It was getting near dusk, and Kristál and Deku were sitting near a small fire somewhere in the woods.

"So," Kristál whispered, hushed. "are you really a god?"

"Sort of." Deku said. "I'm a god, turned mortal, raised by humans. Most people call me a demigod."

Kristál giggled. "I've never met a demi-anything before."

"I can't join my father on Mount Olympus until I complete my Twelve Labors and prove I'm a True Hero." Deku said, then put his head in his hands and mumbled. "But I don't know what that means."

"I imagine it's a kind of godly riddle." Kristál surmised. "Like the Sphinx gives. Maybe it has to do with True Love."

"Hmm…maybe."

"So you become a True Hero," Kristál said, as if it were that easy. "And then you'll be immortal?"

"That's the idea." Deku said, recovering. "But as much as I like discussing my issues with the gods, you can't avoid yours forever."

Kristál sighed. "I can't face anyone until I figure out what to do about the bandits."

Deku stood up, and helped Kristál to her feet. "I've got your answer." He held out a bow to her. "You're gonna fight them."

"Me?" Kristál balked from the weapon. "I'm not a hero."

"You will be after I train you." Deku said firmly.

"No."

Deku Grabbed something from behind him, and opened it, which revealed all his medals from completing his labors. "Kristál... you can't let the fear of failing stop you from trying. This medal... it was for the first Labor I ever completed... Defeating the Nemean Lion. I was scared. But I didn't back down. I fought the lion, and I won. And I wouldn't have this medal if I'd been too afraid to try."

"Easy for you to say."

Deku Closed the small medal holder and put it back down. "Kristál... I'm going to teach you how to stand up to those bandits so they never show their faces in your village again."

"Why are you doing this for me?"

"Because I promised to free you." Deku said. "And also, uh... it gives me an excuse to spend as much time as I can with you before I complete my final Labor." As he said this, he showed Kristál how to hold the bow properly. "I only have a few fleeting moments down here. And I want to enjoy them." He placed the arrow in the bow.

Kristál held the bow, enjoying his touch. "So, what exactly is your last Labor?"

Deku Sighed. "It's the most difficult one of them all... defeating the three-headed hellhound... Cerberus."