Nov 21st 8am, California

Beep. Penny waits for the results from the thermogun.

She smiles with relief that her daughter's fever has broken. "You are a little warrior. Mommy and Daddy are proud of you."

Her baby coos.

"We will set up decorations for Thanksgiving later. I need an expert like yourself for approval. Will you help mama?"

Her baby sputters out in response.

"I will take that as a yes. Let's get you fed."

She breastfeeds her baby while sitting down. "Your daddy is a funny man. He would be the type to say at this moment: "Save some for me. What about my cereal?"

She chuckles before stopping. She tells her a "secret". That her aunt is working on a way to bring her father back to them.  She hopes he will be here by Thanksgiving. Confessions of doubt spill out, thinking something might happen to prevent his return.

After burping her child, her phone buzzes. Checking through, she finds the recent payment from Damocles Inc.

She exhales. I need to be strong until he comes back. Taki, give me some strength.

Back on Gaia,

Takashi stirs up from sleeping on his desk. The once burning candle is now a puddle of wax. Moving his hand pushes a crumpled piece of paper to join its allies on the floor. He feels his wife calling on his strength. He thinks back to their third date at the concert to relieve her mind....

He adjusted the pockets of his punk rocker jacket. Excited nerves led him inside the venue. During a mic check, he almost didn't recognize his future wife. Ghoulish makeup with a spiky jacket. His jaw dropped into a smile. She waves to him and he waves back. He yelled for her to kiss ass tonight.

She quickly grabbed her phone to shoot him a text. An invitation backstage when the band finished.

Drums thrashed around. Nasty breakdowns of the guitar had everyone jumping around. Her growling vocals blew Takashi away. A drug that's he now addicted to. Penny saw the look of euphoria on his face as he joined the moshpit.

After their performance, he went backstage and introduced himself to the rest of the band. They welcomed him in with fist bumps before letting him that Penny is dressing down. He offered to help with the instruments, but they told him to wait for her.

She came down without the makeup and in her regular clothes. They embraced with a tender kiss. She asked if her bandmates gave him any trouble.

The drummer responded. "Not at all. I can't help but notice that you have a groupie."

"I wouldn't mind being her only groupie," Taki blurted out.

His cheeks turned red to Penny's laughter. She turned his head while slipping her tongue into his mouth. The band left them for privacy. They stopped before their clothes were almost removed.

She stroked his cheeks, apologizing if it took too long to get ready. He mentioned he loved that look and wouldn't mind if she keep it on for the next time.

A smile stretched to her ears. "Noted. Are you now a metalhead?"

"Only for bands with bronze screamo queens."

"Somehow you know the right thing to say. I'm envious of that."

Taki held her hands. "I hope you make me pay one day."

His light brown eyes softened with hers doing the same. He led her by the hand to eat some pizza nearby.

They ate a large chicken pizza together, with olives on one side for Penelope and the other with ham and pineapple. Before digging in, she prayed. She noticed he didn't pray. She asked him about his faith which he answered with agnosticism, but open to religion. He asked her the same question.

"I'm a believer in that the universe works on a large and small scale. Like how it brings people together. Do you believe in that?"

"I do now," he smiled.

Her back touched the door of her apartment while her boyfriend's hands were on the small of her back. Lips locking with blended love and lust. Pleasurable murmurs exchanging between the two.

Penny pulled back while taking something out of her pocket. A necklace with blue circles surrounding a white circle. A black dot rests in the middle of white. She explained it was a to mati. From her culture, it protects the owner from harm.

Takashi let her wrap it around his neck. He held it in his palm with a smile. She placed a hand for a prayer of protection to make it work.

"Amen. Thanks, Penny."

"You're welcome, Taki."

Taki took off his jacket, kissed it, and wrapped it around Penny's shoulders, His protective charm for her.  They exchanged a wet kiss before drifting away from each other. The offer of karaoke with their friends excited her...

Penny's body shivers with delight from their third date. Their bond of love only grew stronger from that point.

We will have more moments like that, my groupie husband.

------

Her thought travels over the chasm between them. A wide smile on Taki's face that he will be reunited with her soon. He closes his eyes to get more slee-

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP! His finger silences the alarm on his watch. Picking up the bunched-up papers, an idea comes to mind. He straightens them out to use for his poetry test tonight.

Knock. Knock. He answers the door to find Heracles, Perseus, and the others waiting for him. His feet shuffle before leaning on the frame.

Echo lends him a hand. "Do you want to sleep in more?"

He gently refuses. "I'll take a nap later before tonight. Let's get started."

"How's the poem going?" Percy asks.

"I think I know what to say. It will be a surprise."

Chrysaor signs to his dad. "What does he mean by that?"

"I don't know. He seems confident."

"While I'm up, can you teach me sign language?"

"Sure, uncle. Why?"

"So, I can talk with my nephew before I leave."

Chrysaor embraces his uncle. He lets go after hearing a crack. The armored man waves his hands in apology, but his uncle is smiling. He flicks his right index finger against his metal skin.

"Let's eat some breakfast."

After a light breakfast, Echo dances with Takashi. His muscle memory kicks in with graceful movements.

"You really improved. Penelope will be so happy when you dance with her."

"I can imagine it."

Their feet stop moving after Taki sees Chloe entering the banquet hall.

"Morning, Chloe."

"Morning. Tonight's the big night. How do you feel?"

"Nervous, but ready. How's Helena?"

"She should be up. I will check on her."

The mountain nymph accompanies her. "Taki, stay here."

The way she spoke gives Chloe assurance that Echo is aware. She takes a plate of food and walks with her to Helena's room.

They enter the room. The nymph puts the food on the nightstand before embracing the bloodshot Helena. Echo rubs her puffy cheeks before letting her eat.

Chloe holds her hands. "Helena, you can't hide from Takashi forever. He told me he's worried about you."

Her lips quiver. "I just don't know what I'm going to say to him. Keeping these feelings inside is painful, but it has to be done."

Echo sits near her. "There has to be a way you can move on."

Chloe snaps her fingers. "When Aphrodite comes back, I will ask for us to see her special scrolls. These scrolls hold the names of people meant to be together. How would you feel if his name didn't show up with yours?"

"It would be sad, but I can move on with that knowledge in mind. But what if it does show?"

"Then we will go from there. It may also show the next best thing."

Helena finally cracks a grin.

Echo brushes back strands of lavender. "That's my friend. Do you want to go to the dance?"

"Sure. I just don't have a partner."

"After I dance with Narcissus, I'm all yours."

Helena smiles turns flat. "He's coming?"

"I haven't gotten his response yet, but I will check later to make sure."

Chloe feels the same way as Helena and changes the subject. "Do you have a dress for tonight?"

"I do."

Chloe looks to Echo who nods in response.

"Perfect. Let me or the servants know if you want makeup or your hair done."

 "I will take advantage of that." I hope he passes his tests. He's been through so much and needs a break before the games.

Meanwhile,

Taki, Heracles, and Perseus stare at each other with wisps of aura building between them.

"Zone."

Chrysaor raises his hand and in mid swing--

"FF."

With his hair perked up, Taki fires off an energy jab at Perseus. The young son of Zeus blocks with aura shielding in his arms before an axe kick is delivered to Heracles. The mighty hero sidesteps before firing off fists at his family members.

Takashi runs and slides underneath his attack while Perseus jumps over it. The young demigod aims his feet to stomp on his uncle's ribs, but he rolls to the side.

A beam of emerald pushes him back. The shielding allows Percy to deflect it away. From the corner of his eye, he ducks under a python-sized lariat.

The younger son of Zeus lands an uppercut to his brother. Heracles steps back to deliver a swift kick to the torso. Percy pushes it away by the heel to deliver a barrage of kicks and punches to the midsection. Takashi fires off pinpoint emerald beams at the shoulders of Heracles.

Perseus fires off combinations of punches, kicks, jabs, and elbows while Taki fires off energized beams at different parts of Heracles' body. Heracles' divine aura ignites, forcing Perseus to fall back but still on his feet.

An exchange of smiles stops their session. 

"Play," Taki exhales without any problems. A wide smile graces his face that he mastered this level and their trust has gotten stronger.

"Taki! Don't get too carried away," Helena calls out to him from the steps.

He walks up to her. The puffy cheeks grab his attention. "Are you sick?"

"It's the altitude that's affecting me, but Chloe gave me some medicine."

"That's good. I'm glad you're alright. I was worried."

Helena cracks a grin. "It's going to take more than a cold to take me out."

She points at the place where she was stabbed.

Taki laughs. "Not even a giant can stop you."

Helena laughs. "Oh, thanks for the food last night."

"You're welcome. I didn't know what you would like so I piled everything on it."

"It was perfect. Thanks."

Silence sits between them. One is easy while the other wasn't.

Takashi rubs his hands. "When the tests are done, would you like to dance with-"

"I already have Echo as a partner," she quickly dismisses him.

He nods to accept her response. 

"How are you feeling?"

"A little nervous," he lightly chuckles.

She gently grabs his right metal index finger and strokes it. "You are going to do great. I believe in you."

The sensation erodes away the mountain of stress on his back.

She lets go of his hand. "Sorry."

"I don't mind. I have a question for you."

Her heart pounds from what the question could be.

"Why do you-"

"YES! YES! YES!" Echo skips and does cartwheels with letters in her hand. "My fiancé is coming tonight! I'm so happy!"

"That's great, Echo."

Chrysaor "exhales" and forces a smile on his face. He just wants her to be happy.

"Who's your fiancé?" Percy asks.

"Narcissus. He's part of the tournament."

"I never met him before. What is he like?"

"Handsome. Intelligent. One of the best people I ever met."

Chloe and the others behind her express disgust on their faces and motion with a thumbs down. He gets what they're saying. He bluffs in hoping to meet him. Upon being asked to attend their wedding, Percy agrees to it.

Her chipper tone quickens akin to a hummingbird. "Now that I'm thinking about it, we would need to work on a guest list. But that will be for a later time. He's coming here tonight! I need to get ready."

Perseus whispers to Taki after knowing that Echo is out of earshot. "Why do we dislike Narcissus?"

His brother and uncle briefly explain. Wisps of golden fury are contained from the attempted murder of their loved ones. Chrysaor "asks" his father.

"Does Echo know?" Percy translates.

They tell him that they are afraid that they will push her into Narcissus' arms. Once there's a physical game, they intend to beat the ichor out of him. Hopefully, enough evidence will appear to sway her away from him.

The thought of that man abusing Echo's emotions made the armored man clench his hands. His father's touch calms him down.

Taki remembers his question to Helena but finds she's no longer there. After a bath, he returns to his bed for a proper nap.

Penny, be my muse and help bring out all the love I have for you. I need you.

----

The red dress embraces Medea's body like a lover. Her long brown hair tied up into a ponytail. She lightly pads her face with some makeup.

"You look great, Medea," Ariadne compliments to be polite.

"Thank you. I wish we could all dress up, but so be it," before turning to her team. "While you're having fun, make sure to keep watch for the other contestants. Bellero, don't reveal anything about yourself to them. Keep your talks short so you don't spill anything."

The youngest son of Poseidon nods. 

Narcissus adjusts his shimmering eggplant colored tunic. "No need to tell me twice. I got the message."

"Do you know how to dance, Bellero?" Theseus asks.

"A little. But I'm just going to watch."

Ariadne curtsies to him. "How about I save a dance for you?"

Bellero is frozen in time with a dropped jaw.

"I will take that as a yes."

Medea brings her chariot to life and feeds her dragons with leftover scraps. After feeding them a bowl of mint, they takeoff for the temple.

Aphrodite's servants almost drop their spears from the twin dragons. It lands to their confused relief with people inside the chariot.

Medea takes out the invitation and bows. "Your goddess invited us."

The servant checks it. "I do apologize. Right this way."

As Medea and her group are being led in, all the participants' red bracelets light up. Sounds of music approaches them. They turn to find the god Apollo and his team riding on musical notes.

The musical god lands safely with his team. Upon seeing Medea again, Orpheus brings out his lyre in defense. Theseus puts Ariadne behind him just in case.

"Why are you here?" Orpheus grits his question at Medea.

A wicked smile greets him. "It's been a while. How's my favorite Argonaut doing?"

He refuses to answer.

"You have history with her too? She tried to kill me and now she's my coach," Theseus informs.

Orpheus' eyebrows rise up.

Apollo raises his hands. "It's good to take a break from the training and blow off some steam. Let's be nice just for tonight."

The servants lead the whole group to the banquet hall where the dance will take place. Bellero keeps his eyes to the floor as pretty women walk about. Heracles, Perseus, Chrysaor, and a masked Adonis are waiting near a table for their pending opponents.

Heracles' piercing blue eyes widen from the familiar faces. "Medea? Orpheus?"

"How nice to see you again, strong hero."

Orpheus walks over to the tall man and hugs him. Because Heracles saved him, he got another chance to resurrect Eurydice.

Heracles introduces him to the others. "This is Orpheus, and this is my brother and teammate, Perseus. This is my ex, Adonis."

"Nice to meet you," Percy offers his hand. But it remains empty. The son of Zeus withdraws his hand without offense.

Orpheus shakes Adonis' hand. "Nice to meet you."

"You as well."

Medea struts towards him. "Adonis? You're considered the most beautiful man in all of Gaia. May I dance with you?"

The most beautiful man? What a joke. I'm already that person, Narcissus keeps to himself.

"Sure."

Her fingers reach to the edge of the mask. "Preferably with the mask off?"

Adonis gently pushes her hand into his. "I do apologize. I can't do that."

Heracles puts himself between Adonis and her. "Don't try anything or else."

The witch smirks. "We're just here to have fun. Breaking the rules would be dishonorable."

Theseus eyes Heracles up and down. Even without a display of aura, he knows he's incredibly strong.

Medea steps back.  "Introductions are needed." The witch of Colchis introduces her team along with Ariadne and Georgios.

Perseus' fists trembles, wanting to strike the vain man in the face. Chrysaor is doing the same thing.

The witch notices the hostility directed to Narcissus. She feels relieved that she's not the only one in feeling that way. "So this Tak-aa-shy person is on your team?"

The mispronunciation has the others laughing.

Percy wipes away a tear. "It's Ta-ka-she. He's our uncle."

Narcissus grins. We finally get to meet before the games. Maybe I can-

"FIANCE!" Before he can say a word, he's tackled to the floor by the mountain nymph. Her purple dress flows to the floor as she nuzzles against him.

Chloe catches up behind her while stifling her laughter. Ariadne laughs while hiding behind Theseus. Chrysaor is concerned about what Narcissus will do to her.

Echo plants multiple kisses on his cheek. "I missed you so much! Oh, I'm sorry. Let's get you off the floor."

Narcissus doesn't take her hand as he dusts off his clothes.

"I'm so sorry. I got excited since it's been a while."

So, this is Echo. She's too good for him, Ariadne thinks.

Chloe sees the other red bracelets. "Why are you here?"

"We were all invited here to dance. Aphrodite sent it out," Medea explains.

Chloe looks at the invitation more than once. "Maybe this was last minute."

"It is like her to do that," Apollo reaffirms.

Chloe bows to him. "Nice to have you here, Apollo. Feel free to eat and have fun."

"Thank you."

Narcissus stares at Chloe. "Do I know you?"

"Not long enough to count."

Ariadne and Medea laugh on the inside. Bellero didn't understand what she meant by that, but it took Narcissus off guard which he liked.

Narcissus bites his tongue. "Maybe I'm wrong. Your face looks common enough."

"H-Honey, that's not very nice," Echo stutters out.

His stare silences her. Chrysaor wants to tackle him through the wall for that action.

"We're just joking with each other," the demigod bluffs.

"I know a funny joke too," Takashi's voice accompanies his walk. A shimmering red tunic with loose sleeves to allow for mobility. His right hand carrying several sheets of paper.

Medea's group take a second look at him. They quickly take note of his appearance with three metal fingers on his right hand. His eyes squint while looking at the others. He recognizes Apollo from Artemis' aura display.

"Are you Apollo, Artemis' brother?"

Apollo appreciates his respectful tone. "Nice to meet you for the first time, uncle."

Medea's group had the same question in their mind. Uncle?!

"What's going on, Chloe?"

"The other teams were invited to dance here."

"Will they dance during my test?"

"It seems so."

He smiles at them. "It's all good. Let's have fun, everyone!"

The team members are taken aback at how calm he was about this situation.

He makes his way to Georgios and embraces him with care. "How are you?"

He tears up from the fact he remembered the loss of Michaelis. "It still hurts. Thanks for asking."

Taki pats his back. "I'm glad to see you here."

His kind words add a layer of complexity to the thoughts of Theseus and Bellerophon. They shake it off to focus on their wishes.

Takashi faces Narcissus. "Oh, I forgot the joke. Chloe told me about it. I know it was about your time together with her, but I forgot," before snapping his metal fingers. "Oh, she called you 'minute man."

Ariadne busts out laughing at Narcissus' expense. This makes Theseus and Georgios laugh as well. Medea doesn't know what to make of Takashi. She doesn't mind since the vain demigod is being made fun of.

The joke flies over Bellero's head. Orpheus gets the joke but is confused on how these two demigods know each other.

"What? N-"

Chloe interrupts him and leans right into Takashi. "That's right. While I spent a whole night with this handsome man. More memorable that way."

Narcissus buries his anger. Adonis knows Chloe enough to know that she's joking around. He is smiling underneath his mask.

"Okay, you got me. We never slept together. But the look on your face," Taki clutches his ribs while laughing. Chloe wipes a tear away. to laugh. Narcissus is stifling his anger and he sighs out loud.

Echo strokes his arm. "Honey, they were just joking with you. They don't mean it."

"You're right. I'm glad that I get to be with you, my love." He kisses her on the lips.

Chrysaor looks away in disgusted sadness.

Echo wants more, but he puts a finger to her lips. "Let's have a great time tonight."

Taki hears footsteps and sees Helena. His breath is almost taken away. She's wearing the same green dress that she wore to the circus, but she has some blush on her cheeks that enhances her natural beauty.

He walks to her. "Helena, you look great."

"So do you. Good luck tonight."

Servants fill up the hall to provide refreshments. Eros appears in a salmon pink tunic and helps set the mood for tonight with getting the musicians together. Pink vapors fill up the hall with Aphrodite appearing to everyone. Bellero is frozen in place from her beauty, that he can't even look away.

Orpheus is reminded of Eurydice upon seeing her, but he reminds himself that she's not here.

Apollo bows to the fellow Olympian. "Thank you for inviting us."

"Certainly. Before everyone dances, we need to start with Takashi's first test. A love poem. Start when you're ready."

Taki takes a deep breath in and exhales. "Okay."

He walks to a lit pot. The pieces of paper are thrown into it to everyone's surprise.

The goddess squints at him. "Why did you throw your love poem away?"

"I still have it. No rhymes, no special structure. Just straight from the heart. Being genuine with how I feel about my Penelope."

Orpheus respectfully nods to his approach.

His friends and family stand by while he closes his eyes. They pray that he will advance.