Somehow, whether it be luck, skill, or plot armor, you are a member of Odysseus’ crew who still stands. And now, the thirty six of you, and the Captain, are in the home of the Sun God, where your fates will be sealed. Odysseus, tied to a tree, was unable to untie himself quickly enough to stop Eurylochus from bringing his sword down upon the sacred cow. Everyone boarded the ship and tried to row away, but it was useless.

The thunder was deafening. Helios threatened to stop shining if Zeus didn’t punish the men, but He had no personal stakes, and He was treating it more like a theatrical performance. Many soldiers were bowing, foreheads to the ground, as they tried to glean any amount of mercy, but they weren’t Zeus’ focus.

“Enlighten me, King of Ithaca,” He said, tone smug. From anyone else, the address would be respectful, but from the King of the Gods, it was nothing but mocking. “Since hunger was far too great,” His gaze moved over Odysseus’ shoulder, to the soldiers. It lingered on you for a few beats too long. “I wonder who’d take the weight of the damned, and suffer a gruesome fate,” He continued. “Choose.”

“Choose?” Odysseus echoed, voice small.

Zeus smiled with faux sympathy. “Someone’s gotta die today, and you have got the final say. You? Or your crew?”

“Please, don’t make me do this,” Odysseus begged., before going silent.

“Captain?” Eurylochus prompted hesitantly.

“I have to see her,” Odysseus replied brokenly.

Eurylochus sounded like he already knew this would happen. “But we’ll die.”

“I know.”

Around you, the world exploded with electricity and screams as your comrades were smited. The lightning felt neverending, as all you could sense was the booming roar of thunder, the violent shaking of the ship, and the reek of singed flesh. There was also no damage to anyone who was not a target of it. You could know without even looking that the only people who remained unscathed was Odysseus and you.

Instead of acknowledging the Captain, Zeus stood before you, looming.