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(back in the Acropolis in Athens, Athena saw Sonic and Iris return from their mission, with a new companion named Pegasus, neighing in all it's glory. she couldn't help but smile a bit, seeing that Sonic's efforts to save the greek world begin to bear fruit.)

Athena: I take it your task to slay the Chimera was a success?

Sonic: Challenging? yes. but I've been waiting for this monster slaying kind of thing since my fight with Medusa. UwU

Athena: if that is the case, (as she pets Pegasus) I am pleased to hear that. -w-

Sonic: by the way, is Nike here? I don't see her around. has she gone off somewhere again?

Athena: no, Sonic. Nike is...not feeling so well. emotionally speaking.

Sonic: did...something happen?

Athena: it is best if we go talk to her inside this temple and make sure she is alright.

Sonic: Oh...okay. after you then.

(Athena, Iris and Sonic look at each other and make their way inside the temple, and Iris knocks on the door that leads to Nike's chamber.)

Iris: Nike? it's Iris. Sonic and Athena are with me. would that be alright for us to come in?

(for a few seconds there was no response. then...)

Nike: give me a few moments... okay. you may come in.

(Iris opens the door and she, along with Sonic and Athena see Nike sitting on the bed, trying to force a smile on her face as she held the charm Enyo gave her in her hands.)

Nike: h-hello there. I didn't expect you to come back so quick.

Sonic: hey, you're literally talking to the fastest thing alive. of course I'll always come back in a flash.

Nike: true. your speed rivals that of Hermes.

Sonic: but that's beside the point...Athena told me you weren't feeling well after the trojan war. (with concern) does this...have something to do with that Enyo?

Nike: (sighs quietly, and shows them the charm) this is all I have left of Enyo... Its difficult for me to talk about this often, but, since you're here, you should know that she and I have a history together.

(images of flashbacks appear as Nike narrates her backstory with Enyo.)

Nike: Enyo is an ancient war goddess who was born during the great titan war to help the gods fight the titans. she and I met on Mount Olympus. and since I myself am a war goddess, by Zeus' permission, Athena and Ares pitted us against one another in a fight. which ended in a draw, since our power are equal to one another. it was clear that she dislikes mortals for various justifiable reasons, and I admit I too have my fare share of dislike to them...at least to a degree. but as we got to know more about each other despite being born as goddesses of war and victory. it's complicated to say it in words, but... (with a slight blush on her face) Enyo was more than a friend and a sister to me, I felt that my heart beats for her and her alone.

Sonic: You mean you....Uhhh... you know... O.O

Nike: yes. I loved her more than anything else. and unexpectedly she reciprocated the love I had for her, and we've been together ever since, through thick and thin. she gave me this charm as a gift, a promise to remain by my side for all time. and I did the same, as I gave her my own charm, promising the same thing. as mortals say, those were the happiest days in my life...until...

Sonic: until what? O.O

Nike: (Sighs solemnly) I should have foreseen what would have happened, when Eris, the Goddess of Discord, came along.
that fateful day, she knew how close we were and cleverly sowed discord between us...

Sonic: What does that supposed to mean?

Nike: Eris told me that Enyo is not who I thought her to be...in some ways she was right. As goddess of war, Enyo is responsible for orchestrating the destruction of cities, often accompanying Ares into battle and is considered as '' supreme in war". Enyo called me a traitor for protecting mortals and took Eris' side as I tried to protect a city full of innocent people from them. and all the love and trust we had for each other, turned into enmity against one another. Enyo is so delighted in warfare that she even refused to take sides in the battle between Zeus and the monster Typhon. after all, Eris acted as Typhon's escort, while I led Zeus to battle during that time. but now, with Typhon trying to escape his imprisonment in Mount Etna, I suspect Enyo is also playing a part to bring destruction upon the greek world. after all, as you all saw during the fall of Troy, Enyo as usual accompanied Ares and inflicted horror and bloodshed in the war.

Sonic: if Enyo is that bad, why are you still holding onto that charm?

Nike: because it's not Enyo's fault, nor my fault that we were manipulated by Eris to turn against one another. I cannot change her nature, but I do hope she opens her eyes to the realize the goddess of discord tricked us both, before it's too late. that's why... (shuts her eyes tightly, feeling her tears appear and a few slipped from her eyes) I made a promise to myself to at least bring Enyo back to her senses...even if it's the last thing I do...! ,>~<,

Athena: Nike...

Iris: do you believe that Enyo can come back to you, after all that she's done up until now?

Sonic: hey, this Eris, or whatever her name is, tricked them into turning against each other. of course it'll hurt Nike to this degree. just like...how I myself was tricked to turn against my surrogate older sister and everyone I knew, to face my enemies alone.

Iris: Sonic...

Sonic: Soph- I mean...Nike. I myself have been going through a lot back in my world. which is part of the reason I'm here in the Greek World. if it helps, you can come with us on our next mission Athena will give us soon, and hopefully distract you from those dark thoughts about Enyo...and about yourself.

Nike: (looks at Athena) would it really be okay to go with them?

Athena: yes. I believe it will not only help Sonic grow as the hero he is meant to be, but also regain faith in yourself and find a way to bring Eris and all those intending to free Typhon to Justice.

Nike: very well... (sniffles, wipes her tears) I will go. (gets up from her bed)

Sonic: believe me when I say this, Nike. I promise to turn that despair of yours into hope once again. for the sake of the both of us. (extends his hand to her)

(Nike smiled and holds out Sonic's hand, acknowledging the promise he made to her just now.)

Nike: Sonic.... thank you.

(moments later, Sonic, Iris, Nike and Athena went outside overlooking the peaceful city of Athens below. Nike took a deep breath and smiled a slightly bigger smile, knowing she doesn't have to go through this alone.)

Athena: how are you feeling now, Nike?

Nike: I'm feeling a bit better now. thanks to Sonic. -w-

Sonic: hehe. sooo... (to Athena) what's next for us, Ma'am?

Athena: there is a hero who goes by the name Hercules, the son of Zeus and Hera, who is praised by many for his achievements in his youth. yet, fate still gives him major challenges. his growing power and reputation will be tested by the gods themselves, for Hercules has to complete twelve Labors, feats so difficult that they seemed impossible. despite his reputation as the strongest of all mortals, however, I must say, his exceptional physical abilities were somewhat offset by a rather noticeable lack of intelligence and wisdom. his lack of rational thinking often leads him to troublesome situations.

Sonic: sounds like this Hercules is quite the Knucklehead.

Athena: indeed. Hercules is currently in Nemea, about to begin his first labor. I am sending you all three of you to help him accomplish the twelve labors. I advise you to go to a small village in Nemea. that is where you will find him.

Sonic: alright! let's get going!

(and with that, the three departed Athens to Nemea and find the hero named Hercules. as soon as they reached the forest region of Nemea. upon reaching the village, they asked the people about the whereabouts of Hercules, who directed them to the forest nearby, where there's a cave. Sonic and the two goddesses immediately went to the forest, looking for Hercules. until they find traces that lead to a cave where the monstrous feline is said to prowl about. Sonic and the two goddesses entered the monster's lair, full of animal bones and human skulls. from the bottom of the cave, they could hear the lion's breaths. )

Sonic: what the...? !!!

(Sonic gasps when he saw a large lion sitting on the stone, roaring at him and pounce at his direction, only to be hit by a strong fist that Sonic recognized belonged to a certain red echidna.)

Sonic: Knuckles?! what are you doing here?!

???: (looks back to Sonic as he jumps backwards) get out of here! it's too dangerous!

Sonic: hey, we were sent to find some hero named Hercules! you don't suppose you've seen him around, have you?

???: I AM Hercules! and I currently got my hands full here!

(Sonic immediately realizes that Hercules is the Greek Mythology counterpart of Knuckles the Echidna. and taking on a lion this size indeed proved to be a tedious task.)

Sonic: well, I'll be more than happy to land a hand in dealing with that large lion!

Hercules: This is my first labor to prove myself as one of Greece's greatest heroes! I have no need of aid of mortals!

Iris: Perhaps it is best we leave this one to Hercules. it is is first labor after all...

Sonic: oh, sure, but if he gets torn to shreds-

Nike: have no fear...Hercules will undoubtedly emerge victorious.

(and so, Sonic and the two goddesses watched the battle between Hercules and the Nemean Lion. with his powerful bow, and his club, Hercules battled the Nemean Lion. he shot one of his arrows against the animal's head, but the arrow rebounded by the animal's pelt. furious, the gigantic lion a mighty roar, prepared to attack his foe. Hercules and the Lion jumped. one against the other. the lion exposed its powerful claws and the red hero raised his mace. Hercules hit the creature's head, which, despite the devastating impact endured the attack, with not a single scratch. realizing that his weapons were useless against this beast, Hercules and the lion started to wrestle against one another. the lion stuck its powerful claws into Hercules' body, blood pouring out due to the claws. Hercules however, withstood the excruciating pain of the wounds. Hercules managed to encircle the animal's neck and started to strangle the animal with his strong bare hands.

the lion could no longer resist the hero's strength and succumbed to it as it collapses on the ground, dead. then, making use of the lion's claws, he skinned the dead lion's hide, creating his iconic armor.)

Nike: as expected, the Nemean Lion was no match for the mighty Hercules.

Sonic: Not bad! You sure showed that lion who's boss!

Hercules: indeed. that beast devoured the animals in the region, and then began devouring humans. people say that this beast was one of the offsprings of Typhon, due to rumors spreading that its pelt was invulnerable to traditional weapons.

Sonic: if this lion really is one of Typhon's offsprings, then I'm happy to let you know that I too slayed one of Typhon's monsters.

Hercules: what? you did?

Sonic: yep. with the help of another hero of course.

Hercules: then, I take it that you're another hero in the making?

Sonic: well, yeah, more or less.

Iris: what shall you do next?

Hercules: slaying the Nemean Lion was my first labor. now there are 11 more labors for me to accomplish.

Nike: the gods are testing your strength...your second labor will be a lot more challenging. the people of Lerna have been terrorized by the Hydra, another on of Typhon's children.

(Sonic and Hercules look at each other and follow the two goddesses to their next destination to complete the second labor.)

Iris: the Hydra is a nine headed water serpent that lives in a swamp of lake Lerna.
it is extremely poisonous as the very air around it could kill a mortal in seconds, and had the ability to regrow its heads when severed.

Sonic: So the Hydra  grows other heads for every head that's lost, right?

Nike: that's right.

(soon, the two heroes and the two goddesses found themselves in a thick layer of poisonous mist that radiated from the Hydra's presence. Hercules and Sonic cover their faces with several layers of cloth to avoid breathing the toxic air. then they saw it, the beast emerging from the lake's waters with a powerful roar. Hercules, Sonic and Nike charge, drawing out their swords and chopping off their heads. but to their shock, two heads grew back in the place of the heads that were lost. every time the three chopped off their heads, once again, two grew back in its place. not knowing what to do, Hercules and Sonic turned to Nike, who suggested they used fire. confused by what she meant by that, she pulls out a firebrand and cauterize the wounds, to prevent more heads to emerge. seeing that this monster is losing this battle, Hercules and Sonic were told by Iris that one of the Hydra's heads was immortal.

and, upon finding the Hydra's main head, which was the immortal one, Sonic took out his sword, and with the use of Nike's firebrand to cauterize the wound, they were able to take down the monster, completing the second labor. Hercules dipped his arrows in the Hydra's poisonous blood, believing they will prove to be useful in his ten remaining labors.)

Sonic: Well, now....I'm not surprised that you've got the talent in slaying monsters.

Hercules: I can say the same to you, fellow hero.

Sonic: another one of Typhon's monsters was defeated. what's next for us?

Iris: the third labor is to capture the Hind of Ceryneia.

(as the group of two goddesses and two heroes travelled to Ceryneia for the third labor as the night fell...)

Iris: the Hind of Cerynea is a special deer, because it had golden horns and hoofs of bronze. Not only that, the deer was sacred to Artemis, the goddess of hunting and the moon, and twin sister of Apollo.

Sonic: so we don't kill the hind...just capture it?

Iris: yes. it is believed to be so fast that it could outrun an arrow. I must warn however that Artemis is quick to anger, especially when it comes to the animals she protects being harmed.

Nike: trust me when I say this, you do NOT want to get her on her bad side.

Sonic: Okayyy. O~O'

((OST For Artemis' theme song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJg8v8… ))

(soon, they see the Hind of Cerynea jumping out of the bushes, and the two mortals go after it. the two goddesses follow the heroes to aid them in capturing the hind, and eventually succeeding in doing so. Nike sensed danger as she looked at the glowing crescent moon, for she felt the cold presence of the goddess Artemis, who was angered to see how one of her favorite creatures was treated.

then, the goddess Artemis entered in the forest, with her silver bow in her hands, she shoots at Sonic and Hercules' direction with great fury in her yes.)

((Artemis looks like this: images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca8877… ))

Artemis: Insolent Mortals! step away from my beloved animal!

Sonic: Woah! Woah! (backs away a bit as Artemis pointed her arrow at him.) no need to get angry! O~O

(Artemis glared at Sonic coldly and shot an arrow at him, which was blocked by his Aegis, then goes to shoot at Hercules' direction)

Hercules: Listen! We didn't mean to bring harm to that creature in any way!

Nike: (covers Sonic and Hercules) Artemis! Please, allow me to explain!

Artemis: Get out of my way, Nike! those mortals deserve to be punished for their actions against this sacred creature!

Sonic: we never even intended to kill or hurt the animal! its part of those twelve labors!

Hercules: the gods are merely testing me and that blue hedgehog!

Iris: so, please, calm yourself. put away your bow, no harm was done to your animal. although she is clearly frightened.

(looks towards the trembling hind, who was shaking in terror.)

Artemis: of course she is frightened! those mortal fools chased her around the forest to capture her! but... (sighs and lowers her bow and arrow) if it is a test by the gods then, I will spare these two mortals from my fury.

(Sonic and Hercules sigh a sigh of relief.)

Sonic: it was the third labor, out of twelve. sooo...

Artemis: very well. with that third test completed, I demand you release the hind back into the wild immediately.

(doing as they were told, Sonic and Hercules let the Hind go and she leapt into the air, sprinting back to her mistress which was Artemis, whose fury was calmed and had a smile of approval before she and the animal vanished.)

Sonic: just what the heck was that all about?

Iris: I did say Artemis is quick to anger...especially when the animals she protects are either captured, hurt or even killed by mortals.

Nike: anyone who invoked her fury met a terrible end by her hands. U.U

Sonic: hehe...guess we got lucky then. -w-'

Hercules: only nine labors remain...what is next for us?

(as the four continued their travel with the sun rising...)

Iris: the fourth labor is capturing the Erymanthian boar, a large and extremely dangerous creature that no one can tame. the monster lives on a mountain called Erymanthus. Every day the boar would come crashing down from his lair on the mountain, attacking men and animals all over the countryside, gouging them with its tusks, and destroying everything in its path.

( It wasn't too hard for Hercules and Sonic to find the boar. they could hear the beast snorting and stomping as it rooted around for something to eat. the two chased the boar round and round the mountain. Hercules and Sonic had to use their intelligence to capture the boar, since it was very strong and cannot be killed,  The boar, frightened and out of breath, hid in a thicket, leading it to an area where the snow was accumulated on the ground. the large boar had to make a huge effort to move through the snow, and ended up being defeated by fatigue as it collapsed on the snowy ground. Hercules tied and dragged the beast up, fulfilling the fourth labor.)

Sonic: Fourth labor, complete!

Iris: You've both done well!

Hercules: it was no big deal, really!

Sonic: so, fire away the fifth labor!

(The two goddesses look at each other, then look down.)

Sonic: uhhh, is everything okay?

Nike: (inhales) the next task is quite... a degrading one. ignoble to heroes such as yourselves. U.U'

Sonic: what does that supposed to mean?

Iris: the fifth labor...is cleaning the stables of King Augeas in a single day. -.-' the barn had not been cleaned for a long time and accumulated tons of manure.

Sonic, Hercules: WHAT?! SERIOUSLY?! OAO;

Nike: you should know that not all tasks are battles with monstrous creatures.

(Sonic and the red echidna look at each other and frown in a comical way, as they continued onwards to complete the fifth labor.)

(soon, they reached Augeas' stables, and begin the fifth labor.  the stables had  cows, bulls, goats, sheep and horses. and Every night the cowherds, goatherds and shepherds drove the thousands of animals to the stables. Hercules knew this job would mean getting dirty and smelly, but sometimes even a hero has to do these things, but cleaning the entire place in a single day would be impossible. that is when Sonic responds that he'd help out, since he is the fastest and an idea popped in his mind.

First, Sonic tore a big opening in the wall of the cattle-yard where the stables were. understanding what Sonic was doing, Hercules made another opening in the wall on the opposite side of the yard.
Next, the red echidna dug wide trenches to two rivers which flowed nearby. He turned the course of the rivers into the yard. The rivers rushed through the stables, flushing them out, and all the mess flowed out the hole in the wall on other side of the yard, completing the fifth labor. upon hearing that his stables were cleaned, King Augeas made his way to the two heroes and rewarded them with large amount of money, paying them for a job well done. thus, the fifth labor has been completed. much to Nike and Iris' relief.)

Sonic: sometimes you need to be creative for things like this.

Hercules: And I must say, your idea worked perfectly.

Nike: there are seven more labors to complete.

Iris: indeed. the sixth labor is  driving away an enormous flock of birds which gathered at a lake near the town of Stymphalos.

Sonic: I...don't get it. O.O'

(As they travelled to Stymphalos, Iris and Nike explain everything to the two heroes.)

Iris: the The Stymphalian Birds are a flock of man-eaters that were trained by the god of war, Ares. wherever they swarmed, crops were destroyed, and the townspeople fled for their lives.

(soon, the two heroes located the birds, gathered around the lake which was deep in the woods.  Hercules and Sonic, and neither Iris and Nike had any idea how to drive the huge gathering of birds away. then, they saw Athena appearing before them,  came to his aid, providing a pair of bronze Krotala, noisemaking clappers similar to castanets, that had been made by Hephaestus for this task. Climbing a nearby mountain, Hercules clashed the Krotala loudly. the birds awoke from their slumber and flew into the air, frightened. then Hercules shot them with his arrows that were dipped in the poisonous blood of the Hydra. the birds that were shot met their end instantly, as the others got away far from Hercules' sights, never to return to this place again, thus completing the sixth labor.)

(little did he and Sonic know, that a shadow was watching them from the darkness of the woods. Nike turned around to see who watched them, before turning away and continuing onwards with Iris, Hercules and Sonic. that same shadow that belonged to Thanatos watched the blue blur, with a sinister smile on his face, before disappearing back into the darkness he came from.)

END OF CHAPTER 8.1

Sonic stuff belongs to SEGA
Story by Me!

Description
(back in the Acropolis in Athens, Athena saw Sonic and Iris return from their mission, with a new companion named Pegasus, neighing in all it's glory. she couldn't help but smile a bit, seeing that Sonic's efforts to save the greek world begin to bear fruit.)

Athena: I take it your task to slay the Chimera was a success?

Sonic: Challenging? yes. but I've been waiting for this monster slaying kind of thing since my fight with Medusa. UwU

Athena: if that is the case, (as she pets Pegasus) I am pleased to hear that. -w-

Sonic: by the way, is Nike here? I don't see her around. has she gone off somewhere again?

Athena: no, Sonic. Nike is...not feeling so well. emotionally speaking.

Sonic: did...something happen?

Athena: it is best if we go talk to her inside this temple and make sure she is alright.

Sonic: Oh...okay. after you then.

(Athena, Iris and Sonic look at each other and make their way inside the temple, and Iris knocks on the door that leads to Nike's chamber.)

Iris: Nike? it's Iris. Sonic and Athena are with me. would that be alright for us to come in?

(for a few seconds there was no response. then...)

Nike: give me a few moments... okay. you may come in.

(Iris opens the door and she, along with Sonic and Athena see Nike sitting on the bed, trying to force a smile on her face as she held the charm Enyo gave her in her hands.)

Nike: h-hello there. I didn't expect you to come back so quick.

Sonic: hey, you're literally talking to the fastest thing alive. of course I'll always come back in a flash.

Nike: true. your speed rivals that of Hermes.

Sonic: but that's beside the point...Athena told me you weren't feeling well after the trojan war. (with concern) does this...have something to do with that Enyo?

Nike: (sighs quietly, and shows them the charm) this is all I have left of Enyo... Its difficult for me to talk about this often, but, since you're here, you should know that she and I have a history together.

(images of flashbacks appear as Nike narrates her backstory with Enyo.)

Nike: Enyo is an ancient war goddess who was born during the great titan war to help the gods fight the titans. she and I met on Mount Olympus. and since I myself am a war goddess, by Zeus' permission, Athena and Ares pitted us against one another in a fight. which ended in a draw, since our power are equal to one another. it was clear that she dislikes mortals for various justifiable reasons, and I admit I too have my fare share of dislike to them...at least to a degree. but as we got to know more about each other despite being born as goddesses of war and victory. it's complicated to say it in words, but... (with a slight blush on her face) Enyo was more than a friend and a sister to me, I felt that my heart beats for her and her alone.

Sonic: You mean you....Uhhh... you know... O.O

Nike: yes. I loved her more than anything else. and unexpectedly she reciprocated the love I had for her, and we've been together ever since, through thick and thin. she gave me this charm as a gift, a promise to remain by my side for all time. and I did the same, as I gave her my own charm, promising the same thing. as mortals say, those were the happiest days in my life...until...

Sonic: until what? O.O

Nike: (Sighs solemnly) I should have foreseen what would have happened, when Eris, the Goddess of Discord, came along.
that fateful day, she knew how close we were and cleverly sowed discord between us...

Sonic: What does that supposed to mean?

Nike: Eris told me that Enyo is not who I thought her to be...in some ways she was right. As goddess of war, Enyo is responsible for orchestrating the destruction of cities, often accompanying Ares into battle and is considered as '' supreme in war". Enyo called me a traitor for protecting mortals and took Eris' side as I tried to protect a city full of innocent people from them. and all the love and trust we had for each other, turned into enmity against one another. Enyo is so delighted in warfare that she even refused to take sides in the battle between Zeus and the monster Typhon. after all, Eris acted as Typhon's escort, while I led Zeus to battle during that time. but now, with Typhon trying to escape his imprisonment in Mount Etna, I suspect Enyo is also playing a part to bring destruction upon the greek world. after all, as you all saw during the fall of Troy, Enyo as usual accompanied Ares and inflicted horror and bloodshed in the war.

Sonic: if Enyo is that bad, why are you still holding onto that charm?

Nike: because it's not Enyo's fault, nor my fault that we were manipulated by Eris to turn against one another. I cannot change her nature, but I do hope she opens her eyes to the realize the goddess of discord tricked us both, before it's too late. that's why... (shuts her eyes tightly, feeling her tears appear and a few slipped from her eyes) I made a promise to myself to at least bring Enyo back to her senses...even if it's the last thing I do...! ,>~<,

Athena: Nike...

Iris: do you believe that Enyo can come back to you, after all that she's done up until now?

Sonic: hey, this Eris, or whatever her name is, tricked them into turning against each other. of course it'll hurt Nike to this degree. just like...how I myself was tricked to turn against my surrogate older sister and everyone I knew, to face my enemies alone.

Iris: Sonic...

Sonic: Soph- I mean...Nike. I myself have been going through a lot back in my world. which is part of the reason I'm here in the Greek World. if it helps, you can come with us on our next mission Athena will give us soon, and hopefully distract you from those dark thoughts about Enyo...and about yourself.

Nike: (looks at Athena) would it really be okay to go with them?

Athena: yes. I believe it will not only help Sonic grow as the hero he is meant to be, but also regain faith in yourself and find a way to bring Eris and all those intending to free Typhon to Justice.

Nike: very well... (sniffles, wipes her tears) I will go. (gets up from her bed)

Sonic: believe me when I say this, Nike. I promise to turn that despair of yours into hope once again. for the sake of the both of us. (extends his hand to her)

(Nike smiled and holds out Sonic's hand, acknowledging the promise he made to her just now.)

Nike: Sonic.... thank you.

(moments later, Sonic, Iris, Nike and Athena went outside overlooking the peaceful city of Athens below. Nike took a deep breath and smiled a slightly bigger smile, knowing she doesn't have to go through this alone.)

Athena: how are you feeling now, Nike?

Nike: I'm feeling a bit better now. thanks to Sonic. -w-

Sonic: hehe. sooo... (to Athena) what's next for us, Ma'am?

Athena: there is a hero who goes by the name Hercules, the son of Zeus and Hera, who is praised by many for his achievements in his youth. yet, fate still gives him major challenges. his growing power and reputation will be tested by the gods themselves, for Hercules has to complete twelve Labors, feats so difficult that they seemed impossible. despite his reputation as the strongest of all mortals, however, I must say, his exceptional physical abilities were somewhat offset by a rather noticeable lack of intelligence and wisdom. his lack of rational thinking often leads him to troublesome situations.

Sonic: sounds like this Hercules is quite the Knucklehead.

Athena: indeed. Hercules is currently in Nemea, about to begin his first labor. I am sending you all three of you to help him accomplish the twelve labors. I advise you to go to a small village in Nemea. that is where you will find him.

Sonic: alright! let's get going!

(and with that, the three departed Athens to Nemea and find the hero named Hercules. as soon as they reached the forest region of Nemea. upon reaching the village, they asked the people about the whereabouts of Hercules, who directed them to the forest nearby, where there's a cave. Sonic and the two goddesses immediately went to the forest, looking for Hercules. until they find traces that lead to a cave where the monstrous feline is said to prowl about. Sonic and the two goddesses entered the monster's lair, full of animal bones and human skulls. from the bottom of the cave, they could hear the lion's breaths. )

Sonic: what the...? !!!

(Sonic gasps when he saw a large lion sitting on the stone, roaring at him and pounce at his direction, only to be hit by a strong fist that Sonic recognized belonged to a certain red echidna.)

Sonic: Knuckles?! what are you doing here?!

???: (looks back to Sonic as he jumps backwards) get out of here! it's too dangerous!

Sonic: hey, we were sent to find some hero named Hercules! you don't suppose you've seen him around, have you?

???: I AM Hercules! and I currently got my hands full here!

(Sonic immediately realizes that Hercules is the Greek Mythology counterpart of Knuckles the Echidna. and taking on a lion this size indeed proved to be a tedious task.)

Sonic: well, I'll be more than happy to land a hand in dealing with that large lion!

Hercules: This is my first labor to prove myself as one of Greece's greatest heroes! I have no need of aid of mortals!

Iris: Perhaps it is best we leave this one to Hercules. it is is first labor after all...

Sonic: oh, sure, but if he gets torn to shreds-

Nike: have no fear...Hercules will undoubtedly emerge victorious.

(and so, Sonic and the two goddesses watched the battle between Hercules and the Nemean Lion. with his powerful bow, and his club, Hercules battled the Nemean Lion. he shot one of his arrows against the animal's head, but the arrow rebounded by the animal's pelt. furious, the gigantic lion a mighty roar, prepared to attack his foe. Hercules and the Lion jumped. one against the other. the lion exposed its powerful claws and the red hero raised his mace. Hercules hit the creature's head, which, despite the devastating impact endured the attack, with not a single scratch. realizing that his weapons were useless against this beast, Hercules and the lion started to wrestle against one another. the lion stuck its powerful claws into Hercules' body, blood pouring out due to the claws. Hercules however, withstood the excruciating pain of the wounds. Hercules managed to encircle the animal's neck and started to strangle the animal with his strong bare hands.

the lion could no longer resist the hero's strength and succumbed to it as it collapses on the ground, dead. then, making use of the lion's claws, he skinned the dead lion's hide, creating his iconic armor.)

Nike: as expected, the Nemean Lion was no match for the mighty Hercules.

Sonic: Not bad! You sure showed that lion who's boss!

Hercules: indeed. that beast devoured the animals in the region, and then began devouring humans. people say that this beast was one of the offsprings of Typhon, due to rumors spreading that its pelt was invulnerable to traditional weapons.

Sonic: if this lion really is one of Typhon's offsprings, then I'm happy to let you know that I too slayed one of Typhon's monsters.

Hercules: what? you did?

Sonic: yep. with the help of another hero of course.

Hercules: then, I take it that you're another hero in the making?

Sonic: well, yeah, more or less.

Iris: what shall you do next?

Hercules: slaying the Nemean Lion was my first labor. now there are 11 more labors for me to accomplish.

Nike: the gods are testing your strength...your second labor will be a lot more challenging. the people of Lerna have been terrorized by the Hydra, another on of Typhon's children.

(Sonic and Hercules look at each other and follow the two goddesses to their next destination to complete the second labor.)

Iris: the Hydra is a nine headed water serpent that lives in a swamp of lake Lerna.
it is extremely poisonous as the very air around it could kill a mortal in seconds, and had the ability to regrow its heads when severed.

Sonic: So the Hydra  grows other heads for every head that's lost, right?

Nike: that's right.

(soon, the two heroes and the two goddesses found themselves in a thick layer of poisonous mist that radiated from the Hydra's presence. Hercules and Sonic cover their faces with several layers of cloth to avoid breathing the toxic air. then they saw it, the beast emerging from the lake's waters with a powerful roar. Hercules, Sonic and Nike charge, drawing out their swords and chopping off their heads. but to their shock, two heads grew back in the place of the heads that were lost. every time the three chopped off their heads, once again, two grew back in its place. not knowing what to do, Hercules and Sonic turned to Nike, who suggested they used fire. confused by what she meant by that, she pulls out a firebrand and cauterize the wounds, to prevent more heads to emerge. seeing that this monster is losing this battle, Hercules and Sonic were told by Iris that one of the Hydra's heads was immortal.

and, upon finding the Hydra's main head, which was the immortal one, Sonic took out his sword, and with the use of Nike's firebrand to cauterize the wound, they were able to take down the monster, completing the second labor. Hercules dipped his arrows in the Hydra's poisonous blood, believing they will prove to be useful in his ten remaining labors.)

Sonic: Well, now....I'm not surprised that you've got the talent in slaying monsters.

Hercules: I can say the same to you, fellow hero.

Sonic: another one of Typhon's monsters was defeated. what's next for us?

Iris: the third labor is to capture the Hind of Ceryneia.

(as the group of two goddesses and two heroes travelled to Ceryneia for the third labor as the night fell...)

Iris: the Hind of Cerynea is a special deer, because it had golden horns and hoofs of bronze. Not only that, the deer was sacred to Artemis, the goddess of hunting and the moon, and twin sister of Apollo.

Sonic: so we don't kill the hind...just capture it?

Iris: yes. it is believed to be so fast that it could outrun an arrow. I must warn however that Artemis is quick to anger, especially when it comes to the animals she protects being harmed.

Nike: trust me when I say this, you do NOT want to get her on her bad side.

Sonic: Okayyy. O~O'

((OST For Artemis' theme song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJg8v8… ))

(soon, they see the Hind of Cerynea jumping out of the bushes, and the two mortals go after it. the two goddesses follow the heroes to aid them in capturing the hind, and eventually succeeding in doing so. Nike sensed danger as she looked at the glowing crescent moon, for she felt the cold presence of the goddess Artemis, who was angered to see how one of her favorite creatures was treated.

then, the goddess Artemis entered in the forest, with her silver bow in her hands, she shoots at Sonic and Hercules' direction with great fury in her yes.)

((Artemis looks like this: images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca8877… ))

Artemis: Insolent Mortals! step away from my beloved animal!

Sonic: Woah! Woah! (backs away a bit as Artemis pointed her arrow at him.) no need to get angry! O~O

(Artemis glared at Sonic coldly and shot an arrow at him, which was blocked by his Aegis, then goes to shoot at Hercules' direction)

Hercules: Listen! We didn't mean to bring harm to that creature in any way!

Nike: (covers Sonic and Hercules) Artemis! Please, allow me to explain!

Artemis: Get out of my way, Nike! those mortals deserve to be punished for their actions against this sacred creature!

Sonic: we never even intended to kill or hurt the animal! its part of those twelve labors!

Hercules: the gods are merely testing me and that blue hedgehog!

Iris: so, please, calm yourself. put away your bow, no harm was done to your animal. although she is clearly frightened.

(looks towards the trembling hind, who was shaking in terror.)

Artemis: of course she is frightened! those mortal fools chased her around the forest to capture her! but... (sighs and lowers her bow and arrow) if it is a test by the gods then, I will spare these two mortals from my fury.

(Sonic and Hercules sigh a sigh of relief.)

Sonic: it was the third labor, out of twelve. sooo...

Artemis: very well. with that third test completed, I demand you release the hind back into the wild immediately.

(doing as they were told, Sonic and Hercules let the Hind go and she leapt into the air, sprinting back to her mistress which was Artemis, whose fury was calmed and had a smile of approval before she and the animal vanished.)

Sonic: just what the heck was that all about?

Iris: I did say Artemis is quick to anger...especially when the animals she protects are either captured, hurt or even killed by mortals.

Nike: anyone who invoked her fury met a terrible end by her hands. U.U

Sonic: hehe...guess we got lucky then. -w-'

Hercules: only nine labors remain...what is next for us?

(as the four continued their travel with the sun rising...)

Iris: the fourth labor is capturing the Erymanthian boar, a large and extremely dangerous creature that no one can tame. the monster lives on a mountain called Erymanthus. Every day the boar would come crashing down from his lair on the mountain, attacking men and animals all over the countryside, gouging them with its tusks, and destroying everything in its path.

( It wasn't too hard for Hercules and Sonic to find the boar. they could hear the beast snorting and stomping as it rooted around for something to eat. the two chased the boar round and round the mountain. Hercules and Sonic had to use their intelligence to capture the boar, since it was very strong and cannot be killed,  The boar, frightened and out of breath, hid in a thicket, leading it to an area where the snow was accumulated on the ground. the large boar had to make a huge effort to move through the snow, and ended up being defeated by fatigue as it collapsed on the snowy ground. Hercules tied and dragged the beast up, fulfilling the fourth labor.)

Sonic: Fourth labor, complete!

Iris: You've both done well!

Hercules: it was no big deal, really!

Sonic: so, fire away the fifth labor!

(The two goddesses look at each other, then look down.)

Sonic: uhhh, is everything okay?

Nike: (inhales) the next task is quite... a degrading one. ignoble to heroes such as yourselves. U.U'

Sonic: what does that supposed to mean?

Iris: the fifth labor...is cleaning the stables of King Augeas in a single day. -.-' the barn had not been cleaned for a long time and accumulated tons of manure.

Sonic, Hercules: WHAT?! SERIOUSLY?! OAO;

Nike: you should know that not all tasks are battles with monstrous creatures.

(Sonic and the red echidna look at each other and frown in a comical way, as they continued onwards to complete the fifth labor.)

(soon, they reached Augeas' stables, and begin the fifth labor.  the stables had  cows, bulls, goats, sheep and horses. and Every night the cowherds, goatherds and shepherds drove the thousands of animals to the stables. Hercules knew this job would mean getting dirty and smelly, but sometimes even a hero has to do these things, but cleaning the entire place in a single day would be impossible. that is when Sonic responds that he'd help out, since he is the fastest and an idea popped in his mind.

First, Sonic tore a big opening in the wall of the cattle-yard where the stables were. understanding what Sonic was doing, Hercules made another opening in the wall on the opposite side of the yard.
Next, the red echidna dug wide trenches to two rivers which flowed nearby. He turned the course of the rivers into the yard. The rivers rushed through the stables, flushing them out, and all the mess flowed out the hole in the wall on other side of the yard, completing the fifth labor. upon hearing that his stables were cleaned, King Augeas made his way to the two heroes and rewarded them with large amount of money, paying them for a job well done. thus, the fifth labor has been completed. much to Nike and Iris' relief.)

Sonic: sometimes you need to be creative for things like this.

Hercules: And I must say, your idea worked perfectly.

Nike: there are seven more labors to complete.

Iris: indeed. the sixth labor is  driving away an enormous flock of birds which gathered at a lake near the town of Stymphalos.

Sonic: I...don't get it. O.O'

(As they travelled to Stymphalos, Iris and Nike explain everything to the two heroes.)

Iris: the The Stymphalian Birds are a flock of man-eaters that were trained by the god of war, Ares. wherever they swarmed, crops were destroyed, and the townspeople fled for their lives.

(soon, the two heroes located the birds, gathered around the lake which was deep in the woods.  Hercules and Sonic, and neither Iris and Nike had any idea how to drive the huge gathering of birds away. then, they saw Athena appearing before them,  came to his aid, providing a pair of bronze Krotala, noisemaking clappers similar to castanets, that had been made by Hephaestus for this task. Climbing a nearby mountain, Hercules clashed the Krotala loudly. the birds awoke from their slumber and flew into the air, frightened. then Hercules shot them with his arrows that were dipped in the poisonous blood of the Hydra. the birds that were shot met their end instantly, as the others got away far from Hercules' sights, never to return to this place again, thus completing the sixth labor.)

(little did he and Sonic know, that a shadow was watching them from the darkness of the woods. Nike turned around to see who watched them, before turning away and continuing onwards with Iris, Hercules and Sonic. that same shadow that belonged to Thanatos watched the blue blur, with a sinister smile on his face, before disappearing back into the darkness he came from.)

END OF CHAPTER 8.1

Sonic stuff belongs to SEGA
Story by Me!