Blood Brothers

"Red Blooded, Blood Brothers
Red Blooded and we’ve all got different mothers.
(Well, some of us have!)"

"Cut that out, you!!"

"Me? I didn’t do anything!! You cut that out!"

Two boyish voices joined together in a cry, "MOM!! Tell him to stop that!!"

Alcemene rushed out from her kitchen to the dining table, to find two young boys grinning mischievously.

"Okay, you two." She gave them a dose of her 'mother tone'. "Which one of you was it?"

The two boys exchanged glances. "We didn’t do anything, mom," they said in unison, with impish twinkles in their eyes.

Alcemene gave the two boys a long look.

"What?" the eldest shrugged. "I didn’t do anything. Did you?" he turned the question to the other.

"Nope. I didn’t do anything either," Iphicles agreed wholeheartedly.

Alcemene looked at her two grinning sons, "Well, if no one did anything, you two can go to school. NOW!"

Recognizing danger was in the air, Iphicles jumped out of his seat as if bitten by a snake. "I’ll race you to school, Herc! Last one there milks the cows tonight!" Without waiting for his brother’s response, he snatched his bag and flew out the door.

"Hey! That’s not fair!" Hercules called after him. "Gotta go, mom." He smiled and ran after his brother.

Alcemene held her peace until she saw her twins running down the hill. Once they were out of earshot, she sank into one of the chairs, and laughed until tears welled up in her eyes.

"Okay, kids, you can go home now." The teacher smiled at the group of children seated in front of her.

Hercules and Iphicles rose from their places and started heading home. "So, what are we going to do this afternoon?" Iphicles asked.

"Well," Hercules grinned, "Someone is going to milk the cows, and it ain’t me!"

"That’s not fair! You have an unfair advantage, Herc!" Iphicles protested.

"Well, you had a head start." Hercules retorted, and playfully shoved his brother.

Iphicles shoved back, and before any of them knew it, they were wrestling on the grass, laughing like the two boys they were.

"Hey, Iph," Hercules called, while avoiding a hand swing.

"Yeah?"

"Wanna go fishing?"

"Sure." And the match was over just as abruptly as it started.

"This place sucks!" Iolaus grunted as he trudged along the path. "I can’t believe dad brought us *here* of all places! "

He continued trudging along, kicking rocks off the path as they got in his way. "This is sooooo typical of dad! He goes off to fight some great campaigns , win some huge battles and become a hero, and leave us stuck in the most boring place on earth!"

His dark musing were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Before he could move away from the path, two boys appeared behind the curve, laughing joyfully. They came to a stop when they saw him.

"Hi!" the larger one greeted him, and the smaller echoed.

"Uh, hi." Iolaus mumbled.

"Are you the new boy? Mom told us a new family is coming to live in the area." The smaller boy asked.

"Iphicles!" the other boy tried to hush his companion.

"What? I’m just being friendly!" Iphicles answered, and turned back to Iolaus, who was suddenly very interested in his boots, "We’re Alcemene’s sons. I’m Iphicles, and that’s my twin brother –"

Iolaus felt his confidence fleeing, and decided to follow. "Um, Iphicles, I would love to stay and get to know you two better, really, but, I— uh, gotta go help my mom get organized."

Hercules and Iphicles watched Iolaus running in the opposite direction. "You could have been a bit more subtle about it, you know," Hercules commented, as they picked up their pace.

"You have got to lighten up a bit, brother! By the way, Herc, you’re it!" Iphicles grinned and started running.

Hercules rose to the bait, and raced up the path to catch his brother, "He never gives up!" he thought.

The encounter with the new boy in town was completely forgotten by the time they got to the house.

"Mom! Mom! Where are you?" Hercules called.

"She’s not here," Iphicles raced out of their room holding two fishing poles. "Come on, let’s go fishing."

Hercules grabbed the offered fishing pole and started out the door. "You coming, Iphicles?"

"Yeah, just let me get the bait."

In the meantime, Iolaus was making a much similar decision.

"Mom?" he called. He ran through the empty rooms of the house and found no one home. "Great. This is turning to be just the perfect day." He growled. "I’m going fishing!"

The blonde boy took his fishing pole, and went running towards the stream. "With my luck, there aren’t any fish in this place, either!" he mumbled on his way.

Iolaus’ spirit cheered more and more as he came closer to the pond. He had searched the area that morning, and found the perfect place. It was a secluded pond, fed by a running stream, which promised a good catch. The place was just far enough from the road, and surrounded by trees, to be overlooked by anyone else. Iolaus himself had stumbled across this corner by mistake, as his ever growing wanderlust drove him off the path to look for new and exciting adventures. Now, as he came closer and closer to that very place, he felt the bad mood slipping off his shoulders.

He rounded the last curve of the almost undetectable path and came in full view of the pond. His face and spirit fell as he saw that the place was already occupied. He stood right behind a large tree, so that the two boys who sat fishing could not see him.

He took a long look at the two, and noticed that they were familiar. Those were the two boys he met earlier on the road. The darker, smaller one was Iphicles, he remembered. But he ran off before his brother was introduced. "They do seem like nice kids. I could be friends with them." He thought. "But what if they think I’m rude, or that I don’t want to know them, because of the way I acted before?" he asked himself, a cloud passing over his face.

He was so wrapped up in thoughts, that he didn’t even notice his legs had made the decision for him, and now carried him toward the two boys.

Hercules noticed him and shook Iphicles. "Hey, Iph, isn’t that the boy we met on the road before?"

Iphicles surveyed the newcomer. "Yep, that’s him, all right."

"He looks lonely. Do you think he would like to fish with us?"

"Herc, he's got a fishing pole in his hand. What do you think?"

Hercules smiled sheepishly, and surprised even himself as he talked. "Yeah, you’re right. I’m gonna call him."

Iphicles took hold of the bait supply. "Okay, Herc, you call him, I’m going to get us some more bait." And with that, he took off into the woods.

Iolaus saw Iphicles rising and taking off running, "Oh no! He doesn’t even want to be around me." A gloomy expression took hold of his usually smiling face. Then, he noticed the other boy getting up, and decided that if he wanted to have some company, he better make his move.

He put a smile on his face, and stepped over to the larger boy. "Hi!" he said, hoping he sounded more confident than he felt. "Would you mind if I sit here and fish with you? I’m new to town and haven’t met anyone yet."

Hercules smiled shyly, "Sure. Have a seat, I’d like the company."

The two sat down, and an awkward silence fell between them. Finally, Iolaus broke it. "Um, listen, I’m sorry I ran off like that this morning. I don’t know what came over me. I’m usually much more friendly than that."

Hercules found himself smiling at the speedy flow of words. He was a shy boy, and with his rapidly growing strength and divine inheritance, he usually felt himself clumsy. That gave the other boys the perfect target to pick on, and Hercules, afraid to hurt someone with his still not controlled powers, found himself ridiculed and lonely within their society. Iphicles, his twin, was the only one that stood up for him. The results were not good. Both boys were soon outcast. No body wanted to be friends with the bastard son of Zeus and his twin brother.

The boys clung firmly to one another, and became an inseparable team. Their mother’s blood bonded them together but the strong friendship was based on much more than blood.

"You look friendly enough." Hercules smiled, "but hanging out with me is not a sure way to make friends around here."

"Don’t worry, I can handle myself." Iolaus dismissed the dark prediction. "By the way, we weren’t properly introduced. I’m Iolaus." He reached out his hand, "Son of Automedusa. And general Skourus" he added reluctantly.

"Hercules." Hercules clasped the offered hand. "Son of Alcemene."

Iolaus noticed Hercules hadn't mentioned his father but didn't want to push it. He could sense his new friend’s reluctance to share that piece of information.

Soon, the two were engaged in a light chat, and so didn’t noticed Iphicles sliding behind them with two big bowls of water.

"Hey, you guys..." he averted their attention to him.

Hercules swirled around, "Hey, Iphicles. This is—"

Iphicles didn’t allow his twin to finish. Before either boy could jump out of the way, two splashes of water soaked Hercules and Iolaus to the bone.

"Iolaus." Hercules finished the sentence and sent a laughing look at the scrappy blonde boy, who stood dripping at his side.

"Hi, I’m Iolaus. You’re Iphicles, I know. We met. Sorry for running off like that. I’m new in town. This is a great place you got here, how did you find it?" Iolaus might have been soaking wet, but his tongue wasn’t affected much.

The brothers exchanged amused glances. Not able to keep a straight face any longer, Iphicles broke into a fit of laughter.

Iolaus and Hercules exchanged glances, and nodded at each other. Both moved closer to Iphicles who still stood laughing at the side of the pond.

"Uh, Iphicles," Iolaus said with an impish twinkle.

"I think it’s time for your bath." Hercules finished. And Iphicles went flying into the pond.

When he surfaced, spitting water and shaking his wet hair, Iolaus and Hercules broke too. Both doubled over in roars of laughter.

Iphicles took a quick survey of the situation. The ice was clearly broken. He thought Iolaus and Hercules would get along from the minute Iolaus ran into them on the road. They seemed to be cut of the same cloth. Iphicles knew that another friend would do nothing but good for his shy, insecure brother.

"Ha ha! Very funny, you two!" He told them firmly, which only caused their laughter to increase. "Now that we are all wet, wanna join me in here? The water is great, and you already scared all the fish away!"

Iolaus and Hercules looked at each other, and shrugged their consent. Within seconds, the trio was splashing in the cool water.

A new friendship was born.

Days came and went, as days usually do, and the bond between the three grew stronger and stronger. Alcemene bathed in joy as she saw the joint efforts of Iphicles and Iolaus bring out the smiles and laughter from Hercules with graceful ease.

Hercules’ dark prediction by the pond had proven itself to be half true. By the time Iolaus’ family had settled down, and he was sent to school, all of Thebes knew the fearless trio. Iolaus was picked on and laughed at, for his choice of friends, but the trio stuck together, and soon became envied by every boy in town.

They searched every creek, ravine and forest in Thebes’ area, and all three were overwhelmed with joy when Iolaus’ uncle came to visit one day, and took them on a real hunting escapade. They became the talk of the town, and the terror of the fish.

The lush hills of Thebes rang with laughter, as Hercules and Iphicles took Iolaus through a series of fighting lessons, which did Iolaus’ fighting ability just as much good as they did Hercules’ self-confidence. The green forests were no longer a sanctuary for the small wild animals as Iolaus guided his two bulkier friends through the hints and secrets of life in the woods.

By fall, they became inseparable. Alcemene had a special drawer of bandages, only for Iolaus’ use, for the boy never seemed to feel right about himself if he didn’t have a new bruise each day, and Automedusa always kept two more cots ready to use in Iolaus’ room, as the boys made home at both houses.

All was right in their world. They were young, free. Not a worry clouded their skies. Until the night when the harp of loss sent its notes across the hills, and the forge of friendship burned hot and bright in Alcemene’s house.

Iolaus sat by the small pond. That place had become their special, secret place, and they swore not to tell it’s location to anyone else. He had just returned from a visit to his relatives, which produced some new tales, tricks, and moves to share with his friends. This was where they promised to meet him on the day of his return. But, the evening shade started to fall, and neither one showed up.

Worry stirred in Iolaus’ stomach. He knew Hercules would never miss the reunion without sending him a message, and Iphicles, despite his love for jokes, took after his twin on that matter. When the moments passed, and they still hadn’t showed up, Iolaus decided to pay them a house visit.

Knowing that his mother would be worried sick if he hadn’t showed up at the right time, he passed by his own home on the way.

"Mom! I’m going over to Alcemene’s, okay? Herc and Iph haven't showed up and I think they’re probably at home."

His mother smiled at his anxiety. "Sure, Iolaus. You can go. And, if they are there, and Alcemene agrees, you can stay the night."

She was offered a huge smile from her son in return. "Thanks mom! You’re the greatest!" He kissed her cheek, and flew out.

He ran all the way to Alcemene’s house, and was soon greeted with the familiar sight of his second home.

Iolaus stopped for air. He loved his friends dearly, but there was no way he was gonna show them that he ran all the way here!

"Hello, Alcemene! How are...you?", He called as he entered the house.

Alcemene sat by the fire place, sobbing. The house, which always had a comfy sense of home about it, was a mess. It was evident that no one bothered to cook, clean or put things in order that day. Hercules, who was usually by his mother’s side, along with his brother, was no where to be seen.

"Alcemene!" he stepped closer to her, "What happened? Are you okay?"

She raised her teary eyes, as if seeing him for the first time, and without a word, drew him to her in a firm embrace. When she finally let him go, she smiled shakily at him. "I’m sorry, Iolaus. I didn’t mean to embarrass you." Tears began dwelling in her eyes again, and she gestured towards the shut door of the boys’ room. "Hercules is in there. He’d love to see you."

Confused, Iolaus gave her a quick kiss, and went to see what was going on with his friend.

He knocked on the door softly. "Herc. It’s me. Can I come in?"

"Go away!", Hercules’ bitter voice answered him.

"Herc, are you all right?"

"No! Go away, Iolaus!"

Iolaus glanced at Alcemene, who stood a few paces behind him, her hand clutched to her heart. "Go inside, Iolaus. He doesn’t mean that."

Quietly, like a sneaking cat, Iolaus opened the door and stepped inside. The door closed behind him, and Iolaus stopped to allow his eyes to adjust to the moonlit room.

Hercules was lying on Iphicles’ bed, his face buried in his brother’s pillow. Iphicles was no where around.

Iolaus walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "Hercules, what is it?"

"I told you to go away!"

"Well, I’m not gonna go away. Live with it!" Iolaus began feeling a bit agitated.

Hercules said nothing. He didn’t even move to face Iolaus.

Iolaus looked around. In the moonlight, he saw that all of Iphicles’ things were missing.

"Hercules, where’s Iphicles?" he asked.

"Gone. They took him."

"Whose they?"

"His grandparents."

Iolaus didn’t know what to make of it. "Why did they do that?"

Hercules took his time before answering, and when he did, his voice was filled with unshed tears. "Because of me. It’s my fault."

Iolaus stared with disbelief. The brothers loved each other more than anything. One would never hurt the other. Not on purpose.

"I don’t understand, Herc. How can it be your fault?"

Hercules sat up, and turned around. Iolaus could see his tear stained face in the light. He drew his knees close, and rested his head on them. When he started to talk, his voice was hoarse. Iolaus assumed it was the results of hours of crying.

"They came here yesterday, Iolaus. They came to take Iphicles away, for good. He’s not coming back." Hercules pushed rebellious hair out of his eyes, and continued. "My mother wouldn’t let them take him. And Iphicles didn’t want to go. But, they took him anyway." Tears started to roll down Hercules’ face. "They say he deserved better than living with a," He choked on his words. "Never mind, Iolaus. I can’t tell you."

Iolaus moved closer to Hercules. "Sure you can, Herc. We’re friends. If you can’t tell me, who can you tell?"

Hercules took a long, deep breath. "Fine. But, Iolaus, you can’t tell this to anyone!"

"Promise!"

"They said, he deserved better," the tears came again, and Hercules made no attempt to stop them. "Better than living with a whore, and a bastard child." His voice trailed off as sobs began wrecking his body.

"A whore and a bastard child?" Iolaus echoed in disbelief." Your mother is no whore. She’s one of the most noble women I know. And you’re Iphicles’ *twin* brother. How can you be a bastard child?"

"There’s something you don’t know, Iolaus." Hercules finally won over his emotions.

"Do you want to tell me what it is?", Iolaus asked softly.

Hercules nodded. "Yes, but I don’t know if I can. I’ll try."

Iolaus reached his hand out and placed it on Hercules’ shoulder. "I’ll listen, Herc. To whatever you want to tell me."

Hercules hesitated, but Iolaus held his gaze, and Hercules finally gave in. "I’m not Amphitryon’s son."

"So that’s why you didn’t tell me who your father was, back when we met." Iolaus whispered. "I still don’t understand, you’re twins. If you’re not his son, neither is Iphicles."

Hercules swallowed past a lump in his throat. "Iolaus, we’re twins. I’m a night older, that’s all. But my father is not Amphitryon."

"Who is he, then?" Iolaus asked.

"Zeus."

Iolaus’ eyes widened. "Zeus? As in King of the Gods, Zeus."

"That’s the one, Iolaus."

"Wow! So that’s why you’re so—"

"Strong. Yeah." Hercules buried his face in the pillows again.

Iolaus watched him for a second, before realizing the turmoil his friend was in. "I’m sorry, Herc. I didn’t mean to hurt you."

They sat in silence for a while. Then, Hercules spoke. "Iolaus, you know, I’d understand if you hate me."

"Hate you? Why would I hate you? You’re my best friend."

Hercules shifted to a sitting position, and caught Iolaus’ gaze. "Because I lied to you. You’re my best friend, and I didn’t tell you about it. And, now, this. I cost you your friendship with Iphicles."

"Hercules, it’s not your fault. You must stop blaming yourself." Alcemene stood in the door, and both boys turned to her.

"But—" Hercules tried to protest.

She sat down, and pulled her son to her. "No but, Hercules, what I did, is my responsibility and mine alone. You can’t blame yourself for it."

Hercules pushed away from her. "Gee, mom, thanks." He mumbled bitterly.

"Hercules, what Zeus and I had, might have been wrong, but I got a wonderful son from it. And, I wouldn’t change that for the world."

Hercules stared at her. "But, you lost Iphicles. And, I—"

"And you nothing. It wasn’t your fault, nor was it mine. Hercules, you’re not losing Iphicles. You’ll still see him, on vacations and special occasions. And he’ll always be your brother. Hercules, you have to understand, it wasn’t your fault."

Her son looked up to her, tears filling his blue eyes. "Mom, I...I...I love you, mom."

She smiled, for the first time since Iphicles left her life. "I know, son. I love you too."

He smiled back, and she pulled him to her, soothing both his and her pain, with a mother’s touch.

Iolaus felt himself unneeded, and decided that this would be just as good a time as any to fade silently into the background.

As he tiptoed his way to the door, he heard Hercules’ voice. "Where do you think you’re going?"

He swirled around to see Hercules standing next to his mother, tears still shining in his eyes, but with a hesitant smile. "I, uh, kinda thought it was a mother-son moment thing. You know." He explained.

Alcemene smiled, "Oh, Iolaus! Come here," and when he did, she pulled him yet again, to another firm hug.

"Now," she said, after releasing Iolaus, and wiping off the tears. "I think the two of you must be hungry. What would you say if I go and see what we have in the cupboards?"

The boys agreed that they wouldn’t say a bad thing if she did that.

When she left, and the boys stood once again, alone with each other, Iolaus put his arm on Hercules’ shoulder. "You know, Herc, I’m still here. You won’t get rid of me that easily."

Hercules giggled, "And here I was hoping.."

Iolaus made a face at him. "You know, Herc," he said, his face growing serious, "my mom said I can sleep over. Would you like that?"

Hercules looked at his brother’s empty bed, then at his friend, "I’d love that, Iolaus. Thanks. For everything."

"Nahh, don’t mention it." Iolaus smiled again. "What do you say we go out there and see what’s for dinner?"

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea." Hercules smiled back.

The two turned to leave the room. Together. The trio may have been down to two, but the bonds still held, and hope and friendship glowed over their heads.

The End.

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