chapter 30

"This is strange," Cyd sighed as he watched the school of fish swimming beneath his feet.

"It is truly strange, but Atalanta, can you hold onto my clothes more tightly?" Cyd suggested.

"Are you in a hurry?" Atalanta asked.

"Not really, but we should rush to Calydon as soon as possible". "We've been walking for a while without seeing any islands. Are we really headed toward Calydon?" Atalanta couldn't help but mention that her legs were starting to go numb.

"Yes," Cyd said, shaking the compass in his hand, which was spinning incessantly. "Why can't this thing give an accurate direction?"

This compass was supposed to point to the place he wanted to go. Did he truly want to go to Calydon? "What's wrong with this broken compass? Why has the needle been spinning the whole time? We've been walking for ages following this thing!" Atalanta pinched Cyd's neck and shook him.

"Wait, wait! This compass was given to me by the gods. It points to where I want to go," Cyd stubbornly gripped the compass, fearing it might fall into the sea.

"After five seconds of silence, Atalanta let go of Cyd's neck and said, 'So it's not your fault after all.'"

"Sorry!" Cyd apologized.

"Give me the compass!" Atalanta demanded after catching her breath. "I'll navigate now!"

"Um... fine," Cyd said, handing the compass to Atalanta.

"I should've taken it from the start," Atalanta muttered, reaching for the compass. However, as soon as she touched it, her body went numb, and her legs gave way.

"Hey!" Cyd's eyes widened as Atalanta fell, but he quickly turned and caught her, pulling her close.

"..."

"I'll bite you to death!" Atalanta struggled, reaching for Cyd's neck, but for some reason, her left hand just rested gently on his chest.

I can only help you this much. Good luck! Cyd imagined Hermes giving him a thumbs-up.

"I think this is a misunderstanding!" Cyd said helplessly, waving his left hand. The touch of Atalanta's thigh on his right hand made it hard to focus. Considering her threats, he tried to remain as composed as possible.

"This compass..." Atalanta, unable to move, swung her right hand, trying to give the compass back, but it stuck to her palm, pointing steadily in one direction.

"I can't shake it off!"

"We'll probably have to wait until we reach our destination," Cyd said awkwardly.

"If you crash us into the shore, I'll bite you to death!" Atalanta threatened, blushing but grinning ominously.

"I promise I won't take advantage of you. Although I'm not a hero, I won't betray your trust," Cyd said, lifting his left wrist. "With Hermes' blessing, I can't lie, even to myself. So, you can trust me."

"If these gods are involved... wait!" Atalanta's eyes widened. "No one can lie to you?"

"Probably," Cyd answered hesitantly.

After a moment of silence, Atalanta held up the compass. "Let's go quickly."

"Did I make a mistake?" Cyd asked.

"Just shut up and walk faster!"

"I know!"

Line break

"This seems interesting. I should join them," Artemis mused, gazing at the sea from Mount Olympus, watching Cyd and Atalanta.

"Cyd might not find it interesting, but I do," Hermes laughed, covering his mouth. He had tampered with the compass, after all.

"Hermes!" a familiar voice called, causing Hermes to shiver. "What are you up to, Apollo?" he stammered, recognizing the golden-haired god behind him.

"I'm not answering any questions, but you're coming with me now," Apollo said, dragging Hermes away. "You're hitching a ride behind my chariot."

"Atalanta seems happy playing," Artemis sighed, lying by the water, her hand fishing aimlessly as if trying to catch Cyd and Atalanta.

"Pure Son of Man, Child of the Moon..."

"If you want to go, just go," Athena said softly, her silver hair flowing as she sat by the water. "He'll be happy to see you."

"Really! But..." Artemis brightened, then lowered her head. "I don't want him to be happy just because wants a blessing."

"Why do you want him to be happy?" Athena tilted her head.

"I don't know," Artemis pouted.

"Then how will you find out? Aren't you bored here?" Athena asked, raising an eyebrow.

"But he might be scared," Artemis said, staring at the water.

"Hermes is with him, isn't he? He'll get your blessing sooner or later. Why not check on him?" Athena shrugged. "You've been looking forward to this for three years."

Artemis touched the water, pulling at Cyd's hair in the reflection. "He feels different from other men, very special."

"That's the sign of a woman falling for a man," Athena teased, "Don't forget your vow."

"I know, but being a Virgin Goddess and loving a man shouldn't be a problem," Artemis stood up. "Besides, it's just holding hands."

"The issue with men is huge. No, men drive women insane," Athena warned, looking at Artemis.

"Cyd is different," Artemis insisted, snorting as she left the temple.

"Pure Son of Man – Cyd," Athena smiled, watching the tranquil water. She gazed at the reflection of Cyd, and couldn't help but chuckle. "An inconceivable fellow."