#rtwrh

He didn't hear Odysseus call out his name, or the polite, "Excuse me," that followed. He was standing in front of a shelf, staring blankly ahead of him as his thoughts wandered.

Odysseus wasn't sure what to do. He had noticed the change in his demeanor since returning to the ship, but didn't believe it was in his place to question it. After all, he had only made the situation worse for the longest time. This was all still new to them, and if this was how Polites needed to process things, that was fine.

But he really needed the hammer on the shelf behind him...

He called out one last time for good measure, smirking when he still didn't budge. He looked his friend up and down, considering his options. He could see through his stomach to the tool resting on the shelf, was it really just as simple as reaching out to grab it?

They all had made sure not to cross certain boundaries with Polites since he returned. They didn't ask what dying felt like, they tried not to stare at his wounds, they pretended like it was totally normal for him to phase through walls, and they didn't walk or reach through him. He wasn't sure why or how these rules were established amongst them, but it was universally understood without much communication.

But boundaries had always been more lenient between them. They were best friends, brothers by choice, so surely he wouldn't mind if he just slipped through to grab what he needed.

Polites was ripped from his thoughts when a sudden tingling sensation shot through his whole body, emanating from his belly. He jerked back with a yelp, phasing halfway through the shelf.

Odysseus was staring at him with amused bewilderment, standing there with a hammer in hand.

"Did you really just reach through me to grab that?" he asked incredulously, failing to hide his growing smile.

"Sorry, I tried to get you to move but you didn't hear me," he explained, a smirk firmly in place. "Thought you wouldn't mind, but I should've known you'd still be ticklish," he took the opportunity to tease him.

Even as a ghost, the memory of a blush dusted his cheeks. "Hey!" he whined, despite the giddy feeling swelling in his chest. He couldn't remember the last time he felt like this.

And then he remembered the last time Hermes paid him a visit. Oh yeah.

"So what's it feel like when I do this?" Odysseus asked, reaching out to stick his hand through his side, wiggling his fingers as he did so. Polites let out a giggly squeal, twisting to the side as he drifted away, but Odysseus followed.

"Ihihit tihihickles, what doho you thihihink?" he sassed, only to snort when his other hand joined the fray.

"It was a valid question, smart ass!" he scolded playfully before continuing this sudden round of questioning. "So does it feel any different than it used to?"

"I-I dohohon't knohow!" He really wasn't sure, to be honest. Yes, it still tickled like hell, but in a different way than he was used to. When he was alive, the feeling was more or less localized to the targeted spot. Now, it radiated through his whole body, but felt strongest where Odysseus was reaching through him. "M-mahahaybe?"

"Hm, interesting. We'll have to investigate further," Odysseus decided, winking at him before swiping at his ribs. Polites shrieked and tried to float away, only for Odysseus to catch him by the ankle.

"Nohoho we wohohon't!" he argued halfheartedly, tugging weakly on his leg. He wasn't exactly sure how Odysseus was able to both hang onto him and phase through him, but he wasn't able to dwell on the thought as fingers scribbling over his foot had him snorting and giggling, desperate to get away. He was still wearing shoes, how was that even possible? None of this made any sense.

"Sure we will! This is a profound discovery!"

"Nohoho ihihit's nohohot!" he insisted through bubbly giggles. Odysseus arched a brow because he really didn't sound surprised. And then it clicked.

"Wait a second, did you know about this?” he asked, wiggling his fingers faster when Polites tried to answer, drawing out a giddy squeal.

“N-nohoho!” he denied, his voice high pitched, and not just from the laughter.

“You really suck at lying, you know that? Especially when you’re laughing your ass off,” he taunted. Polites blushed a little darker at his words.

“Thahat’s nohohot fair!” he whined, but didn’t protest further or put up much of a fight.

Odysseus lit up as a realization dawned on him, and he paused to give Polites a chance to answer. “So was this what Hermes meant when he said he had to cheer you up?”

Polites bristled at the question, eyes flying wide open to stare at his friend in shock. “What?” he squeaked, because how the hell did he know about that? “No!”

But Odysseus was already laughing. “Oho man, are you serious!”

“It’s not funny!” Yet the smile on his face said otherwise.

“You’re right, it’s hilarious!”

“Odysseus!” he cried, trying to smack his hands free, but unable to focus enough to shove him away. Or maybe, he just didn’t want to.

“Polites!”

“It’s nohohot funnyyyy!” he repeated through giggles when Odysseus chose that moment to strike again.

“Don’t you know humor is subjective?” he chuckled at his own joke while Polites managed to groan through his laughter.

“Ohohody, come ohon!”

“What? I’m just trying to cheer you up! Like Hermes did-”

“SHUHUT UHUHUP!” he interrupted with a piercing shriek when Odysseus went back to scribble and phase through his belly.

“No thanks, I’m good,” Odysseus shrugged him off, continuing to explore all the spots he knew so well.

Odysseus couldn't be happier. Ever since Polites returned, he hadn't been the same. It was still him, but he wasn't himself. He wasn't happy anymore, not the way he had been. That bright carefree smile he saw every day became a rare sight, and he hadn't heard him laugh since they were on the island with the lotus eaters.

Now they were laughing, teasing one another, and it was (almost) just like old times.

Eurylochus stood at the helm of the ship, smiling in disbelief as they finally made it home. An overwhelming joy filled his chest, but there was an unrelenting sense of nervous dread that swelled in the pit of his stomach. Odysseus should be here.

He would have to be the one to tell them. It was his fault, after all. Everything started with that damned bag... But more than that, he was the first mate, the King's second in command; who else could possibly break the news? He would have to look his dear wife in the eyes, for the first time in over 18 years, and tell her that her brother didn't make it home. And the boy...

Eurylochus could see him now as they docked the ship. There was no doubt it was him, he was the spitting image of his best friend. His excitement was obvious and heartbreaking, and he watched the smile slowly fade as man after man left the ship and walked past. He took a shaky breath and stepped off the ship.

"You're his son," they were the only words he could think to say.

He really tried to keep it together, but everything came crashing down all at once. He was home. His nephew had grown into a strong young man who would've made his father unbelievably proud. He was staring at him with confused, tearful eyes, and he broke down.

"I'm so sorry."

"What did you say?" Telemachus asked, shoving the stranger away. "Why are you sorry? Where's my father?" he demanded, tears beginning to run down his cheeks.

"I... I don't know," he admitted, head hung low in shame.

"LIAR!" the young prince accused.

A fist suddenly connected to his jaw, and Eurylochus stumbled to the ground. He knelt before him, begging for forgiveness.

"Please, it's the truth!" Eurylochus insisted. By now, Leander and Asterios had rushed over, holding the prince back.

"If he's dead, just fucking tell me! I'm a man, I can take it!" he screamed, tears of frustration pouring down his face as he fought against their hold. Eurylochus signaled for them to let him go, and he ran towards him, ready to throw another punch.

He easily caught his wrist, his grip much more gentle than what Telemachus expected.

"I really don't know for certain," he said softly. "But- I-I don't believe he's dead," he scrambled to add. Telemachus scoffed, shoving him away. Eurylochus grabbed his wrist so he wouldn't storm away.

"You're in denial just like everyone else!" Telemachus twisted free from his grip, but didn't go anywhere.

"I've seen him survive worse," he reasoned. "It's a long story, so why don't we go for a walk?"

He was hesitant to accept, but nodded in agreement. After all, he wanted answers. "I can show you around."

"Thank you. I'm Eurylochus," he finally introduced himself. Telemachus gasped as he realized the man before him was his uncle, and began to see him in a whole new light. He grabbed him in a hug, clinging on as if he thought he would vanish if he let go.

"I'm... I'm glad you're home."

~~~

They walked off into the woods, and Telemachus listened as Eurylochus recounted the struggles on their journey home. His uncle had warned him to listen with an opened mind, that many unbelievable things had befallen the crew. He didn't say a word as Eurylochus told him of their old friend Polites, and what had happened in the cave. He remained silent as he explained how they traveled through the underworld, and how their friend stowed away on board. He explained that Zeus somehow knew Polites escaped the underworld, and forced his father to choose between his lifelong best friend and the lives of his crew. And how, as they said their final goodbye, Zeus struck.

"I... I think I need to be alone for a while," he muttered, tucking his face into his knees as he sat.

Eurylochus nodded, offering his shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Of course. I'll be sure to let your mother know you're safe." He left Telemachus alone to process everything he had just heard.

The young prince wandered through the woods until he found a rock to sit on. His mind trails off, wondering where his father could be, if not dead at the bottom of the ocean? Poseidon hated all of them, Eurylochus said so himself.

Why did Zeus even care so much anyway? From the sound of it, Polites was already dead, that wasn't going to change. And it's not like he would be acting on his brother's behalf. If Hades had a problem with it, he would've been the one to show up. He doubted he even noticed one soul was missing, so why try and kill him again? Why kill Odysseus as well?

Eurylochus had been sparing with the details. He had said something about how their friend could've possibly caught Zeus's attention, but when he pressed further, he changed the subject.

All his life, Telemachus had wondered about his father, but now there were new questions to answer. Like just who was this Polites guy, and what exactly happened after Zeus threw that lightning bolt?

~~~

As it turns out, Eris was a good listener. A great listener, in fact. She nodded along, asking questions or interjecting her own commentary in a surprisingly humane way. She could still be bitchy, and Polites didn't trust her as far as he could throw her, but regardless, she seemed to like him. The more he talked, the more comfortable she made him feel. They shared a pot of herbal tea that was pleasantly floral and sweet. And it was cold. He'd never had tea served cold before, but it was nice. She used a beautiful black porcelain tea set that had been repaired with gold, sealing their broken pieces back together. On the center of the table sat a tiered tray of pastries, colorful and mouthwatering, although he didn't take a bite until she did the same. It very well might be the best thing he's ever tasted, but then again, he hasn't eaten since long before his death, so his judgement might be skewed. But still, this was a damn good tart.

"I must admit, I have looked in on your crew from time to time. Just, to check up on my son. And you've always been kind to him, even when he felt like an outcast. For that, I've grown fond of you, and I was... disappointed to learn of your fate." Eris spoke earnestly.

"It was nothing, he's a really cool guy, just a bit shy is all," he shrugged sheepishly. His words made her smile.

"Is he... happy?"

Polites hesitated before answering. "As happy as any of them can be, I suppose."

"Thats fair," she sighed. She glanced at him, smirking and shaking her head.  "Zeus really overreacted sending you here."

Polites huffed, offering a sad, half smile. "Tell me about it."

"You know," she began slowly, drumming her nails against the table in thought, "I could help you escape from here. If that's something you'd be interested in."

Polites nearly choked at the offer. "I- um- yeah, of course! I-I mean, if that's something you can do," he stuttered and tripped over his own words.

"You will need to do all the ground work yourself," she deadpanned, hiding her smirk at his enthusiasm. "But... I'll pull a few strings on my end. Make sure the right people are clued in, and keep the wrong ones occupied," she added with a wink, staring at him from over the rim of her teacup.

Polites arched a skeptical brow. Sure, he was willing to do anything to get back to the world he loved, but out of all the Gods, Eris was as untrustworthy as they come. He wanted to hear her out, but he needed details.

"Who are the "right" people?"

"Your friend Hermes, of course. And I suppose Dionysus will want in as well, what with him trying to make a name for himself. And I should probably let my brother know, just to ensure he turns a blind eye," she listed off.

"Which brother?"

"Thanatos, but you really shouldn't look so worried, I assure you he won't care. Once his job is done with you, he's onto the next poor soul. And he's been ever so busy these days..." she trailed off.

Polites froze the moment the name left her lips, the memory of a racing heart drumming inside his chest.

"For some reason, I don't think the God of Death would approve this plan..."

His concern only made her laugh. "You're already dead, Polites. He couldn't care less about what happens to you now."

Polites still wasn't convinced, leveling her with a skeptical glare are a raised brow. "How can you be so certain?" Eris rolled her eyes, taking a long, loud sip from her tea cup before answering.

"I promise, his bark is worse than his bite. You humans love to vilify even the most natural of things," she said flippantly. "Everyone's time comes eventually. He just, helps you along. Tell me, how was your experience with him?"

The question caught him completely off guard, and he reeled back in shock. Nonetheless, he answered her question, thinking back to his last real moments.

"He was..."

Polites had never felt so much pain before. He couldn't move, couldn't breathe. When they won the war, he had foolishly thought that meant he would make it back home. That maybe he wouldn't die a gruesome death in battle, but instead, in his old age, surrounded by family. Acceptance came easier than he expected, but the loss of what should've been still hurt.

His eyes glazed over and he fell limp. The last whispering rattle of a breath escaped his lungs as a cloaked figure stepped into view. He stood tall, gripping a massive, ornate scythe. He pulled his hood back to reveal a young man with silvery hair and warm golden eyes. He knelt beside him and cupped his head in his hands.

"You fought valiantly until the end. I'm truly sorry," he spoke, before placing a soft kiss to his forehead. He lifted his soul from his body, carrying him in his arms.

"Gentle," Polites answered after trailing off.

"So why do you think he wouldn't want what's best for you?" she asked genuinely.

"I suppose he does," Polites agreed, coming to terms with the fact that Death no longer posed him a threat.

~~~

Eurylochus raced back to the palace once Telemachus dismissed him, ensuring he would follow shortly. After all, he had a lot to process.

He tried not to think about the disappointment, the utter hatred on his nephew's face when he told him his father didn't make it. It was the hardest thing he's had to do, even after all he'd endured. He tried to ignore the guilt swelling in his chest as he ran back to his home, back to his wife. By the Gods, how he'd missed Ctimene.

She was walking through the gardens when he made it to the palace, just as beautiful as the day they first met.

She glanced his way and smiled before letting out a gasp, turning again to find out if she really did see him. When he didn't fade upon a second glance, she screamed. She ran faster than she ever had before, crashing into him with nearly two decades worth of longing.

Eurylochus had always been a strong man, and he braced for impact, ready to steady the both of them. But he was no match for the force that threw herself in his arms, and they both tumbled to the ground.

"I-" but that's all he could say before she swallowed the rest of his words in a kiss.

He returned it with just as much passion.

She pulled away for breath, panting with the sheer excitement she felt. They were finally home!

"You have no idea how many times  I've dreamed of this moment. Come, we must get Penelope, I'm sure Ody is just dying to see her! And Telemachus is running around here somewhere," she stood, taking her husband's hand to guide him. Only to find herself pulled back when he wasn't walking with her.

His grip was firm, and he was kneeling on the ground. Tears welled in his eyes, spilling down his cheeks, leaving wet, clean tracks in their wake.

"Eurylochus, my love, what's wrong?" she asked, taking a step closer. He wept at her feet, hugging her legs and clinging to her dress.

"I'm s-so sssorry," he spoke in a trembling voice, his whole body shaking as he sobbed. Ctimene felt her own tears fall down her cheeks as she knelt before him, clutching him in a tight embrace. His head was resting on her shoulder, and she ran her fingers through his hair. It was longer than she knew he liked it, but it was a good look on him.

"Whatever happened wasn't your fault," she assured him, her own voice weak as she spoke around a lump in her throat. She swallowed hard, and spoke again. "Do you hear me? It wasn't your fault."

He shook his head. "It shouldn't have happened. None of it. Everything was my fault," he began to spiral, talking in fractured circles, unable to explain what exactly happened. He had barely managed with the boy, but this was unbearable. He had relived it once before, and it only seemed worse the second time. Though, maybe that was because of who he was telling it to.

He feared her rejection, her scorn, her blame. He dreaded her mournful wails when he tells her that her brother didn't make it. The hateful look in her eyes the same as Telemachus.

"We all would've been home so many years ago if I didn't-"

"Shhhh," she soothed, stroking his head as she began rocking back and forth. "No more what ifs. You're home now."

They sat silently in the grass for a moment before she broke the silence, jumping up with a scream, "YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW ABOUT OPHELIA!"

He abruptly face planted as she shot up, not able to brace himself in time. Ophelia... of all the names they had chosen for a daughter, that had been his favorite. Which meant...

Eurylochus scrambled to his feet, a wide grin spreading across his face. "We have a daughter?" he asked, heart already swelling with joy, excitement, too many emotions hitting him all at once as she nodded.

"I HAVE A DAUGHTER!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, picking up his wife as he spun her around in his arms.

He hoped the whole world could hear him.

"I found out two weeks after you left," she said, choking back another sob.

By the time they reached the door, Ophelia was standing there, already looking for them, and flew the door open, smacking Eurylochus in the face, sending him stumbling back.

"Oh Gods, I'm so sorry Sir, excuse-" Ophelia stopped her rambling when she noticed her mother clinging to this stranger's arms, doting on his already swelling cheek. Little did she know, her cousin was to blame for that.

"Father?" she gasped and ran straight into his arms, clinging onto him as she cried into his chest. "I've thought about you every waking moment of my whole life."

It was a breathy, choked whisper, and he wasn't sure if he was supposed to hear it. He hugged her tighter, stroking a hand through her long, dark curls. He had often wondered if he had a child waiting for him when he returned home. They had been trying before he had to leave, so there was always a chance, but he never knew for sure. Had stayed up countless nights hoping, praying to the Gods for it to be true. He had thought about all the possibilities of what his son or daughter might be like, whether they take after their mother or father more, what their personality was like, if they were bold and outgoing like Ctimene, or more shy and reserved like he was. He wondered what they liked to do, and what their favorite food was.

"It's okay, I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere."

~~~

Eris sat across from Polites, tracing the rim of her cup with her finger. "I've given you all the advice I can. Only one question remains."

"Which is?" he asked, arching a brow.

"Are you ready to go back?" she asked, tilting her head. Her hair flowed around her as if under water. A humming tune droned on as she traced the rim of the cup, growing louder with each second.

"Of course."

"Then I guess this is goodbye. Until we meet again, Polites."

"Thank you. It's been nice meeting you."

His words made her chuckle and look away. Call him crazy, but he could swear she was blushing.

"I actually think you mean that." 

"I do," he insisted. She offered him a soft, sad smile.

"Thank you."

Polites didn't get the chance to answer. With a wave of her hand, the chair beneath him crumbled to sand, and he found himself tumbling down.

It felt like he was in an hourglass, getting sucked down, down, down in a whirlpool of sand. Time lost all meaning. He could feel each grain of sand pass through his ethereal form as he continued falling. Slowly but surely, the sand stuck together until he was whole. And suddenly, all at once, the rushing wind in his ears stopped and his feet planted firmly on the ground, as if he'd been standing there for hours.

Polites looked down at his hands, and for once, he couldn't see through himself. He barked out a laugh, patting his chest, face, stomach, shoulders, anywhere he could reach because he was there. He was flesh and bone, just like everyone else. Sure, it was bloodied and bruised, but he felt truly alive.

And then he took a look around.

~~~

Telemachus had finally made it back to the palace after a long, far walk in the woods. He wanted nothing more than to slip away to his room unnoticed, but he would never be so lucky. Not with so many suitors roaming every inch of the palace halls, all of whom were obsessed with making his life a living hell.

He went stiff and sneered when he felt a heavy arm throw itself around his shoulders.

"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you."

"Oh I'm sure you have, Antinous. You've made it quite clear that you have nothing better to do with your life," he snapped, not even bothering to look at him.

"Careful boy, or you might hurt someone with that sharp tongue of yours," he taunted, and Telemachus shoved him off harshly.

"Stop calling me that, we're practically the same age!" he hissed, but that only made Antinous chuckle.

"Nah, I still got a few years on you,” he said with a smirk, reaching up to ruffle his hair. Telemachus slapped him away before he could even touch him.

"What the fuck do you even want?" he asked, cutting to the chase. He crossed his arms over his chest, cocking his hip to the side impatiently.

"Like I said, sharp tongue." Just like that, he was back in the prince's personal space, trapping him in a one armed hug. "I actually came to offer my condolences."

Telemachus felt his blood run cold.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he spoke coldly.

"Come on, don't pretend to be in denial," he purred in his ear. "I noticed the king's crew arrived today. Without the king." Telemachus was breathing heavy, nostrils flared and fists clenched by his sides. "I can't begin to imagine the pain you must be going through-"

"LIKE YOU CARE!" he yelled in his face, sending him reeling back in shock. Antinous blinked a few times before recovering, easily slipping back into his sly smile.

"Hey, I'm just trying to level with you. Man to man."

That actually made Telemachus snort in amusement. "That's rich."

"Just, hear me out. You and I already know what happened to your father, don't we?"

Telemachus turned on him, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and slamming him against the nearest wall.

"You don't know anything! So I suggest you stop talking before you regret it," he threatened. But the bastard only grinned.

"Think about it. A lot can happen in 17 years... Plenty of time for a mutiny."

"Shut up!"

"Why else would a crew show up without their captain?"

"I said SHUT UP!"

Before he knew what was happening, his fist connected with bone as he socked Antinous in the jaw. He had dreamed of doing that, and it felt just as good as he always imagined.

Until he got punched in the face.

He smiled as he felt pain shoot through his right cheek, settling deep in his eye socket. The fight was on.

~~~

Polites looked at the underworld around him in shock. It was almost completely unrecognizable. Houses and large buildings carpeted the horizon, stretching higher and higher towards the sky. Roads snaked through the growing city, connecting everything to the center, where a large copper statue of Hades himself stood. Polites was still a fair distance away, and he could see every detail.

"What happened?" he asked aloud to no one but himself.

He began wandering the streets, not unlike the ones back home, but much more... he couldn't quite find the word for it. Everything seemed so advanced and efficient; it was almost too perfect.

The buildings were lit as though with the sun itself, shining through nearly every window. Bright signs differentiated the buildings from one another, and the closer he got, he noticed than many were still under construction. Countless souls stood on scaffolding, adding thick mortar to the walls for support.

There were even more horseless chariots than he remembered, driving past him on their way to make a delivery.

Polites did his best to stay out of the way and undetected. It was a fairly easy task, given how busy everyone seemed to be.

Polites found himself in the outskirts of the city, standing at the gates of a botanical garden. The plants were all dead and dried, but remained perfectly preserved. Gardeners tilled the soil and watered the plants in vein.

One of the workers paused to wipe sweat from her brow, glancing at the newcomer. She let out a loud gasp once she realized who stood before her. The watering can fell from her grasp, clattering against the cobblestone walkway.

"Polites?"

~~~

Telemachus may have got the first punch, but he certainly hadn't faired well after that. Antinous was larger and stronger than him, and with much more experience. Telemachus could barely fight back, focusing his efforts on blocking and dodging the punches thrown his way.

By now, his eye was swollen and turning purple, his nose was bleeding, and he was pretty sure his ribs and stomach were bruised as well. He saw Antinous rear back and braced for an impact that didn't come.

He opened his eyes to see Antinous in the same position, his fist slowly moving towards him. Past him, Telemachus saw a strange woman he'd never seen before; one with broad shoulders and musculature, who wore battle armor over her dress, donning a helmet and spear. Her eyes glowed a piercing blue.

There was no question who she was.

"Need some help?" she asked, smiling and arching a brow curiously.

"What's going on here?" he questioned, glancing nervously between Athena and Antinous.

"Is your plan to stand around? 'Cause I suggest you fight back," she advised.

"I don't know how," he answered, fear slipping into his voice.

"Uppercut him, now!" she ordered, and he did as he was told. He hit Antinous below the jaw, the sound of clacking teeth echoing around him as he saw spit fly from his mouth.

"Whoa, how did I do that? Is time now moving slow?" he asked in awe as he watched his opponent stumble back in slow motion.

Athena couldn't help but smirk. "No, I just made your thoughts quick."

His face lit up as he exclaimed, "Whoa, that is so sick!"

His reaction reminded her of his father, and determination settled deep in her bones. She cracked her neck, rolling her shoulders. "Alright now, let's try this again."

Telemachus smiled through the pain, steeling himself for what was to come. He felt invigorated by Athena's help, and he was definitely faster and stronger because of it.

He attacked at any opportunity he saw, aiming for his face, stomach, anywhere he could land a hit. Antinous was starting to look a little worse for wear, stumbling between punches. Telemachus spun around as he was clocked in the jaw, returning the favor with a vengeance.

He could hear yelling behind him, but it was distorted and muffled by the ringing in his ears. Ctimene and Ophelia screamed for him to stop, but to no avail. He didn't even realize his family had been watching until he felt someone try to pull him away.

"FUCK OFF, LET ME GO!" he screamed, bloody spit flew from his mouth as he screamed, trying to shake off his uncle's grip.

"Telemachus, please, this is no way to behave!" Ctimene pleaded with him, tears welling in her eyes. He stopped fighting against him and instead glared at where Antinous stood against a pillar, groaning in pain as he wiped his busted lip.

Telemachus ignored her, ignored all of them except for Antinous. "Be glad they stopped me."

For once, he remained silent.

"How many times have I told you? He's not worth it," she spoke in a hushed voice, one only he could hear. She held his bruised, swollen face in her hands, brushing matted hair away from his face. He shook her off; the last thing he wanted right now was to be coddled.

"No, you don't understand. I couldn't just let him say shit like that," he hissed. His glare never faltered, not even sparing a glance towards anyone else.

"What could he possibly say to make you behave like such an animal?" His aunt's words struck a chord, and he glanced at Athena, receiving a nod of approval. There was no need to hide them from the truth.

"He tried to say that Eurylochus killed my father." His tone was cold and dark, and Ophelia had never seen her cousin look so furious, and now it all made sense. Rage and sorrow swelled in her chest all at once at such an accusation. She gasped behind her hand, gripping onto her mother's arm with the other. Ctimene reeled back in shock, and it felt as though the wind was knocked out of her. She looked to her beloved husband, who was already drowning in incredible guilt, and saw just how deep his words struck.

Wordlessly, Eurylochus released his grip on his nephew's shoulders. No sooner than he did, Telemachus threw himself an Antinous, letting out a viscous war cry as he jumped in the air and landed with a punch straight to the nose.

Eurylochus ushered his family out of the hall, allowing Telemachus to have his way with the worthless bastard.

~~~

Eurydice's life had certain become more dull after Polites left, but she had always been more than fine on her own. But things were changing fast in the underworld, supposedly for the better. Hades told them it was to make death seem more comfortable by mimicking life as they remembered. Except, he promised to make it better. That the underworld should no longer be a place people fear to go, but a peaceful reward for a life well lived. A meaningful sentiment, so it seemed. But she knew Hades, and he was always out to get something.

In his self-righteous attempt to make this bleak place more appealing, he decided to put them to work based on what they were good at in life. He also claimed to take their personal hobbies and interests into account, but that didn't make their slave labor any better. Even if she did enjoy gardening, fuck him for making her do it.

She stood up from planting a strawberry bush, wiping sweat from her brow before grabbing her watering can. She glanced over when she heard someone approach, doing a double take when she saw Polites of all people standing before her.

The watering can fell with a clatter as she called out his name in disbelief. This was bad. Why was he back? How did he come back?

She ran into him, wrapping her arms around his neck as he sobbed into his shoulder. "I missed you so much, but why are you here? Hades is undergoing renovations, and he's trying to make it some sort of utopia, but something about it isn't right, and you shouldn't be here!"

He hugged her back just as tight. "It was Zeus. H-he found out about me somehow. But I have no idea what he did to Odysseus, o-or the crew, but I haven't seen them anywhere, s-so that's a good sign, right?"

She pulled away from the hug to look him in the eyes, gently cupping his face with both hands. "It's a great sign."

~~~

Telemachus screamed with rage as he tackled Antinous to the ground, immediately pelting him with his fists.

He tried to block the hits, but the prince was faster and more agile than he gave him credit for. He still managed to get a few punches in, but from his position on the ground, they weren't nearly as effective as they should've been.

A small group of suitors had gathered to watch, whispering amongst themselves. Telemachus couldn't care less about what they were saying, smirking when he caught a glimpse of fear in his opponent's eyes. Good.

"Should we... do something?"

"No no, I wanna see how this plays out."

"You wanna break it up, be my guest. I'm not getting in the middle of that."

Melanthius, Eurymachus, and Amphinomus debated whether or not to intervene, not willing to risk themselves to save Antinous, knowing he likely wouldn't do the same.

Antinous laid on his side, crawling to his knees with the hope to stand up and fight. But then, Telemachus grabbed a fistful of his hair and slammed his face to the ground.

"Fuck! Stop- stop! I take it back!" Antinous screamed for mercy as blood poured down his face, nose now shattered.

"If you ever talk about my father or uncle again, I'll fucking kill you with my bare hands," he threatened; and in that moment, he believed in his words wholeheartedly.

Antinous nodded, wincing in pain as he tenderly dabbed at the trail of blood.

"Understood."

~~~

Polites told her everything that had happened since they last saw each other; the good, and the bad. She was more upset than he expected when she learned how he was first treated upon his arrival. He assured her that he and Odysseus were on good terms now, that it was all a misunderstanding, yet his friend's actions clearly rubbed her the wrong way. But it was nice that she felt so defensive over him.

They walked as they talked, falling into their old routine as though they'd never been apart. Polites was subtly leading her towards the outskirts of the city, where rolling fields of golden wheat stood between them and home.

"I... I think I know a way we can leave," he blurted out, interrupting her string of questions.

Her breath escaped in a small gasp; her mouth hung open as she looked at Polites hopefully.

"What?"

"I have a plan to get back, and this time, I'm not leaving without you," he said, turning to face her head on. He grabbed her shoulders, his touch firm, yet gentle.

She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I can't Polites. If it were with anyone else, I'm sure it would work. But I can't leave," she spoke around the lump in her throat. "I'm stuck here, no matter how hard you try."

"But we'll have help! Eris said-"

Eurydice pulled away, lip curling in disgust. "Eris?"

"She's really not that bad. Her son's in the crew, and he's a good guy. A little shy and moody, but he's nice in his own ways." He paused for a beat, straightening his shoulders. "And so is she."

She sighed and gripped her hair with both fists. "Polites, I love you, but you are so naive sometimes!"

"Hey! I'm not naive, I survived ten years of war! And I was a damn good spy, so no, Eurydice, I didn't trust her right away if that's what you're worried about," he spat defensively, immediately regretting his harsh words when she looked away. "I'm sorry, but if it weren't for her, I'd still be in Tartarus."

That certainly got her attention.

"What?" she whipped around, eyes wide with fear.

"Zeus didn't send me here... She did. Believe me, I was terrified almost the whole time, but towards the end I really did feel like she wanted to help."

"But why?"

He shrugged. "Honestly, it's a mixed bag. She said she felt sorry for me, and she had always liked me because I was nice to Asterios before he really fit in. She kinda laid it on thick with the pity, but I don't think it was intentional. She just kept acting like I was some sick animal she needed to help."

Eurydice couldn't help but giggle at the description, and he continued, maybe a bit more dramatic for her amusement.

"To make herself feel better, or just to give her something to do, I don't know. But she really does want to help. She said Zeus overreacted by sending me there, and she seemed really pissed off."

"Well yeah, think about it. Tartarus is supposed to be her domain, and he thought he could just use it like that without asking. It's a pretty big insult for a God."

"Yeah, you're right. It's personal to her now. Which could be good for us," he reasoned, mulling it over in his mind.

She hummed in agreement, and they fell silent. The golden hay around them swayed as they walked, reaching up to their waists.

Polites began to smile, and he looked at her with a full on mischievous smirk.

"What's with that look?" she asked, chuckling from his sudden, infectious enthusiasm.

"I think Eris is going to love you. Or at least, she's going to love the idea of breaking you out."

She gasped as she caught on to what he was implying. "C-can she really do that?"

"I don't know, but she lives for drama, and she'd do just about anything to start some. If she finds out Hades is the one who trapped you here, she'll do everything she can to help."

"But what if she can't?" she asked, and she sounded worried. He held her hands in his.

"We have to try."

~~~

Telemachus stormed up to his room, slamming the door harder than necessary. He was about to flop face first into his bed and scream into his pillow, but a certain someone standing on his balcony caught his eye.

"Athena?"

"That was some fight, huh little wolf?"

"Haha- ow," he chuckled at the comment, wincing at the pain the slight movement caused. "So uh, w-why did you help me?" he ventured to ask, shoulders hunched defensively as he took a small step towards her.

Her smile softened, and she gestured for him to come closer. He relaxed and sat beside her on the bench.

"Well, I had a friend before... he was a lot like you, and I thought you could use the help. You have the same potential I saw in him," she smiled, but Telemachus could see a sadness in her eyes that wasn't there before. "I helped him to fight in the war, but by the end, he had too many demons to face. And it... it drove us apart," she admitted, adverting her gaze.

Telemachus scooted closer, listening intently as she continued, "I thought maybe, by helping you, I could make things right somehow."

He hesitated before grabbing her hand, noticing her slight flinch at the touch. "Athena, I don't know who your friend is, o-or what he's like for that matter, but I've enjoyed our time together, however brief. I mean, I got in a fight and I didn't die, so that oughta count for something, right?" he teased, nudging her with his elbow. She rolled her eyes with a fond chuckle. "Seriously though, I... I never really felt strong before today, but you changed all that."

"I think you're giving me too much credit," she hummed.

"What?"

"You would not have fought so hard had it not been for your uncle."

Huh, he hadn't thought of it like that. He'd never felt such rage, and he wouldn't have felt so angry at the accusation if he didn't love his uncle. Part of him did, he knew this to be true, but it was overpowered by the furious, selfish part of him that wished he'd never came back.

He knew it wasn't fair. Ophelia deserved to have her father return safely just as much as he did, but the fact that Odysseus didn't make it changed everything he thought he would feel about this moment.

"I guess you're right."

"Give him a chance, Telemachus. I know he's not your father, but he was his best friend."

"One of them, anyway," he sighed.

That certainly grabbed Athena's attention. "What?"

"Forget it, it's nothing. Family stuff," he muttered. Athena decided to drop it. It would be easier than explaining how she knew exactly who he was talking about.

"If you say so."

"I know it didn't really work out with your old friend, but we're friends now, aren't we?" he asked hopefully.

The question caught her off guard and she startled, looking down at Telemachus. He stared up at her with wide, hopeful eyes, and how could she say anything but yes?

"Of course, little wolf."

"Heh, cool," he let out a sigh of content, leaning against her side. She hesitated before resting a hand atop his head.

"You know something? You're a pretty good kid."

His lips twitched in a smirk, leaning into the touch. "Thanks."

~~~

First thing was first: they needed to befriend Cerberus. After all, he guarded the most direct and easiest way out of the underworld, and Eris had made it clear this was their best option.

"I'm not so sure about this Polites," Eurydice spoke up, staring at the sleeping guard dog from a distance. "He looks like he could eat me in one bite."

"I think you mean three bites," he corrected playfully, snickering when Eurydice slapped his shoulder.

"That's not funny!"

"C'mon, yes it is!"

"No it's not!"

"Well I for one, thought it was hilarious," a new voice spoke up, causing them both to freeze. "But you don't have to worry. Cerby's a good boy."

"Cerby?" Eurydice repeated the nickname, nose scrunching in confusion.

"I-I'm sorry, we were just leaving," Polites said, unsure if he could trust this stranger.

"Clearly not. Exit's that way," the man smirked, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb. Polites made sure to stand in front of Eurydice, but he took a step closer, curiosity peaked.

"What?"

"You wanna leave, right? I mean, I assume you're the ones Than was talking about," he mused, looking them up and down.

"You mean Thanatos?"

"Yeah! So you know him? Sorry, stupid question," he apologized, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Of course you know him, you wouldn't be here otherwise."

"Uh, yeah..." Polites shared a look with Eurydice.

"I told you we couldn't trust Eris," she whispered, tugging Polites closer to scold him without prying ears.

"Sh!"

"No, she sold us out!"

"I can still hear you, you know," he spoke up, clearly amused. "And I assure you, she did no such thing. I'm on your side."

"Prove it," Eurydice demanded.

"I was going to introduce you to Cerberus, but if you wanna do it yourselves-" he trailed off, beginning to walk away.

"Wait!"

His smirk grew as she called out, turning on his heels to face them.

"Thought so," he said, sauntering over to the pair. He held out a hand to shake, "Zagreus, at your service."

"Polites," he introduced himself. The name felt familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.

"Wait, Zagreus, as in the Prince of Hades? That Zagreus?"

Oh. So that's why.

"Guilty as char-"

"No. Come on Polites, we're leaving," she abruptly cut off the conversation, trying to drag her friend away. Polites planted his feet and tugged his arm free, much to her dismay.

"No! Just hear him out!"

"He's the son of Hades! He's a snitch!"

"Ouch."

"Just give him a chance!"

"I already gave Eris a chance, and she told Thanatos, who told him. How long until Hades finds out?" she tried to reason, and he had to admit, she had a point.

"He won't," Zagreus spoke up.

"You don't know that!"

"He wont find out from me," he clarified, and that made her pause for thought. He took a step closer, noting the way she stiffened. He sighed, "Look, I get why you don't trust me. But I promise, I just want to help."

Eurydice leveled him with a long, cold stare before nodding. "Okay. I believe you."

Polites let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. "See? We're all friends here," he said, as much to reassure her as himself.

Zagreus barked out a laugh, slinging an arm around his shoulder. "I like this guy already!" He grabbed Eurydice before she could slip away, pulling her into a half hug as well. She rolled her eyes, but tried to hide her growing smile. Zagreus pretended like he didn't notice.

"So, first thing's first: you're gonna need a lot of treats."

~~~

Telemachus dreaded dinner, wishing instead to hide from his mother and the inevitable scolding that was to come. Not to mention his stranger of an uncle whom he would be forced to converse with...

There was a knock on his door, and he groaned and rolled over in bed. The knock came again, louder this time. "Go away!"

The door opened, revealing his cousin standing in the hall.

"I'm hungry, and your mother won't let us eat until you join us."

"Sounds about right," he sighed. "You should just eat without me. I'm not hungry."

"That's a lie, you're always hungry," she teased, poking his belly. He glared at her, slapping the offending hand away.

She sighed when it seemed her jokes wouldn't work on him. "It's our first meal as a family," she said quietly.

He scoffed and turned his back to her. "Maybe for you."

She grabbed his shoulder and turned him back around to face her, nails digging into his shoulder.

"Ow! Ophelia, let go!"

"No! How could you say that? He's your family too!"

"I know, but I can't go down there and pretend I'm not- I'm not jealous that your dad's here and mine isn't! I don't know, maybe Antinous was right and they did mutiny-"

Ophelia slapped him across his already bruised cheek- hard. He yelped and reeled back, staring at her in complete and utter shock.

"You're a damn fool if you so much as even think that!" she screamed, tears welling in her eyes.

"What am I supposed to think?" he yelled back, standing up to be eye level with her. "A whole ship of men come back, and my father's the only one missing? Doesn't that seem strange to you?"

She turned away, adverting her gaze. "It is... odd,

I'll admit."

Telemachus let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his messy hair.

"I'm sorry, but I can't go down there and pretend like everything's fine."

"No one's asking you to pretend. We know how hard this is for you and your mother," she spoke in a softer tone, resting a comforting hand on his shoulder. "But please, share in our joy. Even if just for a moment. Be happy where you can," she offered a kind, warm smile. One Telemachus tried to match, only for tears to well in his eyes.

Ophelia pulled him into a hug, choking back a sob.

"I'm so sorry it had to be like this..." she whispered in his ear, squeezing him tight before pulling away. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"Not any more than Antinous did," he teased, earning a slight chuckle from his cousin.

"Come, you must be starving."

"Oh, I'm famished!"

They walked down the hall, arm in arm as they talked, though Telemachus fell silent as they neared the dining hall.

~~~

Polites screamed for them to stop the moment they each drew their sword. Panic continued to swell inside his chest as the sound of clashing metal filled the air. Sparks flew through the air and time seemed to slow, the cries and cheers from the crew ringing in his ears.

He couldn't just let them fight like this. They were best friends, brothers, and they had all come too far for it to end like this.

Make them stop.

It was easier said than done, but without thinking, he threw himself between them just as their weapons met. Odysseus screamed and stumbled backwards as Eurylochus cried out, dropping his sword with a clatter. The crew gasped and muttered amongst themselves.

"Oh, you don't like seeing your friend ran through with a sword? Then stop it!" Polites demanded with a rarely used authoritative tone.

"Polites-"

"I-"

"No! Just- listen, please!" he pleaded, desperation clear in his voice. Both men backed down, allowing him to continue.

"Eurylochus, you have every right to be angry. We should've told you... But fighting like this is not the answer, believe me," he began, addressing Eurylochus first.

"And Odysseus... Taking risks might work for you, but it's not for everyone, and one of these days, your plan might not work. And... I don't want anyone else to die..." he trailed off as a sob caught in his throat. Tension hung thick in the air, and no one dared to speak.

"Just... go talk it out like the civilized men I know you can be," he finished with a heavy sigh, feeling completely drained after the ordeal that took place.

Odysseus and Eurylochus avoided looking directly at one another, but the first mate followed behind their captain for a much needed discussion. The crew silently began to disperse; apparently, everyone was still a bit shaken. Polites flinched when he heard a voice from behind, relaxing when he turned to see Perimedes.

"I know you probably won't hear this from anyone else, but... thanks. I don't know what we would've done without you." He instinctively went to clap him on the shoulder, but stopped himself short. He still couldn't wrap his mind around the whole ghost thing, and was more hesitant to reach out, which made the whole interaction more meaningful.

Polites offered a tired, yet still genuine grin. "Yeah, I don't either." He hesitated, but decided to throw an arm around his shoulder, just to say yes, they can really touch him if they tried. Also to lighten the mood because Zeus knows they all could use it. Perimedes yelled at the sudden contact, going completely stiff.

"Just relax, the worst of it's over," he assured him, gently shaking him by the shoulders. Perimedes smirked and brushed him off.

"For now," he teased, though they both knew he was half serious. Polites sighed in agreement.

"For now."

~~~

Polites was exhausted, and he needed to get away. Being invisible wasn't enough, he needed space from everyone. He flew up to the crows nest, ready to stare out at the endless horizon until his mind calmed.

Except there was already someone there.

"You?" he scoffed, arching a brow.

Hermes twirled around, holding his arms out to the side, "ME!"

"Hermes, what are you doing here?" he asked, patience already too thin to deal with the God.

"You just keep getting bolder every time I see you. Not even a hello? Or a "oh hi Hermes, it's so nice to see you again! What've you been up to?"" he mocked.

Polites cringed and lamely added, "Sorry. Uh, how've you been?"

"It's too late for that, I know you don't really mean it. But just what was all that?" he asked giddily. Polites furrowed his brows. "What was what?"

"Oh don't play dumb! You just slayed one of the most terrifying sea creatures who ever lived! You know what I'm talking about!" Polites stared at him with wide eyes, shaking his head as a blush  spread across his cheeks.

"SHHH! How do you know that?" he asked, unsure he wanted to know the answer.

"Well, I was in the area when I heard the most blood curdling screams, and I just had to go see what it was! Color me impressed, I had no idea you could even do something like that!" Hermes praised, but something felt... different. He sat farther away, he was more twitchy with his movements, and he kept watching Polites from the corner of his eye.

He wasn't scared of him... Was he?

"Me either, honestly," he admitted wearily, allowing his shoulders to drop. Hermes watched with a pout.

"That was... quite a lot, to put it frankly. Are... are you okay?" Hermes asked, cocking his head to the side. The question caught him off guard.

"Oh, uh, I'll be okay," he reassured softly.

"I'm just gonna go ahead and say: that was a lie," he immediately called him out. Polites gasped, having to bite his lip to keep from smiling. Hermes just had that effect.

"So what if it was?" he challenged, earning a light smack to the back of his head. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Don't lie to a God," he said pointedly. "Not everyone's as forgiving as me, you know," he said in a lighter tone. Polites rolled his eyes.

"So I've been told."

The ever present smile faltered as Hermes looked him up and down. "Seriously though. Are you okay? Because that was a lot, even for me."

Polites considered the question, realizing he truly didn't know.

"I-I'm not sure, honestly. I know she would've killed them all if I didn't do something, but... I don't know if I made the right decision," he admitted dejectedly.

"We never really know if we made the right decision," Hermes was unsure how to begin, but he pressed on. "But for what it's worth, I think you made the right call."

"You do?" Polites turned to look at him, hopeful eyes hidden behind cracked glass.

"Mhm. In fact, most of the time, the right decision is the hardest one to make. Just be sure to remember that, the next time you're being so hard on yourself," he advised, sounding uncharacteristically wise. Polites nodded in agreement.

"Alright, yeah, I think I will," he said, already feeling better after their talk. Hermes flashed a grin and patted him on the back.

"That's more like it!" he encouraged, and Polites returned his smile.

"Thanks Hermes," he sighed happily, leaning back against the walls of the crows nest.

"Don't mention it," Hermes waved him off, taking a seat across from him. "Besides, I'd rather stay on your good side," he winked, tossing his head back with a shrill cackle.

And just like that, the gentle smile slipped away at the implication. Hermes acknowledged him as a threat.

And suddenly, there was a hand snapping in his face, pulling him from his thoughts. "Hey, no! None of that!" Polites crossed his arms and arched a brow. Hermes tossed his head back in annoyance, "It was just a joke!"

"Well it's not funny!" he countered, and Hermes relented, holding his hands up in surrender.

"Okay, I didn't know it was such a touché subject. I promise I won't joke about how totally badass and scary you were back there."

Polites hated how his lips twitched in a smirk. "Hermes," he warned.

The God was only encouraged by the strained smile. "Seriously though, I think Ares might start sending you flowers after that display. A blood bath like that usually has him swooning!" he went on, giggling as Polites whined and buried his face in his hands.

"Please shut up," he mumbled. Dealing with one God was bad enough, he didn't even want to think about the possibility of two.

"Nah, you love it," he taunted, scooting a little bit closer. Polites rolled his eyes.

"I don't know why," he admitted, making Hermes grin from ear to ear.

"Because I'm wonderful, darling, what's not to love?" he asked, holding his hands out to the side. Polites bit his lip to keep his own smile from growing.

"You got me there," he conceded, knowing better than to argue.

"See? I'm always right."

"That's debatable."

"Wow, rude!" Hermes scoffed, but looked at him with such fondness.

"Sorry, but it's true! No one's always right," he noted. Hermes snorted in amusement.

"Yeah well, my dad sure seems to think he is," he mouthed off. Polites gasped, trying to mask his giggles.

"I can only imagine," he agreed. Hermes shook his head, standing to his feet.

"Oh believe me, you don't want to. But I'm afraid I must be off," he bowed, tipping his helmet towards him as farewell.

"What? Already?" Polites asked, admittedly a little disappointed.

"Aww, I knew you missed me! And yes, sadly I do have a rather important job I must get back to. 'Til we meet again, Polites," he waved, looking back at the spirit and pausing. Polites looked so sad, what with those soft brown eyes and slight pout. He couldn't just leave like that...

Hermes sighed and turned to him, holding his arms out for a hug. "Alright, bring it in."

Polites lit up, nearly accepting the hug before drawing back skeptically. "Wait, is this a trick?"

"What?" he asked, taking a moment to remember. He wore a sly smirk, shaking his head. "Oh, no, it's just a hug. Promise."

That was the most untrustworthy reassurance Polites had ever heard. "Are you sure?"

"Pinky promise," he held out his hand, raising his little finger in the air. Polites didn't know what that even meant, but Hermes seemed like he was being genuine. He hesitantly accepted the hug, relaxing when he felt like nothing would happen.

"I really will miss you," he whispered, and Hermes hugged him just a little bit tighter.

"Me too," he said before pulling away. "Keep them safe for me," he teased with a playful salute.

One that Polites returned. "I'll try."

Hermes laughed with a shrug. "That's all we can do, isn't it?"

Polites grinned. "I suppose so."

With a final wave, Hermes was gone, and he was alone.

~~~

Polites doesn't know what was said, but things were tense between the captain and first mate. Tense, yet corrigible, so he held out hope.

They kept their distance and spoke only when necessary. Hunger and exhaustion only heightened their annoyance. The days wore on, long and arduous, but they slowly fell back into routine, acting more or less like themselves again.

Yet, the men continued to grow restless.

By the time they found the island, they had long since run out of food. Some of the crew wept tears of joy when they finally spotted land on the horizon while others cheered and leapt in the air. It was surely a gift from the Gods; a sign that their journey home was nearing its end.

So why did the island itself feel so... off?

It looked just like any other remote island with its sandy, slightly rocky shores and lush vegetation. The sky was a bright blue, in stark contrast to the dark thunderheads lurking in the distance.

"Odysseus, I don't like this place," he said warily. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he just knew something wasn't right.

"You don't have to like it, we'll be back on the ship as soon as we get some food," he quickly reassured him. Polites sighed, but didn't argue any further. 

As they explored the island, they stumbled upon a large, strange statue. Pure gold, half buried in the side of a hill by the sands of time, and tarnished by the salt of the sea. There were few trees, leaving sprawling fields of waving grass, littered with occasional shrubbery. And in the middle of it all, hundreds of cows grazed peacefully.

"There's so many," Odysseus said breathlessly.

"Our luck is finally turning around," Eurylochus added in disbelief. Polites stared between them nervously.

"You can't kill them," he pleaded. The lack of an answer didn't sit well with him. "Listen to me!"

"We'll all starve if we don't eat soon," Odysseus reasoned, but internally, he knew his friend had a point.

"I remember what it's like to be starving," he argued. "I remember crying myself to sleep from hunger pains. But I'm telling you, something isn't right!"

"I'm sorry Polites, but you've never felt hunger like this before. We have the whole crew to think about, and no other choice," Eurylochus argued. Odysseus stared at the cows longingly, mouth watering. He silently wrestled with the decision as they continued to bicker. The old, strange statue stood out to him in the corner of his mind.

"I don't want anyone else to die because we killed someone's livestock! Just wait until we know it's safe!"

"Look around, there's nothing else here!"

"You don't know that for sure!"

"It's not worth starving for," Eurylochus decided, unsheathing his blade. Polites was starting to panic; he wasn't getting through to him.

"Why did I die?" he blurted out, eyes shut tight and hands balled into fists by his side. Odysseus snapped his head up to look at him, as Eurylochus stopped dead in his tracks. He slowly turned around, staring at him in shock.

"What?"

"Why did I die, Eurylochus?" he repeated the question. He dropped his sword and took a step closer.

"Polites, please-"

"We killed a sheep," he said, his voice now soft and broken as the true weight of it finally set in. Eurylochus fought back a sob, slabbing a hand over his mouth.

"We killed a sheep that wasn't ours, because we were starving."

By this point, all three men were holding back tears of regret.

"I'm so sorry, I-" Eurylochus began, but Polites reached out to soothe him, rubbing his shoulder comfortingly. It was a cool, misty touch, barely grazing the skin, but he could feel it.

"Hey, shh, it's okay. Don't apologize, just don't kill the cows," Polites begged, and finally, Eurylochus nodded.

"You're right, it's probably for the best..." he agreed.

"Thank you. And look, I know this is hard for you. But I promise, I'll make it up to you," he reassured with a shy smile.

Eurylochus smiled back. "I'll hold you to it," he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

As they walked back, Odysseus spoke up, "I think I know where we are." That immediately grabbed their attention.

"What?"

"How?"

"That was a statue of Helios, right?" he asked.

"I think so," Eurylochus confirmed.

"Then we must be on Thrinacia. Circe warned me about this place before we left. We need to round up the crew and leave," he ordered, walking briskly down the hill. Eurylochus followed close behind while Polites flew off to relay the message to the others.

They made it back to the ship without incident, but Polites didn't feel truly relieved until they began rowing away.

No one paid attention to the lurking thunderheads on the horizon.

~~~

It had been nearly 5 hours since they had left the island, grabbing as much fruits and vegetables as they could. It consisted mostly of roots and berries, but they had managed to find a small patch of gourds, and Leander even found an apple tree. Sure it wasn't the hearty feast they had hoped for, but it was enough to get them by until they found something else.

The sky darkened and the wind grew stronger. They fought against towering waves as rain pelted the deck. They were all privy to Poseidon's wrath and braced themselves for the storm that lay ahead.

But this wasn't Poseidon's storm.

Thunder roared overhead as lightning lit up the sky, revealing swirling gray clouds. They slowly took shape, forming a face they had all seen hundreds of times sprawled across tapestries and temples.

"Zeus..." Odysseus said in awestruck terror. The men stood frozen on the deck, necks craning towards the sky.

"Odysseus, King of Ithica," the voice bellowed through the air with another clap of thunder. "I believe you've stolen something that doesn't belong to you," he accused. The clouds continued to form around him, slowly building up to his full height.

Odysseus dropped to his knees on the deck, as if praying to the God. "Forgive me, almighty Zeus, but I truly do not know what it is that I stole. I-I assure you, my men did not slaughter any cattle while on Thrinacia," he apologized, but Zeus refused to hear him out.

"Don't play coy with me, I'm privy to your little tricks," Zeus taunted from above. "You stole a soul from my brother's realm, and I'm afraid I can't let that slide."

Realization dawned on the captain, and he nervously looked over at Polites. His best friend looked completely mortified, staring up at the God.

Polites knew what he had to do, and came forward, in front of Odysseus and the crew.

"Stop! They're innocent!" he yelled, voice cracking from desperation. Zeus crossed his arms over his expansive chest, arching a brow skeptically.

"Are they now?" he asked, almost taunting. Polites stood firm.

"Yes!" he insisted. "I left because I wanted to, but please believe me when I say they had nothing to do with this!"

Zeus was silent for a long moment, but thunder continued to rumble from above. He stroked a hand through his cloudy beard as he considered the deceased mortal's argument.

"Even if that's true, they are not as innocent as you claim," Zeus challenged.

"W-what?" Polites stuttered, trembling beneath the harsh, scrutinizing gaze.

"None of you are without faults; without shame or regret. Your captain is willing to eliminate any obstacle in your path, and your crew is all but too eager to obey and follow his lead," he rambled, a network of lightning sprawling across the sky as he spoke. He continued, "But the most dangerous thing for a human is their own hubris."

Polites dropped to his knees, begging, "Please, all I ask is your forgiveness. Let these men return to their families, and I swear to you, we will cause no further harm."

"That's not up to me," Zeus said as a sadistic smirk tugged at his lips. Everyone aboard the ship was completely paralyzed by fear. "Your captain must make the final call."

Odysseys went pale, knees buckling underneath him. All eyes were on him as he crumpled to the deck beneath the weight of the God's judgment.

"What do you want from me?" he screamed into the howling wind. The tears on his cheeks mixed with rain, pouring down his face.

"You must make a choice. Either you can sail back to Ithica with your crew, or you can return home with your best friend, alive and at your side?" Odysseus immediately turned to his friend, an expression of hurt and longing written across his features.

"What?" Polites said, disgusted by the prospect of trading so many lives.

"Please, don't make me do this," although he was speaking to Zeus, he was looking at no one but Polites.

"Souls do not come cheap. You must decide here and now what he's worth."

Odysseus couldn't bare to look at him anymore and closed his eyes.

"Why me?"

"Aren't you the captain? Their lives are your responsibility," he reminded cruelly. "Now, choose."

"Odysseus-"

"I'm sorry there was nothing more I could do..."

Polites choked back a sob. "We did our best."

He reached out, ready to embrace his friend for the last time.

A clap of thunder rocked the ship, and everything went white.

~~~

When Polites woke, he was sore all over and had a splitting headache. He felt groggy and confused. When he tried to stand, he felt nauseous and stumbled back down.

Instead of solid earth beneath his feet, loose sand rolled like waves of the ocean. Around him, broken pillars and monuments rose from the shifting dunes before the sand buried them once more, only to reveal a different set of ancient ruins.

A thick fog hung low and heavy, concealing the shapes in the distance. Above him stretched a pitch black sky, constellations dancing across the inky abyss. Tortured screams echoed from all around.

He felt his heart drop to his stomach and began to panic. This wasn't Hades. Which could only mean...

"No," he let out a breathless gasp, stumbling where he stood to keep up with the ever shifting sand beneath his feet.

A strange, alluring voice spoke up from behind.

"My my, what have we here?"

Polites turned around to come face to face with the Goddess of Chaos herself.

"What's a sweet, tender soul like you doing in a place like this?" she purred, drifting closer. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and he flinched, but he was too afraid to move away.

"It's... kind of a long story."

~~~

At this rate, they were never going to reach home. Any direct path on the open water was blocked by impassable storms and tidal waves, curtesy of the Sea God himself. They were forced to tread shallow waters and dodge massive rocks, taking every overlooked detour that might help them to evade Poseidon's watchful eye.

A thick fog rolled in, settling just above the choppy surface of the water lapping at the ship's hull. The fog continued to spread before them, concealing any obstacles in their path until they are dangerously close.

The men below deck rowed slow and steady, careful of the rocks on either side of the ship. The closed sails whipped and snapped against the mast as the wind caught the fabric. Odysseus steered the ship while Eurylochus stood on the look out for any incoming rocks.

A large shape took form in the distance, concealed by the fog. Eurylochus yelled for him to turn right, but as they grew closer, he realized what lay ahead.

"Captain! It's a ship!"

Odysseus grabbed the nearest soldier and handed them the wheel, making his way over to his first mate.

"What?"

"There, look," he pointed. Odysseus squinted as the large ship finally emerged from the mist. It rested on the surface, dangerously close to the rocks protruding from the water. Atop the deck, there were no signs of any life.

Odysseus held up a hand, stopping him from speaking further. "Something's off. This doesn't feel right."

"I agree, Sir. What do you suppose we do?" he asked genuinely. Odysseus shrugged.

"Come with me. We'll board the ship, and take what we need. It doesn't look like there's any survivors, but it doesn't hurt to check."

"No, no harm in looking," he agreed, purposefully avoiding his gaze. Odysseus didn't seem to notice.

"Polites? Polites, you there?"

It only took a moment before he appeared in front of them.

"Yeah, you need something?" he asked curiously. He caught Eurylochus looking his way before he turned back to look at the water.

"You're in charge of the ship while we're gone. Eurylochus, gear up. You and I are gonna check it out," Odysseus ordered. He stood up straight, giving a curt nod.

"Yes Sir." Eurylochus rushed off to grab his sword and armor, leaving the two of them alone.

"What's going on?" Polites asked, following the captain's line of sight.

"There's a ship by those rocks, but something doesn't feel right," Odysseus said, not taking his eyes off of it for even a second.

"Then is it a good idea to check it out?" he questioned, brows furrowed.

"We won't get answers if we don't look for them. Besides, there could still be someone left on that ship."

Polites smiled softly. "You have a good heart, Odysseus." He snorted in amusement at the comment, and Polites smacked the back of his head on instinct. "Don't laugh, I'm serious!"

Odysseus grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head even though it didn't hurt. "Yeah well, I'm glad someone still thinks so." Polites placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a comforting squeeze.

"It's the truth," he insisted.

Odysseus heaved a sigh, "If you say so."

Footsteps approached from behind, and they both turned to see Eurylochus returning. He wore his battle armor, save for his helmet, and his large sword was slung over his shoulder.

They grabbed a long plank, connecting the two ships. The crew had gathered on the upper deck, curious as to what was happening. Uneasy whispers murmured throughout the crowd.

"Alright everyone, we'll be back soon. Now, get back to work." When no one moved, he repeated himself louder, "I said get back to work!" That seemed to do the trick, and the crew dispersed amongst themselves.

"Be safe you two. And don't do anything stupid," Polites bid them farewell, chuckling at his own joke alongside Eurylochus.

"With this one? No promises," he said, shooting a wink.

"Okay smart ass," Odysseus rolled his eyes, grabbing Eurylochus by the arm and dragging him off. He looked back over his shoulder at Polites, and gave a solum nod.

His breath hitched and he returned the gesture, saying a silent prayer for the both of them.

~~~

Odysseus lead the way as they walked across the narrow plank between the ships. Dark, choppy water splashed against jagged rocks below, spelling certain doom if one were to slip.

He made it to the deck and jumped off, waiting for Eurylochus to follow suit. He landed with a heavy thud, kicking up a thin layer of dust. They shared a concerned look.

"Well that's not a good sign."

"No, it's not," the captain agreed. He scanned the ship with a harsh, skeptical gaze. "Come on, let's look around."

They carefully explored the abandoned ship, swords drawn and ready. It was eerily quiet. Too quiet. Odysseus called out, but received no response. He was walking along the railing when he suddenly stopped and held up a hand, signaling Eurylochus to do the same.

He knelt down, inspecting deep claw marks along the edge of the deck. The rails were broken and splintered, leaving wood shards scattered around the area. Eurylochus squatted down beside him, running his fingers over the scratches.

"What happened to them?"

"If I had to guess? Sirens," Odysseus answered. He stood abruptly, heading towards the stairs. Eurylochus grabbed his wrist.

"Where are you going?" he asked, voice tinged with concern.

"We should check if there's any food or supplies below deck. They're not using it."

He sighed in relief and let him go, nodding in agreement,  "Good idea." He followed close behind, making sure to keep the captain in sight at all times. This place was unsettling, and they didn't know for sure if anyone, or anything was still here.

While rummaging below, they were able to find a spare sail along with a mending kit, and a crate half full of spoiled food. Spare weapons were strewn about the ship haphazardly, indicating that they were willingly discarded.

"Let's just gather what we can and leave," Odysseus ordered as he picked up a shield, slinging it over his shoulder. He turned to his first mate, noticing that he didn't move a muscle. "Eurylochus?"

He startled and snapped himself out of it, "Yes Captain?"

"You alright? Been pretty quiet," he noted, bending down to pick up a spear. "Y'know, this'll go a lot faster if you help," he teased. Eurylochus took a shaky breath, shoulders sagging in defeat. In shame.

"I need to tell you something."

"You can talk and work at the same time, can't you?"

"Ody, please." The nickname caught his attention, and he paused in his gathering. "I need you to listen."

His heart raced in his chest as Odysseus took a step closer. "I'm listening."

Eurylochus closed his eyes and looked away. He didn't even know where to start.

"I have a confession to make."

Odysseus felt himself grow tense. He steeled himself for whatever he was about to hear. A strong sense of dread boiled in the pit of his stomach: he prayed he was wrong about this.

"What is it?"

Eurylochus focused on his breathing. Inhale. Exhale. His chest heaved with each breath, and he could feel a thin layer of sweat gathering on his skin. Just relax.

"I'm the one who opened the bag," he forced it out in one breath. Best to get it over with. He heard a small gasp just as metal clanged on the floor. Both the spear and shield laid unceremoniously at the captain's feet. His eyes slowly trailed up to look Odysseus in the eyes, but he really wished he hadn't.

Odysseus wore a look of shock and complete and utter betrayal. His brows were knit together tightly, mouth slightly agape. He shook his head, taking a step back.

"No. Tell me it's not true."

Eurylochus was crushed under the full weight of what he'd done.

"I'm so sorry, I-"

Odysseus turned away, wanting to leave, to go anywhere that wasn't here.

"Wait! Don't go!"

Odysseus froze where he stood, but didn't turn around.

"I should've believed you, I should've trusted you. I should've made them trust you."

"Yeah, you should've." He drew in a deep, shuttering breath. "But you can't change the past. What's done is done."

"I really am sorry."

"I'm sure you are."

"I tried to tell you on Circe's island, but..."

"I wasn't ready to listen," Odysseus cut him off when it seemed he was at a loss for words.

"That's not what I was going to say."

"But it's the truth." They stood in a tense silence, Odysseus still with his back turned. "I think deep down, I knew. I didn't want to, but I did."

"Please," Eurylochus pleaded. Odysseus finally turned around and forced himself to look at his first mate, his brother, his dear friend. "Can you ever forgive me?"

Odysseus felt his heart ache. From the betrayal, from everything. He gave the only answer he could.

"I don't know." Odysseus turned away wordlessly, walking in a daze.

Eurylochus followed behind, desperate for his forgiveness. "Ody, please-"

The affectionate nickname stung like saltwater in a fresh wound. He reared back, marching up to Eurylochus as he yelled, "You don't get to call me that!"

Eurylochus backed away, a look of hurt and understanding in his tearful eyes. Odysseus held strong for all but a second before he deflated, "Not... not right now."

He supposed that was the best he could hope for.

Though his head hung in shame, a tremendous weight was lifted from his shoulders. He just wished he felt better about it all.

They looked around the empty vessel in a tense silence, interrupted by a hauntingly beautiful, drawn out note. A beckoning call.

Odysseus whipped around to look at him, panic clearly written on his face.

"We have to get back to the ship. Now!"

Eurylochus didn't need to be told twice.

~~~

Odysseus called an emergency meeting as soon as they made it back. He dispersed the newly acquired weapons while explaining the situation at hand. Then, he started giving orders.

They were to set a slow and steady course forward, and everyone was to stuff their ears with beeswax to block the siren's song. Everyone except-

"I'm going to ask them for directions. I'll need to hear what they're saying, so you'll need to tie me to the mast to make sure I don't jump overboard."

Eurylochus and Polites stared at him as if he grew a second head.

"I'm sorry, what?" Polites immediately questioned the same time Eurylochus muttered, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"We only have so much wax, I'd rather make sure that everyone else is safe," he reasoned.

"But what about your safety?" Polites asked, clearly concerned for his friend.

Odysseus barked out a laugh, brushing him off. "That's what the rope is for!"

"Rope can break."

"Not if you use enough of it," he argued. Polites threw his hands up in the air.

"You can't be serious!"

Odysseus didn't answer. Instead, he grabbed a coil of rope. Polites looked to Eurylochus for help.

"You're just gonna let this happen?"

He glanced nervously between his two best friends. "It's ultimately his decision. I personally advise against it, but..." he tilted his head in thought, "It could pay off."

"Have you both gone mad?"

"I think it's for the best. We'll never make it past Poseidon without their help. But they won't tell me if I don't play along."

"It's not playing along if you're hypnotized!"

"I'll keep my wits about me."

"You don't know that!"

"Captain-" Eurylochus spoke up, and the arguing pair turned to him, speaking in unison, "What?"

As they had been talking, the crew passed around the can of beeswax, stuffing their ears until they couldn't hear a thing. By the time it came around to them, it was almost completely empty. "There's barely enough left for one person."

Odysseus stared down at the last of the wax. "I figured as much," he sighed deeply. He picked up the large, heavy coil of rope from the deck and shoved it at Eurylochus. "Be sure to tie me up good and tight."

"Yes Sir," he nodded curtly and began securing Odysseus to the main mast. He started by binding his wrists together, pulling his arms back as far as they would comfortably go. Once he was confident that he wouldn't be able to pull his arms away, Eurylochus started wrapping the length of the rope around both Odysseus and the mast. He walked around in circles, stopping occasionally to pull the rope taught before continuing.

As Eurylochus worked, Elpenor and Perimedes stood on either side of him, taking the chance to annoy their captain while he couldn't fight back. Elpenor gave him a hard noogie, the wax blocking out his orders to stop. Perimedes chuckled and pinched his cheeks, squishing and stretching his face into funny expressions.

Any time Odysseus yelled at them or Eurylochus tried to chase them away, they only pointed at their ears, taunting them about how they "couldn't hear them" and "didn't know what they're saying." It was some much needed levity among the crew, and he didn't mind being the butt of the joke.

The ship continued cutting through the water, moving at a slow and steady pace. The fog rolled in thick and low above the water's surface, concealing what lurked below.

By now, everyone had returned to their stations. Odysseus stood at attention, his head on a swivel the longer they sailed. He began twitching in his bonds, shaking his head and gritting his teeth. They were close, and there was no turning back now.

~~~

Polites was scared. Not just for Odysseus, but oddly enough, for himself. Sure, he was already dead, but he had no idea how the sirens would affect him, or what they would do to a spirit like him- if they could do anything at all.

He was hiding below deck when he first heard it...

"La la la la la la..."

His head snapped up at the lilting, distant sound. "Eurydice?" he called out hopefully. She sounded so close, yet so far away. A flower sprouted between the floorboards, bright red and velvety soft. He bent over and picked it, bringing it up to his nose. He inhaled deeply, a light sweet scent filling his nostrils. The petals were thin and ruffled, and he swore it was growing in his hand.

When he looked up, there were lush vines hanging from the ceiling.

"La la la la la la..."

It was louder now, impossible to ignore. Without thinking, he floated up, through the thick foliage; through the wooden planks. Instead of seeing the crew navigating the ship, he stood beneath a massive pomegranate tree in the underworld.

No, he couldn't be here...

"Polites, over here!"

He turned to see Eurydice sitting on a nearby rock. She looked absolutely radiant, her short dark hair fluttered in the gentle breeze as she flashed a dazzling smile.

Voices danced around in his head.

"Eurydice."

"Eurydice."

"Don't you miss me?" she chirped, crawling closer along her rock.

He smiled, fighting back tears. "More than you know," he insisted, floating closer.

"Don't you wanna come greet me?" she asked as sat up on her knees, arms outstretched and awaiting a hug.

The illusion flickered, and for a moment, he was standing aboard the ship. Men frantically moved around him, distracting him before the illusion slipped back in place. He hesitated, "Eurydice, something isn't right. I know that you shouldn't be here-"

For a split second, anger flashed across her face as he questioned her. It was gone so quick, Polites thought he imagined it. "Relax, everything will be okay. Jump in the water and we can wash your fears away."

"Well I would, but I already died, and you know you did too."

"I would take the suffering from you." She leapt off the rock, almost freezing in the air before slipping beneath the surface. She emerged with a genuine grin, pushing wet hair away from her face.

Polites wanted nothing more than to jump in after her. And yet, he still floated at the edge of the railing. "As good as that sounds, it's just too good to be true."

"I can take the suffering from you." She spun around in the water, twirling in a tight circle as a water spout brought her up to his level.

"You stayed under ground, and we said our goodbyes." He tried to cling to logic and reasoning, but Eurydice reached out to him, cupping his face in her gentle hands.

"I will take the suffering from you." She pulled him in closer, pressing their foreheads together. She ran her fingers through his hair, holding him as if she was afraid he'd disappear. He hasn't been held like that in so long...

"I wish I could do the same for you," he said, reaching out to cup her face as tears filled his eyes.

"Won't you shelter us?" she belted, grabbing his hands and pulling him towards her. He took another step, walking through the air to follow. "Harbor me with your open arms, from the wind, the wind, the wind."

The wind. That's right; she had died in a terrible storm. The Gods themselves caught her in their wrath and tore her asunder. Poseidon wished to do the same, which was why they had sailed through such dangerous waters.

That's not her, no matter how much you wish it was.

"I-I'm sorry, I have to go..." he slipped free from her grasp, floating backwards to keep her in his sight. Her eyes filled with fear as she reached out for him, her hand phasing through his wrist this time.

"Don't leave me again!" she begged grabbing the railing to hoist herself up. She crawled towards him on the deck, the illusion beginning to fall apart around them, but she stayed the same. A perfect replica. "Wait for me! I'm comin'. Wait I'm comin' with you," she reached out, lacing their fingers together.

This wasn't right. This wasn't real. He took a step back, and she held on tighter, utter desperation clear in her voice, "I'm coming, wait for me! We hear the walls repeating!"

She wasn't real...

"The fallin' of our feet and it sounds like drummin'!"

Polites doubled over, hands over his ears as tears began to flow. He shook his head, "You're not her!"

"And we are not alone," she sang, her voice invading every thought. "You hear the rocks and stones, echoing our song!"

She sounded so desperate, so pleading, Polites could barely stand it. And then a blood curdling scream shattered what was left of the twisted mirage.

~~~

Polites was back on the deck. He supposed he always had been, but it had all felt so real... until it hadn't.

Eurylochus had stabbed a siren straight through the tail as it crawled towards Odysseus. It looked exactly like Penelope, yet he never so much as flinched when she was skewered right before his eyes.

The crew had caught the rest of the sirens in large nets and threw them on the deck carelessly. They writhed and flopped around, tangling themselves in the net and with each other. Elpenor wrenched the Eurydice siren away from him, despite his pleading protests.

"Whoever she is, it's not her! You're fucking dead and she still tried to kill you!" he hissed as he wrestled her down, allowing Perimedes to pin her to the deck with a spear through her tail.

"No wait!" he called out helplessly, but a voice from behind stopped him in his tracks.

"He has a point Polites," Odysseus said as Eurylochus cut him free with a swift slice at the mast. "They don't care if you're dead or alive; they only want one thing. Isn't that right?" he asked, addressing the Penelope siren and lifting her chin with the tip of his sword.

"We're sorry, we'll let you pass! Please spare us, and we can all be on our way!" she tried to bargain for their lives. Odysseus stood emotionless and unwavering.

"Why, so you can kill the next group of sailors who dare to pass by? Yeah, I don't think so," he said, stalking closer, his sword gripped tightly in his hand. "We saw what you did with the last crew. You would've killed every last one of us and stripped our bones clean."

"But that didn't happen! So just-"

"No, it didn't happen because I refused to let it," he spoke in a low, dark tone. Polites had never seen Odysseus look so determined and angry. And yet... there was a sick satisfaction underneath it all.

Odysseus stood up to his full height, yelling out for all to hear, "I'm done granting mercy to those who don't deserve it!" The crew burst into loud cheers, yelling out their agreement and support. "We're through suffering at the hands of monsters like you!" The war cries grew louder, they raising their swords in the air, beating their chests. Polites stood in shock, unable to move.

"This ends here and now!" The men whooped and hollered, and Odysseus had to raise his voice even louder to be heard over them. "Cut off their tails! Throw their bodies back in the water, let them drown," he ordered, and the sirens immediately began wailing and pleading.

"What? No, you can't! Odysseus, please don't do this!" Polites tried to reason with his friend, but he refused to listen.

"If I don't, they'll kill everyone. On our ship, and the next, and the next. I'm ending this now, whether you like it or not," he held firm in his decision as the slaughter began. Polites could only watch on in absolute horror at the scene before him.

"That's not your friend, that's not my wife, and that damn sure isn't my sister," he spat as he pointed to each imposter.

All Polites could hear were earth shattering screams and ear piercing shrieks. Swords swung through the air and came crashing down on the deck, sending blood splattering every direction. The sirens crawled over each other as they tried to escape, getting trapped in the nets and choking themselves as they tried to force their way to safety. They amputated their own limbs as they failed to squeeze through the nets, the rope cutting through their skin and flesh like water. Fully formed arms and hands splattered against the deck in a bloody shapeless mass. Their tails laid limp and gelatinous once severed from their bodies, and the sirens began to morph and loose form. Blood, as well as a clear, viscous liquid spilled from their wounds, and their bodies deflated and flopped around lifelessly, slowly becoming nothing more than vaguely human shaped water sacks.

"See Polites? They were never human," Odysseus spoke calmly, as if that would put him at ease; as if that was the point, as if any of that mattered.

The carnage spilled over the deck was inhuman, but that didn't make it any less wrong.

"You think that's the problem? That they weren't human?" Polites asked, barely above a whisper. He stared at the twitching, moaning blobs on the deck as his friends kicked and shoved their bodies into the ocean below. "That was brutal a-and cruel, and-"

"Justified."

Polites stared at his friend in horror. "Who are you?"

"The man who's going to get us home. No matter what the cost."

~~~

Polites was restless. He spent most of his time invisible and out of sight, but he paced constantly.

He couldn't stop thinking of the sirens.

Sure she might not have Eurydice, but she was her own person, with her own life. They all were. They probably had friends and family lurking below. What if they had been mothers. Even without a stomach, the thought made him sick.

He couldn't let himself spiral. Eurydice is safe in the underworld. She's safe and sound, underground. See? You still have a sense of humor. You're still you. And she's still safe, that wasn't her. It was someone else.

And yet, he couldn't let it go.

~~~

It was strange: no matter where he was, he could always tell when someone was looking for him. Regardless if he was on the opposite side of the ship, he could hear his name being called as clear as day. Which was why he knew Odysseus was wanting to talk to him.

"You called?"

"Yeah, I need your opinion on something," he said, eyes never leaving the map spread out before him.

"Sure. About what?" he asked, drifting over to the desk. He peered over his shoulder, scanning the path ahead. It looked like they were headed straight for...

"The sirens said the only way home was through the lair of Scylla," Odysseus confirmed his fears.

"And you believe them?" he questioned.

"They were about to kill me, they had no reason to lie."

"It's too dangerous!"

"Poseidon's worse! You weren't there, so you didn't see it first hand. But sailing on the open water would be a death sentence for every last one of us. Scylla... at least she's a gamble."

"Odysseus, I'm telling you, it's not worth the risk!"

"So you're saying I should test our luck with Charybdis?"

"No!"

"Then Scylla is our best bet. I don't know, maybe we could kill her if we just-"

"I'll do it."

"What? Polites, you can't-"

"I'm already dead, there's nothing I have to worry about. But she could kill you, or any one of our friends. And trust me, dying isn't fun!"

"I know that!"

"Then act like it!"

Odysseus gripped the edge of his desk, taking a deep breath. "I don't know what to do, and I'm scared Polites. I'm fucking terrified. That's why I need you to weigh in here."

"And I said I'll handle it!"

"Care to elaborate? 'Cause I don't like how vague that sounds."

Polites thought long and hard about the problem ahead. An idea suddenly came to him, but he didn't like it. But... it was the best chance they all had.

"Maybe I could... I don't know, posses her? And hold her off until you make it through," he suggested hesitantly. Odysseus stared at him in shock.

"You really think you could do that?"

"I possessed Eurylochus without even trying-"

"That's not the same thing!"

"I know it's not, but do you have any better ideas?"

Odysseus remained silent.

Polites let out a heavy sigh. "I know it's not... ideal. But you have to trust me on this, okay?"

"Okay," he said hesitantly, nodding slowly, "Okay," he was nodding faster now, seemingly more sure of himself and their plan. "Yeah, this could work."

Polites smiled and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, icy and cool to the touch: it felt relaxing. "It's going to."

~~~

They only had a day to prepare for Scylla. Odysseus told no one where they were going, knowing it would send them into a panic. He had considered warning Eurylochus, but after some heavy consideration, he decided against it.

Polites was nowhere to be seen, but that was pretty typical behavior now. Yet instead on remaining aboard the ship, he lurked deep below the waves. He'd recently discovered that he can travel through water as if it were air. He didn't have to worry about breathing, so he could stay for however long he wanted. But it was colder, much colder.

He was hunting. Not for food, mind you, he was hunting for something to practice on.

It took him a while, but he happened upon a great fish; slick gray with a mouth full of razors, and more than half the size of their boat. He "swam" behind it, observing it from above. Finally, he dove into it, seizing control of the massive body.

Confusion. Fear. Anger.

The shark thrashed about, dashing left to right and cutting tight circles through the water. He tried his best to calm it down and fight against the creature's natural instinct to force him out.

We just want to hunt. I'm not hurting you, we're just going to act natural. Take me where the fish are.

It seemed to listen, slowing down as its swimming pattern became less erratic. It silently guided him, and Polites sat in the back of the creatures mind, waiting to strike. Out of the vast endless blue, a shape took form. A large sword fish, chasing a school of mullet. Perfect.

Don't be scared.

Polites was in full control now, and he felt the rush as animalistic instincts kicked in. He flew through the water, striking the fish from behind. His vision went white and milky as teeth tore into flesh, ripping off a large hunk and letting the shark swallow its prey. Polites thrashed his head, biting over and over, becoming familiar with the act of possessing a beast. 

He made quick work of the swordfish.

As the feeding frenzy came to an end, Polites relinquished control, allowing the shark to regain its body and mind. It swam away in a panic, disappearing into the cobalt abyss. Polites shuddered at the thought of what other monsters lurked just beyond his sight.

~~~

They reached Scylla's lair just before noon the next day. The sky grew darker as they sailed closer, large black clouds looming overhead to block out any sunlight. Polites shared a look with Odysseus from across the deck, and the captain gave him a subtle nod. He returned the gesture and disappeared, slinking off the ship unnoticed. Being invisible was awesome.

On board the ship, Odysseus stood stoically at the wheel. He had already given out his orders, and they were to sail slow and steady straight ahead. He split the crew in half, sending one group to row while the rest of the men closed all the sails and prepared for a storm. He didn't know what they were about to face, but he knew they needed to be ready.

"You're quiet today," Eurylochus must have snuck up behind him while he was lost in thought.

"Not much to say," he answered with a shrug.

"Do you even know where we're going?"

Yes. "I'm pretty sure."

His first mate arched a brow. "Just pretty sure? That's not the Ody I know," he teased, throwing an arm around his shoulders to loosen him up a little. "You can relax, there hasn't been a storm all day. I think Poseidon has finally given up on us."

If only. "I think he's just taking the day off," Odysseus joked along. Eurylochus chuckled. Odysseus hesitated before asking, "Can you do something for me?"

"Anything," he complied.

"It's gonna be pretty dark through the passage way, and we need to see what's ahead. Light up six torches and pass them out."

"Yes Sir." He turned away to go do as he was asked. Odysseus heaved a tense sigh, gripping the wheel tightly. He closed his eyes, and for the first time in years, he sent a prayer to the gods.

He prayed to Athena- for her forgiveness, to grant them all her protection and strength. To Hermes for his good fortune and speed. And to Thanatos, to please spare them for another day, and if they weren't so lucky, to make it quick and painless. He didn't know if they were listening, or if they even cared. Hermes cared, or at least he thought he did. He seems like he genuinely wants to help, even if he has a funny way of showing it. Thanatos has always been an indifferent kind of God, and he doubted he cared about the outcome either way. But Athena... he had no idea where her head was at. They left on bad terms, she said things that cut deep, and he returned the favor in full. He didn't blame her if she hated him, if she never wanted to see him again. He knew he didn't deserve her help, and yet, here he was asking.

They entered the mouth of the cave, and with each passing second, the remaining light slipped away. Soon, the torches offered the only light by which to see.

~~~

Polites had found Scylla a while ago, and she's just as monstrous as they all say. Even asleep, she was a ghastly sight: her face was gaunt and sunken with wet, stringy black hair fanned out around her. Six other heads protruded from her neck, her back, stretching and morphing itself into sickening blobs of flesh where they connected to her body. The heads themselves were sharp, almost angular in shape and resembled eels. Polites hated eels. Where she should have legs, slithering tentacles writhed amongst themselves, and from her lower stomach grew the heads of wolves, fur fusing with sickly gray scales, morphing into each other and with her.

She had no clue he was there, and he needed to keep it that way up until the last second.

Polites could see the outline of the ship come into view. One of the long necks rose into the air, taking a few long, deep sniffs. He watched as the head grew frantic, awaking Scylla and the other heads. She focused her large, black eyes on the ship and smiled. Her face nearly split in half, revealing rows upon rows of razor sharp teeth. Her skin began to crack and her hair finally fell over her shoulders, concealing herself behind a curtain of black. She silently slipped into the water and Polites followed suit.

~~~

Odysseus stood as still as a statue, eyes scanning the water for any sign of Scylla, but all he could see were shapes in the darkness moving across the deck. Six held torches.

Eurylochus stood watch at the front of the ship, holding his torch higher when he thought he saw something moving in the water. The firelight reflected off the surface as he leaned over the railing, watching as something sleek and slithering dipped below the gentle lapping waves. He turned to look over his shoulder, calling out, "Captain! Something approaches..."

Before he can continue, he hears Perimedes speak up from beside him, and the utter horror in his voice makes his blood run cold. "What the fuck?"

Eurylochus whips around to face whatever it was and drops the torch in sheer terror.

"Hello."

Her voice is raspy, unnatural, like it's more than just her talking. Her massive black eyes flash white as she bares her teeth, and her neck stretches out to its full length, completely towering over the ship as the rest of the heads grow.

Odysseus stared on with a cold gaze. Now.

"Row for your lives!" he screamed the command as loud as he could, hoping to snap them out of their fear so they could get out as fast as possible.

This was the gamble of a lifetime.

One of the heads dove straight for a torch, and the deck ignites with the screams of men. But before it can clamp its jaws around anyone, it makes a sharp right turn and lunges at another head that was headed straight toward Eurylochus. He snapped out of it and picked up his torch, running away.

Huge, powerful jaws snap down on its own throat as Scylla and the affected head let out a piercing shriek.

~~~

Polites has never been more afraid. Even when he was fighting the cyclops, it wasn't as bad as this. He was dead, and yet he didn't know what she'd do to him if she ripped him out of her body. But all of that paled in comparison to the fear he had for his brothers.

The extra head was mostly thoughtless, focusing solely on an insatiable thirst for blood. Even its confusion over his presence was vague.

He saw its twin set its sights on Eurylochus and he shot forward, mouth open wide. He felt his teeth, far too many, pierce through thick, armored skin. An ungodly noise ripped free from the beast as both heads screamed. She began to writhe and squirm, and Polites felt a hand grab him by the neck, desperately clawing at him to pull him away.

"Who are you?"

Polites clamped down harder, hot blood gushing down his throat and pouring out of the sides of the monster's mouth. As the head got a taste of the blood it craved, it ripped more ferociously, guzzling the hot, thick liquid with a desperation Polites had never seen before.

When Scylla was successful in pulling him away, he jumped to the injured head and began attacking the one still in her grasp. Another painful wail echoed off the cave walls as she stumbled in the water, creating large waves. The ship struggled to navigate them without slamming against the cave walls or submerged stalagmites.

This head wasn't much different, but it had an insatiable hunger for flesh. Polites gave it exactly what it wanted, ripping off large, meaty chunks and swallowing them whole. He tore into it until he felt his teeth scraping bone. With each bite and thrust, his own wounds throbbed and oozed more blood. He grew hungrier as the beast grew weaker. When he left, it let out a gurgling death rattle and fell limp. Scylla's screams shook the cave, and rocks began falling.

He possessed the next head that tried to grab Leander, attacking another that had cornered Perimedes.

"What are you? Get out!" She was trying to tear him away by the base of her neck. Long, sharp claws dug into her own skin as she frantically tore deep, bloody gashes into herself.

Thirst.

The monstrous instinct took over and teeth puncture through scales and arteries to drink its fill, making sure to shred its prey to pieces in the process.

Hunger.

This one acts completely starved, slashing through thick muscle and bone with ease. It shook its head ferociously as it devoured its brother until its dying breath.

The other two heads were circling the boat as Scylla cried out in pain. The wolves grew anxious and angry, snarling and howling in sync with their mother's mournful wails.

Bloodlust.

It was easier by now. He knew what to expect as hot blood burst beneath the pressure of his jaws, splattering on the deck with a satisfying wet slap.

Feast.

He bit and ripped with everything he had, swallowing chunks of meat bigger than he was. Large hunks fell to the deck with disgustingly heavy thuds while others still hung on by a thick strand of tissue.

"Stop! Let go!" she commanded, but she sounded scared, frantic. The wolves sensed her unease and began fighting amongst themselves, baring their teeth and nipping at each other, until one finally tore into her own stomach. Then, they all dug in.

She screeched so loudly, the Gods themselves could hear her pain. And somewhere on her island, Circe smiled.

Polites wasn't even doing that... Okay maybe he was the first to bite her, but he didn't expect for them all to turn like that.

Tears trailed down Scylla's face and blood gurgled inside her throat as she tried to speak. Red began to drip past her lips as she struggled and gasped for air. "W-what are you?"

The question made him feel sick.

Who was she to be so horrified of him?

Finally, he slipped inside her mind to answer her question. I'm just a man protecting my friends.

"And I-I'm just trying to survive," it sounded painful for her to talk. "But... I'm tired of that. So tired." Her breath was shallow and raspy.

Polites was bombarded with glimpses of a beautiful young girl, with a rich, fulfilling life of her own. One with family and friends... a deep love and a wicked curse born from jealousy.

An immense guilt began to drown him.

She looked up at him with dull, hollow eyes, pleading, "Please... finish it. Let me rest."

With shaky hands, Polites raised her arms up and cupped her face. He closed her eyes, and with one swift jerk, she fell completely still.

~~~

Every man stood on the deck, petrified with fear. Pieces of flesh the size of boulders littered the blood soaked deck. The men themselves were drenched red, some still trembling in shock. Eurylochus felt dizzy and he dropped to his knees. He caught himself, hands resting in a sticky puddle. He lifted an arm, and the blood dripped off in thick gooey strands. He tried to scramble back to his feet, but he kept slipping, and the more panicked, the more he fell. Asterios and Elpenor rushed to his side, helping to steady him.

Polites appeared on the deck, and everyone was staring at him just as they had that first day back. He pretended like it didn't hurt.

He looked at all of them, then looked at Odysseus, frozen in complete shock.

He thought of the sirens, how they begged for their lives, how he begged for their lives. How he had looked at all of them the way they were looking at him now. And then, he bowed.

"Polites, just what the hell was that? That wasn't what we talked about!"