Ares, the god of war, was on one of his usual rounds, observing the battlefield from above. As he was surveying the area, his sharp eyes caught sight of a mortal lying on the ground, surrounded by a group of bandits.
He descended swiftly, his form shifting from godly to mortal as he landed on the ground. The bandits, taken by surprise, turned to face him, their eyes widening as they recognized the god of war.
"Leave this place at once," Ares growled, his voice low and menacing.
The bandits, outnumbered and outmatched, fled without a word, leaving the wounded mortal behind. Ares approached the fallen figure, his heart twisting in sympathy.
It was Y/N, a mortal he had met before. He remembered their kindness and bravery, and his respect for them only grew as he saw them lying there, battered and hurt.
"What happened?" Ares asked, crouching down beside Y/N.
"It was a group of bandits," Y/N replied, grimacing as they tried to sit up. "I was trying to defend myself, but they were too strong."
Ares gritted his teeth, his anger boiling inside him. "I'll make sure they pay for what they've done. But first, let me take care of you."
He scooped Y/N up in his arms, cradling them gently as he strode towards a nearby cave. As he walked, he couldn't help but notice how light and fragile Y/N felt in his arms, how vulnerable they seemed despite their bravery.
Once inside the cave, Ares laid Y/N on a soft bed of furs and leaves. He knelt beside them, his hands glowing with divine energy as he healed their wounds. Y/N watched him in awe, amazed at how effortlessly he mended their broken bones and torn flesh.
"Thank you, Ares," Y/N whispered, their eyes drooping with exhaustion. "You didn't have to do this."
Ares shook his head. "Nonsense. It's my duty to protect mortals like you. Besides, I couldn't leave you to suffer like this."
Y/N smiled weakly. "You're not so bad, Ares. For a god of war, I mean."
Ares chuckled, his expression softening. "I'll take that as a compliment. Now rest, Y/N. You need to regain your strength."
He stayed with Y/N, watching over them as they slept. He stroked their hair, marveling at the softness of it, the way it glinted in the flickering firelight.
As he watched, he couldn't help but wonder why he felt so drawn to this mortal, why he was willing to risk his reputation and his duties as a god to protect them. He had always prided himself on his detachment, his lack of emotional involvement in mortal affairs. But with Y/N, it was different. He felt a connection, a pull, that he couldn't explain.
Hours passed, and Y/N's wounds began to heal. Ares continued to watch over them, making sure they were comfortable, offering them food and water.
As Y/N began to stir, their eyes flickering open, Ares smiled. "You're awake. How do you feel?"
Y/N sat up slowly, testing their limbs. "Better. Much better, thank you."
Ares nodded, relief flooding him. "I'm glad. But you still need to rest. I'll stay with you."
Y/N's eyes widened. "You will?"
Ares shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. "It's no trouble. I want to make sure you're fully recovered before you go back out there."
Y/N smiled, gratitude and admiration shining in their eyes. "You're a lot kinder than people give you credit for, Ares."
Ares felt a warmth spreading through his chest at those words. He had always been known as the god of war, feared and respected, but seldom appreciated. To hear Y/N speak of him in such a way touched him deeply.
"I try," he replied, his voice softening. "But let's not dwell on that. How about I tell you a story?"
Y/N's eyes lit up with curiosity. "A story? About what?"
Ares grinned, settling himself beside Y/N. "About a great battle, of course. One that took place eons ago, in a land far away."
And so, Ares began to spin a tale, his words painting vivid pictures of a battle between gods and monsters, of heroes and villains, of courage and sacrifice. Y/N listened raptly, their eyes sparkling with wonder.
As Ares spoke, he felt himself growing more and more attached to Y/N. He had always been drawn to strength and bravery, but Y/N had something more. They had a spark, a fire, that burned brightly despite their mortal frailty.
When the story was over, Y/N looked at Ares with renewed respect. "You're a great storyteller, Ares. I never knew you had it in you."
Ares chuckled. "I have many talents, mortal. Some of them might surprise you."
They spent the rest of the night talking, sharing stories and jokes, getting to know each other better. Ares found himself opening up to Y/N in a way he never had before, telling them things he had never shared with anyone.
As dawn approached, Y/N yawned, stretching their limbs. "I should get going," they said, looking at Ares regretfully. "I have people waiting for me."
Ares nodded, feeling a pang of sadness at the thought of parting ways. "Of course. But promise me you'll be careful, Y/N. I don't want to see you hurt again."
Y/N smiled, a mischievous glint in their eye. "Don't worry about me, Ares. I can take care of myself. But I appreciate the concern."
They stood up, dusting themselves off. Ares rose to his feet as well, feeling an unfamiliar ache in his heart.
"Until we meet again, Y/N," he said, holding out his hand.
Y/N took it, shaking it firmly. "Until then, Ares. And thank you, for everything."
As they walked away, Ares watched them go, feeling a sense of longing wash over him. He knew that he couldn't interfere with mortal affairs, that his duties as a god came first. But he couldn't shake the feeling that Y/N had touched his heart in a way that no one else ever had. He knew, deep down, that he would do anything to protect them, to keep them safe.
And as he turned to leave, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them both.Days passed, and Ares found himself thinking about Y/N more and more. He couldn't deny the feelings that were growing inside him. He had never felt this way about anyone before, mortal or otherwise.
He knew that he had to see Y/N again, to make sure they were safe and to perhaps explore these newfound emotions.
With that in mind, Ares decided to pay a visit to Y/N's village. He disguised himself as a mortal and made his way through the busy streets, searching for Y/N's home.
It didn't take long for him to find it. Y/N was sitting outside, tending to some herbs in a small garden. They looked up as Ares approached, surprise and joy lighting up their face.
"Ares! What are you doing here?" they asked, standing up to greet him.
"I came to make sure you were okay," Ares replied, his heart racing.
Y/N smiled warmly. "I'm fine, thank you. I've been taking it easy, just like you said."
Ares nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He looked around, taking in the small village with its thatched-roof houses and bustling market.
"It's a peaceful place," he observed. "How do you like living here?"
Y/N shrugged. "It's home. I've lived here all my life. It may not be as grand as Mount Olympus, but it has its own charm."
Ares nodded, a sudden thought occurring to him. "Y/N, would you like to go on a walk with me? I'd like to show you something."
Y/N looked at him curiously. "What is it?"
Ares grinned, taking Y/N's hand. "It's a surprise. Come on."
He led Y/N out of the village and into the surrounding forest, his heart pounding with anticipation. He had a plan, one that he hoped would reveal his true feelings to Y/N.
After walking for a while, they came to a small clearing. In the center of the clearing was a beautiful fountain, its waters shimmering in the sunlight.
Y/N gasped in awe. "It's beautiful. I've never seen anything like it."
Ares smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "It's a sacred place, a sanctuary of sorts. Mortals come here to pray and make offerings to the gods."
He paused, taking a deep breath. "Y/N, there's something I need to tell you. I know we've only known each other for a short time, but...I feel something for you. Something more than friendship."
Y/N looked at him, their eyes widening in surprise. "Ares, I...I don't know what to say."
Ares took a step closer, his heart pounding. "Y/N, I know I'm a god and you're a mortal, but...I can't help how I feel. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I know it's sudden, but please...tell me you feel the same."
Y/N looked at him, their eyes shining with emotion. "Ares, I do feel the same. I've felt it since the moment we met. But...what about the other gods? What will they think?"
Ares shook his head. "I don't care what they think. I only care about you, Y/N. If it means giving up my godhood, I will do it for you."
Y/N's eyes widened in shock. "Ares, you can't do that. You're a god, it's who you are."
Ares smiled, his heart bursting with love. "Who I am is someone who loves you. That's all that matters."
And with that, he leaned in and kissed Y/N, sealing their love for each other. They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, feeling the warmth of their love wash over them.
In the days that followed, Ares and Y/N spent as much time together as they could. They went on long walks in the forest, had picnics by the river, and talked for hours about their hopes and dreams.
As for the other gods, they were initially skeptical of Ares' newfound affection for a mortal. But when they saw the genuine love and devotion between him and Y/N, they eventually came around and gave their blessings.
Ares and Y/N knew that their love would not be easy, given the differences between them. But they were willing to fight for it, to overcome any obstacle that came their way.
And so, they lived happily ever after, their love transcending the boundaries of mortal and god.