Disclaimer: Xena: Warrior Princess and all its character is owned by Renaissance Pictures. No copywrite infringement is intended. MIGHTY APHRODITE: CHALLENGE Aphrodite made her way into the Halls of War, slightly green from the muck and dirt. Her temples were spotless, but Ares never had been one for cleaning and he didn't expect his priests or priestesses to care either. When she found her brother's throneroom, she found just what she'd expected to find, a stoic, emotionless god, or at least that was the image he tried to project. She knew him better. "Hey Ar, why didn't ya come to dinner last night. The one time Daddy is proud to claim you as his son, and you don't show! What gives?" Aphrodite asked, staring at her sullen brother. "Look, it was Hercules Dad wanted to brag about, as usual. I was just a footnote, I'm sure," Ares responded disinterestedly. "Yeah, Dad did lay it on thick, what with Herc keeping the light from bringing about the end of the world and all, but he did say he was happy you and Herc could work together, and that when it really came down to it, you knew where your loyalties lay. We all weren't too sure with that whole Dahok fiasco, but now everything's cool. Although I still don't get why you teamed up with that monstrousity and his daughter. You can do WAY better than her," Aphrodite commented, still studying Ares. He had flinched slightly with her mentioning Dahok and Hope, but beyond that she'd gotten little reaction from The God of War. "What you need is a good woman! How 'bout that hot little Warrior Princess you're always talking about! I mean, I know you want her to lead an army and kill mortals and stuff, but she's got this killer bod, and..." "Leave her alone Aphrodite! And keep your bow-happy kid away from her as well! Xena has already made it clear that she's not interested, and I..." "BY... THE... GODS! I can't believe it! You're heartbroken!!! Why didn't I see this before? Some Godess of Love I must be if I can't see the love pangs of my poor spurned Bro! Don't worry Ar, I'm on the case! Your Warrior Princess will be fawning all over you, when I get through with her!" Aphrodite announced joyously before Ares could protest. Then she was gone in a shimmering of pink light. * * *