Odysseus grabs onto a wailing Takashi.

"Are you alright?!"

The time traveler doesn't give him a glance. I've failed. Twice.

The crew murmurs from the blanket of dread weighing on their shoulders.

After catching his breath, Taki tells them everything... "There's nothing we can do. Poseidon knows where we are at any moment. I will never see Penny or my family again."

The blanket of words crushed their spirits. Will they ever make it back home?

Odysseus breaks the silence. "Takashi, look at me. Look at me," he urges the second time.

The foreigner slowly glances up. His jaw almost drops from the comforting eyes of a father.

"I can only imagine the pain of what you're reliving. However, don't think of yourself as a failure!"

"Why not?" He whispers.

The king clasps his hands. "The news you told us is helpful. Isn't your job about analyzing data to prevent losses?"

Takashi's mind recalls him telling Odysseus during the six day skip. "But this is different! This is beyond my job."

"Even then, maybe we can make a different choice. You can do it."

The crew members join in. "We can't make it back home without you! We trust your decision! Let us know how we can help you!"

A small smile creeps on his face. He clutches the lucky charm around his neck and grips it tightly. Baby, please guide me.

"I need a map and something to write with."

Galen returns hastily with those items. A flash of inspiration pops into Taki's mind and his possessed hand fleshes out the idea. Despite the bare bones and lack of artistry, the idea brings hope to the crew. Odysseus raises a concern about one aspect, but the time traveler reassures it's worth the sacrifice for everyone's safe return to Ithaca.

"Soldiers, let's put this plan into action!"

The men scramble to take down and prepare the sails.

Takashi continues to grip his lucky charm. This will work. It has to.

Back in California...

Penelope rocks her daughter who squirms around constantly. "Shh, shh. It's okay. Mommy's here," she rocks while whispering.

Her repetitive actions eventually quiets the newborn's frustrations. The same thing she had to perform throughout the past two days. With a free hand, she wipes the dark circles under her eyes. The new mother also pushes back strands of her brown hair under her bonnet.

Penny closes her eyes for a sense of relief.

"If you see Takashi Watanabe or have any leads, please contact the number at the bottom of the screen immediately. His family is concerned for his well-being."

A daily alert for her husband that never got an answer.

Be strong, Penny. Be strong. Don't crack. Don't crack. Your child needs you.

A text notification opens her eyes.

It's only her best friend, Misha.

<I'm sorry to hear about Taki. May I come over?>

Delphine's footsteps perk Penny's ears. The new grandmother notices the message while massaging her daughter's temples.

"Maybe it will be good for you if she comes over. She knows how to cheer you up."

"Not like this," she whispers. "I look like a mess."

"She won't mind at all," Delphine kisses her forehead. "Text her back."

The support helps her respond. Misha responds faster than Hermes that she will be there in an hour...

Knock, knock, knock. Hikari checks and answers the door. The wavy brunette is a head taller than Penelope with a small stud in her nose. Her yellow sweater keeps her slim frame warm from the autumn winds. Her olive skinned hands hold a duffel bag that is overstuffed.

"It's nice to see you again," Misha greets while fighting her hazel eyes from tearing up. The thought of her best friend suffering from the loss of her mutual friend replays in her mind.

Hikari gently pulls her into an embrace that shocks Misha. "We are all feeling this way."

"I just-I just wish I was there," her voice cracks. "Taki wouldn't do this to her. I know he wouldn't."

"I know," Hikari rubs her back. "Come on inside."

Misha wipes under her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater. "Where's Penny?"

"I think she's upstairs. I will let her know you're here," she walks away.

Misha takes off her shoes and hears babbling from the kitchen. She greets Mr and Mrs. Florakis and covers her mouth from the sight of her friend's baby. Her milk chocolate eyes and nose remind her of Takashi.

"She's so precious. May I hold her?"

"Sure. Make sure to keep a hand under her head for support," Delphine hands her over.

With a couple of adjustments, Misha holds her little "niece" close to her heart."Hello, this is your Auntie Misha! You have your mommy's skin tone. And your daddy's eyes and nose. Boys will be lining up for your number," she teases.

"Taki and I will wave those boys off with a stick," Nicholas jokes.

"Yup," she chuckles. "Your daddy will protect you from those meanies."

"He and I will do a great job," Penny interjects with Hikari behind her.

Misha stops the corner of her lips from curling down. She forces a smile to be strong for her best friend. She walks over and carefully embraces her friend. Penny's arms wrap around her like a boa constrictor.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be at the hospital. Work had me swamped," Misha whispers.

Penelope only responds with a tighter hug.

Hikari motions for the others to give them some space.

Misha doesn't let go of the embrace until her friend does it first. "Your daughter is beyond adorable. She has the best looks from you two."

"Wah!"

Penelope finally breaks a smile. "Her smile is so contagious. Just like Ta-"

She can't find the strength to finish the second syllable.

Misha clutches her shoulder. "I know," she says, leading her to sit down at the table.

The silence sits between them for a while until Misha plays peek-a-boo using a blanket.

Loud fits of laughter escape the newborn's lips until she rubs her eyes.

"Oh, what's wrong?"

"I already fed and changed her," Penny answers while scooping her daughter. "She must be sleepy."

The combination of a humming lullaby and rocking lulls the baby to a quick sleep. With silent and quick feet up the stairs, Penny places her to rest in the crib.

She returns to a tight embrace by her kollitos.

"Taki will be found," Misha reassures.

The tears finally break through between them. Their hands grip each other to prevent the other from sinking through the floor. Time slows down to let their hearts breathe again.

"It's okay not to be strong sometimes," Misha wipes her tears. 'Don't give up hope."

"My heart tells me something bad happened to him," Penny sniffles.

"He will be found," Misha rubs her back with one hand. "I know he's a good man, Penelope. He would never leave you. Now," she clears her throat. "Let's drink some water."

Penny's laugh joins the company. She gives a peck on her friend's cheek for the much needed support.

That night, Misha encourages with playful nudges for Penny to eat her entire plate. A blanket of relief falls on the rest of the table that she listened....

"So that is what comes out of a baby?! So gross," Misha complains. "They are cute, but so evil at the same time."

"That's motherhood for you," Penny grins. "Here's how you do it."

"Nope! This is all you. Anything but that," she pouts.

After the change of the diaper, Misha wraps an arm around Penny as they fall asleep.

"Things will work out. I promise you," she whispers.

The next day, Oct 12th around 12pm

Hikari receives a call from Sgt Garcia.

"I believe I found something of Takashi's. I need someone to confirm it."

Her eyes shoot open. "What is it?"

The silence makes Hikari twirl the ends of her hair.

"It's best that you come down to the station. I will send you the address."

Nicholas drives everyone to the station and they go through the doors. Delphine holds her granddaughter in a bjorn while the others hold hands.

Sgt Garcia waves them over to talk. "I need to tell you something important before you confirm the item. There may have been an incident. There was blood found on it."

Penelope loses her step, but Misha and Hikari hold her still.

"Is it his? Tell us," Nicholas urges.

"The lab confirms it," the officer sighs. "But there was no body where it was found. Takashi may be alive and we are still looking. We haven't had any luck from the nearby hospitals in finding him."

"Show me," Penny musters some strength. "I need to see this," she demands.

"Follow me."

He takes them to a separate room and carefully pulls out the plastic bag holding the item. Penelope's heart almost stops from the large blood stain on the tote bag that belonged to her husband. Three holes perfectly spaced apart bring up more questions than answers.

"These may be stab wounds. We took a sample to test in the lab to see what could cause this."

Tears flood the new mother's face from the terrible thoughts attacking her mind. It can't be. Don't believe them! Don't believe them!

Hikari clutches her arm while sinking against the wall. Misha wraps her arms around her while Nicolas and Delphine comfort their daughter. They choke up in tears over the possible loss of their son. Penelope and Taki's daughter cries out for her father.

------------

Back in Gaia...

Whoosh!

Odysseus' warship slices across the large blanket of water. The men hold on to the rails and deck while bracing themselves for Takashi's plan.

Time begins to repeat. Poseidon's foaming tidal wave signals the start! Sander releases all of the winds in the bag pointed upward.

Whoosh!

The ship zooms up the wave near break neck speed! As soon as they clear the top, the men tilt the sails to the rear winds. As if blessed by Aeolus, the winds carry them across the sky. The time traveler's mouth drops from the top of the mast touching the bottom of the clouds. Takashi could swear he heard the sound of horses high above them.

They pass over the cities of Argos towards the northwest of Olympia. The sight of seagulls makes Odysseus look through a telescope.

The green hillside meeting the sandy shore of Ithaca draws a smile on his face. "Men, home is straight ahead!"

He raises an open hand to ready the final phase of the plan.

Taki steadies his heart for the next part to play out perfectly. Outwitting Poseidon's control of the water was the hard part. Let's finish this! Bronze goddess, I'm on my way!

Everyone grabs onto the railings to jump before the final crash. Before Odysseus' hand closes, a sharp whistle shoots between everyone's ears.

The sand of the beach reaches up into the form of a palm that swats them away!

The great warship blows up into pieces with the men dropping into the water.

"Slow!" Taki yells out.

The force of the falling men slows down to lessen the impact as Taki dives into the water. His heart races while he scans around for a sign of Poseidon–

He covers his mouth to stop himself from screaming. The orange spikes shimmer on the long scaly azure tail belonging to a beast covered by darkness. The two illuminated eye slits send his heart racing. Its claws slowly reach out to collect the falling men with one grabbing onto Odysseus.

"Stop!" He muffles under his hands.

Time freezes everything as Taki draws out his sword. He hacks away until the digits of the claw separate from the grasp. He pushes his dear friend out along with the others. The time traveler swims around to the lower claw, but tears run down his face.

The monster's sharp rows of teeth are stuck in the bodies of Galen and Sander.

Save them! No, rewinding will put Odysseus back to his place! Damn it! Damn it!

The remainder of time on his watch forces his decision.

I'm so sorry, he swims up to the surface before time resumes.

ROAR!

The creature's roar of pain almost bursts Takashi's eardrums. Its slitted eyes lock onto the one responsible for the damaged right claw. Taki's body is yanked into the darkness!

The sight of sharp teeth brings out a reflex.

"RESET!"

The surface of his watch cracks again.

--------

"A final parting gift!"

The resets hit Takashi like a flood. He clutches his head to prevent his mind from splitting into three parts.

Galen and Odysses rush to his side and hold his legs down to keep him still. After a few more seconds, his body finally stops trembling. The pounding in his head also subsides.

"Breath slowly, Taki," Galen advises him while lifting him up to a sitting position.

The time traveler quickly glances down at his watch. The date has changed again to Oct 13th, 12pm.

"DAMN IT! DAMN IT!" He punches the deck repeatedly. He wails out from the distance he's putting between him and his loved ones.

"Taki! What's wrong?!" Odysseus stops his bloodied fists.

While Galen attends to his hands, the foreigner catches his breaths. After collecting himself, he tells the whole crew everything that went wrong. A cloud of hopelessness weighs heavy down on every pair of shoulders.

Taki clenches his fists. "Land or sea. What's the point of these time powers if I can't get things right?!" He grabs Odysseus by the collar. "If you didn't reveal your name to Polyphemus, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place!"

The commander-king's silence confirms the truth. Not even his pride can argue against that fact.

The murmurs of his men only speak dread of never returning home. An idea quickly comes to his mind.

"There may be another way," he gently removes Takashi's hands. "What if we appease and pay tribute to Poseidon so he may forgive us?"

"How?"

"When we get close, we will perform a ceremony and offer him all of our food and wine. He will forgive us and let us go home."

The time traveler tilts his head. "But what if he refuses?"

"He won't. Trust me," he states without a hint of arrogance.

There has to be another way...but all my ideas have failed. I...I don't know if I can handle another failure, Taki thinks. "Okay," he relents.

Everyone scrambles to organize the best of their breads, meats, and wines on the deck for the Earthshaker's offering. Takashi and Sander head inside the pantry to fetch what else they can bring. From outside of the foreigner's eyesight, Odysseus pulls Sander to the side for a short message.

The most muscular soldier briefly nods for his task, no matter how much it hurts him.

"Do you think this tribute can work?" He asks Taki.

"There's no other way," he sighs. "We tried everything and it's my fault each time."

Sander puts a hand on his shoulder. "Don't be rough on yourself. No one can predict what the future may hold for any of us, except for the Oracle and the Fates."

"But if the plan doesn't work, I can reset. I will reset as many times as needed to get us home."

"Hopefully, it doesn't come down to that. Oh, could you grab those last two fish for me?"

"Sure."

Takashi turns and-

WHACK!

Sander's club clatters to the ground along with his tears. "I'm so sorry, but it has to be done. I have to follow the order of my king."

----

Takashi Watanabe's eyes slowly open before he jolts upright. His milk chocolate eyes see women in golden-white garbs rushing to his side.

His hands clutch the red linen sheets as an onslaught of questions transfers between his two ears. A few come out the strongest. Who are these people?! Where am I...and why can't I feel the rocking of the ship?

A salty breeze lures his nose to look to his left. A rectangular window shows the daylit beach with the ship docked near the rocky shores. A quick glance at his watch displays 8pm, Oct 13th.

The day hasn't changed. Wait, what happened?!

The back of his head pounds from the pain of before. "Damn! Where-where am I? Wait. Where's everyone? Where's -"

A nurse gently holds him by the shoulders while getting to his eye level. "Shhhh. You're in Ithaca, home to our King Odysseus. You are in one of his guest rooms. Everyone is alive. I will let them know that you are awake."

His heart settles down from the panic. But something else bothers him.

"Stay still, Mr. Watanabe," the head nurse with gray hair speaks. She pours out ointment onto a cloth and instructs him to put it on the back of his head. The cooling sensation numbs away the pounding and allows him to think calmly.

Was Poseidon actually pleased with the tribute or did something else happen?

"Ma'am, is everyone really okay?"

"Everyone is alive and breathing," the head nurse replies without a smile. She turns her face to hide her watery eyes.

Takashi gently moves his feet onto the mosaic floor. "What happened when I was out?"

"I was ordered by Master Odysseus not to tell you. His men will tell you in his stead. In the meantime, eat," she hands him a bowl of grapes. "Get your strength back."

The time traveler thinks of using his time abilities, but she was right. Recovery is the first priority. "Thank you for watching me," he pops some grapes in his mouth. "What's your name?"

"Eurycleia."

"Eurycleia, thank you for the medicine. It's working fast already."

"You are welcome. Let me know if you need anything else from me."

Knock knock.

"Come in!"

Sander and Galen enter the room. Sander's slumped posture and downward face makes Takashi's mind worry. Galen bites his lips while his steps drag over to his new friend. They briefly smile at him before the faces return to their bittersweet expressions.

"Galen? Sander? I need to know," Taki grips the sheets. "Please."

A sudden realization hits him. "Sander! Why did you knock me out?!"

The muscular warrior exhales. "Odysseus commanded me. It was for your own good not to interfere. If something had gone wrong with the plan, I would have used smelling salts to wake you. Thank the gods it all worked out. However, there was a price that Odysseus had to pay."

Taki braces his heart while Galen recalls the incident...

----

Odysseus and his men encountered the giant tidal wave. They quickly kneeled to pay reverence to the Earthshaker.

"Oh, great and powerful Poseidon! I offer all of our rations as a penance for my actions and to seek your forgiveness. I know I'm beneath you, but I request your audience before you collapse this wave on us!"

The tidal wave became still. The sea god stepped onto the ship with his trident in hand. A wide smile graces the Olympian from the mortals cowering before him, but the grip on his weapon tightens. He commanded the Ithacan king to rise up immediately.

Poseidon pointed his trident at the provisions. "You think this is enough for what you did to my child? You blinded him for all eternity!"

The trident now hovered close to his racing heart.

"P-Poseidon, I can empathize with how you're feeling," the mortal king clasps his hands. "I also wouldn't show mercy to the one who hurt my son. This tribute isn't what I'm really offering because it is insulting to you."

The sea god's white eyebrows rose up.

"I'm sorry about blinding Polyphemus. It must be tough for him. He can't see the waters, the sheep he tends to, and when the sun rises and sets each day. I'm begging for your forgiveness so my men and I can go back home."

Something wispy formed around the deity's body which made everyone's hearts sink to their stomachs.

"That's it?! You just want to say you're sorry and you think I would just let you go?! It's not enough," his eyes foamed white. "I told you that you will never see home again!"

Odysseus threw his hands up. "You're right! I need to pay for my transgressions against you. That's why...as I did to Polyphemus, I want you to do the same to me."

"My king, don't do it!" Galen cried out.

"I made my choice. You will stand down and let it happen! Earth Shaker, will that be enough for you?"

Poseidon's rough laughter made Odysseus' face sweat. The laughing stopped.

"Just to understand, you know what that entails?"

"I mean it literally, my lord. Take my sight away and let us go safely."

"But-But what about seeing your son and wife again?" Theo asked him.

"It's better this way," he let out a slow exhale. "At least I can be with them. You all have families expecting you back home and I can't let you suffer anymore because of me."

Tears of his men crashed against the deck for their king's sacrifice.

"Do you accept, Poseidon?"

"All your provisions and your sight? This is sufficient," he tapped his trident against the deck. The giant tidal wave dropped in place to lift the ship. A quick splash of water swept away their tributes.

Poseidon then walked towards Odysseus. "Was it quick?"

Odysseus nods.

"So it shall be for you," the Olympian covered the upper half of his face with one hand. A bright light emitted from his palm that was over in an instant. "It has been done. Help your king for he cannot see! I vow that you will have a safe voyage."

Poseidon jumped back into the waters and out of sight.

Galen quickly rushed to his king's side. The white pupils made his jaw drop.

Odysseus lifted his hands out in front of him. "All I see is darkness."

"I'm here, my liege," the physician gently held him by the arm to turn around to his men.

The king's ears perk up from the sound of teardrops and sniffling from his men.

"I wish I could do more for you, my king."

"I'm touched by your loyalty. All of you. But we cannot mourn now. We are given the chance to go home and we cannot waste it!"

"What about Takashi? He can reset-"

"NO! I can't let him reset again! His mind and his loved ones have already gone through enough. He will be upset, but this is for the good of everyone. Let him rest," he argued against Damian.

"My liege, let me lead you to your cabin so you can rest," Galen interjected. "Damian will guide the ship back home."

The doctor led Odysseus over a small ledge to the Captain's quarters. After helping him into his hammock and covering with a blanket, he stood close by for any assistance. As the ship carried on, Odysseus wept that he would never see his beloved wife and son for the rest of his life.

Within sight of the shore, a victory horn rung out to announce their arrival. The citizens, including Queen Penelope and her 14 year old Telemachus, ran outside to the docks to welcome their returning loved ones.

The olive colored queen raced behind the spitting image of their son.

The crew docked their ship and quickly embraced their loved ones with all of their might.

Theo almost lifted his tall wife with his numerous kids off the ground. "I missed you all so much!"

Damian saw his only son who is 13 years old along with his grandma.

"Damos, this is your father." The short haired teen hesitated since he was three the last time he saw him. A moment that ended in a teary embrace.

"You grew so much, Damos. I promise to never leave you again."

Sander walked out with an unconscious Takashi on his back. His wife and kid showed concern about the stranger. The warrior explained that he was a helpful friend who needed rest. Eurycleia and her assistants carried the unconscious time traveler away.

Queen Penelope stepped forward and questioned the whereabouts of her husband. Damian intervened and informed them about Odysseus' condition. Penelope's jaw dropped with teary eyes while her son urged to see his father.

Galen guiding Odysseus down the ship confirmed their fears.

"Is my Penelope here?"

"I'm here," she almost choked on her words.

Her voice cracked a grin on his face. Galen stepped to the side to reunite with his wife and daughter.

The Ithacan queen placed a hand on his cheek before pecking his cheek with soft kisses. Odysseus wrapped his arms around her slender body tighter than a snake. With the back of his hand, he caressed her face to commit this face to memory.

"I'm glad you're home, my husband," she cried happily.

"I'm also here, dad," Telemachus spoke while placing his father's hand on the top of his head before taking it over his face.

"My boy! You have grown into a man!"

"Not yet, father. I'm just 14," he briefly chuckled. His son joined in for a group hug. The trio cried that they had reunited.

"Penelope, Telemachus. I will tell you everything that happened. Now, I just want to rest in my bed."

"Of course, husband."

She and her son led Odysseus into the castle with his men cheering behind him.

"King Odysseus has led us back home, Ithaca! All hail the king!"