Part 3
Clint couldn’t help but smirk at your eagerness, already realizing why the others had been so taken by you. Spirited would have been an insult as there was so much more going on. He understood the enamoring nature of who you were. He understood the impact you would have on a man like Ares so dedicated to his own cause. It made sense.
“Well, first things first, you need to talk to Poseidon. The man’s been so at odds with the other gods he’s neglected most of his duties. If you get him to stand down and assure him you’re working to resolve this, at least one of your main concerns will be dealt with.” There was a raised eyebrow by Clint, as if to turn on a lightbulb in your head. It was true that your family relied heavily on fishing as a source of income and general livelihood. It was also true that despite your father’s heavy dedication towards the worship of Poseidon, there had been almost nothing.
Your face turned into a scowl, “He’s the reason for this? I will most certainly have words with him. God or not, he has responsibilities,” your fists were clenched as you spoke and your eyes narrowed. Pietro only smirked.
He placed a hand on your shoulder, “And words you shall have. Not even Eros has been able to speak with him. Perhaps you can. He’s currently at his own temple on Olympus, which is a rarity. If you’re able to convince him of your goals, there’s a strong chance he’ll return to the waters.” It was true that Poseidon had been busy taking care of his close friend. Ares had shut himself off and warded his own home as best he could, but Poseidon had shielded much of the fighting aimed at him. He was close to Zeus and perhaps the only reason Ares was not banished to Earth.
The importance of your home and your own family had not been forgotten. Your mother’s devotion to Aphrodite might actually work, you had considered, but your father’s devotion to Poseidon would clearly be necessary here. More than that, it would allow at least one strain off of the world below. If you could convince a powerful god like Poseidon to at least free your town of starvation, maybe this task before you wouldn’t seem so daunting.
But what did the future truly hold? You were still absorbing the idea that a god was in love with you; Ares, of all of them. So many prayed to the world above and you had been no different. You recalled days running home as a child after school, hurrying to the temple to offer your time and work cleaning it as sacrifice, even as a young girl. As you aged and matured, you understood the importance of war despite a family of peace. But it was never war itself you worshipped though instead the peace that came with the absence. You prayed for protection and safety.
And always you were found with something red. Be it the tie around your hair or robe, it was an accent you ensured you had. Occasionally you held a piece of a deep pink ribbon in your pockets as a tribute to Aphrodite, a goddess your mother had so worshipped. It was never a reason like vanity, she had said. It was because her love for you and her father was so dear to her. She thanked Aphrodite for such giving of such a valuable emotion. For the ability to give and receive love.
You father was similar with blue, though his own robes were entirely so. He could get away with it, you were certain, due to his job on the boats. Of course during times at sea you prayed to Poseidon to keep him safe as well and in those times you would don blue accents. A piece of you felt guilt for temporarily falling to another god, but some part of you knew, without knowing, that Ares understood. Now you wondered if he truly did.
You had departed from Apollo’s home with a surprising hug from the god and a begrudging nod from the young Rocket. A kind Demeter smiled at you as Hermes put his arms around you once more, lifting into the air, “Are you prepared to convince Poseidon to lay down his charge? Your words will need to carry weight.”
A smirk danced on your features as the wind rustled your hair, “Pietro, you and I both know that Apollo’s touch has endowed me with the ability to speak more clearly now. Just as Eros pushed forth love, and you are pushing forth the longing for adventure.”
Pietro laughed heartily and nodded his head, silver hair sparkling still, “Perceptive! Well, understand we cannot force emotions, Y/N, but we can coax them forth. With you, there’s quite a bit there. I think you underestimate yourself. Just because you aren’t a hero of the gods doesn’t mean you go unnoticed.”
It was something you hadn’t considered. Jessica had undergone extreme training and fighting skills before the Oracle had told her Athena was summoning her forth. The same was true for Matthew who had been dubbed “Daredevil” given his epic feats without sight. Ares had selected one of your closest friends when he selected Matt. Was that purposeful?
The temperature began to drop, the sun beginning to grow somewhat dim as cloud cover made itself known. It wasn’t anything as drastic as what lay in the distance but it was noticeable. You shuddered softly, holding tighter to Pietro, “Are we here?”
He nodded his head forward as a palace that appeared almost crystal made itself known, the structure glittering in what light did come forth. There was the sensation of power that rippled in the air and it was not lost on you. Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon were without question the kings of the Pantheon. The ocean, the land, and the Underworld. Each their own king.
“There. He’s inside, most likely, and I strongly suspect he isn’t expecting us. Certainly not you. Are you comfortable waiting outside while I go in to find him?” Pietro was concerned about the idea of leaving you alone within the Pantheon, but he had a feeling most of the gods wouldn’t dare try and touch Poseidon in his own home.
Looking down at the glassy palace you nodded, “Whatever it takes. Just, don’t be long. Please.” There was a brief sense of urgency in your words as Hermes landed softly on the stone path lined along the grass. He simply nodded, quickly dashing with an astonishing speed into the home.
Left outside, you looked around carefully. The status adorning his front garden were immaculate and incredible at best. Horses, mostly, which you knew were a strong point for the god. Stories had reflected this, despite his gift of a bull to King Minos. The Minotaur was the result of his wife’s… relationship. You shook your head as the thought came in, wondering what kind of man would do that. And that Aphrodite would help? Well, wasn’t that just oddly human.
You were turned, looking at the white marble statue of Pegasus, the most beautiful of Poseidon’s creatures, when you heard the voice, “Y/N. It truly is you.” Turning, you spotted the man who more than resembled a god. There was a knowing smile on his cleanly shaven face, long, flowing robes covering his form. A similar blue rope your father wore he wore as well, trident held firmly in his hand as though it were a shield rather than a weapon.
You simply nodded, trying to remain poised in the presence of such power, “Indeed, Poseidon. From what I understand, this more than just my life. I am willing to use my own to help others.”
He laughed warmly, stepping forward and gently placing a hand on your upper arm, “Please, Y/N. Call me Steve. And I admire your tenacity in this situation; it’s certainly not an easy one. But you must understand where I’m coming from in all this,” his voice changed, Pietro now beside you, having walked out with him, “Ares is my closest friend. He is my brother, though not by blood. He’s a man I would risk my own life for, just as you would for those you love. I’m here because I have to be. It’s an obligation to what I believe.”
His eyes, an icy blue that truly reminded you of the ocean he called home, looked sharp. He was determined, but so were you, “Which I understand, Steve. But understand that you have abandoned those who worship you, do they not matter? Do the lives of so many not matter to you?” Your voice was both sad and determined. It seemed so unfair he put the needs of gods, those who could care of themselves, above the people who gave their entire existence for him.
Steve frowned, “You’re referring to your father.”
You snapped back, “I’m referring to everyone down on Earth! You sit in your castle and doubt who we are! Nothing more than meager peasants worshiping gods above! I am here because we are all so much more, and I am here to fix what none of you can!” Your voice had raised to a level not even you were sure about. Adrenaline surged through your blood and you felt the emotions that you had held back come surging forth.
Pietro stayed still, watching the scene play out. He was unsure, really, how Steve would react. For a god of the ocean his own emotions typically stayed solid. He was rigid, however, and he was powerful. He was not a god you snapped at.
But his face changed, turning as he frowned, “Maybe you’re right. We’ve been going about this from a fighting standpoint. I’m used to defending my brother who knows only war. Maybe it’s time to let someone else help.” His face turned back again towards you with a solemn look in his eyes. You imagined a god admitting he couldn’t fix something wasn’t easy.
“I’ll tell you what. If you can promise me that you will do everything in your power to fix this, I’ll go to Earth this second and ensure your people are met with food. Especially your father.” He threw on a soft smile, clearly easing up on his own demands despite the pain it was causing him. Steve was a man who understood doing what’s right doesn’t always mean doing what’s easy. He saw in your eyes the fire that Ares saw. He could see you were out to end this fight, whatever the cost to you, to save those you loved. To save the Pantheon. It was something perhaps he wasn’t meant to do.
You nodded your head firmly, “I swear to you, Steve. Just as I’ve prayed to you for my father’s safe return and you’ve granted me that so many times, I will ensure your own friend is kept safe as you’ve protected my family.” He was a god, but he was a giving one, and you knew it. As angry as you were there was no denying he had played a part in your father’s consistent good fortune. A part of you had understood that when he mentioned him. He knew.
Holding his trident firmly he bowed his head slightly, “Then you know what’s next. It’s time you visit Ares. I know you’ve had a long journey, but he may be the most important stop right now. You know I’ll keep guard over you, and from what I understand, Clint’s the one who sent you here to begin with. Not all the gods of Olympus may be on your side, Y/N, but the ones who are will work to end this and ensure you’re kept safe.”
It felt intimidating to hear such words, but you understood. You had wondered in part what you might say to the god of war, the man you had personally prayed to. How did you greet a man you worshipped? Did he look like the statues? Was he perfect and glorious? Was he terrifying? Was his rage like the fire that burned every brightly at his temple? And what did he expect of you? So many of the gods took wives or lovers as though it were nothing. You hoped Ares hadn’t expected the same.
Poseidon’s eyes fell to Pietro, “Unfortunately, kid, you’re going to have to stay behind. This is a journey she has to make alone.” Your stomach dropped at this idea, not sure if you were ready to leave behind your guide in this journey. But there wasn’t much of a choice was there?
“Then how do I get to Ares temple? Shall I walk?” You placed your hands on your hips and eyed the man that was grinning widely.
“Oh, now I see it. I know why he loves you. I get it. A woman afraid of nothing… I don’t think you understand the power inside you, Y/N. Maybe this journey is for you, too.” He chuckled slightly as he made his way towards the Pegasus statue you had been eyeing. Raising his trident, he gently touched the horse so associated with him, the statue coming to life.
Wings spread wide and glorious, the horse lifting to its hind legs as it neighed loudly, proud and triumphant as only the mythical creature of a god might be. You were standing back in awe, unable to see Pietro’s smirk as he watched your reaction, “I’m to ride Pegasus to Ares?”
Steve walked to the horse who had calmed and relaxed, stroking her white hair, “She’ll guide you. She knows the route and she’ll keep you safe until the gate. But once you’re there, you’ll need this,” as if out of nothing, Poseidon drew forth a large item wrapped in cloth, “Don’t open it quite yet. Once you get there, you’ll know what to do.”
What was it with gods and their gifts, you wondered? But you had decided not to ask, instead allowing Hermes to lift you onto the great steed, gaining your balance carefully as you held the package against yourself and the horse, “Steve… thank you. Truly. I promise you I will do what I must to bring peace. I will prove myself to the Pantheon.”
This time it was you bowing your head, Steve’s smile widening as he understood even more Ares’ infatuation. He was a man of power and war, but you were strength of a different kind. You were courage built from a woman who was simply born with a power most could never understand. You were a child of unknown origin, but you were so much more. You had lived a life unafraid of the world and still willing to trust in others. In the gods. You had come so far, and Steve understood why. Apollo understood why. Demeter, Hermes, Eros, and even Rocket.
You were so much more than a simple woman of Earth, and the god of war was in love. Now was the time to ride and greet your fate head on.