Ares suggests Strife best Hercules to prove he's worthy of praise from his fellow Olympians. Disguised as the new cadet Nysus Gaius, the god warms up to Hercules, Iolaus and Jason as they return to Cheiron's academy for a new year of classes. "Nysus" convinces Hercules to steal a chalice from the Phoenix cave that he claims Hera stole from Zeus. Longing to get his father's attention, the demigod decides to steal back the chalice. Little does he know that he's fallen into a trap.
Hercules tries to sneak off at night to get the chalice by himself. Iolaus and Jason catch him in the act. They end up working together to get through the booby-trapped cave. Once they retrieve the chalice, the Phoenix guarding the cave comes to life. It pursues them back to the academy. The monster picks up Iolaus and the chalice with its talons. Hercules uses a rope to lasso the Phoenix’s talons, freeing his friend and the chalice. Unfortunately, he’s unable to let go of the rope in time to avoid being carried away himself.
Starring: Ryan Gosling (Hercules), Dean O'Gorman (Iolaus), Chris Conrad (Jason)
Guest Starring: Kevin Smith (Ares), Nathaniel Lees (Cheiron), Joel Tobeck (Strife/Nysus Gaius), Sharon Tyrrell (Alcmene), Angela Dotchin (Kora)
Teleplay by Mark Edens
Story by Rob Tapert & Liz Friedman
Directed by Chris Graves