Disclaimer: I own nothing affiliated with the "Young Hercules" series. That said, please just let me have my innocent fun with it and don't sue :)

This story is something I thought would be fun. I was reminded about the series the other day and couldn't help myself from jotting down a few words. Then a paragraph... and then more than a paragraph. Damn hands won't stop typing! Have fun and please review.

The air was crisp and cool. A soft breeze drifted through the academy windows invitingly. Many stared out them wistfully. It seemed like a waste of a day to be inside. It was torture to already have to hear about the history of architecture from their teacher, but to know that they could be having fun instead was too much.

A blonde, blue-eyed cadet was among those taking quick glances outside. He could make out his three friends around him doing the same things, but wasn't at all surprised to find Iolaus rapping his quill on his desk softly, sighing softly as Fidicius kept on with his lecture as if nothing was the matter. The old man obviously thought that the certain type of clay those from Crete used was fascinating. Hercules didn't know how more of this he could take.

Slightly dozing off, he began thinking of other things. Such as what Jason, Theseus, Iolaus, Lilith, and he were going to do that night. Kora was holding another talent contest, though this time the prize was nothing more than some fruit and a shining blue crystal pendent that looked rather tattered, chips of paint flaking off of it. It wasn't so much that the gang wanted the trinket, but they wouldn't mind the change in a menu. Academy food was just not enough to satisfy their appetites. Even Iolaus', Hercules noted. Iolaus volunteered to sing once again as Hercules and Jason played instruments in the background. Even Lilith was going to play along, though her instrument playing had some room for improvement. So they gave her a simple drum set for the beat. Hercules could almost taste the fruit already.

A scrapping of chairs brought him out of his trance. Class was over! Eagerly, he caught up to his three friends, noting their good moods as well.

"I'm telling you!" Iolaus voiced. "That food is in the bag! With my voice, who's going to beat us?"

"Glad to see you're not overconfident or anything, eh Iolaus?" grinned Jason.

Lilith laughed at the remark. "I didn't think his head could get any bigger! But then again, you would never think his stomach could be that big either."

Iolaus' face contorted into mock surprise. "I'll have you know that I'm a growing boy!"

"Then you have a lot more to grow, shorty," chirped Theseus. At that, Iolaus jumped at the other, wrestling him into the ground as the others burst out laughing.

Finally, when he could stop holding his sides, Herc piped, "We should start getting ready, guys." The others nodded their heads in compliance and headed towards the dorms to get ready in their clothes that Jason and Lilith had put together. They were all green, almost peasant style, with handsome gold trimmings. Jason's funds and Lilith's genius put them together and the result was stunning. Hercules admired the outfit, noting that the colour didn't look too bad on him. Perhaps he may wear this again sometime, secretly hoping that that time he may be on a date. There had been a couple girls at Kora's the other night that had sparked his interest and they certainly thought that he was alright as well. He just wishd he knew which one to pick, and then have enough courage to ask her out. He was determined to do it tonight at Iolaus' insisting. Especially when Iolaus figured that he could always take the other out as well. Why was it always so easy for the former thief?

Stepping away from the mirror, he picked up his string instrument and went out to meet the others outside.

"What were you doing in there that took so long?" asked Theseus, raising an eyebrow.

"Probably standing in front of the mirror, right Herc?" answered Iolaus. Hercules shot him a dangerous look. "Aw, come on! It's just a couple girls."

"Girls, huh?" inquired Lilith. "Since when have you been dating? I didn't know you were even looking around."

"Look, guys, it's nothing. I met a couple girls last night at Kora's and I might talk to them tonight. No big deal."

"Two girls?" Jason asked, face seemingly impressed.

Iolaus slapped Jason on the back. "I get the one he turns down!" Jason looked slightly miffed at this and stayed silent, obviously thinking the same thing as his shorter companion.

Theseus cleared his throat. "Ya know? Maybe we should think of getting to Kora's before all the spaces for acts are filled up."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Hercules responded. With that, the group jogged down to Kora's, pumped for their performance.

As they got there, they quickly found it to be packed. They got entered into the competition easily enough, having warned Kora to save them a spot. She eagerly had agreed since last time Iolaus and Hercules had really rocked the place. Taking a seat near the back of the restaurant, the friends watched as others performed. Iolaus wouldn't stop boasting about his singing and continually smirked when someone came down from the stage, sighing as if pitying them.

A few minutes later Hercules nudged Iolaus, nodding towards two beautiful girls walking straight for them. Straightening up, Iolaus put on his best smile while Lilith rolled her eyes in disgust, dragging a reluctant Theseus and Jason away from the gorgeous girls to go talk to Kora, leaving the two other friends alone.

"Well hello!" Iolaus greeted, bending down to take one of the girls hands into his and kiss it romantically. "And what would two fine ladies like you be doing out here and not on the stage? I'm sure you'd win with just your beauty alone," he added, drawing a look of disgust on the girl whose hand he was molesting.

"Hello," the other greeted, a little less than enthusiastically. "And you are?"

"Iolaus. At your service of course," the brash young man went on, also noticing the beauty of the other as well.

Both women looked at Hercules for a moment before the young warrior clued in. "Oh! Sorry, I forgot. Iolaus, their names are Seleeth," indicating the blonde, "and Danla," nodding towards the brunette. "They're here from Athens and are staying here for the time being until their father finds a suitable place to settle."

"Why did you leave Athens?"

"No reason really. Our father just thought that perhaps we would be better off learning about other lands besides the big city. Something about how to live humble lives," she answered, rolling her eyes slightly.

The demigod thought a moment, then added, "He has a point there though."

Seleeth cocked her head in confusion. "How so?"

"Well, you see that guy over there talking with the two girls and that other guy? The shorter of the two guys? He's the king of Corinth and he came here to learn how to fight and also about the way others live."

"Perhaps a wise emove after all. He'll make for a very fine king for his people," Seleeth said quickly, giving Hercules a stunning smile.

They went on talking for the remainder of the evening until Kora ran towards them, exasperated. "You two are supposed to be on stage at any moment! Hurry up!" At that the two friends excused themselves from the two girls who continued to stare after Hercules.

"You ready?"

"Of course! I'm ready to share my voice with the entire tavern! La la la!!!" Hercules smacked him in the back, laughing at his enthusiasm. You had to hand it to him, he never quit.

They quickly joined the others on the stage and set up their instruments. With a last minute check done, they quickly started playing, caught up in the atmosphere of the room. Hercules saw Seleeth give him a thumbs up and Danla give him a wink. He blushed slightly, but kept on playing, losing himself in the fast rhythm Lilith was setting up. Iolaus sang his heart out and Hercules had to admit that he had never heard his friends sound so good. Jason and Theseus were just as good. By the end of it, the entire room was dancing along with the song and the room erupted into cheers when they finished. Jason punched his hand into the air in triumph as Lilith and Theseus jumped up and down like maniacs, knowing well enough that they were sure to win the prize now.

"That was amazing you guys!" exclaimed Kora as they got off the stage. "I mind as well just give you the prize right now!"

"But you have a few more acts to go through don't you?" Hercules inquired.

"Yup, just a couple more. I'll have to go get them ready. Although the one that's supposed to go up after you looks a bit sick right now...." With that, she ran off.

"Only two more to go guys! I can almost taste that roast!"

Lilith crept up from behind Iolaus and put him into a headlock, giving him a nooky. "When do you ever stop thinking about food?"

"That was some performance." Hercules turned quickly around to find Danla and Seleeth smiling back at him sweetly.

"Well, I have to admit that that was my best performance yet. Though I am better at other things as well...." Iolaus said, raising an eyebrow. The two turned away in disgust and faced the young demigod instead, entering a conversation with him instead.

"Ouch!" Lilith commented as a bewildered Iolaus backed away from the two girls and Hercules. She then proceeded to drag the three remaining boys away from Hercules and the beautiful girls.

A couple minutes passed and Hercules started to become a bit restless. These two were nice and all, but he felt like he was being smothered by them. He took a quick glance over to the gang across the room, hoping that they would come to his rescue, but to no avail. He then looked over to where Kora was, noticing the next entertainer running out of the tavern, holding his hand over his mouth. Kora just flung her hands up into the air and walked over to the last entertainer by the corner of the room. He couldn't tell who they were as they had a traveling cloak on with a hood, hiding their face. Kora spoke a quick word to the stranger and the stranger nodded understandingly and immediately swept gracefully towards the stage, all eyes on her (Hercules could guess it was a girl by the way she carried herself).

As she neared the stage, she took off her cloak and handed it to an attendant, revealing a sweeping blue dress, shimmering slightly and gleaming in the candlelight of the tavern. Jaws dropped at the sight of her. If Aphrodite could be called beautiful, then this girl put her to shame. Her blonde hair shined brightly, a smile playing on her lips as she walked up the stairs. All eyes were on her and a hush fell over the crowd. Just as she reached the centre of the stage, her eyes met those of Hercules. It was as if she was looking into his very soul, yet he could not break his gaze despite the looks he was getting from a jealous Iolaus and Jason as well as two very flustered girls.

The strange girl cut the stare off and signaled the band that Kora supplied for all contestants to start. The song was slow and light. As she started to sing, the hair on the back of everyone's neck stood up, lost in the enchantment she seemed to be weaving around the room. Nobody spoke, but just stood in awe at the spectacle as she sang lovingly, then hit the high and strong notes with precise charisma and texture. As the song died, so did the hearts of those that stood listening. None wanted the song to end, yet as with all things it did, leaving the crowd speechless. A moment later the tavern erupted into cheers and a standing ovation followed by Iolaus groaning.

"Well!" Kora spoke over the crowd, taking her place beside the mysterious singer on stage. "I believe we have our winner, unless anyone would care to abject?" Nobody spoke up and Iolaus' groaning increased. Looking around at his friends, he could see their disappointment, but they were all still glowing in awe at the girl's performance. Hercules could make out Jason's words, "She deserves that prize."

Kora presented her with the gifts, yet the girl swiftly picked up the pendant first. She eyed it for a moment, then left the stage and headed for the bar after placing the trinket in her pocket. Kora just looked at her as though she was crazy and went back to serving people.

By that time, Hercules was having trouble with the two women who were practically hanging off him. He had no idea why they had taken such an interest in him, but he wished that Jason or Iolaus would come to his rescue. He glanced over to where Iolaus was hitting on Kora, once again, and where Jason and Lilith were, enthusiastically playing a drinking game as the house band struck up a catchy tune. Great, thought the young demigod, while they're getting trashed I'm over here being mauled to death. As if on cue, Hercules spotted Theseus striding over to him, a grin on his face as he saw Hercules' relieved face.

"I'll take it from here," Theseus whispered to the demigod as he passed by. "Ladies! What a pleasant surprise! Ya know? I was just thinking about having a dance and Hercules here was saying something before about a surprise for you two earlier this evening!" Hercules gave the young warrior a death look. "Why don't you go get it while I buy these lovely ladies a round at the bar?" He raised his eyebrows and nodded towards the doorway. Not understanding, Hercules looked over to the entrance and a moment later he caught a quick glance of the strange girl leaning against the wall, a beer mug in her hand.

"I'll be right back," was all he could say. He muttered a thank you to Theseus before the other took each lady by the arm and headed to the bar while they looked back at the blonde longingly. The demigod just gave a little wave and practically sprinted off towards the door, eager to find out who this strange person was.

As he approached her, he found that he didn't know what to say. He was sparred the effort when he saw her leave through the doorway, draping the traveling cloak over he shoulders. He also noticed that the prize food was left behind unnoticed. "Hey wait!"

Hercules rushed out of the tavern, pushing through people on his way. He entered the cooler air and placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. Bad move. Before he knew what was going on, he found himself facing the ground, the wind knocked out of him and pretty sure that he would suffer a headache the next morning as well as a sporting bruise near his left kidney.

A few moments passed, all in which Hercules was dreading the girl's next blow. "Oh! Sorry about that!"

Getting up on his forearms, the demigod shook his head, trying to get his wits about him. The world would not stop spinning. Noticing the problem, the girl kneeled down on the earth beside him and pressed her forefinger and thumb into the crook of his neck and squeezed sharply, relieving the tension that was building up in his head. "You should think before you act next time." Her tone, once apologetic, now held no sympathy for the other on the ground. He also noticed a slight accent that he did not recognize.

"Look who's talking," Hercules reproached, turning himself over and rested on his arms. "You should check who you're attacking before you attack them."

She raised an eyebrow, as though intrigued. "And here I was thinking that Cheiron taught all his students to always be on their guard."

"Well I never expected a girl to be able to throw me like that! Where did you learn to do that? And what did you do to my neck?" he asked, rubbing his temple.

"You're certainly the curious one," she said, helping Hercules to his feet and dusting him off.

"Well? Are you going to answer my questions or just leave me out to dry? I think I deserve an explanation after that!"

"Just here and there. I had a few teachers along the way. I gather there aren't many women who know how to fight around here."

"Well, there is one girl, Lilith, at our school. She can pack quite a punch and I have the bruises to prove it." Hercules laughed lightly at the memories while the girl remained silent.

Something about that just seems so familiar..., she thought.

"By the by, what's your name?"

Shaken from her deep thoughts, she shook her head and started walking away from the hopeful demigod. "I must be going now. It was nice to meet you.... Actually, I don't believe I caught your name."

"Hercules," he answered, startled by his rudeness as his cheeks turned a shade darker. He could have sworn that hers went a shade lighter though. He was about to inquire about it when he heard shouting coming from Kora's. His concern was heightened when he heard glass shatter and pottery smash followed by howls of pain.

He started running back to the tavern when he noticed that the stranger was not following. "Aren't you coming?"

Her face remained emotionless. "It's not my fight." With that, she turned to leave.

"But with your fighting skills.... How can you just stand by?!"

"Good luck, son of Zeus," she answered, not looking back as she disappeared into the trees. "By the way, the prize food is yours. Tell your friend that."

Frustrated, Hercules ran back to the tavern to find it in a frenzy. Many were huddled under the tables, covering their heads with their hands, many crying out when someone fell down beside their shelter or on top of it. Cursing under his breath, Hercules entered into the fray, spotting those he could only guess were thugs or perhaps part of a gang, noting the swords and daggers that they carried. There was some sort of inscription on the hilts of them.... He thought no longer on it and started grabbing and throwing as many he could away from innocent and frightened people. He caught sight of Theseus and Jason across the room, fighting with three of them. They were fighting them off with a couple legs from the broken tables. They'll be okay, he thought, noticing a couple more cadets joining his two friends.

Just then he found Iolaus just a few feet from him, fighting with a much larger built and imposing man with a dagger, which was swiping dangerously close to Iolaus' face. He also noted that the former thief already had a few cuts on his chest and arms. Instinctively, the demigod lunged at the man, bringing his fist straight at his face before he knew what was going on.

"Cut it a little close, don't you think, buddy?" gasped Iolaus.

Hercules grinned slightly. "And here I was thinking that you could take care of yourself."

"Very funny, but you should know that I had him right...." He was cut off as he glanced towards the window where Lilith was fighting three men off, each carrying a menacing sword. She was fairing quite well, but they were closing in all too quickly. Both boys woke up and started running towards her. Just then, Lilith stumbled over someone huddled on the ground, losing her eye contact with the men. It left an opening. One in which one man took advantage of. He brought up his sword quickly, then brought it down as if in slow motion. All Hercules could do was watch as Lilith's face went from surprise to fear at the blade. No! He was too late!

He waited for the life to drain out of his friend, but was denied that horrific experience. A clang resounded throughout the room followed by another taunt of a bow and another arrow was shot, entering into the heart of Lilith's would-be killer. The killer swaggered slightly, then fell down with a thud, stunning the bar into silence. A bow was drawn taunt, yet there was no release sound. Hercules looked frantically around for the intruder, then spotted her outside the window, face a menacing mask, eyes focused on one of the gang members who screeched at the arrow pointing at him. Without a second glance, the thugs raced out of the tavern, tripping over chairs and tables as they went, but not before one, in a rage about his fallen friend, lashed out at Hercules with his dagger. The demigod saw it coming and sideswiped it, barely getting a scratch from the attack. Cursing, the thug went to join his ranks. It was not until the running footsteps could not be heard anymore that the bowstring was eased from its tension and the stranger's expression took on a more human quality.

Hercules let out a sigh of relief and surveyed the scene around him. Although there were numerous injuries ranging from bruises, cuts, and possibly breaks, nobody was seriously injured, due to the efforts of the cadets. And of course the strange girl. Hercules swung his head back at the thought to find the window empty. Frantically, he sprinted to the window but was met by silence and darkness.

She just left. I didn't even get her name...