this is based on Young Hercules tv series the episode the Prize. It is not meant to be plagiarized I just thought it would be fun to have the episode available to read. I do not own this story or its characters

The Prize

Young Hercules theme,

In an age of light and darkness Zeus King to the gods ruled the universe. He had a son Young Hercules. Half god half man Young Hercules longs to find his place in the world, the father he's never known and what it means to be a hero. Before the man became legend before the legend became myth came the greatest adventure of all Young Hercules

Our story starts out with Ares on his thrown having a wonderful dream. In it. Hercules is begging for mercy "no, no. oh please. Noooo"

"Oh Yah" says Ares. He cries as Ares throws a lightning bolt at his half brother in the belly. Hercules tries reasoning with him saying "lets just talk about this ok?" To which Ares responds by throwing another lightning bolt at his half brother hurdling him across the room.

"Hay are you having fun yet little brother? I sure am!"

Hercules is barely able to stand responds "stick a sandal in it Ares!"

"What you sad.." Ares does not finish his sentence. Instead he hurdles another lighting bolt at his step as Strife and Discord watch, Ares hurdles yet another lighting bolt at his step Brother this time hitting him directly in the chest.

Strife laughs and says "that'll leave a mark tomorrow. Ha-ha ha-ha."

" You know I've wanted to do this since the day you were born,. Though I'd never dreamed that it would be so satisfying! Says a satisfied Ares."

Strife pipes up and says "I don't mean to be critical Unc, but auh wiggling his fingers don't you think you should just lighten up just a tinsy tiny bit?"

" Lighten up? Eh?" Ares scoffs "there's no lighting I have Hercules exactly where I want him!"

At this point Discord pipes up "ah but what about the protection order?" Hercules nods. "You destroy Hercules and Zeus'll send you straight to Tarterus."

"Yes Yes" moans Hercules putting a thumbs up towards Ares. Who throw s another lightning bolt at him. While Discord sighs.

"You see I don't have to worry about daddy's protection order anymore." Ares then reaches into his jacket pulling out a green glowing stone.

Discord and Strife stare at what he pulls out and mutter "pieces of the coronus stone."

"Ooh" says Discord as Strife reaches out to touch it.

Ares points at him and says "no touching! This has made me more powerful then I've ever been. Once I get the other two I'll be in charge" says Ares laughing. Discord smiles and Strife looks confused. "OH I'm really oh I mean really going to enjoy this" says Ares as Hercules stares at him in terror Ares continues to laugh.

His dream is interrupted by Strife patting his shoulder timidly Uncle Ares.... "Unc hay Unc. Ah. Hers your double double ambrosia size fries."

Ares throws a lightning blot at him and shouts "you interrupted me" as he catches his lunch.

Strife looks up at him from the floor muttering "eehehe."

"Oh I was having the nicest a day dream about my plans for the coronus stone."

With that he reaches for a treasure box and opens it and Strife says oh pieces of the coronus stone and he reaches in to touch it as he does so Ares hits his hand/

"No touchy" he replied just like he had in his dream. Then he unwraps the stone and holds it in his hand.

"The coronus stone where does that come from? Asks the two demi gods who are not that smart.

Ares holds the stone piece in his hand and looks at it. "Ares says it took me 800 years to find the first two pieces" he throws an amplified lightning bolt.

Strife ducks and mutters "yikes."

Ares went on; "Zeus decreed that the pieces of the coronus stone would be powerless unless a god received each one freely from the hands of a mortal. Now do you know how hard that is?"

Strife says half jokingly "ah come on Uncle with you winning personality and your old fashioned people skills."

Ares smiles and throws another lightning bolt at Strife sending him flying. "Ah eeheheahsha ow" he screams hitting the stone pillar on the far side of the room "ow" he moans.

Discord smiles and turns back towards Ares. Ares strokes the stone and it gave out a short ringing sound, "the third piece may be within my grasp."

"OH joy" says Strife starting to sit up.

Ares ignores him and continues "it's at some dusty road side in some prize in some mortal talent contest if you believe that."

Discord speaks up "but you said if you grab it the thing won't work. And if you order a mortal to give it to you it still won't work."

"Ah but if I win it will" states Ares.

Discord looks at him in disgust, "your willing to mix with mortals?"

"Whatever it takes to get my hands on that crystal" answers Ares.

The scene fades out to be replaced by Iolous and Hercules at the inn going through the items for the gift basket which was to be the prize for the talent contest.

"Wow gosh" says Iolous "people sure did shell out for this prize basket hay you got a crystal paper weight." Hercules takes it from him it glows and rings slightly as he places it down. "Hears some masel goat jerky ewe" he says placing it down. Finally Iolous finds something he is interested in "oooh denars."

"Oh no-no, no" says Hercules taking it from him.

"What?" Asks Iolous innocently.

"Listen if you want to win them then enter the contest."

"Yah right like I'm going to sing in front of all those people replied Iolaus."

"Iolaus I've heard you sing, you can."

"ah ooh. Ah no! In the shower maybe but I'm not going to get naked for anything believe me." Says Iolaus seriously. Hercules is about to tease him some more when a beautiful young lady comes running up.

"Iolaus can you help me get some more chairs down I don't know where all these people are coming from."

"I'd love to core really", she gives him a grateful smile and he turns to Hercules. "She likes me that must kill you." Hercules glances at her then back at Iolaus with a slight frown and a chuckle. Before he can answer Iolous is off.

Meanwhile heading into the inn is none other than Ares hidden by a black clock. Hercules sees him enter and goes over to welcome him.

"Oh hello you must be here for the talent contest. Can I get your name?"

"Ares."

"Ares and your occupation?

"God of war."

"God of." Hercules looks up from his notes and gives a nervous chuckle "what are you doing here?"

"Like you said I'm here for the talent contest."

Strife leans in "three guess who's gonna win the first two don't count" he says with a chuckle.. Ares and Strife raise there hands menacingly to undo their hoods.

Hercules regains his composure and says "the god of war wants to enter a mortal talent contest now what's wrong with this picture?"

"What don't you think I have enough talent?" Ares and Strife and Discord look at each other and laugh.

Hercules responds rhetorically "I think you do yah for starting wars and ruining other people's lives!"

Ares responds back as if Hercules's words were a compliment. "oh stop your embarrassing me now."

Strife looks around "this is what passes for art around here?" They look towards the state to see a man spinning plates on sticks. Hercules moves towards Strife.

"You got a problem with that Strife?" Meanwhile Discord looks at the state her eye glow red for a moment and then the man's plates all begin to break for no reason and crash to the ground. As the crowd begins to laugh Hercules turns back towards the stage momentarily. Discord sighs and Hercules once again turns back towards the gods. "Alright listen whatever you guys came in here to start we can finish outside alright?"

Discord responds rhetorically "like it's always about you."

Hercules is confused "well wait? Isn't it? Why are you guys here?"

"I have come here to enter a talent contest now if you'll excuse me I must go warm up. Nahh mocks Strife as they all turn to enter the inn leaving behind a very confused Hercules. Hum says Discord as she passes .Strife begins to do his warm up which sounds very irritating so much so that Ares jabs him in the ribs. Hercules sighs and in the background you hear Core introducing the acts a group of flue players. Ares sighs and looks at Discord and once again her eyes light up and immediately the group starts playing badly. Hercules comes up to join his friend's ok big problem. Yah a talent contest with no talent says Iolous The crowd is starting to get ugly. Ah Hercules turns toward the stage then back towards his friends. And says Ah no guess who just signed in. he pauses then says Ares. They laugh are you kidding me says Iolous Ares kind of cute like the god of war says Core. No not like, is you see Ares is here right here right now, with Strife and Discord. Exciting isn't it interrupts Ares while a burst of rock and roll music plays in the background. Core and Iolous back up Ares the mutter as the next talent tryout enters onto the stage and the crowd begins to clap. Why the fuss all I want to do is join your talent show. I don't believe you says Core. . Ares smiles listen toots if you give me just one minute on that state I will show you how serious I am. Well I can't exactly kick out the god of war now can I, Ares nods good. So it's settled then. Meanwhile Discord and Strife are watching the mime on stage and Strife is beginning to yawn. Discord speaks up you know Strife about this coronus stone I've been thinking... Strife laughs you thinking. Oh ho ho oh Discord sighs, frown turns to Strife and purses her lips. Strife turns to her realizing she is irritated Oh your serious? To avoid the conversation Strife mutters I hate mimes this shows the crowd clapping to which Discord responds let me deal with this. We know that Ares had talent to burn but mortals are well, there mortals no accounting for taste raising her eyebrows and, with that the mime is carried off the stage frozen. Discord rolls her eyes Strife looks at the mime then asks your point being leaning in closer to Discord to hear her plot. Discord responds what if we helped Ares really sell his number; you know add a touch of spice, give'em the old razeldazzle. Do what? Give Ares a reason to blow us away bleach? Work with me here says Discord exasperated. If we push him over the top then he doesn't win the three of us win. Strife looks a little confused meanwhile the crowd is muttering in astonishment at the new act on stage. Discord turns her attention back to the stage and looks at a beautiful baton twirler she's good we can't have that says Discord and with that the batons burst into flames. Woah says the guys on stage extinguishing the batons while the announcer says and let's hear it for the Amazing Armanda clapping for her as she is escorted off stage. The crowd claps and she goes on to announce Coming up next we have a very usual act.. Hercules looks at Ares and Ares give him an innocent I didn't have anything to do with this look then sprits his mouth with a freshener. The attention turns back to the announcer as she says here at Chorus let's give a great big warm welcome to Ares huh. Ares God of War the crowd says in astonishment. Teal cats be cool don't think of me as the God of War think of me as the King of Swing with that he pulls off his cloak revealing a sparkling white leather suite Hit it boys he says point to the band and starts snapping his fingers with an upbeat beat a one two a one two three four. Yeah meanwhile the crowd is still astonished the God of War? They murmur as he starts to dance across the stage. As the band plays a jazzy song and Ares continues to dance the attention then turns back to Hercules who walks up to Iolaus who is snapping his fingers to the beat. It doesn't make any sense alright! What is Ares doing up there he asks folding his arms across his chest. We then return to the stage where Ares has started to sing. Got my hair slicked back I'm ready to slide a real cool cat whose hear for the ride. A tiger on the prowl looking for prey here kitty kitty come on lets play! Iolous turns back to Hercules and says so actually he's rocking the house., Ares continue to sing I'm the best today hands down I'm gonna win. Iolous says maybe he wants to win that prize basket maybe they're out of goat jerky on Mt Olympus yah right. Ares Get out of my way you ask yourself why do you love me? Why do I make you scream and shout? Oooowoooh I think you know no ones above me and if you don't I'll give you something to cry all about. The scene turns to Strife and Discord dancing across the floor bumping into the table that has the prize basket as Ares continues to sings I'm a rocken I'm a rollen Here me shaken all around Gonna turn you upside down. Iolous says I'll get it and now Strife and Discord are close to the stage dancing to the music as if they were the stars of the show. Gonna burn this place right down gonna thrillen gonna killen gonna rock till your head pounds Ares notices Strife and Discord and thunder rumbles as and Ares tone changes to that of Elvis Great God all mighty that's a who I am Strife turns towards Ares and Discord now looks confused. Then they both change they way they are dancing And I'm the King of the swinging jam and when I hear that sound I really know how to shake them down when this is over I'm gonna set you free Strife a heee Ares sings a pretty baby rock a long with me get up get get up go round and round hay forget about those other clowns Ares looks around then continues to snap his fingers while strife and discord dance in fount of the stage. Meanwhile Hercules and Iolaus are going through the prize basket to try and find what Ares might be interested in. Ok we've got some goat jerky some ah cheese yah and we got this crystal paperweight Hercules doesn't eve notice that it is glowing but Iolaus does Hay wait do that again. It starts to glow brighter do what? Make it glow say Iolaus. Hercules looks down at the crystal which is indeed glowing green. Iolous states hay it didn't do that when I picked it up it must be because you are part god huh. As Hercules and Iolous go to stand up the crystal small sparks fly out of the crystal startled Hercules says ah ok. Ok this; this is why Ares is here. He wants that Crystal states Iolaus looking toward Ares. Hercules continues I'm only a half god and look what it does for me imagine what could happen if he gets his hands on it. Well I guess were gonna find out he's got this contest nailed. Hercules looks at Ares and says well no listen we can't let him win Iolaus is like well we can't stop him he's really good. We have too Hercules is getting really emotional causing the crystal to glow even more which cause lightning to come out of Hercules's hands causing Iolaus to go flying across the room. Iolous Hercules calls out semi startled! Sorry he says with a little chuckle! Hercules goes to help Iolous up and you can still hear Ares singing gonna shake it all around gonna break it gonna turn you upside down gonna burn this place down gonna rock till your head pounds Ares grunts and then says come on! Hercules turns towards the stage where Ares is just finishing his song with a bit of finger flipping and a soft chuckle as Strife and Discord reach towards the crowd to finish their dance. The crowd starts cheering really loud Ares puts his arms around Strife and Discord and asks what do you mean muscling in on my act? Strife mutters well Unc we were only trying to help Discord leans in with a satisfied humh. Before Ares can respond the owner says with a grin though her teeth congratulations you won now take your bow and go. Then she addresses the crowd who are still cheering, People, people, looks like we, we have a winner. Hercules says what? No! NO there's another act! The crowd turns to Hercules in surprise who continues and it's us. Strife and Ares laugh and the owner claps her hand in excitement and glee while Strife responds get out of here while Iolaus is like whoa what do you mean us he says turning towards Hercules ? I mean you singing and me playing. Ha-ha oh Hercules this is a, a very, Hercules interrupts him, Iolaus Iolaus, if we don't do anything Ares will win ok? Yah but I can't. But, but, but again Hercules mocks him but, but, but, interrupts him saying forcefully no! Then not giving Iolaus no more time to dispute the idea he pushes him towards the stage. Strife is still laughing until the owner motions for them to leave before he leaves Ares responds with a glare and challenge bring it on pretty boy! Again Cleo claps her hands with glee while Iolous and Hercules push through the crowd and onto the stage. Iolous is very nervous as he is handed his microphone which puts out a loud squeal. Meanwhile Ares turns towards Strife and Discord who look very nervous as Ares continues his questioning that he had begun on stage. So what? You think that your part of the act so you'd get part of the prize? Well listen up kids it ant gonna happen! Strife says come on unc be reasonable he says as he plays a fake air guitar we had the place rocking! Rocking? I'll show you rocking! Say Ares angrily lifting his hands as if to smite the two of them. Maybe we'll just leave now says Discord grabbing Strife's shoulder and disappearing with him. The attention then turns back to Iolous and Hercules who nervously count one two three four... Hercules then begins to play beautifully on the harpsichord/ lyre which was the guitar of the time. He motions to Iolous who after a few encouraging words from Hercules begins to sing wonderfully. Does anybody know what it's like to be a hero? One of the girls in the crowd shouts I love you Iolous who motions to her slickly and continues Bettcha think your king of the world but sooner or later look out you might drown. That's ok I can deal with it I got my friends all around me and we're gonna have a good time! Together Hercules and Iolous sing gonna make a little noise gonna get this with my boys gonna shake it all around take it down town yah gonna have a little bit of fun gonna grab it on the run cause when the morning comes you'll be up and gone Here and now I've got to say the simple truth wont go away the way I feel I can't describe the magic when I look into your eyes pause for a short lyre solo. Iolaus pushes back his hair and Hercules once again sits down and continues to play while Iolaus sings solo. I remember like it was yesterday maybe that's because it happened last week. You pulled me over and you read me my rights it didn't bother me then but now I'm loosing sleep I'm sure it's already over cause she walked over and slammed the door she said were just gettin started but come a little closer its gonna take some time For us to come together then we'll be just fine gotta admit it's gettin better in every way even up all over the place now any day Hercules once again joins Iolaus in singing Here and now I've gotta say make no mistake don't turn away I wont disguise the way that I feel just can't believe it's just so real here and now this simple truth wont go away the way I feel I just can't describe the magic when I look into your eyes, when I look into your eyes and finally a long guitar solo to end the song. The crowd goes wild as Iolaus says it was nothing, it was nothing. Cleo holds the prize basket in her hands and heads for the stage and smiles and laughs. Ares walks up to her and says in an irritated voice can we move this along please? She shrug's her shoulders and says and were moving were moving. Iolaus hands the megaphone to the helper and says politely thank you and looks out into the crowd. As she gets up onto the stage with prize basket in hand she says loudly well what a show lets hear it for all of our contestants the crowd responds with hoots and hollers and loud clapping. And now for the winner it's down to two. Do you love Ares the God of War she says with little enthusiasm? Ares steps forward and raises his arm for support and shouts you rock. The crowd gives a few loud cheers and whistles they look at the cheer meter which is at its full then Chloe yells cheerfully or Iolous, Hercules and the Cadets? Iolaus raises his hand in the air and the crowd cheers loudly. Again they look at the cheer meter which is once again at its end meaning they love them both. We have a tie states Chloe in semi surprise. Ares turns to her very irritated a tie? No, NO ties! There can only be one he growls. You can still have first pick says Chloe turning towards Ares with the basket. I want the crystal he says as he picks up what looks like a gold apple. Yah you looking for this asks Hercules pulling out the crystal from behind his back which is glowing brightly. Give it to me growls Ares reaching for it. No, no say Hercules because you haven't said the magic word. Ares looks at Hercules with the give me a brake look oh I'm sorry how about the yeahh he says hitting Iolous with a lightning blot sending him flying across the room. Iolous screams Chloe as the crowd now flees in fear screaming as they run out of the hotel. Ares looks at the crowd and says that's right fools run, run from the god of War! Hercules is really mad now and says ok that's it oooh says Ares forgetting that Hercules has the stone in hand. He shoots Ares with a lightning bolt which does little good. It only serves to make him made oh oooh he says irritated. Meanwhile Chloe is over at Iolous's side to see if he is ok. Iolous are you ok? Iolaus moans oh, oh so cold. Chloe says Iolous snap out of it as she looks towards the stage at Hercules who jumps off the stage and heads towards Iolaus. While his back is turned Ares sends another lightning bolt at him hitting him in the back. Hercules turns back towards Ares who states so you finally got a little bit of juice well let's see if I can't squeeze it out of you! OH yah says Hercules throwing another bolt which bounces everywhere and misses his target completely. Ares watches the bolt then taunts typical you don't know whatcha got you don't know how to use it! That's not important to me what's important is the fact that I've got it and you don't! Not for long says Ares stepping closer to Hercules. You want to play rough well you can say hello to my little friend mister! Once again Hercules throws a lightning blot this time hitting the chandelier making it seem like he has missed. Ares scoffs that is so you, you get your hands on the coronus stone and you can't hit what you're aiming at. No I can and I did states Hercules with a smile pointing upwards. As Ares looks up the chain holding the chandelier breaks No Ares shouts as the chandelier fall on top of him. Hercules stands over him triumphantly as Iolaus and Chloe run to his side. Oh No... We got to get out of here moans Chloe who knows that this can not end well. Come on. Hercules continues to stand there smiling for a moment until Iolous says come on and pulls him through the open door. Ares stirs from underneath the chandelier he looks around then throws it off of him with a yell. Hay what's the coronus stone asks Iolous when they were safely outside. It gave my father the strength to defeat the Titians. Huh no wonder Ares wanted it so bad huh? Well he's gonna have to find it first says Hercules. Using his strength Hercules tosses the coronus stone which flies thorough the air and lands in the ocean. NO screams Ares slightly out of breath as he immerges from the inn in his regular black god of war outfit. Yes mocks Hercules. This isn't over Hercules states Ares. Hercules turns once again towards where he threw the stone and states it never is. Ares disappears and Chloe places her hands on her hips and looks up in the air and asks can someone please tell me what just happened here? Hercules is like well ere we can try looking at Iolaus but... uhmmm pointing sideways. While you help me clean up Chloe finishes. Hercules chuckles medley as she turns back towards her inn. Iolous then states hay it was fun huh while it lasted I mean? The zezz the power thing, pointing funnily with his fingers? The zezz says Hercules imitating Iolaus he looks toward the sky and says yah. Kinda like the power I exhibited when I was on stage. Hercules turns towards Iolous in surprise, what he half chuckles. The song and I became one I was toying with the audience they were like putty in my hand their was actually fear in the other competitors he says with a smirk. Iolaus, all the other competitors messed up. No, no that's what they are telling themselves to hide the pain of losing to me losing to my beautiful performance. Hercules give a ok type smile then excuses himself from Iolous and his pride. As he walks away Iolous continues talking he calls to Hercules I think I'm gonna change my name I need like a stage name, like the king? Ugh sighs Hercules as Iolous follows him trying to come up with his "stage name" Again Hercules groans as Iolous says I think the king has a certain ring to it. He begins to sing the chorus to the winning song as they enter the inn; I've got to say this simple truth won't go away the way I feel just can't describe the magic when I look into your eyes... the end!