[3 years later]
The sun lay high in the sky no clouds in sight, waves slowly coming in and hitting the docked boats. The quiet only silently broken from the cries of birds.
*thwack*thwack*
Though that soon changed as loud noises could be heard at the beach next to the dock.
There stood what seemed to be around 25-50 soldiers in armor looking down at small children between the ages of 9 and 10. The children were holding what seemed to be wooden swords too big for their stature.
The soldiers would yell out to the children on ways how to attack, defend, and dodge attacks. The children would try their best but given the lack of experience and the weight of the big sword messing with their stances.
This would go on for hours as kids would continue to try their best to perfect to moves taught to them. Many would fail, some would succeed, but none gave up and continued to push through.
Soon came time for the soldiers to leave and continue their duties.
"If we are ever needed on the grounds of was, I hope I can count on you all being there guarding my back as we fight for our families!" the lead soldier said a small inspiring speech hoping to inspire the kids. The kids would just look in awe and nod their head rapidly.
After the soldiers left many of the kids took to play fighting with each other, practicing their moves against each other. Though many struggled some were able to win many fights.
Though out of all of them one child stood out. A slightly slimmer child with bright blue eyes hidden behind flimsy glasses and curly hair that seemed untamable.
He would fight to disarm rather than kill, never landing more strikes than needed. The others would just beat each other black and blue doing anything for the win.
Though this caught the eyes of some of the kids.
"Are you scared of hurting your opponent?" teased some kids
"I will teach him how a soldier should fight, without mercy," said the biggest kid.
"My name is Eurylochus, what is yours?" ask Eurylochus but he was just met with silence. "My name is Polites," Replied Polites.
They both stood across from each other swords raised. Soon Eurylochus struck with a diagonal slash. Polites quickly dashed to the side and swung his sword at Eurylochus's hands forcing him to drop it.
Eurylochus being unarmed threw a right hook with all his body. Polites quickly ducked to his left under the hook and kicked Eurylochus's leg out from under him.
Polites not wasting time held his sword against Eurylochus's chest. "I win," Polites said with a polite smile. Polites then let up and turned around to walk away.
Eurylochus not accepting such a loss grabbed his sword and swung at Polites' defenseless back. Polites fell on the ground from such a heavy strike. Just as Eurylochus was about to continue he was interrupted as a kid with blond hair walked next to him.
"Sorry for being late but what could possibly be happening here?" asked Ody.
Eurylochus looked over at Ody seeing him standing there with a sword leaning on his shoulder. He thought of continuing the fight but went against it as he felt an oppressive force come from Ody's direction.
Eurylochus stood up and walked away without saying anything, most kids following him.
"You alright there?" Ody said as he helped pick Polites up.
"Yes I'm all good, thank you for your help," Polites thanked Ody.
They would then sit down and talk to each other and Ody would even help teach Polites by sparring with him. Soon becoming friends with each other. Polites even invited Ody to his house for dinner. Ody said yes but he had to go inform his parents first.
While Ody left, Odysseus stayed staring at the young face of Polite.
"My friend it is good to see you in good health," Odysseus said with a sad smile. Odysseus could even see the older Polites standing behind his younger self. He stood the with his flimsy glasses, crazy hair, and a warm smile on his eyes.
Though what hurt the most was he was standing there with his arms stretched wide open.