Disclaimer: I own nada

A/N: Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Exams will be the death of me, though it seems for now I'm safe. Hope you enjoy this new chapter and have a happy holidays!

For the next few days, Hercules was true to his word. After classes for the day, he would tutor Nadya with her writing. In return, she only felt it fair to help him build up his strength again. Within days, Nadya had learned the basis for the language as Hercules' strength returned enough for him to attend classes in the morning. Although, he silently wished that he didn't have to go to them as he now limped to Fidicius' class like the rest of his classmates.

It was after an especially grueling drill session that Hercules felt his anger flare up again.

A couple cadets walked past him on his way to class. "I can't believe what that bitch is making us do. I mean, she's insane. I want to know why Cheiron, or even Fidicius for that matter, put up with her."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. But look at her though," the other said, giving a low whistle. "Just give me a few moments alone with her and she'll be putty in my hands."

The first one raised his eyebrow at his friend. Hercules recognized him as Ciaus as he wrinkled his brow. He had never really respected him at all. "Then why don't you. She's standing over there, all alone." He nodded his head over towards Nadya who was standing off to the side, gathering the weapons together that they had been using.

Hercules slowed his pace, not liking the direction the conversation was taking. Tullius, the other cadet, quickly muttered, "Maybe I will…."

Hercules quickly came up behind the two cadets, though hid himself behind a wagon just within earshot of Tullius. He cursed himself for not being able to hear what Ciaus was going to say, but he was at least thankful that he could view the scene at least. He saw Ciaus walk up to Nadya and stand a little to close for comfort. Nadya's stance to his approach was slightly taken aback, though as she took a step back to give her some room, he simply took and other step closer all the while talking to her in hushed tones. Hercules strained his ears to listen, but it was futile. They were just too far away.

Ciaus kept inching forward towards Nadya, forcing her to back up, whether she was conscious of this or not, Hercules did not know. Though he did know that he wasn't liking the situation at all. Eventually Nadya seemed to realize that her back was pressed up against the barn wall. Her eyes seemed to be searching for an exit, but Ciaus seemed to have that covered as his arm came to rest against the barn, his face dangerously close to Nadya's. The young woman seemed too startled to do much at all. In fact, if Hercules didn't know better, he would have sworn that there was a flicker of fear in her stance, and most likely her eyes if he could see her that closely.

It wasn't until Ciaus abruptly leaned forward and kissed her forcefully on the lips that his anger reached its peak.

"Ciaus! Get your damn hands off her!" he shouted, racing over to where they were. Tullius looked like he was going to try to stop him, but the look in the demigod's eyes kept him at bay. Ciaus turned around fearfully at Hercules' voice. Nadya barely registered the demigod's presence and just stood there staring at a point in front of her.

Before a word could be said from Ciaus, Hercules had him pinned with his forearm under the chin against the barn. The other arm was pressed against the chest. The gasp that escaped Ciaus' lips seemed to wake Nadya and Tullius' stupors. Nadya stared at the scene in front of her, seemingly as though not knowing what to do. Tullius, on the other hand, gave a cry of anger and threw himself at Hercules, trying to pry the arms off to allow his friend to breathe.

Nadya watched on as Hercules lashed out, flinging Tullius as if he were nothing more than a child. Looking at his eyes, she lost her breath. The normally blue eyes were turning black. Coming to her senses, she threw herself at Hercules. With a few well placed hits, she had separated Ciaus from Hercules' grip and he fell to the ground, desperately crawling away from the enraged demigod. Seeing Hercules was not going to stop his attack on the other, she clung his chest to her in a frantic hug as he dug his hands into her upper arms.

She looked up into his dark eyes, searching for a way to bring him back. "Hercules… you have to fight it! This isn't who you are! After all that's happened to you, do you really want her to win?" A pained scream erupted from Hercules at her words, though he didn't attack her. "Please, don't let her win!" She buried her head in his chest, willing him silently to fight it.

Within seconds of Nadya's plea, Hercules' grip loosened dramatically. Looking back up to the eyes of the young man, she felt her heart skip a beat as the dark eyes shifted back to their former blue colour. Relief swept through her and all she could do was close her own eyes and lean her forehead into his chest.

"Nadya…?" she heard him ask softly. She nodded her head against him. At movement, he strengthened his grip on her once more, bringing his arms around her, desperately seeking some form of reassurance.

"Shhh… it's okay now. Everything's going to be okay," she soothed, rubbing a hand on his back. As she did so, his breathing became more regular and his body tensed less.

Finally breaking apart, Hercules and Nadya parted from one another and looked over to where Tullius and Ciaus were sitting on the ground. Both were looking at Hercules with faces mixed with fear and anger.

Gathering up his courage, Ciaus spat out, "What was that for, you bastard?! You nearly killed me!"

"And me!" Tullius chipped in, standing up threateningly, apparently not as injured as one would have thought from a throw like the one he was given. "But what else can we expect from the son of a god's whore?" Hercules started at this, but made no objection. "What? Not going to deny it? You're a menace to society! A half-breed mistake! Things like you don't belong in this world!"

Nadya glanced over to Hercules and saw defeat printed clearly over his features. Her own anger rose, not at Hercules' lack of response, but at Ciaus' influence on the young demigod.

Turning on her heel before anymore insults could be thrown, she stared Tullius down with the most furious face she could muster. "Who are you to be judge over others? He can't help what he is, just like you can't help who your parents are! He is the outcome of his mother's and Zeus' choosing. He didn't to be thrust into his position! I'm sure he has from time to time wished to be normal, but unfortunately that's not a possibility."

Ciaus scoffed at her defense. "You actually believe he would give up his strength just like that?"

"Why wouldn't he when he's constantly having people like you damning him for something he has no control over?"

Nadya felt a hand on her arm, trying to pull her back a bit. "Nadya, it's fine…."

"No, it's not!" she yelled back, yanking her arm out of his grasp. "He has no right to treat you like this!" Turning back to the two cadets, she threatened, "And if I ever hear you two spouting any of this bullshit again, I'll make it a point to give you both some extra attention in our morning classes. I wonder just how much you'd like doing two hundred laps around the academy?"

Tullius grew angry at her words, his fists clenching convulsively by his sides. "Oh? And what about Zeus' precious little son? He nearly killed us! And what did we do to deserve that?"

In an under tone, they all heard Ciaus mutter, "Not that Zeus even knows he exists…."

Glaring determinedly at Tullius instead of lashing out at Ciaus, she replied, "Don't worry. Hercules will be dealt with appropriately for his actions as Cheiron sees fit. And as for your latter question, I suggest you ask your friend." The last sentence almost came out as a hiss, unnerving the two cadets into silence. "Now I suggest you get to the dining hall before your next class." Both young men followed her order quietly, but not before shooting dark looks towards Hercules.

Once they were gone, Hercules voiced, "You didn't have to defend me like that. I did almost kill them…. And as for Cheiron, well, I doubt very much that he'll allow me to stay at the academy after this." He looked down at his hands distractedly.

Keeping her eyes focused in front of her, she replied, "Let me worry about Cheiron, Hercules. I believe there is more to this than you may think." Her voice had a finality to it that left no room for discussion. "You should get to the dining hall as well, your friends must be wondering where you are." As he was about to argue her decision, she cut him off before he could start. "No, just get a bite to eat, go to your classes, and I'll sort this out."

To her immense relief, the demigod left without further encouragement, leaving her with her very troubled thoughts.

Nadya approached Cheiron's office not fifteen minutes later to find Tullius and Ciaus leaving the office, smug looks plastered on their faces. Catching her gaze, they broadened their smirks and walked haughtily to their class. They looked much too cocky to Nadya and a feeling of dread slowly crept up inside her. Taking a few more steps, she knocked quietly at Cheiron's door.

"Come in."

Standing beside the window stood a very weary looking centaur with his gaze directed out the window. She couldn't see his expression, but could gather that it would match the tone of his voice.

Shifting in discomfort, Nadya started, "It wasn't his fault, Cheiron. You've only heard one side to the story and I would like the opportunity to present my own viewpoint."

Cheiron sighed, averting his eyes to the desk tiredly. "And I would love to here it, Nadya." It almost sounded like a plea.

Not able to simply ignore the centaur's obvious distress, she asked, "I take it the side you were told wasn't a very flattering one. I suppose we could start there then. What did they tell you?"

"That Hercules attacked them, threw Tullius a fair distance which nearly resulted in a collision with the side of the academy building, and Ciaus being nearly crushed to death by Hercules' hands." Cheiron whipped his head towards her, anger springing to his eyes that made even her edgy. "And you did nothing to stop him!" he yelled.

She paused for a moment, thinking for the moment that those eyes that once held so much compassion could turn to so such rage…. "And you believe everything they say so easily?"

Eyes still blazing, he retorted, "Who am I to believe, Nadya? You? Or two cadets that I have seen grow up within this academy?"

"Yes, and what about these cadets? Have they always been so well behaved? Do those they both emanate the ideals of chivalry?" she questioned, causing a brow to be raised from Cheiron. "You would side with those two fools over Hercules, the very epitome of an honorable and just man?"

Shaking his head, Cheiron whispered, "I do not want to…."

Taking a few steps forward, Nadya urged, "Then don't." With that, she replayed the scene out to him, albeit leaving out what exactly Ciaus had said and done to her, though she did make sure to leave the same impact that giving that information would have done. Yet, even with her interpretation of events, it only seemed to make the centaur even more depressed, knowing Hercules had let his anger get the better of him.

"Just because he was angry does not mean he had the right to attack two fellow cadets."

Nodding, she said, "Yes, no doubt he was angry and would have come to my assistance, but under normal circumstances I believe he would do nothing more than yell a few angry words and perhaps give them a bit of a shove in the right direction."

Hope lightened Cheiron's features. "What do you mean by 'under normal circumstances?'"

Dropping her voice, she replied, "His eyes, Cheiron." The headmaster looked at her with confusion. "They were totally black. All of them. And if I didn't know better, I'd say they had the look of someone who was possessed. Now, no doubt Hercules has a lot of pent up anger, but it is my belief that someone is using that anger to their advantage."

"And to what purpose would that be?" Cheiron asked, sounding slightly doubtful.

"Perhaps to get Hercules to kill. Can you honestly not think of a reason that that would be?"

Thinking for a moment, Cheiron whispered, "To cancel the protection given to him by Zeus." At this, Nadya feigned confusion. "If Hercules were to kill an innocent, Zeus would have no choice but to lift the protection order. That, and when Hercules realizes what he has done…."

"It would devastate him," she finished. He nodded. "Any guesses who would do such a thing?"

Thinking a moment, he answered, "Any number of gods. Ares and Hera being the foremost threats. It seems that Hercules has not gained the favour of a few of his relatives over his short life."

"Then, only in my opinion of course, I believe this to not be the style of a war god. It doesn't seem as bold as it should be, more… manipulative. Reminds me of a woman I suppose," Nadya laughed bitterly.

"You would suggest Hera then?"

Raising her gaze to Cheiron, she answered, "That's what I was thinking. And once the protection is lifted, Hercules would be open to attack by all these so-called relatives." Pausing, she went on, "Look, I'm not saying Hercules shouldn't be punished, but perhaps his punishment should be served in another way."

Catching on, Cheiron put a hand to his chin. "I'll see what can be done about his anger." Turning to Nadya once more, he added, "Thank you, Nadya. I much prefer your side of the story, even if it is unsettling."

Hercules had gone through the day silently, though his friends had asked him what was wrong, not one of them was able to receive an acceptable answer. Granted, they were perceptive enough to realize there was tension their demigod friend and Tullius and Ciaus. The two cadets weren't saying anything either, but the smirks and glares directed towards Hercules were difficult to miss. Since they couldn't discern what was going on, they still didn't enjoy the looks the two were giving their tall friend. As such, they glared back, even if Hercules wouldn't. Iolaus even went so far as to start making the ruder of the gestures he knew.

Though even his friends' supports weren't enough to cheer him up. He had almost killed those two cadets! If Nadya hadn't calmed him down, he had no doubt that that scenario would have been highly possible. He had never felt such anger in his life. What was wrong with him?

"Hey, Herc." He felt a tap on his shoulder and looked up in surprise to see Jason looking down at him. "Class is over." Glancing around, he saw that the classroom was nearly emptied. He wondered when that had happened and just how he hadn't seen it happen.

"Thanks, Jas." Getting up and heading towards the door, he saw Lilith give Jason a worried look. "I'm alright, guys. Just a bit tired."

Deciding to lighten up the mood, or perhaps just save Hercules from another interrogation from the rest of them, he wrapped an arm around hi taller friend's shoulder, "So, what would you be so tired about? Another escape with a certain gorgeous instruction? Eh?" He nudged Hercules playfully.

Theseus, catching on to Iolaus' idea, added, "So, how are you two getting along? Long nights by the shore of the lake? Dinners up a tree?"

Laughing for the first time that day, Hercules answered, "You know, I think I've told you all two, three, twelve times that nothing happened that day." Turning towards Lilith, he added, "And again, I'm sorry I worried you. That's the last time I'm going to apologize."

"And this is certainly not the last time I'll say this," Ioluas countered, "I-do-not-believe-you." Hercules elbowed him playfully off him.

"Riiight…." Theseus said. "Up in a tree, overlooking a waterfall, not realizing it was so late until the sun were going down. I have to say, sounds like a pretty romantic moment to me."

"Yeah, yeah, look," Hercules defended himself, holding up his hands, "you can believe whatever you like, but nothing happened. I went to see if she were okay, found her in a tree, took a walk, and ended up-"

"-Taking a rest in a tree in a beautiful setting," Jason interrupted.

Huffing slightly, Hercules stopped trying to talk sense into them and merely folded his arms in front of his chest.

"Speaking of Nadya," Lilith said. "I didn't see her in classes today. I wonder why?"

Giving in finally, Hercules said, "There was an incident this morning that involved Ciaus and Tullius." Seeing the expectant looks on his friends' faces, he went on, "They were harassing Nadya after morning drills. I don't really know why, but I snapped and let my anger get the better of me." He hesitated, then added, "I nearly killed them."

Shocked faces surrounded him. "But," Theseus spoke up, "both of them looked fine today beyond a couple scratches and bruises."

Hanging his head down, he answered, "Only because Nadya stopped me…. I don't know what got into me." He took a look around and saw Lilith about to question him further. "Look, it's been a long day for me already and… I just need to be alone for a while, okay?" He almost begged with the last sentence. Perhaps it was the look of desperation or the pain reflected in his face, but whatever it was, not one of them argued.

"Alright, buddy," Jason said. "Just don't beat yourself up on this. Maybe call it an early night tonight."

"It'll all look better in the morning. And I'm sure Cheiron will listen to reason," Theseus added while Lilith nodded her head hopefully.

"Thanks," Hercules said. "I'm just going to take a walk. I'll see you guys later tonight." With that, he received waves of goodbye and he walked in the direction of the barns."

The rest of the group started walking towards the main academy building. Stopping abruptly, Lilith asked behind her, "Hey, Iolaus, you coming to dinner or what?"

Placing a hand on Lilith's shoulder, Jason said, "Let him go, Lilith. He knows Hercules best." Turning towards Iolaus, he added, "Good luck, bud."

Nodding in understanding, Iolaus walked resolutely to the barns, eyes searching for his friend. The others watched him until he was out of sight, then resumed a silent walk to the dining hall.

After checking a couple barns thoroughly and still coming up short, Iolaus tried the second last barn, though he tried not to let his hopes get too high. Searching the loft first and not finding Hercules, he then started on the stalls and came upon his friend crouched on some hay. Hercules didn't seem to have noticed Iolaus yet, continuing to stare at his feet, his face hidden by his hair. Iolaus stood there for a few more moments, not quite able to speak. His once energetic and fearless friend now looked so… defeated. Like all the world had turned their back on him and not seemed to have noticed.

Not able to stand seeing the sight anymore, he broke the stoic silence. "Hey, Herc." Hercules barely lifted his head at the words. His hair was no longer covering his face, but it still remained in shadows. "Mind if I join you?" No response Iolaus took that as a positive sign and walked in, taking a seat to Hercules' right. He tried to get a better view of the demigod's face, but Hercules merely lowered it a bit, masking his face once more with hair.

They sat there for a while, Hercules remaining in a daze while Iolaus listened distractedly to the other's irratic breathing. He debated with himself for a while as to what to do, torn between perhaps hurting the other's pride by acknowledging the few drops of tears that had fallen to the ground or enclosing the friend in a comforting embrace no matter what it would do to Hercules' pride.

"I could have killed them," Hercules whispered painfully, interrupting Iolaus' silent debate.

Sending the former option to Tartarus, he enveloped Hercules in a hug, resting his cheek on the taller boy's head and patted his back. Hercules immediately sobbed and clung with one hand into Iolaus' arm. He couldn't hold it in any longer. His worst fear had surfaced and he couldn't control himself. For the first time in his life, he had felt totally helpless, locked within a beast. He had rested comfortably before believing that he had conquered that fear of being himself, but now it hit him full force that that fear was still within grasp.

It terrified him.

Iolaus didn't know what else to do beyond hold his friend. He had never been put in this situation before and felt entirely too awkward, though that didn't stop him from tyring the best he could.

About ten minutes later, Hercules had calmed down significantly, allowing Iolaus to sit back to his original position, although he still looked worriedly at his friend.

"It's not your fault, you know," Iolaus stated gently. "I'm sure if any one of us was to be put in the same situation we'd have done the same thing." Hercules remained mute, though he did nod faintly at the words. "And I'm sure Nadya will have a talk with Cheiron about this. I mean, Tullius and Ciaus have always been known to be jerks and besides, they weren't all that hurt when we saw them today. Cheiron'll have to take that into account." He patted Hercules once more on the shoulder, hoping to get a response.

"It doesn't matter though," Hercules said, his voice hoarse. "I still could have killed them. I couldn't stop myself! It was like I was watching it all happen from the sidelines. I couldn't calm down no matter how much I knew what I was doing was wrong." He placed his head in his hands. "I really am a danger to everyone."

Turning sharply towards Hercules, Iolaus said, "No, you're not! Look at me Herc." When the demigod didn't respond, Iolaus grabbed the other's shoulders roughly and shook them. "Look at me!" This time Hercules looked slowly up to meet his gaze. "Don't think any of that for a second. Look at all that you've done over the past couple years while we've been here! You can't ignore that fact that you've done a good many things for others, and that more than makes up for this morning. And about you being a demigod… well, nobody can help who their parents are." Iolaus paused a bit before adding, "I should know."

Shaking his head, Hercules whispered, "At least your father knows you're alive."

Iolaus was at a loss and opted for not saying anything, somehow knowing that Hercules simply wasn't expecting an answer. Instead, he just sat there, hoping that just his presence would be enough.

Hercules thanked him silently, knowing that he was lucky to have such a loyal friend. Still, he couldn't help but think life would be so much easier if he had been born as just human. And he damned his father right then and there for the curse of his existence before falling back into his depressive state.