Chapter 6 ( edited)

Cyd felt his stomach churn violently as he kneeled on the rocky ground, barely able to hold himself together. The white horse gently nudged Cyd's head with its hoof.

"Just a bit more.." Cyd muttered weakly, trying to steady himself.

"I'm here," the white horse seemed to say with its gentle nudge.

"I'm fine, just a bit dizzy," Cyd managed to reply, waving his hand in dismissal, though he felt as if he were being swept away by the wind. The journey had been arduous, and the white horse had skillfully supported him every step of the way.

After a moment, Cyd gathered his strength and stood, using the rock wall for support. He glanced around, his eyes finally settling on the distant cluster of rocks where Prometheus was chained.

"Where is Prometheus?" Cyd asked quietly, his voice tinged with concern, addressing the white horse.

The horse blinked solemnly and nodded towards the rocks, indicating the chained Titan.

"You're quite the guide," Cyd muttered to himself, acknowledging the horse's silent navigation skills. Even without its assistance, Cyd could clearly see Prometheus, who seemed to be gazing expectantly towards the sky.

Cyd had hoped the white horse would leave him further from Prometheus, but instead, it had brought him right to the Titan's side.

"Well, here I am," Cyd said, patting the horse's mane gently. "You should head back now. This place isn't as comfortable as the sea god's realm. I'll manage from here."

The white horse blinked once more and nudged Cyd gently towards Prometheus, as if urging him forward.

Despite arriving at his destination, Cyd hesitated. "It's midday now; Zeus' eagle that feasts on Prometheus' liver will be here soon," he thought anxiously. The eagle, a symbol of Zeus, was relentless in its daily torment of Prometheus. Only Heracles, Zeus' son, had dared to challenge the eagle and temporarily break Prometheus' chains.

As a mere mortal, Cyd wasn't sure of his chances. Zeus might not take kindly to his interference and could retaliate with wrath.

"Come closer, child. The eagle won't arrive today," Prometheus called out suddenly, his voice calm and reassuring.

Cyd's initial fear softened slightly at Prometheus' tranquil demeanor. There was an inexplicable trust that began to form within him towards the Titan.

"Really?" Cyd asked cautiously, torn between the desire to believe Prometheus and the fear of what he might witness. The vivid image of the eagle tearing into Prometheus' flesh flashed through his mind.

"Come closer. It's been ages since I've had company," Prometheus urged gently. "Don't worry; I won't harm you. To me, all humans are my children."

"I understand. Your imprisonment here speaks volumes," Cyd replied solemnly, tentatively taking cautious steps towards Prometheus until he stood before the chained Titan.

Prometheus, who had shaped humanity in his likeness and considered them his children, had dared to defy Zeus for their sake. He stole fire to grant them warmth and nourishment, a deed that led to his eternal punishment on the Caucasus Mountains.

"What is it that you seek from me, my child?" Prometheus asked, his voice soft despite the iron chains that bound him.

"I... I simply wish for a peaceful life," Cyd confessed slowly, his voice laced with uncertainty.

It was a modest request: to live quietly and peacefully, free from extraordinary suffering or overwhelming glory. To live and die ordinarily, without regrets or unnecessary strife.

"An ordinary life?" Prometheus' expression softened, surprised. Even among the gods, none had ever made such a simple request.

"Yes. I don't seek a life free from worry. In a world filled with war and calamity, I only wish for an ordinary existence," Cyd explained, his gaze distant.

Disaster, conflict, and adventure might be ordinary for the people of this world, but not for him. On that island, he could have lived carefree, but that wasn't the life he desired. Entangling himself with Atalanta or Artemis might lead to a risky path of constant danger.

"You are the first to ask such a question," Prometheus said with a bittersweet smile. "Had you asked how to become a hero, I could have given you an immediate answer. But..."

"Living an ordinary life is a challenge in itself," Cyd shrugged. "Everyone's definition of 'ordinary' varies."

"Are you not tempted by the allure of heroism?" Prometheus inquired, blinking in curiosity. "The essence of being a hero remains constant."

"To you, humanity are your children, correct?" Cyd looked down at his pale hands. "Have you noticed that your children often slaughter one another?"

Prometheus' countenance grew grave.

"A hero is born to fulfill the desires of the people, to wield a sword against calamity," Cyd continued with a self-deprecating smile. "But heroes are also human. They cannot satisfy everyone, let alone themselves."

"Glory, women, wealth—these are the requisites of a hero. Yet in this world or any other, they are most swiftly obtained through war. To appease the hero, the dignity and lives of others must often be trampled upon. While I may admire heroes, I have no desire to become one."

"I simply wish to live an ordinary life and then pass quietly from this world."

"God of Wisdom, Prometheus, I beseech you to hear my plea and guide me."