The rocky terrain gave way to a sprawling plateau where the group decided to rest for the day. The sun hung low in the sky, painting the landscape in hues of gold and crimson. Despite the breathtaking view, Zane stood apart from the others, the Blade of Eternity in his hand.
He stared at it, his brow furrowed in frustration. The weapon pulsed faintly, as though responding to his emotions, but he couldn't seem to unlock its full potential.
"You know, you keep glaring at it like that, and it might start glaring back," Leo's voice broke through Zane's concentration.
Zane turned to see Leo sauntering over, his usual cocky grin firmly in place. "What do you want?" Zane asked, his tone neutral but edged with irritation.
Leo leaned against a boulder, crossing his arms. "Just thought I'd see how you're doing. You've been over here sulking for hours."
"I'm not sulking," Zane muttered, tightening his grip on the sword. "I'm trying to figure this thing out."
Leo shrugged. "Fair enough. Mind if I give it a look?"
Zane hesitated, then handed over the blade. As soon as it left his hand, the pulsing energy dimmed, leaving it looking like an ordinary sword.
Leo whistled, turning it over in his hands. "Fancy. But it's got a mind of its own, huh?"
"It's connected to time," Zane said. "It responds to my emotions, but I can't seem to control it. Every time I try to focus, it feels like it's slipping away."
Leo handed the sword back, his grin softening into something more genuine. "You're overthinking it, dude."
Zane arched an eyebrow. "Overthinking it? This is a time blade. It's not exactly straightforward."
"Maybe not," Leo admitted, "but you're treating it like it's some big puzzle to solve. It's not about thinking—it's about feeling. You've got to trust yourself, Zane."
Zane frowned, staring at the blade. "Trust myself? Easier said than done."
Leo clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Look, I know we're not exactly best friends, but I've seen you in action. You've got instincts, and they're good ones. Stop trying to control the sword and just... let it flow."
"Let it flow," Zane repeated, skepticism in his voice.
"Exactly," Leo said with a wink. "Now, give it a try. I'll even stand back so you don't accidentally rewind me into a toddler."
Zane couldn't help the faint smirk that tugged at his lips. "Fine. But if this goes wrong, I'm blaming you."
"Deal," Leo said, stepping back with exaggerated caution.
Zane closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He let go of his frustration, focusing instead on the faint hum of the sword in his hand. The energy pulsed in response, stronger this time, and when he opened his eyes, the blade was glowing brightly.
"See? Not so hard," Leo said, giving him a thumbs-up.
Zane shook his head but couldn't hide his satisfaction. "Thanks, Leo."
"Anytime, buddy," Leo said with a grin. "Now, let's get back before the girls start plotting world domination without us."
Jasmine and Calypso: Stars and Streams
While Zane and Leo trained, Jasmine and Calypso sat by a nearby stream, their conversation light and easy. Jasmine trailed her fingers through the water, creating small ripples that danced in the sunlight.
"You've been spending a lot of time with Leo," Jasmine said, glancing at Calypso with a teasing smile.
Calypso raised an eyebrow, her cosmic staff resting across her lap. "And you've been spending a lot of time with Zane. I could say the same about you."
Jasmine laughed. "Fair point. But seriously, how are you feeling about him?"
Calypso hesitated, her gaze drifting to the horizon. "He's... surprising. At first, I thought he was all jokes and bravado, but there's so much more to him than that. He's thoughtful, in his own way. And he's kinda cute."
Jasmine nodded. "Sounds familiar. Zane's the opposite—so serious all the time, but when he lets his guard down, he's incredible."
"You two seem good together," Calypso said with a smile.
"Thanks," Jasmine replied, her cheeks flushing. "And you and Leo?"
Calypso's smile softened. "It's... complicated. But I think we're figuring it out."
Jasmine splashed her playfully. "Complicated, huh? Sounds like you're falling for him."
"Maybe," Calypso admitted, laughing as she splashed back.
Back at Camp
By the time Zane and Leo returned, the girls were already back at camp, laughing as they recounted childhood stories to Skye and Bruce.
"Look who finally decided to join us," Jasmine said, her eyes lighting up when she saw Zane.
"Miss us?" Calypso added, her gaze meeting Leo's.
"Terribly," Leo said, plopping down beside her.
Zane sat next to Jasmine, the Blade of Eternity glowing faintly at his side. He met her curious look with a small smile, his earlier frustration replaced with quiet confidence.
The group's laughter echoed into the night, their bonds growing stronger as they prepared for the battles yet to come.
