Prometheus stands before the demigod awaiting him to explain what he is planning to do. Hercules walks over to Pegasus. He unties the blue lantern from around his neck.
“I will need your assistance Prometheus.” He walks back to the column and hands the lantern containing the blue flame to the giant. “I need you to reach up to the golden head of the monument and secure the lantern to one of its faces.”
Prometheus obeys his request and hangs the lantern on the bull's horn, then binding it with rope. “What are you thinking might happen?”
“You need to move away. I need to stand here.” Hercules yells out, “Gods and goddesses of Olympus. Hear my cry. Curse me if you dare.”
Prometheus is stunned by Hercules challenge. For no one dare's the gods.
The golden head begins to slowly spin as Hercules grabs hold of the column it turns upon. The ground violently rumbles. It turns faster and faster as the flame twirls in to a blue blur. The angry voice of a god begins to speak. Suddenly, the voice goes silent. Hercules holds tight to the spinning column. Its racing momentum tries flinging his body away, but he holds on with all his strength. A cyclone of dust fills the void blocking his vision. The turning is too great for him to hold on any longer. He flies away and smashes on the ground. He tumbles over and over till he slows to a stop.
He sees he has been thrown some distance away from the dust cloud. A head rises above the dirty mist as flames scorch the army ahead of it. Hercules knows what he must do now.
He rushes toward the beast as a giant man's face cringes in his direction. It knows Hercules enters the dust to search him out. The slithering tale swipes at Hercules. He snatches its spiked tale and drags Haderus out of the dust cloud. He hears the army cheering as they can now see who grabs the monsters tail. Hercules slowly swings the beast round and around. The man's face screams out, “Mercy, mercy!” The lion's face roars, the dragon's growls, as the bull snorts in fear. Hercules yells out, “If I spare your life, will you promise never to return to this land again.”
The man cries, “Yes, yes, we will never return if you let us live.”
One last spin and Hercules flings the beast miles away to the ocean. He watches it soar across the plains before splashing far out in the Aegean sea. The army breaks ranks and rushes out to congratulate him for his amazing victory. The generals yell blessings to him for his courage in saving so many lives. The foot soldiers rush to thank him for protecting their families and sparing their Spartan city. Hercules clasp the blue lantern resting on the ground as he runs away from the approaching soldiers. One general tells his men, “I guess he really is a humble hero. All this praise must make him uneasy.” They stare and marvel at Hercules until he shrinks out of sight. “Let us praise the gods and goddesses for this good fortune.”
Hercules rushes over the rolling hills, through the forest, and across the grassy meadows leading to where he first met Viola. He returns to the wall near the water well, but sees no one in sight. The long journey should have tired him, but he is refreshed. He sits in the shade on the cool wall to relax. He sets the lantern on the wall next to him. The soothing rustle of summer's breeze turns the meadow into a wavy green sea. Birds sing as fluttering butterflies dance from orchid to orchid. His mind finally has a moment of peace. This is a much needed rest from the heavy weight of this world.
The distant song of the nightingale pleases his ears. Its enchanting melody hums closer and closer captivating his heart and mind. The comforting serenity of this place lulls his eyes to close. In this quietness he hears soft footsteps brush across the grass. His mind alerts him to open his eyes and see. His delighted heart beckons him to blindly enjoy the symphony of the countryside. The soothing music of the nightingale continues humming in the distance.
A distant gentle woman's voice asks, “Are you thirsty stranger?”
He immediately realizes she has forgotten all about him.
“Might I bring you a ladle of cool spring water to quench your thirst on this hot summer day?”
Hercules smiles and closes his eye. “Might this pretty bird continue singing her song a moment more?” The humming melody resumes as he sits basking in her memorizing melody. The music draws near.
“Hear sir, I brought you a cool ladle of spring water.”
A second later he is forced to open his eyes. She stands in front of him holding the dripping utensil out for him to accept.
He stares and smiles at her as if she were the answer to his prayers.
Her face fills with a strange look as he grabs the ladle from her hand. “Do I know you sir?” Before he can answer, she asks, “Is that what I think it is?”
“Viola, this is Chronus's blue flame.”
She tilts her head and asks, “Have we met before?” Before he answers, she waves off his response. “How is this possible? The fire that burns with a blue flame is just a child's story.” He holds the lantern up for her to inspect. She lightly touches the glass to feel it burns cold instead of hot. “That is amazing. It really does exists!”
Hercules stares at his secret love as his face forms an amusing smile. He watches her inspired face as she presses it closely near this mysterious blue glow
He allows her a moment to examine the strange substance. “Yes maiden, it really does exist.”
Her curiosity changes toward him. She now wishes to investigate how he knew her name. “You called me Viola, but I never told you my name.”
“Let me say I knew it had to be Viola. Your beauty could cause Greece to launch a thousand ships.”
His intrusive overwhelming flattery causes her to giggle and blush. She feels oddly compelled to accept his strange but wonderful complement. He waits a minute for her to compose herself as her heart drifts back to earth. He gently caresses her hand.
“I need your help Viola. Might you keep this blue flame safely hidden until I return?”
She is amazed he would ask such an important task, and overwhelmed with honor he would trust in her so. “I do not even know your name.”
“Hercules. I have work to do. So will you watch this treasure for me?”
Somehow she feels obligated. She politely answers, “I do not know why you would trust a stranger with this wealth. But I would be honored Hercules. By chance, you are not related to Zeus?”
He swoops his face next to hers as he steals a kiss. He then rushes away yelling, “Mount Olympus! To Athens!”
Her eyes are entranced upon him as he disappears in the forest far away. Her hand covers the lips this god kissed. Joy fills her heart that he'd desire to kiss her.
Hercules reaches the outskirts of the city. He passes a farmer riding atop his ox drawn cart filled with fresh produce. He rushes by with a smile on his face bidding him, “Good day.” The man returns his salutation. He sees the street filled with pedestrians ahead. The chatter of their voices is music to his ears. Some turn to see him speeding by as they speak out, “Hercules.”
He runs with a joyous heart up to the acropolis. The city seems natural alive once more. He arrives at his destination. It is as he hoped. No column or monument exist where it did before. He asks a passing citizen, “What date might this be?”
The finely dressed lady confusingly responds, “Seven days pass high Summer.” She looks at him oddly as his smile thanks her for this welcome information. He now knows he has gotten back the two weeks of days that were filled with such disaster and despair.
He digest his thoughts as he rest at a table in the market. He reasons the effects of turning back time might have on the things that have happened before. He asks himself Is father still imprisoned? Does father's heart still hurt him? His last question is hard to bear. Is his love for me gone?
His mind is interrupted by the proprietor. “May I get you something to eat?”
“May I have something to cool my thirst instead kind lady.”
She bows before leaving to fetch him a drink. He ponders the horrible thought Prometheus still endures his eternal punishment. He
sits alone in his lonesome revelation. No matter what I achieve in this life, there will always be more for me to do. She sets his vessel on the table before him. She waits for payment as he drowns his thirsty thoughts. Hercules tosses her a gold coin for her labor as he walks away.
Her very grateful heart forces her to cry. She yells out, “Thank you kind sir. May the gods always shower you with blessings!”
He cynically chuckles wishing that were true. A strange thought comes to him along his walk. His compassion is kindled by this riddle, how mercy has changed everything!
He waits for the moon to rise as he sits near the base of Mount Olympus. Twinkling stars appear as he whistles for his old friend. He is startled by Pegasus as he nudges Hercules from behind. He slides his hand along the fur of cheekbone asking him, “Where did you come from? You must have been near all this time.” He pats him before leaping on his back. “Thanks old friend. We return to the Pool of True Reflection.” Pegasus flaps his wide white wings as he gallops up, and up. Hercules sees the sparkling spring flowing down Mount Olympus. “Over there my friend.” They fly down along the glistening stream, and down through the hidden entrance way.
Pegasus lands near the green meadow next to the shiny still pond. He dismounts as he warns his steed, “Stay here. You may eat the sweet grass, but do not drink from the water.” Hercules does not wish to alert the gods of his presence, at least yet. He travels over the rolling countryside thinking how this place seems even more beautiful than before. He sees where he yanked the tree up on his prior mission. He moves to the location growing the sea of green moss. Hercules scrapes a handful from the velvet surface and places the moist moss in his bag. He realizes he has one more thing he must do as he returns the sack inside his tunic. There is a small pitcher in a sack on Pegasus back.
He kneels down on the bank of the pond. He carefully scoops the pitcher full trying not to disturb the pool. He places the lid on tightly. His face returns to the peaceful pool. He stares down as he whispers, “Mother.”
Over his reflection the smiling face of Alcmene appears. “Quickly my adoring son, tell me what you need. My time is short.”
“Mother, I found the reason my father despises me so. His heart is ill.”
“I know my son. There are things I am not allowed to discuss. Sometimes we hide secrets in riddles to conceal what must not talked about. The festering sore is what makes him blind to your love.”
“You must know he hides his heart from the gods.”
“It is locked inside a golden box that can only be opened by you my son. This shows you how much your heavenly father really does love and trust you.”
“You must also know Hera's sacrifice.”
“I do my son. I do not agree with her ways, but she is a most honorable mother.”
“My question is how do I remove the splinter in father's heart without returning to the island of Ishtar? I ask this because Hera holds the key to raising the island where father's heart is hid. Any attempt to converse with her will alert the gods and goddesses of her treason. I cannot do that mother.”
“I understand my son. Your compassion far out weighs any of the gods.” Alcmene's face turns to the side alerted to someone coming. “Hurry son. I have but a moment more.”
“Is there a way to heal fathers heart without having to touch it?”
“No my son. The splinter was place by a god. It must stay in his heart till a god slides it out. Only two of you know the splinter even exist. Only you know the secret to unlocking his heart. I know what your heart asks. Return to Ishtar below the sea. There is one whom you showed mercy to that will assist you if you call him. I love you my son. Always remember my love goes with you.”
Alcmene's face is replaced by Zeus. “What trickery do you play on me son? You use my private place to reflect with your departed mother?” His face fills with angry wrinkles. Father shouts, “I'll destroy this place before I let you use it again!”
Hercules rushes toward Pegasus. He leaps on his back as the ground rumbles. “Away Pegasus!” Pieces of the ceiling crash down as boulders splash the pond water up.. They zoom toward the opening at the mouth of this world as massive jagged rocks bites down. Hercules steers his steed sideways to pass through the gap between the jagged stone teeth. His wings brush their razor sharp edges, but they make it outside alive. Hercules turns his head back to see the earth swallow the remains of this magical place. “Sorry fella. You lost several feathers for your effort. Thank you my friend. Our next destination is the islands of Cyclades.”
They land on the shoreline of the island as the sun prepares to rise. “Go my friend. Where I am going you cannot.” Hercules removes the pitcher right before Pegasus flies off. He slides the sack from inside his tunic out. He removes the lid and crushes the moss over the pitcher with his rubbing hands. The fine green grains drops inside the pitcher. He replaces the lid, and then shakes the contents a dozen times. He searches for the empty vial in his tunic with one hand, as his other removes the pitcher's lid. Carefully he tilts the pitcher filling the vial. He replaces the lids on both containers. The vial he slides inside his pocket.
Off in the distance he sees a very large conic shell laying on the beach. He takes it to the sea and rinses it clean. He slides his hand inside his tunic and presses its clothe against the shell. He quickly rubs its surface faster and faster until he polishes this spot transparent. He returns to where the picture sits. Toward the east He yells out, “Haderus! Haderus!” He then waits as the sun fully rises.
Waves form on the distant sea which turn into a rushing boulder followed by a line of shifting humps. He tells himself the beast approaches. The rushing waves slow as the wave crest ceases revealing off the head of Haderus. It stands in the shallow water as the face of the lion roars at Hercules. The face spins around and is replaced with the human face.
“Why do you summon us?”
“I need your assistance in obtaining something very precious to me.”
“Where do you need go?”
“To the secret island below the sea.”
The face grows angry. “You mean the place where the gods and goddesses hide their treasure!”
Hercules humbly bows as he speaks, “I do.”
The creature is perplexed to see him honor them so. “Why do you bow before us? It was you that defeated us, not us you.”
“I wish to show you respect. You are a great foe. I bow in reverence to sincerely ask you for your help. Might you aid me in my quest?”
The beast grows proud stretching its long neck up and tilting its head back. “This is a strange feeling we have not felt before. Mankind was always filled with fear in our presence. Respect feels much better than fear.”
“What I ask is dangerous. If we are successful I will reward you for your effort.”
“How might you do this mighty son of Zeus?”
“I have a pitcher with a magic elixir that will cause all to look upon you to give you great respect.”
“That we may feel this always, we will help you. Now come to me so we may start our journey.”
Hercules rises and replies, “Thanks you great beast. Your deed will become a record in legends.” He swims out to Haderus as it turns away. He grabs the scales of its neck and holds tight. “Away, to the sea.”
The beast swims swiftly along the surface causing backwash to stream over head. Five leagues out Hercules dawns his conic helmet waiting for Haderus to dive. Down, down, down the beast swims. Golden bronze rays light what's hidden below. Hercules pats the neck of the beast to steer it toward Colossus. It changes course as it wiggles down, down, down.
He leaps from its back and is propelled the rest of the way to the seafloor. Haderus squirms around, and then wiggles its way back toward the surface. Hercules looks up to see all the giants sleep. He thinks no god must believe any mortal could find this place beneath the sea. So none look through the giant's eyes.
Hercules hurries to the base of the statues feet. He drizzle
s a square area from his vial on to the stone pediment. The water mist as the stone dissolves revealing the chamber inside. The amber glows ahead of him. It lights his path that he swims with great care. The current he makes causes the caldron to swing and empty out. The gems float down revealing the steps below. He cautiously makes his way pass the arsenal of the gods being careful not to brush against anything. The golden box now waits before him. He turns his head to remember where father's golden bow and quiver rest. He also memorizes the location where the Cyclopes helmet sits.
Hercules speaks, “Father.” The massive cube dematerializes revealing his fathers ailing heart. Gently he grabs the pulsing muscle and brings it before him. He sees the infected area. Carefully he slides the slither out as Colossus's hand crashes down. It scrapes everything in its path as it tries to catch Hercules. The fingers curl closed as the giant retrieve it's hand. He knows he only has a few seconds before Colossus sees he has not caught the culprit yet. Hercules lunges for Zeus's bow as he tuck his father's heart securely in his tunic. A cloud of gems and gold coins swirl throughout the chamber. The bronze beast digs his fingers once more. Hercules manages to sling the bow and quiver over his shoulder as the scrapping hand churns him against his finger prison. They close as Hercules stretches to snatch the Cyclopes helmet on the chamber's floor. He tosses his conic helmet as Colossus pulls his hand up, up, and up. The giant holds his hand before his eyes as he opens his fist. Hercules stares at the whiteness of his eyes as his pupils shift side to side. Colossus twist his hand to empty the only thing he could see. The golden bow and quiver was not what he desires.
Hercules drifts down as the unsuspecting giant shoves its hand in the ground. Hercules swims upward toward the surface carrying his bow and quiver. He passes invisibly by the giant's face swimming up, up, and up while his lungs throb. He realizes he will never make the distance to the surface in time.
He sees the dark wiggling serpent descending over his head. The light goes dim as his vision blurs. The last thing he remembers is tossing his helmet off.
Hercules wakes to the sound of rushing waves. “Oh my head.” He looks up as the man/s face looks at him.
“I see you survived your venture.”
Hercules places his hand on his throbbing head. “Thank you for saving my life. I guess that makes us even.”
“The only reason we came back is because of our promise.”
He thinks I never remember making Haderus promise to come back and get me. He stares confusingly at the creature.
“We promised you we would never step on your land again. The pitcher rest on shore. We would have to break our promise if we were to take the pitcher with the magic elixir. This is why we came back to rescue you.”
“You are an honest beast Haderus. You deserve my loyal appreciation.”
The beast slows as the waves subside. “Now, how about your promise son of Zeus? Will you honor your word?”
Hercules dismounts the monster. He grabs the pitcher and returns to the beast. “As I promised, here is your reward.” He hold the pitcher high as the beast lower its face of the dragon. Hercules pours the elixir in its mouth. It lifts its face way up, and tilts its head back to swallow. All the creatures faces lick their mouths as they enjoyed its taste. The man says, “Yum-mm, that was sweet.”
Hercules moves away as Haderus begins to violently shake. He is not sure what would actually happen after it drunk the elixir, just that something would.
Haderus screams out, “You tricked us!” It thrust its neck backward in torment as anguished faces dive below the sea.
Hercules never thought this would happen. He shakes his head side to side in disbelief. He watches Haderus's remains submerge below the sea to its watery death. He feels sorrow as the water starts to peculate up. Out of the sea a bull rushes out. Behind him is the lion roaring. It he leaps from out of the water and runs away. The dragon breaks the surface and spreads its proud wings. Finally, a man swims toward shore. Hercules smiles as each creature bows their head to thank the hero that freed them. They rush away. A muscular man rises from the shallow water and stands. Hercules laughs. He walks toward Hercules. “I thought your promised not to come on Greek soil again?”
“It was not I who made that promise. It was the lion. I am sure if you ask the lion, he will blame the bull.” He smiles at Hercules.
“As I promised. I give you my respect. I will tell my people of your great feat. They too will honor you always in their legends and by your presence Haderus.” He bows down before Haderus. The man tilts his head in respect, and then continues on his way.
Hercules whistles and calls for Pegasus. He watches his winged stallion break the clouds as he slings his golden bow and quiver on his shoulder. “Come my friend. We have another journey.” They soar over the mainland of Greece toward the home of his beloved Viola.
Evening approaches as they land. Pegasus gallops to a stop in the soft sweet grass of the meadow. Hercules dismount while telling Pegasus, “I will return in the morning. Eat your fill my friend and drink from the cool spring until your thirst is quenched. Sleep well.”
Father's warm heart beats next to his. He speaks softly towards the heavens. “I promise father to keep your heart safe. I am coming soon to return it to you.” He walks through forest toward the lights illuminating from the quaint cottage. He is not sure if this is where Viola lives, but it is in the area he met her. He thinks at least they should know where she does live. He knocks on the front door and waits. He listens as footsteps approach.
“Who might it be at this hour?”
He hears Viola's voice. “It is I, Hercules.”
She opens the door a little. She sees his smiling face as she smiles back. “May you please wait here a minute. I was preparing for bed when you knocked. I will go to my room and change. I will tell you when you can come in.” She sees his head nod up and down to confirm her request. She disappears as he waits a moment. “You can come in now.” Hercules sets his golden bow and quiver against the wall as he waits in a chair by the fire hearth. The comfort of this place relaxes him. His eyes grow weary as he continue to wait for Viola. Soon he is fast asleep.
She returns just to find his head tilted to its side with his eyelids shut. She covers him as he rest. Her mind suggest he must have had a long hard day. She returns to her bed for the remainder of the night. She rest securely knowing a god protects her house. Sweet dreams of her new friend entertain her thoughts in her mid summer's night dream.
Hercules nose smells something that warns him to awake. His eye slowly opens to see Viola placing food on a plate at the table. His other eye has been invited to open to savor the beauty of this maiden. She looks toward him and sees him waking.
Her sweet voice asks, “Good morning Hercules. I hope I did not wake you. I made some eggs and bacon. Might you like to try some?” She unintentionally stares at him as he stretches his huge muscular arms into the air.
“Thank you Viola. Yes, I'm hungry enough to eat a horse.” He smiles as he joins her at the table. She thinks he might just be able to eat something that huge. He begins to eat the tasty morsels while telling her how good it taste. She smiles and nibbles on a slice of bacon.
“I pray you sleep well Hercules.”
“Yes, I did. It is the first real sleep I've had in a long time.”
“Were you able to complete your work?” She thinks maybe she is being too intrusive. “I'm sorry. What I mean is I hope your journey went well.”
“Yes it did.” He finishes eating as he watches her pretty face knowing she desires more. “Would you like to hear all about what I did?”
Her face comes all a glow. “If you do not mind telling me?”
“First, I wish to thank you for all your hospitality. This food was wonderful.” His eyes stare into hers as he begins his adventure.
Her face fills with anxious delight as he fills her mind with his daring escapades. She rides the serpent with him descending through danger to the deep s
eafloor. She shares in his victory over the giants. Every word he speaks is ambrosia to her hungry heart and mind. Her eyes are enchanted by his handsome heroics, and her sweet heart is elated by his wise compassion. His story is truly fantastic. He finishes his recounting by wiping his mouth with his napkin. He never takes his eyes off hers. He smiles to signify his story is at an end.
His amazing quest leaves her dumbfounded. The only thing her excited mouth can speak is, “Oh my.” Those small words are pleasing to his ears.
“I have another mission. May I have the lantern Viola?”
“Yes. But you need to move away.”
He is confused, but he obeys her request.
She rolls the carpet on the floor from where he was sitting. She grabs the metal ring attached to the floor. “I thought this would be the best place to hide your treasure.” She lifts the trap door in the floor as the blue beams shower over her. She lifts the lantern out and then hands it to him.
“Thanks for keeping this safe Viola. Might I ask one more favor?”
“How may I help you?”
“I need to hide my bow and quiver for a short while.”
“I'll hide them where I hid the lantern.”
“I have something important to do. Then I'll return for my bow.”
“I too have a mission.”
“What might that be Viola?”
“I received word that my dear grandmother lay sick. I fear she may not live much longer.” Sadness overtakes her as tears flow down her cheeks.
Her sadness becomes his sorrow. “Might you allow me to come with you and visit with Granny?”
A smile forms on her face as the tears begin to stop. He dries her eyes as she says, “That's strange you would call her that. That is my name for her. We must hurry because she lives far away.”
“I know of a much quicker way. How do you feel about flying?”
Her heart knows what he says is true. But, her inquiring mind asks how is this possible?
He notices her face questioning this unbelievable feat. “If you are ready, I'll show you how?”
As they open the door to the cottage, Pegasus stands there to greet them. “May I introduce my old friend?” He has come to say hello to you.” Hercules pats his jawbone.
Her eyes fill with amazement as she walks to greet this legendary creature. She brings her hand slowly toward Pegasus cheek. His wings start to spread startling Viola. She hesitates as Hercules says, “That is just his way of saying he trust you. Don't be afraid.”
“He surely is a magnificent creature.” She feels his pristine white fur with her warm soft hand. Pegasus tilts his head to allow her to pet more of his noble head. She smiles and tells Hercules, “Maybe he really does like me.”
“I have never seen him bow his head to any man or god before. He senses something about you Viola. I believe he would trust you with his very life. Come now. We must go.”
Hercules helps Viola mount. He leaps in front of her. “Are you ready? Hold on tight.” The lantern swings in his hand as Pegasus crouches waiting for Hercules command. “Away my friend!” Pegasus leaps as his wings thrash at the air around them. He gallops up and up. Her trembling arms clench around his waist as her frightened face buries in his back. “Are you all right Viola?”
She yells against his back, “I'm fine. It's just I've never flown before.”
He grins as he turns his face ahead. “Ride Pegasus! Fly like the wind!”
A short while later, Hercules tells Pegasus, “To the ground my friend.”
She thinks this odd. She never told him where her Granny lives, but he knows exactly where to land.
Pegasus gallops to a trot as he lands near the home of stone. He stops by the path leading to the front door. Viola notices Granny's over grown flower garden. This alerts her Granny must be sicker than she imagined. She hurries to dismount.
Hercules senses her urgency. He leaps off and assist her down.
She frowns as she tells him, “I fear something terrible has happen to my grandmother.” She scurries to the door. Hercules follows close behind. She raps her hand upon the door and then waits. No one comes to answer. She opens the door and says, “Granny, it's me, Viola. I've come to see how you are.” She walks towards her bedroom, but Granny does not acknowledge her. She finds out why.
Grandmother moans on top her bed. Her hair is a mess. She looks as if she has not been out of bed in many days. Viola sits on her bed. She bends over and kisses Granny's face. “It's me Granny.” Grandmother's mind knows this friendly voice as her weak eyes fight to open. She tries to lift her hand and touch Viola's face, but her arm is too tired. Viola lays her head across Granny's chest and cries, “My dear Granny.”
Hercules takes the blue flame from out of the lantern. Viola watches as he lay the flames on top of Granny's head.
Upset Viola asks, “What are you doing to her?”
“Trust me a moment more. This will not hurt her. It is suppose to heal her.”
Desperate Viola is willing to wait a few moments. She stares as the flames burn brighter and brighter. Granny's eyes begin to slowly open. Viola gasp at the miracle happening before her eyes. Grandmother smiles at her. Her eyes notice the mysterious glow coming from her forehead. Her pupils search to see the source of the blue light. Granny's says, “Oh my.” Viola sees the sign of life return to Granny's red cheeks as she lifts her face from her chest. Grandmother's smile widens as she states, “It really does exist.”
Viola stands up as Hercules retrieves the flame. She notices something strange happen to her dear Granny. “You need to rise. You must see this Granny.”
Viola attempts to help her up, but feisty grandmother says, “I can do this dear.” She pushes granddaughter’s hand away. Viola covers her mouth in disbelief to what is happening to Granny. She cannot talk, so she points her to the mirror.
Grandmother shows signs she is scared to look in the mirror. Maybe something awful is taking place. She notices her legs do not hurt as she walks over. She turns her hesitant face toward the mirror to see a stranger from many years ago. She cries in her hands as she speaks, “I look beautiful again.” Viola wraps her loving arms around her as they share in this happy miracle.
Hercules make a, “A hum,” noise to suggest to Viola this might be a good time to introduce him.
“There is someone I wish you to meet. He is the reason for your youth and healing. Granny, this is Hercules.”
Grandmother turns around to thank him as her mind thinks is this the son of Zeus? Hercules is startled to see this very beautiful woman that looks as if she could be Viola's twin sister rather than Granny. He winks at her to let her know she is a delight to look at. She begins to cry all over. “I am so blessed that even the god's desire to look at me. I feel so young I could explode with joy.”
Hercules tells her, “I was just admiring where Viola got her beauty from.” He boyishly smiles as if he was caught stealing a tasty morsel before dinner. Viola feels strangely jealous.
Grandmother feels the tension mounting. “So, are you my little lady bug's boyfriend?”
The mood suddenly changes awkward as Viola feels the embarrassment of the imposing question.
He walks over to Granny and bends his arm out. “You know Granny. My heart is big enough to share with two girlfriends. Do you mind.” He playfully looks over at Viola. She just blushes.
Granny takes his offering by placing her arm through his. He bends out his other arm suggesting Viola do the same. She laughs as their hero leads them both toward the living area.
They spend a little while talking together. Grandmother talks about everything exciting that has occurred in her life. But none to match what has happened this day. Hercules informs Viola he must leave. Granny asks Viola, “Do you have to go? I am so pleased you came to visit.”
Viola tells him, “I must stay here a few days more. I have so much to help Granny with, and so much I need to share with her.”
“I will see you soon.??
? He stands near grandmother and kisses her cheek. She bows her honored head and smiles. He walks by Viola standing near the doorway. She is hurt he would not even bid her goodbye. He stops. “Oh Viola, I forgot something.” She walks toward him to find out what it might be. Granny stares as he says, “This.” He slides his hand along her cheek to steer her face toward his lips. She stands with closed eyes as he kisses her. Her closed eyes force her to stay in this enchantment a moment longer. He rushes away. “Mount Olympus!”
Granny blushes saying, “Oh my.”