THE SON OF DEIMOS

Chapter 5

Ethan

It's been less than an hour and I'm already regretting taking Dionysus with me, I mean, it's not like I had a choice. Sigh. All he's done is blabber, trip me when I ignore him, and drink. Come to think of it, he never gets drunk. I've lost count of the number of glasses he's drank, but he hasn't even staggered. Oh yea, he's a god.

The path before us continues to shimmer crimson and blindly, we follow it, trusting the crimson powers as I've come to call them, to work their magic. Something lingers deep within me at the thought of our destination. Something I would pinpoint as guilt; but I won't call it that. Because I'm the most powerful god there is now. And powerful people don't feel guilty.

An inner voice mocks me, taunts me; reminding me that my so-called powers failed to work on Dionysus, and here I am, claiming to be the most powerful, moreso than Zeus himself. I recognize that voice so well. I've had to live with it for years, and I know it won't go anytime soon. So I do the only thing I can; distract myself. With the wine god.

"So, why didn't you side with the rest, you know, Hera and her allies? Why me? We barely know each other?"

He throws an amused glance my way and smirks

"Guilt eating you up, huh? That's not a first. But it's still good for you, if it makes you more interested in me" He winks

I roll my eyes, already regretting my decision. How did he know though?

"You're thinking out loud son"

"I'm not your son" I say, gritting my teeth in frustration. He chuckles lightly and takes a sip of wine.

"I am siding with you on this Ethan, because I believe in justice. I may not be the god of justice, but I know that everyone deserves it. She deserves it. My mother deserved it. And so does our host" He says, eyes still focused on the path ahead. I flinch at that last part and noticing it, he smiles.

"You're not going to say a word about it are you? You know it's the only place that is safe for me right now" I know what his answer will be, but I still need an assurance. His word for it.

"You know the answer already Ethan. You know what I'm going to tell you" His words come out flatly

"Give me your word. Swear on river Styx that you will let me handle this one" I stop but he continues walking, unbothered. I hold him by his shirt and he stops. When he turns to face me, his eyes have lost their usual joy and mischief. They portray disbelief and a hint of pity. My mood takes a dive real fast. I detest pity. I detest it above anything and everything else.

"I hope, in the future, you don't regret your request. But yes, I swear on the sacred river Styx, that I will not interfere. I will let this be your call, and leave all matters concerning this to you. Let's hurry along, we wouldn't want to miss our host now, would we?" He gets out of my grasp and walks away.

I sigh and follow him, deciding I'd rather sink in my thoughts than start up the conversation again. I already miss the palace, and my Royal robes. They have always presented a sense of power to me, and being stripped of them, has left me vulnerable in a way. I notice with distaste, that I have stopped being as cold as I used to be. I grit my teeth. I need to regain back that coldness in me. That detachment will help me, especially since I don't know how long I'll be gone, or the measures I'll have to take to secure my safety.