Colorado 5pm

Hikari and her team are analyzing the energy readings closely and discover something. According to the charts, they see that there's a segment of lines with one being longer than the others.

Dr. Hanson does a replay of those particular segments from recorded footage. A segment from Oct 13th which is the biggest out of them all. The energy level starts and then quickly jumps to the other side without wavering.

"Is there anything earlier than that?" Hikari thinks out loud.

They find a segment which is shorter (Taki's skip to Aeolia) and they replay it. It did the same thing by suddenly jumping to the other side.

Dr. Hanson pulls up the entirety....which breeds more confusion. Three barely visible branches had retreated back to that main line that continued afterwards.

"This is incredible. Why didn't we notice that before?"

"We probably focused on the main line and forgot about the branches in the process."

"It somehow reminds me of an old science fiction movie," Hikari mentions.

"Like those time travel movies?"

"We could be onto something. What if the energy we're seeking is actually temporal?"

"That's not possible. There are only 6 kinds of energy: chemical, electrical, radiant, mechanical, thermal and nuclear. This doesn't fit into those categories," a colleague mentions.

"Unless this is a new category," Hikari hypothesizes.

Dr. Hanson snaps his fingers. "Exactly what I'm thinking. We need to keep studying this just to make sure. What else do we notice besides the skipping?"

Hikari's gut tells her to zoom in on the specific point. The data point was actually a cluster of three separate days that the branches returned back, but it was all the same repeated time; 12pm PST. Oct 10, 11th, and 12th.

Oct 13th then continues on like normal before the jump. She also noticed that the energy dropped to zero before looping back to the main branch. She thinks about the possibility that Takashi could have some kind of power in whatever world he's in. 

So, time powers?  Her body shudders. Could that world be so dangerous that he had to "jump" back?

Dr. Hanson sees Hikari is in deep thought. "What are you thinking?"

"What if the energy levels we have been reading are sentient? Like it belongs to something in that world?"

"Possibly, due to the erratic behavior. If we are able to retrieve that being, maybe we can find out more of that world. We would make an amazing discovery", a colleague deposits.

"And more funding for what we can do with that energy", another adds.

"Money is important, but it comes second to how we can benefit humanity. In that case, we shouldn't aim to shoot, but to capture once we get the coordinates", Dr. Hanson gets out a walkie.

He requests that the laser setting be changed akin to a net to capture the being once coordinates are confirmed. They understand and will prepare for that.

Little brother, we are almost there. I wish there was a way to communicate with you.

----

Gaia,

Medea is leading the group of Theseus, Bellerophon, and Ariadne over to their final teammate for the demigod tournament. Their respective bracelets light up and link up to a single chain on the ground.

She lands the chariot outside a bushy forest to avoid getting her ride trapped by the branches. They find that the final person isn't moving towards them at all.

The witch lets out a long exhale. "Let's get this over with."

They finally come across a clearing with two men at a campsite. One is cooking deer with vegetables while the other is sitting back as if he's waiting for something. The red bracelet on his wrist linking to theirs.

The cook acknowledges their presence with a wave while the vain demigod stands up.

"I was waiting for you all to show up at some point. My name is Narcissus."

They already don't like his tone. Speaking like a king to his subjects.

"It would have been a lot shorter if you met us halfway," Medea reigns in her disgust.

"Now, now. You're one member short. Maybe I can join another team."

"If they would tolerate your attitude which is highly unlikely," Theseus bluntly states.

Georgios is astounded by the stranger's straightforward manner.

Narcissus' jaw drops before baring his teeth. "How dare you?!"

He flares his white wispy aura to puff himself up. Theseus puts Ariadne behind him while Bellero covers his nose from the stench. He responds with turquoise aura that shows Narcissus that he's no amateur when it comes to killing. The white energy is snuffed out like a candle.

Who in Tartarus is this man?!

Medea smiles that the vain demigod was put in his place.

Theseus crosses his arms. "Your aura is good, but you need us too. How else can your wish be granted?"

"I don't need a team to win."

"Then why did you choose to participate in this team tournament?" Medea mocks with a tilted head. Narcissus refuses to answer her.

Bellerophon attempts to diffuse the situation. "Let's not fight. We need each other to win. Can we put this aside for now? My name's-"

"I don't care about your names. Especially one that is too young to play wise."

Theseus nears his face. His striking turquoise eyes threaten him to say another insult about his sibling.

The vain man's legs almost buckle underneath him, but he forces himself to change methods.

"Fine. We do need each other after all. What are your names?"

"I'm your head coach, Medea. This tall man in front of you is Theseus of Athens."

Narcissus' eyes almost shoot of his head.

"And the young man is his brother, Bellerophon. And his wife, Ariadne."

"Theseus, the bandit and minotaur killer?!" Georgios thinks out loud.

"The one and only," the witch affirms.

The man bows before Theseus. "Please forgive my friend. He didn't mean to insult you. My name is Georgios."

He steps back while keeping an eye on Narcissus.

"Now that we got the introductions out of the way, let's talk strategy. I know you are an exceptional archer, Narcissus."

"The best you mean. If there wasn't a ranked system."

Medea appeases his ego. "Of course. The absolute best!"

"My skills would be beneficial to your team. I never miss a shot. I know what Theseus is capable of, but I never heard of you. Any deeds you completed?" Narcissus asks Bellerophon.

"No, sir," he admits.

Narcissus smiles that he is giving him respect. "Then what good are you?"

Bellero speaks up before Theseus can say anything.  "I'm great at trapping creatures and I can breathe underwater."

The last part amuses Narcissus and the others. "You can breathe underwater?"

"I wouldn't be the son of Poseidon if I couldn't do that."

"Can your big brother also breathe underwater?" Georgios asks with wonder.

"Not as long as I can.....I have an advantage. It came during puberty," he sighs while walking to the nearby lake. He removes the blue scarf for all to see. The whole group is astounded as they see fish gills and scales on both sides of his neck.

He dives into the water. As he jumps out, they see fish scales on his face and body and webbing between his hands and feet. A small fin is on his back as he performs breast strokes and doesn't get tired as he goes from one end of the lake and back within a minute.

He jumps out while encircling himself into an orb of water. "Can you hear me well?" He speaks without any obstacle to his voice.

"Per-Perfectly," Georgios confirms.

The water returns to the lake with the wave of his hands. Narcissus hides the fact that he's envious of what the young demigod could do.

Bellero's head drops low. It was what he was used to growing up. Rejection and fear. They're going to call me a freak. I-

"You are amazing, little brother!" Theseus slices through his intrusive thoughts.

Bellero's head jerks up.

He places a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I wish I could do those kinds of things, but you're better suited for that."

Bellero embraces his brother, needing to hear that validation.

Theseus pats his brother's head. "It must have been hard for you to make friends."

"I don't have any."

Theseus puts a hand on the top of his head. "Not anymore."

Happy tears release from his blue eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm so emotional right now."

Ariadne walks towards them and hugs him as well. Bellero freezes up in place. His face turns more red than wine.

"Don't be ashamed. These are tears of joy."

"Thank you," he stammers.

Medea grins that Theseus and Bellero are developing a strong bond. This may help him reach his full potential for their team to win.

She looks at Narcissus who is hiding a scowl. She knows since she's used to hiding her facial expressions. I just need to figure out how they can work as a trio. We only have 2 weeks. Gods help me.

After some time, Bellero goes to put his scarf back on, but Theseus stops him.

"You don't need to hide that part of yourself from us."

"I know, but our father left me this scarf when I was a baby. I'm keeping it."

He withdraws his hand to let him be.

"Brother, do you think I will make more friends in the tournament?"

Theseus is silent while Narcissus laughs to himself.

"Bellerophon, we don't know what kind of games they will have at the tournament. What if the person you befriend there is someone you will have to fight?" Medea answers his question.

"I-I didn't think of that."

"And with the reward of perfect wishes, they won't hesitate to hurt you to win. They will befriend you only to throw it away if it helps them get what they want. Trust me from experience."

Bellero glances at her. For a moment, he could have sworn to see a sad look in her eyes.

"Maybe you can make more friends after we win," Ariadne interjects.

"She's right. There's always that chance," Georgios adds while brushing back his long brown hair.

Bellero smiles with hope in his heart.

Medea clears her throat before looking at Narcissus. "Now that we've seen what Bellerophon can do, are you more at ease?"

"Some relief."

Ariadne goes to strike him in the face, but Theseus stops her. She turns her eyes away to subside her anger.

Medea tries to soothe the situation by complimenting the vain demigod's potency in power. That there was no need to test his capabilities. He leans back, taking in her praise. He would like it more if they groveled before him. Instead....

"I am quite honored, witch. That's right, I know who you are, child killer."

Medea's face is blank. Ariadne's stomach twists from the venomous words.

Bellero's eyes widen as the pieces fall into place in his mind. He thought Medea was a common name but not the one who hailed from Colchis.

Damn him. Now I can't convince the young one to wish on my behalf! Medea seethes without expression.

"I-Is he telling the truth, coach?" Bellero asks.

An unexpected cackle is aimed at Narcissus. "You know of my past? Nothing gets past you, demigod."

The way she said it strikes a nerve with the ego driven man. He wants to end her right then and there, if the rules weren't in place.

"I take pride in being a witch. I have no regrets about any actions I took to get to this point."

Ariadne's lunch almost comes out of her mouth. Bellerophon's hands clench into fists while Theseus stares at her. Something about the last sentence didn't seem true to him. Pain is hiding in the depths of her words.

"I heard you did it out of spite against Jason, their father," Narcissus fires back to recover his verbal wound.

Ariadne holds herself closely to her husband while clutching her belly.

Medea nears the vain demigod's face with eyes that want to swallow him in the abyss. "Just because I'm your coach, doesn't mean you have to like me. I'm here to win and that is it."

Bellero's dark blue aura flares up while glaring at Medea's face. Hearing such cruelty dripping from her words buries his nervous habit towards her. His feelings reflect disgust with who she is.

Medea doesn't budge from the wrath and expressions aimed at her. She was used to it at this point. She turns back to Narcissus. "Be lucky that I'm not a demigod. Who knows what you could be hiding in that aura of yours? Maybe you have done something heinous as well and are hiding it from everyone. Best to keep silent about my past from this point on. Can we move on now?"

Towards the end, she put out a veiled threat to Narcissus to watch his back. He hides his fear of her capabilities. If he's not careful, she could slip some poison in his drink. The rule of substitutions is brought to the front of his mind.

Theseus steps forward. "Let's move forward. We can go our separate ways after the games are done."

"Medea, I will listen to what you have to say for the games. I never want to see you again after this," Bellero tells Medea without a single stutter.

The witch brushes back a strand of hair into its proper place. "So be it. Let's eat and talk strategy."

As Georgios keeps cooking, the young teen gets into the water while keeping his head above the surface.

"Are you alright?" Ariadne asks with concern.

"Yes-Yes, I am. Smoke-smoke irritates my gills. I-I can't stay on dry land for-for too long as well."

"I'm so sorry that you have to deal with that," she empathizes.

"It's-It's fine."

Medea brings up that she can contact Hephaestus to construct a device to help him stay hydrated for the entirety of the event.

Although excited, he refuses to respond to her. When she brings up procuring armor for the others, they instantly reject the notion since they were comfortable as they are. She walks away from the camp while holding a totem of a flame and hammer to carry out the task.

During her task, Bellero asks Theseus if he has any powers he inherited from their father.

"Best to show you."

With a flash of turquoise aura, his skin is covered from the nearby dirt and rocks as a set of armor from head to toe. The rest of the group is amazed as he walks around with ease. A slight raise of the hand levitates pebbles and a nearby boulder into the air. Ariadne is filled with glee to see his powers in action again.

While the others are transfixed by the display, Narcissus who hides his contempt. Bellero is smiling from ear to ear that his sibling has their father's control over earth.

Theseus shakes off his earthly armor while lowering the rocks.

"Can you also do earthquakes?"

He shakes his head. "No and I never found a use for it."

"That last one he did was really scary. I wonder why he did that."

Theseus gets near the water. "I heard there was a dispute between father and Zeus, but they settled the matter. Maybe we will meet him at the games."

The teen's eyes shine brighter from the hope that it will come true. His eyes then darken upon the witch's return.

"Hephaestus is already at work, Bellerophon. He will send it to us once he's done."

"Okay."

If he's going to talk to her, it would be short. Lunch is ready and everyone on land digs in. Ariadne sets a plate for Bellero at the edge where the water meets the land. Once she leaves, he takes the plate and eats right away.

To start the conversation of strategy, Theseus asks Medea who else is participating in the tournament. The mention of Heracles has Ariadne squeeze her husband. His soft fingers stroke her arm to calm her fears. 

He notices that Narcissus hasn't reacted to hearing Heracles' name. "Are you familiar with him?"

"In what way?"

"It seems like you met him before."

"A few times, but it's expected when we are rivals."

The more the vain demigod speaks, the more it adds to Theseus' suspicion of him. The prince knows a lie when he hears it. He asks Medea for other names.

"This one in particular is strange. It's not Greek at all. Ta-kas-hi Watana-bee?"

"That is a weird name indeed," Bellero chimes in.

"It says that he's the son of Kronos and that's allied with Heracles. I never heard of Kronos before. I will need to conduct some research on what he can do."

"He has the power over time itself," Narcissus confesses.

The others are puzzled to his delight that he can explain it to them. He also can't afford to lose his perfect wish. He describes his time abilities while omitting fast forward or zone. He will keep that part to himself once he finds out more.

"Heracles has a good partner in him. What else do you know about him?" Theseus remarks.

"His powers can't affect those with divinity, so we are good."

"Anything else he can do?"

"No. That's all I know of him," he bluffs.

Theseus looks to his little brother. "Let's train."

Bellero hops onto land, ready to get started.

A bird swoops down to Narcissus which gets their attention. A note is attached to its leg with Echo's name written on it.

"Don't let me stop you. You go ahead. It's urgent."

He motions for Georgios to enter the tent with him.

"Is it from Echo? How is she?"

The prideful demigod opens the scroll. He skims through it, ignoring the lovey-dovey words. To him, it's a complete waste of his time but he must continue to keep up appearances. He reads the part where Echo is concerned about Hera enchanting the ring. A feeling of being watched.

Narcissus smiles widely.  "I already know what I'm going to write to her. I would like to write it, but my hands shake because of my love for her. Can you help me again? I will write the ending part once it comes to mind."

"You can count on me."

He gets a sheet of papyrus and his quill ready.

"Dear, my lovely and beautiful fiancé, I got your letter and I was excited to hear back from you........"

In the meantime, Hermes heads from city to city alerting other demigods of the tournament and word spreads to several cities. Most of the demigods have said yes to participate and start forming teams......

In Thrace, a 6'2 female deity with long, curly brown hair is wearing a black robe to express her sadness. Tears won't stop flowing out of her near lifeless eyes. The arms of her 5'7 royal husband hug her body like a blanket. His wild, bushy brown beard almost tickling her soft arms.

Their 5'9 son is also embracing them. The young man has a brown beard, but not as bushy as his father. Sorrowful singing that is divine in nature enters through the cracks of the doors.

Her husband helps her sit into a chair while wiping her tears. "Calliope, should I let them in?"

"Please, Oeagrus."

The king motions to his men and they open the door. Eight singing women with differing hairstyles in black enter the room with their tears decorating the floor. Yet, they all look similar to Calliope since they shared the same parents.

These are the 9 Muses and daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus.

"Hello, everyone," the muse with short straight hair greets with sadness.

Their nephew comes over and embraces her. "I'm so sorry, aunts."

They surrounded him, Oeagrus, and Calliope for the longest hug that lingered after breaking it.

"I thank you all for showing up. This means a lot to me," Calliope breaks the silence.

The muse with a ponytail cups her face. "We came as soon as we heard."

"Did father see you too?"

"He did. This is all so terrible. I-I don't have any words to describe it," the muse with braided locks clutches herself.

"You are welcome to stay with us during this time. My home is your home too," the king of Thrace told them.

The muses bow in appreciation. "Thank you for comforting our sister."

Calliope holds onto her husband, afraid that she will lose him too. He stands on tippy toes to kiss her cheek.

"I'm not going away, my love. I won't be out of your sight from now on."

A smile tries to form on her face, but the sadness outweighs it. She kisses him on the top of his head to show her appreciation.

Her son pulls out his lyre. "May I play some music, mother?"

"Please."

"Apollo, thank you for teaching me the art of the lyre. Grandmother, I thank you for everything. For giving me a mother and a good family. I will play this song in remembrance of you and your people."

With the strums of Orpheus' fingers, the flames of the torches and the flowers in the room dance to the music.

You also lost someone too. How long must we suffer?  His mother thought as he played.

She, her sisters, and her husband close their eyes as her son plays away. It ends and Calliope claps to their surprise.

"Thank you, my son."

The muses also clap in memory of their mother. Another sound of hands clapping startles them.

"She would have loved that," Hermes gently speaks.

Calliope's son and his father bow to him.

"Hermes, thank you for coming," the king appreciates.

"Anything for my sisters."

Calliope scowls at him while placing herself between him and her son. "You're not here just for that! I know why you're here!"

The king and the muses remember: the demigod tournament.

"It is a bad time since what has happened and what your son went through. But he needs to know. It will be his choice to make," the deity of messengers assures.

"What is the point of those games? Answer me, right now!"

"It's to drive out the one responsible for the deaths of your mom and her people. We already have who they would want."

"Who is it?"

"My uncle, Takashi Watanabe."

The muses recall that name. "That's the man who saved the rest of the Trojans and got them away."

"Also, for helping Odysseus and his men get back home to Ithaca."

"He's family then. But why is he doing this?" Calliope thinks out loud.

"He seeks to bring justice to your mother. He also holds hatred for the one responsible," Hermes continues.

"If he's bait, why do you want to talk to my son? I will not let him-"

"Mother! It's alright. Hermes, tell me about the tournament and I will make my decision."

She holds him close to her heart. "I don't want to lose you too!"

"You won't. I will hear him out before I decide. I will take it seriously."

His words and sentiment helps her heart slow down. She lets go of him slowly.

"Tell me, Hermes."

Hermes tells Orpheus everything.....which he accepts to possibly avenge his grandmother. The red bracelet around his wrist shakes his mother's heart. Her husband strokes the back of her hand to be strong for the both of them.

Hermes informs the demigod that his team members and coach will meet him tomorrow outside the castle gate.

"Thank you, Hermes."

Hermes clicks his feet and flies away.

The hands of his parents and aunts latch onto him. His family couldn't sleep a wink that night.

The next morning (Nov 16th), the castle gate lowers. Orpheus is packed and ready to meet his team. He turns to his family and embraces his aunts first.

"I promise to stay safe."

"We love you, nephew."

Orpheus turns to his parents who hug him tightly.

"I know you will make us proud. Just don't fight," his father advises.

"I know."

"I pray that you will come back to us alive. I just want you back in one piece, like last time," his mother hopes with streams of tears.

Orpheus wipes her tears away before letting go. As he walks away from them, Calliope's trembling hand reaches out, but it drops. Her husband catches it with a firm hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. 

The demigod's heart bounces from seeing his team and someone familiar. "Teacher!"

The god of poetry and music, Apollo, waves at his student with mixed emotions. Happy to see him but not under these circumstances.

Orpheus takes out his lyre to play a hopeful song to comfort his family. Birds are singing in tune to the song and the rocks begin to dance as well.

"That's my son!" Oeagrus shouts.

"Walk boldly, my child!"

"Keep him out of trouble! We are counting on you! You will do great, nephew!" His aunts told them.

Orpheus gives them a warm, reassuring smile that they will see him again. He embraces his teacher.

"Until we get to Olympia, you will all stay at my temple in Delphi to undergo your training. Let's go."

Apollo gets out his flute and plays a few notes. His aura levels raise as large hovering musical notes appear to take them to their destination. They hop on and they safely fly away from Thrace. Orpheus waves again at his loved ones until they're out of sight. He turns his body forward with a focused stare.

I don't know what to expect, but I will get my wish. I promise to be reunited with you, Eurydice.