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mythica0 · 1 month ago

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No more suffering

Ch.2: Kindness is brave

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A/N: HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE/ITHACA SAGA LISTENING PARTY DAY!!! I decided to release this today in celebration!!! welcome to chapter two of No More Suffering! :3 no one answered my post if you’d like to see the actual lyrics to open arms or my own dialogue so I chose lyrics since that’s the one I wanted to do. Also, the action descriptions are a little odd, but that’s because I’m trying to describe the animatic I picture in my head when listening to Open Arms, Maybe one day I’ll post the story board so ya’ll can see it. Also also, yes I included my OC(abilities slightly inspired by @amazingmsme), and others people’s as well- what about it? Hope you enjoy! :D

P.S: this is a long one! So get some popcorn and sit back! :3

Kindness is brave

Just as the sun had started to set over the horizon and the first few stars could be seen splattered across the sky, the ships arrived at the island.

A slight glow emanated from the shores, peeking out amongst the wooded area. Odysseus turned to face his men.

“Alright everyone, keep watch. Remember, if we’re not back by sunrise, you have permission to burn the whole island to the ground.”

The typical chorus of ‘yes sir’ called up.

“Eurylochus, you’re in charge while I’m gone.”

“Yes, captain. Be careful.”

“I always am.” He turned back towards the boarding deck, directing his words at Polites. “You ready?”

“Yup, good to go!”

“Then let’s move.”

Without further words, the two walked off the ship and onto the shore of the island. It wasn’t long before the sand changed to soft grass, brushing against their ankles.

Odysseus was tense. Far too tense for Polites’ liking. He gripped the hilt of his sword like a life line, rigid shoulders, clearly on guard. Polites looked at him with a soft gaze as they continued to walk.

“You can relax my friend.”

Odysseus turned his head to look at Polites. “Huh?”

“I can tell you’re getting nervous, so do yourself a service, and try to relax my friend.”

“I’m fine, Polites.” He averted his gaze, and Polites walked around so he was looking at him.

“Think of all that we have been through, we’ll survive what we get into.”

Odysseus looked back up, seeing his friend with a bright smile and shining eyes behind his glasses.

“I know that you’re tired of the war and bloodshed, tell me is this how we’re supposed to live? Look at how you grip your sword, enough said!” He gestured to Odysseus hand which was tightly wrapped around his sword.

“Why should we take when we could give!” He put his hands on his heart. “You can show a person that you trust them, when you stop and lower your guard.” He was walking backwards, and lowered his hands slowly to his sides.

“Here we have a chance for some adjustment, give it a try it’s not that hard! I’m telling you-” He gestured out to Odysseus, in a showcasing manner.

“This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms! Whatever we face we’ll be fine if we’re leading from the heart!” He put his arms to the sides again, as if for a hug, and then put one hand on his heart again.

“No matter the place, we can light up the world here’s how to start..” He gestured towards the sky like a brush stroke before putting his hands back out to the sides again. “Greet the world with open arms, greet the world with open arms!”

As he was saying (singing. At least when I’m reading it.) that, small, purple and fluffy creatures stepped out of the woods, and once he was done they chimed in with one big chorus.

“Welcome!”

Odysseus unsheathed his sword with a loud SHING, pointing it at the lotus eaters in front of him. “Stay back!”

The creatures all littered the words in an echo.

Polites looked to Odysseus. “My friend, greet the world with open arms.” He lowered his sword slightly, but kept his grip on it and his firm tone.

“We’re only here for food.”

“Food- food!” The creatures whispered in echo again

“600 friends are waiting for us to show our faces!”

“Food!”

“Stay back I’m warning you.”

“Food!” One of the small creatures even did an (adorable) little “om nom nom!”

“If we don’t get back safely, my men will turn this place into blazes-” He was cut off as the small creatures handed him a small, glowing fruit. Polites was now next to him again, and looked at it.

“Here you go!”

Polites looked at the fruit and then back to Odysseus with a wide smile that crinkled his eyes. “See?!” He moved to the side of Odysseus slightly, who turned to face him.

“This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms!” The little creatures even chimed in with a little “oo-oo-oo!” Polites did the same gestures from earlier.

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

Odysseus responded, examining the fruit in his hands. “My friend, I wish that I could say that I agree, but look at the way this fruit is glowing and filled with glowing seeds.” He lifted the fruit so Polites could look at it.

“It took me a while to notice just what kind of fruit they eat, it’s a lotus, it controls your mind and never lets you free. That’s what we get with open arms.” Odysseus pocketed the Lotus. He might not be able to eat it but it might still be useful.

Polites turned to the creatures, Lotus eaters. He crouched a bit so he was closer to their height level, trying to seem as friendly as possible.

“Lotus eaters, I’d like to show my friend that kindness is brave!” He gestures towards Odysseus in reference. “Can you tell me where there’s other food to eat?”

“The cave!” They all chorused, one with a small “Scary cave”

“A cave!” Polites responded, smiling. “You’re saying there’s a cave where we could feast? And where do we sail to find this food-filled cave?”

“East- that way!”

“Thank you!”

“Welcome!”

Polites stood, giving the Lotus eater in front of him a small pat on the head and then walking to Odysseus again.

“This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms. I see in your face there is so much guilt inside your heart.” He puts one hand on Odysseus face in a comforting gesture, and then trails down to hold his hands.

“So why not replace it, and light up the world here’s how to start, greet the world with open arms, greet the world with open arms.” He put his arms out once again for a hug, with a kind and fond smile.

“Greet the world with open arms..” Odysseus muttered in response, and then they embraced. “You can relax my friend.”

They took a deep breath as they separated from the hug. And Polites turned to the Lotus eaters again. “Thank you again, for your help.”

“Welcome!” They replied, in unison still. Polites turned to Odysseus with a small puppy-eyes look.

“Can we keep em?”

Odysseus sighed with an amused smile. “No, we can’t keep them. They belong here, they wouldn’t be happy on the ship.”

“Ah, I suppose you’re right.”

“As I usually am.” Ody joked in response, earning a laugh from Polites, who was happy to see his friend relaxing.

“Go ahead and say goodbye.” Odysseus relented with a sigh, a hint of fondness in his voice.

Polites lit up at the words, and then sat on the grass and allowed the Lotus eaters to come up to him, petting their soft fur.

“You guys are so cute!” The lotus eaters seemed to enjoy the pats, and after a minute they gave final goodbyes and the two men walked back towards the ship, but before they did, Polites got an idea and turned back to the Lotus eaters.

“Hey, before we go, is there any fruit that isn’t lotus on this island? Just to hold us over until we reach the cave?”

There was some rustling, and then a few of the Lotus eaters came up to him with a small handful of various berries and other small fruits. It wasn’t a lot, but it could hopefully hold them over.

“Thanks again!”

Then they all parted, and the men made their way back to the ship. It was now dark outside, and they could hear crickets chirping in the grass. The moon lit the ground in a blueish hue, making the island and the night sky truly beautiful.

As they were about to reboard the ship, Odysseus was snapped into a void, pausing him in his tracks. Quick thought.

“Have you forgotten the lessons I’ve taught you?” A stern, female voice spoke, the corresponding goddess walking from behind Odysseus to in front of him.

“Athena!” Odysseus exclaimed, slightly startled. The goddess turned to face Odysseus, boring into his soul with an intense glare.

“Have you forgotten to turn off your heart? This is not you. I see you changing from how I designed you! Have you forgotten your purpose, let me remind you.” She gestured around at the void around them, sprinkled with stars, standing on the top of an hourglass.

“Goddess of wisdom. Master of war. My life has one mission, create the greatest warrior.” She gestured to Odysseus, and then they were suddenly watching past events.

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

A large boar was in the middle of a field, roaming around and huffing angrily. A younger Odysseus walks towards it.

“One day a boy came for the thrill, a boy who’s mind rivaled the boars own will.”

“Let’s go!” Odysseus gestured to a small group he was with, bow in hand.

“Maybe one day he’ll follow me and we’ll make a greater tomorrow, then they’ll see I know he’ll change the world cause he is a warrior of the mind!” Athena’s voice echoed in her head, around a snowy owl following the young prince.

“Maybe one day I’ll reach him, and I can build his skills as I teach him, if there’s a problem, he’ll have the answer, he is a warrior of the mind!” She planned in her head, perching on a nearby tree and watching him.

The boar is killed, an arrow shot from Odysseus’ bow, sticking through its flesh. He walks forward, looking around cautiously, eyes narrowed in suspicion. He was being watched. He knew it.

“Show yourself. I know you’re watching me, show yourself.” He paused, and when there was no answer, he had an idea and continued with a slight smirk. “I can see you.”

Athena uncloaked herself from her owl form, standing in front of him in slight shock. “How can you see through my spell?!”

Odysseus laughs, holding his bow behind him with a grin. “Haha! I was lying! And you fell for my bluff! Hahahaha!”

Athena was a little impressed, standing slightly taller and smiling. “Well done, enlighten me, what’s your name.”

The young prince smirked again. “You first and maybe I’ll do the same!” Athena just rolled her eyes slightly, still smiling.

“Nice try, but two can play this game.”

Odysseus makes a dismissive gesture. “Nah, don’t be modest, I know you’re a goddess! So let’s be honest, you are Athena!” He smiles eagerly, excitedly waving his hands at her. “Badass in the arena, unmatched, witty and queen of the best strategies we’ve seen!”

Athena watches with a slightly amused smile and a raised eyebrow. “If you’re looking for a mentor, I’ll make sure your time’s well spent.”

Odysseus smiles wider, putting his hands on his waist and leaning towards her. “Sounds like a plan, goddess and man, bestest of friends!” He puts up his hand for a high-five, only to be disappointed as Athena just walks past it.

“We’ll see where it ends.”

He drops his hand and looks at the ground. “Okay-“

Then she turns to him again, as they speak (sing) in unison. “Maybe one day they’ll follow me, and we’ll make a greater tomorrow. Then they’ll see I know we’ll change the world cause we are the warriors of the mind!”

“Maybe one day we’ll reach them, and we can build their skills as we teach them, if there’s a problem, we’ll have the answer. We are the warriors of the mind!” They continue to talk, and then they snap back to the present within the void of quick thought.

Athena looks sternly at Odysseus. “I still intend to make sure you don’t fall behind, don’t forget that you’re a warrior of a very special kind!” Odysseus looks on, slightly uncertain. “You are a warrior of the mind!”

She bends down slightly to look him directly in the eyes. “Don’t disappoint me.”

With that, Odysseus is snapped back out of the void of quick thought, still walking with Polites back onto the ship. He keeps the moment in his head, but moves forth, boarding the ship. He sets down the small basket of fruit, hopefully enough for the day or so it could take to find the cave.

“Alright everyone. Set course east, there’s a cave there with food in it, according to the residents of the island.”

Polites chimed in as well. “They also gave us some food, hopefully enough to hold us over until we get there!”

Eurylochus walks up, nodding. “Understood, sir. We’ll head east right away.”

Odysseus nods as well and then shouts to the men. “Places!”

The men scatter again, going to do their various tasks, and Odysseus takes the wheel.

“Good job out there, Polites. Very good communication and negotiation skills.”

“Oh, it was no problem at all, Ody!” He slings an arm around his shoulder, causing Odysseus to chuckle and push him off.

“Hey, watch it, I’m trying to steer.”

Polites just laughs. “So, how long do you think it’s gonna take to find the cave?”

“I don’t know. But I suggest we bring the whole ship, as well as be prepared for a fight. If I heard correctly, one of the Lotus eaters referred to the cave as ‘scary.’ While I’m not sure why, it could mean there’s something dangerous there.”

“Good thinking, Captain!”

“Can you do me a favor and relay the message? Tell the crew to bring their weapons once we find the cave, just in case.”

“Yes, sir!” Polites responded with a smile, and then walks off with the usual bounce in his step.

It was the peak of the night, the moon glowing brightly in the sky, stars guiding them eastward.

The water was quiet tonight, the only sound being the gentle push and pull of the waves as they splashed against the ship, although the silence of the ocean was filled by the gentle chatter and bustling of the men.

Odysseus continued to sail eastward, many men rowing, keeping an eye on the rigging and sails, cleaning the ship and other various, mundane tasks.

Eventually, as the night started to come to a close, Eurylochus walked up to Odysseus.

“Captain.”

He looks to his friend, first mate, and brother in law. “Eurylochus.”

“You should get some sleep. I can take over the wheel for the remainder of the night.”

“No, no, you sleep tonight Eurylochus, it’s my job as captain to make those sacrifices.”

Eurylochus sighs, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I already slept tonight, but you haven’t. You can’t just sacrifice your well being just because ‘you’re the captain.’ You need to sleep so you can preform your duties at full strength come morning. I assure you, we would get you if anything happened, and you know very well I’ve handled her many times.”

Odysseus averts his gaze for a moment, before relenting with a sigh. “Alright. I’ll get some rest.” He takes his hands off the wheel, allowing Eurylochus to take his place.

“Good. See you in the morning, Odysseus.”

“See ya’ in the morning.” He walks away, resting in his quarters for the night.

A few hours later, the sun has risen and some of the fruit is being distributed. Odysseus takes the wheel once again. “Thanks for taking over for me, Brother.”

“No problem, Captain.”

Eurylochus goes off to do his usual tasks, as Odysseus steers. Eventually, one of the crew up in the crows nest shout down. “Captain! I think I see it!”

Odysseus looks up at them. “You do? Excellent! Alright everyone, head straight for that cave!”

Polites walks up, squinting to see the distance, adjusting his glasses. “Based on how far we are, I think we should get there by tomorrow morning.”

“Sounds about right. Take the wheel for a sec so I can do an announcement, will ya?”

Polites nods and takes the wheel, Odysseus standing a few feet behind it and turning to face his men.

“Alrighty, everyone, listen up! We got a days travel remaining until we reach the cave. Once we arrive, the whole ship will gather in the cave. Bring your gear, and be prepared for anything.”

“Yes, Sir!”

Odysseus’ thoughts were focused on his home, seeing his wife and son again after so long. He was barely focused on steering, mostly on autopilot and only paying enough attention to avoid crashing.

Little did he know, that chaos was afoot among the crew.

The only lady on the ship, and also one of the youngest, Rianor, was stirring up mischief. As a daughter of Hermes, she loved to play tricks. And she was good at it, too.

She lurked around a corner, waiting to watch her plan in action. She had put a layer of fish oil on part of the deck, right at the bottom of the stairs. (She wanted to do the top; but figured that would be a bit too risky.)

She didn’t know who was going to be the victim. That’s the glory of this particular prank; it’s general. Anyone could fall victim.

It ended up being an unsuspecting healer by the name of Sage. He was leaving the exam room after a patient to go grab some supplies, and walked over the slicked floors, falling backwards onto the deck.

“Ow! What the fuck?!”

Rianor giggles, still hiding off to the side.

“Okay, who the fuck put oil at the bottom of the stairs?!”

Another giggle, which Sage happens to hear this time. He looks over to the sound and sees the culprit, lurking mischievously with a bright smile.

“Rianor! Gods damnit, I should’ve known it was you.”

“Heheheh, ohhh you should’ve seen the look on your face! Hahahahaha!”

“Ugh, you’re gonna get it now!”

“You have to catch me first~” she taunts and then giggles again, darting away with her immense speeds.

“Gods dammit!” Sage yells out angrily, but doesn’t bother chasing her. She’s too fast.

After Rianor got some distance, she pulled another prank. This time the classic of a water bucket over a door. The victim of her choosing was Julien, a fellow demigod.

She stood off to the side to watch as Julien exited his room and got a face full of water, reacting with a startled shout.

“Gah-! What the-?” Even with his eyes closed, he knew who the culprit was.

“Rianor, was that you?”

She giggles and steps out from her hiding spot. “Guilty as charged! Hehehehe!”

Julien sighs, wiping his eyes and opening them, moving his now soaked hair away from his eyes.

“You’re lucky I know you’re too fast to catch..” Julien grumbled and then walked away.

Rianor wasn’t done, either. Next, she decided to use her powers to mess with people. She even took the risk of targeting the captain himself.

She busied herself with mundane tasks near where the wheel where captain was steering, and then used her powers of phantom touch to make it feel like someone touched his shoulder, only to see no one when he turned to look.

“Huh-? Whatever..” he mumbled and then continued to steer, only to feel another touch in his hair. He reached up to grab who ever it was but grasped at empty air.

Here’s a fun fact. No one knows Rianor is a demigod. The only visible trait she has is the wings behind her ears, but those are always hidden by her hair. And while she’s fast, it’s not superhuman levels that would make her divine powers noticed. So Odysseus had no way of knowing that someone was even causing this, let alone Rianor herself.

“What the heck-? Am I feeling things now??”

He shook it off and continued his work, until he felt it again, this time on the bottom of his foot, which was still on the ground and wearing a shoe. Now he knew something was up. He just didn’t know who caused it.

The pranks continued throughout the day, Rianor on a spree of mischief.

And eventually, while not those who she used her powers on knew it was her, everyone else did. So they got together to get a touch of revenge.

They knew that one on one they could never catch her, but maybe if they surrounded her they would be able to get some much deserved revenge.

So, when she pulled another prank on Eurylochus-by putting a bunch of mirrors in his room so he couldn’t navigate- the plan was executed.

Eurylochus saw Rianor as she stood off to the side, giggling, and started to pursue. She ran.

And then she ran into Sage. So she ran in another direction, and then ran into Julien. And then Polites, and then Elpenor, and soon enough she was surrounded.

“Oh, clever move!” She was still cheerful as ever, she never got upset when people got revenge. She always took it in stride. “Sooo, what’cha gonna do now that you got me?”

The people that she pranked gathered around her, looking ready to pounce.

“You’ll see.”

“Ooo, how vague. Must be special.” She teased slightly with a giggle, sticking her tongue out in a childish manner. She just loved to dig her own grave deeper, didn’t she?

“Ohohoh, you’re in for a reaaal treat.” Eurylochus chuckled a bit, as the group slowly got closer and closer to her. And then they pounced, trapping her in a hug-like hold, and then they started to carry her. She was fast, but also very light and not very strong, so if you caught her she was pretty easy to carry.

They walked over to the edge of the railing, and then dropped her in the ocean, although they attached a rope first, for safety. They were getting revenge for a prank, not trying to commit a murder.

She noticed what they were doing and took a deep breath, before being submerged in freezing water. She was quickly lifted back out on to the deck, and she still remained cheerful despite the fact that she was shivering.

“Nice one! Y-you really got me haha!” Eurylochus rolled his eyes.

“Alright, let’s get you warmed up, huh?”

“T-that’d be great” she responded, voice breaking from shivers. That water was cold, okay?!

Odysseus observed from the sidelines, shaking his head fondly. At least his crew was having a good time, goofing off and messing with each other. It was only natural.

The sun set, and they began to approach the cave. They anchored near the shoreline and Odysseus turned to his men.

“Alright everyone, get some sleep! We go in tomorrow morning.”

So they went to sleep, mentally preparing for the dangers they might face.

———THE END————————————————

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#no more suffering #no more suffering au #no one dies AU #parrotwrites #epic the musical #happy ending au

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