Hercules was jogging down the path to Iolaus' house, and waved at his friend. "Hey, Iolaus," the lanky eleven-year-old called out. When he reached the gate to Iolaus' home, he smiled easily at his smaller friend. "Ready to go?"

Iolaus looked over at his friend, "In a minute. Just one last thing I have to do." With that, the thirteen-year-old rushed into the house. A moment later, the blond rushed out of the front door with a carry sack over his shoulder, and ran across the yard. "Now I am!"

"Iolaus," Erythia called out, emerging from the open doorway. "Don't cause Alcmene too much trouble while I'm away, okay?"

The boy waved at his mother, "Yes, Mom." With that, he turned and practically bounced down the road. "Come on, Herc. Catch up!"

The taller boy laughed, his friend's enthusiasm rubbing off as always. "I'm coming," he replied with a laugh and ran after Iolaus. "So," he said, once he caught up with his energetic friend. "Are you really going to not cause any trouble?" he asked with a glint in his eye.

Iolaus laughed, "No more than usual, I guess."

"That's what I thought," Hercules laughed as they walked down the road. A little while later, Hercules said, "I talked to Mother. She said if the weather stays nice we can camp out one night while you're here."

"Really?" Iolaus asked, his interested piqued. "All right! I was hoping we could go fishing, and . . ."

Hercules' face scrunched up. "Fishing? But that's boring!"

"That's because you use a rock instead of a fishing rod, Herc. You've never even given it a chance."

"I still say it's boring!" Hercules countered.

Iolaus' face lit up. "We could even go hunting!"

"Or practice tracking," Hercules offered.

"Yeah, we could . . . Hey wait," Iolaus said, mock hurt on his face. "Who says I need practice tracking? Just because you can't find a boar in a barn doesn't mean . . ."

Hercules laughed, "A boar in a barn?"

"Hey Herc," the blond called, "I'll race ya to the bridge!" With that, the shorter boy took off running as fast as he could. Laughing, Hercules took off after his friend. "You can't catch me!" Iolaus yelled over his shoulder.

In the end, Iolaus just managed to beat Hercules to the bridge. "I won," he cried triumphantly, holding his arms up in the air. Laughing he turned and looked at Hercules. "I beat you, buddy," he grinned, pointing at the taller boy.

Hercules reached over and ruffled the wild blond hair. "Well, we all get lucky once in a while, don't we?" he asked, crossing the bridge.

"Lucky? I'll have you know it's not luck. It's skill," Iolaus said, hurrying after Hercules. "Speaking of skill," he added cryptically as they neared Alcmene's house, Iolaus jumped onto Hercules, pushing him to the ground. "I can out-wrestle ya too!"

Their laughter carried on the wind and was what caught Alcmene's attention. They were tumbling around on the ground when she finally saw them. "Boys, I hate to interrupt, but lunch is ready," she said with a warm smile.

"Lunch?" Iolaus asked, his curiosity hooked.

Alcmene nodded, "Good to see you too, Iolaus."

Iolaus smiled, standing up and walking over to his friend's mom. "Thanks for letting me stay while Mom's away."

Alcmene smiled, "Of course, Iolaus. I know you two will have fun." She laughed, motioning toward the house, "Now. Why don't you both get cleaned up?"

The smaller child grinned wildly, looking down at his dusty clothes. Hercules had stood up, and also walked over to his mom. "Come on, Iolaus. I know you won't want to keep the food waiting."

After lunch, the two boys rushed outside to play, and Alcmene had to smile as she watched them through the kitchen window. She was still often surprised by the way Iolaus brought Hercules out of his shell. And seeing his boundless energy as he ran around the yard, she knew where all the food he managed to pack away went.

Outside, Hercules and Iolaus wrestled and ran around until it was nearly dusk. When the sun finally dipped below the horizon, they reluctantly dusted themselves off and headed inside. As they walked in the front door, Iolaus asked, "So, Herc. Wonder what's for dinner?"

His question was met with Alcmene's ringing laughter. "Don't worry, Iolaus. I wouldn't dream of letting you go hungry."

"I don't know, Mom," Hercules said, glancing over at his friend, "he really can eat a lot!"

Iolaus glanced from Alcmene to Hercules, "Hey, I resemble that remark."

"Okay, boys. Wash up and dinner will be on the table." With that, Alcmene turned and walked into the kitchen.

Following her lead, Hercules and Iolaus cut through the kitchen to a wash room and quickly scrubbed most of the dirt off their hands and faces. Iolaus was drying his hands on a towel when Hercules laughed, "Hey, looks like you missed a spot."

"Where?" the blond asked, glancing down at his hands.

Grabbing a handful of water, Hercules said, "Right here," and tossed the water onto his distracted friend.

Iolaus glanced up in his shock and shook his head slowly. "Now, Herc. Why'd you have to go and do something like that?" Dipping both hands in the water basin, he threw the water up in the air, dousing Hercules' hair. "Huh," Iolaus commented, "you look sorta like a wet puppy. Although a pretty big one . . ."

His statement was cut off when Hercules lifted the basin up and stalked toward his friend. "Why do I think you're gonna look more like a wet mop?" he asked in a mock serious voice as he emptied the contents onto his friend. Iolaus tried to dodge the water, but slipped on the wet floor and ended up sprawled on the floor and dripping wet. Brushing the dripping curls out of his eyes, he looked up at Hercules who said, "Yep, just like a mop."

Not to be outdone, Iolaus reached out with his right leg and knocked Hercules' legs out from under him. A resounding crash later, the demigod was on the soaked floor next to Iolaus, who laughing loudly, began to shake the water from his hair onto Hercules.

"Boys?" Alcmene asked, tentatively sticking her head inside the washroom. Not quite managing to keep the smile off her face, she said, "If you wanted to clean the floor, I would have given you a mop."

"We could just use Iolaus' hair," Hercules said with a smirk at the drenched boy.

Iolaus smiled sarcastically at Hercules, "Whatever I can do to help, buddy. Now," he paused, trying to stretch out his legs. "If you'll kindly get your bulky demigod butt off of my feet, I can get up."

"You pushed me over, Iolaus," he said, still not moving. With a laugh, Alcmene left the two to settle their dispute.

Pulling his feet free, Iolaus commented, "Yeah, but I didn't take into account the fact that you weigh like a mountain or something." Wiggling his foot, he added, "Besides, I think you broke something."

Hopping to his feet, Hercules reached out a hand to help Iolaus up. "Somehow I doubt that," he grinned.

Ignoring the offered hand, Iolaus laughed. "Well, you're gonna wish I had when I beat you to dinner and eat it all." With that, he took off out of the room and ran toward the kitchen with Hercules close on his heels.

Dinner didn't stand a chance of surviving when faced with the two hungry boys, and soon Hercules and Iolaus were washing and drying the dishes. Alcmene watched with amusement as the boys attacked the chore with much less exuberance than they had shown when actually eating the meal.

Eventually the two boys were each lying on the small beds in Hercules' room. "So what are we going to do tomorrow, Herc?" Iolaus asked.

Hercules shrugged in the darkness. "Don't know. Guess we'll figure it out then."

"Sounds good," Iolaus replied. "'Night, Herc."

"Good night, Iolaus."

Sunlight was barely streaking the sky when Hercules and Iolaus woke up, eager to begin another day of their latest adventures. Dressing quickly, they rushed into the kitchen, but paused when they saw Alcmene talking to a boy about their own age.

Iolaus was about to ask who he was when a wide-eyed Hercules whispered, "Iphicles."

Iolaus glanced between the new boy and Hercules, asking, "Who's Iphicles?"

Not taking his eyes from Iphicles, Hercules replied, "My brother."

"Your brother? You have a brother?" a shocked Iolaus asked. "You never told me you had . . ." he said, however, Hercules' back was his only response. Hercules approached his brother, leaving Iolaus standing alone in the doorway.

"Look who's come to see us, Hercules," Alcmene said, gesturing to where Iphicles sat.

Hercules tore his gaze from his brother to look up at his mother. Shock still written on his features, his face broke into a big smile. "Iphicles, what are you doing here?"

Iphicles didn't return the smile, but said simply, "My grandmother thought it might be good for me to come and see Mother."

The younger brother's smile faded somewhat, he had known for a long time that Iphicles resented his godly heritage. He had found himself hoping he had changed his mind. "Oh," was his noncommital response.

From the doorway, Iolaus watched the somewhat subdued reunion. He was trying to understand what was going on. Hercules had never mentioned having a brother before. Although he was confused, it wasn't hard for him to read the disappointment in Hercules' features.

Unsure what to do, he stood in the doorway until Alcmene's voice startled him. "Iolaus?" she asked, grabbing his attention. "This is Iphicles, Hercules' older brother."

"Half-brother," Iphicles said, and Alcmene closed her eyes briefly at the bitterness in his words.

Iolaus looked from Alcmene to Iphicles, and took a couple of steps into the kitchen. "Iphicles," Alcmene continued, "this is Iolaus, Hercules' friend."

"Hi," Iolaus said with a half-wave of his hand and an uncertain grin.

Iphicles looked over at Iolaus, but didn't say anything in response. An uneasy silence settled over the kitchen, and was broken when Alcmene said, "Why don't I finish fixing your breakfast and the three of you can go fishing?"

Iolaus face brightened, and he punched Hercules on the arm. "Hey, that sound like an idea, huh, Herc?"

His attention torn from his quiet half-brother to his best friend, Hercules grinned. "Yeah, it does. What do you think, Iphicles?"

The eldest boy shrugged, "Sure."

Iphicles reaction confused Iolaus, he couldn't understand why his friend's brother was being so moody. However, he didn't have long to think about it when Alcmene finished throwing together a quick breakfast and it was time to eat.

After the meal, Hercules and Iolaus grabbed the fishing rods they had made several fishing trips before and the three boys left the house.

"So, Herc. What do you say whoever catches the least fish has to clean them all?" Iolaus asked with a glint in his eyes.

Hercules laughed, "Now how is that fair?"

"Well, I know I'll leave a lot of fish for you to clean," Iolaus giggled, "but you should be used to it by now."

Rolling his eyes, Hercules replied, "That's not exactly what I meant. I mean, I know how much you hate to clean fish . . ."

Iolaus stopped, resting his hands on his hips. "Now just wait a minute. I think someone has forgotten who's the fisherman here."

"Yeah, you," Hercules teased.

Iolaus nodded, "Yeah," pausing he shook his head. "I mean no. I haven't forgotten. I am the better fisherman."

Toward the end of their bantering exchange, the boys again began to walk toward the stream, with Iphicles hanging just behind. He had watched the interaction between his brother and Iolaus and felt another surge of jealousy within him.

It was bad enough he had a little brother who would always overshadow him. It was even worse that a short blond kid had replaced him in Hercules' life. Iphicles had come to Alcmene's kind of hoping to mend things with his brother. Now, he wasn't so sure he would have a chance.

They had just arrived at the stream when Iolaus set to work fishing, determined that it would be Hercules who ended up cleaning the days catch. He had barely pulled his first fish from the waters when Iphicles, who was standing behind them, said, "I guess I'll just watch since I don't have a fishing pole."

Glancing over his shoulder, Iolaus laughed, "Just take Herc's. He's just looking for an excuse to get rid of it anyway." Throwing a longways look at Hercules, Iolaus giggled, "He has this method where he brains the poor fish out of the water with a rock."

Hercules rolled his eyes at Iolaus, doing his best not to laugh. "Yeah, you're just worried that you're gonna lose, buddy." He then reached over to hand the fishing pole to Iphicles. Iphicles, however, made no move to take the offered fishing pole.

The light in Hercules' eyes faded when he met the dark gaze of his brother. "Using your powers even over little fish, huh, Hercules?"

Iolaus nearly dropped his fishing pole into the stream when he heard the hard edge to Iphicles' question. Looking at his friend, Iolaus was surprised to read the hurt resignation in Hercules' face. Standing, Iolaus asked, "Why would you say that?"

"Iolaus, just stay out of it," Hercules cut him off, causing Iolaus to glance sharply in his direction in shock. He opened his mouth to disagree when Hercules added, "This is between Iphicles and me."

"You always thought you were better than the rest of us," Iphicles spat, not missing a beat.

Hercules shook his head, "You never gave me a chance, Iph."

"Don't call me that."

"I always used to call you that," Hercules replied, blinking slowly.

Iphicles clenched his fists at his sides, "Well, things change. Don't they, oh great son of Zeus?"

"What does it matter who my father is?" Hercules responded through clenched teeth, his hurt flaring in his tone. "Why did it ever start to matter?"

"Why does it matter?" Iphicles asked, shaking his head slowly. "It matters because it matters. Do you know what it was like growing up for so many years, always hearing about your little brother like that? Knowing that you'll never live up to him?"

As Iolaus watched in stunned silence, Hercules took a step toward Iphicles. "I never asked you to live up to me. I just wanted my brother to love me for me."

"Who wouldn't love the son of Zeus?" Iphicles asked with venom in his voice.

"Leave Zeus out of this," Hercules responded, his voice raising. "Why blame me for something I didn't ask for?"

Iphicles shook his head, "Forget it. I don't even know why I asked to come here." With that, he turned and disappeared into the forest surrounding the stream.

"Wait, Iphicles," Hercules called out, but the older boy wasn't listening and kept walking.

Hercules was startled out of his daze when Iolaus asked softly, "Hey, Herc?"

Turning to see his friend looking at him concerned, Hercules shook his head as if to clear it. "What?" he finally asked quietly.

Iolaus sighed, "Are you okay?"

"My brother hates me, why wouldn't I be okay?" Hercules said shortly.

The blond boy held up his hands and took a step nearer his upset friend. "It'll be okay, Herc. I'm sure it'll get better."

"Just stay out of it," Hercules said, looking out into the woods where Iphicles had fled.

Iolaus blinked back his shock, he knew Hercules was just striking out at him because he was upset. "I just want to help, Herc."

Hercules stopped looking into the forest and turned hard blue eyes onto his friend. "If I need your help, I'll ask," he observed in a clipped tone and took off into the woods.

As Hercules stalked away, Iolaus couldn't tear his gaze away from his retreating back. A few moments later, Iolaus turned and walked back over to the edge of the stream. His thoughts were flying a mile a minute as he sat back down.

He was just getting over the shock of Hercules having a brother, and now he finally realized why Hercules had never told him. Iolaus couldn't believe that Iphicles could be jealous of having Hercules as a brother. The small blond knew he would love it if he and Hercules were real brothers.

Glancing over his shoulder toward where his friend had disappeared, Iolaus wished he knew what was going through Hercules' mind. He had only wanted to help and it had hurt when he brushed him off. Shrugging his shoulders he decided to give Hercules the benefit of the doubt, he trusted Herc to not hurt him deliberately. For Iphicles or anyone else.

Fishing pole in hand, he turned his outward attention to catching fish. He wanted to rush after Hercules, but decided it might be best to give them some space. Iolaus hoped that the two brothers would at least start to work out their problems, and when they returned he'd have lunch ready for all of them to eat.

Luckily for Hercules, Iphicles had left a fairly clear path when he had escaped into the forest. While he followed the trail, he felt guilty for the way he had acted towards Iolaus. It wasn't Iolaus' fault that he and Iphicles hadn't gotten along in years.

He had just made up his mind to apologize when he spotted Iphicles sitting under a tree and the thought was forgotten. "Iphicles," he called out as he walked up.

Iphicles looked up from where he was sitting. "I wondered if you would follow me."

"I just want to talk to you," Hercules said, stopping a few feet from Iphicles.

The older brother nodded. "So talk."

Hercules looked down at his hands, "If you still hate me, why did you ask to come back?" When Iphicles stayed silent, Hercules added, "If it was only to see Mother, why agree to go fishing with Iolaus and me?"

"I don't hate you," Iphicles said softly.

The younger of the brothers looked at him, confused. "I don't understand."

Iphicles looked over at Hercules. "Maybe I missed my brother, too." He paused and stood up, adding, "I guess I didn't expect to come back and find a replacement."

"A replacement?" Hercules asked, lost. "You mean Iolaus?" he questioned, realizing what Iphicles meant.

"Yeah," Iphicles said bluntly, "Iolaus. So I guess I'll just get out of the way."

Hercules grabbed his brother's arm. "Wait." He was thrilled at the thought of Iphicles not hating him, but dismayed that he would leave so suddenly. "I don't want you just to leave."

"But what about your friend?"

Hercules forced a smile, "Give him a chance, you'll get along great." He didn't miss the doubtful look on Iphicles' face, and added, "At least stay the night. It's too late for you to leave."

Iphicles nodded, "All right."

"Good. Now, let's get back," Hercules said with a large smile. "Iolaus is probably draining the stream of fish as we speak."

The two brothers walked back to the stream in silence, but it wasn't as oppressive as it had been earlier. Upon reaching the stream, they found Iolaus sitting there with a large pile of fish beside him.

"Well, looks like I was right," Hercules said, walking up behind Iolaus.

Iolaus turned around quickly at the sound of Hercules' voice. He was anxious to see what was going to become of the day's situation. However, "Right about what?" was all he said.

The tallest boy grinned, "That you drained the stream of its fish."

Iolaus laughed, happy to see the more familiar lightness to Hercules' gaze. "What can I say?" he asked, standing. "I knew you would want to have plenty of fish to clean."

"What?" he asked, glancing at the large pile. "You caught 'em. You clean 'em."

Iolaus scoffed, "No, no, no. You misunderstand. I caught several. You, my friend, well . . . You didn't. So, get to cleaning."

"You'll 'get to cleaning' when I drop you in the stream," Hercules play threatened.

The smaller boy giggled, and dodged the demigod's outreached arm. Reaching out with a kick, Iolaus pushed Hercules' legs out from under him. The resounding splash of water barely managed to cover Iolaus' laughter. Risking a glance over at his soaked friend, Iolaus managed to talk around his giggles, "So, who was gonna get wet, Herc?"

Hercules opened his mouth to reply, but gave up when he noticed that even Iphicles was fighting a smile at his predicament. "I give," he said, holding his hands up. "I'll clean the fish."

Iolaus nodded his head smugly, "That's what I thought." Laughing, Iolaus went to collect the fish and handed them off to Hercules to clean. "We'll just wait till you're done," he said with a wink and took a seat. Hercules caught Iphicles giving Iolaus a strange look, but dismissed it as he set to work preparing the fish.

Several hours later, the three boys left the forest and headed back to Alcmene's house. Iolaus was relieved when he noticed that the tension between Iphicles and Hercules seemed to have lessened since they disappeared into the woods. Iolaus had chosen to ignore the fact that Iphicles still seemed less than happy that he was there with the two brothers.

Day soon turned to night, and Alcmene called out, "Time for bed, boys."

"Do we have to?" Hercules asked, "Iph and I were talking."

Alcmene smiled, but shook her head. "Sorry. Still time for you to go to bed."

She had been listening to their conversation from the kitchen, and was delighted at how well the two brothers seemed to have gotten past their problems. However, she had noticed one not-so-welcome result of the reunion. As the evening had worn on, she had become aware of how quiet Iolaus was being, quite the contrary to his usual exuberance.

Iphicles stood, and surprised his mother by walking across the room and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Good night, Mom."

She smiled brightly, a sheen of tears glistening in her eyes. "Good night, Iphicles."

"'Night, Mom," Hercules added, following his brother's lead and giving Alcmene a kiss on the cheek.

Iolaus stood back from the other two, unsure what to do. Recognizing his indecision, Alcmene smiled warmly, and pulled the boy into an embrace. "Sleep well, Iolaus."

After returning the hug, Iolaus pulled back and nodded his head, smiling in return. "Thanks, Alcmene."

The three boys headed for the bedrooms, and Alcmene was putting out the candles in the sitting room when she heard a commotion. Confused, she walked back to the boy's room. "Problem?" she asked, leaning against the doorway.

Iolaus and Iphicles just looked at each other, and Hercules tried to explain the situation. "Iolaus usually sleeps in Iph's bed."

Alcmene nodded, understanding. "What if we made a pallet and one of you slept on the floor?"

Iolaus nodded, "I'll do it."

"Wait, I'll do it," Hercules said after a pointed look from Alcmene. "There's no reason you should sleep on the floor. You can have my bed." Disappearing out of the doorway, Hercules went in search of extra blankets.

Iphicles glanced between his mother and Iolaus. "Why should Hercules give up his bed?"

Alcmene sighed, the growing unease between Iolaus and her eldest son growing ever more noticeable. "Iolaus is our guest, Iphicles," she tried to explain.

"It's not a problem, Alcmene," Iolaus offered. "It's not like I'm not used to it, I've slept on the ground plenty."

The woman smiled warmly at Iolaus, "Don't even think about it. It won't hurt Hercules to give up his bed," she paused, aware of a solution. "What if you trade off? Tonight you get the bed, and tomorrow Hercules gets it."

Entering the room at the end of Alcmene's statement, Hercules asked, "'Tomorrow Hercules gets', what?"

Taking the blankets from her son, Alcmene began to lay them out on the floor and said, "I was just telling Iolaus of a compromise," she paused, finishing the pallet. Looking over at Hercules she finished by saying, "That the two of you could switch off who slept on the pallet."

Hercules nodded, "Works for me." Dropping onto the blankets, he added, "Besides, I'm beat. I could sleep on anything."

Iolaus opened his mouth for a comeback to Hercules' statement, but Alcmene interrupted, saying, "Okay, no more stalling. Bed. Now." After they were all settled, Alcmene blew out the remaining candles and left the room.

After breakfast the next morning, the three boys were trying to decide what they should do for the day. Although he was doing his best to act interested and involved, Iolaus was beginning to feel somewhat left out by the two brothers. From what he had learned of Herc and Iphicles' past, Iolaus could see why his friend would be so eager about Iphicles' renewed interest in him.

"Could one of you run out to the well and bring in some water?" Alcmene's voice drifted into the sitting room from the kitchen.

Both Hercules and Iphicles looked up, but it was Iolaus who replied, "I'll get it, Alcmene." Seconds later, the blond disappeared out the front door.

After Iolaus left, Iphicles looked at Hercules and asked, "What do you say we go hunting?"

Hercules grinned, "Hunting sounds like fun. Iolaus will love it, too."

"I didn't mean with Iolaus," Iphicles said, shaking his head.

"What do you mean?" Hercules asked, his voice quiet. "Why shouldn't Iolaus come?"

Iphicles stood before explaining, "I thought it would be fun if it was just us. You know, brothers out in the wild." He paused, adding in a disappointed tone, "But if you don't want to . . ."

Hercules stood and walked over to his brother. "Of course I want to. I just don't want Iolaus to feel left out."

Meanwhile, Iolaus stood just outside the doorway, listening to the conversation. All of the doubts he had felt about Iphicles were driven home. Lifting the pail of water up, he walked into the house as casually as possible. Cutting through to the kitchen, he ignored the looks from both Hercules and Iphicles.

When he returned to the sitting room, he had his carry sack over his shoulder. The blond was almost out the door when Hercules shook himself out of his shock and went over to Iolaus. "Where are you going?"

Iolaus looked up at his best friend and walked out of the house. He looked up at the clear sky and took a few steps before replying. "Going back down to the stream."

Hercules half-grinned when he asked, "Why? I thought we were going to do something?"

Forcing a laugh, Iolaus said, "Nah. I figure I'll have better luck fishing alone than hunting with the two of you."

"How'd you know we wanted to go hunting?" Hercules asked, the idea hadn't been mentioned before Iolaus had gone for the water.

Iolaus shook his head and turned to leave. "I need to get going if I want to make it by midday."

"Iolaus . . ." Hercules said, jogging after his fast-walking friend.

Shaking his head, Iolaus ignored Hercules call, pausing long enough to add, "He's family, Herc. And I'm . . . I'm not."

Hercules, confused by Iolaus's reaction to his brother's return, watched as he walked away. "Fine, Iolaus. Whatever." Turning, Hercules returned to the house to find Iphicles waiting for him. "Let's hunt," he said to his older brother.

Iphicles nodded. "What about Iolaus?"

Hercules shrugged. "I don't know. He'll come back when he gets over whatever is bugging him."

Smiling, Iphicles picked up both of their carry sacks. "Then let's go get some game."

Iolaus made good time and was at the stream before it was too late in the day. There wasn't really anything to do to make camp, and so he found a long branch and began to make a new fishing pole. Before long, he was settled down next to the water, fishing.

While he had kept moving, it had been easy not to think about what had happened earlier. Iolaus was still unsure what was going on with Iphicles. However, he did know the older boy didn't want him around all the time.

That was why he had run away earlier. Iolaus shook his head at the idea of running away. He had never been one to run away from his problems. Iolaus had tried running away once after his father had beaten him up, and ended up only finding more trouble. However, there had been no mistaking how happy Hercules was that his brother wanted to be in his life. That was what pushed Iolaus to leave. Hercules was the best friend he had ever had, and suddenly he found it in his power to help him to be happy.

All Iolaus had to do was leave for a little while.

Iphicles, meanwhile, was quite happy that Iolaus had done just that. The two brothers spent most of the afternoon hunting. They had gotten along very well, and managed to bag several rabbits to take home.

It was late afternoon when Hercules noticed that a muggy wind was beginning to blow. Turning to Iphicles, he said, "We probably should start back toward home."

Iphicles looked up at Hercules from where he was storing their latest catch. Standing, he asked, "Why?"

Hercules glanced at what parts of the sky he could see through the dense forest. "It feels like a storm is coming in."

Stopping to consider Hercules' words, Iphicles took a deep breath. "Smells like it, too."

As they walked, each kept a wary eye toward the sky as ominous clouds began to blot out the brilliant blue of midday. They were almost home before the storm finally broke, and took off in a run to cover the rest of the distance.

Hearing the door banging open, Alcmene walked into the sitting room. "It's about time you got home," she said, seeing the drenched brothers. Looking between them, she asked, "Where's Iolaus?"

"He's not back yet?" Hercules asked.

Handing each of the boys a towel, Alcmene shook her head and looked closely at Hercules. "I thought he was with you."

Accepting a towel, Hercules began to dry off and shook his head. "No, he went fishing by himself instead."

"I don't like the idea of him being out alone in this storm," Alcmene said, glancing out of the window at the darkened landscape.

Finished drying off, Iphicles offered, "I'm sure he's on his way. Probably was just caught by surprise."

Smiling faintly, Alcmene replied, "I'm sure that must be it. I just hope he makes it back soon." Taking the wet towels, she added, "Why don't you keep an eye out for him, Hercules?"

Hercules nodded, "Sure, Mom. Staying out in this weather doesn't sound like Iolaus."

Iolaus had little intention of staying out in the storm, but he found that he didn't have much choice in the matter. He had just caught his second fish when he noticed that the wind seemed to have shifted. Evening showers weren't that unusual this time of year, and he simply shrugged and concentrated on the task at hand.

When the wind began to pick up, he began to realize that things would probably get worse quite quickly. He had finished picking up his belongings when it started to rain. Within minutes it had developed into a downpour.

Iolaus was following the stream to a trail when a sudden burst of wind caused him to slip on the muddy bank. His feet sliding out from under him, he winced when his chest impacted the ground, driving the breath from him. Iolaus tried to get a hand on something to stop his fall, but couldn't find anything.

His frantic slide came to a standstill when he smashed into some rocks. His head hit one of the rocks, and he shook his head to clear it. He winced when he felt a flare of pain shoot across his face, and realized he had a cut along his hairline. Putting his hands underneath him, he tried to get leverage to stand up, but was alarmed to find that one of his feet had jammed in the rocks.

For some minutes he struggled to free his trapped foot, but couldn't. From his position lying face down, he tried to twist around to reach his foot with his hands. The effort only succeeded in sending flames of pain up his leg, and it left him lying on the muddy bank, breathless.

Laying still, he muttered, "Think, Iolaus. You can get out of this."

Again, he tried to use his arms to pull himself free of the rocks. After several moments of effort, he looked over his shoulder. To his horror, the continual driving rain was causing the once peaceful stream to swell rapidly. In the time he had been trying to get free, the water had risen from below the rocks to lapping up at his ankles. With a strength borne of desperation, Iolaus continued to struggle against the unforgiving rocks.

As true darkness fell, Hercules sat beside the front window, watching the road for any signs of Iolaus. "I'm worried, Iph. Iolaus is stubborn, but he should have been back by now."

"Maybe he went home," Iphicles offered.

Hercules shook his head, "I doubt it. He's staying with us because his family is away." A few minutes passed before Hercules added, "I think I need to go look for him."

Iphicles looked at his brother, disbelief written on his features. "Are you crazy? That storm is still really bad."

Standing, Hercules said, "I know, and Iolaus is out in it. I can't explain it. It's just a feeling I have."

Iphicles stood and blocked Hercules' path. "You're home. You're safe and warm, why go back out? It's not like he's family."

Hercules blinked, looking at Iphicles. "No, he's not," Hercules admitted, "not by blood." Searching Iphicles gaze, Hercules tried to explain. "Iph, Iolaus and I have been friends for so long, he might as well be my brother. If he needs help, I have to help him."

"What about Mother?" Iphicles asked, still not convinced. "How do you explain to her risking her son's life for Iolaus'?"

"She'd understand," Alcmene responded, standing in the doorway. "I think you're right, Hercules. Iolaus should have been back by now."

"Mother . . ." Iphicles began.

Holding up her hand, she said, "I'm sorry you don't understand, Iphicles." Turning her attention to her other son, she continued, "Hercules, go and find Iolaus. Bring him home." Nodding, Hercules grabbed his cloak and headed out into the foreboding night.

There was little light to see by in the driving rain, and Hercules was forced to rely on the sporadic lightning flashes to see through the dense forest growth. It took some time, but he finally reached the campsite they had used the day before. Although the rain had washed most of the tracks away, he found a new fishing pole on the bank.

Hercules looked around, trying to decide which direction Iolaus might have taken. For some reason, he felt compelled to follow the stream for a ways in the direction of home. He would have missed Iolaus' still form had it not been for an intense flash of lighting followed closely by a deep rumble of thunder. In the light it provided, something caught Hercules' attention close to the water, and when he turned he saw his best friend lying almost submerged in the water.

Rushing to his side, Hercules fell to his knees beside his friend. "Iolaus?" he called out over the noise of the stream. Pushing the curly hair away from his face, Hercules was alarmed to see blood streaming down Iolaus' features. It was then that he saw the water was within inches of Iolaus' mouth. Shaking his shoulder, he said, "Come on, buddy. You've gotta wake up."

Iolaus stirred at Hercules insistent shaking, but didn't awaken. Looking at where his friend was lying, Hercules tried to pull him free. A low moan caused him to stop pulling on Iolaus' arms. Careful to brace himself against a rock, Hercules reached down into the water to see what was pinning Iolaus.

It took only a second to find the rock that trapped Iolaus' foot beneath it. Aware that the water was climbing with each moment, Hercules pulled the rock out of the ground and freed Iolaus' foot. Climbing out of the water, he placed his hands under Iolaus' arms and pulled. This time, there was no resistance and he collapsed, still holding Iolaus, a few feet from the rushing water.

Taking a deep breath, Hercules took off his cloak and placed it on Iolaus. He then carefully picked up Iolaus and began the long walk back to the house. During the trek, Iolaus stirred somewhat, but remained unconscious. The longer it took to reach the dry warmth of home, the more concerned Hercules grew about the blue tinge on Iolaus' face.

"Hold on, buddy," he said to his unresponsive friend. "We're almost there." He wasn't sure who he was trying to reassure, his unaware friend or himself.

By the time Hercules reached his house, he was running purely on adrenaline. Seeing his hurried approach, Alcmene rushed to open the front door. Once they were inside, she shut the door, saying, "Take him to the wash room, Hercules. Iphicles, help me bring the warm water from the kitchen, please."

Hercules didn't take time to respond, instead he followed his mother's instruction and carried Iolaus to the wash room. He wasn't sure how much his friend's modesty could take, but Hercules knew they would have to get him out of the muddy clothes and warmed up.

Alcmene rushed into the room, and asked Iphicles to fill the tub with the warm water. She then had Hercules lower Iolaus into the tub. She pulled off Iolaus' muddy vest so she could begin to check him. Not taking her eyes from the shivering boy before her, she asked, "Where did you find him?"

Hercules took a deep breath and collapsed into a chair. "His foot was pinned by some rocks down by the stream. The water was up to his chin by the time I got there."

Alcmene tore her gaze from Iolaus to look at Hercules. She recognized the tone in his voice. "It's not your fault, Hercules. You found him, that's what counts." When Hercules sat, motionless, staring at Iolaus, she added, "Why don't you go change and get dried off, okay?"

"I want to stay . . ."

"Hercules," she said, interrupting him. "Please, I don't need both of you getting sick." Looking over at Iphicles, she asked, "Would you convince him to go dry off, please?"

Iphicles nodded, glancing guiltily at his brother. "Come on, Hercules. You need to change." With one last look at Iolaus, Hercules relented and walked out of the room.

When they had left, Alcmene got to work pulling the muddy clothes off her young charge. "Let's see what we can do about getting you better, shall we?" Taking a cloth from the counter, she gently rinsed the bloody mud away from his injured forehead, and was relieved to see the head wound wasn't as bad as she'd feared.

It took some time, but she finally managed to clean all of the mud off of Iolaus body and the blood from his face. In that time, the blue tint faded from his lips, although he didn't awaken. When she was finished, Alcmene lifted a trapdoor in the floor; she then pulled a stopper from the end of the tub, let the water drain out through the hole in the floor, and closed the trapdoor.

She had just dried and covered Iolaus with a towel when Hercules popped his head into the room. "Is he okay?"

Alcmene nodded, "He should be, although I wish he would wake up. And he'll need to have a healer look at that ankle." Looking over at Hercules, she smiled, "I'm sure he'll be fine, Hercules. In fact, I need your help to get him out of the tub. Then we'll find some of your old clothes to dress him."

By the time Iolaus was bundled up in Hercules' bed, the hour had grown very late. Stifling a yawn, Iphicles asked, "How is he?"

Hercules looked up at his brother from where he was sitting on the opposite bed. "Mother thinks he should be fine after the healer comes tomorrow." Turning his attention back to Iolaus, he added, "I just wish he would wake up."

Taking a deep breath, Iphicles said, "I'm sorry, Hercules, about earlier."

Hercules turned his tired eyes to look at his brother again. "I don't like having to choose, Iph. It's not fair."

Iphicles nodded, "I can see that now." Looking over at the still form of his brother's best friend, Iphicles sighed. "I was jealous."

"Why? Why were you jealous of Iolaus?" Hercules paused before continuing, "I understood why you didn't like being my brother, but why Iolaus, too?"

"Because he got past the half-god part. Because he was more like your brother than me." Focusing on his hands, he added, "I wanted you to choose me over him."

"Don't ask me to choose again, Iph. I can't, and I won't."

Iphicles looked at his brother, replying, "I understand. I won't ask." After a moment, he said, "I think I'll go back home tomorrow."

"Do you really hate it here that much?" Hercules asked, all the insecurities of an eleven-year-old shining through.

Iphicles shook his head, "No."

"Then why leave so soon?"

Shrugging, Iphicles said, "I think we could probably use the space. Besides, I doubt Iolaus will want to see me anytime soon."

"Will you come back?" Hercules asked, hope ringing in his voice.

Iphicles smiled, "I'll try."

"I'd like that," Hercules replied.

Iphicles left early the next morning. He was meeting an uncle in town to go back to his grandparents, soothing Alcmene's worry over his traveling alone. Giving Iphicles a warm hug, Alcmene said, "I'm so glad that you came, Iphicles."

He nodded, and looked between Hercules and his mother. "So am I." With that, he and Hercules turned and walked from the house toward town.

"I'm supposed to meet my uncle at the inn whenever I'm ready to go home," Iphicles said when they reached the village.

Stopping in front of the inn, Hercules commented, "I guess this is goodbye, then."

"For now," Iphicles replied, "but not forever."

Hercules smiled, "I'm glad that you came."

Iphicles surprised them both by pulling his little brother into a brief hug. "I didn't expect to be, but I am, too."

With a grin, Iphicles disappeared inside the inn, and Hercules hurried down the street toward the healer's cottage. A few moments later, Hercules and the elderly healer left the town and were on the way to see Iolaus.

When the healer emerged from the bedroom, both Hercules and Alcmene were eager to hear what he had to say. "I set his ankle," he said upon seeing the expectant faces. Handing Alcmene a pouch, he added, "This should help with the pain and the effects of being in the cold water. You're lucky you found him when you did."

Hercules nodded, glancing through the open door at his friend, "I know."

"Anyway," the healer continued, "he will need to stay in bed for a couple of days at least. And even then, be careful what he does or he'll reinjure his ankle." When Alcmene smiled, the healer laughed. "I can imagine what you're in for, trying to keep him off his feet."

"You have no idea," Alcmene laughed. "He's the only one I've found worse than Hercules about staying put when he's hurt." Sobering, Alcmene asked, "How much longer will he be unconscious?"

"I would suspect he should wake up sometime today. If he doesn't, come and get me again tomorrow and I'll see if there is anything more I can do."

While Alcmene led the healer out of the house, Hercules went back into the bedroom where Iolaus was sleeping. He had just sat down when he noticed Iolaus' eyelids fluttering. "Iolaus?" he asked tentatively.

The blond murmured something unintelligible and finally succeeded in opening his eyes. "Herc?" he asked, his voice raspy.

Smiling, Hercules replied, "Yeah, buddy."

"You found me?"

Hercules' smile faded somewhat. "Of course."

Glancing around the room as best he could, Iolaus asked, his voice a rough whisper, "Where's Iphicles?"

"He's gone back home," Hercules explained.

"Oh," Iolaus responded, his eyes drooping shut. "I'm sorry, Herc."

"It's okay, buddy," Hercules said as Iolaus fell asleep. "Just concentrate on getting better."

The two warriors were almost to Corinth, when Hercules asked, "You never did tell me why you left back then."

Iolaus glanced over at Hercules, knowing that they had each been reliving the same memories as they walked. "Yes I did, Herc. Iphicles was there to see his family. He hadn't counted on getting me in the bargain."

"He was jealous of you, you know," Hercules said, looking sideways at his friend.

Surprised, Iolaus questioned, "Jealous? Of me? Why?"

"Because you and I were more like brothers than Iphicles and I," the demigod stated simply. "Family isn't about blood Iolaus. We've all realized it at some point or another."

Iolaus laughed, "Like when we fought Echidna the first time."

Hercules' laughter joined Iolaus', "Something like that, yeah. So you'll come?"

Nodding, Iolaus replied, "I'll give it a chance, but if he doesn't want me there, I'll leave."

Upon reaching the castle, they ran into Jason first. "About time you two got here," he said with a laugh. "Alcmene was about to send out a search party."

Hercules entered the throne room ahead of Iolaus, who stopped to speak with Jason. Iphicles, upon seeing his brother, smiled and reached out to shake his brother's hand. "Hercules, you've arrived. Wonderful!"

Entering the throne room, Iolaus regarded the monarch warily, having heard Iphicles greeting Hercules. Noticing Iolaus' approach, Iphicles clasped his hand in a warrior's handshake as well. "Iolaus, I was worried maybe you wouldn't come. Now," he said, glancing between Hercules, Iolaus and Jason, "seeing that the whole family is finally here, maybe we can get this naming ceremony on the road."