The next day, Hercules was asked by Fiducius to see the headmaster after the end of classes. And of course the teacher had to announce it in front of the entire class. The young demigod wasn't all too sure whether he was simply trying to punish him or just didn't think much of the humiliation that would no doubt come after such a request. Either way, he wished he could sink into the ground.

Entering the headmaster's office, he silently thanked Iolaus and Jason for coming with him. The others were assigned to after school duties, though they gave their regrets before going to them. Entering the office he saw Nadya, though he wasn't surprised. She gave him a warm nod, though her face still retained its detached and calculating look of old. He wondered if she practiced it in her spare time. Directly to her right, he was set on edge by the presence of Fiducius. He, unlike the other two, had a stern look to him and seemed to be watching Hercules' motions as though he were afraid the young cadet would attack.

"Jason and Iolaus," Cheiron began, "You may leave for the time being." The two young warriors looked as though they were about to argue, but were given a look from Hercules that said it was okay with him. They left without a look, though Iolaus seemed hurt and worried as he left.

Nadya stopped Iolaus at the door. "Don't worry, Iolaus," she whispered away from Hercules and Jason. "I'll leave him in one piece." Not knowing how else to calm the agitated youth, she gave him a smirk and pushed him almost playfully out the door before closing it. Hercules noticed, however, and found himself becoming more and more agitated with the changes in personality Nadya seemed to have. And also the quickness that she seemed to switch between the disciplined and serious role to that of a compassionate, almost playful and childlike young woman.

Shaking his head, he focused back on Cheiron. "What's the plan?"

Cheiron gave him a calculating look then started. "Hercules, understand one thing before we continue. Nadya nor I have the ability to protect you fully from Hera. Being a goddess, she has a wealth of power that even your physical powers cannot combat. She seems to have gained access to your emotions, or rather your mind, a truly worrying prospect as it seems that she can provoke your emotions. In this case, your anger." Fiducius, Hercules noted, did not seem startled. He must have been informed beforehand. "Taking this into account, I have decided that you are to remain in a more isolated building outside of the academy for the nights and will remain under constant supervision during the days by either myself, Fiducius, or Nadya."

Fiducius seemed a less than eased by this proposal. "Headmaster, I am afraid that I must speak up here. If Hercules were to attack as he already has, I will not be able to stop him." He looked darkly at the demigod. "He is out of control and I am afraid that it may be already too late to save him. If Hera already has the means to provoke him, as you say, then I have no doubt that another attack will happen." Nadya seemed about to interrupt, but was silenced by Fiducius' raised voice. "It is part of my duties to protect these students from any danger. Hercules, even though not of his own free will, has become a danger. I cannot with good conscience advise anything else than to ban Hercules from the academy!"

Nadya took a couple steps in Fiducius' direction with a raised hand and anger in her eyes, though Cheiron was quicker and grabbed her hand. Surprised, she glared back at the headmaster.

"Fiducius has a right to voice his opinion, Nadya. And I have taken the dangers into consideration, Fiducius." The teacher looked angered at the direction Cheiron's answer seemed to be heading towards. "But I have decided that to deny Hercules shelter at the academy is as good as a death sentence. Hera can influence him at any time and to send him out of the academy may just be what she wishes. Here, at least, there are students that can defend themselves and who are ready for an attack. Also, having Hercules sleep away from the academy is one measure that I think is necessary, Nadya." A frown furrowed her brow, obviously concerned for the isolation Hercules would be subjected to. "While sleeping, Hercules may be more susceptible to Hera's influence. This may help to keep the students safe at night as well as keep Hercules safe as well."

Nadya seemed deep in thought at this then nodded her compliance. So many things seemed unfair for Hercules and was just starting to fully grasp the idea of living in a dysfunctional family was truly like. A sudden anger burned in her at the thought of Hera and what she imagined what she wished she could do to the goddess if she were there. Perhaps one day she would get her chance.

Hercules said nothing, though he also nodded his acknowledgement. He didn't really know what to say. What Cheiron said made sense, though he was still terrified that even with these precautions he could still be a danger as Fiducius said. Leaving the academy made sense, though a life of isolation until Hera lost interest in this tactic against him left a sunken feeling in his chest. Still, his heart was telling him that staying was the worst choice he could make for everyone.

Cheiron and Fiducius continued planning for Hercules. Nadya studied Hercules intently. He shivered at her gaze and could almost feel her searching his thoughts. Her grey-blue eyes seemed to pierce through him like a dagger. He was forced to avert his attention to the other two men instead, yet knowing that the chances of these plans being met were slim to none. He wouldn't allow his anger to get out of control again, Hera or not.

Nadya stayed silent the entire meeting. She heard every word that went on between the two men, but did not add any helpful strategies. Apparently she wouldn't need it. Hercules was going to run

Iolaus, Lilith, Jason, and Theseus were the furthest things from his mind as he was being led towards his new home by Cheiron and Fiducius. Nadya had been ordered to stay behind and keep everything in control at the academy. She resigned herself to the task, startling Hercules with her passivity. Shrugging it off, he continued making plans to leave the academy as the three continued walking.

The hut they had planned was in a bit of disrepair, though Cheiron promised to have it properly cleaned and serviceable within the week. For now, he was afraid that Hercules was just going to have to rough it. Hercules, of course, paid little attention to the hut and kept persuading the headmaster that it was just fine. Fiducius scoffed at the wreck of a building, but reserved his comments to himself. This was no time to be choosy when it came to getting the dangerous cadet off the academy's grounds, even if only for the nights.

Hercules surveyed the grounds after the two men left. He had to admit that the hut was good enough to live in as long as his meals were eaten at the academy. The option of staying was almost too great and almost made him go back on his intentions. All he needed to keep his mind firm against the idea was the thought of his friends suffering through him because of Hera's wrath.

Thinking of Hera and her constant attacks on his life angered him. How was she getting away with this when there was a protection order? He would have loved to inform Zeus, but he couldn't very well do that seeing as his father constantly ignored him. What else was new?

For once in a very long time, he felt alone. His academy, his home, was being taken away from him. His friends with it. The most secure place he had ever felt beyond inside his mother's home had been at the academy. There he met new friends, though Iolaus was always a constant. The two of them had been through everything together. The thought of leaving without even saying goodbye made his stomach wretch. But he knew that the moment he saw him again, he'd be too tempted to stay, putting his best friend in danger by none other than himself, something that he could never bear to do.

He went about making a fire for the night. Staring into the flames, he could already feel his eyes burning with a few tears. If he was going to do it, now was as good a time as any. Pouring water on the flames, he grabbed his unpacked bag, taking a last look towards the direction of the academy. He silently said a goodbye to his friends, hoping they would understand.

Nadya watched anxiously as the group reentered the academy grounds, each, except for Fiducius, having a worn out expression. Straightening her back, she approached Cheiron.

"He is settled then."

"Yes. He will be fine there for the time being." Nadya nodded and made to leave when Cheiron placed a hand on her shoulder, staying her. "He will get through this, Nadya. Trust in him."

Scoffing, Nadya shrugged his hand away. "Do you truly believe that I would need consoling, headmaster? Direct your attentions wisely to those that need them."

Cheiron gave her a calculated look, muttering under his breath, "Youth…" Shaking his head, he continued, "If that is the case, then you and I must put our heads together to solve this problem. Hera will never leave him alone. Come to my office tomorrow before classes. I will ask Fiducius and the others to come as well," indicating the four friends across the training grounds. With that, he walked off in the direction of this office.

Nadya sighed, looking up at the failing light from the sunset. She waited as patiently as she could for the last remaining cadets to head into the building for the night. She could already feel that it was going to be a long night.

Finally, after everyone had left, she stealthily gathered her weaponry from her room and exited as quietly as she had entered.

Glancing towards the building from the gates, she noticed Cheiron through his open office window pouring his attentions into scrolls across his desk.

"You're going to have to find a clue without me, old man." Shifting the weight of the arrows on her back, she raced through the woods, heading in the direction of the hut, feeling the presence of her at her back. How was she supposed to make this right again?