From their vantage point on top of the hill, with the sun setting behind them, they watched the first party of gods leave the house. Tiny figures, but Odysseus could make out Poseidon, Artemis, Ares, and Hades all getting into Hades' dark car, which drove off with a low rumble, shooting beams of light out onto the road ahead of it, until it rounded a switchback and was gone.
"We should turn in," Polites said, glancing at Asterion, who was curled up on Odysseus' lap, nodding off. "It's getting pretty late and we're going with the group at dawn."
Odysseus nodded, and hefted the boy, so his head rested on Odysseus shoulder, and they began the slow walk back down the hill in the twilight.
Cassandra did her best to walk, but, she was also nearly asleep on her feet. Eurylochus and Polites passed her between them, and they made it back to the house without mishap. Odysseus paused in the doorway as his friends went inside. He looked down the road where Hades' car had gone, and marveled at the peaceful night. It was really beautiful, with the stars beginning to shine, and the sound of the wind in the trees.
"We don't have to go tomorrow," Athena's voice sounded behind him, and he jumped, turning to see her in the hallway. "We could wait it out, until you're the proper age again." She continued softly. "This world is really amazing. Diomedes and I could show it to you."
Odysseus looked between her and the island outside, considering the option she was giving him.
"I've been away from home too long already," he began slowly. "I don't... I don't want to forget my family, they're waiting for us, back there."
Athena looked at him with such a mix of emotions he found it hard to read. She'd never been so open with him in the past, and it made Odysseus uncomfortable. He shifted from foot to foot, avoiding looking at her face. Finally, she reached out and ruffled his hair, and he found himself letting her, calming under her touch.
"Stubborn boy," she said softly. "Get some rest. It'll be a tough journey. The underworld isn't a pleasant place for mortals."
"I'm not scared," Odysseus said, heading for the stairs.
"I know," Athena replied, and Odysseus looked at her to see that same mix of emotions. Sadness, pity, and something he could only quantify as.. love? His eyes must have been playing tricks on him. He shook his head firmly, and dashed up the stairs after his friends, taking them two at a time.
YOU ARE READING
Defying Fate
FanfictionI read a Tumblr post while back about Odysseus meeting and adopting the prophet Cassandra, who had been cursed so that "Nobody would believe her." Of course, if he's going to adopt Cassandra, whom he never met in the original story... why not adopt...
