Aphrodite and her champion stood outside of the hunting lodge that Audrey and her son were hiding in. Partially obscured by trees, the blonde goddess turned to her companion.

"Any questions?"

"I have a million."

"You don't have that much time. Condense the list down."

"Why is the Queen of Kasnia so important that Olympus would notice her?"

"To be blunt, she wouldn't have been given a second thought by me, although clearly I should have paid attention to her earlier. Her love life is a mess." Aphrodite chuckled as she spoke the last sentence. "She is, however, an important player. And she has become, unwittingly, a very large distraction for your sisters. Athena wants the Amazons to be victorious, but the leadership here is having some difficulties with their personal lives. Queen Audrey is at the root of that. Militarily, Amazon warriors are the epitome of precision, but there can be no missteps this time."

"The Amazons are bound to their duty. They would not let personal issues stop them from accomplishing their goals."

"Normally that would be true, but there are special circumstances this time. Regardless, if you do as I have requested, and personally see to the Queen's safety, I think all will work out for the best."

"So I am being given guard duty?"

"You are not her dog, if that is what you are asking. But yes, she is to be kept safe. Queen Audrey has grown as a person these last few years, but she has a few obstacles to overcome. I need someone outside of the group already in place to help her become the Queen she is supposed to be."

"And if the Amazons are victorious, then what? What am I to do after that?"

"Whatever you want to. I have given you strength, flight, and you wear bracelets that bear my emblem. I will not take these gifts from you regardless of how this turns out. But I am hoping that you will find yourself on a better path than you were before. Now, you only get one more question. Make it count."

The champion stood quietly for a moment and then replied. "What is it that I have not asked that I need to know?"

Aphrodite beamed. "I wish Athena was here right now. Seriously, not only am I a genius, but so is my champion."

The brunette smiled slightly, but said nothing.

Aphrodite chuckled, "Here is the short version. Diana and Shayera are married. Diana used to date Audrey. The bird woman is having issues dealing. Audrey has let go, but not completely. And my sister is sleeping with one of Hippolyta's generals."

The brunette's face instantly went from listening intently to shock.

Aphrodite laughed uproariously. "That's right. Athena is no longer the Virgin Goddess." Aphrodite looked towards the sky and spoke to no one in particular. "Can't call me names now if you are doing it too!" She turned her attention back to her champion. "Do you know how fun it is now to embarrass her with the various names for sex? For millennia, she wouldn't even say the word sex, almost like it was dirty. And now?" Aphrodite lifted her head again, "NOW SHE IS DOING THE HIBBIDY DIBBIDY! YOU HEAR ME ATHENA?"

As the last sentence was uttered, a pine cone dropped from the tree and hit Aphrodite on the forehead.

The brunette stood stunned, fearful to laugh, but Aphrodite simply shrugged it off. She turned her attention back to her companion. "You think she would have a better sense of humor about it at least. I mean years and years and years of not putting out put her in such a foul mood. Now that someone has finally knocked the dust off…" Aphrodite sidestepped another pine cone bearing down on her head. She looked up again, "Merely stating the obvious here Athena." Aphrodite turned her attention back to the brunette, "Frankly, now that she is getting laid, she is much better company to be around. And speaking of Athena's love interest…she will be a strong ally to you. You will know her as she bears the emblem of the owl on her wrists…" Aphrodite snapped her fingers, and an umbrella materialized in her hand. She opened it up, and promptly placed it over her head. "And she probably has hickies all over her chest from my sister too." The umbrella was instantly bombarded with falling pine cones. Aphrodite stood under the protection of the umbrella belly laughing. Once the pine cone fury ceased, Aphrodite winked at her champion and disappeared.

The brunette smiled slightly and shook her head. But she only allowed herself a quick second of mirth before turning her attention to the lodge. She slowly made her way to the door, and mumbled between footsteps, "You dated Diana? Won't this be interesting…"

Athena materialized in the city, making sure she was not seen by anyone. She quickly transformed her clothes to match the red armor that was being worn by the Amazons. The women were celebrating the victory that they had just achieved in the capital. Athena looked around for a moment, and then she saw Alindra at a distance. She walked towards the blonde general, careful not to draw any attention to herself. Once she was within steps of the Amazon, she cleared her throat.

"General Alindra, a word please?"

Alindra turned and stared at the woman who had just spoken to her. A grin spread across her face and she moved in for a hug. But Athena backed up and shook her head in dissent.

"Not here. Walk with me?"

Alindra's face dropped, but she motioned for Athena to head towards a small alleyway. Once there, Alindra dropped to a knee. "Have I done something to make you unhappy?"

Athena smiled. "Get up. I am not angry with you. I just don't want my presence to be obvious to your sisters. I am here to give you news."

Alindra stood, but kept herself at a respectable distance. She waited for Athena to continue.

"You and your sisters were amazing. But this is far from over. I came to tell you that Aphrodite has named a champion. Her choice may not be popular, but it is a good one nonetheless. I would consider it a favor to me that you support her once she arrives."

Alindra nodded, "Of course. I will do as you ask."

Athena sighed, "My sister is giving me much grief over you."

"Why? Have I done something to offend her?"

"No, quite the opposite. She thinks teasing me about, well, about the fact that we are, this is ridiculous. I can't even say the word."

Alindra stood in silence waiting for Athena to continue.

Athena leaned in and whispered, "Coupling."

The blonde general looked to the ground, and sucked in her bottom lip, desperately fighting the laughter that was beginning to rumble in her gut.

Athena arched her eyebrow, "This is funny to you too?"

"Not the actual coupling part, just that you are having difficulties saying it. It is perfectly natural thing to do. There is nothing to be ashamed of."

"I am not ashamed of you. I just, talking about, well, IT, is disconcerting. Especially since my sister chooses to be graphic."

Alindra was desperately trying to hold in the laughter. "Well, I am not sure what to say about Aphrodite teasing you. However, there are certain instances when talking can be highly erotic."

Athena crossed her arms and stared at Alindra in disbelief.

Alindra grinned. "A demonstration then?" She walked towards Athena and backed her up against a wall in the alleyway. She placed her hands on either side of the brunette's head. Slowly she leaned in and whispered, "The mere thought of you naked in my bed sends my blood racing."

Athena's eyes went wide, but said nothing.

Alindra continued, "I love the little noises you make when I nibble on your skin. And the little whimpers that escape your lips when I am gently stroking your body."

Athena closed her eyes and softly uttered, "Alindra…"

Alindra didn't stop. "And when I feel your naked body rub against mine, as I slowly…"

Athena put her hand over Alindra's mouth. She rasped, "Stop. You made your point. I…have much to learn apparently. And that was enlightening. I like when you talk to me in that manner."

Alindra grinned, as Athena removed her hand. "Imagine how sensual it will be when we are actually…" Alindra stopped and laughed heartily, "coupling!"

Athena groaned at the teasing, but quickly grinned. "I imagine it would be very stimulating, especially once you have bathed. Because right now, you do not smell all that pleasant!" Quickly Athena ducked under one of Alindra's arms leaving the blonde stupefied.

Athena giggled and started to walk away, but Alindra recovered her senses and grabbed the brunette goddess. She turned her around, and quickly pressed her lips to the other woman's. Athena moaned, and leaned in farther. She wrapped her arms around the general and allowed herself to be ravished by the scintillating kiss. After a few moments, Alindra pulled back slightly and began nibbling on the brunette's neck. In between caresses she whispered, "There are other things I could teach you too. For example, did you know that it is highly arousing to engage in sexual activities in a variety of places? Some more public than others..."

Athena instantly blushed. She pulled her head back and looked into Alindra's eyes. "Really?"

Suddenly, Athena felt something small strike the top of her head. She looked down at the ground and saw a little pine cone, now at rest next to her feet.

She looked up quickly, "A little privacy Aphrodite."

Alindra still held the goddess, but her confusion was apparent.

Athena looked back at the general, and quickly kissed her cheek. "I need to go. Be safe. I love you."

"I love you too."

Athena was silent, unmoving, and then grinned. She disappeared, and Alindra was left holding nothing. But as she started to walk away from her spot, she heard a faint whispering in her ear.

"I don't have to be physically next to you to talk dirty to you…"

Alindra stopped mid stride, and looked around. There was no one except her in the alleyway. She shook her head in amusement and sighed. "There are definitely benefits to being in love with a goddess."

She heard the whisper in her ear again, "Yes, my love, there are." And Alindra felt a phantom swat hit her butt.

A/N: This was one of the funnest chapters to write so far. I know I told you it would be about a week before you saw an update, but this one was in the final stages of editing. I had thought about waiting, but my co-author and I thought this was too good to wait on. I am writing the next chapter now, so I make no promises on the time frame. In the meantime, a couple of you have PM'ed me with your guesses as to who the champion is. Two of you know, but the rest are still in the dark. Did this chapter help? Have you settled on who it is? I have given you multiple hints...Once again, for all those who review, I thank you with all sincerity. We are nearing a hundred on this one, and everyone of you will hear me squeal with delight when we do. Thanks. Really, I am most appreciative.