“Excuse me. Where is the Magic section? I was told this is a place to find any book I’ll ever need!” the demigod waved to the person as he questioned. He was doing his best to seem less intimidating than usual. His current master had school and Hercules felt like he needed to be productive beneficial for his master. All he had done so far was binge movies and try to catch up to the current time line. After the eighth documentary on sharks he found it was time to stretch his legs.

William his current master was only thirteen. How a child had not only the knowledge but the magical skill required to summon someone of such power he’ll never know. What a time to be. Other than money his master required books on the arcane and Pizza... he was going to pick up Pizza later on his way to pick him up from school.

Hercules was more curious about this Pizza than these books he was to search for but Hercules found joy in helping his masters so here he was at a library. One in his opinion that could rival Alexander’s. He still felt bad about that. Thankfully, this place wasn’t riddled in torches and weak marble pillars. He felt better about this place.

“The Arcane?” he asked slower wondering if his English still needed work. The clerk behind the desk still stared at him mouth open. Hercules leaned forward his muscles almost ripping out of his humorous ‘Life is a Beach’ shirt. “Sorry, Please!” how could he forget the magic word!

The technomancer enjoyed libraries. The clients that normally hired them for library related jobs were usually soft spoken or overwhelmed students. Today's client was no different. A college aged boy, completely drowning in homework, needed someone to download some PDFs from the library database, and write citations for him. It wasn't a half bad job, and Oli got to learn a lot about being a veterinarian.

Eventually their client would come back for his harddrive, and bring Oli back to their hotel. But they had time to kill until then. Finally getting some well deserved downtime. Oli drifted lazily around the computer, reading some interesting article about telephone line repair.

But Oli's reading was interrupted by a rather loud voice in the nearly silent library.

A very...tall gentleman was looking for a book! Technically, they didn't work at the library. But they did spend a lot of time there. And they were also inside one of the libraries computers, with access to the libraries database. The poor librarian looked...overwhelmed. And Oli couldn't help being helpful It was in their nature! The old speakers plugged into the computer suddenly crackled and popped, not often used by the patrons, as they turned on.

"Oh! Well that depends on if you're looking for fiction or nonfiction!"

The voice from the computer spoke in a harsh whisper, trying to get the mans attention while trying to adhere to the rules of volume in the library. The voice was slightly compressed by the other technology they were inside.

"And if you're looking for a more advanced read, or something more appropriate for an early reader!"

The image on the screen flickered slightly, suddenly displaying a young person from the chest up. They had curly hair and bright green eyes, although the older monitor was dulling the colors a bit.

"I could give you a hand if you'd like!" The friendly techmutant said with a smile.

The short tempered giant shifted his gaze to the daunting rows and rows of books. For him to find them on his own, it would be a task. He was capable of anything but he had someone to pick up from school in... he looked to the nearest clock in eight hours. Herc scoffed he took on the Hydra in half that time.

>>>> "Oh! Well that depends on if you're looking for fiction or nonfiction!"

Turning his attention back to the clerk who just spoke, “Well I’m sure my mas- nephew would like whatever the library has to offer!” he gave an enthused thumbs up, feeling accomplished he didn’t call his Master by his title. He was told people would frown upon him calling a child his master. Why? Because his master said so and that was fine enough for him for now. William seemed like an upstanding young boy.

>>>> "And if you're looking for a more advanced read, or something more appropriate for an early reader!"

Hercules blinked at the person then looked around confused from where the voice was coming from. Were they pulling a trick on him by throwing their voice? Hermes used that trick often and his uncle did something similar when he was invisible. Hercules leaned over the counter, “William is an advanced reader from what I’m told. Nothing is too difficult for him. Any books on spells or charms. In particular the ones about healing if it won’t be too much trouble.” his voice didn’t get any quieter.

“A hand would be excellent!” Herc said looking to the clerk then only chancing the face on the screen by mistake. “Wait.... are you the one who was talking all along? Thank the gods I thought I was dealing with another trickster!” the person on the screen smiled at him and Herc returned the smile and leaned closer to it studying it.

Unfortunately the boxed television didn’t have legs and it seemed there would be a lot of walking. In this maze of books. Suddenly he was reminded of the labyrinth. “Very well! I too shall give you a hand for your assistance!” Herc said leaning over and grabbing the monitor and pulling it from the desk freeing it from the weak tether that bound it to the desk. Hefting it up and looking into the screen he asked, ”Now tell me! Where shall we start!”

Oli gave another pleasant smile and wave as the man was finally able to spot them on the computer. Their eyes drifted around slightly, glancing at the libraries digital catalogue.

"Well! If your nephew is interested in the magic and fantasy genre I'm sure he's read Harry Potter! If not I would highly recommend! But if he's looking for a more...mature read he could try the Mistborn series!"

Their excitable, helpful, rambling slowly petered out. Oli thought back to what the man had said. Books on...spells, charms, and healing? So...he wasn't looking for fiction books, but...actual books on magic. The avatar frowned slightly.

The old, dusty, webcam built into the computer picked up on movement, pulling Oli out of their book search. Well...at least he announced that he was going to pick them up.

The avatar's eyes widened as the large man reached over the desk, clearly going for the monitor. Luckily, this wasn't the first time something like this had happened. Oli always had a backup plan! Moments before the monitor was unplugged, which would have effectively trapped them there, the image of the avatar vanished. A soft glow traveled down the monitor's DVI cable, into the safety of the computer's tower.

Luckily they moved fast enough, securing themself in their new tech just in time for Hercules to hold up the monitor. There was no longer a smiling, red-headed, avatar. Just a blank, dead, screen, and his own reflection. Oli wasn't missing for long, as eventually the chipper voice returned. This time coming from a powder pink sidekick sitting on the computer tower. Looped through the charm hole was a phone charm featuring an anime character with bright blue hair.

"There we go! This will be far easier to carry around than the librarians computer!"

The avatar again appeared on the small screen of the phone. It was more compressed and pixelated, and featured even less colors than the computer. A phone from the early 2000s wasn't much of a tech upgrade from where they were before, but at least they were mobile. The avatar rubbed their chin, deep in thought.

"Alright...books on magic...the library does have some books on...certain ancient peoples and tribes, as well as the rituals they participated in...that could be considered 'magic'...but that's more of a historical reference material."

Oli hummed softly, pixelated eyes looking up at the loud man.

"But...if your nephew is looking for more...practical, uhm, magic...there are a few books on holistic medicine in the library. Things like herbal medicine and meditation."

His beauty distracted him for a moment till he realized he was staring at a blank screen. Hercules smile faded now confused with his reflection, did he do something wrong? “Ah! The life of those talented in magic might be good as well!” he said lifting the boxed television and looked under it then around it. “Where did you go?”

>>> "There we go! This will be far easier to carry around than the librarians computer!"

Hercules hefted the computer to the side and followed to where the next voice was. The computer screen dropped to the ground with a crash not hitting anyone during the fall. Hercules was curious now and discovered what looked like a phone from one of the movies he watched recently. “Easier how?” he reached down and lifted the device. “This seems more fragile and smaller.” he said to himself ignoring the clerk who was yelling about the computer screen while investigating the damage having no idea Hercules just stole their phone.

“Excellent! Ancient people and Tribes is a great place to start as long as they discuss Magic I’m sure my Mas-Nephew will be pleased!” Hercules patted himself on the back with his free hand. Hercules studied the tiny screen and squinted. “Books on magic!” he nodded. Holding an outstretched hand wondering if it made looking through the screen any easier. To the public it would look like there was a big guy trying to take a selfie.

“Where do we start.... and what do I call you?” the demi god asked twirling around so the phone could direct him.

There was a nervous laugh from the cell phone as they heard the computer monitor crash to the ground. Luckily phones couldn't nervously sweat. At least they hadn't been tossed and smashed.

"Ah...yes, you're right. I am smaller and more fragile now...so, uhm, please be careful as we search for books!"

Oli gave a nervous laugh and a weak smile. They certainly didn't want to...upset their new client by insinuating he could break them. But it was still important to set some boundaries. The tension left the mutant as Hercules began to speak again, still quite loudly. Oli tried to stifle a laugh as the man physically patted himself on the back. He was big and loud, yes, but Oli was starting to lean towards the belief that the man was just socially awkward, nothing dangerous.

When asked for their name Oli's avatar jumped slightly, eyes wide.

"Oh golly! Where are my manners!" The avatar on the phone screen bowed forwards slightly, respectfully. "My name is Olive, but everyone calls me Oli! And you are?"

The mutant continued to direct Hercules, telling him where to turn and what aisles to go down.

"Alright! Now the shelf to your left, second row, half way down, should have some books your nephew might like! One called Folkloric American Witchcraft and another called Magic and Secret Societies of Medieval Europe!"

Oli's avatar closed their eyes, trying to recall the location of a few more books.

"One aisle over starts the Religion section, and there are a few books there too! One called Witchcraft Today is about modern Wiccans, so he might find a modern twist interesting too!"

The avatar's sepia toned eyes looked over at Hercules as he gathered the books.

"Now, I have to ask...Is your nephew writing a report for school? Or is he just interested in magic?" Oli couldn't judge. When they were younger they were obsessed with learning about ancient civilizations.

“Luckily for you I have had spent lifetimes controlling my strength, never fear little one!” just not his anger. Hercules looked to the phone not offering up anymore information than that. He forgot he wasn’t supposed to brag about being old. He was supposed to be just an ‘Uncle’ now.

“Olive...” his stomach growled loudly. He could go for some olives right now. However he was told they were harder to come by now that he was in the Americas. He’d have to go to a ‘super market’. Something he didn’t think he had time to investigate fully right now. “I love olives! It will be an easy name to remember!” he exclaimed, “Oli it is.” he stated.

“You may call me.... Hercules.” he said giving one of his names and choosing not to give a list of titles. His master would have frowned upon that. It would draw too much attention to himself. Which seemed odd because he was so good at commanding it anyways. Hercules returned the bow which seemed odd for someone as large as him. He brought the phone down during the bow and resumed holding the device the way he was before.

Hercules followed the directions and grabbed the books taking a minute to study the writing on it. He was quick at assimilating to the times he was summoned but when it came to reading it took him a bit longer especially since most of his information was now watching documentaries and binging shows on the larger television screens. “Med-evil...” he looked at the book and frowned. How could something be medium evil? He kept his questions to himself lifting the books and stacking them in his one hand.

Amid the direction Hercules didn’t think about the question, “He’s a practitioner and a talented one from I can tell.” he walked one isle over and studied the lettering till he found what he was looking for. “How did you get trapped in the screens Oli?” he asked wondering if they too had been cursed to servitude and low key wondering if he can free the helpful face.

“Hercules...” Oli repeated, digital eyes scanning the giant man holding them. “That’s a...fitting name!” The avatar returned to jovial smiles.

“Well Uncle Hercules, I’m happy to be in your service!”

The phone remained silent as Hercules began getting the books they suggested. Any remaining worries about being smashed had vanished. Oli was a pretty trusting individual, perhaps overly so, but the man himself said he was good at controlling his strength! Better than most clients they were hired by.

The smile faded slightly as Hercules spoke of his nephew. A...practitioner? Of magic? Well...this wouldn’t be the first time they had met someone who claimed to be a magician. Or perhaps the boy was a mutant, that seemed far more likely. Oli considered asking, but it seemed...rude. Not everyone enjoyed speaking of mutants, or held them in high regards. And they didn’t want to put Hercules in an uncomfortable position. The mutant tried to return to professional smiles.

“Well, he sounds like a very special boy! Very kind of you to pick up some...study material for him!"

There was a sudden, nervous, laugh from the tech-mutant when the word 'trapped' was introduced. The avatar's eyes darted around. Oli took a moment to compose themself, their tone of voice friendly, but rushed.

"Trapped! Oh no I'm not..." Oli paused. It felt...bad to lie. Their shoulders raised and lowered, emulating taking a deep breath. "Well, I'm kinda like your nephew. I've got...talents. Mine is just...technology based." The avatar broke eye contact. "And, besides, I am far more useful to the people who hire me in this form than I was when I had a body."

Oli paused. The avatar flickered a moment, the smile returning.

"Now...he's interested in healing books as well? The library has some books on herbal medicine, and a few on the healing properties of meditation. I could direct you if you'd like."

“Isn’t it!” Hercules said his pecs flexing under his shirt in response. The hero had met several in his life time but all paled in comparison to him. He was the one that gave the name power after all.

When he was addressed as Uncle Hercules he gave a big heartly laugh at the name. Even his nieces and nephews most of them demi-gods didn’t address him this way with such respect. This child trapped in a screen was great! Maybe he’d just keep him on his person. Most mortals had a device such as this. If he was to blend in as one of them maybe he needed one as well. He’d ask to keep him later now they were on a mission.

Hercules blushed and laughed when he was called kind, flattery will get the kid everywhere with the demi-god he loved to be complimented. He worked hard for them usually and it was nice to see that people understood that. “He is! To summon me from... vacation! Yes vacation! To summon me from vacation after the accident it was a most impressive feat. I love vacation!” he said laughing loudly trying to cover up his near mess up.

The demi-god frowned and hefted the phone up and around studying it. The pulling it closer, Oli dismissed it but he heard the nervous laughter. “If someone is keeping you trapped I can free you.” Hercules said shifting his eyes around now looking to see if Oli’s captors were watching him. A few people looked away when they spotted Hercules glaring at them suspiciously.

“Please do young Oli!” he said with purpose still shifting his eyes around while now carrying a large stack of books in his other non-outstretched hand.

Summoned...from vacation. Huh...that was an odd way to phrase that. The avatars smile faltered slightly. This wasn't the first thing Hercules had said that struck Oli as odd either. Oli mentally scolded themself. It wasn't fair to judge someone who harshly! Perhaps english was not his first language! Or...some other reason. It wasn't fair to assume he was lying, or trying to cover something up, just because he was acting odd!

>> “If someone is keeping you trapped I can free you.”

For a moment the avatar on the screen had a strange expression. Just for a second their eyebrows were furrowed, mouth tightened in a straight line. Angry? Defensive? It was hard to say because almost immediately Oli returned to smiles.

"Alright! We are off to the science section of the library!"

The tech mutant began to give directions, their voice soft and muffled by the old phone's speaker. They were trying their best to avoid marching Hercules past anyone reading. It didn't take long for the two to arrive at the science section of the library. Oli began reading off some titles that might be helpful.

"A Complete Guide to Chinese Medicine and Wild Remedies should have some sort of...healing instructions inside..."

The mutant was quiet again, watching Hercules collect the books. After a moment, they spoke again.

"And...I'm not 'trapped', please don't be worried for me. I'm in a sort of...arrangement with my job. I'm...important. And my bosses are very influential. So it makes sense that they want to limit my...freedoms. I'm working very hard to prove myself, and my loyalty." Oli gave a genuine smile. "For the past few years I've been helping everyone I can! I'm sure any day now I'll get my promotion!"

“To the Science Section!” Hercules shouted repeating what Oli said, there was nothing wrong with what Oli said just how he said it. There wasn’t enough emphasis or excitement. Oli was helping him find books for his master! A great challenge one that thankfully had no danger to anyone in attendance. A few people in the library replied with a loud “Shhhhhh”. Something that caused Hercules’s head to dart around. They didn’t have Hydra’s or Basilisk’s in this day and age right?

Under Oli’s careful guidance and direction they walked alongside the rows of shelving all the books around him. It was impressive so much knowledge was in a place like this open to the public. Usually you had to be a student to get this kind of information. Thankfully Hercules wasn’t and didn’t. He couldn’t do school again. “Most excellent!” he said picking up the book and adding it to his collection. For some it be a struggle but for a Demi-god such as he, it was nothing just another chance to show off his strength.

Hercules stopped moving when Oli spoke and he stared into the screen to listen of his story and his limited freedoms. Hercules's body tensed and his tattoos started to glow under his ‘Life is a Beach’ shirt and his expression changed. “I too understand the shackles of ‘limited freedom’.” he looked around again and wondered if Oli’s masters were around and he whispered.

“Proving one’s loyalty is important but you must think about yourself as well otherwise you’ll be servant the rest of your life.” in Hercules’s case it was lifetimes. “I hope you do get your.... promotion soon Oli. If not I’m willing to help free you for helping me. You showed me a kindness today and I won’t forget it.” his glowing tattoos started to fade as he looked back to the books in his arm.

“What sort of promotion are you looking at? Will you get your freedoms back?” Hercules asked eyeing the books in his hand. Then looking back to the screen.

Digital eyes watched as the pile of books continued to grow. The guy was as strong as he appeared, easily able to carry the stack with just the one hand. Technically this library only allowed patrons to take two books out at a time, and they had collected far more than two...but maybe the librarian would make an exception. Oli frequented this library quite often, so they might be able to persuade the librarian. If not they could...edit Hercules order in the computer, and maybe his return dates as well.

Oli was drawn from their musings about late fees as Hercules began to speak. But beyond that he also began to glow. The avatar's eyes widened, flickering from the man to the glowing under his shirt. Normal people didn't glow. For a moment Oli was scared, worried they had somehow upset the giant man holding them. Their expression softened as they began to register his words.

Maybe the two were more alike then it seemed.

"I...truly appreciate your guidance, Uncle Hercules. But, again, I assure you I am fine. I am well taken care of by my bosses." They smiles. "I do not need to be freed, and even if I did you do not owe me for this. I only helped you find some library books, it was hardly a deed worth praise."

The glow under the mans shirt stopped, and Oli relaxed again. It wasn't that they thought Hercules would harm them, it was more the sense of unknown that bothered them. The glow could mean anything, for all they knew that glow meant an explosion. Pixelated eyes again looked up.

"And...I sympathize with you, Uncle, I only hope your shackles do not burden you."

The man asked about their promotion and Oli frowned slightly. They gave a nervous chuckle, trying to return the smile to their face.

"How about...we get these books checked out. I'll even let you check them out under my name if you don't have an account."

A library late fee would do little to dent Oli's work allowance.

The hero’s eyebrows raised and he puffed out his chest, “Oli! It’s the smaller deeds that effect us most in life. Never forget that!” Hercules said feeling like Oli needed a lecture. Big deeds were more noticeable sure, the smaller ones were the ones that needed the most praise in life. It encouraged more good deeds and well, helping people was what Hercules was all about. That and trying the food called Pizza. Everyone in the movies had talked about it and he was really looking forward to it.

“There is no burden too great, no weight too heavy for someone as mighty as I!” his shirt tightened as he flexed his muscles. The mortals often required a show to set them at ease. “The shackles on me are nothing more than a curse. An obstacle to overcome!” he flexed more though with the way he was holding Oli, there was a good chance Oli wouldn’t see the show.

“They seem fine to me!” he said checking them out and walking back over to the main desk where the clerk was frantically looking for their phone. Hercules, of course was oblivious to it. Instead he walked right past them still holding the phone outstretched still talking loudly, “Thank you again for all of your help! You mortals continue to impress me with your kindness! I’m glad we met today young Oli!”

It's the smallest deeds that effect us the most...Oli tried their best to commit this to memory. Not the easiest thing to do in an old phone, but once they were back in something...modern they would record it.

"Yes! You're right Uncle! And with every obstacle I overcome I get stronger!" And with a big smile on their digital face Oli joined in the 'gun show'. Two, little, pixelated arms raised up and they did their best to mimic the flexing Hercules was doing, even if they couldn't see him very well. The arms didn't change much as Oli's avatar flexed, probably because they didn't see themself as a physically strong person. Oh well, it was the thought that counted.

Oli giggled at their own antics. But as they reminded themself that they were a professional, and also on a job, Oli finally payed attention to where the two were going. To the librarians desk...and completely past it. And what Hercules said after made it clear that he misunderstood what Oli had said. The tech mutant was about to speak up, and instruct Hercules to turn around so they could borrow the books properly, when they got a glance of the librarian. She was looking for her phone, and had only just got the broken pieces of computer monitor cleaned up.

The little avatar quickly shut their mouth, looking nervous. Well...book theft wouldn't be the worst crime they helped commit. And maybe they could try to return the cellphone later...once things had cooled down a bit. They were supposed to complete jobs with a little more...grace than this, and didn't want anything that could be reflected negatively on their monthly report.

Oli's pixelated eyes met Hercules' again. The tech mutant falling back into a far more...professional persona then before.

"Oh...yes! It was very nice to meet you as well, Mister Hercules, and it was a pleasure to assist you!" A nervous glance was thrown to the librarian, hoping she wasn't paying attention to Hercules. "Perhaps...I can give you my phone number, as a way to contact me if you, or your nephew, need my...kind of assistance in the future."

The demi-god laughed loudly and even stomped his foot if he wasn’t holding the phone or the books and Oli was in a mortal form Hercules would have slapped him on the back instead he just got louder with his voice, “Yes! That is the attitude I like to see! Ha ha!” Hercules robust laugh echoed throughout the library. While his arms were puny, it still didn’t stop him from showing off. Hercules liked this one. Funny and helpful. Mortals were great.

Hercules stopped at the entrance of the library and set the books down on a nearby counter making note of where they were and how many there were. His master would be most pleased for he wasn’t expecting any. His master would be most pleased. “Please, just call me Hercules. No need for a mister.” he would have accepted being called uncle as well. Oli had earned it even if it wasn’t his name.

“Is this not your home? I can just come here for more assistance right?” Hercules asked looking around. It wasn’t uncommon for the scholars of his time to live in the libraries. They always ended up there anyways. “A phone....” he didn’t have one but knew his master’s number now. It was common to have numbers so people could call you. He smiled warmly and nodded his head.

“While I don’t have a phone I know my Nephew does!” he mentally patted himself on the back for nailing that one. While he normally hated working with numbers it was fairly easy to memorize them to a tune. Hercules hummed and belted out some numbers making up his Master’s phone number. Hercules then waited for the numbers in response. Trying to commit them to memory.