The Siren from Atlantis

Chapter 4 - the Trial

You took your place on the long C-shaped table in the grand hall of the main palace. The place where all the meetings and special occasions took place. Since you were not a ruler yet, you weren't joining the vote for any big decisions, but your duty was ranked high enough that you were expected to listen and advise during meetings. The rulers were sitting in the middle, Zeus his children were on one side and on the other side you were sitting next to your father Triton. Everyone else was sitting on the ends of the table.

Today was a special meeting. Ares had been acting suspicious and broke multiple rules, so today he was getting questioned about it. The big doors to the hall opened and Ares slowly but confidently walked through them. His siblings stared at him with anger when they noticed he carried his smirks on his face. Zeus didn't look pleased either. He was ashamed that it was his son that kept acting out of line.

When Ares reached the middle and the room he gave a nod in his fathers' direction and gave a quick glance in your direction before speaking up. "Well, hello everyone...". Hestia stood up to start the trial. "Ares, son of Zeus and god of war, you have been accused of breaking the rules of Atlantis. We will ask you about your actions so you have the chance to defend yourself. Do you swear to answer all questions truthfully?"

"Yes I do"

"Are you aware of and do you understand the possible consequences of being deemed guilty?"

"Yes I do"

"And do you plead guilty or not guilty to the claims that have been made against you?"

Ares showed his devious grin again as this question got asked. "Guilty". There was a silence in the room before Hestia spoke again. "Then let the trial begin." She said before sitting back down.

"Son, you have been seen on the surface, you have been seen influencing the humans to steer them to your own wishes instead of letting them be. As the god of war, it is your duty to protect Atlantis, to prevent wars from happening here and to lead them when we are threatened by other realms. You are forbidden to start wars between the humans and yet you have. Explain to us why you have decided to do this." Zeus spitted out his words like venom. He was absolutely disgusted by his son's actions. The whole point of moving Atlantis was to let the humans live for themselves how they pleased without knowing about the existence of the gods.

"I have my reasons and you all know why I did it and why it is necessary. Gaia is dying! The humans are parasites that are spilling poison all over her skin. She is the mother of all and she needs to be protected. If we let the humans go on like this it will mean the end of all!!" The room was quiet again after Ares spoke those words. They all knew that what he said was right, but the humans were children of Gaia as well and had just as much as the right to exist as every other being. Whatever happened between them was their own business, but saving or taking their lives was out of the question.

Then Aphrodite spoke up. "Brother, I cannot feel any empathy in your hearth as you speak your words. Whatever your true reasoning is, it is certainly not of compassion for the mother of all."

These words caused Ares' mood to change as quick as a snap of the fingers. "Liar! You just want me gone as the oldest so you'll be next in line for fathers title!" He shouted at his sister before looking back at Zeus. "Father you know I'm right about this! We should go back to the surface. Make ourselves known. Make those... those... things... take proper care of the all-mother and punish those who don't!"

"NO, WE WILL NOT!" The god of thunder roared and slammed his hands on the table. Electricity was sparking around his fingers from the anger. "You are suspended from your duties and your powers will be taken for 2 years and if you ever do something like this again it will be for good! Hermes will take over your duties for now." Ares huffed in response "Aren't you supposed to vote?"

"No, I am making this decision as your father, not as your ruler. This trial is over. And don't worry about Aphrodite, you are not my first choice."

"What do you mean?"

"I was going to announce this at the feast tomorrow but I've decided that Hermes will be the one to take over if anything were to happen to me."

"What! Why!? I'm the oldest! I've done so much for Atlantis while he was just running around like a little puppet! You know I deserve it!"

"This conversation is over Ares. I have made up my mind and I will not change my decision. Guards, take him away from here and take his powers!" Zeus said sternly. Ares was struggling against the guards as they dragged him out of the grand hall. "You will regret this!". He gritted between his teeth. He glanced in your direction one last time before the doors closed. Nobody said a thing after that. Ares had been acting up before but never to this extend. You looked up at your father worried. "Don't worry my child, he just needs to calm down. This will teach him a lesson and then it will be okay."

If only your father were right.