The Challenge

Twenty-eight

((A/N: If it's a HEA you're after, this might be a good place to stop reading. There's 2 more chapters after this one and I can honestly say... the chaos is real in those - also, this is a long one!))

Two days later...

Ares spoke with a measured tone, addressing the concern etched across the faces of his friends after he told them he couldn't come back with them now, "I can't join you."
It was their time to leave and return to Asgard, but he couldn't. Gently, he added, "I appreciate your companionship and the bonds we've formed, I appreciate all of you... but my responsibilities here are greater now. As the keeper of the golden apples, it is my duty to ensure their power is distributed wisely and without prejudice and though they've shown patience while Namira has taught me the ways to handle this... Their patience isn't endless. To leave now would only create displeasure and chaos."

Freyr, his expression a mix of disappointment and heartbreak, spoke first, his voice breaking as he fought his emotions, "Ares..."
His voice cut off, overcome by the emotions overwhelming him.

Ares looked to Freyr, his tone firm but compassionate, "I'm not abandoning you. I have a duty here, overseeing the distribution of power. The golden apples hold great significance and I have plans to ensure I will only grant them to those who take a vow similar to the ones Athena and Apollo made to Namira, to never use what power they gain against either pantheon, to only use it to help the balance rather than disturb it. This isn't the end of us."

Namira, recalling those vows, nodded in agreement, "The balance must be maintained and for that, it first needs to be established. We cannot risk the misuse of such power, I like your suggestion, I will extend it to my own pantheon as well."
Thor, eyes filled with passion and desperation, took a step closer to Ares, "Ares... We are your home, your place is with us. We can find a way to make this work, together."

Ares met Thor's gaze, a mixture of love and sadness in his eyes, "My spirit will be with you, as will my heart... but my duty for now lies here, no matter how much it pains me to see you all go. The balance must be maintained and the Olympians rely on me for that purpose as I set them up. That can't wait now. I am needed here."
Thor, unwilling to accept Ares' decision, grabbed Ares' hands in his own, "We need you too. I need you. We'll find a way to make it work. Please, Ares, come back with us."

Ares gently pulled away, not swayed by Thor's words. He had thought this through and his mind wouldn't be changed, his voice was steady and determined as he spoke, "I truly wish it were that simple. My responsibility here is not one I can just turn away from now that it was put in my hands. The consequences of neglecting this duty would be huge if that's the first thing I do in this position. I will return to you once things have settled. To all of you. I promise"

Meanwhile, Freyr, watching the exchange, felt his heart breaking at the thought of returning home without Ares. His heart felt heavy, tears filling his eyes again at the thought of leaving without Ares, the three of them, while the God of War stayed here on his own.
He watched, that pain growing stronger, as Ares said his goodbyes to both Thor and Namira, before the Greek God turned to him.
His breath caught at the look of pain and love in those fiery eyes.
Freyr frowned, stepping forward to press a kiss to Ares's lips, "I'm not going."

His voice was fragile but determined as he spoke, "If you cannot come with us, then let me stay here by your side. I will remain in Olympus with you."
Ares looked at Freyr, touched by his devotion, but shook his head, " I cannot ask you to give up your home for my sake."
Freyr shook his head, refusing to accept a situation where Ares wouldn't be by his side, "I would rather be here with you than return without you. You are my home."

Ares gently drew the blonde God close, kissing his lips with a light nod, unwilling to argue over the matter and glad to have one of them stay, "Alright."

Namira, feeling torn between her newfound friendships in Olympus and the uncertain reception awaiting her in the Norse pantheon, spoke softly, "I understand your duty and your choice. I appreciate the warmth I've found here and the kindness you've shown me, the alliance you helped me built. The Olympians have all treated me as an equal, while my own pantheon has not always been welcoming. I am hesitant to go back to a place where I feel overlooked and undervalued."