Nov 16th, 6am Gaia

A pillar whooshes through the air. A jab of green energy breaks it into chunks. The mountain textured hands touch the ground for a pillar to hit Takashi in the gut. He stops himself from coughing to fire off an aura beam. Echo deflects it into the air. Heavy breaths are exchanged between the two followed by the nymph's clapping.

"Great job!"

Takashi smiles from the progress of his energized form. After an intense workout with Heracles, he skips his recovery period and eats a nutritious breakfast. The strong demigod brings up a reasonable question.

"There has to be a faster way for you to say that. What if you get cut off mid-sentence?"

Taki nods his head, realizing he's right. "Fast forward" can be interrupted before the last syllable leaves his lips.

"Maybe a shorter word? Like skip?" Echo suggests.

"I tried that, but it didn't work.... Hmmm. Let's try this." He places his hand over his chest. "Zone. FF."

His watch clicks and his body vibrates like last time. They all smile from the shortcut.

"Play." Taki's body and heart settle down. "To think I have gotten this far. I could master this ability to defeat Poseidon."

"Now, now. Let's run before we sprint into bad decisions," Echo wags her rocky finger.

Taki laughs. "Right. Has there been any word from Artemis?"

"Not yet. But I wonder who else will be in the tournament. Do you think Narcissus would be there?" Echo brings up.

"I would think so to get his wish," Heracles answers.

She remembers that Narcissus would marry her after reaching his goal. If he wins, then he will obtain his dream wish. However, she believes that he can reach his goal without winning the tournament. Takashi being home is her top priority.

Bark! Bark!

One of Artemis' dogs, a black and brown Greek harehound, jumps out of the bushes towards Echo. She gives him a belly rub before taking the note with Hephaestus' totem.

According to Artemis' scroll, Athena hasn't told her what kind of games will be played. And also that there are two unfilled seats as judges with the identities unknown.  Hephaestus' totem is there so Takashi can request a special made weapon or armor. The next section grabs their attention: the team of Narcissus, Bellerophon, and Theseus headed by Medea.

Echo is mostly happy that her future husband is in good hands. However, Heracles' face twitches upon hearing the witch's name. A name he wanted to forget.

"There's also a long list of demigods, but one name popped out to me. Orpheus. Ask uncle if he knows his story. He's not known as a fighter, but Apollo taught him. His music is said to affect the environment around him."

"So that means his music is a literal weapon. Penelope would love to have that kind of power," Takashi muses.

"To scream at people?" Echo jokes from watching one of her videos.

He snaps his fingers. "Exactly."

 After finishing the scroll, Echo writes back to keep her in the loop. The information settles in Takashi's mind, but some questions remain.

"...I think Penelope told me about Orpheus. It was one of the saddest stories I heard from her."

"What do you remember?" Heracles ponders.

He recalls that Orpheus unjustly lost his wife and went to the Underworld to retrieve her. Hades had challenged him to escort her past the entrance without taking a single look behind him. Unfortunately, due to doubt he took a look and failed. 

"Is that all correct?" He asks with a drop in his tone.

"It is. He lost her forever because of that. Some of the gods said he was foolish to disobey a god's command," Echo frowns with wilted flowers.

"I met him before on Jason's ship and the last time was outside of the Underworld. He pleaded with me to get Eurydice back to him," Heracles uses his aura to illustrate.

Taki and Echo's hearts sink as they see a past Orpheus crying his eyes out. The musical demigod begged the hero to persuade Hades for one more chance. He claimed that something was thrown from the entryway that made him look back.

As a favor, Heracles talked with his uncle, but he refused to budge on his oath. "If he kills himself, I can't help him. He must die of natural causes."

The demigod told Orpheus the news which broke his heart again. He cursed himself for being born as a demigod. He would outlive most humans, meaning more time away from his beloved. His dreams of her would be nightmares, reminding him of his failure.

He drew out a knife, intending to end his future without Eurydice. Heracles knocked the knife away and embraced his broken friend. His body went limp with regretful tears hitting the barren shore. Orpheus cried himself to sleep in his arms before his teacher, Apollo, landed by the shore.

Although the musically inclined Olympian found and killed the satyr for his attempt to violate Eurydice, he wished he could do more for his pupil. He took him onto a note and flew him back to Thrace.

Tears stream down Takashi's face from the story and a possible outcome. If his team wins, that would mean breaking Orpheus' heart again. He wipes his face with his arm. "......There has to be a way to get what we both want."

"Do you have second thoughts about these games?" Heracles questions him.

"Knowing that some of these demigods have meaningful wishes and that I will stand in their way? Part of me does. But I cannot let that stop me from getting my goal. I have to be a little selfish since my loved ones miss me. I pray we catch---" He realizes something. "Heracles, what was it that Orpheus saw that made him look back?"

"It was small and gold-"

The respective auras of the trio flare out from the same realization. Eris had cheated Orpheus as part of her sick game.

Echo clenches her hands. "Why can't she let people be?! She ruined so many lives!"

Taki's eyes darken, wanting to end the goddess on the first appearance.

Heracles withdraws his energy to calm them. "Leave that to the gods who are looking for her. They will not go easy on her. Ares and the others want justice for what she did to the Trojans."

The flaring wisps subside. "You're right. Let's get back to training." With a tap of his chest, "Zone. FF!"

With his vibrating body, he rushes forward with a punch. Heracles' eyes keep up with him as he blocks the strike. Takashi keeps up the attack with multiple punches to find an opening. He fires off a quick divine energy jab that Heracles slaps away into the sky. His cross-punch grazes Takashi's right cheek.

Due to skipping and his outburst about Eris, he's left breathing heavily. "Play." The small cut on his right cheek turns into a scar. "I need to build up my endurance."

"I got you covered for cardio when you recover," Echo proposes.

He lays down on the grass for a quick nap. "Sounds good."

-----

Earth

Hikari sees a few skips with the energy levels. She gets the feeling her little brother is trying to surpass his limits. Get stronger, little bro.

Meanwhile, Penelope is with her daughter and Misha at a hospital. Her baby coughs while fussing in her mother's arms.

"Don't worry, niece. You are in good hands here. Auntie Misha is here to help you and your mommy."

"Mrs. Watanabe? The doctor is ready to see you in room 4," a receptionist tells her.

After entering the room, a dark-skinned female pediatrician walks into the room. "Mrs. Watanabe?"

"That's me."

"I'm her friend, Misha."

"Nice to meet you both. I'm Dr. Carter. I read on your form that your daughter has been coughing?"

"She has. I don't know if it's serious or something small. Would I be wasting your time if it was small?"

"It never hurts to be sure. Is this your first child?"

She nods her head.

"She is so precious", while she waves at her.

"She got all the good looks from her mom and dad", Misha adds.

"That's true," Penny almost chuckles.

"I wish my daughter had my looks, but noooo. She looks just like her daddy. Good thing he's handsome........When did she start coughing that got you concerned?"

"Early this morning. I cleaned out her nostrils and checked her temperature. It was 100 degrees so I came right away."

"You made the right call by coming here. Let me check her temperature."

She takes out a thermogun. It comes back with a reading of 100 degrees.

"Good thing is that it's not climbing. I will make recommendations and medicine so the fever will break."

She takes out her stethoscope and finds a congested heartbeat.

Penny grasps her baby's hand the whole time. "Did I do something wrong?"

Misha is puzzled by what she said, but Dr. Carter understands where she's coming from.

"Mrs. Watanabe, I can tell that you love your daughter greatly. Being a first-time parent is scary, but you have a great support system here to help you. I'm one of them too." Penny's baby coos. "Looks like your daughter agrees with me........"

The words begin to trail off to her. Clouds thick as a blanket occupy her mind. Misha pays attention to the recommendation of a humidifier, steam from a hot shower, and the medicinal drops to break the fever. The mention of three days to break the fever brought her back to the room.

After retrieving the medicine....

"I think that I have a humidifier back at my place. I will clean it and bring it over today", Misha offers.

"Don't you have to work?"

"Work can suck it. I will drive you guys back home."

On the way back, Penny sees on the recommendation a note from the doctor that had resources to help her. One of them included an OBGYN about Postpartum Depression.

Do I have that?

Misha takes them home and they get inside. Later, Penny applies the droplets into her baby's mouth and feeds her. Aiko has the stove on for a pot of water to help her grandchild's breathing. After her friend activates the humidifier, Penny's daughter sleeps from the long day.

Misha and Penny quietly exit with the baby monitor in hand.

"She will feel better in no time. She comes from two strong parents," Misha whispers.

The word strong has Penny lean into her shoulder. She feels something wet falling on her shirt.

"What if she caught a fever because of me? Am I a bad mother?"

"You didn't do anything wrong. You read the books and did the right thing. You're a good mother."

"I wish I felt like it."

Misha embraces her heart to heart and lets her cry.

Penny's thoughts spill out of her mouth. How much she misses her husband. That he would know what to do. That he was the strongest out of the both of them. Her rock when times were rough.

Misha combats the negative thoughts in her head. Reminding her of every good thing she has done. How she underestimates her strength while wiping her face. She firmly grasps her shoulders to ground her in place.

"Look at me, filos (friend)." Penny's honey-brown eyes look up. "My mom used to have.....PPD when she had me. Getting help worked for her. You should do it for you."

Penny manages to nod to her suggestion.

Misha flashes a quick smile before pulling her hand towards the bathroom. "How about a bath for now?"

She runs some warm water with lavender oils added to it. Penny undresses and lets out an exhale from the comfort. Misha returns with a shaker cup filled with a green liquid.

"I hate those shakes," she frowns with disgust.

"I made sure to add extra berries for you."

Penny reluctantly takes a sip and grins from the improved taste. Misha sits by the tub to give her company.

I would love it if you were right here, agapimenos. Please give me your strength.

----

Gaia,

Takashi wakes up in a fright.

Heracles and Echo are concerned.

"A bad dream?"

He shakes his head. "It felt too real. Penny and our daughter. It's like she reached out to me for help."

The duo had never heard of that before. The trio comes to a consensus that his improved abilities established some kind of connection to his loved ones.

"With everything that's happening, I need to be more serious. Let's start the cardio," he tells Echo.

She sees he's physically ready but is worried about his mental state. The stress could eat him alive like a lion.

The mountain nymph gets out her jump rope and she sets a steady pace. Takashi goes by her speed to get his heart pumping. Echo quickens the pace and Takashi does the same thing......

Beads of sweat drip down his forehead as he goes past five minutes. He then jumps quickly for 10 seconds and slows down for 20 seconds. He keeps repeating this routine to build up his endurance.

Keep going, heart. Push yourself.

His overexertion leaves his body lying on the ground. Echo rushes over with some fresh squeezed juice and lifts his head to drink from the pouch.

After slowing his heart rate down. he approaches Heracles. After analyzing his aura levels, the mighty brings out his club to raise the stakes.

Takashi draws out his sword with green wispy aura flowing around him. With a tap on his chest, he says the command.

As soon as he says it, he jumps back from the swing of the club! Taki thrusts his sword for a graze, but the club deflects it away. He jumps to the left to avoid an uppercut.

He channels the green energy to his sword. After sliding between his legs, he pops up and delivers an energy slash--

Only for it to be defanged by the divine lion fist. He ducks down to avoid the brunt of the attack.

After opening his eyes, he finds his blade had been disintegrated into a pile of soft metal. He drops the handle for a barrage of punches. The strong demigod pushes them away with his palms without any pressure.

Disappointment sinks into his mind which angers him. If he can't graze Heracles, what hope is there against Poseidon?

He stops by raising his hands up. "Play."

They can sense the mountain of stress eating at him.

"That was really good! What you did with the sword was really smart!" Echo comments to distract him.

"Thanks."

He looks at the pile of metal that used to be his sword. He goes to rewind time but changes his mind. A weapon like that wouldn't be useful in the games. Hephaestus would be a great deal of help.

A long staff with a hanging curved blade puzzles his mind. Why is this-Did my father used to wield that as a weapon?

He draws it on the ground with a nearby stick. The others get a better look at it.

"A scythe? Like what a farmer uses?" Echo guesses.

"I think my dad used to have this.....but I don't want to go that way."

"Why not?"

"I may not have known him well, but I think he would like me to go in my footsteps. Something better suited for me."

"That makes sense."

Taki gets an idea after looking at something. "Echo, please grab me some paper and something to write with."

After giving the items, he lists down what he would prefer to use.....

"It's out of the box thinking. No one would expect that," the nymph smiles.

Heracles takes the list and totem. "God of all artisans, hear my call. It's about the demigod tournament."

The totem lights up. The sound of hammers hitting metal is heard in the background. A voice is heard talking to someone else. The voice is old, but full of experience. "Be careful with those items! They are on a rush order. Hello?"

"Uncle, this is Heracles."

"Glad to hear from you nephew. Have you been taking care of that Nemean armor?"

"I have and it still works great. How are you?"

"Glad to hear. Aphrodite hasn't been around here. I wonder- Sorry, I can't talk too long. It's about the demigod tournament, right?"

"Yes. My partner wants a weapon created."

"I need his measurements that way his weapon isn't too heavy for him to carry. Does he have a drawing in mind?"

"I have it here and will give you his measurements with Aphrodite's dust."

"Splendid! And if he wants a strong and detailed weapon, he needs to pay with aura so I can infuse it."

"How much would be needed?"

"At least half of his energy levels."

"I don't think that will work. We are-"

"Nephew, this is the only way to make it so don't argue with me!......I'm sorry for snapping at you. Work has been too busy."

Taki nods his head to agree to the task.

"He agrees to it. I will send everything at one time."

"Understood. I will get right to work once it's here. Fortunately, I have my staff to help me out. Bye, nephew!"

"Bye, uncle."

The totem light goes out.

"Okay. Let's eat and rest up so I can give him my aura."

"But wouldn't half leave you tired?" Echo questions.

"That means a good night's sleep. Plus, my energy levels will bounce back tomorrow."

"Very optimistic," she laughs. "Let's go out tonight."

"We can eat at the castle. My mother and father said we're welcome to come by."

They take a bath before heading over to dinner. The guards open the gates, and they see a bandaged Iphicles. He runs up to them and tries to give his brother a bear hug, but he steps back.

"Iphicles, I'm so sorry about-"

"Already forgiven."

Heracles is touched and lets him. The bear hug doesn't bother him one bit. He then lifts Taki and Echo into one big hug.

"Hi, coach! You recovered well," Taki winces between words.

"I am the brother of the strongest demigod after all", while he set them down.

"How is Helena?" Echo asks.

"Last time I saw her, she was doing better."

Taki smiles. "That's good. I hope to see her again before I leave Olympia."

"Who knows? Maybe it will happen. Let's eat."

Iphicles leads them to the banquet hall where Alcmene, Amphitryon, and his wife and twin boys sitting on the side. The king and queen get up to acknowledge them. Takashi and Echo bow to them. 

"Takashi and Echo, right?" Alcmene asks.

"That's us."

The milk chocolate noble with braids quickly embraces Takashi. "Thank you for bringing our son back to us."

"I had some help."

"Please take our gratitude," the king insists while joining the hug.

"You're welcome."

"Come, let's celebrate and eat."

Heracles picks up his parents and hugs them before letting them go safely. His nephews see him and beg to be picked up. He steps back since they remind him of his own.

"He had a long day. Your uncle still loves you," his mother excuses him.

The twins turn their attention to Taki and Echo. 

"Nice to meet you!"

"Same here."

The other twin touches Echo's mountain-like hand. "Wow! How did you get this?"

"I was born with it. I'm a mountain nymph."

"You're really pretty."

"Aww. Thanks."

"Will you sit by me?"

"Certainly."

They all sit down at the table. The king raises a toast. "May your team win the tournament!"

"Here, here!" Iphicles raises his pitcher of beer.

During the extravagant dinner of roasted chicken, potatoes, and salad topped with hummus , Takashi sees a wide smile on Heracles' face from him reuniting with his loved ones.

You deserve this, my nephew. May more happy moments be in store for you.

After eating a delicate apple cake for dessert, Iphicles and his wife carry their sons to bed.

"You don't have to leave. Sleep in a comfy bed and stay as long as you want", the king addresses the others.

"Sure. Thanks."

"Thank you so much!"

Before Takashi goes to bed, he talks to Heracles. "I'm ready now. Tell me when it's enough."

"First, your measurements."

Heracles takes out some measuring tape and double checks his height, arm length, and hand size. He writes it down on the notes Takashi had made.

He then puts out his hand. Takashi closes his eyes and summons his aura. Heracles' parents are astonished, but they aren't afraid as there's a peaceful feeling about it. He steadily pours his aura like wine. The walls almost shake in his eyes.

"Stop now."

Taki stumbles into Echo's arms. Heracles takes some love dust and quickly walks through with the required pieces for his uncle's work.

He returns. "He will let us know when it's done. It will be ready before the tournament."

"Now for that good sleep," Taki rubs his eyes. Echo helps him to his room and lays him on the bed which swallows his tired body.

In her room, she grabs one of the long pillows and pretends it's Narcissus. She gives the pillow a kiss before falling asleep.

Heracles spends some time with his family before heading up. Iphicles walks back down after putting his sons to bed.

"You have a great teammate. I don't see your team losing," his "father" tells him.

"I don't know who the third member will be, but Artemis wouldn't do us wrong."

"In any case, Taki has gotten a lot stronger because of you," Iphicles chimes in.

"He had a good foundation thanks to you. I think he could even surpass his limits."

"Like how you surpassed yours?" Alcmene asks.

"Who knows? Only time will tell."

Iphicles laughs and winces. "Did you just make a joke?"

"No. That was unintentional."

"Son, do you know what you will wish for after you win?"

"I don't know. Hera to be punished or bring them back. I'm split. Are they better off where she can't hurt them? I don't want to wish for something that would get them hurt again."

"Talk with them and see what you would like to do," the king suggests.

Heracles thinks it over. "Please watch them while I'm gone."

"Of course. Take your time."

Heracles sprinkles some dust and ends up right outside Elysium. He stops at the same rock he hid behind with doubt creep into his mind.

Would they be happy to see me?.........I need to know.

He takes a deep breath before walking past the pillar to look for his family.