Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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Penelope pressed her weight against the heavy hall doors. She had finally proposed the challenge she had drawn out for years. Years that were spent waiting, yearning, begging, praying for her love to come back to her. She never wanted to give up on her husband or let those disgusting suitors win, but she could sense their rising frustrations. Although she rarely left her chambers, she knew what those men wanted to do to her and her son. If she had a choice, she’d have them all slain for their insolence from destroying their hospitality and their palace, but they stood no chance against the number of men. Shaking herself from her vengeful thoughts, she began the stroll to her chambers. However, it was cut short with a blazing light blinding her sight. She instinctively covered her eyes. When she uncovered her face, her scenery had changed from the Ithacan palace’s halls to an unnaturally perfect garden. It was overflowing with floral and greenery. A path Penelope was on lead to a theatre-like area, sculpted out of pristine rose-colored marble. Benches made of the same material were adorned with large pillows and blankets. She cautiously entered the center of the structure. She had no inkling of why she was here, but she knew she could wait for answers. It was what she did best.

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Telemachus wrung out his fist that flaked with blood, whether it was his or Antinous was questionable. He couldn’t believe that the goddess of wisdom just helped him in a fight – which he almost won if you asked him. He wished to thank the goddess for her expertise, but also to ask why she had chosen to help him. He knew the gods would choose mortals to be their patrons, but it made little to sense why she chose him. He had no real fighting experience outside of some squabbles with friends. Maybe it had to do with his relation to his distant father? He heard the stories around the kingdom and from his mother about the man – of his greatness, his cunning nature, his loyalty and love for his family and kingdom.

Telemachus slightly limped down the hall in his search when a near-blinding appeared, startling him to his knees to shield his eyes from the burning light. He felt a change of the floor from stone to lush grass. He flicked his eyes open and upward, noticing the stark change surrounding him. He was…in a garden? Maybe he had lost track of where he was and ended up in a garden? But that didn’t make any sense because A) no garden in Ithaca looked quite like this one and B) there was no way he could have walked that long to a place like this. So, he did the one thing he did know and followed the underneath his feat. His mother always said to follow a path. She mostly definitely meant that in a metaphorical sense, but it was helpful in this situation, too. After a bit of slowly shuffling his still injured body, Telemachus a found a theatre and…his mother? Had he made appear from shear thought alone? Had Athena done this?

“Mother? What are you doing here?” The young man’s dry throat scratched at his vocal cords. Penelope turned at the confused voice of her son. My beautiful baby boy. Relief flooded her senses as she embraced the young boy. At least she wasn’t alone in her waiting anymore. She pulled away to hold his shoulders and glanced at the strange place that felt like the hundredth time again.

“I don’t have the faintest clue, either. Wait, how are you here? I was to believe you were on a diplomatic journey to neighboring kingdoms?” Penelope’s brows were scrunched in worry and confusion at her realization.

Confusion danced across her son’s features, weariness coloring his strained voice. “What? I wasn’t on any journey-” The young man was interrupted from the shaking of shrubbery and trees nearby. Telemachus stood in front of his mother to protect her from any potential danger.

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Athena whipped her mentee out of quick thinking. She had sensed his heart weakening because of another mortal. But not just any mortal, Polites – the open-hearted, weak Greek – whom, for years, had destroyed her warrior of the mind. Trying to implement things like “mercy” and “kindness.” Those such things do not belong on the battlefield. The goddess would also extend those to other parts, but her inhuman nature led to those beliefs. Her patron had always surrounded himself with mortals she deemed unfit. She tried to pull him away from them – sometimes even physically – but the man always found a way back to them. How bothersome.

She turned away from Odysseus, wanting to find this cave the strange creatures mentioned when a blinding light flashed in front of her. Well – not a truly blindly light, but she still shielded her face with her wings. After a few seconds, Athena lowered her grey-feathered wings to serve her surroundings. She appeared to be in an unknown garden. This baffled the goddess, seeing as she knew all of the gardens on the mortal plain. How was this possible? Her tall stature hover below the tree line, annoying her greatly as leaves and twigs stuck in her hair and face. Athena huffed as she pushed forward in hopes of finding a clearing. After a few moments, she heard two voices ahead of her and used them to guide her out of the cursed trees. When she finally broke out of the tree line, she heard a young man’s voice shout.

“Who goes there? Stay back!” the call rung out of the clearing. The goddess turned her head in confusion. The young man…looked weirdly like Odysseus but not quite. Before she could get a word in however, both of the mortals called out her name in recognition: “Athena!” At their call, they both turned to each other in confusion, not understanding the other knew the goddess of wisdom in personal level like the other had. Now that she looked more closely, the other mortal behind the young man was Queen Penelope of Ithaca. Or as Odysseus puts it with an abundance of love and yearning: “my stubborn, beautiful, love of my life Penelope~~~.”

A small but visible smile crossed the goddess’s face as she addressed the mortals. “Penelope, how odd is it to see you in a place like this?” Warmth flooded his voice when she spoke to the queen. She was never close to the royalty but met her in passing from Odysseus. She always enjoyed her stubborn yet caring nature. She then directed her attention towards the young man. “And you, mortal, who are you? I have no recollection of you; however, you do seem familiar…” She slowly leaned down to the mortal’s face, expecting him to be intimidated by my tall disposition or unusualness.

However, the mortal sported a blinding smile and raised his hand in a high-five gesture. He  surprised the goddess with such nonchalant behavior in front of the divine. It was exactly how her current mentee met and began his training. The goddess continued her confused gaze, despite her lack facial expressions, while the young man addressed her in familiarity. “What? Come on! You helped me fight today! You came to my aid! I never got to thank you for that, so, uh, thank you!” Before the goddess could express her expanding confusion, there was more ruffling in the trees. Athena tried to summon her spear, but nothing came to her calling. Before she could understand how that was possible, figures came out of the brush.

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Polites was gathering materials for his adventure on the just-found island with Odysseus. He wasn’t as experienced in combat and medical skills compared to some of the other men in their fleet. But he was still excited to see what awaited them on the unexplored land. He also hoped to talk alone with Odysseus since they began their venture back home. He could tell something was eating away at his captain. Everyone could see that something was weighing on his mind. He always knew how to cheer him up, ever since they were children. Polites went to stow the prepared supplies when a blinding light startled him greatly. He cried out in shock and fell back. He shook his head, righting himself back onto his feet. How embarrassing. If Ody had seen that, he would have howled with laughter at his clumsiness. Now with the embarrassment settling down, he looked around and finally noticed that he wasn’t on the ship anymore. He was in a…garden of some kind?

Polites knew he should be cautious, but it was the most beautiful place he’d seen! Maybe he had somehow made it to the island? He turned to see if he could find Odysseus, only for him to hit a solid body. As he sputtered apologies, he looked to see who he ran into. Inconvenient – or maybe convenient if you asked Polites – for him, it was the hottest and tallest man he’s ever seen! His jaw dropped as he looked over the being in front of him. The man(?) had long, black flowing hair that cascaded over shoulders and chest like enchanting waterfalls. Two parts of his hair were braided and adorned with iridescent pearls and shells. The visible parts of his skins were deeply tanned and muscular – not overly but more attuned to a swimmer’s built. The man’s eyes were a stormy dark blue that shined with amusement. His goatee looked sharp and well kept, framing smirking lips.

Polites snapped out of his ogling of the gorgeous men in front of him. “I-I am so sorry for running into you like that, friend. Can I ask you what your name is?” The man in front of him tilled his head in arrogance and amusement at the mortal’s obvious amazement of his appearance. Most mortals found his appearance exceptional, and this mortal wasn’t an outlier. He huffed once more and relied, “I am Poseidon, God of the Sea, mortal.”

Polites’ eyes widened in awe and adoration. He dropped to his knees in subservience in front of the immortal, showing his lowliness for the god. “Oh Lord Poseidon, I deeply apologize my clumsiness and my trespasses.”

The sea god smirked at the mortal’s disposition, but didn’t allow it to last. “Yes, thank you…”

“Polites of Troy, Lord Poseidon.”

“Polites… for your humbleness, but you may stand before me.” The Poseidon wanted Polites to stand before him?! He would’ve melted if not for his will to not embarrass himself, again, in front of the god. “It seems this mysterious place his holding my godly presence back, Polites. I believe it would best to get into a clearing to get out bearings, yes?”

Oh gods, his voice was melting his soul. He smiled at the god’s suggestion. “Yes! But isn’t this place beautiful? I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The mortal’s eyes shined with wonder, his smile light and inviting. The god always enjoyed mortals that were cheerful and full of life. Yes, they could be naïve, but he found them refreshing. Of course, when punishing mortals, it was useless, seeing as nothing could quell his thirst for divine redemption when wronged by said beings. “Yes, it is quite beautiful, isn’t it? Well, we can still admire the sights as we look around.” The mortal followed the god as he walked a path through the overgrown garden.

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Eurylochus heard Polites cry out of surprise. He chuckled under his breathe knowing the clumsy man must have slipped from the mopped deck. However, when he went to gloat at the man, he didn’t see him anywhere nearby. He looked around the deck but still caught no sight of the red head, but all of his prepared supplies were left behind. Weird? He might have hurried off to go with Odysseus to the island already. But, why would he leave the supplies he had just packed? Before he could question his friend’s disappearance again, a light flashed his vision. He squinted and raised his arm slightly, waiting for the light to fade. When it did, his vision revealed a lush garden and his feet on a stone path. The man would’ve questioned the change more if he hadn’t been interrupted with what sounded like two people arguing. He walked in the direction of the elevated voices. Eurylochus came to a small clearing to find a woman and a...floating child bickering, voices loud and agitated.

“Well, darling~, I had zero involvement with this majestic garden, so it only has to you~.” The voice was cheerful, but clear irritation splayed on the shorter person’s face.

“Stop calling me that, pig! I would turn you if I could, you damn Olympian.” The feminine figure had vitriol practically rolling off her voice and frame. So, they were two gods fighting? Maybe he should stay out of whatever spat they were engaging in. He went to hide himself back into the foliage when both of the beings’ gazes landed on him.

“A mortal? Wait, no I know you, don’t I?” the woman spoke with a cautious drawl. A spark of recognition appeared in her cat-like golden eyes. “Oh! Yes, you were with that man, correct? Oh, what was his name Od? Odsy?” Her head tilted in curiosity, hoping to remember the name. She crossed her arms below her bosom in concentration.

“Odysseus?”/ “Odysseus~!” Both of the men said at the same time. How did this man child know the captain? Also how did this woman know the captain, too? Maybe she was on that island his captain and Polites were meant to explore.

Recognition of the name filled the woman’s expression, and she agreed with the name. She then brought her hand to her mouth in astonishment. “Where are my manors? Since we must not have exchanged names before, we should all know each other! I am the Circe of Aeaea, a queen of nymphs and a powerful sorceress.” The woman introduced herself to Eurylochus, then slid her eyes to the short man with distain. “Oh, and that’s Hermes.”

“Ah! I am completely offended! I deserve a grand introduction.” Hermes – oh gods, the Hermes – continues his cheerful tone, however a glint of despise colored his irises. “Ahem, I am the great messenger god, Hermes, at your service~” He winked at the mortal while he took hold of his hand and graced his lips against his knuckles.

 “Well~, since we all know Ody, maybe we can find common ground of finding a way out of whatever this place is. What do you say, darlings~” Hermes giggled more and walked towards a path that peaked out of the small clearing. The sorceress and the mortal looked to each other and shrugged. They both had no idea what this garden entailed and having more people in a group was needed for any potential danger. The old group walked ahead and tried to find any sort of entrance or path in the garden.

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After a long stretch of time, the sea god and the mortal came to a clearing along with a few other beings. The only man Polites recognized was Eurylochus and tackled the confused man into a crushing embrace. Poseidon looked around at the small group in the clearing – four mortals, three gods, and a sorceress. What an odd group, what could have brought them together? Apparently, everyone in the group has no idea where they were or how they got there. All they remembered was a blinding light. Most of the group was rather calm about the situation, where others were not. The sorceress and the messenger god had some sort of nasty history together, considering how loud their bickering had grown to a near shouting match.

“Please, friends! I know everything is confusing now, but why don’t we calm down, yeah?” Always the mediator, Polites. “How about we say what had happened before we appeared here?” All of the beings assent their agreement to the suggestion. They all described what had occurred before their appearance in the unusual garden.

Athena seemed deep in thought when she cleared her throat to catch the group’s attention. “I believe that whatever being brought us here must have gathered us from different times.”

The group turned to her, confused about her conclusion. Telemachus “But-what, how is that-”

You people do love talking a lot… A disembodied voice echoed in the garden. It didn’t sound malicious or impatient but somehow amused with their conversations.

"Who goes there?” Eurylochus went to reach for his sword only to realize his large sword was missing from his back. How could he not feel the missing weight?

“Oh gods, Eury, do always have to lead with violence?” Polites face scrunched in concern and worry, hoping that his friend had not enraged the unknown presence. “I apologize on my friend’s behalf, but we just wish to understand who you are and what your intentions are with us.”

Oh? Of course, Polites! I apologize for the suddenness, but I do have a great purpose for all of you here. I am I’m here to past judgement onto the one who is called Odysseus –

Many people cried out at that name, seeming to know him in different ways. Some in yearning and love, while others cursed in irritation and hatred. Please no interruptions. Silence permeated the garden from being reprimanded by the disembodied voice. Thank you.

I will reveal who I am to dissipate any confusion to start off. I am Evina, a minor goddess and carrier of fate! The voice revealed with a flourish. Silence continued throughout the garden, most of the occupants were confused by the goddess’s identity. Okaayyy, not all of you talk at once, you know. I can tell you all are amazed by my presence. The voice carried out exacerbated, as if she knew her name was known only by a small number of beings.

I have the glorious duty of passing judgement onto mortals of their fates. If the scales are more favored towards the mortal, then their fate is blessed and peaceful until their end days. However, if the scales are favored against the mortal… let’s say that’d wish for the sweet release that Charon brings to the suffering. The voice carried a haunted, sorrowful cadence, as if mourning the souls who have suffered by her chosen fate.

Usually, my cases are simple and based on the actions of an individual throughout their life up to a certain age. However, Odysseus is a special case. His adventures and actions back home after the Trojan War has too many issues to consider for one being to decide the king’s fate. So, I believe a group comprised of beings who know the man will help come to a wise decision on his fate!

“To understand dear goddess Evina, you are saying that we are meant to create the fate of my love. How are we meant to do decide his fate?” Penelope spoke in respectful tone that never wavered nor faltered.

I do have a way, of course. I can project visions of the past and future to others. Although the visions are slightly altered to the true dialogue, the events are trustworthy and true to life!

“How can we trust you?” Eurylochus, ever the doubtful, questioned the goddess.

Mmmm, it won’t matter if you do and don’t trust me. Some of the events in the visions have come to the past for our participants. So, if you want to pass an accurate judgement for your friend, I suggest you trust the visions. Your dear friend relies on it.

“Lady Evina, we are all from different times? I was correct about that?” A sound of affirmation carried through the theatre as Athena tilted her head in curiosity. “How about our powers or divinity. I often carry a weapon and conceal my face, similar to the other gods, but I have no access to them now.”

Oh! Yes, I have the ability to cancel out powers of the divine for certain periods of time during assessment. I often see that tensions rise, and conflicts can break out. I wish to erase those issues out this completely. Sadly, this means that I must quell any kind of magic or ability for physical conflict.

Now! No more interruptions. I can ask questions before or after the visions. Let us begin!

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Chapter Text

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“I apologize, My Lady Evina, but can ask whether my husband is still alive? Or that he will make his way back to his homestead?” Penelope called out in hopes the goddess felt pity for her uncertainty.

I.. can’t say anything about Odysseus’s state. It could affect how you all judge his fate. There cannot be any factors such as that which could create unneeded bias. I do apologize, dear lady. The voice seemed remorseful that she could not give additional information on the man to his friends or family. Choked with disappointment, the queen slowly nodded and accepted the information. Most members in the group wore sorrowful expressions. They had hoped that their friend would live through their journey home, but the words of the goddess placed uncertainty in their minds.

Now is a good time to reveal that the visions will be shown in a musical format – those are plays with music! They will be set up into nine succeeding sagas. The name of each saga will be announced at the end so as not to affect your judgement throughout the process.

[Odysseus]

Alright, my brothers, listen closely
Tonight, we make the Trojans pay
Ten years of war, they've killed us slowly
But now we'll be the ones who slay

“My Ody always did have beautiful voice,” Penelope gaze centered on the vision of her husband, her voice full of longing. “Though, he was often too shy to carry it in front of others.” She teased lightly to her son, knowing he’d wish to know more about his father. He chuckled at his mother’s comment. He found it amusing that such a strong, clever, commanding man can be left a shy mess.

[Odysseus]

Think of your wives and your children
Your families wonder where you've been
They're growing old and yet you're still here
Do what I say, and you'll see them again

[Soldiers]

Yes, sir!

“This is the end of the Trojan War, correct?” Telemauhas’s eye gleamed. He had stories from travelers in their kingdom but had not heard the stories of what happened within the walls of Troy in the end, especially stories that centered his father’s involvement in it. He had heard he climbed the ranks from his quick wits and silver tongue but had not heard anything of him during the last battle in the war.

“Yes, I remember that night. The Siege of Troy.” Eurylochus voice had a twinge of pride for his friend. “Ody- or um, captain made the plan himself: hiding in the gift bestowed to the Trojans as a gift and, in the night, striking them to retake Helen. Cunning as ever.”

[Odysseus]

Diomedes will lead the charge
Agamemnon will flank the guards
Menelaus will let our mates
Through the gates to take the whole city at large

Teucer will shoot any ambush attack
And little Ajax will stay back
Nestor, secure Helen and protect her
Neo, avenge your father, kill the brothers of Hector

[Soldiers]

Yes, sir!

The words of the warrior washed over the group. As they heard the man they knew in many ways talk with such confidence, it filled them with a sense strength only felt in battle. The words of the Silver-Tongued King could sway even the most cowardly men into deadly battle. It could convince the most mistrustful into closeness with the man, such is a warrior of the mind. Poseidon, however, was not as amused. He had seen the use of that tongue when he had decimated the king’s fleets. His words might have slivered their way into his mind if not for his son’s enfeeblement, need to see the man drown, and the man’s naivety in mercy.

[Odysseus]

Find that inner strength now (whoo!)
Use that well of pride (whoo!)
Fight through every pain now (whoo!)
Ask yourself inside

What do you live for? What do you try for?
What do you wish for? What do you fight for?

[Soldiers]

What do you live for? What do you try for?
What do you wish for? What do you fight for?

[Odysseus]

Penelope
Penelope
And Telemachus
I fight for us
I fight for us

“He fought for us?” Tears glinted in Telemachus’ eyes, nearly spilling over when his mother gripped his hand. “Of course he would, Tele’.” Penelope placed a soft hand on her son’s cheek “He used to tell me he’d move the mountains and the sky you. He even once said he’d even defy the gods for either of us, despite my warnings.” Amused chuckles echoed in the garden, even from the gods present. The man was an unstoppable presence for sake of his family. Many of them knew his determination firsthand. Eurylochus saw it when he stated he find food for his men on a strange island. Circe had seen it after she had tried and failed to seduce the man. Poseidon had seen it in the devastation he seen in the man after destroying most of his men.

[Soldiers]

What do you live for?

[Odysseus]

Penelope

[Soldiers]

What do you try for?

[Odysseus]

Telemachus

[Soldiers]

What do you wish for?

[Odysseus]

I'm on my way

[Soldiers]

What do you fight for?

[Odysseus]

Attack!

The scene raced with the fast and deadly actions of the Greek warriors as the flooded Troy. Odysseus quickly cut down foes with his quick thinking, guided by the goddess of wisdom. He ran through the hall of Troy’s palace cautiously scanning for any enemies. A figure suddenly ambushed the warrior, pushing past his shield, embedding his sword into his side. Gasps from the group sounded in the theatre, some had believed the man had met his demise. The figure and the pain seemingly vanished as soon as it appeared. Odysseus allowed confusion and panic to paint his face at the suddenness of what had happened.

[Odysseus]

Who was that?

{Zeus}

A vision

“Is that Zeus?” Telemachus’ mouth was agape. His father had talked to the king of the gods! The  god of thunder!

“Yes” the gods in the room stated plainly.

{Zeus}

Of what is to come, cannot be outrun
Can only be dealt with right here and now

[Odysseus]

Tell me how

“How is he talking so causally with THE king of the gods?” Circe sassed. “I’m immortal and even I would never speak to him in such a casual way.”

“I believe interacting with a divine being since childhood has not helped to keep his tongue in check.” Penelope grumbled. She knew the way he talked about the gods – as if they were any other life form. One day his lack of manors will bite him back, as she had told him many times.

{Zeus}

I don't think you're ready

{Zeus}

A mission to kill someone's son
A foe who won't run
Unlike anyone you have faced before

[Odysseus]

Say no more

I know that I'm ready

{Zeus/gods}
I don't think you're ready

“This doesn’t sound good” Circe commented. She had no knowledge of Odysseus’s adventures, outside his spills of grief at her palace about Poseidon’s vengeance against the man. She didn’t even know much about why Poseidon was after him either. She had been too busy pitying the man to learn of what had happened to the man.

[Odysseus]

It's just an infant

“Wha-Why would the gods want to kill an infant?” Polites was taken aback. He knew that doing the gods bidding was more important than question their intentions. Often, the gods are either uncaring of mortals or enjoyed tormenting them through ‘moral tests’.

[Odysseus]

It's just a boy
What sort of imminent threat does he pose, that I cannot avoid?

{Zeus}

This is the son of none other than Troy's very own Prince Hector
Know that he will grow from a boy to an avenger
One fueled with rage as you're consumed by age
If you don't end him now, you'll have no one left to save

You can say goodbye to

{gods}

Penelope

{Zeus}

You can say goodbye to

{gods}

Penelope

A vision cast by Zeus appeared by at the warrior’s feet: a beaten and bleeding Penelope . She reached out to her love, voicelessly begging him for comfort in her last moments. Odysseus cradled his dying wife in his arms, panic shook his limbs, not understanding what he was seeing. He looked up to see the avenger. The man-made monster who would maim his family and destroy his thrown.

“How dare he use my own visage against him?” The queen looked ready to storm Olympus herself. Telemachus reached out to mother to calm her. Despite her intelligence, his mother’s spartan origins often led her quickly to anger outside of her loved ones. He had to often calm down offended suitors or ambassadors from her outbursts. Although her temper got them in hot situations, Telemachus admired her resilience and deep care for him and others.

The vision then whisked away, revealing Odysseus cradling the waddle infant in his arms. A mess of emotions crossed the man’s face, conflict evident in his mind. Could do something so monstrous to save his family, his Penelope?

[Odysseus/ Zeus}

I could raise him as my own  {He will burn your house and throne}

Or send him far away from home  {He'll find you wherever you go}

Make sure his past is never known  {The gods will make him know}

I'd rather bleed for ya {he's bringing you}
Down on my knees for ya

I'm begging please

{Oh, this is the will of the gods}

[Odysseus]

Please don't make me do this, don't make me do this

“Gods, why can’t he find some other way? He doesn’t want to do this, why are they making him?” Polites cried out, seeing his friend beg in horror and crushing grief caused his soul to ache. He knew there was something wrong with him on the ship back home, but he could never have imagined this kind of guilt.

{Zeus}
The blood on your hands is something you won't lose

{Zeus/Olympians}
All you can choose is whose

The vision had ended leaving an unsettling choir echoing into the clearing. Whose blood would be in the man’s hands? Why was it that he wouldn’t have a choice of being cleaned of it?

“That’s a little ominous~” Hermes whispered conspiratorially, which ended in his usual fit of giggles.

“Well, yes, my father is a very vague man, especially when it comes to dishing out morality tests to mortals.” Athena spoke flatly towards the other god. She would have found her father’s vagueness more humorous in another situation. But not in one that involved her warrior.

An unsettling silence carried in the garden. “Do you think he’ll do it?” The sorceress spoke, breaking the silence. She was curious on how the people who knew him would say. It was obvious what the man would do for his love and son, even if it would haunt him for the rest of his life.

“What- No, he won’t. H-he can’t…right?” Polites stuttered with uncertainty. His hopeful disposition crumbled in this uncertainty.

“He will.” Penelope’s voice rang true in the clearing; guilt littered her sure tone. Even if it was the will of the gods and he had no true choice in the matter, she still felt sorrowful for her husband. For him to do such a thing would have torn him up inside. Telemachus turned to his mother, knowing the same answer as well.

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The vision opens to a despondent Odysseus cradling the infant in his arms. He had a dreamy smile, he seemed as if he was seeing someone different in his arms.

[Odysseus]

I look into your eyes and I think back to the son of mine
You're as old as he was when I left for war

“Gods, of course he thinks of you in this moment. I still remember the time I saw him with you. You swaddled in his childhood blanket and him crying lightly, singing a song his own mother use to sung him at night.” Penelope spoke softly to Telemachus, leaning her head on his shoulder. The young man held his mother’s hand that was near his lap. He was begging silently to any gods that could hear. He shouldn’t, no he couldn’t trade another life like…that. His father was a smart man, so he had to have found another way.

[Odysseus]

Will these actions haunt my days? Every man I've slain?
Is the price I pay endless pain?

“For a ‘warrior of the mind’, he sure does hold onto such trivial human grief.” Poseidon chided to Athena about her pathetic mentee. All she gave him was a slight grimace, finding his goading grating on her ears. Poseidon look to the others to find Polites staring at him. It wasn’t a harsh stare, but it was still unsettling how the mortal kept eye contact without blinking.

“Holding grief for the people who’ve been killed isn’t weak. It makes us human. It shows that we can see the people we are fighting as other people. People who also have feelings, beliefs, lives, and families. People who have not had such emotions and say emotions are a weak must live very miserable lives.” Polites’ eyes still burrowed into Poseidon’s. Usually, mortals never uneased the sea god. They feared him – the unyielding, deep sea. But a part of the man’s speech hit something inside of the god, making him click his teeth and turn away.

[Odysseus]

Close your eyes and spare yourself the view
How could I hurt you?

I'm just a man who's trying to go home
Even after all the years away from what I've known
I'm just a man who's fighting for his life
Deep down, I would trade the world to see my son and wife
I'm just a man

“If he’d trade the world, how much would he give or take to see them?” Poseidon spat out. He didn’t like seeing this side of his one-sided enemy. It made him understand some of his motivations behind the man. It made him, ew, sympathize with the mortal. But after Polites’ interruption, he couldn’t help but hold empathy for the man. When his son, Polyphemus, had come blind and in pain, he swore that he would have destroyed the being responsible. Maybe the gods and mortals had more in common, if Odysseus had gone through with what his brother told him to do.

[Odysseus]

But when does the comet become a meteor?
When does a candle become a blaze?
When does a man become a monster?

“That doesn’t make you a monster, darling.” Hermes frowned. He hated seeing his descendant so torn and disturbed. When he had met him before he went to confront Circe, he could tell he was despondent, but nothing close to what he was seeing. He must have been hiding away the pain he felt from him and his crew to carry on his duties as captain.

Circe had to agree with the messenger god despite her hate for the god. She had seen monstrous men. She had cursed them, had killed them herself. What Odysseus had to do, while horrible, was a needed sacrifice. Who to kill: one life or one’s family? It was an obvious decision to the sorceress as it was to the man in the vision. She could he was struggling from the decision; however, when he started to rational the infant’s death, she could tell what he would do.

[Odysseus]

When does a ripple become a tidal wave?
When does the reason become the blame?
When does a man become a monster?

[Odysseus/Soldiers]

When does the comet become a meteor?

When does a candle become a blaze?  [Forgive me]

“No…Ody, please…” Polites begged the non-responsive vision of his friend. He was begging for forgiveness. He didn’t wish to do this, so, by the gods, why are they making him?

“He won’t do it, right mom?” Telemachus begged. He couldn’t bear the thought of someone losing their life for him, especially that life being of an innocent infant’s. He wouldn’t blame his father, though. The gods, Zeus himself, had given him no choice. It was either let the child live for him to kill their family or sacrifice the infant. There was no other way.

Athena was caught off guard. It was not from the foretold death of the infant; she had watch as he dropped the infant from the Trojan palace walls herself. It was from how much Odysseus cared for Penelope and their son that he’d kill for them. Yes, she had watched the man grow since his childhood and witnessed how he fell in love with her. The divine part of herself believed that his love was a part of his role, her husband and king. But his love was more than his roles, it took hold of his entire being. It infected his mind, body, and soul. Her shock also came from witnessing Odysseus beg with her Father King. She hadn’t seen how desperate he was to keep the infant alive; to take the blood off his hand; the guilt from his conscience; the hatred from his family from such a monstrous act. It tore at her little for not noticing how much this hurt him. How could she have not seen this?

[Odysseus/Soldiers]

When does a man become a monster?  [Forgive me]

When does a man become a monster?  [Forgive me]

The vision showed a mournful Odysseus holding the Trojan infant over the palace walls. The faces of his men danced with many emotions: confusion, fear, disgust from witnessing their trusted captain endanger a small infant’s life.

[Odysseus]

I'm just a man

Odysseus then turned his head and closed his eyes, opening his closed fist.

“The rumors were true…” Eurylochus said to himself, not know the others had heard him.

“Rumors?” Polites questioned. His friend turned to him. The stubborn second-hand expression showed disgust and sorrow. Whether for what their friend had done or him hiding what he had done from them, he did not know. It was hard to tell on his stoic friend’s face. “Some of the men on the other ships said they saw the captain kill an infant during the Siege. I thought it was a rumor…I meant to talk to him…” It sounded like his own sorrow had choked him from continuing.

“You can’t blame him.” The strong voice of Athena rang out. She looked across the faces of the mortals and other beings. They all had varied reactions. Some parts of disgust from what Odysseus had done. Other parts of confusion at her sudden statement. “What my father had shown Odysseus was a test for him. It was to see if he was ready for the merciless journey home. I could tell my father knew he wouldn’t accept immediately, so he used his weakness to bend him: his family. I understand blood relations are important to mortals, but to Odysseus his will is endless for his loved ones.”

“In the end, he no choice.” Penelope reached for her son’s cheeks, comforting him. She knew that he would feel indirectly responsible for the infant’s death. But the death was on no one’s hand, not truly. Yes, Odysseus – her sweet, gentle husband – was the harbinger, but death would have followed in time either way. Such is the way of fate and war.

I feel like I must apologize for making you witness something so…disturbing. Lady Evina’s voice echoed remorsefully through the garden. I shall impose a break in between the visions, to allow you to discuss and sit with what has occurred.

The group fell into silence. If this was not the worst to occur that needed to be processed, how much worse could Odysseus’s fate be?

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Chapter Text

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The natural sounds of crickets and softly tweeting birds echoed through the theatre, somewhat calming the group. It was plain to see that the mortals were still affected by what they had seen. They could never think that someone so close to them do something so…monstrous. Penelope, although disturbed, understood her husband’s actions. She knew that he would do anything for his family. She still felt worried for her husband, though. She could tell that what he had done would haunt him.

Directing her attention to the garden, she turned to her son. He looked pale, almost sick. “Tele’, are, okay? I know seeing your father in the light is…” Penelope couldn’t find the words for what her son might be going through. He grew up stories of his father’s kindness and bravery. It must be confusing to the young man witnessing the matters of war at the hand of his father.

“Do you blame him, mom?” Telemachus was confused and disgusted, but not with his father. He always prided himself on his steadfast morals. He tried to treat everyone with respect and kindness. He was always thoughtful with his actions and speech, so as to not hurt anyone. The fact that his father could easily trample over his morals for the sake of his family, while slightly admirable, was saddening to the young prince. He understood his father’s love for him and his mother, but was his life more important to others? Was it more important than that innocent infant?

“No, I can’t. War brings out the worst in people and your father’s love for us knows no limits,” Telemachus nods his head subtly, shown that he understand her reasoning yet still felt conflicted. Penelope gathered the young man in her arms to comfort her son. No matter how old or big her son had grown, he always found solace in his mother’s arms.

Circe turned away from listening into the mother and son. She also couldn’t fault the warrior, either. She has done worse than any of these mortals combined to protect her nymphs. Odysseus at least would feel guilt and grief for what he had done. She could never since she felt no remorse for her actions. Just because there was an exception doesn’t mean that could ever see a change in men as a whole. Finding one good apple doesn’t erase the other one hundred bad apples.

Lady Evina’s enveloped the garden like a warmed blanket. Apologizes for the interruption, but the next vision is ready! The next visions are a lot lighter in theme compared to the first two, so try not to fret! Enjoy!

The vision opened to open and free sea. Six large boats float on the blue sea. Odysseus could be seen on the first one, leading the way home. The man seemed commanding and excited at the same time, eager to finally made the journey back to his kingdom.

[Odysseus]

Six hundred men
Six hundred men under my command
With only one goal in mind

[Crew]
Make it back alive to our homeland

“That’s a lot of men…” The furrow on Circe’s brow, glancing to the sea god. When she had failed to seduce the man, Odysseus had told her about the loss of his men to Lord Poseidon. She was under the impression that he only had a boat load left of men to take care of from the confrontation. Had the god killed all of those men? Now the captain’s desperation to get his men back made more sense. If he believed those death landed on him, the guilt must have driven him to save his men from her control. She glanced at Poseidon, a shiver traveling up her spine when they made eye contact.

The sea god smiled knowingly at the sorceress. He could see her understand what he had done. That going from six hundred men to less than fifty that must have landed at her island right after their encounter with him was no coincidence. “Hmm, yes, it is, Lady Circe.”

[Odysseus]

Six hundred men

Six hundred miles of open sea
But the problem's not the distance

[Crew]
It's what lies in between

[Odysseus/Crew]

And Ithaca's waiting [Ithaca's waiting]

My kingdom is waiting [The kingdom is waiting]
Penelope's waiting for me

“I’ll wait for how ever long it takes, my love.” Penelope stared longing at the sea baren Odysseus. Although she could tell that the war had changed him, she knew that deep down his heart would always be the same. She would keep waiting for him, even if it took another ten years for him to return. Please gods don’t let that happen.

So full speed ahead, full speed ahead

[Eurylochus]

Captain

“Oh my gods! Eury! It’s you” Polites teased his friend. Eurylochus rolled his eyes as his friend jabbed him the side with his elbow.

[Crew]

Eurylochus

[Eurylochus/Crew]

Six hundred men [Six hundred men]
Six hundred men with big mouths to feed
And we've run out of supplies to eat
[Curse the war, our food store's depleted]

“That must be very stressful.” Telemachus’ brows furrowed in concern.

“What do you mean? Odysseus is well equipped for such tasks.” Athena stated, her voice sounding slightly confused at the statement. She had spent years with Odysseus training him both in combat and in the mind. She enhanced his inherent gift of speech and leadership. The goddess had also spent the war with him leading men into gruesome battles. There was no way a little hunger could affect his marvelous leadership.

“He has to keep up with six hundred men. That many men left without food is not only dangerous to each other, but to the captain. Humans do stupid, desperate things when hunger is involved,” the young prince frowned lightly, an uncomfortable tightness appeared in his shoulders. He spoke like he knew what it was like to be surrounded by hungry men, to be cornered by them. This disturbed the group, some understanding what the boy was hinting at and others confused by what the boy meant.

[Eurylochus/Crew]

Six hundred men [Six hundred men]
Six hundred reasons to take what we can
So captain, what's the plan?
[Captain, what's the plan?]

[Odysseus/Crew]

Watch where the birds fly [Watch where the birds fly]
They will lead us to land [They will lead us to land]

There we'll hunt for food, my second in command

Now full speed ahead, full speed ahead

[Eurylochus/Crew]

We're up, we're off, and away we go
We're up, we're off, and away we go
We're up, we're off, and away we go

[Polites]

Captain

[Odysseus]

Polites!

“Are you two close with Ody? Your relationship seems different from the other crew members~” Hermes questioned. Although Odysseus was his great grandchild, he didn’t know a lot of specific details. He knew – from observing him and not stalking – that the man had been close to the others since childhood, but not how close or any of their dynamics. There was only so much information a god could listen into.

“Ody? Uhm, yea, we’ve known each other since we were children. We grew up in the same kingdom. And, while he was the prince, when we were all together, I never felt left out with Ody,” Polites smiled sweetly. Even though he was slightly unsettled with the god referring to his friend by his nickname, he delved into the memories of his oldest friend. He was always known as the weaker child in the village, so most people looked over him. But Ody never saw what others did. He saw the strength Polites had in his kindness and open-mindedness. He even stood up for him to bring him along to war, even if the recruiters were not so happy about it. That was even how he had met Eury. Ody and some other boys had seen a wild boar they wished to defeat. While the young prince defended his friend, Eury also spoke up. He said that the smaller boy understood how to subdue a foe without injury, which showed intelligence and skill most lacked. From then on, the three boys had been inseparable.

Eurylochus could tell that his friend had dived into his memories with Odysseus. His usually stoic face turned light, and a small teasing smile graced his lips. “He’s a great man, even if his mouth gets himself in trouble more times than not.” Polites and Eurylochus chuckled to themselves, only them and Penelope could ever understand the joy – and pain – a man like Odysseus could bring to the world.

[Polites]

Look! There in the distance, I see an island
I see a light that faintly glows
Maybe they're people lighting a fire
Maybe they'll share some food, who knows?

[Odysseus]

Something feels off here
I see fire but there's no smoke

The vision showed an island in the distance. There was a faint glow within the trees, similar to the glow of a fire but there was no smoke signaling the evidence of one. The lack of grey puffs painted a more off-putting scene. It made the island look other worldly or just slightly off center. “I don’t like the look of that island, either. If it’s not smoke, it has to something else” Telemachus commented, squinting his eyes.

[Eurylochus]

I say we strike first
We don't have time to waste
So let's raid the place and

“Do all men have to be so brutish?” Circe turned her head, rolling her eyes in disgust. Gods, men were such pigs.

“I would understand if used as a threat, but immediately going to violence is foolish,” Penelope stated plainly, staring directly at her brother-in-law. The man in question refused to meet her eyes but a barely noticeable flush colored the tips his ears.

[Odysseus/Polites]

No

Polites gear up, you and I'll go ahead [You and I'll go ahead]

“You didn’t have to look so smug Poli,” Eurylochus stated stoically with a bit of playful irritation leaking through.

We should try to find a way no one ends up dead

[Eurylochus]

We don't know what's ahead

[Odysseus]

Give me 'til sunrise, and if we don't return
Then six hundred men can make this whole place burn
Now full speed ahead

[All]
Full speed ahead
Full speed ahead

We're up, we're off, and away we go
We're up, we're off, and away we go
Full speed ahead [we're up, we're off, and away we go]
We're up, we're off, and a
Full speed ahead

“I really hope this is just a normal island, but I already have a bad feeling.” Telemachus started, thinking out loud. The fire with no smoke was an obvious way to bring in sailors to their doom. So, why did his father continue onto the island knowing this? Most likely, it was because of the crew, like he had said earlier. It could be stressful at the least and dangerous at the most leading that many starving men. He understood what it was like living with over a hundred impatient, hungry men.

“Mhmm, yes, it is good to cautious of the unknown.” Athena quietly murmured. Although her face was emotionless as usual, it seemed like curiosity lightly crossed her features. Penelope immediately understood what the goddess was thinking though. She pointedly stared at the immortal, slowly shaking her head in disapproval of Telemachus becoming a patron of Athena. She already took her husband, so there was no way she could ever get her hands on her baby boy. Poseidon tried, and failed, to keep a small smile on his face. Sometimes immortals were amusing, especially the ones protective over their children.

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Chapter Text

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So, from now on some of these visions will show the future for some beings. From this point on, they will show Polites’ and Eurylochus’ future as they are from the time before going onto the island. Lady Evina’s announcement flooded the theatre.

“Wait, we’re going to see our futures?!” Telemachus shouted in surprise; his hands rose to his head to confusion and awe. His brows furrowed in a way that looked like his brain could not comprehend that he would see the future.

Yes, young prince. I will announce when someone’s future is being revealed in time. Lady Evina’s voice sounded amused by the boy’s outburst.

“Lady Evina, does this mean we could know the future? With that knowledge of any events, could we possibly alter them? Could we change time itself?” Circe asked curiously. There is probably a way to counteract the effect of seeing the future. There was no way that the goddess would allow them to keep their memories intact after the judgement of Odysseus.

No. Once the judgement has been completed and served to Odysseus, no knowledge of this will ever have existed in your minds. You all will be brought back to the time you were taken from. Although the gods would be fine with such knowledge, the mortal mind cannot hold such information for longer before going mad. Lady Evina’s stern carried over the group with warning, along with a caring undertone.

The group understood but deflated slightly. What if there were future actions they regretted? What if they learned something and wished to change fate or avoid certain circumstances?

Anyways, we shall continue onto the next vision: Odysseus’s and Polites’ adventure on the island! Lady Evina announced with finality and urged the group to quiet for the vision.

The vision opened to the two friends exploring the forest on the island they had found. Odysseus deftly swung his sword, cutting away at the dense foliage. He was in full gear, tense, and ready for any unknown confrontation. He eyed the forest with apprehension, like he was expecting a foe to jump and attack him or his friend. Polites, on the other hand, was meandering around the forest floor without a care in the world. His sword was safely in its sheath and his hands were clasps behind his back. Compared to his captain, the taller man was completely relaxed and seemingly at peace in the forest. He stared at his friend seeing his tenseness.

[Polites]

You can relax, my friend

[Odysseus]
Huh?

[Polites]

I can tell you're getting nervous
So do yourself a service
And try to relax, my friend

[Odysseus]
I'm fine, Polites

It was obvious to the group that the man was not ‘fine.’ His eyes were pooled with a tiredness that seemed never ending, as if he had not slept since the Siege of Troy. The deep eye bags under the man’s brown irises could attest to his sleepless nights. Athena herself had noticed her warrior’s exhaustion, but he always attributed it to the war finally being over. She should have looked over him more closely. Now that she was, the goddess could tell that her warrior was still being affected by the infant’s death. She could see it now in the tiredness in his eyes and slump in his frame. She huffed annoyingly at herself for not paying attention more to Odysseus. Although seeing Odysseus’s tiredness did make her feel a little guilty, she still believed that relaxing in an unknown place was foolish advice.

[Polites]

Think of all that we have been through
We'll survive what we get into

I know that you're tired of the war and bloodshed
Tell me, is this how we're supposed to live?

“You are obviously not made for war” Athena commented to herself. This man was why she had to remind her warrior of what he was made for. The goddess often attributed Odysseus’s failure of the heart to the softer man. Warriors of the mind cannot let soft-heartedness infect them. They are meant to lead through the mind, not the heart.

Polites furrowed his brow, his mouth down turned in concern. “I made it through the war against Troy, too. I held my own. But the war is over now, so I think we can relax. Why do we always have to be closed off all the time? That’s how you miss the best parts of life. It isn’t made to be led like war, Lady Athena.”

The goddess didn’t expect to be talked to directly. She grew to believe the taller man had no spine when he was younger. Throughout the war, however, she was proven wrong many times – like she was now. She huffed, again, in annoyance. The goddess didn’t like being proven wrong or guilty. Those were pesky mortal emotions that were not meant for a being like her.

Look at how you grip your sword, enough said
Why should we take when we could give?
You could show a person that you trust them
When you stop and lower your guard

Hermes grimaced with the sentiment Polites had uttered. He was always known as a trickster and often is not serious, but even he knew that a time like that was not a time to lower his guard.

“I must agree with my niece. You aren’t close to home yet to relax. You have no idea what is out in the world.” Poseidon felt disbelieving of the mortal next to him. He understood being optimistic since he was usually a calm god, unless provoked. But to convince his captain to ‘relax’, especially in an unknown place, was concerning for him. Not that he was even close to sympathizing with the coward Odysseus. No, of course he wasn’t. The man had killed his son’s favorite sheep – Bill, who was a musical composer – and blinded him without remorse. Gods, he even taunted him before and after blinding his poor boy. No, he could never forgive the coward Odysseus.

Here we have a chance for some adjustment
Give it a try, it's not that hard
I'm telling you

The vision showed Polites and Odysseus traveling over a fallen tree in between a ravine. Suddenly, the taller man turned to his captain and grabbed his arms. At first, he grabbed him by the arms, Polites’ smile bespoke something mischievous. Odysseus saw what we was about to do and shook his head, silently pleading with his friend not to do what he knew he was going to do. Suddenly, Polites’ smile grew, and he threw both of them off the tree into the water below.

The group let out different forms of laughter. Hermes, of course, cackled melodically at seeing his grandson drenched in water. Telemachus also cackled at seeing his father’s grumpy fondness for his friend. Penelope smiled, glad to see her husband in a lighter scene. The others, while amused, tried to keep their reactions to a small smile. “Oh gods, Poli, why would you do that?” Eury pinched the bridge of his nose but seemed to be holding chuckles of his own back.

The next scene showed Odysseus drying off from his surprise drop into the lake. A light cloth draped over his waist while he drew another cloth across his face and chest. The motions moved the muscle and fat, bring attention to the fullness of the man’s chest. Some of the eyes in the room widened at the motion. The man then moved the cloth down to his thighs. They were lightly dusted and marred with scars on some parts, but it didn’t take way from how soft and meaty they looked.

“Oh?” Circe’s mouth was slightly agape. When the sorceress was trying to seduce the man, she had only done so out of necessity. But now seeing the man naked with his chest fully on display, now filled her with awe and disbelief. She should’ve paid more attention. Damn.

“Mhmm, that’s my man,” Penelope smirked at the being’s agape at her husband. She always teased him about his stature, of course in a flirting way and not to put him down. She often teased him for his full chest and soft, meaty thighs. She always gained stutters and blushes from the man. “You should’ve seen the first time we met. He got so red I almost-”

“Mom!!” Telemachus cried out in embarrassment at seeking multiple beings vying for his father, especially his mother. Gods, why are you so cruel?

This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms
Whatever we face, we'll be fine if we're leading from the heart
No matter the place, we can light up the world, here's how to start
Greet the world with open arms
Greet the world with open arms

[Odysseus/Lotus Eaters\
Stay back \stay back\

Both of the men were surrounded by unidentifiable masses of creatures. They echoed what Odysseus was ordering in a little yet sinister tone. A almost naked Odysseus held a sword, threatening the creatures, while Polites tired to placate his friend’s tension.

[Polites]

My friend, greet the world with open arms

[Odysseus/Lotus Eaters\
We're only here for food  \food\
Six hundred friends are waiting for us to show our faces \food\

Odysseus whirled around in a circle. He tried to keep the creatures in his view to keep them from attacking him. He was also half wrestling with cloth barely covering himself.

Stay back, I'm warning you  \food\
If we don't get back safely
My men will turn this place into blazes  \here you go\

[Polites]

See?

“Okay, but why are they so cute~?” Hermes cooed at the tiny creatures.

This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms

The creatures gave baskets of suspicious fruits to the men. Some of the creatures surrounded Polites, who still pronounced his values of being open-minded. The other creatures carried a large bundle of fabric and draped it over the still almost naked Odysseus. He looked surprised at the odd creature’s behavior towards them.

Whatever we face, we'll be fine if we're leading from the heart
No matter the place, we can light up the world, here's how to start
Greet the world with open arms
Greet the world with open arms

Odysseus held the fruit closer to his face, inspecting the suspicious fruit. He ripped it open only to find red juices and odd glowing seeds. He looked at the creature on top of his shoulder and noticed its mouth to be covered in a similar color. He also noticed how lethargic and loopy the creatures acted. Seemingly putting the two together, Odysseus walked over to Polites and grabbed the fruit of his hand.

[Odysseus]

My friend, I wish that I could say that I agree
But look at the way this fruit is glowing and filled with glowing seeds
It took me a while to notice just what kind of fruit they eat
It's a lotus, it controls your mind and never lets you free
That's what we'd get with open arms

“Correct, being too merciful to one’s environment can backfire in the most unfortunate ways,” the Poseidon muttered.

[Polites/Lotus Eaters\

Lotus eaters
I'd like to show my friend that kindness is brave
Could you tell me where there's other food to eat?
\The cave/Scary cave\

A cave!

“Did one of those things say, ‘scary cave’?” Telemachus asked, concerned if the cave they were being led to was safe. The others in the room had not heard the concerning comment from the lotus eater but heard from the young man. What could ‘scary cave’ mean?

You're saying there's a cave where we could feast?
And where do we sail to find this food-filled cave?
\East, that way\
Thank you!
\Welcome\

The pair down by a grassy cliff side, gazing at the general direction of east. The captain still seems despondent and lost in his head. He gazed at his hands and still saw the blood from the war still staining his hands.

[Polites]

This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms
I see in your face, there is so much guilt inside your heart

Polites in the vision reached over to his friend a lifted his helmet off his mop of a head. Odysseus turned to his friend. He found comfort and solace in his friend that had also seen bloodshed and committed acts he never thought he would in the war. Yet, he was still in the present and thinking of his friend.

“I saw it since we got to sailing home. It’s like he deflated overnight. I’m glad I get to sort of cheer him up a little bit.” Polites smiled lightly. He knew that doing said cheering-up on a mysterious island surrounded by strangely cute creatures isn’t the greatest time; however, seeing the light in his friend’s eyes again erased his unease. It was all worth it seeing his old friend again.

So why not replace it and light up the world, here's how to start
Greet the world with open arms
Greet the world with open arms

Odysseus looked to his friend, vulnerable and grateful for open arms. He pulled himself into his friend’s arms and clutched to friend. Polites in the vision wrapped his arms around his friend, a small sad smile appearing on his lips.

[Odysseus]

Greet the world with open arms

Athena could admit that seeing her mentee with a little less weight on his shoulders was comforting. She just hoped the soft man’s words wouldn’t infect Odysseus’ mind too much.

[Polites]
You can relax, my friend

“I don’t think traveling to this cave is a smart idea.” Circe commented suspiciously. It sounds too good to be true. If there was food in the cave, why would the lotus eater not feed on the food there? Is it because of their lack of mind from the fruit? Or was it something else?

“Huh? Why not? The lotus eaters are friendly?” Polites asked, confused.

“Them seem friendly, but they don’t seem to be completely conscious due to the lotus fruit’s effects. There might be food in the cave, but they might not know why it is there or whether it’s someone’s food,” Penelope reasoned wisely. In the past, she always tried to see the best in people; however, living with men trying to win her over, opened her to the reality of human nature.

“Just because someone’s friendly doesn’t mean they have the best intentions. Most things hide behind smiles and niceties then they strike their unsuspecting prey,” Telemachus wisely inferred. The words shocked the mortals and beings. Although he had his moments of naivete, he spoke as if he was beyond his years. What had he endured to elicit such wise words?

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“Why do you talk in such a way, little wolf?” The goddess of wisdom questioned. Odysseus often asked about the well-being of his family during the war. Although she would on occasion succumb to the request, she had not recently seen the queen or the prince. What if something happened between the time the war ended and the man’s return home?

“Hmm?” The young man’s cheeks burned at the nickname. Why does everyone call me that? “Well, I grew up without any kind of father figure in my life. I, of course, had my mother, so I grew with a less forgiving mentality of the men who entered our palace. Instead of idolizing them and wishing for their attention, I saw their fakeness and flaws.” He mainly thought of Eurymachus, one of his mother’s suitors. At the beginning of their stay, most of men looked over him because of his age. The man had treated him differently with sickly sweet smiles and corrosive compliments. At first, Telemachus felt grateful, but over the years he realized why the man had been buttering him up for years.

“It is very important to be wary of a man’s intention. They try to hide it well with smiles and charms, but it never lasts long,” Circe felt empathy for the boy. She had no idea what kind of men had pursed his mother but could understand the disgust she felt for any man hurting for her nymphs. In the end, those kinds of men will get what they deserve.

Poseidon, on the other hand, was confused. Not with the nature of men, that he knew all too well, but that had grown without his father. Odysseus, although set off track by his storms, should go home at least within the year or the next. How was it possible that his son never grew up with a father? “May I ask, little wolf, of your age?”

“We had just celebrated by birth recently, Lord Poseidon. About a month ago?” Telemachus looked towards his mother for confirmation. She gave him a solemn smile and caressed his face. “I turned twenty then. I’m old enough to enter a war, like father.” His smile told the sorrow of man of many years.

“No. You…Twenty? Twenty years?” Eurylochus’ face paled as if he had realized something heartbreaking. Polites hadn’t said anything or reacted since the young boy had revealed his age. Twenty years? Their journey back was meant to last at most two weeks. How could that be? Would they ever get home? These questions floated around the group, souring the mood.

Not to interrupt, but you lot love talking and this conversion can only get more depressing. Soooo, I believe it is time to move onto the next vision.

The vision opens up to Polites and Odysseus walking back to their ship. A lotus eater perched on the taller man’s shoulders and head speaking in short, repeated phrases. Polites seems to stop walking completely, frozen in time.

“Wait, what is happening? Why did I just stop walking?” Polites blanched, confusion covering his face. The beings, except Penelope and Telemachus, seemed completely confused with the same question running through their mind: What is happening?

Athena cleared her throat, catching the attention of the group. “I can freeze time at my will. I needed to speak to him after your…talk.”

{Athena}

Have you forgotten the lessons I taught you?

Odysseus, noticing immediately the difference in time, turns around to face his friend only to be pulled into a dark void. He looked around, but he wasn’t panicking or confused. He seemed to understand what was happening.

[Odysseus]

Athena!

“And that is my access of power. Where gods are able to speak freely with their patrons.” Athena pointed out to the non-godly beings in the room.

{Athena}

Have you forgotten to turn off your heart? This is not you

The goddess of wisdom flew in as her animal, flying around her warrior critically. The warrior’s body seemed to float freely in an open space. She then transformed into her more human form in front of Odysseus and extracted memories from the mortal.

I see you changing from how I've designed you
Have you forgotten your purpose? Let me remind you

Visions of the mortal’s life appeared in the blank space, spinning around the pair. The goddess caught hold of one of the lingering memories, told hold of her warrior, and launched him into the one of her choosing. “Do you always throw him around like that?” Penelope commented pointedly to the goddess.

Goddess of wisdom

Master of war
My life has one mission

Create the greatest warrior

I had a challenge, a test of skill
A magic boar only the best could kill

The memory visualized an open field, flowing with overgrown, wild grass. Trees and foliage grew over the edge of the field, giving adequate cover for any predators.  

One day a boy came for the thrill
A boy whose mind rivalled the boar's own will

“Is that father?” Telemachus eyes shown with awe. If it was him, then he would see his father in his younger years. How cool was that?

“It is,” Eurylochus’ voice was filled with nostalgia, a slight smile grace his face as it soften from the memory. “I remember that day. Ody said he saw a large boar in the forest and wished to defeat it. That was the first time Polites joined the group.” The man smiled at his long-time friend.

The three young boys in the vision focused on Odysseus’ plan on subduing the boar with rope and attacking it when it was down. Poseidon had to admit that even at such a young age the boy was very clever. Most mortals his age would simply use their brute strength. They would most likely pile as many bodies on top of the foe. Instead, the boy opted to keep himself and his friends out of harm’s way. Very interesting.

[Odysseus]

Let's go!

The group launched their attack on the magic boar. It was amazing for Telemachus to see his father use his quick mind to take down the foe. As it did amaze the young man, it also made him aware of how lacking he was in combat. There wasn’t a time he’s ever won a fight and that even included that fight Athena helped with. The boys in the vision surrounded the boar and subdued the boar with rope, like planned; however, the rope snapped setting the boar free from its prison.

{Athena}

Maybe one day he'll follow me
And we'll make a greater tomorrow, then they'll see

The wild animal then directed its escape toward a timid Polites. He was then pushed to the ground by a sure Odysseus, who armed a spear and bested the boar.

I know he'll change the world 'cause he is a warrior of the mind

Later, the group of boys played with a ball, but Odysseus looked distracted. He saw a large owl in the overhanding trees nearby. Its grey eyes bore into the young boy’s. The boy, however, was not intimidated by the unusual animal’s stare.

“Ooohh~, how creepy, Athena. Who knew you were such a stalker~” Hermes giggled at the thought of the goddess following the young Odysseus round.

Despite the goddess’s stoicism, her face lit a flame, her wings flared out in embarrassment, “I did not stalk him! I was just following him closely to make sure his mind was attuned enough for my training.” Athena glared at the messenger god as he fell into a fit of giggles while others around them joined in. Oh Father, I’m surrounded by idiots!

Maybe one day I'll reach him
And we can build his skills as I teach him
If there's a problem, he'll have the answer
He is a warrior of the mind

Instead of being put off by his unusual stalker, Odysseus’s curiosity peaked as he tried to follow the bird only for his attention to be pulled back to his friends. They had thrown a ball his way, but when he went to catch it, time froze around him. He landed on the grass, confused by the still ball. He looked around the open field. He knew something had been watching him. Odysseus, yet, held himself confidently in the face of the unknown.

[Odysseus]

Show yourself
I know you're watching me, show yourself
I can see you

“No way! He can?” Telemachus was agape. How was that possible? No mortal can see a godly being without them presenting themselves.

{Athena}

How can you see through my spell?

[Odysseus]

Haha! I was lying and you fell for my bluff
Haha, haha

“Clever, got her to reveal herself,” Circe smirked, both at Odysseus’ mind and Telemachus’ young naivete.

{Athena}

Well done, enlighten me, what's your name?

[Odysseus]

You first, and maybe I'll do the same

“Odysseus, why do you talk to gods like that?” Eurylochus looked tired from his friend’s words.

“I had tried to warn him from being too familiar with them, but I guess that his disrespect comes much earlier than I thought,” Penelope was surprised. She thought the way he talked to the goddess came from their close relationship. Instead, it seemed that he was always informal with the gods, even the goddess his family worshipped closely. How much more concerned should she be for her husband?

{Athena}

Nice try, but two can play this game

[Odysseus/Olympians}

Nah, don't be modest
I know you're a goddess
So let's be honest
You are Athena {Athena}
Badass in the {arena}
Unmatched, witty, {and queen of} the best strategies we've seen

“He used to tell me how he use to admire the goddess of wisdom when he was younger. He always thought that using one’s mind was far greater than the body,”

{Athena}

If you're looking for a mentor, I'll make sure your time's well spent

[Odysseus]

Sounds like a plan
Goddess and man
Bestest of friends

{Athena}

We'll see where it ends

[Odysseus]

Okay

“You couldn’t even high five the boy, darling~” Hermes smiled, but instead of sickly sweet it looked sharp. The boy only wanted her friendship! He understood that gods, including himself, care little for mortals. It was heartbreaking to see his grandson so excited to be close with his patron goddess only for her to brush him away.

{Athena/Odysseus]

Maybe one day they'll follow me and we'll
Make a greater tomorrow, then they'll see
I know we'll change the world 'cause we are the warriors of the mind

Many scenes of the goddess and her mentee played in the vision. Some of them showed their training sessions. Others showed the prince helping his people in the towns. A surprising memory showed the taking the responsibility of the crown from his father at a young age. One showed a young king gushing to the goddess about his crush on Penelope. Another displayed the young man’s marriage of the King of Ithaca with his Queen of Ithaca, the love of his life Penelope. As the memories continued, the older Odysseus grew into the man many knew before the Trojan War – a young yet wise king.

“How old was Odysseus when he became king? He looked like a child,” Circe commented, Although the scene flashed by rather quickly, she still saw how young he was made king. If that was true, it would be worrying for him to rule by himself, even if he had a wise mind.

Athena looked at the sorceress and nodded solemnly. “He was child – around thirteen years of age. His father had grown ill in his mind and was deemed unfit to rule. His parents had only bestowed one son of two children, so it was made that he would take on the role of king with the counsel of me and his mother.”

“I see…you’ve known Odysseus for his whole life,” Poseidon was surprised. He knew from his search of the man, during his vengeance plotting, that the man was a student of the goddess of wisdom. From his impression he didn’t seem too impressive, though being made to watch most of your men die probably influence his clever tongue to fail greatly. He would start praying to his brother for help from his daughter’s wrath, but the god was too prideful for that.

Athena allowed herself to smile then, since it was true. She knew the man since he was at that young ambitious, where there was little to stop the boy. “Yes, he is my most promising student, but don’t tell him that. He’ll never shut up about it.” Various laughs came from the room, expect from the sea god himself. Athena looked at her uncle to see him immediately look away from her, as if he was afraid of her. What had he done to think she’d be so angry at him?

Maybe one day we'll reach them
And we can build their skills as we teach them
If there's a problem, we'll have the answer
We are the warriors of the mind

The vision showed a bustling kingdom during a celebratory festival. The town was flowing with people on the brick path. One part of the town square showed a group of young children reenacting the story of the boar and their young king. The faces of the towns people enlightened when they saw their king, who appeared amongst the crowd in the festivities. He was seen playing with the children, laughing with the men, chattering with the women, and walking with his queen. He was beloved by all in his kingdom.

“I remember that festival. It was to celebrate our betrothal. The kingdom was so excited for Odysseus to find his queen after so long. The absolutely adore him, even now.” At the last comment, Penelope’s smile faltered. Their people has been without their king for twenty years and she had no idea how much longer they could bear without one. The group saw her sadness for her people, immediately understanding that the king’s absence had been felt past his loved ones.

{Athena}

I still intend to make sure you don't fall behind
Don't forget that you're a warrior of a very special kind
You are a warrior of the mind

The goddess in the vision grabbed the mortal by the head, physically forcing him into submission. The action served to put the mortal in his place as her warrior and for him to listen to her reasoning.

Don't disappoint me

“Seriously?” Telemachus blanched at the goddess. “My father, for how great he is, is than just your warrior. Sure, he should listen to your guidance, but he should be able to feel like Polites suggested.” He thought more of the goddess. She acted so much differently from the Athena who helped him against the suitors.

“What the weak man was suggesting was to let his guard down and relax his mind. Doing so in such an unknown place is unwise and will unequip him of his most valuable asset,” although she stay still and stoic, the group could tell the goddess was irritated at the question mortals.

“You could have just told him that. You didn’t have to hold him like that.” Penelope scowled at the goddess. She knew she had to hold her tongue before the gods, but seeing how one treated her husband seem to be removed her care for the matter.

“He forgets his place. I am a goddess, he is a man; I am his mentor, he is my mentee. He must be reminded to respect my authority.” Athena grounded her teeth at the mortal’s comments. How dare these lowly mortals speak to her as such?!

“He already does that, goddess! When has never not respected you? What, because he has a mind of his own?” Penelope couldn’t take the misguidance of Athena. How could Odysseus not respect the goddess? She still remembers the hours he spent training and the days he spent praying to her.

Athena stood to her full height, angered grey eye boring into the queen’s irked brown ones, “You will take your insolence back, mortal. Hold your tongue-“

Enough! Are you done with this imaginary dick measuring contest? Neither of you have any power or ability to fight, so don’t even think about it. Lady Evina scolded the two feminine beings. Both of them sat down and looked away from each other like petulant children. I forget how childish both the gods and mortals can be. Shouts from the groups sounded from amusement to disbelief. Am I wrong? No. Now, this will be the last of the Troy Saga and from here on Athena will have the future revealed to her. Get ready for the next saga, you will need it.

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I believe that maybe a slight change to the rules are in order. Everybody in the garden silenced themselves and listened to the goddess. From what I understand from pass sessions, this group loves to talk and argue. Usually, I would never do this for the sake of time, but it seems your discussions will come more fluidly with argumentation. So, I will be allowing some argument to continue. I will remind everyone that no powers, magic or godly, are unconjurable in this space.

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A large group of sheep huddled together in the dark of the cave. The song of an arrow flew through the air, hitting its target and toppling it to its side. The group of warriors flooded the opening, glancing around in awe of the food that the Lotus Eaters had promised them. Odysseus climbed into the cave with conflicted emotions drawn on his face. His crew, on the other hand, were amazed and grateful for the plentiful sustenance.

[Odysseus]

Over here

Poseidon frowned at the vision of Odysseus men’s gratitude for the food in the cave. When his injured son came crying to his father, he painted a horrid picture of the men who had hurt him – namely Odysseus of Ithaca. Poly had told him of ravenous monsters that had slaughtered all of his sheep, but namely his favorite sheep – named Bill – brutely. But the vision showed nothing of the sorts. All he saw were desperate, hungry men thanking the gods they had found food for their other friends. Poseidon huffed – his son would not have lied to him. There must be some part of his story that was true.

[Polites]

Look at all this food!
Look at all these sheep!

I can't believe this cave has all this for us to keep!

Polites in the vision roamed around the cave that ensured the end to their men’s starvation. He leaned over a crate full of varied fruits and vegetables. He seemed to be in awe, seeing so much food. He turned to the large herd of sheep and one of the animals bleated to the kind man. Excitement danced over the man’s features as he walked over to the animals and combed his fingers over its wool.

“Whhhaaaatt? I get to pet a sheep! Eury, do you see that!” Polites stared at his future self in awe while rapidly shaking his friend in excitement.

“I very much can see that.” Eurylochus grumbled, slightly glaring at his over excited friend.

[Eurylochus]

I've gotta hand it to you both
This is quite the treat
There are enough sheep here to
Feed the entire fleet

“Hmmm, how lucky~” Hermes giggled mischievously. He could already tell this cave entail bad tidings for the men. Even though he wished for no harm on Ody, he couldn’t wait for what was to come. It was slightly obvious that the cave was home to someone. It had to be no coincidence that there was a whole herd of sheep along with large storages of food.

Circe rolled her eyes at the messenger god. “Lucky? You must be moronic to think there are that many sheep coincidentally in a cave.” Hermes did not give the snide comment the reaction the witch wanted. She was right, but did not want to say anything to her that sounded remotely like a compliment. She turned men into pigs for a living, for Zeus’s sake! Why would he even entertain her quips?

[Odysseus]

It's almost too perfect
Too good to be true
Why would the lotus eaters pass up on all this food?

A red hue colored the cave as the light dimmed. Behind Odysseus and his men was a singular wide, silted iris. It widened to look at all the men invading the cave. The eye’s color bled a deeper color as it’s slitted pupil shrunk in anger at the men invading its home.

\Polyphemus\

Who are you?

Polites froze in terror. “Oh gods, is that-”

“A cyclops,” Poseidon snipped. He understood that mortals found cyclopes terrifying, but Polyphemus was still his son. He still remembered raising him on the shores of his kingdom. He still remembered how kind and gentle he was with his sea creatures and the sheep. He still remembered how his son clutched to as his cried out the name of whom wounded him so deeply. He still remembered how his son begged to seek his vengeance. How he swore to his son to keep the man from home and allow others to desecrate his palace like the man had done to his cave.

[Odysseus]

Hey there!

We're just travelers
We come in peace

The cyclops crawled into the maw of the cave, circling the group of men in his home. He turned his head in thought as he looked over the men and its herd. He slowly turned to the one fallen sheep. He reached one of his clawed hands and cradled the animal delicately. Clear viscous dripped out of his large eye in sorrow for his pet and clutched it to his breaking heart.

Telemachus felt sorrow for the monster’s grief meanwhile anxiety built in his gut. If the cyclops was angered by the death of his sheep, then who knew what that would mean for his father. And if his father knew of the trouble they were so plainly in, why did he look so calm? If the monster decided to avenge his dead pet, then everybody was in danger.

\Polyphemus\

You killed my sheep

“Well, at least it wasn’t an important sheep?” Hermes chuckled nervously for his great grandson.

My favorite sheep

Everyone glared at the messenger god. The messenger god looked away in both embarrassment and concern. How was he meant to know the monster had a favorite sheep?

What gives you the right to deal a pain so deep?
Don't you know that pain you sow is pain you reap?
Time to drink your blood over where you stand
Your life now is in my hand
Before I'm done
You will learn that it's not so fun to take

The cyclops reached towards the group of men that coward before him. His clawed hand gasped Odysseus tightly and raised him to his height. The man twisted and struggled in the overbearing grip, but to no avail. His eye widened in terror as he was held over the awaiting maw of the monster. Saliva dripped from the sharp teeth of the cyclops, as if salivating over the revenge of his dear pet’s death.

You came to my home to steal
But now you'll become my meal
A trade you see?
Take from you, like you took from me

Poseidon’s frown deepened, again, at another lie that came to light. His son had told him that the men had attacked him unprovoked. That Poly had no chance to fight back against a mob of ravenous men. Again, what was shown was incongruent of what his son had told him. There had to be some truth about what his son told him. There had to be.

Circe had been told about the monstrosities outside of her island, some from Odysseus himself. But seeing the cyclops, revealed the reality of the cave to the sorceress: those men were not leaving the cave unscathed. Even if they had just come from war, a fight with a monster was different from a fight with a man. Its height and physical appearance were enough to send an uneased shiver down his spine. The sorceress herself would be uneased against the monster, despite her obvious superior status of divinity and immortality.

[Odysseus]

There's been a misunderstanding
We never came here to steal

“Wasn’t that the whole point of taking the sheep?” Eurylochus questioned. Sometimes his brother had the wildest lies. The point of finding the cave was raiding and taking everything found for their men. Even Odysseus had already killed one of the cyclops’s sheep. How did they not come to steal?

“He’s lying to convince the cyclops of innocent intentions. He understands the stress of the situation. If it attacks them and they can’t win a fight against it, then his crew and the rest of his fleet are in danger,” Athena’s still voice called out. Yes, killing the sheep was an…ill decision, but she knew that her student would do the right thing.

But now that I see we've done some damage
Maybe you and I can make a deal

“Why don’t his men escape while he is distracting the cyclops?” Poseidon murmured. Odysseus had been the one to kill his son’s sheep. If he had told Poly that, then the rest of his men would’ve been spared he was sure of it.

Eurylochus huffed at the sea god’s comment. “And what, Lord Poseidon? Leave Odysseus – their captain, their king – behind? We could never betray him like that.” The man, even though not in blood, was his brother. They had grown together and fought together. Although he was chosen because of his forthrightness, he could never completely go against his brother. Never.

I'll give you our finest treasure
So long as we leave alive
You can keep the world's best tasting wine

\Polyphemus\

Wine?

“Wine?” Everybody echoed. How would the drink sway the cyclops from taking his vengeance out against Odysseus and his men? At the cyclops confusion, Odysseus let a sickly-sweet spread across his lip as saccharine lies fell from them.

[Odysseus]

Have a drink!
One sip and you'll understand
The power that's in your hands
A wine so fresh
You'd never wanna eat human flesh again
Then we shall be on our way
No bloodshed in here today

“No, there will be bloodshed…” Poseidon scoffed, off-handedly. It was not taken as such as everyone stared at the god. The deal between Odysseus and the cyclops seemed to be going well, so with the interruption of the sea god brought confusion. What did he know?

“What do you mean by this uncle?” Hermes appeared behind the god, scaring some of the group at the sudden reappearance. The messenger god’s eye were sharp and attentive as they watch for the other’s response.

Poseidon steeled his expression and narrowed his eye at his nephew, “He- The cyclops is only attacking based on revenge. No wine will quench the thirst for blood.” He turned back to vision and refused to face anyone in the group. Damn Hermes for making him slip on his words. Hopefully nobody noticed anything amiss.

A trade you see?
A gift from you and a gift from me

\Polyphemus\

Ahh
I'd like to thank you
Stranger, what's your name?

“Odysseus, I beg of you: Do not tell him you name,” Penelope pleaded with her past husband.

[Odysseus]

My name is Nobody, Nobody, Nobody

“There’s no way that would work,” Circe laughed in disbelief. “‘My name is no one.’ Who would fall for that?” The sorceress knew some cyclopes before, and they were not dim enough to fall for such a moronic lie.

\Polyphemus\

Nobody

“What?!” the sorceress cried out in disbelief.

For your gift I've one to reply

[Odysseus]

I'm so glad we see eye to eye

“Why would you say that?” Eurylochus let his face fall into his hand while embarrassment for his brother flooded him. The Odysseus in the vision turned from the monster to his men giving a relieved thumbs up. “Idiot.”

“That…” It was that comment that Poly mentioned to Poseidon. That was meant to be said with mockery and malice; however, the only emotion the god can see on the man is relief. Relief that he had saved his men from his son’s wrath. Behind the Greek, he could see his son’s large eye and he could tell it would not end well for anyone within the damp walls of his son’s cave.

\Polyphemus\

Yes
You shall be the final man to die

“What?” Telemachus choked out in shock. He thought the cyclops was satisfied, that his dad had won using his wits. He couldn’t die, not when he never met him. He-

[Odysseus]

What

Watch out!

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Aggressive roars from the cyclops sounded from the vision. The sound rattled the ground and swayed the trees. Animals in the brush scurried away in fear. The cyclops looked monstrous. The large eye seemed to glare into the souls of the viewers. Some of the group cowered in fear, while others stared wide-eyed in front of them, concerned for those close to the cyclops. Saliva dripped out of the monster gaping mouth, teeth glistening in it. The cyclops had reverted to crawling onto his front legs and circled the men.

{gods}

Polyphemus

Polyphemus

“Polephemoos? Is that what they’re saying?” Telemachus was cut out of his fear by the confusion of chants. Was that the cyclops’ name? Where had he heard that before?

Poseidon silently glared at the Ithaca prince. How dare this mortal mock his son? “Polyphemus, mortal,” Poseidon huffed out, glaring at his foe’s son. The young man’s brows furrowed in concentration, then, in a moment of  clarity, raised in realization. It seemed like the mortal had found out who the cyclops was to the sea god. Hmm, how interesting.

[Odysseus]

My brothers

The rest of our fleet, they wait at the beach

And if we're defeated, they're good as dead

Straight ahead

That is who we're fighting

“I don’t think they’ve forgotten who they are fighting, darling~” Hermes chuckled, others joining at his comment. The change in mood from fear to determination the radiated off of Odysseus also eased the tension in the garden. Despite being faced with such low odds of victory, it seemed like the mortal would refuse to back down until they survived.

{gods}

Polyphemus

No backup

No chance for support, so draw out your swords

Our foe must be thwarted right here and now

Show me how great is your will to survive

“I will give him this: he is amazing at rallying his men.” Circe admitted. The man knew the danger his men were in, but not once did he falter. Instead, it seemed to fuel the man’s drive to keep his men alive. This drive was incredibly admirable.

Six hundred lives at stake

It's just one life to take

And when we kill him, then our journey's over

Gods, if only that was true. This fight barely took place after the war, so what had happened for the journey back home to the last twenty years? Or more? Gods, Penelope prayed it would not last longer than that. She could wait, but at what cost? What of the suitors? There was no way she could keep them away from her son, or from herself either.

No dying on me now

Defeat is not allowed

We must live through this day, so fight, fight, fight

The crew followed their captain into battle, following his lead against the cyclops in front of them. Some of the men still look terrified and unsure of their opponent, but they all still trusted their captain – their king – to keep them alive.

[Odysseus/Crew]

Surround him [surround him]

Attack from behind, keep distance in mind

And stay in his blind spot

And strike his heels [strike the heels]

Show him that we're deadly [ha, ha!]

The crew rushed forward, working together to take down the cyclops. The way the men worked with each other showed how close they had gotten during the war. The smiles they wore as they helped each other up from the ground to how they cheer one another after a particularly good hit.

Exhaust him [exhaust him]

Don't let him get close

He's strong but he's slow

He can't land a blow if we're out of reach

Find a breach

Stand up and fight for your lives

“His skills at commanding are admirable, exactly of the stories King Diomedes had told me,” Telemachus stared amazed, fear long forgotten. The King of Argos has come many times in the last years. He told tales of his comradery with his father. Their late-night drinks and games to the blood they spilt on the battlefield. Although the king never said otherwise, Telemachus believed he came around so often to seek his father’s return. He could never truly know how close his father and he were; however, he see the care and adoration in the king’s eyes when the man spoke of his father – it was something similar to how mother talk of him.

Athena smiled, slightly at the young man. Odysseus had always been exceptional at leading others. His cunningness allowed him to easily shape his words to his bidding – the goddess’s teachings extended those skills onto the battlefield.

[Crew/Odysseus]

Six hundred lives at stake

It's just one life to take

And when we kill him, then our journey's over

As the battle grew longer, Poseidon noticed his son’s gaze focus on Odysseus, more importantly the man he showed the most comradery – Polites. He knew what cruel idea had flourished in his son’s mind. He just hoped he wouldn’t go through with it. Not that he had much to say for himself – he drowned almost the whole of the man’s crew, almost regretfully he might add.

[Push forward] No dying on us now

Defeat is not allowed

We must live through this day, so fight, fight, fight!

Odysseus and his men continued to surround the cyclops. Although their attacks seemed to do nothing, the constant movement around the monster disoriented him. The warrior slashed at the ankles while they kept away from the clawed hands. Cheers came from the crew as they believed they could best the thing in front of them. Odysseus, again, had jumped from the cliff to slash at him, landing in roll. Polities in the vision helped the man up again when a looming shadow cast over the captain. The man’s eye widened in fright at the shadow and backed away, but noticed Odysseus had gotten distracted ordering some of his comrades.

Penelope felt like all the air had rushed out of her, “Oh gods, Odysseus, no, watch out-”

Polites had full-body shoved his captain out of the way of the on-coming shadow. The sound of bones crunching and blood splattering onto the cave floor echoed into the garden. A body slowly paned into the frame, flattened in front of a knocked down Odysseus.

[Polites]

Captain

The group stared in complete shock at the vision. Polites had lay dying on the ground, body broken by the cyclops’ attack. He reached out to his friend and called out for his help. Odysseus froze – shock had taken over him. He watched as his best friend pleaded for his help. Everyone in the group was completely silent from the gruesome scene until the man himself spoke his own shock.

“What…” Polites himself couldn’t belief what he saw. He had just- gods, why? A ringing sound had entered his hearing and everything felt so far away. He could still hear something – voices? – and something was shaking him, but it was like he couldn’t snap out of that moment. The moment when he pushed Odysseus out of the monster’s wrath. How broken his friend’s gaze was the moment he saw his broken, bloodied body. He would say that it would haunt for the rest of his life, but he didn’t have much of one-

“Polites!” Eurylochus shook his friend to his senses. He knew the man would be shaken by watching himself get injured – his friend cannot be dead, but not this much. The others also looked varying levels of concerned for the kind man. “Poli, you need to breathe, okay. You’re alive.”

\Polyphemus\

Enough

The sound of the monster’s weapon smashed onto Polites’ again, as if to mock the man’s death to Odysseus. Eurylochus pulled Polites into his chest to shield him from the vision. He should not have had to watch himself die so brutally. Bones shattered more, blood spurted onto Odysseus as he watched the light from his best friend’s eyes fade. Tears leaked down Eurylochus’s cheeks as he held his oddly still friend. He couldn’t seem to tear his eye away from the vision – nobody else could, either.

[Crew Member 1]

He's got a club

He's got a club!

The crew member called out to his friends as he tried to run from the bludgeon. The man, however, tripped and fell right into its path. The man’s scream cut out as the club crushed his head. Blood splattered onto Odysseus’s face again where he sat shocked. The yells of his men filled the cave as the cyclops continued his rampage.

“Gods…” Poseidon whispered. He’s going to kill them all. He couldn’t say the thought out loud, not in front of two the men within the vision itself.

[Crew Member 2]

What are our orders?

Captain?

Captain!

The club itself neglected Odysseus aiming for those around him. It showed the cyclops’ promise. That he would be the last of its victims – he would be the last to die. He was going to kill all of his men first and leave him for last. Despite the eons of death seen by the god, Hermes grew ill at the sight of the dead Polites in the vision. He turned to see the man being held by his friend, still in shock at had seen his own death. His poor great grandson – he did not deserve to see the end of his friend.

Odysseus crawled to his dead friend, scared to believe what he’d seen to be true. He held his friend’s face as silent tears of denial dripped down his face onto his friends’. The shake of his hands revealed the truth of his friend’s fate. Men around him called out for their captain, but the voices didn’t seem to register in the man’s mind. All he could see and hear was his friend and his last words.

Athena stared at the vision, similar to the others, in shock. She knew how valuable a friend Polites was to Odysseus. She saw how close they were to each other since the start of her mentorship with the king. The man had seen bloodshed and dead bodies before, but seeing the utter devastation and grief on his face – how he held the man’s corpse with such gentle hands – gave way something in her. Something she believed was non-existent, if not buried deep inside the goddess: empathy. Athena had seen her fair share of dead bodies – mainly mortals – but the possibility of losing someone like Odysseus would be earth-shattering.

\Polyphemus\

You've hurt me enough

Six hundred lives I'll take

Another strike.

Six hundred lives I'll break

Another hit.

And when I kill you, then my pain is over

Not every swing met with a kill but a griding of bones and meat from the fallen. The cyclops wished to bring the most amount of pain to the men as they had done to him, but ten-fold. Everyone watched in varying parts of horror and sadness as Odysseus’s men were beaten by the monster.

Another slam.

You're dying here and now

Another swing.

Escape is not allowed

Each arc sent more blood and visceral across the cave floors or onto the men themselves.

You won't live through this day, now die

Odysseus cradled his dead friend in arms. He tried to protect the man’s body from the monster above him, not that it would do any good. The bloodshed seemed never-ending to the group in the theatre. The hope of the battle had completely turned to tragic disbelief. Maybe Odysseus wouldn’t die, but his men would. They stood no chance against-

Di-i-ie- uh, oh-

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Polyphemus had dropped to the group, seemingly unconscious. Penelope couldn’t help but thank all of the gods who were good. A quiet sob only her son heard escaped her clenched lips. Telemachus pulled his mother in his arms, wishing he could wash away the pain. After witnessing her own people get slaughtered by that monster, she could only hope it got a quick, merciless death.

“How many?” The group gave Polites, who was still in his friend’s arms, confused. When nobody answered, he tensed more and gripped Eurylochus harder. “How many of our friends are dead by that monster’s hands?” He should’ve listened to Odysseus – there was nothing good about the island, starting with that odd ‘fire.’ None of his friends would’ve died – his best friend never would’ve watched him die – if had just listened to reason.

Six had died to the cyclops, Polyphemus, including you, dear Polites. I am sorry for making you live through your death, but the fate of Odysseus is intwined with your demise. Lady Evina sounded throughout the garden.

Although he did feel bad for the mortals, Poseidon still held onto his son’s words and his pride. He still gets blinded and mocked by the coward, so he still tried to believe his son. He just hoped his son didn’t completely lie to him just to make him seek his revenge.

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Ringing pierced through the vision, not damaging but still all encompassing. Odysseus still cradled his dead friend in his arms, his tears had long dried. He saw and heard nothing but the ringing in his ears. His men moved all around him – some were in shock like him while others mourned the loss of their friends.

“What is he doing? He needs to move while his foe is down,” Athena’s voice was stern, but he betrayed her concern for Odysseus. He had just watched his men and friends gets slaughter in front of him with no power to stop it. It was true that the war saw many losses, but those death came from men not monsters.

[Eurylochus]

Captain
Captain
Captain!

The ringing gave way to Eurylochus in the vision trying to shake his captain back to reality. Noise in the background filtered in – his men grieving, cave drippage, his own rapid breathing. Odysseus stabilize his breathe, refocused his mind, and got back to his wits to get his men out of that damned cave.

[Odysseus]

We must move quickly
We don't have much time
He didn't notice I mixed lotus in his wine

“So that was why they fought the cyclops,” Athena murmured to herself. Before she did not fully understand: why fight a beast you cannot best? But it made so much more sense that the cunning man had put the addicting fruit into the wine meant for the cyclops.

“What do you mean?” Telemachus asked, shakily. He was still disturbed by witnessing the carnage of Polyphemus. His brain scrambled for the reason the goddess landed on, but it was no use – what else was there but to fight it?

Athena smirked at the young prince. He seemed close to his father in wits, but not enough – yet. “When he put the lotus fruit in the wine the cyclops drank, all he and his men had to do was last long enough for the it to take effect. Odysseus never planned to fight and win against the monster because he knew they could never win. He only fought when the cyclops threatened his men.”

Mark my words now
This is not the end

[Eurylochus]

But captain, what'll we do with our fallen friends?

Odysseus froze at what his second-in-command had said. Most men, when killed during battle, would have their remains collect after and given proper burials. But with the unknown dangers of the island and cave, there was no way for them to collect their dead – they would have to be left behind. A tear carved its way down the captain’s face at this realization. That not only had he failed his men – his best friend – in life but in death as well.

The group understood this immediately, too, some more impacted than others. “Oh gods, bless those men lost in the river of Styx…” The Ithacan Queen mumbled in prayer. She couldn’t bear the thought of the fathers and sons of her kingdom in such misery. Their families would never be able to mourn their losses properly or give them their final rites. Those men who were lost would spend a century on the shore of the river of Styx, waiting for Charon’s ride down. Telemachus felt the pain of his mother and held her closer.

[Odysseus]

Remember them
When the fire begins to fade
For the fallen and afraid
We are not to let them die in vain

Circe noticed the switch within Odysseus. He didn’t let go of his grief but turned it to help his men. It was similar to what happened to her nymphs. “It is admirable that he’s using his own grief as fuel to motivate his men. Lesser men would have admitted defeat at this moment.” Penelope looked over to the sorceress and gave a soft, thankful smile. She seemed to understand the weight of grief that overtook both the king and queen at the deaths of the crew. It was comforting to see how another can see the strength her husband held for the rest of men despite the fresh losses.

[Odysseus/Crew]
Remember them
We're the ones who carry on
The flames of those who've gone
And our comrades will not die in vain

Odysseus stood in front of his men with his spear raised. His determined features flashed with hints of anger and grief, but it steadied on the dominate emotion. His men gathered in front of him as grief litter the faces of the crew, but survival took over them. They had to get out of the cave and to the rest of their friends.

[Odysseus]

I need all our hands on his club
This is how we're getting out of here
Use your swords to sharpen the stub
And turn it to a giant spear!

[Crew]H

Let's kill him

“Isn’t that too rash? If they stabbed them, how would they get out? The cyclops fell at the entrance of the cave,” Telemachus questioned. Athena, again, glanced at the young man, admiring his quick mind. Penelope, again, glared at the goddess for even thinking of taking her boy as another mentee.

[Odysseus]

His body is blocking the path
If we kill him we'll be stuck inside

[Eurylochus]

Captain, where do we attack him?

[Odysseus]

We gotta stab him in the eye

Poseidon tensed at what Odysseus had said. This was when it would happen. When the coward blinded his son and cruelly left him alive. Maybe this was when his son’s flock was slaughtered. The man falsely did it for revenge on the behalf of his fallen friends, but, in reality, did it out of cruelty. The sea god decided that voicing his opinion on the matter at that point would have been disrespectful. The Ithacans in the room did have justifiable reasons for his son to be killed – or even cruelly blinded – after they had watched him brutally kill their own.

[Crew]

Yes, sir

Remember them
When the fire begins to fade
For the fallen and afraid
We are not to let them die in vain

[Odysseus/Crew]
Remember them
We're the ones who carry on
The flames of those who've gone
And our comrades will not die in vain

[Odysseus]

Now!

At the call of their captain, the crew rammed the sharpened club into the eye of the unconscious cyclops. The monster roared out in pain as the carved club fell, leaving behind blood and viscous to pour out of the eye. Poseidon tense and froze as he watched his son stumble around aimlessly. He could not control the distress and sadness he felt for his son, his pain for his son did not worsen his hatred for Odysseus. Before, he thought some arrogant, cowardly man blinded his son maliciously – to give pain for pain’s sake, but he was, once again, proven wrong. Poseidon was not angered by this revelation like usual, though. Maybe having seen his son’s pain had smothered it. Now, all he felt was guilt – he drowned a man’s whole fleet and for what?

Scatter!

All the men ran from the blinded cyclops, scattering away from his quaking steps. While the sea god was stuck in his thoughts, Polites had noticed the change in him. How his face changed from his general smug arrogance to muted guilt. He didn’t know how the god knew Odysseus exactly, but he could sense that it had something to do with the cyclops. Not that Polites was much of a thinker, compared to Ody. What he did know was how to comfort someone in pain. So, he moved out of Eurylochus’ grasp and walked over the sea god with a gentle smile. He sat down next to Lord Poseidon and took his hand in comfort. Although the god look disgusted – with himself or him, Polites did not know – or ashamed, he still gripped the hand back in a silent thanks to the mortal.

\Another Cyclops?\

Who hurts you?

Eurylochus’s brows furrowed in concern for his friend. “No way, there are more of them?”

[Eurylochus]

There are more of them?

“You should be some kind of seer if you repeat yourself like that~” Hermes cackled at the man.

\More Cyclops?\

Who hurts you?

[Odysseus]

Hide

\Many Cyclops?\

Who hurts you?

“By the gods, how many are there!” Telemachus exclaimed in surprise.

[Eurylochus/Odysseus]

Captain we should run (Wait)

\Multiple Cyclops?\

Who hurts you?

[Eurylochus/Odysseus]

Captain please (Wait)

“Can’t you stay quiet~? Now, especially, is not the time to question your captain~” Hermes snickered. Ever since he watched Ody’s and his friend’s fight on the beach of Aeaea, he had gained a rather low opinion of the taller man. He seemed like the rasher one out of the pair, despite being held in high regard by the crew members. What those men saw in Eurylochus, Hermes could never understand. Was it true that Ody was seen as a cunning coward by most of the Greeks? Yes, but most gods saw the value in the man – the potential in his genius.

\Polyphemus\

It was Nobody, Nobody

“He actually fell for that?” Circe cried out in disbelief, seemingly restraining herself from slapping her face with her palm.

\Multiple Cyclops?\

If nobody hurts you be silent

\Polyphemus\

Don't go

Poseidon’s grief deepened for his son. He told him of all the friends he had made on the island – of how much they cared for each other. Was that another lie from his son? Was it a way to keep his father from feeling ashamed of him? Polites must have sensed him spiraling, again, as he gasped his hand tighter to comfort the god. How pathetic – a god that needed emotional support from a mortal. Gods, what has he come to?

[Odysseus]

Let's grab the sheep and away we go

Most of the men grab one sheep and fled the cave. The captain had six hundred men to feed, but he only took barely one ships’ worth of his son’s friends. Yet another half-lie from his cyclops son. It was true that his friends would be kill at some point for Odysseus and his men’s survival; however, they would not be horrifically killed like his son described. It was survival, not cruelty.

{Athena}

Have you forgotten the lessons I taught you?
He's still a threat until he's dead
Finish it

[Odysseus]

No

“No?” Athena stated in shock. This wasn’t like the Odysseus she led in the war. He’s grown soft and probably from that talk he had with that weak man. Or perhaps is was from the death from the same friend. The goddess softened at that sentiment, but only slightly. Death is no reason to let a foe live to gain the upper hand.

{Athena}

No?

[Odysseus]

What good would killing do
When mercy is a skill
More of this world could learn to use

“Please tell me he is not taking after you,” Athena grumbled, directing her gaze to Polites. The man looked back at the goddess slightly annoyed at her comment, but did not say anything in retaliation.

My friend is dead

Our foe is blind
The blood we shed
It never dries
Is this what it means to be a Warrior of the Mind?

{Athena}

Don't!

[Odysseus]

Hey, cyclops!
When we met I led with peace
While you fed your inner beast
But my comrades will not die in vain

“We won’t, Ody. I know we won’t,” Polites said softly. He wished he say those words to the man himself. He was in pain and lashing out to the cyclops in grief. He couldn’t fault was he would say at that moment. Polites clenched the sea god’s hand in comfort that yielded a squeeze back.

Remember them!
The next time that you dare choose not to spare
Remember them!
Remember us!

Remember me!

“Odysseus, please do not do what I think you will do,” Penelope begged. She could tell that his damned arrogance would get the best of him. In those moments, her husband tended to forget himself, including any consequences.

I'm the reigning king of Ithaca

“Father, what are you doing?!” Telemachus raised hands to the side of his face in disbelief. He thought his father was meant to be wise, but this was the opposite of that! The fact that he revealed his name to their foe is beyond stupid and reckless. What was his father thinking?!

I am neither man nor mythical

“A little much too hubris, isn’t it darling~” Hermes giggled to Athena, who had her face buried in her hands in embarrassment.

I am your darkest moment

“Oh, that was what he said to him…” Poseidon murmured. It was a mocking statement, but his son had definitely exaggerated it to him. The man was in grieving over his dead men and close friend.

I am the infamous
Odysseus!

Eurylochus stared in shock at his friend’s idiocy. Why did he not stop his friend before he told their foe his name? “Oh gods, Ody, what have you done?” There was no way those actions went consequence free since they knew their journey would not end anytime soon. The vision faded out on the mocking smile of the cyclops. Yeah, Eurylochus thought, we are so screwed.

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“May I ask you a question, Lord Poseidon?” Polites politely asked the sea lord.

Poseidon looked at the mortal. He knew what he was going to ask. He knew that he must come clean at some point about his relation to the cyclops. Might as well be now. The lord nodded to the man in acknowledgement. The others in the garden had already listened into their conversation, also curious on what the kind man wished to ask the god. “Why do you look so…” Polites paused as if searching the emotions on the sea lord’s face, “guilty? I can tell it has something to do with the cyclops, but not with what. Could you enlighten me on this, Lord?”

Poseidon tensed a little but hardened his expression. He was, admittedly, nervous to inform the group of his actions against Odysseus – especially with his mentor, wife, and son in the same space. “I know the cyclops, Polyphemus. For he is my own son.” Surprise came over the group, then concern

“I was lied to by Polyphemus. He came to me, crying in pain. As I held him-” He was the god of the sea – he cannot let his emotions take over. He looked over at the other gods where a mix of sadness, confusion, or disgust danced in their eyes. Helios, he needs to control himself. Poseidon steeled his nerves then, and continued, “He told me of cruel, vicious mortals destroying his home and slaughtering his flock. That they had stabbed his eye and left him to live in the dark. One of them even mocked his ailment then boasted his name in his darkest moment.” Poseidon directed his sharp gaze to the ground. He did not wish to direct his false hatred toward anyone in the group.

“If that is all, then why do you look so guilty, my Lord? You are not responsible for your son hurting Ody’s crew or…” The man’s sentence drifted off, but the group knew what he would say: that it was not the sea king’s fault for his son killing him – that his son’s actions were not his and he should not hold guilt for that.

But, before the mortal could continue, the god interrupted. “No, I saw the truth through the visions, but I have already done something in retaliation to Odysseus and his men.” Polites still gently held the god’s hand in comfort. “I never thought to doubt my son and seek the truth. Although they did come into his home and killed one of his sheep, none of their actions were malicious – they were based on survival, grief, and desperation.”

“What did you do?” the Ithacan Queen asked boldly. The sea god turned to the queen and expected to see her fuming but saw sympathy on the woman’s face.

Poseidon dropped his gaze on the ground again. He could not look anywhere near her as he confessed his wrongdoings. “I attacked Odysseus and his men on the shore of the Laestrygonians. I-”

I must stop you, Lord. Lady Evina interrupts. I do enjoy you setting your pride aside, but we will see your actions in due time. It is important that we continue with the visions.

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The flashing of the vision indicated Athena pulling her mentee into quick think. This time the space looked different. The lighting was darker and lacked the memories that floated around the main island of the arena. In the middle of the island stood the goddess herself and Odysseus, who looked confused both at the sudden summoning and scenery change of the arena. Athena then turned to Odysseus, anger present in every part of her being.

{Athena}

You are reckless
Sentimental at best
That's not a teaching of mine
You've grown soft
Your dead friends can attest

“What is wrong with you?” Hermes voice sounded serious. No giggle or chuckle followed his question as he glared at his half-sister. The others in the garden would have done the same if not for the fear of the goddess’ divinity.

[Odysseus]

Hey!

The form of Athena morphed into a gross imitation of Polites. The mirage mocked and nagged Odysseus. Although the goddess was meant to be making a point, the man seemed greatly disturbed by the lesson his mentor had tried to teach him. Those gathered in the garden had similar emotions scattered around. They mostly seemed disgusted by the goddess using a dead man’s image to make her mortal feel shame for his actions – whether they were justified or not.

{Athena}

Put your emotions aside

You're a warrior
Meant to lead the rest

“That doesn’t mean he can’t make mistakes. He’s just a man,” Telemachus mumbled defiantly. The more the young prince saw of his new mentor, the less he enjoyed the sight of the goddess. How can she just push his father’s feelings aside like that? Yes, it makes sense that she would be angered about him defying her and stupidly mocking the cyclops; however, placing such high expectations on a mortal was also a mistake of the goddess. Morals cannot simply turn off their emotions. The divine always forgot that about their lesser counterparts.

I don't know where I went wrong
But I warned you
And you failed the test

“Is that all the gods care about? Tests?” The young prince did not sound angry but more confused. He thought the gods like Athena came to heroes in need. Even though some gods didn’t see his father as hero material, the goddess of wisdom cherished the man – or at least she did.

Penelope’s face paled and panic rose to her voice, “Telemachus, please! You cannot speak ill of the gods, especially in the presence of them,”

Actually, I failed to make it known, I apologise. Holding one’s tongue against any god matters not in my garden. Lady Evina interrupted the potential blow out between the mother and son. Since gods cannot hear into this place and the gods inside cannot retaliate against any words against them, you mortals are free to speak of your opinions.

“Oh? Then, Lady Athena, I must also protest. His best friend had died in his arms. I believe Odysseus can be emotional right now,” Penelope’s tone was respectful yet sharp. The goddess herself was a little taken aback by the sharp tone in the queen’s voice. She knew the Ithacan had some reverences about her status with Odysseus, yet she always seemed respected and revered her as the patron goddess of her kingdom. In reality, the second she had the option to voice her true thoughts the queen did so in a way that spoke to how she thought of the goddess. It seemed that, instead, the respect she thought she had was from her divinity and fear of her.

So now I'm gone

This way, you'll know what your place is
This way, you can't cross the line
This way, when all is over
You'll keep yours and I'll keep mine

Athena’s form grew to tower over the mortal – to put him in his place, to show how much he had messed up. Odysseus, however, did not look intimidated in the slightest. All he did was continually look defiantly at his patron goddess.

This way, you won't disappoint me
This way, you won't waste my time
This way, I'll close the door
Consider this as my goodbye

“You’re just leaving him?” Polites looked over at Athena, betrayed at the thought of her leaving her life-long mentee. His eye practically shone ‘how could you’ at the goddess. The goddess had to be honest that she was a little confused herself. Yes, she was very disappointed in her student, but why would she just leave him? He had lost his men – his people and best friend – and now she was leaving him? At most she wouldn’t answer some of his prayers, but cutting him off from their link? It was unthinkable to the goddess. She mentored the men before his manhood. How could she just leave him?

[Odysseus]

That's just like you
Why should I be surprised?
Selfish and prideful and vain

The group was speechless. None of the mortals have never seen the man talked to any divinity in such a way. In all the time Polites and Eurylochus had known of their friend’s mentorship, they could see how much care and respect each being had for one another. “You must really like this mortal if he is still alive. Most gods would have punished or killed him based on principal alone,” Circe commented toward Athena.

Unlike you
Every time someone dies
I'm left to deal with the strain

What's a title
That a Goddess could lend
If I'll never sleep at night?

Penelope could never imagine the guilt Odysseus holds. Not only had he lived through a ten-year war, but her husband had already felt the never-ending crust of blood on his hands. He felt the heavy weight of guilt of the lives he has ended on his shoulders – from the infant to Polites and his crew that died at the hand of the cyclops. How much grief and blood can a man take before he cannot take it anymore? How long will her husband take this burden himself.

I'll remind you
I saw you as a friend

“A friend?” Poseidon snorted. The mortals glared at the god in disgust. “What? It is disrespectful to say you mortals are equal to god – any god. To be friends, is to be equal – no mortal could ever be equal to a god.”

A head shook in the god’s peripheral that made him turn towards Polites. He had slipped his hand out of the immortals, leaving it oddly empty. “Maybe, but it felt different. Lady Athena has known Ody and us even before our manhood. We all care about her. We’ve been through so much together, so I thought she care, too.” The smile that seemed to be a permanent fixture on his face had dropped into a light frown. His eyes with unshed tears and whispered, “Guess I was wrong about that, too.”

But now we're done

Odysseus storms to the edge of the island where the edge of the goddess’ quick think. He started to tare at the wall with a small knife, splitting the seams apart with his hands. Piece of the barrier chip and crumble from the force of the man’s weapons.

This way, you're out of my head now
This way, you won't plague my life
This way, when all is done
You're out of sight and out of mind

Odysseus turned towards the goddess, betrayal burning in his eyes. He reached toward the armor that adorned his body started to tear each part of his body. From a small pin that decorated his cape to the bracers that depicted intracity art of his past patron, he tore each piece off his body in angry defiance.

This way, you get what you wanted
This way, you can save your time
This way, you close the door
And have your damn goodbye

“If a mortal talked to me like that, niece, I would have had his head,” Poseidon snickered at Athena. The goddess did not seem to hear her uncle, though, from being stuck in her own head. All she could think was that she pushed him too far. She had never seen Odysseus get angry at her before. During the war, he got short with her sometimes, but he was nothing but respectful to her. She was his patron goddess and mentor. Athena could tell from his disrespect that he was pushed too far. Maybe it was from Polites’ death and her mocking him for it; Or maybe it all started at the end of Troy’s Siege – with the infant. Before she had watched the vision, she would never entertain such a thought, but now she understood – the guilt from killing the infant spiraled him into this moment and she pushed him over the edge.

The second the man ripped off the last of his armor Athena in the vision grabbed a defiant Odysseus and threw the both of them pass the barrier of her quick think. Shattered pieces of the space rained down as the figures tumbled in the infinite space. The goddess looked as if she meant to push the mortal down in obedience; despite her efforts, Odysseus still gripped her arms, eyes wide in fear and anger.

{Athena}

You're not looking for a mentor
I'm not looking for a friend
I mistook you for a general
What a waste of effort spent

Athena could not hold her emotions down anymore. Her face contorted into disgust at what she had said to her mentee, “Odysseus could never be wasted effort. Gods, what am I doing?” She was disgusted with herself. That she was letting her emotions get the better of her. That her anger led her to fight him for his obedience. The only result she yielded was fear and betrayal from her favorite student – something she never wanted from him.

Odysseus separate himself from the goddess’s grasp and went flying through the empty space, crashing in heap. He looked to be in pain but seemed more focused on Athena. He stood up defiantly in front of the goddess, face flushed red with anger and his eyes narrowed in betrayal.

[Odysseus]

At least I know what I'm fighting for
While you're fighting to be known

“The goddess of wisdom, an Olympian, is fighting to be known?” Eurylochus scoffed. Odysseus was going to get them killed if he angered his patron goddess. Why is he talking back to her at all? Was it because of their close relationship?

“That is why gods choose men to be their warriors – so the feats of those men are linked to their divine helpers. Although she doesn’t need to be known in any way, I believe Odysseus is saying that she only saw him as some project or tool to use – despite seeing her as a friend,” Penelope explained patronizingly to her stepbrother. She loved his stepsister dearly, as they had kept each other company during both their husbands’ time away from Ithaca; however, she could never understand the love Ctimene and Odysseus hold for the man. He was constantly doubtful of her husband’s wits, despite his devotion to his goddess and mentor. Penelope believed that Eurylochus has always been jealous of Odysseus’s brains and his close relationship with their kingdom’s main goddess. The man’s worst quality was that he never held conflict privately – it always had to be in front of everyone. As she has seen many of their spouts, she prays that none of those occur on their voyage home. It would only cause trouble, something they could not afford on the turbulent sea.

Since you claim you're so much wiser
Why's your life spent all alone?
You're alone!

Silence rang out in the garden. Odysseus huffed in anger at his outburst at his goddess. Emotions danced on the man’s: anger, defiance, but mostly guilt. Even after he was attacked by the goddess, the man still felt remorse for what he said to someone he viewed as a friend. Athena, both in the vision and in the garden, wore an expression of shock at Odysseus’ outburst, flickering with hurt and betrayal. Athena in the vision then hardened her expression.

{Athena/gods}

One day, you'll hear what I'm saying
One day, you might understand
One day, but not today
For after all you're

{Just a man}

This day, you sever your own head
This day, you cut the line
This day, you lost it all

At Athena’s harsh words, Odysseus turned his back to the goddess. His expression still bore the guilt it had but held more anguish and betrayal. The group watched as the captain walked away from his goddess. The mortals let out breaths of relief. He already angered the goddess, so it was best to leave before he gained her ire, too. Athena appeared annoyed by Odysseus as he walked away from her. She called out to him in a defiance of her own in finality.

Consider this as my goodbye

Consider this as my goodbye (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
This is my goodbye (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Consider this as my goodbye (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
This is my goodbye

“You just left him,” Eurylochus looked baffled at the sentiment. Athena had been there for Odysseus for most of his life. How could she leave so easily? He could understand that he ignored her advice and that angered her; but she abandoned him? Us?

Athena looked shaken by the betrayed expressions of the mortals. She did not try to steady herself before speaking, “I don’t know how I could do it, either. Seeing what I have, I- I pushed Odysseus too far. I can admit that.” The goddess moved to the Ithacan Queen dropped to kneel and removed her helmet in show of her sincereness. “Penelope, Queen of Ithaca, I deeply apologize for abandoning your king in his time of need. And I apologize for breaking the promise I made to you and your kingdom.”

Penelope’s face at first appear as stone, but at the goddess’ apology she softened and placed a hand on her shoulder, “I pray that Odysseus’ journey home is not affected by your abandonment, for your sake Lady Athena as well as for mine.”

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