Brothers Unaware

This is my answer to the March 2002 challenge: write a YH story in which Hercules has to deal with being in Iolaus' shadow for a change. How will Hercules react to Iolaus getting all the glory and credit?

I intend no copyright infringement by borrowing characters owned by Universal Studios and RenPics. As always, feedback is always appreciated.

PROLOGUE

“I still can’t believe it,” Hercules murmured, giving a little shake of the head before raising his glass to his lips for a sip of wine.

“We heard you the first hundred times you said that,” Iolaus told him dryly.

“Well, can you blame me?” the demigod asked. “I mean, this morning, everything was normal. And now, Mother and Jason are MARRIED. And, Corinth has a new king.”

“Don’t forget the defeat of Hera’s goons,” the hunter reminded him.

“And the demise of one large, disgusting sea monster,” Jason added. “All in all, not bad for a day’s work.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Iolaus sang out. In the midst of the revelry of the wedding reception, the seven that were gathered together all lifted their glasses in a toast to the happy couple and to the new king.

“This has all happened so fast,” Iphicles said slowly. “I don’t think its even sunk in yet that I am now the king of Corinth. That’s going to take a little getting used to.”

“You have Hercules to thank for that,” Salmoneus pointed out, slapping his big friend on the back. “If he hadn’t turned the position down, we’d all be bowing to him. Really, Hercules, what were you thinking?”

“I was thinking that the royal life was not for me,” the demigod announced firmly. “And I was thinking that Corinth deserved someone who could rule her with a passion that I never could. And now, I’m thinking that Jason couldn’t have chosen a better successor.”

“Iphicles was a great choice,” Iolaus agreed. “But personally, I’m a little hurt that I wasn’t asked. After all, I have prior king experience. Just ask Attica how well I ruled.”

The hunter had been teasing, but the new king turned to him with a somber, serious expression.

“Jason probably figured it wasn’t worth his time to ask you,” Iphicles murmured, a slight chill to his voice. “We all know you’re permanently stuck to Hercules’ side.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” the demigod asked his brother, picking up the derogatory note in his tone.

“Nothing,” the new king grumbled. “It’s just for someone who hates leeches, Iolaus sure has devoted his life to hanging off of you.”

“Now, look, Iphicles...”

“Herc, don’t.” Iolaus put a restraining hand on his friend’s bicep.

“What?” The demigod turned to his partner, a flash of anger visible in his eyes. “You’re going to let him talk to you like that?”

“It’s all right,” the hunter assured him. “Please, don’t start anything. Not here, not tonight.”

Hercules looked in puzzlement at his friend for a moment. Iolaus was a very proud man, often to a fault, and he never tolerated any belittlement. The demigod couldn’t believe he was willing to just shrug off such an insult, excuse himself, and walk away. Hercules turned an equally puzzled look onto his brother, who immediately took up the defensive.

“That’s right, Hercules, take his side. You always do. Any side but mine.”

“I always take the side of the one that’s not acting like a jerk,” the demigod retorted.

“Isn’t that the way it always is? I’m the jerk, and you’re the perfect son of Zeus.”

“Iphicles, what has gotten into you?” Rena demanded.

The king looked at his lovely wife and was instantly shamed.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “I am a jerk. Excuse me.”

“I think the wine has been flowing a little too freely tonight,” the new queen said softly, before following after her husband.

Tension was heavy in the air where a celebration had been only moments before. Salmoneus looked distinctly uncomfortable, Jason appeared thoughtful, and Alcmene was almost in tears. Hercules went to his mother and kissed her on the cheek.

“I’m not going to let those two ruin your wedding day,” he told her fondly. “I’m going to go find Iolaus and bring him back here, and he and Iphicles are going to make peace with whatever this animosity is between them, and they are both going to apologize to you.”

“Hercules, wait a minute,” Jason called out as the demigod turned to go. “Before you do that, you and I need to have a talk. There’s something you should know.”

“That’s it, Mr. Bunny,” Iolaus whispered under his breath. “Just come a little bit closer.” He watched in anticipation as the unsuspecting rabbit moved closer to his snare. Just one more hop, and he’d have his dinner, which would be a welcome change after three solid days of eating fish. The rabbit delicately nibbled at a blade of grass, then suddenly lifted it’s head, wiggling it’s pink nose as its ears twitched nervously. With a flash of its cottony tail, the animal turned quickly and bounded across the clearing out of sight.

The blond cadet sighed in frustration, but he had spent half his life in the woods and well knew a danger signal when he saw it. Taking a cue from the wary rabbit, he pulled a knife from his belt, holding it loosely in his hand as his blue eyes scanned the forest around him. He didn’t see anything suspicious at first, but moments later he heard a frantic cry for help. Iolaus was instantly running in the direction of the shouting, completely forgetting his lessons of how one should always approach an unknown situation with caution. Had he remembered, he might not have come flying out of the bushes directly at the largest bear he’d ever seen in his life.

Fortunately, the animals was preoccupied with a victim he had pinned up against a tree. The bear roared in anger, saliva dripping from it’s massive jaws. Iolaus stared at the huge, muscular creature. Heavy paws that could crush a man’s spine with one swipe. Sharp claws that could shred a man to bits. Gleaming white teeth that could rip a man apart. All belonging to an animal that would tower over him if standing on its back legs. An animal that vastly outweighed him. A shiver of fear ran through Iolaus. But as soon as it had come, the fear was gone.

The cadet gripped his knife tightly, his muscles tensed as he prepared to spring. His mind cleared of all thoughts, and instinct took over. Iolaus knew about animals, he knew about hunting, and he knew what he had to do. Taking a deep breath, he launched at the bear with a loud yell.

“Iolaus?”

“Are you all right, Iphicles?”

The young man looked in amazement from the cadet kneeling in front of him to the still form of the bear lying a few feet away. When the animal had attacked him, he was sure that he was as good as dead. Out of nowhere, Iolaus had come charging in, but Iphicles had just figured he’d have company on the boat ride to Hades. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes....

“Iphicles?”

Concerned blue eyes interrupted his astounded gazing at the dead animal. He looked back at Iolaus and opened his mouth, but no words came out.

“Greece to Iphicles,” the cadet joked weakly, waving a hand in front of the other boy’s face. “Are you in there?” He was getting worried that the ordeal had sent him into shock.

“Where did you come from?” Iphicles demanded, finally finding his voice.

“From over by the stream,” Iolaus grinned, hopping up and extending a hand to help Iphicles. “Come on. I’ve got some supplies over there, and we can take care of that arm.”

Iphicles glanced down at the bleeding gashes on his right bicep, souvenirs of the bear’s claws. Reaching out, he took Iolaus’ hand and pulled himself up.

“It’s been a long time,” Iolaus said quietly as they made their way through the woods.

“It has,” Iphicles agreed a bit regretfully. “What are you doing out here?”

“I could ask you the same question,” the cadet stated as they reached their destination.

“I asked you first.”

“Would you believe I’m camping?” Iolaus questioned wryly, waving at all the evidence around them that supported that statement.

“I can see that,” Iphicles told him. “I mean, why are you out here? Hercules said that you had gone home for your Academy break.”

“Hercules is under the misconception that everybody’s home life is as idyllic as his own,” the cadet muttered, digging through his satchel for a roll of bandages. “He always tries to guilt me into going home, telling me how much I’m hurting my mother by staying away. So, he finally talked me into visiting during this break. I’d made up my mind to do it, but when I got there, my father’s horse was tethered outside of the house. I figured it would be best for everyone if I just turned right around and went back the way I came. So, here I am.”

Iphicles looked sympathetically at his companion. Iolaus had tried to assume a casual, indifferent attitude, but the look in his eyes gave him away. Iphicles remembered a time when they had been little, when his mother had pulled him aside for a confidential chat. She had told him that they must always welcome Iolaus into their home, and that he should never feel jealous over the affection or treats that she lavished on him, for his father was not very nice to him and he did not come from a loving home. While he hadn’t fully understood, Iphicles had been old enough to realize the gist of what his mother was saying to him. Unlike his little brother, who apparently still walked around with his head in the clouds, believing in the inherent goodness of all men and that all problems could be magically solved by talking.

“Well, I guess its lucky for me that you were here,” Iphicles said softly. “Thank the fates, otherwise I’d be bear food right about now.”

“So,” Iolaus interjected quickly. “What about you? What are you doing out here?”

“The fighting got a little out of hand,” Iphicles confessed with a slight grin. “Mother sent Hercules and I to our separate corners to cool down. I decided to take a little walk, and that’s when I ran into our friend, Mr. Teeth and Claws.”

“Sorry you had to meet him up close and personal,” the cadet murmured, cleaning the wounds on Iphicles’ arm as gently as he could. “These aren’t too bad, but I think you’re going to need a few stitches. And Alcmene is a much better sewer than I am. I’ll just bandage this up to stop the bleeding until you can get home.”

“Why don’t you come with me?”

“Nah,” Iolaus declined, winding a bandage around the injury. “I’m enjoying myself out here.”

“Oh, come on,” Iphicles cajoled. “You know that Mother will have my head when she finds out that I left you here. And you can’t possibly tell me you’re willing to pass on her cooking in favor of this?”

“Well....” the cadet hesitated, weakening.

“Please, Iolaus. I want you to come back with me. You can help keep the peace between Hercules and I so that we don’t drive poor Mother crazy.”

“All right,” Iolaus agreed finally. “Just give me a minute to pack up my stuff.” The blond quickly began to dismantle his campsite, hoping he was doing the right thing. He had purposefully not gone to Alcmene’s when he discovered his father at home, because he knew Iphicles was visiting and he didn’t want to intrude on the family. But the invitation seemed genuine, and his stomach was growling at the thought of Alcmene’s culinary talents. Deciding that it would be rude not to drop in and say hello, Iolaus resolved to go, but vowed to leave if it seemed like he was putting anybody out.

His fears of being in the way were completely unfounded. Alcmene fussed over him and praised him over and over again for his bravery and skill once Iphicles related the story of how he had killed the bear. Hercules couldn’t seem to believe it and had to hear the tale again. He made a mental note to himself, that no matter how much his friend goofed off in the future or how uninterested he seemed in learning his lessons, he would never underestimate Iolaus’ talents ever again. For it had taken great skill, not to mention courage, to do what he had done. A fact that did not go unnoticed by the rest of Thebes.

A few hunters from the village had been tracking the bear, which had been decimating their livestock. They almost didn’t believe the story, that a boy could have single-handedly killed such a fearsome animal with a simple knife. But Iphicles swore it was true, and the men eventually believed, bringing the bear skin to Iolaus with the thanks and admiration of the entire town.

“Here.” One of the older men in the village pressed one of the sharp bear claws into the cadet’s palm. “Keep this with you as a reminder.”

“A reminder of what?” Iolaus asked him.

“A reminder to believe in yourself.” The old man smiled benignly at the boy. He was well aware of Iolaus’ past troubles, along with his current efforts to straighten himself out. There was something about the young cadet that the old hunter had always liked. He had a spark to him that just could not be extinguished, no matter how much hardship the fates handed him. “What you did took courage, and compassion, and skill. Keep reminding yourself of that when other people try to tell you otherwise. If you could do this, Iolaus, than you can do anything.”

The blond cadet squirmed somewhat uncomfortably as he was thrust into the limelight. As the majority of the attention that he had ever received in his young life had been negative, he wasn’t exactly sure how to deal with so much positive feedback. But whenever he faltered, all he had to do was to look to Alcmene. The gentle smile of pride that she gave him warmed his heart. Alcmene had always stood by him, defending him when the entire town had written him off as a no-good thief. She had believed in him, and being able to prove her right filled Iolaus with joy.

But Thebes was no longer scorning him as a worthless street urchin, as he had been labeled, he thought permanently. Seemingly overnight, all of the villagers had forgotten his troubled past, and he had become a hero to the town. Everywhere he went, he was inundated with people praising him and thanking him for ridding the village of the beast. It seemed that in a few days, the entire population of Thebes had made a special point to individually honor him. All but one. The most important one.

“Hey,” Hercules called out, climbing the hill near his home which overlooked the fertile valley below. Iphicles followed close behind. “We’ve been looking for you.”

“Sorry,” Iolaus answered, gazing pensively out over the landscape before him. “I just wanted a little time to myself.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet. You’ve been Mr. Popularity these days.” The demigod was joking, but he quickly frowned as his brother nudged him sharply.

“Mother wants us to go to the marketplace and pick up some things for her,” Iphicles announced. “She gave us a few extra dinars to stop by the pastry stand. You want to come with us?”

“No thanks,” the blond said listlessly. “I’m not really in the mood. You guys go ahead.”

“What’s the matter with you?” Hercules demanded with a trace of annoyance. “You’ve been moping around for two days now. Not getting enough attention anymore? Are you mad because they didn’t throw a festival in your honor?”

“Hercules, just shut up before you make a complete ass of yourself!”

The demigod turned to face his brother’s angry glare.

“What’s your problem?”

“If you don’t know the answer to that, then you’re stupid on top of being an ass!” Iphicles folded his arms over his chest as he admonished his little brother. “You are so damned conceited, Hercules. You think you are the all powerful son of Zeus, and you think everyone else is beneath you. Then Iolaus does something to show you up, you can’t handle it and start acting like a jealous child.”

“Look who’s talking,” the demigod snorted. “You’ve been jealous your entire life, Iphicles. And for your information, I don’t think other people are beneath me!”

“Sure you do. You were planning on killing this bear yourself, weren’t you? Thinking that it was something that only the son of a god could do. Then Iolaus comes along and kills it with no problem. The guy that you always considered to be good for a laugh, but not really up to par at anything else. Admit it, you never even dreamed that he was capable of something like this.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” Hercules shouted, going red in the face. “And you have some nerve, Iphicles. We don’t even see you for two years, and then you show up and try to lecture me, thinking that you know how I feel and what I think? You don’t know anything about me, and you don’t know anything about Iolaus, either!”

Iolaus quickly pushed himself between the two heated brothers, his blue eyes beseeching each of them in turn.

“Guys, don’t fight. Please, not over me. I’m.... not worth it.”

The blond felt tears beginning to form, so he turned away from his friends and took off running down the hill. He wanted to be alone, but Alcmene had seen him streak by the house through the window, and she followed him out to the barn. She found him curled up in a mound of hay, and she immediately climbed in to sit beside him, rubbing a gentle hand along his back.

“The whole town is singing your praises,” she said softly. “But it means nothing to you without hearing it from the one you need to hear it from, right?”

“I hate it that I still care so much what he thinks!” The cadet’s voice was muffled by the hay, but the heartbreak it contained was still painfully audible. “He’s heard. I know he has. This is all anyone can talk about, and I know that with all the time he spends on a stool at the inn, he’s heard..”

Iolaus sat up and faced Alcmene, and she winced at the expression of naked hurt in his clear blue eyes.

“I thought he might come,” he whispered, tears slipping down his cheeks. “I thought maybe...”

Alcmene opened her arms and drew the blond close to her, rocking him gently as he cried.

“Your father is proud of you, Iolaus,” she said finally, as he calmed down. “He just doesn’t know how to tell you, that’s all.”

“You really think so?” The cadet sat up, searching her face intently, seeking the truth.

“How could he not be?” Alcmene asked, reaching up to brush the unruly golden curls back from his face. “Any father would be bursting with pride to have such a brave, strong son.”

Iolaus smiled then, some of the burden lifting from his soul.

“Thank you, Alcmene.” He knew those little words could never be enough for all she had done. All the comfort, all the encouragement, all the kindness, and even all the scolding. He knew he never would have made it without her. Without the unconditional love that she gave him so freely.

“Go on,” she laughed as he helped her out of the hay pile. “Go catch up with those boys of mine and see if you can keep them from killing each other on the way to the market.”

Iolaus nodded, quickly brushing the hay from his clothes before loping out of the barn, after his friends.

The break passed quickly, as breaks often do, and all too soon it was time for Hercules and Iolaus to return to the Academy. Alcmene talked Iphicles into going with them, as she was disheartened by the persistent squabbling between her two sons and she was hoping to get them to come to an understanding. Cheiron good naturedly agreed to the visit, inviting Iphicles to join the cadets in classes and drills for the duration of his stay. Iphicles eagerly joined the other students, and proved himself to be a worthy adversary during the first morning’s drills.

“Wow,” Jason admired, coming forward to congratulate him. “Those four cadets you just beat were some of our best. Where did you learn to fight like that?”

“I study with Meleager,” Iphicles told him.

“Meleager the Mighty?” Jason nodded his approval. “He was a great warrior. Quite a few soldiers from the Corinthian army are graduates from his school.”

“I’m glad you’re impressed,” Iphicles told him. “No disrespect to Cheiron, but my baby brother seems to think that his Academy is the only one that can produce skilled warriors.”

“Can’t blame a man for being true to his school,” the prince grinned. “Do you think you can teach me that roll you did with the staff?”

“Sure.”

Hercules watched Iphicles and Jason move off to the center of the practice floor, and turned to the friend beside him, a look of hurt in his blue eyes.

“Iolaus, do I really act the way that Iphicles says I do?”

“Herc, you have to understand something,” Iolaus explained to him. “Whether you act like it or not, the fact remains that you are the son of Zeus. You have his strength and his power, not to mention the weight of his name behind you. You are half god, and like it or not, that makes you different. Better, in a lot of ways. That can be a hard thing to take sometimes.”

“Well it’s not my fault,” the demigod burst out. “I didn’t ask to be born the son of a god!”

“No, you didn’t,” Iolaus continued calmly. “But that’s the way it turned out. You’ve got the strength to show for it, but that comes with consequences. I guess one of them is that some people have a hard time accepting that. You need to see it from Iphicles’ side. No matter how hard he works or how good he is, he’s never going to be able to compare to what his little brother can do. That’s not an easy thing to have in your face every day of your life.”

“So what am I supposed to do?” Hercules asked in frustration. “Am I supposed to hold back for the rest of my life because my brother has a complex that he’s only a mortal?”

“I’m not saying he’s right to take it out on you,” the blond told his friend. “But face it, Herc. You are perfect. Or about as close to it as any of us can get. That automatically makes Iphicles the black sheep of the family. His putting you down all the time is probably just the only way he can justify himself and his life in his own mind. He doesn’t mean to hurt you, but this is the only way he can compete with you. And for your part, you just want your brother to accept you for who you are and what you can do. You want him to be proud of you, so when he starts criticizing, you get defensive. And that’s when the fight starts.”

Hercules looked in amazement at his friend, who was surprising him more and more with each passing day. Iolaus definitely had the reputation for being a screw-up, and a number of the cadets thought he was stupid. But the demigod knew his friend was smart, much more so than he let on. And he definitely knew how to read people, how to get inside their heads and understand what they were thinking and feeling.

“If you want,” Iolaus offered. “I’ll talk to Iphicles and see if I can convince him that not everything has to be a competition.”

“Yeah,” Hercules murmured. “If his good friend Iolaus tells him that, he might actually listen.”

There wasn’t any bitterness to his words, just a sadness that prompted Iolaus to put a comforting hand on his friend’s slumped shoulder.

“I’ll talk to him,” he promised.

“Your brother’s quite a charmer, Hercules,” Lilith exclaimed breathlessly as she returned to their table. “And he’s a great dancer. You could take a few tips.”

Iolaus turned his attentions away from the pretty girl he was chatting with as he overheard this declaration. Predictably, the demigod’s head was hanging and a blush colored his cheeks. He couldn’t dance to save his life, although his inherent grace as a fighter should have made him a natural. Iolaus had always suspected that his friend just needed the right dance instructor, but in the meantime, he quietly bowed out when the music started, the whole subject a sore point with him.

But Lilith was right. Iphicles was a great dancer. He moved perfectly in sync with the rhythm of the music, never missing a step and making complicated moves appear effortless. His sensuality had garnered him several admirers at Kora’s that evening, and he was enjoying himself immensely. As was everyone else. The musicians Kora had hired for the night had drawn a larger crowd than normal and the inn was packed. But the atmosphere was relaxed and happy, with plenty of food, drink, and pretty girls and handsome young men to satisfy all. All but one.

Iolaus sighed as he looked at the heap of misery on the bench beside him. The happy go lucky cadet had long since come to grips with the fact that his best friend was a brooder. Sometimes he had to admit that it got old, and he wished that Hercules could just stop dwelling on things, let go of his problems, and have a little fun. But he hated seeing his friend so depressed, so he began scanning the crowd, looking for Iphicles, deciding that it was time for a talk. The lovely young lady he’d been entertaining finally realize that she’d lost his attention, and with a sniff of indignation, she turned and began flirting outrageously with Jason.

Iphicles appeared moments later, pushing his way through the bustle to set a pitcher of ale and a stack of mugs on the table. He doled out the drinks, expertly pouring the frothy ale into the mugs, not spilling a drop as he slid them across the wooden table top to each one in the group. Without even looking up, he sensed his brother’s hesitation.

“It’s all right, Hercules,” he said with a slight note of exasperation in his voice. “You’re old enough to have a drink once in awhile.”

“Mother wouldn’t like it,” the demigod blurted out honestly, before realizing how infantile it made him sound. Iphicles rolled his eyes with an oath as the girls giggled and Iolaus and Jason exchanged a look.

Mortified, Hercules sat in silence as the rest of them laughed and bantered and told outrageous stories. He took a sip or two of the ale before him, but he just didn’t like the bitter taste and ended up pushing the mug away. Alone in a crowd, he sat back against the wall, wishing he could be more like his young friends. But he was old beyond his years, the events of his life causing him to grow up too fast. He was mature, responsible, dependable, goody-two-sandals Hercules, and there was no changing that. His almost disastrous experience with the Olympic fire had well taught him that he couldn‘t deny his true nature. Which was why he couldn’t help frowning when his brother started showing signs of inebriation.

“What are you scowling at me for?” Iphicles demanded, the look souring his jovial mood.

“I think you’ve had enough,” Hercules told him quietly.

“Little brother, when I want your advice, I’ll ask for it.” Iphicles stood, swaying ever so slightly. “The only thing I’ve had enough of is you. My little brother, the consummate party killer. Why don’t you run home and hide behind Mother’s apron? Be the good little son of Zeus, and leave the rest of us lowly mortals to our fun.”

The demigod rose and quickly climbed over those seated around him, slipping through the crowd of people toward the door.

“That was a little hard, Iph,” Iolaus murmured.

“Now there’s a surprise.” Iphicles gave a short laugh as he tossed back the ale in his mug in one gulp. “I never would have guessed that you’d stick up for my little brother.” He left the table, pushing his way through the crowded dance floor toward the counter.

“I guess the fun’s over,” Jason sighed. “What do you say we call it a night?”

“You guys go on ahead,” Iolaus told him. “Make sure Herc’s ok. I’ll catch up.”

Jason nodded and bid farewell to the young women at the table before following Lilith out into the cool night.

Iolaus found Iphicles perched on a stool at the counter, already nursing another ale. The man on the next stool was not eager to give up his seat, but the blond cadet was able to sweet talk one of the girls that had shared his table into asking him to dance. It was an offer he couldn’t refuse, and as he relinquished his stool, Iolaus slid onto it.

“Want one?” Iphicles asked, pointing to his drink. Iolaus politely declined. “I’m shocked that you’re still here. I figured you’d be chasing after Hercules by now.”

“You really hurt his feelings,” Iolaus informed him.

“Well, I don’t know why you always have to let him tag along,” Iphicles grumbled in annoyance. “I remember that time when we were little and we were going fishing. You asked Mother if Hercules could come. I couldn’t understand why you would want to drag him with us. I thought maybe you felt sorry for him, since he didn’t have any friends of his own. How can you stand it, Iolaus? How can you stand to always be around the great son of Zeus? Or even Jason, for that matter. The crown prince of Corinth. Both destined for greatness, because of who their fathers are. High and mighty with their lofty positions that let them look down on everyone else. How can you bear to spend all your time with divinity and royalty?”

“It‘s never mattered to them that my father isn‘t a god or a king,” Iolaus said simply. “They’re my friends.”

“I used to be your friend,” Iphicles muttered into his mug. “I was your friend first until you dumped me for Hercules.”

“I never dumped you,” Iolaus pointed out. “You were the one that left, Iphicles. I never stopped being your friend. You were the one that left home without a backward glance for any of us. You were the one that severed the ties and broke off contact. You were the one that abandoned us.”

“I guess I was trying to run,” Iphicles sighed, rubbing a weary hand over his brow. “I thought I could get away and start a new life, but as it turned out, all my problems followed me.”

“And they always will, unless you can make peace with yourself,” Iolaus advised. “Trust me on that, for I learned the hard way. I used to think I’d never be anything more that a criminal, bound to the streets until I was either caught or killed. But what I found out is that life is what you make it. How other people see you shouldn’t define you. You need to look inside your heart, see what’s there, and then spend your life trying to be true to what you find. Hercules and Jason are destined for greatness, but not because they were born into it. They’re good guys, and they have the bravery and the passion and the heart to become great. Maybe I’ll never be a great hero or a king, and I admit that sometimes that’s hard to face. But I know that I can live a good life, try to help where I can, have a little fun, and my friends will never look down on me for that.”

“I know you’re right.” Iphicles sighed again. “I just hate feeling so inferior.”

“You amaze me.” Iolaus echoed his friend’s sigh. “Iphicles, you are strong and you are smart. You’ve shown up some of the best cadets at the Academy, and you had every girl in this place eyeing you tonight. I mean, you kissed Lilith and she giggled!! I’ve seen her knock guys off their feet just for accidentally brushing into her. The only one who thinks that you’re inferior is you. You need to quit comparing yourself to Hercules. No, you’re never going to beat his strength. But he’s half god and you’re mortal, and what you can do is incredible.”

“You think I’m inferior,” Iphicles whispered, barely audible. What he was revealing was very difficult for him, and he would not have even considered it if he didn’t have a few ales under his belt. “Even when we were little, I knew you preferred Hercules to me. That’s probably part of why we don’t get along. I’m jealous of him for stealing my friend.”

“Oh, Iph,” Iolaus said sadly, resting a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry if you felt left out and I’m sorry if my friendship with Hercules hurt you. But I’m not sorry for being his friend. He’s done a lot for me, and he’s always been there when I needed him. He helped keep me out of trouble, and he taught me a lot about the kind of person I want to be. I can talk to him about anything and he listens and understands. I was empty inside for a long time, and somehow, Hercules made that go away. We just connected. But we never wanted to exclude you. You excluded yourself.. Just because I became friends with Hercules didn’t mean I cared about you any less. It still doesn’t. I always was, and I still am, proud to call you friend.”

“You are a good friend, Iolaus,” Iphicles stated somberly. He turned to meet the sincere gaze coming from the sparkling blue eyes and even managed a slight smile. “I just hope my little brother realizes it.”

“Of course he does,” the blond grinned. “After all, his life would be mighty dull if he didn’t have to bail me out all the time. And speaking of bail, we need to bail out of here. If Cheiron catches us out after curfew, there will be Tartarus to pay. And I personally am sentenced to latrine duty enough as it is.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Iphicles wondered aloud. But, he tossed a handful of dinars down on the counter and hopped off the stool, following his friend toward the door.

“How can you guys eat this stuff?” Iphicles asked, spooning up some of the thick substance and letting it glop back down into his bowl. “And I thought the food at my school was bad!”

“It’s best not to think about it,” Iolaus advised, shoveling a heaping spoonful into his mouth. “Or smell it. Or look at it too much.”

“I think I’ll pass.” Iphicles pushed his bowl away with a sigh. “Now, tell me again why I’m doing this.”

“Because you hurt your brother and you’re a bigger man than that,” the blond cadet reminded him. He looked around the crowded dining hall, which boasted no sign of Hercules, then looked back at his friend pointedly.

“All right,” Iphicles agreed. “I guess its probably my only chance to be nobler than the son of Zeus.”

“You know, Iph, you should try looking at this from Herc’s point of view,” Iolaus told him gently. “His heritage isn’t necessarily a blessing for him. If you think about it, it brings him a lot more problems than perks. Hera, Ares, Discord, and Strife are constantly trying to kill him, just because of who his father is, but Zeus won’t even acknowledge his existence. Strangers seem to think he’s invincible and ask him to put his life at risk to help them, which he feels obligated to do. And it’s not easy being labeled as ‘different’. You know how much teasing and shunning he had to face growing up. It’s an awful lot to ask of anybody, let alone someone who’s still basically a kid. He needs the support of his family, and you and Alcmene are all he has.”

“Ok.” Iphicles pushed his chair away from the table and stood up. “I’ll go talk to him. If it will shut you up.” He grinned to show he was teasing, nodding hello to Jason and Lilith on his way out.

“Where’s he going?” the prince asked as he sat down next to Iolaus.

“To find Hercules.”

“Are they going to make up?” Lilith prodded, a note of hope in her voice.

“That’s the plan,” Iolaus answered with a heavy sigh. “But knowing those two, they’re just as likely to come to blows.” He dropped his head down to rest on the table, cradled in his folded arms.

“What’s with you?” Jason inquired, giving him a nudge.

“It’s exhausting trying to reason with people,” came the muffled reply. “I’m tired of playing the peacekeeper. Being the sensible one has given me a huge headache. I’m going back to good old carefree, irresponsible Iolaus.”

“As if you had a choice,” Lilith told him.

Iphicles finally caught up to his brother in the practice room. Hercules was diligently practicing a few moves with a staff, and did not even acknowledge his brother’s approach.

“Hey. Getting a jump on the morning drills?” Iphicles received no answer, the stony look of determination on the demigod’s face a statement that he intended to ignore his brother, no matter what. For a moment, Iphicles felt his temper flare, but then he remembered his resolve and took a deep breath. “Look, Hercules, I was a little out of line last night.”

That was apparently not what the cadet had been expecting to hear, and it got his attention. He stopped his drills and turned to face his brother.

“I didn’t mean to insult you, and I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings.”

“Really? Do you mean it?” Hercules whispered.

“Yeah, little brother. I do.”

“I don’t want to fight anymore,” the demigod said quickly. “Do you think we could call a truce? Start acting like brothers, and be proud of each other?”

Iphicles stretched out a hand solemnly and Hercules took it as they exchanged a warrior’s shake.

“No more fighting,” Iphicles promised.

The demigod suddenly felt very light, as if a great weight had been lifted from his heart. He wanted to do cartwheels across the floor, but students had begun trickling in for the morning drills, so he just stood there, tall and proud beside his brother with a happy grin on his face. Hercules kept an eye on the door though, and when Iolaus entered , he caught his eye and nodded his thanks, sure that his friend had been instrumental in motivating his brother to apologize. The blond cadet grinned back and picked up his staff, glad that things seemed to finally be working out.

“Aren’t you two finished with these stalls yet?”

Iolaus and Hercules quickly jumped up to face their headmaster. For as big and imposing as the centaur was, it was amazing how easily he always seemed to sneak up on them. The demigod lowered his eyes with a guilty air, but Iolaus was well used to being in such a predicament.

“We’re just wrapping it up, Cheiron,” he said sunnily, meeting the centaur’s stern look with his most winning grin.

“I should hope so. I’m sure that you, Iolaus, wouldn’t want to be late for class.”

“No, sir,” the blond sighed. He was only one demerit away from yet another day in detention, and he knew from experience that Cheiron did not issue idle threats.

“Hercules, Feducious would like to see you before class begins.”

The centaur turned and left the stable, a small smile playing about his lips. Although the two cadets could be a handful and often required a watchful eye, they were undoubtedly the best students at the Academy. Two of the best that Cheiron had ever had the pleasure to train. They made a good team; the stoic Hercules and the passionate Iolaus complimented each other well. True, Iolaus needed discipline and Hercules needed confidence, but the wise centaur was hoping they could learn that from each other. He knew that if they could, then they would be undoubtedly destined for greatness.

“So, what? You’re going to run off and leave me to do all the work?” Iolaus complained.

“My, what a selective memory you have,” Hercules told his friend wryly as he slipped his shirt back on. “If you’ll recall, I was the one that mucked out all these stalls while you sat on that bale of hay. Which is precisely why you found yourself dumped on your butt.”

“You’re just lucky Cheiron came in when he did,” Iolaus retorted smugly. “Or I would have mopped the floor with you.”

“Just finish up in here and get out of fantasy land before it’s time for class,” the demigod advised. He scanned the stable quickly for his belt, spotting it draped over a saddle. Hercules retrieved it and threw it over his shoulder, sauntering out of the stable door with a little wave.

“Fantasy land,” Iolaus grumbled. “I could have taken him.” The horse next to him whinnied softly, as if in agreement. “Glad somebody has faith in me,” the blond grinned, giving her a gentle pat. He quickly distributed fresh straw into all the stalls and filled up the water troughs, but when he pulled the lid off the feed barrel he found it almost empty. Iolaus let out an oath of frustration, for the grain was stored in the kitchen pantry and he’d need to make at least two trips to get it, which would put him dangerously close to being late. But he had little recourse, so he left the stable and began trotting up the hill to the kitchen, meeting up with Iphicles when he was almost there.

“Hay,” Iphicles said, nodding his head toward the blond.

“Hey,” Iolaus responded distractedly.

“No.” Iphicles grinned, reaching up to pull a few pieces of straw from the cadet’s unruly curls. “Hay.”

“Oh.” Iolaus grinned, shaking his head vigorously before running his hands through his hair. “Herc and I had stable duty today. We disagreed on the best way to muck a stall and things got a little physical.”

“Who won?”

“Technically it was a draw,” the blond admitted. “But I had him right where I wanted him. Then he bailed out and left me to carry all the grain.”

“Need a hand?” Iphicles offered.

Of course, Iolaus eagerly accepted the help. Each of them managed to shoulder two of the heavy grain sacks, and they began heading back to the stables.

“Tell me more about these games that Cheiron was talking about this morning,” Iphicles panted.

“The Academy Games. We do it every year. Everyone pairs off and the teams all compete in different events. The winners get different perks, like a few extra days off, or two weeks free from chores. It’s supposed to be just for fun, but it can get pretty competitive.”

“I’ll bet.” Iphicles followed Iolaus through the stable door, grateful to set down his load. “So, what do you say you and I team up?”

“I sort of figured you and Hercules would want to be a team.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Why?” Iolaus finished cutting the seams on one of the grain bags and looked up at his friend. “I thought you guys called a truce. Don’t tell me you were just stringing him along!”

“No. I meant what I said to him. I don’t want to keep up this stupid bickering anymore, either.” Iphicles frowned slightly. “But that doesn’t mean everything’s magically fixed between us. Hercules and I are different. We think differently, and feel things differently, and even blood isn’t strong enough to overcome that. He’s an okay kid, but if we weren’t brothers, I wouldn’t even give him a second thought. I’d much rather hang out with you, Iolaus. You’re a regular guy, and you know how to have fun. You’re what I always thought a brother should be. Hercules and I could never be friends the way that you and I are. And I’d be honored to have you as my partner for the games. We make a good team, and I bet we could win the whole thing hands down.”

“Well, Jason and I have already kind of talked about pairing up.” Iolaus busied himself emptying the sack of grain into the feed buckets, keeping his back to his friend to hide his disappointment. “I’ll have to get back to you, ok?”

“Ok. But you know together we could be some stiff competition.”

“I know.”

“Just think about it. I’ll see you in class?”

The blond nodded, opening a second bag of grain as Iphicles left the stables. With a sigh, he finished filling the rest of the feed buckets, then dumped the remaining bags of grain into the feed barrel. Gathering up the empty sacks, he dashed up the ladder to add them to the pile in the hay loft. But he almost fell back down when he reached the top and discovered Hercules sitting in the loft, nestled amongst the hay bales.

“I forgot my gauntlets,” the demigod whispered, nodding toward a low beam that supported the roof where he’d stashed the gauntlets after removing them when he was tossing hay bales down into the stalls. Iolaus reached up and retrieved them, handing them to his friend as he sat down next to him.

“And you heard all that.” It wasn’t a question, for he knew the answer was yes. “Herc, I am so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” Hercules turned sad blue eyes toward his friend. “He just likes you better than me. Like he said, I’m different and you’re more fun. It’s ok, Iphicles has a right to feel the way he does.”

“Herc,” the blond began, putting a hand on his friend’s shoulder. But the demigod pulled away, standing abruptly.

“Come on, we’re going to be late for class.”

Iolaus watched him scramble down the ladder and dash out the door, knowing that it was certainly not ok. He knew how much Hercules desired a real relationship with his brother, and he also knew that his friend had eagerly been planning to ask Iphicles to be his partner for the games, excited about the prospect of them teaming up. All that had just been shattered, and he could see in the demigod’s eyes that he was confused and humiliated, but mostly just hurt. And Iolaus couldn’t help thinking that it was his fault. He’d done nothing to consciously draw Iphicles to him. On the contrary, he’d done all he could to bring the brothers together. But the fact remained that Iphicles had spurned Hercules in favor of him.

No longer caring if he was late, Iolaus swung down from the loft and gathered up his own discarded vest and wristbands. He simply couldn’t stand being the one causing his best friend so much pain, even if that cause was indirect. But he wasn’t sure what else he could do about it. He couldn’t just snap his fingers and force them to be friends. If it were that easy, Alcmene would have solved the problem a long time ago. Pausing to wash up briefly at the rain barrel, Iolaus got dressed and decided he had just enough time to make it to the classroom to avoid another demerit. He usually daydreamed his way through Cheiron’s lectures anyway, so maybe it would give him the chance to come up with something.

Jason looked up from polishing his sword as Iolaus slumped onto the bench next to him.

“What’s your problem?”

“I’ve been assigned another tutoring session with old Fiddle-Face,” the blond exclaimed, a look of ultimate suffering on his face as he leaned back against the wall.

“Your last test was that bad?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Honestly, Iolaus. If you would just pay attention once in awhile....”

“I know, I know,” came the exasperated reply. “I’m smart enough to excel in my classes, I just don’t apply myself. I’ve heard this speech time and time again from Cheiron, Feducious, the magistrate, Alcmene, and Hercules. I’ll thank you kindly not to add your name to the list.”

“Fine,” Jason said with a shrug. “But then you forfeit your right to complain.”

Iolaus sat up suddenly.

“Jase, listen. You have to help me.”

“I’ve tried. You’re hopeless.”

“No, not with studying. With Iphicles.”

“Why?” The prince gave his companion a puzzled look. “What’s wrong.”

“He’s been driving me nuts and I just can’t get away from him.”

“What are you talking about?” Jason demanded. “I thought you guys were friends.”

“We were when we were little. But ever since he’s come back, he’s been hanging off me like a leech. He’s there every time I turn around and I can’t take it anymore. Now he wants to be partners for the games. I told him you and I had already talked about teaming up. Please, you have to pair up with me. I’ll snap if I have to keep listening to him babble on about what a great team we are.”

Jason stared at his friend in confusion, not understanding what had provoked this outburst. Iolaus could be insensitive at times, but he wasn’t normally outright cruel. And it had appeared, without a doubt, that he and Iphicles had been having a good time together. A slight noise distracted the prince, and he glanced behind him to seeing a retreating figure, one that was familiar.

“Gods, Iolaus!” Jason exclaimed. “That was Iphicles. He must have heard you.”

“I know he did,” the blond murmured, leaning back against the wall once more. He closed his eyes and rubbed his hands wearily over his face. “I wanted him to.”

“Have you completely lost your mind?”

“Brother shouldn’t be against brother.” Iolaus sighed, hoping that his plan would work and that he hadn’t just made things worse. Sitting up, he began to explain everything to Jason.

Hercules looked up from the scroll he’d been pouring over as Iphicles entered the dorm. Mystified, the demigod watched as his brother yanked his satchel off the wall where it hung and began stuffing his belongings into it.

“Going somewhere?” he ventured.

“I think I’ve had enough of Academy life,” Iphicles said shortly. “I’m going back to Mother’s.”

“But I thought...” Hercules swallowed hard in order to get the words out. “I thought you were looking forward to the games.”

“Maybe I was, but I no longer have a partner, so what’s the point?”

“I don’t have one either,” the demigod told him quietly. He hesitated, then steeled his nerve and pressed on. “Maybe you and I could team up.”

Iphicles paused, apparently mulling the suggestion over.

“It could be fun,” Hercules continued, a spark of enthusiasm growing. “The sons of Alcmene. The unbeatable brothers. All the other cadets wouldn’t stand a chance.” The demigod saw his brother weakening and went straight for the heart. “Please, Iphicles. Don’t go yet. Despite all our differences, I’m glad that you’re my brother. I like having you here, and I really wish you’d stay. What do you say?”

Iphicles turned to his brother with a grin.

“I say the sons of Alcmene are going to sweep the Academy games.”

EPILOGUE

Iolaus often headed for the calming depths of the forest when he was upset or wanted to be alone. However, since they were in Corinth, Hercules decided his best bet would be to look for his friend down by the sea. He soon found the hunter sitting on a broad, flat rock, facing the waves as the ocean breeze danced through his golden curls. The demigod was sure that his partner knew he was approaching, even if he didn’t acknowledge it. Hercules swung himself up and sat down easily next to his friend.

“Hey.” It was an amicable greeting, but the hunter did not move, staring fixedly out over the dark horizon.

“I was wondering something,” Hercules began. “Did you and Jason let Iphicles and I win?”

“What are you talking about?”

“The time Iphicles and I won the Academy games. Did you hold back any? Give us an edge?”

“No.” Iolaus finally turned to look at his partner. “Jason told you everything, huh?”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?” Hercules demanded.

“You never asked,” the hunter told him softly.

The demigod felt a pang of guilt. There was no accusation in his friend’s tone, but there should have been. Of course Hercules had realized that Iphicles had fallen out with Iolaus, but he had never questioned the reason behind it all. Maybe he’d just been afraid to, afraid to tip the delicate balance that the three of them had achieved.

“You’re right,” he finally admitted. “I guess I was just trying to hide from what I suspected deep down inside. Iolaus, I appreciate what you did, but I never wanted you to sacrifice yourself for my benefit.”

“Iphicles had his mind made up about you the day he came back to Thebes. He never even gave you a chance. I knew that if he did, if he would just get to know the real you a little, he’d see all the wonderful things that the rest of us saw. So, I had to give him a cause.”

“By turning him against yourself.”

“But it worked,” Iolaus persisted. “You two became a team and won the games. You took the free days from the Academy as your prize and went home to your mother’s, together.”

“It was short lived though,” the demigod reminded him. “We lost touch again after awhile. Before all that mess in Phlegra, I hadn’t seen him for years. And he was so angry with you for so long. You tried everything to get him to forgive you, short of telling him the truth. Maybe now it’s time you did.”

“No,” the hunter disagreed. “The truth would make him feel even more used and manipulated. Besides, I think he’s mostly forgiven me by now. It’s just that Iphicles is a proud man. He opened up to me, and I betrayed him and hurt him. That’s not an easy thing to forget. But I think, maybe in a guarded way, he still considers me as a friend. And I know he’s proud of you and all that you’ve done, Herc. A little piece of him might always be insecure about living in your shadow, but he’s gotten past all the jealousy.”

“He’s not the only one who was jealous.”

“What do you mean?”

Hercules took a deep breath and studied the gentle waves rolling up along the shore. He’d never before admitted what he was about to say. It was hard for him, but it was something long overdue.

“I was jealous, just like Iphicles said. Jealous of you.”

Iolaus could only stare in shocked silence at his partner as he tried to comprehend what he had heard. He was speechless for long moments before finally finding his voice.

“Jealous of me?” he squeaked. “What in all of Tartarus could you have found to be jealous of me for?”

“I admired the way you were with people,” the demigod explained. “I was shy and I never knew what to say. But you.... You could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere we went. I know I used to complain that your mouth got you, and sometimes me, into trouble all the time. But I really was envious. You have a lot of charm, Iolaus. We used to go to Kora’s, and the whole place would light up around you. All of the staff at the castle in Corinth knew you by name. Feducious and Cheiron could never really stay mad at you. My own mother fawned over you to the point where I thought I’d be sick.”

“But, Herc... you’re the son of Zeus. Why would you...?”

“Having the strength of the gods and a famous father doesn’t do you any good if you’re afraid to open your mouth. I would get so tongue tied, especially around girls. And it seemed that all it took for you was a smile and a hello. You have a generous, loving, passionate spirit Iolaus, and it draws all sorts of people to you. You were the ball of energy out in front, and I was the quiet one in the back. I can’t tell you how much I wished I was more like you. I guess maybe sometimes I showed off my strength in compensation. But I was kind of thinking that I had the warrior skills, and you had the personality. Up until the day you killed that bear.”

“I just did what anyone would have done,” Iolaus murmured.

“No, you did something extraordinary,” the demigod told him. “Something only a few could have. Something I didn’t realize you had in you. Something that I arrogantly thought only I could do. I was jealous of all the attention you were getting, because that feat made you both personable and brave and skilled. It made you better than the son of Zeus. I couldn’t see my way past that at the time, and I don’t think I ever told you how proud I was of you. You risked your life to save my brother, and I can’t thank you enough for that.”

The hunter squirmed a bit uncomfortably on the rock, embarrassed by the praise. But Hercules was not through with him yet.

“And if that wasn’t enough, then you sacrificed your own friendship with him to give him back to me. I can’t thank you enough for that, either, but I want you to promise me that you will never give up your own happiness on my account like that again.”

“It felt like the right thing to do. Brother shouldn’t be against brother.”

“You’re right about that. But, sharing a womb isn’t the only way two men become brothers,” Hercules said softly, resting a gentle hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Iphicles is my brother by blood. But you are my brother by choice, Iolaus. There’s no one else I’d rather have beside me, in good times or bad. You’re my inspiration. When you aren’t with me, things just feel wrong somehow. I don’t know what I’d ever do without you.”

“I know how you feel,” the hunter whispered, not trusting his voice to say more.

“I’m glad I have you to look out for me,” Hercules said softly. “Just don’t forget to look out for yourself, while you’re at it.” Iolaus nodded his understanding, and the demigod squeezed the shoulder under his hand affectionately. “What do you say we go and rejoin the party? After all, its not everyday that my mother gets married, I hope. We should take advantage and make the most of it.”

“You go,” Iolaus told him. “I’ll follow you in a minute.”

Hercules respectfully agreed, giving his friend a few minutes alone as he headed up the beach to where the wedding reception was still in full swing. Iolaus sighed heavily, wiping a bit of moisture from his eyes with the back of his hand. To have Hercules reciprocate what the hunter felt in his own heart had been almost overwhelming.

The hunter cast a thought back to his younger days. He’d been called worthless and no-good to the point where he’d started believing it, never thinking that he’d ever amount to anything. Iolaus had to admit to himself, he’d come a long way since then. He’d matured into an honorable, compassionate man. A skilled warrior, a veteran soldier, a scourge of injustice, and... A hero. Maybe not as famous as the legendary Hercules, but that was incidental, for the demigod was the greatest testament to the strength of his character.

After all, Hercules wanted the hunter at his side, to be his partner and share in his adventures. Hercules worried about him, and was concerned about his happiness and welfare. It was Hercules who had called Iolaus his ‘inspiration’ and was admittedly jealous of his charm. And it was this legendary son of Zeus, honored and beloved by all of Greece, who was proud to call Iolaus his brother. The hunter, a consummate picture of humbleness, couldn’t understand why the demigod felt all of this for him, but it didn’t really matter. The fact that he did assured Iolaus that he did have value and skills to contribute, and was not worthless by any stretch of the imagination.

The hunter reached inside his vest, pulling out an object from a small inner pocket. Time had worn it some, but the bear claw still gleamed in the moonlight before he clenched it tightly in his palm. The old hunter in Thebes had given it to him as a reminder. A reminder to believe in himself, he’d said. And Iolaus had kept it with him for all these years, through wars and festivals, loves and losses, hard times and harder times. Heeding his elder’s advice, whenever he was scared, doubting his abilities and hearing the word ‘worthless’ echo through his mind, he would take out the bear claw and hold onto it tightly, remembering how he had earned it. That always gave him the courage and confidence to rise to whatever challenge he faced.

Iolaus slid off of the rock, stepping forward to pull back his arm before quickly snapping it forward. The bear claw sailed straight and true until it curved downward in a graceful arc to disappear beneath the gentle waves of the sea. It had served him well over the years, but he didn’t need it anymore. He was no longer a confused, beaten down kid who had run out of hope. Rather, he was a strong warrior who had proven himself time and again. And during this transition, Iolaus had learned to believe in himself. He no longer needed a reminder, but he knew that if the time ever came when he did, he’d only have to look to his partner. Hercules always had faith in him, more than he had for himself. After all, that’s what brothers were for.

finis

Disclaimer: Gentle Ben was not harmed during the writing of this story, although a few prides were wounded.

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