One Step at a Time

As I stepped out of the small dwelling, the full sensory assault of ancient Greece hit me like a runaway chariot. The sights, sounds, and smells were overwhelming, far more vivid and pungent than any historical recreation could have prepared me for.

"By Zeus' beard," I muttered, momentarily forgetting to stay in character. 

The street before me was a riot of color and activity. People in vibrant tunics bustled about, their sandals slapping against the dusty ground. The air was thick with the aroma of unfamiliar spices, the pungent odor of livestock, and an underlying whiff of what I strongly suspected was a distinct lack of modern plumbing.

Iolaus gave me an odd look. "Since when do you swear by your father's facial hair?"

I froze for a moment, realizing my slip-up. "Uh, just trying out a new expression. Keeping things fresh, you know?"

He shook his head, clearly used to what he perceived as Hercules' eccentricities. "Well, keep your wit sharp for the lion, not for inventing new oaths. Come on, the market's this way."

As we made our way through the crowded streets, I found myself constantly distracted by the sheer authenticity of everything around me. Every detail I observed either confirmed or contradicted some aspect of my academic knowledge.

"Amazing," I breathed, stopping to examine a pottery stall. "These designs... they're not just decorative. They're telling stories. Look, this one's clearly depicting the tale of—"

"Hercules," Iolaus interrupted, pulling me away from the bemused potter. "We've seen pots before. We need supplies for our journey, remember?"

"Right, right," I nodded, trying to focus. "Sorry, it's just... everything seems so new today."

As we continued through the market, I found myself inadvertently providing a running commentary on everything we passed. 

"Oh, look at that blacksmith's technique! And those fabric dyes – I've read about those pigments, but to see them in person..."

Iolaus was growing increasingly perplexed. "Hercules, are you feeling alright? You're acting like you've never seen any of this before."

'Crap!'

I realized I needed to rein in my enthusiasm before I completely blew my cover. 

"I'm fine, just... appreciating the simple things in life before we face a deadly monster."

Before Iolaus could respond, we were interrupted by a commotion near the center of the market. A group of men were arguing loudly, their voices rising above the general hubbub.

"It's an outrage!" one man shouted. "The governor can't possibly expect us to pay such high taxes!"

"What choice do we have?" another replied. 

"Defy him, and we'll all end up in chains."

They seemed to be talking about the increase in taxes, a common problem during those times. The lords would impose heavy taxes on the commoners without any consideration, which often led to unrest among the people.

Now, I don't know why but Without thinking, I stepped forward. 

"Actually," I began, slipping into lecture mode, "the concept of democratic governance won't be fully realized for several centuries, but there are historical precedents for civil disobedience in the face of unjust rule. Perhaps a peaceful protest or petition—"

But I couldn't finish my words as I was cut off by Iolaus yanking me back. 

"Have you lost your mind?" he hissed at me. 

"Since when do you get involved in local politics? And what in Hades are you talking about?"

Realizing my mistake, I quickly backtracked. 

"Oh, that….I mean... uh... we should smash some heads! That'll solve the problem, right?" I made a halfhearted punching motion, trying to look more Herculean.

Iolaus sighed, rubbing his temples. "Let's just get our supplies and get out of here before you start another war."

What did he mean by another? I - Hercules, didn't cause any wars in his life, did he? Even though he was involved in many violent confrontations, battles, and conflicts during his lifetime, it was often due to circumstances beyond his control.

The cause had nothing to do with him. 

But I couldn't debate that with Iolaus now, Can I?

I just followed him as we finished our shopping and prepared to leave the town.

But I still couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. 

Every interaction was a minefield, a chance to either learn more about this world or inadvertently change the course of history forever.

I need to pay more attention to my actions. I made a note of it.

Just as we were about to set off, a small girl approached us, her eyes wide with awe.

"Are you really Hercules?" she asked, looking up at me.

For a moment, I was at a loss for words. Here was someone who believed in Hercules not as a myth, but as a living legend. 

The weight of that responsibility suddenly felt very real.

I knelt down, bringing myself to her eye level. "I am," I said, trying to infuse my voice with the confidence of a hero. 

"And what's your name, young lady?"

"Lyra," she replied shyly at me calling her 'Lady'.

"Well, Lyra -" I was about to talk with the girl when a woman hurried over, gently pulling Lyra back. 

"I'm so sorry," she said, looking at me with a mix of embarrassment and awe. "Lyra, you shouldn't bother the great Hercules. He must be very busy."

'Huh? Great Hercules...? Was Hercules this respected?' 

The thought flashed through my mind, catching me off guard. I hadn't fully grasped the weight of the identity I'd assumed. 

For a moment, I felt a twinge of impostor syndrome, but I quickly pushed it aside. These people needed Hercules, or at least the idea of him.

I smiled warmly at the mother, trying to project the confidence and kindness I imagined a legendary hero would possess.

"It's no bother at all," I said. "In fact, I was just telling Lyra here about the importance of curiosity." I turned back to the girl, who was now half-hiding behind her mother's skirts. 

"You know, Lyra, the world is full of wonders. Never stop asking questions, and never stop learning. That's how you become truly strong."

Lyra nodded, her eyes still wide with wonder. Her mother looked at me gratefully. "Thank you for your kindness, great Hercules. We won't forget this day."

As they turned to leave, an idea struck me. I reached into our supplies and pulled out a small pouch of dried figs we had just purchased. "Here," I said, offering it to Lyra. "A little something to remember our meeting by. Share them with your friends and family, and remember to share your kindness too."

Lyra took the pouch with trembling hands as if she'd been given a great treasure. Her mother mouthed a silent 'thank you' as they walked away, Lyra already excitedly telling her about her encounter with Hercules.

My heart felt warm seeing that, how long has it been since I felt this?

I didn't know.

Nevertheless, as we finally left the town behind, Iolaus gave me a strange look. "That was... unexpectedly profound…..and quite generous."

I shrugged, feeling a mix of embarrassment and pride. 

"Just felt like the right thing to do. Who knows? Maybe that little act of kindness will ripple out and change something for the better."

Iolaus nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps. But now we should focus on the task at hand. Nemea awaits, and with it, your first labor."

As we set off towards Nemea and the challenges that awaited us there, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of purpose. Maybe, just maybe, I could use my knowledge to not just survive this ordeal, but to make a positive difference in this world of living myth.

But first, I had to figure out how to walk in these sandals without tripping over my own feet. 

One step at a time, Alexander. 

One step at a time.

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