Show it comes from: Hercules

Title: A Saturnalia Carol

Author: Adalisa

Feedback: I love it. It's inspiring... and let's face it, it's the only real reason to keep writing.

Distribution: My site, anyone else, just ask.

Summary: Hercules is not really eager to share a festivity in the name of the gods, while Iolaus suffers for his friend's lack of 'Saturnalia' spirit.

Rating: Pg-13 for a lot of slashy and adult references.

Disclaimer: Hercules, Iolaus and all the Hercules characters belong to

Renaissance Pictures, who also own Xena. A Christmas Carol and all related ideas belong to the wonderful mind of Charles Dickens, but everybody has played with them in one way or another. The Greek gods and goddess belong to mythology and Greek culture. I am not making any money out of this, really. I don't even get to hold them a little while. So please, don't sue. With the peso-dollar exchange, you would end up loosing money if I paid.

Content: I/H, mention of H/Deyaneira

Warning: This has m/m subtext.

Notes: This is set after Iolaus' last death and comeback. I guess that makes it Season 6, but I'm not really sure. And I blame it on a marathon of four different versions of A Christmas Carol that I saw this Christmas Eve (O.K. So I was planning to post it on Christmas, but I don't write that fast). Anyway, the Saturnalias were a festival that was held in the Winter Solstice in honor of Cronos. According to my history book, it was a festival that celebrated the survival through the winter and the passing of time, and for some weird reason, the main celebration was on Dec. 24 (Let's not go on the subject of Christian Religion 'borrowing' Greek-Roman holidays). I know that in the Herc. World, the celebration is the Winter Solstice itself, but for this little bunny, it was really needed that we celebrated the Saturnalias. So, even if it is a little late... Merry Christmas! And a Happy New year

By Adalisa.

"Bah, Humbug!" Hercules groaned, looking at the townspeople's arrangements for the Saturnalias. It wasn't that he usually disliked festivities. In almost all the festivals in the different villages where he or Iolaus happened to be he was the soul of the party.

But the Saturnalias were another story.

He had never, ever understood why people would celebrate a party on the name of Cronos, of all deities. Cronos, titan of time. A monster who had eaten his children, and now would spend eternity locked up in Tartarus. Cronos, father of Hera, Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, and Demeter.

Gods who caused more grief than happiness to the mortals who worshiped them.

And there lain all the troubles that Hercules had with the Saturnalias. In the past years, he had fought against monsters, Titans, armies, and practically walked through all the known world in order to keep innocents from suffering thanks to the fickle gods' plans and ploys. Even the ones who usually were there to take care of mankind, like Demeter and Aphrodite, had once and again almost caused tragedies.

All that made Hercules less than happy to actually participate in any celebration.

However, his best friend, comrade of arms and almost brother Iolaus didn't seem to share his ill disposition. In fact, he seemed absolutely delighted to be able to spend the festival in a village. "C'mon, Herc, lighten up! There isn't any monster we have to fight, or a war to advert! It's the Winter Solstice, and the Saturnalias are a time to party!"

"This is stupid. There's no reason why the Solstice has to be a party in Cronos' name... Or any other god's!" The demi-god's frown was so deep, that it could compare to his evil's twin glare. Iolaus opened his mouth to protest, or maybe to make a joke, but Hercules was not going to take it. He simply began walking faster, in direction of the end of the town. "And we're not going to be part of it. If we hurry, we will be in Corinth by New Year's."

"Corinth?" The hunter looked surprised, but even so, he kept walking at Hercules' side. "Look, I know we told Iphicles we would visit but that's two weeks away! And it's mostly on forests and desert roads! We will miss the whole Saturnalias!"

"If you want, you can stay here!!" Hercules snapped, without turning back. "But I won't loose my time just to please a Titan!!"

Iolaus stopped for a moment, passing his hands through his golden hair. It was the first time he saw Hercules so mad, and that worried him. Sighing, he ran up to catch up with his friend, without talking. He knew when to keep silent.

But it was going to be a lousy Saturnalia if they spend it sleeping in the forest.

* * *

Seven hours later, Hercules finally agreed that it was time to camp down. It was a cold night, but it wasn't cold enough to snow, as they were still near enough to the coast. After dinner, consisting of an unfortunate wild boar who had crossed paths with the still moody demi-god and the hungry hunter, Iolaus went away to relieve himself and let Hercules alone for a while, hopping that it would help to improve his friends mood.

As soon as he was alone, Hercules began readying himself to sleep.

"This isn't a nice place to celebrate the Saturnalias, son." The soft voice of his mother interrupted him, and he turned around to see the almost transparent shining figure of Alcmene standing a few steps away from the fire of the camp.

"Mother? How...?"

"Never mind that, son. I am just glad I have this chance to talk to you again." She walked nearer, holding out her hand as if to touch his cheek, but her hand was immaterial and thus he could not feel her. "Why are you here, in the cold, instead of celebrating with your friend?"

"It's stupid to held a festival in the name of an evil god." Hercules sat down, wishing that he could hold his mother in his arms, wishing that they were talking about other things.

"The Saturnalias are about much more than Cronos, son... " Alcmene said, sadly. "I thought I had taught you that."

"You did. But... In the last years I've seen too much, mother." The demi-god sighed, as he closed his eyes. "You cannot ask me to trust in gods and their goodness anymore."

Alcmene closed her eyes too, and shook her head. "I know I can't, son. And I won't. I just came here to try... and to warn you. You will have visitors tonight. I cannot tell you who, or why. But you have to listen to them. Can you do that?"

Looking at her, smiling as she had when she had been alive, Hercules couldn't help but nod. And then, she disappeared, and everything was still as if she had never been there.

"Who were you talking to?" Iolaus came, seconds later, rubbing his arms to warm himself.

"To nobody." The answer was short, and business like, so Iolaus just shrugged, and took his place at the fire's side, falling asleep in seconds. Very soon, Hercules followed, as he thought on his mother's words.

* * *

"Hey! Hercules! Wake up! I haven't got all night!" The voice was soft, and sweet, like a bird's song, and interrupted Hercules' sleep with such softness that for a moment, he thought he was still dreaming.

Especially when he opened his eyes, and saw whom had woken him up.

"Aphrodite?" He blinked, as he sat up, trying to certain if he was really awake. The blonde woman in front of him did looked like his sister, at least physically, but was dressed in a complete different manner. Her hair was carefully pulled up in a complicated double braid that only left out a couple of strands that fell over her neck. Her dress was an ethereal white tunic with sleeves, which fell below her knees, showing a beautiful pair of silver sandals. And she was surrounded by a strange blue halo that was nothing like anything Hercules had seen in the Goddess of Love.

"Oh, no!" She chuckled, and as she did golden sparks fell around the demi-god. "I am the Ghost of Saturnalias Past. I thought you knew I was coming..."

"The what?" Hercules looked at the woman in front of him, before frowning. "Aphrodite, what are you playing at?"

"You are a dense demi-god, aren't you?" She giggled, shaking her head. "I am _NOT_ the Goddess of Love. I just look like her to you. Now come, we have a lot to do tonight, and we don't have time to waste!"

"I don't..." He began saying, but was interrupted as she took his hand and a blinding white light surrounded them.

When the light demitted in intensity and Hercules could see again, they were no longer in the middle of the forest. And it didn't take long for him to recognize his surroundings. It was Alcmene's house, the one where he had born, the one place where he could always find sanctuary no matter what happened in his life.

"What are we doing here?" As he asked, Hercules looked around, surprised. The house looked just like it had done when his mother lived... Including the decorations ready for the Saturnalias. And he never imagined that Jason would be the type to fuzz so much. A couple of ornaments were to be expected, but not all around the house.

"That's not the right question, my friend..." The Ghost told him, as she pointed to the main door. "Just keep silent, and watch."

Before the demi-god could say _anything_, the door open and Hercules found himself speechless.

Because he was face to face with his mother, looking as young and as alive as when Hercules had been a young boy.

"Hercules!" She said as she entered, carrying a big basket full of fruits and bread.

"Mo... Mother..." He began answering, only to be elbowed in the stomach by the Ghost.

"Shhh!!! She can't hear you so don't interrupt!!!" The Ghost placed her hand over Hercules' mouth, to stop him from complaining, as she looked intent to the scene unfolding.

"Mom!! You back!!" When the young, boisterous kid came running from his room on the back of the house, Hercules almost fainted. Because the little kid who was greeting his mother with such joy was no other than Hercules himself, as he had been when he was 5 years old.

"Of course I'm back, Hercules. And I brought you a Saturnalia gift." As she spoke, Alcmene moved from the door, to let another child inside the house. And at that sight, the older demi-god who watched invisible drew a breath, memories rising on his mind.

It was a blond kid, with blue eyes full of mischief. A blond kid who was a little shorter than Hercules already, even when he was two years older.

"I'laus!!" The five-year-old Hercules ran to his friend, hugging him with all the strength that he could muster.

"Do you remember this?" The Ghost of Saturnalias Past asked, while the kids ran to the table where Alcmene had a feast ready for them.

"It... It was the first Saturnalia that Iolaus and I spend together..." Hercules' voice caught in his throat, because he realized then that for a long time that beautiful, warm memory had been buried in his mind, almost forgotten. "Mother invited him... because his family was not going to celebrate... Skourous was at a war somewhere and... and..."

"And you two spend the best Saturnalia ever." The Ghost finished. "And it became a tradition between you two, for many, many years... until Iolaus ran away from home. Right?"

"Right. Why are we here, Aphro... Ghost?" The demi-god forced himself to look at his sister's double, instead of looking at the beautiful scene of childhood joy that was developing around them. "I know I was happy in my childhood, why come here at all?"

"You still don't believe me? Gosh, you really _are_ dense." The Ghost sighed, and a soft rain of white petals, soft and snow-like fell around them. "My mission is to show you the beauty of Saturnalias. And it's true meaning. If I were to spell it out for you, it would be like totally useless. So, that's why I take you to the past. To the time where people actually thought that _you_ knew what was all this about."

"What do you mean?"

"Just watch. And maybe the message will get into that thick brain of yours!" She giggled again, and only then Hercules realized that they were no longer in his mother's house. Now he was standing on Charion's Academy, looking at a younger version of himself looking morosely at his meal.

Charion trotted towards the young man, a worried frown on his face. "What is the matter, Hercules? Why aren't you going home for the Saturnalias, like all your companions?"

"I... am behind in some studies." The young demi-god said, without looking at his teacher's eyes. "And my Mother will prefer if I stay here, instead of fighting with Iphicles all week..."

The old Centaur shook his head, startled by the unusual edge on his young student's voice. "If you are sure..."

"I am."

"Very well. Don't get in any trouble." With those words, Charion left, leaving the young demi-god alone.

Then the Ghost turned to see the older demi-god, a little worried. "What was the truth? Why you wanted to be alone that year?"

"It was my first Saturnalia at the Academy... and the fifth without Iolaus. I kept waiting for him to come back, always at this time of the year, but he never did." Hercules walked towards his younger self, his melancholic expression matching his own. "If I hadn't found him stealing, I bet Iolaus would have never returned."

"But you found him, and he did return. And you two have enjoyed many more Saturnalias together since then." The Ghost regarded both demi-gods with a stern look, before going to the older Hercules' side and hitting him hard on the top of his head. "At least he tries to, when you're not dragging him through cold forests!!"

* * * *

"I didn't drag him..." Hercules tried to complain, but a new blinding blast of white light interrupted him. When his eyes got rid of that excess of luminosity, the Ghost had once more transported them to another time and place. "Where are we now?"

"Don't you recognize your own home?" The Ghost looked at him as if he had grown a second head "You really have been away a lot, haven't you?"

Before Hercules could complain, he heard another voice coming out from the children's room. And now he fully recognized the place, the house where he and Deyaneira had lived so few happy years, before Hera's jealousy came in.

"And so, moved by the force of all encompassing love, Cronos and Rea had many, many children, that populated the world created by their mother, Gaia. And that's why we celebrate the Saturnalias, in remembrance of those cold days before life existed, and we thank the gods for giving us time to live another year."

Hercules and the Ghost of Saturnalias Past looked inside the room, to see two peacefully sleeping boys, and a very pregnant Deyaneira, playing with their hair. It was a vision of light, a vision of love for the demi-god, who drew back a breath. Even though he now had accepted that Deyanieira and their sons were dead, and the pain in his heart had dulled, it still stung his soul.

Even more when he saw a younger, happier version of himself walk inside the room, a soft but playful smile in his lips. "Why you still tell them that story? You make old Cronos sound like a good man..."

"And he was." Deyaneira interrupted, kissing him teasingly. "Until things changed. You cannot celebrate the festivals if you only remember the bad things, my love. I thought you of all people would know that, Oh, son of Zeus!"

"Let's get out of here." The older, hardened Hercules said, trying to ignore the scene of playful home life that was unfolding. He remembered that day very well. He had kissed Deyaneira, swept her off her feet and carried her to their bed, where she had told her that story again, while he caressed her. They had fell asleep in each other's arms.

And he didn't want to witness all that again, suffer the pain of loss again.

"As you wish." The Ghost said, although her voice sounded defeated. A blink of the eye, and they were again where the strange journey through time had started. On Hercules' and Iolaus' camp, where the hunter still was asleep. "My time is over now. I really, really hope you understand what was the point of our little trip, because you totally don't want to mess with my older brother. So, just wait for your next visit, all right?"

"Hey, wait a ..." Not giving him any more time to speak, the Ghost kissed him lingerly, before disappearing in a whirlwind of light.

"What's wrong?" Iolaus woke up hearing Hercules' voice, ready to grab his sword if his friend gave the signal. Seeing this, the demi-god couldn't help but smile. "Herc, aren't you going to sleep?!"

"I just went for a walk, Iolaus... I'm sorry I woke you up." As if to make his point more believable, Hercules lay down at his side of the fire, readying himself to rest. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow we have a long way to walk."

Mumbling something that sounded a lot like 'Bah, Humbug', Iolaus complied. Hercules closed his eyes, hoping that the dream he had been having didn't come back.

* * *

"Wake up! You will miss the best part!!" Hercules blinked at the deep tenor voice that interrupted his dream, only to convince himself that either the world had gone mad, or that someone up there hated him.

Of course, he knew that more that someone hated him, but that was beyond the point.

Standing in front of him, with a fairly amused look, was his brother Ares, God of War. One of said someones who hated Hercules.

However, instead of his trademark leather, he was wearing a red silk shirt with long sleeves, with golden lining, red silk trousers, black leather boots. And his hair was carefully combed, making him look a little like Ares, God of Love, his twin from the Sovereign' Universe. And he was wearing a golden laurel crown. With _mistletoe_.

And he was smiling. An open, amused, _joyful_ smile.

"You're not Ares..." Hercules blurted out, as the only semi-intelligent thing he could say. And this make his visitor laugh so hard, that the demi-god wondered why Iolaus wasn't waken by it.

"And my sister said you were dense!! Maybe there's still hope for you, Hercules!!" His visitor walked to him, still laughing, embracing him in a bear hug. "I'm the Ghost of Saturnalias Present, I was really looking forward meeting you!!"

"Saturnalias Present?" The demi-god repeated, as he finally managed to free himself from the Ghost' embrace.

"Exactly! You can say I'm the soul of the party! And that's why I am here. We're going to take a look at the festival that you are so foolishly missing!" With those words, the Ghost grabbed Hercules' arm and in seconds, both were airborne. It was an odd sensation for the demi-god, to be flying without any visible help. Not the board that was so favored by Apollo, nor Hermes' winged sandals. The only thing that was holding him besides the air was the Ghost's strong hand on his arm.

"Where are we going?!" He asked out loud, while his mind wondered how could the Ghost make them fly.

"It's just magic! Have some faith, demi-god!" The Ghost answered, laughter ever present on his voice, as they flew over the Greek landscape.

They landed on a small market almost at the frontier of Greece and India, where the Ghost could barely contain his laughter. Apparently, he was finding the trip incredibly amusing for some strange reason. Just seconds after landing, Hercules thought he understood why.

"Xena... do you think Iolaus will like this?" Gabrielle, her hair short and covered by a small veil, was holding a leather vest, with purple parchments. "It is animal made but... I mean... he is a hunter...."

"And it's one of the few things you can get a hunter that will not end in the death of another animal." Even when the Warrior Princess sounded annoyed, there was an unusual warmth in his eyes.

"Can they see us?" Hercules asked, whispering.

"Of course not! It would take all the fun away!" The Ghost said, as he walked to Gabrielle's side, looking at the different objects in the merchant cart. "What do you think she should get for your friend? I don't think he would use a new vest..."

"Maybe this?" Gabrielle turned to see Xena, holding a purple shirt. "When are we going to see him again?"

"Probably in Corinth... after New Year." Xena sighed, as she also took a small object from another cart, trying to hide it from the bard. "You know how Hercules is about this festival. Probably he dragged Iolaus off to some deserted road."

"I did not dragged him off!!!" Hercules roared, forgetting for a moment that his friends could not see him.

"I'm glad you are in a celebrating mood, " Xena continued, walking towards the other woman, who was sighing looking at the different items for sell in the search of the perfect gift. "After you decided to follow The Way, I wasn't sure that you would still..."

"Celebrate the festivals of the gods?" Gabrielle finished, turning to see her friend with an understanding smile. It was obvious that the bard was very familiar with Xena, as she knew exactly when the other was starting to feel uncomfortable by baring her soul. "Xena, the Saturnalias are not only about Cronos, or Zeus... or the Olympians. It's about all what we are. All what we have lived. That alone is enough reason for me to celebrate."

Hearing this, the demi-god shoot a killing glance towards the Ghost of Saturnalias Present, who simply smiled, shrugging innocently. "If you brought me here only to make me listen to one of Gabrielle's newly improved moral lessons..."

"Of course not, Herc!" Hearing the nickname that Iolaus had for him in the voice of Ares, even if he was not Ares, was unsettling for the demi-god. "Besides, the little girl has many things to learn before starting to give moral lessons. I just wanted you to see your friends! Loosen up! Besides, this is all we get to see now. We cannot loose more time!"

"Loose more...?" Before he could finish the question, Hercules found himself once more in the air, moving fast enough to make Hermes turn green of envy. **Why the hurry?** he thought, as the green and blue colors of the landscape blurred before his eyes.

"We only have one night, and there are too many people you should visit. So don't go saying there's no need to hurry!" The Ghost answered, not turning around to see him. "And there's Thebes! Two down!"

"Can you read my mind?" **And why are we in Thebes?**

"When you only get to live one week each year, you learn some tricks. And we're in Thebes because here is where I know you can see someone who has even less reasons than you to celebrate the Saturnalias and he still celebrates." The Ghost answered, the stern word's power not demitted by the smile and the laugh in his eyes.

"One week?" Hercules repeated, puzzled. Then he noted that the bright red color on his companion's suit was not as bright as it had been when he had first appeared, and that the crown's bright shimmer had demitted slightly. But the Ghost had lost all interest in explaining his existence, preferring to mingle with the town' festivities. Hercules followed him, frowning. But it was not because of his distaste for the celebration, but because being invisible, he could not participate.

Now, he felt left out. And it was not a nice feeling.

"Will you stop scowling?! You're ruining my fun!" The Ghost was once again at his side, with an expression that could have been cynic or amused, depending on how did one saw it. "Loosen up! Enjoy the party! Live the Vida Loca!" With a hearty slap on the demi-god back, making him loose a little of his balance and almost fall into a banquet table, the Ghost began walking towards Ares' temple.

"No, he's not Ares..." Hercules mumbled. "And now he speaks Iberic..." When he finally caught up with his joyful companion, they were standing in front of the main door of the War Temple. "What are we doing here?"

"Shh... Look." The Ghost' expression softened, as he signaled at one figure that was approaching the temple. It was a thin, pale man, dressed in the worst armor ever made by a smith. He was walking slowly, as if he feared that his feet would betray him. "Do you know him?"

"Sure... It's Joxer." Hercules told him, as he kept his eyes on the hapless warrior-wanna-be. He did not know the man very well, but what little he knew, made him feel bad for Joxer. In the Sovereign's world, where everything was different, Joxer had been the leader of the Rebels, a warrior with his heart set on righting wrongs. This world's Joxer had the same noble intentions, but his ability was non-existent. And in a very, very mistaken and ill-informed decision, had decided to devote his life to Ares' service.

"To a god who will probably never listen to his prayers." The Ghost finished Hercules' thoughts, without taking his eyes off the man, his tone serious for the first time in the night. "Joxer's father was a vicious warlord, his twin brother is a heartless killer. And no one seems to find it in their hearts to respect or love him. And even so... Just listen to him."

"Ares... I've come to You on this Saturnalia, to thank You for Your favors this year. I've lived through another year, despite my clumsiness. You've allowed me to stay alive." Joxer's voice was also serious, unfitting to the descriptions that Hercules had heard of the man, most definitively not the fool that many thought he was. "This year... I lost my blood innocence. I killed one of Your warlords, and I knew that You were answering my pleas. For that, I thank You my God. I will keep striving to be one of Your warriors, to be worthy of Your attention."

"Why is he thanking Ares?" Hercules asked, turning to see his companion. Unlike with the Ghost of Saturnalia Past, who was a carbon copy of Aphrodite, he had no trouble distinguishing the Ghost of Saturnalia Present from Ares. Especially now that the brilliant red of the Ghost's suit was dulled, and his dark hair had turned gray. Even when the Ghost's face was still young, joyful, he was starting to look old. "What is happening to you?"

"One question at the time, Herc." The Ghost smiled, as he walked through the festival, watching the dancers, the jugglers, and the people laughing. "You really don't know why Joxer is thankful? It's simple. Just look around and open your eyes! He is alive, the world still turns. So what if he thanks a God for it? Even when no one answers his prayers, he still will do his best next year, and the one after that. And so will most of the people on Earth. Do you see now? This is the whole point for this. Renewal. Rebirth. Rejoice."

As the Ghost spoke, snow began to fall around them. It was just a small shower, but when it was finished, they were again at Hercules' and Iolaus' camp.

"Why not fly this time?" The demi-god asked, now worried for his companion. The joyful man's suit was now completely gray, his hair totally white.

"My time with you is over. And even when I know you are learning... well, you still have another visitor coming for you." The Ghost said, and with that, disappeared smiling.

Hercules sighed, and looked at his sleeping companion. And looking at his surroundings, he missed the festival where he and the Ghost of Saturnalias Present had been. More so, he knew that Iolaus would have enjoyed it much more than the cold floor of the forest.

He had really been a fool.

* * * * *

"Its good that you realize that." A voice said behind him, and he turned around to meet a short, hooded figure. "Maybe then our trip will be short."

"The Ghost of Saturnalias Future, I presume." Hercules walked towards his new visitor, wondering who could be the face behind the cloak. After seeing Ares' face in the Ghost of Saturnalias Present, nothing would surprise him, but even so, he was curious. "Why do you cover your face?"

"Do you want to see what the Future looks like?" The Ghost asked, and Hercules could see a smile below the dark hood. A cruel smile. "Why don't we start with the easy part?"

"I don't think I have an option..."

"You don't." As the Ghost said that, the Forest was covered with a thick, cold fog. Hercules turned towards where Iolaus was sleeping, to see the hunter shiver once, hug himself tightly, before the fog was too thick to see anything past the hooded figure of the Ghost. "But you knew that already."

The Ghost turned around, and began walking, not even waiting for Hercules who was trying to keep up with him, without tripping too much. The road was not an easy one, and more than once the demi-god feared that he would loose his guide. Unlike the other two, this one seemed to care very little for the son of Zeus.

Finally, the Ghost stopped, in front of the doorstep of Hades.

"What are we doing here?" Hercules demanded. He really had no desire to see any of his friends dead.

"Don't you ever tire of making stupid questions?" The Ghost asked, and in his annoyed tone, Hercules thought that he recognized something. But he couldn't place what. "For once, watch and stay silent."

They waited for a while, until someone else came walking up the road. Predictably enough, it was Hercules, looking not older than what he was in that Saturnalia, but a lot more tired. His clothes were also different, but not much.

"What kind of..." He began asking, only to be silenced by the Ghost.

"Hades!!" The other Hercules yelled, standing proudly in front of the gates of Hell. "Where are you?!"

"You could improve your manners, nephew." The God of Death appeared in a cloud of black smoke, regarding the demi-god with a glance full of pity. "Bellowing won't help you here."

"Why are you alone?" Hercules asked again, not paying any attention to Hades. "Last year you told me that he would come."

"Hercules, Iolaus doesn't want to come." Hades sighed, shacking his head. "As he didn't want last year, and the year before that. He is afraid that you will ask him to stay."

"I promised I wouldn't. I... I just want to see him again." Now the demi-god's voice sounded pleading, and Hercules wondered what would have happened, how and when had Iolaus died again, why his best friend was refusing to see him.

"Every time he died, you were there to wrestle him from his destiny, Hercules." The dark god told him, and his eyes were sad. "And I know that if you needed him at your side, Iolaus wouldn't hesitate to disobey me and escape again. But he is tired. And I cannot let a man who is destined to be in the Elysium Fields to follow you in your grim journey."

"You promised me that I would at least be able to see him in the Saturnalias, Hades. Just as you can see Persephone six months each year."

"I never promised I would force him. If he does not want to see you, I won't go against his wishes." With that, Hades disappeared, leaving Hercules alone. Then the demi-god roared, and fell to his knees, crying.

"I think I've seen enough of this." Hercules turned around, looking at the Ghost. He didn't want to see his mirror image, crying in despair. He didn't want to even think of what was the reason why he was in that state.

"It is not _your_ decision... but you are right... there's nothing more to see here." The Ghost turned around, and with a wave of his hand conjured the mist back up. It swirled and lifted all over the place, surrounding them both. "What do you want to see now? Another despairing Saturnalia, that you will spend alone? Or perhaps the last one that you will spend in company of the one you're missing?."

The teasing tone was back, a cruel mockery of one that Hercules knew very well. A tone that he had heard before, and expected never to hear again.

"Stop it." Hercules stared at his guide, feeling unease. He really didn't want to see anything else, or to find out who was hiding behind the cloak. But he didn't think he could make the voyage stop only by wishing it. "If you have something else to say, say it. But don't try to torture me with more visions!"

"Why not? Don't you want to know how your friend will die again? What will be the last straw that will make him betray you?" The Ghost took off his hood, and Hercules stepped back. Even when he knew that it was just an image, that it was not really the one that was standing in front of him, he couldn't stop the blast of hate and rage that surged through his body.

"Dahak!" Hearing the name of the evil god, the Ghost smiled. It was Iolaus' face, only that where the hunter's face irradiated love and joy, the face in front of him was filled with cold cruelty.

"It's good to see that you don't forget the lessons learned. But no, I am not him." The Ghost said, as the landscape changed again, showing a dark, devastated forest. "I just choose this form, because this is what your future will bring. Sooner or later."

"What?! No! Iolaus and I..."

"Defeated Dahak? Saved the world?" The Ghost face began to change, its figure grew. Soon, Hercules found himself face to face with himself. The cruel version of himself. The Sovereign. "That was then... maybe now. I am what will be. And no one can predict what will be, demi-god.... I only tell you what it will most probably be."

"What do you mean?" Now Hercules was really confused, The other Ghosts had been kind, somewhat understanding... and he had somewhat understood what they were trying to tell him. However, this one was very different. This one seemed to be happy to know that Hercules would suffer.

"The future is what you make of it. I think you can understand the rest alone." With that words, the Ghost disappeared, leaving Hercules alone in the middle of the devastated landscape.

"What am I supposed to do here?!" He yelled at the skies, enraged. But as he did not received any answer, he began walking, thinking that maybe if he kept going forward, he would find the exit of the strange situation where he had found himself.

However, the mist was still too thick to see anything, and he kept tripping, falling. And he had no idea of where he was.

Hours later, or maybe days later, he really couldn't know, the mist began to lift, to show the remains of a terrible battle. Hercules couldn't tell how much time had passed since the end of it, or if they had been any survivors. Probably not, since there were too many dead bodies around. Bodies that had been stripped of all flesh, and were only dry skeletons now.

"What are you trying to tell me, Ghost?" He asked again, not really expecting for an answer. "That if _I_ don't celebrate the Saturnalias, it will come to this? I am not that important."

The wind began blowing, making the bones rattle. But Hercules was determined not to be moved by it. After seeing himself cry for the loss of Iolaus, not even the bloodiest war would make him feel worse.

Just as he thought that, he saw another skeleton, laying on the way. But it was not any skeleton. It was holding a sword that Hercules knew all to well, still inside its leather sheath. Near its chest, on the ground, there was an amulet, since the string that kept it around the neck of its wearer was long gone. And he was still wearing a purple patched leather vest.

"Iolaus..." The name of his friend was a soft whisper, of awe, of despair. Of horror. There still was a sword embedded between the ribs of the hunter. And his friend had not defended himself. That was very obvious seeing the gashtly remains. "Why?"

He kneeled at the skeleton side, tears running in his eyes. He wanted to know who had been the killer, what was the reason of the war. Why he was there, a silent witness to the horrors.

"He tried to stop the war." A female, old voice said behind him. "He tried to stop the army of the son of Zeus, and failed." Hercules turned around, to see an old woman carrying flowers to the battlefield. "Because of it, we are forbidden from burying the bodies. Because the army was fighting in the name of the gods."

"What do you mean?" The demi-god asked, afraid. The woman was not a threat, but he did not wanted to hear that.

"A man who was called the son of Zeus decided to make war against his father. To make mortals stop praying to the gods, to stop the festivals in their names. The gods could not attack him, because Zeus had ordered so, when the man was born. But Hades and Hebe, they brought Iolaus the Hunter back from the Underworld, confident that He could convince the son of Zeus to stop the madness, or that he, being a mortal, could bring the madness to an end by killing their attacker. But Iolaus could not raise his sword against the son of Zeus, even when it meant his own life. He was standing right there, holding his unsheathed sword in a sign of peace, when the mad demi-god killed him."

"No!" Hercules shook his head, unbelieving. "You lie! I would never harm him!"

But the woman didn't listen. In fact, now it seemed that she didn't even saw him. "And without a burial, Iolaus could not return to his rightful place on the Elysium Fields. He could not return to the Light, where he had earned eternal peace. No one knows where his soul suffer now, no one knows where he threads. But one thing is certain, he died because he would never betray a friend... a friend who could not love him as he did. And after the last hero of Thebes died, the gods fell too... and the time of renewal and rebirth were gone."

"NO!!!" Hercules screamed, and tried to hold the skeleton to his arms. But at the same time, the wind increased its blows, as if it was determined to erase all signs of life, of hope around the demi-god. But he kept trying, his screams turning into sobs, his desperation growing as the bones that he was holding began to wither, transforming into ashes. "Iolaus, no!! Please, forgive me!! Don't go away! I will make it up for you, I promise! Ghosts! I will do whatever it takes, whatever you ask of me... just allow me do change this, to stop this from happening!!!" His only answer was the wind, blowing it maddening swan song. "Iolaus, please come back!! I'm sorry, this should have never happen!! Please, you must forgive me!! I have to many things to make up for, I... Please, I'm sorry... forgive me..."

"Sure, Herc... I forgive you... If you let me go..." The voice broke through the demi-god's sobs, making him pause. He had closed his eyes, not wanting to see any more images of despair, and now he couldn't believe his ears.

But even so, he open his eyes, slowly and tentative... and joyfully discovered that he was no longer in the devastated battlefield that represented his future, but in the small clearing where he and Iolaus had decided to set camp the night before. And he was not holding the rests of dried bones... in his arms, the smiling golden hunter was looking at him, with his usual amused smile.

"Iolaus!!" In a second, Hercules hugged his friend even more tightly. He didn't want to think this was a dream, that his friend could disappear again...

"Hercules.... I ... can't... breathe..." The hunter began to move, trying to free himself from his friend all empowering hug. He could never have done that by himself, but fortunately, the demi-god realized it just in time. "You ok, buddy?... It sounded like you were having a very bad nightmare..."

"I'm fine now, Iolaus." Hercules smiled, letting his friend stand up. Dawn was just beginning, and the new light shone around Iolaus' blond hair, like an halo. It made his friend really live up to his title of Golden Hunter. It was the beauty of a new day, the beauty that Hercules had been blind to see for a long time.

"And why do you have that silly smile on your face? We still have a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of time before the festival that you hate so much is over..." Before Iolaus could finish his half-felt complain, Hercules began laughing, shaking his head. After the night events, after all what he now remembered... It really made his old complains sound stupid.

Especially since now he had a second chance of sorts. A second chance that he was not going to waste. "You were right."

"Sure. About what?" Now Iolaus was frowning, and Hercules decided immediately that it was not a look that suited his friend. The friend who had been with him, no matter what. The friend who, despite everything, would never betray him.

"A desert road is not the place to celebrate the Saturnalias. If we hurry, we can be back in the town before this day is over..." Hercules began packing, although he really didn't had many things on himself. That was bad, he reflected, and decided that as soon as they got to town, he was going to get a good gift for Iolaus. The perfect gift for the friend who now he knew meant everything to him.

"Did you got hit on the head while you were sleeping?" Although there was some sarcasm in Iolaus' voice, the smile on his face betrayed it all. And Hercules could not stop himself, he walked to Iolaus again, drinking on the sight before his eyes. "Herc? Are you sure you're all right?"

Hearing that question, all the pieces of the puzzle fell back in place. After Deyaneira died, he had discovered that the void in his heart was not because she was not at his side, but because he hadn't been able to protect her. He still loved her, that hadn't changed... But as long as Iolaus was with him, he never felt alone.

Many years ago, Iolaus had told him that somewhere in the world, lived the other half of his soul, that he had to find him. Then, he had believed that maybe Xena was that other half... But now he knew he had been wrong. The other half of his soul had always been at his side.

And he hadn't seen it. Just as he had missed the true propose of the festivals.

He had been blind.

Not anymore.

Without thinking, not really, he simply leaned down, and with extreme gentleness he kissed Iolaus' lips. Feeling his heart soar and all voids of his soul fill at the simple touch.

"Merry Saturnalias, Iolaus." He whispered, without letting go.

"Merry Saturnalias, Hercules." His friend, his soulmate answered, leaning forward to a second kiss.

And not far away, invisible to mortal eyes, three Ghosts watched the scene.

"See? I told ya that he was not _that_ dumb!"

The End.

-A Saturnalia Carol

And a very, very happy and prosperous New Year and Century and Fake Millenium to all! :)

--

Adalisa

-Obi-Wan and Darth Maul Rule!

WhiteKnight's own Dama de los AU

Keeper of Obi-Wan's desire to wring Anakin's neck during TPM

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