Come to find out, the family cow, Clio, was expecting a calf. Much to the delight of Alcmene and Amphitryon. She must have come across a Bull while grazing in the field.(Or, to be more precise, the Bull came across her) But the pregnancy was rather delicate, seeing as how the animal was, like those that kept her, slightly aged. Also, loosing a few calves being still-born. She'd been an anniversary gift to the couple, given by Alcmene's father, before he passed. So, she needed someone to check in on her, periodically, to make sure she didn't do anything to strain herself.
Meg had a solution. She didn't want her martial art skills to dwindle with time. She needed a place, preferably out of the cold, to re-dress her skills. What better place to do so than the barn? And, while doing so, she could keep an eye on the 'milk factory'. A match made in heaven? She thought so. But she needed some equipment. So, she found a tall, burlap sack, and filled it with sand. She used a length of sturdy rope to close off the opening. Then, with the other end, threw over the rafter beams, above. Taking the loose end, hanging down, she pulled hard, using her full weight to lift the sand-filled sack, efficiently using the pulley system. Reaching the desired height, Meg tied off the rope to the frame supporters, leaving the sack suspended above the ground. Satisfied, Meg nodded and looked over her work. This would do. She replaced her Grecian gown with the one Alcmene had lent, which was the attire she preferred to do her work in. She began her exercise with a course of stretches; toe-touches, to loosen the hamstrings. Then some butterflies. Lengthening her body by bending sideways, reaching out. Clio and Penelope, whom were housed inside the barn, looked at her oddly as she twisted and bent, with the tilt of the head.
Meg stared back while in a difficult pose. "What? You think this looks easy?"
The two animals looked to each other, confused.
Shrugging off the momentary distraction, Meg regained her focus and delved into heavy breathing techniques; she inhaled a gulp of breath and exhaled, slow and even, pin-pointing her energy upon her target. What always caused her skill to come-out effective, was to imagine her opponent to be in the form of something, or someone, she despised. And I bet we can all guess what that would be. Though, what she'd told Zebra earlier was true; she was over her ex. But the impact and devastation of the break-up left some deep scarring. It seemed as though a black-hole had been plowed through the center of her heart, sucking her emotions into the void. This left room for her to express her more....feisty, fiery side. But this mental apparition had served her well and won her many victories. Unhealthy? Perhaps....for those who challenged her.
Coming out of her meditated trance, she unleashed her fury upon her home-made punching bag, fists and legs striking endless blows. Becoming lost in the adrenaline, she didn't hear Zebra come in. She was carrying a small basket, intended to fill it with eggs that she would collect from the small number of chickens, housed in the corner. Her dark eyes widened with shock at the scene before her. She folded her arms over her chest with authority.
"Meg....."
Meg flinched upon hearing her name.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Meg smiled, sheepishly. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm keeping an eye on Clio."
Zebra shook her head. "So I see." She continued in her task, bending down before the nests and plucked up the eggs within. "Well, when you're done with that, lunch is almost ready."
Meg waited until Zebra made an exit to the house to back-sass, mimicking her words. She turned to the animals. "Well, I believe that 'snub' was un-called for." Sighing, she changed into her, more appropriate, dress.
Shutting the large barn door behind her, she followed Zebra's steps into the house. The smell of cooked eggs and bread greeted her entrance.
She said, 'good afternoon' to Alcmene and Amphitryon, and assured them that Clio was doing just fine. Just as she took her place at the table, the sound of a horse's whinny could be heard from outside.

Arriving at the farm, Pegasus reluctantly came in for a landing. It had taken him longer that usual to make the trip, his progress slow as he showed his disapproved of the destination. This gave Phil some un-expected time to think. Maybe he'd over reacted. What could be on his foster parent's farm to have a hold over his pupil, besides the fact that it was his home? He almost reconsidered his plan, to call off this surprise visit and turn back. But, they were nearly there. And the way Herc fidgeted, uncomfortably, upon Pegasus; A loyal friend, whom he'd always enjoyed riding with, now he squirmed about in his seat as if something had crawled up into his Chiton. This rekindled the goat-man's suspicions. Though, everything seemed normal as they landed in the yard.

The horse's whinny aroused the occupants, inside. "Oh!" Exclaimed Alcmene. "Who could that be?"
Accompanied by her husband, she ventured outside to investigate.

Herc slid off of his steed's back, just in time to see his foster parents emerge from the house to greet him.
"Son!" Amphitryon came over to muss up Hercules' head of curly hair. Herc smiled at the familiar gesture.
Curious, Zebra peeked around the door frame. So THIS was the famous hero, son, she'd heard so much about. 'My, my, my', she chattered in her head. 'Words had done him a great injustice.' She was thoroughly impressed. Sadly, she knew instantly that he wasn't her type. Too bad, too. He looked to be grade A premium beef. She sensed Meg come up behind her, no doubt wondering what all the fuss was about. When she beheld the tender reunion, and those in company, she sighed glumly.
"Zebra, come back inside and shut the door. You're letting all the cold air in."
Zebra did so, in respect of the family's privacy. Then, she went to the cupboards and retrieved two more place settings.
"Now what are you doing?" Said Meg, tiredly, through a mouthful of bread, the crumbs spilling onto her lap.
"Isn't it obvious? We have company." Zebra shot Meg a warning glance, mentally communicating for her to 'be nice'. Meg's only response was a shrug, and swallowed her chewed food.

"Mom, Pop, you remember Phil?" Alcmene was delighted. "Oh, yes! It's nice to see you again, Philoctetes." She bent down to shake his pudgy hand. "We assume you're taking good care of our baby boy....."
Herc seemed embarrassed as he looked around, cautiously, for any sign of.......trouble.
"I assure you, Ma'am, he's been getting the proper care. Right kid?" He smacked the back of Herc's knee, causing him to loose his balance, for not paying attention, and stumble ungracefully onto his tail-bone. "Yeah.....right, Phil."
A concerned Aphitryon and Alcmene helped their son become upright, while he dusted himself off.
"We were just about to sit down and have a bite of lunch", Amphitryon commented. "Care to join us?" Herc looked to Phil for the answer. He was, after all, his coach. If it were up to him, he wouldn't know whether to accept, or not. The hero was full of indecision. Of course he wanted to see Meg again, but that also meant that Phil would meet her. And, when he discovered Herc's interest for the girl, he'd probably forbid him from returning while she remained. He wasn't sure whether to be pleased, or terrified when Phil graciously accepted the invitation.
"Thanks. That'd be great. I am rather famished." Phil patted his protruding belly.
Pegasus snorted, angrily, trying to relay a message to the goat-man. Phil ignored Pegasus' little fit.
"Why don't you hunker down in the barn." He suggested to the obviously distressed stallion. "Lunch has probably already been served there. And, you'll be in great company."
Begrudgingly, Pegasus did as suggested, while the others retreated into the house.

Little did Phil know that what he was looking for was right inside. The group entered the house, all looking forward to Alcmene's fine cooking. The two companies beheld one another, and all time seemed to cease. The only ones unaffected by the surprise encounter were, the elderly couple. Alcmene went to join the maiden's side.
"Zebra dear, you didn't have to prepare the extra servings, I could have done that."
Zebra beamed a radiant smile. "It was no trouble", she directed her smile toward new arrivals. "It was my pleasure." Her cheerful expression wavered slightly when caught sight of the satyr. But she quickly recovered, reminding herself that she was still unfamiliar with the workings of this new world.
Meg, however, had a different reaction to the mythical specimen. The few creatures that she had witnessed, while on their stay, had been quite beautiful and enchanting. Seeing Phil was quite a different experience. She nearly fell off her chair.
Phil could have kicked himself. He should have known. Not only was there one beautiful dame to distract Herc, but two?! He slowly turned a sour gaze onto his pupil, who still had so much to learn. Warily, Herc met his accusing stare. He interpreted the warning message without pause; 'We'll discuss this later, rookie'
Thankfully, Alcmene broke the tension and started the introductions. "Hercules, you remember Meg."
Herc's spirits lifted. Though the stress was still present from his silent conversation with Phil, the pleasure of seeing Meg again, was like a breath of fresh air.
"How could I forget." The sincerity in his voice confused Meg, but intrigued Zebra. Did she catch a hint of longing within his words? Perhaps......she had something here.
"This is her friend, Zebra, our second farm-hand."
Herc reluctantly tore his attention from Meg to politely acknowledge the other young women. "It's nice to meet you."
Zebra grinned, as if she knew a secret. "Likewise. You're mother had told me so much about you."
On the spot, Hercules couldn't contain a blush. "Good things, I hope."
Alcmene took her son's arm, a reassuring touch. "Now dear, that's all there is to tell, good things."
Phil cleared his throat, making sure he hadn't been forgotten.
"Oh yes. This is Hercules' trainer and mentor, Philoctetes."
Phil puffed himself up, expecting to hear 'good things' about himself.
"Nice to meet you.....sir", said Zebra, not quite sure what to call him.
Alcmene clasped her hands together in excitement. "Well, let's not allow the meal to grow cold. Shall we?" They all took a seat and helped themselves to Ambergine Croquettes; a Greek dish consisting of vegetables and meat encased in bread crumbs, then fried to perfection.
There were no complaints. Lunch met everyone's satisfaction, much to the delight of their hostess.

Now and again, Zebra would catch Hercules stealing glazed glances toward Meg. Meg, of course, was oblivious to this. A least, that's how she acted. Zebra believed she'd found the perfect candidate for 'Operation Matchmaker'. The possibilities enthralled her. Though, one end of the task would probably be more difficult than the other to tie.
"So, Mr. Philoctetes....." Began Zebra, breaking into conversation.
"Call me Phil", he invited, pardoning a huge burp.
Zerba nodded. "Phil. How long have you been in the hero business?"
Phil frowned. Apparently his reputation hadn't proceeded him thus far. Of course, considering certain failures, perhaps that was for the best. But that didn't mean he had to bring up such unfortunate mishaps. "I've been at it now about......3 or 4 decades. And, during that time, I've trained some of the greatest."
"Really?" Asked Meg, jumping in. "Care to elaborate? Maybe I've heard of them...."
Phil began counting off his fingers. "Let's see.....there was; Theseus, Odysseus, Perseus, Achilles...."
"Ahh..." Recognition hit Meg, recalling the name from her ancient history class, from the future. "I do believe I recall that one."
Zebra remember that page in history as well. And, as she thought about it, she dreaded what Meg would say next. Of all the things to remember from class, Meg had to bring up this.
Hercules cringed slightly. He'd seen Phil do some pretty nasty things when insulted about that sensitive subject.
Beneath the table, Zebra gave Meg a warning pinch, praying she would go no further. But she was on a roll. Ignoring Zebra's distraction, Meg continued;
"And as I remember...that ended quite......tragically." She was deliberately egging him on. Phil's voice was surprisingly calm, though the redness that flushed his face betrayed his mood. Still, he could never hit a girl, no matter how much she ticked him off. "That was.....a temporary set-back", he said with difficulty through gritted teeth. But then he turned to Herc, his current pupil, and his confidence returned. "But I know I've got THE greatest here, under my wing, now."
Herc grinned, flattered by the compliment. "Thanks Phil."
Meg nodded. "So we've heard."
Trying to steer the conversation to much safer grounds, and away from himself, Herc asked: "So....um.....I was wondering, how did you girls end up here anyway?"
With the wave of her hand, Meg invited Zebra to re-tell the tale, since she had their story down.
"Well.....we came looking for my grandfather. We'd heard that he might have settled in this region."
Herc nodded, following. "Why is it so important that you find him?"
"Because he may know how to lead us back home", Meg took over.
"Really?" Herc became thoughtful. "Cause I know some well traveled navigators who might......"
"No", said Meg simply. "Only Zebra's grandfather has the knowledge of our destination. Our coming here was an....." Her eyes flickered to her best friend. "......accident"
Herc blinked, taken aback. "I see." Though he really didn't. He cleared his throat. "So....where have you searched?"
"Only the Arcadian Agora", Zebra replied. "I accompanied your father while on his latest trade. But, I uncovered nothing. Nobody had heard of him. Truthfully, I've never met him, myself. Him and my mother never saw eye-to-eye. I wanted to know more about him, so we sought him out and here we are."
Herc came up with an idea, he just hoped he wasn't pushing his limits with Phil. "Listen.....ummm....I live in Thebes, it's a really big city-state. Surely you would make some progress there. I could...um...show you around, we could make a day of it.......I mean, that is.....if Phil doesn't mind....."
Everyone looked to the satyr. How could he object? These were, after all, damsels in distress. He had to agree, he had to see that logic in this matter. "Well.......I'll think about it kid. It depends on how busy we are." But he'd make doubly sure they were heavily chaperoned. Zebra and Meg felt hopeful, though for different reasons.

Julius Sanders wiped his clammy brow and sighed with frustration. Nothing he constructed would work for him. His faith in his own abilities were wavering. He seriously had no idea how to continue. He sat heavily upon the cold earthen ground of the Underworld and cradled his weary head in his calloused hands. A familiar chill swept through every fiber of his mortal being as a darkened presence entered his chambers. After all these months, residing with the immortal God of death, he'd never get used to the feeling of dread that emanated whenever he was near.
"Hey, how's it going Jules?!" Hades was growing impatient as well, but he still had to put on a supportive front.
Not looking up, Julius replied, almost to himself. "I can't do it. I can't do this anymore, Hades."
It was a good thing Julius' eyes were downcast, cause the flames about the God intensified with frustration. To disguise this, he chuckled. "What?! But what about your wife? Are you just gonna let her go?"
Beads of sorrow slid down the aged man's cheek. "No. But perhaps it would be best to just leave her in peace."
Red and orange replaced gray and blue. Hades was not about to let this powerful opportunity slip through his greedy claws, not after all his defeats. 'Be cool', he reminded himself. 'Breath. Just be cool.' He floated just behind the mortal and placed his hands upon his shoulders. Even through his touch, Julius could feel the essence of death seep through his pores.
"Julius, babe. Admitting defeat? After how far you've come? You told me that your only reason for living rested with the hope of being reunited with Layla, again."
Closing his eyes to stop the on-flow of tears, Julius nodded, slowly. "Yes, I know. But....I think she deserves better than this world."
Hades swerved before him, and, with the flit of his hand, conjured up a morbid throne, just fitted to the God's comfort. As he set himself down, he shook his head wearily, pitying the mortal's lack of knowledge concerning the after-life.
"Julius, Julius, Julius. My poor naive friend." He produced a small slender pointer from the air. "Let me teach you a few things about 'life after death', or lack thereof."
A chart appeared in the form of smoke, showing three different paths. He put on a pair of glasses and pushed them up his pointed nose. Looking like a school teacher, Hades began his lesson:
"After one dies and crosses over the river Styx, they are judged and sent on their way down one of these paths. The first path...."
Hades tapped the spot indicated on the chart, with his pointer, and a living picture came to life, showing a dismal plain, shrouded in darkness.
"....ends at a place called; The Plain of Asphodel. Those with no special claim or having something holding them back, wander about with no purpose. Borrriiiing....... This place is where Apollo never shows his tanned hide. In other words; the cycle of days are bathed in eternal twilight."
Julius hugged himself, rubbing his hands over his exposed arms trying to circulate the blood, not taking a particular liking to this lecture.
Hades smiled to himself, pleased by the inventor's reaction. Returning to the topic at hand, Hades tapped the second path, causing the scene to shift. The sun shone bright, and birds fluttered amongst the clouds, and everyday was a celebration. Hades cringed, sickened by the sight.
"This 'Happy Valley' paradise is called the, Elysian Fields. This is where the 'good'...." He quoted with his fingers. "....mortals go." 'Bunch of hippies.....' He groaned under his fowl breath.
Pointing to the last, the final destination appeared. Behind a massive bronze gate, with no hope of escape, layed a literal prison. Cries of anguish echoed from victims of torture. Hades place a hand over his fiery heart. "My absolute favorite of the trio; Tartarus. Ahhh....took many dates there. Those who are judged 'wicked' reside here." He let it all sink in before he waved it away. "Class dismissed. There will be a test", he joked.
Julius stared into his face, feeling vulnerable.
"The reason I showed you this, returning to your earlier assumption, was to raise the question.....Is your dear wife, truly, in a better place? I'm not suggesting she was, or will be, evil. But if she had no special claim, or a matter is holding holding her back, she could be dwelling within Asphodel, confused and lost. Now, you don't want that, do you?"
Too stunned for tears, now came, again. "No......no....." Julius moaned.
Hades nodded, impressed by his own tactics. "So, you'll continue the research? For her sake?"
There was doubt written in his eyes, but he would not abandon his sweet Layla. "I have no other alternative."
Hades whacked him enthusiastically on the back. "That's the spirit!" He chuckled at his own joke. "I'll have the Imps replenish your equipment. PAIN!!! PANIC!!!"
Getting the message, loud and clear, the devilish minions toddled into view. But not without tripping over themselves in the process, landing in a tangled heap before the dark lord. Moaning in pain, a green claw dislodged itself from the wreckage to offer a feeble salute.
"Sir!"
Hades hid his face beneath his hand, embarrassed to claim these oafs as his own. Next time he'd be sure not to advertise in the classifieds for evil minions. The response just wasn't worth it.
"Boys, it's time to shopping again. I need you to....."
His eyes fell to his pathetic helpers and found the cause of their graceful entrance. On one of each of their feet, were those weird looking sandals that they'd bought months earlier while gathering materials for Julius. The laces were wrapped tightly around their ankles, binding them together.
"Are you still playing with those?!"
"But boss...." Pain squeaked. "....they're so.....cushiony, and they give us some much needed arch support. Cause, you see, I think I'm starting to develop a bunion."
Hades clenched his fists. Why was he surrounded by such incompetence? He towered menacingly over his cowering helpers. His shadow erasing any visible light, crawling over their pathetic forms. His next statement was delivered slowly, carefully, to be sure the recipients would understand.
"If I ever see you bring any more trash down here, I'll......"
"Where did that come from?" Julius interrupted, unknowingly saving Pain and Panic from a severe beating. He approached the Imps and removed the cause of distress from Panic's foot. He examined it closely, turning it over in his fingers, trying to place it. Residing in the Underworld, living or dead, does things to a person. He thought he recognized the article. But after all these years, living in the past, his memories of modern lifestyles and traditions were becoming hazy. Hades watched him with interest. What was working around in the inventor's head?
"This....footwear is too complex for this time period", Julius explained with difficulty.
Hades' eyes widened.
Julius shook his head, trying to remember, to make sense of it all. "I suppose....I could have brought these here with me, all those years ago. I.....can't remember...."
Hades took the shoe from Julius' possession and cleared his throat. "Obviously, this weird looking....sandal, is causing you stress. And we can't have that, can we? Why don't you take a refreshing nap?" He took Julius by the shoulder and led him to his Gothic bed.
"Yes....." Julius agreed within a daze. "I....believe I shall...."

Hades left Julius to sleep off his disillusions. Then, he drug his minions into the room he occupied most; The War Room. Within it's center laid a strategy board, with character pieces resembling those of his foes and allies. This was where his schemes of conquest came into being.
He set the shoe upon the table among-st the game pieces so he could examine it more closely. He braced himself against the table, gripping it's brimstone edges firmly with his claws. He had to think. What could these.....objects, mean for his developing plot? The Dark Lord considered this carefully. Pain and Panic waited in apprehensive silence, awaiting their master's next temper tantrum.
It was apparent by it's size, that the slipper couldn't possibly fit over Julius' man sized foot. It was far too small, the room inside was much narrower. This sandal/slipper definitely required a more petite foot. Like perhaps a womans? Hades suddenly turned his gaze to Pain and Panic. The minions flinched, unable to predict what their master had in-store for them. "Now", Hades began, without emotion. "I want you to tell me, exactly, where you acquired these objects, and the events within."
Pain nudged Panic, urging him to explain.
"What?" He whispered angrily. "You were there, too. You tell him!"
Panic punched his partner.
"No, you tell him!"
"You were the one who wanted to buy them!"
The volume of their voices raised as the violence between them increased, throwing punches and jabs.
"ENOUGH!!!" Hades exploded.
Pain and Panic paused, frozen in mid-slugs, aimed toward the other.
"Either you two idjits spill, or I'LL be the one to finish this fight!"
Penitent, the minions scrambled to the hem of the Dark Lord's robes, groveling, begging for forgiveness. "We're sorry boss", they sobbed. "We are not but your humble servants."
Disgusted, Hades retreated from their grasps. "Whatever. Tell you what; how about BOTH of you explain, and I'll leave your skins intact......Whataya say?"
By the look on his face, they had no choice but the comply.
"Point well taken, boss", Pain rapidly agreed.
Hades waved them on.
The imps shuffled their feet nervously.
"Well...." Panic began. ".....we were browsing for equipment and supplies for Julius at the Arcadian Agora, just like you wanted us to...."
"Then we overheard an intriguing deal come underway", Pain took over. "That was just too good to pass up."
"But we thought of you when we got them...."
Hades massaged his temples. "OK. What did the peddler look like?"
The imps exchanged a weary look, of this they couldn't recall.
"Ummm....they definitely had two legs...."
"Oh, and two arms!" Added Panic frantically.
Hades color threatened that he was beyond the boiling point.
The imps desperately tried to remember, for both their sakes. They clutched their heads, willing the memory to unfold and play out. It looked brutally painful.
"I got it!" Announced Pain. "The peddler was a girl!"
"That's right!" Agreed Panic quickly.
Ah ha! Just as Hades suspected. He folded his arms across his broad chest, his finger impatiently tapping his forearm. "And.....?"
"And.....what?" The devilish minions wondered.
"WHAT DID SHE LOOK LIKE?!"
Pain and Panic shrugged. "We don't know. She had her back turned."
Hades groaned. Leave it to an imp to lack in details when it really counted. He started pacing, talking more to himself that to the present company.
"OK. We know our suspect is female, but what does it mean to me? Did she simply find the slipper, or is she somehow connected to Julius?"
The minions didn't dare voice their opinions. His questions weren't directed at them, anyway.
Either way, this woman could prove useful.
"Boys, continue as planned. But keep an extra sharp look-out for our.....gal."