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Ok, this story needs a little bit of
explanation. I wrote it after 'Grief', but as you will probably notice this story takes
place as I am writing 'Grief'. When I wrote it I was a member of the IML (Iolausian
Mailing List-- at least those initials stood for that then.... <<WEG>>) and
you'll see it mentioned in the story. You also get to meet my
muses, who took off afterward. :)
Hope you enjoy it!!!
Kat
Wildkat sits in front of her computer and starts to work on part three of Grief. She writes for a while before she takes a quick break and reads over what she has written so far. "Darn, I forgot about Iolaus. What is he going to do when Herc and Ares fight?" she muses. Wildkat goes on ICQ and asks CJ what to do with Iolaus.
CJ replies, "You can have him and Iphicles fight while Herc is busy with Ares."
"Yeah, but I have other plans for Iphicles," Wildkat responds.
"Well whatever you decide, I know you'll do a good job with the story," CJ answers.
"Thanks for the confidence," Wildkat states. She stares at the screen hoping for inspiration.
What do you have against Iolaus? What did he ever do to you, Iph? Iolaus is one of the family," Hercules queried his sibling.
"He's not part of our family! You and mother loved him more than me. Why was he here when she died? Why was he here and I wasn't," Iphicles bellowed. His brown eyes are clouded over. He launched himself at Hercules.
Hercules was stunned by the venom in Iphicles'
voice. He couldn't believe that Iphicles carried all that hatred towards Iolaus. Hercules
warded off Iphicles' punch. The brothers started to exchange blows. Iphicles forced the
demi-god to fight back. Hercules countered Iphicles' blows, and started to land some of
his own. Ares quaked with laughter. "This is working out too good." He
materialized at the edge of the forest and watched the melee. "My
half-brother fighting his half-brother. What a beautiful sight," he laughed.
"Hmmmm, what should I do with Iolaus,"
Wildkat thinks. "Should I go back to the beginning of part three and have Iphicles
injure Iolaus, but then the IML will really hate me." Her thoughts are disturbed by a
knock on the door. 'Kat opens the door and sees Iolaus grinning at her.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you," Iolaus states.
"You could never disturb me, you know that you are always welcome here," 'Kat answers the Golden Hunter.
"So what were you up to?" Iolaus asks the Amazon.
She responds,"I was just working on part three of Grief."
Iolaus heads towards the door, "Well I don't want to keep you from writing, I know how everyone is waiting for it."
"Don't leave! I'm having a bit of writer's block and needed to take a break from it anyway," Kat pleads.
"Ok, as long as I'm not keeping you from writing. So what's the problem? "
"I don't know what to do with you..." Wildkat confesses.
Iolaus raises his eyebrows. "I'm sure you
know what to do with me..."
Kat interrupts him, "In the story, Iolaus, in the story."
"Oh that," he laughs. " Well why don't you ask your muses for help?"
Wildkat rolls her eyes and laughs, "Them help, you must be kidding." She motions towards the four muses reclining on the loveseat with empty liquor bottles strewn around them. "They haven't done anything with this story." She ducks as a bottle comes flying at her. "Ok they wrote all of part one."
Evila looks up. "Hey we also wrote the scenes with Ares in part two, and Wykede wrote the cliffhanger for part two," the muse states.
"Ok, ok, you guys actually did write some of it, but I could use your help now," Wildkat states.
"Sorry, but we have other plans right now," Wylde responds.
Wildkat rolls her eyes and says,"Ok, whatever. Can you see why I'm having trouble with the story?"
"Well why don't we sit down and you can tell me about it-maybe I can help," Iolaus tells 'Kat.
Wildkat and Iolaus walk over to the overstuffed green couch and sit down. As Wildkat tells Iolaus about Grief, he notices how tired and tense she seems. The Golden Hunter starts to give Wildkat a massage to relax her.
"Oh that feels so good," 'Kat murmurs. "Where did you learn how to do this?"
"It's an old hunter's trick," he whispers in her ear.
'Kat giggles, "Where did you learn all these old hunter's tricks?"
"Just relax, 'Kat. The story can wait," Iolaus tells her. He continues to massage her neck and shoulders. Wildkat snuggles against him. Soon Wildkat is asleep. Iolaus carefully extricates himself off the couch and goes over to the computer. He sits down and starts to read.
Wildkat awakens to the sound of keys tapping. She gets up and walks over to Iolaus who is typing away. "What are you doing," she asks the Golden Hunter. Iolaus jumps out of the chair. "Don't sneak up on me like that," he exclaims.
"Iolaus, I asked, what are you doing?" 'Kat demands.
He looks at her sheepishly. "I was helping you out."
"Helping me how?"
"Helping with Grief," Iolaus responds. "I just thought that you needed some help..."
"Let me see what you've done..."
Iolaus decided to confront Ares. He jumped out in front of the God of War and said, "So you are the one behind this, you are the one who made Iphicles do all of these things..."
Ares looked at the blonde pest in front of him. He cocked his hand and fired a powerbolt at Iolaus. "I guess that I'll have to take care of you myself," he said.
Iolaus saw the powerbolt coming, but there was no way that he could get out of the way in time.
"Not bad, but the IML will kill me, if I hurt you. I've already left them hanging for almost a week not knowing if Iphicles was going to kill you," Wildkat proclaims.
"Don't worry about it. The IML loves FSFI fan fiction, besides I've done it..." Iolaus stops when he realizes what he just said.
"What do you mean 'you've done it'? Have you done this before?" Wildkat questions the hero.
"Ok, don't make a big deal about this, but occasionally I help with some of the stories," Iolaus confesses.
"Which stories? How many? Do any of the others know?" 'Kat throws the questions at Iolaus.
"I just help out on stories here and there. Sometimes the writer knows and sometimes I sneak in and write a scene while the writer is busy elsewhere," Iolaus calmly explains.
"But Iolaus, don't they mind?"
"Not always. Are you mad at me? You don't have to use it."
"Actually I kind of like it," she assures him.
Trouble gets off the loveseat and walks over to the computer. The muse reads what Iolaus has written and thinks for a minute. Trouble then whispers an idea into 'Kat's ear.
"Great idea, Trouble." 'Kat tells the muse. The muse nods and joins the other muses on the loveseat.
Wildkat contemplates what Iolaus has just told her. "So sometimes you help authors with their fan fiction--with or without their knowledge--right..."
Iolaus nods in agreement.
The Amazon continues"...that means...Oh my God, did you help with Barbarian Librarians 2?"
"Well yes I did," Iolaus admits guiltily.
"Does she know?"
"Yes, she does, actually I helped her decide what to put in each part," the Golden Hunter confesses.
"Then it was you who was tormenting the IML not Bwell," Wildkat concludes. "Maybe we shouldn't have been that hard on her."
Iolaus glances at Wildkat, "Well it wasn't all my idea."
"So what part did you write?"
"Do you remember 'Paks eyes grew as she watched Iolaus's wound. The point of origin was still seeping blood, but it slowly began spreading like a cracked egg. The crack in his skin spidered out and caused more of the weeping wound. '" Iolaus asked the Amazon.
"Yes, I remember that part."
"That was my idea, and I kept Bwell from telling where the wound was for several parts."
"How about BonaDea being the Iolausian water girl, was that your idea, too?"
"Nah, that was Bwell's idea. But I kinda liked having BonaDea wait upon me."
"So what other stories have you helped with?"
Iolaus smiles at Wildkat. "You know I can't tell you that."
Wildkat grins at Iolaus as she gives him a big kiss. "Are you sure?" she purrs.
"'Kat, I shouldn't..."
"Come on Iolaus, no one else will find out. It's not like I'm going to write a story about it," Wildkat pleads with the Golden Hunter.
"Well, I suppose it won't hurt anybody if I tell you, but promise that you won't tell anyone else," Iolaus demands.
"I swear," the Amazon promises.
"So who have you "helped"?
Iolaus answers,"Lots of the writers, I can't remember all the names."
'Kat thinks hard for a minute. "Did you help Locita and Captain Nate with Eel of Fortune?"
"Yes, I've helped Locita a few times. I don't think that Captain Nate appreciates me coming around though," the hunter responds.
Kat smiles at that. "So what part did you help with?"
"Uh well..." Iolaus starts.
"Don't tell me, the scene with Aphrodite, right?"
Iolaus looks at 'Kat incredulously. "How did you know?"
"Just a guess, besides there is just something about the two of you," Wildkat replies. "Did you write the scene?"
"No, I just gave Locita the idea."
"Did you help her with The Iolaus Files?"
Iolaus grins guiltily at Wildkat.
"You wrote the part about you and Dana didn't you?"
Iolaus looks sheepish. "Yes, I did."
'Kat looks at the hunter. "Are you helping her with her new story?"
"What story?" Iolaus asks.
"Opps, guess that you aren't. Forget I mentioned it, ok," 'Kat stammers.
"You are not getting off that easily, Wildkat, tell me about it," Iolaus tells her.
"Sorry I can't tell you."
Iolaus looks at 'Kat. He thinks for a minute and then flashes her his winningest smile. "Please tell me," he pleads.
'Kat responds, "Nope sorry."
Iolaus leans closer to 'Kat and gives her a big kiss. "How about now..."
"Ok, her new story involves you, a vow, and lots of women, and that's all I'm going to tell you," 'Kat confides to the hunter.
"Hmmmm, I like the sound of that story. I may have to go visit Locita," Iolaus says.
"Hey, you've got to help me with Grief first," 'Kat protests. "So what other fan fiction have you helped with?"
"Ever hear of Mind Shadows and The Captive Sleep by White Raven?" Iolaus queried.
"Yes, I loved them. They were great--I felt so sorry for you. I loved the part in Mind Shadows where she wrote: 'Iolaus crouched by the tree, gazing down into the water of the stream. The blood from his head wound, dripped into the water, distorting his image. Visions of Hercules filled his mind, also distorted. He clutched at his head, shutting his eyes. "No, no, no, no, no, no!" He rocked back and forth on his feet. "Won't let you.won't let you. Going to kill you. Going to rip your heart out!" He pulled the knife from his belt and waved it in front of him. The knife he and Hercules had forged in friendship. He got up and ran towards a tree, impaling the blade in the trunk with a scream of rage. Then he pulled it out and began hacking away at the trunk. "KILL YOU!!! HATE YOU!!!!" It was such a powerful image. Did you write that part?"
"No White Raven wrote that part, but I told her about my past and let her use it in the story," Iolaus confessed.
"Awww Iolaus." Kat pulls the Golden Hunter into a hug. "So all of those memories were real. You really felt all of that pain..."
Iolaus interrupts Wildkat," Well, some of that was White Raven's, I just gave her some facts about my past."
"Oh ok," she says relieved. "So are there any other stories that I should know about?"
"Like I said I've helped with lots of them."
"I can't believe that no one has suspected." Wildkat thinks for a moment. "Have you helped Chrysim write any of her stories? How about Battle Royale or Return of the King?"
"Well I have helped Chrysim with some of her battle scenes and don't even mention Return of the King. When I got there to help her with that story, she... she... I can't believe that she did that..." Iolaus stammers.
Wildkat gently probes Iolaus," What did she do that was so bad?"
"She...she... She wrote that Niobe married another man, but the worst part is that he was a rotten, conniving sneak who just used her for the throne. Everytime I tried to change what she had written Chrysim changed it back," Iolaus vents.
"But Iolaus, that was a great story, and you did get to take care of Talin in the end. Did you write all the scenes where you got beat up and injured?" queries 'Kat.
Iolaus just smiles at her. "I helped with Battle Royale too, but the end didn't make any sense to me. Do you know who this Mike, Mr. Hurst guy is? And why do they think that he is me?"
Wildkat dissolves in laughter.
"What's so funny,'Kat?"
"I'm sorry Iolaus, I could explain it to you, but it would be too confusing," 'Kat giggles. When Wildkat finally recovers from her bout with the giggles she pulls another chair next to Iolaus at the computer. "Move over," she tells him.
Iolaus stares at 'Kat in confusion.
"I need to sit in front of the keyboard, I want to finish up part three," 'Kat explains to the hero.
"Well, I guess that I'd better let you finish then." Iolaus starts to get ready to leave.
"Don't go! I can type as we talk, besides I need help with this fight scene between Herc and Ares," the Amazon pleads.
"As long as I'm not bothering you."
"You could never bother me."
Wildkat starts to type up the next scene in Grief. "Hey Iolaus, you helped BonaDea with Iolausian Amazons Invade Xena Territory: The Taking of Threadgills, right?"
"Yeah, how'd ya know?" Iolaus responds.
Kat looks over at him and smiles. "It just seemed to have the Iolaus touch. I loved the search for Hercules' butterknife. Great fight scene too."
"I liked working with BonaDea on it. We had lots of fun," Iolaus grins.
Wildkat rolls her eyes at Iolaus' comment. "So are you working with her and Lanfear on BonaDea's THUD Goes Bad?"
"No I'm not. What's the story about?" inquires the Golden Hunter.
"Iolaus, I 'll just say that Lan, Dea, and you are the main characters in a wonderful story that does have some bloodshed--hehehehe," 'Kat says.
The hero asks,"What's so funny?"
"You'll find out when you read the story," the Amazon promises. "Hey what do you think of this?"
Iolaus reads what Wildkat has typed. "Wow, I like it, but I thought that Grief was only going to be a three part story?"
"It was, but I thought of this cliffhanger and decided to make it a four parter instead. Uh Iolaus, Herc doesn't come and visit like you do, does he?"
Iolaus is puzzled. He replies, "Why do you want to know?"
"Iolaus twice in this part I've had Hercules look on helplessly while you are in grave danger, I think that he might be a bit angry about that," Wildkat explains matter-of factly.
"Don't worry about it. Those scenes are great," Iolaus assures the worried Amazon.
"You don't think I went to far with the scene : 'Hercules looked up from his fallen brother and saw Ares shoot Iolaus with the energybolt.
"NO!," he screamed. He watched helplessly as Iolaus was hurtled through the air. His friend's flight ended abruptly when he hit a tree. Iolaus struck the tree with a thud and landed in a motionless heap. "ARES! Why must you torment my friends and family?"'
"Nah that scene fits perfectly, but why does Ares get all of the funny lines," Iolaus complains.
"Don't worry about it Iolaus, you'll get a great line in part four. Trouble came up with this great idea after you wrote about attacking Ares," 'Kat assures the hunter.
"Ok then," Iolaus answers.
"Ok, well I better save this and send it to my beta-readers to see what they think. After I get their feedback, I will post it to the IML,"
'Kat tells her friend.
Iolaus thinks for a minute. "Hey 'Kat, tell me who Iph attacks."
'Kat shakes her head at the request.
"Come on tell me, you'll have it posted before I can tell anyone anything."
"Iolaus, there was a clue to help you figure it out. Reread it."
'Unnoticed by the two combatants, Iphicles started to regain consciousness. He shook his head and got unsteadily to his feet. He spied his sword lying on the ground and picked it up. He spotted Hercules and Ares battling. He slowly made his way to the battle. Iphicles raised his sword. His brown eyes sparkled as his sword met flesh.'
Wildkat looks at Iolaus. "So did you figure it out yet? 'Dea and I came up with it on ICQ one night when I was looking for ideas. You have to look for the clue."
"I'm not sure,'Kat. I have an idea about who he attacks, but I wanna know for sure," Iolaus cajoles .
Wildkat ignores the hunter's request. "Hey Iolaus, I'm ready for a break. Do you want anything to eat or drink?"
"Are you kidding? What do you have?" Iolaus responds quickly.
The Amazon laughs at her friend. "Come into the kitchen and see." They head into the kitchen and fix snacks. Iolaus' snack looks like a small meal. 'Kat shakes her head at him. "How can you eat so much?"
Iolaus looks down. "What? Did I take too much? You did say help myself."
The Amazon laughs,"No of course not Iolaus. I'm just surprised that you eat as much as you do..."
"Well I was hungry, I did a lot of traveling
recently," Iolaus retorts.
Wildkat answers," No problem. Enjoy it. I like cooking for someone other than myself.
Let's go sit on the couch and relax." The blonde warrior and Amazon writer sink into
the comfortable sofa. Not a sound is heard as they dig into their snacks. Once 'Kat
finishes her snack and drinks her mudslide, she turns to Iolaus.
"So I never asked, why are you here? What made you decide to come and visit me, " Wildkat queries.
"Uh I cahme ta helph ya wit da tory," the hero mumbles with a full mouth.
"Excuse me, what did ya say?" asks 'Kat.
Iolaus finishes what he was eating and whispers, "I came to help you with Grief."
"Speak up, Iolaus, I could barely hear you," the Amazon demands. Iolaus turns pale and repeats what he had just said louder this time.
"Why did you come to help with Grief? Don't you like it? Is it really that bad? The Amazon fires questions at the stunned warrior.
"Wildkat, calm down! I really like Grief. I think you are doing a great job," Iolaus attempts to soothe the Amazon.
"Then why are you here to 'help' me?" Wildkat asks as her green eyes flash with anger.
"Well you just seem to have this problem with injuring me in your fanfic. I came to help you with that," explains the Golden Hunter.
"You got hurt in The Meeting and you were suffering in Alcmene's Death, " 'Kat tells the blonde warrior.
"Come on 'Kat, you just had me get in a fistfight in The Meeting. Ok I admit that there was mental anguish in Alcmene's Death, but that resolved itself. For crying out loud you wrote an entire story where the object was to keep me from getting hurt," Iolaus states.
"You didn't like Aphrodite's Gift?"
"No I liked it, but..."
"But what?"
"How can the entire IML worry about me if you don't injure me or let them think that I might not make it? I love it when the IML is worried, then everyone wants to comfort and take care of me--so when I show up, I get lots of extra attention."
"Iolaus you are incorrigible."
"But you love me anyway," he smiles at her.
Wildkat rolls her eyes at him and grins at him. "But I did make the IML worry about if Iph was going to kill you for over a week."
"Yes you did, and it was a great start," Iolaus tells her.
"Then I take it that you 'helped' Ceryndip with What A Way To Spend a Vacation, Shawnee with Valley of the Shadow, and Yols with The Secret," the Amazon deduces.
"Well as a matter of fact, I did. How did you guess?" Iolaus asks.
Wildkat looks into his deep blue eyes. "You get beaten and/or tortured in those stories."
"No I don't, not in all of those stories, " Iolaus declares. "Remember in What A Way To Spend A Vacation, Ceryndip wrote: 'Iolaus landed in a heap in one of the stalls below. "At least the manure broke my fall. Ow!" His head hurt terribly and when he reached for his head with his right arm he was rewarded by excruciating pain when he moved it. It was broke, no doubt about it, just above the wrist. He felt his head with his left hand and it came away sticky with blood from a gash in his forehead over his right eye.'
"Ok, but you do get hurt. In The Secret all we know so far is that you've been beaten and tortured for some reason--a secret I believe. And in Valley of the Shadow both you and Herc are beaten and tortured. Remember this scene 'Vali fell back under his attack. She tripped on her robes and fell onto her back. Iolaus straddled her and she caught his wrist as he stabbed down. Moving suddenly, she bucked and rolled and their positions were reversed. She twisted his wrist, forcing the knife back toward his throat. Vali moved so suddenly, Iolaus wasn't prepared for it. She suddenly twisted his arm in a different direction, there was a sickening snap and a surge of white-hot pain shot up his arm. The dagger dropped from his suddenly numb hand as he screamed. Vali picked up the dagger. Iolaus, cradling his broken arm against his chest, watched her. She shook her head. "No, Iolaus, I'm not going to kill you. Not like this. I'm going to have you executed in front of everyone."' Did you help write that?"
Iolaus shakes his head,"No I didn't."
"So how did you 'help' them with these stories?"
"Well when Ceryndip was sick I visited her, and when she was asleep I whispered story ideas into her ear. I guess she must have liked this one. I like what she did with it. I kinda gave Yols' muse the idea to have me beaten up, so I'm not sure what to expect," Iolaus explains.
"How about Shawnee's story? How did you help her?"
Iolaus gulps, "Well actually I just snuck in and added bits and pieces just to help her along, but she doesn't know--don't tell her, please!"
"Ok, Iolaus, your secret is safe with me," Wildkat tells him.
Wildkat gets up and walks to the computer. Iolaus looks at her puzzled.
"I just want to check my e-mail, I'll be right back," she promises.
"Oh boy, my beta readers read part three and
they like it. Now I can post it!" Wildkat presses various keys on her keyboard to
send Grief part three to the IML. She decides to continue reading her mail. 'Kat starts to
giggle.
.
"What's so funny, 'Kat?" Iolaus asks the Amazon.
'Kat reads aloud,' It's a little piece of silliness my muse came up with one day when she'd gotten into the liquor cabinet, but I hope you all will like it.' Ceallach wrote this about her new story One Lump Or Two. Ha ha ha, did you help with that one?"
Iolaus frowns,"No I didn't. How's the story?"
Wildkat's reply is drowned out by the sound of
laughter from her muses.
"Oh no, don't tell me, you guys got Ceallach's muse drunk?" Wildkat groans.
"Ok, I won't tell you," Wykede states.
"You guys didn't," Wildkat asks hopefully.
"Sorry, but we are guilty," Wylde responds.
Trouble says, "Speak for yourself, it wasn't my idea."
"Come off it Trouble, you are just as guilty as the rest of us. Besides Ceallach's muse begged to join us, honest," Evila slurs.
"You guys have got to learn to stay out of trouble," Wildkat declares.
Her muses just grin and roll their eyes. Wykede grabs her drink. "Hey 'Kat we're almost out of liquor here. Run out and get us some more," the muse informs her.
Wildkat's green eyes flash darkly with anger. She growls,"I think you've had enough. If you want more get it yourself." The Amazon then goes and sits next to Iolaus. "Now do you understand why it takes me so long to write and post stories?"
Iolaus puts his arm around 'Kat's shoulders to console her. "I can see how you might have a problem," he giggles.
"Iolaus, it's not funny. My muses are out of control, and they never seem to do any work on the stories. They give me an idea and sometimes a scene or two and then they expect me to write the story," the Amazon explains.
The muses get up in a huff and walk over to the computer. "Fine, if that's the way you feel, then we'll work on your stupid story," Evila grumbles.
"Don't do me any favors," Wildkat shoots back.
Wykede mutters,"Hey I kinda like this story,Evila."
Wylde whispers,"Evila, this story isn't stupid, it was my idea."
Trouble tries to calm her sisters. "Let's just work on part four, maybe if we do a good job, Wildkat will get us some more alcohol," she cajoles.
"Fine, let's just get it over with," her sisters mutter as they begin to work on Grief.
"So Iolaus, do you only 'help' with fanfic that you get injured in," Wildkat queries the blonde hunter.
"No, I've helped in some where Hercules is injured. I helped Owlharp with Opaline Sleep, Melisande with Refiner's Fire, and Dragona with a couple of stories," Iolaus tells the bard.
"I love their work. How did you 'help' them? Did you write parts of any of those stories," the Amazon questions the hero.
"Well, I told Owlie about my fear of tight confined spaces. I also told her that I wanted to help save Aphrodite. I think the end result was quite good," Iolaus says proudly.
"I loved that story. I was upset that I missed quite a bit of it when I moved, but as soon as I hooked up my computer I went to the IML website and read all of the parts I had missed, " Wildkat remarks.
"Yeah it was great. I also gave Melisande ideas for Refiner's Fire, but I think that Mel got tired of me coming around and giving her ideas. She didn't use all of my ideas. If she had used my ideas, she wouldn't have finished the story yet," the Golden Hunter muses.
'Kat shakes her head at him. "Iolaus these stories have to end some time, and besides I liked Mel's story. I think that she did a great job with it. She is also doing a great job on all of the birthday stories. What else did you want her to write?"
"Uh well just more with me as a focus I guess," the hunter says. "More with me struggling to help my best friend."
The Amazon rolls her eyes at Iolaus. "Do you like being the center of attention that much? Come on Herc was dying, and you wanted Mel to write more about you," she declares.
"Well it does sound bad when you say it that
way, 'Kat," Iolaus mumbles in embarrassment. "But it's not like I wanted Herc to
die. I'd be miserable if anything happened to Hercules. He's like a brother to me."
"You mean like in Brothers In Arms? You were pretty forlorn in that story," 'Kat
tells him.
"Yeah, Dragona did a good job with that, but I liked the Ilea stories the best," the hunter declares.
"You would," 'Kat laughs. " I liked City of Fear and it's sequel. I loved the characters of Elena and Tim. You are so good with children. Bwell's story Uncle Iolaus also had you surrounded by adoring children."
"What can I say, people are just drawn to me," Iolaus says. He ducks as Wildkat throws a pillow at him.
"Do you mean like in Eyes of a Child? You get surrounded by a group of people and they almost kill you--actually they leave you a child trapped in a man's body," Wildkat replies.
"You know I didn't mean it that way, 'Kat," Iolaus tells her.
The Amazon giggles. "Yes I know, but I couldn't resist. Are you helping DreamCatcher with the story?"
"Not really, she is doing a great job making the IML worry about me," the hunter says.
"Yeah, I know. Bwell may have to give up her crown as Queen of Cliffhangers if DreamCatcher keeps this up too long," Wildkat replies.
"I just hope she finds a way to get me back
to normal," Iolaus worries.
"Me too. I hope there is a happy ending to the story," the Amazon answers.
The loud voices of the muses interrupt the conversation between the Amazon and hunter.
"I say we should add it," Wykede yells.
Evila bellows, "No, it won't fit!"
"Why won't it fit," Wylde asks.
"It's against his character. He is oblivious to the tension between them." Evila screams.
Trouble just shakes her head. "I'm not sure..."
"What's going on, " Wildkat yells to make herself heard over the bickering muses.
"We are trying to decide if Hercules should confront Iphicles about his feelings of hatred and anger towards olaus," Wylde explains.
"He shouldn't!" Evila declares.
Wykede growls, "Yes he should!"
"Quiet!" Wildkat screams. "Can't you guys just discuss this in a civilized manner?"
Trouble replies, "The problem is that both Evila and Wykede think that they are right. Wylde and I aren't sure what to do."
Evila glares at her fellow muses. She begins, "It is quite simple Wildkat. Hercules is oblivious to Iphicles' feelings. He wouldn't confront Iph--he'll just think that Ares made him act that way."
"But Hercules is suspicious. Remember Ares made that comment to him," Wykede states.
"What comment?" Evila asks. "I don't remember any comments by Ares."
"Probably because you didn't write it," Wildkat quips. She reads aloud: '"Ares, what did you do to Iphicles? How did you make him attack Jason and Iolaus? What lies did you feed him," Hercules questioned his brother. The God of War responded," I didn't do much, just opened his eyes a bit."
"What do you mean?"
Ares smirked," I just encouraged him to act on his feelings."
Hercules grabbed Ares by his black leather vest, " You're a liar. Iphicles would never hurt Jason or Iolaus."
"I'll admit that he needed a bit of motivation for Jason, but I didn't even have to try to get him to want to attack Iolaus. I'm a God, I don't need to lie. All I did was show Iphicles some images of things that have actually occurred. You really should treat your brother better," Ares sneered.'
"Hercules has to respond to that. He'll ask Iph what Ares meant by that--he has to," Wykede states.
"No Hercules will ignore it like he has done before," Evila declares.
Wildkat shakes her head. "So Wylde and Trouble what do you think ?"
Wylde replies," I don't know, both ways seem plausible to me." Trouble nods her agreement.
Evila stands up. "So Wildkat now you have to decide--should we have Herc confront Iph or not?"
Wildkat thinks for a few minutes. "Iolaus what do you think? I mean you know Hercules--how would he act in this situation?"
"Uh well, I'm not sure," Iolaus stammers. "Could I read the story so far and then make up my mind."
"Sure Iolaus," Kat grins at the Golden Hunter.
Iolaus starts to read Grief from the beginning while the muses continue to debate. He mutters to himself when he reads the beginning of part four, "So that's who Iph attacks..." Iolaus smiles when he reads his jokes. When he finishes reading he looks up into the expectant eyes of the muses and Amazon.
"Did you decide?" Evila growls.
"Uh well, both ways would work, I really don't know what you should do," Iolaus replies. He looks at 'Kat with regret.
"Don't worry about it Iolaus. Guys why don't we write up the scene with Herc confronting Iph--if it doesn't work we can take it out," 'Kat says while reassuring Evila.
The muses start to work on the scene while 'Kat and Iolaus relax. "So Iolaus do you 'help' with story ideas too?" Wildkat queries.
"Sometimes, and sometimes I do it accidentally," Iolaus responds.
Wildkat laughs, "Accidently? Please tell me about it."
"I shouldn't..."
"Iolaus you've already told me about writing some of the stories..."
"Ok, I guess that you are right. It doesn't matter, besides this is our secret, right?"
"Right!"
"Well one day Star and I were talking and somehow the conversation turned to dreams. We started sharing some of our dreams and somehow I guess that discussion was turned into a story," Iolaus confesses.
"Reality and Dreams?"
"Yeah that's the story, how did you know?"
"Iolaus, I've read it. I love to read especially FF that has you as a character," 'Kat explains.
A loud cheer by the muses drowns out Iolaus' reply.
"Yipee!!! It's done!!!! Finally!!!," the muses babble excitedly.
Wildkat jumps up and runs over to the computer. She hurriedly hits the save button. "Don't want to lose it now. Is it really done?"
"Yes, it's finished, the Herc and Iph scene gave us a great way to finish the story," Trouble exclaims.
"Yeah it worked out well," Evila grudgingly admits.
"Let me read it and then I'll send it to my beta readers," Wildkat says. She reads the story and smiles. "Yes, ok time to send it out for constructive criticism and then I'll post it. I think it's safe to say that it's time to celebrate."
Iolaus pulls Wildkat into a hug and kiss. "Congratulations on finishing Grief. Now that you are finally done with it do you have any ideas for your next story?"
"Yes, I'm thinking of doing a Young Iolaus story next time," she replies.
Wykede gets out some drinks for the celebration party.
"Hey Wykede, I thought you told 'Kat that we ran out," Wylde whispers.
"Nah, I just said that we were almost out. I wanted her to leave us here alone with Iolaus, but she didn't take the bait," Wykede grumbles.
"Come on guys quit talking over there. It's
time to party," Wildkat declares.
The next morning Wildkat wakes up with a headache. She checks her computer and sees that
she wasn't dreaming that Grief had been completely written. She posts part four to the
IML. Once her muses start to regain consciousness, she tells them about this great idea
she has gotten for the next story.
EPILOGUE
Wildkat sits down at her computer to check her mail. She reads the responses to her new story when there is a knock at the door. She looks over to see if one of the muses are going to answer it, but they are ignoring it.
Wildkat gets up and walks over to the door. She opens the door and sees Iolaus standing there. "Deja vu," she thinks. "Why does this seem so familiar? Oh yeah I wrote it in my story." 'Kat smiles at Iolaus. "Hi Iolaus," she says aloud. "Nice of ya to come and visit. Come on in."
Iolaus stomps in the door. His blue eyes flash with anger. "'Kat, how could you do this to me," he growls.
Wildkat looks at the Golden Hunter in confusion. "Iolaus, what are you talking about? What have I done to upset you?"
"Your story!" Iolaus snarls.
"What about it? Didn't you like it? Was it that bad?" the Amazon lobs questions at the enraged hunter.
"Wildkat, I told you that stuff in confidence. You promised not to tell anyone about my 'helping' with those stories," Iolaus seethes.
Wildkat shakes her head, "But that idea just came to me after I finished Grief. I had some drinks with the muses..."
Suddenly understanding dawns on Wildkat. "You mean all that stuff really happened? I just thought I had too much to drink. Oh Iolaus, I'm so sorry, if I had realized that..."
A muffled laugh interrupts 'Kat.
Wildkat turns towards her muses. "You guys knew and didn't tell me. That's it--no more alcohol for you. Iolaus, I'm so sorry, please forgive me."
Iolaus looks at the remorseful look on 'Kat's face. "Ok I forgive ya--this time." He smiles and pulls her into a hug.
"Don't worry about it Iolaus. The people who know that you 'help' with the fanfic won't tell, and the others will just think that I have a great imagination," Wildkat assures him.
Iolaus grins and says,"Yeah, I guess that you are right. I really liked the story, sorry I was so gruff earlier. I always knew inside that you wouldn't just break your promise to me."
"I'm so sorry Iolaus. I really did think that it was all an alcohol induced dream," Wildkat tells the hunter. "Since you really did 'help' with some of the stories, could you tell me what Joxer said that was so funny in Barbarian Librarians 2?"
"I shouldn't."
"Aw come on, Iolaus. I know you want to..."
"Alright," the Golden Hunter says. He whispers into 'Kat's ear. "I can't believe he said that," the Amazon giggles uncontrollably.
"Just remember that you promised not to tell," Iolaus reminds his friend.
"Sure Iolaus, it's not like I'll write a story about it," Wildkat dissolves in giggles.
Iolaus gives 'Kat a strange look and then joins her in laughter.
THE END