The protectors were up from their seats and were now standing around the large diamond-like table. Zeus himself was also out of his seat and was shouting instructions as he observed the protectors.
The 'eye of the gods' was now in the center of the table, awaiting the influx of power that was soon to be poured into it.
"This is not the first time you'll be sharing your power. You've done it before. Countless times when you shared your strength and power with your most loyal of followers in the mortal realm.", Zeus started.
"This is the same thing. The only difference is that this time around you're not giving some human a fraction of your power. No, this time around you're locking up your full power in this accessory here.
Pour your very essence into this Item. I want you to think of all your countless battles, how you used your power to defeat your enemies whiles transferring your power.", Zeus finished giving his instructions.
The others didn't react as they got to work. Soon, the whole room was lit with a bright golden light as all the protectors activated their power. Their whole bodies were bathed in the golden light and their eyes glowed a fierce yellow.
All the protectors were following Zeus's instructions as they stretched forth their hands and concentrated with their whole beings. Even Ares was participating just like all the others.
Soon, the protectors hands started glowing more than the rest of their bodies as they felt their individual power and strength flow from their very core, up through their bodies, to their outstretched hands, and out through their open palms straight into the chain on the table.
The protectors kept feeding their powers into the accessory which kept soaking it all up as if that was what it was made to do.
The protectors could feel themselves getting weaker and weaker with every flow of power from their bodies until many of them fell back into their chairs, drained of every ounce of power in their bodies, bringing the process to an end.
"I feel so weak", Ares declared. "Why does it feel like your chain was made for this very purpose, Zeus?", Ares asked suspiciously.
"I was going to ask you that myself", Athena supported.
"That is because it was made for this purpose," Zeus answered. The others raised their brows. Right now Zeus was the only person who hadn't transferred his powers into the chain.
Even when they had their powers he was still stronger than all of them individually and could take on four or five of them at once. Now, without their powers, if it so happened that Zeus wished to harm them, they will stand no chance at all of stopping him.
Zeus read the uneasiness on his colleague's faces and chuckled lightly.
"Calm down. I do not wish to harm you. I am not the enemy.", He reassured them and some of them let out visible sighs of relief.
"This chain was made by Hephaestus for me a long time ago. At one point, I used to worry a lot that something like this would happen. That we would have to leave the humans at some point with little or no protection in a dark world.
Knowing that would be a bad thing, and that we could always get our powers back when we returned, I had this chain crafted to hold all our powers for a temporary period.
When we're reincarnated, the power would automatically leave this chain and come straight back to us. I made it so that we the protectors can't wear or wield the power locked in this chain, so you don't have to worry about anyone of you turning rogue." Zeus finished as he walked towards the chain and grabbed it.
He clasped both his palms around the chain and closed his eyes. Soon a blinding flash of blue light surrounded his entire body. The light seemed to be alive as it wriggled its way from all over his body into his palms. After some time, the blue light started fading and fading until there was nothing left.
Unlike the others, Zeus was still steady on his feet. After the transfer of the last power was done, Zeus opened his palm and dangled the 'eye of the gods' for everyone to see. The once unblinking eye that they had all grown to associate the accessory with was now closed shut.
"It is done. Our powers are now locked in this chain. None of us can unlock this chain unless we die and reincarnate. Now we have to choose someone among us who would keep this chain safe and make sure to pass it on to a Worthy person in the mortal realm.", Zeus informed them.
"I say we give it to Hermes to keep safe. He knows the current mortal world better than us and I believe he'll have a far more easier chance to bestow this power unto a worthy candidate.", Zeus decided.
"Isn't it a little risky that Hermes, who from his own account has been discovered by one of the dark forces members and who will probably inform the rest should be allowed to take this chain?" Hephaestus, the master craftsman spoke for the first time.
He was the only average-looking person among the Protectors with his dark black hair and sideburns. He was very passionate about his work and Zeus knew why he was speaking up now.
"Don't worry Hephaestus. This chain is indestructible now. Fused with all our powers and strength, nobody can break it. Also, Hermes could always change his appearance and location. I would send someone else but you will all stand out.
Besides, I intend for the rest of us to stay here and protect Hades's wings and soul. Hermes would be in charge of teaching whoever he picks and nurturing them in our ways.
He has more than a tough job to do protecting that chain. We need to also stay here and do our part.", Zeus finished with nods from the others.
He then turned and handed the chain to Hermes who looked awestruck to be holding the famous 'Eye of the gods'. His hands shook as he held the chain tightly.
"Alright Hermes, you should leave now. The rest of us will stay here and defend this place to the best of our current abilities. You are not to return here no matter what. You can go now.", Zeus waved Hermes off as he finished his speech.
"Thank you for trusting me with this accessory. I promise to choose the best person who will defend our interests with it until we come back. Farewell, everyone." Hermes turned to leave after his small speech. He was almost to the small gate where he had entered the meeting hall from when Zeus's voice stopped him.
"Hermes!", Hermes turned to Zeus and the others who were all looking at him now with solemn faces.
"Please choose well," Zeus said in a small voice full of worry. Hermes nodded as he turned his back to them, opened the door out of the hall, and disappeared inside.