My eyes widened in horror. I watched as he strode over to me, the grin remaining on his lips.

What did this mean?! What was he going to do?

I braced myself as he halted inches before me, his eyes scaling up and down my figure. I flinched as his eyes met mine once more, they were blazing with an unknown emotion.

"Calm down, it's not what you think." Ares sighed, he rolled his eyes and gestured me to follow him.

For some odd reason I trusted him, he was always blunt about his actions. If he were to hurt me he wouldn't have waited for an answer.

I hesitated and followed the god out of the room, as we walked he spoke. "Usually she awaits me after war to wipe off the blood of my enemies, it's become sort of a-custom for me." He explained. He was talking about Aphrodite.

"Why isn't she here waiting for you?" I asked.

"Our-"relationship" hasn't been exactly steady the past few years. I imagine she resents me." Said Ares.

I squeezed my lips into a thin line. Why is he dragging me around then? In fact, I asked exactly that. "Why bring me into this then?"

Ares chuckled and shook his head, "She's not threatened by you, which is why you're going to help me."

She wasn't threatened by me? I think he meant she didn't hate me like the other gods did. "You want me to get close to her then?" I asked.

"You're a smart one," Ares started, "you continue that behavior and Athena might execute you on the spot."

My throat tightened at the attempted compliment. Would she really kill me? She obviously wanted me dead but I assumed it was just her precaution.

"S-so you do want me getting closer to her?" I continued in a stammering voice.

Ares nodded. "Yup. Find out what's going on in that pretty head of hers for me."

I wanted to say no but part of me thought of this opportunity as way to improve whatever I could within this relationship between Ares and I. He was a terrible enemy to have. So I nodded, I agreed to do his biddings. "Okay, I'll do it."

A wicked grin spread across Ares' face as I gave into his plan, he had gotten what he wanted. Hopefully I'll get what I wanted as well...

The next day I made it my duty to spend time with the goddess of love. I entered her space as she sat upon her throne of roses and gold. Her violet eyes met mine with curiosity. She tossed her golden locks over her shoulder and beckoned me closer, "Come here dear!"

I swallowed hard and obeyed, I stood before her nervously as her judging eyes observed my every flaw. "Such a pretty girl. Not flawless but pretty. Perhaps we could change that, yes?" She cooed, her voice smooth like silk as if reciting a lullaby.

I opened my mouth to speak but no words could manage their way out. I stood like a wordless fool. She took my reaction as a yes and smiled, "Come, let's take a look."

She stood from her throne and grasped my hand gently, she pulled me towards a towering regal looking mirror against a nearby wall. We both stood next to each other in the reflection, I felt myself cower as I began comparing myself to the goddess. She stood taller than me, more endowed then me, her face more adorned than mine.

"Your face is beautiful yet your body still develops. Beauty is not simply what you're born with but what you represent." She explained as she ran her fingers through my white locks.

I remained silent as I watched her speak, her perfect lips releasing steady and lovely words. "May I?" She asked as she tilted my chin up to face her.

I didn't know what she was asking yet I nodded. She smiled gently and strode across the room swaying her hips. She rustled through one of her drawers and pulled out a few items.

She came back with a lovely brush and different jewelry pieces. She tucked a stray hair behind my ear and began her work.

When I looked in the mirror again I was astonished. My ringlets were pinned halfway up while the rest of the newly formed curls cascaded down my shoulders.

I gasped. I no longer felt so daunted by the goddess as she made managed to create something beautiful out of me. I looked towards her with gratitude, "thank you."

She smiled and nodded, "A beautiful girl like you shouldn't have her beauty dulled."

I thought to myself for a moment, why would she do this for me? Would me questioning her offend her? Perhaps I should keep my mouth shut, I didn't want to ruin this.

"So, what brought you here in the first place?" Asked Aphrodite.

I had to be careful. I needed think of a logical response. Would being somewhat honest build a trust? Would it show openness and vulnerability? Yes, I'll tell a truth.

"The others-the gods don't care for me-"

"Ah! You're lonely." Aphrodite interrupted with joy.

It worked.

I nodded and she beamed. "They are foolish! When a powerful being is in the presence they can either prove to be a great enemy or a great Ally! They should be kissing your feet my dear!"

I couldn't help but feel uplifted and confident by her words. For once I saw a new perspective. I would make a good ally!

I didn't notice I was smiling so big until Aphrodite pinched my cheek, "You have a lot to learn and bonds to make my dear, you've made a wise choice coming to me first."

Little did I know that even the goddess of love wasn't truthful.

Later

"So, how did it go?" Asked Ares, he sharpened his sword as he waited for an answer.

I swallowed hard and nodded, "I-It went good!"

His face fell, he didn't believe me. "Tell me exactly what happened."

I hesitated, then spoke in whispers, "S-She just-she gave me a makeover and praised me-"

"We're screwed!" Bellowed Ares as he threw his hands up in defeat, his sword flew from his grasp and clanged towards the floor.

"What do you mean...? She was kind to me-." I asked.

"Foolish girl, she's using you!" Ares said through gritted teeth. He paced back and forth angry.

I thought I had done well...

"What for?!" I asked shocked.

"Don't you see? She's the goddess of love and beauty, she likes the chase and praise. She wouldn't just let anyone into her open arms... despite how many have already been." Ares rambled, his voice trailing it sadness towards the end.

"Maybe she... she's interested in my powers?" I thought aloud.

I felt a pang of deep pain. I thought for a split moment that someone in Olympus actually liked me or would consider giving me a chance.

"No shit she's interested in your powers. She's using you as insurance in case you go mental and some how manage to over throw Olympus, she's building a relationship with you so you spare her given the scenario. She does this sort of thing all the time..." Ares Explained.

I looked towards the ground in deep thought. Ares eyes shifted from panic to rage. "I shouldn't have relied on you for anything-"

"Wait... I-I can still do it. I'll play her game." I interrupted him, I looked into his blazing eyes with assurance.

He sat unmoving for a few moments and finally softened his gaze, he still trusted me. "Fine."

We spoke little words and parted ways. Little did I know a god who saw all watched intently from a distant height taking in all was said. He grins, wanting to get involved in every aspect.