Iolaus opened his eyes. He could hear someone knocking on the door ­ actually, pounding would be a better word.

"Hold on. Hold on," he grumbled, getting up and throwing a sheet round his waist. Hercules slept on oblivious.

Iolaus opened the door and found Jason stood there, looking a little wild around the eyes.

"What's the problem?" Iolaus asked.

"Klas. He's gone."

"Fuck!" Iolaus opened the door wider. "Come in. I'll wake Herc up."

He strode over to the sleeping demigod and shook him hard. "Herc! Herc!"

Hercules moaned a little then turned over. "Wake me up in an hour," he mumbled, and went back to sleep.

Iolaus glared at his lover. "Damn. What's wrong with him?" he turned to Jason. "What did Kirok do to him? He's been weird and sleepy since I found him."

Jason refused to meet the hunter's eyes. "Uh... Kirok is... a spiritual guy. He has this effect on people."

"Yeah, right." Iolaus didn't believe Jason for a moment, but right now he didn't have time to start asking questions.

"Come on. Let's go," he said, once he had dressed, and grabbed Jason by the arm.

"What about Hercules?" Jason asked, confused.

"He's no use to anyone right now. I'll come get him later.... unless Kirok can reverse what he's done to him."

Jason shrugged and went with the hunter to the rooms the group were staying in. Kirok was pacing in a manner that could only have been called agitated ­ the first emotion Iolaus had seen him display. Janus was methodically throwing ornaments at the wall, his eyes almost blazing with fury.

"What happened?" Iolaus asked.

"We were sleeping. Janus got up to take a piss and Klas was gone from beside him," Kirok said.

"Are you sure he hasn't just gone for a walk?"

Janus rounded on Iolaus and a dagger snaked out of his grasp, flew across the room and buried itself in the door mere inches from Iolaus' head. "Does that answer your question?" he asked.

Iolaus examined the dagger, recognising Ares' sign on the hilt.

"Oh," he said quietly. "I get your drift."

Janus strode up to Iolaus, and grabbed him by the hair at the nape of his neck. "You said you'd protect him. You and the demigod. I had doubts. I should have listened to them. I relaxed my guard."

Iolaus wrenched himself away from the irate singer's grasp. "Perhaps if Klas hadn't gone fucking every guy in sight this wouldn't have happened," he yelled back.

Janus' azure eyes went flat. "It's what he is," he hissed. "We don't deny our natures... not like you fucking puny...."

"Janus!" Kirok rapped out. "Enough!"

There was a sudden silence. Iolaus let out a deep breath.

"I know you guys aren't what you appear to be. You'd better tell me the truth. It might help."

The remaining musicians all looked at each other.

"Well? How the hell can I help if I don't know what I'm up against?" Iolaus demanded.

Jason went and sat on a table, not meeting anyone's eyes. "I'll tell him if you want," he said to Janus.

"No. We can't..." Kirok interjected, his calm demeanour deserting him.

"We have to!" Janus growled. "If it gets Klas back, it has to be done."

Iolaus caught the Sumerian's dark eyes and felt a rush of air ruffle his hair. He was plunged into a vision of Nebula screaming, and a dark man with glowing eyes throwing something at him, then darkness. He flinched back, suddenly starkly afraid of the man before him.

"What the fuck are you?" he asked, his voice trembling.

"Our power is limited," Jason said. "We can't do too much against the gods.... not when there's only us three - not like we can humans."

"But...Hercules..."

"He has human blood," Kirok said. He raised his head and offered his arms out slowly toward the hunter standing incredulously in front of him.

"Taste me...." he whispered, and his voice was soothing as a breeze on a hot summer day. Iolaus felt a strange lassitude overtake his body and he took a step toward the dark haired man.

"No!" Janus stepped in front of the hunter, breaking the spell. "Don't, Kirok. We need him. Keep your spiritual bullshit to yourself. Once Klas is back you can do what you want with him."

Iolaus shook his head, coming out of his dream-like state. "What did he..."

"Kirok is a little different to us. He is the oldest of us and holds the power of two... air and spirit. He sustains 'he who once was'. A long time ago, we were five," Jason said quietly.

"What happened to the other one?" Iolaus asked curiously. He couldn't ever think of these four men who fit so closely together, having another companion.

"He... ceased to be," Kirok said softly, his face filled with sadness.

"What are you...?" Iolaus stammered finally, unable to fit all they had told him into his mind all in one go.

Kirok smiled slowly. "We are what should have been - what has always been. What will be."

Janus snorted. "You and your riddles. You're confusing the guy."

"It's all we can tell him," Kirok said.

"Go wake Hercules," Iolaus said to the... Sumerian...? No. that was wrong. They were no more Sumerian, Greek or Danish than Iolaus was a god. But he had no other way to tell what they were, so would have to keep referring to them as such until he knew better.

Kirok shut his eyes and Iolaus felt a stronger rush of air whirl past him. Gods, this was weird. Perhaps he ought to just accept their power for now and question them later. It wasn't as if he was a stranger to the power of immortals.

"He'll come," Kirok said, and went to dress.

Once Hercules had arrived, looking tired, and slightly bewildered, they all settled down to talk over what they were going to do.

Iolaus noticed that without the small form of Klas beside him, Janus was bad tempered, losing it every time someone even said something slightly out of place. He had noticed that it had only taken a touch from the tiny man to calm Janus down, but with him gone, both Kirok and Jason were hard pressed to keep him at bay. By the time they had got fifteen minutes into the planning, the rooms looked like a raging minotaur had gone wild in the room.

Jason finally took Iolaus aside, pulling him into a bedroom.

"You have to do something," he whispered. "He'll destroy the place."

"Me? Why me?" Iolaus was surprised.

"Because you and Klas are so alike. I'm sure you could calm him down. He's worried about his lover. Please?"

Iolaus paced. "I can't calm him down. He's a raging beast. Is he always like that?"

"It's what he is."

Iolaus rounded on the down to earth bass player. "You guys keep on saying that. What are you? Tell me that much.... what's all the riddle stuff... what will be will be and all that crap? Exactly what are you doing here and what power do you have? It might come in handy."

"We are what should have been - what has always been. What will be," Jason said softly.

"If you want Klas back, you have to tell me." Iolaus was getting fed up with that chant.

"Klas is Water, Janus Fire. They are together. One overtakes the other. Kirok is Air and Spirit, I am Earth. We are together. One overtakes the other," Jason chanted, his harsh face looking serene for a moment.

Iolaus digested this gobbledegook for a moment. "O...kay. I see I'm no wiser."

"Jason. Get in here!" came the voice of the every angry Janus.

Jason caught hold of Iolaus' vest. "You have to help him, otherwise he will consume us all. We can't be without our opposites. It drains us."

"But what about Herc?"

"Kirok will deal with him. Don't worry."

"How?"

"I said don't worry," Jason smiled and touched a finger to Iolaus' chest, so lightly and briefly that Iolaus hardly felt it. "You will feel him here. Let him in. Be his ocean." he turned and went out of the room, leaving Iolaus wondering what the hell Jason had meant.

He followed the musician back into the main room and leaned against the table, arms folded, his eyes on Janus.

Yes, he loved Hercules, had loved him for a long time, first as friends and brothers in arms, and more recently as a lover, but Janus excited him. He loved the way the guy moved, even when he was furious, he moved with the grace of a striking snake, his tall slim, but strong body always looked as if it was about to pounce, his eyes burned blue with heat like the flame of a forge. He radiated danger, distrust, fury... a smouldering volcano.

Iolaus felt the sudden need to quench that fire, soothe him with tranquil words, bathe him with cool touch and calming hand.

Once more he felt a soft breeze on his face, ruffling his curls slightly.

Kirok.

He looked round to find the fathomless eyes on him, then a gentle flow of peace ebbed over him like the evening tide.

Be his ocean

Iolaus shook his head, trying to clear it and turned his attention to what was happening. Hercules was arguing with Janus.

"We can't just go in there and fight Ares. He's a god. We have to distract him somehow."

"How the fuck do you distract him?" Janus was practically nose to nose with Hercules, fists clenched, as if restraining himself from punching the demigod. "You couldn't even stop him from taking Klas."

Iolaus stepped forward. "Herc, Janus. I think you two should take time out from each other. This isn't getting us anywhere. Perhaps we should all just... think for a while. Herc. You know Ares the best. You know where he would hold Klas. Why don't you and... Jason talk about it? He's the sensible one."

Earth.

Janus looked into Iolaus' eyes, and there Iolaus saw the flame burning brightly for him. He smiled.

"Come on. Why don't you and I go for a walk or something? You can talk this out - cool down a little."

Fire.

"I think that's an excellent suggestion," Kirok's voice said from behind him... no... not behind.... in front... no... his voice was all around. Why hadn't Iolaus noticed that before?

Air and Spirit.

Hercules nodded. "I'll go talk with Iphicles too. He might have a plan. He was a soldier first, before he was a king."

"You're going to attack Ares?" Iolaus asked.

"Attack isn't always the best defence, Iolaus. You know that," Hercules patted his lover on the shoulder. "See you later." He led Jason out of the room.

Iolaus looked around. He and Janus were alone. Where in Zeus' name had Kirok gone?

The hunter wasn't sure what to do next, but was saved from trying to think by a touch on the nape of his neck. He froze at the hot fingered caress, then felt lips replacing the fingers, the soft scratch of facial hair, then the velvet of a warm tongue lick at his pierced lobe. He shut his eyes and swallowed hard.

"Janus?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

"Uh huh?" the deep silk of the man's voice vibrated in his ear.

Iolaus turned round and felt hard muscular arms encircle him. He opened his eyes and looked up into the hot blue eyes.

"Do what you need to. Please. Take me. Do what you want," he breathed, unable to control his words. They just slipped out like tears.

Water.

Janus let out a small chuckle and Iolaus felt the singer's lips hard and fierce on his own, then his mouth was forced open by Janus' strong seeking tongue. He moaned at the invasion, wanting more, pressing up against the musician, wantonly opening himself to the man who was about to become his lover.

Suddenly he was picked up and carried to the bedroom. He lay passively in Janus' arms, his own arms round Janus' neck, still kissing him passionately.

Janus pushed Iolaus down to the bed, holding him in one arm, the other still stroking his shoulders and hair, making prickles of desire run up and down Iolaus' skin. He let Janus start to explore his body, then his own hands went to Janus' chest, pulling up his leather shirt and running his hands over the soft hair there. Janus pulled his shirt off and then helped Iolaus take his own vest off.

They lay together just kissing and stroking, their chests touching until Janus started to undo Iolaus' belts. Iolaus lay back and let Janus take off his pants, boots and finally his clout. Janus started to kiss his way up Iolaus' legs, lingering at the sensitive spot behind his knees, then he licked his way up further and tickled his tongue in the hollow between Iolaus thighs and balls. Iolaus moaned, his whole body wanting Janus with a desire that was total. He had never even felt like this with Hercules. He needed Janus to possess him completely.

Janus rolled Iolaus over and started on his back, licking, kissing and biting his way from Iolaus' smooth muscled shoulders and then down to the small of his back, then to the deep crevice of his ass. His tongue lingered at the very top feeling the tiny shivers that shook Iolaus' body. His hands squeezed at Iolaus' buttocks as he lovingly tasted the salty musk of his skin, then he rubbed his rough haired cheek against the satin smoothness of his twin mounds. Iolaus whimpered as Janus parted his legs and licked his fingers, slipping one inside Iolaus, feeling his muscles clench and hearing his soft cry.

"Gods, Janus. I need you," came Iolaus trembling voice.

Janus smiled and continued to move his finger in and out while he undid his pants and slipped them off. Iolaus turned to look at him, taking in the tawny skin, golden hair and lean muscled body. This man was so incredibly beautiful.

Iolaus told Janus how beautiful he was, but Janus said nothing, just kissed him. Iolaus turned over and reached for him. Janus came to him and held him in his strong arms, just enjoying the feel of the smaller man's body next to his own skin.

After what seemed a long time, Janus got up on all fours above Iolaus, the loose curls and waves of his hair cascading down over his shoulder to tickle Iolaus' chest. Iolaus grabbed a handful and tugged it, wanting Janus to kiss him again. Janus barely touched his lips, but his tongue went down to the hollow of his throat and his teeth nipped, leaving a little red mark. He could feel the pounding of Iolaus' pulse under the skin and he left his lips there a moment feeling the faint throbbing beneath them.

Iolaus couldn't believe how erotic Janus was. All the fuck 'em and leave 'em façade had gone. Janus was making love to the small hunter like he had never been made love to before. He was starting to get desperate for release, and begged Janus to do something. Janus hadn't even touched his cock yet, had hardly looked at it.

Iolaus hoped he would soon but Janus' tongue went to Iolaus' nipples and sucked on them one by one, tiny erect peaks of sensation in his warm wet mouth. Iolaus groaned and gasped out his lover's name, his whole body convulsing as Janus bit and flicked his tongue over them.

"Please, Janus. Please!" Iolaus moaned. "I want to come so bad."

Janus worked his way down Iolaus' body leaving those little red marks everywhere he touched, then he reached Iolaus' navel and explored that for a while, never going any further down. This was pure torture to the hunter, he thrust his hips up, hoping that Janus might get the idea and finally take him in his mouth. How he ached for that wonderful mouth to lick and suck him, but Janus teased mercilessly, his mouth finding Iolaus' fingers and sucking on them one by one.

"Ok," he said finally. "No more games."

He once more rolled Iolaus over and pulled him to his knees. Iolaus felt Janus' seeking fingers once more enter him and he cried out his name, urging him to hurry up. This only seemed to make Janus slow down and take his time. He started kissing and licking Iolaus' back again, this time his tongue went down between Iolaus' cheeks and Iolaus felt him licking and exploring his asshole. This almost made Iolaus' shoot his load there and then.

Janus finally felt Iolaus was ready and he slowly entered him, taking his time, still teasing, still not letting Iolaus go.

Iolaus felt Janus deep inside him, his long slow movements driving Iolaus wild. He wanted to touch himself, let his orgasm flood his body, but he restrained himself from doing so. Janus obviously wanted him to wait. Janus started to move his hips slowly, pulling almost all the way out, before taking a deep hard thrust back in.

Janus was so turned on by having this passive willing man beneath him, but he kept total control, only letting himself come when he wanted to not when his body demanded it of him. He wanted Iolaus to be totally his, and he knew that Iolaus wanted it too.

The slow but hard fucking went on for ages. Janus and Iolaus' bodies were covered with a sheen of sweat. Iolaus was almost delirious with need but still Janus made him wait, until at last he knew he couldn't hold Iolaus in this state any longer and his thrusting got suddenly a lot hard and faster, his breath coming faster and his low throaty moans getting louder and louder.

Iolaus moved with him, thrusting back onto Janus, making the sensation even better for them both. He swore softly, now desperate for release, and at last Janus reached round and held his straining throbbing dick in his hand, pumping it expertly until Iolaus let out several full throated yells, his whole body tensing and writhing as he finally let go; his seed splattering over the bed and Janus' hand.

Janus stayed still as Iolaus moaned and gasped and sobbed, never having experienced anything like this before, until he felt weak with pleasure and collapsed to the bed. Janus pulled out of him, and Iolaus felt suddenly alone and abandoned.

He lay moaning softly, the aftershocks of ecstasy shuddering through his body. He fought to control his emotions, but tears came to his eyes. He couldn't believe what he had just done.

He finally turned over and saw Janus stood at the end of the bed, just looking at him, his cock still magnificently erect, jutting long and smooth from the mass of blond curls at his groin.

"Gods, Janus," the hunter finally whispered. "That was... Like nothing I ever felt before."

Janus knelt on the bed, a hand stroking down Iolaus' thigh. Iolaus reached out and rubbed a finger along the length of Janus' slightly damp member. "You're still hard," he said.

"I haven't come yet," Janus said quietly.

He moved closer to the small man beside him and stroked his fingers through his hair, loving the silkiness and the smell of it. He rubbed his cheek against Iolaus head taking a deep breath just enjoying the fresh spice smell mixed with the smell of lust in the room.

He fondled Iolaus' nipples one by one and then bent to take one in his mouth, suckling on it. Iolaus felt the gentle pulling of his mouth on one of his most sensitive areas and hissed in pleasure, then his whole body jumped as Janus' nails raked down his back. He gasped in pain, but pressed closer to Janus, wanting him to do whatever he wished. He wanted to see this incredible man come, and if this turned him on, he wanted it.

Janus pushed him to the bed again, and ran his tongue down Iolaus' flat stomach and breathed warm air into his pubic curls, then took his soft member in his mouth and sucked gently. Iolaus couldn't help himself. He was soon once more hard and craving more of this wonderful love-making with Janus.

Janus bit gently at the very tip of Iolaus' shaft, then round the head, sending Iolaus into a paroxysm of shudders. His nails dug into the flesh of Iolaus' thighs as he knelt between his legs and thoroughly explored and tasted Iolaus' cock and sucked on his balls. His hands pushed Iolaus' thighs upward, and he came up to look Iolaus full in the face.

"You want me again?" he whispered, his voice deep and velvety. "Do you want me to fuck you again?"

"Oh Gods, Yes, Janus. Do whatever you want to me," Iolaus shakily replied.

He felt the head of Janus' cock enter his ass once more, and Janus slowly pushed his way in. Iolaus shut his eyes and let out a breath. He could feel every tiny movement Janus made, the small shudder as Janus lay still, impaling Iolaus on him, the slight throbbing of his dick inside him. Iolaus squeezed on him and loved the little gasp that hissed from Janus' lips.

"Oh shit," Janus whispered. "Don't do that. I want to last a while."

"You've lasted long enough," Iolaus said. "I need you to come in me now."

Janus kissed Iolaus tenderly, his hips moving very slightly, then he smiled, and his hips thrust a little harder. He knelt up, holding Iolaus thighs, and pulled him closer, one hand going to Iolaus' erect cock and stroking him. He began to thrust into Iolaus, his movements getting harder and faster, his hand still stroking and caressing.

Iolaus ran fingernails down Janus' thighs and heard the moan of pleasure. He got the idea finally… Janus liked it rough. He should have known. He grabbed hold of Janus' ass cheeks and pulled him into him harder, taking control of the thrusting. Janus let his head fall back and his eyes shut. Iolaus could feel the softness of his hair brushing his legs as he wrapped them around Janus' hips and held on tight.

Janus moaned again, his face suffused with pleasure. He was really riding Iolaus hard now, his body glistening with sweat once more. Iolaus reached up and grabbed a hand full of his hair, pulling his head down to kiss him savagely. He tasted blood in his mouth and realised he had bitten Janus' lip, but it didn't seem to bother the blond man above him. His cries got louder, his breath harsher, and Iolaus could feel him pulsing inside his body.

There was a sudden sear of pain on his shoulder and Janus bit down on the strangled roar of impending orgasm he so desperately wanted to let out. Iolaus gasped, and reflexively smashed his hand across Janus' head to get him away from the pain he was causing. Janus pulled away but the blow Iolaus had given him only seemed to excite him more. The look on his face was wild and Iolaus began to feel just a little afraid. No one hit Janus and got away with it.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," he gasped. "You were hurting me."

"I'll fuckin' hurt you a lot more!" Janus growled and he slapped Iolaus hard. Iolaus cried out, and Janus hit him again.

"Stop it!" the hunter shrieked. Janus grabbed his wrists and held him down, his cock still inside Iolaus but the sex forgotten for the moment.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly. "You don't like this?" His voice was menacing.

Iolaus glared at the strong man above him. "Just don't hit me anymore."

Janus lowered his body onto Iolaus, pinning him down. Iolaus tried to pull away from Janus, suddenly not wanting this any longer. Janus seemed to take great delight in hurting him.

"Get off me," he demanded.

Janus kissed Iolaus gently. "You don't want me to come in you?" he asked.

"Just fucking get it over with, and get off." Iolaus was angry.

Janus began once more to lick and bite at Iolaus' neck, once more making the hunter writhe with pleasure. He forgot all about what Janus had just done, and moaned. Janus once more stroked at his cock, holding it in his hand and rubbing up and down with smooth long strokes.

He started to move again inside Iolaus but this time it was a gentler movement, more loving. Iolaus could feel the roughness of Janus' pubic hair rubbing against his own member. Janus was now relying on friction to bring Iolaus off again. Iolaus began to encourage Janus on to orgasm, telling him how much he wanted to feel him come, urging him to let go so Iolaus could watch his face.

Janus held Iolaus close, his movements slowing, but thrusting hard until finally he let out a hoarse sobbing moan into Iolaus ear.

"Aww, fuck, Iolaus… Iolaus…love me."

The last two words were a broken whisper, and Iolaus felt Janus finally let go and pump his load inside Iolaus' body. Iolaus once more felt his own seed and the rush of pleasure wash over him. He hugged Janus tight, tears once more in his eyes.

They lay together for a while, until Iolaus could feel the slow trickling of his own sperm down his hip, and he pushed Janus up a little to wipe the tickle away.

Janus pulled out of Iolaus and went down to lick the cum away. Iolaus watched fascinated as Janus lapped the salty liquid from his skin, then lay his cheek on Iolaus' stomach, breathing slowly, his eyes shut.

Iolaus shut his own eyes. He ached inside and out, but it had been well worth it. Janus had just given him the best sex he had ever experienced. He opened his eyes suddenly, remembering what Janus had said to him at the point of orgasm.

"Janus," he said softly.

Janus raised his head and Iolaus ran fingers through his sweat and come soaked hair. "What did you mean... 'love me'?"

Janus knelt up. Iolaus lay passively beneath him, unable to take his eyes off the mesmerising white hot flame of his eyes.

Suddenly Janus put two fingers out and touched Iolaus on the chest. "Klas is gone from me. You have to let me in," he said.

Iolaus remembered what Jason had said.

'You will feel him here. Let him in. Be his ocean.'

"Will it hurt?"

Janus gave Iolaus his feral grin. "How can one love fire and not get burned?"

"I don't understand..." Iolaus was more confused than ever.

"Yes. It'll hurt, but not for long. Kirok has already given you what you need to be with me, and when this is over, he'll take it back. You won't remember. You can love Hercules again like you always did. I wouldn't ruin what you and he have."

"But what about him?"

Janus pressed the fingers closer into Iolaus' flesh. "He won't remember either. We couldn't do that to you. We aren't the gods. We... care."

The word sounded alien to the singers' lips, but Iolaus believed him. A thought suddenly struck him.

"What happens if Klas dies?"

Janus was silent. "I don't know," he said at last. "If I don't find someone to replace him, I guess I die too. I'm already weak."

Iolaus felt a stab of fear. Would Janus ask him to replace his lover if Klas died? Could he do it? Could he leave Hercules?

NO!

Janus leaned down and kissed the hunter, his kiss more gentle than anything they had done so far.

"I wouldn't ask you," he said answering Iolaus thoughts. "This is just... temporary. You love Hercules too much."

Iolaus felt relief wash over him. "Ok. I'll do it. What do I have to do?"

Again that dangerous, savage smile. "Nothing."

Iolaus felt the fingers digging into his chest, lift a little, then a strange heat seemed to radiate from them, at first gentle and calming, then getting hotter and hotter until they became a searing fire that spread over his body, drowning him in pain. He found himself unable to move, unable to cry out, even breathe, then images started whirling through his mind, images that he couldn't make sense of - but at the same time understood completely.

Let me in....

JANUS!!!!

LET ME IN!

gods i can't i can't it hurts it hurts.... nonononononono

Suddenly a scream ripped from his throat and his body convulsed in absolute agony. He could feel a great release, better than orgasm swamp his whole being, then a cool wind washed over him, he experienced the heavy weight of what felt like earth press on him then at last cold water drowned him. He gasped and struggled for a moment, then perceived Janus' lips on his own.

He clung to the man above him, moaning desperately, abruptly needing his touch, frantically craving his warmth.

They kissed deeply, joined mind, body and soul then Janus pulled away, a halo of red light shining from him. Iolaus blinked, but the light didn't leave, and Janus seemed.... somehow not really there, translucent, his features blurred, his long blond hair now full of light and drifting all around him in tendrils of fire.

Gods. I'm seeing him as he really is!

Hercules raised his head as he heard a terrible cry echo through the whole castle. Iphicles jumped to his feet, drawing his sword.

"What in Hades name was that?"

"Iolaus!" Hercules got up, recognising his lover's cry. "What is Janus doing to him? What...?"

Kirok who had been standing silently by the window looking out into the gardens turned and put a hand out. Suddenly he was standing right in front of the demigod, his hand touching Hercules' chest.

"Iolaus is fine," he whispered. "Forget about him. Forget he is yours... for a little while."

Hercules blinked, then shook his head. "What were you saying Iphicles?"

"Uh... oh... ah..." the demigod's brother stammered for a moment. He looked at his sword as if he had never seen it before then sheathed it, sitting back down in his seat. "I said... we should go find Ares' hideout. I can distract him while you free Klas."

"And how do you plan on distracting him?" Hercules asked, crossing his arms.

Iphicles looked uncomfortable. He shot a look at the silent rock-featured man who stood beside him. "Jason...?"

Jason nodded. "Tell him. He won't hurt you."

"Tell me what?" Hercules demanded.

Iphicles got up, pacing back and forth. "I don't know how to tell you this, Hercules, but... I guess the only way is straight. Me and Ares are lovers."

There was a long silence. Iphicles glanced at the two musicians. Both of them were stood together, their hands touching, their eyes shut.

Hercules blinked and shook his head as if he was dizzy. "Great. I'm happy for you. Ok. So you... uh... distract him. We go for Klas. Good. That's done with. Let's go. Where's Janus and Iolaus?"

Iphicles let out a huge sigh of relief. He had no idea what powers these strange men possessed, but they came in useful.

As Hercules spoke, Iolaus and Janus entered the room and went to the two musicians. Iphicles frowned. What was wrong with Iolaus? He looked like someone had just given him a million dinars, and his hand constantly strayed to Janus as they spoke quietly to Kirok and Jason. He looked at Hercules, but the demigod was sat examining an apple for mould as if nothing untoward was happening. He bit into the fruit and chewed, his eyes meeting his brother's.

"What?" he asked. "Do I suddenly have green hair or something?"

Iphicles frowned. "Iolaus... Don't you care that he's... touching Janus like that?"

Hercules looked over at his hunter friend.

As Janus spoke to Kirok, his hand strayed to Iolaus' hair, stroking it gently. Iolaus smiled and leaned his head briefly on Janus' shoulder.

"If he's happy, why should I mind? He needs someone who can love him. He's had too many disappointments," Hercules said quietly.

Iphicles couldn't work out what was happening. He could have sworn that Hercules was a jealous lover, one who wouldn't let his hunter go to any other man. He turned back to the four men conferring at the other end of the room.

Kirok had held his hand out and the others, Iolaus' included, had all placed their hand on top of his. Their eyes were shut and a sense of peace and completion that had been missing since Klas had gone, seemed to radiate from them.

"We are the closed fist," Janus said quietly.

"We are what should have been," Iolaus whispered.

"What has always been," Jason murmured.

"What will be," Kirok said, his voice like a sigh of wind.

Iphicles let out a deep breath. How the hell did he get into these strange things? He glanced at Hercules who was still munching on his apple without a care in the world. Being the brother of a demigod was certainly exciting, even if it wasn't always what he wanted.

He got up and approached the four men. "Shall we go? No time like the present, and I expect you want you man back as soon as possible."

Janus nodded. "That god isn't going to know what the fuck hit him," he said, grinning evilly.

Ares laughed.

The tiny man in front of him was slumped into the shackles that held him bound, his arms restrained above his head. His head was bowed, the wild tawny hair was covered in blood and masked the over-pretty face.

Ares walked round his captive admiring the whip marks across his slim but well muscled back, the trickles of blood that coursed down his arms from the iron rings binding his wrists, the knife marks cutting cruelly across small, rounded buttocks and thighs.

"I do nice work," he said softly. "Shame you weren't awake to appreciate it.

"I was," came the strangely accented voice.

Ares frowned and went back round to face his captive, grabbing him by gore covered hair and pulling his head upright, looking into his eyes.

I've never seen eyes that colour before.

Huge sea green eyes rimmed with incredibly long sooty eyelashes, flecks of white in the irises like crests of a peaked wave.

He let go of the hair, but the prisoner's head didn't drop ­ those incredible eyes continued to stare at him. Ares began to feel uncomfortable.

"Who are you?" he growled.

"Klas," the man replied. "Can I go now?" He smiled brightly.

Ares curled a lip. "You think this is all a day trip or something?"

Klas shrugged. "I've seen worse." He looked round him. "Don't you ever get bored with all this black?"

"Shut up! Don't you ever stop talking?"

Klas gave one of his infuriatingly innocent grins. "Nope. Janus says that I could talk the..."

"Silence!" Ares roared, back-handing Klas across the face. Klas went flying, and swung back on his chains toward the god, who caught him, holding him close, caressing his naked body, revelling in the texture of Klas' silky blood on his hands.

He was surprised when Klas let out a low sexual moan and pressed closer, his tongue flicking out at Ares' mouth. Excitement coursed through the war god's body and he took possession of the Danes' mouth with his own, ravaging the soft bowed lips with his own hard unrelenting kiss.

His captive moaned again and his slim muscled legs lifted and wrapped themselves around Ares waist, he leaned harder into the kiss, his own tongue fighting with the war god's for supremacy. He broke away, letting his head fall back so Ares lips moved to his neck.

What the fuck?

Ares bit deeply into the soft skin beneath his seeking mouth, tasting blood and revelling in it. Klas convulsed and screamed, his body arching.

"YES!"

Ares looked up. Damn it. The man wasn't supposed to be enjoying this. He was supposed to be screaming for mercy... but...

Ares was never one to pass up an opportunity for sex, and this little mortal was so very tasty. He pulled the dangling prisoner towards the wall and drove him up against it so hard all the breath was knocked out of the little man. The war god heard the gasp of pain as the rough stones of the wall cut into Klas' already lacerated back and he grinned wolfishly.

"Not so cocky now are you?"

"Speak for yourself," came the low groan. "Bet mines bigger than yours."

Ares looked down at the musicians erection.

Hmm. He's right. How dare a mortal midget like this have a bigger cock than me... Well that can be remedied.

A brief moment of concentration and Klas' boast was no longer true. Ares sneered again. How he looked forward to splitting this impudent creature apart while he was fucking him... listening to him scream as he...

"Stop thinking about it and get on with it," Klas said shortly.

"Listen you little whore... I'm in charge here. I'll fuck you when I'm good and ready," Ares snarled.

He looked down at the mortal one more time. Those eyes stared right back, unafraid, calm. It made him furious. He slammed the smaller man against the wall again, wanting to see pain in those sea green eyes. He turned Klas round, pressing him against the wall, running his fingers through sweat and blood covered locks.

"You're going to regret you ever met me," he whispered into Klas' ear. He undid his pants and let them fall. His cock sprang out and pressed against Klas' back. He hoisted the small man upwards, his tiny weight nothing to the god.

"Try talking now, you little bastard!" he grunted and rammed himself as hard as he could inside his captive.

As Hercules opened the door of Ares' main temple there came a soul-destroying shriek that echoed around the group of men and sent chills down their collective spines.

"Klas......" Kirok moaned softly.

Hercules put a hand on the small Sumerian's shoulder. "We'll go get him back," he promised.

Iolaus looked at Janus. The elemental's eyes were glowing with a red fire. His face looked fierce and he stared into the darkness of the temple with the look of a man possessed ­ which Iolaus supposed he was, in a way.

"I'm going to get him!" he snarled.

"Wait!" Hercules grabbed Janus and pulled the musician back as he made for the door. "You can't take him on. He'll make mincemeat of you."

"Let him try," came the low growl.

"What happened to my plan of distracting Ares?" asked Iphicles.

"This is personal. Keep out of the way, king!" Janus said. "Iolaus. Come with me."

"Janus..." Iolaus started to protest. "Let's think about this..."

Another scream rent the air.

"Come with me. You can help me," Janus said again, his voice little more than a whisper.

Iolaus couldn't object. He was with Janus. It was enough.

Janus walked silently into the temple, Iolaus at his side.

The unrelenting darkness was lit only by a single torch. Iolaus looked about, seeing only shadows, then by the wall... two men, one tall, and cruelly thrusting into the smaller chained figure. He could hear heavy breathing and soft gasping moans, then suddenly another long, loud shriek of agony...

Or was it pleasure?

It was hard to tell, but he knew Klas. It probably was pleasure.

With a grunting animal cry, Ares stiffened, obviously reaching orgasm. Iolaus watched in the suddenly brighter light and saw the god withdraw from the tiny man he had impaled on his cock. The hunter caught a glimpse of that impossible length, and he shuddered in sympathy for Klas.

Klas hung limply in his chains, but Iolaus heard his voice.

"Is that the best you can do? I didn't even come yet. Call yourself a lover?"

Beside Iolaus, Janus shifted, then looked up at the single torch. It blazed higher, and Ares turned at the sudden brightness, to see what had happened.

Klas too raised his head. Iolaus saw his smile of joy. "Janus!" he cried. "Get me the fuck outta here, will ya? This god thinks he can hurt me and its getting boring."

Ares roared with rage and flung a fireball at the small man. There was a loud scream and Klas disappeared beneath the flames, only to reappear a moment later unharmed, but looking weak. His power would be unable to resist another fireball like that.

"Klas!" Janus started forward.

Iolaus could feel his pain, and shut his eyes in sympathy. Overlaid with Janus' agony was Klas' own. He was obviously infuriating the god on purpose.

"Janus. Don't... Think about this. You have to get Ares away from him. Use your fire. I'll free him," Iolaus said, grabbing his lover. Janus stopped.

"Fire?" he let out a soft chuckle. "Yes, fire. The fire of passion."

He shut his eyes and Iolaus watched in amazement as his whole being seemed to change from the hate filled singer, to a predator, exuding desire like molten steel.

"Come to me, Ares." He whispered.

The god frowned, took a step forward, then resisted. "What are you?" came his puzzled voice.

"Come...."

From behind him, Iolaus could feel the pulsing energy of Jason and Kirok. They were joining together to bring the god under the influence of Janus. Iolaus too held out his hand, shutting his eyes, pushing out the power he could feel surging through his body in answer to Janus' own energy.

Not enough.

Then Iolaus saw Klas lift his head, his eyes glowing green with a terrible miasma of hatred... the hatred of a foetid pool, the torment of polluted sea. He saw the future in those abhorrent eyes and he shuddered violently.

With a sudden clang of tortured iron, the chains fell away from Klas and he slumped to the floor, but Iolaus could feel the rage pouring out of him. He ran to the small man, gathering him up in his arms. Blood stained his vest and naked skin as he cradled him close, kneeling on the floor, watching what was happening.

Janus was now filled with incandescence, his whole body flaming, behind him, Kirok was a halo of white light - the same light radiated from his chest.

He held out his hands, fingers spread and the air in the temple whipped up into a frenzied wind. Iolaus saw items of tribute fall to the floor, or fly toward the walls, held against them by the force of the storm. But Iolaus himself was untouched. He felt a slight breeze ruffle his hair, and no flying objects touched him or his precious armful.

Jason glowed a deep blue, and as he brought out a hand to point palm up at Ares, there was a low rumbling of the earth and the floor shook slightly. The roof of the temple creaked ominously.

Ares' dark eyes opened in astounded fury. "What are you doing?" he yelled, drawing his sword and rushing towards Janus.

Janus altered the angle of his hand slightly, and the sword burned white hot. Ares dropped it with a shriek. Janus strode forward, then caught hold of Ares' hair, pulling him close for a long hard savage kiss.

Iolaus realised that only he could see the four men as they really were. He blinked and for a moment saw Jason and Kirok's human selves, stood determinedly at the entrance to Ares' temple, hands outstretched.

Janus laughed low in his throat, and his hands went to Ares' pants, dropping them to his knees. "Come on, war god. Can you take it like you can give it?" he pulled Ares to the altar and pushed him over it, his hand holding the god effortlessly to the stone. Ares struggled violently, swearing and cursing to all the gods to kill the man who held him down. His words were cut off with a cry as Janus rammed his cock hard into Ares' ass, his face filled with pure malevolence.

"No. Don't," Klas whispered at Iolaus' chest. "You can't destroy him. The world needs him."

"What do you mean?" Iolaus asked urgently.

"Janus.... not... kill Ares.... Stop him."

Iolaus could hear the war god's impotent cries of fury and pain. Janus was slowly fucking him, but it wasn't the fact that Ares was being fucked that made the god cry out. Iolaus realised that the fire of Janus' soul was consuming the god's power from within with every thrust. He could almost see the essence of what the god was, shrinking with every long, slow, deliberate stroke.

"When Janus comes... Ares dies..." Klas said. "Don't let him come. He's the only one that can kill a god. You can stop him. I don't have the strength."

"How?" Iolaus asked, his voice trembling.

Klas shook his head, then slumped unconscious in the hunter's arms.

Iolaus took a quick look at Janus. He was taking his time, letting the war god suffer as he slowly sucked out his power, pumping the raging fire into Ares' body. Iolaus knew Janus liked to take his time. He had a minute to get Klas to safety. He got to his feet, lifting the slight weight in his arms and carried him outside.

Hercules and Iphicles stood as if in a trance in front of the temple. Iolaus ran to them. "Hey, guys. Wake up! Klas is hurt. Look after him."

The two men shook their heads, coming out of their hypnotised state. Hercules took Klas from Iolaus and looked down at him.

"The bastard!" he spat. "I'll kill him!"

"That's what I've got to stop!" Iolaus yelled and ran back into the temple. He was dimly aware of Hercules yelling his name, but ignored him.

Janus let out a low growl and thrust harder and deeper into Ares. Th god of war was laying passively beneath him, drained of almost all his power.

Iolaus could see the splatters of Ares' seed running down the side of the altar, and then saw the shudder of the god's body as he came once more, his voice a hoarse, depleted moan.

"Janus! No!" Iolaus cried desperately, running to the elemental and grabbing his shoulder, yelling in pain at the sheer heat of Janus' body against his mortal flesh.

He turned to Kirok and Jason. "How do I stop him?" he pleaded.

"What quenches fire?" came Kirok's whisper. "we can't help you. Air only feeds. Earth provides."

"Water...? Water...!!!" Iolaus suddenly realised that he could do this. The power had been given to him earlier that day.

He ran round to face Janus, who's eyes were shut, his face raised to the ceiling above them, his orgasm almost upon him.

Iolaus reached out to Janus, his eyes despairing. How could he do this in time? He concentrated, feeling the full flow of a thousand lakes fill his body.

Wait...

He heard Kirok's voice in his mind.

Janus let out a howl, his whole body convulsing. Beneath him Ares let out his own dying scream.

NOW!

Iolaus flung the overpowering force of his internal sea at the god, and the elemental holding him. He suddenly realised that water was the most powerful force on earth and it was enough to conquer the raging anger and destruction of the man he knew as Janus.

With a shriek, Janus went flying against the wall of the temple, green light engulfing the red aura around him. When he landed the fire was quenched and he seemed like an ordinary man again.

Iolaus forgot about him, going to Ares and turning him over.

"I ought to let you die, you bastard!" he said. "But Klas said the world needs you, so..."

He placed his hands above Ares' faintly fluttering heart and let a little of the life force Kirok had given, flow down into the god of war. Ares came abruptly awake, and struggled up.

"You! I'll kill you!" he roared.

"That's all I get for saving your life?" Iolaus asked, then ducked as a fireball whizzed over his head.

The temple floor began to shake wildly and the columns supporting the roof began to quiver. Iolaus ran to Janus, who was still dazed on the floor. "Let's get out of here!" he yelled. "The place is going to collapse around our ears!"

Janus let Iolaus support his tall frame as they made their way to the door, Iolaus losing his balance several times as the earth beneath his feet shuddered and writhed. He was aware of Jason standing alone, his aura blazing azure around him, his eyes filled with the same unholy light.

"Kirok. Stop him. We'll be buried." Iolaus shrieked over the sound of trembling, grating rock.

Kirok put a hand to Jason's shoulder. "Stop." He said, his voice never more than a light breath. Jason let out a gasp and the glow around him faded. He looked around with all the air of a man coming out of a trance.

"Let's get the fuck out of here!" he yelled, and turned and ran for it, Kirok hot on his heels. Iolaus followed, but looked back at the collapsing temple.

Ares was still trying to get his pants from around his ankles to chase after the escaping men. The hunter grinned. Trust Ares not to think of his godly powers at a time like this.

He burst into the bright sunlight, still dragging Janus with him and collapsed at Hercules' feet, breathless, as with a low rumble, the temple of Ares disintegrated into an avalanche of rubble, not a single detail of the ornately carved building remaining.

There was a long silence, punctuated only by the sound of an occasional stone settling into place.

Klas got up, limped to Janus, and put his arms round him. They kissed hungrily then Klas looked back at the pile of dust that had once been Ares greatest temple. He smiled brightly, then laughed.

"Cool!"

"But Ares' didn't die when the temple collapsed, did he?" Iolaus asked Hercules, as they relaxed in a bath back at the palace.

"It takes more than a load of stone to kill him. He'll be weak for a while, but he'll be back to his old tricks soon," Hercules said, laying his head back and shutting his eyes.

Iolaus let out a sigh of relief. He didn't want to have saved Ares' life, just for the god to be bumped off by a falling temple.

"What happened in there?" Hercules asked. "I could hear shouting and screaming, and this horrible high pitched buzzing in my ears, but I couldn't move. I couldn't get to you?"

Iolaus shrugged. He would never be able to tell his lover about what had happened. "I don't know myself. It was pretty chaotic."

Hercules smiled and touched Iolaus' hair, stroking his fingers through wet locks. "As long as you're ok," he said, and leaned forward to kiss the little hunter.

Iolaus responded ardently. It would be a relief to make love as mortals did.

Just then the door to their quarters opened and Kirok came in with Jason.

"Don't you believe in knocking?" Iolaus asked in an annoyed tone.

Kirok just looked at him. Iolaus sighed. "What do you want?" he asked, shooting a look at Hercules. The demigod was frozen in mid kiss, his eyes shut, his face serene.

"It's time," Kirok said. "We have to let you go."

"You could have waited. I was enjoying that kiss," Iolaus complained.

Jason held out a towel as Iolaus got out of the bath. "If you had made love to him, untutored as you are, you would have killed him - drowned him in your force," he said, his face like stone.

Iolaus stared at the two men.

"Now you tell me!"

Kirok smiled slightly.

Iolaus followed them back to their rooms. Klas was stood by the window, Janus sat on the table as usual. As always, his eyes were on Klas, following and guarding his every move.

He looked up and Klas turned, as the three men entered. Kirok shut the door and went to the centre of the room. Iolaus was unsure what was about to happen and nervously stood by the door watching them. Jason smiled at him, took his hand and led him to the circle that was now being completed by Janus and Klas.

There was a long silence.

"We were once five. We were five again. It felt good," Kirok said quietly. "Are you sure you want to be with your demigod lover? The power of air could be yours."

Iolaus paused then shook his head. "I belong with him. I love him."

Kirok touched Iolaus' cheek "Even if this happens?" he asked.

Iolaus once more saw Nebula screaming, the man with glowing eyes throwing something at him, then the never-ending plunge into darkness. He shuddered, then pulled away.

"If that is what's going to happen, then let it. I want to be by his side, fighting for what we believe in. I wouldn't have it any other way."

Klas laughed. "Let him be, Kirok. How can we take such a brave spirit?"

Kirok nodded. "Then I will give you a gift. When all is darkness and seems lost, you will find the strength of your love for Hercules to fight that which threatens to engulf you forever."

"Wha... what do you mean?" Iolaus asked.

"You'll know when to use it," Jason promised.

Kirok rested two fingers on Iolaus' chest, and Iolaus felt a gentle light suffuse his body, filling him with warmth and love. When the light faded inside him, he lifted eyes wet with tears, back to the elemental.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Klas put his hand into the middle of the circle. Janus' hand joined it, then Jason's, Iolaus' and at last Kirok's.

"We are the closed fist," Janus said.

"We are what should have been," Iolaus and Klas whispered in unison.

"What has always been," Jason rumbled.

"What will be," Kirok said.

Iolaus felt their powers building gently, and he joined them. As one the group began to glow with their aura's, Janus, red as fire, Klas and himself - green, Jason - blue and Kirok's - white - meeting in a rainbow at their joined hands. Kirok's hand, on top of theirs, gathered the rainbow in his palm and they all moved apart.

The air crackled with ozone around them, and Iolaus began to feel afraid. He took another pace back as the mirrored eyes of the Spirit elemental gazed right at him, then raised his hands. The rainbow he held dissipated, the colours flowing back into all of them, except Iolaus. He suddenly felt weak, as if he hadn't slept in days. He staggered and felt Janus catch him in his strong arms.

"It's finished," Kirok said.

Klas went to Iolaus and kissed him gently, his tongue lingering at Iolaus' lips and flicking slightly over them. "Thank you, Iolaus," he said and the hunter felt a hand at his crotch, squeezing gently.

Iolaus grinned. "You're welcome."

Hercules pulled away from the kiss. "What did you say that for?" he asked.

"Say what?" Iolaus felt slightly dizzy. Hercules always took his breath away.

"you said, 'You're welcome'," Hercules looked amused.

"I don't know." Iolaus had no memory of saying it.

Hercules laughed and held his lover close. "Sometimes I worry about you," he said.

Iolaus giggled. "Yeah? Not as much as I worry about you, you great lug. Let's get out of this bath. It's getting cold."

"Do we have to go to this performance these 'Tallicus' guys are playing?" Hercules asked. "I just feel like going for a long fishing trip."

"Up to you, Herc. You know I'm game," Iolaus said, getting out of the bath and towelling himself down. "Who cares about a bunch of perfumed brats anyhow?"

"My sentiments exactly," Hercules said, capturing his lover once more and kissing him hard.

"But not just yet? Huh?" Iolaus asked, sinking down onto the bed, pulling Hercules on top of him, his hands exploring the demigod's damp body.

Hercules chuckled. "Ok, Iolaus. Not just yet."

*************

THE END.