Between Friends Shooting Draft

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Between Friends

Episode #2<br> Production #V0802

Story by: Robert Tapert & Liz Friedman

Teleplay by: Mark Edens

Directed by: Chris Graves

Production Draft April 20, 1998 - May 22, 1998

Pacific Island Pictures, LTD, All Rights Reserved &copy; 1998

Cast List

Hercules<br> Jason<br> Iolaus - (ee-OH-lus)<br> Cheiron - (KI-ron)<br> Strife/Nysus Gaius - (NICE-us GUY-us)<br> Alcmene - (alk-MAY-nee)<br> Ares<br> Kora

Set List

Interiors:<br> Cheiron's Academy - Classroom<br> Kora's Inn<br> Hera's Cave<br> Alcmene's Barn<br> Ares' Temple

Exteriors:<br> Cheiron's Academy<br> Hera's Cave<br> Mountains<br> Road<br> Alcmene's House<br> Ares' Temple

Teaser

VERY BRIEF RECAP OF EPISODE 1 - EDITED FROM ITS FOOTAGE

FADE IN:

INT. OLYMPUS - DAY

ARES talking to STRIFE.

<center>ANNOUNCER (V.O.)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Previously on Young Hercules.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>ARES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>If you were any good at being bad, you'd dare what no god has dared before. To destroy a mortal son of Zeus.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>You mean Hercules?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

INT. KORA'S INN - DAY

Strife introducing himself to Hercules.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Nysus Gaius. I'm on my way to Cheiron's Academy --</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

INT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - TRAINING HALL - DAY

Strife and HERCULES work out on the ropes.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>He used to tell me about this place. The academy, and that cave up on the mountain.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>What cave?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

INT. THE CAVE - NIGHT

JASON, Hercules, and IOLAUS grab Hera's chalice.

<center>STRIFE (V.O.)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>...They got a chalice up there made by Zeus himself... they say he'd like to have it back.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

EXT. OUTSIDE THE CAVE - DAY

The Phoenix bursts into flaming life and flies off.

<center>ARES (V.O.)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Is my dear brother Hercules hooked?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>STRIFE (V.O.)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Like a little fish, uncle -- ready for Hera to filet.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

EXT. CHEIRON'S ACDEMY - DAY

QUICK CUTS of the Phoenix attacking the academy. End with the Phoenix carrying off Hercules.

NEW FOOTAGE:

EXT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - DAY

As the Phoenix flies off, Hercules dangling from the rope around its neck, its wing brushes the top of a wall, knocking stones loose. Cracks race through the masonry of the wall. A stone knocks down the Cadet that tossed Herc his sword in Part One, and the wall starts to fall on him. Jason and Iolaus spring into action, racing up to the Cadet as the wall falls.

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Look out!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

EXT. THE MOUNTAINS - CONTINUOUS

The Phoenix, Hercules dangling from the rope, flies into the mountains. Hercules looks down -- nothing but jagged rocks a dizzying drop below.

EXT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - CONTINUOUS

As the crumbling wall falls, Jason grabs the Cadet and pulls him out of the way. Iolaus back-flips away from the falling wall and lands on top of a stack of barrels. It's the first in a line of a stack of barrels. Iolaus jumps from stack to stack as the crumbling wall hits the first stack and starts a chain reaction, with the stacks of barrels falling like a chain of dominoes, Iolaus staying one step ahead.

EXT. THE MOUNTAINS - CONTINUOUS

With Hercules dangling from the rope around its neck, the Phoenix banks and then dives down toward the mountain crags. The rocks seem to rise up to meet them, passing at dizzying speed.

EXT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - CONTINUOUS

Iolaus reaches the end of the line of stacked barrels and launches himself into the air just as the last stack is knocked over. Iolaus lands in a well, hanging onto the rope (the other end is coiled on the ground beside the well). As his weight pulls the rope through the pulley into the well, Iolaus "climbs" the rope as fast as he can to keep from falling into the water.

EXT. THE MOUNTAINS - CONTINUOUS

The bird flies toward a cliff, with Hercules dangling from the rope around its neck -- about to smash Hercules into the rocks. As the Phoenix swoops over the jagged rocks of the cliff, Hercules swings himself up onto the birds back as it skims just above the rocks.

EXT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - CONTINUOUS

Iolaus is frantically "climbing" the well rope, which is rapidly disappearing into the well. Jason leaps INTO SHOT and grabs the unattached end of the rope just before it's pulled into the well. Iolaus' descent stops abruptly.

EXT. THE MOUNTAINS - CONTINUOUS

Hercules moves towards the bird's neck, trying to get it in a choke hold. Suddenly the bird flips over, and Hercules falls. As Hercules plummets, the Phoenix swoops back and Hercules grabs the dangling rope and is carried back into the air by the bird.

EXT. A FORREST - CONTINUOUS

The bird dives through the trees, trying to smash Hercules against the ranches. Trees and branches whip past -- like the scene with the air-speeder bikes in "Return of the Jedi." Hercules dodges the branches -- most of them. Hercules ends up dazed, but with a jagged broken branch in one hand. Swinging from the rope, Hercules vaults onto the bird's back and uses the broken branch to stab the bird repeatedly, like Captain Ahab stabbing at Moby Dick (NOTE TO BS&P - we'll be close on Hercules so that we do not see the actual stabbing.)

EXT. THE SKY - CONTINUOUS

The bird flies up, trying to shake Hercules, but he hangs on, stabbing. Finally the bird gives a huge SHRIEK and expires -- in a ball of fire. Hercules is left in mid-air, holding a scorched branch. He plummets toward the ground.

EXT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - CONTINUOUS

As Jason helps Iolaus out of the well, they react to the bird's SHRIEK and look up in alarm and spot Hercules.

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Break his fall!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Jason and Iolaus rush up to a two-wheeled cart loaded with hay. They push the cart back and forth, trying to guess where Hercules will fall. It's almost a tug of war between them.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>No! This way!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Over here!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Back up! Back up! </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

They shove the cart back into a roofed pen built onto the side of one of the academy buildings. As soon as the cart is under the pen's roof, Hercules crashes through the pen's roof and into the cart load of hay, knocking the wheels off the hay cart, sending Iolaus and Jason scurrying for cover. In the now broken hay cart, Hercules is barely visible, lying half-covered in the hay. Jason and Iolaus rush up, alarmed.

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Hercules!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

There's a tense moment, but then Hercules moves in the hay.

<center>HERCULES<br> (groans)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Nice catch.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

His eyes close as he goes woozy, eyes rolling as we:

FADE OUT.

Act One

FADE IN:

INT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - CLINIC - DAY

Hercules lies on an examining table as CHEIRON places acupuncture needles on his shoulder.

<center>CHEIRON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>This will take the stiffness out of that shoulder. You were lucky, Hercules. The warrior who depends on luck is a fool.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Sorry, Cheiron. I didn't mean to cause any trouble for the academy.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>Cheiron<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Selfish desires often mask themselves as good intentions.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I thought I knew what I was getting into, but now I'm not so sure.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

INT. HALL OUTSIDE CLINIC - DAY

Hercules, flexing his arm and shoulder -- it seems to feel better -- comes out of the clinic and disappears down the hall. STRIFE and ARES watch from the shadows of a doorway.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Your little bro is tougher than I thought. One bad dude. Must take after his daddy. Chip off the old Zeus, know what I mean?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Ares rolls his eyes toward Strife, annoyed by his prating.

<center>ARES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Oh, do be quiet. I'm trying to think!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Strife ducks away as though afraid Ares is going to slug him. But when he realizes Ares isn't, Strife comes closer, obsequiously.

<center>STRIFE<br> (obsequious chuckle)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Word, Ares. No problemo. Think, think, think. That's what I like about you, you're full of--</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Ares gives him a hard look.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Ideas. I mean, if anybody can lay a scam on Hercules, it's number one Uncle.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Ares raises an admonishing finger, silencing Strife.

<center>ARES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>We'll soften him up where he's weakest. His pathetic mortal feelings.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - GYMNASIUM - THE NEXT DAY

Strife and Jason are choosing padded staffs from an equipment rack. Across the room from them Iolaus is talking to FIDUCIUS, the academy's short, fussy bookkeeper. Iolaus' posture is slumped dejected, Fiducius is obviously being overbearing. With a final disdainful toss of his head, Fiducius turns and walks away. Iolaus walks dejectedly over to Strife and Jason.

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>What did Fiducius want?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>What's a dinar counter like him always want? The academy fees.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>JASON<br> (knows it's a touchy subject)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Look, Iolaus, if you're a little short, I could...</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br> (brightening falsely)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>No, no. Don't worry about it. I, uh, I got it covered.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus grabs a padded staff from the equipment rack.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Hey, are we gonna practice, or just stand here talkin'?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus walks off toward the pole drill area. Jason and Strife exchange a look and follow him.

ANGLE - POLE DRILL AREA

Iolaus jumps up on the poles as Jason and Strife join him. Strife jumps up on the poles, landing shakily, swishing the padded staff around as he moves shakily from pole to pole. Iolaus moves with cat-like grace as they spar.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Remember, like old four-legs says, balance is the key. Don't think about where you're stepping. Just feel the poles. I've seen Herc do this blindfolded.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Really? Everybody says he's always showing off. I'll bet that's why he got you involved in that bird thing stealing Hera's chalice!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus reacts with shock, dropping his guard.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Hera!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

With Iolaus distracted, Strife jabs him in the gut with the end of his padded staff, almost knocking Iolaus off the poles.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Gotcha!<br> <center>('writes' a mark in the air with finger)<br></center> Score one for Nysus! </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Strife assumes an "en garde" stance as Iolaus recovers his balance.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I can't believe Hercules didn't tell you the chalice belonged to Hera. She can be so nasty -- wiping out entire villages, that sort of thing. Boy, I'd never mess with her stuff.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus exchanges a troubled look with Jason, who has been watching him spar with Strife.

<center>JASON<br> (troubled)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I guess he forgot to mention it.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Yeah, right, a little thing like Hera could slip anybody's mind.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Strife lunges with his padded staff at Iolaus --

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Think fast!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

-- but Iolaus recovers and parries the blow, hitting Strife with a riposte, knocking him off the poles and onto the floor. As Strife lets out a started yelp... Iolaus jumps down from the poles to help Strife to his feet.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Good move, Iolaus. Didn't see that one coming. </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>You were doing pretty good there for a second.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Hercules walks up, joining them.

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Hey, Iolaus, did you finally find somebody who hasn't seen all your --<br> <center>(fakes punches to Iolaus' belly)<br></center> -- special moves?!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

When Iolaus doesn't respond, Hercules looks at him, puzzled.

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>What's the problem?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Me? No problem. I'm not the one here keepin' secrets from my friends.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>What're you talking about?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>He means why didn't you tell us the chalice in the phoenix cave belonged to Hera.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Hercules looks guilty -- and a little ashamed.

<center>Hercules<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I didn't think she'd care about a stupid old cup!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Maybe we'd've tried to stop you. Maybe not. But you owed it to us to tell us!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Look, I'm sor --</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>CHEIRON (O.S.)<br> (from across gym)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Pair drills! Pick your partners!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Holding a padded cudgel, Cheiron addresses the Cadets as they begin to gather around him.

<center>CHEIRON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Warriors must learn to fight back to back. Depend on your comrade as he depends on you.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Hercules looks toward Cheiron, then back at Iolaus and Jason.

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Look -- let's talk about this after the workout.<br> <center>(offers his hand)<br></center> Partners?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I'm not sure I can trust you.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus ignores his hand and walks away.

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Iolaus!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Hercules turns to Jason, but Jason just gives him an angry look and walks off after Iolaus, leaving Hercules with Strife.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - DORM - NIGHT

Dejected, Hercules watches as Iolaus, Jason, and Strife go out through the dorm door. It's obvious from their body language that they're buddies heading out for a good time.

<center>CHEIRON (O.S.)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>You're not going with them, Hercules?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Hercules turns to see Cheiron standing behind him.

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>They don't want me along.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>CHEIRON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Being a friend isn't always easy.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Hercules looks toward the door.

<center>HERCULES<br> (feels lousy)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Yeah, tell me about it...</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. KORA'S INN - NIGHT

The lights are on in the inn and we hear LAUGHTER and the BUZZ OF CONVERSATION. A couple of SATYRS come out, laughing.

INT. KORA'S INN - NIGHT

Jason, Iolaus, and Strife sit at a table littered with the remains of a meal -- a half-eaten loaf of bread, a platter of rib bones, cups. KORA comes to the table and picks up the platter of bones, bussing the table. In the B.G., we can see LEONIDAS, the inn's busboy, clearing tables as other Patrons leave.

<center>KORA<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Kitchen's closing. Anything else?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>How about a slow walk in the moonlight? You? Me? The stars?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Kora leans in close to Iolaus. She vamps seductively.

<center>KORA<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Alone, Iolaus? With you?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus is taken aback at Kora's sudden switch of attitude.

<center>IOLAUS<br> (gulp)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Uh, sure.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>KORA<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Okay. Sneak into the academy barn... Crawl into the hayloft... close your eyes --<br> <center>(changes tone)<br></center> -- and dream on!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Kora walks away.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I don't get it. I mean -- what's her problem?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Good taste?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Jason stands, pulling out a coin pouch.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Uh, what's my share?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Tonight's on me.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Hey, thanks, Jason. I owe you one.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

As Jason turns away and walks over toward Kora, Strife eases up next to Iolaus.

<center>STRIFE<br> (to Iolaus)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Nice guy. I'll bet he's always had everything he could want. Bigtime money. Family. He can't know what it's like to struggle to get by -- like you and me.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus looks over to Jason and Kora, who's behind the inn's counter. Jason pulls out his money pouch as he talks to Kora. We can't hear what's going on between Jason and Kora. Strife leans over toward Iolaus conspiratorially.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Girls like Kora -- they're only impressed by one thing -- money. Check the way she looks at Jason.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus looks over at Jason, who's chatting with Kora, maybe flirting with her a little, as he counts out his copper coins.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>They're just talking.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Maybe I'm outta line here, but if you were a girl, who would you go out with - the future King of Corinth, or a guy like you?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

As Iolaus eyes Kora and Jason, realizing Strife is probably right, Strife secretly takes Iolaus; money pouch from his belt and drops it to the floor. Strife stands.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>See ya back at the academy.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Strife leaves as Jason returns to the table.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. KORA'S INN - LATER THAT NIGHT

Jason and Iolaus come out of the inn, Iolaus walking huffily.

<center>JASON<br> (amiable, joshing)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Hey, now -- where's that old Iolaus smile?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Why would you care?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>JASON<br> (taken aback)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>What's that supposed to mean?!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>All my life I've had to fight for everything! You've had it all handed to you!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>You think I've had it easy?!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br> (puts hands on hips)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Sure. I bet attending those royal banquets is a tough job.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus pats his waist, realizing something is wrong. He looks down in alarm, realizing his money pouch is gone.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Oh, great! My money pouch is gone!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus and Jason exchange angry glares, then Iolaus dashes off back toward the inn. Jason walks off, heading for the academy.

Strife steps out of the shadows of the trees, watched them go their separate ways with a malevolent smile.

INT. KORA'S INN - CONTINUOUS

Kora stacks coins on the counter, beside the inn's strongbox: the night's take. We hear a CRASH OF CROCKERY and Kora cringes.

<center>KORA<br> (long-suffering)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Leonidas! That better not be my new Thessalian platters!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>LEONIDAS (O.S.)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Sorry.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Kora heads for the storeroom, grumbling.

<center>KORA<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>How hard can it be to carry dishes?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Kora disappears into the storeroom just before Iolaus enters the inn. Iolaus hurries over to the table and searches the floor under it. He finds his money pouch, grabs it. He opens the pouch and shakes out a lone coin into his hand.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>You're not much, but you're all I've got.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus drops the coin back into his pouch. As he turns to leave, he sees the stacks of coins on the counter and goes over to them, looking at them, tempted. He looks around: no one is there. It would be so easy to steal it all. On Iolaus' troubled face, we:

FADE OUT.

Act Two

FADE IN:

INT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - GYMNASIUM - DAY

CADETS are working out in the gymnasium -- dueling with the Spinning Mannequin Warrior; vaulting over a pommel horse. Fiducius is sitting at a table in the corner of the room, scribbling on a scroll, tallying accounts. There's a strongbox and stacks of coins littering the table. Harried and in a bad mood, he looks up as Iolaus steps up to the table.

<center>FIDUCIUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Well, Iolaus. I didn't expect to see you today. What's your excuse this time?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus pulls out his coin pouch and starts counting out coins as Fiducius watches him.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>No excuse. I'm here to pay my academy fees.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>FIDUCIUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Glad to see you're finally paying your own way -- just like my son Pythias. He always insisted on earning his own money. I keep telling Cheiron: if a boy can't pay, send him home. But does he listen? No. Sometimes I think he has no idea what it costs just to feed you boys!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus finishes counting out his coins.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Just write it down: 'Iolaus -- paid in full.'</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

As Iolaus leaves, he bumps into Hercules, who is coming into the gym. He gives Herc a hard stare and then turns away.

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Iolaus.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus pointedly ignores Hercules, Crossing the gymnasium to Jason and Strife on the other side of the room.

ANGLE ON - THE DOORS TO THE GYMNASIUM

Suddenly, the doors to the gym are thrown open and TARSUS the constable enters with two of his MEN.

<center>TARSUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Cheiron!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Cheiron steps up to meet Tarsus as curious Cadets gather around.

<center>CHEIRON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Constable Tarsus.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>TARSUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>This is official business, Cheiron. Two of your cadets were seen leaving Kora's Inn last night -- about the time it was robbed.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>CHEIRON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>We have nothing to hide. Truth is our greatest weapon.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Jason glances over at Iolaus and then steps forward, followed reluctantly by Iolaus.

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Iolaus and I were the last ones to leave the inn. I'm Jason of Corinth.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>TARSUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>The young prince. I've heard of you. Well, if you and your friend left the inn together, then someone else must be the thief.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Jason, suddenly less sure of himself, looks over at Iolaus.

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Well...</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I went back to the inn -- for my money pouch. I'd dropped it at our table.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>TARSUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>And helped yourself to some coins to fill it?!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>No. I... I saw the money on the counter, but I didn't take it. I don't have any money.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Fiducius glances unhappily at Cheiron and then steps forward.

<center>FIDUCIUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>You had enough to pay your fees.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br> (embarrassed)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I borrowed that money -- from Nysus.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Standing beside Hercules, Strife reacts, seemingly upset.

<center>STRIFE<br> (pained)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>From me? Iolaus, everybody knows I don't have that kind of money.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus looks at Strife, stunned.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Nysus! Come on! This is no time to joke around. I'm already here on probation. They'll <u>bury</u> me!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>STRIFE<br> (floundering)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I want to help, but I don't know what to say!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Tarsus looks over at Cheiron.

<center>TARSUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>There's one way to find out who's telling the truth.<br> <center>(to his men)<br></center> Search their rooms.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

INT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - DORM - DAY

Tarsus' hands open a "foot-locker" chest at the end of a bunk. They poke around in the contents, shifting a few articles of clothing, odds and ends of a young man's life. Near the bottom of the chest, Iolaus' money pouch is uncovered -- it's obviously full. Tarsus picks up the pouch, turning to Cheiron, Jason, Hercules, Iolaus, Strife, and the two constable's Men.

<center>TARSUS<br> (to Iolaus)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Is this your pouch?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>It's mine. But it was empty when I put it in there.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>TARSUS<br> (signals to his Men)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Take him away.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Cheiron!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>CHEIRON<br> (calm strength)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Be patient. Justice must run its course.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Iolaus is led away by Tarsus and his two men. Hercules looks up at Cheiron, troubled.

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Cheiron, I've known Iolaus all my life. He's a lot of things, but he's not a liar -- at least not about anything important.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>CHEIRON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Then work to find the truth.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Hercules exchanges a look with Jason -- they know Iolaus wouldn't steal the money. They turn and look at Strife, suspiciously.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - DORM - NIGHT

Strife is sleeping in his bunk. Jason is in his bunk across the room. Hercules stands beside Jason's bunk. Hercules nods at Jason, and then picks up a small stool, and drops it. Strife opens his eyes, but lays there, playing possum as he eavesdrops.

<center>JASON<br> (stage whisper)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Ssssh. Quiet, Hercules, you'll wake everybody up. Did you put the money back?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>HERCULES<br> (stage whisper)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Yeah, thanks for the loan. I hid the money in the inn. When Kora finds it, she'll just think the misplaced it.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Right. They can't convict Iolaus for stealing if no money's missing.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Exchanging a last glance with Jason, Hercules climbs into his bunk. Strife lays in his bunk, his back to Jason and Hercules, but his eyes open, his brow furrowed with malevolent frustration.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. KORA'S INN - MORNING

The inn is deserted, not yet open. Strife materializes in the center of the room. He strides to the counter and starts looking around, knocking over urns and pottery jars, dumping the contents on the counter as he searches for the money. He finds nothing.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Too, too clever. He's got a mind like dear old Dad. H wouldn't put it in an obvious place. No.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Strife, angry and frustrated, begins turning furniture over and looking under it, ransacking the room. Finally, breathing hard, Strife stops, looking around the room angrily.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>All right you little half-god, where would you hide it! I'm losing my patience!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

But then he reacts with surprise as he hears:

<center>HERCULES (O.S.)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>The money isn't here, Nysus.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Hercules steps through the doorway, confronting Strife.

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Why did you frame Iolaus? And why did you send me to the phoenix cave to get the chalice? Jason'll be here soon with the constable, you'd better confess now.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Strife tries to brush past Hercules --

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Confess? Bor-ring! Life should have a little mystery, don't you think?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

-- but Hercules grabs him to stop him from leaving.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Nuh-uh-uh! Don't touch!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

With a flash of godly power, Strife blows Hercules across the room and --

EXT. KORA'S INN - DAY

-- out through the inn's window (NOTE TO BS&P: there is no glass in the window) and crashing through the support upright of an awning over the front. Herc hits the ground rolling, ending up on his knees, one of the slender support poles from the awning lying on the ground near him. Strife comes out of the inn.

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>You're a god, aren't you? Who are you?!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Story of my <u>life</u>! Nobody knows me. But Zeus's bouncing baby boy is gonna put me in the big leagues. I destroy Hercules, and then everybody will know the name of Strife!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Strife waves his hand and tables, benches, stools, etc come flying out of the inn through the windows and door at Hercules. Herc snatches up the pole on the ground beside him and uses it to knock the furniture aside, jumping and flipping as he does, landing on each new piece as it lands on the growing pile. Finally, Strife cartwheels across the ground and flips up onto the pile of furniture with Hercules, confronting him.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>How 'bout some ground rules -- first one to touch the ground loses! Can't say I'm not fair!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Strife leaps, landing on the end of a bench in the pile, using it to flip Hercules and a chair into the air. Hercules grabs the chair in mid-air and lands on it on the pile of furniture, balancing the chair on to legs as he stands on the back. Hercules leaps toward Strife and the fight on the pile of furniture -- leaping, flipping, swinging from table legs that are stuck out from the pile at odd places. As they fight, furniture from lower on the pile gets thrown to the top so that the pile is always growing. Strife flips up over the edge of the pile and lands on a stool behind Hercules, grabbing him from behind.

<center>STRIFE<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Oh, too bad, Hercules. But you really shouldn't play with <u>real</u> gods! You might get hurt!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Just then, Jason, Iolaus, and Tarsus the constable rush into the clearing around the inn and look up in alarm.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Hercules!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Strife is distracted and Hercules breaks free, spinning and kicking the stool out from under him, sending Strife flying into the air. Just before Strife would hit the ground, he vanishes in a flash of light and a clap of thunder. Hercules jumps down off the furniture and joins Jason and Iolaus.

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Relative of yours?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I think so.<br> <center>(more serious)<br></center> Look -- I'm sorry I got you all mixed up in this mess.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Mess? What mess?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Yeah -- we <u>like</u> getting chased by giant birds. We just like to know why up front.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Kora arrives, looking curiously at Herc, Iolaus, and Jason.

<center>KORA<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>What's everybody do -- ?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

But then she gets a look at her trashed inn.

<center>KORA<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Hey, who's gonna pay for this?!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Tarsus, still in a state of shock, looks at her and shrugs. Iolaus eases up close and, with a come-on smile:

<center>IOLAUS<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Need a hand cleaning up?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

INT. CHEIRON'S ACADEMY - DORM - NIGHT

Hercules and Jason come into a dark sleeping area, long after everyone else is asleep (snores, etc.) They THUMP down on either end of a bed, still energized from the night's excitement. They speak in EXCITED WHISPERS.

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Think about it, Herc. You thumped a <u>god</u>!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>HERCULES<br> (pleased with himself)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I don't know -- he wasn't a very big god.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I bet all of Olympus knows by morning.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>HERCULES<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>You think so?!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Guarantee it. What are you gonna do with Hera's chalice?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

<center>HERCULES<br> (correcting)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><u>Zeus</u> and Hera's chalice.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Herc reaches down into his footlocker or backpack under his bed and comes up with the glittering red chalice.

<center>JASON<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Okay, Zeus and Hera's chalice?</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

They stare at it for a moment, up close, watching the faint candlelight flicker around within it. Finally Hercules gets a look of determination on his face -- mixed with a little fearful excitement. Thought quiet, this is a BIG MOMENT.

<center>HERCULES<br> (determined, anxious)<br></center> <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I'm taking it to my dad.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

FADE OUT.

<center><u>THE END</u></center>