Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

One miraculous night in the middle of spring, as the sun set and the skies turned red, Eileithyia and Artemis shined down upon the mother as life started to be made. As Artemis willed a strong-hearted baby, Eileithyia aided in the moment of birth. Slowly and surely, the life of a young infant started to bloom as her cries filled the room, illuminating the faces of the people who watched life be breathed unto the newborn.

Daphne and Polites look at their child who cries out for warmth and love. They look at each other, then slowly embrace their newborn child. As the cries slowly die down, Polites comments: "Look at her. The wonder in her eyes. Look at how she stares at the world with such curiosity. But you can also see the fire of determination in her eyes. Haha, she takes after us. The kindness of an Ithacan, and the determination of a Spartan." Daphne looks up to Polites from her bed, her eyes full of love: "She's ours." As they look upon their child again, they mutter to themselves and the child. "You are loved." Apollo, Artemis, Ares and Athena shined down upon the three humans. One would say it was for the love they displayed was just divine. However Aphrodite did not present herself. The blessing or acknowledgement of a god can be both good and bad. Let's hope that it's only good for the family, but the Fates will decide upon that.

For a few months, all went well. They lived happily, Polites acting as Odysseus' Confidant. Then Odysseus' own son was born. Together the two children became the lights in their families but also to those around them. As the two newborns were born the same year, Odysseus and Polites decided that it would be the perfect idea to let them become friends. Throughout the months passing, the two babies started to warm up to each other and play together. One way or another, Aphrodite came to know about this growing relationship. Seeing this new friendship, she wished to make sure that no matter what would happen, they would be able to find each other again. So she unravels a part of her dress and produces a pink silk string. She takes this string and ties it around the souls of the two infants, therefore linking their souls forever. Two sweet innocent infants whose souls were now linked, looked into each other's eyes unknowingly. And as soon as she appeared, she disappeared into the wind.

However as always, joy is easily replaced. Daphne came down with a severe illness. One that the doctors claimed to be lethal. And 2 weeks later, Polites was called to war by Odysseus. To war against Troy for the Kidnapping of Helen. Agamemnon had come by the week before to convince him to bring his army to go against Troy, and so they did.

As Polites prepared to set sail, Daphne was busy thinking about what would happen to her child. Daphne knew that her child should stay in the hands of their trusted Queen and friend Penelope. But Daphne had heard many stories of those who died in war, and she did not want her child to live fatherless as well as motherless, a complete Orphan. Her fear grew as the date of the war neared. Penelope tried to calm her, giving her infusions from day to day as well as a relaxing time whilst Telemachus and (reader) played with their toys. Then the week of the men's departure arrived. Daphne had been stocking up on food and essentials for the baby. Inside her mind she had been thinking about what her daughter would need for a 2 year boat ride.

Then when the day came, Daphne dressed in a cloak with her baby wrapped around in a thick blanket for the cold. She had a bag on her back with essentials for the baby, food. Enough for 2 years. And she sneaked onto the ship and hid her baby behind the barrels of food, kissed her goodbye as the tears she had, were wiped and she left the ship. As she exited the ship she wished her child the very best of luck and prayed to Artemis and Ares, her patron God, to keep her safe.

The boat soon left the shores and the mother looked at the boat as it left. Slowly and surely she started to fall onto her knees, heartbreak catching up to her. Her tears started to pool down in sadness and loss. A few days later the disease took her, and her soul made its way to planes of Asphodel.

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Meanwhile on the boat, one day into the trip the crew did not hear the cries of the baby until the night. That night Polites was on watch, and there he heard them, the small faint cries of an infant in the wind. At first, he brushed it off and continued to surveil the boat. But the cries did not stop. Not for one single moment. It scared him, for those cries were too similar to those of his own child. So he decides to investigate. As he nears the cries of the child, his worry grows. It grows bigger and bigger. Until he pinpoints from where the noise came from and rushes to the barrels of food. He pushes the barrels aside, desperate to know where it comes from. Desperate to know if it's real. Then his heart sinks as he takes in the sight of the baby on the deck. It was his child. He picks her up and cradles her in his arms. He wanted to turn back, take her away from the war, from all the politics, but they were too far gone now.

The next morning the first thing he does is to look for Odysseus. And so he does. "Captain... We have a stowaway.... My daughter....." Odysseus looks at him, a clear look of sadness on his face. "Your wife... Did she put her here?" Polites looks up at him, his eyes shiny. "I think she anticipated her death.... I fear she didn't want to leave her child an orphan, even though Penelope proposed to raise her too.... Odysseus..... What do we do?" Polites says as the tears silently descended. Odysseus looks at him with empathy in his eyes and places his hand on his shoulder. "We'll get through this my friend. Your wife gave us food for her, for 2 years. The supplies are here in the bag. We can get through this. We'll raise her." He then points to the whole crew who was listening. "All of us. Together. We'll be her family."

 

And her family they had become.....

Chapter Text

Song -> The horse and The Infant.

Ten days passed and they finally arrived onto Trojan Shores. On the boat Polites took care of (name), changing her clothes and giving her food as well as playing with her, teaching her how to speak. As well as helping her walk and talk. Odysseus and his close consultants and Generals set up their tent and in there laid the sweet small (reader).

As the days went by and the Generals and commanders gathered. Slowly the strategies and ideas began pouring in, like a river of knowledge and experience.

Menelaus: My brothers, we must fight. For our Oath pledges us to each other and it wills us to fight for one another. The Oath of Tyndareus. We must protect my future Queen, we must save her from her abductors and claim her back as our own. Fight for our lives.

Agamemnon: My brother in blood and arms, you have my heart and soul.

Achilles: You have my immortality and strength by your side, brother.

Odysseus: You have the Ithacan's wisdom and strategy.

Ajax: You have my sword and strength.

Diomedes: My cunning and strength.

Nestor: You have my counsel to aid you in these tough days.

Teucer: My arrow will fly and shoot for you, may it always be true to your heart.

In the midst of pledging their allegiance, a baby starts to wail.

Polites: Excuse me Generals. I'm really sorry.

Polites makes his way to (reader) and picks her up, starts to rock her and gives her a bottle of water. The 2 year old giggles and starts to drink.

Menelaus: Whose brilliant idea was it to bring a baby to war?

Polites: Pardon me my King. But I believe my wife did not want her to live as an orphan for her entire life. So she stowed her away on this ship.

Menelaus: And why must we protect her? It's just another mouth to feed. Take her away, leave her somewhere. Spartans look out for other Spartans.

Polites: She has Spartan Blood, my liege. Her Mother was Daphne from the temple of Ares.

Menelaus and Agamemnon's eyes widen, then look at Polites with sadness.

Agamemnon: I offer you my condolences for her death. She was once a brave and strong woman. A friend of mine.

Polites: That she was.... I can see the same fire, spirit of Ares in my child's eyes. If you do not wish to protect her, I completely understand.

Menelaus: No, forgive me brother. She is but a child. Spartan or no, I was wrong. We should protect her. We will take turns, although you should stay more with her. But we still need you out there.

Polites nods and thanks them as he takes (reader) out of the tent so that the Generals can discuss strategies to siege Troy until Helen is returned.

The next few days they started to surround the city and started to attack. The attacks were ruthless, but none breached the walls of Troy. They raided nearby towns, cut off supplies for the Trojans, making it harder every year for them to remain in the city. Odysseus and Athena handled the command center as they continued to fight for the years to come.

-----

In battle the Gods warred and fought against each other as well. Athena and Ares appeared to be fighting each other and, young 7 year old (reader) angry at the fight, got between both of them. Both Gods blinked and looked at each other.

Athena: Child, move. You must not interfere.

(Reader): It's rude to fight. We have to be adults and speak our feelings to each other. That's what Papa says.

Athena smiles and looks at the child fondly.

Athena: Your Papa is right child. However, sometimes a fight is inevitable.

Ares: A CHILD!? What is this Mockery?

(Reader) glared at the War God, furious at him for shouting. Ares looked at her confused and completely befuddled at the fact that she had the audacity to glare at him. Until he recognised the fire in her eyes, the slight anger, but the burning fire of passion and fight.

Ares: Child. Where are you from?

(Reader): Papa says I'm the best of both worlds. Ithacan and Spartan. I hold the swiftness of Hermes, the Wisdom of Athena and the passion of Ares.

Ares' eyes soften as he looks at the child and nods.

Ares: I can see that. You hold the fire of my children. Your fire is so similar to an old protege of mine. Daphne. A beautiful and ruthless woman.

(Reader)'s eyes open wide and beam with excitement.

(Reader): That's my Mama! She is dead though. She died of severe sickness. So you took care of her. I hope she was nice.

Ares smiles softly, flashbacks of his protege and her accomplishments. He starts to reminisce about that past and let's himself get swayed by the words of the child and his memories.

Ares: I have no quarrel with you, my child. I will leave the fight. Athena, I wish you luck in the rest of your endeavours. Here Child, take my sword. This is yours now, it will adjust to your size. I will find you when the time comes. I wish you the best luck.

(Reader) smiles and nods. She takes the sword and waves it around excitedly. As Ares leaves he smiles, then disappears in the woosh of a flame. (Reader) looks at her new sword and smiles, happy and content, she looks up at Athena and winks. Athena looks at her surprised and lets out a little laugh. The wink had reminded her of Odysseus when they first met. It was nostalgic.

Athena: You clever child. I shall give you my shoulder armour. May it give you more wisdom than you already have and protect you in the future battles. You will need this luck, my child.

Athena leaves in a flurry of blue light, but she now had someone lese in mind that could be her warrior. (Reader) looks at the shoulder armour and puts it on. Both the armour and sword shrink and fit her perfectly. (Reader) skips back happily to the camp and settles in Polites, Eurylochus' and Odysseus' tent, and she begins to play with two small wicker dolls.

When all three came back, they found it weird to see her with shoulder armour, and a sword strapped to her side. As soon as they tried to take it off her she refused and told them that they were gifts from Athena and Ares. Surprised they let her keep the armour, but took the sword only promising to give it back after she knew how to handle one.

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Then came that last year of battle. Agamemnon and his squad along with Achilles led one of the fights in a neighbouring city. As they shared the spoils between them, Achilles found the perfect war prize. A beautiful woman, Briseis. However, Agamemnon took her as his and used his authority as commander of the squad. Achilles, angry as he was fought, bickered with him, to a point where not even Patroclus could intervene. Both stubborn men, and none backed down. Achilles refused to fight and pouted like a child.

And there the Greeks started to lose the battles one by one. All because Achilles would not fight.

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(Reader): Akkkky!

Achilles: What is it child?

(Reader): Why aren't you helping Papa?

Achilles: I will not fight until I get what's rightfully mine! Briseis.

(Reader): What's Briseis?

Achilles let out a laugh and smiled softly, the 10 year old child's comment having lifted his spirits even if it were for only a little while.

Achilles: She is a woman, much like you, young one. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes upon. She may be a captive of war, but we must treat her with respect.

(Reader): She sounds like a very nice person, but we're losing because you're not fighting.

Achilles pondered on those words and thought about all the men lost in the fight now, because he will not fight. A strange guilt pooling in his gut. He shakes it off and continues training (Reader) to use a sword.

-----

It was true, they lost heaps and heaps of battles. More warriors were lost and many died. Hector had started attacking more ruthlessly, he was becoming bolder. It was then that Patroclus had had enough. He donned the armour of Achilles. In an attempt to resemble Achilles, boost morale and drive the enemy back. However this backfired. Hector who had fought against Achilles so many times, saw through his charade and slaughtered him.

The battle had been lost. As the Greeks return they bring their dead with them. Achilles' watches as the Greeks return from their loss, until he sees the body of his Brother in arms, his best friend... Patroclus' lifeless body, inside Achilles' own armour...

Achilles: The fool! Thought he could impersonate me. Now here he lies...

Distraught, Achilles kneels down next to his friend's body. There he lets the tears flow as he mourns the loss of his dearest friend. The pain that courses through his body was enough to make him clutch onto his friend's body. The racing thoughts, but blank mind at the same time, creating a feeling that would contradict any other.

During the next hours, you can only see the blank eyes of Achilles as he refuses to leave his friend's side. Achilles solemnly washed Patroclus' body and anointed it. He dressed him back in his warrior clothes. He laid him on the dry grass, logs and sticks. People gathered around and mourned the death of a dear warrior and all those others lost in this war. (Reader) sat beside Achilles and put her hand on his arm in a small comfort. Polites looked at his daughter and smiled at her being such an empathetic person. The night came by quickly and so they placed the coins in his eyes, then set fire to him and his shroud.

That night was the quietest it could ever be in the Greek camp.

However it was also the last night that the Trojans could sleep in peace.

The next day, Achilles, enraged by the death of his brother in arms, rises up and ravages the front line. Pushing the line back and killing many, many Trojans. His eyes scour the battlefield and amidst the armour and blood he finds the one soul he wished to massacre. Hector. In a fit of rage, he storms into him and fights him head on. The battle was long and arduous, and even then Achilles ended up as the victor.

He dragged the dead body of Hector around Troy's walls, in pride after enacting vengeance for killing Patroclus. As the King begged to have his son's body back.

In those moments he was reminded of the burial and closure he managed to have. So he returned the body to the King.

Consumed by guilt after being told that Hector had a family, a wife, a son. He was lured by a Princess, promising a moment to commune with the Gods and ask for forgiveness. However in that moment, Paris hidden with the guidance of Apollo, was shot with a poison coated arrow to his weak spot. His Achilles Heel.

-----

After his funeral, Odysseus and Ajax fought over the possession of his armour. The armour that once was worn by Achilles himself held a lot of importance to the Greeks, merely holding it was already an honour. But to wear it was pure glory and quite a name to live up to. (Reader) didn't like the shouting so she left to hide with her father a lot. Finally they decided to compete for it, in a fair game. The two delivered speeches to the camp to prove why they deserved the armour. Ajax was indeed very eloquent, but Odysseus could rally an army a lot more. And So Odysseus won. Ajax, was off after that loss. Never the same as before, more negative, more depressed. He didn't speak as much, and slowly you could see his spark leave his eyes.

-----

Neo arrived after hearing the news of his father's death. Upon his arrival to the Trojan shores, Neo sat down and paid his respects to his dead father. And then easily assumed the position he needed to assume. Slowly but surely they started to win every battle. Until Athena one day came to Odysseus and handed him a strategy that would work.

Odysseus: What? A wooden Horse? Do you seriously think this would work? Do you take them for fools?

Athena: You know it will. You're thinking about it now and don't find a single flaw.

Odysseus, nods and sighs. He takes the blueprints back to the camp and starts explaining the plan. The others agreed pretty easily. And soon enough Odysseus led a team to steal the statue sacred to Troy.

As the months went by the horse was finished and now waiting at the shores to be taken up to the entrance of Troy.

The fleet was ready to hide behind the rocks and the warriors got ready to hide and then strike. Use their blind spots to their advantage. Just before the big battle, Odysseus gathered them all to review the last things.

Odysseus: Alright my brothers, listen closely.....

Chapter Text

Odysseus: Alright, my brothers listen closely....

The men and all the Generals gathered around and looked at him, eager to finally finish this war and get home to their families. A little 11-year-old girl easily sneaked through and sat down, listening to the war strategy.

Odysseus: Tonight, we make the Trojans pay.

The men cheer and wave their swords in the air.

Odysseus: Ten years of war, they've killed us slowly, but now we'll be the ones who slay.

Men: SLAY! WE'LL KILL THEM ALL!

Polites shakes his head, not agreeing to their cries.

Odysseus: Think of your wives and your children. Your families wonder where you've been. They're growing old, and yet you're still here. Do what I say, and you'll see them again.

Men: YES, SIR!

Everyone shouts together, their determination resonating through the tent.

Odysseus: Diomedes will lead the charge.

Diomedes nods. You could see the determination in his eyes. The fire of anger, determination, and loyalty burned in his heart and soul.

Odysseus: Agamemnon will flank the guards.

Agamemnon smirks and nods, knowing that he will succeed.

Odysseus: Menelaus will let our mates, through the gates, to take the whole city at large.

The men all turn and bow to their king in respect and nod. Menelaus, proud, smiles and nods.

Menelaus: Do not worry, men. I will not fail.

Odysseus: Teucer will shoot any ambush attack, and little Ajax will stay back

Ajax: Why do I stay back?

Odysseus: You haven't been at your best, my friend.

Polites: Plus, I need someone to take care of my little sneaky gremlin.

Polites notices (reader) and picks her up.

(Reader): Daad!

(Reader) whines as she's picked up and flails about, caught by her father. She then pouts in his arms and grumbles. Ajax rolls his eyes and nods, reluctantly accepting his role in this war.

Odysseus: Now that that's settled. Nestor, secure Helen and protect her. Neo, avenge your father, kill the brothers of Hector.

Nestor bows his head in acknowledgement of his task, and Neo smiles. A smile that told the tale of a fearsome warrior ready to avenge his family.

Men: YES, SIR!

Odysseus: Find that inner strength now!

The men cheer as his words start to encourage them.

Odysseus: Use that well of pride!

Men: WHOO!

Odysseus: Fight through every pain now!

Men: LET'S GO!

Odysseus: Ask yourself inside: What do you live for? What do you try for? What do you wish for? What do you fight for?

The men all became silent, murmuring names and reasons. Anchoring themselves to their reasons to get home alive, their motivations, their values, and their family. (Reader) looks up to her father and watches as he smiles at her and whispers his need and wants to stay by her side, alive and ready to be her father in a peaceful environment.

Odysseus: Penelope, and Telemachus. I fight for us. I fight for us!

The men start to take their places. Menelaus enters discreetly and waits for the Trojans to go to sleep. Agamemnon heads over to sneak behind the guards to kill them. Teucer and his archers headed to the high ground to have an advantage over the Trojans. The boats were already leaving the beaches and heading to hide behind the rocks on the island, the Trojans' blind spot.

As soon as they were gone, they heard the Trojans celebrate. They had thought that the Greeks had left. If only they knew the trouble that they were in, the deaths that there would be. The night rolled by, and the Trojans discovered the giant wooden horse. A note strapped to it. "We leave this horse as an offering to Athena. May she guide us home safely. Please do not take this horse. We wish to get home safely." The Trojans looked at it, read the note, and took it in. They laughed and took it in as their trophy of war, as proof that the Greeks were too weak to conquer them.

As the horse was brought inside the castle walls, the men stayed quiet inside the horse. Agamemnon quickly killed the guards, the people of Troy oblivious to the death of their protectors. The men in the horse waited impatiently, just itching to soak their swords in Trojan blood. Teucer and his men were ready, bows at the ready to protect them from on high.

Then, all of a sudden, the gates slammed open. Menelaus opened the doors and the rest of the Greek troops invaded the city. Neo, Nestor, and Diomedes leave the horse and charge through into the city.

Odysseus: ATTACK!!

The city started to fill with the noises of war and swords clashing. You could see as the blood started to litter the once brown dirt road. Bodies start to collapse and fall to the ground. Men are running and fighting as the women and children run and hide.

Fires started to rise as the Greeks and Trojans started shooting their arrows laced with fire or a substance to start fire.

The last battle had finally started.

-----

Whilst the men waited eagerly for their turn in battle, Ajax and (Reader) were safe in camp. (Reader) was drawing on the sand, and Ajax just looked blankly at the horizon.

(Reader): Ajax? Do you think Father and Ody will be safe?

Ajax looks at the girl blankly and just shakes his head.

Ajax: I don't know. Who knows? In war, one never knows what will happen. You can lose your life or lose your pride.

(Reader): You lost your pride?

Ajax sighs and looks to the sky. He then looks back to the ground.

Ajax: Yes, child. I lost my pride losing to your king.

(Reader): My king? Uncle Ody?

Ajax: Yes. Your uncle Odysseus.

(Reader): But it's not the worst. You can lose your pride. But that doesn't mean you have to lose yourself. You may have lost the battle, but that does not mean you have lost the war.

Ajax's eyes widen as he hears those wise words come from the 11-year-old. He never thought he'd hear them from a child so small and young. For a while, it lifts his spirit. But then it goes back down.

Ajax: It's not just a problem of pride. It's my honour. I lost a challenge to your uncle, one that I had boasted about so openly. It makes me lose my pride and honour. And losing one's honour is just the worst. It's like losing your life.

(Reader) looks at Ajax confused and shakes their head.

(Reader): Adults are complicated.

-----

As (Reader) and Ajax talked, inside Troy they were regaining their honour. Slaying the Trojans and setting fire to their homes. They vowed to burn Troy and they were on their way to Victory.

As Odysseus started to set foot in the palace and make his way up the stairs, a painful vision of a strong warrior lunged at him. He groaned in pain as he thought that the warrior had struck him in the stomach.

Odysseus: Who was that?

An eagle flew down and settled itself on a nearby balcony. As soon as it landed, thunder and lightning echoed in the background. Then a booming voice sounded from above.

Zeus: A vision. Of what is to come, cannot be outrun. Can only be dealt with right here and now.

Odysseus: Tell me how.

Zeus: I don't think you're ready.

A golden trail appears in front of Odysseus, leading him through the corridor and to big finely decorated double doors. Odysseus takes out his sword and starts to make his way down the corridor.

Zeus: A mission to kill someone's son. A foe who won't run. Unlike anyone you have faced before.

Odysseus: Say no more. I know that I'm ready.

Zeus shakes his head and murmurs a final "I don't think you're ready."

Odysseus opens the double doors, but then his eyes fall down to the crib in the room and his composure breaks a little. His eyes soften, then widen in realisation. He looks to the eagle in despair.

Odysseus: It's just an infant. It's just a boy. What sort of imminent threat does he pose, that I cannot avoid?

Zeus: This is the son of none other than Troy's very own Prince Hector. Know that he will grow from a boy to an avenger. One fueled with rage as you're consumed by age. If you don't end him now, you'll have no one left to save.

Odysseus realises what this means and in his mind he can hear the voices echoing "You can say goodbye to Penelope." Odysseus looks at the child in mild despair, then back at the eagle and the sentence echoes once more "You can say goodbye to Penelope."Odysseus shakes his head and starts to plead.

Odysseus: I could raise him as my own!

Zeus's voice commented straight after, responding to every idea Odysseus gave.

Zeus: he will burn your house and throne.

Odysseus: Or send him far away from home.

Zeus: he'll find you wherever you go.

Odysseus: Make sure his past is never known.

Zeus: the gods will make him know.

Odysseus: I'd rather bleed for you.

Zeus: he's bringing you down on your knees.

Odysseus: I'm begging please.

Zeus: oh, this is the will of the gods.

Odysseus looks at the eagle in pure desperation. He lowers himself onto his knees, as his eyes get misty-eyed as he thought of the atrocity he would have to commit.

Odysseus: Please don't make me do this, don't make me do this.

Thunder roars in the back and the eagle spreads its wings.

Zeus: The blood on your hands is something you won't lose. All you can choose is whose.

The eagle takes off and Odysseus looks back at the crib. He puts his helmet down and looks at the small child, his eyes softening and his gaze sad.

-----

(Reader) was now just sitting on the ground, looking as the fire engulfed the city.

(Reader): Ajax, do you think they will kill everyone in the city?

Ajax had gone looking for a snack in the reserves, but he wasn't back yet. The poor (Reader) had been waiting for quite some time. So she stood up, grabbed her sword and made her way to the reserves. Half way there, she encountered a gruesome sight that sent her running in fear to find her brother. Ajax had removed his armour and pierced his sword through his heart. Blood was everywhere and dripping down his sword. It was a sight that an 11 year old, should never witness.

As (Reader) ran through the tents and into the city in fear and in search of her father. She saw bodies litter the floor, fire burning the corpses and turning them black. (Reader) saw the chaos and destruction that war brings to people. Who knew how that would affect her.

(Reader): Why must there be so much death?