Nov 6th, before 6am

Takashi grips his blanket with white knuckles. His feet squirm from reliving a horrible event.

"Leave her alone!", he almost yells while sitting up. Heavy breaths leave his mouth as his eyes catch up with his surroundings. He wipes off the cold sweat with a trembling hand before opening his tent.

A crisp autumn breeze greets him on a dark morning. Artemis isn't anywhere to be found, but everyone else is still sleeping.

He throws on a hoodie and some tennis shoes. He takes deep breaths while walking away with his sword.

"I see my bag, my phone, Artemis, Helena's tent, and my hands", he whispers.

Those aren't your hands, his splintered mind thinks.

"Shut up. It's my body."

"You mean a vessel that you have overwritten with our memories!"

He shakes his head as he tries to keep quiet.

"Do you think Penelope and the others deserve a fake Takashi?"

"I'm not a fake."

"Liar."

"I won't let you win."

He proceeds to warm up and practice his strikes.

"Odysseus taught the original how to fight. You're just lucky that you mentally survived."

"Just shut up!", he spits through clenched teeth. His swings get reckless from his antagonizing mind.

"You're such a horrible brother. How could you miss the signs?!"

He hacks away at the tree to release the pent-up stress from his nightmare.

"I'm the original no matter what you say!"

Something stops him from swinging. He turns. Artemis is holding his blade with one hand without cutting herself. He turns his face from her.

Artemis turns him around and hugs him. "It's okay. Let it out."

He drops his sword as he embraces her fully. His body trembles against her. "I don't know what to do. I can't win against the thoughts in my head", his voice breaks with raindrops falling from his face.

The goddess of the hunt holds him tight until he finally stops.

"I wish there was more that I could do to help, pupil. For now, come with me and let's hunt for some breakfast."

"Will I be.....a failure in that department as well?"

"If you do fail, then it's my fault for not teaching you well."

Taki's lips parted hearing that from her. She's willing to take the fall for him.

"Grab your bow and arrows."

After returning with those items, Artemis takes him on a walk with the sun rising in the background.

She puts up a hand to halt and crouch down and he listens. She points to a few pigeons resting on a branch and lets him get the first shot.

His muscle memory allows him to prepare the arrow in a quick manner. He aims with doubt creeping inside.

He exhales....... but the arrow misses its target. The sudden movement makes them scatter. Artemis shoots a few down while they're in midair and they fall to the ground. Takashi drops the bow out of frustration.

"I am a failure. It's not because of you."

Artemis sighs. "So are you going to be a failure forever or do you want to go back home?"

He looks down. "I-I do want to go home."

"Not with that attitude. Don't you miss them?"

Taki looks up. "I do! They mean everything to me! I just don't know if they will accept a replica of me."

"If you want the answer, then you must keep moving forward no matter what happens."

"But how?", he asks for a clear answer.

Her emeralds look at him with intent. "Despite your powers not working, you still have divinity in your blood."

Takashi's eyes widen as he realized the hint of what Artemis was saying. No matter what happens, he's still the son of Kronos. From the realization, faint green wisps form around his body.

The huntress grins with pride. "Throw a divine jab up into the sky!"

With his answer, the energy flies into the air before disappearing just above the treetops. Not as high as the cloud, but he happily embraces his teacher.

"Thank you!", he says with heartfelt emotion.

"You're welcome. Let's see what else you can do."

"Okay. Stop."

Time freezes as he checks his watch. After 4 minutes pass, time resumes.

"Less than 6 minutes, but that's okay. I know I can get it beyond that point", he declares with rising confidence.

"Let's have you take it easy for now."

"Okay. At least it's coming back together."

She tilts her head while thinking back. "You know, your optimism reminds me of someone."

"Orion?"

"No. It's- never mind. Let's keep hunting and tell them the good news."

They come across more pigeons and Artemis gives him the go ahead. The doubting thoughts don't pester him as he hits one through the chest. Artemis quickly takes care of the others before they head back to the camp.

She delivers a gentle punch to his arm. "Great job. This is enough for now."

Helena and Echo are up as they near the site. Echo is smiling from ear to ear that his power came back since Helena wasn't moving for a bit. Flowers decorate the ground around them. The nymph had already told her since she springs up to embrace him tightly.

She quickly lets go. "I knew you could do it!"

"Had no doubt in you, Taki. What can you do now?", the nymph asks.

He spots a butterfly. "Let's see. Slow."

The butterfly is still flapping normally with Helena also being unaffected.

"How about rewind?"

Nothing happens.

"Fast forward?"

Nothing changes.

The corner of Helena's lips curl down. "I'm sorry that you can't do that, Taki. It must-"

"It's actually fine. I at least can freeze time for now. This is great news!"

Helena smiles from hearing his change in attitude. "How did you regain it?"

"Artemis helped me out with that. No matter what, I'm still the son of a god. That hasn't changed."

"That's good. So then.... there are still some things left to be resolved", Echo points out.

"With the exercise sessions included, I should be stronger than ever when it comes back."

"If you have time to chat, you have time to work out! Time for mini boot camp!", Artemis commands.

Taki takes off his hoodie and bows to Artemis. 

"Yes, teacher!"

Helena turns her face away from seeing a glimpse of his defined lower abs. She takes off her warm cloak and Takashi sees her lean and toned body for the first time. Bicep peaks hiding under her tan undershirt. He blushes from how the shirt embraces her body like a lover.

He shakes his head. We miss Penelope. That's it.

Helena steps forward. "Can I join too?"

"Sure. We are going to do the same thing as before and go for as many as you can!"

Takashi and Helena do the complete circuit and he is not as wiped out as before.

"You have gotten better", Helena compliments without panting.

"Still in pain though. I wish I was like you. You could do all of that and not get winded with those iron abs", he winces.

Helena blushes from his remark. "Have......you noticed anything about your body?"

"I have gotten more muscular, that's for certain. Penelope will be so surprised when I lift her up."

She mildly smiles. "She will like it."

"Is that some confidence I hear from you?", Echo jokes.

"I can't be Mr. Humble for too long. I need to take some pride in myself."

Artemis waves her bow. "But not too much or else I will hit you again!"

During their breakfast, Taki asks Echo about her second date with Narcissus. She happily sighs while telling them all how good he makes her feel inside. Something crosses her mind.

"Could you set up an alarm so I will have time to change? I will use the dust to get there quickly."

"You can count on me."

Echo later sets up some nicer clothes for today's date with Artemis helping her out.

The goddess holds a slender green dress. "How about this one? It accentuates your body well and will take his breath away."

"You're sure?"

"Yes. You should remind him how great of a catch you are."

"You have loosened up a bit."

"I kind of like it", she realizes.

"It's how you were with Orion", she blurts out.

She covers her mouth in shock.

An unexpected gentle smile is on the deity's face. "Orion definitely brought out the best in me. It doesn't hurt me to say his name now."

"I'm glad."

"Echo, he liked you. He said that we were lucky to have each other as friends."

The nymph smiles sweetly while a blue iris blooms. "I didn't know that. Have you thought about seeing him in Elysium?"

Her emerald eyes shoot down. "I have, but would he want to see me?"

"You should go when Takashi gets his powers back. Orion would love to be with you."

"But what would I say since I-"

"Maybe you can start with "I love you. An official one since he should be human now", Helena chimes in.

"She's right. Since you changed your vow, there's nothing to stop you from being honest with him", Taki encourages.

"But that vow was for Helena and them. Not for me."

Helena grasps her hands. Her lavender eyes telling her to apply that change to herself as well. The huntress grins out of appreciation for her action. She turns her head to Taki while withdrawing her knife.

 "I will be training you nonstop today until you get to Iphicles. You will get your powers back and be stronger than before. Take out your sword and let's spar for a bit."

Helena is concerned, but she sees that Taki has assumed a defensive stance with his blade.

"Come at me!", he shouts.

Artemis runs towards him while slowing down her speed for his mind to process. She throws the knife from her right hand to her left and thrusts it at his center.

A side step by him while swinging the sword diagonally upwards-

Clang! 

He flips the blade to its flat side, aiming to hit her left shoulder-

Artemis drops down low. He hops over the swing for his ankles while swinging downwards-

Clang!

He backs away. "Don't hold back! Show me what it's like to fight a god!"

"Taki, that wouldn't be wise", the nymph warns.

However, Artemis understands his intentions. To prepare him in case Poseidon and him clash again. His whole being needs to understand what fighting an Olympian god is like.

Golden wisps surround the Huntress. "You asked for it, pupil. Attack me first."

Takashi rushes at her. His steps almost stagger warning him to run away. What she did to Narcissus within a blink of an eye. He thrusts his sword at her--

He blinks numerous times at the cloudy sky. His entire body touches the blades of grass underneath him. He looks down. Artemis has one hand on his chest with her knife hovering over his chest. His heart is racing. He could have sworn he didn't blink.

"This is half of the speed I used against Narcissus. Your eyes couldn't even catch up with it."

"H-Half?", he gasps.

Artemis gets off of him.

He grips his sword and the blade trembles from his fear. "Again."

"My turn."

Her feet vanish out of thin air. The flurry of her footsteps has him swing to his left, but it only catches air. He feels a moment of her leg making contact with his calves.

Thud!

His pupils shake. The goddess is pointing the tip of his own sword at his nose. She flips it over to the handle to return it to him. 

With a quick grasp, he thrusts it at her shoulder--

His right arm drops like a sack of potatoes along with his weapon. Lifting up his arm is more trouble than it's worth to his confusion.

"I hit the pressure points on your arm. Nice try though", she explains.

"T-That quick?"

Artemis strikes parts of his arm again. He can finally lift it with ease. His body is telling him to give up. That there was no chance of progressing. Even then, he stands up with his sword. He feels his legs about to buckle underneath him.

I just need to get a fraction faster.

He sheathes his sword and has a hovering hand near the handle while lunging. The women are curious about this stance.

His feet pound the dirt towards Artemis. Within three feet, he whips his sword out diagonally-

However, his back crashes to the ground. The force of the slam has him cough. The blades of grass are stained with golden crimson.

Helena runs over to him. "Taki! Are you okay?!"

He wipes the blood away with his hand. Even in pain, he laughs.

"Did you hit your head too hard?", she asks with concern.

Artemis is amused. "That's why you didn't use energy in the first two tries. You wanted to set a benchmark. Unfortunately, that was only a quarter of my true speed."

"Then that will be my goal. Even if I can't outclass you, I will close the gap in that department."

Artemis doesn't sense any arrogance; she knows he will achieve it someday.

"You will get there, Taki! Oh, what was that stance you just did?", Helena asks.

"It's something I saw from a show called lai stance. A quick attack within the time it takes to draw your sword. Definitely needs some work."

Taki picks up his blade. He manifests his aura and shakily directs it into his eyes to enhance his vision. He almost does the same strategy with striking at the last second but flips the blade to slash upward--

Numerous times, his body crashes to the ground. He finds himself using his sword as a cane to stand up. He falls down to one knee with a heavy breath. He forces his sword to point at Artemis.

"Come at me, Artemis!"

He directs his aura into his eyes, but the trees, sky, and ground swirl into each other.  He falls forward, but Artemis catches him with restorative hands.

He feels his limited energy is being restored. "I'm sorry."

She rests him on the ground. "You gave it your best. We will resume once you're fully ready. Don't push yourself too hard."

He doesn't argue with her as he lies down. Helena goes to her tent and brings out a small pillow for him to rest on. A sweet and relaxing scent walks into his nostrils.

"Is that lavender?"

"Helps me sleep well."

His watch goes off with an alarm.

"Time for me to change!", Echo says with excitement.

She takes her dress and puts it into a small bag that has her money. She sprinkles a portal.

"Feel better, Taki! Off I go!"

"Have fun!"

"It's perfectly fine if you want to kiss him!"

"You will look great!"

Echo smiles widely and runs through the portal into the women's bathing area. After a nice soak, she applies perfume that smells like lilies. She looks into the reflection of the mirror, showing off her green dress.

I'm not gifted in the chest, but he won't take his eyes off of me.

Iphicles sees her leaving the gym. "You look great, Echo! You're going on a date?"

"I sure am!"

"It might rain today. Did you bring your cloak?"

"Oh, I forgot it. Oh, well. Rain doesn't hurt."

"Have fun then!"

Echo makes her way to the inn and walks inside.

"I remember you from the other night. You look lovely!", the owner greets the nymph.

"Thank you! Is Narcissus available?"

"I will check for you and let him know you're here. Would you like any beer or anything?"

She laughs. "Just water for now. Don't want to be too drunk."

He gets her a glass of cold water and leaves to find Narcissus. She waits by the bar for him.

You're going to have fun. You look great. He always looks great. We might have beautiful kids. Whoa. Let's calm down. Let's see how things progress first.

The owner comes back. "I do apologize. Narcissus said he overslept and will be a little late. He's terribly sorry."

"That's okay. It gives me a chance to relax."

Time passes......Guests of the hotel come down for drinks and lunch.

"I don't mean to ask, but how long has it been since you spoke with Narcissus?"

He looks at the hourglass. "Seems like 30 minutes. Would you like any food?"

Echo's stomach grumbles from his question.  "I will be fine."

"Okay. Let me know if you change your mind."

A couple sits next to her. The woman notices the mountain nymph. "Wow! You look so pretty. Are you on a date?"

"Thanks! Just waiting for him."

"Hopefully not too long. He's missing out", her boyfriend chimes in.

"How long have you been together?", after noticing how close they snuggled against each other.

"It's been 5 months."

"More like 3 months", the woman corrects him.

"It just feels longer with you. I'm already looking forward to our one-year anniversary", her lover rebounds.

"Awww, darling", before kissing his cheek. Would you like us to wait with you in the meantime?", she returns her attention back to Echo.

"It's fine. Enjoy yourselves."

The couple stays a bit with Echo and she reassures them that her date is just a little late. They leave to go on with their day.

Echo taps her fingers on the cup repeatedly. "How much time has passed?"

"An hour, ma'am. Would you like a small plate of bread and fruit to eat while you wait?"

"I will be fine. Thanks."

He didn't forget about me, right? He's probably getting ready. Maybe he's feeling sick and that's what is taking so long.

10 minutes pass with her flowers withering away.

Am I not pretty enough for him? Maybe he changed his mind. No! Stop thinking negatively. He will be here.

The owner feeling bad for her, gives her a plate of fresh bread and fruit. "It's on the house."

Echo's stomach grumbles as she smells the aroma of the bread. One bite won't hurt.

She goes to take a bite---

"I am so sorry, Echo!", Narcissus' voice interrupts her action. Her anxiety dies down from seeing his face. He drops a bag he's carrying before reaching for her hand.

"I lost track of time to get ready for you. I spilled some wine on a good tunic and had to redress myself. I won't let you down like that ever again." He gazes into her eyes while kissing her hands. "You look absolutely amazing."

"You do as well", her heart starts to race.

"I will pay for both of our meals", he tells the barkeep before returning to his date. "Order whatever you want and we will have dessert as well. Now, I'm getting peckish."

He goes to take some bread, but the barkeep moves the plate away. "That is for the young lady you kept waiting for over an hour."

Narcissus bites his tongue from cursing him out.

"It's okay. We will share this plate and eat on top of that", the nymph interjects.

The barkeep holds back a sigh while shifting the plate back into place. He brings out scrolls with selected options.  "Here's our menu."

Echo looks through it. "What's the fish of the day?"

"Baked Mahi Mahi with roasted tomatoes and onions. The chef recommends that."

"That sounds good. I will have that."

"I will have that too", Narcissus says between bites.

The barkeep keeps his eyes from glaring at the vain demigod.

"What about dessert?"

"Fresh baked honey cakes", he replies to Echo with a kind demeanor.

"We will have that too."

"And to drink?"

"Your finest wine for us", Narcissus answers.

"Alright. I will let the chef know."

The barkeep leaves to put their order in. Echo notices that her small plate is now empty.

The demigod feigns a guilty face. "I'm so sorry, my love. I should have controlled myself."

"It's okay. A handsome man needs his nutrients."

"I will make it up to you. I promise. Do you want to know something?", he waves her to lean in.  "This is my first date without my companions around. I'm really nervous when I'm alone with you."

"You are?"

"No other person makes my heart race but you."

The blue, red, and white flowers on her crown are quickly plucked before they cover her face. The barkeep comes back with their goblets of wine. Narcissus goes to drink, but Echo raises a toast.

"To a clean slate."

Narcissus clinks her goblet with his and they drink. They talk as they eat their meals.

"This fish is really good."

"Mine tastes a bit funny. May I have some of yours?", he lies to eat more of her food.

"No. Let the chef know to get you a new dish", she playfully fires back.

Narcissus bites his tongue. This little bitch gets to tell me no?! Just calm down.

"You're right. Maybe it's just my sickness from last night. I'm feeling a lot better. Your prayers definitely helped things out."

"I'm glad."

"How are your friends?"

"They are doing well. They gave us their blessing to date each other and I'm happy for that."

"That's good. I heard about Artemis updating her vow for her main servants. Has Helena found someone yet to love?"

"She did find somebody, but it won't work out."

"Why is that?"

Echo shuffles in her seat. "I don't think that's my place to tell."

"Anything you say will never leave my lips in public or private. Don't you trust me?"

"I-I do."

"You don't have to name the person."

"......The problem is he's married to someone else."

Echo uses her aura to conceal the identity and it's fuzzy to Narcissus' vision.

He fakes his concern. "That's unfortunate. Does he know about her feelings?"

"He hasn't."

"Love is indeed weird like that. I pray she finds a single man so she doesn't get hurt."

"Thanks. I will let her know."

"And my rival, Artemis?"

"She's good. She is still training Taki even as we speak."

"Taki?", he asks with a tilted head.

"Takashi's nickname."

"Looks like you all have gotten pretty close to this stranger."

"He's more like family at this point. I know you both got off on the wrong foot, but maybe
you can both be friends. For my sake?"

He strokes her rocky hand. "For your sake. How's his training?"

"It's going great. He managed to improve himself each day", she bluffs to hide what really happened.

Narcissus knows she's hiding the truth from him. If I can't read it from her, there is another way.

"Since we're talking about futures lately, how do you feel about children?", she asks.

"Honestly, I don't want any kids. I never had a good childhood. Being a demigod didn't help me escape the abuse from my mother. My father wasn't around to protect me."

"Oh. I'm sorry about that", before squeezing his hand.

"But looking at you calms me down. Maybe we can adopt some kids instead."

Echo cracks a grin.

"And we will still make love to each other. We can use some of Aphrodite's potions for that", he whispers. Her face turns redder than Merlot. Her mind almost stalls from her imagination.

"But that is too soon to think about. Let's finish our meals."

They eat their desserts; this time Narcissus allows Echo eat plenty to get on her good side.

"This is so good. Compliments to the chef!", she tells the barkeep.

"I will let him know. Here's the bill", he slides it over to Narcissus.

Narcissus gets out his pouch, but Echo gets hers out as well.

"Don't want you to pay for all of it. I will pay half."

Narcissus refuses with a raised hand.  "A true man will never let his woman pay for his meal. It would disgrace me. I got this, my future wife."

Echo beams from ear to ear from his last sentence. More beautiful flowers decorate the bar. Narcissus walks her out of the inn to conclude their date.

"I had a great time, Echo. I look forward to the next one."

"Me too."

"Before you leave, I have a gift for you."

He takes out an elegant purple cloak from the small bag. It has a golden brooch that will hold it together.

"I don't know your favorite color so I picked this option."

She throws it on and snaps the brooch on. "I love it!" She touches the cloak and it's soft to the touch yet kept her warm.

"It looks great on you."

"Tha-"

Her lips are sealed by Narcissus' lips. Her blood warms up inside as her body longs for him.

She kisses him back and he breaks it. She is rendered speechless from his action and wants to kiss him again. She goes to do so, but he stops her with his fingers to her mouth.

"Don't worry. There's always next time. Show the cloak off to your friends and tell them that your boyfriend got you that."

Echo nods.

"How about we meet again tomorrow? We can take a walk in the garden they have here. How about 1pm?"

Echo nods. He likes how she isn't talking.

"Bye, my love."

"B-Bye, future husband!"

She's overjoyed from how it sounds. She sprinkles some dust to return to the others while Narcissus walks back to his room.

She's wrapped around my finger. Hopefully, this all comes to an end.

He locks the door and holds the peacock totem with a smile that hurts his cheeks.