The heroes returned, bringing back victory. But in Cyd's eyes, they brought disaster.
"Rejoice, heroes! We have defeated the giants and saved these people!" Jason proclaimed, raising his cup by the campfire.
Cyd and Atalanta exchanged glances and silently moved to the other side of the ship.
"I'll be leaving soon, probably at the next island," Cyd said casually.
Atalanta paused, her fist instinctively tightening. "Really."
"I want you to leave with me."
"Is that an order?" Atalanta tilted her head, her brown hair flowing gently in the sea breeze.
"If it were an order, would you listen?" Cyd extended his hand towards her playfully.
Atalanta looked deeply into Cyd's eyes before taking his hand. "I'm touched, but I won't order you," Cyd let go of her hand and turned to face the sea. "I need to go to Calydon. Artemis sent a boar there, and I need to deal with it."
"That doesn't sound like you," Atalanta leaned against the railing, half-closing her eyes to enjoy the cool sea breeze.
"It doesn't, but sometimes I feel like showing off," Cyd stretched. "I've come to terms with a few things."
Whether he liked it or not, he would end up in Calydon. Better to go willingly with his head held high than begrudgingly forced.
"Do you finally want to be a hero?" Atalanta's eyes lit up slightly.
"Even if I become a hero, it won't be like them," Cyd smirked.
"If you turn into a hero like them, I'll put an arrow through your head," Atalanta poked Cyd's forehead.
"Good to know."
The next day, Cyd approached Heracles. "This journey is too tough for me, I'm a regular person. I've decided to leave at the next island," he said, patting Heracles on the shoulder.
"I'm the captain I decide when someone is allowed to leave," Jason interjected, his mouth twitching.
"Hah? Without Heracles, you wouldn't have made it this far," Cyd retorted, showing uncharacteristic disdain for Jason.
Cyd had always thought this but had kept it to himself out of respect for Athena, who favored Jason. However, it seemed the gods were no longer as interested in Jason as they once were.
"You..." Jason's eyes widened.
Cyd's blunt truth threatened Jason's leadership among the heroes. "In the name of the gods, I challenge you to a duel—"
Jason's words were cut off by Heracles, who held him back.
"Enough, Jason. You can't win against him," Heracles said, restraining Jason.
"What are you talking about? He's just a clever mortal, while I am... a hero!" Jason's fists clenched in frustration.
"Sorry, but Cyd is also a student of Chiron," Heracles smiled wryly. "Right, our never-before-seen fellow disciple?"
"You figured it out?" Cyd tilted his head.
"I had a hunch," Heracles scratched the back of his head. Chiron had mentioned that if he met a young man with snow-white hair and skin, he should befriend him.
"So what? I'm also Chiron's student," Jason clenched his fists in defiance.
"You couldn't even get dressed properly and got chased off the island by a group of women," Cyd remarked dryly.
"Enough, Cyd," Heracles scolded lightly. "Do you need me to escort you when we reach the next island?"
"No need, you've got more important things to do," Cyd gave a small smile. "You're the greatest friend someone can ask for"
Jason's frustration reached a boiling point, noticing the heroes' murmurs around him. "Cyd, get off my ship immediately!"
Heracles froze, and the other heroes fell silent, staring at Jason.
"This is my ship. If you don't want to stay, get off," Jason demanded coldly.
"We're at sea," Heracles warned, clenching his fists.
"That's fine," Cyd said, patting Heracles' shoulder. "I can't sink."
"Huh?"
"I have Poseidon's blessing. I can walk on water," Cyd lifted his left wrist, showing a blue crystal that flashed insistently.
"You truly are remarkable," Heracles smiled warmly.
"So, I'll be off then," Cyd waved, winking at Atalanta, signaling to meet again in Calydon.
"I'm going with you," Atalanta declared, stepping beside him.
"Can you walk on water?" Cyd sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"No," Atalanta denied flatly.
"How am I supposed to take you? Carry you?"
"That's the plan," Atalanta nodded.
"What?"
"Carry me."
"good luck," Heracles patted Cyd's shoulder.
"Fine," Cyd sighed, crouching down for Atalanta to climb onto his back.
Atalanta hesitated before settling onto his back, gripping his collar, her long legs crossing in front of him.
As Cyd stood, Atalanta whispered in his ear, "If you try anything, I'll bite your neck off."
Though her voice was gentle like a lover's whisper, it sent chills down Cyd's spine.
"See you around," Heracles waved.
"I believe you'll become a great hero," Cyd smiled, jumping off the Argo.
"I believe," Heracles waved back, "you'll be an even greater hero."