Hello everyone!

It's been a while since my last update, hasn't it? Well, I have some news for you! From now on, we'll follow a new structure: alternating chapters. One will be focused on reactions to the musical, and the next on reactions to the book.

The interludes will be connected, so when a saga ends, there will be an interlude for both the musical and the book. How will this work? You'll find out when it happens!

Oh, and I apologize for the delay. This chapter was supposed to be released yesterday, but I had some issues. Thanks for your patience!

For this chapter, I'll be using the amazing animation by Ximena Natzel. I hope you enjoy it!

Also, fanfiction guys, unfortunately due to errors on the website I'm not able to respond to your messages in dm so if you want to talk to me you can join the discord server or send a message somewhere else, all my links are in my bio

Happy reading/watching, everyone!

After everyone was ready, the screen began to light up, and the title "Storm" appeared in vivid blue letters.

[ODYSSEUS]These waves and tides have grown in strength and size

Odysseus could be seen speaking with his crew aboard the ship.

Athena pressed her lips together, her gaze slightly intimidated as she thought about her uncle's domains. During the three years she spent separated from Odysseus, she had reflected on many things, and one of them was her constant rivalry with Poseidon. She knew that much of the freedom she had to challenge her uncle stemmed from her relationship with Zeus. Being considered, if not the, then at least one of the favorite daughters of the king of the gods, afforded her certain privileges. One of them was the implicit threat of her father, something that protected her from harsher reprisals from the other gods. This thought frustrated her, but also brought her relief. How many times had she escaped retribution simply because of who she was?

While Athena pondered, Circe wore an equally cautious expression. As a resident of an island, she knew well the importance of keeping the sea gods appeased. She made regular offerings, especially to Poseidon, to ensure good winds and calm seas. It was a habit born of necessity, but she was well aware that the god of the seas was not known for his predictability. When Odysseus and his crew had been on her island, Poseidon had remained strangely silent. Too silent, now that Circe thought about it.

Something had changed in the god over the past few years, and that change unsettled her. Why had he been so inactive? What could have caused such a drastic shift in someone as capricious as Poseidon?

Still, part of her feared the answers to those questions. The other part, however, felt that she would uncover the truth, whether she wanted to or not.

Is it nature or divine or a blessing in disguise?

He had gathered a group of his crew members as he spoke.

"Certainly divine, but far from a blessing," Aeolus commented, shaking her head with a mix of disapproval and enthusiasm. "Obviously, some sea deity is upset." She cast a discreet glance in her father's direction, trying to gauge his reaction. "If it were a few centuries ago, I'd even say it was little Charybdis having some fun. But, you know…" She shrugged, leaving the sentence unfinished.

The crew members exchanged nervous glances. The sight of the ships rocking chaotically on the screen made some of them visibly pale, almost green. The relief of merely watching, rather than living through it, was clear. Each secretly wished never to face something as harrowing as the wrath of an angry sea god.

Eurylochus appeared especially unsettled. He wasn't known for his ease on ships, despite being a competent sailor. Navigating calm seas was challenging enough, but facing a storm wrought by a deity's anger seemed like a nightmare. He squeezed his wife's hand tighter, as if seeking stability in something solid. Ctimene, noticing his unease, responded with a reassuring grip, her gaze conveying confidence.

Meanwhile, Poseidon watched the screen with growing interest, his eyes gleaming with sharp curiosity. He leaned slightly forward on his throne, resting one arm on the armrest and his chin on his hand. His posture appeared relaxed, but the intense gleam in his eyes suggested a careful analysis and a silent fascination with what he was witnessing. The storm intrigued him, and his thoughts remained a mystery to everyone in the room.

Our home's in sight, this storm's our final fight

Odysseus was now seen walking to the edge of his ship, turning to face his crew as he spoke with confidence.

Odysseus let out a strangled laugh at those words. "Final battle," he repeated in his mind with bitter irony. Oh, how he wished he could go back in time and slap his younger self for tempting fate so recklessly. The idea of a final battle seemed naïve now. Honestly, he would rather face countless storms than confront the god behind them—not to mention whatever still lay ahead.

"Damn the gods," he muttered in his mind, adjusting the thought to the rhythm of the music playing in the background.

Penelope, sitting beside him, watched her husband with a concerned gaze. The tense smile on his lips and the nervous flicker in his eyes told a story he wasn't sharing aloud. She knew he was reliving something in his mind, something only he could fully grasp, but enough to make her heart ache.

She reached out and gently touched his hand, hoping to offer some quiet comfort.

There's no time to die, comrades!

Some shuddered at the phrase, as if they had been transported back to the haunting melody of Survive. It was not a pleasant memory. The emotional weight of that song still lingered, bringing back recollections of loss and despair.

Polites, however, didn't take his eyes off the screen. His once-calm expression had hardened, and a determined glint appeared in his gaze as he murmured to himself, "This time will be different."

He knew the Cyclops might cross his path again, but he was resolved not to repeat the past. Polites had always been averse to violence, preferring to resolve conflicts with strategy and calm reasoning. But before he was a man of peace, he had been a warrior—and he still carried that spirit deep within his heart.

"Even if it's just one man against a monster," he thought, feeling the strength of his conviction grow. "I will do what just a man can do. I will win. I will survive."

[SOLDIERS] Sir [ODYSSEUS & SOLDIERS] Brace for a storm, storm The likes of which we've never seen before Brace for a storm, storm With home so close, we must keep pushing forward

The theater was thick with tension and anxiety, as though the emotions of those present were being influenced by the storm on the screen. However, this unease soon gave way to an overwhelming wave of determination, radiating from Odysseus's men.

A storm, especially a divine one, wasn't something you simply faced—it was like battling an immovable object, a force of nature no one could challenge without consequences. But these men were unlike any others. They were the soldiers who had endured ten years of war and returned alive, the ones who had faced a Cyclops and escaped with their lives. And the sole reason for their survival was their captain—Odysseus.

To them, he wasn't just a leader; he was an unstoppable force. If the storm and the god commanding it were the immovable object, then their captain was the one who would defy the impossible. They believed this with every fiber of their being.

If, in the timeline they were witnessing, they couldn't triumph, they knew that in theirs, they would do things differently. They would follow their captain wherever he led them—even if that meant marching straight into the underworld. They would follow him because they believed that, as always, he would lead them to victory.

Meanwhile, Poseidon watched the screen with a deep scowl. His expression was a mixture of irritation and contemplation. He knew that storm wasn't designed to kill those men—it never had been. It was merely an obstacle, an annoyance carefully crafted to challenge them. Yet something about all of this had been unsettling him since he arrived in this place.

Poseidon wasn't ready to draw conclusions just yet. He needed to keep watching, to see more of what had happened, to understand how much of himself had changed in that future.

[SOLDIERS]

Full speed ahead

[ODYSSEUS]

Head towards the island but avoid the crashing waves

Tread where the tide is flat and then you will be safе

Athena watched Odysseus's commands intently, her rivalry with Poseidon momentarily forgotten. Instead, her mind was fully focused on analyzing the unfolding events. Years of training and studies that she had personally overseen had prepared Odysseus for situations like this. He had learned to navigate in all possible conditions—from calm, tranquil seas to the fiercest storms. As the king of an island, mastery over the sea was essential, but as her pupil, she expected him to be even more cautious, especially when dealing with unpredictable waters.

Hermes, like Athena, observed Odysseus's orders closely. As the god of travelers, he had a natural affinity for the art of navigation. While he wasn't a sea god, he knew every trick, technique, and secret necessary for safe and efficient journeys across the waters. He allowed himself a satisfied smile as he noticed the effectiveness of Odysseus's decisions. The king of Ithaca was handling the storm like a seasoned sailor, exactly as expected of someone with his training and ingenuity.

As Athena continued to analyze every move, mentally reviewing all the lessons she had taught Odysseus, Hermes relaxed slightly, taking the moment to enjoy his popcorn. The smile on his lips was a blend of pride and admiration. Odysseus's actions demonstrated that, even in the face of adversity, he remained true to the teachings and wisdom he had acquired throughout his journey.

[EURYLOCHUS] Captain, we will capsize with thesе waves, our fleet will fail [ODYSSEUS & SOLDIERS] Have them follow my ship, I'll ensure that we prevail Storm, storm

[EURYLOCHUS] We're taking too much damage to survive

Eurylochus struggled to stay steady on the ship, stumbling until he fell onto his back. He brought an arm over his eyes, trying in vain to quell the nausea threatening to overwhelm him.

"Calm yourself," Ctimene gently chided her husband. Though her words carried a tone of reproach, her voice was full of kindness. It was her unique way of soothing him. "Have a little faith in my brother," she added, offering him an encouraging smile.

Eurylochus managed a small, albeit weak, smile as he looked up at his wife. He was clearly grateful for her attempt to comfort him, even amidst the turbulence and discomfort. Though the situation was challenging, Ctimene's support made him feel just a bit stronger to face the moment.

[ODYSSEUS & SOLDIERS] We'll beat this storm, storm [EURYLOCHUS] At this rate, we won't make it out alive

Eurylochus remained lying down, his arm still covering his eyes as he tried to quell his nausea. Beside him, Odysseus offered a comforting smile, a silent attempt to reassure his companion.

In the audience, Eurylochus frowned as he watched his future self on the screen. He had always known he wasn't as enthusiastic about sailing as the other men in the crew, but the negativity he saw in this version of himself unsettled him deeply. The realization that the loss against the Cyclops had affected him more than he had admitted cast a shadow of worry across his face.

He couldn't help but wonder what this meant for his relationship with Odysseus. "Do I begin to question my captain?" he pondered silently, uncomfortable with the thought. Even so, he resolved that no matter what happened, he would do everything in his power to maintain his trust in the man who led their crew.

[PERIMEDES & ELPENOR]

Captain, look!

[ODYSSEUS & EURYLOCHUS]

An island in the sky

The sight of the island left many speechless. It wasn't just the island itself that was breathtaking, but the entire environment surrounding it seemed magical. That piece of the world appeared untouched by the storm: soft white clouds contrasted with the clear blue sky, creating a stunning vista. The place looked like a divine refuge, a hidden jewel amidst the chaos. Most of those present couldn't hide their curiosity and anticipation, imagining what the full view of the island might reveal.

Aeolus watched the reactions to her home with a radiant, proud smile. She remembered the years of negotiations, arguments, and persistence with her father to ensure that her little slice of paradise remained untouched by storms or bad weather—unless she willed it. It had been an extremely complicated process to adjust the climate to her liking, but in the end, she had succeeded in creating what she desired: a sanctuary of sunny days and refreshing breezes.

To her, the island wasn't just a refuge; it was a meeting point for travelers. With cunning, Aeolus spread tales and whispers across the seas about a mysterious island in the sky, encouraging adventurers to seek it out. However, there was one condition: only those with certain virtues and characteristics could find her abode. She didn't want just any mortal or demigod wandering into her sacred space and interacting with her Winions.

The strategy had paid off. Her island was now a place of rest and amusement, hosting visitors who needed assistance and entertained her with games and stories. But as she thought of one particular visitor, her proud expression turned to a melancholic grimace. Odysseus had been an exception to her rule.

Don't misunderstand—Odysseus had the right qualities to find her island and play her games. However, he had reached her not by his own merit but through a specific request from her father. Aeolus shook her head sadly. She hated creating challenges where mortals had no chance of winning, but under the shadow of Poseidon's authority, she hadn't had a choice. Still, seeing the King of Ithaca in the room now, she felt a pang of relief. He had survived.

Now, her curiosity was inevitable. After the disaster caused by her father and the reckless opening of the bag of winds, Aeolus had lost track of Odysseus. She wondered what else he had faced since then and could hardly wait to learn more about his journey.

[ODYSSEUS]

Eurylochus, grab the harpoons

As many as you can find

Odysseus turned to Eurylochus, his expression marked by a mix of anxiety and determination. There was something unsettling in his gaze, as if a bold plan was taking shape in his mind, but he hesitated to voice it aloud.

"What do you have in mind?" Eurylochus asked, his voice a blend of curiosity and a faint trace of apprehension. He knew his captain well—when Odysseus wore that particular expression, it usually meant a brilliant yet dangerous idea was on the horizon.

[EURYLOCHUS]

What do you have in mind?

A few low chuckles echoed through the theater, sparked by the unexpected coincidence. However, the focus of most remained fixed on the screen. Even those who had laughed quickly fell silent, unwilling to miss a single detail of what was about to unfold.

[ODYSSEUS]

We're gonna shoot for the sky

Odysseus responded with a confident smile, pointing toward the island floating in the sky.

"What?" Eurylochus and several others exclaimed in disbelief, unable to fathom how their captain planned to accomplish such a feat.

Aeolus, on the other hand, couldn't contain her laughter. To her, this was one of the most ingenious—and ironically, one of the safest—strategies she'd ever seen used to reach her island.

She still remembered another traveler who, in his stubbornness and foolishness, had attempted to launch himself toward the island using a cannon. "Idiot," she muttered to herself, the memory making her laugh again. His calculations had been completely wrong, and he ended up missing the target by a wide margin. Fortunately, Aeolus had taken pity on the poor soul and used her winds to guide him safely to his intended destination.

Now, witnessing Odysseus's boldness, she couldn't help but admire the man's creativity. After all, he possessed something few did: determination and ingenuity.

[EURYLOCHUS, spoken] What?

Another wave of laughter echoed through the theater, sparked both by the repetition of the line and by Eurylochus's incredulous expression. His wide eyes and slightly agape mouth were a perfect blend of confusion and comedic despair, only adding to the audience's amusement.

Even Odysseus couldn't help but crack a small smile as he observed his companion's exaggerated reaction, though he tried to maintain his composure.

Eurylochus, realizing he was the target of the laughter, muttered something unintelligible under his breath while crossing his arms, his face still frozen in disbelief.

[ODYSSEUS & SOLDIERS]
Storm, storm Everyone grab a harpoon and aim it high
Storm, storm We're shooting for the island in the sky
In the sky

With the large number of harpoons now secured to the island, the ships were finally able to enjoy a well-deserved moment of respite. The tension in the ropes and masts eased, and the sound of the furious winds gave way to a temporary and almost comforting silence.

The spectators in the theater leaned forward in anticipation, their eyes fixed on the screen, which was beginning to fade to black. The silence that filled the room was almost as tangible as the relief felt by the ships on the screen. Everyone waited anxiously for the next song, wondering what would come next in the journey of Odysseus and his crew.

Some timeline context:

Odysseus is from the end of Charybdis.

Calypso is from the beginning of Love in Paradise.

Athena, Hermes, Circe, Penelope, Telemachus, and Ctimene are from the end of Thunder Bringer.

Scylla is from the end of God Games

The Lotus Eater is from before Polyphemus

Jorge is from after the Vengeance Saga.

The rest are from the beginning of Full Speed Ahead.