The wind was strong and the Stymphalian birds started to crash into the ground. Snotlout watched as they fell, moving out of the way when one nearly landed on him. Spitelout observed the scene in a state of astonishment. Unlike his son, he had no idea what was happening.

"He actually did it," Snotlout said, in awe. "I can't believe he really saw him."

"What are you talking about?"

Snotlout barely heard the question, too excited with the realization. "Maybe we can meet him too!"

He started running back to the hut. Snotlout saw Hiccup peeking out the door. Immediately, a look of knowing was on both of their faces.

"I told you," Hiccup said, starting to smile.

"Yeah, but I didn't think that was possible! You really met Ares," Snotlout said, eyes wide. "Wow." He began looking hopeful. "Think you could introduce me?"

"You thought he was brutal a few minutes ago."

"I still do! It's even cooler now. He just saved our butts from some very hungry birds. You've got to introduce me! I can help with whatever plan he's working on."

After a moment, Hiccup nodded. "Fine, I can't promise that he'll say yes, but I'll ask."

"Ask who?"

The cousins turned to the doorway. Spitelout had entered, eyebrow raised.

"Ares," Hiccup answered. "I'm going to ask if he'll let us both help him."

"Hiccup, I don't know what just happened out there, but it wasn't Ares. He only deals in war, not with people like you."

Snotlout frowned slightly. "I think that was Ares too."

Spitelout shot him a look and he turned away. "Ares wouldn't waste his time with either one of you. None of the gods do. That's why you need to keep your head down and work," he said, turning to Hiccup, "and you need to impress them," he added, frowning at his son.

The boys became quiet and Spitelout's gaze moved down. He saw where Hiccup was missing his leg.

"This is why you shouldn't go off on your own," he chided. "Stuff like that will happen. You can still sharpen and make weapons, right?"

"Don't worry. I won't let my lost leg keep me from working."

His sarcastic tone was lost on Spitelout. The man just nodded his head, frowning at the nub as though Hiccup did this out of sheer rebellion.

"In that case, I'm going back to bed. If you're going to stay up, don't be loud."

He returned to his room and closed the door. When he was gone, Snotlout started whispering.

"That was definitely Ares. I even heard his laugh. I thought that was just a myth about the laugh being heard before he entered a battle."

"Me too," Hiccup admitted. "I heard him do that when we were talking, though. It's not as loud, but it basically sounds the same." He paused, tapping his chin in thought. "I'm going to need somewhere to ask him where Spitelout won't interrupt. That means I'll really need to get this leg done."

"Dad'll be asleep for a while, so I can help with that if it'll make it go faster."

"That'll help a lot. Thanks."

Hiccup collected the metal and Snotlout helped him get to the forge. The work went by more rapidly with Snotlout hammering as well even if he barely knew what he was doing.

"What's he like?" the dark-haired boy asked. "Is he weird? I heard somebody say he's crazy."

"I really don't know him yet. He's definitely violent, but he's a lot nicer than I expected. He even asked if it still hurt after he healed my leg."

"I wouldn't have expected that either. Did he say why he decided to come to you?"

"He thinks I have potential."

"I do too," Snotlout mumbled.

He did not sound jealous so much as disappointed. How had no immortal ever appeared to him? There were so many, but he never even saw a minor god. It was like he did not exist. Hiccup glanced up, seeing the upset look on his face.

"If any of the Olympians are going to help out, I think that Ares would," he said encouragingly. "He said that I might need to be able to kill for his mission, so he'll probably like you too. You're great at fighting"

Snotlout nodded, feeling a bit better. For the rest of the night, the duo worked on the leg. Snotlout had to stop when Spitelout woke up.

"Come along, Boy-o," the man called. "If Achilles isn't going to pull his weight, we need to split Berk in half and keep an eye on things."

"Be right there, Dad."

The boy started to go, then sent a look to Hiccup.

"I'll let you know how it goes," the smaller Berkian promised.

Hopefulness twinkled in Snotlout's eyes as he hurried off to the other side of the city. Hiccup kept working until the leg was finished, then he hopped over to a seat and attached it to his stub. Slowly, he started to stand. It felt weird. The first step was a little stiff, but he knew he would adjust. He also did not want to waste too much time. Hiccup started making his way to the forest again. He avoided as many uneven areas of ground as he could so that he could gradually get used to the feeling of using the new leg. When Hiccup arrived somewhere quiet, he stopped.

"Beseeching Ares…or Dagur," he said. "I probably should've asked which works better for beseeching." He ran a hand over the back of his neck, then added, "Anyway, thanks for helping with the Stymphalian birds. If you have a moment, I have a question. It's a proposition really, I guess. It's about our team. I think we need another member."

The boy waited a few moments, but he did not see or hear anything. Maybe he was asking too much of the god. He had already summoned him once in the same day as well as seen him when his life was saved. The Berkian did not know if there were limits to how often mortals could speak to immortals, but he hoped he was not doing it wrong. Just as he began to think he was, Hiccup saw a shadow behind him.

"Hey, Hiccup," Dagur said. "Took me a little longer to get here since I was spying on somebody, but either name works when you're beseeching me. About those birds, no problem. It's weird, though. I thought you had Achilles in Berk."

"Yeah, we did too. He must be off on some quest or something."

"Like us soon!"

"Yeah, like us." Hiccup paused. "About our quest…"

"I like the new leg," Dagur commented, pointing down.

"Thanks! Snolout helped me with it. Actually, speaking of him…"

"He wants to join, doesn't he?"

"Yeah, he really does. Can he?"

"I don't know."

"How come? We need some more fighters and he's really good at that. It wouldn't be a problem if I can't kill someone because he kills monsters all the time."

"He's a traditional hero. That's more Athena's area. She'll probably go to him soon."

"She hasn't yet. He won't admit it, but he calls on her a lot and she never helps him." The boy sighed. "He's a bit of a muttonhead sometimes, but he's my cousin and he's saved my life more times than I can count. My uncle's rough on him too. This might make things easier for him. Besides, if I go out and become famous alone, Spitelout will probably disown him."

"Sounds like my kill suggestion is in order again."

Hiccup was not sure if Dagur was joking or not. He had a sparkle in his eyes that either could have been devious or unhinged.

"It might just be easier to bring him in on this," the boy offered unsurely. "I don't think any of the immortals have ever paid him any attention either. It's like everyone in our hut gets ignored."

Dagur looked thoughtful as he considered this. The duo spoke for a short while longer before the immortal vanished. Hiccup started heading further into Berk, finding his cousin at one end. Snotlout quickly went over to him, eyes bright.

"What did he say?"

Hiccup did not look him directly in the eye. "He said that he thinks it should just be the two of us."

Disappointment covered Snotlout's face. What was so wrong with him that none of the immortals thought he could be a hero? He did everything a hero was supposed to do. He followed all his father's rules and rough training. He was a true warrior, but it was getting him nowhere.

"I'm sorry," Hiccup said.

"It's fine. Guess I'll just have to work harder to make them notice me."

Snotlout saw an odd expression on Hiccup's face, but he could not decipher what it meant.

"I'm going to head back to the hut for now," the other Berkian told him. "Good luck keeping watch."

The warrior did not say anything as he left. Part of him was glad for his cousin. Hiccup would not have to be ridiculed by the other Athenians so much. Snotlout was not the recipient of their cruel words. He just was dismissed. That was slightly better.

"Dad's never going to let me hear the end of it when he finds out," he thought unhappily.

There were a few things Snotlout could do. He could become bitter, but there was little point in that. The hut was cold enough because of Spitelout. Two grumpy Berkians would make for an even less pleasant time. He could become dismayed and give into that, but it would only leave him where he was. It could do more harm than anything else. That was why Snotlout liked the last option. He would prove that it was a mistake to leave him out of the quests and various challenges other heroes got to go on. He was as strong as any of them. If given the opportunity, he could even prove to be stronger. So, Heracles did not need all of Mount Olympus to help him. He would just continue protecting his home.

Then there was another sound–another monster. Snotlout was not even surprised. From where he was, he could see the creature entering. It was a centaur, several actually. The group had flasks in their hands. They seemed intoxicated, which was hardly a shock. Centaurs seemed to love wine more than the god of the drink. The only issue was that it made them belligerent. Snotlout did not want the herd to enter Berk. Hurriedly, the young warrior went to stop them before they could go much further. He was nearly trampled until one saw him.

"Outta my way," the centaur said, speech slurred.

Snotlout just crossed his arms. "You can't come into Berk when you're drunk. Last time, you almost killed somebody."

"We can go anywhere we want," he sneered.

"Not as long as I'm here."

The monster turned to his comrades. "Then I guess we better get rid of him, huh?"

Drunkenly, the others agreed. They reared up on their hind legs, kicking with their front. Snotlout moved back and brandished his ax. When a centaur drew a bow and arrow, the boy slashed one of his legs. The monster cried out and the three fighters grabbed clubs to defend him. Snotlout dodged their attacks, but he was realizing how big the herd was. He would need to get rid of them all quickly if he did not want to get overwhelmed. The enemies were fast. One ran at him, swinging with his club. It struck Snotlout in the side. He let out a quiet grunt, then grabbed the weapon. Getting a firm grip, he yanked it from his opponent's grasp. Armed with an ax and club, he started liking his odds more.

Snotlout cut clean through another arrow that was shot at him. Instantly, he began singling out attackers. That made it easier. They were not expecting the change in tactics. The warrior went after the one who had given the order to attack. Surprised, the centaur moved back when Snotlout charged. He was not agile enough to avoid the club to his right temple. The strike was hard and killed him. When he fell, the other centaurs went quiet. They stared at their dead leader for a moment before looking at one another. Some started running away from Berk whereas the rest wanted to avenge the fallen.

One ran straight at Snotlout, then yelped when he was lifted. Snotlout threw him into the others, knocking them all to the ground in the process. As they tried to scramble to their hooves, he brought down the ax and club again. He turned to another sound behind him and narrowly avoided being shot through the back with an arrow. It grazed his shoulder instead. This centaur was quick with the bow and kept firing. Snotlout was forced to deflect with his ax as he got closer. He began making the centaur back away. When the warrior got close enough, he slashed the creature. The intruder stumbled back, bow dropping. Some blood spurted out of his mouth, but he was not dead. Taking this opportunity, the centaur ran off. Snotlout knew he would not get far, so he let him go. Hearing silence from the rest of the city, the warrior was confident that the threat was over. Suddenly, he noticed footsteps, but they were less plentiful than what the centaurs had caused. When he turned, he saw his father heading his way.

"Let's switch spots," Spitelout suggested. "I might see something you missed."

Snotlout nodded and started to go down to meet him, but the man stopped.

"What's all this blood from?"

"Centaurs," Snotlout answered, pointing to where the bodies were hidden by the hill. "I just fought some."

"Any of them get away?"

The boy was reluctant to answer, making Spitelout frown.

"How'd you let that happen?"

"The first few ran," Snotlout explained. "The last one doesn't have much life left in him anyway."

"Excuses. What kind of warrior will you be if you just let enemies go?"

Snotlout wanted to bring his father to see the bodies. The majority of the herd was laying on the grass in pools of their own blood, but the older warrior was still finding reasons to complain.

"I killed most of them."

"Most isn't all," Spitelout growled. He sighed heavily. "This is why nobody notices you."

He turned away to continue climbing the hill. Snotlout stayed put for a moment, staring at the ground. Nothing was ever good enough. Unhappily, the boy started going to the other side of the city. If he saw another monster, he would have to do better. He jolted slightly when he heard something that did not sound like his father. Snotlout spun, already in a fighting stance. His eyes widened at the sight before him.

"Your dad's annoying," Dagur said, frowning off towards where the man was. "I suggested taking him out twice, but I guess Hiccup's the sentimental type."

Snotlout silently watched him, too shocked for words.

"You're a good fighter," the immortal complimented. "Hiccup asked if I'd let you join us." He gestured to the blood and laughed. "I'd say you have a lot of fight in you. I like that. Still want in?"

Snotlout knew that he had to say something. He was speaking to an immortal. Not just that, he was speaking to one of the Olympians. The warrior had to be respectable and heroic. He had to earn that reputation his father wanted for him so badly. It was why he was horrified when he realized the only sound that had come out of his mouth was an excited squeal. He clamped a hand over his mouth to stop himself, but Dagur laughed.

"Is that a yes?"

Quickly, the warrior nodded. "Yeah! I can't believe I'm really talking to an immortal! I've been dreaming about this since I was a kid! I'm a huge fan!"

Dagur regarded him in surprise. "Really? Most mortals aren't."

"They just don't get it!"Snotlout insisted. "You're so cool! Can't have champions without fights! Heroes wouldn't even exist without you."

The immortal liked the compliment and began grinning. "Finally, someone gets it! I was right to let you join."

Snotlout beamed happily, then chuckled nervously. "I thought you told Hiccup I couldn't help at first."

"I just told him to tell you that. I don't like heroes who get all sad over little things. We're not going to have that much help, so you'll need to be able to fight even if you think there's not much glory in it."

"I'm okay with that."

Snotlout thought about his father. The man would not be alright with that, but this was not his decision. Who was Snotlout to decline an invitation from the first immortal who had ever spoken to him?

"Let's go talk to Hiccup," Dagur said. "I have some new information for you both."

The warrior nodded and joyfully walked alongside him. It seemed like the immortal moved fast, but Snotlout could keep up.

"Is this how you really look?" he asked. "I heard mortals can't look at gods in their true form."

"You're right. It'll kill you, so this is mostly how I look. It's just less…shiny." Dagur brought his hands up to his eyes. "Your eyes would melt if you saw me otherwise. That and you'd burst into flames! I saw it happen to somebody who made Poseidon angry. It's pretty cool."

The immortal laughed again at the memory and Snotlout realized that he had to agree with Hiccup about the sound being bizarre. Still, he did not mind.

"Are the statues right for the other gods?" Snotlout asked, eyes twinkling. "Like Athena? She looks so pretty in the sculptures!"

"From what I've seen, they're mostly accurate. Just don't let her hear you say that. You might get gutted."

The boy's eyes widened. "I'll try to remember that."

They kept going until they reached the hut. Hiccup smiled when he saw them both, then his grin turned slightly apologetic.

"Sorry for lying earlier."

Snotlout was still giving a toothy smile. "I don't mind!"

He happily glanced back up at the immortal. Dagur was looking at the hut, poking at some of the weapons he saw. It was rare that he got to see the inside of a mortal's home.

"Dagur?" Hiccup asked, snapping the immortal out of his distraction.

Snotlout turned to him in confusion. "Dagur?"

"That's his other name. Can Snotlout call you that too?"

The immortal nodded. "Yeah, we're going to be a team, so he can."

This only made the warrior look happier. "Yes!" he quietly cheered.

Dagur picked up a sword and stabbed the air, then handed it to Snotlout. "Have either of you heard of King Sisyphus?"

"No," they answered.

"We're going to Ephyra in the morning. That's his kingdom."

"What's he doing?" Hiccup asked.

"Remember those rulers I mentioned who abuse their power?"

"Yeah."

"He's one of them. There's a lot of fear in the kingdom and sudden deaths. I can even sense it from here."

"You can do that?" Snotlout asked, shocked.

"Anything associated with war, I can sense. Death, fear, anger, courage…stuff like that." Dagur began frowning. "A lot of those first three are in Ephyra. All kingdoms have a bit of those four, but the balance is off. I want to know why. That's what we're going to figure out. I have a feeling that whatever he's up to, it's connected to all these monsters. We stop him and we'll be a few steps closer to stopping them too."

The cousins turned to each other before smiling.

"In that case," Hiccup said, "I guess we're headed to Ephyra tomorrow."

Dagur grinned widely at the eagerness he saw on their faces. This was going to be fun. It was just the kind of excitement the immortal had been missing. He vanished and the duo started preparing for their trip. While they did, the last centaur who ran off was limping into a forest far from Berk. He nearly collapsed, but he managed to make it the entire way.

"What did you learn?" a cold voice asked.

The centaur lowered his head respectfully. "Abnar never returned from Athens, Eurymedon. I think he was killed before he could eat Daedalus."

A few moments of silence passed. Cautiously, the monster looked up and made eye contact with a giant. The larger monster had a scar over his right eye and a ruthless look in both of them.

"You don't know?"

"Sorry, Sir. I don't. I-I was fighting Heracles with the others."

"Is he also alive?"

The hesitation before a response gave Eurymedon all he needed to know. Gradually, the giant stood from his throne and walked over to the centaur. Even though the smaller creature was not near him, it took one step before he got there. The centaur flinched, moving closer to the ground.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty!" he insisted. "If you give me another chance, I'll do better!"

The centaur tensed when he felt a giant hand pat his back.

"I believe you," the giant king stated.

His voice was so calm, but it was not soothing. The centaur hesitantly looked at him again. He regretted this decision. Eurymedon's small smile fell.

"The problem is that I don't believe in second chances."

The giant grasped the centaur in one hand, crushing him. Some of the other giants approached.

"What do we do now, Krogan?"

The ruler opened his hand, letting the destroyed creature fall back to the ground before wiping the stain off on his tunic.

"We find other means to continue our plans."

As a fun fact, Ephyra is now called Corinth. Also, in myths, Eurymedon was the king of the Gigantes (giants) who led his subjects into a war against the gods. I thought that Krogan would fit this role well since both are leaders of a threatening group. For a final tidbit of information, Heracles and Ares normally are not on good terms, but I wanted to change that. The usual Heracles is often fighting with Ares's kids for one reason or another, sometimes leading to their deaths which once caused a fight between himself and the immortal. In this story, they're going to be friends, though, because I like both characters a lot.