15 The Ruler of Olympus

"Repeat what you said, Athena," Zeus rebuked firmly from atop his throne.

"The followers of Ares visited the palace of Sparta and brought their daughter to Olympus," Athena confirmed once again.

The goddess of wisdom stood before her father and looked at him confidently. At that time she wore an ivory white dress that gave a graceful impression. But a formidable aura still radiated from her beautiful self.

Goddess Hera the queen was sat half-lying next to her furious husband. She shook her head in concern. When she saw Athena came with a satisfied smile on her face she immediately guessed that Ares must be doing something wrong.

"Have you confirmed it?" Zeus asked again.

"Of course, I have many witnesses who are willing to testify to that, Zeus," Athena nodded.

Zeus leaned back and scratched his chin. His eyes were filled with anger and disappointment. The beard and mustache on his face was a sign that he was a senior generation of Titan race that was more than four thousand years old. Because like the rest of the Titan race—he didn't age. There was a faint wrinkle on his forehead but it was not due to aging but a manifestation of the burden of his thoughts for thousands of years leading the Titans.

Ares was the god of war, the only son born of his marriage to his consort Hera. Ares should be one of the most revered gods on Olympus because of his bloodline. But the god of war was never tired of made trouble.

He did not openly show his true identity to humans. But he sent gifts and messengers and announced that he had taken a human princess as his wife. Zeus had made strict rules about it. The titans are not allowed to interact with the humans carrying their true identities.

Humans are creatures who are never satisfied and expect a lot of things from Olympus. They want a miracle to made their life easier. That was the reason why Zeus locked the mountains of Olympus from the humans.

Humans should not hear the words of the gods other than through the Oracles. Zeus gave Hermes an assignment for it. The messenger god occasionally visited the Oracles who resided in the temple and delivered the messages of the gods.

"Do you know why is he doing this Athena? I did repeatedly force him to marry but not to humans!" Zeus said again disappointed.

"He was deliberately against you, Zeus. This time we have to punish him," Athena said seriously.

"Punish him?" Zeus sounded doubtful.

"What punishment should I give him?" Zeus said again.

"I think it's too much. Nothing of his actions will harm Olympus. I think the gods have to show their presence every now and then. You know that the faith of humans for us starts to disappear because of the presence of other beliefs," Hera said wisely. Athena rolled her eyes disapprovingly.

Hera always defended Ares and was good at calming Zeus down.

"Well, that might be true," Zeus admitted.

"But Ares has broken the rules! I want justice to be served, Zeus!" Athena spoke out loud, she wanted Zeus to not waver.

Zeus leaned back in thought. He might have to ask another god or some of the wise advisers around him. But Athena was one of the Goddesses he consulted the most. The goddess never let him down because she was intelligent and conscientious. But Zeus also knows, her sense of justice was sometimes fused with her hatred for Ares.

"You're right Athena, mistakes are mistakes. Then, what do you think Ares deserves?"

Athena smiled, felt like she had the opportunity she had wanted for thousands of years.

"Revoke the god of war title from his name." The Goddess said calmly.

"Athena! You've crossed the line!" Goddess Hera immediately fought back.

"Wait a minute Hera! I'm not done talking yet. What I mean is, we're going to give Ares a series of tests. all this time he had been too negligent in his duties as a god. He had to prove himself that he was still functioning well as a war god. If he fails, then we have to revoke his title," Athena explained.

"I don't agree, Zeus! Ares is our son, it would be too pathetic for him to be eliminated from the twelve gods of Olympus!" Hera didn't want to accept it.

"Does the goddess Hera not believe in Ares' abilities?" Athena smirked slightly.

"Athena, we both know that Ares isn't that weak. He might be able to pass any test. This will just be a waste of time. Besides, I sense a personal motive from you. This isn't the first time you've tried to punish him," Zeus responded to Athena's suggestion. The goddess of wisdom turned gloomy at once.

"I don't feel justice from you, Zeus. Are you going to continue to defend him without actually educating him? Do you realize what the Titans and the citizens of Olympus think about your attitude towards Ares?"

"Athena!" Zeus was angry at her impudence.

"Punish me if I'm wrong, but Ares is proven to have broken the rules. He made contact with humans by carrying his identity. I demand that Ares to be punished!" Athena persisted.

"Alright! Alright Athena! I'll think about it. Now go! I'll call you if I need you!" Zeus said again.

"Zeus, that punishment is too much. Ares can't lose the title of god of war," Hera said after Athena left.

"I know, but it might also be time to test my children. Including Ares and Athena,"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not young anymore. My body isn't aging but my mind isn't as bright as it used to be. One of my children may have to take my place at Olympus." Zeus said then.

"Zeus, do you want to leave your throne?"

"Yes, my queen. I've been thinking about it for the past decade and I know that I can't forever be the king of the gods. Leadership regeneration is needed for the titan race." Zeus said again seriously.

***

"Tell me one more time?" Ares asked fiercely at his communication device in the form of a crystal plate attached to his arm.

The Titans are an advanced civilized race. They have technology that surpasses the humans of the earth today but is only used by their race.

Zeus made sure all their secrets and technology don't fall into human hands. If there are Titans who betray they will be given a severe punishment like Prometheus.

The legend tells about Prometheus, a Titan who shared the knowledge of how to make fire with humans. when Zeus found out he imprisoned him on a high mountain and let the birds peck at his flesh and heart. In fact Prometheus was not teaching humans how to make fire.

A human passed him and asked what he was doing. Then he even explained about nuclear reactors and how to use them. At that time Prometheus was a technician who took care of the advanced machines belonging to the Titans.

Ares was already in his palace, he should have met his new wife. but Alastair notified him there was a local earthquake that forced them to split up.

The princess of sparta disappeared with her horse

"Okay I know, let me look for her. You guys just stay where you are because some of you are injured. I want us all to return to my palace safely." he said after heard and understand the situation Alastair conveyed.