The sun was starting to set on the horizon as Cheiron stood outside of the building, waiting for Hercules and the others to return. The centaur had a way of sensing things, and as the sun sunk down further, something told him that all was not right. Perhaps he shouldn't have let them go; maybe he had underestimated the dangers of the journey. Yet he felt certain that Hercules would be able to take care of things if something went wrong. He only hoped that they would come back soon and, more importantly, safely.
---
"Hercules, can we please slow down a bit?" Lilith pleaded.
"We need to get back to the academy as soon as possible." Hercules stated, implying that the answer was "No."
"Can we at least take a small rest? Because one of us isn't a demigod and one of us isn't being carried by one."
Hercules eventually yielded and the three stopped to sit beneath a shaded tree. Hercules lowered Alexia to the ground, making sure she was comfortable. He then took out their waterskin and passed it to the others, letting each take a swig before him.
"Are you all right?" he asked Alexia.
"I'm fine," she replied.
"Lilith?"
"I'm all right, too," she answered.
"We'd better get going." Hercules said after they had all caught their breath.
"Um, Herc? I think I can make it on my own the rest of the way." Alexia said, hoping he'd believe it was the truth. In actuality, she still felt pretty weak, but Alexia was embarrassed to have him carry her the whole way. Being dependent upon him made her feel uncomfortable, like she was some helpless damsel in distress.
"Oh no you don't." Hercules refused. "You may think you can, but we can't take that risk right now. We don't have time."
Alexia sighed, knowing that she wouldn't get her way and there was no use in pressing the matter further. Hercules lifted her up and the three proceeded towards the academy. It was becoming darker outside, a sign that they needed to hurry.