—HerculesWho wants to live forever if you cannot save the people you cherish? What good is being immortal if the madness never ends? If each new year brings increased misery ---- and greater dangers?! Maybe I've seen this world carried to the brink of destruction one time too many... or, maybe I'm just tired!
Appearing in "Even an Immortal Can Die"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Alex DePaul
- Agent 33 (Kara Lynn Palamas) (First appearance)
- Agent 72 (John Farret) (First appearance)
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
Locations:
- New York City
- Central Park
- Plaza Hotel
- South America
Items:
Synopsis for "Even an Immortal Can Die"
At Anstice Castle, the international World Peace Referendum is interrupted by the Warhawks, who slaughter the delegates under Ares' command. S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents DePaul, 33, and 72 find Hercules in his civillian guise at the Museum of Greek Antiquity as he listens to a tour guide inform visiting children of the Olympian's exploits while showing off a chalice once belonging to the gods. Cooperating, he joins them on a walk through Central Park, they attempt to bring the demigod onboard their fight against the Warhawks, but he refuses them. In a South American base, the Warhawks chant for Ares after he stabs a poorly performing team leader through the chest. A lackey monitoring his ancient foe, Ares leaves his base to goad Hercules into the conflict himself when he finds him not to have taken the bait.
Walking near the Plaza Hotel, Hercules ponders his plight, thinking on his solitude and long lifespan. He silently stops a robbery before returning to the museum and speaking with its founder, his friend Tharamus, a fellow Greek god. He admonishes the discouraged hero, before calling Hercules' attention to a figure outside. Agent 33 enters and introduces herself as Kara Lynn Palamas, telling Hercules of a suspected traitor in S.H.I.E.L.D., hoping he will help to root them out.
Suddenly, Ares and his dogs of war break through the museum's walls. He commands them to kill Hercules and Kara, and she calls for backup as Hercules punches into the first Warhawk. The Warhawk shoots him with plasma bursts, but Hercules surprises Ares and his minions by withstanding the blast, still possessing great strength and endurance even after being sapped of some power by Zeus. Hercules beats back the Warhawks, pulling one from his suit of armor and demanding he tell them the traitor's identity. The agent takes his own life before he can be forced to reveal any information.
Elsewhere in the museum, Ares finds Tharamus and engages him in sword combat. Tharamus attempts to hold him off until Hercules' arrival, but the war god's blade pierces the historian. Moments later, Hercules and Kara find Agent DePaul and his S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in the room with the bleeding Tharamus. DePaul claims they arrived on Kara's signal, and saw an unmarked helicopter leave from the roof. Tharamus utters his last words to Hercules, stating "th-the heart... Ares has t" before passing away. DePaul's comments enrage Hercules, and the agents discuss what to do next before Hercules decides he will join them in their mission, holding his fallen friend in his arms.