After Iolaus pushed open the door, he paused not wanting to continue. Regaining his resolve to do right by his friend, he was met by an older man. "Can I help you?"

The hunter shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "Uh, yeah." He had to work to pay attention to the man. "I'm here for Hercules."

Peluis' eyes widened, "You're Iolaus?" When he nodded, the healer continued. "Right this way, son. He's back here."

"I'm not your son," Iolaus snapped.

The healer looked at Iolaus with a practiced eye. Reading his grief, Peluis let the comment slide, "Of course." Leading Iolaus by the elbow, he guided him to a back room. "Right through there, Iolaus."

The next thing Iolaus knew, the healer had left him alone and he was standing still, facing a back room. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door and walked inside. He felt what little hope had remained in his heart evaporated when he saw the still form covered with a sheet. Two long strides later, he pulled the sheet off of his friend's face.

Dropping into a chair next to Hercules, Iolaus placed a hand on Hercules' arm. "What did you have to go and do this for, Herc?" the hunter asked, his usual humor failing him.

Removing his hand, Iolaus rubbed both of his hands over his tired face. "I should have been watching your back," he muttered to himself, opening his sad eyes to focus on Hercules. Soon, the hunter fell into an exhausted sleep next to his friend, his head resting on his arms next to Hercules' chest.

In his office, Hades risked a glance over at his nephew. Ever since he had helped negotiate with Demeter about Persephone, Hades had a soft spot for his nephew. Not even the fact that he was a favorite of Zeus' dimmed that fact. As a result of this favoritism, he had allowed Hercules to stay in his office to observe his friend. The devastated look in his eyes was not lost on the god of death.

Hercules stood motionless next to the small portal to the world above. Inside it was the image of his oldest friend speaking with King Thaneos. As the demigod watched, the king led Iolaus through the castle to the healer's room. When he was able to look closely at his friend's eyes, he was torn by the look of utter loss that was reflected there.

He listened with rapt attention as Iolaus spoke to the healer, wincing as he snapped at the man. He didn't breathe as Iolaus talked to his body. Each shuddered breath ripped at Hercules' heart for leaving him there alone.

"I should have been watching your back," his friend whispered.

Hercules felt something inside of him snap, and he whispered at the portal, "You were where you should have been, my irrepressible friend." He watched as Iolaus soon fell asleep, his fatigue showing even in sleep. "This isn't your fault," he added quietly.

Hades looked up from his paperwork to see Hercules still hanging onto every movement that shone through in the portal. Placing the papers down on his desk, Hades stood and walked over to stand beside Hercules. When he looked through the portal, he saw the mortal fast asleep next to what remained of the demigod.

"He'll be okay, Hercules," Hades offered.

Hercules turned his attention toward his uncle, not having noticed his walking across the room. "I don't doubt Iolaus' abilities, no matter how much others might. Nevertheless, that's not what concerns me. How much loss can one man take?"

Hades shrugged, "It's a part of mortal life. They move on."

"You really don't get it do you?" Hercules asked, glaring at his uncle. "I know what losing him did to me, but I was able to get him back." Hercules paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "And I know how badly losing my mother hurt. Iolaus has lost both at once, Hades. What can't you understand about that?"

"Loss is something I've not experienced, true," the god conceded.

Hercules turned his gaze back to the sleeping form of his friend. "What about when you lost Persephone?"

"I think I understand what you're trying to tell me, Hercules. Still, there is nothing I can do about this."

The demigod sighed. "That doesn't mean I have to like it."

Hades placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Hercules." Looking at Hades, Hercules was surprised to see genuine emotion flare in the dark depths of his eyes.

Nodding, Hercules turned his gaze back to Iolaus. "It's still not fair, Hades. I should be there for him, like he was there for me when Mother died. No one should face that alone."

"Would he really accept your help? He's a proud mortal. Besides, he's not alone, Hercules."

The demigod let out a long breath, "I would at least be there, even if he wouldn't let me help. And what if he doesn't remember that he's not alone? What then?"

Deciding to change the conversation, Hades remarked, "Now, nephew, it is time for you to go onto the Elysian Fields. Your family awaits."

"My family is back there," Hercules protested, tilting his head toward the portal.

Ushering Hercules from the room, Hades said, "No. Your wife, your children, even your mother awaits you in the Elysian Fields. Enjoy this time with them."

"But Iolaus . . ."

Hades nodded, "Will always be there. I'm not heartless, Hercules," Hades admonished. "I'll grant you a special privilege. Whenever you feel like you need to, you can come here and use this portal to check on your friend." Reading the hesitant look on Hercules' features, he pressed, "Deal?"

Glancing at the portal, and his last link to Iolaus, Hercules nodded. "Deal."

"Good. Now off with you."

The next thing Hercules knew, he was standing at the entrance to the Elysian Fields. Closing his eyes, he walked through the doorway. When he opened his eyes again, he was standing in a lush paradise. A few moments searching revealed to him a house not unlike the one he had shared with Deianeira and their children.

The thought had just had time to form when a little girl with blond curls ran out of the house and into his arms.

"Daddy!" she cried happily, "You're home!"

The demigod couldn't help the smile that filled his face. "Yeah, baby. Daddy's home." Still carrying Ilea, he walked into the modest house. "Deianeira?"

"Hercules?" the familiar voice of his wife called out from the kitchen. "Hercules!" she exclaimed when she saw him standing there. Running up to him, she paused before giving him a hug, "Does this mean . . ."

He nodded, "This time it's for good apparently."

She saw the sad look in his eyes, and spoke to Ilea, "Why don't you go find your brothers, honey." After the little girl had ran outside, Deianeira looked more closely at Hercules. "What is it? What's wrong?"

Hercules sighed, "It's Iolaus."

Deianeira nodded, understanding. "You miss him, don't you?"

"It's not just that," he sighed. Deianeira looked up into his eyes, confused. Knowing she was waiting for him to continue when he was ready, he pressed on. "His mother died just before I did," he stated simply. After Deianeira's sharp intake of breath, he added, "We even rode across the Styx together."

"Hercules . . ."

"He's alone," Hercules whispered as Deianeira pulled him into a warm embrace. When he pulled out of the hug, he smiled softly. "Thank you."

Deianeira smiled warmly, "Your mother lives nearby, you know."

"Really?" Hercules asked, his eyes brightening. "Maybe I should introduce her to Erythia."

"Who?" Deianeira asked.

Hercules smiled sadly. "She's Iolaus' mother."

"That's a wonderful idea, Hercules," she smiled.

Taking his hand, Deianeira led Hercules out of the house. They first found the children, and after an emotional reunion between Hercules and his kids, the five of them began to walk to Alcmene's house. On the way, they encountered Erythia and she joined them in their walk. From a distance Hercules was able to see his mother tending to some flowers and smiled as he remembered her doing that so often in life.

Alcmene looked up, and stopped what she was doing when she saw Hercules. A smile lit her face, but it faded when she realized what his being there meant. "Hercules?" she asked when the couple walked near.

The demigod nodded, and embraced his mother warmly. "Hello, Mother."

"Did Hades allow you to come and visit?" Alcmene asked, searching her son's gaze. When Hercules shook his head, she continued. "I thought as much." Giving her son another hug, Alcmene's smile brightened. "I am so happy to see you! But I was hoping it wouldn't be for sometime yet."

Hercules smiled at his mother, "I'm happy to see you, as well, Mother. Still tending a garden, I see."

"Always, Hercules. You should know that by now." The humor fled from her voice as she asked softly, "Tell me, Hercules, how is Jason?"

"He's well as could be expected," Hercules replied honestly. "He spends much time helping Iphicles at the castle."

Alcmene smiled softly, "I had hoped he might." After a moment she looked around, but when she didn't see the object of her search, she scrutinized Hercules' gaze. "What about Iolaus?"

Deianeira gave his hand a squeeze, and the demigod licked his lips before replying. "He's still alive." He paused, adding, "In fact, there's someone I want you to meet." Stepping to the side, he motioned for Erythia to step forward. "Erythia, this is my mother. Mother, this is Erythia," with a glance at his mother, he finished, saying "Iolaus' mother."

"Alcmene, it's been a long time," Erythia said with a faint smile. Hercules hid his surprise at Iolaus' mother knowing his already. As best he could remember, the two women had never met; although it did make some sense.

Alcmene nodded, "It certainly has, Erythia. How have you been?"

"Better since Iolaus and I patched things up," she said, her eyes misty.

Hercules' mother pulled Erythia into an embrace. "I'm very happy to hear that." Pulling back, Alcmene added, "I know you two had your share of problems."

Erythia sniffed, "Yes, we did. Luckily we had our chance to make things right before it was too late." Alcmene placed a comforting hand on her arm when she added, "I must admit, I was upset when I arrived here to find Hercules here as well."

Alcmene's gaze turned back to her son. "Do you mean . . ."

The demigod lowered his gaze, but looked back up to meet his mother's gaze. "He lost us both within days," he whispered barely loud enough to hear.

"Poor Iolaus," Alcmene mumbled.

Deianeira smiled sadly at her husband. "Iolaus is strong, Hercules."

The demigod nodded, "I know. I don't doubt that he can handle himself. It's just . . ."

"What if he feels like he has nothing left to lose?" Alcmene finished.

"Yeah," Hercules breathed. "Something like that."

The day passed slowly in Garecia, and eventually Iolaus emerged from the room which held the body of his best friend. The hunter had thought he had shed the only tears he possessed when he had lost his mother, but losing his oldest friend had proven him wrong. Those emotions, however, were not something he was ready to put on display for the court of Garecia.

A stoic look on his face, and a carefully empty look in his eyes, Iolaus walked from the infirmary to the king's waiting room. Within moments, the hunter was escorted from the waiting room to the king's private business chambers.

"Iolaus," Thaneos acknowledged, standing. "Please have a seat."

Iolaus nodded, absent-mindedly. Sitting rigidly in a plush chair, he looked at the king. "Thank you for seeing to Hercules until I arrived, King Thaneos."

The king's soft eyes focused on the grief-stricken man before him. "It is I who should be thanking you, Iolaus. If it weren't for your friend, who knows what might have come of our peace treaty. As it is, we've had no more trouble since he came."

The hunter listened silently as the older man praised his friend. When he was finished, Iolaus asked, "I'd like to take him back to Corinth, if you don't mind."

"Of course," the king agreed. "I sent word to the palace there about what happened, King Iphicles should have dispatched a runner by now. The representative from Corinth should be here early tomorrow." When Iolaus remained silent, the king offered, "Until you leave, I want to extend to you our greatest courtesy. Your loss will long be remembered here in Garecia as well as Xinera."

"That's not . . ."

Iolaus' protest was stopped when Thaneos raised a hand. "Yes it is, my friend. Now, please, this way." The king gestured to a hallway to his left. "I've had a room readied for you, not far from the healer's room." Looking closely at the weary hunter, he added, "You look like you could use the sleep."

"Thank you, your highness," Iolaus said in automatic response. Standing, he followed King Thaneos through the doorway until they reached the bed chamber.

"If you need anything . . ." the king left his offer open-ended. With a nod to Iolaus, the king took his leave back in the direction from which he had come.

Sighing, Iolaus walked into the warm room and pushed the door closed behind him. Not even sparing the effort to pull his vest off, Iolaus collapsed onto the bed and was soon fast asleep.

For a moment, Jason stood next to the sleeping form of his friend. He hated to wake him, but knew they must soon begin their journey back to Corinth. It had not been long since he had last spoken with the hunter at his mother's funeral. The former king was at a loss as to how to console the younger man.

Reaching out a hand, Jason gently shook Iolaus' shoulder. "Herc?" the blond asked, his eyes half-closed with sleep.

A frown creased Jason's handsome looks as he replied, "I'm afraid not, Iolaus. It's Jason."

Jason jumped slightly as Iolaus suddenly sat straight up in the bed. "Jason?" He looked around the unfamiliar room and days worth of memories came rushing back. "I had hoped it was all a dream," he finally said.

"I came as soon as we heard," Jason said, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

Iolaus looked over at his old friend. "You're the messenger Iphicles sent?"

Jason nodded, "When I heard what had happened I couldn't imagine anyone else being the one to come. I thought you might need someone to talk to . . ."

His offered comfort was shrugged off as Iolaus jumped out of the bed and straightened his vest. "Thanks anyway, Jase. I just want to get home."

The former king could only stare at his friend as he hurried out of the room toward the king's chambers. "Iolaus. Wait up," Jason called after the retreating figure. If Iolaus heard he gave no sign, and Jason hurried to catch up to him. "Iolaus . . ." Jason tried again as they walked to speak with the king.

"Not right now, Jason," Iolaus said, wincing at the bitterness in his voice. "Later, okay?" he asked, hoping Jason would understand.

"Later. Right," Jason commented dryly. He knew that Iolaus was living on adrenaline, doing his best not to feel. Jason couldn't help but worry what would happen when the hunter finally did start to feel again.

By the time they reached the king, Thaneos had already arranged for a cart and a handful of men to escort the demigod and his friends back to Corinth. The sun was only one width into the sky when the solemn group set out from Garecia.

Iolaus chose to walk alongside the carriage, his eyes ever on the alert for trouble. Jason, however, took it upon himself to keep a close eye on the hunter. The older man's concern didn't abate as the day wore on. In fact, he decided to speak with Iolaus when they made camp for the night.

As they walked, Iolaus did his best not to look over at the wagon. Every time the hunter's gaze landed on the wagon, his mind flashed back to the moment he walked into the healer's room and first saw Hercules' body. Squinting against the sun, Iolaus recognized that they would soon be forced to stop for the day.

Dusk was fading from the sky when the men finished building a fire and settling down for the night. One of the escorts provided by King Thaneos went into the woods in search of a couple of rabbits to eat with the bread and cheese they carried with them.

Jason noted that Iolaus stayed on the fringes of the group, never engaging in conversation with any of them. When the former king approached his friend, Iolaus attempted to avoid speaking with him. Seeing Jason's approach, Iolaus ducked behind one of the soldiers and disappeared into the woods.

Sighing, Jason began to track his friend through the underbrush. "Iolaus?" he called out, not wanting to alarm him. "Iolaus?" Walking around a large tree, he found the hunter sitting in a small clearing.

"I'm right here," Iolaus called out tiredly.

Jason walked over to sit next to his friend. "Why did you run off, Iolaus?" he asked quietly.

Iolaus shook his head, "I just want to be alone."

"You don't have to be alone, you know." Jason's dark eyes looked with concern at his lost friend.

The hunter nodded, "Yeah, well. I feel like I am." He paused, then adding under his breath, "And it's all my fault." He saw the shock that registered on Jason's face as his mouth dropped open. "Please, Jase? Just give me a little time?"

"You need to talk, Iolaus."

Pulling his knees up to his chest, he dropped his forehead to rest on his raised knees. "Someday, maybe I will." Raising his head, he forced a small smile for Jason. "Go back to camp, Jason."

"What about you?" Jason asked.

Iolaus sighed, "I'll be here. I'll see you in the morning."

Standing, Jason nodded. "Okay, if you're sure." He turned, but added over his shoulder, "But I'll check on you in the morning."

Iolaus waited until Jason walked away before again resting his head on his knees. "Ah, Herc. Why'd you have to die?"

In Hades' office, Hercules paced relentlessly in front of a portal. The window to the world above revealed to him his friend's dispirited question. He had ventured from the Elysian Fields to check in on Iolaus as his uncle had offered.

The anguish that radiated from his friend tore at the demigod's heart. He couldn't help but feel responsible for causing Iolaus' pain. Hercules wanted to be able to lessen Iolaus' pain, but knew there was no way he could reach him. Unless he gave his uncle one last try.

"Hades!" Hercules' voice echoed through the caverns.

A few moments' later Hades walked into his office. "You bellowed, nephew?" he asked, not looking up from his paperwork.

"I need to see Iolaus," Hercules stated simply.

Hades looked up from his papers, "And you can." He motioned toward the portal. "He's right there."

Hercules sighed, aggravated at Hades being so obtuse. "You know what I mean."

"I can't figure out why your paperwork isn't here yet," Hades muttered under his breath, flipping through a stack of papers. To Hercules he said, "I've done all I can. More than I usually would, and you know it."

The demigod clenched his hands into fists. "I know, I guess. It's just . . . I hate seeing him like this. I feel like it's my fault."

"Hercules," the god of death said, standing and walking around to face him, "you're my favorite nephew, even if you are Zeus' kid. You helped me and Persephone out when Demeter flipped out."

"So help me now," Hercules asked.

Hades shook his head. "There are no loop holes this time. I'm sorry."

Just as he had promised, Jason sought out Iolaus at daybreak. He found the hunter sprawled on the ground, looking very much as if he had just spent a restless night. Jason's quiet step rustled through the grass and Iolaus was awake in an instant.

On the alert, Iolaus hopped into a crouch, sword in hand. Seeing Jason, he let go a shaky sigh of pent up adrenaline and sheathed his sword. "You shouldn't sneak up on someone like that, Jason."

"Who was sneaking?" the former king asked, a hint of humor in his voice. That was the longest sentence he had heard his friend speak since finding him in Garecia. "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Nodding, Iolaus replied, "I'm fine. Why? What have you heard?" A familiar spark fired in Iolaus' eyes, but disappeared as soon as it came, leaving Jason to wonder if he had simply imagined it.

Jason found himself torn between forcing Iolaus to talk to him, and giving him the space for which he kept asking. Deciding on the former, he pressed, "Why won't you talk to me, Iolaus? I want to be here for you. He was my friend, too."

Iolaus' eyes shot up, "I'm sorry, Jason. I didn't think about that."

The former king shook his head, "It's not your fault, my friend. None of it is." Jason could see the indecision in the hunter's eyes. "Hercules didn't die because of you."

"What if he did?" Iolaus asked stubbornly, his eyes burning. Shock was etched on Jason's face as Iolaus added, "He died because I wasn't there to watch his back."

"You don't know that, Iolaus," Jason attempted to reason with the pacing warrior.

Just before leaving the clearing, Iolaus looked at Jason. Iolaus' heart shone in his eyes as he said, "Maybe that's just it, Jason. I'll never know."

The rest of the journey to Corinth passed in relative silence. Iolaus continued to walk alongside the cart carrying his friend. Jason rode on the front of the cart, his gaze rarely leaving his subdued comrade.

Iphicles was waiting for the men when they arrived at the castle in Corinth. Rushing outside, he reached Iolaus as quickly as he could. "Welcome to Corinth, Iolaus." Turning his gaze, with a tilt of his head he added, "Jason." Motioning toward the box that held his brother, Iphicles ordered for several of his men to carry the precious package inside.

"I'd like to go with them," Iolaus said with a nod to Iphicles, and left to follow the procession inside the palace.

Iphicles watched in silence as Iolaus disappeared through the large entryway. When he was out of sight, he turned to Jason. "How long has he been like this?"

Jason sighed, jumping down off of the wagon. "He's hardly spoken since I found him in Garecia. He feels like it's his fault Hercules is dead."

"But he wasn't there when it happened," Iphicles said.

Jason nodded. "And that's why he feels to blame."

That afternoon Iolaus wandered the halls of the castle endlessly. Even still, he found himself in the chamber where Hercules' lay in state several times. Each time he saw his friend, he couldn't escape the overwhelming sadness that surged in his heart. The hunter knew that Jason was concerned, but that seemed very far away.

Iolaus was walking alongside a creek he and Hercules had often fished at when a man rushed up to him.

"You know Hercules, don't you?" he asked when he saw Iolaus.

The hunter raised his gaze to look at the man that had interrupted his thoughts. "Yeah, I did. Why?"

The nervous man swallowed audibly. "My village, Ionia, needs his help. Slavers keep attacking and stealing us away at night."

"I'm sorry," Iolaus shook his head. "Hercules can't help you anymore." Seeing the distraught look on the visitor's face, Iolaus quickly made up his mind. "But I'll help you."

The man nodded eagerly. "Thank you . . ."

"Iolaus," he offered.

"Iolaus," man finished. "My village will be forever in your debt."

Iolaus raised a hand and sighed. "Don't thank me yet. We still have to take care of the problem."

During the journey to Ionia, Iolaus had much time to think. His guide only spoke when Iolaus asked questions, and the normally boisterous hunter remained uncharacteristically quiet. Although his body and mind were traveling down a path to yet more dangers unknown, Iolaus knew that he had left his heart back in Corinth.

He had hoped that by accepting the challenge provided to him, and going in his friends place, it would distract him from the emptiness. Possibly he might avenge Hercules' unnecessary death, as well as continuing the work they had dedicated their lives to.

Iolaus had no doubt he could handle a bunch of slavers, but he found himself doubting that it would ever again be the same.

As it turned out, the band of slavers were actually only three brothers. They had been taking advantage of the cover of darkness and the fears of the villagers to seem like a greater threat. Iolaus had only been in Ionia for several hours when he successfully tracked the men to their shabby camp.

Before the men had known what hit them Iolaus clubbed one of them over the head with a large branch. This action alerted the fellow slavers who turned to face Iolaus.

"Now, shorty. What did ya hav' to go an do that for?" the larger of the remaining men asked as he advanced on the hunter.

Iolaus laughed emptily, "What can I say? His face was a crime against society." Rushing the man, Iolaus charged at him with his sword ready. Several strikes later he grinned as the man dropped to the ground unconscious after Iolaus connected with the hilt of his sword to the slaver's head.

Adrenaline buzzing, Iolaus turned in a semicircle, searching for the smallest of the men. He traced him to where they had tied their few captures from the evening before. Iolaus stilled when the man held a frightened woman up with a blade to her throat. "Not any farther." Iolaus had to hide his reaction as the woman cried out when the knife cut into her skin.

Feigning indifference, Iolaus shrugged. "Can't fight like a real man?" he taunted, forcing a dead edge to his voice. "Have to hide behind a little girl?"

His captive saw the slaver's attention waver and took the opportunity to stomp down on his foot while biting his hand. It was when the inept slaver jumped back that Iolaus seized the chance to deal with the remaining thug.

In the moments after the fight was over, Iolaus freed the captured villagers and used the ropes to secure the foiled slavers. It was just after midday when the hunter led the slavers and recently freed captives back to the village.

Iolaus turned the men over to the magistrate, and smiled sadly at the homecomings of those he had rescued. He had enjoyed the rush that helping them had given him, but even in the midst of the fight he knew something was missing. He and Hercules had sworn when they were young to go out back to back heros. It was a chance they had been denied.

With one last glance at the celebrating families, Iolaus quickly blended into the mass of people and slipped into the forest unnoticed. He had avoided his responsibility in Corinth long enough, and it was time he got back.

The scene of Iolaus' retreating back filled the small portal, and Hercules smiled. He was relieved to see his friend moving on. The demigod knew that Iolaus would have to return to helping people. The hunter's heart knew nothing else.

The window slowly faded and Hercules turned back to see his uncle sitting at his desk. "See," the god said, "I told you Shorty would be fine."

"I never doubted he would be fine," Hercules objected. "And don't call him shorty," he added sternly.

Hades laughed. "Either way, you should be happy now. Your friend is fine. Now why don't you go see your family." Hades stood and walked around the desk. "You know, that lovely lady and three children that are waiting for you back in the Elysian Fields?"

"I'm going," Hercules said in mock defeat, "but I'll be back."

"Oh, I have no doubt," Hades sighed, watching as Hercules left the office.

As Iolaus walked he could feel the sun against his back, and hear the songs of the birds in the trees. But he couldn't see anything beautiful in the lush, growing greenery. The last time he could remember feeling quite so removed was when he had lost Anya and their baby. He was startled when he heard someone call out his name.

"Iolaus!" came a happy cry, and he turned to see a fair young woman running toward him.

A half smile broke on Iolaus face when he replied, "Persephone. What are you doing here?"

Persephone smiled warmly, "I like to come here a lot when I visit Mother. It's so beautiful here in the spring." When Iolaus failed to comment, she asked, "What's wrong, Iolaus?"

"Why would something be wrong?" The hunter genuinely liked Hades' bride, but he wasn't sure he wanted to talk about it. Iolaus had hardly spoken to anyone at all since his mother's death, and he wasn't convinced that if he opened himself up to the pain completely whether he would ever be able to stop it.

Persephone looked closely at Iolaus, she knew something was deeply troubling him. "Why don't you come over here? We can talk," she offered.

"I need to get back to Corinth," he started, but stopped when he saw the determined look on the young woman's face. "Okay, but just for a few minutes."

Persephone lead Iolaus to a hidden meadow, she sat down on a stone bench. As Iolaus stood motionless, she asked, "I know something is troubling you. You practically scream that you need to talk to someone."

Iolaus looked down at Persephone and sighed, running a hand through his hair. He said, "It's a long story."

"I've got time," Persephone smiled.

Pacing, Iolaus began to speak. "Herc and I were going to help out in Garecia when a messenger stopped us. My mother was dying. I managed to make it home in time, but she died anyway."

"I'm so sorry, Iolaus," Persephone said softly. The young woman had been touched by the rare vulnerability in his voice.

Iolaus nodded his head, and looked down at Persephone. "Thanks."

She reached out a hand, motioning for him to sit next to her. "So that's why you're so upset."

"That's not all," Iolaus whispered, blinking rapidly. "Herc . . . Herc's dead."

Persephone's mouth dropped open. She couldn't believe she hadn't heard, no matter how isolated she was from the rest of the Olympian's when she visited her mother. "Oh, Iolaus. I'm . . ."

Iolaus raised a hand. "Don't say you're sorry." He looked closely at Persephone. "It's not your fault that he's dead," his voice cracked on the last word.

"It's not yours either," she said, placing a hand on his.

The hunter nodded, "That's what everyone keeps saying. But," he said, taking a deep breath, "it's not the same anymore either way." Iolaus stood up, and began pacing again. "The hero gig is still the only thing for me. I know that . . ."

Persephone smiled. "It's something you're very good at, and you know it." She paused, reading the look in Iolaus' watery blue eyes. "It's not wrong to miss your fighting partner. Your best friend."

Iolaus blinked again, forcing the unshed tears from his eyes. "Part of me knows that. The rest just wants to hide from it."

"You're strong. You've never hidden from anything," she said convincingly.

Sniffing, Iolaus said, "Thanks for listening, Persephone. But I really should go."

She nodded, standing. Reaching over she gave Iolaus a warm hug. "Be well, Iolaus."

With a quick nod, Iolaus walked back to the main path that would take him to Corinth.

When Iolaus was out of sight, Persephone called out, "Aphrodite!" just low enough that Iolaus would not hear.

A shimmer of pink fell from the sky and the scantily-clad goddess of love materialized. "You called auntie?"

Persephone overlooked 'Dite's reference to Hades, and concentrated on why she had called her. "We need to talk, Aphrodite."

"It's about Herc, ain't it?"

Demeter's daughter blinked her eyes slowly. "You know?"

Aphrodite nodded, "Yeah, it's all over Olympus. Ares really did it this time. Daddy's livid!"

"What did Ares do?" Both women could hear the 'this time' hanging on the end of Persephone's question.

"There's the prob, sister. No one's really sure what happened, and Hades hasn't said a word about it either. Not to mention poor Curly is beating himself up something fierce," 'Dite said, sitting down on the bench.

"Tell me about it. I hate seeing him like that. But, you mean Hades might overrule it?" Persephone asked, her eyes widening.

Aphrodite shrugged. "It looks like Ares might have caused Herc to buy it."

"That's great!" Persephone laughed.

"Not so fast, Persey," Aphrodite interrupted. "Like I said, Hades has to cast his vote, and ole Gloom and Doom is staying mum on the issue."

Persephone's eyes stayed bright. "Then we have to go there and talk to him."

"What about mommy dearest?" Aphrodite asked, rolling her eyes.

Persephone replied determinedly, "Leave her to me."