned and looked up at his brother. "How can I trust any of them to look after Iolaus? When I try to explain Iolaus to them, they get up and leave. They just don't get it! They…."

Iphicles held up his hands, laughing. "Okay. Okay. I get the picture. And you think Iolaus babbles. Face it, Hercules, you are not going to think anybody is good enough for your best pal, so why not let him choose his own new partner?"

"Oh, no, no, no. I know what he'd do. He'd go off on his own and he wouldn't eat right or get enough sleep and the next thing you know he'd get himself killed again. I've got enough worries already. I'll find Iolaus a new partner and he will like it or else." He sat up and tried to look confident.

"How many more applicants are there?"

"Eh…one."

Iphicles grinned. "Shall I send him in?"

"Please. He's in the room across the corridor."

Iphicles crossed the hall and opened a door. A brawny, dark-haired man stood up quickly. He was tall with rugged good looks and Iphicles noted with relief that he had an open, pleasant face. He beckoned to the man, led him across the hall and motioned him into the interview room. He gave the man an encouraging smile and flashed Hercules an enthusiastic thumbs- up before leaving, closing the door behind him.

The man stared at the closed door, astonished to find himself having been ushered in by the king, no less, before turning to the man at the desk.

Hercules rose slightly and smiled. "Good afternoon. I'm Hercules."

The man snapped to attention. "Justinius, sir. Twenty years in the Athenian army. Retired as Captain. Six commendations for bravery, the Athenian Cross for valor above and beyond the call of duty and the Silver Arrow for marksmanship. At your service, sir."

Hercules sat down and looked politely at the man standing stiffly before him. He indicated a chair next to the desk. "Please, sit down."

The man continued to stand.

"Er…at ease?"

The man sat down at once and peered up at Hercules expectantly

Hercules cleared his throat. "Uh, you do have references?"

The man sprang back to his feet "Yes, sir." He reached into his pouch and brought out three small scrolls. "I have three letters of recommendation here, sir, all from generals I have served under, sir."

Hercules took the scrolls and studied them carefully, nodding his head. "Very impressive. Obviously, you're a good man in a fight."

"Thank you, sir." Justinius beamed and sat down

"Please, call me Hercules. Nobody calls me sir. Now you understand what this job is all about?"

"Oh yes sir." Justinius bobbed his head vigorously. "Everybody has heard of the legendary Hercules and the great deeds he has done. And I would consider it an honor, sir, to be…"

"I didn't do them alone." Hercules interrupted, looking offended.

"Oh yes, I remember hearing about a partner. Er… Eye-laus…E-laus…O-laus"

"E-o-laus." Hercules supplied.

"Right. As I was saying, sir, I would consider it an honor to be his replacement."

"Replacement! Oh no!" Hercules said quickly. "You misunderstand. I'm looking for a partner for Eye-le…I mean Iolaus. I'm the one retiring."

"You!" Justinius' astonishment triumphed over his disappointment. "But…but…but you are the greatest hero in Greece. How could you…why would you retire?"

"I don't want to," Hercules answered, "but ever since I died…"

"You…you're dead!" "In a way, yes." Hercules rubbed the bridge of his nose with his fingers. "Three weeks ago. It happened in battle. An arrow. I just didn't see it." He sighed heavily. "So here I am, looking for a replacement. For me." He smiled weakly at Justinius.

Justinius gaped. He shuffled in his seat and shot a panicked glance at the closed door. "But if you're dead, how…"

"I'm not dead, dead." Hercules reassured him. "It appears that I was immortal all along. But I can't go traipsing all over the countryside with Iolaus, it seems that I have god things to attend to. That's why I need someone to look after...er...I mean help Iolaus with his work."

Justinius' jaw dropped even further. "You're a god!"

Hercules smiled awkwardly. "It would appear so."

Justinius sat back in his chair completely overwhelmed, first, to be greeted by the king and then ushered into the presence of a god. "So you are looking for a new partner for uh...what's his name?"

"Iolaus. Haven't you ever heard of him?"

"Well, I know you travel with some blonde, shrimpy guy, but…"

"Shrimpy is not a word we use around Iolaus." Hercules admonished sternly. "Iolaus is the bravest, most loyal, most courageous, most dependable partner a man could have. He's a skilled warrior, a wonderful friend and any man would be proud to travel with him. He's generous, kind, trustworthy, brave…did I say brave already?"

"Yes, you did." Justinius looked sheepish. "Sorry. I meant no disrespect…sir. I'm sure that he's an admirable person and I think...I mean, I would be honored to be considered for this position." He looked at Hercules hopefully.

"Good." Somewhat mollified, Hercules sat back in his chair. There was a brief silence while he examined the reference scrolls again. "There's no doubt that you're a valiant warrior. Your record is impeccable. A good man to have at ones back in a fight. You'll find the same is true of Iolaus. So let's discuss the other requirements." He hesitated, "Can you cook?"

"Cook?"

"Yes. Iolaus likes to eat, needs a lot of food, all that energy, you know." He shook his head. "The gods only know where he puts it all. He would never admit it, but he can't boil water. His new partner would be required to see that he gets regular meals. Oh, and don't worry about finding food. Iolaus is the finest hunter in all of Greece." Hercules added proudly.

"Well, if he does the hunting, I guess, I can manage the cooking." Justinius said slowly.

"Good." Hercules said briskly. "Now, how are your healing skills?"

"Healing skills? I need healing skills? What kind of healing skills?"

"Um...well…you'll need to know herbs, for fever and pain. Staunching blood, cauterizing, and sewing up, bandaging wounds, oh yes, and setting broken bones. Iolaus is always getting sick, or wounded, or breaking something." Hercules smiled affectionately. "And, of course, there's being chewed up by monsters, struck by lightning, falling into rivers, barroom brawls, things like that. There's never a dull moment around Iolaus."

Justinius squirmed. "I see," he said," it sounds like this Iolaus might be more trouble than he's worth."

"Oh, no!" Hercules exclaimed hastily. "He's worth every bit of trouble…I mean Iolaus is a delightful companion, full of fun and laughter. His singing…"

"He sings?"

"Off-key. But don't let that discourage you. You get use to it. His dumb jokes, however." Hercules wrinkled his nose.

"Dumb jokes?"

"Yes, but he won't be offended is you don't laugh at them. He'll do all the laughing."

"I see." There was a long silence while Hercules sat twiddling his thumbs. "Anything else?"

"Well, there are the nightmares. He's very prone to nightmares. But if you'd died as many times as he has, you'd have nightmares too. Just wake him up gently and duck." Hercules chuckled and rubbed his jaw. "He's caught me off guard a couple of times."

"Died? He has died? More than once?"

"Four times as a matter of fact. And it was awfully hard to get him back each time, I'll tell you. But don't you worry about any of this. It's all in the past. I expect that Iolaus' life will be much more peaceful now that I'm out of the picture. And I'm sure Ares will leave him alone after I…"

Justinius stared. "Ares? God of War, Ares? What has he got to do with this?"

"He's not fond of Iolaus and with good reason. Iolaus does love to pester him. But don't you worry, the first thing I intend to do when I get settled in on Mt. Olympus is have a long talk with him. I don't think Iolaus…and his new partner…will have any trouble with him."

"That's a relief." Justinius didn't look relieved at all. "Anything else I should know about?"

"Well, actually yes." Hercules looked at him uncomfortably. "Um…can you crochet?"

"Cr…cr…crochet?"

"Yes. You know, with a hook and yarn. Crochet?" Hercules laughed awkwardly. "You see it started out as a joke. Iolaus wasn't sleeping well, complained that he was cold at night, so one afternoon, when I had nothing else to do; I crocheted an afghan for him. He loved it; used it every night. It wore out pretty quickly, so I made another and then another. Finally, I just started carrying a hook and some yarn along whenever we went on long trips. I can teach you, if you like." Hercules smiled at him brightly.

Justinius rose to his feet. "No offense, Hercules, but I don't think Iolaus needs a partner; it sounds like he needs a nanny." He began backing toward the door. Sorry, but I'm afraid this isn't the job for me."

Hercules leaped to his feet. "No, wait! If it the crocheting thing, forget I mentioned it. I mean, I know I can find the time to…"

Justinius opened the door and fled, leaving Hercules staring after him open-mouthed.

Hercules sat for a long time, his elbows on the desk and his head buried in his hands, thinking hard. Maybe Iphicles would give Iolaus a job at the palace or maybe Jason could use some help at the academy. Or maybe it was time Iolaus settled down and had that family he always wanted. Hercules jerked his head up. Now that was a great idea. He was mentally checking over a list of available women, when he felt the tingling in the air that announced the arrival of one of the gods. He had just enough time to hope it wasn't Aphrodite again, when there was a flash of light and Zeus stood before him.

"Hello, son. Any luck?"

"No." Hercules looked at his father bitterly. "I guess this means the big meeting is over and my future is all decided without any input from me."

"Well, we have come up with some possibilities including an interesting one from your little sister." Zeus grinned, "but don't scowl at me; everything is still open to negotiation. But I think you might like some of our ideas. Are you ready?"

"But, Iolaus…"

"Gods, Hercules, stop fretting about Iolaus. He can take care of himself. Everybody is waiting impatiently on Olympus. Now let's go!"

Hercules glared at his father and in two brilliant flashes of light, they disappeared.

Hercules returned to the castle two days later, and was sitting at a table in the huge kitchen eating his lunch, when Jason strode through the door looking tanned and rested. Iolaus trailed dispiritedly behind him, tired and pale.

Hercules peered at Iolaus. "Gods, Jason, what did you do to him? Stuff him in a cave while you went fishing?"

"I felt like it. He wasn't exactly a barrel of laughs. "

"That bad?" Hercules grinned broadly.

"Oh, he'd try occasionally. Tell one of his tall tales or a stupid joke, but most of the time he moped around like a lost puppy."

"If you're going to talk about me like I 'm not here, I'm leaving." Iolaus sniffed, offended.

Hercules and Jason ignored him.

"So, how did things go, here? Did you find our little buddy a nice, new playmate?" Jason asked.

"Yep. All taken care of."

Iolaus was on his way out the door and preparing to slam it angrily behind him. He stopped in mid-stride and poked his head back into the room. "What? Who?"

Hercules turned and looked at him. "Like I said, it's all taken care off. Thanks to Zeus."

"Zeus!" Iolaus strode back into the kitchen, "Zeus picked out my new partner?"

"Well, no, not exactly. The decision was mine. He merely came up with a idea."

"The decision was yours?" Iolaus exploded in anger. "The decision is mine! And I've already decided I don't want a new partner. I can work alone. And don't argue with me." Hercules had opened his mouth to speak. "I'm not a two-year-old. I can take care of myself."

Hercules grinned good-naturedly. "Well, you certainly have been acting like one the past couple of weeks." He held up his hand as Iolaus' opened his mouth to let fly again. "Just listen. Give the guy a chance. If you're not happy, you can do as you please. Gods know, you will anyway."

Iolaus subsided. "Okay." He said unhappily. "So when do I meet him?"

"Right now. Come with me." Hercules led a reluctant Iolaus out the door. "See you later, Jason. We'll be home for supper."

"Okay." Jason smiled. "Bring Iolaus' new friend. I'd like to meet him."

Iolaus followed Hercules across the courtyard and through the castle gates. Hercules moved rapidly along the path, whistling cheerfully and Iolaus had to run to keep up. "I'm glad someone is happy." Iolaus muttered to himself.

"I heard that. And yes, I am happy." He slowed down and waited for Iolaus to catch up. "Zeus found a great job for me and as soon as everything is settled with you all our problems are solved."

Iolaus smiled up at his best friend sheepishly. "I'm sorry. I've been whining about myself so much I forgot to ask about you. Zeus found you a good job, huh?"

Hercules nodded. "Very satisfactory."

"Now I guess you'll have your own palace on Mt. Olympus and people will build temples all over Greece in your honor and you'll marry some beautiful goddess and have a whole bunch of little god kids and…"

"Will you quit babbling and let me finish?" Hercules felt a little ashamed of himself. Iolaus was so miserable, and he had been teasing him unmercifully. "Zeus and I talked about several possibilities, but in the end we decided there was only one thing I am really good at."

"And that would be…?"

"Just what I've been doing. Traveling around the country, helping people. With the greatest hero in Greece as my partner."

"Who…?"

Hercules rolled his eyes. "You, of course."

"Me!" It warmed Hercules' heart to see the joy awakening in Iolaus' eyes as realization set in. "Me? You mean it? This is no joke?"

"No joke. Zeus knew I'd drive myself crazy worrying about you and I'd be down here checking on you all the time, so he decided I might just as well stay put."

For once, Iolaus was speechless, but his radiant smile said it all. With an exclamation of sheer delight, he threw his arms around Hercules' neck and hugged him tight. Hercules laughed and returned the hug, lifting his friend off the ground and whirling him around in the middle of the road. Two startled passersby paused briefly, watching, and exchanged glances knowingly before moving on.

Hercules set Iolaus back on his feet and smiled at him. "I guess this means you'll take me back as a partner."

"Did you ever doubt it? But how did you talk Zeus into it? You said…"

"I know, but I had back-up. The whole thing was really Hades' idea. He was afraid that without me your chances of getting killed again were pretty good and that you might want to come to the Elysian Fields. Nothing personal, .he said, but you are kind of a disruptive influence. Most of the Gods agreed. Not that you're a disruptive influence." Hercules said hastily. "But that I should be sent back. They've grown quite fond of you."

"Fond…of me?"

"Yeah, said you kind of grew on them."

"They said that?"

"Well, not all of them. Discord made retching noises and Ares muttered something I didn't quite catch about fungus, but generally, yes, they all agreed."

Hercules started down the road again with Iolaus bouncing along at his side.

"But Zeus said…I mean all that about you being a god and I…"

"Well, there was one little catch."

"Uh, oh."

"Not an uh, oh. In fact, I consider it a real plus. I'm not a full god anymore."

"Zeus sent you back? Just the way you were?" Iolaus was amazed. "And you're okay with this?"

"Perfectly." Hercules smiled. "This is where I belong, here with you. Someday I might go back and be a god again, but for now, I'm just like I was, half-god, half- mortal. And I intend to stay this way for a good long time."

Iolaus walked along silently lost in thought for such a long time that Hercules became concerned. "Is anything the matter?"

"Well, no." Iolaus answered slowly, " It's just that…well…I always thought…" He paused looking a bit downcast.

"Thought what?" Hercules prodded gently, puzzled to see that some of the joy had left the blonde hunter's face. "Tell me."

"Aw, forget it. It's just me being selfish again." Iolaus' face brightened and he gave his tall friend a dazzling smile. "It's really great to have you back, Herc. I owe the gods a big one. Anything they want, I'll do. Run errands, clean the stables, sweep out the palace, babysit...I'll even worship in their temples. I'll…"

"Iolaus, you don't have a selfish bone in your body. Now, stop trying to change the subject and tell me what's bothering you."

"Okay, okay." Iolaus thought for a moment then looked up at Hercules. "Well, I thought, you know, when I... died and went into the Light." Hercules winced. That was not a time he liked to be reminded of. "And then after the Horsemen, when Michael sent us both back he said…he inferred…that I…I mean, if I behaved myself, I would be returning someday and you would be, too, and I just thought…"

Hercules burst out laughing and put his arm around his friend. Iolaus looked hurt. "Well, I told you it was silly."

"It's not that." He gave his friend an affectionate squeeze. It's just that…well…we just got our life together back again and here you are worrying about eternity. It just struck me funny." He smiled down at Iolaus. "There's nothing to worry about. In fact, that very subject came up at the meeting and Michael said…"

"Michael! Michael was there?"

"He popped in near the end of the meeting. The gods weren't too pleased to see him, particularly Ares, but that didn't bother him at all. If you are the most powerful being in the world, you go wherever you want. Anyway, he was there to look out for your interests. He's very attached to you."

"I'm surprised, after what I did."

"But that was a test. You passed. We both did. So we're both in Michael's good graces. He said it would be a shame to break up a great team like us and that's why, when you return to the Light, you have options."

"Options? I don't remember having options before."

"That's because then you were just an apprentice. Like job training. Next time you'll have choices. What fun would an afterlife be, if you couldn't do the things you like to do? Well, you can't be an Olympian God; that got voted down in a hurry. I guess their fondness for you doesn't extend that far. Except for Aphrodite who got all giggly about your potential as her fellow God of Love." Hercules smiled remembering his sister's antics. "You may, of course, choose to go to the Elysian Fields. Hades can't refuse you entry; you're Greek."

"Tell Aphrodite I appreciate her offer, but the last thing I would want to be is an Olympian God."

"Me neither. I made it clear that if I accept immortality from them again, it would be with the understanding there is no way I going to hang out on Mt. Olympus. I'm staying right down here where I know I can do some real good. That made Zeus a little mad, but he didn't dare push it because he knows I've got options, too."

"Like me?"

"Yep." Hercules looked at his friend and his face grew serious. "While I sat there, listening to all the arguing and shouting, I decided that anything I do would have to include you, buddy, because an eternity without you would be pretty bleak. Not to mention boring"

Iolaus couldn't say a word. The truth was if he tried to speak he would probably start bawling.

Hercules went on gently. "The choice will be yours, Iolaus. If you decide to be a Guardian of the Light, then so will I. But there's another choice Michael mentioned."

"What?" Iolaus choked a little on the word.

"The Light sends emissaries to live among the people of earth. They go around doing good deeds and righting wrongs…"

"Angels. I remember the angels." Iolaus brushed away a stray tear and his face brightened.

"Those jobs are only offered to very special people. Michael plans to offer one to you as one of your alternatives. If I were a god and you became one of these emissaries, we could travel together. Forever."

"Wow! Together forever. You and me." Iolaus danced excitedly beside the newly restored demigod. "Just think, Herc. A god and an angel." He stopped short in the middle of the road. "Hey! Say that real fast. A god'n an angel." He nudged Hercules in the ribs. "Get it."

He doubled over with laughter.

Hercules groaned.

The End

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