The Warrior Within

Judgement

Ares Perspective:

I snarled as the 10 mysterious men in black suits surrounded me and Leo. They made a tight circle around us and I couldn't help but tighten my grip around his frail body. I wasn't going to let Castien take him from me again. 

"What is this ultimatum Castien?"

I eyed Castien as he poured himself a cup of whiskey, staring at his reflection as he did so. 

"The elders require your attention for your crimes James, you thought you'd be able to get away from us by deserting your family?"

He continued to pour the whiskey, the bottle almost filled to the brim.

"Your ultimatum is you can either be judged by the elders of this family, or you can hunted down by them."

He picked up his overflowing bottle of whiskey and took a very long sip, turning his eyes to me.

I couldn't help but groan at his options, if you ask me this wasn't much of an ultimatum at all, it was more of a "one choice is a quicker death than the other" type of thing. I just don't understand why he had to bring Leo into this. Just because he has powers of his own doesn't mean he has to be involved in my family affairs.

Castien slowly walked around the circle we had between us, tapping his fingers against the glass of the cup. Honestly I didn't know which option to choose, they were both terrible options but I had to choose one or I'm pretty sure they were gonna kill me and Leo where we stand. 

I sighed and decided to suck up my pride and see where this lands me.

"Fine Castien, I'll speak to the elders, but just promise me that you won't hurt Leo."

I locked eyes with him as a dirty smile began to play across his face, it was if he knew I was going to choose that option, but I didn't care, all I cared about was getting me and Leo out of here alive.

"Well said James, although dying would've been the much better option."

With a snap of his fingers the ten men around scattered across the room, two of which stood by a door that was opening, revealing the first part of my judgement to me. 

Castien came up to me and offered his hand. I knew he wanted me to give up Leo to him so I could take my judgement, but his hands were to dirty. I nodded my head towards one of the guards and he snapped his fingers, forcing the guard to come in the middle of us, offering his hand instead. I eyed Castien as I handed Leo to the guard, watching his frail body go limp in the mans arm.

"Don't worry, we'll take good care of him."

With a wink Castien was gone with the man, and I was left looking at the door that was fully opened. 

I could hear footsteps approaching, guessing that the person wasn't going to take to long as they were walking quite fast to the door. I braced myself for the person that was going to bring me to my judgement. 

A tall, skinny yet equally proportioned lady stood in the door entrance. She had long black hair that fell to her mid back in combed out curls, and a red lace dress that trailed behind her. She walked slowly around me, her black eyes piercing into my very soul, causing me to shiver as she made me very uncomfortable. Finally, she stopped in the middle of the room and took out a envelope.

"James, it's has been so long since I've seen your face. Ever since you ran way when you were little, I could only imagine what you'd grow up to look like."

I faced this woman with no emotion in my heart, as all the memories I've ever shared with her were nothing but torture. 

"And I never thought I'd have to see the Devil in person ever again. Yet here you are."