Once upon a time...no that's not it. Long ago in a land far away....naw, too melodramatic. In the time of the ancients...Drats! She still couldn't get her story going in the direction she wanted. Perhaps if she got more information from someone who had been there, she might find the inspiration to go on. Bwell glanced around at the damage to the temple and sighed. All around her were Guardians clearing debris, gathering scattered scrolls, and rebuilding the temple. She had been away when it all happened, and had to rely on Chrysim's details. She wasn't being too forthcoming considering all of the Amazons she was caring for. Her sister could be a terrifying fighter, but she had a true gift for healing. Bwell walked over to a small group trying to lift the statue of Athena to its rightful pedestal. Tucking the scroll and quill in her belt loop, she joined the others heaving the heavy icon. She noticed Iolaus's pallor right away. He had been involved in the battle, and now he was involved in hoisting the statue. Jane looked at him with an uneasiness as she saw the same thing Bwell did. Suddenly a deep voice shook them all.

"What do you THINK you're doing, Iolaus!" growled Hercules. "Look! You've already opened the wound. Chrysim, come here and look at my stubborn friend again."

"Gladly!" Chrysim volunteered with a sigh.

"I meant his wound!" laughed Hercules.

"It's nothing. Just a little flesh wound..."Iolaus winced as Chrysim pulled back the bandages.

Hercules was right. Iolaus had torn some of the stitches, and now the wound would have to be closed again. She shook her head. It was always "just a little wound" with him. He drew in a sharp breath, and all color left his face.

"Well, even I can see it's not just a flesh wound," said Nanaea, "And I think it best if you go lie down in the scroll room. It is the only place left untouched, isn't it, Bwell?" Bwell looked up from staring at the awful wound a little pale herself and nodded. "Well, why don't you take him to that room, Chrysim, and tend to his wound again. Someone can keep him company." A myriad of hands jumped to the air in an inspiring act of volunteerism.

"Um..actually, I did need to ask him a few questions for this chronicle," Bwell spoke up.

BonaDea, LNora, and CJ, some of the new novitiates, glared at Bwell as their hands drooped back to their sides.

Bwell grinned sheepishly and said, "Of course we'd be glad to have visitors on your breaks; wouldn't we, Iolaus?"

Iolaus grinned and instinctively looked to Nanaea and Jane, "Visitors are good."

"I'll bring you some cool water," volunteered BonaDea.

Iolaus flashed his grin to her next and told her that he could use some fresh water. She returned the grin with a deep blush and a grin of her own before skittering off to get the water at a spring. Herk, Nanaea, and Jane narrowed their eyes. "I just wonder how much work we'll accomplish, Hercules, with so many breaks," remarked Jane. Iolaus just shrugged and followed Chrysim and Bwell to the scroll room.

After Chrysim guided Iolaus to the small cot in the room, she tended once again to the wound.

Iolaus grimaced at the pain, but he tried anyway to put up a good front for these Amazons. Tiny beads of sweat popped up on his forehead as he gritted his teeth. BonaDea walked in at just the right time with the water, and Iolaus drank deeply from the cup in her hand.

"Thanks, BonaDea. I needed that after the torturer finished with me," he winked at Chrysim as he kissed BonaDea's hand. Chrysim just rolled her eyes while Bwell giggled.

"I've got to go take care of people who are really hurt now. I think you have all the attention you need for now.

Come one, BonaDea." BonaDea still stood with her hand in Iolaus's in a sort of daze. Chrysim released his light grip and pulled BonaDea out of the room. She sighed as she went back to work looking over her shoulder at the scroll room.

"I'm sure he'll need more water in just a little while, don't you think, Chrysim? I mean we wouldn't want him to get dehydrated," she said wistfully as she returned to the work group. Storm had joined Hercules and the others and shook her head as LNora, CJ and Paks volunteered as well.

Storm muttered, "Hmph! He'll float out of here at this rate. Novitiates!"

Back in the scroll room, Bwell set about the task of making comfortable to the point he said, "Enough. I'm fine really; I don't need another pillow. Now what did you need to talk with me about?"

Bwell cleared her throat and settled down in a chair next to the cot and began, "Look, Iolaus. I'm still a little fuzzy at just what went on here. I mean I'm gone a couple of weeks, and the place is a disaster. Chrysim's not talking much about it. She says she's too busy right now tending to the injured to weave a tale. She said that was my job anyway. Queen Nanaea is as tight lipped about this as Chrysim. The only one who said anything was Jane. She just said that she thanked the gods for the Barbarian Librarians. Who are the Barbarian Librarians? What part did they have to play in all of this? Won't you set the record straight? I need to write the truth in this scroll."

Iolaus took a deep breath which caused him a great deal of pain. He let it out slowly, and Bwell could tell he was warring within himself about what to do. She recognized that look of decision, and he spoke very quietly, "Bwell, I'm not sure you're ready for the truth. I'm not sure just who is. However," he paused, but Bwell took great hope in that one little word, "I think someone does need to record this whether anyone is ready for it or not. So okay, get your quill ready and get comfortable; this could take awhile."

She settled next to him and drew out her quill. He explained patiently about the scroll and the Barbarian Librarians' first arrival and departure. She stopped and looked at him through narrowed eyes. Just as he got to the part about a Hoolie Scepter, Bwell laid down her quill and glared at him. "Fine! You don't want to tell me; don't. You don't have to tell me these little bedtime stories just to get me to stop annoying everyone. I just thought that you, of all people, would be honest with me." She started to rise from her chair when she felt a hand on her wrist.

"Bwell, look at me. I'm not telling you any kind of tale. I've seen some strange things in my travels with Hercules. Do you believe that we fought a hydra?" Iolaus asked. Bwell nodded. "Do you believe that I've been turned to stone by a She Demon? Or that Hera sent a fire enforcer to kill me, and she DID kill me?" Once again Bwell nodded. Iolaus smiled and whispered, "If you can believe all that happened, and it did, then why can't you believe in people who traveled through time. After all, I have." He winked at her, "But that's another story."

Bwell was thoroughly embarrassed now. She had insinuated this man she respected greatly of being a liar. "I'm sorry, Iolaus. I guess I'm just so tired of everyone trying to keep this story from me, I just wasn't thinking straight. If you'll forgive me, I'd like to hear about what happened here two weeks ago," she said sheepishly.

"That's okay. I guess it does sound a little far-fetched," he patted her hand and continued with the story. Bwell felt even more guilty when she could hear how shakily he drew in a breath to continue. This wound was much more serious than any of them would let on, and she had caused him to exert himself unnecessarily.

Her eyes went to the terrible wound again. "Hey! I tell a better story when people look into my eyes than when they look at my wounds. I'm okay. Now, let's see it was two weeks ago. As you know the Guardians have just been increasing since that terrible destruction 6 months ago. I believe they now have four new novitiates," he grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. To this, Bwell rolled her eyes and shook her head. "I know, I'm incorrigible. That's what makes me irresistible." He leaned his head back and winked at her again.

Bwell blushed at this and rebuked him, "Um...If you could just tone down your irresistibility a bit, I'm still waiting to hear the story."

"Well, as I said, the Guardians were having new people become novitiates, and the Temple of Knowledge was beginning to get back to normal. See, that's when ya really gotta be careful. When things are going smoothly, you can just about count on someone stirring things up. Joxer was just about to leave the temple after cataloging all of the scrolls. Hey, don't ask me. Nanaea said it was some sort of purification ritual he had to go through. Anyway, before he left he had found a scroll with ancient writing on it and didn't know how to catalog it. When he took it to Storm, he said that she lost all color. She grabbed it out of his hands and thanked him for all of his hard work. Then he asked her what the scroll said, but she wouldn't tell him. I believe she said it was just about killing time." Iolaus stopped and started to giggle. Bwell got worried as he started to turn blue gasping for air. When he did draw in the air, he just kept laughing. "He said...he said....," and the laughing jag started again.

"Iolaus, stop it! You're going to start bleeding again, and then Chrysim will blame me!" she was trying to mask her concerns for they were very real. He tried to settle down, but everyone knew that once Iolaus got started, there was no stopping him. "Iolaus! I'm warning you; Chrysim will come in here and give you a sleeping draught that will give you a headache from Tartarus tomorrow!"

"And you're telling her what kind of story?" Storm slipped in quietly, stealth she called it, and was standing in the door-way with her arms folded over her chest. This unexpected visitor startled them both to the point that Bwell almost fell off the chair, and Iolaus cringed with the pain that his rapid movement caused.

"Sorry, Iolaus," began Storm as she laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, "I really didn't mean to shake you up. You, Bwell, I meant to scare." And Storm started a giggle of her own before she remembered her own axiom, "Amazons don't giggle."

"Please, Storm, don't get him started again! Look he's bleeding. I just hope Chrysim doesn't have to stitch him up again. Storm, could you watch him while I go get Chrysim again?" asked a very nervous Bwell. Storm just frowned and nodded. Bwell ran from the room to get her sister.

"You told her, didn't you?" Storm asked as she held his hand. He nodded, barely able to speak, and beginning to feel quite weak. "Okay, I understand. I just hope the others do.

Bwell caused quite a stir when she ran up to Chrysim out of breath herself. "Iolaus...is...bleeding again!" she gasped.

Hercules immediatedly put down the stone he was carrying and ran over to Bwell and Chrysim.

Before long, all of the Guardians and novitiates were surrounding her asking her all kinds of questions. Bwell finally put her hands over her ears and shouted, "Would you PLEASE give me a chance to answer them. Yes, I know what started it; he started laughing and couldn't quit. He turned blue; he's in pain, and he's bleeding. Come on, Chrysim! You've got to do something!"

Chrysim ran to the scroll room to find Iolaus semi-conscious with Storm holding his hand. She worked steadily at the wound while the room became more and more crowded. Jane went to his other side and knelt by the cot while Nanaea took over Storm's position. BonaDea came in last with cool water for him and almost passed out herself when she saw Chrysim probing the wound. Hercules placed a hand on his shoulder and wished he could do more to stop his friend's pain. "Okay everybody, I need some fresh bandages and some wat...Oh good! You already have it, BonaDea," ordered Chrysim. She looked at Hercules and said, "The stitches are still in place.

I don't know why it's still bleeding. Bwell, what was he doing when it started?"

Bwell had moved to the back of the room and was trying to hide behind Paks and LNora. All eyes turned to her though as she started to tear up. Storm was by her side immediately and answered, "Iolaus was telling her about the Barbarian Librarians, and he got a little tickled at something Joxer said. That's all. And Yes, he told her about the Barbarians, and why shouldn't she know? She's one of us, and she has a right, no a duty to know what she may have to face, what we may all have to face again! Besides, what if Ares..." Storm had been unaware that the level of volume in her voice was steadily increasing. She was a little embarrassed when she realized she had been shouting, and she lowered her eyes to stare at her boots. Surprisingly another set of boots were right in front of her. She looked up to see Hercules less than a hand's length away from her. He was smiling.

"I think you're right, Storm. And since Iolaus is out of commission for a few moments perhaps one of you would like to take over...He stopped right after Joxer left, Bwell?"

Bwell nodded. "Well," he continued, "anyone want to take up where he left off?"

"Um, I guess I should since I saw them first," replied LNora meekly.

All eyes shifted to LNora as Chrysim packed Iolaus's wound. Remembering what Iolaus said about this being a long story, Bwell grabbed her quill and scroll and sat on the ground. Everyone else sat as well. LNora looked to the ground trying to gather her thoughts. She sighed deeply and began.

"It all started two weeks ago, a day after I'd entered the service of the Temple. I remember that I was feeling a little homesick; you know, wondering if I'd made the right decision in coming here. There was a lot to be done since there were still only 6 of us. Jane would come when she could, but she was involved with something else at the time."

LNora stopped and looked to Jane who was brushing Iolaus's hair from his brow. She looked up and nodded. This gave LNora the confidence to continue. "Well, this temple used to be maintained by 40 Amazons. Anyway I decided to take a walk to the creek to wiggle my toes in the water. Hey! It helps me think, okay?! I got to the creek and waded in when all of a sudden I saw a bright light. The air sort of felt distorted, and I got a little dizzy. Then out of the blue 5 women in very strange clothing were piled on the ground. They weren't too happy with their landing I suppose. One of them ran to me. It kind of scared me at first until I saw an image on a garment. It had Iolaus's image," she looked to Hercules to find him grinning. She returned the smile, but it changed when she looked at Iolaus.

He was struggling against the pain. She couldn't believe just this morning he was helping restore the temple. She drew in a deep breath and continued the story.

"They seemed pretty desperate to get to the Temple. The one called MsMoo told me that they were friends of the Guardians known as the Barbarian Librarians. She said that they had been there before, and that they needed to see Queen Nanaea. Said it was an emergency. I lead them back to the temple, but I didn't even have to introduce them. As soon as Nanaea saw them she was calling for Chrysim and Storm and running toward them. They all sort of squealed; I'd never heard an Amazon squeal before. Then they all sort of jumped up and down and hugged each other. Gaea spoke up, 'We're running out of time; we've got to do something quick!' Then the three of them went into the council room and shut the door. "Some of us," she hesitated and looked to Paks, BonaDea, and CJ, "wanted to listen in, but we decided it would not be a good idea," she stated looking sheepishly to Storm. Storm just grinned. "Actually, it was Paks who heard what was happening."

Nanaea, Storm, and Chrysim snapped to attention then. " You knew? Before we told you, you all knew? Paks, how could you hear what was going on in the council room?" asked Nanaea.

Paks looked to the other novitiates. They, too, looked a little nervous. She started very quietly, "I'm not sure how to tell you." Tears began filling her eyes and spilling over her cheeks. Hercules felt such compassion for her that he moved next to her and held her hand.

"Go ahead, Paks. I'm sure no one is really mad. Are you?" Hercules asked looking to the others.

Storm smiled at her, "No, Paks we just want to know how it was possible."

Hercules flashed a brilliant smile to Storm and gave her a heartfelt wink.

"I've always been a little different. I can hear or feel other people's thoughts. I've struggled all my life to shut out the chaos, and I've been able to do it quite well; however, the Barbarian Librarians' anxiety level was so extreme, it shook every defense I've ever put up to shut it out. Like right now, I have to use a lot of control because I can sense great fear from everyone about Iolaus, love for him, confusion from Bwell, and just a little anger about how this all happened. I don't tell people because, well, because it's hard being different," she stated with a sigh.

Hercules and Jane looked to her in complete empathy and nodded. "Look, Paks, I think it's a pretty exciting gift myself. Loads of people I'd want to try it on,"

Bwell giggled. "Like who's in love with Iolaus?"

Paks closed her eyes but started laughing herself when she heard a small voice in the back say, "Who's not?"

All eyes turned to CJ who stiffled a giggle herself and turned deep red. "I believe Bwell needs to hear the rest of the story!" Paks sent her a mental message, "Nice save, CJ!"

"I don't use it like that! Okay, back to what I heard or felt. The minute the doors closed, thoughts raged like a flood. It's hard to remember who said what, but maybe it would be easier if you'd just open your mind to me, Bwell. I can tell you that way."

Bwell looked a little nervous and glanced over at Chrysim. She wasn't so sure that she wanted someone in her mind.

She laughed when Chrysim smiled knowingly. Hmm, it appeared she already had someone who apparently was able to read her mind like a book anyway.

Bwell gasped as images shut out the real world around her. She could see the Barbarian Librarians Iolaus had described to her; she could hear their voices. She could even smell the lunch cooking in the kitchens. Oooooh, they had fresh bread that day, and venison. Why did they always have stew when she was there? She felt Paks' mind tweak hers, "Would you please pay attention?" Bwell looked sharply back to the Barbarians. Kendaa was pacing around the conference table. MsMoo was grasping a staff that Bwell somehow knew was called a Hoolie Scepter. Baucis was nervously talking to Chrysim, and *gaea* and Chantal nervously gripped weapons in their hands.

Wait a minute! They're not suppose to be in the Temple with weapons!

"Bwell, listen to what's happening!"

Her mind was diverted back to the scene when Queen Nanaea spoke up.

"All right, everyone calm down. MsMoo can you tell us what's going on? What problem could be that desperate?" questioned Nanaea.

MsMoo said, "First, I know we just left, but.."

Storm spoke up, "Yeah, just left 6 months ago."

Kendaa trembled, "This is too weird! We got back in time for the symposium, ate supper and everybody headed back to my place. All in one day's time, and you say we've been gone for 6 months?"

A shiver ran up and down Baucis's spine, "Oh, time travel gives me the willies. Anyway, we were sitting around having tea and Tim Tams when we all got a little dizzy. At first, we all blamed Kendaa's tea. Wondered exactly she made her tea from," Baucis and the other Barbarian Librarians laughed softly for just a moment. Then the mood turned very somber.

Nanaea suggested that they sit at the conference table. When all of them were seated, Chantal spoke up, "It was Ares!"

Everyone around the table held their breaths for a moment. "We all could sense him, but especially Kendaa and I could almost see into his mind. We know what he's going to try. And we've got to stop him!" growled Chantal. The images were shattered in a heartbeat.

Bwell gasped and shook her head to see what had happened. She looked into the eyes of BonaDea and saw pure terror. Hercules was no longer sitting by Paks. Paks had her hands over her eyes and was sobbing. She was terrified to look at the cot, but look she did.

"Iolaus" she whispered, "No!"

Iolaus was caught up in a dangerous seizure that rattled the cot and tore his stitches. Hercules tried desperately to hold him still. Chrysim ordered everyone out of the room except Hercules, Jane, Nanaea and Bwell. Suddenly the cot became unearthly still.

Paks at the doorway gasped. "I can see what he sees. He sees it, and it's coming back!"

Hercules looked up in alarm from his friend. He knew this was a destruction they'd likely not make it through again. He was wishing that the Barbarian Librarians hadn't returned to the future. He looked down again at Iolaus just as he was regaining consciousness. He managed a weak smile for the Amazons in the room and for Hercules. Once again BonaDea rushed to bring the cool water to his lips. He struggled to try and sit up, but Hercules and Chrysim held him in his place. Hercules raised his head slightly as Iolaus gulped the water shakily. In a whisper, he tried to warn them, "I've seen it again; no Herk, it's not a nightmare. Somehow I know it's coming back here. And you don't have much time." He leaned back on the cot and closed his eyes again.

Nanaea jumped into action, "Okay, we've got to be better prepared for it. Now that we know it's capabilities, let's be careful. We don't have another cot to spare right now." Iolaus barely opened his eyes and winked at BonaDea. "I'll share mine." Iolaus was trying very hard to sound like his normal self. But it wasn't working. Chrysim patted his hand and told him that he needed rest and to quit flirting with the novitiates. He reached out and held BonaDea's hand with a little effort. Unfortunately, he was starting to shake again, and she laid his hand back down on the cot by his side. Rather weakly, he said, "Um, Chrysim, Herk? I'm feeling a little cold again." Chrysim's eyes narrowed as she knew Iolaus never complained when he was this hurt. Herk gripped his arm.

Before Chrysim could order it, Jane had left the room and returned with two blankets. Hercules smiled at her as she went about tucking Iolaus in. He marveled at how tender and compassionate the daughter of the god of war could be. Iolaus grasped her hand before passing out again, and just as he saw his consciousness fade, he said, "Thank you, Jane. I feel much better now." He rolled his eyes back and drifted into a black sea.

Hercules rose and looked at the others who had failed to clear the room. "Come on, folks. We need to be prepared this time. Chrysim, stay with him, and...," he looked shocked as he saw her shake her head. "What do you mean no? Iolaus needs you."

"No, Hercules. There's nothing more I can do for him. I can't stitch up the wound; something's wrong with it. The bleeding is not too bad at the moment. And he's very still right now. I'm needed to help make preparations. In the meantime, Paks and Bwell can stay with him. They'll get help if he needs it, and Bwell needs to hear what we're up against."

Hercules only nodded. He left the scroll room full of aprehension for his friend, for the coming peril, and for the innocents who would be hurt again. Storm saw the weight of the world descend on him, and she walked over. Laying a gentle hand on his arm, she turned him to her.

Looking up in his face, she said, "He'll be all right, Hercules. We'll be all right; will you?" She threw her arms around his waist and pulled him into a hug of epic proportions. Hercules relished the feeling as he hugged her back. He'd forgotten how much he needed a hug from time to time.

"Thanks, Storm. But, I guess we'd better get busy," and with a final squeeze they released each other and got to work.

Back in the scroll room, Paks and Bwell flanked Iolaus and watched the unsteady breathing.

Paks looked to Bwell and nodded. She took a deep breath and opened her mind once again to the invasion of images.

They were back in the council room. With Chantal's revelation, all of the Amazons were to their feet. "What do you mean, you could see into his mind?" asked Storm.

"First, I felt a presence.Then the rest felt it. It had a very eerie, malevolent, yet seductive feel to it," stated Kendaa trying desperately not to blush. "Anyway, we all felt drawn to it. Then I saw Chantal's face as it hit me as well. We know what he's going to try. He let us KNOW what he's going to try. It was like he was taunting us."

"Zeus, woman!" shouted Storm. "What's he going to try?"

It was almost a collective sigh. *gaea* looked up first and stated, "He's going after the original scroll."

"What scroll?" asked Chrysim. Like a bolt of lightning it hit her....THAT scroll. "Wait a minute! You have THAT scroll. How could he get that one?"

*Gaea* looked at the others then back to the Guardians. "Yes, we have the scroll. It's in Kendaa's bag right now. But it also exists in this time. We stumbled onto the scroll at Kendaa's library. But for it to have been discovered where it was, someone had to originally put it there. So your scroll still is here. He plans to use it to get his evil to our time."

"But that makes no sense. He's a god and can travel through time at will. Why would he need it to travel to the future?" Nanaea was nervously tapping the table.

"Because, he's not the one who's going to use it," resounded a voice from the corner of the room. Bwell jumped as it startled her as well.

She saw Jane step forward from the shadows and the other Amazons in the room jumped too. Bwell heard the other Guardians laugh and comment about her ability to slip in undetected.

After a bit of good natured teasing, Baucis cleared her throat, and they got back to the business at hand.

"I sensed him too. I could read his thoughts because of who I am; Kendaa and Chantal, you could see into his mind because you allowed him to get to you the last time. He plans to send a great evil to your time, Barbarians. I'm not sure we can handle it, but I'm positive your people won't be able to. Of course, now that you're here, you've put yourselves in grave danger as well. If he finds it and uses it. You'll be trapped here. If they make it back to your time, the scroll in your possession was never found. This all becomes quite complicated like fooling with that blasted Kronos stone. I can see why Zeus disapproves of time travel."

A soft tapping was heard at the door. Jane cautiously walked toward the door, and grinned as she opened it.

LNora announced, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but there are two men who are insisting that they need to see you. Are you available?"

Bwell giggled as she saw Iolaus gently nudge his way through to hug Jane. "Are you kidding? These ladies are always available for us. Right?"

She marveled at the reaction of the other novitiates to Iolaus as he raised his eyebrows and flashed one of his trademark smiles. But right away she noticed the reaction of the other Amazons and Barbarians as well. That smile seemed to spread throughout the room leaping from one to the next. "Hey! Herk! Look who's back!" and he danced around with each Barbarian Librarian then stopped when he came to Kendaa.

"Kendaa! I'm on your chest! Kewl, I have a t-shirt now! Look Hercules! Look at Kendaa's chest! NO! Not like that! It's so good to see you!" and he grabbed her up for another hug.

Bwell grinned again. "That's the thing about Iolaus; he's always glad to see you," she thought.

"Bwell, are you paying attention?"

Hercules swept into the room and was currently hugging each one when he laughed at Iolaus as well. "Kendaa, why would you waste your dinars on this scruffy looking guy? I didn't think they made t-shirts with Iolaus on them. How did you manage to find him?"

Kendaa blushed and replied, "Well, I didn't even think that they made them, but when we got back to..," she stopped when she saw the novitiates gaping at them, "the north, a friend of mine, Klio, bought it for me as a present. It is nice though, isn't it?" She grinned back at Iolaus, and they all started laughing.

Hercules changed the mood, though, when he announced his reason for the arrival, "I've come to talk about Ares."

This simple statement stilled the room, and each smile was reduced to a frown. "I think these novitiates also need to be informed; don't you, Nanaea?" She nodded and motioned for all of them to enter the council room.

Bwell listened with an eerie feeling as Iolaus told the novitiates essentially the same thing about the Barbarian Librarians as he had told her.

Only, they hadn't questioned him as she had.

She was seriously feeling guilty about that.

Paks tweaked her mind again to keep her on task.

Hercules continued, "I think we'd better be ready. First of all, does anyone know where that scroll is located? No, not your scroll, Kendaa. We need to find the original one."

Storm stood up and told them, "I know where that scroll is. When Joxer was cataloging the scrolls, yes MsMoo, we took your advice." This caused another set of giggling around the table, "Anyway as I was saying, he found it among some other scrolls. It wasn't in the ancients' room. When they tried to steal it the first time, that coward must have hidden it. I told him it was a scroll about killing time, and he made some comment about...."

MsMoo nearly fell out of her chair when the ground started shaking.

"What is it?"

She grasped her scepter and bolted for the door. BonaDea, LNora, CJ, and Paks stood with their jaws collectively dropped as they saw *gaea* pull out a weird weapon, and Chantal grasped a wicked looking whip. The others followed as they fled the building.Hercules had to grab Paks to pull her out of the way as that room collapsed.

Once outside the building, Kendaa pulled her breast dagger out but almost dropped it when she saw it. As Hercules and Paks ran out in to the middle of the courtyard, his heart stopped. Bwell closed her eyes in horror and broke contact with Paks.

"No, Paks! Tell me it's not coming back!"

Iolaus gasped and looked into her eyes, "It's coming back, and we've got to be really careful...." He was struggling to talk without his teeth chattering. "It has...help this....time." Iolaus winced as the pain seared through his wound as it began to change.

Paks eyes grew as she watched Iolaus's wound. The point of origin was still seeping blood, but it slowly began spreading like a cracked egg. The crack in his skin spidered out and caused more of the weeping wound.

Bwell jumped to her feet and ran to the door of the scroll room. She stuck her head outside the door and yelled, "Chrysim! Get in here!"

Chrysim recognized the terror in her sister's voice as did Hercules.

They both dashed to the scroll room. The others held their ground in anticipation of its arrival.

Chrysim burst through the door with a gasp. She and Hercules rushed to his side and looked on in horror as the wound continued spidering across his body. Chrysim dropped to her knees beside the cot and pulled back the blanket for closer examination. What had once seemed like a harmless puncture wound in his shoulder was tracking its way in various directions. Each new crack seeped more of his blood. Chrysim shook her head and turned to Hercules, "I don't understand this, I've never seen anything like this in my life! We've got to stop its progression. If this new wound continues, it will reach that vein in his neck, and he could bleed to death in just moments. If that branch reaches his heart, depending on how deep these new cracks are, it could kill him that way. I just don't know what to do! None of the herbs we've tried will stop the bleeding. Hercules! Are you listening to me?"

Hercules stared blankly at the vicious wound that was beginning to resemble chasms caused by earth-quakes and stiffened. Ares knew what this was; he was sure of it. But he'd never tell him; he thought back to their encounter this very morning, and a sense of hopelessness descended on him. Chrysim's voice snapped him out of it, and he dropped to Iolaus's other side. The minute he laid his hand on his good shoulder, Iolaus's eyes flew open. "It's going to be all right, Iolaus. We'll find something to stop this," Hercules reassured him trying to sound confident himself. He knew he had to get to Ares somehow.

"It's okay....but...do you think...this will..leave a ..scar? What..do you....think Chrysim? Will...the ladies...still love..," Iolaus stopped midsentence as he gasped and his eyes rolled back in his head.

The seizure started again; Hercules,Chrysim, Bwell, and Paks jumped into action to hold him down. Chrysim was afraid the violent shaking would speed up the crawling cracks' progression, but thankfully, they were still following their slow tracks. He stilled as it ended, looked at the people helping him, grinned apologetically, and passed out.

"This is going to end! I'm going to see if Jane can help. Please stay with him this time, Chrysim. Paks you need to hurry up before it gets here. Finish telling her quickly so you both will be able to help," Hercules said stopping in the doorway. He looked one last time at Iolaus and thought one word... Ares.

Chrysim settled next to Iolaus trying once again to pack the wound while Paks resumed her type of storytelling. Suddenly Bwell was outside the temple again watching the confusion that followed.

It was huge. An unearthly sound that was a mixture of a lion's roar and the angry buzzing of a swarm of bees rumbled through the courtyard. It sent shivers up and down *gaea*'s spine as she readied her bar-coding numchuks. She was almost unaware of a figure standing right behind her. When she sensed him she spun around and attacked. Unfortunately, she discovered that she had "nailed" Hercules right in his stomach. "Oh my gosh! Look what...I'm sorry. I didn't know it was you; what are you doing sneaking up on a person like that?"

Hercules smiled as she continued to babble. She touched his stomach and asked, "I didn't hurt you too bad? Oh no, I'm so sorry; please forgive me; I'm so.."

Hercules could see that she was feeling quite embarrassed so he hugged her quickly and dropped a small kiss on her cheek. "I'm fine, and you didn't hurt me....much," he teased. She blushed deeply and leaned into the hug. "But you do have a pretty good wallop packed into those. What are they called again, numchuks? Well, you'd better get ready because I think you're going to need them against this." As the sound grew louder, Hercules gave *gaea* a quick squeeze and released her.

They turned to the direction of the sound and waited. Without warning, it attacked the temple again. Like a striking snake a long tail bolted from the wooded area, hit Athena's statue, and retracted just as quickly into the forest. It was so fast, Nanaea barely had time to get out of the way. Iolaus jumped out and pulled her to him just as the statue almost crushed her. She lay snuggled in his arms almost afraid to move. When he didn't move, she was afraid he was hurt.

"Iolaus, are you okay?" called Hercules.

Nanaea grinned when she heard beneath her, "Yeah! Sure, just enjoying the view," he kissed the back of her neck before releasing her to get up. "You okay, Nanaea?" he asked earnestly.

"As okay as one can be after almost being crushed and then being mauled by you," Nanaea spun around and ran her hand through his tousled hair. "I think we'd better pay attention."

Just then the tail struck again and crushed several rooms of the temple. The sound kept getting closer and closer, and now all teasing stopped at they anticipated what they might see crashing through the woods. They didn't have to wait too long.

MsMoo saw it first and was wishing it wasn't cloudy. "Get out of the way! It's hideous!"

The others jumped back as it finally moved in on them. It was huge. Iolaus judged it to be as big as Typhon.

Undulating golden scales danced over its body as it moved. It traveled upright on two legs and was surprisingly quick for its size. The creature had hands that seemed almost human, but they blossomed blood red from under the scales on its arms,and its fingernails were black, more like talons than fingernails.

They could see the tail shaking desperately before it shot out and struck another part of the temple.

Bwell gasped as this image contained the various emotional reactions to it and the evil seeping from it. She suddenly became aware that it had four heads. Each head had a distinct look for two were female and two were male. The female heads were covered in scales that sparkled red like rubies. Their faces seemed to have erupted from the scales like a volcano. They almost seemed human, but just almost. Their eyes were yellow and obviously angry, and when they opened their mouths to roar again, Bwell shook as she saw fangs and a forked tongue flicking out. Now she understood the sound because when the males began their roar first it was a lion's roar; however, the females' issued an angry buzzing sound. The males had a different type of tongue she had never seen before. They looked like they had flowers in their mouths, but their teeth were needle like in appearance.

MsMoo charged it with her Hoolie Scepter. Unable to zap the creature, she was planning to bash it soundly with it."I'll get him! Her?! Whatever it is!" The beast saw what she was planning and immediately lashed out its tail at her. MsMoo jumped out of its way just in time. However, she dropped the Hoolie Scepter as a result.

The beast snarled from all four faces; suddenly malignant laughter peeled from each face, and all could understand what they were saying.

"Grab the scepter! This must be what Ares told us to watch out for!"

"I've got it! Ha!"

MsMoo did a slow burn as she was about to charge the creature and tear it limb from limb.

"NOBODY takes my Hoolie Scepter away from me! I don't CARE if you have four heads; it just guarantees your future headache increased four times!" MsMoo stomped in the direction of the beast when someone stopped her.

CJ was literally shaking as she held onto MsMoo's elbow. She swallowed hard as the Barbarian Librarian swung around to face her. MsMoo's eyes narrowed then softened as she saw the novitiate shaking in her boots.

"You can't face it without a weapon! It might kill you!" she blurted out. CJ saw a look of understanding from MsMoo, and she finally let out the air she held in her lungs.

"But my Hoolie Scepter...Let me at it. Somebody give me a weapon!"

Jane and Nanaea were trying to figure the best line of attack when Baucis pulled out her Hercules throwing stars. The beast laughed as she hurled them at their faces. One of the female heads just batted away the stars with her tongue and managed to send it back racing toward Baucis. LNora knocked her to the ground just before it hit her. Baucis looked up from the ground and saw the star imbedded in a stone just a few feet away from her.

Kendaa was trying to get behind it by edging along the tree line when she felt arms snake around her. Hot breath streamed to her neck and she found goose bumps where she didn't think possible. "Hello, my little Barbarian. Miss me?"

Bwell's eyes widened as she saw Ares standing behind Kendaa with his arms wrapped around her waist kissing the back of her neck. Chantal saw it too and took off running toward her. Chantal knew at that moment, she would have to be the conscience of them both. Unfortunately, Ares saw her charging as well and twirled out of her way spinning Kendaa around with him. He reached around Chantal's shoulder with the other hand and took away her whip. "Ah, now that's better. Nothing like doubling your fun," he laughed. "What's the matter? You don't like my new friend. You've got to admit; it sure can draw a crowd."

Hercules had been dodging the tail, trying to throw the stones at the creature only to have them tossed as easily back at him. *gaea* reached for him by the back of his shirt. He felt an urgent tugging and turned to see *gaea* looking desperately at him. She pointed to Kendaa and Chantal, and he felt his blood boil.. "Jane! Don't you hate it when family drops in unexpectedly?" he shouted motioning to Ares. He started to liberate them when the beast lashed out its tail at him. It made direct contact, and Hercules found himself in a somewhat crumpled position against Athena's fallen statue. He groaned as he tried to get up. Chrysim ran to him to check on him and helped him t his feet.

"It's a good thing you're not mortal! I'd be picking up the pieces right now!" she muttered.

"Father!" Jane yelled turning her attention to him. He just laughed as he blew her a kiss. This "kiss" left her flat on her back. "Oh no you don't!" and she got up and moved in his direction when she heard his maniacal laughter again. Only she saw that this wasn't directed at her. She turned and watched in horror as Iolaus drew the beast's full attention.

Iolaus kept thinking this was something he'd dealt with before. "You can't be any more difficult that a hydra or a gydra. Ha! You may have just met your match buddy, um..buddies."

The female spoke, " Ah little man, you think us harmlessss?" The hissing and buzzing was meant to inspire fear. Iolaus had to admit it was fairly annoying.

"Well, you may be big and bad, but you've never been up against us before." One of the males opened its mouth and rolled out his tongue. A huge red flower seemed to be on the end of it. "Oh, I see! Do I get candy next? He laughed as he prepared to thrust his sword into what he assumed was its heart. In a heartbeat, a stinger sharp as a dagger burst from the center of the flower and imbedded itself in Iolaus's shoulder. He fell to the ground with a scream.

"Candy, yes. I'm sure you'll taste quite sweet!" it shrieked at him.

Iolaus was trembling uncontrollably as it approached him. Chrysim left Hercules and dashed toward him. Nanaea loosed a horrific war cry and sailed a spear at it . The scales undulated to form something like a shield, and the spear dropped to the ground uselessly. But it was enough of a distraction for Nanaea and Chrysim to pull Iolaus to safety.

The sound of Jane's fury was just as frightening to the novitiates as the monster's cries. Her eyes directed extreme heat at all four heads. This seemed to disorient the beast enough for Storm to take bow and arrow in hand and fire at it. The scales failed to form the shield, and the beast had the arrow protruding from its chest. The cry of pain shook the rest of the temple walls down except for the scroll room. It retreated to the forest which also startled Ares.

He laughed softly and murmured into Kendaa's ear, "It's not over yet, little one." He pulled her into a kiss that infuriated Hercules. Ares released Kendaa, and turned his attention to Chantal. "Oh, don't be jealous. I wouldn't forget you either," he smiled as he kissed her as well. He disappeared as Hercules reached them, but reappeared in front of Jane, "Nice to see you putting your skills to work, but you've just got to stop beating up my pets!" The laughter sent a chill through her, and he disappeared again. Then, she remembered Iolaus.

Storm shook with fury at all of the destruction around her. The temple was destroyed, Iolaus was once again injured, and the Barbarians were the target of Ares again. She remembered the scroll. The original scroll still wasn't safe. Ares left just a little too easily. Storm dashed back even before anyone could compliment her on her archery skills and rushed into the scroll room.

In the meantime, all eyes were on Iolaus as Hercules started to pull the spike out. "Wait, Hercules! It has some kind of venom in it. If you just pull it out it will inject it into him," Paks stated. Everyone turned and looked at Paks. They didn't know at the time that she had seen into the creature's plan.

Chrysim nodded and motioned for BonaDea. "I'll have to cut this out, Iolaus," she said gently. He tried to grin through his chattering teeth and nodded. "BonaDea, I'll need water, a knife and some bandages. See if you can find them for me in all this mess." BonaDea winced when she saw the spike throbbing in his shoulder. She left quickly with LNora at her side. LNora found a sharp knife and the bandages while BonaDea brought the water to them. They all turned away as Chrysim dug the stinger from him. They were surprised to not hear a scream, but Iolaus kept insisting it didn't really hurt.

"What? I don't rate an audience?" he said as she finally deposited the stinger on a stone. It seemed to still be moving so Hercules took one of the fallen stones and smashed it. Hercules knew that Iolaus was just putting up a good front for everyone. He'd seen the way he lost color when she slid the knife next to the spike. Bwell found herself in tears as she watched his bravery.

Storm gathered her attention and everyone else's when she reappeared at the door of the scroll room. "It's gone!"

MsMoo answered, "Yeah, and it took my Hoolie Scepter with it!"

"No! Not that it. The scroll, Ares took the scroll!" she shouted. She turned to the Barbarian Librarians and spoke urgently, "This isn't safe; You must leave. NOW!"

*gaea spoke first, "We're not going anywhere. That thing may return, and you'll need all the help you can get." Hercules rose from Iolaus's side and put his arm around *gaea*'s shoulders. "I know you want to help. We'll do just fine, but if Ares uses that scroll to send evil to your time, you'll be stuck here. We can't allow that to happen. You must return now," he told her gently. She buried her face in his shoulder and wept. She felt totally helpless and that was infuriating her, and unfortunately this manifested itself in tears. He lifted her chin and brushed away her tears with his thumb, "Don't worry; I'm sure you'll be able to come back again." And with this *gaea* reached up and kissed him. He returned it with a smile when he heard Iolaus.

"Ahem, I am the one hurt here, you know," he complained and then laughed as Hercules turned bright red.

"You know this little lovefest would be quite amusing if the FATE OF THE WORLD wasn't hanging in the balance!" Storm sounded more than a little annoyed.

Kendaa grasped her bag and drew out the scroll. "What do we do if he returns?"

Jane stood before her, "I know his power over you is strong, but you must resist it. He knows it and would love to bring you over to his side. If that happens, your life will be left in ruins whether in this time or your own. Fight the urge to return here. We'll be okay." Jane tried to sound more confident than she really felt. Once again, her father had almost caused the death of one for whom she'd cared so deeply. She looked down at him with BonaDea and Chrysim at his side. She recognized the front he was putting on for the others, and she felt another in the group knew as well.

Hercules released *gaea* and strode over to MsMoo. She was frowning at the destruction around her with growing anxiety. He placed a hand on her shoulder, and she looked up at him. "How can I go back when it has my Hoolie Scepter? If the sun ever comes out in this place, it would be a weapon of mass destruction. You saw it last time against Ares? If it can hurt a god, imagine what it could do to mankind. How can I leave knowing it has my Hoolie Scepter?"

Hercules captured her hands and held them to his chest. "How can you stay knowing your life in your time would be forfeit? Think about your families, your friends. Think of the agony you'd cause by just disappearing. No one would ever know what happened to you. She leaned into him and touched her forehead to his chest. Tears trickled down her face as she considered for the first time how the ones she'd left behind would feel. She felt him rest his chin on the top of her head and realized that he was right.

Kendaa tearfully pulled out the scroll again and held it out. The Barbarian Librarians held the guardians close in their hearts, kissed Iolaus and Hercules good-bye, looked once more at the destruction, and grasped the scroll. Bwell blinked as she saw once again the air become distorted as they disappeared.

She caught a glimpse of herself cheerfully bounding into the courtyard, "Good grief, why do I look 10 pounds heavier, Paks?"

Paks grinned, "Sometimes the mind pictures can make you look heavier." Paks released Bwell's mind and looked back at Iolaus. He was conscious and looking at them both.

Bwell reached out for his hand and said, "I know what you faced, but how can we face it again. I'm scared, really scared."

"Don't..accept ...any..flowers," he spoke haltingly. "It's going...to ..be here soon...I can sense it. The help it has...is...pure evil."

"Iolaus, how do you know this?" asked Chrysim.

"I don't ...know. It's like ...I can see...into its...hideous..heart," he gasped.

"I'm so sorry, Iolaus. I just don't understand this whole thing," she said downheartedly.

"THE WHOLE THING! That's it Chrysim! The whole thing, why didn't I think of this before. I mean it's so simple, and we've been wasting all this time. Paks, can you do that mind thingy thing again?" Bwell babbled dropping Iolaus's hand. "Oops! Sorry!" He just grinned weakly at her.

All of the shouting brought the others running to the scroll room. "What is going on here?" asked Nanaea. She immediately went to Iolaus and took a protective stance over him.

Bwell ignored all of the questions and looked to Paks again, "Do it. Take me back to the place where Chrysim took out that stinger." Paks excitedly understood what she was looking for and took them all to that point. "Hone in on the wound and the stinger. Look! HAH! I knew it! Part of it is still in him!. See it, Chrysim? It's just a tiny part, but it's still injecting the poison!"

"Of course! Why didn't we see that before?" gasped Chrysim, "Show me closer, Paks, so I can see exactly where it is." Paks brought the image nearer, but they all could see the minuscule part of the stinger imbedded in his shoulder. Paks stumbled as she released the image. Hercules rushed to her before she hit the ground.

"I'm sorry, but 'sharing' with so many people at one time takes a little out of me," she whimpered softly.

Hercules picked her up and looked for a clean place to lay her down. Storm ran to grab another blanket and rolled it out on the floor. Hercules gently placed her down on the blanket and kissed her hand.

"Thank you, Paks. Your gift may have saved his life," he said tearfully. Paks closed her eyes and shut out the commotion around her.

And what a commotion it was! Chrysim was ordering everyone around to get ready to take the rest of the stinger out. BonaDea rushed to get the water she knew Chrysim needed, and CJ found a smaller knife. Chrysim was grateful; she wanted something a little more delicate to reach the small invader. LNora was ripping up linen to make more bandages while Jane and Nanaea quietly held his hands.

"Iolaus, this is going to hurt. I'm sorry you can't take anything for the pain, but you're just too weak," she stated trying to sound very calm. This was going to be a tricky procedure.

He grinned, "Um,...in case you...haven't noticed...this already...hurts like Tartarus...What's a little... more pain..between friends," he tried to laugh, but Jane's hand on his good shoulder told him it probably wouldn't be a good idea.

"Okay, this is one time I really don't need an audience. Could everyone just clear out of here please? Wait, Hercules. I may need you here to help hold him down," suggested Chrysim.

Everyone except Hercules and Paks filed out of the room. LNora was weeping quietly at the pain she knew he was going to face. This opened the floodgate of tears for all of them. Jane, Nanaea, CJ, BonaDea, and Bwell were literally sobbing.

Tears drizzled from Storm's face when she cleared her throat, "All right, Amazons. Let's snap out of it! Iolaus is going to be all right, thanks to Bwell and Paks, and of course, Chrysim's expert care. Remember what he said? It's coming back with help, and I think we need to maybe put some of Iolaus's old hunter's tricks into play. Okay? This is for Iolaus, and maybe for the world." Storm could really whip up support for they all jumped into action. They still had a few surprises to spring on IT.

In the scroll room, Chrysim worked steadily inching the bade toward the remaining part of the stinger. Iolaus grimaced a few times, but as he said, the pain he was facing all the time was much more horrendous than a little blade. Hercules held him down as best as he could and held back his own tears at his "brother's" suffering.

Finally Chrysim reached it. "By the gods! It's alive! Look, Hercules. See how it moves to avoid the knife. Well, little beasty, you've met your match!" with a quick twist, she scooped the stinger from his shoulder. This time before he smashed it, Hercules examined it carefully to make sure none of it was left in Iolaus.

"Hercules! Look!" There was no doubt now that they had retrieved it all because the little cracks started to recede back to the original wound. Hercules smashed it with the hilt of Iolaus's sword with a satisfied grin.

Iolaus blinked as he felt the strength returning to his body. The cracks were totally gone, and the gaping hole left in his shoulder started to heal from the inside out. All of them were shocked to see the wound totally disappear. Iolaus laughed weakly and tried to rise to a sitting position. Hercules gently but firmly pushed him back to the cot. "You do realize you still lost a lot of blood? You're not quite up to running around the compound, you know," Hercules laughed at the look of indignation on his friend's face.

This laughter brought everyone back into the room. The reunion with their remarkably healthy hero filled the room with chatter and laughter. Each one of the guardians took turns hugging Iolaus.

Jane held on a little longer than the others and whispered, "I was so worried I'd lost you!" He pulled back and looked in her face.

"Never, Jane, never," he whispered back. Nanaea slipped in beside him and pulled him into a kiss. When it finally ended, he said, "I missed you as well," he giggled.

All of the novitiates seemed to be standing in line when Storm rolled her eyes again. "Really, everyone, I feel fine. Just let me get up and get used to standing again."

Nanaea spoke urgently, "Iolaus, you can't be that well. Chrysim, tell him to lie down and rest. We've preparations to make. As you said, it will be here shortly, and we can't be caught unaware in the scroll room. Hercules, Guardians, let's go."

"Well, that's all fine and good, Nanaea. But would you mind telling me just how anyone tells Iolaus what to do?" argued Chrysim. She smiled at Iolaus as he regarded her as an accomplice. "In my humble opinion," she stopped short as Bwell started laughing hysterically.

"Sorry, sis. That's just soooo funny," Bwell was joined in her laughter by Iolaus who thankfully didn't dissolve into a coughing jag.

"As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted," she cast a warning glare at Iolaus who quit laughing immediately, "Iolaus will be just fine. You'll need to not make any quick movements.."

"Woohoo!" he shouted as he jumped from the cot. He would regret this action as the room started swimming. Luckily CJ was standing nearby and helped him steady himself, "Like that you mean?"

Chrysim shook her head and looked to Hercules for support. He grinned himself and shrugged. "Okay, Iolaus. If you're going to get up, you're going to take this a little more slowly as Chrysim has said."

"Yeah, no problem, Herk. Now how about we get this thing?" He grinned at CJ and whispered, "Thanks for catching me," and kissed the top of her head.

Storm looked to Nanaea. Nanaea realized that she'd lost control of the situation, and she informed Hercules and Iolaus of their plans. Iolaus smiled at the plan. "Show me your stuff, Storm. Oomph! I meant your hunter's tricks," he said holding his stomach where she'd just elbowed him.

"Sorry, Iolaus; it's just reflex," she laughed and gave him a huge hug. "Good to have you back, Iolaus."

They all piled out of the scroll room and waited anxiously.

The air all around them distorted and the Barbarian Librarians returned. MsMoo stood first and said, "We took a vote, and we're not about to leave you here to face it all alone!" She smiled and held her hand up at Storm's protest, "Besides IT HAS MY HOOLIE SCEPTER!" They laughed.

"Look if we're going to fight, don't you think we need something a little more appropriate? Besides, I don't want to tear my Iolaus shirt," suggested Kendaa.

"You do realize how dangerous this is for you?" Hercules asked.

"Of course we do, Hercules. But we decided that..," started Baucis.

"You guys are worth the risk!" blurted out Chantal. She reached out and pulled Jane into a hug. This disintegrated into a group hug. "Hey! Iolaus, what happened to your wound?"

"Well, it's a long story, one I'd love to tell you some other time, but right now we need to get you all ready for a fight.

Bwell came forward and said, "Um, hi, I know we haven't met, but I've 'heard' all about you. I'm glad you're back because it's coming back, and personally, I agree with you. We really need all the help we can get! By the way, my name is Bwell, I'm the temple archivist. And I think I can help you find a set of fighting clothes," Zeus! She'd hoped she hadn't sounded like she was babbling. It was one thing she tended to do when she was nervous. They just looked at her and laughed. Okay so maybe she was babbling. They followed her into the wreckage.

A short time later they emerged from the piles of stone to go into the scroll room to change. They were a little stunned to see Paks lying on the floor deathly quiet.

"Oh don't worry about her. She's just resting," offered Bwell. Paks's eyes flew open to see the Barbarians surrounding her and jumped.

"Oh, you're back! Good. Because it will be here in just a moment," she informed them. They looked one to another and shrugged. Paks and Bwell left them to change and shuddered when they heard a familiar howl.

The beast stumbled through the forest obviously wounded, but they could see that the arrow had been removed. Gliding next to the beast was something almost human. When they reached the clearing, Jane recognized him. He was a very powerful wizard bound to her father's service.

The Barbarian Librarians bounded out of the scroll room unaware of its return. Kendaa gasped as she saw the man with the beast. She'd had an eerie feeling of recognition she couldn't quite place.

"Ah, so glad to see you all together. This makes things quite simple don't you think? Let me introduce myself, I'm Mottis Davidicus X, and I believe you were hunting this."

He held up the scroll high into the air.

"No," whispered Kendaa. And Ares laughter filled the air.

They backed up instinctively towards the only part of the temple still standing. Storm took a defensive stance and waited for the monster and this powerful wizard to step into the compound. However, they just stood out of reach."Come on, you big Ugly. Just a little this way please," she whispered. "Iolaus, are the traps that obvious? I thought we did a pretty good job!" Storm whispered urgently.

Iolaus moved next to Storm and carefully scanned the compound. "No way can it see them, Storm. You've done an excellent job laying those traps. I'm not sure I see them all," he said quietly just over her shoulder. "I don't know why it doesn't attack."

They all jumped a little as Ares materialized next to Mottis. They seemed to be in a deep discussion when Ares lifted his eyes and locked on to Kendaa's. The predatory smile caused all of the Amazons to try and shield her from him. "Come, Ladies. I'm sure you'll love to meet my new friends. Mottis can be quite convincing. Iolaus, he promises no more stinging remarks!" Iolaus cringed as Ares disappeared leaving only his laughter behind. Hercules clinched his fists and waited in controlled fury.

"What is it waiting for?" questioned a confused *gaea*. "Oh my gosh! Look MsMoo, Mottis Davidicus has your Hoolie Scepter!"

"Not for Long!" MsMoo started toward the wizard when she felt strong arms holding her back.

She twisted her head to see Hercules smiling down on her. "This is nice, Hercules, but I've got to get my Hoolie Scepter back. Of course, I'd be more than happy to take up this conversation later. Now, If you'll just release me, Hercules," she started. She grinned as she considered that she'd never thought she'd be issuing that request.

Hercules just strengthened his embrace and whispered, "Not unless you promise to stay put." She shivered as his words tickled her ears, and she could do nothing but submit to his request.

However, with MsMoo in Hercules's arms, no one noticed Storm's determination. She bolted out into the compound this time with her sword drawn. Her war cry shattered their preoccupation.

"No," gasped Hercules. But it was too late. Storm carefully avoided the traps without giving them away and was taunting the creature and the wizard. She knew the only way they could trap it was to bring it into the compound. However, it seemed intent in staying just out of reach.

"Well, it looks as though we have one brave soul. Would you Amazons like to see what happens to a 'brave soul'? Mottis Davidicus sneered. He stretched his hand out against her, and a fire ball shot out at her.

Storm dropped to the ground just in time to avoid the scorching weapon. Hercules dashed out to try to reach her, but the beast shot out its tail and knocked him to the ground.

"Now, no fair interferring, Hercules. Amazons are quite capable of fighting their own battles. Eh Ladies?" He aimed his gnarled hand at the ground beneath their feet, and it turned into a thick muck up to their knees.

Iolaus stumbled as he tried to move away from the ground before it changed. He slipped into the mire and struggled back to his feet. "Oh great! What is it with mud?!" He managed to crawl out from this quagmire and grip LNora's slippery hand to pull her to safety. He moved methodically but swiftly to extract each Barbarian and Guardian from the slime.

Kendaa reached for her breast dagger and Chantal for her whip as they headed to give Storm support. They almost were there when Ares appeared in their pathway. "Oh my favorites would like to play. I have a few games in mind myself. This isn't one of them." Ares grasped both women by the waist and pulled them to the side. They were struggling against him when Baucis saw what was happening. She grasped one of her stars and flicked it in Ares's direction. Ares shot it down with a look of fire himself.

Baucis found herself getting desperate; she picked up rocks, bits of broken wood, and even Nanaea's broken spear, but all would-be weapons dissolved before reaching him. Iolaus saw what she was trying to do and knew what Ares would do next. He jumped to her side and nudged her out of the way.

"Oh, yes. This is much better; time to say good bye, hero!" Ares spat out and narrowed his eyes.

Jane also knew what was coming, and she stepped quietly in front of Iolaus.

"What are you doing, Jane? Get out of the way!" Iolaus grimaced when he reached for her. She was immovable.

"Stay out of this, Iolaus. This is between Daddy and me," she turned her head and smiled sweetly at him. "Trust me. I know what I'm doing." Iolaus kissed her cheek and moved aside.

Jane narrowed her eyes and stood directly in her father's path.

Ares attention was occupied at the moment, and Chantal saw the opportunity. Kendaa looked to her and nodded.

"On three," she whispered almost inaudibly.

"THREE!" shouted the Barbarians. Chantal and Kendaa stomped on Ares's foot, and he released them as he howled his surprise.

"Come on, Kendaa. Let's get out of here!" and as they ran back toward the fighting, Kendaa looked back over her shoulder at him.

Jane shot explosive energy toward Ares, but he simply dissolved it with laughter. "Oh no, my daughter. I will not fight you. Not yet."

Storm was dodging the fireballs with as much speed as she could, but they were getting close. Hercules kept trying to reach her, but the beast was keeping his attention. Iolaus joined him in trying to distract it. "Oh, little man wants some more flowers does he?" and a flower encrusted tongue lashed out in his direction. Paks shoved him to the ground as another stinger erupted from the beast.

Nanaea brought a plank down on it and stomped for good measure. Storm saw the danger, but kept trying to get in a little closer to draw him in. As the other male flicked out his own venomous flower, she gasped. It was trying to slip behind Hercules, and he was totally unaware of it lying in wait for him. She yelled a warning to Hercules. As Storm pushed Hercules out of harm's way, she never saw the tail speeding toward her. It lashed out like a scorpion and then retracted. Storm crumpled to the ground.

"No!" shouted Hercules. He ran to her and scooped her up in his arms.

Iolaus and Paks looked up from the ground in horror.

"Storm, Storm! Say something. Chrysim! Get over here."

Chrysim turned to help as she grasped her sword but stumbled at the sight before her. Storm laid motionless in Hercules's arms.

Paks, CJ, LNora, and BonaDea kept the beast occupied while Hercules turned his back on the beast and ran with his precious bundle. When the beast flicked out its tail this time, BonaDea reached for her sword, and pinned it to the ground. It screeched in anger and pain. And the novitiates made a run for the scroll room. Its tail was still anchored to the earth, but the beast would not enter the compound to remove the sharp sword.

Kendaa screamed in a rage none had heard before. She pulled her breast dagger and charged like a possessed woman toward Mottis. His cruel taunting cackle shattered the air, "Hah! You think you can fight Mottis Davidicus X? You'll never win." He smiled maliciously as he noticed a small ray of sunlight trying to burst through the clouds.

MsMoo gasped as she saw Mottis Davidicus raise the Hoolie Scepter at the coming warrior. Kendaa heard his foul words, but she would not concede. She hurled the dagger straight at the heart of the evil wizard.

In the meantime, Hercules still had Storm in his arms. He was reluctant to let her go until Chrysim insisted. "Hercules, how can I see what's wrong unless you let go."

It was like he hadn't even heard her. He just held her closer.

Iolaus laid a hand on his arm and broke through to him, "Hercules, she'll be all right. But only if you let go and let Chrysim take care of her. Hey! Look what she did for me. Come on, Herk. Let her go. This fight isn't over yet."

Hercules gently laid her down on a cot in the scroll room and smoothed the hair out of her face. "Please be okay, Storm. Thank you for saving my life," he whispered quietly in her ear and kissed her gently on her still lips.

Chrysim put a cool cloth on Storm's head and spoke quietly to her. Since she did not respond to the soft words, Chrysim shouted her name, "STORM! Come on, Storm! There's a battle raging out there, and we need you!" However, she showed no response to either method, and Chrysim's frown grew more solemn. "Paks!"

The novitiate was standing in the doorway looking at the ground. She was desperately trying to shut out the despair, anger, and fear crowding in around her. It got to the point where she didn't even know where her own desperation started and the others' began. Chrysim's words jolted her out of her struggle, and she approached the healer and the patient. "Yes?"

"Look, I know you can see or feel or whatever other people's thoughts. But can you reach into her thoughts and guide her through to the surface? Can you lead her back to consciousness?" she asked earnestly.

"I've never tried something like this, but I was able to communicate with Bwell when I was explaining what had happened. I certainly can try, but I need a little help. All of these emotions are making it very hard to concentrate. I will need for everyone to leave the room except for Chrysim," all of the Barbarians and novitiates agreed that would be best; besides, they were all aching to get back into the battle.

"Okay, let's get started; everybody out. Hey, where's Bwell?" Chrysim asked with concern.

"I haven't seen her since she was helping Storm," CJ spoke up. None of the others had seen her either.

"Great! This is all I need right now!" said a very exasperated Chrysim. "If you don't see her outside with the others, please inform Nanaea.

Just as the sun fully came out from behind it's sheltering cloud, the Hoolie Scepter was close to being fully charged. Mottis noticed the knife hurtling toward him. He grinned with sadistic glee as he felt the power building up in the Hoolie Scepter. He held up his other hand in order to block the flying blade. Maniacal laughter escaped from his mouth again, but suddenly it was choked off. Dust seemed to fly out of the ground just in front of Mottis. Bwell jumped from underneath a trap door and offered the distraction Kendaa's blade needed.

It was a good thing she startled him; because she was equally startled. Bwell hadn't really counted on being that close. Since she had been lying in wait for so long, she had forgotten her sword and couldn't retrieve it though she was an arm's length away from him. Then in a bizarre move, Bwell did the first thing that came into her mind. Raising her arms she began to shout, "AROOOGAH, BOOOGA, BOOOGA!"

Hercules, Iolaus, Jane, and Nanaea looked on in horror. Iolaus shouted, "What is she doing?!"

Hercules began laughing and said, "Looks like a pretty good job of keeping Mottis off balance."

With Mottis preoccupied, he temporarily forgot about the dagger. It slammed into his shoulder with a sickening thud, and the Hoolie Scepter rolled out of his hand. Bwell jumped to pick up the scepter and turn to run. Mottis's screams rivaled the beast's, whose tail was still pinned to the compound. She couldn't resist one more shot at him and dashed back to shout in his face, "BOOOGA!"

His shriek sounded like one of a ten year old girl, and he started to back up. Bwell recognized the malevolent sparkles showering next to the wizard and dashed toward MsMoo with her Scepter. MsMoo ran with Kendaa toward Bwell, and Bwell passed off the Hoolie Scepter to its rightful owner with care.

Hercules, Nanaea, and Iolaus charged toward the beast. Though it could no longer use its tail as a weapon, it still had an arsenal of its own. Both males extended their venomous tongues and shot stingers as deadly as arrows. Nanaea and Iolaus tried to shoot it with the arrows, but the beast's scales kept moving to protect it. Hercules noticed that the females seemed to control this defensive maneuver. He glanced back at the temple and saw *gaea* helping LNora and BonaDea dodge the poisonous missles. Her barcoding numchuks batted them away easily.

"*gaea*!" he called.

Once *gaea* heard that rich voice, her head snapped to his direction. Looking at what he was facing she knew exactly what he wanted from her and grinned. She dashed to meet him. "You know where we need to attack, don't you?" he whispered to her as they ducked another spike. She nodded, and he gave her arm a quick squeeze.

*gaea* flew into action as the male repositioned his tongue. With a shout known to inspire fear in the hearts of people who purposely mishelve books, she charged at it. Firmly grasping one barcoding end, she let the other lash out viciously at the creature's flowered tongue. It sliced through it like a hot knife through butter. A pathetic howl startled the 3 other heads, and they raged as that part of the creature wilted and became dead weight.

"That's it! *gaea*, that's it!" shouted Hercules as he twirled her out of the beast's way.

The beast, or what was left of it, realized the danger at hand and now was aiming at *gaea*. One of the missles came very close to hitting her, but Hercules grabbed her around the waist and brought her to the ground with him.

Kendaa and MsMoo rushed toward the evil wizard but had to duck bolts thrown by his benefactor. Ares looked extremely angry at his plan disintegrating before him. "All right, you pitiful excuse for a wizard! How could you be distracted by a BARD?" muttered Ares. With one hand he healed the wizards arm, and with the other he held off the Barbarians. "Now, do you think you could manage to get out of here while you have the scroll?" and he disappeared. Mottis desperately grabbed for the scroll in the folds of his robes and pulled it out.

"Dumb move, Mottis!" yelled LNora. She picked up a smooth stone from Athena's statue and whispered a prayer of apology, "Please, Athena, help me do this one thing." She placed it in a leather strap and twirled it around her head. Mottis was oblivious to the stone's release until it was to late. It hit him in the wrist, and he dropped the scroll. Kendaa scooped up the scroll and started dashing back to the temple. Mottis aimed a fire ball at her back when Chantal swept her feet out from under her, and the ball hit the stone wall. They both looked up and scrambled for the scroll that rolled out of her hand. Ares materialized with his foot on the scroll.

Hercules helped *gaea* back to her feet, and steadied her as she resumed her attack. Iolaus finally could get close enough to bat at the sharp black talons with his sword to distract one of the females. BonaDea gasped as one came very close to him and decided she could use her sword again. Waiting until the beast was fully occupied, she ran to her sword, and with one swift blow, severed the tail completely. The beast shrieked again in agony. *gaea* once again with a force that seemed unreal struck out at the remaining male's flowered weapon. It wrapped itself around the tongue, and the beast began struggling for air. Hercules grasped the numchuks and yanked with all of his might. The male writhed in final agony as it too died. The beast was struggling with rage, agony, and its own kind of sorrow when it turned and grabbed Bwell by the throat. The beast held on so tightly, she could scarcely breathe. The world started to go black for her when she felt a release. She expected to be gazing at Charon when she next opened her eyes.

Kendaa and Chantal glared at Ares as he slowly bent to pick up the scroll. They gulped at how even in a life and death situation, he could be so seductive. He slowly straightened up and slid the scroll very slowly into his vest. They were mezmerized for a moment as his chest became even more visible. Kendaa rushed into his arms and buried her face in that strong evil chest. Chantal's mouth fell open as she cuddled even closer. Ares looked down at her with eyes that burned as equally as any fire ball. Chantal grasped her whip and lashed out at the god of war. Kendaa had kept him so occupied that he never noticed until the whip bit into him. "Oh, now that's nice," he said laughing. "A little torture is a wondrous thing." Suddenly Kendaa reached inside the vest and grabbed the scroll.

"We'll have to forego the party this time, Sweet Cheeks," laughed Chantal. Ares, realizing that this particular battle in the whole scheme of things was lost for the moment, disappeared.

Iolaus turned and said, "Hey! I'm Sweet Cheeks." His giggle stopped when he saw what the beast had done to Bwell. "Nanaea, can you hit it without hitting her?" He grasped his bow again and began to take aim.

"I'm going to try. Wait. If you hit the left arm, maybe it will drop her. Then I can get a clear shot at the beast. After hearing the plan, Hercules pulled *gaea* to him and once again dropped to the ground. Iolaus took a true aim and hit the beast in its arm. Nanaea held her bow steadily even as she saw Bwell turning blue when the beast dropped her.

Mottis shrieked again as he saw her about to deliver a deathblow to the beast. He stretched out his hand. But Kendaa called out a warning, and MsMoo and Jane turned to face him.

"Hit him with all you've got, Jane," cried MsMoo. She took aim at the wizard with her Hoolie Scepter, and Jane focused her fiery gaze at Mottis. The bright light generated there was almost blinding. When it hit him, Mottis Davidicus X disintegrated in a shower of sparks. Kendaa let loose a victorious cry that she was sure would rattle the temple. This further distracted the beast, and Nanaea's arrow flew to the creature's heart. With a final scream, the beast fell to the ground beside Bwell.

Iolaus knelt before her as the others had. "Look her eyelids are fluttering." and she drew in a huge choking breath. When her eyes flew open Iolaus was the first face she saw. Bwell struggled for her breath as Nanaea and Iolaus tried to support her. "Iolaus! Wow! I thought you were Charon."

Hercules rolled on the ground until tears escaped his eyes. BonaDea, CJ, LNora, Jane, MsMoo, Chantal, and *gaea* joined in as well. Iolaus tried to look indignant but managed to giggle as well, "Okay, first I'm not Sweet Cheeks anymore, and now I look like Charon. Gee thanks everyone."

"Oh you'll always be Sweet Cheeks to me," sighed BonaDea, and Iolaus dropped Bwell's hand, grabbed BonaDea, and kissed her most soundly. BonaDea was a little stunned at first, but she regained her composure and returned it fully. She became oblivious to all around her until Bwell's choking got louder.

"Please, guys, I don't think I can laugh very well right now," she struggled with breathing, laughing, and choking. Hercules steadied her and shook his head at Iolaus. "Do you mind if we move this party. This thing has a horrendous odor, and I'm, oh ick, I'm lying in its blood. Ick!"

Iolaus turned to BonaDea and said, "Why don't we go get some water so she can clean up?"

Jane and Nanaea looked at each other and back to a grinning Iolaus, "We believe we'll help," suggested Nanaea.

"Wonderful idea," returned Jane.

CJ looked at *gaea* and Hercules and whispered, "Storm." They looked up and rushed back to the scroll room to see Paks bending over Storm with her fingers at her temples. MsMoo looked inside the door and turned to the rest to say, "She's pulling a Mr. Spock." The Barbarians nodded knowingly, but the Guardians and Hercules looked a little perplexed. Baucis explained to Hercules about drawing someone out with her mind. He nodded and wondered at this person called Spock. MsMoo said, "See, he and Captain Kirk ...Nah, nevermind.

Chrysim looked in amazement as Storm's eyes opened and looked around. "I can't be taking a nap right now. Let me at that beast!" She raised up a little too quickly, and the room swam. She was startled as the sound of cheering floated into the room, and she asked, "Did we win?"

"Boy! Did we win? I'll say we won. That Mottis Davidicus and the beast is history! Your trap worked, Storm. He never saw me coming," smiled Bwell rubbing her aching throat.

Chrysim looked over to her sister and frowned. "Would you mind telling me about those ugly bruises around your neck? Why do you smell like death warmed over?

"Look, I'll explain it all later, but right now, I'm going to use that water BonaDea and Iolaus are bringing up to clean up a bit. Good to have you back, Storm," offered Bwell.

Hercules stepped in and took her by the hand. "Thank you for saving me. I'll never forget that," and he softly kissed her hand. Storm blushed and looked at him sweetly.

Kendaa brought in the original scroll and gave it to Storm, "I'm sure you'll find a safe spot for it, won't you. I'm afraid we'll have to be leaving now." Storm nodded for she knew the perfect place for it.

Baucis sighed as Hercules rose to give her a hug. "You can always come back," he suggested. She grinned as she leaned into the hug. MsMoo stepped up for her hug as well and told him that he didn't have to let go this time. He laughed softly in her ear, and she felt as though she would melt. Hercules lifted Kendaa's chin and looked into her eyes, "I know how hard that was for you, but I'm proud of you." and she buried her face into his embrace and wept softly. "It will be okay; I promise you it will be, Kendaa." He released her to pull Chantal into a great hug. He lifted her off the ground as she threw her arms around his neck. "Remind me to stay away from that whip of yours. Though Ares looked like he enjoyed it," Hercules laughed. She laughed and planted a light kiss on his smiling face.

*gaea* had stood quietly off to the side. She looked up through teary eyes. She had come to love this place and hated the thought of leaving it. Hercules pulled her outside to a quiet place and wrapped his arms around her. "I will miss you and your wild numchuks, *gaea*. Remember what I've told Baucis? You can return anytime. I'll certainly be happy to see you," She smiled through her tears, and he kissed her very softly goodbye. The sound of laughter broke their kiss apart, and they both looked at each other a little awkwardly.

Iolaus, Jane, Nanaea, and BonaDea were laughing as they carried a small bucket of water. Bwell laughed as well when she noticed that all four were wet. "I thought I was the one who needed a bath?"

"Oh, you hear that? Just fall into a river four times, and they'll never let you live it down. What do you say, Guardians? Bwell certainly could use a bath," giggled Iolaus as they took the bucket and dumped it over her head. "Better?"

"No, not yet," Bwell whispered as she pulled him to the temple. He looked back at the others and grinned while he wiggled his eyebrows. It was really unfortunate that he didn't see her leading him to that great mud pit, courtesy of Mottis, and pushed him in. "Now, that's better!"

Chrysim charged out to see what the commotion was and fell directly into the mud pit. Iolaus laughed and pulled her into a muddy hug which led to an equally muddy kiss. "Oh Iolaus! Please! Not in front of the Barbarians!"

The Barbarian Librarians laughed to see the vision of Iolaus in mud as they left to return to their own time. This was a much better way to remember their fellow warriors, laughing and muddy.

Epilogue:

The Barbarian Librarians piled on the floor of Kendaa's living room suddenly aware that they were still in their leathers. "This could be quite difficult to explain, you know. Oh well, we'll just tell them we're exotic dancers. The Amazing Barbarian Librarians," joked Baucis.

Kendaa looked at the clock and bolted to the television. "Come on Barbarians; it's time for a little Legendary Journeys." They gathered their Tim Tams and tea and settled down for a great time. Kendaa choked at the message on the television.

"Due to our special programing, Hercules: the Legendary Journeys will not be shown tonight. Coming next, Channel 10 is proud to present, Hamster Mud-Wrestling to be followed by a 24 hour Xena marathon."

Screams filled the night.

Across town, a familiar maniacal laughter filled the halls of a television station. "No my Barbarians, the war's not over yet," came an icy reply.