Parts 1-6 of Juxtaposition

Chapter Seven

  A sharp pain in Fioursi's back woke her suddenly.  Jerking upright she dislodged Hercules' arm wrapped around her.  So much for the dream theory, she mused.

  Rising slowing, she walked down to the spring to soak away the muscle spasms, and give her time alone with her jumbled thoughts.

  Wading back to the shore, she found Hercules waiting with a dry towel to wrap around her.  They walked back to their makeshift campsite in silence, much to her relief.  He's as troubled with this as I am, she thought.

  Stooping gingerly, Fioursi began retrieving her clothing and started dressing.  As she began the tedious ritual of wrapping the cloth around her chest, he finally broke the painful silence.

  "You don't have to do that anymore."

  "Oh yes I do," she glared at him.  "I'm not going to be the brunt of crude jokes among the crew."

  "They won't..."

  "Enough!  I'm the Captain's cabin boy, at least for this voyage.  You WILL continue to treat me as a man," Fioursi command brusquely.

  He arched his eyebrows noticeably.  "That's going to be a bit difficult considering...."  Hercules laughed cautiously as he watched her pull her tight leather pants over her long legs.

  "Look, what we did last night was a mistake."  She saw the pained look on his chiseled face and quickly amended her thoughtless statement. "I've never ... I mean I have, but.... Oh Hades, it was incredible.... But this just isn't right somehow.  You know it too...you have Iphicles..."

  He drowned out her protests with his mouth.  Sighing softly, she met his tongue with her own.  Pulling her tighter into his embrace, Hercules moved his head to her shoulder and began to kiss her silken neck.

  They pulled away suddenly when they heard the voices.  Looking around nervously, Fioursi struggled to straighten her clothing while waiting for the unwelcome intruders to become visible.  They didn't have long to wait.  As they cleared the last hill before the lake, Hercules could make out the two figures -- Iolaus and Iphicles.

  By the time the men caught up to them, Fioursi and Hercules had finished packing their bedding and were preparing to return to the ship.

  "Hey Herc, what's up?"

  "Not much, Iolaus.  We're just getting ready to head back."  Hercules picked up the furs and started to walk away.

  "What's your hurry?  Things are under control back there," he waved his arms somewhere in the general direction of the ship.  "Boy that water looks inviting..."  Iolaus threw his vest to the ground and began hopping first on one leg and then the other as he hastily removed his boots and pants.  Fioursi struggled to stifle a laugh at the bare butt
bouncing down to the lake.

  When his blonde curls emerged from beneath the warm water, he shouted to the laughing trio on shore.  "Come on in, guys, the water's great!"

  "No thanks Iolaus, I've gotta..."  Hercules felt the hand on his shoulder and turned slightly, facing it's owner -- Iphicles.

  "Not a bad idea.  I could stand washing some of the stench off." Iphicles' hands moved to pull Hercules' vest off.  As he did, Iphicles looked back and motioned to Fioursi to join them.  "The hot water should help your back, boy."

  "I've already taken advantage of the spring.  You guys go ahead.  I'm gonna head back to the beach.  The Captain probably needs me."  She stared hard at Hercules with a silent warning.

  Shrugging his shoulders, Hercules began to undress and headed into the water with Iphicles.  Fioursi turned to look back from her vantage point on the hill and saw the three friends cavorting in the lake.  With a sigh, she resumed her trek back to the ship.

  "What's the matter, Herc?"  Iolaus splashed water on his comrade, trying to gain his attention.

  "Wha...?  Oh nothing.  I'm just a little worried about our young friend there.  That was a nasty crack he took across the back yesterday."

  "Tell you what...you guys stay here and finish cleaning up.  I'll follow the boy and make sure he gets back all right."

  "You don't have..."

  "I know, Herc.  But I can get Nebula and bring her back here.  She'll love this."  He grinned wildly as he turned and headed toward shore.  Dressing quickly, he broke into a run towards the ship.

  "Let him go.  It'll give us some time together."  Hercules felt the strong arms wrapping around his waist from behind.  "I missed you last night."

  "I..."  Turning around he was instantly lost in the smoldering brown eyes that captured his.  "I missed you too," Hercules reluctantly admitted.  He greedily sought the full lips in front of him.  There would be time later to deal with the insanity of his divided desires.


  "Hey, Amadeus, wait up."  Iolaus quickened his stride when he finally saw the cabin boy's slight frame ahead of him.

  Fioursi stopped and turned, waiting for him to catch up to her.  She looked past him to see if anyone else had walked back with Iolaus.  A slight frown crossed her mouth when she discovered he was alone.  "I thought you were having fun in the lake," she dryly remarked as he moved alongside her.

  "I decided I'm gonna convince Nebula to come up there and enjoy the spring."

  "Assuming you can drag her away from the ship, she should appreciate the diversion."  Fioursi picked up her pace, anxious to get back to her cabin.

  "Are you okay?"

  "Yeah.  Why do you ask?"  She glanced over at him, wondering where he was going with this.

  "I don't know exactly...  You just act like something's bothering you."

  "I didn't sleep well last night.  My back was hurting too much."

  "Yeah right!  Herc was probably talking your ears off," he grinned broadly.  Seeing her wince at the mention of his friend's name, he mistook it as a sign of physical pain.  "Maybe you should go to your cabin when we return and try to get some sleep."

  "That depends on whether you and the Captain are going to be leaving the ship."  Fioursi tried to keep her voice light so he'd realize she was joking.

  "What?  Oh, I guess we have been a bit noisy, haven't we?"

  "æA bit' doesn't begin to describe it."  Of course, you're no louder than your two friends, she thought.

  Fioursi reached into her sack to retrieve some berries she'd picked earlier.  Grabbing a handful she began popping them into her mouth. Suddenly, Iolaus knocked the remainder from her grasp.

  "Quick, spit those out," he demanded.

  "I hope you have a good reason for doing that?"

  "How many have you eaten?"

  "I don't know.  A few here and some while I was picking them.  They taste just fine."  She glared at him, getting more annoyed.

  "They may taste good, but right now they're poisonous."

  "Are you sure about these particular berries?"  She pulled more out from her bag to show him.

  "Yep.  Those are elderberries.  Given a few days to ripen up they would have been fine.  Unripe ones are poisonous.  I'm afraid you're gonna have another bad night."

  "I'm not gonna die, am I?"  Fioursi's face contorted fearfully at the thought.

  "Nah.  You'll just be pretty sick for awhile."

  "Wonderful.  Just what I need to make another memorable day," she said miserably.

  As Iolaus predicted, Fioursi became violently ill shortly after they returned to the ship.  Iolaus gave her a foul smelling concoction, claiming it would help ease her churning stomach.  He offered to stay with her, but she convinced him she'd rather just be alone with her suffering.

  She was drifting into a fitful sleep when the cabin door opened again.  Too sick to open her eyes, she just muttered  further assurance when she felt the cool hand on her forehead.  "Go away Iolaus.  Let me sleep."

  "I'll pass along your message when he returns."

  Lifting her lashes slightly, she caught a glimpse of the broad, stern face.  "Iphicles!  What are you doing here?"

  "Last time I checked, this was my cabin," he chuckled.

  "No, I meant..."

  "Iolaus told us you ate some unripe berries.  We promised Nebula to check on you periodically."  He finally moved his hand from her face and walked away from her bed.  "I'm going back to help Hercules cut some more trees.  We'll be back later to see if you need anything."

  She mumbled her acknowledgment to his retreating back before fading back to sleep.


  Several hours later, Iphicles returned.  When he bent over Fioursi, he felt the fever before his hand ever touched her face.  He retrieved a cloth from a nearby table and dipped it in the large water pitcher. Gently he placed it on her head.  Looking down, he noticed beads of perspiration on her neck and found her shirt was saturated.

  Fioursi moaned softly but never woke while Iphicles strove to remove the wet garment.  While he held her against his chest, he began to unwrap her bandages.  He was perplexed when he didn't find any wounds on her back.  It wasn't until he lay her back on the bed that he discovered their true purpose.  He fought to suppress the shocked gasp.

  Regaining his stoic calm, he picked up the cloth, dipped it into the water and tenderly dabbed her hot skin along her neck and shoulders.  He found he couldn't take his eyes off her magnificent breasts.  Iphicles had been with many women, none of whom could compare with the vision lying next to him.  Mentally bracing himself, he moved his hands so he could try to cool down her fiery body.  His hand shook slightly as he moved the cloth slowly between her perfect globes and downward toward her stomach.  Her nipples stood erect from the chill of the water.  As he brought the washrag back to her collarbone, her arms encircled him, pulling him toward her.

  Unable to resist, or perhaps unwilling, Iphicles bent over gently to meet her lips.  He could feel the heat radiating from her mouth, but he was powerless to break away from her embrace.

   Reluctantly, however, he finally pulled away and pushed her back onto the bed.  He felt the urgent need to get some fresh air, but realized he couldn't just leave her lying there half naked.  The cloth bandage was too wet to re-wrap her in and he had no idea if she had more.  Finding a dry shirt, he lifted her slightly and pulled it on.  Covering her with a blanket, he hoped it would conceal her identity in case Hercules walked in.

  Hercules...the thought that his brother already knew her secret, brought with it a momentary pang of jealousy.  Iphicles dismissed it quickly, having decided his brother would have told him if he knew.  He didn't know what worried him more...losing his recently acquired relationship with his brother, or losing the chance to get to know this mysterious woman next to him.  Pushing aside further troubling thoughts, Iphicles left the room, having decided to keep the secret to himself.

  Later in the evening, Hercules and Iphicles sat the communal crew table, debating who should care for their ill roommate.

  "Hercules, I really don't mind checking on the young man.  You had to spend last night with him.  It's my turn."

  "I told you yesterday, it's not a huge task to babysit him.  Besides, I got to sleep under the stars last night.  Why don't you enjoy them tonight."

  He knows...jealousy began rearing its ugly head as Iphicles fought to keep his voice even.  "This youngster is already proving to be more trouble than he's worth.  This will be the second night I've had to sleep alone."

  "Okay, why don't we both check on him and then we can go to sleep." Hercules frustration with his petulant brother was beginning to show.

  "We can't sleep together in the room, Amadeus shouldn't be disturbed and I doubt if I can lie next to you and not touch every inch of you."

  "Then we'll sleep outside." This conversation was getting them nowhere Hercules decided.

  "I promised Iolaus I'd keep an eye on the boy..."

  "WE promised....Fine, you stay with him," Hercules finally conceded. He decided that if he fought for the chance to be with her too hard, Iphicles would become suspicious, or even jealous.  He wasn't ready to have to sort through his feelings for each of them.

  Iphicles fell silent with his triumph.  His mixed emotions gave him a pyrrhic victory at best.  Hopefully the time he spent with their young friend would provide some answers.

  "Now this is more like it... subtle intrigue and lots of secrets."

  "Since when did you ever care for subtle, Ar?  I think it's sweet. They both want to take care of the little girl."

  "Sweet, huh?  That's your style, NOT mine.  In case you haven't noticed, little sister, our virtuous brother is trying to have his cake and eat it too.  Most unlike him, don't you think?  Somebody's gonna get hurt...don't you just love it?"  Ares threw back his head and laughed heartily at the thought.

  Aphrodite looked at him quizzically, "Ar, what did you do to Herc?"

  "I only wish I could take credit...You're the one who  put a spell on the brothers."  It was Ares' turn to be puzzled.

  "Well, no duh...but with the babe; this kinky stuff between the boys wasn't part of the deal.  At least I don't think so.... Oh well, I guess it'll help your cause anyway."

  "My cause?"

  "Yeah, that warlord in Naupactus you're trying  to help.  You are like so transparent, Ar."

  "You figured this out all by yourself?"  He studied her face carefully.

  "Can the dumb blonde jokes already."

  "Fine.  Now, my dear, can we please concentrate on the job at hand? You promised me angst, tension and lots of pain and suffering."

  "You concentrate on what's in your hand.  Always with the negative waves.  Angst, tension, yadda, yadda...," Aphrodite waved her arm in frustration as she walked away.  "Let the boys work it out their own way."
 

 Chapter Eight

Iphicles spent the night sitting on the floor, leaning against Fioursi's bed.  Several times during the night he rose to cool her fevered body.  Each time left him frustrated with more questions and no answers.  He couldn't fathom why she was disguising herself as a man. Baser thoughts frequently invaded his mind as he stared at the feminine figure next to him.

  He found himself comparing her to his beloved wife and was surprised to discover how much Rena's image had faded.  Fioursi moaned softly as she shifted her position.  Instantly, Iphicles moved to her side.  She continued her restless sleep, and with a sigh, he sat back down. Thoughts of Hercules swam into his mind and he allowed a smile to cross his face.  Iphicles tried to focus on the deepening feelings he felt for his brother, but found himself making room for burgeoning ones for this young woman.

  Her tossing became more frequent, until finally she rolled off the narrow pallet...and into Iphicles' lap.  Accepting the unexpected gift, he bent to capture her mouth.  Her firm young body with its soft skin delighted him.  As the fiery kiss lengthened, Iphicles felt her arms wrap around him as her tongue began parrying with his own.  With a groan, he lifted her up and carried her back to the bed.

  Fioursi protested the loss of his lips when he placed her against the pillow and then lay propped on one arm, gazing down at her.  His hands were clenched into fists, opening and closing violently, as he restrained himself from falling on her.

  Finally unable to wait any longer he moved his hand under her shirt to fondle her breasts.  She quivered as his fingers impatiently tugged the shirt over her head to allow him fuller access to her soft flesh.  His hand then moved over the soft leather covering her inner leg.

  "No!"  She sat upright on the bed, knocking him backwards.  Her eyes widened with recognition.

  Stopping, he gazed for a long moment at her full tits, flat stomach and long slender legs.  Feeling the heat from his scrutiny, she instinctively covered her breasts with her hands.

  "Hold!" he commanded.  "I like looking at you."

  She paled at the sharpness of his words, then blushed so deeply it was visible even with the dim candlelight.  Iphicles laughed and boldly cupped her breast.  He could feel the nipple harden against his thumb, and her heart beating wildly against his palm.

  Encouraged, he moved to pull her pants off.  Standing, he quickly divested himself of his own clothing.  As he sat back on the bed, she drew him down to her, unable to control her growing desire.  He looked at her wonderingly and Fioursi smiled softly back.

  Iphicles tried to be gentle as his throbbing cock entered her, but feeling her moist heat surround him, he swiftly plunged deeper.

  She wanted to cry out as he filled her so completely.  Instead her turquoise eyes widened in surprise at the incredible sensations racing through her.  As Iphicles drove his pulsating shaft deeper and harder with each thrust, she heard a low, animal moan.  Startled, she realized it came from her own throat.  She arched her body to meet him; her hard nipples pressed tightly against his furry chest, as he moved rhythmically within her.

  Suddenly, she clutched at him wildly, sobbing his name as tears spilled onto her cheeks.  Iphicles buried his lips in her soft hair and then unable to control the raging storm within him, he released the hot liquid into her throbbing body.

  As the candles began to burn out, Iphicles looked over at the sleeping girl.  His eyes feasted greedily on her naked body... the pink tipped nipples of her breasts, the fringes of her long lashes against her cheek, her short auburn hair against the pillow.  Briefly he wondered how she might look with longer hair.  He shuddered with hunger for her but, remembering how ill she had been, he rose from the bed and began dressing.

  Looking down on the slender form, Iphicles took a deep breath, inhaling the cool air.  How could one little girl stir up so much confusion in a grown man's heart and mind?  The image of Hercules sprang into his thoughts and he discovered a twinge of guilt at having betrayed his intimate relationship with his brother.  Shaking his head, Iphicles made the decision -- he wanted and needed them both.

  Sitting back down on the bed, he playfully ran his hand down the curve of her lithe body.  Fioursi murmured in soft protest and then, reluctantly, opened her eyes.

  "Have I been asleep long?"

  "A few hours."  He couldn't take his eyes off her and she flushed shyly beneath his gaze.

  "If you continue to stare at me, I'm gonna burst into flames."

  Chuckling softly, Iphicles placed her clothing beside her.  "It'll be dawn soon, and as much as I'm enjoying the view, Hercules might come in."

  "Hercules..."  Reality hit her hard.  She debated telling him Hercules already knew her secret but, sensing something beneath his rough exterior, she knew he wouldn't handle that news well.  Regrets filled her head as she quickly dressed.

  Iphicles left the cabin in search of food for them, while she silently resumed her cabin boy facade.  As soon as he departed, Fioursi sat on the bed, bursting into tears.  Somehow she had irrevocably relinquished her innocence and somewhere along the line, she had lost her heart. Unfortunately, it was divided between two men.

  Drying her tears, Fioursi mentally began comparing her two lovers. That term startled her as she realized is wasn't so long ago that she had been a gently raised princess.  Her father would NOT be pleased to learn of his daughter's new lifestyle among commoners.  She tried to imagine introducing them to the king.  Both men were large, imposing figures.  While physically they were very similar in stature, emotionally they were quite different.  Hercules was open, honest and gentle.  He reminded her of a waterfall, powerful, yet soothing. Iphicles, on the other hand, was somewhat insecure, hard and demanding. He was a fiery blaze that threatened to consume her if she got too close.  In spite of her nagging doubts, Fioursi knew she was powerless to give up either of them.  They had somehow become an essential part of her soul.

  "Excellent!" Ares clapped loudly.  "You have outdone yourself, my dear."  He saluted his sister with a deep bow and a flourish of his hand.

  "What were you expecting, chopped liver?  This is my job, Ar.  It's what I do best."  She grinned broadly, wishing there was somebody else around to brag to.

  "I think it's time to inform General Demos to ready his troops for battle."  Ares threw out his chest with pride as he prepared to leave his temple.

  "Uh, dude....Don't you think you're shooting prematurely?"  Aphrodite never looked up from the well as she spoke.

  "I don't have a problem with...oh..."  Ares cut himself off as he realized she was being serious, for once.

  "If you play war now, they might join forces anyway and defeat your big, bad army."

  "What do YOU know about war?"  Ares walked angrily toward his sister.

  "I know that ‘Theni is usually better at it than you.  She uses her mind to think, unlike another part of your anatomy you use."  She barely ducked out of the way as his hand swatted thin air.

  "And you think that by waiting, my army will be successful?"

  "No duh... Let this little Menage a Trois get up to full steam. You'll see..."

  "Why I'm even listening to you I'll never know," Ares fumed.

 Chapter Nine

  Fioursi was devouring another piece of fruit when Hercules entered their cabin.  Iphicles turned at the sound of the opening door, but relaxed his guard when he saw his brother.  The uncomfortable silence that ensued did little to assuage Fioursi nervousness.

  Finally, Hercules broke the tension when he looked at her.  "So, you look like you're feeling better."

  "I am..." her voice trailed off as she stumbled for words.  "I'd better get up top and see if the Captain needs me."

  "Right...I've got to get back to cutting trees.  With luck, we can get the ship launched in a day or two."  Hercules looked over at his brother, who was staring at the pomegranate in his hand.  "Iphicles, you want to help me, or are you going to commune with your breakfast all day?"

  "What?  Oh sorry, I was thinking about something else."

  "Obviously."  As the trio left the room, Hercules leaned over to Iphicles and whispered, "Me perhaps?"

  Glancing over quickly, Iphicles locked his steely gaze on the dancing blue eyes next to him.  "Of course," he replied with little emotion in his voice.

  Hercules was taken aback by the tone of the response, but decided not to pursue it for the moment.  His attention was diverted as he watched Fioursi walk toward Nebula.  He shook his head as he wondered why he didn't see through her disguise earlier.  No guy has an ass like that, he mused.

  Iphicles was also admiring Fioursi's slender form as she quickly crossed the deck.  Thoughts of the previous night seeped into his head and he felt a warmth spreading through his body down to his groin.

  "Ahem..."  Both men turned simultaneously.  "Are you guys gonna help me get the lumber, or watch Nebula all day?"

  "Sorry Iolaus.  Nebula?  Oh no, you've got it all wrong.  I was merely looking at the railings over there."  Hercules pointed toward the stern of the ship. "They need to be replaced."

  "Hey, when you're right, you're right.  We don't need anybody falling overboard.  Ok, change of plans...you guys go get the lumber and I'll repair the railings."

  Iphicles just shrugged his shoulders, turned and walked down the ramp quickly.  He waded through the shallow water toward the beach and then headed up the sand dune.  At the peak of the dune he turned around, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

  Trailing further behind, Hercules also looked back, straining to see her.  Not finding her, he released a heavy sigh before resuming his trek to the forest.

  Unbeknownst to either man, Iolaus was observing them from the ship. Puzzled as to who they were looking for, he decided to get to the bottom of this mystery.

  Meanwhile Fioursi was occupying her time by resuming her usual chores.  After cleaning up the Captain's quarters, she entered her own to repeat the process.  Staring at her bed, she blushed bright red with the memory of her encounter with Iphicles.  As she daydreamed, she questioned how she could have developed such wanton behavior.  She remembered her brother talking to his friends about such women. Harlots...that's what they called them.  Why couldn't she stop herself from giving in?  Kisses...deep, searing, soul searching kisses, hmmmm...  Now where did that come from?  The faces of Hercules and Iphicles appeared before her and she knew she was lost.

  Sitting on the bed, she debated telling each of them about the other. She wanted to... she needed to be honest with them.  From nowhere came a voice in her head urging her not to tell them.  Deciding to heed the warning, she switched her thinking to how she was going to be able to spend time with each of them.


  "Sheesh, that was close.  I didn't think I was gonna stop this self-righteous babe in time, and she would've blown everything if she told them now.  Come on sweetie pie, you can figure something out so the guys won't know," Aphrodite cajoled.

  "I think, my dear that a little intervention is in order."  Ares studied the scene below, formulating a plan.

  "This had better be good, Ar."

  "I'm always good!  Now watch and learn."

  A wave of his hand and Iphicles stumbled and fell.  Unable to break his fall, he hit his head on a large rock and was rendered unconscious.

  "Ok, so he got bonked on the head.  What will that accomplish?  He can't boff the chick if he's comatose.  Ah...I get it....  Now that you have kingy down for the count, Herc can play stud muffin."

  "You amaze me with your rapid assessments of the situation," Ares said dryly.

  "Ar, you are so rude, crude and socially unacceptable."

  "Hey, I have a reputation to uphold."  Ares dismissed his sister with a wave of his hand and resumed his front row seat to watch his plan unfold.


  Hercules carried the lumber over to the ship, handing it to the men as they patched the holes in the sides.  As soon as he finished holding the last board to be nailed, he climbed the ramp.  Spotting Nebula near the mainsail, he approached her.

  "Have you seen Iphicles?"

  "Nope.  I haven't seen him since you two left this morning."

  "We were cutting trees in different parts of the forest and were suppose to meet back here." Hercules explained while scanning the beachfront for his brother.

  Not spotting Iphicles he looked around the top deck and was disappointed since he didn't see Fioursi either.  With Iphicles away, he wanted to spend time with her.  Hercules hurriedly walked down the stairs to their room, unaware he was being watched.  Entering the cabin he found her cleaning the room.

  Wrapping his arms about her from behind, he whispered softly in her ear.  "It's only gonna get messed up again."

  Spinning around, Fioursi caught the twinkle in his eyes.  Quickly they were in each other's arms, their lips and tongues and hands devouring each other.  Bodies entwined, they kissed until their mouths were bruised and both were breathless.  Already aroused, his cock beat against her thigh.  Reaching down, she caressed him through the tough leather.

  They rapidly shed their clothing, throwing it in every direction, before falling onto the bed.  Hercules pinned her down and began kissing her gently this time.  Then he raised her legs and, drawing them over his shoulders, buried his face between them.  His tongue began lightly caressing her swollen clit.  For a moment, Fioursi wasn't certain what he was doing.  Slowly, awareness set in.  She opened her mouth to gasp in shock, but no sound would come out.  She wanted to protest, but...but...  As he continued to work his tongue and fingers fervently against her flesh, she found herself gasping for air. Everything exploded in her head and she cried out for him.

  Finally releasing his hold on her, he lowered her legs. Taking his cock in one hand, he began rubbing it against her dripping slit.  She saw in his eyes that he was hard and very eager for her.

  "Take me," she begged.  "Please!"

  "Patience, little one," he said through gritted teeth.  He slowly spread her legs wide and pushed himself into her.  She could feel his warmth and the throbbing sensation from his thick shaft within her.  She raised her hips to match his rhythm.

  He began moving slowly within her at first, but then with increasing urgency.  His handsome face tensed with consuming passion.  Hercules cried out softly as the waves of pleasure overpowered him.  He drew back to thrust deeper yet and felt her tighten around him.

  Thrashing wildly, Fioursi felt her climax bearing down on her and with a scream she allowed the passion to claim her.  Hercules soon followed her into oblivion, releasing his hot seed into her still trembling body.

  Her returning awareness was marked by his kisses on her wet cheeks. Fioursi realized she was weeping.  Slowly, she opened her eyes, gazing into his.  No words were needed between them.  He moved off her and enfolded her in his strong embrace.  Feeling safe, she drifted off to sleep.

  Hercules watched her as she fell asleep.  He wondered why this young woman was able to permeate his entire being so completely.  And how could she touch his heart so quickly?  It wasn't simply her beauty.  He just didn't know what it was about her that reached out to him.

  Abruptly thoughts of his brother invaded his mind. Iphicles with the pouting, full lips, tight muscular ass and that cock... Confusion was overtaking him rapidly.  How could he care so deeply for two people at the SAME TIME?  Something just didn't make sense.

  Focusing on the pressure from Fioursi's head on his shoulder, he was able to regain his composure.  He let his eyes wander over her voluptuous young body before reaching out to stroke her satiny skin.

  She woke to his touch.  "It was wonderful!"

  Fioursi's breathless words reached out to pierce his own thoughts. Looking down at her face, he smiled a slow smile.  "You said yesterday this was wrong."

  "What did I know?  I want to do it again!  Please!"

  His warm laughter washed over her.  "You're as bad as Iolaus when it comes to patience."  He gave her butt a firm pat.  "Later on we'll discuss your request.  Right now we should get dressed before we're missed."


  Hercules and Fioursi had just finished dressing when there was a knock on the door.  Without waiting for permission, Iolaus bounded into the room.  He stopped abruptly when he saw their faces.

  "Uh, Herc, have you seen Iphicles?"

  "Isn't he back yet?"  Hercules began to get worried.

  "Nope.  Apparently you were the last one to see him."

  Hercules ushered Iolaus towards the door.  With a quick glance over his shoulder, he grinned wickedly at Fioursi.  The smile she returned reached down to his soul.


  As they cleared the sand dune, out of sight of the ship, Iolaus laid into his friend.  "Just what in Tartarus do you think you're doing?"

  "I'm looking for my brother," he replied cautiously.

  "No, I mean with Amadeus."

  "Iolaus, I don't know what you're talking about."

  "You two were fucking, weren't you?"  Iolaus' angry tone caught Hercules off guard.

  "Whatever gave you that idea?"

  "Let's see...where do I start?  There's the flushed cheeks, bruised lips and the guilty look on your faces.  Shall I continue?"

  "My personal business is not your concern, Iolaus."

  "Since when?  We've always shared everything.  Herc, this cabin boy is a stranger no one knows anything about."  His tone softened, trying to reach out to his friend.  "I care about you Herc.  I don't want you to get hurt."

  "I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself.  Now can we drop it and look for Iphicles?"  Hercules shook his shaggy mane and resumed walking toward the forest, trying to drown out the accusatory voice of his friend, replaying over and over in his mind.

  A short while later they found him.  He apparently had just regained consciousness and was trying to stand when they arrived.

  "Iphicles, what happened?  We've been looking all over for you." Iolaus pushed him back down and leaned Iphicles against his lap.  His fingers touched the purplish bruise on his friend's forehead.

  Holding his head, Iphicles tried to make things stop spinning.  "I remember tripping and then I fell.  That's about it."

  Bending over, Hercules offered his hand to his brother.  "It'll be dark soon.  We need to get you back.  Think you can walk?"

  "I think so."  Grabbing the proffered forearm, Iphicles pulled himself up slowly.  Hercules put his arm around his brother and Iphicles gratefully leaned against him.  They slowly headed back to the beach.

  While the trio was boarding the ship, Fioursi saw them.  A loud gasp escaped her lips when she saw Iphicles; much louder than she'd intended.  She ran up to them and put Iphicles other arm around her shoulder.

  Hercules caught her reaction to Iphicles.  He watched with hooded eyes as she wrapped her arms around his brother's waist; the concern etched on her face was somewhat disconcerting.  When Iphicles leaned his head on top of hers, Hercules clenched his teeth in frustration.  He forced the uncomfortable thoughts to the back of his mind and focused on getting his brother below into their bed.
 

 Chapter Ten

  As soon as Iphicles had been ensconced in his bed, Fioursi quietly left the room.  Hercules was too busy inspecting the growing welt on his brother's head to notice.  Once on the top deck, she threw herself into various tasks, always keeping her eyes on the stairs.  She hadn't missed the look on Hercules' face as she rushed to assist Iphicles and knew she didn't have any answers for him.

  When he did emerge she quickly hid behind a couple of nearby barrels. Out of the corner of her eye she saw two of her shipmates.  Reacting quickly, she crawled around, pretending she was looking for something. Hercules left the ship and, when she finally felt it was safe, Fioursi stood up and headed for their cabin.

  Reaching the door she paused; a terrifying image overcame her.  What if the two men had been talking about her?  Forcing the notion aside, Fioursi summoned her failing courage and opened the door.

  Sensing her presence, Iphicles opened his eyes as she entered. Gingerly pulling himself upright, he motioned for her to sit next to him. Taking a seat, she leaned over, pressing her lips to his.  Not content with the chaste kiss she offered, Iphicles roughly pulled her to
him, refusing to release her mouth.  When he finally did, she was breathless.

  "Iphicles, you need to get some rest.  You probably have a concussion."

  Noting her face contorting with worry, he acquiesced to her wishes. "All right, my love, I'll rest.  But only if you'll lie here beside me."

  Reluctantly agreeing, Fioursi got into the bed next to him.  Iphicles gathered her into his arms and closed his eyes to rest.  She watched the rise and fall of his chest as he slept, listening to the sound of his deep breathing.  She wished for what could never be, imagining what might have been.  Fioursi knew eventually she would have to return to Ambracia.  Maybe by then her father would have given up on his idea of marrying her to this unknown king.  She had to be in love with her husband, she decided firmly.  Her deep feelings for both of these men convinced her of that.  Looking over at Iphicles' strong chiseled features, a shiver ran through her.  How beautiful he is, she thought. If only Iphicles and Hercules weren't commoners.  If only...  She closed her eyes to fight back the tears welling up.  A finger brushed away a solitary tear that had escaped.

  "What's wrong?"

  "Nothing.  I'm just concerned for you."  She desperately hoped he wouldn't interrogate her further.

  He didn't.  Instead, pulling her tighter into his embrace, he covered her face with feathery kisses.  As he sat her upright, Iphicles removed her shirt, followed by the cloth binding.  His mouth hungrily captured her breast as he pushed her back down on the bed.  Fioursi purred contentedly as he sucked on her hardening nipple.  His other hand was kneading the neglected one.  As his hand moved between her legs, he could feel the heat through her leather pants.

  Fioursi arched her hips to meet his hand.  His mouth continued his assault on her breasts until she didn't think she could stand the sweet pain any longer.


  "Ok, play time's over, kiddies."  Ares was grinning wickedly as he stepped away from the well and began pacing.  "It's my party and I get to choose the activities."

  Aphrodite walked over to him and hit him in the arm.  "You are such a meanie.  Can't you see they're busy?"

  "It's a good thing you're my sister," he growled, rubbing his arm. "You've made me miss a lot of chances at some serious suffering here."

  "Oh yeah...get real.  For those arriving late to your show, let's have a recap.  You've given kingy a really nasty headache when that rock collided with his head and there was that tree you had run in to Miss Bad Girl wannabe.  If that isn't suffering...  The only one you haven't picked on is baby brother."

  Stopping his pacing, Ares wrapped his arm around the stone dragon surrounding his well.  He peered into the smooth water as his face broke into a broad grin.  That can be arranged, he thought.


  "Please, Iphicles," she begged, "you have to stop.  What if Hercules walked in?"

  He ceased his relentless attack and looked at her questioningly. "What difference does that make?"

  Fioursi couldn't miss the suspicion that deepened the furrowed brow. "You don't want him to see me like this, do you?  Besides, Hercules looked worried and I'm sure he's gonna return soon to check on you." She jumped from the bed and quickly dressed.

  Her explanation did little to assuage Iphicles' growing doubts, but he found his head ached too much to delve further. He did watch her closely as she walked from the cabin, having promised to return with food.

  Fioursi passed Hercules on the stairs as she went to find something for Iphicles to eat.  As they moved by each other, he reached out to touch her, but she moved too fast and his hand only grasped air.  He had seen the flushed look on her face.  He frowned, realizing she passed him a little too quickly.

  Fioursi paused outside the galley.  Leaning against the wall, she overheard several of the crew mention they were to set sail at first light.  She released a long sigh, grateful to finally be getting underway again.  Looking skyward, she silently prayed to Athena for help to get through this impossible situation.

  "Do you believe this?  First, our little tigress can't get enough of these poor excuses for studs and now she's trying to develop a conscience.  Some gratitude..."

  "Give it a rest, Ar.  Mortals always have to be melodramatic.  It makes them feel better, or something."

  "I thought maybe you were losing your touch. Your slips are beginning to show, my dear."

  "Watch it turkey, or I'll remove that spell and you can kiss your little war goodbye."  Aphrodite put her hands on her hips, daring Ares to cross her.

  "I doubt it.  You'll lose your stake in our little drama."

  "I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about."  Aphrodite looked around the room nervously; anywhere but at her brother.

  "I suppose the fact that if Ambracia and Corinth join forces you'd lose a lot of your temples to Athena never crossed your mind?"  Ares mimicked her by standing with his hands on his hips, tossing his hair back.

  "Shopping...I'm going shopping...Later!"  With a theatrical wave of her hand, she was gone.

  "Sisters -- can't live with 'em, can't kill 'em.  Ares mumbled to himself as he resumed studying the assembled cast of characters below, preparing for the next act.

  Unbeknownst to him, however, the understudy was taking full advantage of the leading lady's absence.  Flexing her fingers gracefully, Athena waved her hand.  Sitting back on her throne, she smiled wickedly.

   Fioursi chose to eat with the crew rather than returning to their quarters immediately.  For a short while, she was able to forget the weighty decisions she eventually was going to have to make.

  Finally, she couldn't stall any longer and she returned to their cabin with food for both men.  Hercules and Iphicles ignored her as they ravenously tore into their meal.  Hoping to remain inconspicuous,  Fioursi lay down on her bed, turned away from them and pulled the blanket tightly around her.  Willing herself to sleep, she soon felt the darkness envelop her.

  Some time later she awoke to the moans.  Thinking Iphicles was in pain she almost got up... until she heard Hercules' soft groans in response. Fioursi bit her lip trying to keep silent.  A sudden, unidentifiable twinge caused her to shudder.  Urgently trying to hold back a sob, she was forced to acknowledge her jealousy.

  After what seemed like an eternity, they fell asleep.  She moved silently toward the door, stealing a quick glance at their intertwined bodies.  Immediately the tears began to well up in her eyes.

  Once up on the deck, she looked around for a place to hide.  Spying a darkened corner, she sat down and finally allowed the tears to flow freely.  Fioursi attempted to make sense of the hopeless situation, she blamed herself for.  The more she tried to analyze her predicament, the harder she cried.  Added to the equation, was the fact that the two men she was inexplicably drawn to were also attracted to each other.

  She knew there was no future with either of them, no matter how strong the magnetic attraction, yet she felt helpless to escape from the intoxicating passion they had awakened in her.  Interspersed among the growing despair was some rational thought, however fleeting.  Fioursi agonized over her decision.  She needed to put as much distance as possible between them and herself once they landed in Corinth.

  Huddling more tightly against the corner, she mentally memorized each detail of her lovers.  Reality soon came crashing down on her as she realized that, in spite of their differences, she was only going to destroy them both.  Iphicles was fire and Hercules was water but she was ice, and ice extinguishes fire and freezes water.  Laying her head on her knees, Fioursi cried herself to sleep.

  The next morning she again entered the galley to eat with the crew. Nebula, of course, noticed the change in her cabin boy's routine. During the entire voyage Fioursi had avoided socializing with the crew whenever possible.  Now, it seemed she was hiding from something, or someone else.

  When Hercules and Iphicles walked into the galley, Nebula watched as Fioursi slid behind several of her shipmates.  The Captain shrugged her shoulders, she'd ponder it later, she had a ship to launch.

  Once underway, Nebula ascertained that they were, at most, a day out of Corinth, if the wind continued to cooperate.  Fioursi stood at the railing, looking out over the crystal water, wishing she was anywhere but on this ship.

  Finally, resigned to making the best of the remainder of the voyage, she went below to resume her duties as cabin boy.  She worked harder in the Captain's quarters than ever before.  Exhausted, she stumbled next door to her own room and crawled into her bed.

  She felt the cooling fingers tracing lines over her forehead and down her cheeks.  Warm lips pressed kisses down her neck and continued downward as her shirt was unlaced slowly.  A flush of heat raced through her veins.  Fioursi sighed deeply, turning onto her back.  Half awake now, her legs fell apart as they were liberated from the tight confines of her pants.  She was being overwhelmed with pleasure.  Her half-conscious body shuddered, and suddenly she was awake!

  His copper head was buried between her splayed thighs.  He was teasing her clit and she whimpered.  Iphicles raised his head slightly to gaze on her with lust-filled eyes before continuing his sweet torture.

  She moaned as he drove her higher and higher.  Gripping his head, she pulled him up to meet her lips.  She kissed him deeply, as she tasted her own juices in his mouth.  Suddenly feeling brave, she pushed him onto his back and moved to cover him with her body.  She licked his torso as she moved ever so slowly downward.  Gingerly, she ran her tongue around the tip of his cock. Gradually, she took in more until finally her mouth was filled with him.  As she grew braver, she moved her tongue up and down the swollen shaft.

  He watched her through half-closed eyes, barely breathing.  Throwing his head back deeper into the pillow, he groaned loudly as she grew bolder with her actions.

  "Cease!" his voice ground out harshly, as he reluctantly removed his cock from the warm cave of her mouth.

  "Did I do something wrong?" she whispered, half afraid again.

  "No...I just..."  In one fluid movement, Iphicles rolled her onto her back and quickly captured her lips.  She murmured, reassured.  Her body arched as he fastened his mouth upon a nipple.

  Fioursi ran her hands through his tousled hair as he moved slightly to suckle the other nipple.

  "Please!" she whimpered to him.

  "Please, what?" he demanded.

  "Please!" she pleaded again.

  Suddenly the door opened...
 

 Chapter Eleven

  "Iphicles! Amadeus!"  Hercules grabbed his brother by the hair, roughly pulling him off the bed.  "How dare you?"  is voice cracked with raw emotion.

  "Hercules, please don't..."  Fioursi grabbed his arm, desperately trying to force him to let go of Iphicles.

  Shaking loose from her grip, he glared at her as she struggled to cover herself with her shirt. "And you...you and him too?"  He shut his eyes tightly, struggling to maintain his composure.  He lost.  "Get out!"  The power of his anger rocked her and she quickly jumped from the bed, her hands shaking as she laced her shirt.

  Iphicles rose to his feet, his face seething. "This has nothing to do with you."  His fist connected firmly with Hercules' abdomen, forcing him to stumble backwards.

  "This has everything to do with me..."  Hercules regained his balance and retaliated by landing a combination of punches to his brother's jaw.

  Frightened by the increasingly heated exchange between her lovers, Fioursi escaped out the door.  Neither man saw her leave.

  They also weren't aware when Ares materialized in the room. Invisible, he moved about freely.  From his vantage point he watched as Iphicles pummeled Hercules' chest.  "Owww... I'll bet that hurt."

  As Hercules wound up and delivered a blow which sent Iphicles flying, Ares was practicing his air boxing.

  The room sparkled as Aphrodite appeared.  "What are you doing here, Ar - getting pointers?"

  "I just wanted to get up close and personal.  This is great.  I couldn't have planned it any better."

  "Uh, Ar... you did plan this."


  "You're not going to win this time."  Grabbing Hercules' head firmly with his hands, Iphicles issued a vicious head butt which sent his brother reeling.  "She's with me!"

  "Not in this lifetime."  The uppercut sent Iphicles flying backward against the wall.  "You're never satisfied... with what you have...you always blame me for your shortcomings."  Hercules' breathing was becoming more labored as he stumbled.  "Amadeus wants to be with me."

  Ares narrowly avoided being bowled over as Hercules was dropped at their feet.

  "Come on Herc, get back in there."  Aphrodite knelt down beside him, urging him to get up.

  As she stood back up, Ares heard a metallic clinking coming from his sister.  "Have you taken to wearing gold panties, my dear?"

  "Oh wow!  What a cool idea.  Nah, I'm holding the pot."  Seeing the blank look on his face, she shrugged her shoulders.  "The point spread favors Herc.  Apollo's been drumming up some good action up there.  Hermes, of course, is betting the babe will break it up."

  Hercules hoisted Iphicles over his head and spun him around before letting him fall.  In response, Iphicles reached out, grabbed Hercules' ankle and sent him sprawling.  "I'll take the king and the points," Ares called out, not missing a beat.

  Just then, Hercules landed a blow to his brother's chest.  Aphrodite glanced over at Ares and smirked.


  Leaning against the wall, Iphicles waited until his brother moved in closer.  Bending his knees, "I'm tired..." he quickly straightened them, "...of everything..." kicking Hercules across the room "...going your way.  The big hero..."  He stood up, gasping for breath, and surveyed the room for something to use as a weapon.  "Let's face it, Hercules...if she wanted you...why is she with me?"

  Hercules paused momentarily, allowing Iphicles' question to sink in. "She's always come to me willingly.  Obviously you're forcing her..."

  Taking full advantage of his brother's brief lapse in concentration, Iphicles picked up the closest chair and smashed it across Hercules' shoulders, driving him to the floor again.  "Did she look like she was being forced?  Give it up and leave her alone."

  "My, my...what a mess."  Ares stepped over the pieces of debris.  "I think it's safe to say, it's time to prepare the troops for battle."  He made a move to leave, but couldn't take his eyes off the scene before him.

  Aphrodite was busy, on her knees, trying to count Herc out.  Before she could reach three, however, he rolled over to his side.

  "Damn!"  Ares spun around in frustration.  "I was THIS close!"

  "And they say this stuff is fake?"  She waited for the next takedown.

  "Uh, oh..."

  "Uh, oh what?  Ar, what uh, oh?"

  "I'm not sure, but I don't think this is the 'babe' Hermes had in mind."


  Iolaus burst into the cabin to investigate the commotion.  It only took an instant to take in the scene before him. His friends were beating each other to a bloody pulp.  Immediately, he threw himself between the two warring brothers.

  "What in Tartarus do you think you're doing?"

  "Get out of the way, Iolaus!"  Hercules grabbed Iolaus' arm and roughly pushed him away.  Drawing back his arm, he prepared to resume his assault on Iphicles.

  Iolaus was faster and again moved between them.  "Why are you two trying to kill each other?  This makes absolutely no sense."

  "My brother is delusional, thinking he can have Amadeus, when she obviously wants me."  Iphicles spat out, glaring at Hercules.

  "She wants me and you can't accept it..."

  "I don't believe this.  You two are fighting over a whore?"

  Suddenly, Iolaus found himself struggling to breathe as he was lifted up by the throat.  "Take it back, Iolaus.  You won't talk about her that way."  Hercules flashed a murderous stare at his friend.

  "Okay, okay..."  Iolaus gagged, fighting for air.

  Hercules released him unceremoniously, allowing him to drop to the floor.

  Iolaus sat on the bed, rubbing his neck, studying the dark, foreboding looks on their faces.  "This isn't going to solve anything."

  "You obviously aren't surprised Amadeus is a girl."

  "Give me some credit, Herc.  I do know women.  There's a little matter of a missing Adam's apple."

   "And 'knowing women' qualified you as an expert in whores?"  Iphicles growled dangerously at Iolaus.

  "I've known most of the times when either of you have been with her. I've seen her sneaking about, hiding from one of you, in order to see the other.  It doesn't take a genius to see what's she's doing."

  "What's she doing, Iolaus?"

  "She's using you Herc as well as you Iphicles.  I don't know what's in it for her, but I don't trust her at all."

  "Let it be, Iolaus.  You don't need to be in the middle of this."

  Finally, Iolaus was able to establish a fragile truce between the men.  He forced them to talk to each other, although they clearly wanted to settle the matter with their fists.

  He walked back and forth between the two, carefully trying to avoid the broken furniture strewn across the floor.  "So what do either of you know about this girl?  Who is she?  Where does she come from?"

  "It doesn't matter."  Iphicles growled as he began dressing.

  Hercules shrugged his shoulders in response to Iolaus' questions.  "So neither of you knows anything about her.  Did you think to ask why she's disguised herself as a man?"

  "She wouldn't answer me."  Hercules reluctantly admitted.  He started counting the boards on the cabin floor, wishing to escape Iolaus' intense scrutiny.

  "I'm assuming from your outbursts that both of you fuc... ah..slept with this mysterious girl and this is the first you found out about the other one.  You do realize that she knew and chose to lie to each of you?"

  "She never lied..."


  "Buzzzt...wrong answer."  Ares grinned widely as he went through the motions of pressing the imaginary buzzer.

  "Something tells me you're having way too much fun with this, Ar.  Ya wanna to cool your tool."

  "Yeah, maybe if I knew what language you're talking in."

  "Iphicles, she led you on by not telling you about Hercules.  That's the same as lying."  Iolaus quickly realized Iphicles wasn't prepared to listen to reason.  "Okay.  Iphicles, what are your intentions towards her?  Do you want to marry her?"

  "You know I can't."  Iphicles sighed dejectedly.  "The laws of Corinth strictly forbid the king to marrying a commoner.  Jason lost his crown because he married mother.  I plan on giving her an apartment within the palace so I can be with her."

  "As your mistress?  Amadeus deserves better than that.  I want to..."

  "So you're planning on marrying her, Herc?"  Iolaus turned to his friend.

  "I...I..I can't...I've already lost two wives.  Everyone I get close to dies.  I won't let her die."  He continued softly, lowering his eyes as he resumed counting floor boards.  Iolaus, you know my life on the road better than anyone."

  "Enough!  Listen to yourselves.  You're both ready to maim or kill each other over a girl you both claim to love, yet neither of you is willing to marry her.  Why don't you set up house for all three of you?"  Hercules and Iphicles looked at each other for a split second, as if they were considering the absurd suggestion, before glaring at Iolaus for having proposed it.  With a half laugh, Iolaus became serious again, looking from one brother to the other.  "Did it ever occur to you that the gods might have a hand in this?"


  "Ding, ding, ding! Give that man a prize.  If you figured out what was going on with the pugilist twins here, how come you didn't tell them long before this."  Ares crinkled his nose as he grinned.  "And you claim to be their friend..."

  "This is like so over the top for you, dude.  I'm starting to get worried."

  "What?  No, I haven't thought about it," Hercules finally admitted.

  "Maybe Cupid hit you with one of his arrows.  Remember when you fell in love with Psyche?"


"Sorry Sweet Cheeks, my baby boy wouldn't have wasted the arrows. It's not like he buys them in bulk, or anything. Sorry Ar, I just couldn't let them take cheap shots at Cupie".

  "Iolaus, he would have had to hit all three of us."

  "Okay.  Have you pissed Aphrodite off lately?"

  "Not that I know of.  This isn't her style.  She needs an angle and there's not one here.  She doesn't have any need for Iphicles and me. Certainly Amadeus isn't a threat to her."


  "Oh there's an angle, all right, bro.  You're just too blinded by love to see it."  Aphrodite giggled as she clapped her hands together in glee.  "But Curly here is getting warmer."

  "Any warmer and my plan will go up in smoke."  Ares began furiously pacing in the cramped cabin.  "Damned irritating blondes"


  "Yeah, it's a long shot, but try to follow me here -- what if Aphrodite had help with this?  Someone who wanted you and Iphicles at each other's throats.  Herc, you have to admit you have quite a dysfunctional family."

  "And thanks for reminding me."

  "No, seriously...I'm also thinking it was planned to be bittersweet for you both.  I guess you could say they have a heart."

  "Well, that leaves out Ares."

  "Why?"

  "He doesn't have one," Hercules responded simply to his brother.


  "Owww!  Low blow brother.  And just when all this love stuff was starting to move me to tears -- NOT!!

  Looking over at his sister, Ares waved his hand up and down in front of her face.  He got no reaction.  "Ok, I'm outta here.  Wars to start, people to kill, yadda, yadda..."  In a flash he was gone.

  "What?  Oh yeah...right behind you, Ar."

  Iphicles stood by quietly while the other two were trying to solve the puzzle, rarely offering an opinion.  Finally he looked directly at his brother through bruised, swollen eyes.  "And what about us?"
 

 Chapter Twelve

  Once outside the room Fioursi stood in the narrow hallway, slumped against the wall.  Suddenly fearful of detection, she rapidly ascended to the top deck where, once again, she found herself in need of a place to hide.  Looking up, she discovered the one, relatively safe haven on the ship -- the crow's nest.  Silently, she climbed the ropes, grateful for the darkness to cloak her movements.

  Pulling herself over the side, she collapsed on the wooden floor. Uncontrollable spasms racked her body as she completely released all her pent up frustrations.

  When the last of the violent tremors eased, Fioursi stood up, momentarily contemplating throwing herself from the lofty perch. Instead, she composed herself and implored Athena to help her.  She found herself growing agitated as she mentally warned the goddess this would be the last chance to redeem herself in Fioursi's eyes.

  "Hah, like ‘Theni's gonna help her.  Maybe she could help sweetie pie with a new hat, but she won't get very far trying to break one of my spells."  Aphrodite blew on her bent fingers before rubbing her nails briskly over her chest.

  Ares strode into his temple, directly towards his sister.  "Awfully proud of yourself, aren't you?"

  "Oh, and you're not.  You look like one of Hera's peacocks strutting through that door.  I swear Ar, I'll never understand this macho war thing."

  "We could be here for all eternity discussing what you don't understand.  As for my 'war thing', my army is approaching Ambracia as we speak.  Without the assistance of the Corinthian warriors, they don't stand a chance.  Ah, I just love the smell of blood and gore and guts first thing in the morning..."

  "Ecch...that is like so groddy!  You are one sick puppy, Ar." Aphrodite began shaking her head in disgust when she remembered something.  "You had better make sure these grungy warmongers don't mess with my temples."

  "This is an army, my dear, not a bunch of temple virgins tiptoeing around."

  "If so much as a vase is broken..."

  "You'll what?  Dress them in copies of that skimpy little pink number?  Oh, I'm quaking in my boots."  He brought his hand to his mouth and began shaking in mock horror.

  "Stop it!"  She stomped her foot so hard, she broke the heel of her sandal.  "Arghhh... now look what you made me do."

  "I don't need to listen to a hysterical woman..."  Without so much as a backward glance, Ares was gone.

  "Hysterical huh?  I'll show you hysterical, buddy."  With an angry wave of her hand, Aphrodite vanished too.

  Iolaus slowly climbed the stairs outside the cabin, still digesting all he had learned.  The thought of Hercules and Iphicles together disturbed him more than he wanted to acknowledge.  So focused was he on his surveillance of Fioursi, he completely overlooked the apparent attraction between the brothers.  Trying to analyze the plethora of emotions flooding his brain, he reluctantly admitted this went way beyond just astonishment.  What was it?  Jealousy?

  Unfortunately, this newly found discovery was going to have to wait to be deciphered later.  Iolaus was determined to find Fioursi and get some answers from her.  He only hoped that in his absence Hercules and Iphicles wouldn't kill each other.

  It wasn't until after he had thoroughly searched the ship twice that he thought to look up.  Scaling the ropes, he peered into the crow's nest and made out the figure resting against the side.  Climbing in, he placed his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it roughly.  It didn't take much to figure why he was there. Fioursi looked at him angrily, but quickly fought the impulse to throw him over the side.

  "Well, you certainly have stirred up a hornet's nest down there."

  "Oh right, this is all my fault?"  Fioursi's eyes narrowed as she studied his face in the fading moonlight, wondering where he was going with this.

  "They're bent on killing each other because of you."

  "Look, I didn't ask for any of this and I certainly don't have any idea why it's happening."  Fioursi stood up, her back to Iolaus, grasping the railing so hard her knuckles turned white, in an effort to control her rising anger.

  "I'm not going to let you..."

  "So now you're my judge and jury?"

  "I won't allow you to further destroy the bond between two brothers, who also happen to be my friends."

  "Brothers?..."  Fioursi continued to keep her back to Iolaus, preventing him from seeing the surprise on her face.

  "Don't pretend you didn't know," he spat out.  "Maybe Hercules and Iphicles bought your sweet, innocent act, but I don't."

  She quickly spun around and stared coldly at him.  "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?  I could..."

  "You could what?  You're hardly in a position to be making threats. The way I see it, you're running because of some trouble you've gotten into and judging from the extent you've gone to in disguising yourself, I'd say it wasn't something minor.  What was it?  Theft?  Stealing someone's husband?  That seems your style."

  "Oh, that's a good one.  Does storytelling come natural to you, or do you have to work at it?  Listen, someone like you wouldn't understand, so there's very little point continuing with this conversation."

  "Try me."

  "Fine.  My father was arranging a marriage for me that I wanted no part of.  I disappeared; end of story."

  "Now who's the storyteller?  You really should try to come up with something a bit more imaginative."

  Aphrodite was angrily pacing the floor of her room when Athena approached.  Periodically she would pause and throw another dart at the large board across the room.  Athena chuckled loudly when she saw the dark image emblazoned on the target.

  "What's the matter, little sister, trouble in paradise?"

  "Don't you start on me, 'Theni.  I'm bummed out enough as it is." Aphrodite aimed another dart, released it and watched as it embedded itself in the sculpted cheek of the image.

  "Would you like me to tie him against the wall while you use the real thing for target practice?"

  "Yeah right...as if...  So are you here to taunt me as well?

  "No, as a matter of fact, I'm here to help."

  Aphrodite eyed her sister suspiciously.  "The last time I checked, Tartarus hadn't frozen over."

  "Fine, if you don't want my help, I'll just leave.  Just remember, I know all about the game you two were playing."

  "It was all Ar's idea.  Him and his war gig."

  "And messing with the princess was all his idea, I suppose?"

  "Sure, he like wanted to mess with Herc's head and cause some friction between him and his brother and Ar thought the royal babe would come in handy."

  "He crossed the line when he involved the girl in his scheme.  She has been under my protection since she was a child.  Your game has nearly cost me her loyalty."

  "My game?"  Aphrodite's eyes darted around the room nervously.

  "Do I really need to point out your involvement in all of this?  Love at first sight is an interesting concept, however, this is a bit much, don't you think?"

  "Hey, they're both good looking dudes..."

  "Aphrodite, please..."

  "Okay fearless leader, what's your plan?"  Aphrodite stood rigidly and saluted her sister.

  "Fioursi and the boys are going to be parting company."

  "Oh sure...like she has a choice.  You forget my spe...  I mean why would she want to do that?"

  Athena laughed at her sister's discomfort at almost admitting her guilt.  "I've already put the plan in motion.  Observe..."  Where once there was a solid marble wall, there was now an area with a view of the ship.  The two goddesses watched as Fioursi and Iolaus continued their argument.


  "So was it your plan from the start to set them against each other, or did you really think you could have them both?"

  "No, they don't figure into...I can't marry a...I mean, I'm not interested in..."  She continued to stammer, not knowing how to explain without giving away her secret.

  "I thought so!  You've got them both wrapped around your finger, and all the time you're just toying with their emotions.  You really are a cold hearted bitch."

  "You WILL pay for that, little man.  You can count on it."

  "Yeah, yeah..."

  Annoyed with his single-minded behavior, Fioursi turned away, watching the imminent sunrise.  "I'm so glad you have me all figured out.  For what it's worth, I do care for both of them.  I didn't want any of this to happen, but it did."

  "Neither of them will go with you..."

  "You sound awfully sure of yourself.  I don't think the decision is yours to make."

  "Maybe not, but I'll do my best to prevent it."

  Spinning around angrily, she glared at him fiercely.  "I wonder what the Captain sees in an annoying guy like you.  I hope for her sake the sex was worth it."

  Her head snapped back from the force of the slap.  As she rubbed her cheek, she felt the heat rising from the outline of his hand.  Fioursi's pride prevented her from crying out.  She wouldn't allow Iolaus the satisfaction of seeing any weakness on her part.  "Do you feel better now?" she challenged.  "I'm not a threat to your friends.  You, on the other hand, I should have tied to a post and flogged for your arrogance."

  "This should be good.  Do I have time to send out invitations?  And just how are you going to arrange for this?"

  "I...I mean, if I was in a position to do it, I'd have you whipped."

  He eyed her suspiciously, wondering for the first time if she had been drinking.  Without missing a beat, he returned to their earlier conversation.  "Neither of them will go with you.  Hercules and I are a team.  He won't give that up for the likes of you.  There are too many people who depend on him...on us."

  "What are you mumbling about now?"  She desperately wished he would stop talking and just leave her alone.

  "You know, Hercules...half-god...son of Zeus."

  Fioursi twisted back around, trying to digest the second shock Iolaus had dropped on her.  "Well sure, everybody knows who Hercules is," she tried to lie smoothly.  Gazing out over the ocean, she urgently wished she was anywhere but here.

  Iolaus was still seething as he stared at her back.  He was even more convinced he was correct in his assessment of her.  "You can give up any ideas about Iphicles too," he spat out.

  "What are you, their self appointed guardian?"

  "He won't be allowed to have anything to do with someone like you.  He is, after all, the ki..."

  "Land!  I see land!"  Fioursi yelled as loudly as she could to alert the crew, drowning out Iolaus.

  The entire ship sprang to life as the crew prepared to make landfall. Fioursi scampered down the ropes, anxious to escape Iolaus' unnerving presence.  Spotting Nebula emerging from below deck, she hastened to her Captain's side to await orders.


  "Ok, I'll give...what's the big deal about little miss doing a slow boil with Sweet Cheeks?  It's Herc and kingy she's all hot and bothered over."  Aphrodite had an extremely puzzled look on her face.

  "That 'slow boil,' as you call it, will ensure she gets as far away from the boys as possible."

  "Oh sure, and where are these wild horses that are gonna drag her away?"

  As patiently as possible, Athena tried to explain to her dense sister about logic and rational thought.  "Her pride has been wounded by Iolaus.  She's also worried that Hercules and Iphicles are going to believe his story.  She won't want to stick around and deal with that, despite how she feels about them."

  "So you blinded her with wisdom?"

  "You don't get... Yeah, something like that."

  "So enlighten me, oh wise one, how this is payback for Ares?  Isn't this what he wanted all along, to divide and conquer?"

  "Ares' problem is that he can't see beyond his ego.  Otherwise he would have realized that Ambracia can get help from Corinth without any marriage."

  "Well no duh!  But I don't think anybody has informed kingy of this plan yet."

  "All in good time."  Athena made a mental note to remember to ensure Iphicles' cooperation later.

  Dreading more of Iolaus' wrath, Fioursi did her best to avoid Hercules and Iphicles as the ship drew closer to shore.  She did cringe, however, when she first saw them on deck.  She wondered if there was a spot on either of them not covered with bruises.  Don't go there, she warned herself.

  Watching the harbor grow larger as Nebula expertly steered the boat towards the dock, Fioursi continued mentally to plan for her escape. Over and over she reworked her idea in her head and by the time the ship pulled up alongside the dock, she began to set it in motion.

  Once the ship was moored to the dock, Fioursi quickly entered her cabin to gather her meager belongings and nearly tripped on all the debris scattered through the room.  One she returned to the upper deck she slowly approached Nebula.  Lowering her eyes she struggled for the words she needed to say.

  "Captain...I, uh...I'm going to leave your crew.  I can't thank you enough for taking a chance on me.  I've learned so much, but I think my future lies on dry land."  Fioursi spun around and headed for the ramp before Nebula had a chance to stop her.  Throwing her bag over her shoulder, she ran over the dock and disappeared rapidly amidst the
people mingling near the waterfront.

  Hercules and Iphicles had been helping the crew secure the ship before they had a chance to gather their things.  They were completely unaware of Fioursi's departure.  As they emerged from their quarters they found Iolaus and Nebula up on the main deck.

  "Well, I definitely can't say it's been boring sailing with you Nebula."

  "Anytime, Herc.  You're always welcome.  And next time I promise you I'll find something to hold your attention better.  I apologize again, Your Highness, for the delay in..."

  Iphicles was busy scanning the deck.  Nebula put a hand on his upper arm.  "She's not here," she responded to his unanswered question.

  Hercules was headed towards the stairs when Nebula spoke.  "She's gone, Herc."  She caught the dejected looks on the brothers' faces.

  Pivoting, Hercules glared at Iolaus while addressing Nebula.  "I suppose he told you all about her?"

  "Yeah...Listen Amadeus was one great cabin boy... woman...whatever. Anyway, she left so quickly, I didn't get a chance to pay her for her services.  If you catch up with her, would you please give her this?" She pressed several coins into Hercules' hand and folded his fingers around them.  Iolaus mumbled beneath his breath until Hercules' dark stare silenced him.

  Iphicles was already walking towards the ramp, anxious to begin searching for Fioursi.  With a quick wave over his shoulder, Hercules moved rapidly to catch up.  Iolaus kissed Nebula goodbye before sprinting after them.

  The three of them negotiated their way through the lingering crowd. Just as they approached the center of town, a voice rang out:

  "Your Highness!"

  Although the voice was some distance behind her, she stopped dead in her tracks.  Fioursi refused to look back, however.  How could they have found her?  She broke into a run, quickly heading away from the village.

  "Your Highness!  Thank goodness you've returned."  The courier bowed low.

  "What is it, man?"  Iphicles did little to hide his irritation.

  "The Regent is beside himself.  The Naupactian army is preparing to attack Ambracia and the Ambracian representatives are here hoping to change your mind regarding the king's daughter."

  "They can all wait."  Iphicles continued to look around for any sign of Fioursi.

  "Iphicles, you're needed at the palace.  Listen, Jason doesn't even know we're coming.  I'll tell him you were traveling with us and wanted to stop by but had official business to take care of."

  "Oh no...you just want to be the first to find Amadeus."

  "This is pointless," Iolaus observed.

  Iphicles turned back to the patient courier.  "Tell them I'll return shortly.  If they need me sooner, I'll be with Jason."

  With a quick nod the man rapidly headed in the direction of the palace.

TBC