Ares

Chapter six: Olympus part1

Ares

The air was different up here. Charged. A tangible energy coursed through the halls of Olympus, electrifying everything it touched. The marbled floors gleamed under the ethereal glow of the grand chandeliers, their crystals dancing with light as if in anticipation of my return. It was a realm suspended between reality and myth, a place where gods reigned and mortals dreamed.

I strode through the imposing entrance, my every step resonating with confidence. I had always carried myself with an air of dominance-an innate authority that came with being Ares, the God of War. And today was no different. I was here on a mission, a trial to prove my worth, and I would not falter. The Olympians awaited my report on Elara, and I refused to show any cracks in my armor.

The halls were adorned with lush tapestries depicting glorious battles and heroic feats, each one a reminder of my legacy. As I walked deeper into the palace, I caught snippets of conversations. The gods were buzzing with anticipation, their whispers echoing in the marble corridors. Some were skeptical; others were excited about the prospect of returning to the mortal realm.

A laugh broke my concentration, sharp and mocking. I turned to see Hermes lounging against a column, his mischievous grin a stark contrast to the solemnity of our surroundings. "Look who decided to grace us with his presence," he quipped, crossing his arms. "Ares, the valiant warrior. Back from the land of mortals, I see."

"Very funny, Hermes," I shot back, refusing to let his playful demeanor unnerve me. "What's the latest gossip from the divine court? Planning another frivolous scheme, I assume?"

His grin widened. "You know me too well. But no, this time, the gods are a bit more serious. There's talk of your little trial with that mortal girl. Aphrodite's been restless. She wants to know if you're worth our return to the earth."

I met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "I am worth it. I've dealt with worse challenges than this."

"Sure you have," Hermes replied, his tone teasing but his eyes glinting with genuine curiosity. "But can you really win a mortal's heart? Especially with the weight of the gods watching you?"

I dismissed his skepticism with a wave of my hand. "It's just a matter of time. Elara has already shown potential. The way she reacted to my presence-she's drawn to me, whether she knows it or not."

"Drawn to you? Or just drawn to the allure of a god?" Hermes raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the banter.

"It doesn't matter what she thinks," I replied, my voice steady. "What matters is that I can make her see the truth. That I am more than just a god. I'm Ares-war incarnate, yes, but also a man who knows how to fight for what he wants. And I want her."

"Spoken like a true warrior," Hermes said with a mock salute. "But don't underestimate her. Mortals have a way of surprising us all."

Before I could respond, a loud voice echoed through the hall, cutting through our conversation. "Ares! You're back!" It was Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmanship, his one good eye gleaming with mischief. "What kind of trouble have you stirred up this time?"

"Only the kind that requires a bit of finesse," I replied, smirking. "You should know how that goes."

Hephaestus chuckled, shaking his head. "Ares, finesse isn't your strong suit. You bulldoze your way through everything. But I'll admit, it's refreshing to see you out of your element for once."

I shrugged, unperturbed by his jabs. "I'm not out of my element. I'm merely adapting. I will succeed, and when I do, you'll all see the advantages of having me back among you."

Hephaestus nodded, a flicker of respect in his gaze. "Just remember, we all expect results. And Aphrodite is impatient. If you want her favor, you better deliver."

With that, Hephaestus walked away, and I turned back to Hermes, who was eyeing me with a newfound seriousness. "What are you really thinking, Ares? You seem different."

"Different how?" I shot back, keeping my tone level.

"Less... reckless," he said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "You've always been the fierce warrior. Now, you sound almost contemplative. Are you actually worried about this trial?"

I narrowed my eyes at him, unwilling to admit any vulnerability. "Worry doesn't enter into it. I'm here to do what needs to be done."

"Alright, tough guy," he replied, lifting his hands in surrender. "Just remember, we're all rooting for you. But don't forget-love can be more dangerous than war."

His words lingered in the air as I made my way to the throne room, where the council of gods awaited my report. My heart was steeled with determination, but beneath that veneer of confidence was a flicker of uncertainty. Elara was a challenge I hadn't anticipated, and now, with the entire pantheon watching, I had to prove that I could navigate the tumultuous waters of love as adeptly as I wielded my sword.

The grand doors swung open, revealing the luminous chamber where the gods convened. Aphrodite sat at the center, her beauty radiating warmth and light. She smiled at me, but there was a seriousness in her gaze that hinted at the gravity of the situation. "Ares, welcome back. We've been eagerly awaiting your findings. You know the importance of this trial."

"Of course," I replied, stepping forward with confidence. "I've assessed the situation, and I believe Elara has potential. She possesses a spirit that could-"

"Potential isn't enough," Aphrodite interrupted, her tone firm. "We need results, Ares. You must make her fall in love with you before the deadline. Otherwise, we risk losing our chance to reclaim our place on earth."

I met her gaze without flinching. "I won't fail. Just give me the time I need. I know how to win a war, and I will apply that same strategy to this. Elara will see the truth of who I am."

"Time is not a luxury we have," she replied sharply. "You must navigate this delicately. The heart is more fragile than the sword."

"I understand," I assured her, the gravity of her words weighing on me. "I will return with the outcome you desire."

As the meeting continued, I felt the pressure building, a fire igniting in my chest. I was a god among gods, a warrior forged in battles of old, and I would not let fear dictate my path. I would conquer this trial as I had conquered every other challenge in my life.

And when I returned to Elara, I would make her understand that love was just another battle to be won.