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Chapter Text

 Grim docked The Asteria at the landing platform as she had been instructed to. She took a deep breath and reached for her necklace, wrapping the kyber crystal in her hands. "There is no emotion, there is peace," she recited closing her eyes. She opened them again as she let her hands fall back into place. She turned to her droid as she got out of the pilot's seat. "Luna, this time I'm going to need you to stay. We can't know for sure if the Empire already beat us here."

 "And if the Empire is here then you'll get yourself captured! You still haven't explained what we're doing here in the first place!" Luna beeped in protest.

 "Changing things as always," she replied with a smirk. Although she did not feel as confident as she acted. No matter how this went she would be facing Vader again. Grim made her way to the ramp of the ship. "Just stay here. If anything happens you're to go with either Leia or Luke. Although hopefully he shouldn't be here."

 "Oracle—"

 The droid didn't get a chance to protest further as Grim had already exited the ship.

 But she wasn't on Bespin. She was standing in the midst of a battle as smoke and dirt rose into the air. Her eyes were wide as she searched her surroundings, she was in a city with high walls that seemed almost impregnable. As she looked above her she almost fell back. She was standing underneath a massive wooden horse. "No way," she gasped. She knew exactly where she was now and she knew she couldn't be here. This was Troy. As she realized this she reached around her and called the Force to her as she used it to power her speed and flee the doomed city.

 Grim did not stop running until she found somewhere far enough from both sides — far enough away from any people. When she reached this place she slowed and began to catch her breath. She could still see the city burning in the distance. This was a universe where Greek Mythology was real. Her use of the Force confirmed it.

 "This isn't good," she said aloud. Grim did not look like she belonged in Ancient Greece. Her armor was made of bits a pieces of old clone trooper armor and her old robes from The Clone Wars. Her lightsabers hanging at her sides were far out of place among the normal swords of the time. The technology didn't exist even in her original universe, let alone a version so far in the past. And on top of all of this she couldn't speak nor understand Greek — let alone Ancient Greek. While she had learned to be fluent in a few languages during her time in Star Wars, the languages all belonged to that universe. None would help her here.

 She needed to get back to her own war. She was critical to changing how things could be and making things better. Nobody knew as much as she did. But she had no way to get back — she didn't even have a way to leave Troy. She needed to plan, she had to find a way. Hadn't she always? For now, though, Grim needed to set up a camp.

 The woman's appearance had not gone unnoticed — at least not by the gods. As the Achaeans took their victory with the long war at last coming to a close, they sat upon Olympus. Who was this mortal that had nothing written of her by the Fates? She wasn't supposed to be here, and that much was clear. And so the gods sat and discussed her and what was to be done. It wasn't often they would be so drawn to a single mortal but she was something else. They didn't know anything about her, and they couldn't stand it. Something had to be done.

 Grim had started a small fire as she sat down upon a rock. She held one of her lightsabers in her hands and studied it closely. There was no telling if it would even work in this universe. Certain that nobody was around she ignited the weapon as a purple blade emitted from it. Nothing had changed. She felt relief with this and turned it off, clipping it back to her belt. That was two things she knew she could rely on.

 From a pouch on her belt she pulled out a ration bar and began to eat. However as she did she heard footsteps nearby and she could feel a strong presence in the Force unlike anything she ever felt before — even when she had been on Mortis. Her heart leapt to her throat — she could not be seen. She did not look the part.

 A tall, fatigued, older man with a few scars emerged from the shadows. It was clear that he was a solider and from the dust and dirt that caked his armor, he looked as if he had just come from Troy. His helmet was striking, with how well decorated it was, on the sides there seemed to be depictions of some past battle. He wore a golden cape that trailed behind him gracefully. Grim did not recognize this stranger from any of the myths she remembered — although it had been many years since she was able to refresh her memory of those stories, and the Trojan War had many heroes. Whoever he was, she knew he had great power, it overwhelmed her in the Force.

 She said nothing at first, even if she did it was likely he would not be able to understand her. She studied him silently unsure how to go about this. She could not ignore how he felt. She wondered if the man before her was even mortal.

 "Is there room for one more at that fire?" The stranger asked, speaking in clear English.

 Her eyes went wide when she heard him and was able to understand his words. Any doubts she had were erased as she knew him at once to be a god in disguise, although which one, she could not yet say. She quickly recovered from her shock and tried to save face. "Of course," Grim replied, giving him a kind smile. "Forgive me, I wasn't expecting to meet anyone out here."

 He smiled back and sat down on a nearby rock across from her, setting down his helmet and revealing dark hair that laid too perfectly on his head to have just been underneath the helm. "What is someone like you doing so far out here alone? You don't look like you've come from the war."

 She hesitated slightly, thinking on how to answer the god's question. "That's because I haven't come from the battle. Although it seems you have," she answered, before gesturing to his messy armor. As she did so, it came to her attention that only his armor was messy. His skin showed no sign of injury other than clearly healed scars, and she had been fighting long enough to know one never comes from battle unscathed. Yet there was not a scratch on this man.

 "Indeed I have," he told her. "Although I took a longer route to clear my head now that it is over."

 "I see," she said, then lying she added, "by the way, my name is Rue."

 "It is a pleasure to meet you, madam. Thank you for allowing me to rest at your fire."

 "Of course. I would offer you something to eat, but I'm afraid I don't have anything," Grim told him.

 "That is quite alright, I'm not hungry. I just needed a place to rest."

 "Well that I can offer you."

 There was silence for a long moment as the two studied each other. Grim considered her options, she knew lying to this god was dangerous. Even if she did not know who exactly she was speaking with, trying to deceive any of them came at great risk. But she also knew the full truth would be dangerous to give away, there was no telling what kind chaos that could bring. She would have to test the waters to get an idea of whom she was speaking with and work on a strategy from there.

 The stranger was the one who broke the silence. "If you did not come from the battle, where did you come from? You don't seem to have been from any of the nearby cities."

 She bit her tongue. She knew she couldn't claim origin from any place — he would catch her in her lie if she did. "Once again you figure correctly. It may seem strange but I am not of the known world, as for how I am at Troy, I fear I can not tell you, for I do not know." Everything she said was true, although she was careful with how she spoke to not unveil the secret of the multiverse.

 "How odd," he commented. "I have never heard of a thing like that."

 She laughed nervously. "Well, odd things happen."

 "Yes, they do indeed," he agreed, his eyes narrowing.

 "What about you, sir?" She asked. She knew she had messed up and quickly tried to turn things around. "I don't believe I even caught your name."

 "My name is not relevant. I am no one important."

 She narrowed her eyes. He had to be important, this was a god, she was certain of it. "Your helmet seems quite extravagant for a mere foot solider," she pointed out. "I figured you were perhaps one of the kingly heroes that I have heard so many stories about."

 "If that were true, then you would have had no need to ask me for my name."

 "Perhaps yours is a tale I have not heard yet," she offered. "Troy was only just sacked, after all."

 He smiled politely. "I was only doing as the gods had willed."

 "Ah, I see," she said. "What was it they guided you to do?" She bit her tongue the moment the words came out. It was too blunt of a question.

 "I don't see why that's important," he told her, his face dropping. The air seemed to go still.

 Grim froze, but tried to hide her fear. "I was simply curious," she explained quickly, hoping to wave off her mistake.

 "Curiosity could very well doom you," he warned her. "You never know who could be watching. And trying to deceive the gods is a foolish endeavor, we always find out the truth."

 Her heart dropped, there was no going back now. "You're right that was foolish of me. I'm sorry for my attempted deception, I should have dropped the act the moment I figured out you were a god." She admitted, bowing her head respectfully. "Although I will admit, I do not know which one you are for certain."

 The god's eyes flashed pure yellow and in the sky lightning flashed for only a moment. Grim fell from her seat on the rock as her eyes went wide with terror. "No," she gasped.

 He stood from his seat and walked over to her. "Answer me this question, but choose your words carefully. How were you able to tell I was immortal?"

 She gulped as she stared up at him. She took a moment to regain her composure as she thought about how to answer him. Then she spoke truthfully: "I admit I had my suspicions when I saw you. Your presence is unlike anything I have ever felt in my life — more powerful than anyone I have ever known. Although I knew for certain only when you spoke. I can neither speak nor understand Greek, and yet we both understand each other perfectly. If you were a mortal man that would not have been possible, so I knew then you must have been a god. Though that was not enough to realize I was speaking with the God King himself," When Grim finished speaking she knelt before him.

 He studied her for a moment, looking down upon her. "You did not answer me before: where are you from, mortal? You do not belong here. And do not attempt to deceive me again."

 He was no longer standing before her as a solider, but he towered over the woman in his real form. His hair was long and black, made of storm clouds with lightning trapped within. His ears were long and pointed, although golden bull horns covered them to some degree. Massive eagle wings sprouted from his back, fanning out to make himself even more imposing and entirely covering the kneeling woman in shadow. His eyes were pure gold and matching freckles were atop his head and ears like a crown. Lightning bolts were formed within his flesh, one marking going fully across his bare chest. He wore a flowing purple cape, and a matching skirt that covered his lower body which seemed to be made of clouds as well. In the Force he felt as if there was a massive crushing storm unlike any she'd ever experienced.

 He continued: "You are lucky that I too, am curious. Otherwise you would not still be standing. If you were to be so foolish as to do this a second time the ground beneath you will be charred to ash and you along with it."

 Seeing the god in his true form struck further fear into the Jedi Knight. She nodded, and complied with his demands — something she never imagined herself doing. "I am not from this universe. I wasn't from the one I was in previously either, although I call that one my home. I hold some knowledge about these events for in my original universe the stories have gone down in legend. That is the truth of my origin, Lord Zeus."

 Storm clouds gathered above her and she looked up with wide eyes as thunder rumbled. "You have not given me the full truth."

 "Wait!" She cried. "I'm sorry, I'll tell you! Don't kill me!" She begged, tears falling from her eyes. She hated how weak she felt. But what else could she do in the presence of Zeus? "In my original universe these events are more than just legend but are myths. The gods do not exist there, and I know this for a fact because my magic works here but was something I could never channel there. I always had the potential but such powers did not exist, it wasn't until I arrived in the universe I now claim as my home that I unlocked my abilities." She went on to explain, desperate to prevent the god from smiting her.

 The storm vanished as quickly as it came. "That wasn't hard, was it, mortal?"

 She was shaking. "I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

 "My forgiveness is something you will have to earn. You have yet to earn my mercy either."

 Grim quickly stood, her hands flying to her lightsabers. She took a step back from him, glaring at the god in disgust.

 "You flatter yourself if you believe yourself worthy of such things, although few would dare to reject me, especially in such a bold manner."

 Her grip tightened although her hands trembled slightly. "How am I supposed to trust you won't do anything? I know your reputation for how you treat women."

 "Do not upset me further, mortal. You have pushed farther than most would dare."

 She released her weapons and knelt before him. Her heart pounded in her chest — he was right and she had already come close enough to a reminder of what lightning felt like. Grim bowed her head, "how may I earn your mercy and forgiveness, O Zeus?"

 "That is to be decided. You have sparked our curiosity, and because of this you live for now."

 "Our?" She asked.

 But the God King had vanished.

 Upon Olympus the gods once again conversed. They discussed what it was to do about the woman not of their universe. She was a curious mortal, and to end her so soon would be a shame — not when she could provide the gods with some entertainment and amusement. At least as it was now.

 "As it stands, we know nothing about her. Let us change this, I propose we do a test, Rue comes from a world without us, so let us see how she could serve the gods as all men should." Hermes spoke, a smile upon his face. "Regardless, she's caught my interest, she is the most seasoned traveler I have seen in a long time."

 Zeus considered this. "And how will this test be conducted?"

 "Send her with Odysseus. He will not be able to return home for many years, that will give us plenty of time to test Rue. When my student returns to Ithaca we can make our final judgment. And I trust she will be in good hands with him." Athena offered. The mortal had impressed her with the wit she had displayed. The woman was clearly a strategist and knew how to plan for things.

 "Very well. If she manages to pass this test then perhaps she will have earned the right to return to her home universe. But if she fails then she will have nothing to offer us and will be punished accordingly."

 And so it was agreed upon by the gods.

Chapter Text

 It took Grim a long time to sleep that night. She kept running through the encounter with Zeus wondering what she could have done differently to avoid angering him. She had come too close to being struck down, if she hadn't been from another universe she would be in the Underworld and she knew it. She stopped believing in luck years ago, but she felt lucky all the same. And she couldn't shake what he said at the end, about having sparked their curiosity. Did she have more than just the eyes of Zeus on her? That's surely what he had been implying — and if so, who all did she inadvertently draw the attention of? As the thoughts ran through her mind, her eyes became heavy and she drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

 When she awoke she found herself on top of an hourglass surrounded by blue and purple hues. Her eyes grew wide as she took in the strange environment. "This is not where I fell asleep." She commented.

 "In a way it is," a mysterious voice told her.

 She quickly turned around and saw a towering figure with large owl wings. She wore a dress combined with armor. Her neck was feathered, and she had patches of white on parts of her skin. Her eyes were pure grey, and she had golden markings like olive branches under her collar bone. Her hair was short and dark, with some yellow streaks on the front. Her ears were large and pointed, and she had glowing freckles that almost matched Zeus. "Athena," the Jedi gasped. "Where am I?"

 "A place where we can talk privately," the goddess replied. "I am already aware of your situation, all upon Olympus are."

 "So that's what Zeus meant," she realized. "What are you doing here?"

 "Helping you," she answered. She walked over to the Jedi, almost gliding. "You don't want to stay at Troy, do you, Rue?" She asked, tilting her head in a bird-like manner.

 "No, I don't. But it's not like I have anywhere I can go." She pointed out. She had been so caught up thinking through what had happened with Zeus and being transported into yet another universe she hadn't thought about where she would go or what she would do.

 "You are to travel with Odysseus and join his voyage to Ithaca," Athena told Rue matter-of-factly.

 Her eyes went wide. She knew what that would mean, she knew the story of the Odyssey. Would she even survive? Grim held her tongue, she had pushed things too far with Zeus the night before, and here she had a goddess offering help. She would be a fool not to take it. And it didn't sound as if she had much of a choice. "I can't speak or understand Greek, if I'm going with Odysseus that would make communication near impossible."

 "Close your eyes," she instructed. Grim obeyed and as she did so she felt a gentle hand touch her forehead. She felt a shifting in the Force — an energy change within herself. "Open them."

 "What did you do?" she asked.

 "The language barrier is no longer a problem. You will be able to speak and understand Greek as though it is your native tongue."

 "Thank you," she said, bowing to the goddess.

 She tilted her head in an owl-like manner. "Your armor and weapons also do not fit this universe," she noticed. With a wave of her hand Grim's armor was transformed into the bronze of a Greek's solider, her boots turned into sandals, and her arms were fully exposed, revealing the prosthetic on her left. Athena was surprised when she saw it. "You lost an arm?"

 "It was a long time ago. I got into a fight I wasn't ready for." She admitted, bowing her head and looking away in shame. She hated to be reminded of her failure on Mustafar. She had gotten used to the arm, and knew how to navigate without it, but the memories attached still hurt her all these years later. She looked back at her. "I doubt this prosthetic fits the time period."

 "It does not, but there is nothing I can do about a missing arm."

 "I would not ask you for that. Perhaps I could have a cloak or cape that I can use to hide my arm?"

 "That would be doable," she agreed. As Athena spoke she added a large brown cloak atop the armor. The mortal smiled at the goddess's gift. "Now for your weapons. May I see how they look first?"

 Grim removed her lightsabers and ignited the two of them. The longer blade was a shimmering royal purple, whereas the shorter blade glowed a peaceful blue. She deactivated the weapons. "Even in the universe they're from many call them laser swords, although their real name are lightsabers," she informed her.

 "Then swords will be easier for you to adapt to use." Observed the goddess.

 "Yes. I would likely fare best with swords compared to other weapons of this universe and time." She agreed.

 "Very well." With that the lightsabers became swords of a supernatural beauty — almost appearing enchanted. Their hilts matched that of the weapons they were previously in color, although changed to handle the heavier blades. Those themselves had streaks that glowed slightly in the color of before. They felt strange in her hands but the Jedi smiled anyways.

 She knelt before Athena. "Thank you for the help my Lady."

 "Before I go, let us discuss how this will work for you," Athena told her. "Rise."

 She did as she was told and stood again. "I agree, I still don't know how this is meant to work. How am I supposed to convince Odysseus to allow me to join his voyage when I'm not from either land?"

 "He will know that I sent you for I shall tell him myself. On your end you will go to him and ask Odysseus for his protection and that he provide you shelter in the form of his ship."

 "And he'll accept because you told him?" Grim asked. "If you're telling him about me, then why do I need to even ask him?"

 "I will not tell him everything. You asking for his protection will be the sign that you are the woman I sent."

 "But how I will I get into the camp to speak to Odysseus? I'm a stranger to them, and they just finished a long war. From my experience that breeds distrust."

 "You will be protected," She assured her. "All you have to worry about is finding Odysseus."

 "And how am I supposed to know what he will look like?" Grim asked. "I've seen paintings of him but that was years ago. I don't remember everything."

 "You will know when you see him." Athena replied.

 With those words she vanished before the Jedi could ask any more questions. The strange place in which she had been transported dissolved back into the normal world. She was sitting underneath the tree she had based her camp at. She looked at the sky and saw that the sun was still rising and judged that she still had some time to prepare.

 Grim sighed heavily. "One day I better get the fucking vacation of a lifetime." She looked around her camp and took the time to hide any signs of her presence and pack what little she had for the long journey ahead.

 When all was done she scanned the area once more making sure everything was taken care of. Seeing that nothing was left behind she pushed back her hair and tied it into a ponytail. She slipped her necklace underneath her armor concealing the crystal. Then she began her walk to the Achaean camp as Athena had instructed her.

 On the walk Grim reflected on what the goddess had told her. She had been vague on her instructions but what was she to expect from the gods? All she knew was that she was meant to join Odysseus, and she had no choice in the matter. She tried to recall what she had read in the Odyssey, but that had been many years ago. There were few plot points she could recall. When she was in Star Wars she had constant reminders of the things she needed to change and how she could go about them. This universe was another story entirely.

 In both The Clone Wars and the Rebellion she was able to use her knowledge of the future to save lives and further the war effort in the favor of the heroes. It was why she was known as The Oracle among the Rebel Alliance — it had become her job to know the future. Even if she rarely had visions herself she would know enough to help — and could be vague enough that nobody knew the truth of her prophecies.

 But now it had been too long and she would only begin to be reminded as she lived through events she might want to change. Her goal would certainly be the same. Even here she would work to save as many lives as possible. She wouldn't allow Odysseus to be the only survivor, she would save his crew as well. Not everything could be predestined — she refused to believe it. And if she wasn't from this universe, who was to say that the Fates could even plan for her?

 Eventually Grim reached the camp, but she hesitated as she drew near. When she passed through there would be no going back. Even then, she doubted she could turn back now. She didn't have any other options. She took a deep breath to calm herself and remembered Athena's words. The goddess had said she would be protected — and at the current moment Grim had no reason to believe she was lying.

 She walked through the camp without an issue. Nobody acknowledged her, letting the Jedi pass by as if unseen. She knew she must have been and that this must've been the protection Athena had promised her. She relaxed at the thought and kept going. She looked between the men who had been fighting for so long all for glory or to return Helen to her husband. She looked for who could be a king, trying to remember the names of all the heroes and what might give away one as the other.

 As she passed through something caught her eye. There was an owl nearby one of the tents with a man about her age — perhaps only slightly older — beginning to pack for a journey home. She knew at once that the owl must've been a sign from the goddess if not Athena herself, which made the man Odysseus. She made her way to approach him, thinking of how she would address the king.

 She knelt before him and he looked down to see the woman. He seemed slightly startled by her appearance and Grim briefly wondered if she wasn't visible to him until she had knelt. "Odysseus, I come before you in hopes you might give me protection and shelter in the form of your ship as you set sail to your homeland for I am without a place to go, and do not know who else to turn."

 He watched her as she spoke and knew that this stranger was the woman Athena had sent for his aid. "You have come to the right person, and I will do what you request. Athena herself has sent you my way, and so I will ensure that you are given the protection you require. You may join my men and I on our voyage to Ithaca, where further shelter can be given to you." Odysseus answered.

 "Thank you, I am grateful for your kindness," she replied. Grim stood again as she added. "I will be sure to avoid causing any troubles for you or your men. I mean for nothing of the sort."

 "It would be best if the men knew you were joining us to avoid any questions about your presence later," he told her.

 "I agree. My name is Rue, by the way."

 "It is good to meet you, Rue."

 With those words he left to inform his men of the new situation. Rue turned her back towards the tent and looked out at all the ships docked on the beach. She had never seen any of these kind in person, and it would certainly take some adjusting from years in space rather than the open sea. But if she had adjusted from her original universe to one of science-fiction, then she could adjust to mythology. She would have to. She still had her knowledge of future events and she still had the Force. She could find comfort in that, and would have to have faith that it would be okay. More than that — she would have to have faith in the gods themselves.

Chapter Text

 Grim was unsure how to feel as the ships began to set off to Ithaca. She didn't entirely feel nervous, but she wasn't at peace either. She had a lot of work ahead of her — and she wouldn't have the help she had before. The only ones who knew about her being from another universe were the Olympians — and she didn't know how much she could trust them. She would have to have faith, but she knew how tricky the gods could be. She had read plenty of myths before she had become a solider. And now those myths were reality — and she would have to learn to navigate them.

 Odysseus had already introduced her to the crew but she caught how some of them would give her odd looks. She wondered what they must have thought about her. There was no hiding her battle scars and she wore armor herself thanks to Athena's disguising her. Women weren't often soldiers in this time, all that came to mind were the Amazonians, but she vaguely remembered that they were on the Trojan side of the war. She shook her head, she couldn't let what others thought of her matter. It was unbefitting of her. It never bothered her in the past — there was no reason it should change now.

 Rue stood on the deck of the ship watching the open sea and sky and taking in the fresh air. It was relaxing and helped her clear her mind. She would need one anyway if she was to change the outcome of this voyage. She clenched her hands into fists, she had to change the outcome and not just for the survival of the crew, but her own survival depended on it as well. She felt a hand on her shoulder, "you can relax, there's no fighting here," a kind voice told her.

 "I know," she replied, smiling a little at the familiar gesture. "I guess I've been at war too long."

 "We all have," he said. "But it's over now."

 "That'll take some getting used to," Rue told him, turning around. She'd been fighting for over twenty years, and this man had no idea how much longer they might be out here fighting.

 "Well, we have time to adjust now," he said. "I'm Polites by the way. You're Rue, right?"

 "Yes, I'm Rue. It's nice to meet you Polites." She found her smile growing a little more. "I'm sorry you caught me while I was brooding. I always have so much on my mind." Something about him made her feel like she could lower her guard.

 "You aren't the only one," He said. "Do you want to talk about it?"

 "Thanks for the offer, but it's probably best if you don't know," she replied. She never liked telling people about their deaths.

 "That's alright, we have just met." He smiled.

 "How can you still be so optimistic after so long at war?" She asked him. It hurt her heart — that's how she wanted to be after The Clone Wars — after the Rebellion. But after everything that had been taken from her, she found it too hard to stay happy.

 "I guess I'm too stubborn in my ways."

 She laughed. "That is something I know all too well."

 "Then I'm glad we understand each other already."

 "So am I, Polites. Thanks for talking with me, it seems like the rest of the men are avoiding me."

 "They just aren't used to the sight of you yet, give it some time. They're nicer than they seem."

 "I guess I'll trust you on that. It's not like I know anyone here either." Other than Odysseus — but she couldn't say that. It was only from the myths after all.

 "Well now you know me," he said with a smile. And with that he left to go among the others.

 Her conversation with Polites reignited her determination to change fate and as he left Grim went below deck her heart set on saving lives once again. It had been years since she read The Odyssey but she thought back to what she could remember and how she might be able to alter it. She remembered that the main reason it took Odysseus so long to get home was that Poseidon was mad at him for blinding his son — a cyclops.

 She knew also that Zeus killed a portion of Odysseus's crew, leaving him the last man standing. She tried to recall what the cause of that was so she could prevent that from occurring. "Didn't it have something to do with cows?" She thought aloud. Grim stroked her chin deep in thought. That's when it came to her — the cows in particular belonged to the sun god. That being either Apollo or Helios — she couldn't entirely remember which.

 "Okay, so stop Odysseus from revealing his identity to a cyclops and don't let anyone kill special cows," she decided. "What else is there?" She stayed quiet for a long moment as she tried to refresh her memory — she knew there was more but nothing came to mind. She knew Odysseus killed all of Penelope's suitors but that was only after he returned to Ithaca and there was nothing she needed to change at that point. "Well, I can only hope that's enough." And hope was something she was intimately familiar with. She knew hope as if it were her own soul.

 With the start of a plan in mind, Grim went back above deck. She wouldn't be able to actually do anything until the events came closer — but she would have to keep it in mind. She couldn't let her guard down again, because she had to be prepared. But she couldn't just stay in her head — it was an awful place to be. The Jedi found Odysseus, "captain?" she addressed him.

 He turned around. "Rue," he said. "What is it?"

 "Is there anything I can do to be of use?" She asked. "I don't wish to take your kindness for granted."

 "You're here as a guest, you don't have to do anything," he assured her.

 "I'm aware. I just prefer to have something to do. I've been fighting too long to rest."

 "What do you think you could do to help?"

 "That's the problem, I don't know. I haven't been on a ship like this before."

 "Then how did you get to Troy?"

 She went quiet. "It was a different kind of ship," she offered. "A lot smaller. It only needed me to operate." And a droid — but she wouldn't say that.

 "I see," he said. "Well if you want to help, you'll need to learn the ropes."

 "Yeah," she agreed, flushing slightly, embarrassed that she hadn't thought this entirely through. "Although your men seem to avoid me — other than Polites. I get that I'm a stranger though."

 "I will speak to them about this, you should be welcome here. After all Athena sent you."

 She smiled. "Thank you, Odysseus."

 It had a been a month since Grim appeared in this new universe — and since her encounter with Zeus. She had adjusted quickly to a life on the sea, and though it took time she did begin to get to know the crew. Although she found herself getting along with Polites and Odysseus the best. She was surprised at how well she got along with the king, she didn't think they would share much but it was as if their shared connection to the goddess of wisdom left them with an unspoken bond.

 Although as time passed the food became less and less. Rue would often skip out on meals and offer any rations to others more in need. Her connection to the Force allowed her to go for a slightly longer time, but she knew it would not last forever.

 Eurylochus approached Odysseus about this one day. "Captain, we have six hundred men along with our guest and we've run out of supplies to eat. We have every reason to take what we can, do you have a plan?"

 "We'll watch where the birds fly as they'll lead us to land. There, we'll hunt for food," he answered. He turned to the rest of the crew. "Now, full speed ahead!"

 All day and throughout the night they followed the direction of the birds. Rue even helped row the ship during the day. At night she planned — wondering how much longer it would be until they encountered the cyclops. How was she meant to change things when her foresight wasn't as clear in this universe?

 She felt the ship come to a halt and went above deck to see Odysseus, Eurylochus, and Polites in the middle of a conversation. As she approached them they broke off, having already come to a decision.

 "I suppose we found the food then?" Rue asked.

 "We're about to find out," Odysseus informed her. "Polites and I are going to explore, you can stay with the rest of the men. If we don't return by sunrise they have permission to attack."

 "I see," she said. "Good luck then. Both of you."

 With those words she left them to it. Something nagged at the back of her mind — she decided to return to planning.

Chapter Text

 Rue could not ignore the tugging at the back of her mind. Something felt off, she couldn't shake that this might not be the same story she knew. It was possible that she was in a universe with another interpretation and if that were the case her foresight would only take her so far. Still she remained focused on her goal, something told her it wasn't much longer until they would meet Polyphemus.

 In the Force she felt a powerful comet blazing by, despite being alone. She looked around a few times to make sure she was before she spoke. "Show yourself, Athena. I know it's you."

 The goddess revealed herself as they were taken to the same hourglass plane she once awoke in. "How could you have been so certain?"

 "I could sense you with my magic. Everyone feels different," she explained. "Why were you watching me?" She added, crossing her arms.

 "Is it wrong to ensure my pupil's safety?" Athena asked.

 "Pupil?" Rue echoed.

 "Would you prefer a different title?"

 "No — pupil is fine. I'm just shocked. What are you saying?"

 She tilted her head in a bird-like manner. "Is it not obvious to you?"

 "I mean — I think so. But — why me?"

 "You have shown to be quite clever and wise from the little I have seen," she answered.

 "Little you've seen? We met once."

 "I already told you that Olympus knows of your situation. How do you think that is?"

 "Oh gods…don't tell me you saw my meeting with Zeus," she mumbled. She had made such a foolish mistake.

 "Your successes outweigh your failures marginally," Athena replied.

 "So you saw."

 "Indeed."

 "Fuck." She blushed, embarrassed.

 "Do not despair, with me behind you that won't happen again."

 "Wait — do you really mean it in me becoming your pupil?"

 "I do not speak falsehoods often."

 She stared at Athena but stopped herself from commenting on anything. It wouldn't fare well to anger a goddess. "Then I'm honored to have you as a mentor." She knelt before her.

 The world vanished once more replaced by the ship she was on. Grim smiled at the knowledge that Athena was behind her. She knew already she was protected by her, but to now become a student of the goddess was an honor above anything she could imagine.

 She waited above deck, watching the island as she let her mind wander — thinking on what she would have to change. With Athena's aid she knew it would be easier — but even the war goddess wouldn't know what she did. If any god were to know as much as her it would be Apollo and the Fates.

 As she silently planned ahead she noticed two figures approaching the ship. She knew right away it was the king and his friend. As they came back on board she greeted them. "How did it go? Did you manage to get any food?"

 "There was only lotus fruit," Odysseus informed her. "However we know somewhere else we can hunt."

 "Where?"

 "I'll let you know with the rest of the men."

 The crew gathered around on the deck and there were some from the other ships in the fleet to carry the message to their own vessels. Odysseus addressed his crew. "The island did not have anything we could gather — it was lotus eaters who resided there. However we have learned of a cave where we can hunt. We will be sailing eastwards to this cave and then we'll be able to eat."

 The crew shared their assent, but the Jedi felt stuck where she was. She could only stare at Odysseus with wide eyes. A cave with food? This had to be where Polyphemus resided. She would have to act soon. Everyone had already dispersed but she stayed where she was. Would she stay on the ship when the time came? No — she had to save the men from being eaten by the cyclops, she would join Odysseus in the cave. Perhaps she could prevent the encounter from happening altogether.

 She closed her eyes and prayed. "Gods on Olympus, please hear me and grant me to save lives in this upcoming detour. I will be forever grateful and make worthwhile sacrifices." She opened her eyes and looked to the sky. "Please, hear me." When she finished her prayer she went off to prepare.

 Poseidon heard what she asked and knew what she was asking for — he would not grant her prayer. He would not let them reach the cave so easily.

 Rue went to find Odysseus to let him in on her plan. However when she found the king he was slumped forwards with his eyes glowing a bright grey. She stared at him as she tried to process what she was witnessing. However before she could put any of her thoughts together he stood as if nothing happened and turned to see the Jedi. "Rue!" He exclaimed, startled. "I'm sorry you saw that. Did you want something?"

 "Er…" she trailed off, still baffled by what she had seen. "Were you speaking with Athena?"

 "Ah, that…yes I was. I've been told I look odd when she does that."

 "I guess I'd look like that too. That's… slightly horrifying."

 "Did you wish to speak with me about something?" He asked again.

 "Oh. Right. Sorry." She cleared her throat. "I would like to go with you when we reach the cave. I believe I could assist in hunting any of the food inside."

 "That's not necessary Rue, you're here as a guest and already help more than enough around the ship."

 "I'm well aware of that, captain. However, I still think I could be of further help."

 "No. You'll stay on the ship and wait until we return."

 "Sir, you'll find I'm more than capable of hunting. I may be a woman but I've been a soldier for twenty years — if I can fight wars I can hunt sheep."

 "Sheep?" Odysseus echoed. "We don't know what kind of food we'll find inside."

 "I was just using an example," she quickly clarified. "You're right, we don't know what we'll find inside. Which is why some extra help might be useful."

 "I suppose you're right," he conceded.

 The trip to the cave took more time than Grim initially expected. The waves became rougher — not enough to damage the ships but enough to hinder their progress. She watched them with concern. It wasn't meant to be until after Odysseus revealed his name that Poseidon's wrath began. She wanted to brush it off as coincidence — nobody had done anything to anger the sea god — and yet experience told her otherwise. She could not presume to know how the gods thought even after all the myths she read — but it felt like a warning.

 Slowly the island with the cave came closer and closer. The night before they landed Rue made an offering and prayed to to the Lord of the Ocean. "O great Earthshaker. I know you are aware of my knowledge, and I have understood your warning. I do not wish to incur your wrath, and want you to know that when we arrive I will do all I can in my power to prevent harm befalling your son. I wish to stop such conflict from even arising. If I have already done anything to anger you, I ask too for your forgiveness, Lord Poseidon."

 Poseidon watched her and heard her earnest prayer. He felt a small pang of sympathy for the woman and decided to relent. He would keep a close eye on her, however, breaking a promise to a god is not something most mortals survive.

 When the sun rose again, the waters had become calm once more. It wasn't long before they docked the ships, and Rue put on her armor as she prepared for what might come. She told Poseidon she wanted to prevent the conflict from arising and that she would do all she could to prevent harm from coming to Polyphemus and she intended to keep her word. She didn't want to think about what failure would bring after her prayer. She couldn't.

 Rue joined with the hunting party above deck and they made their way towards the cave. As they walked she scanned her surroundings for every advantage she might use or any additional exits for escapes. She made a promise to a god — that wasn't something she could break.

 When they entered the cave Rue's guard went up even further and she used the Force to assist her as she continued to search and plan. Odysseus shot one of the sheep and it fell to the ground. "Over here!" He called.

 "I can't believe this cave has all these sheep!" Polites exclaimed.

 "I got to hand it to you both, this is quite the treat. With this we'll be able to feed the entire fleet," Eurylochus told them.

 "Yeah, but let's hurry up and get them out of here," Rue commented. "We can kill them later, but something about this is off and I don't think we should stay longer than needed."

 "It is almost too good to be true," Odysseus agreed. "Why would the lotus eaters even pass up on all this food?"

 "That's why we should get out of…" She trailed off as a massive figure lumbered inside of the cave. Her heart dropped.

 "Who are you?" Asked the cyclops.

 Everyone backed away from the monster. "Hey there!" Odysseus called nervously. "We're just travelers, we come in peace."

 His eye fell on the dead animal. The arrow was still lodged in its throat as blood continued to flow from the wound. Polyphemus slowly walked over to it, and lifted it with a single hand. "You killed my sheep…my favorite sheep." He said. He looked at the men before him. "What gives you a right to deal a pain so deep? Don't you know that pain you sow is pain you must reap?" He set down the dead sheep and focused on the king.

 Rue got in front of him. "We never meant to cause any harm. As he said, we come in peace," she gestured to Odysseus, before turning her full attention back onto the cyclops. "We had no clue anybody lived here," she went on, lying. "We're just hungry travelers who needed something to eat. If we had known this was your home we would have never set foot here."

 "Silence. You have taken from me, and I do not accept your attempted excuse. Your lives are in my hands, since you came to my home to steal, how about I just… Take your lives? A trade you see? Take from you like you took from me." The giant bellowed, reaching down to grab Odysseus and bring him to eye-level.

 As he reached for him, Rue's hands flew to her swords on instinct but she stopped suddenly. She had promised Poseidon that she would do all in her power to prevent harm from befalling his son — if she drew first blood she shuddered to think how he would respond.

 "This is all a misunderstanding!" Odysseus cried. "We didn't come to steal, but I see we have caused some damage. Perhaps we can make a deal instead? If you allow us to live, I'll give you the world's best tasting wine."

 "Wine?" Polyphemus asked, setting him down.

 Odysseus turned and gestured for some of the men to gather the wine from the ship. Then he turned to Rue and whispered to her: "I need you to get the lotus fruit. I have a plan."

 "Yes sir," she whispered back.

 With that she rushed towards the ship and found where the lotus fruit had been stored. She gathered a large bunch. A few may be able to knock down a grown human — but this was a cyclops, more would be needed for this.

 She hid the bunch within her cloak and returned to the cave with the men who fetched the wine, acting as if she had gone along with them. They passed the wine to Odysseus who she also passed the lotus to. "I got extra, he's a cyclops it will take more to get him down," she whispered to him.

 He nodded as he subtly added the fruit into the wine. "Good thinking," he whispered in reply.

 When the job was done he faced Polyphemus and offered him the laced wine. "Have a drink. Just one sip and I'm sure you'll understand. This is a wine so fresh you'll never want to eat human flesh after this. Then we can be on our way with no blood having been shed. A trade you see? A gift from you and a gift from me."

 The cyclops took the wine and drank it all in a single gulp. "Ah," he said as he finished it off. "I'd like to thank you. Stranger, what's your name?"

 "My name is Nobody," Odysseus lied.

 "Nobody, thank you for your gift. I have one in turn."

 The king bowed. "I'm so glad we see eye to eye."

 "Yes. You shall be the final man to die."

 "What?"

Chapter Text

 "WATCH OUT!" Rue cried as Polyphemus swung towards the men. She leapt out of the way and drew her swords. She rushed towards Odysseus's side. "Captain, when we first entered this cave, I noticed there's a club hung in the back. We need to keep the cyclops away from it or we're all dead," she told him, nodding in the direction of the weapon.

 He followed to where she was looking. "You're right." He turned to his men. "My brothers! The rest of our fleet is at the beach and if we lose here they're as good as dead!" He pointed his sword at the monster. "Straight ahead, that is who we're fighting. We don't have any backup, it's just us and him, so draw out your weapons we're dealing with this here and now. Show me how great is your will to survive!"

 The final battle cry echoed through the walls of the cave. The fight broke out at Odysseus's command. The men charged the cyclops as he swung at them. Rue joined the fray and as she did she whispered a quiet, "forgive me," although she knew Poseidon would not hear. She had failed him — there was no changing what would happen now. Perhaps though she could save the lives of the men around her.

 She hadn't much practiced with her swords during her time on the open sea, but here she moved as if they were the weapons she had always wielded. An invisible guide at her side, and she knew it was Athena. She was further grateful for the assistance of the goddess. In the heat of the battle she fell into the Force and allowed it to be yet another guide. War was in her blood — she had spent over half her life in it — and here she was able to release that potential. Although she held herself back to conceal her abilities out of fear that the men around her would get the wrong impression.

 "Surround him and attack from behind! Be sure to keep your distance and stay in his blind spot! Aim for the heels!" Odysseus was ordering. The men followed his directions as they had for the last ten years of war. Even Rue followed him despite being a general herself.

 The battle went on as they attacked the cyclops. "We just have to exhaust him!" She called to Odysseus.

 He understood what she was referring to and nodded. Following their king the soldiers kept Polyphemus away from his club as they struck at him and avoided his hands. The fight continued to rage and Rue aimed to protect those she could with the aid of Athena.

 "Uh oh—" The cyclops said suddenly before collapsing. The Jedi pulled Polites out of the way just as he hit the ground.

 A sigh of relief escaped the Jedi. She turned to her friend. "Are you alright?"

 "Yes. What happened to…"

 "I mixed lotus with his wine, he never noticed," Odysseus explained.

 "What's our next move?" Eurylochus asked.

 Rue looked back at Polyphemus and her heart sunk. His body was blocking their only exit. They would still have to blind him. She bowed her head and internally cursed the Fates for being so cruel. There was only one other thing she could do, but no matter how she acted here she knew she had incurred the wrath of the sea god.

 "He has a club, we need to get our hands on it and sharpen it. We'll turn it into a giant spear," Odysseus shared the plan. He pointed to the club still upon the wall.

 They worked as a team to get it loose — Rue used the Force to assist, knowing she was already doomed. As they freed the club the men began to sharpen it with their swords. The Jedi could only watch feeling as if she wasn't really there. She broke a promise to a god — one known for his anger. She was never going home.

 "Let's kill him!" The men called.

 "No, his body is blocking the path. If we kill him we'll only be stuck inside," Odysseus told them.

 "But captain, where do we attack him?" Eurylochus asked.

 "We got to stab him in the eye!"

 "Yes sir!"

 Rue didn't move, only falling to the ground in her despair as they gouged out his eye. Blood poured from the socket as Polyphemus roared in pain. She watched him feeling tears well up in her own eyes. She could feel his pain as if it were her own.

 "Move!" Athena's voice called to her. She felt a fresh strength return as she obeyed the goddess's command.

 Other cyclopes had heard Polyphemus's cries and came to the entrance of his cave. It was only because of Athena that Rue wasn't spotted.

 "Who hurts you?" One asked.

 "There are more of them?" Eurylochus asked.

 "We need to hide," Odysseus whispered back.

 They concealed themselves behind rocks within the cave as they watched the cyclopes. "Who hurts you?" The cyclops asked Polyphemus once more.

 "It was Nobody," He told them.

 "If nobody hurts you be silent," Another snapped at him. With that they turned to leave him.

 "Don't go!" He cried. But they didn't listen.

 Odysseus turned back to those with him. "Let's grab the sheep and get out of here."

 "Agreed," said Rue.

 The men began to flee the cave, carrying the sheep that they had come to collect in the first place. As they made their way back to the ship Athena suddenly appeared before Rue and Odysseus at once. "He's still a threat until he's dead," she told them. "You need to finish it."

 "No," Odysseus told her.

 "That's not happening," Rue replied. She could still change things without the death of Polyphemus. She could still save Odysseus — even if she was doomed herself.

 "No?" She asked, staring at them both with her piercing pure grey eyes.

 "He's already blind what good would killing do? More in this world could learn to use mercy," Odysseus argued.

 "He's unarmed and blinded it would go against everything I was taught. I've seen what happens when I lose my way, that will not happen here," Rue promised her.

 "Don't!" Athena warned as she vanished before their eyes.

 The two of them reached the ships and as they climbed aboard Odysseus turned around. "Hey cyclops!" He shouted back towards the cave.

 "No!" Rue cried. She rushed at him grabbing him from behind and covering his mouth as she knocked him to the deck.

 He was taken by surprise in her attack and fought against her to get free. But the Jedi would not release him. She held him down forgoing all he had done to help her so far. The two wrestled on the floor of the ship neither truly wishing to harm the other but refusing to let them win. Rue even held herself back further as she tried to avoid using her prosthetic more than what was required. Eventually Odysseus overpowered her and pushed her off of him. As she fell back a crew member grabbed her and restrained her. Tears fell down her cheeks as she knew what was to happen.

 The king continued to taunt the cyclops he had blinded. Then he said the words that she had fought to stop. "Remember me! I am neither man nor mythical, I am your darkest moment! I am the reigning king of Ithaca….the infamous….ODYSSEUS!"

 "You fool!" Rue snapped. "You don't know what you've done!"

 "What I've done?" He asked, turning to her. "You attacked me when you've been on my ship under my protection. You would still be at Troy had I not helped you."

 She scoffed. "You know very well that Athena has been with me, king." She laughed humorlessly as the tears continued to shed. "Fuck, you have no idea the mistake you made. I risked my damned life for you and it was for nothing."

 "Have you had some sort of vision?"

 "No, I don't need visions or prophecy to know the things I do. But I can tell you with all the clarity of a prophet that what you've done will have grave consequences."

 "You don't know what you're saying."

 "I know more than you'd believe."

 "Enough," he said. "You have Athena on your side, and for that alone will you be allowed to stay. I promised you my protection, so you have it, but do not push this further. You speak of things you know nothing about. One can't have the clarity of a prophet with no gift of prophecy and to claim such is foolish. You risk the wrath of the gods."

 "So do you," she warned him.

Chapter Text

 Grim returned to her quarters on the ship, sore from her fight with the cyclops and minor brawl with Odysseus. She undid her cloak as she sat down before removing her arm. She looked up at the floorboards above her and began to cry again. She had messed up severely. The crew hated her now, and she didn't blame them — she had attacked their king. Despite both their efforts they had injured the other in the fight. In her anger at him she had also revealed her knowledge of the future even without prophecy or visions. A power the gods had not granted her. Then there was the worst of it — Poseidon's wrath. She had broken her promise to him and Odysseus revealed his name during his taunts — they would both be in the god's sight. Although she feared she may have done worse by making her promise in the first place. She had meant it when she first prayed but in the heat of battle there was nothing she could do. She could only take solace in the fact nobody had died. But for how much longer she wasn't sure.

 She laid back down and closed her eyes with a groan. She couldn't stop thinking about what Poseidon might do in his fury. Grim feared she may have even made the situation worse than it was originally. All she wanted to do was change things for the better but it seemed that the Fates would not allow it.

 She took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Laying down and worrying about things wasn't going to do anyone any good. She messed up — and she had to fix it. Although she didn't know how. She changed from laying on her bed to sitting on it and sinking into the Force and meditation.

 It felt differently in this universe. It still seemed like she was floating in space or looking upon the night sky, but there was something else to it as well. A feeling she couldn't fully describe. She focused on the familiarity of the stars. They didn't feel as particularly bright as the ones from before. They didn't have that light and magic that the Jedi did. Except for one — although it wasn't his own. It was the power she felt from the goddess who favored them both — and she was more than a star.

 Despite it all, falling into the Force as a guide made her feel at home. Just as it had done in battle. But the battle had brought with it the mistakes that she knew had caused her the wrath of a god. She had been lost in it — she had no control. But here she had more sway — it was her own mind.

 Grim had to change things here. She failed in the past. She made mistakes now. But her mistakes and failures could not define her. She refused to let it. She would find a way to make this work. Just as she found a way to help the Rebellion all those years ago. Even if she hid herself now — she could still be who she was.

 She had been in hiding before — and while she did not fight on Tatooine — she resisted more heavily when she was alone. Then she had allies and eventually she led. She could not let what happened at Polyphemus's cave prevent her from taking action. She had surely angered Poseidon by breaking her promise to him — and she could not stop Odysseus from making his mistake either. But she had saved lives already. Men were supposed to die in that cave. Men who were now alive.

 She could not know what the future held for her. She never had. But she would fight to change what it held for the others on this journey.

 "Except just how am I going to do that?" She wondered aloud. "How do I save them?"

 "Waiting around alone isn't going to fix it," Answered a familiar voice.

 Her eyes shot open. "Athena!" She exclaimed, seeing the goddess standing in front of her.

 "You were reckless."

 "I know I was," she agreed. "I'm not going to argue with you, I messed up enough." She sighed. "Killing Polyphemus in that way would go against everything I was taught before. I'm not supposed to be a warrior, I'm supposed to be a peacekeeper. I just never had the chance to be. I thought if I stopped Odysseus from revealing his identity there would still be a chance to save the situation."

 "A flimsy plan."

 "I know. And I clearly failed. Now Poseidon is going to be angry — and I may have made things worse with that. I prayed to him and promised I would do what I could to prevent any harm from coming to Polyphemus. I broke that. I…" she trailed off as the gravity of the situation set in on her further.

 Athena was silent for a long moment. Rue looked at the goddess with tears in her eyes. "So it is even worse than I thought," she said with a heavy sigh. "Your plan relied too much on foresight and hope. You should not make promises you can't keep, especially to a god."

 "Tell me something I don't know," she said.

 "I do not see how that's relevant."

 "No, it's a figure of speech." She sighed. "What do I do? How am I supposed to fix this? I need your guidance, Athena."

 "Your best hope will be to appease him. You intended to be true, and you were not the one to blind his son. When you do this you must offer more than you have in the past. It will not be easy to solve, and knowing my uncle and his temper…"

 "It might not even work. He can be as unpredictable as the waves themselves."

 "That was not how I would word it, however you are correct in that. Still, if you do nothing then his wrath is guaranteed. There is nothing that can be done for Odysseus, but perhaps you might still be able to save yourself."

 "And if I can't?"

 "Then there is nothing I can do. I may be able to speak with him as well, but I can make no promises. It is up to you and him now."

 She bowed her head. "I understand. I will not disappoint you again."

 "That is a promise you better keep, things will not be the same if you do. This is your last chance. I suggest closing your heart, it will only wound you."

 With those words she vanished.

 Grim stayed where she was as she tried to clear her mind. A small smile came to her, she still had Athena on her side. She might be able to survive after all. She just had to follow the goddess's instructions. She sat up and put her prosthetic back on before throwing her cloak over herself.

 The Jedi left her room to make prayers and offerings to Poseidon in hopes to lessen his wrath so that he might grant her mercy. She prayed all throughout the day and into the night, even refusing to eat. She would not move from where she was as she begged the god for his forgiveness. She told him that she had meant her promise from before and had all intentions to stay true to her word. Rue could only hope he was listening and would accept her prayers.

 Only when exhaustion became too much did Grim cease. She stood and went back to her room without a word to anyone else on the ship. She prepared herself for sleep trying not to allow any of her worries to follow her to bed. She would need her rest — and she could only hope there might still be a chance for her and Odysseus.

 She knew a storm was brewing for both of them.

Chapter Text

 Grim's eyes fluttered open. She was on a beach with the sun shining down heavily upon her. She heard the faint mooing of cows in the distance. But her attention was drawn to the sea. A looming figure was visible, long hair flowing like waves, but she could not truly make out the silhouette hidden in shadow and fog. The figure turned its head and glared at her with a piercing golden eye not unlike Zeus's. Although there was a square pupil in the center where his had been nothing but gold. Their eyes seemed to meet, and the figure spoke: "Remember me…"

 Behind her she heard a bow being pulled back. She turned around quickly with wide eyes. Odysseus stood there aiming an arrow at her heart. He let the arrow fly before she had the chance to react. A mere second before the arrow made contact his figure changed and it wasn't the king of Ithaca before her, but one of the gods — his long glowing blonde hair and three eyes blazing a pure gold.

 As the arrow connected with its target Grim was thrown across the room of the ship, her back making contact against the wall. She cried out in pain. She was disorientated for a moment as she tried to recognize her surroundings. She gathered her thoughts and shook off her dream, remembering she was on Odysseus's ship.

 Something must've hit it to send her flying from her bed. She struggled to stand, having been caught off guard and without her prosthetic. She had almost gotten up when the ship was violently rocked again sending her back to the ground. She groaned as she had to lay there for a moment to gather herself once more. Eventually she pushed herself up and steadied herself. Grim put on her prosthetic and got ready for the day.

 Rue emerged from below deck to see what was happening to cause her rough wake. Heavy rain fell from the sky with a howling wind. The ocean was more fierce than she had ever seen it. The waves had almost doubled in size and they pummeled the ships with an unnatural fury. She knew the cause in an instant.

 Odysseus stood at the front of the ship, his arms crossed behind his back. "Our home's in sight, this storm is just another obstacle." He looked towards his men. "Comrades!"

 "Sir!"

 "Brace for a storm unlike anything we've faced. Our home is too close to stop now." When he had finished speaking he stepped down and looked at the Jedi. "Did you have something on your mind?"

 Rue hesitated as she thought of the vision. "I just wanted to check on you when I saw the storm." She managed — she had meant to warn him of the cause. But she couldn't shake off her dream forever. It had been only for an instant — but she could've sworn she saw Apollo at the end.

 "I appreciate that," he replied hesitantly.

 "Look, captain, I'm sorry about attacking you over the cyclops. I don't know what came over me."

 "I'm thankful for your apology."

 "I didn't hurt you…did I?"

 "No. Did I hurt you?"

 She gave him a strained smile. "No, you didn't."

 "Good, I'd hate to hurt a guest."

 "And I'd hate to hurt you."

 He replied with a strained smile before walking away. She watched him go before walking to the edge of the ship. She looked out at the ocean and sighed. Rue had a feeling she wasn't going to be able to appease the sea god — but she would continue to follow Athena's instructions until proven otherwise.

 Grim found a quiet place on the ship — at least as quiet as the storm would allow — and sunk to her knees. She couldn't shake the vision from that morning — and she knew it had to have been a vision. It was rare that she ever had them as a Jedi, but she had them before. It was how she knew it was time for a second lightsaber, and she had foreseen Luke becoming her Padawan months before she ever met him on the Death Star. She closed her eyes and sunk into both the Force and meditation as she thought of what her vision could mean.

 The beach with the sun beating down on her — cows mooing in the distance. The island of the sun god? She knew they would land there in time, she had to prevent the cows from being slain in order to save the men from Zeus's thunderbolt.

 The looming figure in the sea. She hadn't been able to see much, only a silhouette hidden in the fog. All she could gather from that was the large frame and a long flowing ponytail. Aside from the silhouette was their sharp golden gaze. Their voice warning her. Was it perhaps Poseidon she saw? The figure was in the ocean after all and his gaze was as piercing as that of a god. She had awoken to his storm as well.

It was the end of her vision she couldn't puzzle out. Odysseus pointing his bow at her, aiming for her heart. It was almost too obvious. And at the last moment before she had been thrown from her bed his figure had changed. It had not been him at the end but looked to be a god instead, and if she had to guess it must've been Apollo. Was the ending only a message for her? A warning of his anger — had she even angered him? Perhaps Odysseus had been right when he said she risked the wrath of the gods. She had no gift of prophecy yet knew too much. Apollo was the god of prophecy — she could see how that might anger him.

 Rue opened her eyes and found herself in the plane she often met with Athena in. The goddess herself was standing there observing her. "I was wondering when you'd notice."

 "Have I been here the whole time I was meditating?" She asked.

 "Correct," she replied. "I wanted to speak with you, but didn't want to interrupt your meditation."

 "I appreciate that," Rue replied. "I had a strange vision…"

 "A vision?"

 "I don't know how to explain it…" she trailed off. "Wait, you're a goddess."

 "And?"

 "You know the other gods. Is there a possibility I may have angered Apollo? Because I know I've angered Poseidon, and I'm sure Zeus doesn't like me either. But this vision…well Apollo is the god of prophecy."

 "Given what you said to Odysseus in the aftermath of the cyclops, I would certainly say there is a possibility you could have angered him, yes."

 "Great. So I angered three gods."

 "Well, hopefully you can avoid—"

 She was suddenly pulled back to consciousness as a massive wave crashed into her. It threw her forwards as she hit the deck. She groaned as she picked herself back up and stood. "Really? While I was talking to Athena?" She grumbled, annoyed that her conversation had been interrupted. Then her eyes went wide as she realized the wave had been intentional.

 Rue looked at her clothes and sighed. She would need a new outfit. She began to head back when Odysseus saw her. "What happened to you?" He asked noticing how soaked she was.

 "The ocean," she remarked, bitterly. She passed him and went to her room to change.

 Once she had put on dry clothes and fixed up her hair the Jedi decided that it would be best to try again to appease Poseidon so he might show some mercy. Although if the wave was anything to go by she had very little hope.

 The storm raged on, and Grim got little rest during the nights. She couldn't stop thinking about what would happen now that the sea god was angry, it kept her awake gnawing at her. She had broken a promise to him, and she knew he would not let it go so easily despite her efforts. And even when Grim was too tired to think of it, she would be haunted by nightmares of her past. She never did well in storms.

 Her solace during this time were the lessons from Athena. She helped her learn how to fight with swords instead of lightsabers. She advised her on how to plan and strategize past just her foresight. She taught her a different dance, one she was just learning the moves to. And she found she could almost take comfort in her presence — in knowing she had a god on her side even when she had some of the most powerful ones against her.

 She tried to make amends with Odysseus and his crew — not wishing to be against them. After all she still had plans to save as many as she could even if she had to go against the gods themselves.

 It had been a rough day. The storm persisted and the nightmares followed. Rue had barely slept the night before. However she felt the welcome light of Athena's presence as the world changed around her and she saw the goddess. "Time for another lesson?" Rue asked.

 "Indeed. I want to test what you have learned thus far," she replied. She summoned her spear into her hand and pointed it at her. "Ready? On your guard."

 Rue grinned and shrugged off her cloak as she unsheathed her swords. She ran at the goddess who swiftly blocked her attacks.

 The two of them sparred, with the Jedi making more progress than she had in the past. Although still not enough to surpass the goddess — she never expected to anyway. It wasn't as if she had any plans to actively fight a god, that wasn't part of the story. The worst she had to worry about were monsters. And with Athena's teachings she felt more than prepared.

 Eventually there was a break in the storm. "Captain look!" called out two of the men, pointing upwards.

 Odysseus looked towards what they had seen. "An island in the sky…" He gasped. He turned to his second in command. "Eurylochus grab the harpoons, as many as you can find."

 "What do you have in mind?" He asked, as he went to follow his king's order.

 "We're going to shoot for the sky."

 "What?"

 Still he did what he was told and gathered the harpoons. Odysseus turned to the rest of his men. "Everybody grab a harpoon and aim it at the island."

 Grim joined in and grabbed a harpoon for herself. She took aim at the island, and with some assistance from the Force her shot landed perfectly. The entire fleet was now anchored to the sky-island. But as she looked up, she couldn't fully remember there ever being an island like this. Had something changed?

Chapter Text

 Odysseus grabbed onto the ropes from the harpoons. Eurylochus stopped him. "Please don't tell me you're about to do what I think you'll do."

 He let go of the ropes and looked at him. "You've heard the legends, this proves they're true. We're in the home of the wind god."

 Grim stood there in surprise. She tried to remember a myth about a wind god. She couldn't even recall a name. Although whoever the wind god was they were certainly a minor god.

 "We don't know that for sure," Eurylochus told him.

 "How many floating islands have you seen before?" He retorted.

 He sighed heavily. "Then what's your plan?"

 "I'm going to climb to the top and ask them for a hand."

 "You could get caught off guard and die, or you could piss off this god and infuse the rest of us with strife. Don't forget how dangerous the gods are."

 "Have some faith, friend. We've already come so far."

 "Yes, but how much longer until your luck runs out? You rely on wit, but people can die because of it."

 "I would like to still believe in goodness, and that we can be kind. We should lead from the heart and see what starts," Odysseus told him.

 "And what will we do when that tears us apart?"

 "It won't," Polites interjected. "My friend, what are you saying?"

 Eurylochus looked back at him. "I just have my concerns. We don't know much about Aeolus, and the gods are often dangerous. Besides, we almost lost you in that cave."

 "Brother, I understand," Odysseus replied. "We're all tired, but let's not forget how much we've faced. I led six hundred men to war, and no one died there. And now our journey is almost over." He looked around and saw that a group had gathered around them — including that of Rue. He turned his attention back to his friend. "Listen, if you want to talk more, let me pull you to the side. I want to speak with you in private." With that Odysseus and Eurylochus walked away to speak among themselves.

 Grim turned her attention to the island. The home of the wind god. But she never remembered an island in the sky or a god of the wind. She didn't truly know what was happening. She shook her head — she couldn't overthink it. If this wind god could help with the storm, that was good enough for her.

 When Odysseus had finished speaking with his friend he grabbed onto the ropes once more and began to climb towards the island. For a moment she considered going with him, but decided against it. She knew he could handle himself. She leaned against the mast of the ship as she waited for him to return.

 After some time had passed he climbed back down holding a bag. Then she remembered what was going on.

 "Captain, what's happening?" Perimedes asked.

 "What's trapped in that bag?" Added Elpenor.

 "Something dangerous, friends. We should get going," Odysseus informed them.

 At that moment a small creature as if made of cloud and wind came down. "It's treasure!" It chirped happily.

 "What?"

 "Buh-bye!" With that it left as quickly as it came.

 "Open the bag!" Perimedes demanded.

 "Let's see what you got!" Called Elpenor.

 "No, do not!" Odysseus shouted. "Everybody listen to me closely. The way the bag is now is how it needs to remain. This bag has all the winds of the storm trapped, we can not allow this treasure rumor to spread."

 "He's right. I don't believe it's treasure. Look around us the storm is gone." Grim stepped in. She gestured to their surroundings. Where storm clouds had surrounded them there was nothing but clear skies.

 When the men dispersed, Rue approached Odysseus. Although things had changed she had been reminded that the wind bag would be opened. Somebody on the crew would turn on him believing there was treasure inside. "Sir, I know you would like to trust your men, but I don't know how long the treasure rumor will be stilled."

 "What are you trying to say?" He asked.

 "You'll need to keep watch over the bag, but you shouldn't have to keep watch alone. If you'd allow me I can help." He was quiet as he considered her offer. She bowed her head. "I'm sorry, that was out of my place. But you should at least consider the advice of having some help." With those words she turned to attend to things on the ship.

 More than a week had passed by with no storm in sight. They were getting closer to Ithaca every day. Grim wouldn't know what she'd do when she reached the island, but that was something she could plan at a later date. The rumor of the treasure inside the wind bag continued to spread despite her efforts. She heard the whispers of the crew when she was with them, and tried to remind them that Odysseus was their king and trying to get them home. She used her skills as a Jedi to try and keep the peace. Her intended job.

 Despite her efforts exhaustion often set in. She couldn't shake what they had done, even though the storm had seemed to end. The thoughts would keep her awake at night. She worked with what sleep she had to manage what she could. All too aware that the crew had no reason to trust her. When she wasn't keeping the peace or sleeping, she was training with Athena or continuing her prayers to Poseidon. Although his storm had calmed for now, she knew the god had not.

 She felt like she was being crushed — as if she couldn't breathe. Her eyes shot open and she was completely surrounded by water, blood drifting by on the currents. She would have thought this to be another one of her normal nightmares that had haunted her long before she ended up in this universe, but the water was far more spacious. She was drowning in the ocean of Earth, not a sinkhole on some alien planet. She tried to swim, her mind racing as she knew she didn't have much longer to live. She remembered this sensation all too well. A massive shadow loomed above but she couldn't see what was casting it.

 Grim broke the surface of the water, but something slammed into her so that she flew back into the wall of her room in the waking world. Her eyes went wide as she realized the storm had returned. There was a powerful cold and harsh presence — a storm in itself but not an earthly one. It wasn't the same storm she first sensed though — there was something icier about it. She knew from the Force alone that something was terribly wrong. She struggled to recover, but worked in a hurry. Grim quickly attached her arm again and threw on her cloak — rushing towards the deck.

 Rue came to a halt as she stared at the figure that woke her — the one from her vision. He was towering high above the mast — no longer hidden by shadow. His skin was covered in striking bright blue scales and waves wrapped around his arms both calm and wrathful. His ears did not point in the way the other gods' did, but were fin-like instead, with a fish-hook lodged in one. He had gills upon his neck, and his torso seemed more like a crab's might be. Where his elbows were he had fins that jutted from them. He wore long dark robes that were accentuated by a chain seemingly stolen from a sunken ship. And he had a scar across one of his golden eyes, the whites of which were as black as the night. His wine dark hair was tied back into a ponytail that blew in the violent winds. And as he looked upon the mortals beneath him he bore a shark-toothed scowl, eyes set on the king of Ithaca. There was no doubt, this was the God of the Seas himself. Poseidon had arrived, and her blood ran ice cold.

 "Do you know who I am?" The mighty god asked, his voice as cold and angry as the ocean itself.

Chapter Text

 "Poseidon…" Rue gasped. She fell to her knees and knelt before him. She knew this wasn't supposed to happen — Odysseus and Poseidon never met face to face and yet here he was. Had she caused this when she angered the god?

 "In all of the years I've lived, it isn't very often that I get pissed off, " he began, looming over the ships. "But damn you crossed the line. I've been so gracious, giving you passage and a chance to earn my favor," His gaze shifted to the terrified Jedi for a moment. Although it was only for that moment, it was enough for her to get his message. "And yet you hurt this son of mine!" He watched as Odysseus stumbled back. "That's right, the cyclops you blinded is of my blood."

 "No…" Odysseus gasped in horror.

 Rue kept her head down a thousand thoughts running through her mind. She had made no plans for this — she hadn't expected it. She knew he would be angry, but this was beyond what she had imagined. All she knew was they had to escape before it was too late.

 "You've left me with no choice. I need to see you bleed and drown," he growled. "But before I kill you, I will make you realize what you've done…" Water rose into his clawed hand forming into a glowing trident. He grasped it and looked down upon the mortals. "Both of you." Once more his gaze fixed on the Jedi.

 Rue rose from where she knelt. She looked up at the god in fear, and hoping she might yet get his forgiveness she pleaded with him. "Poseidon, I truly meant what I said. I meant to keep my word, I swear it! I never—"

 "Silence. What you meant means nothing. What matters is what you failed to do." He cut her off, glaring at her with an anger she had never seen before — not even by the Sith.

 His form changed, still beyond towering but smaller than before. He walked atop waves towards the ship. Rue gripped her swords tightly. She would not be able to appease him, she saw that clearly now.

 Before she was able to make a move she was suddenly thrust into Athena's domain. The goddess towered over her, both horrified and enraged. "Don't! This is not your fight!" She warned.

 "This is my fight!" She argued. "It's my fault that he's even here!"

 "You only need to focus on surviving. Trying to strike Poseidon will only get you killed!"

 "Then at least I'll go down fighting," she snapped. "I'm doing this with or without you."

 "Then you will do it without me."

 "If it means saving lives, fine."

 The world came back into view. Poseidon had lifted Odysseus by the collar. "—That's what I hate!" He roared throwing the king into the mast of the ship. He groaned in pain as the wood splintered behind him.

 The god walked towards him, summoning his trident and dragging it through the deck. Then he pointed the weapon at him the center prong being used to lift his chin up to face him. "This is what your mercy gets you." He pulled his arm back, going for a killing blow.

 Rue rushed ahead with her swords drawn ready to stab the god. Even if she couldn't kill him she could still wound him and save her friend. She struck at him only for him to catch her blades with his own.

 "And how did you think that would go?" He jeered. He twisted his trident to try and force her swords out of her hands.

 She jumped back to free herself and held her weapons at the ready. She glared at him, fury and determination mixing in equal measure. "That doesn't matter. I'm stopping this." She ran at him again, refusing to back down.

 Waves rocked the ship violently and it caused her to fall — nearly overboard and into the god's domain had she not caught herself with her swords. She growled as she rose again. "Really, using the waves rather than your weapon?" She commented. "Coward."

 Wordlessly, the Earthshaker gripped his trident and speared her arm into the same mast where Odysseus laid, still recovering from his own injuries. "Your hubris disgusts me, mortal." He leaned in closer to her, ensuring only she could hear his words. "Be thankful my brother is giving you his protection, otherwise it would be your neck that I have run through. Understood? I would love nothing more than to see you bleed out slowly, but alas, neither of us get what we want today."

 She nodded fearfully, as tears filled her eyes. He pulled back as he ripped the weapon out from her flesh. She let out an agonized cry as she fell to her knees before him. Blood poured from her arm in a torrent. The world began to spin and she could barley keep her thoughts together. To understand or realize what he had told her.

 He looked at the two mortals looming over them. "You both need to learn that the only mercy in this world is ruthlessness." He turned around and walked off the ship returning to his colossal size.

 With Poseidon back in the ocean Polites ran towards Rue. He removed his headband and quickly wrapped it around the wound. He looked at her with wide eyes. She gave him a shaky smile. "Thank you, my friend." Her voice was as weak as she felt.

 He nodded and went to Odysseus, both him and Eurylochus working together to help him stand. The god continued to address the king. "And now it's time for you to die, unless you make things right and apologize for what you did to my son."

 "Poseidon, we meant no harm! We only hurt him to disarm him, we just wanted to escape," Odysseus pleaded with him.

 "The line between naivete and hopefulness is almost invisible, so close your heart. Now die."

 He slammed his trident into the sea breaking it apart. Waves crashed through the fleet as ships broke and men drowned. Rue could only stare in horror, helpless against the god. She wanted to break here, she couldn't save anyone. Were the Fates so against her? But as she took in the devastation, she saw the wind bag and grabbed one of her fallen swords. If she aimed things right, perhaps they could still make it out of here.

 It wasn't long before only Odysseus's ship remained. Poseidon lifted it up bringing them all to eye level with the god. "What have you—" Odysseus choked out, but wasn't given a chance to finish.

 Rue had thrown her sword and slashed opened the bag sending the ship flying from his hand and away from the carnage. A startled and strained scream ripped through the air as she fell back onto the deck, her head still reeling from pain.

 Everyone's eyes turned to her. They were speechless, none of them knew what Poseidon had been referring to with her, and now she had sped them all away. She tried to give them a playful smile but fell short. "Sorry, I had to do something." 

 The world went dark before anyone could reply.

Chapter Text

 Rue's eyes fluttered open, she was staring at deck above her room. She groaned softly as the pain slowly returned to her body. She barely had the time to processes where she was when she took notice of the fact she was not alone. She could sense the presence before she saw her and she turned her head to notice Athena sitting nearby in a more mortal-size. Her piercing grey gaze almost looking into her soul, although she could not tell what the goddess was thinking.

 "I told you what would happen if you tried to fight him," Athena told her.

 She sat up and sat on her bed across from the goddess. Solemnly she bowed her head, knowing she had already made her fatal mistake. "Yes, and I should have listened to you."

 "What you did was beyond reckless. After everything I taught you I thought you would have known better. It seems I was wrong, you disappointed me."

 She closed her eyes. "I understand if you plan to leave me then."

 "That is exactly what I intend."

 "You could have just gone."

 She hummed thoughtfully. "I could have," Athena agreed.

 Rue fell quiet for a moment. "Poseidon told me that Lord Zeus is giving me his protection," she realized. "Were you aware of that?"

 "I was. Had you known of my father's protection however, you would have been more reckless in your encounter with Lord Poseidon. Your actions in fighting him without such knowledge proves that to me."

 "He was going to kill Odysseus…" she mumbled.

 "Do you think he really would have done that? He was taunting you and you fell for his bluff. How could you not see it? You saw through my father but fell for that."

 "With all due respect, my Lady, from where I was standing it seemed he had no intentions on sparing anybody. He would've killed me too if it weren't for Zeus."

 "The gods have greater plans for you than you know."

 "Considering Zeus has interest in me, I could imagine." Although as she spoke a shiver ran down her spine. The thought of drawing the personal interest of the God King was terrifying, especially when she was entirely at his mercy.

 "It is not just Zeus you have the attention of," she warned. "You should be more cautious of your tongue, you never know who could be listening." With those words the goddess departed.

 Rue stared at where she had vanished before the door creaked open and she saw Polites enter. "You're awake! I was starting to get worried, you lost a lot of blood."

 "How long have I been out?" She asked.

 "A short while, we've landed on an island, and a small group has been sent to scout around. I stayed behind to make sure you were alright."

 "Thank you, I'm grateful." She smiled a little. Then her eyes went wide as she realized her prosthetic was missing and she did not have her cloak to cover her.

 Polites noticing her expression assured her, "I haven't told anyone about your false arm. It's not my place to tell or to ask."

 She let out a sigh of relief. "That means a lot."

 "You sound better, especially for someone who got stabbed by a god."

 Rue fell silent and realized that although her body ached, her arm did not hurt so much as it did before. "Polites, could you remove my bandage?" She asked.

 "Are you certain?" He asked in surprise. "Do you not remember how deep the wound was?"

 "I do, but I just…I have a feeling," she offered. Had the goddess granted her a parting gift?

 Hesitatingly Polites nodded and removed her bandage. They both stared in shock at where the wound had been as it was now completely healed, leaving behind a scar in its place. "Ah, I see," he said. "Odysseus was right when he said you had Athena's favor."

 "Not anymore," she sighed. "But at least we parted on good terms. It seems she granted one last gift."

 "She can be quite kind when she wants to be from what I've heard."

 "Indeed." She paused for a moment. "You said we arrived on an island?"

 "Yes, after you opened the wind bag we were launched across the sea and it took us here."

 "Well, since I'm healed, I might as well take a look," Rue said. "Um…could I have some privacy?"

 "Of course," he said.

 When he had left Rue connected her prosthetic once more and got dressed. She tossed her cloak over herself and went above deck.

 Eurylochus and Odysseus were in the middle of a conversation when she saw them. "Sir, since we've left home we've encountered many enemies from a large range of places. We could always resist them, but this was something else. We're weak to a power like this." Eurylochus was explaining.

 "What was it?"

 "A woman."

 Rue scoffed and crossed her arms. "So what am I?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. A teasing smile on her face.

 "Rue!" He exclaimed. "But you were—"

 "—Stabbed by Poseidon, I didn't forget I just got better." She shrugged. "You were saying something about a woman?"

 The two of them stared at her for little bit clearly shocked to see how quickly she had recovered. But Eurylochus went on: "Right. I meant no offense Rue, but this woman isn't like you. She's a witch— not what I mean. She convinced the men to come inside, I was the only one who stayed behind. She offered them food, but when they ate it they were transformed into pigs."

 "We have to go save them," Odysseus said.

 "No we don't! Think about everything we've already lost, we can't risk losing more."

 "And leave the men behind?" Rue asked. "No, I refuse to. Odysseus is right, we need to save them. Everything you've lost is exactly why we should go back. I know I haven't been among you long, but I never leave people behind. We have to save them."

 "She's right. I get wanting to run, I do too. But with everything we've done, I can hardly sleep at night, and it can't be in vain. There's nothing I wouldn't do if I was trying to save you, I can just hope you'd do the same."

 Eurylochus sighed. "What if she can't be killed? Will you choose to leave then?"

 "I don't know," Odysseus admitted.

 "And I don't really care," decided Rue. She had marched off before anybody could stop her.

 It wasn't long before Odysseus joined Rue in the forest. "I didn't get the chance to thank you for saving me from Poseidon. You didn't have to risk your life like that."

 "I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I had done nothing. It's in my nature. I made a promise a long time ago to save as many as I could, even to this day I intend to keep it," she told him.

 He smiled. "You barely know us."

 "That doesn't matter."

 "Your arm — how did it heal so fast?"

 "A parting gift from Athena."

 "Ah. Then you parted on better terms than I did."

 "Yeah, but I probably angered Poseidon more so we're even."

 Suddenly laughter began to ring from above. Rue paused as she felt the powerful presence in the Force — a blazing trail ripping across the Force's night sky. A god was watching them and the laughter belonged to him. Yet she felt no sense of danger.

 "I must say, the two of you gave some brilliant speeches," a voice called, still hidden.

 Odysseus reached for his sword. "Who goes there?" He demanded.

 Rue put an arm in front of him. Although she didn't know who this god was she could rule out anyone who meant them harm. "I believe he's a friend."

 The voice giggled. "You're quite right, and I can help you save your men. A foe like Circe is not to be messed with. You want to beat her? You'll need the blessing of a certain god, divine intervention from someone who's not afraid to—" The god flew in front of them. "—send a message."

 "Hermes?" Odysseus exclaimed.

 He cackled, a wide grin on his face, his fangs showing clearly in the light. Winding paths encircled his neck, while horns and wings sprouted from his head, poking out from his short hair that matched the king's in color and thickness, save for the golden highlights. Silver freckles dotted his face and body, and a small dagger-like earring hung on his left ear. He wore a white toga accentuated by a red cape fluttering behind him, a rope belt around his waist. His silver eyes shining in an almost uncanny sort of way.

 "So you're here to help, but what exactly do you have in mind?" She asked him.

 "I'm so glad you asked, darling," Hermes replied. "Wouldn't you like a taste of the power? To be able to use more than words? When it comes to fighting Circe the fight could last for hours and either of you could fail. Still, with me your outcome will be preferred."

 She smiled at hearing that and so did Odysseus. "Okay, so what exactly are we up against?" He asked.

 "Well, she can turn you into an animal that she and her nymphs will most certainly devour or — if she doesn't find you palatable — she might just conjure up a monster to get rid of you instead. She also has nearly irresistible charm and can easily make you fall in love."

 "Then what's your plan?" Rue asked.

 "See the problem is that it will only work for one of you, and I don't think you should be the one to go up against her. Odysseus on the other hand, I have a gift for you." He flew past them and led them to where a sole white flower was in bloom. He dug it up and handed the plant to the king. "In the root of this flower holds the power to take her on. All you need to do is consume it, and once you have you'll be able to resist her magic and summon some of your own."

 "Ah," he said.

 "One more thing: Rue, it would be best if you sit this one out. I have a feeling you'd try to fight her even without my assistance."

 "You're probably right."

 "I know I am," he laughed. Then he began to fly away.

 "Hermes!" Odysseus called after him. "Thank you!"

 He turned back to look at them. "Don't thank me, friend. You very well may die." He giggled before giving them a playful two fingered salute. "Good luck."

Chapter Text

 With Odysseus and Hermes gone Rue was left alone in the forest. She knew she should head back to the ship, but it had been some time since she was able to enjoy nature like this. She loved being surrounded by plants, and didn't know when the next island would come — or what would be on it. She took a deep breath and relaxed. Odysseus could be dealing with Circe for some time, and Eurylochus and Polites expected Rue to be with him. So she was in no rush. She decided it wouldn't hurt to meditate while surrounded by so much light. She needed a moment to rest anyway, her body still aching from her previous fight.

 She took a small detour through the forest to find a clearing where she could fall into the Force. Preferably under a tree — as that had always been her favorite spot back when she was a Padawan. She found the perfect place and sat down in the shade. She closed her eyes and found peace for the first time since appearing in this new universe.

 This peace however was fragile. She knew it would be, but she didn't foresee that the Force would scream at her. Her eyes shot open and she stood with her hands going to her swords. Danger was nearby. "Who goes there?" She demanded.

 The response was a vibrant arrow cutting through the air and slicing through her cloak pinning her up against the tree. Rue's eyes went wide with terror as she stared at the arrow — it was the same one from her vision.

 She sensed the divine presence that had trapped her before she laid eyes on him. It was bright — too bright — nearly blinding. The Force seemed to roar around him, screaming like a thousand spaceships taking flight. She looked back and saw Apollo standing before her. He towered over the mortal with the same blazing hair and eyes that she sometimes doubted she ever saw — now there could be no doubt. His face and shoulders were decorated with glowing freckles that matched his father, his neck dotted with golden musical notes. His robes were a sunset orange with an amber pattern at the bottom, and a pastel yellow bandage was wrapped around one of his hands — clearly only decorative. "Shouldn't you know?" He asked, his voice deadly, yet melodic like a siren's song.

 "Apollo…" She gasped.

 "So you recognized me, good. I had hoped my message went through. It's not often mortals like you upset me, but your statement on that island was unneeded."

 "You heard that…" She realized. "I wasn't thinking clearly when I said that. I didn't mean it. I was angry at Odysseus—"

 "Words can be so hurtful, Rue. You should know that." He interrupted. "What angered you in the first place? I understand you know more than you should."

 She bowed her head. "I was angry because I knew what would happen and was trying to change it."

 "I see…" he trailed off, his displeasure still clear on his expression. "Your snide comment about your supposed clarity was pointless. I recommend you take those words back, you don't want to incur my anger."

 "Why should I? It's not like I was lying when I said it. I don't need you to give me prophecy to know the future," she snapped, her heart pounding in her chest.

 He stepped closer and leaned down, his glare sharpened, the blinding light in the Force mimicked his gaze, becoming even more overwhelming and focused. "I advise you to choose your next words carefully."

 She stared at him as her mind spun. She didn't know what to do. Her head ached horribly as his presence became stronger. She didn't know a single person could do that, even Mortis wasn't as powerful. It made her all the the more aware that she was facing a god. She squeezed her eyes shut as she tried to clear her mind. She didn't know what to say. She couldn't think of anything but the overwhelming light.

 "Answer me." He demanded, the light further sharpening, almost as if it were an arrow drilling into her soul.

 Rue opened her eyes and looked at him again. Tears filling her vision. "What— what do you want me to say? I wasn't lying, I do know the future."

 "Apologize for your claim of prophecy, that is all I ask."

 "I never claimed prophecy. I just know the future."

 "'All the clarity of a prophet', did you not say that?"

 "I did, but I wasn't—"

 "Stop with the excuses. Apologize or face the consequences."

 "Fine, I'm sorry for knowing the future without you giving me prophecy. I wouldn't even want it."

 "Poor choice." The lightbringer growled, grabbing her face with one hand, digging his nails into her skin. "I won't permit this any further, consider yourself lucky that I will let you live another day. To see another dawn and to bask in my light. Your consequences shall be known soon." With that he released her and vanished in a flash of light — leaving her still trapped against the tree.

 When the god was gone, Grim let the tears fall. She screamed into the wilderness with nobody to hear her. She wanted to fall to the ground, but couldn't move as the arrow had not vanished. It was a further reminder of who she had enraged. She glared at the glowing arrow and reached to remove it from the tree. But when her hand made contact with it she cried out and let go. It had burned her. She stared at her hand, a red line formed where her skin had made contact with the divine arrow. "Fuck," she hissed. "Of course it wouldn't be that easy."

 She gritted her teeth and grabbed the arrow once more, it took all her strength to pull it free. And her hand suffered for it. She threw it on the ground to be rid of it and for extra measure she stomped on it causing the arrow to snap. Only then did she let out a heavy sigh. "So much for meditation."

 She didn't know how long she had been away because of Apollo, and decided it would be best to head back to the ship so she didn't worry anyone. It would be better for all of them to not know that she had angered another god besides Poseidon.

 As Rue began to march back to the ship — her head still pounding and still shaken by her encounter — her surroundings morphed around her. She found herself in a wasteland desolate and lifeless, it looked as if the aftermath of a long battle. Weapons were even half-buried in the sand, with damaged armor strewn about the field thoughtlessly. The Force was nearly empty and cold, like this wasteland made even it wary, it was suffocating. She unsheathed her swords and turned quickly, as if anticipating an attack.

 A large axe collided with her weapons sending them clattering to the ground. "Let us avoid fighting, it would not end well for you," a mighty voice dictated.

 She fell back in shock, staring up at the god before her. He was fully clad in armor a red cape billowing behind him frayed at the edges. His skin was decorated with scars and red markings that could have been mistaken for blood splatters. One pointed ear was torn at the end. He had a vulture like neck that matched the massive wings. His dark hair was held back in a bun with red streaking through it. His eyes were similar to that of Poseidon's rather than of Zeus, however they were red instead of gold and his pupils were in the shape of an X. The bronze axe he carried was held by claws that could be weapons in of themselves, the ends fading into darkness. "You are right to be afraid, but I bring no harm."

 Recovering from her terror she quickly knelt and bowed her head. "Forgive me, I have been on edge, Lord Ares."

 "To be so bold as to draw your blades before me makes that quite clear," he replied. "And I understand that my sister has left you after your attempted duel with Poseidon."

 She cringed at the reminder of her failure. "Yes…that was a foolish mistake on my part."

 "Foolish, yes. However, the fact that you were willing to fight a god for someone you've only met recently shows incredible courage. And it just so happens I am the god of such things."

 She looked back up at him, unsure of what exactly he was saying. "What are you suggesting?"

 "While this is not an offer I often make, I believe you have potential that my sister did not see. Allow me to assist you and you will become something far more than a warrior of the mind."

 Rue went silent. While she was honored to be given this chance — she was a Jedi. She wasn't after power, or glory, or even fame. All she wanted was to protect those she cared about — even those she didn't know. She was a peacekeeper who had been trapped in war. But how could she refuse this? Doing so might risk his wrath — and Ares was certainly someone she would much prefer on her side. Her best chance would be with divine favor — or as Hermes had put it, her outcome preferred. "I am beyond grateful that you would even present me with this opportunity, my Lord. I will put your teachings to good use."

 "I am glad to hear it. I know you have great potential within you. " With those words the forest grew back around her and Rue was alone once more.

 It was decided by Odysseus that they would stay the night on the island. Grim was relieved at the chance to relax before setting off on their journey again — especially with the next stop on their destination. Being so familiar with death she was not keen to be going to the Underworld — let alone an Underworld that would host the souls of everyone anyone had ever lost — anyone but her. Even if she had lost more than she could ever put into words, those people belonged to other universes, and she would not find them there. Nothing waited for her in the Underworld but a reminder of how much she didn't belong.

 She turned on her side, covering herself in the blanket she had been given. She had never felt more out of place. Even though she knew she didn't fit with this universe, at least she could connect to her identity as a Jedi Knight. Yet even that felt tested, she had been forsaken by the goddess of wisdom, gained the favor of the god of bloodlust and war, while also having earned the wrath of the god of light. What Jedi was she to have such things happen to her?

 Her hand burned in reminder of the god she had angered. His glowing eyes and musical voice seared into her mind. She was afraid to think of what his warning meant and how she might suffer for offending him. She knew she had messed up but could not see how her knowledge of the future was so grave a thing. She could not control it — and she never asked for the powers she had been given.

 Tears ran down her cheeks as she allowed for a stifled sob. She felt also as if she had betrayed herself by accepting Ares's aid when he felt so similar to those who wielded The Dark Side. She knew he was not like the Sith she had battled against, and yet she feared she may turn to be like them under his guidance.

 Grim had almost fallen before, and this world seemed far crueler than the last.

Chapter Text

 "My friends, Circe's instructions were clear," Odysseus addressed his men as they sailed closer and closer to the Underworld. "We are to sail through until we find the prophet, no matter what we hear or who we find. We cannot let this place distract us with the shades of those we've lost. We are here for a reason, and if we lose sight of it we might as well join the spirits waiting in the waters below."

 Grim nodded in assent when he had finished speaking. There would be no shades from her past to distract her, and yet she felt a sense of unease as they ventured to the realm the living rarely dared to venture. She looked off into the distance watching as it grew closer, a heavy grief about her. Despite her cold familiarity with death the place may as well have been a stranger to her for she knew none of this universes losses for her own — only from legends that she had long since left.

 As they sailed through the deep waters the dark blue of the ocean turned into a ghostly green. She approached the railing of the ship and leaned against it, taking in the sight of the dead. Her heart felt heavy as she saw the shades wandering about. Despite all being strangers she watched them as they moved aimlessly, lost to the clutches of their deaths. Others on the ship were drawn to the sight of the souls as well, their eyes searching for their friends and loved ones. Their comrades from war, or families whom had perished long before. Tears welled in her eyes as she saw the mourning upon their faces — one she knew just as well. For while they all had somebody here to greet (although they were forbidden from doing so, lest they never leave), she had nobody at all.

 It was this fact — the knowledge that she alone had no one to greet her, or to greet for herself, that caused a bitter weight upon the back of her neck. She bowed her head as her necklace — a memorial to her mentor and father — suddenly felt more like a chain or noose. She pulled it out from her cloak and wrapped her hand around the crystal anchor that seemed to drag her down. Even he had never known her in the many lies she spun, although he had known her best of all. Their pain was often shared, even if never understood.

 Not a soul knew her. Her family of her original world would never recognize the woman she had become. She had not kept the name her parents had given her upon birth — a name that now echoed in her mind after her encounter with Phoebus Apollo. Those who knew her in another galaxy did not know of her origins and knew her there as Grim. The name she had picked for herself in the childishness of youth. As the years went on they knew her less and less, as she lost more and more. Some would come to know her only as the Rebellion's oracle — knowing more of the future than even those who had visions and prophecies proper. Although her knowledge was true; how she gained it was a lie. But she shared it with the others under her hidden name. Now here in a universe wrapped within mythology and magic she went again by a different name — although not entirely new for her. Rue was her hidden name, the one she concealed herself behind time and time again. Not even the gods knew her — those who were supposed to be more knowledgeable and wiser than the human race.

 "There is no emotion, there is peace," she reminded herself. The opening of the mantra helped her relax. She was in a universe devoid of Jedi and few remained in her past. She had given her childhood to save them — it had been why she was thrown into war at such a young age — but she had failed them in the end. Even decades later the image of the Temple ransacked by her brother could still fill her head. The broken faces of her mentors forever burned into her mind.

 And as she saw those faces again she thought of how she would never get to say goodbye. Grim didn't know how long she had been away from home, but she knew Yoda was not long for the living Force. She hadn't seen him since he had honored her with the title of knighthood. Although she knew where he resided, she never visited. The Empire had always been on her tail and she would not risk bringing them to his doorstep. Only days before her life had been uprooted once more she had seen him in a dream. Not just of memory — it had been a vision. A vision that perhaps was never meant to be.

 She blinked her tears away as she continued to look out at the land of the dead. There was nothing for her here — only reminders of what she had lost and was yet to lose. It became too much for her as the grief overwhelmed the Jedi. She had not yet gotten a chance to truly mourn, always caught in battles or plans. She had not even known the men that had been lost to Poseidon's wrath. Every soul here was a stranger to her as she was to them.

 She let go of her father's crystal — all she had left of her home — and turned her back to the souls. She could not let this place get to her. Grim walked away and went to find a space far from prying eyes. Here she sat down and reached into the Force — the dead were meant to join with it after all.

 She reflected on all that had occurred since she found herself in the midst of yet another foreign battle. She had spoken with gods making both allies and enemies among them. Although the war had ended when she appeared, she acted as if she was still in one. For over twenty years she had been fighting — and she could feel the string of her brother's betrayal years later. She would never forget the faces of those she had failed.

 She was meant to be a peacekeeper — that's what Jedi were. And she had tried to put those skills to use in this world, but she still acted more like a soldier. She had even gained the favor of both gods of war. But she was never supposed to be in war — if she had never traveled from her original universe she never would've been a solider. Yet now, she couldn't imagine her life without it. Back home her war was ending, but here she was still fighting for people who she was never meant to know.

 This world asked her for ruthlessness — Poseidon had said that was true mercy, Athena had advised her to shut off her heart, and she was sure Ares would add upon those lessons. Grim could be ruthless if demanded, she had allowed her brother to burn alive and did nothing to save him when that would have been the kindest action — or perhaps even killing him. It had not been for mercy that she spared his life, but for revenge knowing what would await him. But that was not truly her — that had been at her lowest. Who she was and always had been was that girl who made a promise to a council of Jedi Masters that she would take every chance to save as many lives as possible — even at the expense of never going home. She would not let this world change her.

 As Grim was thinking on this she felt the ship come to a halt. She stood again and saw Odysseus leaving to speak with the prophet — but something in the way he held himself reminded her of an old friend. She knew he was meant to go alone but a pang of concern went through her heart. As he left the ship she snuck off of the vessel and silently followed behind him.

 Near the edge of a river an old man was standing with his back turned to them. He spoke without looking away from the water (nor looking at all for she knew he was blind). "So, you have come already Odysseus? I have awaited this moment, and it has now come to pass." He spoke, his voice cold and haunting. It was as if he was narrating a story rather than partaking in it. The Theban prophet turned to face the approaching man and pointed at the intruder upon fate. "You, however. You must leave. Cursed much like Cassandra, betrayer of light. Your presence here is a blight upon the Fates' threads, and I cannot read them whilst you are here. Return to the ship of men long dead, and only then can I tell the prophecy I must."

 She stepped back in disbelief. Her eyes growing at his words. "What?" She asked. "What do you mean cursed?"

 "Wise and foolish all at once, you are a paradoxical woman. Mull on my words in your own time. You are not meant to be here."

 She bowed her head, knowing she would get no further answers from the prophet. "Very well," she conceded. Then she turned and obeyed his words returning to the ship.

 When she had rejoined the crew she went to the ledge of the ship and watched the Underworld. Tears filled her eyes and her hands clenched into fists. There wasn't much to mull over when it came to Tiresias's words; the meaning was clear — Grim had been cursed by Apollo. And if she were to take the prophet's words to heart — she had been cursed in the similar manner of her original namesake. She laughed mournfully, "I suppose I should have seen that coming."

 She bowed her head as she cried. She had known from the start she had incurred his wrath, and his visit to her on Circe's island had only confirmed it. Her hand still burned from the arrow. She could have used the Force to remove it — but she had hidden her abilities for so long it hadn't occurred to her. She had been too paralyzed by fear at coming face to face with the god.

 She hadn't asked for her abilities to know the future. It was neither gift or curse, they were only a result of her circumstances. Why was she to be punished for forces outside of her control? Was she supposed to never use her foresight? To lay down and take what was to come her way? To allow others to die when she could save them? It wasn't who she was. Grim couldn't change herself no more than she could stop knowing what she did.

 The thought of being cursed for what was out of her hands angered her. She looked down at the injury Apollo had caused her. She should have used the Force while he was there and thrown the arrow right back at him. She would not have been able to kill the god, but the idea of his own weapon impaling him brought her a small sense of satisfaction — she smiled at the thought.

 "No, that's your anger talking. You're a Jedi you know better," she chided herself.

 "And what's wrong with your anger talking?" Ares questioned, his voice coming from behind her as the ship suddenly vanished.

 She turned around in surprise. He had his arms crossed and was looking down at her with an expression she couldn't truly read. "It's not my way," she admitted. "I've lost myself to my anger before and it often came at a heavy cost."

 "You just need to learn to use it as a fuel. Do not lose yourself to anger but control it."

 She bit the inside of her cheek. Rue was reminded of the Sith and her various encounters with them. She wanted to say something but could not risk losing Ares' favor now or even worse angering him — not when she was already cursed by one god.

 "You treat anger as if it is not something that all mortals have."

 "That's not how I see it, Lord Ares. I'm aware that everyone gets angry, and if you'll forgive my saying so, it is not just limited to mortals. But from my experience, anger can often be consuming and it is better to deal with it in other ways. Although, I will admit that it can be useful when the need arises."

 "And when would you consider it necessary? From how I see it anger has made many a man into a warrior."

 "And that is when I would see it as such, although not at all times. I have been able to defeat an opponent far stronger than me while using my anger to the point I nearly ended his life."

 "Then why refuse to wield it like the weapon it is? And why did you spare your enemy?"

 "I spared him because it was not his fate to die by my hand. And I don't often use my anger as a weapon, because as I said before, it's not my way."

 "Remaining in those ways may prevent you from achieving your potential."

 "What does that make me if I throw away my morals for victory? I know this world is different from the ones I come from, but I will not change my heart for it. I know who I am, and I can not lose that, it's all I have left." She wrapped her hand around her necklace once more.

 "If you did it would make you stronger," he stated. "I am not saying to throw it all away, but you must know when to seal your heart."

 "I had a feeling you would say something like that." She sighed. "I know how to seal my heart, but it hurts every time. I can't keep it closed."

 "And how often has that hurt you?"

 "Far too often for far long. But it's not in my nature, I can't stay cold. I'm just a mortal."

 "Indeed you are."

 When he had spoken he then vanished; the strange barren-scape he brought with him turning to ashy black dust and fading back onto the ship where she stood. She was once again overlooking the shades of strangers; never knowing them as they would never know her. Soon Odysseus returned although there was a new look in his eyes — one she recognized from days long past. His head turned to her and their gazes met — for a moment they were both granted a look into the mind of the other. Where one had chosen to stay set in her ways; the other had heeded the words of the ever ruthless Earthshaker.

Chapter Text

 They had been out on the sea for a few days upon returning from The Underworld. Tiresias's prophecy for her in the back of her head the whole time. One day while Rue had been helping on the ship she saw that Odysseus was watching her. She paused what she was doing and looked at him, feeling a lump grow in her throat. He had heard the prophet's words as well, and knew he had understood his meaning just as well as she had. Silently he gestured for her to follow him.

 The unease only growing she did as he bade and led her where nobody could overhear them. "What did you do?" He demanded. "I'm not foolish, Rue. Tell me what you did, and I may let you stay on my ship."

 "Let me stay on this ship? You can't just kick me off, you said you would give me your protection and take me to Ithaca," she protested.

 "That was before you got yourself cursed. Before it was a necessity now it is out of compassion, and that is running thin. So what did you do?"

 "What changed in the Underworld?" she asked, her face falling.

 "I'm the one asking the questions."

 Rue sighed heavily. "What was done doesn't matter. It happened and now I will have to learn to live with that. But I can assure you that it won't affect anyone else on this ship," she told him. Silently she hoped that was true.

 "How can you know that for certain? If even one of my men suffer from your curse I will throw you into the depths."

 "I told you before Odysseus, I don't mean for any trouble. I don't wish harm on anyone of you. Have I ever done anything to prove otherwise?"

 "You attacked me after we were free from the cyclops. Despite your claim of not meaning to cause trouble."

 "I was trying to stop you from revealing your name to save you from Poseidon's wrath. Much better a few bruises than an angry god."

 "And much better a few bruises than revealing what you knew? That the cyclops we blinded was the son of the Earthshaker himself?"

 She bit the inside of her cheek. "Would you have believed me if I told you I knew his name and what would happen?"

 "All the more reason for my mistrust. Even if I don't believe you, you have been hiding vital information. Give me a reason not to send you overboard."

 "I'm trying to save your crew. You want the truth? I know things, things that I can't tell you for risk of being wrong or angering anyone else. But I want what's best for everyone on board this ship, I want everyone to make it home to Ithaca. If I could have saved the rest of your crew from Poseidon I would have — it's why I did what I did back in the cyclops's cave."

 He fell silent for a long moment, eventually letting out a long sigh. "You may stay, but this is your final warning. I want to believe you, so I will grant you this kindness. Do not expect it from me again."

 She bowed respectfully. "Thank you."

 It had been a couple of weeks since her talk with Odysseus. Currently she was staring out at the open sea watching the sunlight bounce off the waves. Suddenly the Force screamed at her to move and she obeyed its instruction — barely missing a bronze axe burying itself in the sand.

 She turned around with her hands flying to her swords, Ares' grinning face looming over her. "Excellent reflexes." He commented.

 "I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO KILL ME!" She exclaimed.

 "Killing an unaware opponent is cowardly behavior."

 She lowered her swords. "Why are you here? I thought I disappointed you."

 "You have disappointed me. However, this gives me all the more reason to train you."

 "Forgive me for expecting you to not be someone who allowed second chances."

 "I have met few mortals who were willing to strike a god."

 "That's because they normally end up dead. I would be too if it weren't for Zeus."

 "You did not know that when you struck at Poseidon. That courage was all your own. Drop your weapons, your first lesson begins now."

 "Unarmed?" She asked.

 "I want to see what you can do without assistance. You have no need to hold back."

 "What are you saying?"

 "Hit me with your best shot."

 "You want me to attack you?!" She exclaimed.

 "Precisely."

 "I thought you said fighting you wouldn't end well for me."

 "I will hold back. This is merely a spar. I am a god, you won't hurt me."

 She hesitated. "Are- are you sure? I don't know if I should—"

 "If you don't deal the first blow I will."

 She set her swords down. "Um…even if I could actually hurt you. I wouldn't be able to do any meaningful damage."

 "Ah," he realized what she meant. "Let me correct this." He changed his height to be closer to a mortal's but was still slightly too tall. It was closer to the height that Poseidon was when she attacked him — or Apollo when he confronted her. "I will grant you the first hit. If you can."

 Rue took a deep breath and centered herself. Then she removed her cloak, allowing it to fall to the ground before she rushed forward. Rue aimed for his gut using her metal arm as to not hurt herself in striking armor. Before it could land his hand caught hers, holding her in place.

 "A commendable effort. I don't think I've seen you use that hand before."

 "The last time I got into a fist fight was with a mortal. Besides, you said not to hold back." She grinned.

 "Indeed I did." With those words he threw her back causing her to fly across the wasteland.

 She caught herself, though it was not without effort. It took a moment to recover, but when she looked back Ares wasn't there. She sensed him before she saw him and slid out of the way just in time. He landed in front of her.

 He rose quickly and charged at her. As he got close she moved out of the way lifting the sand around them with the Force and whipped it around in the air making it impossible to see — as if though mortal she had caused a sandstorm of her own will. Although blinded herself she sensed him still in the Force and used it to move at inhuman speed suddenly leaping higher at the god from behind and tackling him to the ground. Her arms wrapped around his wings to prevent him from flinging her off.

 He reached over his shoulder and grabbed her, grunting as he threw her across the field once more. As she landed the dust around the arena settled. She rose to see him grinning — much to her surprise.

 "It seems you are a more impressive opponent than I thought," Ares told her. "I was made aware of your ability to detect things that no mortal should, but this has remained hidden until now. Why conceal such abilities?"

 "I'm in a universe where magic such as mine doesn't usually come without some divine connections, and I didn't want anyone to make assumptions. It might anger somebody, and I do that pretty well on my own."

 "From what I've seen, indeed. But you have been limiting yourself far too much. Concealing both your arm and magic. Disregard what others will assume, if anything they should know your power."

 "It has been hard to limit myself this way," she admitted. "Maybe you're right."

 "Of course I am. The gods always know best."

 She smiled slightly. "Thank you for letting me have another chance, I was worried I angered you for a moment."

 "You did, but I have decided to continue training you, if only to ensure that doesn't happen again. Besides, today you have shown great potential. I look forward to our next lesson."

 Rue was once again standing on Odysseus's ship, overlooking the sea. She found she was actually happy, although sore. Maybe learning from Ares wasn't going to be as bad as she first feared.

 Rue had caught the eye of almost every god on Olympus, but it was Hermes who was most interested in her. Traveling across worlds, having the courage to knowingly lie to a god, and being more than willing to trick others to ensure the safety of her compatriots… he had found himself growing fond of her.

 However, he feared for her as well. The test was his idea, and so far she had not fared too well. "There's still time," Hermes reassured himself, watching her from his hiding place, "but how can I be sure she'll succeed? Poseidon and Apollo seem to have it out for her, and Zeus is far from pleased… I'll just have to hope, it's all I can do for now."

 Rue stopped what she was doing and looked up. She felt a powerful presence in the Force. She knew she was being watched and her breath caught. She debated on saying anything but remained quiet — whoever was watching her didn't seem to mean harm. She didn't sense any danger at least.

 Hermes noticed her attention being drawn to him and he fled. He did not want her to know he was watching her. She wasn't supposed to, and he wasn't meant to be getting this close.

 More time passed during their voyage to Ithaca. Grim had done her best to prove herself and that she truly had good intentions to the king. Ever so often she caught Odysseus watching her with a distrustful eye, and she did not blame him. Perhaps he had been right about her keeping secrets, but nothing could change what had happened in the past. She could only focus on changing what the future held — a future she received occasional glimpses of much to her surprise.

 The visions confused her. She didn't understand why she would be granted prophecy if she was cursed by Apollo. She remained silent about what she saw, fearing nobody would believe her — after all had Tiresias not stated she was cursed like Cassandra? She knew how that played out.

 One night Apollo appeared to Rue again. She was startled by his arrival, having never expected to see the god since he confronted her on Circe's island. "Lord Apollo!" she exclaimed, kneeling at once.

 "So you show respect to me now, a little late for that." He quipped. "Your errant comments have not been forgotten or forgiven."

 She bowed her head, feeling tears sting her eyes. She avoided meeting his gaze. "Why are you here?"

 "To warn you, simply put. Do not waste your effort on dead men."

 "They're not dead yet, things can change. I've changed things before already."

 "Have you truly? The men you saved from the cyclops will still die soon, and you could not stop the wrath of Lord Poseidon."

 "Poseidon is a god, the crew are human. I can stop them." Then quietly she added, squeezing her eyes shut: "I have to…"

 "You won't be able to. Their deaths won't be by mortal hands. Not Polites', not Eurylochus', and not you."

 "Zeus will only kill them if they make a foolish mistake. I can stop that."

 "You cannot. The Fates have spoken for them, and for you as well. Know that when your light will be snuffed out, it will be by the gods. It cannot be changed or delayed."

 She looked up at him, her eyes wide. "How can the Fates have spoken for me? I'm not from here…I can't have a thread…"

 "The ending came to them, and a prophecy to me. You will soon find yourself stranded, no home to claim, no hope to thrive, no will to continue on. That despair is your fate."

 "No…" she said. "It can't be for nothing! Things can still change. Mortals still have free will. I can still stop this. Please….tell me how I can stop this."

 "Unless you can manifest a feast for the hungry, quell the flames of the sun, or silence thunder itself, I am afraid it shall not come to pass."

 Rue could not stop the tears from falling. "I can't watch it all fall apart…I've watched too many people die knowing what would happen. It can't happen again…I can find a way…I…" she was shaking now. "I'm so tired of knowing…"

 But the god was no longer there. She was clutching her blanket in her dark room, the ocean gently rocking the ship and his prophecies echoing in her mind like a song.