#and they were led to the cyclops’ cave

[adrift-in-thyme]

Hi I’m here to annoy you again :)

I keep thinking about the line “everything’s changed since Polites” and it has me unwell. Clearly Polites was an anchor for everyone. He was positive, kind, and gave everyone hope because he had so much. His death was the first crack in the crew 😭

augh that line KILLS ME

YOU’RE SO RIGHT. He really was the glue that held them together. He was the one who reminded Ody to allow himself to keep his soft heart, and reminded Eury to be optimistic rather than just rigidly pragmatic. But with him gone their natural leans toward distrust and doubt, anger and fear erupted. They needed him 😭

[sunny6677]

Near Loss.

@rebootgrimm

Summary:

She tried to find Odysseus. She really did. And she could have found him. She was sure. All she needed to do was talk to the Prophet, and he'd tell her. He could see the future, couldn't he? Surely, he'd be able to see where Odysseus might have gone.

..and yet, with the cryptic information she was given by him, she found herself being grabbed by the Souls of The Underworld, and by a looming shadow. Ripped from the grasp of what would be the change of her friends fate.

Yet, as she was held tightly in the larger-handed deities grasp, all the way across the rocky fields, and into the cold depths—a winged ally came to her aid. A winged ally who, somehow, despite being much smaller—was able to save her. The same winged ally who had been the reason why she wasn't able to leave for Odysseus in the first place.

————

..she wasn't sure how she had ended up here. Only within a few days, left ashore on the small raft she had created while Hermes was too busy to attend to her. A small raft, which drifted across the ripples of the sea. Which drifted near islands, and forests. Places she had known from the journey led by the faces of the crew—who had been now nothing more than a memory. Their existence gone from a simple strike of lightning.

And yet, Odysseus was still out there. Hermes had told her so. That was how she knew. But, he simply refused to tell her where he was, or what he was even doing. She didn't know why he was keeping it from her. Was he lost? Was he imprisoned? Was he back at Ithaca?

She.. really didn't know. But, if he was in danger, she wouldn't let go of him so easily.

He was her friend. He had helped her many times. He had saved her many times. He had protected her many times. Who was she not to go and save him? Who was she—to not repay him for all the times he had helped her? She couldn't just stand around, and let him be on his own.

So.. that was why she had made the raft. Why she had been alone for so many days, wondering just when Hermes would find her, or feeling as if she'd be found at any turn. Feeling at risk for everything she saw or heard. Even knowing that she wasn't at risk of Poseidon's wrath any longer.

The journey, though short, had felt like it had lasted just as many years as the journey Odysseus' ship had gone on. There were.. a lot of things that went on. Just within such a little period of time. She had gone back to the island of the Lotus Eaters, to gather the fruit—and to collect it for whatever she'd have to use it for. Narrowly avoiding the cave of the Cyclops. Tossing the Lotus Fruit into the sea at the oceans beasts, which ached so deeply to attack her. And after days, and days, days of swift journey—she was in the Underworld. Where she would speak to the Prophet. To see if he had known where Odysseus could have possibly been.

And.. when she found him, in his cold, stream-filled lair—he had simply told her in his soft-spoken voice—

"..I see a friend with no way home. I see an island, with no exit known. I see a girl trying to flee—in alarm. I see a father, who protects her from harm."

Whatever that meant, she.. couldn't possibly seem to connect, no matter how hard she tried to string his words together into meaning.

Regardless—she was told a small hint of where he'd be. An island. Wherever he was, he couldn't have been that far from where they were. All she had to do was find an island. All she had to do was keep looking—until she at last found him.

All she had to do was look.

That was what she told herself—sat upon the raft, forcing herself to row. Forcing herself to shut her eyes. To not look at the misty faces below who let out belts of screams. Who called out to her. Who called out to her about ruthlessness.

That was what she told herself—rowing more fiercely, shivering in the grasp of the underworlds coldness and baring her teeth.

That was what she told herself, as a looming shadow began to follow her raft. A shadow whom she knew exactly the identity of, but whom she didn't want to confront. More fiercely, she rowed. Ignoring the low voice from behind her, which whispered to her about her presence here. Which whispered to her about a river, where she would be taken.

That was what she tried to repeat in her mind—finding her wrist grasp by a cool, wind-like feeling that began to pull her back. A heavy thumping in her chest rising more and more, as she tried to scream desperately over the screams from the other souls.

And—right as she found her steps sliding backward and nearly into the muddy waters of the undead, the feeling of wind vanished into nothingness. The whispering coming to a cease.

For a moment, she thought it might have left. Even if it clearly hadn't.

And then, a sensation formed around her torso, causing her to ascend quickly into the sky—but held tightly enough not to drop her. A muscular, pale brown frame—with arms guarding her, large brown wings with feathers flapping like they never had before.

She hadn't seen the face of whom had grabbed her. Though already, she knew who it had been.

"..Her—Hermes.."

He didn't speak a word. His grasp on her simply tightening as a sharp strike of wind came their way, and his wings carrying him quickly to the side. His face lowered, his brows furrowed, and for once, his lips bearing not a single smile.

The wind had struck again toward him, causing him to fly higher, and dodge it's aim. For however long this went on for, she didn't know. Only feeling screams occasionally escape her lips anytime his grasp slightly seemed to loosen, or anytime she felt the wind from before try to rip her away. Only freezing up in fear when she heard that whispering voice speak.

"She doesn't belong here, Hermes. Are you to tell me you can simply keep her here—because you made her with a part of yourself?"

Hermes had spoken in response.

"I don't want to keep her here. I want to get her back to where she belongs, as much as you do. But, she's alive right now. And I already know of an easier way to bring her to her rightful home. Whatever you'd like to do with her—I don't think I can let you."

..the fight had grown blurry from there. Hazy visions of circling around the looming shadow which tried to rip her away several times. Memories of a raging voice that she hadn't thought she'd hear. Feelings of the undead below trying to grasp at her anytime she came close enough to the river.

And then, eventually.. the shadow was just gone. Not because it was dead. It had just.. left.

Alone, in the grasp of the winged man's arms, she lifted her head. Meeting the veil of shadow casted over his eyes.

"You.. came for me."

"..yeah.. I did."

"Why.. why would you—? Didn't I..?"

"..."

"..why would you come to help me?"

"Darling.. I'm not going to leave you. Even if you went to the farthest ends of the Earth, I'd still come to find you."

"Wh—Why..?"

"..."

"Even.. even after.. I don't understand.."

"..mh.. that's okay."

"...wh.. wh—why..?"

"..you don't need to understand right now. Whether or not you do—I still love you for what you are."

"..."

She felt a wetness stain her eyes just then, and she slightly whimpered. Hermes hand on her arm tightened, and she heard him gently coo into her ear.

"Come on—lets get you home. You've probably dealt with a lot by now."

..and so, held tightly in his arms, leaning her head up against his shoulder as she sniffled—not speaking a word. Hermes had lifted his head with a flick. The moment after that flick, an opening of white light appeared—momentarily blinding, before revealing the outline of the forest that led into the Haven.

Sunny squinted at the light, yet in response to it, all she could do was let out a shaky sigh—feeling wetness form at her sockets. The side of her head rested against the firmness of Hermes' shoulder. Causing a wave of softness to wash over.

..even when she was in the world of the undead, his presence made her feel a strange safety she hadn't before.

"..hm."

She heard him gently hum.

A small, feather-like feeling of his lips pressing against the skin of her forehead formed briefly. She sniffled again. Hearing him whisper.

"..you poor thing."

Her eyes had shut, forming a darkness in her vision. She felt herself be adjusted into facing him. Feeling her small body encircled around his slender arms, guarded by his hold. Her chin resting upon his shoulder.

And after a moment.. she felt the familiar breeze she had known for the days she had been at the Haven—washing over her from behind, and eventually, enveloping her.

The entire time that they had flown through the forest, for she knew they must have been with the rustling of leaves that she heard, she hadn't said a word. She had let him hold onto her. His grasp seeming to become a little more firm as they flew.

She felt.. fragile. Small even. Pathetic. Why would he come to save her—even with likely knowing she had tried to escape him? She just didn't understand.

She was always so needy.

She was always so stressed.

He always took care of her.

..so, why did he not hate her?

..as he had finally began to slow, and the winds became softer, she opened her eyes. Met with the dark view of the pearly pedestals—and the night casting a dark glow onto the ripples of water from the fountain. Lily pads dancing gently.

Her feet had met the ground of stone from below. The grasp of Hermes' arms had loosened. And down at her, he gazed with a frown. The moonlight dancing off of his shadowed face.

..she hesitated, her gaze flickering to the ground.

"..I'm.. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, for.. for going away. I don't know what's wrong with me. I just wanna help Odysseus. I just wanna help like he helped me."

"..."

"..he dealt with so much because of everything, and.. m—me. You deal with so much because of me. Everyone deals with so much because of me, and I—"

Her voice stopped. The grasp he held around her from before began to encircle again. No longer did his gaze meet her own. All she felt—was his chin upon the top of her head. Her face practically being buried into his shoulder. A warmth enveloping her as he curled his wings.

She opened her mouth. Trying to speak. Trying to grasp just what he was doing.

Then, exhaled shakily, sniffling.

All words she might have had or formed—became choked.

His body, his shoulder from beneath her chin, quickly rose with his breath, and fell shakily.

Soft concern formed in her chest.

Nearly, she spoke his name. Yet, his name did not leave her lips. There was something soft that fell onto her head. That formed into a damp, almost wet feeling.

He sniffled again, shakily sighing.

And she stiffened, as once again, the feeling of something dropping onto her head had formed.

..he was crying.

...

Hermes didn't intend to show his emotions. He didn't intend to let the tears leave his eyes. He didn't intend for her to see him like this. He should have smiled. Or at least cracked a joke. But—he couldn't.

He couldn't, holding her like this. Not when he could have lost her. Not when he knew how she felt. How every little insecurity and doubt she had about herself—caused her to hurt herself in ways she couldn't explain. Always trying to be responsible. Always feeling responsible.

He felt.. sadness. As if he were her. As if he knew exactly what she felt.

This feeling of constant anxiety. This feeling of constant sorrow. It was too much. Just too much. She was still so small. Why did she have to put up with all of this? Who or what had made her think the way she did?

..she was just a child.

So, why was the world so cruel to her?

[thishasgonehorribly]

Creatures!

(I feel like throwin' in a quick disclaimer that the game Dwarf Fortress randomly generates words and titles, and I think it's successfully made fantasy nonsense, but y'know, any resemblance to words that mean things is accidental)

Had what I thought were some very close calls with the cave trolls that are wandering around,

but the wiki tells me they currently don't attack dwarfs.

I did get to see one attack a cave crocodile

Then the crocodile found a giant mole to fight with

One of my military dwarfs killed the crocodile, and the mole and troll both wound up in cage traps.

The mole is tamed and just wandering around. I still don't know what to do with a caged troll.

Then some slightly higher drama.

(Then we didn't fight a weremouse, and then we also didn't get kind of weird battle messages about the cyclops getting thrashed to pieces by a weremammoth that wasn't showing up on the list of creatures)

It turns out cyclopses aren't the worst.

Even though I've been struggling to get equipment on my military squads

We did have a dwarven convoy visiting the trade depot at the time, and one of their mercenaries got her teeth knocked out.

(I don't know that much about the other civilizations in The Past Universe, except the Brass Decisions, which are dwarven civilization led by a necromancer, who are conquering everyone. )

This fight was more challenging.

Four people got significantly injured.

The starter dwarf I nicknamed Cranky, a human citizen named Udi, a goblin citizen named Cadem, and Ingiz, another dwarf got "bruised".

I built a little hang out for the ones bleeding injuries

It turns out Udi just got punched with a sock hard enough to bust up his leg, and wasn't infected.

Cadem and Cranky transformed, and gotta hang out in the Ape Corner once a month. I tried to make it nice, but it's a little rough being isolated.

It turns out wild rutherers are harmless

But the caverns aren't short on dangers.

[livelynumbskull]

She watched as the ships reached the beach from far away. An entire fleet of soldiers, it seems. Their leader led them towards the caves, where the sheep were kept during the night.

Then the cyclops, their shepherd, came back, and all she could do was watch as he rolled over the stone to seal the entrance.

Florence was vigilant for those whole two days. On the second day, she heard a roar of pain, so loud that the other two cyclops, the ones that lived nearby, came by to aid their fellow kin.

She didn't understand why they left so quickly, though.

The little snake was apalled, the very next morning, to see the cyclops shepherd's injury. He was blinded, eye stabbed by something sharp. The humans, strangely, were tied underneath each one of the sheep as the giant male touched the flock's backs. Checking on his animals?

No. Checking for the escapees.

And when the great king loudly boasted their accomplishment and proclaimed his name for all to hear, all Florence could think was...

... What a jerk.

[enidette]

GOT IT CYCLOPS? carl grimes x fem!reader

warnings — both are 18+, stupid grimes part 2, e2l?, adopted!rhee!reader, teasing, making out, fingering, jerking off, lovesick once they stop having bitch fights

it went unspoken that you and carl were going to ignore that day in the janitor’s closet. you both were snapped into reality and rescued before things could escalate much further, leaving tension and awkwardness at a high.

and carl couldn’t tell if he liked that or not, on one hand, he’s glad he let everything out and the two of you shared a moment. on the other, you’re really hot when you’re mad.

currently you were ready to chew his ass out, ready to pound his face in for being so stupid. he walked through the streets of alexandria with you hot on his trail, a smirk playing on his lips despite the circumstances.

this was another instance where the adults were trying to put you both together again. they noticed how at peace you seemed after coming home that one day, despite being bombarded by a herd. but after that it was right back to how it was before. and they were determined.

it was mostly rick and daryl, your mom too if she weren’t at the hilltop. you can still remember carl begging you to stay and then acting like he hated your guts again when you caved.

this time the run was nearly successful, though on the way back to your car to load up and leave, carl decided to pick a fight.

carl lifts the trunk with a grunt, tossing in diapers and other things judith needed. you were carrying miscellaneous things negan would want, making your way to the car. you sling your haul into the trunk, turning with a grimace when you hear carl’s snarky laughter.

he points behind you at a trio of walkers headed your way. from the looks of it, it’s only them. but you settle for just your knife anyway. but carl’s hand is on your shoulder before you can make your way to them, they’re about thirty feet away.

“rock paper scissors for ‘em.” he smirks and holds out his fist. you narrow your eyes at him and swat at his hand.

“are you crazy? let’s just deal with them.” you remember him lecturing those kids for playing with the walkers before, now look at him.

carl lifts his hands in the air, “i forgot how afraid you are of losing.” you go to turn to him, ready to spew out the meanest things that came to your head. but he darts ahead of you, killing two of the walkers. the last one is able to get it’s hands on him while he was busying himself with it’s friends. you watch amused as he tackles it to the ground, showing a little struggle as he does so.

you make slow steps to him, watching for a while until the walker’s mouth gets dangerously close to carl’s neck. carl who was still telling you to hold off on killing it. but you ignore him, running over and piercing through it’s eye with your blade in one swift motion.

“i said i fucking had it,” carl huffs as he stands, brushing off his clothes. he looks to you, your sour expression stunning him. “what’s that look for?”

you let out a short laugh and poke the inside of your cheek with your tongue. “you had it? come on, if i wasted thirty more seconds listening to you, i’d have a dead grimes on my hands.”

carl smirks and walks closer to you, placing a hand on your waist, “didn’t know you cared that much, rhee.” you push him away with a dirty look,

“this little cool guy act doesn’t amuse me.” carl sighs and slides his knife back in his belt. “you know what will happen to me if i come back with you bit? i’ll never be trusted again.”

“admit you’d be at least a little sad.” carl’s voice isn’t teasing anymore, it sounds like he genuinely wants you to say it. like he believed you would be so heartless. you just sigh and nod, mumbling a ‘whatever’ and walk to the car. that’s enough for him.

you were still pissed at him for that little stunt, and made it very known. you followed him around all day, making sure to let any strange lookers know that his reckless behavior led him to being babysat all the time.

instead of bickering back he just took it, and even laughed. “what are you laughing at grimes?”

he shrugs, lifting his hat to run a hand through his hair. “i just like riling you up like this.” he smiles at your annoyed expression. “it’s fun!” you roll your eyes and walk past him, parting from him for the first time that day. he looks at where you were just standing, then behind him, running a bit to catch up to you. the approaching footsteps behind you cause you to sigh and cross your arms.

“what happened to babysitting me?”

his voice is still laced with humor, it’s starting to make you mad. “carl.” you whip around, your stern voice startles him, leading him to freeze. you get close to him, so close he can feel your breath on his lips. again, and it drives him crazy.

your composure falls and you adjust yourself on your feet. “carl, i’m not riled up, i’m not just babysitting you. what happened today scared me. you got too cocky with things and almost got yourself killed.”

carl bites his lip nervously, looking into your eyes. he dips his head down, not worrying about the gazes trained on you. “let me make it up to you.”

his lips brush yours and you place your hands on his chest, blocking him from going further. he pouts slightly, tilting his head. “that won’t work this time.”

that night you laid in your dark room, not bothering to turn on the lantern. you were lost in your thoughts, what if you had just let carl be? what if he did get bit? why is he playing it off like it didn’t happen? why is he playing that night off like it didn’t happen?

the last thing has made you snarkier with him. you were pissed he was acting like he hadn’t confessed to you, like he hadn’t kissed you and almost took it to the next base if it weren’t for your little rescue team.

a noise rips you out of your thoughts. it sounded like something small hitting glass. you lift the headphones of your walkman off your head and creep over to your window. on the way you slide your gun off your nightstand, would you realistically need it? nine out of ten times no one could get in the walls, but you’ve learned to never play it too safe.

another noise comes before you can reach the window and you sigh when you see the pebble hit the glass and fall. carl.

you huff and toss your gun onto your bed, rushing to the window and throwing it open. your hands slam on the window seal, a loud smack sound echoing through the night.

“that was a little dramatic.”

“what do you want, grimes?” carl answers you by climbing the tree next to your window. you roll your eyes but stand to the side to allow him entry anyway.

he breathes heavily when he makes it to the top, looking into your room and then at you through the glass. “i can come in?”

you give him a stupid look and lean on your hip, “no, i’ll push you and watch you fall and snap your neck.” you reach out and grab him by the collar to tug him in. “you can be so stupid, grimes.”

“stupid for you.” he attempts to wink but mentally face palms when he realizes that’s definitely not possible at this point. he makes a funny face at himself and you can’t help but smile, his poor attempt at being mr. smooth reminded you of that night.

then your mind drifts to how he’s ignoring it. and you’re back to mad again.

“what do you want?”

carl frowns at your tone, so you’re still mad, got it. “i want to make it up to you. besides the fact, you know, i’m still here and breathing.”

“that’s not the point carl.” you grunt as you sit on your bed, putting your revolver in your nightstand. carl sits next to you, looking at you expectantly for you to continue. a sigh leaves your lips and your head falls to look at your hands instead of him.

“you could have died.” carl opens his mouth to protest, but you’re quicker, placing a hand over his mouth. his shoulders fall dejectedly but he awaits your explanation nonetheless. “you’re being idiotic and careless and just an asshat like you were before.”

your hand slowly falls from his face and he looks at you with a glint of regret in his eye. “i just thought things would change after what you explained and confessed. i didn’t think you’d just act like nothing happened.”

he doesn’t know what to say, so his hand reaches out to grab yours when you smack it. he looks up to see your sad expression wiped away with an angered one. “and if you’d died without acting on whatever the hell that was, believe me grimes, i wouldn’t let you rest easy.” carl smiles at your returned sassy spark, the you that was so fun to toy with.

“okay then, rhee.” he grabs your hand, harsh enough to keep you from pulling away but not enough to hurt you. “catch me doing it again and you can take me out yourself.” you seem satisfied at that, causing carl to laugh at your antics.

“can i finally make it up to you now?” you quirk a brow at him, breath hitching at how close he was getting. “i’ve been wanting to kiss you, but i didn’t want to push anything.” so you do it for him, you close the gap between the two of you with a kiss slower than last time.

you pull away for a second and he chases your lips, leading you both to fall back on the mattress. “if you’re gonna make it up to me, you’re gonna do it right. we’re doing this how i want it. got it, cyclops?” he narrows his eye at you and tilts his head at the nickname, but doesn’t protest against your demands.

you slide your hand through his hair, gripping the tufts near his neck to pull his lips back to yours. he groans against your lips with every tug you make, his hips involuntarily grinding down onto yours.

you guide his right hand up to your waist and his left to your chest. he pulls away, a line of spit connecting your swollen lips. he looks down, finally realizing that all you have on is a sheer tank top and shorts. fitting for summer heat, but the lack of a bra surprises him more than it should.

he swallows thickly and feels his pants get uncomfortably tighter. the hand at your waist tugs your body closer to his while the other makes work on your nipples through your shirt. you can tell he’s inexperienced but so are you, the only thing giving it away is the confused look on his face and how needy he’s acting.

he shuts his eye tightly when you stop his movements and trail your hands down to his pants. you nod your head to the side and carl sits himself against your headboard, watching you intently. he’s breathing heavily again and his right hand comes up to cup your face.

if you were to look up you would see the adoration in his gaze, but your focus is trained on pleasing him instead. your minds are on polar opposite sides. you get his pants down and wrap your hand around him, causing him to suck in a breath through his teeth.

his hand goes to yours before you could even think about going further, “wait.” he pulls you closer to him, placing you on his lap. “i want to make it up to you.” you get the hint when he messily glides you over his cock. he shivers slightly at the contact but holds back as best as he can.

“what happened to this going my way?”

carl lets out a noise between a whine and a groan, “please.” and who are you to deny that?

“i’d like to see the protection you have then.” carl’s head falls back, knocking his hat off. he hadn’t planned things to go this far.

he throws an arm over his face, “where the hell was i supposed to get that?” you pat his cheek as a warning sign,

“don’t get snarky again. i don’t see mini rick and michonne’s running around. i’m sure you could’ve found something.” carl gives you a pointed glare, hinting at you to do the same. “i’m not going in my parent’s room, that’s a one way ticket to busted-town, grimes.”

carl huffs and pushes his sweaty hair away from his face. the comment you had made before about him being pretty, even now, has his face turning slightly pink. “i have an idea.” his hands find their way on your hips, and he looks to you for confirmation before he continues.

he guides you to get on your knees, your cunt hovering right over his dick. he takes two fingers and experimentally runs them through your folds, coating his fingers in your slick. he groans at how wet you are, trying to rack his brain for what to do next.

you giggle at him, watching the gears turn in his head. he smiles softly at you in return, sliding one of his fingers into you. he does his best at trying to keep his composure as he leads your hand to his cock, letting you take the reigns.

he curls his finger, eye searching your face for any hint of pain. your eyes meet his as you run your thumb over his slit, challenging him to keep eye contact. his mouth falls open and his movements are already getting messy. he leans in to kiss you, matching the ferocity from that night in the closet. teeth clashing and moans and heavy breaths mixing.

you feel his thumb on your clit, attempting to rub slow circles but he just can’t hold himself back. his movements echo yours, or what he wants you to give him. instead you’re being too slow for his liking, getting back at him for all his innocent teasing.

but it still gets him close, because he’s starving and it’s you. and he can tell by the way your thighs are shaking that you are too. he parts from your lips just enough to speak, “with me.” he’s so out of it, so breathless and entranced he can barely speak. “please.” you nod, speeding up your movements until his cock is twitching in your hand and making a mess of it and your sheets. though his lap isn’t much better, causing you to bury your head in his neck.

carl couldn’t help but laugh, you’ll never escape his antics if he gets this out of it.

[madrone33]

Oooh good points! I agree to most of this (not a big Eury fan lol), but just to play devil's advocate -

Being too trusting and listening to the Lotus Eaters led them to Polyphemus' cave. They could've gone to a different island when they figured out the Lotus was inedible, and then hunted for food like their original plan. But they took a gamble on trusting the advice from people high off their rocker. That's more on Polites than Eury, but it is pretty against Eury's stance of being wary and cautious.

Remember Them: Since Eury didn't realise how Ody's whole "My name is Nobody" ruse will work out, he just thought they were sitting ducks trapped in a dead end cave. Sure, there were cyclopes outside the cave, but they're "big but slow," so making a break for it might give them a good chance of survival instead of waiting to die in the cave. They'd have to leave the sheep, but they'd have their lives.

Storm: Eury is pessimistic and stressed, but Ody's decision to bullhead through the storm instead of finding a way around or an island to anchor around is putting the whole fleet in danger of capsizing, and though Ody is trying his best, he's kinda being wilfully oblivious to the true scope of the damage being done, only insisting they will get through it.

Luck Runs Out: He does have a point that Ody's luck will run out sometime, and that he should be cautious of the gods (tho bro didn't have to bring it up in front of the ENTIRE CREW *sigh*). At this point they don't know Poseidon sent the storm and is gunning for them; from his POV all they need to do is wait it out and then sail on, and taking a risky shortcut by asking a fickle god for a favour because Ody is impatient to get home is unnecessarily dangerous. (I agree that insulting Ody's wit is stupid.)

KYFC: Yeah, I don't got a defense on the Wind Bag situation. (I'm personally suspicious that he was involved in opening it so I'm admittedly not too interesting in defending him on this lmao.)

Puppeteer: It's implied that Circe was weaving a spell that lured the men in. Not sure why Eury was able to resist, but the other men were probs magically deaf to his warnings and attempts to keep them from going in.

Telling Ody to cut their losses and run is kinda a tactically sound decision. He doesn't know they need Circe so they can get to Tiresias for help, and though the open sea isn't a great place with Poseidon out there, fighting this new goddess isn't a good idea either. He saw first hand how powerful Circe is, and they have no magic of their own (since he doesn't know Hermes is going to help out with some deus ex machina style drugs). They're already down however many men the scouting party was, if Ody decides to go in there with no real plan then he's as good as dead, and all that will have been accomplished is their Captain and King (and Eury's brother in law) being lost to the witch as well.

This next part is purely my speculation, since the Underworld and Thunder sagas aren't out yet, but I think his and Ody's character arcs are supposed to switch with each other.

Odysseus going from desperately grabbing onto Polites' philosophy of open arms because he's traumatised from killing Astyanax and so sick and tired of war and death, to realising he needs to become the ruthless monster if they want to ever have a hope of getting home.

And Eurylochus going from ruthless caution and pragmatism after the bloody war, to seeing his Captain actually succeeding in getting their men back from Circe, and seeing all the dead soldiers in the Underworld, and realising that doing the ruthless thing means nothing if it doesn't help their men.

Which is why (my theory) he mutinies after Odysseus sacrifices some of their men to Scylla in exchange for the rest of them getting out alive. Eurylochus no longer believes in this type of "sacrifice for the greater good," and he's kinda blindsided that Ody is doing it, because he's gotten used to Ody always going back for their men, and so he thought they were on the same page because he didn't realise his Captain had character development in the opposite direction of him.

Anyway! I love your essay, just wanted to write this to give another perspective. I personally don't much like Eurylochus, but I do kinda understand his perspective.

I see a lot of memes on how short the story would be if Odysseus just listened to Eurylochus, but like.. am I missing something?

Odyssesus telling his name to the cyclops is the biggest mistake obviously. But besides that… the crew and Eurylochus are constantly making messes that Odysseus has to clean up.

Full Speed Ahead: 6 hundred reasons to take what we can; let’s raid the place and go

Taking what they could is what GOT them into the situation in the first place. They took the cyclops sheep and brought the wrath of the cyclops

Remember Them: captain, we should run; captain please

If they’d run when Eurylochus wanted, they would’ve been caught and seen by the other cyclops. Certainly not able to make away with the sheep.

Luck Runs Out: please don’t tell me you’re about to do what I think you’ll do

If Odysseus HADNT gone to the wind god and gotten the bag, when they come upon Poseidon, the entire crew would have been gone. Having the bag of wind save them.

Puppeteer: we have to go save them/no we don’t!; let’s cut our losses you and I and let’s run

Had they done that, not only would all the men left alive be left as pigs, but the two would have never survived. They never would have gone to the underworld to the prophet, and never would have survived the journey home.

So Eurylochus doesn’t make any good suggestions to Odysseus. On the contrary, he proves to be a horrible second in command who doesn’t trust Odysseus and undermines his judgement at every step, causing constant conflict.

Remember them: insisting they run as the cyclops gather and possibly putting the whole crew in danger

Storm: captain, we will capsize at this rate, our fleet will fail; we’re taking too much damage to survive; at this rate, we won’t make it out alive

Luck Runs Out: the entirety of this song is not only Eurylochus challenging Odysseus and questioning his judgment in front of their entire crew, but also insulting Odysseus for the very thing that got 600 men out of Troy alive. It was Odysseus’s wit that ended the war in Troy. It was his wit that moved him to poor Lotus in the cyclops wine. It was wet to tell the cyclops his name was nobody, keeping them from being killed by all the additional cyclops that come to check out the scene.

Odysseus’s pride is what bringsPoseidon wrath, but it’s his width that has gotten 600 men that far.

Keep Your Friends Close: we don’t hear Eurylochus in most of this song, and that’s part of my problem with him. Why the hell is Odysseus staying awake for nine days? Why does he not have anyone on his ship that he can trust to watch the bag for him to close his eyes for 30 minutes? Where is Eurylochus when the other men are opening the bag and letting out the winds of the storm? Why does Odysseus’s second in command not have his back? Why are the men not conscious of the fact that the second in command would also disapprove of their actions? Is it because he wouldn’t? Is it because his constant undermining has encouraged it?

Then the very end, when Odysseus ask for help, closing the bag, what’s Eurylochus’s immediate response? it’s not OK. It’s not yes sir. It’s. “It’s too late.”

Even in the middle of a crisis, he still won’t listen to the captain. He still won’t trust Odysseus’s judgment that ultimately saves them in the end of the saga.

Puppeteer: Only I stayed outside, but the rest went in

Did Eurylochus not even try to stop the men? Does he have such little regard for their safety? He lets them do whatever they want? Has he earned such a little respect that they don’t listen to him?

Like I touched on earlier, if Odysseus listened to Eurylochus’s doubt, not only would all their men be doomed, but Eurylochus and Odysseus as well.

I honestly have so much distain for Eurylochus and his lack of respect for Odysseus. as the listeners and people who know the story, we know just how deep the facts of revealing his name to the cyclops run. But the rest of the men don’t. Eurylochus doesn’t. He just never trusted Odysseus to lead in the first place.

[the-broken-truth]

Can I request yandere rogue, wolverine, beast, night walker , cyclops x toddler wolf wild child mutant daughter reader please

Like how they find her and take her under her wing and have protected they are of her is she can turn into a wolf a giant one but right now it's just a puppy and how protective they are please and thank you

Broken: I don't know much about Nightcrawler so I didn't do him.

Rogue: This was when Rogue was still affiliated with the Brotherhood of Mutants, she was walking in the forest to get away from the tension that was going on in the base when she found a small girl that bore the ears and tail of a wolf. Anna tried to approach the girl but she growled at her, crouched on all-fours before turning into a small grey wolf pup which happened to be the size of a teenage wolf. Rogue slowly crouched to the snarling wolf before placing her hand on the wolf's head - getting her memories and ability to transform - and transformed into an adult wolf to speak with the child. Once Rogue managed to convince the wolfish child that she wasn't a danger and got her to transform back, Rogue looked at her and realized that there was no way that she could leave her alone and wondered if Magneto would allow her to keep her but the issue was Sabretooth and Quicksilver, but Rogue dealt with them before. She gathered the girl in her arm before taking to the skies back to base. Upon arrival, she explained that the child was a mutant that has the power to turn into a wolf and was living in the forest, she pleaded for the child to remain with her and it was granted. Rogue kept the child near, mainly away from Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch because Silver was a dick and Scarlet Witch was always trying to get the 'Mother Role' with [Reader] and that role was taken. The Energy Thief kept [Reader] close as she grew up and became her Alpha - a badge she wore proudly.

Wolverine: There were sightings of what people believed to be a 'werewolf' in the forest and he was annoyed with the requests for the X-Men to investigate so he decided to see what was going on in the forest and finds out if this 'werewolf' was real or not. He did his investigation and just before he left, he found a deer carcass that looked like it had been ripped apart, and recently too. He followed the trail and it led him to a cave where a girl was sitting by a fire, cooking the deer meat she took from the carcass. When she picked up on his scent, she jumped to her feet and transformed into a wolf, growling in his direction. He growled back to assert his dominance and it was listened to. He ordered the girl to go with him and she followed - he knew she wasn't listening to his human side, but rather to the beast inside him that she accepted as her Alpha. He trained her himself to be lethal and patient but it was hard at first because she was still a pup. He didn't like sharing her training and wasn't afraid to tell anyone what was on his mind when someone tried to get close to HIS pup.

Beast: You were brought into his lab by Storm, who found you being chased by some humans who thought you were a beast of some kind - they were right, you were a mutant that could transform into a wolf but that didn't mean that you had the mind of a beast. Beast gathered you in his arms and began tending to the wounds left behind from the ambush on you by the humans; it broke his heart to see a small child in that state. He noticed that you transformed after waking up, it was clear that you were more comfortable in that form and he allowed you to stay by his side throughout your recovery. When you did recover, he noticed that you were attached to him, not wanting to leave his side - he understood, he didn't want you to leave his side either. He protected you, gave you a name, and refused to let anyone that you didn't like near you; the only other person you liked besides Beast was Storm.

Cyclops: He was a bit of a loner but when he met you - something within him clicked. You were alone in the forest when he found you, body bruised and half transformed. He gathered you in his arms and took you to the institute to be healed. He was the only one that was around you, he checked on your progress and made sure you were alright and when you opened your eyes, his visor was the first thing you saw. He was the one who brought you food and clothes, he spoke to you and trained you with your power. He didn't like it when his friends tried to get close to you, making sure you kept your distance from them. He was the one who saved you and he was the only one you needed.

[lionofchaeronea]

A Hymn to Hephaestus

I sing of the seething chasms under Etna In Sicily, called Trinacria of old, Where he toils – mighty-armed Hephaestus – Attended by the Cyclopean trio, Brontes, Arges, and shaggy Steropes. Clang! Their hammers strike against the anvil. Clang! The red-hot iron bends and folds. The watching Muses’ eyes are stung with sweat; The rising clamor overwhelms their song. Out of the smoke and steam a gleam appears: The thunderbolt that lordly Zeus will hurl From Olympus’ seat to ruin Typhaon And cast his ashes deep beneath the earth. This is the work of Hephaestus: fire and steel, Gold and silver, tin and gleaming bronze. Such things belong to him ever since the day He returned in glory from the ocean deeps Where Hera cast him – goddess cruel in heart! – Enraged to see his withered, twisted shanks. He did not perish, though he fell for days. Thetis and her sisters, shining daughters of Nereus, Found him lying prostrate on the sea-bed And took him in, fed him nectar and ambrosia; His arms waxed great, his biceps and his sinews Were filled with strength. His mind knew dreadful cunning, And so he devised a trap for white-armed Hera, A chair that bound her fast in slender chains That no one, god or goddess, could undo Until the lord of Nysa who loves the vine Led Hephaestus back to Mount Olympus. Mother and son were reconciled; Zeus Nodded his head (and all Olympus thundered) To signal his assent to great Hephaestus Joining the ranks of gods. Now he works wonders: Tripods and cauldrons that roll of their own accord To the sacrificial altar; men and women Of silver and gold who wait at Zeus’s table; And Talos, giant warrior of bronze, Who threatened to submerge the black ship Argo Until crafty Medea removed the nail That fixed his heel – his ichor all ran out. Hail, Hephaestus! Hail, spirit of fire, You who give men the gift of metal-working So that they need not cower in their caves And live in fear, like thoughtless wild beasts. Come with gracious spirit every time A fire is lit, to cook or to work iron; And in return I shall bestow upon you This song of mine, and other songs as well.

Hephaestus and the Cyclopes forging the Shield of Achilles. Roman marble relief, maker and date unknown. Now in the Capitoline Museums, Rome.

[specialagentartemis]

Haha oh man what a question perfectly tailored to my media fixations

My answer: yes, absolutely, because preventing the sort of thing that drove Odysseus to Become The Monster is Murderbot’s whole job. However it would require Odysseus listening to Murderbot which I highly doubt he would do.

So, in Epic the Musical, the thesis of “Monster” is that Odysseus is confronting his failure to protect his crew, and the fact that they kept dying and facing adversity which he ascribes to his attempts at nonviolent/merciful problem resolution. Basically, if he had been more violent and ruthless to his adversaries from the outset, none of his crew would have died and the rest of them wouldn’t be doomed.

Protecting humans from making stupid mistakes that gets them eaten by monsters is Murderbot’s whole DEAL. It was made for this! Literally! But also, it is very good at it and takes pride in that security work, and takes pride in retrieving clients alive out of deadly-looking circumstances. If Murderbot had been present in Epic: The Musical, a lot fewer of Odysseus’s crew would have died because Murderbot would have:

Insisted that it go to the island of the Lotus-Eaters instead of or at most along with Odysseus and Polites;

Insisted that it scope out the Cyclops’s cave before the humans entered;

Guarded the bag of winds without falling asleep

These are the major events that led to the death of Polites, the wrath of Poseidon on his other crewmen, and Odysseus’s journey taking so long that his mother died before he reached home; as these were the pivotal events that led to “Monster,” if Murderbot had been there to intervene in any of them, the whole journey would have gone a hell of a lot more smoothly with a lot less death and drama.

However, these interventions would have required convincing Odysseus to listen to it and go along with its security advice, which Odysseus shows (cf. “Luck Runs Out”) that he does not like to do.

Imo if Murderbot is present, everything is roughly the same up until “Remember Them” because Odysseus keeps rejecting Murderbot’s calls to be cautious. As of “Remember Them” Odysseus is clearly emotionally compromised and Murderbot goes fuck it. This is no time for trying to convince humans to act in their own interests because they don’t listen to their security consultants even at the best of times. And then before he can announce his name and location to Polyphemus it just fucking tackles him to the deck. Athena isn’t going to stop this guy so yet Again you can’t count on men or gods, and this is why every excursion needs a heroic SecUnit and why humans shouldn’t do their own security.

(If they’re lucky, MB can single-handedly take down Polyphemus in “Survive” and no one has to die at all. If they’re not lucky, Polites still dies, RIP Polites, but Odysseus stays on track on the rest of the return home. No storm sent by Poseidon, no retribution, and smooth rest of the return to Ithaca. Anticleia is still alive when he returns, the other 590-some men are still alive, nobody has to become the monster about it.)

And THAT is my pitch for why you should listen to your SecUnit security consultant! It will prevent you from becoming the monster!

Murderbot from Murderbot?

[greekgeek21]

Percy Jackson & The Avengers: Convergence - there is a fight scene included

I am not dead, just extremely busy. My summer lacrosse season just ended, so hopefully I get some inspiration to write some new chapters. In the meantime, I hope this will tide you over for some time.

Keep in mind, this was written weeks ago, so I am not in the mood to answer any weirdly specific questions about my artistic choices. In other words, if you don't like it, you don't have to read it! I know, it's a truly monumental realization.

For my kind & loyal readers, don't forget to comment, like, and follow!

- your author

DISCLAIMER: I don't own the Avengers or PJO!

Ω ♆ Ω

By the grace of the gods, the group managed to pass the sirens without an issue. It seemed like the mortals had finally accepted that it was in their best interest to listen to the Seven. So, as soon as Percy warned everyone to fill their ears with wax, they filled their ears with wax. Of course there were a few complaints, but that was expected. Nobody was perfect (no matter what Narcissus insists).

From there on out, the nerves were building. Percy had informed the team that their next stop would be Polyphemus' island, and everybody, mortal and demigod alike, knew what that place was. It was where the most infamous cyclops lived, but most importantly, it was where Annabeth was being held, if Percy's father was to be trusted.

Since it would still be another two hours or so, according to the sea expert, until they reached the island, the group decided to try resting. Some tried to nap, while others sharpened their weapons or hung out on the deck. It was futile, but they were trying to prepare themselves for a situation that they had never before encountered, not even Percy.

It was safe to say that everyone was scared shitless.

Ω ♆ Ω

Leo had decided to go downstairs and tinker with some stuff from his belt as a distraction from their impending doom. It was working too! He was in his own little world that only machines could enter. That is, until Tony Stark walked up to him.

"Whatcha doing, kid?" he asked, peering over Leo's shoulder to catch a glimpse at the boy's creation.

"I'm making a mini automaton to help us find Annabeth when we get to the island," was the answer.

Taking a closer look, Tony started to see it. It was a very small machine, but if you looked closely, it was clear that it was made of metal. The automaton was about the size of a quarter, and looked like a celestial bronze spider. Leo was currently adding the last two legs to it when Tony walked up.

When Leo looked up, he held up his creation with a proud smile. "This baby can be our spy. It's eyes are tiny cameras, and it's made almost completely of celestial bronze. We can send this in, and then know where Annabeth is before we storm the place."

Tony nodded, "Yeah... Pretty good idea, kid."

And ok, so Leo was freaking out a little bit on the inside because one of his idols had just complimented his work. But on the outside, he just smiled a little wider.

"You haven't even seen the best part. You've gotta see it after I turn it on. I added stealth-mode so nobody should even be able to know it's there," Leo said, grabbing the spider and flipping it over to press a button.

As soon as he had, the spider flipped itself over in his hand and started crawling up his arm. Tony was a little creeped out, but it was blocked by the fascination for this new kind of science the demigods had. The spider should have to be controlled by a human, but it was moving like it was almost...thinking on its own. There was no way it had an AI, but that was the only solution his mortal brain could come up with.

"Is it an AI?" he asked.

"Nope. It's a greek automaton. They don't need AIs. I programmed it to listen to a few simple commands when needed, but if we don't order it around, it'll just stick around me waiting for orders. Pretty cool, right?"

"Awesome," Tony whispered, in awe of how smart this seventeen year old kid was.

"Thanks. I think I finished it just in time because I heard Percy calling us back upstairs," Leo said. Before he had even finished he was walking towards the deck, not a care in the world for the metal spider crawling around on him.

"Oh, I'm definitely becoming friends with this kid," Tony muttered to himself before following Leo.

Ω ♆ Ω

"Did you get it done, Leo?" Percy asked as soon as he had seen him.

"Yep. Here it is." Leo held up the automaton-spider.

Percy smirked. "Oh, Annabeth's gonna love that."

Leo shrugged, acting clueless. "I have no idea what you're talking about. The spider was just the first thing I could come up with."

"Sure it was," Piper snorted.

Leo fake-gasped. "Beauty Queen! How could you ever think I would lie?! I would never!"

Clint whispered to Natasha, "The kids clearly have a strong bond that only comes from fighting for their lives with each other."

Frank turned to them, surprising the spies that he had heard them, "No shit, Sherlock."

Before anything else could be said, Percy reclaimed the entire group's attention. "If you look to the right, you can see Polyphemus' island. We're going to dock on the south side of the island because that is the only way to get on without climbing a cliff and facing carnivorous sheep. Hazel should be able to disguise the ship until we invade the base, so don't worry about being seen. Leo will send in his spider to check things out and then we'll follow after we know where Annabeth is. Everybody got that?"

At the noises of affirmation, Percy nodded. "Good. Suit up if you're not already."

Of course, Tony had to break the calm solemnity by saying, "Cap, I thought that was your line?"

Everybody collectively rolled their eyes.

Ω ♆ Ω

After they docked, Leo released his spider with specific orders to find Annabeth Chase while staying hidden. That was working until Polyphemus' stupid super-senses could smell the celestial bronze. Leo hadn't known that a blind cyclops would be able to smell metal, but you learn something new everyday, right?

The spider lasted all of five minutes in the cave before Polyphemus smelled it and crushed it under his giant smelly foot. Percy had thought that the cyclops would take longer to reform, but when had he ever been that lucky? Something that completely baffled him was how the mortals got him to not eat them. The dude had been pretty desperate for food the last time Percy had run into him, so how had the weird boss guy gotten him to hold off?

The only thing he could think of for them to feed him would be...nope! He's not going there right now.

The last thing the spider had transmitted to the group was a picture of a mortal holding a gun to Annabeth's head while she was gagged and chained. It made his blood boil.

"I'm going to kill them," He growled, starting to get off the boat and storm the place.

Jason stepped in front of him before he could, "Easy, Perce. You don't know what you're walking into. They want you to go in half-cocked, so we can't give them that. You know Annabeth can handle herself, so just take a breath and we'll figure out a plan."

Percy took a shaky breath, but it did nothing to cool his anger.

"Jace, if you don't step out of my way in the next two seconds, I will be forced to move you, and trust me, you don't want me to do that."

The son of Jupiter stood his ground, "I'm not moving. I know you Percy. Hurting me would go against your fatal flaw. I'm your best friend; your family. I know you would never intentionally hurt me."

Jason glanced over at the rest of the group, who hadn't dared to move if it upset Percy even more. The guy was a ticking time bomb, and they needed to defuse it before it went off and destroyed any chance of getting Annabeth back safely.

Percy almost looked in pain as he spoke his next words, "Jason, I love you. You're my cousin, but Annabeth is my everything. I will hurt you to get to her."

Jason sighed, expecting that answer. "Then at least let us come with you on your suicide mission. I'm not letting you die without me."

"Fine, but hurry up. I'm leaving now," and Percy shoved past Jason and started the trek up to Polyphemus' cave.

Jason turned to the others, who were all staring after Percy with shocked expressions. "Well you heard him! Move your asses!"

That seemed to startle them awake. Everyone but Bruce started moving.

Ω ♆ Ω

By the time the team had been able to catch up to Percy's fast pace, he had already reached the nearest entrance to the cave. It was a dark, narrow path that had walls of rock on either side reaching up for hundreds of feet.

"This is the part in the horror movies where I start screaming at the tv to not go in there and they still go in there," Piper whispered.

They were all just staring at the darkness, and it was getting awkward. For someone who was so hasty to get to Annabeth, Percy was sure taking a long time to get there.

"Are we gonna go in or..." Tony said.

Percy sighed. "Yeah. We're going in. Just don't separate from the group."

He led the way into the cave with Steve right behind him. Percy appreciated having someone else who could take some of the responsibility off his shoulders. Almost his entire time in the godly world, he had been expected to be the leader because of his father, and he had stepped up, but that doesn't mean it didn't weigh on him. Annabeth was the only one who had been able to help him with the stress, and without her, he was losing it. He had already been barely hanging onto his control over his powers, but now without her, what he was doing could barely be called control. It was more like holding back a rampaging bull with a string.

Ten minutes later, they found themselves hiding behind the wall that led to the room where the gang was waiting. Just as the spider had shown them, Annabeth was kneeling under the gang leader's feet while he held a gun to her head.

She looked murderous, so at least something was still normal in the world.

Steve poked his head around and gave a quick scan of the room before turning back to them, "Ok so we've got at least ten humans, with five monsters. One of the monsters is as tall as a building so I think he's the largest threat. Tony, Clint, Nat, and I will deal with the humans if you guys handle the monsters. The main priority is getting Annabeth to safety. Percy, that's your job."

Saying that last bit was just to clarify for everyone else, though they looked like they didn't need to hear it. Percy had a determined look on his face, one that said he wasn't going to allow anyone else to have his assignment.

"You got it, boss," Tony remarked. "Do you just want to storm in there?"

Before he could get an answer, Percy charged into the room, leaving his friends entirely unshocked, but the Avengers were looking a little mad.

"Don't worry, plans aren't really his thing. Even if we do make them, they never go our way. It's better to go with the flow when fighting with Percy," Hazel reassured, and then turned to follow her godly cousin. The rest of the Seven followed, leaving the Avengers to just stare at each other in confusion.

"I like their style," Tony said before flying into the room.

Natasha sighed. "I'm really starting to regret meeting these kids."

Clint smirked at her before leaving, closely followed by Steve and the Black Widow herself. For all three of them, everything about this mission was against their nature, but there wasn't much they could do about it. They were in unknown territory with a group of newly-allied teens and no backup. It was a shitshow before they had even left.

Ω ♆ Ω

Frank was fighting a dracaena, and it was making it super annoying. The thing would not stop talking about grocery stores. It was quite distracting when trying to kill it.

"Seriously! Can you believe how nobody can see how bad those chains are?!" it exclaimed.

Frank sighed, ready for it to be over. Whenever he would try to stab it, it would just slither away right at the last second, all the while continuing to complain.

He decided to use his shapeshifting abilities to catch the thing off-guard. In reality, he could probably deal with it in seconds, but when he really used his inner son of Mars, it drained him. He needed to save his strength if he was going to fight Polyphemus.

Speaking of, so far, the cyclops had stayed out of the fighting. He was just sitting on his throne made of rock, picking at his teeth with what Frank really hoped wasn't a human bone.

Frank changed into a squirrel for a second, climbing up onto the back of the dracaena with the animal's speed and before the monster could react, he changed back into a human and stabbed it through the back with his spear.

"Huh. I guess you can shut up," he remarked as the monster turned into dust.

After, Frank turned to help Hazel take down an empousa. She had already defeated four before that, so it was a pretty easy fight. He had been keeping an eye on her throughout his fight. Sure, he trusted she could take care of herself, but it was also his job to watch her back.

"Thanks," Hazel told him with a quick peck on the cheek after they finished.

Believe it or not, that kiss on the cheek was a major improvement. It had been a real adjustment for Hazel to learn how couples expressed affection nowadays, and it had taken even longer to start showing it herself. It helped that Frank preferred words over touch, too.

"No problem."

Ω ♆ Ω

"Get some, térata!" Leo screamed, running up to the manticore and sending giant, continuous blasts of fire at it.

He had heard of Dr. Thorn from Nico, Percy, and Annabeth before, and had somehow retained the knowledge that it was extremely durable on the outside. That meant that he had to think smart in order to beat it.

So far, Leo was distracting it and holding it off with his fire while he thought of a plan. However, he could only hold it off for so long. He would eventually tire out.

Come on, Leo, THINK!

Then it hit him.

It was so simple! He had been told the story of how the Nemean lion was defeated at Camp. Now usually, he would totally ignore any schooling he was given, but the stuff they were taught at Camp was much more interesting than algebra. So yeah, he remembered some stuff.

So, he decided that his best shot at beating Dr. Thorn was landing a large enough hit inside of him. That meant he had to figure out a way to get him to open his mouth. That wasn't really the hard part, though. The hard part was figuring out how to not die when he had to get closer to the monster.

"Estoy jodido..." he muttered before taking a step forward, never once stopping his assault on the beast.

The Manticore didn't seem to be moving back from the intensity, but rather reveling in the fact that he hadn't gained one burn from the fight. He was just waiting out Leo.

That was not a fun revelation for the son of Hephaestus to have.

And that was when the thorns started attacking him. He should've been expecting it, really. The guy had a tail of poisonous thorns and he hadn't used it yet? Something should've registered in his mind. But that was past-Leo's mistake. Present-Leo had to deal with the super tall, scary, poisonous, and royally pissed-off greek monster in front of him.

Dr. Thorn let out a war cry and swung his tail around, releasing a line of spikes at Leo, who managed to just barely duck out of the way. He was not keen on becoming swiss cheese!

"Ok. It's time to end this." Leo sighed in annoyance, jumping back up and charging.

He swung his battle hammer up and lit it on fire, deciding that he might as well stick with the common theme of stupid ideas. He managed to keep dodging attacks all the way up until he was within ten feet of the manticore. Then, he threw his weapon at the monster, praying to Apollo for good aim. He had fixed the sun chariot plenty of times, so the god had to owe him at least one favor.

Once again, Leo's stupid demigod luck kicked in and the hammer somehow embedded itself in the monster's mouth, which had been opened in a prideful roar. Honestly, the son of Hephaestus didn't know HOW he did it, just that it worked.

With the distraction of having a flaming hammer in his mouth, Dr. Thorn didn't see Leo running up with his arms raised and prepared to fire. By the time he did, it was too late because long blasts of fire were flying straight towards his open mouth.

The monster was able to mutter a silent curse before he disintegrated into dust, once again sent to Tartarus.

"Take that, bitch."

Ω ♆ Ω

Piper was absolutely sure the Fates were laughing at her. They had to be. There was no way that she just happened to be stuck with the two empousa. It didn't help that Jason was struggling to not drool over the girls. She just had to keep chanting in her head that the monsters were using their charm powers on him, and he was not actually attracted to the disgusting things.

After the two monsters tried to both swipe at her at the same time, she growled and shouted, "Jason! Get your head in the game and come help me!"

He had been blinking and shaking his head for the past two minutes and it was getting quite frustrating to have these donkey-cyborg-vampires ganging up on her with no back-up. Once this was over, she was going to make Jason work to get back in her good graces.

With just a little bit of her charmspeak added into her order, Jason was finally able to break free from the empousai's spell. He quickly willed his gladius to be a javelin and launched it through one of the monsters, which made it explode into a shower of golden dust. A traitorous part of Piper's brain insisted on calling that move hot, but she was able to school her expression back into a scowl before her boyfriend could notice.

The other empousa let out a shriek and said, "You MONSTERS! That was my sister! I'll make you pay for that!"

They only had a second to appreciate the irony before she launched herself at them with even more fervor than before, fueled by the rage of losing her "sister."

Jason couldn't help but notice how she was wearing a cheerleading costume. It was very ripped and destroyed, but it was clearly a cheerleading uniform. And as he was deflecting her claws, the ADHD part of his brain realized that the logo on the uniform was for Goode High School, Percy's old school. He almost wanted to laugh when he remembered the story of Kelli, an empousa acting as a cheerleader during Percy's freshman orientation. Percy had always said the monster had a nasty habit of coming back quickly, but Jason had just thought it was an exaggeration. But no, he and Piper were really fighting Kelli, one of Percy's recurring monsters.

It would be hilarious later, truly. But for now, he had to actually kill the thing.

Kelli had backed off when she realized that attacking out of rage wasn't going to work against two experienced demigods, and that also gave Jason and Piper a chance to make a plan themselves.

"Got any ideas?" he asked Piper.

She grinned with a terrifying amount of murderous glee. "I thought you'd never ask."

And then she told him her plan, which was essentially just using him as bait while she got to do all the killing. The prideful Roman part of him wanted to insist on him killing it, but he managed to reign that in when he saw the look on Piper's face. She was not asking, she was telling. Who was he to say no, especially after he hadn't been able to fully resist the empousai's charm?

A scary thought told him he was turning into Percy. He brushed that off for later nightmares.

"Come get me, bloodsucker!" He shouted, raising his arms up in a taunting manner. If he was acting like Percy, might as well go all the way right?

With yet another shriek, Kelli stormed at Jason, completely disregarding the daughter of Aphrodite that was stepping back and preparing to literally stab the monster in the back with her dagger.

Sometimes Jason wonders how a creature could be so stupid. Their plan was so obvious!

It went off without a hitch, technically. Piper let the empousa get a little too close for comfort before she killed it, but he trusted her to get the job done and she came through. Kelli had been prepped and ready to bite into his neck right before she exploded into dust.

It was one Hades of a trust exercise, that's for sure.

"Please don't let it get that close next time, Pipes," he breathed out while he put away Juno's Gladius.

Piper gave him a quick peck on the lips, "Not a chance, Superman."

Ω ♆ Ω

Considering the circumstances, the Avengers weren't doing half-bad. They were actually fairing pretty well. They knew how to deal with humans, so their job wasn't that hard. The only difficulty was that there were four of them and ten of the bad guys. They were sorely outnumbered.

Currently, Steve was fighting two at once, with a third opponent already knocked out a few feet away. He was blocking one with his shield while punching the other in the face. He then switched roles, instead kicking the first attacker and driving his shield into the gut of the second. The one he gutted gasped and fell to the ground, and was knocked unconscious was a simple hit to the temple. While he was distracted with taking down his partner, the still-conscious bad guy recovered from the kick and was able to land a hit to the back of Steve's head. Clearly, the fighter had been prepared to have achieved some form of disorientation from the Captain, but all he got was a pissed-off Avenger.

"That tickled."

It took less than five seconds for Steve to take him down after that.

Natasha also started with three adversaries. Key word being 'started.' It had taken barely any time to take down the first two. And all she had to do for the third was a scissor kick and hold until he passed out. She had just finished doing that when a call from Clint got her attention.

"Nat!" he shouted.

She turned on instinct and threw a throwing knife at the person running up behind her straight into their chest. They stopped with shocked features before falling to the ground in a heap, dead weight pushing the knife even further in and no doubt killing them faster.

"Getting rusty, Clint?" she teased, throwing a look over at her friend.

"No," he defended. "I'm just making sure you're not getting rusty!"

The archer hadn't realised one of his two attackers had sneaked off to go after the "bigger threat." He would never let Nat know he thought she was the bigger threat, though. That would be fueling an ego he knew was somewhere deep down in her.

Tony had been given two people to fight as well, and he was doing pretty well. He had the obvious advantage of being in the air, so all the gang members he was fighting could do was try to shoot at him with their guns, and his armor was designed to withstand a nuclear bomb. Bullets weren't gonna do much damage.

"Guys, seriously, we should just talk this out. We both KNOW I'm going to be knocking you both out in five seconds, so why don't you surrender instead? It'll be so much easier for the both of us!" he said, raising his hands and readying his repulsors.

As expected, the bad guys didn't show any sign of slowing down their useless attack on him. With a roll of his eyes and an obnoxious sigh, Iron Man shot them both in the chest, knocking them out cold.

"That felt too easy. Did that feel too easy to you?" He asked the other Avengers as they gathered back together.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Tony," Natasha said, "That fight was too good to be true."

Now that the truth had been revealed to them, the Avengers could blame what happened next on the Fates.

Ω ♆ Ω

There it is! I hope you liked it

other chapters :)

[salmonthestoryteller]

The Widow of the Web

A Roswell New Mexico/Krull AU Fanfic (Part of the fic Destiny) The group traveled out of the swamps the next day.  The new area was full of tall mountains and rich forests, though none as vibrant as the area around where the Emerald Seer had lived.  Towards dusk, Valenti called a halt to the excursion - near one of the tallest mountains in the area.

“The Widow’s place isn’t far.”  She explained.  “But I must go alone from here.”

“I could go with you, at least the entrance of the cave-”  Kyle began.

Valenti shook her head.  “No, this is a journey it’s best I take alone.”

The cyclops seemed to hesitate, but nodded.  “When will you return?”  He asked her.

“...If i’m not back by sunrise, I won’t be back.”

“You shouldn’t bother.  She won’t help you.”  Rosa crossed her arms.  “She helps no one but herself.”

“I understand your anger.  I was angry, too, once.”  Valenti told her.“

She deserves her fate.”  Liz had approached as well.

“Perhaps. But perhaps she deserves redemption, too.  Perhaps we all do.”  With that she started towards the mountain.

Alex watched the group talk, feeling very much as though he was missing something.  “Do you know anything about the kingdom that fell?”  He asked Max.

“Very little.  It was before I commanded the armies.  I know there was a battle, and a fire that rampaged Sky’s land - your weapons or our magic, I couldn’t say which was the cause.  In the separate kingdoms' histories we each blamed each other for their fate.”  Max offered. “I didn’t think you were the sort to read histories, let alone from my kingdom.”  Alex admitted.

“I didn’t always want to be a warrior.  In the end, though, I had little choice.”

“I understand.  I didn’t always want to be a warrior either.”

Max placed a hand on his shoulder, a moment of understanding between them, and left his side to go speak to Isobel.

Alex hesitated a moment, before joining Kyle where he stood watching the direction Valenti had gone.  “I didn’t know you knew each other.” Kyle hesitated a moment before replying.  “She’s my mother.”

Alex froze at the words, shock clear on his face.  “I…”

“They led the armies of Sky together.  Sky had a trade agreement with Slate in those days.  They didn’t join in the war against Antar, but they didn’t have any agreements with them either.  Your father demanded the right to pass through Sky’s lands to attack Antar, and was refused.  That didn’t stop him.  Sky became a battleground - it’s lands ravaged and it’s leaders dead or scattered.”

“I… didn’t know…”

“Why would you?  Sky hasn’t existed for over a decade now.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You aren’t your father, Alex of Slate.  You don’t have to apologize for his wrongs.”

Alex saw the pieces come together in his mind, he glanced over to where Liz and Rosa were talking with Maria and Jenna.  “The Emerald Seer was once Sky’s seer, wasn’t she?  Valenti and your father the army leaders.  That makes Liz and Rosa Sky’s lost princesses, doesn’t it?”

“You have a sharp mind.  I don’t think anyone else has figured it out yet.”  Kyle told him.

“Who, then, is the Widow of the Web?”  Alex looked at him, frowning.

“...”  Kyle looked back to Liz and Rosa, and Alex closed his eyes as the final piece of the puzzle fell into place.

-----

The cave opening was dark, but Michelle didn’t bother to light a torch.  The path was a simple curved path, easy to traverse even in the dark.  And once far enough in, a strange ghostly light illuminated from where the tunnel expanded.

There was no bridge, no ledge.  The cave opened to a fall into darkness below.  But stretched between was a gigantic web - it’s fibers lighting the area with a pale luminescence.  And in the center was what looked like a large sac  - domed and completely opaque.  There was no sign of anyone living.  No breath of wind, no sound.

“I seek the widow!”  She shouted out into the emptiness - hearing her own voice echo from the walls.

“Enter here and find death.”  A voice replied softly, but still managing to echo around the room.

Taking a deep breath, Michelle moved onto the webbing carefully, using it to slowly make her way towards the center where the mysterious domed sac was.  Partway across, she heard a sound like a chime, looking up she spotted a spider - gigantic in size, and made of looked like crystal.  It was crawling towards her along the web.  She hurried along the webbing, but soon realized it would reach her long before she could make it to safety.

She turned towards the center.  “Helena!”  She shouted out.

“Who knows my name?”

“It’s Michelle, Helena!”

Inside the dome a shadowy figure reached out to an hourglass on the table, slowly she turned it - the sands beginning to drop slowly inbetween the two chambers slowly.  Outside, the spider was frozen in place.  “I give you this time…”

Michelle hurried forward along the webbing as fast as she could, pausing briefly as she tried to make her way around a wrapped shape.  Reaching out a curious hand, she pulled away part of the webbing - a skeletal face looked out at her from the cocoon.  Wincing, she moved onwards.  Inside the dome, the sands began to run out.  The spider’s eyes watched her progress, and she when she glanced back she saw it slowly begin to sway - regaining movement.

Climbing upwards, she pulled out a knife - hacking away a few of the strands.  As the last of the sands dropped to the bottom chamber, and the spider leaped forward after her - she grabbed onto the loose webbing and swung across an open portion of the web - landing safely inside the domed sac.  The spider ceased it’s movements, but didn’t retreat.  It waited.

Michelle pushed farther into the strange structure - finding the hunched form of Helena inside, her face covered by a black veil.

“I was young when I last heard that name.”  Helena told her.

“I was young when I last spoke it to you.”

“And my face was as beautiful as my name…”

“And we all loved you, with all our hearts.”

“Yet you were all so busy.”

“There were duties, Helena.”

“Rubbish…  Rosa is his daughter, you know.”

“I guessed it.”

“Did you know I invited Jesse’s army to cross our lands?“

Michelle took in a sharp breath at the words, not having expected them.  “But you said nothing…”

“My anger needed an outlet.  I arrogantly assumed I could control the situation.  This is my punishment.”  Helena glanced at her, then away.  “I know you can never forgive me.”

“I cannot forgive myself, I have already forgiven you.”

“How can you forgive the woman who is to blame for the man we both love dying?”

“...If I could not - could I see us now, as I saw us then?”  Michelle turned to the mirror, concentrating.  The glass shimmered, and in it was a picture of the two of them - laughing in the corridor of a palace.  A crown was on Helena’s head, and Michelle was dressed in leather armor.

“...And allow me to see through your eyes…”  Helena paused, pulling away the veil - her face matched the young queen who seemed so happy in the mirror.  “Your vision is your gift to me.”

“And your vision can be your gift to me.”  Michelle told her.  “The black fortress - where will it be tomorrow?”

Helena’s eyes glazed over for a moment.  “At sunrise it will appear in the iron desert…”  She blinked, returning to the present.  “But this knowledge is useless to you - there’s no way out of here.”  When Michelle glanced at the hourglass, she shakes her head.  “It can be turned only once - it is the lure of the web.”

“A young prince is being held in the fortress.  An heir of ancient power.  Another young prince seeks him.  Hopeful, innocent. The ages we were when… we all loved so deeply.”

“You ask for something I cannot give.”  Helena tells her.

“Then the other heir of ancient power will also grow old and alone in a place of darkness.  This whole world will be a place of darkness.”  Michelle reached out to take her hands.

Helena clung back - her expression torn.  She turned to the hourglass, pulling her hands away and reaching out to pick it up. “These are the sands of my life… use them and the Crystal Spider will have no power over you.  But your own life runs out with the sands...”

“What about your own life?”

“...I give it to the new heir of ancient power…”  Helena held the hour glass up, and brought it down on the table - smashing the top to pieces.  Outside the safety of the dome, the Crystal Spider gave a sound like a scream.

“I cannot stop the sands…”  Michelle mentioned as Helena poured the contents of the hourglass into her palms.

“You cannot stop time.”  Helena replied.  “Go now, quickly.”

Michelle hesitated a moment more, gazing at her, then she hurried out of the dome - finding her way carefully along the webbing.  The spider began to approach and she held up her hand - the sands dripping steadily out of it.  The spider froze in place.  She glanced back at the dome, just making out the figure of Helena inside, holding the broken pieces of the hourglass - then she turned away and made her escape from the cave.

Once she’d disappeared out of the cave entrance, the spider approached it - pincers working angrily - it then returned to the dome - it’s legs slowly cracking the structure and the connecting webs.  Within moments the entire web broke, both the spider and the sac falling into the abyss below….

To Be Continued….

Notes: While I still managed to use some of the lines and plot points of the original movie, a lot of things are altered here to fuse with RNM.  It’s an 80s movie, and in the original couple is Lyssa, the captured princess, and Colwyn, the Prince trying to rescue her.  Gideon is the Old One  - whose place I fill with Valenti.  There is no third kingdom, and the Cyclops has no real connection with Gideon.  Gideon, however, has a different connection with the Widow of the Web.

The original phrase is “A girl of ancient name will become queen, she will choose a king and together they will rule our world, and their son shall rule the galaxy.”

The name of The Widow of the Web in the original movie is Lyssa.  Gideon was her chosen king.  He neglected her, and she murdered their son in her anger.  Her placement in the web is her punishment.

Gideon says the exact line, “I cannot forgive myself, I have already forgiven you” to her.  But her line about the captive of the Beast is: “What of your own life?”  “I give it to the girl who bears my name.”

The reveal of their history is a very dark, but very powerful and wrenching moment in the original movie.  I’m not sure I matched it with this take, but I tried.

[tipsycad147]

Zeus – The King of Gods and Mortals

Zeus, the king of the gods and mortals, is the most powerful god in Greek mythology. As the god of thunder and sky, he resides on the peak of Mount Olympus from where he sent storms, winds, and rain to Earth. With his wisdom, experience, and strength, Zeus surpasses all gods; with a single thunderbolt, he could throw each of them into the dark Tartarus. Therefore, they didn’t dare to defy him.

His name stems from Indo-European words dey meaning to shine or light, and dyews, which can be translated as the bright sky. In Roman mythology, his equivalent was Jupiter. Here’s a look at one of the most prominent figures of Greek mythology, Zeus.

The History of Zeus

Zeus was the youngest son of the king of the Titans, Cronus, and his wife, Rhea. It had been prophesied that one of Cronus’ sons would take his throne, and in an attempt to thwart that, Cronus swallowed all the children that Rhea gave birth to.

Cronus Swallows His Children

Before the youngest child’s birth, Rhea turned to Uranus and Gaia for advice on how to save him.

Zeus is Hidden from Cronus

According to their instructions, she went to Crete, and as soon as she gave birth to Zeus, she hid him in a cave. The next day, Rhea wrapped a large stone in swaddling clothes, and then handed it to Cronus, who, convinced that he was receiving his son, immediately swallowed it.

In Crete, Zeus was raised by the nymphs Adrasteia and Ida. They kept the baby in a golden cradle and fed him honey and milk from Amalthea, the divine goat. They would hang the cradle on a tree so that Cronus couldn’t find his son on land, sky, or sea. The five-armed Cretan warriors, called Curetes, guarded the cradle and masked the child’s cries with the sound of their weapons.

Later, when he became the lord of the world, Zeus repaid his foster parents: he turned Adrasteia, Ida, and Amalthea into stars. He gave the bees the color of gold and resistance to the harsh mountain climate.

Zeus Overthrows Cronus

When Zeus grew and became stronger, he decided to save his brothers and sisters. Metis, an Oceanid and one of three thousand daughters of Oceanus and Tethys, gave Cronus a potion forcing him to vomit the stone first, and then his children – Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Poseidon, and Hades.

Together with his brothers and sisters, Zeus attacked Cronus and the Titans, and the battle, known as the Titanomachy, lasted for ten days. After they defeated Cronus, Zeus divided the rule of the world with his brothers, Hades and Poseidon. Zeus became the ruler of the sky and heavens, Poseidon ruled over the seas, and Hades became the god of the underworld. The Titans were cast into Tartarus, an underworld region, while Atlas, a Titan who had fought against Zeus, was punished by being forced to hold up the sky.

Zeus is Challenged

Zeus’ early rule was challenged by his grandmother, Gaia, who felt that he had treated her children, the Titans, with injustice. Together with the Gigantes, Gaia challenged the Olympians, but they were able to put down the Gigantomachy and continued their rule.

Another myth describes how the gods Hera, Poseidon and Apollo, who were quickly joined by all the other Olympians except Hestia. With the help of Hypnos, god of sleep, the Olympian gods stole Zeus’ thunderbolt and tied him up. Zeus was helped by Thetis and once free, severely punished Hera, Poseidon and Apollo as well as the other gods. They never challenged him again.

Zeus as a Ruler

Zeus’ home was located on the highest Greek mountain, Olympus. From its summit, Zeus could see everything. He observed and governed everything and everybody, punishing the evil and rewarding the good. He delivered justice and was considered the protector of homes, cities, properties, and guests.

Zeus is described by Hesiod as a god who laughed out loud and who was carefree. But at the same time, he was capricious and could be destructive, especially if crossed.

Zeus and the Conflict with Humans

From Mount Olympus, Zeus was disgusted at the sight of decadence and the human sacrifice taking place on earth. He flooded the earth to purify it off humans, with only Deucalion and Pyrrha surviving the flood. This myth has parallels to the story of Noah and the Ark from the Christian Bible.

The Wives and Children of Zeus

Zeus had seven immortal wives – including Metis, Themis, Eurynome, Demeter, Leto, Mnemosyne and Hera. Of these, Hera is his main wife, although Metis is his first.

Zeus and Metis: There was a prophecy stating that Metis would bear strong and powerful children who would overthrow their father. When Metis was pregnant with Zeus children, Zeus feared the fulfilment of the prophecy and so he tricked Metis and mad her turn herself into a fly. He then swallowed her, much like his father had swallowed Zeus’ siblings. Metis had already conceived a child and began creating a robe and helmet for her daughter. This caused Zeus pain and, in the end, Zeus’ asked Hephaestus to either cleave his head or to strike it with a hammer to release the pain. Athena then leaped out of Zeus’ head, fully grown and dressed in armor. Regardless of the prophecy, Athena was Zeus’ favorite child.

Zeus and Hera: Zeus married his sister Hera, but he wasn’t an exemplary husband. Due to his numerous affairs, with both immortal and mortal women, he often clashed with Hera. She was constantly jealous and hated his illegitimate children, like Heracles and Dionysus, often making life miserable for them.

Zeus’ Children: Zeus had several children. With his wife Hera he had three children, Ares, Hebe, and Eileithyia; with the Titaness Leto, he had twins Artemis and Apollo; with the goddess Demeter he had his daughter Persephone, and so on and so forth. Zeus also sired one child without a woman – the goddess Athena, who is said to have leapt out of his head.

Zeus’ Disguises and Seduction

The manner in which he wooed these women is sometimes reprehensible. He would frequently resort to rape, deceit and disguises in order to sleep with them. Several stories exist of his tricks used to deceive a love interest.

Zeus pretended to be an injured bird and flew into Hera’s room, before he coupled with her, preying on her compassion and love for animals.

He seduced the mortal princess Danae in the form of a golden shower, which led to her giving birth to Perseus.

Zeus appeared in the form of a goose to Nemesis and seduced her in this manner.

He transformed himself into his daughter Artemis, goddess of the hunt, to lure Callisto into a sense of security before he raped her.

He abducted Ganymede, a handsome mortal, disguised as an eagle and takes him to Olympus where he remains as cup-bearer to the gods.

To seduce Europa, Zeus took the form of a bull. To prove she wasn’t afraid of him, Europa sat on his back, and he took her to Crete. There, Zeus exposed his true self, and they made love.

The Symbolism and Portrayal of Zeus

As the king and the ruler of all the Greek gods and men, Zeus was often portrayed in art with specific symbols and aspects describing his purpose and personality.

Powerful patriarch – Some early paintings of Zeus depict him throwing flashes of lightning, establishing him as superior deity and warrior. In this context, he’s seen as a symbol of power, authority, and dominance.

King of gods and mortals – In the classical period, Zeus is often depicted sitting on the throne and holding the scepter, with the winged goddess Nike by his side, symbolizing his duty as patriarch and king of all gods.

Justice and authority – Unlike other Greek deities, he was often portrayed as a mature and dignified man with a beard and great stamina, denoting his status as an experienced ruler greater than others. He usually holds a staff in one hand and a stylized thunderbolt in the other, both seen as symbols ofpower, control, and justice.

Wisdom – At times, he’s depicted wearing a crown made of oak leaves. The oak was considered to be his holy tree representing wisdom, morale, resistance, and strength.

Symbols of Zeus

Besides the oak tree, Zeus was often associated with various symbols that were considered sacred to him. These included:

The Thunderbolt – The thunderbolt was Zeus’ great weapon, fashioned for him by the Cyclopes. This represented his power and authority over mortals and gods.

The Eagle – Zeus held the eagle as a particularly sacred bird and was often depicted riding it or having it next to him. With its excellent vision, the eagle represented Zeus’ ability to see everything. They are solar animals commonly related to sunlight. Therefore, they are the symbols of courage and royalty, as well as pride, victory, and longevity.

The wolf – This powerful animal is both feared and respected. As the king of heavens and the master of weather, Zeus was often associated with a wolf, representing a battle, awareness, bravery, and protection. Besides many titles, the king of all gods was also referred to as oath-keeper, savior, protector, guest-patron, punisher, and peacemaker.

The bull – Another sacred animal to Zeus was the bull. In this context, the bull is the symbol of virility, confidence, stamina, and fertility.

Lessons from Zeus’ Stories

Aside from being powerful and strong, the omnipotent ruler, Zeus, was far from perfect. However, there are some lessons we can learn from Zeus’ stories:

The inevitability of fate – This is a recurring topic in Greek legends and myths. We could interpret Zeus as being both the victim and the emissary of fate. The ruler of all gods was destined to take his father’s throne. His father, Cronus, himself became the ruler of the world by dethroning his own father. The legend goes on to say that Zeus is prophesied to be taken down by his own child, who is yet to be born.

Infidelity – Although today, we wouldn’t consider Zeus’ behavior and his unpredictably lascivious character to be exemplary, we could still draw some conclusions from his actions and infidelity. For ancient Greeks, his actions were right and justified. If the all-mighty god, such as Zeus, couldn’t control his urges and resist women’s beauty, then common mortal men had no reason to. Some would argue that mythology, especially when it comes to Greek gods, was made up not to teach us a moral lesson, but to justify people’s actions.

Love – In a more positive light, we could interpret Zeus’ saving his brothers and sisters from their father as an act of love and kindness. It shows that sometimes it’s necessary to treat someone unfairly and unjustly for your loved ones’ safety.

Zeus Facts

1- Who were Zeus’ parents?

Zeus’ parents were Rhea and Cronus.

2- Where did Zeus live?

Zeus lived on Mount Olympus with the other Olympian gods.

3- Who were Zeus’ siblings?

Zeus had six siblings – Hestia, Hades, Poseidon, Hera, Demeter and Chiron.

4- How many consorts did Zeus have?

Zeus had several wives and numerous affairs; however, Hera remains his leading wife.

5- How many children did Zeus have?

Zeus had numerous children, including Artemis, Ares, Athena, Hebe, Hephaestus, Persephone, Perseus, the Graces, the Muses, the Moirai, Helen, Heracles, Ares and so on.

6- Who is Zeus’ Roman equivalent?

Zeus Roman equivalent is Jupiter.

7- What was Zeus the god over?

Zeus was the king of the gods, god of the sky, lightning, thunder, justice, order and law.

8- What are Zeus’ symbols?

Zeus symbols include the thunderbolt, oak, bull, eagle and swan.

To Wrap It Up

As the god of the sky and the ruler of the world, Zeus has a central role in Greek mythology representing the father, ruler, and protector of all mortals and gods. However, his conflicting personality might be confusing – his anger and fury are covered by the certain heroic endeavors, such as saving his siblings from their father’s wrath.

https://symbolsage.com/zeus-greek-king-of-gods/

[haydriyel]

Oddysseus and Polyphemus

[SCHOOL RELATED POST] After 10 years of fighting against Troy, Odysseus, one of the victorious Greek leaders known for his cleverness, sailed for home with his men and ships. After many adventures, they came to an island. Unbeknownst to them, the island was inhabited by the Cyclops people, a race of giants with only one eye in the middle of their forehead. The Cyclops creatures were lawless, without culture, and ate humans when available. On finding a large cave, Odysseus and his men entered the cave, where they helped themselves to the food and drink they found there, and fell asleep. After a time, a Cyclops, whose name was Polyphemus, returned to the cave. Leading his flock of giant sheep into the cave, he rolled a huge stone against the mouth of the cave to close the entrance. On finding Odysseus and his men in the cave, the Cyclops became enraged, grabbed two of the men, smashed their heads against the rocks, ate them, and fell asleep. Odysseus dared do nothing to the Cyclops, since only the Cyclops was strong enough to move the stone away from the mouth of the cave. The next morning, the Cyclops grabbed two more men, smashed their heads against the rocks, and ate them for his breakfast. He then rolled away the stone, led out his herd of sheep, and rolled the stone back to close the cave. Odysseus devised a plan. He and his men took a large timber, carved the end to a sharp point, and hid it. When the Cyclops returned in the evening, he again led his sheep in, rolled the stone to close the mouth of the cave, and proceeded to bash in the heads of two more men and eat them. This time Odysseus spoke up, and offered the Cyclops some strong wine he had brought with him. Polyphemus, who had never drunk wine before, drank his fill and became very drunk. Thanking Odysseus, Polyphemus asked him his name. Odysseus told him his name was “No man”. The Cyclops then fell fast asleep in a drunken sleep. Odysseus and his men then took the timber and heated the sharpened end in the fire until it glowed red. Then, with all their strength, they pushed the red-hot point into the eye of Polyphemus. The Cyclops howled and woke up flailing, but he was now blind. The other Cyclops who lived on the island came running, but when they asked Polyphemus who had done this to him, he replied “No man!” and the other Cyclops all returned home laughing. Early the next morning, Odysseus tied each of his men to the belly of one of the giant sheep. When Polyphemus awoke and led the sheep out of the cave, he felt the back of each sheep to make sure no one was on them. Feeling nothing, Polyphemus allowed each sheep to pass out of the cave, carrying with it one of Odysseus’ crew tied to its belly. Odysseus himself grabbed onto the fleece of the last sheep’s belly, and escaped through the mouth of the cave. Odysseus and his men ran back to their ship and hurriedly pushed out to sea. As they sailed away from the harbor, Odysseus called out to Polyphemus, laughing at him and telling him that it was not "No Man", but he, Odysseus, who had blinded him and fooled him.

[renatlia]

For Good

A peaceful silence hushed over the battlefield. It was won. However, the calm could only be enjoyed for so long before the scenery began to change.

Oh. It was over. Time and space were correcting themselves, closing the magical rifts that brought the group together. This was it.

Hearts sank watching the companions - brothers - around each of them fading away to their respective eras. Then, the transition seemed to pause midway. Caught halfway between the former battlefield and home, their surroundings looked strangely melted together. From the violent debris scattered along the ground, to the still eerily-dark sky, to the green grass beneath their feet, to the spectral-like figures of their friends.

There was no confusion on what was happening. The goddesses were giving their heroes the chance to bid farewell. Jaws clenched as emotions swelled and no words came to mind. Taking pity, Nayru cast her musical blessing on the silent protagonists, allowing them to express their feelings into song.

“I’ve heard it said,” the captain started cautiously, afraid to break the moment, “that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return.”

“Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true, but I know I’m who I am today because I knew you,” the smithy replied. He wasn’t too sure if he himself had made that much of an impact on the others.

The farmhand was finding it difficult to breathe, just like last time, but he wouldn’t say nothing. He had to speak, and by the grace of Nayru, he was able to. “Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun. Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood. Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

He was surprised to see his cub once again after his adventure was over, but he was stunned meeting the Hero of Time. If his wild child hadn’t been the one to explain to him what was happening, he would’ve thought he’d finally cracked.

The old man had noticed his recognition, but he never asked about it. Instead, he took well to becoming a mentor, and they grew close enough to share secrets. While he felt horrible about having to keep the fate of his mentor secret, learning more about his ancestors was like a dream come true. Becoming Wolfie was a lot easier with someone to cover your absence. After all, it wasn’t just the old man and his cub on this adventure. Being greeted by someone new wielding the master sword was not something he thought he’d see again, especially not the man who forged it.

It was the man’s protege that sounded next. He had a feeling he was about to experience loss in an entirely new way since waking, and he wanted them all to know just how much they’d affected him. How much he loved them. How he wouldn’t forget them. “It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime, so let me say before we part... So much of me is made of what I learned from you. You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart.”

Coming across a snarky, pantsless man was not as out of the norm as one would think. Someone completely lost and asking what the guardian carcasses were was. He helped the pink-haired man back to his camp. There he was assaulted with equally curious questions well into the night, especially once they recognized his sword.

They knew his name. He would’ve been suspicious if he didn’t feel such a strong sense of familiarity. He was almost afraid of the close brotherly bonds he was forming until they found the familiar face of an old companion. He knew then that no matter how much it would hurt in the end, he wanted to make long-lasting memories with these people.

“And now whatever way our stories end,” their eldest cut in, “I know you have re-written mine by being my friends.” To think, he and the mrs were just about to give up on having children. Now it was something they were looking forward to, and after having known these boys for the past several months, the old man felt slightly more prepared.

Contrarily, their youngest felt grossly unprepared. He didn’t know what he was going to do once the guys he’d grown attached to- lived with- fought together with... were gone. It was all too fast, and there was no new adventure or task given to throw himself into once he got home.

The young teen was choking on his tears. Through a watery and hazy filter, he could make out the face of a knight in shining armor, who he had been mentally referring as big brother, staring back at him in sad concern. No. That look wouldn’t do. The sailor needed to convey that he understood, that he was grateful to have this conversation, that he’d be okay.

“Like a ship blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea. Like a seed dropped by a skybird in a distant wood. Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you-“ He shakily gasped to compose himself. “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

He wasn’t panicking. He wasn’t! He’s woken up in strange places before with no memory of how he got there. Looking around, he could see nothing but dark, rocky terrain. Okay, okay. He needed to breathe. He pulled out his compass and telescope.

Finding north, he started to slowly pivot with his telescope hoping to catch any sign of civilization. A giant blue gem filled his vision startling the boy onto his bum. Luckily, he’d met this blue-haired woman, though it had been quite a while.

This was going to be one heck of an adventure.

“And just to clear the air, I ask forgiveness for the things I’ve done you blame me for.” Whether the Hero of the Sky was asking from those listening or from himself was unclear. He knew he couldn’t hold on to the darkness eating at him anymore. The guilt he felt for causing an eternal struggle for so many in his future was met with bafflement by his friends. Even if he could be held partly responsible for ‘causing’ their curse, there was no ill will directed towards him. Alas, the Spirit of the Hero had a tendency for self-blame, so he would ask for forgiveness, if only to release the negative emotions he had trapped in his throat.

“But then, I guess there’s blame to share.” The Hero of Time took the opportunity to apologize as well. He knew his meddling with time had caused the drastically different outcomes in history the group had experienced on their journey together. And though there was always a chance of death, the fact that he was alive while another timeline suffered Ganon’s rule left him with a sour taste.

“And none of it seems to matter anymore!” The Hero of Hyrule could understand their guilt and thoughts of inadequacy, but what is done is done. They had done their best for all good intentions, and no one begrudged them for it. What mattered now was that his friends had to leave, and he would be alone. Having an apocalyptic world like he did, he had never really lost much. Never really had much to begin with. This was all very new to him.

“Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun,” the smallest swordsman quoted from earlier.

He was just going through his same everyday routine when he met an older, scarred man outside town. He had been taken aback when the man had happily showed him his large sword. Most would’ve waved him off as a nosy child.

The blade was was impressive. Almost twice his height! Proudly centered in the middle of an angular hilt was the Goron symbol. It was incredibly sharp and looked perfectly balanced. He wondered if it was one of Biggoron’s works.

He would have never guessed what would happen next or the journey it would set him on. The man crouched down. Your name wouldn’t happen to be Link, would it?

“Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood.”

A humble traveler walked along a yellow, worn path. Just a little farther and he’d veer off to explore a cave he’d seen once. If he hadn’t been in such a hurry before, he would’ve already done so, but just as well, he was excited. He just couldn’t get adjusted to living in a castle. This was the first time in a while he was able to sneak away.

He met a couple strangers before the mouth of the cave. Not uncommon, he introduced himself. He had not expected they’d actually been looking for him. Confused, he let them lead the way through the cave to their campsite where he spent the night hearing tales of old spoken in first person.

He would still need to explore that cave.

“Like a ship blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea,” a new voice sang softly.

He was running late. Again. Why was it so hard to wake up if he struggled to fall asleep in the first place? How did that make sense?

Finally, he could see the blacksmith’s wife outside waiting for him. Gulley was also outside playing with the cucco. Good. Less embarrassment when he got inside. Curse his decision to continue pursuing the craft.

He took a moment to breathe when Gulley spotted him and waved. The kid winced in sympathy knowing full well the apprentice was just buying time. Well, he couldn’t pretend to wheeze forever. No one bought it anyway.

Out of literally nowhere, a giant club swung by a hinox knocked him sideways. The mother and son ran inside screaming. He counted three and cursed, struggling to stand. How and why were hinox in Hyrule? He cursed again realizing he was legit wheezing now. Lucky hit.

He booked it to the shop avoiding bombs the cyclopes threw at him. Inside, he gently pushed past the three fussing over him and stared the blacksmith dead in the eye. He was tossed a newly tempered blade. He couldn’t let those monsters continue to live in Hyrule.

Shouts disrupted the anxious silence. He ran back outside and balked at a couple of kids running around avoiding bombs. Cursing at everything, it took the three of them about ten minutes to dispatch of the scarily strong oafs. He had to admit, he was impressed.

He could tell what was coming before they could even open their mouths. Goddesses! Could he not catch a break?

“Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood.”

What? Where was this? He didn’t even get any divine warning! Groose was surely throwing a fit over him vanishing mid-convo. He could only hope the goof wouldn’t do anything stupid searching for him.

A strange, repetitive thunking was drawing closer from behind. He dove out of the way of whatever the beast was, but it had actually come to a stop a few feet before him. A young man with long blonde hair hopped off its back asking if he were okay.

He struggled to answer staring wide-eyed over the man’s shoulder. How was she here? Who was this, and why was she with him?

The man stared back contemplating something in his silence. The stranger then called him by name and seemed proud of the reaction he got. He was getting dizzy from the amount of questions racing in his mind. How’d this guy know him? Why’d he have Fi with him?

Why did he feel so familiar?

“Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?”

Bumping into a large gentleman in the bazaar was not how he imagined a new adventure to start.

The man asked him if they’d met before. They racked their brains for a good half hour trying to remember where’d they knew each other from. It was only when Lana found them followed by a familiar face that pieces were starting to fall into place.

No, it wasn’t Lana’s doing, and she knew nothing of how either. She did, however, sense their presence and knew they were safer together. The old man was still a mystery, but Lana assured them this was fine. Maybe they’d remember later. They all had the Spirit of the Hero.

Suddenly, they were in a new town. The whiplash of everything changing in a blink made him nauseous. Whatever this was, at the very least, they were somewhat experienced.

“I do believe I have been changed for the better,” the Hero of Legend sang quietly, his flushed face partially hidden beneath his hair. Soft smiles were sent his way.

“And because I knew you,” the Hero of Twilight prompted.

“Because I knew you,” the Hero of Winds agreed.

“Because I knew you.” Streaks were running down the vet’s cheeks. He could never catch a break.

To be fair, there wasn’t a dry eye present.

“I have been changed...”

The unison voices drifted away along with anything not of the world one hero would be standing alone in.

“...for good...”

[ask-de-writer]

DARING DO and the ADVENTURE of the X'IBIAN VASE! : MLP Fan Fiction : Part 5 of 21

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DARING DO and the

ADVENTURE of the X'IBIAN VASE!

by

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck) @ask-de-writer​

And

Carmen Pondiego @askcarmenpondiego​

Cover Art by

Doctor Dimension

52630 words

© 2020 by Glen Ten-Eyck

Writing begun 08/26/15

All rights reserved.  This document may not be copied or distributed on or to any medium or placed in any mass storage system except by the express written consent of the author.

//////////////

Copyright fair use rules for Tumblr users

Users of Tumblr.com are specifically granted the following rights.  They may reblog the story.  They may use the characters or original characters in my settings for fan fiction, fan art works, cosplay, or fan musical compositions, provided that such things are done without charge.  I will allow those who do commission art works to charge for their images.  

All sorts of fan art, cosplay, music or fictions is actively encouraged.

///////////////////////

Down in the comfortable lounge, with its dark, almost cave like atmosphere, she relaxed and had the waiter sit with her.  They were quietly chatting in X'ibian while watching the front doors, over in the area of the lounge open to the public.

Soon the doors opened and a confident young looking mare with a forelock, mane and tail of an amazing blue that was almost black walked in.  She had a single eye, centered in her forehead.  She was carrying a document case.

Two big earth ponies, easily half again her size got up from a table and stated, “Just hand over the papers, Miss.  We are Doctor Do’s personal secretaries and we will give them to her.”

“No.  My orders are to put them directly into Daring Do’s hooves ONLY.”

One edged behind her, pulling a knife.  The other pulling threatening hoof, ready to punch, demanded, “Hand over the papers or we are going to have to get REAL rough, got it?”

Her smile of sheer delight should have been a warning.

She dropped the dispatch case and backed hard.  That slammed the one behind her into the stout doors of the club.  Reaching back and grabbing, she had the thug’s foreleg.  She lifted it to her shoulder and snapped down, while driving forward with her hind legs.  With an audible snapping and rending of the joint, he flipped up, horror on his face.  She slammed him down like a big meaty hammer on top of his fellow thug!

That unfortunate was trying to make a grab for the case when he was flattened.  The mare, an expression of pure joy on her face, hauled her “hammer” back and whipped him over again.  He not only hit his fallen comrade, his head flopped back as he came down.  The shattering of his neck could be heard throughout the room.  

She hoof rolled the corpse off his buddy and leaped almost to the ceiling, landing on one hoof, putting the full weight and force of her body on the last one’s spine.  The splintering of ribs and the softer snapping of his spine announced the death of the second thug.

He twitched once and lay still. The cyclops eyed mare, simply glowing with delight, carefully rolled both bodies to the tiled part of the entryway.  She examined the carpets and gave a high hoof!

Speaking at last, she exclaimed, “Perfect!  Not one drop of blood on the carpet!”

With her face composed to a light professional smile, she came to Daring Do’s table.

She placed the case on the table.  Daring Do smiled up at her and said, “Thank you, Cyrene. It is an honor that Eris sent her documents in the company of her best bodyguard.  That was amazing to watch.”

Cy replied, “The honor is mine, Doctor Daring Do.  In here are not only Eris’ releases and other documents, I have the honor of delivering the Royal documents and a formal notice that your expedition is under the Royal Wing.”

Turning to the Guadian, she made a deep formal X'ibian court bow and said, “I thank you, Guardian. I saw you draw your knife to throwing position but withhold your strike.”

He returned the bow and replied, “I saw that you did not need my assistance, Watcher of the Exalted One.  We of the Guardians have been given the honor of watching recordings of your many actions on Her behalf.”

Cy replied, “I began by watching the works of your ponies on Her behalf.  I learned much.  I am pleased to be able to thank one of you in person.”

He put his hooves together and bowed his head.  “The greatest compliment that a teacher may receive is a student who excels.  The Student has far surpassed the teacher.  We are proud.”

Daring Do, ignoring the nearly frantic police at the club entrance, opened the case and began to inventory the contents.

She was delighted at what she found.  Expedition clearances, of course.  Letters of credit.  Travel documents from Equestria and the Chineighese Empire.  There were even documents for X'ibia, even though it was technically a province of the Chineighese Empire.  Her eyebrows rose at PRE CLEARED Chineighese Artifact transportation and export.

She muttered to herself, “They must not want a repeat of the Darkling collection fiasco.”

To her surprise, her comment brought a smile from both the normally impassive Guardian and Cy.

She had just packed it all back and sealed the case when a pony in the uniform of a Canterlot Police Sargent Major strutted up self-importantly and made a grab for the case, snapping, “This is evidence in a double murder!”

Cy’s blindingly fast move snapped his foreleg away from the case.  She said in an utterly level voice, “Sargent Major Haystring, I would think that you would remember the last time that we met.  It only took you five years to recover your rank.

“This is a formal legal statement in regard to the present double ponycide.  I, Cyrene Yvonne Clopes, was given detached duty from Eris, Inc.  My duty, given under the Royal Wing, was to deliver a case containing documents for Doctor of Antiquities, Daring Do.

“Entering the Adventurer’s Guild, I was accosted by two thugs attempting to steal the case and documents.  They first tried the ruse of being Doctor Daring Do’s secretaries.  When that failed they attacked me.  I killed them both and delivered the documents properly.

“This whole event is legally protected by the Royal Wing of Equestria.”

Sargent Major Haystring sourly examined the ID’s offered by both Cy and Daring Do.  Smarting under the memory of a five year dent in his career, he handed them back.

Truculently he demanded of Cy, “Don’t you ever let anypony live?”

To his surprise, she replied promptly, “Of course I do, if they have useful information for Eris or the Princesses.  Otherwise, no.  Where is the fun in letting slime ooze away?”

Defeated, he retreated to his fellow officers and held a conference of whispers with much hoof pointing at Cy and Daring Do.

The Guardian smiled serenely and offered, “If your personages will be so good as to follow me, we can avoid further foolishness on the part of these most unwise police.”

They both followed him into the tidy service areas of the Adventurer’s Guild.  They passed through the surprisingly busy kitchen and on to a service elevator.

They went down two levels and got out in a big underground service tunnel filled with heavy cables, mains for water and other things that Daring Do did not have time to identify.

Cy did, though.  She happily twirled several handwheels and pried open a big gray box.  She pushed the button inside and neatly shut the box again.  The Guardian watched with sparkling eyes.  He quit trying to maintain an impassive face and started to chortle as he led them down the dusty and spider webbed service tunnel.

Cyrene, smiling angelically, explained, “The police were setting up a hard point in front of the Guild.  They use the ponyholes for the electric and gas when they do it.  Those all have emergency fire fighting pressure spray systems in them nowadays.  I just routed the sewer into the fire fighting line and set off the sprinklers!”

Daring Do joined into the merriment as they trotted away down the rarely used tunnels.  They emerged near the Canterlot Central Railroad Station.  Daring Do bought them all tickets.

Almost as an anticlimax, the ride to the modest seaport of Milestago was uneventful.  They enjoyed the scenery along the way and dark had fallen by the time that they arrived, but that was the worst of it.  

Soon they were all relaxing around a table in the Rusty Barnacle.  Their rooms were paid and a modest meal of the locally famous sea-grass, harvested only days before, was in front of them.  Daring Do was studying the ship schedules and docking reservations.

Cy pushed back from the table and said, “Doctor Daring Do, It has been an honor to deliver the documents to you.”  She paused and her face took on a grin that was paradoxically both savage and serene at once.  “It was FUN, too!  I am so glad that it did not upset you like it does so many others.”

Daring Do looked up from her schedules and asked, “Has been?   Are you leaving us?”

“I will be with you until time to sail, Daring Do.  Then I have duties for my Mistress, Eris.”

The next morning, they were assembled about the scarred and battered table in the Rusty Barnacle. With daylight, the delightfully tacky decor of the place stood out starkly in view.  There were the usual nets festooned about, antique looking whale spears, phony treasure chests and, though it was easy to miss, in the corner, enmeshed in the net, dangled a lovely fake skeleton of Sea Unicorn.

Daring Do did take the time to admire the place once again.  She had started many expeditions here and the management used that knowledge in their marketing.

Daring Do was picking at her breakfast while making many Magic Net mirror calls.  Finally she sat to eat seriously.

She snickered as they all set out to examine the many assorted goods that she had ordered from the many Chandlers of Milestago.  “Never turn your back on food.  Who knows when you will get the chance to eat again?”

Their expedition’s supplies finally seen to, they reported to the ship that she had engaged.  The Captain met them at the gangplank.  He had a phony smile pasted onto his face.  “I am sorry, Miss Daring Do.  We have been otherwise engaged.  They paid twice the lading deposit that you did.  I have your deposit right here.”

He started to hand her a check. Before he could complete the action, Cy had him down, one hoof on his back, his foreleg bent up at an unnatural angle.

Over his yelps of pain, Cy said clearly, “GOLD ONLY.  You were paid in gold.  I do recognize the name that check is drawn on.  R.O.T. will not honor it.

“Get Doctor Do the coin NOW. If you do not, you will be known as Captain Svien the three legged. If you survive.”

Perhaps it was the sheer happiness that was radiating from his assailant that caused the Captain to fold at once.  “Nicor!  Get the bag of coin from my quarters now!”

When Nicor showed up with the bag, he handed it over promptly.

Cy said cheerfully, “Count it, Doctor Do!  It is five gold short, to make it look like a miscount of stacks.  The good Captain has the missing five right here in his pocket!”

Betraying himself, the Captain demanded, “How could you know that?”

Daring Do instantly replied, “She is Eris’ personal bodyguard.  Where there is anything amiss, Eris lets her know.  Not sure how that works, but I’ve seen it happen often enough.”

They took the gold and left the Captain trying to rise on his twisted foreleg.

Sitting in the Rusty Barnacle, they were approached by an elderly faded red sea-pony with a wooden stump replacing part of his left hind leg.  He had a battered captain’s cap worn around the stump of a horn.  His eyes, though, nothing old about them.

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[author-morgan]

Phobia ☤ Alexios

seven - welcome to athens

masterlist

“Be strong, saith my heart; I am a soldier; I have seen worse sights than this.”

Fate decrees two kindred souls from two different empires will find one another, and the spear shall be made whole again.

"-AND INVITE AN outsider instead? They don't need another reason to hate me." Irene only hears the last of what Perikles is saying when she steps up into the Pynx. Judging by the strained tone of the statesman and the misthios' stance, the discussions are not going the way Herodotus initially hoped. Perikles' symposiums were known for their exclusivity, after all.

She grips onto Alexios' arm. It would be a shame for him to have come all this way for nothing, especially for such a virtuous cause. "Then allow me to bring him as my guest," the princess offers with a delicate smile, surprising all three men with her sudden appearance. Athens' leader regards Irene's appearance –stunned to find there are no visible bruises or cuts on her exposed skin this time.

"Very well," Perikles concedes with a sigh, trusting her and Herodotus' judgment against his own. His focus returns to the Eagle Bearer. "I would still ask that you aid my friends, misthios."

Alexios nods –Herakles had completed twelve tasks. Three wouldn't be a problem. "Consider it done," he replies, willing to play the part if it meant gaining intel on his mother's whereabouts.

Perikles retreats from the square with Herodotus trailing behind him. Alexios' gaze follows the two men until they cannot be distinguished from the crowd, but the princess' focus is on another, less savory character. Kleon the Everyman glances between her and the misthios, takes a step toward them. Irene glares at the politician –eyes filled with abhorrence. "Come, Alexios-" she tugs gently on his arm, urging him away from the remainder of the assembly and Kleon "-it is growing late and we have traveled far."

Alexios follows Irene, keeping in stride with the princess and keeping tally of the dubious looks people cast in his direction. "You didn't mention you know Perikles," he accuses in a lighthearted tone as they pass through a small agora to the east of the Pynx.

"I thought I had no reason to," she comments, quickly glancing over each stall and vendor. Herodotus was meant to handle negotiations. "Though I am glad to be of assistance." The princess pauses at a vendor selling fresh pomegranates, she fetches two silver obols from a concealed coin purse in exchange for two ripe and heavy fruits.

He glimpses her from the corner of his eye. She wears a pale green peplos with a Tyrian purple himation draped over her shoulder. Her hair falls in loose curls, adorned only with a ribbon dyed the same Tyrian purple. It doesn't occur to him they have stopped moving again until he pulls his gaze away from her.

"This is where you live?" He asks, looking at the house sitting on a small hill. The more he learns about the princess, the more questions he has. She flushes, never having been one to flaunt wealth as some of the other elites. It is not as large as Perikles villa, nor as extravagant as those belonging to esteemed playwrights and sophists in the city but it stands impressive, nonetheless.

"Hydarnes was well respected," she explains leading him into the open courtyard at the villa's center. Despite being Persian the old general had the reputation of an honorable and nobleman. Perikles held him in high regard and had taken both she and her brother under his wing. "My brother, Zephyr, was loved by many in the city too." Zephyr had grown into an Athenian easily enough and in time Irene did as well.

Alexios cannot imagine what strange desires led her to leave and go down the path of a castigator. "Why would you ever leave?" He asks. Almost anyone would choose a life of comfort and wealth over being an itinerant. It is but another enigma surrounding the princess.

There is a longing, distant look her eyes –one that had not been there before arriving in Athens. Her composure falters. "Even a songbird eventually tires of its cage," she tells him, sorrow seeping into her voice.

While he does not know the exact feeling she speaks of he shares the sentiments. Alexios always dreamt of the day he'd finally be able to leave Kephallonia. "And your brother?" He questions, glancing around the empty villa.

Irene pushes down the lump in her throat. Zephyr's death still plagues her dreams and memories. "Murdered by bandits," she tells him –unable to look anywhere else but the stone beneath her feet.

IRENE FINDS SHE cannot sleep –after sleeping in caves and along beaches, the bed in her chambers is too soft. It is a common struggle she experiences when coming back to Athens. Comfort and memories often haunt her until she leaves the confines of the city walls. She goes to the roof terrace of the villa.

"Can't sleep either?" Alexios asks as soon as he catches sight of her from the steps leading up to the roof.

The princess spares a moment's glance over her shoulder at the misthios, focus quickly turning to the acropolis. "This place feels hollow after-" she can't bring herself to finish the sentence, but Alexios understands the meaning well enough –this place no longer feels like a home.

He sits next to her and follows her unfocused gaze to the Parthenon. It is the grandest temple he has seen in his travels –dedicated to the patron goddess of Athens, Athena. Now the white marble is bathed in moonlight and appears as a beacon of light rising high above the city.

"Where does the mighty Alexios hail from?" Irene asks, emphasizing the epithet Barnabas often uses. It causes him to roll his eyes even if it does bring an amused smile to his lips.

"Kephallonia," he answers. At times, he misses the simplicity of Kephallonian life –tending to Markos' problems and keeping Phoibe out of trouble. The worst thing he had to worry about was when the Cyclops and his miscreants decided to show their faces. There wasn't a war or a Cult seeking domination or a Persian princess.

"What's it like?" Irene wonders aloud. She's never gone so far west before and has only just met someone who could call the island home.

"A shithole," he remarks, but it is not an answer capable of pacifying Irene. "Mount Ainos makes up for most of it," the Eagle Bearer continues. At the peak of the mountain was Zeus' likeness hewn from stone –standing tall over the island with a thunderbolt poised to strike. The statue was impressive, yet it was the sweeping views of the sea Alexios liked best. He cannot come up with the words to describe it, though.

"What is Athens like?" He asks in turn. It is different than Kephallonia or Sparta, but it is clear the banal rumors of a puritanical society are mostly unfounded.

"A shithole," she quips, the corner of her lips quirk upward. Alexios shakes his head, laughing under his breath. "It's better than most places," she says in earnest. Many small villages and poleis were plagued by corruption and sickness. Irene would not deny Athens had the same issues, but here people did not walk the streets as living corpses in quiet fear. "Perikles has done great things for the city and its people." With Spartan encampments just outside the city walls and rumors of a Cult, Athens still thrived even with the unrest being stirred by the likes of Kleon.

Irene shifts and looks over the misthios. He doesn't have the look of a traditional Spartan, nor does he bear the delicate features of many Athenians. Steeped in moonlight and cloaked in shadows, he is both Ares and Adonis –she doesn't know why it has taken her this long to decide he is handsome.

"What were you doing on Samos?" His question draws the princess away from her thoughts –catches her off-guard.

"I-" she pauses, unsure which lie is best to craft this time but when Irene's eyes dart up to meet his, she is compelled to speak the truth. "Ever since Zephyr died, I've been hunting down bandits," she admits. Irene has lost count of how many bandits she has sent to the underworld, but each death feels as though she is avenging her brother. It feels like justice. But where does seeking justice end, and seeking vengeance begin?