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As Odysseus closed his eyes in contemplation, he could not ignore the ache of his stab wound. It was bad and the chances of survival was minimal with the few supplies that they still had.
Me or my crew? My brothers in arms.
Those are the options Zeus offered. There is no chance to negotiate with the thunder god. Odysseus couldn't help but think for a moment that it is too bad he isn't a woman in this moment. Zeus would surly not pass up such an option. He quickly dismisses the thought.
Opening his eyes again he is meets the eyes of Eurylochus. The man who has been by his side during every challenge and tribulation. The man who claims Odysseus betrayed the crew when he sacrificed 6 friends while not judging his own decisions that lead to the death of so many more. He most likely already knows the decision Odysseus is gravitating toward.
The booming rough voice of the god cuts through his thoughts. "Choose."
Me or my friends?
He glances at the crew. Most look scared. Some look angry, if it was at the unfairness of the choices or at Odysseus for even considering sparing himself, he did not know.
Odysseus thinks back to his wife and son. How would they react knowing Odysseus somehow got their whole army killed. How would he face the crews wifes and children?
Looking down he sees his poorly bandage abdomen. If I even make it home in this condition. He scuffs in his mind. The crew would have a better chance at actually making it home. Odysseus will most likely get an infection and all of this would be for nothing. He wants to see Penelope again, but no longer thinks it is possible. Luckily, Athena isn't here to judge all the decisions that lead to this.
Hopefully, Eurylochus will make sure Telemachus and Penelope know how much Odysseus wanted to see them once more. At least he will leave the crew with a better image of himself than they had only an hour earlier.
"Fine. I'll go." He states, much to the surprise of everyone present. Meeting the glowing yellow eyes of the god. "As long as they get to live, I will accept death." The statement is met with silence. "Just let me give some parting words." The god acknowledges the request by motioning towards the crew.
Odysseus turns around to look at his crew one last time. It hurt to see the relief in their eyes. The only one that looks troubled by the decision is Eurylochus. "I know we have had a rough trip, and it will continue to be until you get home. I put all my faith in you, like you put your faith in me. I am sorry that I betrayed that faith and trust we build up. All I is that you don't tell my son or my wife of how we ended up parting ways. Eurylochus..." Odysseus paused to make sure he was paying attention. "Please, make sure my son knows how much I loved him and did everything I could to see him and Penelope again." With that he turned aroud to embrace his fate. The last thing he heard was the crash of lighting before everything went black.
--++--++--
When he reawaken the most notable sensation is the nothingness of his own body. Looking down to it he realises that it is still there but alot more transparent than before. Looking around it is the same place they just visited. The underworld. Never even thought about where souls are suppose to go or do after coming here. Odysseus thought but he could hear it echo against the cavern. Can't even have my thoughts to myself now.
Walking (floating) around he notes how every soul he encounters doesn't seem to have a clear mind like him. Often only repeating phrases or words without even acknowledging his questions or his approach. Perhaps it is based on how long you have been here. For now, he is glad he can reflect on everything without worrying about how it is interpreted by the other souls. He sits (floats) on rock overlooking the river their boat had once travelled. He closes his eyes for but a moment when he hears someone call out to him.
"Captain?" The voice calls out from behind him.
Odysseus turns around so fast his floating body spins in a full circle before settling on the soul behind him.
There he stands with the same troubled look that Odysseus left him with. Eurylochus. And behind him was the rest of the crews floating souls. Odysseus can't help but release a long sigh.
"What happened?" The disappointment is clear in his voice.
"Well..." Eurylochus scratches the back of his head. "You see... After Zues left, we were still short on food. And the only island we could make it to on empty stomaches were the one we just left." The disbelief in Odysseuses eyes were clear as day.
"Don't tell me you tried to go after the cows again."
"NO. No. Umm. We thought there might be other wild life on the island, or perhaps some fruits, or something. As we searched the island the was a rustling in a bush. And one of the guys, not going to name any names..." All the souls behind him looked unimpressed by that statement and Odysseus knew immediately that it was Eurylochus that caused the event leading to their arrival here. Odysseus couldn't help but match their look as Eurylochus continued. "They thought it might have been a predator and swung his sword before it could attack them. But, as it turn out, it was another cow."
A very disappointed sigh followed.