PROLOGUE TO "UNDERWORLD"
"We're fine. Thanks for asking".
Over the past two years, Iolaus had gotten used to saying this. It had become a habit. Since Ania had died and taken their second son, Aeacus, with her, it seemed that half the world was asking Iolaus, "How are you and Telaus doing?"
It had started immediately, as soon as Laodice the midwife had gone back to the town and let it be known that Ania, wife of Iolaus, had not survived her second childbed.
It wasn't that he was ungrateful - the sympathy of the townspeople was genuine. Ania had endeared herself to many, with her sweetness and her stubborn determination to become a model wife. He understood that. It was part and parcel of what made her so dear to him. But every time he'd had to answer that question, it seemed that the pain of her loss would flare up again deep inside him. So he took refuge in that brief phrase and an even briefer smile, and eventually it became automatic. And, after time, it even took on a semblance of truth.
He WAS fine. He had to be. The work that needed to be done allowed no time for collapsing in idle grief. He had crops to tend and animals to feed. He had a motherless child to be strong for.He could work himself into exhaustion and lose himself in the demands of life, and the pain of his loss slowly lessened, never completely disappearing, but becoming like an old, scarred-over wound that would only hurt if you prodded directly.
Daily life assumed a new and eventually comforting rhythm. He would awaken automatically, before the sun rose or the cock crowed, and check on Telaus in his little bed. He'd stir up the fire that he had carefully banked the night before, and set the water to boil to make the breakfast barley gruel. Telaus would awaken, and Iolaus would send him to the well to fill the water jar. It was also Telaus' job to feed the chickens and collect any eggs. By that time breakfast would be ready - cheese, dried fruit and barley gruel sweetened with honey from a secret hive that Iolaus had found in the woods. In good weather they would eat under the grape arbor at the front of the house. The day's round of chores would begin - milking the goats, tending the crops of barley and wheat in the fields, pruning the vines, collecting the olives from the trees behind the house. One day a week Iolaus and Telaus would head for the woods to chop and gather firewood, and maybe snare a few rabbits along the way. Now and then Iolaus would fire up the forge in the barn and take whatever ironwork the townspeople would bring his way - mostly repairing farm implements. Telaus would work the bellows, and it made Iolaus' heart sing to watch his son growing stronger and able to pump for longer and longer periods of time. At the end of the day they would head back to the house for dinner - perhaps rabbit or fish, olives, flat bread that the townsfolk paid for ironwork with, and watered wine for both of them.
It was hard work, but they were surviving. Iolaus missed seeing his best friend Hercules as often as he used to, but he faced the reality that both of them now had other obligations. When they did meet up, they would swap loud and boisterous stories about their latest farming disasters, much as they used to trade stories about fighting monsters. Now and then, Iolaus found himself hankering for those wild days, but then he would look out at his green fields or at the fire shining in Telaus' golden curls, and he would call himself a fool. This was his life now, and it was a good one. He was fine. He was careful always to thank people for asking.
Fade in:
The history of the world
A dynamic montage of molecules, fossils, waterfalls, creating a pleasant valley. Elements of the world to come: a shambling BEGGAR who is Zeus. A temple image of the beautiful, formidable goddess HERA who holds a PEACOCK FEATHER in hand.
They illustrate a SCROLL read by a disembodied VOICE...
VOICE
IT WAS A TIME BEFORE ROME
AND BEFORE GREECE,
BEFORE BABYLON AND GILGAMESH,
BEFORE NOAH AND THE CLEANSING
OF THE FLOOD.
INSTEAD OF ONE GOD
THERE WERE MANY GODS,
AND THEY PLAYED MAN
FOR THEIR SPORT.
AND THE PEOPLE HAD ONLY A WORD
FOR THEIR DELIVERANCE.
AND THAT WORD WAS...
HERCULES.
Images begin flashing:
A GIRL OF FIVE being led away from a village. A FUNERAL PYRE raging in the night. A HOLE bursting up through the ground, like a flameless EXPLOSION. A WOMAN standing atop a HIGH CLIFF, her gown flowing in the wind. A flittering BLUE-STONED MEDALLION. An ARROW whistling through the air. A mysterious HOODED MAN. SIX RED EYES flowing in the darkness. And WORSHIPPERS prostrate before a temple under mocking LAUGHTER from above the clouds.
DISSOLVE TO:
CLOSE-UP as a hand steadies a rough WOODEN POST. A huge HAMMER swings down -WHAACK!- driving it into the ground.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL the dirt MAIN STREET of a VILLAGE where TWO MEN are staking out a large square. The BIGGER MAN swings the hammer, looking mean. The Smaller Man holds the posts -he’s weasely-lookng, with a PINCHED FACE. WHACK! WHACK!
CURIOUS ONLOOKERS appear from nearby BUILDINGS and the Village’s busy MARKETPLACE. WHAACK! WHAACK!
Pinched Face smiles to himself, expertly guaging the Crowd’s interest. Waiting. Waiting. Then, when he knows it’s at it’s peak, he twirls around with the flair of a CARNIVAL SHOWMAN.
PINCHED FACE
Who are these men? And what do they bring to your tiny town?
People exchange glances, DRAWING CLOSE. As Pinched Face talks, the Bigger Man LIMPS from post to post, circling them with a ROPE.
PINCHED FACE (cont)
Is it entertainment? Is it opportunity? (pregnant pause) Perhaps it’s a chance to win a prize?.
The Crowd murmurs excitedly, surrounding the Two Men and the crude BOXING RING they’ve erected. Pinched Face spreads his arms wide.
STRANGER (cont)
Well, ladies and gents, we’ve brought you all three! If you wish...if you dare, take a chance and step into the ring with Eryx the Boxer!
On cue, the Bigger Man PUFFS HIS CHEST and STRUTS awkwardly around the inside of the ring.
IN THE CROWD THREE MEN push their way toward the front. A FOURTH MAN follows behind them. He walks HUNCHED with a cane, hidden beneath a dark CLOAK.
As they reach the ring, one of the Three, SESTUS, shorts out.
SESTUS
We have someone who’ll fight!
PINCHED FACE
Well, let’s stop wasting time then, Send him forward.
The Three step to the side, revealing the Cloaked Man.
SESTUS
Tell me first, what do we get? What do we win if he beats your man?
PINCHED FACE
That depends on what you wager. I’ll pay three times whatever you put up.
A MURMUR rolls through the Crowd. Sestus and his friends, OPION and CLETIS, start pulling out MONEY, confident. Others do the same.
SESTUS
I’ve got four dinars says our man’ll beat your Eryx the Boxer.
OPION
I’ve got three.
CLETIS
I’ll go five!
Pinched Face produces a SMALL BAG and begins collecting. In a few seconds, it’s nearly full of clinking coins.
The Cloaked Man, meanwhile, climbs GINGERLY into the ring.
PINCHED FACE
So. It seems we have a fight. But I warn you, Eryx the Boxer has never been beaten.
SESTUS
(laughs) That’s because he’s never faced Artus!
Sestus waves toward the Ring.
ARTUS
tosses away his cloak DISGUISE. He’s young, MUSCLED and POWERFUL, a trained FIGHTER. He throws his arms into the air. mightily.
The CROWD ROARS. Sestus and his friends break into laughter having fooled Pinched Face.
IN THE RING
Artus begins to square off against the Bigger Man. But Pinched Face suddenly STEPS BETWEEN THEM, stopping Artus with a BONY HAND.
PINCHED FACE
Not so fast, friends. We can’t start without Eryx the Boxer.
Artus looks love to Sestus, confused. Sestus jumps forward.
SESTUS
But we thought this was Eryx the Boxer.
PINCHED FACE
No, no, no...This is Eryx the Boxer.
With a chorus of GASPS and SHRIEKS, the crowd parts and the REAL ERYX THE BOXER strides forward. He’s a HUGE BEAST of a man, Seven feet tall, muscles rippling across his massive frame, his BALLED FISTS the size of ANVILS.
SESTUS
W-Wait. This isn’t fair!
OPION
You tricked us!
As Eryx steps into the Ring, Artus looks to his handlers, unsure - “What do I do?”
SESTUS
(to Artus, unconvincing) It’s alright, Artus, Show him what you got. You can take him.
CRUUUNCH!! Eryx’s first and only BLOW collides with Artus’ FACE, collapsing it instantly. The man’s DEAD BODY lands in the dirt, a crumpled heap.
ERYX
WHO’s NEXT?!
The Crowd stands in STUNNED SILENCE.
SESTUS and OPION suddenly ERUPT with anger, GRABBING Pinched Face, SHOVING him angrily against the Ropes.
SESTUS
You Bastard! You cheating bastard!
OPION
Artus was our friend!
THUUMP! THUMMP! Eryx’s huge hands CLAMP DOWN on each of them, HOISTING them into the ring.
ERYX
(grinning) Well, come on then. With any luck, we’ll get to see him again real soon.
CRUUNCH! Eryx CLASHES sestus and Opion together like a giant pair of CYMBALS! They stand stunned for a moment...then BLOOD begins to run from their ears. Their eyes roll back, THUUD! THUUD! They hit the street DEAD.
Eryx breaks into a huge BELLY LAUGH.
ERYX
Haa-haa! I’m not even warmed up yet!
IN THE REAR OF THE CROWD an OLD MAN turns to a YOUNG BOY, and whispers something into his ear The Boy nods and TAKES OFF RUNNING.
Cut to:
Ext. Hercules’ Home - Hilltop - afternoon
A LARGE HOUSE, luxurious for it’s time, sits nestled in a glade of treed on a HILLTOP. Crop-filled FIELDS spread in all directions. A BARN and CORRAL stand nearby.
DEIANEIRA sits in front of the house. As 35, she’s a beautiful, regal-looking woman, Her face glows as she watches.
HER THREE CHILDREN playing nearby. ILEA (5) tags along behind her two older brothers, AESON (9) and KLONUS (7) as they stalk through the deep grass. The boys clutch sticks like spears and BASKET-TOPS like shields, hunting an UNSEEN PREY.
KLONUS
(whispering) Aeson, where is he?
AESON
Sshhh. I don’t know.
Suddenly, a RUSTLING draws their attention. They turn and see
A LION head and mane visible above the grassline. Wide-eyed, Aeson signals to his brother.
AESON (cont)
Klonus, there he is. There he is.
The Boys raise their spears and creep toward the unsuspecting Beast. Their sister waits behind - she’s curious but SCARED.
Suddenly, with a burst of yelling, the Boys leap through the grass and ATTACK! They jab their spears into the Lion’s hide. The beast lets loose a STRANGE-SOUNDING ROAR.
ANOTHER ANGLE reveals the “Lion” to be a MAN draped with a LION SKIN. The kids shriek and giggle as he turns and POUNCES, tackling them to the ground.
Deianeira watches all of this with a LAUGH...but little Ilea looks worried. Fearing for her brothers, she lifts a TREE BRANCH off the ground and goes to the rescue.
Deianeira’s expression changes as ILEA RAISES THE BRANCH over the lion’s head.
DEIANEIRA
ILEA! NO!
Too late. Ilea brings the Branch down. CLOONK! The “Lion” lets out a surprised growl, then topples over with a THUUD! The boys step back, astonished.
Deianeira rushes over. She bends down, nudging the unconscious “Lion”.
DEIANEIRA
Honey? Are you alright? Honey?
No answer. Ilea drops the tree branch, her lip starting to QUIVER.
ILEA
Daddy?
ROOOAARR! The Lion bursts up and tackles the entire family. Everyone falls to the ground, rolling around, laughing and giggling.
Just then, a SHADOW falls over them - it’s the SMALL BOY from town. He can barely speak through his PANTING and GASPING.
BOY
Hercules. We need you.
HERCULES rises to his feet, tossing off the lion skin. We finally see his HANDSOME FACE and strong ATHLETIC BODY
cut to:
ext town - the boxing ring - afternoon
Eryx stands triumphant over the five or six DEAD BODIES now littering the ring. He’s taunting the disheartened crowd.
ERYX
Isn’t there anyone else brave enough to take me on? Isn’t anyone man enough to defend the honor or this pathetic town?
He moves down the line, singling out TERRIFIED FACES.
ERYX (cont)
What about you? Huh? Or you? Or what about you?
Suddenly, a VOICE comes booming from the back of the crowd.
HERCULES (OS)
What about me?!
An EXCITED MURMUR begins to ripple through the throng - “Hercules.” The name is spoken over and over, growing louder and louder, until finally, the townspeople part to reveal... ...OUR HERO standing there.
A GRIN stretches its way across Eryx’ face.
ERYX (cont)
Well, it’s about time. I was beginning to wonder if you’d ever get here.
HERCULES
If it was me you wanted, you didn’t have to kill all these innocent men.
ERYX
(smart-ass smirk) Had to find some way to amuse myself. Besides, I couldn’t think of any other way. You’re not an easy man to find these days.
Hercules strides forward and steps into the Ring. Eryx looks him up and down.
ERYX (cont)
You know, I’ve heard a lot about you, and I gotta say, you hardly look like the strongest man in the world.
HERCULES
Sorry to let you down.
ERYX
(raising his fists) Doesn’t matter. That title’s as good as mine now anyway. Your days are over now that we’ve met.
HERCULES
Then why don’t we stop talking and get to fighting?
Eryx growls and throws a GIGANTIC PUNCH! Hercules steps back. WHOOSH! The fist sails by. Eryx eyes Hercules, then throws another. WHOOSH! Hercules steps back again.
With Hercules backed into a corner, Eryx charges with an ENORMOUS PUNCH. Hercules ducks. C-CRASH! Eryx’s fist smashes through one of the RING POSTS, snapping it clean off, sending wood splintering everywhere.
Eryx spins around, ENRAGED.
ERYX
The fight’ll get started when the famous Hercules stops running!
Hercules stops in his tracks and stands tall.
HERCULES
Who’s running?
Eryx GRINS, sensing the kill. He winds up his anvil-sized RIGHT HAND and throws a punch. WHAP! Hercules catches the fist, stopping it cold. Eryx can’t believe it. He growls and throws a LEFT. WHAP! Hercules catches that one too. They stand locked together - toe to toe, face to face - each STRAINING at full force against the other.
then Hercules begins to take the upper hand. He twists Eryx’s fists backwards, forcing him down to his KNEES.
HERCULES
(through gritted teeth) You made a mess of this village today, Eryx. Killed some good men. Here’s your chance to beg for forgiveness.
But Eryx suddenly ROLLS BACKWARDS, pulling Hercules over him in a JUDO-THROW! With is feet, Eryx launches our Hero into the air. WHUUMP! Hercules crashes down hard, flat on his back.
He gets to his feet, just as Eryx charges -WHAAAM!- slamming his shoulder into HErcules’ gut, sending both men tumbling through the ropes and OUT OF THE RING!
ANGLE ON THE CROWD
BEGGAR
The Fat Slob looks back to the fight for a moment, considering it, then...
FAT SLOB
The two Men SHAKE HANDS, then quickly turn their attention back to the battle.
IN THE STREET
But Eryx struggles to his feet. And with Hercules still on his back, he LUNGES BACKWARDS with a mighty heave. C-C-CRAAAASH! Hercules is SLAMMED against a BUILDING. The wall gives way and both men DISAPPEAR in an explosion of mud and plaster.
There’s a momentary calm. The Townspeople exchange tense glances...then -C-C-CRAASSH!- in a second explosion, Eryx comes flying out through ANOTHER WALL! K-WUUMPH! The ground shakes as he lands heavily in the dirt.
Hercules steps out. The crowd goes wild. But Eryx is far from finished. With the ease of a gymnast, he JUMP=SPRINGS to his feet. With a spin, he -WHAACK!- nails Hercules in the face with a LEAPING KARATE-LIKE KICK!
Hercules staggers back. Erxy rushes in and seizes him, and the two men launch into an all-out, no holds=barred WRESTLING MATCH to make the W.W.F. look tame.
HAMMER-LOCKS. KNEE-DROPS. SIDE-KICKS. LEG-SWEEPS. The two rivals back and stomp each other like demons. One savage blow countered by another. The Crowd watches it all, cheering and wincing, yelling and cringing.
Hercules lifts Eryx over his head and FLINGS HIM -SMAAASH!- through a MARKET STALL. Vendors run screaming. Fruits and vegetables go flying. Eryx disappears under an avalanche of HUGE MELONS and WOODEN PLANKS.
When he reappears, he’s bloodied and looking pissed-off.
ERYX
HERCULES
Hercules and Eryx TOE UP in the center of the street, fact-to-face. They stare at each other a moment. Then Eryx NODS, offering Hercules the first shot.
Hercules winds up and -WHAACK!- delivers a MONSTER blow to Eryx’s face. The Boxer is rocked for a second...then comes back -WHAAAM!- with a COLOSSAL SHOP of his own, knocking Hercules back a step.
WHAACK! WHAAM! WHAACK! WHAAM! They trade blow after punishing blow,like two towering gladiators bent on total destruction. The crowd winces and gasps with each punch - no normal men could stand this kind of punishment.
WHAACK! WHAAM! Slowly, the fight starts to turn as Eryx batters Hercules again and again. The Strongman’s knees are wobbling. Even Hercules can only take so much of the Boxer’s HUGE FISTS.
The Crowd grows quiet as Hercules sways, hands droppinglower. His eyes look dulled, ALMOST BEATEN. Eryx sees his chance. With an EVIL GRIN, he hauls back BOTH FISTS.
Through his daze, Hercules sees the LITTLE BOY who came calling for his help. The Little Boy whose town needs saving.
WHOOOSH! Eryx swings BOTH FISTS FORWARD to cymbal-clap Hercules’ head, but suddenly, our Hero swings both ARMS up and -WHAAAM!- blocks the blows!
WHAAACK! Hercules HEAD-BUTTS Eryx in the FACE. The Crowd cheers as -WHAAM! WHAACK! WHAAM! WHAACK- he sends the Boxer reeling with ONE HUGE PUNCH after ANOTHER.
Eryx staggers, faltering. His huge face puffy and bleeding. The gigantic fists drop to his sides.
Hercules winds up for the FINAL BLOW. Summoning all the godly power he’s heir to, our Hero unleashes a PUNCH that seems to explode the heavens. It catches Eryx under the CHIN, lifting him off his feet, sending him sailing up into the air.
CLOSE-UP ON THE SPLINTERED RING-POST
jutting out of the ground, as Eryx’s SHADOW grows larger and larger...and then -WHUUUMPHH- he lands, IMPALED on the Post!
Hercules stands, VICTORIOUS. The Townspeople crowd around him, CHEERING and THANKING him, PATTING him on the back.
ANGLE ON A PEACOCK
watching the action from a short distance away. It’s a gaudy, nasty, unpleasant-looking BIRD that turns it’s head in DISGUST as Hercules is praised.
HERCULES
smiles weakly and starts to stagger away, back toward his home.
Suddenly, PINCHED FACE steps in his path. He’s holding SOMETHING out of sight behind his back.
PINCHED FACE
HERCULES
PINCHED FACE
The a GRIN, Pinched Face pulls the ”prize” from behind his back - it’s a single PEACOCK FEATHER.
The Crowd looks puzzled, but it’s meaning is clear to Hercules. He SNATCHES the Feather away, then SPINS scanning the street, ANGRILY, looking for something...But he sees nothing. The Peacock is GONE.
He cuts purposefully away, through the Crowd.
CUT TO:
A small SHRINE at the edge of town. TWO PEOPLE kneel and light incense, presenting offerings of FRUIT and WHEAT.
WORSHIPER #1
Suddenly, HEAVY FOOTSTEPS interrupt their prayers - it’s HERCULES stomping forward, Feather in hand. The Worshipers back away as the Strongman reaches the Shrine.
HERCULES
Hercules stands as if waiting for some reply. None comes.
HERCULES (cont)
Hercules takes another long pause,waiting. But again,no response somes. He darkens slightly.
HERCULES (cont)
With that, Hercules gives the shrine a MIGHTY SHOVE. It falls over with a clattering CRRAASH! Offerings and incense tumble to the ground. Urns topple and shatter.
Hercules stomps off.
Suddenly, the Toothless Beggar appears alongside him.
BEGGAR
HERCULES
BEGGAR
HERCULES
BEGGAR
HERCULES
BEGGAR
HERCULES
BEGGAR
HERCULES
Hercules speeds up, leaving the Beggar in his wake. The Old Man calls after him, GENUINE PRIDE in his voice.
BEGGAR
"Do you always talk to yourself?" came a voice suddenly. "They're gonna lock you up, someday!"
Hercules whirled.
Iolaus stepped from the shadows. "Hey buddy!" he said, a grin - something that Hercules had seen very rarely recently - lighting up his face.
"Did you see the fight?" asked the demigod eagerly.
"Sorry, no! I really wanted to, but I had to go by Laodice's place first. By the time I got to the square, you'd shishkabob'ed old Eryx and were headed out of town. I tried to catch up, but then I saw you talking to thin air. I figured it had to be one of your relatives, so I didn't want to interrupt."
"It was my father".
Iolaus nodded. "Not surprising. I take it you impressed him!"
Hercules snorted. "As much as he can be impressed by anything." Something that Iolaus had said earlier tugged at the back of his mind. "You said you had to go by Laodice's place? Somebody sick?"
Iolaus' grin disappeared. "Telaus. And he's not really sick, it's just .... well, he gets these times when he runs these fevers. In the morning he'll be healthy and running around like kids do, and then by afternoon he's delirious. It's kinda scary. He says it's like someone lighting a fire in him. And then it'll go away, and he'll be fine for weeks. It doesn't seem to be a lung thing, not like a cold or the choking sickness. So I went to see Laodice and told her about it. She gave me some bitter willow bark and told me to make a tea and give it to him, next time he has any problems. Hopefully that'll help! And speaking of seeing a healer, you might want to go to Laodice yourself. You've got bits and pieces of you bleeding all over!"
Hercules wiped the blood that was trickling from his lip and shook his head. "Nah, I'm gonna go home. Deianeira will take care of me".
"And give you something for the pain?" Iolaus gave a leer and Hercules raised a hand for a playful punch to his friend's shoulder, but Iolaus swerved out of the way at the last minute. It occurred to Hercules that this was the first time he'd heard Iolaus banter about sex since Ania had died. He was glad to hear it. Maybe some of the light in Iolaus was coming back, at long last.
He settled for nodding, with a satisfied smile. "Hey, you and Telaus come by for dinner soon, OK? We don't see enough of you, these days!"
Once again a smile brightened Iolaus' face. "I'd like that. Telaus would too - he likes Deinaira's cooking a lot better than mine!"
Both laughed and set off on their separate ways.
DISSOLVE TO:
HERCULES (OS)
DEIANEIRA (OS)
PULL BACK to see we’re
int. Hercules’ Home
He sits, bare-chested, on the bed. Deianeira stands behind him. In the flickering firelight, the mood is tender and intimate, as she nurses the BRUISES and CUTS on his back.
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
HERCULES
Deianeira stops washing. She steps around in front of her husband, staring him in the eyes.
DEIANEIRA
She smiles, and begins tracing a finger along an OLD SCAR zig-zagging across his shoulder.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
She gently kisses the scar. Then her finger moves lower, sexily touching another OLD SCAR on his chest.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
Ske KISSES his neck as HER HAND SLIDES LOWER, to ANOTHER SCAR on his stomach. Things are heating up.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
A sexy, TEMPTING SMILE appears on Deianeira’s lips as she SLIDES HER HAND DOWN past Hercules’ waist.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
Hercules can’t take anymore. He reaches our and PULLS HER DOWN onto him, KISSING her hard.
As he slides her dress from her shoulders, we...
DISSOLVE TO:
A morning shot of Hercules’ house and surrounding hills - the Sun has broken the horizon and started it’s climb into the sky.
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! A POUNDING SOUND carries from somewhere nearby.
CUT TO:
Shafts of SUNLIGHT filter down on the CHICKENS and half-dozen HORSES penned in a stall. Hercules wields a heavy HAMMER, pounding a metal OX HARNESS. Frustrated, he calls out.
HERCULES
A HEAD AND SHOULDERS rises up among the horses - it’s NESSUS, Hercules’ hired hand. His face is good-looking, but weathered. His lean muscles ripple as he brushes the animals down.
NESSUS
Hercules nods, putting the Harness into the FIRE-COALS. With his foot,he PUMPS the BELLOWS. The flames crackly, glowing red-hot.
Outside the barn, something catches Hercules’ attention.
HERCULES’ P.O.V.
A CONTENTED SMILE spreads on Hercules’ face as he watches his family. He’s completely distracted from his metal work.
IN THE FIRE
NESSUS
But Hercules doesn’t answer. Nessus turns to see what has Hercules so engrossed. He rolls his eyes.
NESSUS (cont)
Finally, Hercules snaps out of his trance. He looks at Nessus. Nessus nods to the fire, sarcastically.
NESSUS (cont)
Hercules pulls the RED-HOT HARNESS out of the coals with an EMBARRASSED LAUGH.
HERCULES
NESSUS
Nessus’ words sound vaguely SNIDE. If Hercules notices, he doesn’t show it. He just SMILES.
HERCULES
Hercules steals ANOTHER GLANCE at his family, then starts pounding metal again. But after several whacks, he STOPS, obviously not happy with his progress.
HERCULES (cont)
NESSUS
HERCULES
Hercules goes over and takes the reins of the Horses, leading them out of the stall. AS their large bodies exit, we get our first
FULL VIEW OF NESSUS
He has the HEAD and SHOULDERS OF A MAN, but the body of a HORSE. He’s a CENTAUR!
CUT TO:
Klonus and Aeson are still frolicking with Deianeira up near the house. Something catches Klonus’s eye.
KLONUS
Deianeira stops and turns to see.
Deianeira pats Klonus and Aeson on the shoulders.
DEIANEIRA
The Boys take off running down toward the Barn.
CUT TO:
Hercules leads the Horses into the corral and closes the gate. As he loops the rope latch into place, he hears Aeson and Klonus pounding down the path toward him.
KLONUS and AESON
Hercules looks back over his shoulder. The Solitary figure is closer now. It’s a young woman, IOLE.
Her voice calls out weakly.
IOLE
Hercules goes toward her as her steps begin to falter. She’s weary, covered with road dirt, but without a doubt, she’s the most radiant, breathtakingly BEAUTIFUL creature you’re ever seen. It hurts just to look at her.
On a CHAIN around her neck, she wears a glittering MEDALLION set with a flawless BLUE-STONE.
Iole’s knees buckle and she begins to fall, but HERCULES CATCHES HER, lifting her up in his arms.
IOLE
CUT TO:
Deianeira sees Hercules approaching with Iole in his arms. She puts Ilea down and rushes over, CONCERNED.
DEIANEIRA
Int. Hercules’ House - day
Hercules lays Iole down on a BED. Deianeira offers a cup of WATER, but Iole pushes it away, gasping, trying to speak.
IOLE
DEIANEIRA
But Iole persists, her voice no more than a WHISPER.
IOLE
Her grasping hand finds Hercules’ arm. She pulls him closer.
IOLE (cont)
HERCULES
IOLE
HERCULES
Iole’s swimming eyes lock onto Hercules’, PLEADING.
IOLE (cont)
Iole’s eyes flutter...then she PASSES OUT. Deianeira lays her back, brushing hair from her face.
DEIANEIRA
She covers Iole with a blanket, then crosses to Hercules, who stands staring out the door.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
HERCULES
Hercules continues staring. His thoughts seem conflicted, in a QUANDRY. Deianeira touches his arm.
DEIANEIRA
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
Hercules turns toward her, slightly SURPRISED.
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
Deianeira glances at Iole, sleeping quietly in bed.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
HERCULES
Deianeira turns back to Hercules. Her eyes burn with LOVE.
DEIANEIRA
A LONG BEAT passes as Hercules and Deianeira stare at one another...
DISSOLVE TO:
TOWNSMEN crowd inside a dark, rowdy TAVERN, shouting and downing SPIRITS from worn wooden cups. Behind the crude bar, the TAVERN KEEPER fills three more from a BARREL, and sets them down for three men - IDAS, CANTHUS and ECHION.
IDAS
Canthus hoists his cup, SHOUTING to the whole crowd.
CANTHUS
Idas and Eshion join in, along with many of the others.
EVERYONE
Everyone drinks.
CANTHUS
IDAS
ECHION
IDAS
ECHION
As the Crowd cheers and drinks again, a DRUNKEN VOICE calls out from the end of the bar. Mocking. Derisive.
DRUNKEN VOICE (OS)
We pan down the bar to discover the Voice belongs to Hercules’ hired hand, NESSUS. HE looks just as drunk as he sounds.
NESSUS (cont)
The Three react to Nessus’ obviously familiar complaint.
ECHION
IDAS
Nessus
IDAS
NESSUS
The Townsmen just turn away, ignoring him. Nessus waves them off with a SNORT.
NESSUS (cont)
IDAS
NESSUS
Nessus throws a couple COINS on the bar and stumbles toward the door, again revealing his strange horses’s body.
NESSUS (cont)
Nessus staggers drunkenly out the door.
DISSOLVE TO:
Iole lies in bedk, asleep. After a moment, she rolls over, stirring. Her eyes flutter open to see
IN THE WINDOW
a FIGURE silhouetted by the moon outside, peering in at her.
Iole BOLTS upright with a startled GASP.
IOLE
IN THE WINDOW
The figure darts off into the darkness.
Just then, Deianeira ENTERS. She comes to Iole’s side with a motherly concern.
DEIANEIRA
IOLE
Deianeira goes to the window and looks out...then returns.
DEIANEIRA
IOLE
Deianeira helps Iole slide back down under the sheets.
DEIANEIRA
Iole fixes Deianeira with her LUMINOUS EYES.
IOLE
DEIANEIRA
IOLE
DEIANEIRA
Then she leaves the room.
int. Hercules and Deianeira’s Bedroom - night
Deianeira comes back into her room. She smiles to herself, seeing Hercules snoring in bed, undisturbed.
Suddenly, there’s a NOISE from outside. CLANK! CLANK!
Deianeira looks up, puzzled. Then back at Hercules, still sound asleep. CLANK! CLANK! She watches him for a moment longer, then pulls on a ROBE and leaves.
ext. Hercules’ Home - night
Carrying an OIL LAMP, and bathed in MOONLIGHT, Deianeira walks the path down toward the BARN, following the Noises.
int. Barn - Night
DEIANEIRA enters. An eerie RED LIGHT throws shadows on the walls. CLANK! CLANK! She raises the Lamp to see - it’s NESSUS, hammering on the Ox Harness.
DEIANEIRA
Nessus turns toward her, his drunken eyes WILD in the red glow of the coals. He holds up the Harness.
NESSUS
He dunks it in a WATER-BUCKET with a loud HISSSSS! Deianeira can tell he’s drunk. She goes over and gently takes the HAMMER out of his hand.
DEIANEIRA
NESSUS
DEIANEIRA
NESSUS
Deianeira eyes him. This is more than just drunk.
DEIANEIRA
NESSUS
DEIANEIRA
NESSUS
DEIANEIRA
Deianeira turns to go, but NESSUS STEPS INTO HER PATH. Close. Too close. His large body threatening as he leers at her.
NESSUS
SMAACK! Deianeira SLAPS Nessus across the face!
DEIANEIRA
Her eyes bore into him, HARD. After a tense moment, Nessus takes a step back. Deianeira heads out the door.
NESSUS
CUT TO:
Deianeira ENTERS, taking a moment to catch her breath - thinking about what Nessus said.
As she heads back toward her bedroom, she can’t help but stop to look in on Iole.
IOLE’s QUARTERS
Iole is back to sleep - a slumbering ANGEL. In the flickering lamplight, her beauty seems to GLOW, as if it could light the room by itself. It’s overpowering. Deianeira stands for a long beat, just LOOKING.
Finally, she turns to go...and finds her OWN FACE reflected in the MIRROR. Deianeira stares at herself, scrutinizing what the years have made of her beauty.
She looks down at her hands; her worn, weathered hands. They begin to tremble.
When Deianeira looks back to the Mirror, TEARS are streaming down her face.
DISSOLVE TO:
The next morning. Deianeira stands in the KITCHEN, filling a CLOTH BAG with fruits, gourds and dried meats.
Hercules enters, a clothes-filled LEATHER PACK slung over his shoulder. He smiles as usual.
HERCULES
Deianeira doesn’t look up. Hercules kisses her on the cheek.
HERCULES (cont)
Still he wife avoids his gaze. She just ands him the Food Bag without so much as a smile.
DEIANEIRA
She turns away, busying herself with straightening the room. Hercules stops her, taking her by the arm.
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
Hercules smiles warmly, pulling her into him.
HERCULES
They HUG - it’s warm and tender. When the part, Hercules notices SOMETHING outside, through the window.
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
CUT TO:
A handful of villagers have gathered in a cluster outside Hercules’ home. They’re watching Iole playing with the kids.
Villager’s P.O.V.
Iole swings little Ilea in the air, SINGING to her. Her voice is like the sweetest music. She pauses long enough to accept a FLOWER from a slightly embarrassed Aeson. He then runs back to Klonus who breaks into giggles.
IN THE CROWD OF VILLAGERS
A handsome young man named LYCASTUS watches Iole with FIRE IN HIS EYES. He’s her age. Her coloring. He looks like he wants to step toward her, and drag her away forever.
OVER BY THE HOUSE
Hercules and Deianeira exit the front door. He grabs a BOW AND ARROW from the side of the house, CALLING OUT.
HERCULES
Deianeira stops her husband. She pulls him back a step.
DEIANEIRA
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
HERCULES
Warmed by Hercules’ smile and his never-ending confidence, Deianeira’s fears melt away. She kisses him.
Iole sees them and leads the Children over. They push and shove to see who gets to hold her hand. Iole smiles at them.
IOLE
Hercules kneels down. The kids throw their arms around him, smothering him with HUGS and KISSES.
Iole turns to Deianeira. Their exchange is warm and genuine.
IOLE
DEIANEIRA
IOLE
DEIANEIRA
IOLE takes off the SPARKLING MEDALLION that hangs around her neck.
IOLE
DEIANEIRA
IOLE
DEIANEIRA
Deianeira put on the Medallion. She and Iole share a HUG.
NESSUS clomps up. He avoids Deianeira’s gaze. Hercules loads the Bags and Bow and Arrow onto the Centaur’s back.
Then he turns back to his wife for a final Hug and KISS.
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
They stare at each other for a moment...then both break into SMILES
HERCULES & DEIANEIRA
They kiss again, then, reluctantly, Hercules lets go of Deianeira. He, Iole and Nessus head down the path, through the gathered Villagers.
With her children gathered around her, Deianeira watches proudly as her husband sets off on another Labor.
DISSOLVE TO:
The village is back to normal after the Eryx fight. The Market is busy with hawking VENDORS and haggling BUYERS.
Deianeira walks among the carts, shopping. She’s completely unaware that
AN OLD HAG
is following close behind, shadowing her ominously.
DEIANEIRA
stops to examine some coloful fruits.
DEIANEIRA
The Vendor nods and wraps them up.
THE OLD HAG
circles ahead, like a stalking PREDATOR
DEIANEIRA
pays and turns to go. Suddenly, the old hag appears in her path. Her hand is clutched to her chest, HIDING SOMETHING. Her head raises up with a HISS.
ANGLE ON THE OLD HAG’S FACE
It’s wrinkled and Weary. Tears stream down her cheeks. Her moth movies, but her words seem clogged by some unspeakable grief.
Seeing the Crone’s distress, Deianeira reaches down, CONCERNED.
DEIANEIRA
The old Hag opens her clutched hand to reveal a MEDALLION. A Medallion IDENTICAL to Deianeira’s! Deianeira’s eyes go wide.
Without a word, the old Hag reaches out and takes a hold of Deianeira’s Medallion. Gripping it in her hands, along with her own, she lets out a horrible, tortured cry of anguish...then collapses to the street. Silent. DEAD.
Deianeira stands stunned. She looks around, not knowing what to do, as a Crowd gather around her.
Suddenly, a Samaritan steps from the Group. Dark-skinned, dressed in Elaborate Robes. He bends down over the old Hag.
Deianeira bends next to him, shaken.
DEIANEIRA
The Samaritan looks at Deianeira. He sees her Medallion.
SAMARITAN
DEIANEIRA
SAMARITAN
DEIANEIRA
SAMARITAN
Deianeira fingers her sparkling Medallion.
DEIANEIRA
SAMARITAN
Deianeira nods, fear starting to take hold.
SAMARITAN
DEIANEIRA
SAMARITAN
DEIANEIRA
SAMARITAN
Deianeira stares down at the dead Hag, and the Blue-stone Medallion locked around her lifeless neck.
DEIANEIRA
TH-THUMP! The fruits drop from her hands as she’s swamped by a wave of panic. She runs off into the crowd.
CUT TO:
Deianeira moves frantically about, gathering a few bites of food and clothing. Her sister, ALTHEA shadows her, concerned.
ALTHEA
DEIANEIRA
ALTHEA
Deianeira doesn’t have time or patience for a debate.
DEIANEIRA
Althea reluctantly nods. Deianeira rushes out the door...
ext. Hercules’ House - Day
She quickly huddles her children together.
DEIANEIRA
Before the kids have time to answer, Deianeira gives them a quick kiss, then rushes off down the path.
DISSOLVE TO:
The Paunius River carves it’s way through a narrow valley. It’s wide and fast-moving, not hospitable to crossing.
The sound of bushes rustling...then Nessus appears on the river bank, pushing through the thick shrubs, returning from upstream. Hercules appears from downstream. He’s holding a coil of rope.
HERCULES
NESSUS
HERCULES
Hercules ties one end of the rope around his waist, then tosses the rest to Nessus.
HERCULES (cont)
SPLAASH!He dives into the River and starts swimming, battling the swift current as Nessus pays out line.
CUT TO:
Where Iole watches Hercules swimming across. She looks radiant sitting in the sun-dappled shade. A twittering BIRD swoops down and LANDS on her shoulder. Iole smiles and pets it - the Bird is instantly tamed, nuzzling against her finger.
Suddenly, a voice speaks....
DEIANEIRA (OS)
Iole turns - it’s Deianeira walking up.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
IOLE
Deianeira reaches out, dangling the Medallion from her hand.
DEIANEIRA
IOLE
DEIANEIRA
IOLE
Iole steps forward, sympathetic, but firm.
IOLE (cont)
DEIANEIRA
IOLE
DEIANEIRA
IOLE
Just then, Hercules and Nessus appear, trudging up the hill. Hercules is wet from his swim.
HERCULES
Deianeira rushes over to him, taking him aside, away from the others.
DEIANEIRA
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
HERCULES
Deianeira can barely believe it.
DEIANEIRA
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
Hercules places a finger against her lips, quieting her.
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
Hercules pulls Deianeira in, hugging her.
HERCULES
She looks up at him. She’s calming a little.
HERCULES (cont)
He takes her face in his hands.
HERCULES (cont)
Deianeira puts her arms around him, hugging him tightly.
HERCULES (cont)
Hercules smiles. Deianeira smiles. They kiss.
HERCULES (cont)
Nessus’ jaw clenches at the quick dismissal.
Hercules gives his wife one last kiss, then grabs his bags and bow off the centaur’s back. He turns to Iole.
HERCULES
Hercules and Iole set off down the hill.
Deianeira stands, watching them as they make their way through the rocks and shrubs, down to the river. She smiles to herself, but the smile is still tinted with worry.
Nessus steps up behind her, sanding just over her shoulder.
NESSUS
DEIANEIRA
NESSUS
Their P.O.V. - looking down on the riverbank
Hercules scoops Iole up in his arms. Grabbing the rope stretched taut across the River, he begins carrying her across.
NESSUS (cont OS)
Deianeira grits her teeth, trying to ignore Nessus’ words.
NESSUS (cont)
She turns to him, betraying no emotion.
DEIANEIRA
She takes a step, but Nessus grabs her by the arm.
NESSUS
Deianeira goes to tug her arm away, but Nessus holds it tight.
DEIANEIRA
NESSUS
DEIANEIRA
NESSUS
Deianeira struggles harder to free her arm from Nessus’ grasp, but he holds on tight, now grabbing her other arm as well.
DEIANEIRA
NESSUS
Nessus pulls her in, Kissing at her neck.
DEIANEIRA
NESSUS
Deianeira finally manages to free an arm. WHAACK! She slaps Nessus hard on the face, and pulls away. He grasps for her, but catches only her cloak.
Deianeira starts to run, but there’s nowhere to go. She’s cornered by boulders. Nessus eyes her, twirling the cloak.
NESSUS (cont)
DEIANEIRA
CUT TO:
Hercules is leading Iole up the far hill when Deianeira’s screams reach his ears. He whirls around, senses immediately on full-alert.
HERCULES P.O.V.
Even from a half-mile away, clear across the river canyon, his eyes lock on the dark shapes of Deianeira and Nessus.
Iole turns around, confused. Her eyes scan the opposite bluff, unable to see anything.
IOLE
In a flash, Hercules whips the bow off his back and notches a wicked-looking arrow. With a mighty pull,he draws it back. Muscles Bulge and he aims high into the air, instantly calculating the long arcing shot across the river.
Iole is still clueless.
IOLE (cont)
Hercules hears only the wind rustle the trees nearby. He adjusts his aim with a minuscule shift then -TWWAAAAANG!- lets the arrow fly, sending it whistling skyward.
CUT TO:
On the other Bluff
Deianeira is backed against the rocks, terrified.
DEIANEIRA
A crazed snicker escapes the Centaur’s lips.
NESSUS
Nessus’ face writhes in agony as Hercules’ arrow finds its mark, piercing the center of his back.
He sways for a moment, eyes blinking, trying to comprehend what just happened - trying to make sense of the razor-point jutting from his chest. Then -THUUD!- he topples over.
Nessus lies gasping - each heavy, labored breath throwing more blood from his mouth. Deianeira’s cloak, still clutched in his hand, soaks crimson red.
NESSUS (cont)
Just then a caustic, grating bird cry rings out. Nessus turns his head toward the woods.
NESSUS’ P.O.V.
NESSUS sees
the bird, and a relieved smile spreads on his face, Then suddenly, his expression changes. He cocks his head, listening to some unheard voice.
NESSUS (cont)
He glances at the cloak in his hand.
NESSUS (cont)
Deianeira moves slowly, cautiously toward him, pitying his apparent delusion. She looks to see what he’s looking at...but there’s nothing there. The peacock is gone.
NESSUS (cont)
She turns. the Centaur is looking up at her - all the hate gone from his face.
NESSUS (cont)
He holds out the blood-stained cloak.
NESSUS (cont)
DEIANEIRA
NESSUS
Deianeira looks at the cloak. Suddenly, magically, the blood stains disappear. Her eyes widen.
Just then, Hercules’ voice calls out, spinning Deianeira around.
HERCULES (OS)
She looks back to the cloak. Then at Nessus. Her mind is battling with what to do.
NESSUS
The centaur dies...just as Hercules crests the hill. Fear is written all over his face as he sees the scene.
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
Hercules stares at Nessus’ dead body, then back to her.
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
HERCULES
DEIANEIRA
Hercules wraps her in his arms and hugs her. While they embrace, Deianeira stares over Hercules’ shoulder at the cloak. She struggles to decide what to do. To give it to him would mean she doesn’t trust him. But not to... Finally, her mind is made up.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
She breaks from Hercules, and bends, picking up the cloak.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
Hercules takes the cloak, smiling.
HERCULES
Hercules and Deianeira kiss.
HERCULES (cont)
He disappears back down the hill. Deianeira hangs her head.
DISSOLVE TO:
Hercules and Iole make their way along a wooded trail. She leads. He shoulders all the gear.
IOLE
HERCULES
IOLE
HERCULES
IOLE
Iole shakes her head, smiling.
IOLE (cont)
Hercules stops short, his brow furrowed.
HERCULES
Iole eyes him, disbelieving. Hercules insists.
HERCULES
Finally, Iole’s look of disbelief turns into a broad smile.
IOLE
Hercules smiles at having been had. She takes his hand.
IOLE
They travel onward.
DISSOLVE TO:
The sun is setting, throwing rays of red and purple across the sky. Hercules and Iole come into view.
HERCULES
A Rustic Inn
by the side of the road. Light glows through the doorway. Suddenly, a burst of screams from inside shatters the stillness.
VOICES (OS)
The sound of CRASHING WOOD can be heard.
Hercules and Iole
As they reach the Inn, more yelling and breaking can be heard inside.
HERCULES
Hercules darts into the Inn.
CUT TO:
Frightened customers cower under tables and behind the bar as a man goes berserk in the corner.
A couple of large men grab him, but he flings them to the ground. Wooden bowls and chairs fly every which way. Tables are reduced to kindling.
The Berserk Man’s eyes bulge wide...but he doesn’t speak. He just shrieks strangely.
Angle on Hercules as he grabs the quaking innkeeper.
HERCULES
INNKEEPER
HERCULES
INNKEEPER
Hercules picks through the mess on the floor, finding a big broken chair-leg. He stand up, brandishing it like a club.
In the Doorway
Iole watches the scene. She peers hard at the Berserk Man. Something about his face...
Back inside
The others make way for Hercules as he moves into position, sizing the man up.
The berserk man sees Hercules and growls angrily. SMAASH! He breaks a table in two with an enraged blow of his big fist!
Hercules cocks his club to attack...but -WHAAP!- a hand grabs it, holding it back. It’s Iole! Hercules spins.
HERCULES
IOLE
HERCULES
IOLE
Before Hercules can stop her, Iole steps between him and the crazed man. The man kicks a chair aside, baring his teeth.
IOLE
Hercules reluctantly does.
Iole turns and walks slowly toward the man. With arms outstretched and palms open, she offers no threat at all.
The man seems as perplexed as Hercules, alternately growling, then backing down. Growling. then backing down.
But as Iole gets closer, we see her beautiful charm begin to work on him. Calming him.
We can also see what Iole saw - that the berserk “Man” is actually no more than an over-sized boy. Big and hulking...but with eyes that look dull, dim-witted.
As Iole gets closer, the boy softens more. Five feet away. Three feet. One foot. Finally, she touches him, laying a gentle hand on him, stroking his head.
IOLE
She turns to the Innkeeper.
IOLE
The Innkeeper goes. The frightened customers come out of hiding, amazed, as Iole sits the boy down at a table.
The Innkeeper returns with the water. Iole strokes the boy’s head as he gulps the whole jug down.
IOLE (cont)
The Innkeeper scurries off again.
Angle on Hercules
looking amazed and impressed.
Angle on another face
equally amazed and impressed. It’s Lycastus, the handsome young man who was in the crowd outside Hercules’ house. He watches Iole protectively, with the same Fire in his eyes.
DISSOLVE TO:
As Hercules and Iole travel the next day.
At a Crevasse
In a Shadowy Forest
At a Waterfall
A moment later
Lycastus
appears, carrying a strange-looking, hand-carved staff. He stops for a few seconds, looking at the rock where Hercules nearly fell. Then he creeps on, following in their tracks.
DISSOLVE TO:
Hercules and Iole have made camp for the night. They sit by the fire on bedrolls. Hercules finishes off a charred animal leg, then leans back for a mighty stretch.
Iole looks up, gazing at the stars overhead.
IOLE
Hercules looks up.
HERCULES
They stare for a long beat. Iole points at a constellation.
IOLE
HERCULES
Pointing again.
IOLE
Hercules squints, scanning the heavens.
HERCULES
IOLE
Iole gets up and goes over to Hercules, sitting down next to him, close against his body. She points at the constellations again, putting her soft face right against Hercules’ so he can sight down her arm into the sky.
IOLE (cont)
Iole remains close to Hercules as she tells the tale.
IOLE (cont)
HERCULES
IOLE
HERCULES
IOLE
Iole’s body presses close to Hercules as she outlines Myrea’s Constellation in the sky. The closer she gets, the more Hercules’ voice begins to sound far-off and dreamy.
HERCULES
IOLE
HERCULES
IOLE
HERCULES
IOLE
A single tear rolls down Iole’s face.
IOLE (cont)
Hercules doesn’t answer. His eyes are riveted on Iole’s as she stares into the sky.
She’s so beautiful. And so close. Our hero is practically in a trance. It seems like anything could happen, until...
She turns toward him with an innocent smile, wiping away the tear, slightly embarrassed.
IOLE (cont)
She gives Hercules a quick kiss on the cheek, then goes back to her bedroll. She lies down, turning her back to him.
Angle on Iole
reveals her smile at drawing Hercules under her spell.
IOLE
Back with Hercules
who looks a little dizzy. He lies down on his bedroll.
HERCULES
As the fire crackles and pops...
Over in the Trees
Lycastus spies on them from the darkness. He looks enraged, the staff trembling in his white-knuckle grip.
Finally, he creeps away, disappearing into the night.
DISSOLVE TO:
IOLE appears. She steps onto a flat bounder at the water’s edge and dips a toe in, testing the temperature. Satisfied, she drops her dress and dives in with a SPLASH!
Another Angle
reveals Lycastus creeping through the bushes. he still carried his strange staff as he moves closer to the edge of the pool.
In the Water Iole splashes, oblivious, the sun sparkling off the cool water caressing her skin.
On the Shore Lycastus steps closer and closer, picking quietly through the brush, eyes riveted on Iole.
At the water’s edge, he crouches behind a leafy palm, fixed on her.
In the Pool Iole backstrokes across the surface of the water.
On the Shore Lycastus’ eyes widen an excitement. He steps sideways, trying to get a better view. C-CRACK! A fallen branch snaps loudly beneath his foot.
In the Pool Iole jerks upright, startled. She spins around just as the parted palm fronds -SWIIISH!- swing back into place.
A coquettish smile spreads across her face. She calls toward the shore.
IOLE
When she sees the palm fronds being pushed apart again, she takes a deep breath and dives. Her bare butt flashes in the air before disappearing underwater.
On the Shore Lycastus’ jaw drops, having seen the show.
In the Pool SPLUUSSH! Iole breaks the surface. She turns to the palm fronds, smiling as she prepares to bust “Hercules the peeper”...
But Hercules Voice calls out from the opposite direction.
HERCULES (OS)
Iole’s eyes widen, realizing that Hercules is still in camp.
She whirls around, confused - “Then who was watching...?”
In the Bushes Lycastus has forgotten Iole. He grabs his staff and heads off after Hercules, eyes burning with hatred.
CUT TO:
Hercules is packing up their stuff. Suddenly, the bushes rustle behind him.
The Strongman turns around, slinging the bags over his shoulder.
HERCULES
Hercules stands there, expecting Iole to appear before him. But she doesn’t. He takes a step forward.
HERCULES (cont)
Lycastus suddenly bursts from the bushes with a yell, swinging his staff like a man possessed. The attach catches Hercules off-guard.
WHAACK! The staff cracks him on top of the head. Hercules stumbles backwards, tripping over a knee-high rock.
WHAAM! He lands on his ass in the dirt. His bags go flying. Lycastus jumps atop the rock, raising his staff overhead.
LYCASTUS
He twists the staff and -WHIICK- a nasty-looking spear-point pops out of one end. With a yell, he leaps down toward Hercules, aiming the spear toward his throat.
Hercules rolls out of the way as -THUUMP!- it jabs into the ground. He jumps to his feet but quickly has to -WHOOOSH!- dodge a lunge. Then another. Then another.
HERCULES
LYCASTUS
HERCULES
LYCASTUS
HERCULES
LYCASTUS
He launches more spirited, if clumsy, attacks. SWIISH! SWAASH! Hercules easily ducks and side-steps.
On the Edge of Camp Iole appears. She stifles a scream, instantly recognizing the young man.
She ducks behind a tree, eyes glued on the fight, wincing at every thrust and parry.
In Camp Hercules is ducking add dodging blows, but he looks like he’s swatting away mosquitos.
WHACK! He blocks a swing. SWOOSH! Hercules jumps back from a lunge.
HERCULES
Lycastus stops attacking.
LYCASTUS
HERCULES
Lycastus frowns. Hercules just rolls his eyes. the young man sees his chance. WHOOSH! He lunges again.
WHAAP! Hercules grabs the staff and -C-CRACK!- snaps off the spear-point with a growl.
HERCULES (cont)
But Lycastus twists the staff and -SHUUUP!_ a wicked blade pops out of the other end.
With a victory grin, he swings it at Hercules’ head. WHAAP! the strongman grabs that end too. C-CRACK! the blade hits the dirt.
Lycastus stares dumbfounded at his broken staff that’s not maybe a four-and-a-half long.
WHAAP! Hercules grabs him by the neck and pulls back for a monster punch.
Iole bursts out of the forest.
IOLE
Hercules looks over - “Huh?” - but doesn’t take the guy’s head off. Instead, he slows his fist and -WHAAP!- just knocks him cold instead.
THUUD! Lycastus crumples to an unconscious heap on the ground.
Iole rushes to his side. She bends down, cradling his head.
IOLE
Hercules dusts himself off, eyeing her.
HERCULES
Iole looks up
IOLE
HERCULES
IOLE
HERCULES
IOLE
HERCULES
IOLE
Iole gently lays the young man back down.
IOLE (cont)
It’s obvious from Iole’s tender touch that that’s not true.
She rises, shouldering a bag.
IOLE (cont)
DISSOLVE TO:
Afternoon. Hercules and Iole crest a hill. She points to an apocalyptic scenes in the distance. Black shafts of light and smoke rise into the air over a small town.
IOLE
Hercules and Iole start forward again.
CUT TO:
The citizens of Gryphon have all but abandoned the actual town. They’ve set up a makeshift camp fifty yards away - a hodgepodge of sagging tents and boiling stove-pots.
the people themselves look weary and demoralized. Many appear half-dead. Children cry. Dogs pant listlessly in the dust.
A haggard-looking woman scrutinizes a picked-over goat carcass for one last morsel to throw in her stew. Something catches her eye - two figures aproaching from the distance.
A grin come to her face.
HAGGARD WOMAN
The excited buzz of “Hercules” quickly ripples through the camp. Smiles appear on faces. People are suddenly energized with hope.
Hercules and Iole enter the camp.
Everyone swarms around, ecstatic. Clapping Hercules on the back. Jabbering their welcomes and praises. Children trail in Hercules’ footsteps, trying to emulate his walk.
MAN#!
MAN #2
Iole steps aside as the Crowd surrounds Hercules like a tide sweeping him up and carrying him away.
MAN #3
MAN #2
They lead Hercules toward the town, right at his side every step of the way. But as the air begins to cloud with smoke and fumes, the townspeople fall away, afraid to continue.
A few steps further, Hercules realizes he’s now on his own.
The smoke quickly thickens, drifting in great banks. With every step, signs of death become more and more evident. Shrubs lie brown and shrivelled in the dirt. Cracks spiderweb the ground. A lifeless bird flutters out of the sky and drops near Hercules’ feet.
And a horrible sound grows louder, more frightening. The ground is now vibrating, thundering with sound.
Hercules squints to see. Suddenly, there’s a break in the smoke. And there it is!
The Black Hole - sfx
It’s a huge craggy black hole. The rocks and dirt at it’s edges look blasted and charred. Noxious fumes spew forth like swirling smoke. It’s a mighty battle, even for him. Finally, he reaches the edge of the hole and peers down into the void.
Hercules’ P.O.V. - Inside the Black Hole - sfx
It’s a mind-bending abyss of insanity. Chattering skeletons scream across a flickering sky. Horrific, mangled faces rush up to fill the screen, leering and laughing, then vanish into smoke. Flames roar in huge columns. Oceans of tears thunder down, crushing whole continents.
Hercules stumbles backwards from the Hole, retreating far enough to escape the harsh wind and noise. He looks shaken.
Suddenly, a voice speaks right behind him...
BEGGAR (OS)
Another Angle
Hercules doesn’t turn around. He just stares at the hole, deep in thought. The beggar watches him.
BEGGAR (cont)
HERCULES
Hercules finally turns to face his father.
HERCULES (cont)
Hercules looks at the hole again. His mind is battling with everything before it. after a long bat, he turns back to the Beggar.
HERCULES (cont)
BEGGAR
HERCULES
BEGGAR
HERCULES
BEGGAR
HERCULES
BEGGAR
HERCULES
The beggar stands silent. Hercules grabs him by his shabby collar, lifting him up.
HERCULES (cont)
BEGGAR
Hercules puts the beggar down. The old man straightens himself. Finally, reluctantly...
BEGGAR (cont)
Hercules reacts. The answer only makes his decision tougher.
But then Hercules cocks his head, eyeing the Beggar suspiciously.
HERCULES
BEGGAR
HERCULES
ZEUS
HERCULES
The beggar scoffs at the thought of it.
HERCULES (cont)
Hercules looks around, scanning the area. But there’s no sign of the peacock. And when he turns back, there’s no sign of Zeus either. The Beggar is gone.
CUT TO:
Watching from a distance. As the clouds of smoke come and go, they catch repeated glimpses of Hercules.
TOWNSPERSON #1
TOWNSPERSON #2
A Town Elder turns to Iole with a grave stare
ELDER
Iole nods solemnly to the Elder, then turns and walks away.
CUT TO:
Iole enters. She goes to a mirror and looks at herself. She knows what she has to do. she starts preparing for Hercules - fixing her hair, putting on perfume oils.
Angle on Lycastus Watching from the corner of the hut. His eye is blackened from this morning’s fight...but that is the least of his pain.
LYCASTUS
Iole looks over, startled. but she doesn’t say anything. She doesn’t have to. He’s right and they both know it.
Lycastus steps toward her.
LYCASTUS (cont)
IOLE
LYCASTUS
IOLE
Lycastus takes Iole in his arms.
LYCASTUS
IOLE
Lycastus pulls her back in and kisses her. She doesn’t fight it. She kisses back.
The kiss becomes impassioned. Lycastus starts to lead her toward the bed...until she breaks away, flushed.
IOLE (cont)
LYCASTUS
Yes, she does. But just then, there’s a knock at the door. Iole’s eyes go wide with panic.
IOLE
She looks around frantically, then shoves Lycastus back into the corner, drawing a curtain to cover him up just as
Hercules enters
The strongman sits down on the end of the bed. Iole stands behind him, staring at this slumped shoulders.
IOLE (cont)
HERCULES
Iole winces at his words, but then she takes a deep breath, steeling herself. She knows exactly what she must do in order to save her town...and fulfill her destiny.
Iole undoes her hair-knot. Her golden tresses spill down to her shoulders. She moves forward, no longer innocent, but sultry, erotic as she transforms right behind his back. It’s time for her most powerful weapon: seduction.
Hercules stares at the floor, oblivious.
HERCULES (cont)
Iole takes another step, unfastening the tie on her silken gown. It silently slips to the floor, revealing her exquisite nakedness. She’s just inches from him.
HERCULES (cont)
Iole traces a slender finger along his broad shoulders. It sends an almost visible shock through him.
IOLE
Hercules turns around. His eyes widen at the sight of her. Her flawless body. Her beautiful, sparkling eyes. She takes his face in her hands.
IOLE (cont)
Iole bends toward Hercules’ face. Her lips aiming for his.
Angle on Lycastus watching from behind the curtain. He closes his eyes. His heart is breaking.
But before Ioles’ lips reach their target, Hercules grasps her hands, stopping her.
HERCULES
Iole looks stunned. hurt. She presses forward. A second attempt. He stops her again.
HERCULES (cont)
Iole looks at him. A tear rolls down her delicate cheek.
IOLE
Hercules stares at her for a long time, but his mind is made up. He picks up the cloak that Deianeira gave him.
HERCULES
Hercules yanks back the curtain, where he knew Lycastus was all along. He puts a hand on the young man’s shoulder.
HERCULES
With that, Hercules crosses to the door and exits.
CUT TO:
Hercules wanders through the camp in the cold night air. The Twonspeople stare at him, eyes hopeful...but get nothing in return.
He looks at the cloak in his hands, lifting it to his face, smelling Deianeira on it. At this moment, it suddenly means so much to him. He glances at the sky.
HERCULES
Hercules unfolds the cloak, and wraps it around his broad shoulders.
Instantly he’s racked with horrific agony!
The cloak’s collar coils around his neck, strangling like a garotte. Its fabric sprouts snake-like scales, sucking tight against his skin with a HIIIISSS.
Hercules twists and spins, trying to tear the cloak away, but its razor-sharp claws bind into his flesh, clenching even tighter!
He throws his head back, screaming into the night sky.
HERCULES (cont)
Hercules stumbles through the smokiness. Townspeople scatter out of his way, wide-eyed.
Iole and Lycastus burst out of her hut.
IOLE
A townsman tried to seize the cloak but -HIIIIISSS!!- it burns his hands. Hercules howls, his skin frying too!
Lycastus grabs a bucket of water and throws it on him. WHOOSH! Ghastly-smelling steam blasts as it hits the cloak.
Iole is frantic with worry.
Hercules staggers into the town. the people follow, horrified. As smoke swirls around him, Hercules drops to his knees. Summoning all his strength, he grabs the burning fabric and pulls. With a horrible ripping sound, he yanks the cloak off his body!
He balls it up with a guttural roar, flings it to the dirt.
WHOOOMPH! The cloak explodes in a flash, instantly transforming into a live peacock. the crowd jerks back, amazed, as it runs off, flapping and squawking, disappearing into the smoke.
Hercules’ eyes narrow at the sight of Hera’s trick. He rises to his feet, voice trembling with rage...and realization.
HERCULES
He turns to face Iole, Lycastus, everyone.
HERCULES (cont)
With that, Hercules turns...and runs into the smoke. the Townspeople gasp in horror as he makes a giant leap into the black hole!
Angle - into the Black Hole - sfx
As Hercules plummets into the insane void. Hideous creatures swarm toward him like spiders to a fly. Our Her’s body flips and tumbles, growing smaller and smaller as he falls.
Finally, Hercules has disappeared.
DISSOLVE TO:
Little Ilea is sitting outside the house, playing mother to a rag doll. She glances up, and notices a man in the distance running the path toward the house. She smiles.
ILEA
The running man gets closer, Ilea stands up, excited.
ILEA (cont)
But Ilea’s expression changes as the man reaches the house. She can see he’s not Hercules. She slumps, disappointed.
Just then, Deianeira bursts from the front door, ready to greet her husband.
DEIANEIRA
But her words fall away. No Hercules. It’s a runner, dusty and sweat-streaked, carrying news. Deianeira’ momentary joy is replaced by stunned realization. She knows.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
Ilea takes her doll and goes. The runner stands doubled over, panting for breath. He says nothing.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
The runner looks up, giving just a slight, mournful nod. It hits Deianeira like a punch to the stomach. She struggles to form words.
DEIANEIRA
The runner rises to his full height. His eyes are sympathetic, grieving the loss of a hero.
RUNNER
Deianeira is swimming in confusion, guilt, shock.
DEIANEIRA
She cups her hands to her face.
DEIANEIRA (cont)
Wrapped by numbness, she turns and walks slowly back into the house.
Iolaus had meant it, when he said that he and Telaus would like to come to dinner, but it seemed like there was always something getting in the way of making the trip.First there was a spell of drought, which had both him and his son digging a frantic trench from the nearest spring to bring water to the rapidly shrivelling crops. Then the rains finally came and the roofs on the house and the barn both leaked, and Iolaus spent several days up on the rooftops, busily covering holes with hastily fashioned shingles. Now and then he would think of his friends and say to himself "We'll go tomorrow".
And then there came the message from Alcmene.
"He can't be dead", Iolaus said to himself for the hundredth, or maybe the thousandth time, as he and Telaus made their way to the little farm where Hercules and his family lived. He'd have felt it. He'd have known. There was something inside of him that would have warned him, had this news been true. The bond between himself and his best friend, while stretched and strained these days due to family responsibilities, was yet unbroken. He'd have known immediately if the tie had been snapped by death.
Therefore the news couldn't be true. He held that thought in an iron grip.
They reached the bottom of the little hill that the house stood on, and Iolaus looked up at at, shading his eyes from the sun, expecting to see Hercules' tall form striding down to meet him. But instead, he saw Alcmene running towards him, with a face white and drawn with grief.
"Alcmene, I - " he broke off and folded her in his arms instead.
She gave him a crushing hug and then pulled back. "Iolaus, I don't think he's dead. I really don't. I'd have known it."
"You're right", he answered, relief flooding through him. If Alcmene, too, felt this way, then the news must be wrong.
But her face remained grave. "But Deianeira apparently doesn't believe that. And Iolaus, she's run off. She left with the children with Althea, and sent a message to me. When I got here, Althea told me Deianeira kept saying that this was all her fault. Althea tried to convince her that she was wrong, but she wouldn't listen. And now we can't find her!"
Cold crept through Iolaus' veins, but he struggled to keep his voice calm, knowing well that Telaus was listening to this with far too much understanding for his childish years. "It'll be all right, Alcmene. I'll find her. You know I can track a black rabbit through a forest at midnight. Take Telaus up to the house, and keep everybody calm. She's probably just gone off to mourn somewhere in private. I'll bring her back!"
Alcmene nodded mutely, some of the misery leaving her face. She managed an uncertain smile at Telaus. "Come on, young man. We'll go up to the house, and get you something to eat". She took him by the hand.
"Go along, son." Iolaus patted Telaus on the shoulder. "I'll be back soon with your Aunt Deianeira. Don't you worry."
DISSOLVE TO:
A dark, cold cavern. An underground cave. Gently lapping water can be heard, although not seen in the lightless gloom.
Hercules lies on the ground. He stirs, finding his way back to consciousness. His eyes open. Slowly, he gets to his feet.
He doesn’t know where he is. Neither do we as he looks around.
A lantern light appears in the distance. In it’s glow, we can make out a lone boatman, Charon, poling his way closer in a small boat.
Hercules moves toward him, stopping at the water’s edge.
HERCULES
No answer from Charon as he poles closer. Hercules angers.
HERCULES (cont)
Finally, a crackly-thin voice calls back.
CHARON
HERCULES
TH-THUMP. The boat runs aground at Hercules’ feet. Charon extends a wiry hand, palm up.
CHARON
Charon’s hand waits, but receives no payment. He picks up his lantern, raising it to get a better look at Hercules. What he sees startles him.
CHARON (cont)
Charon tries to pole his boat away, but Hercules grabs the bow and yanks it further onto shore. OOOF! Charon falls back on his ass.
HERCULES
CHARON (cont)
Hercules reacts, happy and relieved to hear that.
CHARON (cont)
Hercules hauls Charon up by the collar.
HERCULES
CHARON
Hercules pulls Charon closer, eye to eye, menacing.
HERCULES
CUT TO:
Still water, darkness...
Then lantern light creeps in, darting through the gloom, slowly getting brighter.
CHARON (OS)
The boat glides into view. Hercules sits in the bow with the lantern, straining to see into the inky darkness ahead. Charon pilots the boat, rattling on.
CHARON (cont)
Hercules ignores Charon’s questions, too curious about what lies ahead. The opposite shore comes into sight. Muck like the first side. Flat dirt bank, cave-like walls.
Suddenly, a low rumble shakes the cavern. Water sloshes into Hercules. Charon almost loses his balance.
CHARON (cont)
HERCULES
CHARON
HERCULES
C-CLUUNK! the boat reaches
The Opposite Shore Hercules climbs out. Charon extends his empty hand again for a tip.
CHARON
HERCULES
Hercules picks up the lantern and turns to go.
CHARON (cont)
Hercules puts his foot on the bow of the boat.
HERCULES
WHOOOOSH! He gives a mighty shove, sending the boat, and Charon, skimming off into the darkness.
Charon’s voice echoes off into the distance.
CHARON
Finally, it fades away.
Hercules starts up the bank, finding his way along the barren terrain with the lantern’s dim light.
Strange Sounds can be heard all around as he walks. Whispered laughing nearby, strangled moans behind him, the fluttering of leathery wings overhead. But, try as he might, Hercules never catches sight of anything.
Finally, the lantern light falls across a stone structure standing just ahead. Weathered, twenty foot-tall columns. Rought-shewn stones form a crumbling arch across the top.
It’s the gate Charon was talking about.
But, strangely, it doesn’t appear to lead anywhere - it just stand, like an entry way to more dim nowhere.
Suddenly -CLINK-CLANK- Hercules’ foot hits something.
He bends down with the lantern, revealing the end of a heavy chain, staked into the dirt.
HERCULES
Hercules grabs the chain, following it link by link, searching for it’s other end. When he reaches it, he stops short.
The chain ends in not one...not two...but three heavy collars.
Suddenly, -R-R-R-RUUUUFF!!- a husky bark ripples from the darkness beyond the gate. it’s an eerie sound, weirdly chorded, the noise of three heads barking at once!
The hair stands on Hercules’ neck.
He raises the lantern to see...
...but suddenly, it’s light begins to flicker. The oil is nearly out. In a moment, everything will be plunged into total darkness.
R-R-RUUUUFFF!! Cerberus’ eerie bark drifts through the gloom again. Hercules steps toward the Gate.
He takes a deep breath, not knowing where the Gate will take him, but certain he must go in.
Hercules steps through the gate.
The instant his body passes under the Arch...
FLAAAASH!
Even going at a run, it was little problem for an experienced tracker like Iolaus to pick up the print of Deianeira's sandals in the damp ground. Her tracks were fresh and led down from the house, through the nearest field, and along the path through the forest of pines and fern trees. He could read her progress easily - she had taken a steady, unerring direction and this worried him, more and more, because that direction was towards the sea.
The tracks grew fresher, and he knew he was gaining on her.
The forest came to an end as the land sloped downward, towards the sea. He stood for a moment and scanned the landscape below him. There! A small dark figure moved slowly in the distance. He let out a sigh of relief. He'd catch up with her and bring her back, and then they'd sort this whole thing out.
With a speed that Hermes might have envied, Iolaus flew down the hillside from the forest.
He began to smell the salt in the air, and the sound of waves came occasionally to his ears, mostly drowned out by his panting and the pounding of his heart.
The distance between him and Deianeira lessened. He could see her clearly now, her hair blowing in the sea breeze.
Iolaus paused to take in enough air and bellowed "Deianeira!"
There was no reaction from the woman still far ahead of him.
"Deianeira!"
Still no sign that she had heard him. By now she had reached the edge of the cliff.
By now he was running so fast he was almost airborne. His blood was thudding loudly in his ears and the sweat was pouring down his chest and neck. The air burned his lungs as he took a deep breath and again bellowed "Deianeira!!!!"
She seemed to shake her head, as if to deny the interruption. He was less than fifty paces away, when he heard her cry out "Hercules!"
She held out her arms, as though embracing the empty air.
A scream ripped its way out of Iolaus' throat. "NOOOOOOO!!!"
Deianeira cried out "My love! It is you!"
And then she was no longer there.
Iolaus collapsed into the dirt at the edge of the cliff and stared down, through tear-blinded eyes, at the barnacled rocks far below. She was lying across one of them, sprawled limply, unmoving except for her hair which fluttered in the salt breeze.
Scarcely aware of what he was doing, Iolaus crawled to the dropoff and scrambled down over the stony lip. It was not a sheer rock face - there were hand and foot-holds if you knew where to look, and somehow he managed to find them. His hands were scraped and bleeding by the time he reached the bottom, but he ignored this. He threw himself on his knees beside her and took her hand. It was already cold, from the wind and sea spray.
"Deianeira...." he whispered.
The scornful laughter of the circling gulls and the growling of the waves were his only answer.
She lay still, staring upward, her face peaceful. Blood was pooled in the crevices of the rock below her head.
With a shaking hand, Iolaus reached out and closed her eyes. "O gods!" he whispered softly. "I was too late ... forgive me..." and with that the tears welled up.
After an unknown time, a voice above him said, "Let her go, mortal".
Iolaus slowly looked up. He should have been shocked or surprised or something, but all he felt was a hollow tiredness at the sight of the blond, black-leather clad figure who stood over him, giving off the unmistakeable aura of divinity.
"No, " Iolaus replied.
"Do you know who I am?"
"You're Hades ..." said Iolaus flatly, looking back down at Deianeira, stroking the hair back from her brow.
"And you're that annoying friend of my nephew's. Iolaus son of Skouros, isn't it?"
"You know me?" A stupid thing to say, but he didn't care, nor did he take his eyes off Deianeira's dead face.
The God of the Other Side gave a snort. "I never forget anyone who louses up my book-keeping".
"Huh?" His curiosity flickered for a second, but then died away under the weight of his grief.
"Never mind. Anyway, I'm here to take Deianeira".
"No".
"Look, mortal, I know you're grieving and all that, but that's the way it's got to be. Don't worry, I'm taking her straight to Elysium". His impatient tone was a sharp contrast to the gentleness with which he raised Deianeira's body from the rocks.
Iolaus was still holding Deianeira's hand. A black-gloved hand firmly broke his grasp. "Let her go," said Hades, as though to a misbehaving child.
Iolaus felt the sting of new tears behind his eyelids. So far today he'd lost to Time and then to Death, and now he was confronting a god. He had the feeling he wasn't going to win this one either.
"No, you're not," replied Hades, quite accurately reading his mind.
Ashamed of the tears that were now rolling down to join the sea-spray on his face, Iolaus wiped them away with the back of his hand. "Look," he said miserably, "when you take her to Hercules in Elysium, just ... tell them both not to worry about the kids.. Alcmene and I -"
He was interrupted by the sound of a thoroughly exasperated god who had just hit the limits of his patience. "What the STYX are you talking about?!"
"Huh?"
"Hercules isn't dead!"
Iolaus stared at him in utter bewilderment, disbelief and relief going at it, hand-to-hand, in his brain. "Are you sure?" came out of his mouth of its own volition.
"You keep forgetting who you're talking to!" Hades' face grew thunderous for a second, then a weary smile crossed it."Believe me, I'd know if Hercules had died!!"
"But we were told - I mean, Deianeira thought that - "
A sigh like a hurricane blew from the God of the Underworld. "Yeah, I know. My damned - er, dear - sister-in-law's playing her little games again! And who has to clean up all the bodies afterwards, I ask you, hmm?"
Iolaus wasn't listening. Guilt assailed him. He'd been right. Deianeira had been deceived, and Hercules wasn't dead. He'd felt it in his very soul. If only he had run a little faster.... A desperate thought suddenly popped into his head.
"Give Deianeira back!"
"What???"
"Give her back. You can do it! You're a god, after all!"
"Yeah, and you're a mortal! Where do you get off, making demands?"
"I'm not demanding. I'm begging!" Iolaus did his best to look humble.
Once again came the weary smile. "Kid, I've been begged by experts. Don't you realize I get that request just about every time I take someone?!"
"This isn't for me. It's for Hercules. He's Zeus' son and your nephew."
"And the answer's the same for him as it would be for anyone else. NO."
"Hades, please!!" Iolaus fell to his knees, ignoring his own pride and disdain for the gods, conscious of only the need to get Deianeira back.
The God of the Underworld bellowed in exasperation. "What part of 'no' don't you understand???!"
Iolaus took a deep breath and gambled his last throw of the dice. "Are you so afraid of Hera?"
Hades took a step backwards and his face turned purple. "That's IT!!!!!" He clutched Deianeira's body to him and raised one hand.
There was the sound of thunder.
CUT TO:
Hercules suddenly finds himself standing in a luscious orchard that stretches before him as far as the eye can see.
Its beauty is staggering, surreal. Bright-green grass blankets the ground. Delicate blossoms adorn the trees, giving sweet scent to the air.
Overhead - sfx
Hercules as he stands stunned, amazed. He spins around...but the gate has vanished - he’s surrounded by the orchards in every direction.
Hercules grows calmer. He breathes in the air. It gives him a sense of strength, and well-being. Just then, he spies.
A group of warrior-looking men
moving about beneath the trees. they look healthy, vital dressed in armor and carrying swords. Sunlight glints brightly off their helmets. All of them glow with the majestic luster of battlefield heroes.
Hercules moves toward the group. A voice rings out.
VOICE
Our Hero squints to see the source among the group.
HERCULES
The warriors part and Chrysippus, a noble-looking Centaur, steps from their midst.
CHRYSIPPUS
Hercules is immediately warmed by the sight of his friend.
HERCULES
they cross to each other and embrace.
CHRYSIPPUS
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
Chrysippus leads Hercules toward the warriors.
CHRYSIPPUS (cont)
Hercules nods to each. They all nod back, friendly.
Hercules turns, taking a good long look at Tartarus - looking more closely now. Chrysippus claps him on the back.
CHRYSIPPUS
They start strolling amongst the trees.
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
Hercules shrugs as if to say, “You’ve got a point there.”
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
Hercules seems to zone out momentarily. when he speaks his mood is suddenly somber.
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS realizes Hercules has no idea.
CHRYSIPPUS
Hercules shakes his head, eyes narrowing.
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
Chrysippus raises his arm and -WE-WHOOMPH!- a picture window into another place where a woman walks through a beautiful meadow.
As she turns, and looks over her shoulder, we see the expressionless face of Deianeira.
Hercules reacts, stricken with agony and grief. He steps toward her....
HERCULES
Hercules turns to Chrysippus.
HERCULES (cont)
CHRYSIPPUS
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
Hercules looks puzzled - the orchard seems to stretch ahead of them for miles. But he turns back. Offers his hand.
HERCULES
CHRYSIPPUS
Hercules turns to go. As his foot takes its very next step...
FLAAAASH!
Iolaus was, quite honestly, surprised he was still alive. He came to, sometime later, lying in the gravel at the top of the cliff. Shakily, he got to his hands and knees and crawled to the edge to look down. Hades was gone, and so was Deianeira.
He sighed. Well, he had tried. He climbed to his feet and stumbling, turned towards home.
It was dark by the time he returned. Alcmene and Althea were waiting for him on the porch of the farmhouse. He didn't need to tell them anything - they could see for
themselves that Deianeira wasn't with him. Alcmene came slowly down the hill to meet him.
Iolaus was suddenly very tired. "I'm sorry," he whispered. Alcmene caught him as he staggered and helped him up to sit on the edge of the porch. Althea, her eyes glittering with tears, brought him a cup of watered wine. He took a deep drink, which washed the residue of dust and sorrow from his desert-like throat. "I'm sorry," he said again. "I wasn't in time. She went over the cliff. I went down after her, but - but Hades came and - "
"Hades?!" asked Alcmene nervously."Hades himself?"
"Yeah," Iolaus answered. "He said he was taking her to Elysium. And he said something else, too." Wearily he raised his eyes and met Alcmene's. "He said Hercules isn't dead. He said it was just a trick of Hera's..."
Alcmene was whiter than her linen chiton. "Then Deianeira ....?"
"Died for Hera's lies".
"Oh gods..." Alcmene buried her face in her hands and wept. Althea curled into a ball on the porch and began to wail softly.
Iolaus, on the other hand, had suddenly begun to burn with anger. "I'm going after him," he said softly. "I'm going to find Hercules, and we are - " he stopped suddenly.
"I don't know what we're going to do. But this can't be borne ... and he shouldn't have to face it by himself!" He got to his feet. He took Alcmene by the shoulders and kissed her forehead. "Please - look after the kids. Tell them we'll be back soon. If they ask, say that I am still looking for Deianeira. That will be the truth."
Alcmene kissed him back. "Go," she said. "And all my blessings go with you".
Iolaus set out in the dark, without a backward look, on the path that would take him to his friend, carrying only his sword and the heavy burden of grief.
CUT TO:
Hercules has been instantly transported to a desolate wasteland.
It’s a never-ending expanse of desert, lying cracked and barren under a sky of boiling black clouds. Scalding gas shoots in all directions. Bolts of lightning jag through the reddish air.
Even worse is the deafening cacophony of sound. Hideous shrieking, louder than jet-engines. Thundering clanks and machine-like roars. Wet, gristly noises, the sound of bodies being ripped to pieces.
Under all of it is a deep atonal drone, like the working of some infernal engine.
Hercules starts forward, swamped by an overpowering uneasiness. His shoulder’s hunch. Sweat pops on his brow. Suddenly the ground starts to tremble. Then -CRUNCH! CRUNCH!- grasping hands begin bursting up everywhere.
Hercules spins to run but more hands break through in all directions. One hand grabs his ankle. Two more seize the other. More and more latch onto his legs, scrambling and clawing, pulling Hercules down.
Hercules kicks and yells, trying to break free...but he’s overwhelmed. Gouts of steam spew as your hero disappears under the choking dirt.
CUT TO:
Hercules crashes down into a lower netherworld where he’s immediately swarmed by hordes of hideous, rotting ghouls.
The ghouls with their mangled faces and scrabbling claws, grab and clutch at Hercules, shrieking hysterically for his help.
GHOUL #1
GHOUL #2
GHOUL #3
OTHER GHOULS
Hercules starts struggling, fighting to get away. Aw he pushes through the mob insane images pop in his face like flashbulbs. Shattered sneers gibbering beneath empty eye-sockets. Maggot-filled mouths warping and stretching as they scream louder and louder. A half-formed fetus swinging from a torn abdomen.
Hercules cuts through the mob like a bushman through the jungle. Limbs rip off as he fights his way through, ignoring the cries.
GHOULS
Finally, Hercules breaks through the crowd of Ghouls, coughing from their feted, stinking breath. His eyes are bugged wide like a man who’s fighting hard to retain his sanity.
R-R-RUUUFFF! Cerberus’ howl echoes from somewhere.
Hercules doesn’t seem to notice. He stumbles onward through this shadow-filled netherworld. All of a sudden -WHOOOSH!!-
A huge spear come hurtling through the darkness.
Hercules leaps out of the way before it runs through his head.
He spins around, squinting into the darkness.
HERCULES
In the darkness there’s no answer. No one to be seen. Just shadows moving through the gloom. then -WHIIIISH!-
An arrow comes whistling out of nowhere. Hercules catches it and -CRAACK!- snaps it in two.
HERCULES (cont)
Two dozen dark figures suddenly materialize before him. Some are soldiers, some are thugs. A few resemble humped, bristling beasts. One thing is sure. Each is uglier than the next. Curved swords and razor-sharp talons dangle from their hands.
From the back of the pack a voice calls out, mocking.
VOICE
The dark figures part and Eryx the Boxer steps to the front of the group. Skin pale and hollow. eyes dull and dead. the jagged wooden ring-post still juts from the blood-streaked chest.
ERYX (cont)
Eryx lunges forward and seizes Hercules by the throat. His huge hands tighten, squeezing the very life from our hero.
Hercules gasps and flails, unable to break free. Eyes fluttering, he grabs hold of the splintered post jutting out of the Boxer’s chest. With a mightily heave, he yanks the post out of Eryx with a wet SLURP!
Eryx looks down at the gaping hold in his chest. A roar fills his throat, a sound of unearthly rage. He squeezes harder on Hercules neck until...
WHAACK! Hercules swings the post into Eryx’s head. the huge boxer stumbles back, finally releasing Hercules from his grip.
Hercules barely had time to take a breath before all the others explode into murderous action!
Enemies spring through the air, slashing and hacking. Arrows fly and axes swing. Throwing knives wicker by. Spears are thrust. Heavy maces whistle past, hoping to bash brains.
It’s a hurricane of utter chaos.
Hercules wields the post like a club, splintering skills and knee-capping others. He ducks a sword-swing, snap-kicks the attacker and snatches the weapon away.
With sword in one hand and club in the other, Hercules cuts a swath through his enemies. Each man snarls and snaps, wanting a piece of him but getting only crushed bones or dismemberment. Blood splashes Hercules, the ground, the trees.
After a few long moments, dead bodies litter the ground in every direction.
Hercules stands victorious...until Eryx steps from the shadows.
ERYX
The boxer strides forward, but Hercules doesn’t have the time.
HERCULES
He hauls back and throws the jagged post. It flies like the wind itself, driving through Eryx’s forehead with a sickening CRUUUNCH!!
THUUUD! The boxer falls to the ground heavily.
Hercules stands alone, panting, weary.
The corpses on the ground suddenly begin to stir. Fingerless hands start grasping again. Headless torsos sit up.
A mangled face gurgles gleefully up at him.
ENEMY #1
Hercules kicks and the corpse’s head goes tumbling away...its body keeps on moving.
Hercules takes off running. Suddenly, everything around him explodes in a horrific firestorm!
Flames roar up on all sides. Jets of fire arc like flamethrowers. the ground cracks open, spewing ropy splatters of lava. In an instant, everything had become hideous, blazing hellscape. Dante would be proud.
Hercules races along as the ground gives way underneath his feet. He doesn’t know where he’s going. But he can’t slow down for a second. Suddenly, through the flames he spies Chrysippus, standing in the distance, back turned.
Hercules runs over, eyes wide with relief.
HERCULES
The centaur turns...but its’ not Chrysippus - it’s Nessus.
He laughs, mimicking Hercules
NESSUS
Hercules reacts. His momentary horror quickly becomes anger.
HERCULES
He lunges, but -SWIIIISH!- the centaur dissolves like smoke in his grasp.
Nessus reappears ten feet away, a hellish hologram dancing in the blast-furnace of air. His voice is pure mockery.
NESSUS
HERCULES
NESSUS takes it as a compliment.
NESSUS
Hercules trembles with rage and despair at the mention of Hera. Nessus continues with his mock sympathy.
NESSUS
Hercules eyes Nessus with disbelief, unable to make sense of his bitterness.
HERCULES
NESSUS
HERCULES
NESSUS
Hercules glances around at flames and fury surrounding them.
HERCULES
NESSUS
HERCULES
NESSUS
HERCULES
NESSUS
Nessus’ image dissolves into nothingness, leaving only a mocking laughter swirling around our hero.
WHAA-BOOM! Everything about Hercules explodes in a conflagration! Fire and steam and smoke shoot in all directions. The underworld seems to be caving in on itself.
Hercules staggers away, confused, insane with grief. He reaches a high cliff-top. Glowing lava boils below. Flames rip through the sky above. There is no direction for Hercules to turn, no safe place for him to go. so, without stopping, without even thinking, he steps off the cliff. His voice is but a tortured whisper...
HERCULES
FLAAAAAASSH!
It was pretty much like Alcmene had described it to him, when he was a child. The sky was a perfect blue, with glowing puffs of white cloud that never blocked the warm radiance of the sunlight. The grass was uniformly green and soft, adorned here and there with multi-colored flowers. In the same way, brightly colored birds flitted among the green branches of the trees that were scattered in pleasing groves about the landscape. A gentle breeze brought sweet scents to Hercules' nostrils. Now and then there was the sound of distant music and singing, and waters running over stones.
There were people in Elysium, too. Clad in faintly luminous robes, they drifted about the land, much as the clouds did in the skies, some in groups, and some alone.
It was thoroughly glorious and Hercules appreciated none of it.
With the speed that his godly heritage gave him, he rushed from one person to another, from group to group, always looking in their faces, seeking only one face and not finding it. No one seemed surprised at this - they would gaze at him calmly, with blissful smiles. He wondered if they could even really see him.
Only once did he stop short.
"Ania..." he breathed. She stood beneath an olive tree with was alive with bright birds fluttering about. Her long brown hair blew about her peaceful face, and she looked down at the infant in her arms, who waved his chubby hands and gurgled with delight at the birds and his mother's smile.
Hercules spared the time for one sigh of mingled relief and sadness. He would tell Iolaus about this. It would ease his friend's mind. His own mind, however ... He resumed his frantic search.
Finally he spied her, standing in a grove of flowering orange trees. She was more beautiful than he had ever seen her and his heart swelled with longing. They'd go home together and he'd take her to bed and ... Panting, he ran up to his wife.
"Deianeira! I can't believe I found you!"
There was a completely blank look in her eyes as she turned to him. With an uncertain smile, she said "I'm sorry. Am I supposed to know you?"
His guts grew icy. "What do you mean? It's me, Hercules. I'm your husband!"
A puzzled line appeared between her brows. "I'm afraid I don't remember."
"How can you not remember? You have to remember! We love each other!" The anguish and hurt threatened to split him apart.
There was a sudden rush of displaced air that heralded - as Hercules well knew - the arrival of a god. He turned to see Hades standing there, in all his black leather glory, his gauntleted arms folded in annoyance.
"Hercules, you shouldn't be here. You've got to leave. It isn't your time yet."
"It wasn't Deianeira's time either!" To his embarrassment, Hercules felt hot tears running down his face. Deianeira, with a rather concerned look, reached up and wiped them away. Her fingers were warm and soft, just as they always were, and his anguish became unbearable. "It WASN'T her time!" he repeated desperately.
"Sorry, but it was. I lifted her broken body from the rocks myself."
"She doesn't even remember me! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY WIFE???"
"I merely erased the misery that brought her here. I gave her peace of mind".
"Give her back, or I'll give you a piece of my FIST!" At any other time, he would have known that threatening Hades was pointless, but he was too upset to care.
Stormclouds began to gather in Hades' face. "Look, I'm gonna give you the same answer I give everybody - NO!"
Deianeira was looking into Hercules' face, with a searching expression. "You say I'm your wife?"
More tears coursed down his face. "Yes. Oh gods, can't you remember? We searched for the fire together, and brought it back to Prometheus and the world. We were married in the springtime, and I carved the head of our marriage bed into a living tree and built our house around it." Deianeira was listening intently now, looking deep into his streaming eyes, and he went on, "You bore me three beautiful children. Aeson, Klonus and little Ilea. Can't you remember? They're waiting for you! They love you!" His voice broke. "And you love them!"
As he was speaking, he watched Deianeira's expression change from puzzlement to alarm to recognition. "Hercules?" she asked unsteadily, and then, with assurance she repeated, "Hercules!"
He crushed her to him, his lips on hers, and felt her arms go around his neck in an achingly familiar clasp. For a long time they held each other, until Hades' voice broke the spell. "This is all very touching, but she's still staying here!"
Hercules' anger blazed up again full force. "Bullshit!" he bellowed. "It wasn't Deianeira's time to die and you know it! This was one of Hera's set-ups! You know that too! I can't believe you're going to let Hera get away with it!"
"You know, the son of Skouros got into a lot of trouble saying that same thing to me!"
That jolted Hercules."What does Iolaus have to do with this?"
"Your annoying friend tried to stop me from taking Deianeira."
"What did you do to him? Is he - ?"
Hades sighed. "No. I merely moved him out of the way a little." He chuckled in a rather amused way and the sound increased Hercules' fury.
"Give her back to me, Hades, or I'll - "
"You'll WHAT?" By now the last vestiges of Hades' patience had clearly vanished. "Look, I'd love to stand around and listen to whatever lame argument you might come up with, but I've got a major crisis down here, with Cerberus running around loose, and I need to go take care of it. So we're gonna end this right now. SHE stays! YOU go! End of story. Bye!" He raised his hand and Hercules knew exactly what was going to happen but the mention of Cerberus had given him one last wild possibility.
"I'll catch Cerberus for you!"
"What?" Hades stopped dead.
"I can do it! You know I can! I'll catch Cerberus for you - and you'll let Deianeira come back with me!" He held his breath. It was the greatest risk he had ever taken in his life.
Hades started to say "My best hunters are out after him - "
At that point Hercules knew he had won. He went weak with relief and tightened his grip around Deianeira. "Your best hunters are no match for me, and you know it.
Do we have a deal?"
For a long time Hades looked at him stonily, then sighed and shook his head. "All right. All right! You catch Cerberus, and Deianeira goes back with you. But if you fail, you BOTH will be staying with me, you understand?"
"Failure's not an option. One of the philosophers said that. I don't remember who," Hercules realized he was babbling. He turned to Deianeira and kissed her once again. "I'll be back for you soon. It's gonna be all right. Everything's gonna be all right!" He looked back at Hades. "OK - where did you last see your dog?"
CUT TO:
Minion #1 throws a lasso into the darkness. We hears a thundering roar as -TH-WAAAP!- the rope snaps taut.
MINION #1
He struggles with the rope, fighting to hold on as Minion #2 tosses a second rope, TH-WAAAAP!
In all the shadowy gloom, it’s impossible to see Cerberus clearly. All that’s visible is a huge, humped shape bucking and snapping, as it’s six red eyes glare out of the shadows burning like embers.
The other minions being attacking the unseen beast with their whips and spears. they seem to be getting the upper hand.
Minion #1 lets loose a cackling laugh.
MINION #1
Suddenly, -WHOOOSH!- something swipes past him in a blur! His laugh ends abruptly. The rope flies from his hands as -WHAAM!- he hits the ground, dead - a huge, gore-splattered claw mark grooved across his chest.
Minion #2 struggles mightily with his rope, screaming at the others.
MINION #2
Cerberus breaks free with a ROOOOAAR!!
There’s a sickening -HIIIIISSSS!- as the ropes whips through Minion #2’s grip, taking most of his hands with it!
In a flash, Cerberus’ huge shape is breaking away.
Hercules is pushing through the trees, when a loud thrashing comes right at him. He barely has time to dive to the side as the great dog flashes by.
The minions, chasing Cerberus, come upon Hercules.
MINIONS
The leader of the minions, the brawniest and most wicked-looking thug, steps up.
MINION-LEADER
HERCULES
MINION-LEADER
Hercules’ eyes flick to the dead minion on the ground, then to the bloody gash on the Minion-Leader’s arm.
HERCULES
MINION-LEADER
He spins around to the others.
MINION-LEADER (cont)
The Minions take off after Cerberus. Hercules -C-CRAACK!- breaks a large branch off a tree, forming an instant club.
He starts after Cerberus too.
CUT TO:
In the woods as the Minions follow Cerberus’ barks in a yelling, torchlit phalanx.
Hercules races quickly as well, dodging trees and ducking branches like the expert hunter he is.
The hunt travels through the dark shadowland. Several times Hercules catches a glimpse of Cerberus’ dark shape huge and shaggy, tearing through the trees.
Suddenly, the Minion-Leader points.
MINION-LEADER
The Minions swarm toward the hell-dog. The leader shouts orders, moving them into postion.
Suddenly, Hercules breaks through the group. He takes a few bounding steps and leaps! The Minion-Leader is enraged.
MINION-LEADER
WHAAAM! Hercules lands on top of the Hell-Dog! Cerberus roars, flipping him off his back.
WHAAAM! Hercules hits the dirt. SLAAASH! Cerberus rakes his bicep with a razor-tipped claw.
The minions rush in, attacking with their spears and swords. ROOAR! SLAAASH! ROOOOAAAR! SLAAASH!! A couple more fall as Cerberus bursts through, snapping and biting. We get more teasing half-glimpses of the beast as they fight, but it takes off running again before we can really see it.
MINION-LEADER
TH-WAAAP! TH-WAAAAP! They toss ropes after Cerberus’ massive silhouette. It’s deep, chorded growling rumbles like thunder.
MINION #3
MINION #4
Hercules steps up just as Cerberus finally comes into the light. It’s a vision of pure horror. Three snarling heads, each bristling with huge curved teeth, sprout from a mane of hissing snakes. A razor-tipped hook whips back and forth on the end of it’s sinewy tail.
The Minion-Leader raises his whip.
MINION-LEADER
He begins furiously whipping the dog while the others jab madly with their spears. Cerberus screams and rears, slashing out, charging and retreating, going completely crazy.
Hercules works a rope, fighting against the monster with his tremendous strength.
Suddenly -ROOOOAAR!!- Cerberus bursts forward! The minions scatter with a yell.
The Minion-Leader isn’t fast enough.
CRUUUUNCH!! Cerberus’ middle head scares his in it’s teeth, holding tight while the two other heads tear into him! The thug screams in agony until, with a violent shake, his back is snapped.
The remaining Minions struggle and strain, trying to get the hell-dog under control. they turn to Hercules, their only hope.
MINIONS
Cerberus spins on Hercules. A corded bark explodes from the beast. It bares it’s teeth as foam drips from it’s snapping jaws.
Hercules assumes a fighting stance, raising his club. He stares at the dog’s blazing eyes.
The beast crouches, body coiled, ready to spring. It’s eyes bore back at Hercules
The Minions yell and scream, anticipating a horrific fight.
But suddenly, Hercules stops advancing. He lowers his club, standing up straight from his attack pose.
The Minions exchange glances, confused.
MINIONS
Cerberus is also confused. His brow furrows. He snaps and growls suspiciously.
THUUD! Hercules drops his club to the ground.
The Minions shout frantically.
MINIONS (cont)
But Hercules opens his hands, slowing them to the dog.
HERCULES
He takes a step forward.
HERCULES (cont)
The Minions are screaming, “No! No!” as Hercules takes a final step, extending his hands to the beast.
HERCULES (cont)
Cerberus’ three heads poke forward, growling, hackles up. In the quickest flash of their teeth, they could rip Hercules’ arm off his body...but they don’t. they just sniff his hand.
Hercules smiles. He pats the Middle Head. The other two heads nuzzle in, licking his fingers. The beast’s razor tail begins wagging.
Hercules throws a look back to the Minions.
Hercules (cont)
Off our Hero’s triumphant grin...
To Hercules' immense relief, the moment he emerged from the cave, there was a rush of displaced air and Deianeira appeared. He swept her up in his embrace, ignoring the hoots and envious applause coming from the dead hunters. "I wasn't going to lose you, " he whispered, coming up for air finally.
"I wasn't going to lose you, either!" whispered Deianeira and burrowed back into her husband's arms.
"C'mon, boys!" muttered one of the hunters. "I don't think we're needed around here right now. And for Eros' sake, will you two please get a ROOM?!"
There was no reaction from the two reunited lovers. After a heartbeat or perhaps a century, Hercules broke away from the kiss and declared, "We're out of here! C'mon!"
"Listen, before we go... I've got to say ..."
"What?"
"I'm sorry ... I doubted you. I doubted you so much I listened to Nessus. I doubted you so much I was ready to kill myself, when I heard that you were dead. "
"Dei - don't. Please. Honey, the whole damn thing was a setup of Hera's from start to finish. I let you in for this, because you're married to me. I'm the one that needs to apologize, for putting you through all this." He was going to say more, but she moved in for a kiss. And after that, there was nothing left for either of them to say, only the need to climb up from Hades' realm as quickly as possible, find the nearest secluded grassy glade, and there, exchange the sincerest of apologies. Apologizing took most of the night, and it was only with the coming of rosy-fingered Dawn that they set out again on the road home.
SMASH CUT TO:
SFX: the black hole disappears altogether!
Reverse Angle reveals Hercules and Deianeira, arm in arm, watching the successful end to Hercules’ labor.
Townspeople begin appearing behind them, one by one. Curious. Smiles appearing as they re-enter their town.
TOWNSMAN
TOWNSWOMAN
A cheer rings out from the thankful crowd.
Iole appears. Lycastus is with her. They’re holding hands.
She shares a smile with Hercules, and with Deianeira, as people swarm the strongman, lifting him up onto their shoulders.
TOWNSPEOPLE
Hand in hand, they walked together down the long hill in the golden light of the dawn, and from the top of the neighboring hill, Iolaus saw them clearly. For a moment he stood, stunned, and then with a whoop that echoed from the surrounding slopes, he launched himself down to meet them, leaping and turning cartwheels the whole way.
At his first shout, they looked up in surprise and then Hercules waved. Iolaus finished his final cartwheel right at their feet. He grinned up at them from the dust and leaped to his feet, catching them both in a hug.
"You did it, Herc! I knew you could do it! I knew you'd bring her back!"
Hercules smiled as Deianeira grabbed Iolaus and kissed him hard. "Hades told me about you coming after me, " she said. "He told me that you stood up to him! That was the bravest, craziest, kindest thing...." The sentence ended in another kiss. Iolaus blushed.
Hercules grabbed his partner's arm in a warrior's handshake. "Thanks, buddy. For everything.".
"Don't mention it. No problem". Iolaus turned to look at the road behind him. "We'd better haul for home - fast! The sooner the both of you get back, the better!"
Deianeira spoke. "Iolaus ... We thought you should know ..."
She stole a worried glance at Hercules, who cleared his throat and said "Iolaus... while I was in Elysium ... I saw Ania and the baby...."
The huge grin on his best friend's face did not diminish, but there was a sudden glitter in his blue eyes. "You did? That's great... How ... how are they?"
Hercules took him by the arm. "She's fine, buddy. Aeacus too. They're both beautiful and happy - and Ania even gets along with the wildlife there ...The birds were flying all around her and singing..."
"That's great, man. That's great. I'm really glad to hear it". Iolaus found his throat getting thick.
"But Iolaus - I'm really sorry. I couldn't - ".
"No!" Iolaus interrupted forcefully. "Don't say it. Don't even think it. You got no reason to feel guilty, so don't, OK? I'm glad to know you saw her, and know she's happy. That's enough for now." He took a long, deep breath. "C'mon, let's head out! With luck we'll get back in time for lunch. Alcmene's been teaching Althea to make stuffed grape leaves - we don't want to miss that, now, do we?"
DISSOLVE TO:
An apple tree loaded with fruit. While a gentle breeze jostles the leaves, we hear children’s voices calling out.
KLONUS (OS)
AESON (OS)
ILEA
Suddenly, we hear the whistle of an arrow in flight.
The arrow -THUUP THUUP THUUP- pierces three apples, skewering them like a shish kebab, then falls to the ground.
Ilea, Klonus and Aeson run over to grab the fallen apples, cheering.
A wider angle reveals Hercules with his bow, standing in the tall grass next to Deianeira and Iolaus. They all laugh delightedly watching the kids.
In the background on the path leading up to the house, a desperate runner wearily closes in on the man who might bring him salvation...
Hercules!
Fade Out.
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I got five dinars to bet on Hercules. What d’ya say?
Alright. You gotta bet.
Hercules grabs Eryx from behind, wrapping an arm around his throat. The Boxer GAGS and SPUTTERS as Hercules TIGHTENS the vise, squeezing the life out of him.
Enough games, Hercules.
I agree. Let’s finish this.
You won, Hercules. You’re entitled to a prize--
I don’t want any prize from you.
But it’s special. It was picked out just for you!
ext. Worshiping Shrine - afternoon
Oh, Hera, great goddess. We make this humble offering and ask that you watch over us. In your goodness, show mercy as you look down on our family...
Hera. I thought we were through with these games of yours. I’ve stayed out of your way. So why don’t you stay outta mine?
I know you and I”ve battled in the past, but that’s over...or at least it could be. I only want to be left alone to be with my family. What d’you say to a truce?
Fine. If it’s how you want it, we can always go back to the way it was.
You were doin’ so well, Hercules. Why’d you have to end it like that?
She’s lucky that’s all I did.
It’s only gonna make her madder.
Yeah, well, if you hadn’t been unfaithful to her, she wouldn’t be so pissed off in the first place.
If I hadn’t been unfaithful, you would’ve never been born! (beat) I hate to think what she’ll do now.
Well, she’s your wife. Why don’t you keep her in line, then neither of us’ll have to worry about it?
I can’t
(scoffs) You’re Zeus, the god of gods. You’re supposed to be able to do anything.
It’s not that simple, you know that.
All I know if that it’d be nice if, just once, you’d side with your son, instead of that....thing you’re married to.
You did great today, son! I was proud of you!
A dark room and a large wooden bowl
filled with steaming water. A woman’s HAND reaches in with a CLOTH, dipping it into the liquid.
How long is this going to go on? I’ve had it with Hera’s spells and torments. And my father, he doesn’t do anything.
SSShhhh. You need to sit still.
I should’ve known Eryx was another one of her tricks.
What difference would it have made? You’d have gone anyway, Hercules. That’s who you are. People call for help....
(apologetic) And I always go, I know. But I can’t stand to see the gods play with people’s lives. Anybody’s lives. (beat, looks up) I’m sure you must hate me for that.
Hercules, I love you for that.
You got this from the great lion, didn’t you? What would the people of Nemea have done if you hadn’t killed it for them?
And the Hydra that tormented the Lernaeans? What wouldn’t happened if you hadn’t gone to their help?
Or Tiphys. This of all the suffering he caused until you stopped him.
Do I have to remind you what happened in Saenia?
ext. Hercules’ Home - morning
int. barn - morning
Nessus, what am I doing wrong?
Be patient, Hercules. You can’t just bully iron into shape. You gotta mold it, little by little. (eyeing the harness) Try heating it a little bit more.
Deianeira exits the house, carrying a laughing Ilea. Aeson and Klonus bound out as well. They follow after their mother, tugging on her skirt. She whirls and begins chasing them.
The Harness GLOWS hotter and hotter. Nesses spies it.
Hercules.
Hey, Hercules!
I think the harness is hot enough now.
Guess I sort of got distracted. (shaking his head) Sometimes I just can’t believe they’re mine, know what I mean?
You’re a lucky man, Hercules.
Yeah, I’d say I am.
I’m still not doing this right. Do me a favor, Nessus. When you’re done with those horses, See what you can do. You’re a hundred times better at this than I am.
Actually, I’m done with the horses now. If you wanna take’em out to the corral, I’ll see if I can salvage that harness.
Perfect. Thanks.
ext. House - day
Look, Mom. Someone’s coming.
Their P.O.V. - long shot
Far down the path, beyond the Barn, a SOLITARY FIGURE is approaching.
Why don’t you run tell your father?
ext. Barn -day
Dad. Dad. Look, somebody’s coming.
Are...are you Hercules? I must find Hercules.
Hercules. Finally. I’ve travelled so far to find you.
ext. Hercules’ House -day
Bring her inside, quickly.
I-I need your help. Please...
Don’t try to talk. You should rest.
There’s no time. I’ve travelled days and nights without stopping to come here, to find Hercules.
You must help us. My village... a hole has opened up. It’s choking everything.
What do you mean? What kind of hole?
I don’t know. A hole to the underworld. A hole breathing death. Children, their mothers, even our strongest men’ve been dying. Crops and animals, too. We’ve made sacrifices, and offerings, but nothings been able to stop it. Soon, all of Gryphon will be dead.
I’m not sure that I could do anything to help...
You must! You’re our only hope. I’ve come all this way to lead you back to Gryphon. Please say you’ll go back with me. Please!
That’s right, child, sleep. You need to rest.
What an awful tale. I’ve never heard anything so horrible.
Neither have I.
What are you gonna do? Will you help her?
I don’t know, Deianeira. For the first time in my life...I don’t know.
I think you should.
Are you sure? It’s a long journey to Gryphon. I could be gone a long time.
I know. But the people need you.
And there’s just something about her. Something so honest, and innocent, and beautiful.
And it doesn’t bother you to think of me going off with her?
Hercules, I trust you. And as much as I want you here with me, I can’t keep you from doing what you have to do.
int. village tavern - night
What’ll we drink to?
To our protector, Hercules! May he live forever!
To Hercules!
Did you see the way he killed that bastard, Eryx? Incredible.
Ahh, you should’ve been there the time he killed the two-headed giant, Tiphys. That was something to see.
I tell you, there’ll never be another like him. Ever. Hercules belongs with his father, among the gods.
Yeah, well, I’m glad he’s down here to protect us instead.
Let’s have another to Hercules then!
Hercules, Hercules, Hercules. I’m gonna be sick if I hear one more idiot extolling the name Hercules.
You talk like he can do anything. Well he can’t. Believe me, I’ve worked for him for ten years. I know better than anyone.
Aw, shut your trap, Nessus! Hercules is the greatest. There’s no disputing it.
Yeah. None of us could do even a fraction of what he’s done.
Of course not. But we’re not half-god, are we? I mean, if your father were Zeus, you could do all those things too. So could I. Any of us could.
Yeah, well, our father’s not Zeus.
Exactly, So we work and sweat and make offerings everyday, just barely getting by, while Hercules has money and women and fame showering into his lap. Now how fair is that?
You’re blind, you know it? All of you. Just like Deianeira. She fawns over him, and praises him. Like the man can do no wrong. (bitter laugh) Hercules doesn’t deserve her. He’s gone all the time, off doing whatever he can to make his name bigger. I’m the one who looks after her.
You better watch your mouth, you idiot half-horse! If Hercules heard you...
I don’t fear Hercules. Not one bit! (a tipsy smile) I have Hera to rely on. She watches over me. She’s my protector.
I’ve had enough of all of you. I’m leaving before I hear his damned name raised again.
int. Hercules’ Home - Iole’s Room - Night
Go away! Get away from here!
What’s the matter? What is it? You’re trembling?
I thought I saw someone out there. Outside the window.
Well, you’re safe. There’s no one there now.
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you...
Shhh. It’s alright. Don’t give it another thought. Just day down, and try to go back to sleep.
Is Hercules going to help my village? Will he come back with me to Gryphon?
(smiles, reassuring) Yeah, I think he will.
Thank you. Thank both of you.
(hugging her) Goodnight.
Nessus. What are you doing?
See this? It’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.
Why don’t we just leave it for now?
You don’t believe me, do you? That I can do something better than Hercules?
I believe you, Nessus. But it’s late.
(Nasty) Oh, Did I wake you up? I’m surprised you could even sleep, what with that young girl here to take your precious husband away.
Nessus, what’s wrong with you?
With me? It’s what’s wrong with you that’s what problem (laughs, mocking) You don’t trust him, do you? You don’t really think he’ll be faithful?
My Hercules? I’m sure of it.
Oh, c’mon, Deianeira. Think about it. Her blessed hair, her glowing skin. Her youth. She’s absolutely perfect. And, well...Hercules is what Hercules is.
That’s enough, Nessus. Good night.
I bet there’s something else I can do better than Hercules.
Get out of my way, Nessus, and go sleep it off!
He’ll have her. You’ll see.
Back in the house
int. Hercules’ Home - morning
Looks like a good day to travel.
I was afraid we might have rain, but it looks like we’ll be just fine.
There. I hope that’ll be enough to get you there.
Hey, what’s wrong with you?
I’m fine. I just... (turns to face him) I just know how much I’m gonna miss you, that’s all.
I”ll miss you, too.
What’s all that about?
Oh, it’s seems word of Iole has gotten into town. I guess they’ve come to see for themselves.
ext. Hercules’ House - morning
Nessus, where are you? It’s time to go.
Hercules, be careful around Nessus, alright? He worries me.
Look. I know Nessus has his faults, but he’s been a loyal hand for ten years. Besides, you know I promised his brother, Chiron, I’d always look after him.
Still...I’d feel better if you kept an eye on him.
Alright. For you, I will.
Kids, why don’t you give your dad a big kiss goodbye?
I want to thank you for taking such good care of me. I was in a pretty horrid state when I arrived.
Well, I’m glad to see you’re feeling better today.
(smiles) I think your wonderful cooking was the key.
No, no. It was just rest you needed.
Here, I want you to have this.
No, no, Iole. It’s much too precious. You shouldn’t...
Please, Deianeira. It’ll make me very happy if you’ll accept it. And wear it.
(smiles) Then I will. Thank you.
This is always the hardest part, leaving you.
I know. For me, too.
I love you.
ext Village - same day - Later
These look fine today, Biton. I’ll take tree.
What is it? Are you hungry? Can I do something...
What happened to her?
She died of grief. Grief for you.
(confused)I-I don’t understand.
For the loss of your husband.
My husband’s fine. You must be mis...
But you have the Medallion. It says you’ve lost your husband.
No, no. This was just a gift....
(knowingly) A gift from a sweet, beautiful girl?
A Nurian maiden.
But...W-Why would you think my husband was dead.
Nurian maidens have but one purpose: when a task need be done, a task so dangerous that a man can’t possibly accomplish it and emerge alive, these beautiful virgins can persuade him to attempt it anyway.
No, no. Not my Hercules. She has no power over him.
But she has power over every man. Since the day she was born, she’s trained for this, and only this. And knows all there is to know about love, and charm...and seduction. She’ll make your husband fall in love with her. And once he has, he’ll do anything she asks...even if it takes him to his death.
No. It can’t be. No!
int. Hercules’ Home - Day
Deianeira, I don’t think you should go. She was just some old, crazy woman.
But the things the man said. He knew. I’ve got to warn Hercules. I have to!
But it could be dangerous out there. You’re not even sure you know the right way.
Look, just please, take care of my children, alright? That’s all I’m asking of you.
Kids, I have to go for awhile. I’ll be back later. Your Aunt Althea is going to take care of you. Alright?
ext. River Valley - day
What’d you find? Does it get any better up there?
(shaking his head) I went all the way to the bend. It looks like it just gets deeper.
Yeah, well downstream’s no better. I guess this is probably the best spot.
I’ll swim across and tie it off, then come back for the two of you.
The Bluff Above
Your beauty’s so strong it charms even the birds.
I guess it shouldn’t surprise me.
(getting up) Deianeira. What’s wrong?
I know all about you, Iole. I know about your breeding, your training, how you have the power to make men fall in love with you. (more pointed) How you’ll make a widow and orphans out of a loving family. Please, call this off. Leave my family be.
I can’t
You have to.
Deianeira, if you know all about me, then you know I have no choice. I’ve prepared all my life for this. Since the day I was born, I’ve learned to be what I am, so I could one day answer the call, and do something great.
This is my destiny.
But it doesn’t have to be my husband. There are plenty of other strong men. Plenty of brave ones...
None as strong or brave as Hercules.
But you don’t understand. You don’t know what he and I have been through. It’s taken all our lives to get what we have. Let him enjoy it. Let him play with his children, watch them grow up. For all Hercules has done in this world, he deserves a little peace.
My village is being destroyed. My people are dying. Your husband’s the only person who can save them. I wish I could walk away from all of this. I really do. But I must bring Hercules back to my village.
Deianeira? What are you doing here?
I had to come warn you. Thank the gods you’re alright.
Warn me? What are you talking about?
You’ve been tricked! We both have. This Medallion - the one Iole gave me. IT means she’s a Nurian.
(admitting, reluctantly) Deianeira, I know. I’ve known since she first arrived.
And you’re going with her anyway?
It’ll be alright.
But we’ll never see you again. She’ll take you from us forever!
Shhh, shhh, That’ll never happen.
Please. Please come home with me now. She’ll make you fall in love with her. And once you have, you’ll be willing to die for her.
Deianeira. You trust me, don’t you? (she nods) And I trust you. I always have. It’s the one thing that’s always gotten us through.
Well, let that trust be enough now. Trust that I love you, and only you. Trust that you’re the only person I’d ever die for.
Trust that I’d never let anything keep me away from you.
Let me go and do what I can for Iole’s people. Then I’ll hurry right back home to you. (beat) At the very worst, I’ll have a new scar or two to show you.
Now get yourself home. Nessus’ll go with you, to make sure you get there safely.
Iole, let’s get going. We need to cover some ground before the sun sets. (to Deianeira) Goodbye.
Funny, isn’t it? you travel all this way because you love him and care for him so much. And still, where are you? Alone, watching as he leaves with her for a second time.
BE quiet, Nessus. Hercules has a job to do.
Yeah, But why this job? Ask yourself that. Why has he chosen to abandon his family and go off, risking his life for this stranger? Could it be because she’s a young, beautiful virgin?
Look at the way he carries her. Look at the way he holds her. It’s tender, like a lover.
He used to carry you that way. Do you remember? Or is it too long ago?
It’s time to go.
If you were mine, Deianeira, you’d never be alone.
Let go of me, Nessus. Let go or when Hercules comes back, I’ll tell him all about this, and the other night, too.
(laughs, scoffing) You’re not listening. Hercules won’t be coming back. Iole will have him. You’ll never see him again.
He’ll be coming back. He said so.
(angry, crazed) God! You’re caught in his spell. Don’t you see that? You’ve been tricked by him into thinking hi’s something he isn’t.
Nessus!
There’s only one way to get through to you. One way to make you see things clearly, like I do?
Nessus. Stop it right now.
I should have done this a long time ago. You need to be saved from him.
I’m going to have you, Deianeira. There’s no escape and you know it.
HERCULES! HERCULES, HELP!
The opposite river-bluff
W-What’s happening? What is it?
Hercules, what’s going on?
HERCULES, HELP ME! ! HERCULES!
What are you screaming for, Deianeira? There is no Hercules. He’s gone. I told you. In fact, he’s as good as dea...UUUHHHH! !
(barely a whisper) Hera. I’m dying. You were supposed to protect me.
The gaudy peacock stands at the Treeline a short distance away. It turns its head, eyeing the wounded centaur.
Yes, Hera... Yes...
Yes... If that’s what you want...
Deianeira
I want to make amends before I die.
My blood is a powerful potion. Give the cloak to Hercules. Once he puts it on, you can be sure he’ll never be unfaithful to you.
But...But I don’t doubt him.
But you do
DEIANEIRA! DEIANEIRA!
(weakly) Be sure. Give it to him.
DEIANEIRA!
It’s alright, Hercules. I’m alright.
This is my fault. I should have known. You tried to tell me.
Hercules, I’m not hurt. Everything is fine.
It won’t be fine until I take you back home.
No. I can make it back by myself. You need to go on. Get to Iole’s village. Her people need you there.
Are you sure?
Yes. I’m sure.
Just do me this favor.
Take this. And when you’re cold at night, put it on and think only of me.
I’ll think of nothing else.
I’ll miss you. Goodbye.
ext. Forest Trail - day
I’m tired of talking about me. I wanna know about you. Tell me some tales about the great Hercules.
There’s not that much to tell. I just do what I do. Besides, you still haven’t told me why you decided to become a Nurian in the first place.
Well, that’s ‘cause it wasn’t really my decision. I was only five when my mother had a vision. It told her that someday, I’d be called upon to make a great effort to save my village. And in the vision, I was wearing the blue-stone medallion. So she and my father sent me off to train as a Nurian, and fifteen years later...here I am.
What about the stories I’ve heard? Of your special powers and all that?
Oh, that’s nonsense. Fool’s talk. You of all people must know how that is. I mean according to the stories about the great and powerful Hercules, you’re supposed to be ten feet tall.
Some of the crazy things they say you’ve done... D’you know you supposedly slew a two-headed giant? And you get the Lernaean Hydra all by yourself? (laughs) Or best of all, I heard someone say you killed an enormous sea monster by squeezing his heart ‘til it stopped beating.
But those stories are true.
No. I mean it. I really did all those things.
So maybe Hercules does have a tale or two after all.
C’mon. Tell me a few more.
ext. Trail - Dusk
Look, there’s an inn right up there. We can get a meal.
AAAHHH! He’s going crazy! HEELP!
share a look..then rush forward
I think you better stay out here.
int. Inn - Night
What’s happening here?
I dunno. He came in, and just started screaming. When I tried to throw him out, he goes crazy and starts smashin’ up the place.
Did he say what he was mad about?
No. Didn’t say nothin’.
Iole?! W-What are...
You’re only scaring him.
Scaring him? He’s gone crazy. He’ll turn this place into a pile of splinters if I don’t stop him.
No. Please, put down the club. Lemme talk to him.
Hercules, put the club down.
There, there. It’s alright now.
Could you get him some water?
He wants something to eat. But he can’t ask for it because he’s mute. Get him something, would you? I’ll be happy to pay for it.
next day montage:
They come to a deep crevasse. It’s too far across to jump. With a roar of strength, Hercules pushes over a tall tree. WHAAM! It lands on the other side, spanning the ravine. Hercules and Iole are able to get across.
Hercules leads Iole through a dark maze of trees. Huge snakes loop over limbs. Birds screech and flutter through the branches. Iole holds his hand tight, looking a little scared.
Hercules and Iole pass under a thundering waterfall. Everything is slick and slippery - it’s slow going. Suddenly, Hercules looses his footing and starts to fall. WHAAP! Iole catches him by the arm, and pulls him up. Hercules gives a smile of gratitude, then they continue on.
ext. camp - night
It’s beautiful isn’t it?
Yeah. A lot of stars out tonight.
Myrea and Martumus. Every time I see them, it makes me sad.
Which ones are they?
Right up there.
Right up... where?
Right up here. (smiles) Here. I’ll show you.
See? There they are.
There were lovers in life...or would’ve been. Their families were at war, so they were kept apart. They were never allowed to see each other, never allowed to touch.
Why didn’t they just run away?
They were going to. They had it all planed out, to meet in a meadow and finally be together. But Myrea’s father found out about it. He became enraged. And when Myrea refused to denounce her love for Martumus, her father was so filled with spite, he killed her.
He killed his own daughter?
Uh-huh. And he tossed her body into the heavens. That’s her right there, reaching out.
And what happened to Martumus?
Well, he went to the meadow and waited for Myrea. Naturally, she never came. Finally, by chance, he looked up into the sky. And there she was.
Well, what did he do? Did he get revenge? Did he kill her father?
He was so wracked with grief, he drew his dagger, and cut out his own heart. He had to just to stop the pain. Luckily, the gods saw what had happened. Out of pity, they drew his body up into the heavens. See, that’s him, there, reaching toward Myrea.
But they’re not touching.
No. In a cruel twist of fate, Martumus landed just outta reach of Myrea. And that’s how they’ll spend eternity. They know they’ll never touch...but they never stop trying.
Isn’t that sad?
I guess I’m just silly.
Goodnight,Hercules.
Uh...goodnight, Iole.
ext. Water Pool - Morning
Hercules. You know you shouldn’t be watching me.
Iole, hurry up! We need to be on the road!
ext. camp - same time
C’mon, Iole. It’s getting kinda late.
Iole?
You don’t deserve to live, you bastard!
Whoa, Whoa. who are you, friend? Why are you attacking me?
I’m not your friend!
Okay, but tell me your name, kid. I like to know who’s trying to kill me.
I’m not a kid either!
So you’re not a friend and you’re not a kid. But I don’t remember crossing you.
That’s alright. You’ll remember dying by my hand.
Now that’s enough. I’m not gonna dirty my fists on you.
You’re not?
No. You’ll have to go find someone else to kill.
I’m warning you. Next thing to break is your neck.
Hercules, don’t kill him!
Oh, poor Lycastus.
Is there something you wanna tell me?
I told him not to follow me, but he can’t help it. He doesn’t understand.
Doesn’t understand what?
He doesn’t understand that even though I love him...there isn’t a future for us. He thinks there’s a future for us, and there isn’t.
Why not?
Because there can’t be. It’s not in my destiny.
But if you love him, and he obviously loves you...
It doesn’t matter. There are so many more important things in the world. My life and his life mean nothing.
I don’t want this to affect anything, Hercules. Saving my town is still the only thing that matters to me.
We have to get going.
ext hilltop - late afternoon
There, that’s Gryphon. My home.
ext. just outside Gryphon - late afternoon
It’s him (Yelling) Look! Iole’s returned! And she’s brought Hercules!
You’ll save us now, won’t you, Hercules?
Of course he will. He’s the strongest man in the world!
This way Hercules. We’ll take you to it.
Come with us!
I never thought I’d see the day. A task too big, even for my son.
reveals the toothless beggar standing behind our hero.
So, What are you gonna do?
I’ don’t know. I’ve battled hideous beasts, I’ve matched blows with giants, I’ve even gone against whole armies of men...(a beat) But I’ve never been asked to die before.
When I was younger, I might’ve marched right into this. I might’ve fought death himself if it was asked of me. But now I have so much to live for. My wife. My children.
I need to know something...am I immortal or not?
(side-stepping) Hercules...
I’ve never asked you before, but as your son, I’m asking you now. Can I die?
You don’t wanna know.
I have to know. You’re a god. My mother’s mortal. What does that make me?
Hercules, this is a question you shouldn’t be asking. If I tell you you’re mortal, you’ll change. You’ll grow cautious. And if I say you’re gonna live forever...Well, that’s a curse in itself.
But I have to know what’s gonna happen if I go into that hole. If I’ll ever get home again.
So go home right now. You don’t have to save this town. You don’t owe these people anything. Just turn around, and leave. Grow old with your family like you’ve always intended to.
Tell me.
Dammit. Tell me!
(rolling his eyes) Alright, alright.
You’re mortal, Hercules. You can die.
How do I know you’re telling the truth?
Why would I lie?
To keep me out of that hole.
Don’t be ridiculous.
I’m not. (looks at the hole) Maybe this is all Hera’s doing. And maybe you’re afraid of what’ll happen if I go down there and interfere.
I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s watching us right now...
Iole and the Townspeople
What’s happening? He’s just standing there.
Why isn’t he doing anything?
You know your fate if he fails.
int. Iole’s hut - night
You’re getting ready for him, aren’t you?
Please, Iole. Don’t.
Lycastus, you’ve always known this day would come. It’s my destiny.
But I thought you loved me.
I do love you. and if you love me, you’ll let me do what I have to.
What about us?
There is no us.
No. We can’t. I can’t.
But you want to.
Quick. You’ve gotta hide.
I’ve been waiting for you, Hercules.
Iole, I’m afraid I can’t help your town.
I stood on the edge of that hole, and I thought about it long and hard. I can’t do it.
I have children now, and a wife I love. I have to live for them.
But Hercules, my people suffer so. They need you. I need you.
Please. Won’t you do it for me?
No. My mind is made up.
Please, don’t. I just wanna go home and be with my family. I don’t want anything more to do with the gods and their games... I just wanna be left alone. It’s all over.
then I am dead. I’ve failed, and I am dead.
I’m sorry.
(genuine) Take care of her, my friend.
ext. Camp - night
Deianeira, if you’re looking at this moon tonight, be thinking of me.
AAAAAAHH!
HERCULES! (to the others) Somebody help him! Help him!
The gods’ll never stop, will they? We’ll never be able to escape their damn games.
Tell my wife and children I’ll always love them.
ext. Hercules’ Home - Day
Daddy. (shouting) Mommy, Mommy! Daddy’s coming!
Mommy! It’s daddy!
Hercules. I can’t belie...
Ilea. Go in the house. Go on, right now.
(emotionless, in shock) He’s dead, isn’t he? My husband is dead.
H-How? W-What happened to him?
It was a cloak. A cursed cloak. (Deianeira reacts) He put it on, and it tortured him...drove him mad. His only escape was to leap into the hole.
B-But the cloak was supposed to protect him. IT was supposed to protect us. I-I don’t know...
What have I done? How could I have listened to Nessus? I’ve killed my beloved Hercules.
int. Dark Cavern
Hey, you there. Where am I? Tell me what this place is.
I’m talking to you. Answer me!
There’ll be time enough for answers. We're in no hurry here.
Where is “here”?
It’s customary to pay the boatman for passage.
W-What are you doing here? You can’t cross!
Why not?
Y-You’re alive!
Only the dead are allowed to cross the River Styx.
Well, we’re gonna change that right now.
But we can’t.
Can’t?
ext. River Styx
Hades is not gonna be happy about this, I’m tellin’ ya. Nobody alive has ever entered the Underworld before. You’re gonna be in a lotta trouble when he hears about this. (beat) What am I sayin’? I’m gonna be in a lotta trouble.
Why would a livin’ person like yourself wanna come down here, anyway? Huh? You lookin’ for someone? Someone lookin’ for you?
Dammit. There goes another one.
Another what? What was that?
Oh, that damn dog Cerberus again. He’s supposed to guarding the gate, keepin’ the dead down here where they belong. ‘Cept somehow he got loose and now he’s off running around. It’s causin’ all sorts of trouble. (shakes his head) Can’t imagine what things mist be like up in the living world.
Well I can.
A-hem. how about it? Little somethin’ for the effort?
Sorry. Can’t help you.
Hey. At least gimme my lantern back.
Maybe a little later. Thanks for the ride, though.
Oh, very funny. Pick on Charon. Sure. Why not? everybody else does.
(to himself) Cerberus.
ext Tartarus - Land of Fallen Heroes
White clouds race across a brilliant blue sky, swirling like time-lapse photography.
Hercules? Is that Hercules?
Yes. I’m Hercules.
By the God’s It is you, my friend.
Chrysippus! I can’t believe it. What luck!
It’s so good to see you. What are you doing here? And how is it you managed to arrive alive?
I don’t know exactly. I ...uh...
Ah. It doesn’t matter. you’re here. that’s all that counts.
(smiles)If you don’t mind my asking, where is here? Where am I?
This is Tartarus. The land of fallen heroes. It’s where warriors like you and I end up, though in your case hopefully not for a long while.
Come, say hello to come of the others. (pointing around) That’s Presius. That’s Creon. Apesantus and Opheltes you already know. And that’s Lampon.
Beautiful, isn’t it? Like a dream come true.
(nodding) I always wondered what was waiting after death. Is there more?
What else could we need?
What do you do for food? Do you hunt?
No need to. We never hunger. Nor do we get cold, or sick, or lonely. All those things are left in the land of the living. (beat) Everything is perfect here, Hercules. the water’s pure, the trees bear only the sweetest fruit. The days are warm, the nights always sparkly with stars. (grins) It’s paradise my friend. It’s our reward. Someday you’ll share it with us.
What about those who’ve done evil? (knowing but asking anyway) They don’t end up here, do they?
No. they have their own place. One that’s fitting for the lives they lived. One that pays back the hurt they caused to others.
Then I’m sure I’ll return to Tartarus when I die, Chrysippus.
Of course you will. What are you talking about?
(looking shamed) Your brother. Nessus. I’m afraid...
(stopping him) Hercules, I know all about Nessus. You had no choice but to kill him. I can’t fault you for that.
Well, still, I’m sorry for your grief.
And I’m sorry for you. Over losing Deianeira.
W-What do you mean?
She’s dead, Hercules. I thought you knew that.
No. No, that can’t be.
I’m afraid it is, my friend. I wish I could say different, but I can’t. She’s here now, in the Underworld with us. I’ll show you.
Deianeira...
...reaching out to touch her, but -WHOOMPH!- the window closes and the vision vanishes.
Where is she? I have to go to her.
You can’t, Hercules. She’s in the Elysian Fields. You’re not allowed to go there.
But I have to! Please, show me the way.
I can’t.
Chrysippus. If we were ever friend. If you ever cared for me, please, take me to my wife.
You don’t understand. If I could, I’d go with you, like old times, side by side. But the best I can do now, it wish you good luck. I’ve gone as far as I can go. there’s no way for me to leave Tartarus.
Goodbye then.
Goodbye, Hercules. good luck.
ext. Erebus - Land of the Damed
int. Netherworld
Hercules, give me water.
Hercules, take me with you, I don’t belong here.
Don’t listen to her. She murdered her children.
Hercules, please. Hercules!
Hercules! Hercules! Please! Please ! Hercules! Please! Hercules!
Who’s there?
show yourself! Now!
Well, well. Look who we have here. It’s Hercules. And he’s alive.
Do you recognize me and my friends here, Hercules? You should. Every one of us was sent to this infernal place by you. (ragged chuckle) I guess this is our chance to show our appreciation.
C’mon, Hercules. What d’ya say? Throw down the weapons and fight me toe to toe again.
Sorry, Eryx. But I’ve got better things to do.
You’re not finished just yet, Hercules. We have an eternity of rage in store for you.
Chrysippus! thanks the gods! You’ve come to help me.
Chrysippus. Chrysippus (wicked sneer) How’d you like to cloak, Hercules? did it fit okay? I hope it wasn’t at all uncomfortable.
You!
And I was so sorry to hear about Deianeira. Really. I was.
you damned bastard! You’re the one to blame.
Well, I’d like to think so. But I’m afraid it was actually Hera’s plan.
Poor Deianeira, when she heard the cloak had driven you to your death, she felt so guilty, she threw herself off a cliff. What a mess.
What happened to you, Nessus? You were my trusted hand for so many years, then suddenly, all this hatred.
Suddenly? Suddenly?! You’re an even bigger fool than I thought. I always hated you. I wasn’t taken in by your spell like the others. I saw you for what you are.
And what’s that?
An arrogant bastard who feeds on the praise and adoration of the weaklings who fawn over you. Praise and adoration you never deserved. Well, now you'll suffer, Hercules.
You’re the one who suffers, Nessus. Down here. In this place.
Believe me. Just seeing your anguished face has eased my suffering for all time.
Don’t be so sure. I’m gonna find Deianeira and take her out of this place.
It won’t do you any good. Even if you do find her, she won’t know you. Your Deianeira is gone.
What do you mean? I’ve seen her.
She’s gone forever!
Deianeira...
Hades’ Seven Minions bound through the woods. All are ghastly, fierce-looking thugs, called up from Erebus for this special chore.
they carry ropes and whips and various weapons. some have bloody wounds from the hunt.
there. got you, you miserable beast!
You’re not getting away this time, you mangy hound! We’re gonna....
Help me with this! He’s getting awa...
Wh-What? Who the hell are you? It’s Hercules!
What are you doing here, Hercules?
I’ve come to get Cerberus.
(snorts) What makes you think we need your help?
What makes you think you don’t?
(allowing a laugh) Tag along if you want, Hercules. But the dog is mine.
After him!!
He’s over here!
Hercules!!
Don't let him get away!
We’ve got him! We’ve got him.
He can’t get away this time! Cerberus is ours!
I’ll teach you who’s boss, you freak.
Hercules, do something!
Hercules? What is it? What’s wrong?
Hercules! Pick up your weapon! He’ll kill you!
Look. I don’t wanna hurt you.
You just need to go back where you belong.
So whatta you say? Will you go?
Remember that. Sometimes a little kindness does the trick.
ext. Iole’s Village - Day
He’s done it! Hercules has done it!
Our town is saved!
Hercules! Hercules! Hercules!
Get me one, Dad. Get me a big one.
I want one, too.
What about me? Don’t I get one?
