Ethan

It is like my powers are in tune to my mind, because the path, which I'm guessing is right, glows crimson when I reach crossroads. I follow the path, but the crimson doesn't disappear, only snakes ahead, guiding me on what I can only hope is the right track. But your powers can't work against you, right? Or can they?

Since my gaze is so focused on the crimson-lighted path, I don't notice anything until I trip, and fall flat on my face. So much for crimson power. I grunt and sit up. I mutter to myself as I untangle the vines from my feet. Wait, are these grape vines? I look around and spot Dionysus, in all his "glory", leaning against a tree while sipping wine. Typical

I sigh and get up. I'm really not in the mood to fight, especially not with a member of the council. Not now, when my whole being is occupied with the thoughts of my destination. He takes a stroll towards me, with glass wine still in hand. He stands a few feet from where I am, and for a moment, we just gaze at each other. He then sticks his hand out, and when I raise an eyebrow at it, he rolls his eyes.

" I am a friend, Ethan, not a foe. You really want me on your side, trust me," His voice is cool, relaxed.

"Why would I want you on my side, who's even taking sides here? And why did you trip me with your stupid vines?" I talk curtly, hoping he gets the point. I really don't want to stay and chitchat when Phobos decides to launch a search party for me. He keeps mute and continues studying me.

I curse under my breath and continue with my previously abandoned journey, faintly noticing that the crimson is slowly fading. I trip again and this time, my reflexes kick in and I catch myself just as I'm about to fall. I grit my teeth and turn around. The jerk is looking at me with a smug grin on his face. Just as I'm about to flick my fingers, they are covered and pulled down by numerous vines. This forces me to bend over, unable to move comfortably because of the awkward position.

I crane my neck sideways and give him a death glare. I then will the shadows to knock him off, and just as quickly, they appear at a distance in front of him. He just looks on in a bored manner, and I notice that the shadows don't even go close to him. With a wave of his hand, they disappear, and I'm actually shocked. He smiles at my shocked state and I have to turn back down, to avoid any neck cramps that I might obtain. The vines suddenly retreat and vanish inside the ground.

I stand up and look at him in disbelief, waiting for his next move, while still pondering on the fact that he was completely immune to my powers. But he is a god right? Weren't these powers supposed to work on every being? Why didn't they work at my command?

"Your powers can't work on me. I'm not involved in whatever you're using them for. I wasn't present there on that dawn. I didn't take part in torturing h..." I grit my teeth at the oncoming words, and he notices and stops. He holds his hands up. "Well...lets leave it at that. So for your former questions, I didn't answer you because I was still trying to figure out how you got the entrails,"  I remain silent and he rolls his eyes.

"Fine. There are really many reasons to have me on your side. Too many, I can't list, but mostly, because you are going to need wine along the way, and who else apart from me?"  He winks,"as for your second question, the council is already taking sides, with the lead of the hating team being Hera herself. She wants to torture your immortal soul singlehandedly"  He sips the last of the wine, and the glass refills automatically. I notice that he hasn't answered the third question, but I'm not going to argue over that now.

"Why is Hera against me, I mean, we haven't ever been on bad terms? How many are against me, and/or for me, and why?" The destination will have to wait. I can clearly tell that the god of wine is telling the truth. Comes with the strange and new power, I guess. He takes a sip, and studies me.

"Hera is against you, because you killed Apate. Apate once helped her trick Semele, who happens to be my late mortal mother by the way, which is why I'm helping you. She wants revenge, as I do. The sides are split halfway through. Most of her team, including the half bloods and minor deities, are those you might have on your list" He throws the glass of wine, which is once again full, into the air, and it disappears. He then struts to me.

"And now that Hera knows of your baby powers, we need to hurry if you don't desire to get captured this soon," He says and heads along the path I was headed to, which is again glowing brightly. I recall the old woman, and realize that she was Hera. Warning alarms didn't ring before because she wasn't lying. I curse to myself as I follow Dionysus, deciding he knows where I was headed. Speaking of which, I'm not yet ready for. Sigh.

A/N

Here we goooo, my lovely mortals. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Lemme know of your thoughts.

Vote. Comment. Share.

Love you 💜💙💚