172 All thats los (2/2)

He narrowed his eyes, ”As you wish... Though I must warn you, Kraken, the punishments for such offenses can stretch out for so many years many would rather death... even beg for it...”

Jos frowned, ”Be that as it may... besides after all I have done, death would be more than deserved.” She held her wrists out toward the golden-haired man. ”Do as you must, we're done here.”

*6 months later*

Arei slammed his fists against the cold bars of the cell. ”This is ridiculous! You can't punish her for something she has no control over!” He hissed out as he gazed into Zeus's cold eyes.

Zeus shrugged, ”I gave her the option. She chose punishment...”

”You gave her the option of slavery to you or punishment! What kind of bullshit is that!” Arei bit out.

Zeus tilted his head, ”Does the girl's wellbeing really mean so much to you?” Arei only glared back at him. Taking his silence for an affirmative, Zeus nodded. ”Would you be willing to trade your freedom for hers, I wonder?” He leaned against the bars; his arms spread wide over head as he looked around the metal clasped cage. ”Would you be willing to spend the next 500 years in here if she is released to her own dank little home?”

Arei narrowed his eyes. ”What do you want, Uncle?”

Zeus smiled, ”Agree to servitude to me for the next 500 years and I'll release her back to her muck-filled cave.”

Arei's eyes narrowed farther as he considered his offer. ”Stay in this cell for 500 years?”

Zeus shrugged, ”When you're not out doing what you do best... There's no point in having a seasoned war horse, if he isn't fighting wars... now is there?”

”And she will be released to her own home?” Arei asked.

Zeus shrugged, ”More or less.”

”Don't do it.” Ry growled from the corner.

Arei nodded toward his brother, ”And Ry goes free as well?”

Zeus narrowed his eyes, ”Not quite. You see I can't have this getting out to your father. Orion can be set free with his memories of this erased or also agree to work for me.” He shrugged a wide smile playing across his lips. ”As somewhat of a double agent if you will.”

Arei's eyes traveled to Ry. ”I'll agree if you release my brother and Joslyn.”

Zeus turned his attention to Ry, ”Will you be leaving with or without your memories?”

Ry gritted his teeth as he sent his brother a look. ”With...”

”Great!” Zeus said gleefully. He clapped and the cell doors opened. Ry walked through it hesitantly first, before Arei moved to follow. Zeus held his hand out. ”Not so fast, I can't risk you running to her. You'll stay in this cell until you are needed. Understand?” He waited until Arei begrudgingly backed back into the cell. ”Not to worry, your wait will be a short one. There's war brewing with the Dutch. You'll be sent there in a fortnight.”

Joslyn stood shackled in front of the court, her crimes tried, and her punishments decided. Her head dropped low as all the offenses against her were read aloud followed by the harsh punishments for it.

”500 years imprisoned on the island of Zakynthos, in the shelter that was once the creatures home. Structures will be set in place to contain the Kraken along with a strong enough guard at all times.” Prometheus read. ”A review will be held in 250 years based on the behavior of the prisoner.” He looked up from his scroll and nodded. ”Dismissed.”

Jos's eyes filled with tears as she was led from the room. The cries and hate filled yells for justice over the past six months and the cold damp cell she'd been kept in couldn't hold a candle to the pain and heartache of not seeing the man she'd loved so dearly once. She was so lost in her own heartache, she didn't even realize they had come to a stop, until a sharp male voice invaded her thoughts.

”Have you reconsidered, My dear?” Zeus asked as he stood in front of her with his arms crossed over his clean pressed white and gold toga.

She shook her head. ”I've not given it a second thought. I'll not be owned and, furthermore... I deserve this punishment.” Her weary gaze moved from his back down to the floor. ”I'm ready...” She spoke lightly to Hermes. He nodded and led her past Zeus.

”I am sorry things had to turn out like this. If ever you need anything, please, you must only ask.” Hermes said as he lifted her into his arms and began carrying her home toward her new prison. She didn't respond, only nodded her head.