by The Eurostar and T5
The Tower of Cuccubao, Brazil:
Edulcore Cicciotto:
The cyclops advances, swinging his axe toward me. Around me are the barren rocks of a volcanic island here on the western sea, beyond Atlas' columns. Surroundings so empty, that it seems there is no way to escape the confrontation.
What can I do, Athena? Where are you, Hermes?
This time, no wooden horses will show my astuteness. There's only my sword between me and the monster. But I have no chance in beating him. I am no demigod. I have no magic weapons forged in Olympus. I can rely only on my mind... but this time, what I can do?
Need time. Try talking.
"Son of Chronos, I don't understand what you want to avenge. I never met your brother!" I shout, pointing my sword to the ground.
"Liar!" exclaims the giant. "You blinded Polyphemus, tricking him without revealing your name. But Poseidon told me, and now I will take your head to make a gift for my brother!"
Think think think.
"Arges, wait a moment. You want my head, just like the blue-haired god of the seas wants. But Athena protect me, and also Hermes by the quick feet. Don't you dare to touch me, or you will experience their wrath!"
The one-eyed giant stops for a moment. Then smiles. "Your dirty tricks are old, Odysseus. Athena is nowhere in sight, and Hermes is far, far away. There is nobody here to help you!" But he doesn't move.
Insist.
"You know that the gods are not visible, unless that's their will," I say. "You really want to risk your life for my head? Don't you fear the anger of Zeus? Do you really want to end like Atlas, Prometheus or Iapetus?"
Arges seems to think, and his expression is not the most intelligent I ever seen. Yet, his finger becomes white around the handle of his big hammer. He is reluctant to attack, but in the end he will. I know he has no other option.
"We could make a deal. If we find an agreement, Athena would not meddle, don't you think?" I ask.
"Uh... Speak, mortal! What kind of agreement?"
"I will let you kill me, so that you will avenge your brother. But I will choose the way you'll take my life. Deal?"
The giant begins to laugh. "Deal, Odysseus. I thought you much smarter than you are."
"Sorry to have disappointed you, son of Chronos. I know there is no way to outsmart the immortals!" I say, lowering my eyes.
"So, son of Ithaca, tell me -- how do you want to die?"
Wait. Wait a moment. Let him wonder what I will respond.
I open my arms, like to embrace the flat, desert, rocky island. "Hang me, Arges!"
The giant freezes. Looks around, in search of any tree, well aware that on the island there is not the smallest bush.
And then cries. One, long, loud cry. And then, swearing, begins to smash a rock with his hammer, to vent his anger.
I quickly spread my wings and take flight, while the Cyclops, totally furious of having been deceived, is smashing the helicopter wreck with his bare hands.
Gotta find Crasher, and discover who these men are.
In the burning wreckage of the now-crashed helicopter, a small burned logotype could be seen with the ruined words: ...dustries.
Frustrated, Raptor flew back to his fellow warriors.