Memories of that night replayed before him. The doctor and his creations standing before him chiseling into the shackles while he remained chained to the wall. The son of Zeus was still perplexed how they knew the ancient sigils.

Only after consulting the book did the vile doctor begin fileting his flesh. The book and the aura it gave off. It unsettled him greatly and those poor mortals. Were they still alive? Could they live a life after that... no. He had to believe it was possible he had seen kindness in their eyes. Not at first but after wise words from Rex of the Inferno did, he finally notice.

>>>“I said the same thing about magic in general,” “You didn’t seem to have a problem with me burning people alive.”


The Titan-Slayer snapped to the present and frowned at Rex, ”It is true. After what I had seen what the butcher had done I believed them nothing but abominations. You reminded me who I was and my purpose. I am a protector of mortals. Even cursed ones such as they. I had thought their humanity gone.” he frowned. Knowing Rex of the Inferno couldn’t fathom to understand the lives he had taken over the centuries. A few for many. Even one as might as he had to make sacrifices.

Hercules looked down at his curse cascade around his flesh as if the sigils and ‘deeds’ were names and reminders of all those that were lost. Sad green eyes focused on his friends back now that it was turned. ”Magic.” it was true, Rex of the inferno had reason to fear it. Wielded improperly it could kill thousands, but it could also save more.

”No, I am not.” knowing that Rex of the Inferno’s god was supposedly omnipotent. ”I would like to be.” Hercules said sadly. Taking a few steps he put a reassuring hand on Rex’s shoulder. ”Even demi-gods have their limits. I can only be there for my masters should they face danger.” the thought crossed his mind again to ask Rex of the Inferno but he stopped himself. Rex needed a friend now, not a servant.

”I try to think about those I saved rather than those I have lost.” it was how the god coped, knowing that he saved even one person what potential they could have. It was how he came to terms with the burden. ”If you ever need to talk about it... I’m told I’m an excellent listener. I have had life times to practice.”

Rex stepped out from under Hercules’s hand and locked his jaw tightly to keep from saying any of the things that leaped to his tongue. Hercules wanted to be everywhere? Or he wanted to be God?

No, no, Rex couldn’t handle anymore. Hercules was too much. Between the pressuring for magic, the inability to actually teach him, and then the heretical nonsense sprouted? No, that was enough. Rex needed to go off and cool down, not just because he was near the warning stages of heat exhaustion.

“I already have someone to listen,” Rex said stitedly. He found a plastic tote and brought it back to the fire extinguishers in order to load them up. He had two people, really. His priest and his therapist. One was qualified to counsel his soul, the other to help his mind. He already had an appointment with the priest and he had a standing session with the therapist. Hercules was neither a priest nor a doctor.

The shoulder left from under his hand and Hercules raised it for a moment if he had more to say about the situation. It was clear to the prince of power that Rex of the water droplets was not in the mood to talk about it. What a shame. Hercules would have loved to hear what more the man had to say. They were friends after all.

”As you wish my friend.” it was hard to communicate with those that wish not to speak however Hercules had dealt with this before. Many times even. You can lead a friend to the Nile but you can’t force him to drink from it. Nor should he want to. There were far better sources of drinking water and far less crocodiles.

Hercules watched Rex finish gather his items. ”Very well, Club!” the weapon hummed to life and smacked into his hand that was now doing nothing now that it was no longer comforting his friend. Throwing the massive tool over his shoulder he placed the other hand at his side. ”This was an illuminating session! I shall discuss with the young master on how to help train you in the future!” maybe Rex of the Inferno would like to start studying healing spells?

”I hope you enjoyed the session today! I look forward to hearing from you in the future! Make sure you get plenty of rest my friend! You earned it!” and with that the god strode over to the exit.

Rex knew he'd offended Hercules, or hurt him, or just disappointed the man. He was quieter, and Rex had come to learn that when the boisterousness faded, Hercules was getting serious. Rex had seen the man laugh after getting hit with shotgun fire or stabbed with a poisoned knife - only words seemed to truly hurt the man.

There was nothing Rex could do about it. He wasn’t the one good at pouring oil on troubled waters, not like his Gloria was. It caused problems at times, but Rex had no way of changing that about himself. He just had to put his head down and power through it.

The joi de vive seemed to return to Hercules after a moment. Rex heard and then saw the club leap into the man’s hand. Sure. I’ll be in touch,” Rex said. He wasn’t sure he wanted another lesson, not if they were all like this. He was tired, exhausted, and frustrated. He stumbled a bit as he grabbed the cooler and his backpack as the last of the supplies were gathered up.

“Drive safe,” Rex said reflexively as Hercules made it to the door. He stooped over to pick up the last tea candle, the one he’d tried putting out with water. He was sick of magic. Ever since it had entered his life, it had pushed him on a downward spiral. The problems he’d faced as a result. Nearly dying several times. Hurting others. Sealing the judgment on his soul. He stared at the flame and then shut his eyes and exhaled. He just wanted it all to stop.

The flame flickered out.