All's Fair in Love and War

All's Fair in Love and War

Remember the myth of Ares and Aphrodite being caught together in bed and trapped by the net? This is after that. The twist is that another goddess had thought she had captured his interest. Unfortunately she was wrong, but can she still win his heart? That is, after she makes him work for hers. Who is this goddess? Well, read to find out. And REVIEW!

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I had a hell of a time with the execution of three different ways to write this story. So, here with go with version 3. Oh and as a reference…

1: think novel 2: sort of amateur writing 3: think harlequin romance

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"Ha!" he cried, bringing his sword down hard to clash with hers. "What's wrong with you today? You aren't fighting like your usual self. You're not considering all the possibilities. Normally you seem to know what move I'm going to make before I make it."

"You're too predictable, that's why," she responded as she braced herself and pushed off the ground to throw off his sword. "You don't think before you act."

"I can't think. It breaks my concentration. Think too much and your opponent gets the opportunity to gain the upper hand."

"You can't just fight in anger. You'll let yourself get carried away. You won't make wise decisions."

"Little innocent, sometimes you need to give yourself up to your passions," he murmured tauntingly.

"Like you?" she asked archly.

"Exactly like me," he said just before charging forward in attack.

She gracefully stepped aside laughing musically as his sword became embedded in the dirt where she had been standing moments ago.

He wrenched his sword out of the ground, glaring down at her until the infectiousness of her smile overtook him and he started laughing as well. "You know, you're beautiful when you're happy. Maybe if you would stop acting the part of the ice queen you'd be able to find a man to introduce you to passion."

Her smile fell. Her face became shuttered and she drew back from him. "I think I'm finished for today. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Wait…don't…"

She had already snapped her fingers and disappeared off to somewhere else.

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"Don't look to me for sympathy. I told you not to fall for him," reminded Artemis as she stroked the back of the small rabbit sitting in her lap.

"I know, but I just thought that…"

"Yes, I know. You were meant for each other…god and goddess of war…no one else has such a overlap of roles…you enjoy each other's company…you like the same things…you're very similar," she paused. "Does that about sum it up?"

"Well, when you say it like that…" she trailed off, looking hurt.

"Oh, sweetheart," murmured Artemis, relenting, "you know I'd love it if I were wrong but you saw him as well as I did with her. We all did. I'd be nice to think he isn't a disgusting pig like all the others, but I suppose that's giving him too much credit. Even my brother, as much as I love him, can't help it. It's almost sewn into the fabric of their beings. Maybe we should have a chat with the Fates about it. Regardless, don't waste your time on him."

"I'm not like you. I don't want to swear off men. Do you know how vastly irritating it is to have everyone know that you're a virgin? I have no idea why we have to have it announced."

"I like it. It wards men off," said Artemis complacently as she patted the little rabbit on the head. "Besides, you know it isn't only that. He wants her. He wants what all men seem to want, generous curves, thick blond hair, pouted lips, dumb expression," she said doing a fairly good impression of Aphrodite's favorite come hither look, sticking out her chest, pouting her lips, and looking innocently naïve.

The dark-haired woman seated next to her on the grass burst out laughing. "You're right, as always. I could never be like that," her own dark eyes flashing with vibrancy and intelligence as her eyes swept over her slim form. She picked up a lock of her black hair. "I suppose I could transform myself…ow!"

She rubbed her arm where Artemis had smacked her playfully. "Alright, alright. It was just a thought. You know it's as easy as blinking for us. You're right though. I could never be with him knowing that he was only interested in the illusion. I suppose I'll just be alone forever. She picked up the rabbit. "Hello, bunny. Will you at least keep me company while I am consulted for everything and repeatedly complimented for basically being a boring, cold bitch?"

The rabbit looked up at her innocently, its nose twitching.

"Stop feeling sorry for yourself," commanded Artemis. "There are other men out there. He's not perfect. If you'd just let me…"

"No. No. I'm not going to be set up with your brother."

"Why not? You'd be perfect for each other. I know he at least appreciates your beauty."

"Oh, did he say that?" she asked unbelievingly.

"Well," said Artemis evasively, "not in so many words."

"I hope you're not thinking of the time he interrupted me arranging my library and I caught him staring at my rear," she accused.

"No," said Artemis, doing her best to sound offended. "I was counting the time you wore that dress and he couldn't stop staring at your chest," she replied seriously.

They both burst out laughing at that, dissolving into helpless fits of giggling that was very unlike them.

"You know what you should do, though, don't you?" asked Artemis after recovering.

"No, what should I do?"

"You should make him fall for you and then turn him down."

"Oh and how would I do that?"

Artemis smiled wickedly. "I have a few ideas. Come on, there are a few people we should see…"

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I know I've been asked to update Hades-Persephone and Rhett-Scarlett. I just love these two so much (Ares-mystery goddess). Please humor me and read. I am also rather proud of versions 1 and 3 so I do hope you enjoy them. Much love, Cat.