Hercules sighed. One hour had begun to blend into the next. Simpering face followed simpering face, each one squealing for his attention. Phil darted around the floor from one skirt to the next, dodging well-earned kicks and outraged exclamations. At least someone was having fun.

Two recent arrivals were being introduced, "Anastasia and Drizella Tremaine." The polite smile that was by now plastered onto Hercules' face threatened to crack as the sisters made their way forward. They were tripping over their garish gowns, pulling at each other's hair in an attempt to reach him first. When they finally stood before him, they curtsied so low that they almost fell over. Hercules bowed slightly from the waist. "Ladies" he managed to choke the word out, for ladies they certainly were not.

"Charmed, Sir Hercules" they screeched in unison. Hercules was about to reply with a few trite phrases he had vastly overused this evening, when he noticed a movement at the edge of the room.

It was a very attractive young woman, studying the Corinthian columns. She kept to the shadows, obviously trying to avoid notice, which was precisely what set her apart: every other girl in the villa was vying for Hercules' affections.

"Excuse me." He hardly knew what he was saying, nor did he register the confused faces of Anastasia and Drizella as he walked past them. The girl in the corner was unaware of his approach. "Do you like them?"

She tensed for a moment, then turned a smiling face to him. "Oh, yes – they're very beautiful."

"So are you" Hercules replied without thinking. He blushed in the silence that followed. Her cheeks colored a little too, and she directed her gaze to her feet. Hercules searched desperately for an escape from the awkward situation he had created. Hearing the musicians in the background, he summoned his courage and asked "Would you give me the honor of this dance?"

She hesitated only a moment before accepting his proffered hand. And then they were off. Hercules thought that maybe, just maybe, Phil had been right after all.

Cinderella didn't know how long she had been dancing, but she felt as if she could go on forever. They had left the villa proper to glide through the gardens, weaving amongst gazebos, sculptures, fountains, and elegant footbridges. Her companion was a strong yet graceful lead, effortlessly guiding her every step. So this is love, she thought, glancing up into his eyes. They were shining like the stars above them. She knew that hers must be, too.

Far too soon, the clock began to toll, and it was with a gasp that she recalled her fairy godmother's instruction. Her feet faltered.

"What's wrong, are you hurt?" He was at her side instant, concern etched into his features.

"Why, its midnight."

"Yes, so it is" he looked bemused.

Cinderella began easing herself from his grasp "I have to go, I-"

"Go? Go where?" He still held her wrist, gently restraining her.

"Why I – I haven't met Hercules"

"Hercules, but don't you know – "

The clock seemed to toll more urgently.

"Goodbye!" Cinderella broke free and ran through the villa, down the steps of the entryway to where her chariot awaited. She stumbled a little, and realized that her left slipper had fallen off. She turned, only to see that he had pursued her. No time to retrieve it! She ran with renewed haste, his voice following her.

"Wait, I don't even know your name, how will I find you again?" But she was already away, the horses in full gallop. Cinderella looked back to see him reaching the foot of the staircase, one arm outstretched in desperate plea.

"I'm sorry" she whispered.

"I'm sorry kid, she's gone. We couldn't find her." Phil anxiously searched Hercules' face. The poor kid was crushed.

"It doesn't make any sense, Phil…why would she leave?" Phil shrugged, at a loss for words. "She didn't even know who I was…" that fact alone drew Hercules even more strongly to her. A woman who didn't know Hercules when she saw him? This was a woman who was not made from the mold of culture, blindly adhering to what was socially accepted. She was her own person, and Hercules loved that. And even so, she had danced with him all night long…which meant that Hercules had interested her, at least. Not his fame, not his fortune, just his character. He had found someone who would actually be willing to know him, and then he had lost her.

"I have to see her again." Hercules straightened with determination, holding out the slipper he'd been turning in his hands. "I'll go to every villa in Thebes, until I find the girl this slipper belongs to."

"Kid…" Phil had several objections, but they died in his throat when he saw the resolve in Hercules' eyes. "I'll…I'll go get Pegasus ready" he murmured, shaking his head at the unlikely odds.