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As the moon rose over Troy, and the city settled into a slumber, the warriors inside the giant wooden horse braced for battle. Odysseus, the captain of the crew and their king, lit a torch. His hair was on the longer side, but not too long, an his beard was trimmed short. He was on the shorter side, but he was particularly muscular. His brown eyes sharp as he glanced around at his troops briefly. He felt a familiar faint buzz in the back of his mind. The corner of his lips twitched upwards as he knew exactly who it was. Athena. His face returned to a serious expression as he looked at his soldiers once more.

"Alright my brothers, listen closely." Odysseus spoke, his voice loud enough for all his troops to hear him, but quiet enough as to not alert the Trojans that could be outside. "Tonight, we make the Trojans pay. "For ten years of war they have killed us slowly, but now we will emerge victorious." Odysseus began to walk down the center slowly, the soldiers standing on either side of him. "Think of your wives and children. Your family wonders where you've been. They've been growing old while your still here. Do what I say and you'll see them again."

"Yes sir." The soldiers replied in unison.

"Alright. When we break out of here, here's what we're going to do. Diomedes will lead the charge. And Agamemnon will flank the guards. Menelaus will let the rest of our soldiers through the gates to takе the whole city at large. Teucer will shoot any ambush attacks and Little Ajax will stay back. Nestor, secure Helen and protect her." Odysseus put his hand on a soldier's shoulder. "Neo, avenge your father and kill the brothers of Hector." The soldier, Neo, nodded.

"Yes sir." The soldiers replied in unison.

"Find that inner strength now. Use that well of pride and ask yourself, what do you live for? What do you try for? What do you wish for? What do you fight for?" The men repeated what their captain had said, and Odysseus thought about who he fights for. "I fight for us, Penelope." He smiles softly as he pictures his wife smiling at him. Penelope turned to reveal an infant in her arms. "And I fight for us, Telemachus." A soldier handed Odysseus his helmet. "I fight for us." The man placed his helmet on his head. He then turned to his crew with his sword raised in the air. "Attack!"

The soldiers busted out of the wooden horse and began fighting. Odysseus fights his way over to the castle. He takes out a man and began scaling the wall. Once he reached the top, he didn't take but a few steps when a shadowy figure charged forward and swung it's weapon.

"Aargh!"

Odysseus stumbled back. He fell to his knees. When he looked again, the figure was gone. He raised a hand to his chest where the figure had swung the sword at him. Nothing. He hadn't been hurt.

"Who what that?" The male wondered aloud as he got to his feet.

There was a clap of thunder then a voice spoke. "A vision of what's to come." Odysseus looked up to the sky to see Zeus, the King of the Gods,  speaking. "It cannot be outrun. It can only be dealt with right here and now"

"Tell me how." Odysseus said, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Zeus raised an eyebrow. "I don't think you're ready." There was a flash of lightning and another clap of thunder and then Zeus stood before Odysseus in his human form. He was still extremely large and still towered over Odysseus. He gestured to a door nearby. "It's a mission to kill someone's son. This foe will not run and is unlike anyone you have faced before."

Odysseus tightened his grip on his sword as he made for the door. "Say no more, I know I'm ready."

Zeus didn't move. He just shook his head slightly. "I don't think your ready."

Odysseus gripped the doorknob and pushed the door open. He raised his sword, ready to fight this foe Zeus told him about, but froze as his eyes landed on a crib. His eyes widened and he sheathed his sword and walked over to the crib. He removed his helmet and it clattered when it hit the floor. Inside the crib was a sleeping infant. He stared at the infant in shock. This is the foe Zeus wanted him to kill? The infant stirred and Odysseus reached down to sooth the sleeping boy. The infant cooed and drifted back into its slumber with a small smile on his face.

"It's just an infant." Odysseus said, voice wavering slightly and eyes still on the infant as he pulled his hand away. He backed away from the crib slightly. "What sort of imminent threat does this boy pose that I'm unable to avoid?"

Zeus appeared beside Odysseus. "This is the son of none other than Troy's prince Hector." Zeus raised a hand, causing a shadowy figure, the same shadowy figure that had attacked him moments before, to stand up above the boy. "This infant will grow from a boy to an avenger." The shadowy figure looked at Odysseus with glowing red eyes. "One that is fueled by rage while your consumed by age. If you don't kill him now then you'll have no one left to save." Zeus waved his hand and the shadowy figure began taking another shape. "You can say goodbye to your Penelope." As Zeus said that, the shadowy figure transformed into Penelope. The figure reached out to Odysseus. Odysseus squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head, knowing it wasn't real. Once he reopened his eyes, the shadowy figure was gone. He turned to face the King of Gods.

"I could raise him as my own." Odysseus suggested, desperate for another option. Anything other than this.

"He will burn your house and throne."

"Or I could send him far away from home!"

"He will find you wherever you go."

"Make sure his past is never known!"

"The gods will make it known."

"I'd rather bleed for you, down on my knee for you! I'm begging please!"

"This is the will of the gods." The God's voice firm and another clap of thunder was heard.

There was a moment of silence. "Please don't make me do this, don't make me do this" Odysseus pleaded.

There was another moment of silence before Zeus spoke again, his voice quieter this time as he approached Odysseus. "The blood on your hands is something you won't lose." He gestured to the crib, and Odysseus looked back down at the sleeping infant. "All you can choose is whose." With another flash of lightning, Zeus was gone. Leaving Odysseus alone with the infant and his thoughts.

How could he hurt a boy who has done no wrong? What proof was there that this boy would really do those things? This is all based on what Zeus had said. But the gods had spoken, and Zeus had said this was the will of the gods. To defy the gods would be suicide. He really didn't have a choice.

But how could he possibly go through with this?

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But how could he possibly go through with this?

Odysseus walked back over to the crib and looked down at the infant. The boy stirred and opened his big blue eyes. The boy looked up at Odysseus and smiled. The infant in the crib reminded him of his own son. Odysseus smiled fondly at the thought of his son.

"You know, you remind me of someone I know." Odysseus said as he leaned down and picked the boy up. "My son. He was around your age when I last saw him." The boy in Odysseus' arms watched him with big, curious eyes. "He'd be about ten now." The infant cooed in response. Through a window, Odysseus observes the battle below. The bloodshed and violence. Will everything he's done haunt him? Is the price he pays endless pain? He looked back down at the boy. He had to kill the boy and he could go back to his wife and son who have been waiting for him. He would do anything to get back to them. Odysseus set the boy back down in his crib and pulled out his dagger. The boy looks up at Odysseus and tilts his head slightly as Odysseus raised the dagger. He hesitates.

"Please don't look at me like that." The man said. "Just--just close your eyes." The male gently covered the boy's eyes and yet, he still hesitated. He couldn't bring himself to kill the boy. He lowered the dagger and pulled away from the crib. "How could I hurt you?" He was just a man after all. A man who is trying to get back home. A man who's been fighting for the past ten years. A man who wished to reunite with his wife and son. Odysseus spotted his helmet on the ground. He reached down and picked it up. He knew he would do anything to get home. He would trade the world to see his son and wife again. He glanced back over to the crib, steeling his nerves. He was just a man.

"But when does a man become a monster?" He muttered to himself. He placed the helmet back on his head and walked back over to the crib. He knew he wouldn't be able to kill the boy directly, and if he held the boy in his arm like he did before, he knew he wouldn't be able to follow through. So, he used one hand to pick the boy up by the fabric swaddling him. Odysseus refused to look at the boy. He couldn't. He couldn't risk looking into the boy's eyes. He couldn't risk seeing his own son in this boy. He had to get home.

Odysseus walked out onto the balcony and held the infant over the edge. Below, the fight had come to an end. Several of the soldiers noticed their captain walk out onto the balcony. Their eyes widen as they see the bundle of fabric in his hand. A bundle of fabric holding an infant. An infant he was now holding out over the edge of the balcony. Was their captain going to drop the infant? Back up on the balcony, Odysseus could see his soldiers looking up at him. He could feel their shock even though he could hardly see their faces, partially due to how far they were and partially due to the tears that began to cloud his vision.

"Forgive me." Odysseus muttered to no one in particular. He closed his eyes as he loosened his grip on the fabric ever so slightly. "Please, forgive me." He opened his hand, letting the boy fall. The world seemed to slow as the boy fell. The soldiers could do nothing except stare in shock. The boy made no noise upon hitting the ground nor did he move.

Odysseus took a deep, shaky breath to steady himself. It didn't really help though. He opened his eyes and walked away from the balcony. It was over. He had done it. The deed was done and so was the war. Odysseus made his way back down to ground level. When he exited the castle, he kept his gaze forward. Not wanting to risk seeing the aftermath of what he had just done. Many of his soldiers were still wide-eyed and shocked from what they just witnessed.

"Captain?" One of them questioned. "Are you alr--" The soldier was interrupted by Odysseus.

"I'm fine." Odysseus stated. The soldiers really didn't buy it, but they didn't ask again. "Get everyone back to the ships and set course for home." Odysseus' tone sounding terrifyingly calm. Almost emotionless.

"Yes sir." The soldier replied. The soldiers watched their captain walk off with looks of concern on their faces. They shared concerned glances before doing what their captain had instructed them to do.

Odysseus made way for the docks. All 600 men followed. He hadn't lost a single man the entire war. Odysseus walked toward the front of the ship. A few paces back, Eurylochus and Polities shared a worried glance. The both have known Odysseus for a long time now, and they both knew Odysseus was too stubborn to ask for help when he needed it. The soldiers were happy they could finally go back to Ithaca. Some of them couldn't believe it was finally over and they could finally reunite with their family. Family. His family. Through the ten years of war, his family is what Odysseus kept fighting for. For his wife and son. Penelope and Telemachus.

"I'm on my way." Odysseus muttered softly, as if speaking to them. "I'm coming home."

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Sea water splashed around the sailing ships. On the leading ship, Odysseus was standing at the front of the ship, simply thinking. There were 600 men under his command with their only goal to make it back home. Between them and their home land was 600 miles of open sea, however the problem was not the distance, it was what lies in between. But no matter what, Odysseus was determined to make it home. His kingdom was waiting for him. More importantly, his beautiful wife was waiting for him. His wife and son. It had been ten years. Ten years of war and ten years of being away from his family. He was finally going to return to them.

A voice pulled Odysseus out of his thoughts. "Captain." Odysseus turned to see his second in command, Eurylochus. Eurylochus was large and muscular. He was taller than Odysseus, most people were since Odysseus was on the short side. His large sword sheathed behind his back. "Captain, we have 600 men with big mouths to feed, but our food store is depleted and we have nothing left to eat." Eurylochus says, stating his worries. "We have so many reasons to take whatever we can. So, Captain, what's the plan?"

Odysseus thought for a second. He then saw a flock of birds flying in the sky and he got an idea. He pointed up towards the birds. "Watch where the birds fly. They should lead us to an island and there we can hunt for food. Now, full speed ahead." Eurylochus turned to tell the rest of the crew while Odysseus continued looking out over the ocean.

Another male walks over to Odysseus. "Captain." 

Odysseus turned to the voice with a large smile on his face. "Polities!" The man in question wore a similar smile on his face, the tails of his red headband flapping in the wind as he made his was over to Odysseus and Eurylochus. Polities was tall like Eurylochus, actually he was taller, but he slouched down slightly unintentionally as if to make himself seem less intimidating. He could be extremely intimidating if he wanted to, especially when he used his full height to his advantage. Polities was slimmer than Eurylochus and was carrying no weapons on him. He normally didn't. Polities hated violence and was a pacifist. He was the crew's medic, and a very skilled one at that. Eurylochus walked back over and stood on the other side of Odysseus.  

Polities leaned on the railing slightly. He pushed his glasses up before he pointed out into the distance. "Look! In the distance, I can see an island. There is a glowing light. Maybe there are some people making a fire, and, who knows maybe they'll share some food with us."

Odysseus furrowed his brows. "Hm. How odd. I can see fire but there is no smoke."

"I say we strike first." Eurylochus states. Polities face falls at Eurylochus' statement. Polities crossed his arms and rolled his eyes slightly as Eurylochus continues speaking. "We have no time to waste. So we should just raid the place and--"

"No." Odysseus said, cutting Eurylochus off. Odysseus turned to Polities, who perked up slightly and let his arms fall back down to his sides. "Polities gear up." The male seemed to physically brighten at what was said. "You and I will go on ahead."

"You got it Captain." Polities stated, smile returning to his features, his green eyes almost sparking with joy. He rushed off to go gear up. Polities, Odysseus and Eurylochus have been close ever since they were kids, but Odysseus was closer to Polities. There was just something about the guy and his smile was absolutely contagious.   

"We should try to find a way no one ends up dying." Odysseus muttered to himself.

"We have no idea what lies ahead." Eurylochus stated. "It could be extremely dangerous."

Odysseus faced Eurylochus. He knew his friend tended to be more pessimistic while Polities was more optimistic. "Just give us until sunrise, my friend." He said, placing a hand on Eurylochus's shoulder. "And if we don't return, then you and the rest of the crew can set the place ablaze and let it burn." Eurylochus still looked unsure but he nodded. Odysseus turned back towards the island. "Now, full speed ahead, to the island."

Once close enough, the ship came to a halt. Odysseus looked towards the island. Polities walked over and stood next to him. Odysseus gave his friend a small smile before he faced the rest of his crew.

"Polities and I will scout ahead for anything we could hunt. We'll be back before the sun rises." He stated. He then turned to Polities. "You ready my friend?"

"Of course." Polities replied with a smile.

"Alright then." Odysseus stated, a small smile on his face. "Lets go." 

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Polities and Odysseus walked through the island in search for food. Odysseus had one hand rested on the hilt of his sword and the other in front of him, pushing leaves out of the way. Polities followed behind Odysseus, observing him with both hands behind his back. Odysseus tensed with any noise and the grip around his sword tightened. 

"You can relax, my friend." A calming voice behind him stated. 

Confused, Odysseus turned to the source. He glanced at Polities with a confused look on his face. "Huh?"

Polities chuckled and shook his head slightly, smile never leaving his face. "It's pretty obvious to me that your getting nervous. So I thought you could do yourself a favor and try to relax." Polities walked over to his friend and slung an arm over his shoulder. 

Odysseus rolled his eyes. "I'm fine Polities." He stated, shrugging the other man off of him. And he began walking forward again.

"Think of all that we have been through together." Polities stated, watching Odysseus slowly walk away. "I know we'll survive what we get in to, together." Odysseus didn't turn around. Polities let out a quiet, frustrated groan. Odysseus is incredibly stubborn. Polities jogged to catch up with Odysseus. "Look, I know you're tired of all the war and blood shed. I hate it to, tell me, is this how we are supposed to live?" A noise that sounded like a stick snapping rang out, and Odysseus tightened his grip on his sword. "Look at how your gripping your sword." Polities pointed out. "Enough said?"

Odysseus looked down at his hand before hesitantly loosening his grip on the hilt. He loved Polities like a brother, they were incredibly close. But Polities can be too optimistic at times. It was actually kind of impressive. After 10 years of war, Polities is still the happy-go-lucky optimistic man he's has always been. 

Polities walked forward and grabbed on to Odysseus’ wrists. “Why should we take, when we could give?” He asks. “You can show a person that you trust them when you lower your guard.” Polities states with a smile. Odysseus frowns slightly. Lowering his guard was probably not the best idea. Polities has always tries to get Odysseus to be more optimistic. 

Polities starts pulling Odysseus forward, doing small jumps in happiness. “Here we have the chance for adjustment, and you can give it a try. I’m telling you, it’s not that hard Ody.” He lets go of Odysseus and bounds forward, and Odysseus rushes to keep up with his friend.

”It’s like I’ve always said: ‘This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms.’” Polities states happily. Despite being against Polities’ views due to what he was taught, he listens and takes into consideration what could happen if he tried what his friend was saying. “No matter what, whatever we face, if we lead from the heart, we’ll be just fine. No matter the place, we can light up the world, and here's a way to start: Greet the word with open arms!"

"Welcome." Said many voices in unison behind the duo. Odysseus imminently draws his sword. Back to back, Odysseus and Polities see they were surrounded by little creatures with grey fur, purple eyes and a small purple flower on top of their heads. 

"Stay back!" Odysseus shouted at the creatures. 

"Stay back." The creatures repeated, retreating backwards a bit. 

Polities reached over to Odysseus and grabs the wrist of his outstretched hand holding his sword. Odysseus glances back at his friend. "My friend, greet the world with open arms." Polities said while letting his arm fall back to his side. Odysseus sighed. Might as well give it a shot. 

"We're only here for food." Odysseus said, still standing at the ready just in case any of these creatures try to attack them.

"Food." The little creatures repeated. 

"There are six hundred men waiting at the beach for us to get back." A couple of the creatures started getting closer to the duo. Odysseus points his sword at them. "Stay back, I'm warning you." The creatures stop in their tracks. "If we don't get back to the ships safely, my men are going to set this whole place ablaze."

Out of the crowd of the little critters, a couple of them come through the crowd and offer Odysseus and Polities a basket of fruit. "Here you go." The little creatures say. 

Polities beamed. "See!" He shouted happily. Odysseus picked up one of the fruits and inspects it. There is something off about it. 

"All you have to do is greet the world with open arms." Polities continued. "There is not always a need for violence." A creature hands Polities a fruit at the same time Odysseus recognized what the fruit is. He drops the fruit he's holding and rushes over to Polities who is about to take a bite of the fruit he'd been given. Odysseus grabs his friend's wrist, stopping him from eating the fruit. Polities looks at Odysseus, confused. 

"My friend, I wish that I could say that I agree with that." Odysseus starts, taking the fruit out of Polities' hand. "But look a these fruits. They are glowing and filled with glowing seeds." He broke the fruit open to show Polities the seeds. "It took me a second to realize just what these creatures are, and what they eat." He gestured to the creatures happily eating the fruit. "Their Lotus Eaters, and these fruits are Lotuses. They control your mind and never lets you free. He turned away, tossing the fruit on the ground. "That's what we get with open arms." Odysseus started to walk away.

Polities begins to follow, but stops. After a moment, he picked up the fruit Odysseus had thrown on the ground and walked over to the Lotus Eaters. He crouched down and hands the fruit to one of the little critters who happily takes it and starts eating. "Lotus Eaters, I would like to show my friend that kindness is brave. Could you tell me where there is any other food to eat?"

"A cave!" The creatures shout. Another mumbles something that goes unnoticed. 

"A cave!" Polities exclaimed happily. "You're saying there is a cave full of food that we can eat?" Polities glanced over his shoulder to see Odysseus leaning up against a tree listening. Polities turned back to the Lotus Eaters. "And, where do we sail to find this cave?"

"East!" The Lotus Eaters say. "That Way!" Another one exclaimed, pointing east. Polities' smile grew. "Thank you." The creatures smile back at him. "Welcome." Polities stands up and waves at the creatures as they leave. He let his arm fall and turned to his friend. "I know you are holding so much guilt inside your heart." Polities said as he walked over to Odysseus. He slung an arm over Odysseus' shoulder once more. This time, Odysseus doesn't push him away. "So, why don't we replace it and light up the world. Here's how to start: simply greet the world with open arms."

"Greet the world with open arms." Odysseus repeats, his voice soft, actually considering Polities' advice. 

Polities smiled. "You can relax my friend." Odysseus looked over at his friend. Polities patted Odysseus' shoulder. "Alright, we gotta get back to the others. Then we can find this cave." He stated happily. 

"You go on ahead, I'll be right behind." Odysseus told his friend. Polities nodded, and jogged ahead. Odysseus could feel that familiar presence in the back of his mind, and she seemed upset. 

Athena.

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Odysseus could feel that familiar presence in the back of his mind, and she seemed upset. Odysseus looked around for any physical signs of his mentor, but the only thing around him was trees. 

"Have you forgotten the lessons I taught you?" Athena's voice rang through his mind. Her voice sharp and sounding as if she was directly behind Odysseus. 

Odysseus spun around but saw nothing. "Athena." He called out.

"This is not the warrior I trained." Athena stated. "Have you forgotten to turn off your heart?" Odysseus started to jog back to the ship, as if he could run away from Athena's voice. "I can see you changing from the way I've designed you." Odysseus stopped and looked around again, trying to see any physical signs of Athena. "Need I remind you of your purpose." Odysseus felt a hand grab his wrist and spin him around. He was looking straight into the glowing blue eyes of his mentor. He suddenly felt a force and he felt as if he was falling. 

When he landed, he was no longer in the human realm, but rather Athena's quick thought. She was facing away from him. Odysseus made his was onto his feet and Athena began to speak. 

"I am Athena. Goddess of Wisdom. The Master of War. My life's only mission is to create the greatest warrior." She turned towards Odysseus, waving her hand as she did so, causing a boar made up of her magic to shoot out of her hand. "I had a challenge, one that would test one's skills." The little boar ran through the air and ran around Odysseus who watched it. "A magical boar that could only be slain by the very best." Out of the corner of his eye, Odysseus saw another figure materialize. The boy ran towards the boar wielding a spear.  Odysseus smiled at the memory. 

"Then, one day a boy came, fighting the boar for the thrill." Athena stood by Odysseus, she had a small smile on her face at the memory of young Odysseus. "And his mind riveled the boar's own will." 

The two watch the young Odysseus take on boar. "Let's Go!" The boy shouted as he charged the boar. Off to the side, an owl materialized. It watched as the young boy fought the boar. 

"And that's when I knew that you'd be the next Warrior of the Mind." Athena explained. "I knew one day I would be able to reach out and teach you. Grow your skills." Odysseus glanced up at Athena, who was still watching the figures she had created. He looked back at the figures to see the young him slay the boar. The figure jumped up in joy. The figure freezes at the peak of the jump. 

"I knew you could make are greater tomorrow, could change the world because you were a Warrior of the Mind." The to figures disappeared and a small smile appeared on Athena's features. "Even if you were a bit cocky when we first met." Odysseus chuckled as he remembered the moment he had met Athena face to face.  

He had a feeling someone had been watching him. So one day, he jogged out of the castle. 

"Show yourself." He said. Nothing but the wind answered. He looked around again. He could feel eyes on him, but he couldn't see who was watching him. "I know you're watching me, and you have been watching me. Now I ask you to show yourself." After a moment of silence Odysseus realized whoever this was wasn't about to just show themselves. He crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "I can see you, you know."

Athena, still invisible due to the spell she had casted, smirked. She knew that the young man definitely couldn't see her, but she was impressed with his quick thinking. So she played along. "How can you see me though my spell?"

Odysseus spun around towards the sound of the voice. "I was lying! And you fell for my buff." He said proudly. He crossed his arms once more and let out a confident, and slightly cocky, chuckle. 

Athena lifted her spell, revealing herself to the young man you jumped slightly. "Well done. Enlighten me, what is your name?" The goddess asked, as she began to walk around the young man.

Odysseus knew exactly who this was when she revealed herself, despite her not having her helmet on and wearing a large cloak with the hood up, but he thought he'd play it off and keep his win from getting the goddess to reveal herself. "You first." He smirked mischievously as the goddess walked behind him. "And, you know, maybe I will do the same." 

Athena leaned over his shoulder causing the boy to lose some of that confidence and smile sheepishly. "Nice try young man, but two can play this game." She walked back in front of him and faced him again. 

"Nah, don't be like that." Odysseus said. "I know that you're a goddess. So, lets be honest." Odysseus saw a stick by his foot. He got his foot underneath the stick, kicked it up into the air an caught it. "You are Athena." 

Athena simply smiled, she pulled down the hood of the cloak, causing it disappear into sparkles of Athena's magic. Her helmet appears on her head and her armor glitters in the sun. She opened a hand, and in a flash of blue light, she summoned her spear. She watched the young boy run around, swinging the stick as if it was a sword. 

"A total badass in the arena. The unmatched witty and queen of the best strategies known to man." Odysseus lost his balance, but Athena pushed him back up onto his feet. He staggered a bit before looking back up at the goddess, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. 

"Well, if you are looking for a mentor, I'll make sure your time is well spent." Athena said with a small nod.

Odysseus gasped slightly in surprise at the goddess offer, before quickly regaining his composure. "Sounds like a plan. Goddess and man." Odysseus raised a hand up to Athena waiting for a high-five. "Bestest of friends?" 

Athens simply walked past Odysseus. "We'll see about that." 

"Okay." Odysseus gave himself a high-five and ran after Athena. 

Back in the present, Athena walked in front of Odysseus, back facing the man. "I still intend to make sure you don't fall behind." She said. "You must remember that you are a warrior, a Warrior of the Mind." She glanced at Odysseus over her shoulder. "Don't disappoint me." She transformed into an owl and deactivated quick thought. Odysseus watched Athena fly away. 

Right. He was a warrior. A warrior of the mind. He made his way back to his ship. 

"Captain." Eurylochus greeted upon Odysseus' return to the ship. "Polities said you two gathered information of a cave filled of food." 

Odysseus nodded. "Set course for the cave. Head East." Eurylochus nodded. As the ship began to sail Eastward toward the cave, Odysseus reminded himself that he had to make Athena proud. But, Polities had said... 

No, Odysseus had to listen to Athena, his mentor. After all, she was the Goddess of Wisdom and he was her Warrior of the Mind.

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Odysseus drew his bow and aimed. He took in a breath and released the arrow. The arrow zipped through the air, making contact with the sheep, piercing its heart. The sheep let out a pained noise and fell limp. Odysseus lowered his bow with a smile on his face. He turned to the other men. 

"Over here." He said, motioning for the men to come. Several of the crew held up torches, illuminating the cave. The light from the torches revealed the cave was full of sheep. 

"Woah. Look at all these sheep." Polities said, walking over to Odysseus. "I can't believe this cave has all this food, and its all for us."

Eurylochus walked over to Polities and Odysseus and slung his arms around their shoulders. "I gotta hand it to the both of you. There are enough sheep in this cave to feed the entire fleet." Odysseus pushed himself away from Polities and Eurylochus, his brows furrowed. He walked forward, deeper into the cave.

"What's the matter Ody?" Eurylochus asked, seeing his friend's perplexed look.

"Yeah, this is amazing for us." Polites chimed in. "It's literally perfect."

Odysseus turned to face his friends. "That's just it." He said. "It's too perfect. Too good to be true. Why would the Lotus Eaters pass up on all of this?"

"Who are you!?"

The deep voice rang out, echoing through the cave and startling all the men in the cave. Their torches blew out and the men stood frozen in fear as a cyclops made its way into view. Each step of the cyclops shook the cave. The cyclops studied the men, until his eye landed on the downed sheep, arrow still lodged into its side and blood coating its wool. 

"Hey there!" Odysseus said, hands up in defense, hoping he could talk his way out of this and save them from a fight. "We're just travelers We come in peace."

"You... You killed my sheep." The cyclops said. Odysseus looked over his shoulder at the dead sheep. "My favorite sheep." Odysseus looks back up at the cyclops, now realizing his grave mistake. "What gives you the right to deal such a pain? Time for me to teach you that it’s not so fun to take. Your lives are in my hands. You came to my home to steal, but now you become my meal. A trade, you see? Take from you like you took from me."

"There's been a misunderstanding.” Odysseus cried. He glanced around. Maybe something around the cave could hall him talk his way out of this. “We never came here with the intention to steal. We had no idea these sheep belonged to you. But I know we have done some damage by killing your sheep." As Odysseus glanced around, he spotted a large chalice the cyclops uses for his drinks, and an idea popped into Odysseus' head. "But I'm hoping that maybe you and I could make a deal." 

The creature tilted his head, curious as to what the man was gonna offer. So Odysseus continued. "I'll give you our finest treasure." Odysseus reaches in his cloak. "As long as we leave alive, I'll give you the world's best tasting wine." He pulls out a bag containing said wine, and he also grabs a few lotus seeds, unbeknownst to the cyclops who perked up. 

"Wine?" The cyclops asked. Odysseus pulled the cork out, and the cyclops' eyes dilated slightly at the sent. As Odysseus walked over to the chalice, he swiftly slipped the lotus seeds into the wine. 

"Yes, wine. All for you. Have a drink, and we shall be on our way. No need for any bloodshed." Odysseus pored the wine into the chalice. Once he was done, the cyclops grabbed the chalice and Odysseus made his way back to his men. "A trade, you see? A gift from you and a gift from me" 

The cyclops drinks the wine. He set his chalice back down with a satisfied sigh. 

“I’d like to thank you. Stranger, what’s your name?” The cyclops asked. 

Eurylochus muttered something under his breath, but Odysseus had a plan. He smiled up at the cyclops. “My name is Nobody.” 

“Nobody?” The cyclops asked.

”That’s right. My name is Nobody.” 

“That’s a strange name.” The cyclops said. “Well, Nobody, I thank you for your gift.”

”I’m so glad we could talk this out, and that we see eye to eye.” The man said with a smile. Odysseus turned to Polities and Eurylochus who were both glad they could get out of this situation without any bloodshed. 

“Yes, so in return you shall be the final man to die.” 

Odysseus’ eyes widened. “What?” He questioned as he turned his head back towards the cyclops. He sees the creature raise an arm up, reading an attack. He quickly turned back to his men. He had to alert them and get them out of range.

”Watch out!”

Chapter Text

"Watch out!"

The cyclops brought his fist down. Hitting the ground, hard. The cave shook as the cyclops reared up and roared. Well, there was no talking their way out of this now. Odysseus and his crew were going to have to fight their way out. 

Odysseus steadied himself. "My brothers." He called to his crew. "Arm yourselves. We are going to have to strike down this giant beast." The soldiers obeyed and pulled out their weapons. "The rest of the fleet is as good as dead if we are defeated. So, we must slay this beast, here and now." The was no chance for any backup. It was just them verses the cyclops. There were 600 lives at stake, and once they killed the cyclops, their journey would be over. 

"No one is dying on me, not today. Defeat in not allowed. We all must live through this day. So we fight!" Odysseus raised his sword and his crew followed his lead. The cyclops roared.

"Attack from behind. Stay in his blind spot and strike his heels." Odysseus shouted orders at his crew as they attacked. "Be sure to keep distance in mind. Don't let him get close. He may be strong but he's slow, and he can't land a blow if we're out of reach." 

While his soldiers attacked the cyclops, Odysseus climbed up to a ledge in the cave. He jumped off and drove his sword into the monster's back, creating a large gash in it's back. The cyclops roared in pain and fell down to it's knees. Once Odysseus landed back on the ground, Polities extended a hand for him. Odysseus took his friend's hand and Polities helped him back up to his feet. 

The soldiers kept attacking, forcing the cyclops back. The cyclops roared and swung it's hands at the soldiers, but could never hit one. Odysseus had just shared a high five with Eurylochus when the cyclops made it's first hit. The cave went silent in horror as the cyclops struck a soldier with a club. The soldier was sent flying through the air, landing on the ground with a sickening thud. Blood pools around the form as he weakly looked at Odysseus. Odysseus froze, his breaths heavy. 

"Captain." Polities choked out. 

Behind Polities, the cyclops stood, club in hand. "Enough." Odysseus could do nothing but stare ahead at the broken, now lifeless, body of his best friend. He didn't hear the soldiers shouting for him. 

The cyclops struck another soldier. Then another, then another, then another. The soldiers shouted for their captain, begging for him to do something, but Odysseus remained unresponsive. 

They cyclops raised his club for another attack. Odysseus is sort of pulled back to reality by Eurylochus who was trying to drag him away to keep Odysseus from getting himself killed. Odysseus now sees the full damage around him, and it was still unfolding. Several soldiers dead because he had frozen up, and the cyclops continued to kill more. Eurylochus pushed Odysseus in front of him and the two began to run to the exit of the cave, along with the remaining soldiers. 

The cyclops brought down its club once more, directly in front of the entrance of the cave, keeping the soldiers from running out. The force of the club hitting the ground caused the soldiers to stagger. 

"Now die!" It roared. The cyclops raised its club once again. It wavered before collapsing to the ground, unconscious. Dust rose into the air as the cyclops hit the ground. The soldiers coughed and waved a hand in front of their faces as the dust settled. The cyclops had killed about 15 men. 

Not one of Odysseus soldiers had died during the war. Now, 15 were dead by the hands of a cyclops, and the first to be killed was Odysseus' best friend. The person who he was closest to, aside his wife that is, was now gone.

----

"Ody!" Polities cried out, rushing over to his friend. Odysseus, who had just slain the boar, turned to Polities. 

"I did it, Poli. I took down the boar." The boy exclaimed. He went to walk over to his friend, but stumbled when pain shot through his leg. Polities was quick to catch his friend. 

"Odysseus, your bleeding." Polities said. There was a large gash on the inside of the boy's thigh, just above the knee. 

"The boar must have cut me be it fell." Odysseus shrugged, not really noticing the pain due to the adrenaline. Polities helped his friend to a nearby rock and made him sit down. He was not about to let his friend go anywhere until he has fixed up the wound, at least just enough to get back to the palace. 

After slowing the bleeding down and wrapping the wound, Polities helps Odysseus up. He slung his friend's arm over his shoulder, supporting Odysseus' weight so he can keep as much weight off his injured leg. The two began slowly making their way back to the castle. 

"Thanks, Polities." Odysseus said.

Polities smiled at Odysseus. "You're welcome, my friend."

--

"I know your hatred for violence, my friend, but I thank you for joining us." Odysseus said as he put a hand on his friend's shoulder. The men stood in front of the ships they'd be taking to war. 

Polities laughed. "Of course. I have been by your side since we were kids. I'm not about to stop that now." He grinned mischievously. "Besides, Penelope won't be around to keep you in line, so someone's got to fill that roll. And I don't think I can trust Eury to keep you out of trouble."

Odysseus playfully rolled his eyes and shoved his friend, who laughed once more. "I am fully capable of keeping myself out of trouble." Odysseus retaliated. 

"Sure." The taller man sarcastically replied. 

The two men shared a laugh as they boarded the ship.

--

Odysseus turned to his friend. "How do you do it?" 

"Do what?" Polities asked, not looking up from cleaning and wrapping the wound on Odysseus' arm. 

"Several years at war, and you are the same optimistic man you were when we left." Odysseus stated. Polities hummed. He finished his patching Odysseus up and began to put his supplies away. "How you you stay so optimistic and so full of hope?" 

"I simply greet the world with open arms, my friend." Polities turned to his friend, smile on his face. "Always have."

"But keeping your guard down, and during a war, can be--" Odysseus is interrupted by his friend. 

"I didn't say that, my friend. I mean, we are in the middle of a war. Of course I have my guard up. Not all the time though." Polities walked over to his friend and took a seat beside him. "People tend to walk through their lives ready to fight all the bad things away, but then they miss out on a bunch of the good." Polities outstretched an arm and put the other around his friend's shoulder. "I walk through life with open arms, ready to catch all the good things. Sure, I catch more bad things than others, but I also catch more good things." Polities looked over at Odysseus. "People miss just how amazing this life is because they are too focused on trying to fight all the bad things away."

Polities leaped up and stood in front of Odysseus. "This life is amazing. You just have to greet the world with open arms to truly see it."

----

Odysseus looked down at his shaking hands, smeared with blood and dirt. Was the blood from Polities, one of the other now dead soldiers, the cyclops? Odysseus didn't know, and he didn't really want to think about it either. 

"I am so sorry, my friend." Odysseus beathed out, too quiet for anyone else to hear. 

Chapter Text

Odysseus was standing staring ahead at the cyclops that now lay unconscious in front of the cave entrance. The cyclops that had killed several soldiers. Who killed his best friend. As he stared, his anger grew. He was filled with grief and anger.

A hand on his shoulder pulled him back to reality. “Captain!” Eurylochus shouted. 

“We must move quickly.” Odysseus said, not looking back at Eurylochus. “I’m not sure how much more time we have. He didn’t notice I slipped a few lotus seeds into his wine. This is not the end, mark my words.”

“Captain, what are we to do about our fallen friends?” Eurylochus questioned. 

Tears welled up in Odysseus’ eyes. A few slipped out and rolled down his cheeks. “Remember them.” His voice barely above a whisper. “We remember them. We are not to let them die in vain.” 

He turned to his troops, raising his sword. “We remember them! We are the ones who carry on the flames of the fallen. We will not let them die in vain!” 

“Listen up, I need all hands on his club.” Odysseus ordered. “Use your swords and sharpen it into a spear.” Odysseus turned to the cyclops once more. “His body is blocking the exit. We can’t kill him or we will be stuck inside.”

“Then where do we attack captain.” Eurylochus asked.

Odysseus turned to his second in command. “The eye.” He stated. Eurylochus nodded. He helped the other soldiers sharpen the club into a giant spear. 

Odysseus knelt down beside the broken body of Polities. He grabbed his headband and wrapped it around his wrist. He used his teeth to tighten the knot. He glanced over to the soldiers who had finished sharpening the club and readied to strike. 

Odysseus looked down at Polities’ headband now tied around his wrist. “I will not let you die in vain, my friend.” He turned back to the soldiers. “Now!”

The soldiers stabbed the spear into the cyclops’ eye. It roared in pain, reaching up and ripping the spear out of its eye. 

“Scatter!” Odysseus ordered. 

The cyclops roared again, falling to its knees holding its face in its hands. 

“Who hurt you?” Another deep voice asked. Another cyclops.

“More?” Eurylochus questioned quietly. 

Spotting a rock nearby, Odysseus motioned Eurylochus to follow. “Hide over here.” The two hid as more cyclopes appeared questioning who hurt Polyphemus. 

“Captain, we should run.” Eurylochus whispered. 

“Wait.” Odysseus simply stated. 

“Who hurt you?” The cyclopes asked once again.

”Captain, please.” Eurylochus said, he feared they were going to get caught.

”Wait.” Odysseus said again.

Polyphemus finally looked up to answer the question. “Nobody. It was Nobody.” The cyclops cried. 

The other cyclopes scoffed in annoyance. “If nobody hurts you, be silent.” They leave.

”Don’t go!” Polyphemus cried, but his plea when unheard. 

Odysseus turned to his friend. “Let’s grab the sheep and get out of here.” 

The soldiers ran back to the ships, sheep in hand. Right as Odysseus stepped foot on the ship, his wrist is grabbed and time slowed down.

”Have you forgotten all that I have taught you.” Athena said. "He is still a threat until he's dead. Finish it."

"No."

Athena looked down at Odysseus and raised a brow. "No?"

"What good is killing?..." Odysseus trailed off and looked at Polities' headband. "What good is it when mercy is a skill more of this world could learn how to use?" Tears welled in the man's eyes as he looked back up at the goddess, his anger flaring up again. "My friend is dead! He is dead, and our foe is blind! So much blood has been shed, and for what? Is this what it means to be a Warrior of the Mind?"

Athena's eyes widen. "Don't!" She reached out to him, but it is already too late.

"Hey, cyclops!" Odysseus shouted. "When we met, I led with peace. I wanted no bloodshed. But you... you chose not to spare and this is your consequence. My comrades will not die in vain, I swear it. So the next time you choose not to spare remember them. Remember me. I'm the reigning king of Ithaca, your darkest moment. I am the infamous.... Odysseus!"

The ships continued to sail away from the cave. Back on the island, the cyclops grinned. He was no longer hurt by Nobody, but rather Odysseus of Ithaca. And now, he was going to make Odysseus regret his actions. 

Chapter Text

“I am the infamous.... Odysseus!"

Odysseus could feel Athena’s anger and disappointment as he yelled at the cyclops, but he couldn’t be bothered to care. Time slowed down and the world around him disappeared as Athena pulled him back into Quick Thought. She stood behind the warrior. They stood in silence for a few moments before Athena’s sharp voice shattered the silence. 

“You were reckless. At best, you were being sentimental. But that is no teaching of mine. You have grown soft.” She walked towards the man, leaning over his shoulder. “Your dead friends can attest to that.” 

“Hey!”

”Put your emotions aside.” She moved in front of Odysseus, back facing him. “You are a warrior. You’re meant to lead. I don’t know where I went wrong.” She turned and faced the man, holding her head high as she tapped her spear on the ground. “However, I warned you. I told you what the consequences would be if you failed me. You will no longer be my warrior. This way, you can learn what your place is. This way you can’t disappoint me or waste my time anymore. I shall close the door, consider this as my goodbye.”

She disappeared. She was still there, Odysseus was still in quick thought. It was that same spell the goddess had cast the day they had first met face to face.

Odysseus huffed a laugh, but it was not a happy sound. “You know, I should have expected this, why should I be surprised.” He rolled his eyes with a scoff, crossing his arms. “That’s just like you, selfish, prideful and vain. Every time someone dies, you leave me to deal with it alone.”

Odysseus looked down at his hands. “I have done everything you’ve asked me over the years. I have killed, and that blood is something I can never take back. I have given everything to make you proud, to be your Warrior of the Mind. But what is a title that a goddess could give, if I can’t sleep at night?” 

He threw his arms out, looking around the void, knowing Athena was still listening. “You know, I saw you as a friend, not just my mentor. But now we’re done. And it’s probably better this way. So now you can get what you want and save your time. Go ahead, close the door and have your damn goodbye.” 

He turned to walk off, only for Athena to reappear directly in front of him. “I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to make a warrior. I mistook you for that warrior. What a waste of time and effort spent.”

Odysseus scoffed, a bitter smile on his face. “Well at least I know what I’m fighting for. I fight for my family. You claim emotions and love get in the way, but my wife and son are the only thing that got me through the war. And who are you fighting for? Nobody but yourself. Cause you don’t have anyone but yourself to fight for, right? You’re alone!” There was a few beats of silence. Odysseus did regret yelling at Athena, but he is still overwhelmed with anger and guilt and many more emotions from just losing his closest friend.

Athena’s eyes widened and she took a step back in shock and a bit of hurt. She is quick to recompose herself and she sighed as she turned her back to the man. “One of these days, you will come to understand. One day… but not today.” She walked a few paces away before coming to a halt again.

She turned back to Odysseus, face housing anger. “No, today you’ve severed your own head, you’ve cut the line. Today you’ve lost it all, and it’s all on you. Consider this as my goodbye.” Wind began blowing around the two. Her blue magic began to glow around her.

Odysseus reached out to his mentor, taking a few steps towards her. “Athena!” He called out. But she disappeared, for good this time. Odysseus found himself back on his ship as Athena deactivated quick thought.

“We showed him, didn’t we captain?” He heard Eurylochus say. Eurylochus put a hand on his shoulder. “That creature will rue the day it crossed our path.” Eurylochus finally looked over at Odysseus and his face fell into one of concern as Odysseus pushed himself away from Eurylochus, and began to walk away.

“Yeah, so will I.”

Chapter Text

It had been who knows how long since the cyclops, and the fleet was almost home. However, a violently brewing storm was making tough to get to the island. The waves crashed around the fleet as the ships continued to push forward. To Odysseus, the storm almost seemed too abrupt and too violent to be nature's doing. Could it be divine?  

A rather violent wave crashes into the front of Odysseus’ ship, soaking Odysseus who was standing near the front. He grabbed hold of the side of the ship for balance as he looked out over the water. Ahead, he could see Ithaca. This storm would be their final fight, so the fleet had to keep moving. Rain poured down as the ships moved through the growing waves and violent winds.  

“Comrades!” Odysseus shouted, so his crew could hear him over the growing noise of the brewing storm.

”Sir!” The crew answered in unison.

“Brace for a storm!” Odysseus ordered. The crew got to work. They follow their captain’s orders in hopes to keep the ship steady as they move through this storm. Eurylochus made his way over to Odysseus. 

“Captain!” Eurylochus shouted, grabbing ahold of the side of the ship as a wave rocked the ship. 

“We must keep pushing forward.” Odysseus said. 

Eurylochus looked out at the waves in worry. “But captain, these waves, we will capsize because of them.”

”Tread where the tide is flat to avoid the waves.” Odysseus ordered. “And keep heading towards the island.” The men stumbled as a large, rouge wave crashed into the side of the ship. 

“We are taking too much damage. At this rate, we won’t be able to make it to the island.” Eurylochus called out, Odysseus didn’t acknowledge this. Eurylochus was unsure whether Odysseus didn’t hear him or chose to ignore him. The waves continued to grow as the rain poured down on the fleet. Odysseus kept the crew pushing forward, however they were not making up much ground due to the violent storm and massive waves. 

Suddenly, there was a break in the clouds. “Captain, look!” A few soldiers shouted. Odysseus and Eurylochus look up to where the men were pointing.

”Is that…?” Eurylochus trailed off. He rubbed his eyes, thinking he was losing his mind or something. “I’m not the only one seeing this, right?

”No. No you’re not.” Odysseus answered, putting a hand on Eurylochus‘ shoulder. “It’s an island in the sky.” A floating island. That could only mean… Odysseus’ eyes widened as an idea popped into his head. 

“Eurylochus, grab the harpoons. As many as you can find.” 

Eurylochus looked at his captain, who continued to look at the floating island. “What’s your plan, captain?” 

Odysseus looked at Eurylochus. He had a smirk on his face and that glint in his eyes that could only be described as mischievous. “We’re gonna shoot for the sky.” 

Eurylochus‘ features scrunched in confusion. “What?” 

“Go! We need those harpoons before the island is out of reach.” Odysseus ordered. Eurylochus and a few other men ran off to find the harpoons as Odysseus looked back up at the island. Was this plan of his going to work? He didn’t know for sure. But this was their best shot. 

When Eurylochus returned with the harpoons, Odysseus grabbed one and turned to his crew. “Okay everyone. Grab a harpoon and aim for the island in the sky!” He ordered. Each man grabbed a harpoon and aimed up at the island.

”Fire!” 

Hundreds of harpoons launched towards the floating island. Several reached their intended target, getting the ships away from the raging storm. Odysseus breathed out a sigh of relief, happy his plan had succeeded. Well, at least the first part had succeeded. If the fleet was going to make it home, they were going to have to get through the storm, and Odysseus had an opportunity to make it easier to get back to Ithaca. 

Eurylochus sighed. He was grateful that the ship hadn’t capsized, but he was also worried. What would have happened if they hadn’t seen this island in the sky? He glanced over at his captain. He could tell by the look in his eyes that Odysseus had a plan, but Eurylochus worried that the plan had some serious potential consequences if it failed. 

Eurylochus pushed himself to his feet. He needed to voice his worries to Odysseus. Just how much longer until his luck ran out, and the crew has to pay the consequences for it?