I'm sorry to those reading this for the long wait for this update.My brain refuses to decide on a way to complete this chapter, and until now I still think it is a little confusing.So any comment on my story so far would be very appreciated, and I thank LadyTsubasa for her reviews.

"Atem!" I cried, nearly reaching the shallow parts of the water. Lemnos loomed over me, and Atem was sitting absently on the beach in his Egyptian garb and jewellery, save for his diadem. His eyes looked lost in thought. He looked up at my loud cry, and joy and relief spread over his handsome features. Standing abruptly, he rushed very close to the shoreline, his normally stern and rather intimidating eyes now wide.

Six days had passed since leaving Athens. Six days of swimming almost non-stop during the day and little sleep at night. Now, as I saw him on the beach, looking safe and well, I felt very relieved that nothing happened. A grin pasted itself on my face, despite being weary, and I leapt the rest of the way onto the beach like a flying fish, ignoring the jolt as I landed on the beach, my fish tail still in water. We were almost in the same position as when we first met and talked many moons ago.

"Charis! Did you make it alright?" Atem called as he moved forward until he was in danger of splashing his robes.

"What do you think? I'm grinning because I'm in pain?" I replied sarcastically, but the grin just couldn't stop, even when I tired to shake it off. I was too happy. I tried to wriggle further up the beach, but fell down clumsily. My tail was tired, but I hadn't realised it would impair my movement. Atem caught me by the shoulders before I could fall face first on the sand, and pushed me up into a sitting position.

"Thank you!" I said, looking up at him. He smiled and looked out at the ocean. He narrowed his eyes at a smudge in the distance, squinting. "Charis, is that…?"

"Yes! Atem, I found your father! He was so worried about you! But he'll tell you that himself once he lands. The Greeks actually threatened to declare war if he just abandoned them to find you, and he'll explain everything else I didn't get!" I babbled in one breath, and breathed deeply. Despite being sad over never seeing him again after this, I couldn't help but be glad and excited for him. He looked at me with disbelief and relief at the same time. I folded my arms. "What, no faith in your friend? I'm sad," I teased. He blinked, and then shook his head at my teasing.

He regained his composure very quickly, and looked out with a smile. "I can go home," he murmured. I nodded.

"They'll be here soon. I swam ahead."

A strange expression crossed his face, almost like…shame? Why would he be ashamed? I tugged at his arm slightly, and he looked down again, startled.

"Why do you have such a strange expression on your face?" I asked. "You are not happy to go back to your homeland?" Maybe that was a little uncalled for, since I had seen his elation before, but his expression made me curious. As usual.

He looked away. I looked at him curiously, and then let my gaze drop. Maybe it was just one of those matters that a person wouldn't like to share with even their friends. I discussed with my sisters about, well, what our future lovers might be like when we sung them from their ships…not what I imagined anymore since I ran away, but those old habits certainly weren't ones you would talk to a male friend about.

"I'm sorry if I was intruding into something personal," I said apologetically. I smiled uncertainly at him instead of pelting him with questions. He seemed to sense my disappointment at being unanswered though.

"It wasn't anything personal, you have nothing to apologise for," he said, and gave a small smile of reassurance. It faded just as soon as it came. "I guess…I'm a little disappointed in myself."

"Why would you feel that? You have done nothing wrong," I said.

"It's what I haven't done. I've wondered whether I could have independently got myself off this island, instead of having to call my father for help." A flicker of shame came back on his face.

"Sometimes even the strongest are trapped in a situation they can't change by themselves…" I said softly. It didn't convince him.

"But I could have tried harder. I'm meant to be the heir to Egypt. I'm turning 18 and still need father to get me out of these situations sometimes."

"If a prince or king needed to do everything on his own, why would they have advisors? I've heard even the great Pharaohs of Egypt need a close advisor…a vizier."

He looked a little lighter after those words, but the shame did not leave his features. Maybe this matter was not something I could help with. His father would need to ease his sense of shame, though I still could not see why he would be ashamed. I took his hand and squeezed it briefly before dropping it.

"Don't put this too hard on yourself-look, your father is about to disembark the ship," I said, and pointed to a nearby beach they had rounded to. He walked there while I swam around.

"Son!" Akunumkanon said, disembarking just as Atem emerged out of the trees. Both faces lit up as they headed for each other and Akunumkanon and his son embraced in that manly way. Maybe my imagination was playing tricks on me, for I thought I saw tears in the corners of Akunumkanon's eyes. When they pulled away though, his eyes were clear and brimming with joy. Atem had a smile on his face, but the shame still wouldn't go away. It was traced very faintly along his features. His father seemed to notice it, and squeezed Atem's shoulder gently. When he looked up, Akunumkanon gave him a questioning look, but when his son only looked away, he seemed to put the matter temporarily out of his mind.

"I'm glad you're alright. How long were you here? Were you injured in any way?" Akunumkanon asked.

"No father. I was injured when I arrived, but Charis helped me a lot. And," he looked at me, resting with my fish tail still hidden, under a clump of seaweed this time. "I never did give a proper thank you. I wouldn't be here now if it weren't for you."

I flushed a little, and shook my head rapidly. "N-no! Don't thank me. It would have been shameful not to help a person who…" Oh gods, I had nearly mentioned Hera. The lesser mentioned of the vengeful queen goddess, the better. "Who was injured and alone."

Atem smiled warmly, and I mumbled something even I couldn't comprehend, before asking if the ship was going to anchor there overnight. Pharaoh Akunumkanon nodded in confirmation, and bowed my head slightly.

"I hope this is not too offensive," I said, "but maybe I should keep out of sight of your ship mates. I do not wish to be under any more scrutiny," I said, and looked at the people scurrying. I really didn't want anyone to stare at me while they camped at the beach, for their suspicious, glaring gazes were unnerving at the least. Even though I had done nothing to them, I was different, inhuman, and for that, they feared me, all but Atem's father and Shimon to my knowledge. I had sensed some wary glances being thrown at me while I was swimming in the water, leading them to Lemnos. Now I was at my home island, I wanted to get away from the wary atmosphere those gazes kept weaving over me. Atem however, did not know of the reason.

"Under scrutiny of who Charis?" he asked suspiciously, and looked at his father. His father sighed heavily and lowered his voice as he answered, "There are some on this ship who distrust one who is not like everyone else. Even if she had done nothing to cause harm, and saved the life of my son."

Atem frowned, anger and disgust sparking into his eyes at such prejudice. I held my hands out spread though. "Please, don't make it their fault. They have every right to be wary of me, an outsider who has done nothing to gain their trust or respect even." I lowered my gaze slightly, but smiled softly, trying to indicate that I was not affected in any way by the behaviour. In actual truth though, I did mind, very much. It hurt to be looked at, almost the same way those poor, now-dead sailors used to look at my sisters and I. And Atem, knowing the incident, must have seen the shadow that crossed my face.

He stepped out of his father's grip and touched my shoulder gently. I looked at the tan hand on my shoulder, and slowly looked at him. His eyes were fierce.

"Don't belittle yourself," he said sternly. I blinked.

"I…wasn't belittling myself. Just stating that they have a right to feel uneasy-it is natural towards someone like me," I said. He shook his head in exasperation.

"There you go again-judging people before actually knowing what they think. Are you sure it is not you who is judging?"

I opened my mouth to protest, but it died in my throat, and I stuttered. He…he was right, again! Oh gods, that was the same mistake twice! I was a total idiot, but old habits died hard. I hadn't even realised this was a nasty habit of mine until I met Atem. I bowed my head and uttered a small sounding apology. Atem squeezed my shoulder, in a surprisingly open affectionate gesture, and retreated back to his father's side, face once again hard to read. His father seemed to raise an eyebrow at his son, but also dispensed with the expression very quickly.

-

Late afternoon turned to night. Stars sprinkled delicately across the black sky, like beacons in the endless darkness. The ocean waters were black, but had a dark beauty to it from above the surface. I closed my eyes, sitting on a rock plateau that overlooked the ocean. It was a quiet, isolated spot, and perfect for me to reflect. Reflecting was something I needed to do. To make myself completely happy about Atem's departure and to hopefully settle the sadness this had built up in me in anticipation of Atem leaving.

What kind of person was I, to be selfish enough to wish Atem to stay? He was an Egyptian prince, the sole heir of that rich country, with friends and maybe a few more family members waiting for his and his father's return, no doubt with a great deal of anxiety from being in a former enemy's country. Maybe Atem also had…a betrothed waiting for him, or even one he loved. I would have been almost worse than a siren's normal habits to ask him to stay. This sadness I held now would pass eventually, as the pain of missing my sisters had become a dull ache. Atem's case was not so different, so it would be the same-time would heal any wounds made. Right?

I…was a liar. No, however much I tried, this sadness would not leave. I had become too close to Atem, it seemed, and however happy I had been during the time he stayed, more company than just crabs and fish, I would have to pay now. But I was happy Atem could go back-the next day I would focus on those feelings, so none or at least not much of the sadness was detected.

"Yes," I stated aloud to myself determinedly. "I won't lament."

"Lament what?" a deep voice asked, and a warm hand landed on my shoulder. I gasped and nearly fell face forwards again as my tail abruptly uncurled and skidded across the ground. The hand held my shoulder more firmly, stopping my fall and pulling me backwards. I squeaked as I accidentally fell back into a chest. I scrambled away at once, with a slight blush.

"Oh, sorry Atem. You startled me," I said. He smiled and nodded.

"I'm sorry, but you had a very depressed expression on your face just then. You were lamenting something?" he asked again. I thought quickly.

"Just…my sisters. I had a dream about them while I was in Athens."

He nodded in thoughtful understanding, which made me feel a little guilty for lying, but I wasn't going to say my thoughts beforehand. A silence fell between us, as we just looked out into the night. I turned my head to look at his features. He seemed relaxed, and happier than when his father arrived actually. The Pharaoh had taken his son into his tent once camp had been made to "discuss things," he said. Whatever they discussed must have made him more cheerful, for he had been more relaxed since he came out from the tent. I noticed he had put his diadem back on with the rest of his princely attire. He looked at me, puzzled, and I nearly blushed.

"Ah…you look almost happier than when your father arrived. I hope whatever he said to you has cleared the troubles you had on your mind before," I said timidly. He nodded, and warmth lit his face.

"It did. Father said we're leaving tomorrow, when the sun comes up, to go back to Egypt." He looked out at the ocean again. I swallowed the sad tears that were slowly building up at the back of my throat, and pasted on a happy smile for him, hoping it would look sincere. "You must miss Egypt very much, since you have friends, family and people there awaiting your return."

He agreed eyes light. However, maybe it was just the night that affected my vision, but I thought I saw a shadow pass over his eyes. We both knew such quiet talk like this was a way to keep the thought of goodbye away. Atem suddenly turned completely to me.

"Thank you. For everything. I would not even be alive if you had not saved me." To my embarrassment he bowed, something which he must have been unaccustomed to doing as he was part of the royal family. I shook my head rapidly as he straightened.

"Prince Atem, it would have been a crime to leave a good soul behind. You are destined for great, though difficult things later on in the future. And besides, I keep my promises. The ones I am capable of anyway," I muttered the last sentence with a little regret. The one promise I could not keep was to never sing. I had broken it long ago, and nearly put Atem under that accursed singing spell.

If Atem had heard my small accidental hint about his future, he either didn't want to question me on something he felt private, or he just didn't care at the moment. Probably the former.

The hand on my shoulder had not left, and now it squeezed gently. "If you keep dwelling on that, it will eat you from inside. I forgave you, and now you have to move on from it," he said firmly.

"I am not dwelling on it-just reminding myself never to do it again. You should go to sleep. Look, your men are beginning to retire. Though I see why they are tired. Jumping around and celebrating your safety with wine." It was true, the people on the ships had not stopped rejoicing for Atem's safety since they set up camp and saw the prince with their own eyes.

It was never revealed to me until later time, but Atem's father had been watching our interaction between each other with a measure of surprise at how close he was with me. Apparently, he did not have many friends at the palace, and was rather closed and serious. He startled both Atem and I when he walked up to us. Atem dropped his hand, and I bowed my head in respect, since I couldn't exactly bow normally, or I would fall down.

"Atem, please leave Charis and I for a minute. I would like to speak to her," the Pharaoh asked Atem. Atem looked surprise, but responded with a yes and walked away. The Pharaoh watched him until he was back in his tent, and then turned to me.

"I had not expected you two to be so close," he stated. I blinked, and he explained the normal situation in Egypt.

"His life is rather lonely. At least he has two best friends," I smiled. He nodded, smiling himself before turning serious again. He began stating why he had drawn me aside privately.

"Charis, I had a dream, and it was the strangest thing. A pale woman who resided in the water, but could still breathe spoke to me. She claimed you as her adopted daughter, along with your sisters, yet unlike your siblings, your destiny lies elsewhere. Our Egyptian mother goddess, Isis appeared with her and confirmed this. Isis then asked me to take you with us, on our journey home. To the land of the Nile," he said. My eyes widened. What was this? The dream I had at Athens came back, the prophecy Mother Dora mentioned echoing in my head. A siren would become the daughter of two nations…

I began to shake my head. "Pharaoh, it might just be a dream…" A dream with Mother Dora, my figurative mother, and the Egyptian goddess Isis? It sounded like more than just a dream, but I did not want to believe it.

"Both women said you were destined to be the daughter of two nations. You were fated to be the dark's light. That was where the dream ended. I have no clue about their last statement, or who the other besides goddess Isis was. But it seems fate wants you to accompany us to Egypt. Would you come?"

His tone was stern and serious, his brown eyes gazing at me carefully. This man wasted no time, did he? But, the other woman besides his native goddess must have been Mother Dora, the goddess who lived underwater. The two had sent him a message-to take me to Egypt? But why? What would be the point in going? Even if it was that prophecy, a siren would become the daughter of two nations, what would be the point?

"I do not know, Pharaoh. My homeland is here, and though I have ties with the stranger woman you spoke of, I was not aware I had to go to Egypt. I do not see why I must leave my homeland. It would not be a pleasant business for your Highness, either."

"There was no explanation of this sudden urging. But I think the other woman must have been a goddess of great importance to you? And the goddesses of both cultures have encouraged this, saying it was fate. Yet the choice is up to you."

"I…uh…" I couldn't respond. He had just come and offered to take me to Egypt. I had no idea how to answer, it was too sudden. He seemed to be aware of it too.

"Normally I would not rush someone to a decision," he said. "But the ships leave at dawn tomorrow. You could give your decision then, before we leave."

"Yes please," I agreed with his offer for more time. We exchanged a few words of goodnight, and he left to his tent. I gulped and lay down on the stone.

This prophecy, this small prophecy that used to be scoffed at, that could have happened to any of my sisters, had just given a completely new opportunity of life. I could go to Egypt, and live in the famed Nile River.

I could go and accompany Atem to Egypt, maybe even still see him there. We would be at least in the same country.

I shoved the thought out of my head and focused on different points on why I should go, and what could happen. Leaving for Egypt would mean a new life, since Egyptians did not know what sirens were. I would not be called a whore unless I sang, which I would certainly not. However, people feared unfamiliar things, and attitudes towards me might be harsher than what the Pharaoh's troupe was like.

The Pharaoh must have explained to his son about his offer to me, and told him to leave me alone for a while, for surely Atem would be curious about my answer. I was thankful to the Pharaoh. No matter how calming Atem could be at times, at that moment I needed to be alone to think.

The whole journey had exhausted me so much that now, with no real urgency to go anywhere, I fell asleep halfway through my thoughts.

Someone was stroking my hair softly, running gentle fingers through my side fringe, the one that went slightly over one eye. I opened my eyes in confusion. Even after I opened my eyes, I still felt somewhat hazy and…unreal, as if in a dream. Just like when I dreamed of Mother Dora.

There was a person beside me. Actually, three. The one that had been stroking my hair was a young woman. Her hair was ebony black, straight and smooth, reaching just under her shoulder. Smooth, soft tan skin, a beautiful face with deep green eyes. A white dress covered her from chest to ankle, and she had a step-like crown upon her head. She was gracefully beautiful, and I was awed by her mere presence. This woman…she was so noble.

There was another woman lying on my other side, hand resting on my shoulder. She looked a bit like the first woman, but her eyes were a lighter, summer green and her tan lighter. Her lips would be luscious to men. She had a body I knew many men would lust after, yet radiating from her was an aura of joy and love so strong, I nearly smiled despite my confusion. She was the epitome of joyful beauty actually.

The stunningly beautiful woman smiled at me kindly, seeing that I was awake, and called out to her companion, who was standing further away, in a soft yet firm voice. "Ra?"

The person a bit further away walked back to where I was lying. It was a man. I sat up warily, looking up at him. His eyes were a strange yet attractive golden colour, his hair dark black with scant traces of blonde. His skin was tanned like the women's. He was tall, and since he only wore a kilt from waist to knees, one could see he was well built. He also wore various assortments of gold jewellery, as like the women. From him came a sense of power, complete, utter divinity, far more powerful than that of Mother Dora, no offence to her. I gasped in shock, sitting up abruptly, yet I still felt unreal and…disconnected.

The man knelt to my eye level with the other two people. His eyes commanded me to pay attention to what he said, but with a softer edge-I would not like to see what he looked like when angry. The intensity of his eyes though, it reminded me of…Atem. I quickly turned my attention back to the man as he began to speak.

"Charis, you are once again spirit travelling, but everything said here you must remember as best as you can, okay?" His voice was deep and stern. I nodded numbly, blinking up at him before voicing out a question as politely as one still a bit groggy could. "What-who are you? Please?"

He chuckled slightly, as the two women smiled slightly. His smile lingered for a few moments, almost like an elder looking at a child. He might as well have looked an elder, because he practically was.

"I am the sun god of Egypt, Ra," he said gently. It took a moment to sink completely in, but then my eyes widened, and I hastily bowed my head, showing respect to one who had greater power and higher status than me. Not that a siren would have that high of a status.

"Oh…" I couldn't think of anything to say, so just waited for him. The sun god Ra? An Egyptian god? Ra, Atem had explained to me before briefly, was the king god of Egypt! The other two could be goddesses too! Why, by the serpents of the sea, would they want to summon me? I wasn't even Egyptian, for Zeus' sake! Fear and excitement turned into a ball at the back of my head, but it felt distant because of my haziness.

"This is Goddess Hathor," Ra indicated the women who radiated joy. "And this is Goddess Isis." The other woman, graceful and noble in an admirably controlled way. I bowed my head to each in turn, which they responded with a slight smile and nod. "Why have you summoned me?" I forced out.

Isis smiled. "You are the child of our king's prophecy and under our guardianship, Charis," she replied.

"My husband has seen your potential, and we have all seen your soul," Hathor added. I held back a groan at the mention of the prophecy. What was I expected to do, what was I expected to become?

"Please," I began in a feeble, pleading voice. "It is an honour to serve the gods, but I doubt I have anything to do with the prophecy. My sisters are more…sane for our kind, and probably would serve you better than me. I am known for being rather odd, and maybe even rebellious," I muttered. Rebellious, referring to Mother Dora's suggestion of seducing Atem with my voice, to which I immediately rejected.

Hathor smiled at me. "And have you thought that maybe, being different wasn't a bad thing? It did lead to good consequences, somewhat," she winked. A startled blink was all she got from me. What was she winking about? Isis nudged Hathor.

"Hathor, not now. The poor girl is confused," she said. She looked at me sympathetically. "Hathor is right; there is no shame in having different morals, as long as they have no evil intention. However, from here on, the future will slowly but surely get darker-you will be needed in Egypt."

Ra nodded. "You are not only a symbol of peace between the gods of two countries, Charis, but an important figure later on in the future, though not many will know you. However, Egypt's future dependence lies in your decision. Will you go with Akunumkanon, or stay in Greece?"

"Wha…No…" I stuttered. I stood up, feeling too diminutive, but nearly fell over again, as I seemed to have stood up a lot taller than usual. I looked down, and gasped.

Where was my fish tail?

Instead of the tail of shimmering, pale aquamarine scales, there were two pale legs, with a joint somewhere in the middle and feet at the end of each one. They were…human. As usual, I again looked for the beauty in it, but didn't know whether it was…okay or not because I had never been human looking. I tried moving them as I used to do with my tail, but the legs didn't have as much flexibility. Somehow I managed to get back on my feet and not fall down again. My legs felt heavy though, yet there was a renewed energy in me, hiding somewhere behind my haziness.

Hathor and Isis laughed. "A gift from us," Isis said gently, steadying me with a hand on my shoulder.

"Huh..?" I murmured.

"This is what you will look like, should you choose to go to Egypt. We are not so cruel as to send a confused girl off to somewhere they have never been completely unprepared," Hathor said merrily.

It was as if they already thought I would accept. How could they know? How could they know…unless I was fighting fate with my thoughts? Thinking about it, there was no harm in going with the flow, and there was no point in me staying lonely at Lemnos. The place which I had come to make sure I had a clean honour was no longer somewhere I had to stay, for Atem had shown me that honour was kept clean by repenting for mistakes and learning from them. He had forgiven me, allowing me to forgive myself, and not only let me keep a clean slate, but shown me the faith he had in bonds. He himself had come to me, when I thought bonds were so easily broken. That was the case with my sisters' maybe, but not for everyone.

Now was a chance for me to go to Egypt, and even if Atem did not want anything more to do with me when we got there, I could content myself by just glimpsing his image. However, inside me, I had a feeling he was not so heartless, and that I was judging again. I could even almost hear Atem's voice scolding me again…

"And whatever reasons you may weigh, the biggest is not losing Atem," Hathor said mischievously. I blinked at her, and flushed slightly in embarrassment. "That…that's not the only reason…but all three of you sound very sure I will go to Egypt. May I ask why? It is almost like judging, isn't it?"

Ra ruffled my hair slightly, and I resisted glaring. He was the king of Egyptian gods, after all.

"Yes, we are certain you will accept, for Hathor feels your inner joy, and we judge you ourselves. However, we do so also from your actions. You are someone who is smart enough to avoid trouble when you can, yet still follow the purpose which your heart has set on. Follow what your heart thinks is right, even if it may contradict instinct sometimes."

He…he…he was too perceptive. But he was a god, of course.

So what was my heart telling me? It had failed me once, on the basis of believing Atem would shun me for my accidental actions. But everything after had been alright, and my heart had made the decision long ago, just for one simple reason, Atem. Probably, I thought, out of fear and loneliness. But Ra had practically said I was fated to accept.

"My heart made the decision long before this dream. You all knew that, great ones," I whispered.

Three pairs of eyes flashed with warm agreement, and the two women smiled…proudly at me. Ra raised his hand, with a…also proud, knowing smile?

The ego of gods.

"Charis!" the cry ripped me from the swirling haze that followed waking from a dream summon. I woke up, shooting into a sitting position, shaking a little from the cry, which had nearly stopped my heart with shock and startled it into my throat.

I swallowed my heart back down and looked grouchily at the direction of the voice, ready to tell whoever yelled to go away or be tossed into the sea, when I saw it was Atem who called. His sharply angled eyes were very wide, shock written on every feature of his face. He was staring at me as if I had become a Hydra. More specifically, he was staring at something below my hips. I followed his vision.

Legs. Pale, slender foot ended sticks instead of a fish tail, the upper parts covered by a knee length skirt.

I would've screamed had I not know that there were men at the camp nearby. As it was, my mouth opened and shut like a fish. I poked at my new feet. Had part of my dream…become reality?

"Uh…" I trailed off as Atem's eyes snapped up to mine, questioning as well as shocked.

"You fish tail…?" he asked in a voice not as steady as usual. I heard the question. What happened? Thinking through my dream carefully, I suddenly remembered part of the conversation.

Hathor and Isis laughed. "A gift from us," Isis said gently, steadying me with a hand on my shoulder.

"Huh..?" I murmured.

"This is what you will look like, should you choose to go to Egypt. We are not so cruel as to send a confused girl off to somewhere they have never been completely unprepared," Hathor said merrily.

"Those two!" I cried out, possibly startling Atem even more by my mad outburst. At his strange look, I calmed down, but still couldn't work out how to answer him while making it believable. Just a mere dream wasn't going to satisfy a rational person, would it? But I was deciding it for him again.

"Um…my explanation for this would sound unbelievable, but…hey, why did you come down? It's just before the beginning of dawn-I would have thought you were preparing to leave." I changed the subject first, wondering if Atem's father had told him of his dream, and offer to me. Atem's next reply answered me.

"Father needs to know your answer to his proposal, whether you are coming to Egypt or not. And also…in case you refused…" he trailed off, and I knew what he meant to say. Goodbye.

"Prince Atem, there are some things both your father and you should be informed about," I said hesitantly. He nodded, came forward, and silently offered a hand. I had to think for a split second to remember what the gesture meant, but accepted his hand gratefully after that. He pulled me up on my feet, but I wobbled in place. He caught me just before I fell, and he put an arm awkwardly around my shoulders to stop me from falling again.

"Are human legs always this…wobbly feeling?" I asked rhetorically. Atem, despite his shock, let out something between a grunt and a snort, suppressing his laughter seeing my half serious face.

"If we all fell as soon as we got up, we would become serpent-like," he said, at which I shuddered. Becoming something close to a serpent? That reminded me too much of Hera.

With Atem's help, we both made it inside Pharaoh Akunumkanon's tent. It took nearly all of the time that was left until dawn had been established, but by then both men, and soon the whole camp, knew what my decision was. The little reformed, Greek siren was going to Egypt.

As the royals and court boarded the ship, Atem insisted on me coming with him, saying a friend of his had as much status as the royal court. It had been that way with his two best friends in Egypt, who he said he wanted to introduce. There had been a strange, liveliness about him after hearing we did not have to say farewell. We were both glad, though I wasn't quite sure how happy Atem was about my decision. I felt hugely relieved though.

To my extreme embarrassment, I could not walk properly, even after Atem had shown me how he did, and tried to explain his unconscious reaction as best as he could. I had observed keenly at how he bent his knees a little, the movement and carriage which sent him forward on these things humans moved with. Alas, my walking was as weak as a newborn land animal. My legs wobbled after every few steps, and I needed help to stop from collapsing. Land folk say that ships travelled on the roll of the waves, and some were ill. What would happen to a part human that could not walk properly?

Atem was so kind though, and as he discreetly dragged me into the ship with him (discreetly dragging because he had resorted to enclosing my small hand with his larger, tan one and forcing me to come with him) he raised his arm politely, mine hand on his. I looked at him in confusion, and he caught my eye, giving a small nod at where my hand rested. Later on, I would learn that he lifting his arm was a polite invitation for a lady to accompany him without looking too odd. Also, that many girls coveted receiving the action Atem offered to me for different reasons that I found…disagreeable. But for that moment, it was to help save me from humiliating myself, and I smiled gratefully, secretly leaning some of my weight onto his arm so I could walk steadier. He must have been strong, for he didn't look like he tired carrying a part of my pressure on just his toned arm. Still, I felt uneasy as I could feel the stares of others at Atem's sudden action. Many were looking me up and down, recognising the fish girl.

The ship set sail when everyone had come aboard the ships. A large gust of wind swelled the sails, setting a good, fast pace for the ship. After given spare, plain clothes to wear, I wondered a little unsteadily to the prow of the ship. It seemed a very pleasant place, and one could feel the breeze from there cleanly. I smiled and wobbled as the ship swayed a little more than before. I stumbled backwards, into Atem, who stopped my oncoming fall. He looked down teasingly.

"There doesn't seem to be any difference whether you're in land or water," he said. "You walk the same way on both types."

I glared lightly, and then laughed. "That's true. But it does seem like every time, just before I fall down, you stop me from doing so. Thank you," I said sincerely. A strange emotion flashed across his eyes, and then he was nodding, smiling at me again with that small, yet meaningful smile.

"Are you ready to face Egypt?"

"Probably not. But this whole circumstance was fated and predicted by the gods-who am I to fight fate itself? And I'm not alone," I looked at him with a small beam, and he nodded, agreeing.

"No, you're not."

Slightly rushed, but still sweet ending,ne?

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