ZARIVA

By Surabufix

I'd like to thank some special people: Jin for her support, for always listening to all my ideas and rereading all my versions. Laurissa for her friendship and inspiration! And without whom I might never have finished! Calee for her encouragement Arete for her excellent editing and for giving me that extra push I needed. Thanks gals! If not for you, this wouldn't be here!

Rated NC-17

Dark eyes, filled with an emotion she couldn't identify, met her when she awoke. She reached up and swept a lock of dark hair away from his eyes. Her finger traced the strong outline of his jaw and stopped on what she considered to be the most luscious lips on Olympus. He smiled at her and her heart fluttered. "Ar . . . "

"Hush," he whispered as his lips claimed hers in a soul-searing kiss. Heat coiled throughout her body at his touch. What he did to her, she thought, before thought became impossible.

When she regained some semblance of sanity, she propped herself on her elbow and stared at him. How had she come to this? She knew it was folly but she was beginning to fall in love with him! She had fought him for so long and he had overcome all her objections and here they were.

She had come to her private space, a nice cottage in the middle of a large meadow that her mother had given her. Her desire had been simply to get away from Olympus. Sometimes the other gods, and all the petty bickering, were just too much. She had been sitting in front of a fire, quietly humming to herself as she idly petted one of the many animals that wandered through.

"You do have a beautiful voice," he appeared in the doorway

"Ares!" She was startled and the poor creature fled from the house. "What are you doing here?"

"That should be obvious."

He seemed to be forever close by but he'd never invaded her space before. "You followed me? I told you . . . "

"Yes, yes I know," he came over to her. "But you don't really mean it," his voice full of confidence.

She began to get angry. He never paid attention to what she said, constantly ignored her rebukes. She had told him time and again that she was not going to get involved with him. She meant it too because she knew him, knew he'd just use her. She continued to deny he held a strong fascination for her, that she actually could easily fall for him. Unfortunately every encounter she had with him, she got weaker. However, she was not going to let him know that. She rolled her eyes. "Why would I say it then?" He just lifted an eyebrow. She shook her head, "I'm sure it's a new concept for someone to turn you down, Ares, and I'm flattered by your persistence, but this will not happen. I want you to leave now," she demanded, knowing he wouldn't leave and being secretly pleased.

"I've had enough of this, Zariva. You are destined to be mine. It begins now."

"OH!" Exasperated, she got up and moved away from him. "Of all the conceited . . . " she turned to face him, hands on hips. "Ares don't think for a moment you can order me around! I won't have it. I don't want you." He was so insufferable sometimes. Why must he do this to her?

He just smiled and moved closer. "Yes you do, as much as I want you." She shook her head in denial but he just grabbed her and pinned her against the wall. She knew what was happening but was helpless to stop it, wasn't even sure she wanted to. She knew she was fighting a losing battle when he kissed her. His first kiss was tender, not at all what she expected. When she saw the fire in his eyes and felt it sear into her soul, she was lost. She wrapped her arms around his neck and his kisses turned more urgent, his tongue thrusting into her mouth. He knew then that he had her. He picked her up and carried her into the bedroom.

That had been days ago although she couldn't recall how many. He made her lose all sense of time, all sense of reality. It was too late to turn back now; she was snared in whatever trap he had in mind.

He really was beautiful. His thick, wavy hair just begged to have hands run through it, his lips utterly kissable, his chest hard and muscular, strong. Her eyes roamed lower for a moment. "Enjoying the view?" His voice startled her. Her eyes flew to his and she was drawn into their depths. He raised an eyebrow and she looked away, noting his grin.

"Why yes I do believe I am," she teased him. She ran a finger up his chest, then said lightly, "you really shouldn't have followed me here!"

"So you said. But aren't you glad I did?"

She just rolled her eyes at his arrogance. If she was honest with herself, she was glad but she couldn't help wondering what he wanted. Did she now lose her appeal to him because she had finally given in? With a little sigh, she laid her head on his chest. Damn him anyhow for making her feel this way! She didn't want to hope he actually felt anything for her. She was his conquest, one of many and she had to remember. "Ares?"

"Hummm."

"Why did you?" Now why did she ask that?

He was silent for a minute. "Isn't that obvious?" He felt her shake her head. He didn't know when the need to possess her had grown so strong or why. He thought the fact she led him on and fought him made her more intriguing and once he actually got her, she'd be out of his system. But no, this goddess had changed his life with her laughter and light, even as she spurned him. Of course at first he'd only wanted her for her beauty...and the fact she was a favored god. Zeus loved Zariva not just because she was Athena's daughter but also because she was different than so many of the gods. She didn't care for power; she didn't need shrines or worshipers. She was still a young god and she enjoyed life. She loved to laugh and play. Almost all those on Olympus enjoyed being around her, she had that effect. But above all, she was bathed in affection from her mother and grandfather. So he'd thought to use her to get at Zeus.... and Athena.

Zariva got restless as the silence drew out. She pulled back from him and got out of the bed. This was not how she'd hoped he would react. Then she stopped herself; she really was a fool to hope, to expect anything from him. She couldn't stay near him, it was too confusing. So she put on a robe and walked out without saying anything to him.

Ares sighed as he felt her withdraw. Well what did he expect? He had gotten what he came for, and more, so why did he stay? He couldn't use her anymore, although when he made that decision he didn't know. And just why did he feel the desire to go make it better for her? Unused to these thoughts and feelings, he ignored them and decided it was best to tell her goodbye.

She walked along using the stars to light her way. Why couldn't she be as heartless as him and just enjoy this and not expect anything else? Because she'd been fighting feelings for him for a long time. Because her passions ran deep and he fired those passions. And because she hadn't wanted to give herself to just anyone; he was the first to stir her passion, the first to make her desire him that much. Of course, he didn't know that, and she could never tell him.

She heard a nicker close by and looked up to find her horse. She walked over and hugged her. "Oh, Mina, what have I gotten myself into?" Mina just nickered softly as if to say 'I don't know, silly.' Zariva continued to talk softly to Mina as she petted her.

"Do you talk to animals often?"

She jumped at his voice and Mina shied away. She tried to calm her rapidly beating heart as she turned to face him. "Must you do that? You startled both of us," she said, putting up her defenses.

He grinned at the sharpness of her tone. "Sorry."

She didn't smile back. She really hadn't expected him to follow her. She expected him to just leave she thought he'd want to move on and not deal with her; after all he had what he wanted. And she was making a fool of herself. So what more could he ask for? She looked into his eyes as if trying to find the answer there, but they revealed nothing.

All thoughts of leaving her fled when she looked at him. Desire slammed through his body. Her violet eyes caught his and he couldn't look away. He opened his mouth, determined to dash the hope he saw in her eyes but what came out was "I needed to be near you. I couldn't stay away."

Her breath caught in her throat as she argued with her head that he didn't mean anything by them, he didn't promise anything or even admit to anything and yet he did, her heart said. "Oh," was all she could manage to utter.

He caught her face in his hands and placed a tender kiss on her forehead then he kissed her nose and finally her sweet mouth. Her body swayed into his and she put her arms around his neck to steady herself. His kiss deepened and she felt as though her knees were water. If he didn't have his arms around her she would have fallen.

He broke the kiss and felt her shiver, as they both tried to catch their breath. This was not why he'd come out here. He'd come to tell her good-bye yet all she had to do was look at him and a force of passion so strong struck him, it overwhelmed him. After a moment she looked up at him and her eyes were dark. He grabbed her and took them to the house before he threw her down on the grass and made love to her right there. He'd be strong later.

The sunlight hitting her face woke her the next morning. She smiled in contentment and stretched. She reached for Ares but froze when her hand came in contact with nothing. Zariva felt a wave of unease when she saw no trace of him. She got up quickly and ran into the other rooms but he was not in the house. She went to open the door but when her hands reached for it, she encountered a shock. Her eyes widened as she realized there was some kind of force that blocked the door. Why would he do this? In all the time she'd known him, she'd never known him to do something like this. She sank to the floor in shock. As she sat there, her mind wandered back to when she'd first encountered Ares. She'd been much younger then, not even a mortal adult age. She had been riding along a stream when her mount suddenly shied. Zariva had been unseated and the horse had run away as fast as it could.

She looked around to see what had startled her horse. She saw a man but he didn't appear to be threatening her. Quickly she picked herself up and stared at him, waiting to see what he would do. He was handsome, she supposed, for a man. Zariva's interests were much more into horses but he wasn't bad. He was tall, dark and very well built. He looked like he could be dangerous, with all that black leather, but at the moment all he was doing was looking at her. She wondered if he was simple. But why had her horse spooked at him? "I have no idea what you did to scare my horse or why. You're not so scary, at least you won't scare me like you did my horse," she mumbled to herself. His gaze darkened as he heard her words. Then she realized it was another god. Had he scared her mount intentionally? She glared at him. "Who are you and how dare you deliberately scare my steed!"

He looked a little taken aback by her sudden outburst. "You don't know who I am?"

She put her hands on her hips. "Why should I? I don't associate with rude, coarse men.... or gods."

"You're awfully young, and unskilled, to be making such high and mighty remarks."

Zariva knew this was getting her nowhere and decided to leave. "You are impolite and have no manners. Even Cerberus....better yet Graegus has better manners!"

She was impertinent and he wasn't sure he liked it. She needed to know who he was to pay him the proper respect. "So you think my dog has more manners, do you?" Her eyes widened, as he hoped they would, when she realized who he was. "Ah, I see you know me now. Good."

If he'd expected her to change her attitude, he was in for a let down. She wasn't impressed by him, no matter who he was. "What your name is doesn't make you less of a..."

"I wouldn't if I were you," he warned her.

"Well who you are doesn't matter to me. What do you want?"

He was surprised and definitely didn't like her disrespect of him. "Nothing. I was just doing some work and heard you coming." He decided to take her down a peg. "Good thing I did, with the way you ride you would have blundered in and.."

Her tone turned haughty, another surprise for him. "I'll have you know I am the best rider anywhere and I do not blunder!"

He gave a snort of disbelief, "As I was saying, I didn't want you getting in the way."

"Way of what?"

Now he had her attention. He led her to a hill, which overlooked a battlefield, one that had obviously seen a very recent battle. Some of his 'handiwork', apparently. His eyes surveyed the carnage. "Lovely isn't it?" He turned to see her reaction and smiled.

She had paled at the sight. "No wonder you're so ill-mannered." With that she vanished back to Olympus and her mother.

That had been the first encounter but not the last. They were infrequent until one day he'd taken a look at her and decided to make her life Tartarus. She learned that day how ruthless and bloodthirsty he could be. He had, however, never been so cruel with her after that first encounter, although he'd always liked baiting her. She never dreamed he could do something like this to her, she wasn't his enemy, she wasn't his warlord, she was nothing. What was he doing to her? Why did he do this? She knew it was stupid but she couldn't help herself from wishing. She had hoped he might care something about her. "Noooo," she cried softly, as the tears rolled down her face and her hopes turned to dust.

She knew that he'd 'finished' with her. He'd done exactly what she feared he'd do, leave her without a word, without a second thought. But why had he locked her in? That was not like him. Ares had the power to do this to her. And no one but Zeus or Ares himself could undo it. She thought he had started to feel for her just a little. Oh he was good and she was an idiot! That was exactly what he'd wanted. But this, trapping her, what did he hope to accomplish, what was the purpose? To humiliate her more than likely. Well he'd done that, and more, and she'd fallen right into his trap. He must be having a good laugh at her expense about now. Zariva's pain mingled with anger the longer she thought about it. Anger was much easier to deal with.

She worked herself up into a fine rage. She felt the need to destroy so she ran to the room and ripped the sheets off the bed. She pointed at them and they went up in flames. Then she bent her will on the bed and soon it was a pile of dust. She demolished everything she found that he had touched. It made her feel a little better. When she was done destroying her house, she resumed pacing. She paced for a good part of the morning, debating what to do. She didn't want to have to face questions from Athena or Zeus. She didn't want to explain that the God of War had outwitted her and broken her defenses, she didn't even want to face it. So she paced. Lots of pleasant scenarios of revenge went through her head. She would not let him get away with this. If humiliation was his game, she could play too. Oh yes she would get back at him, for locking her in, for pursuing her, for making her feel for him. She wasn't sure how yet but she would get back at him.

First, however, she had to get out of here or she would go insane. She would have to swallow her pride and ask for help. "Mother!" she yelled, knowing she would get Zeus to get her out of here. If she answered her, that was. Athena did have her own agenda and wasn't always available for her. But then again at least she was lucky she had one parent who loved her...

"No, I am not going to feel sorry for him." She whipped her anger up again, and as long as she stayed that way, she couldn't feel the hurt. She didn't want to remember how he touched her, how his words made her feel or what a fool she was to give in to him. That was why she'd ran, tried to keep her distance. That was why she hadn't wanted anything to do with this god whose job it was to be manipulative and merciless. He used her as heartlessly as he used anyone else. Why couldn't she be as cold?

"Zariva what happened?" Athena's voice came from the other side of the door.

"Can you tell? I'm trapped."

Athena's voice was concerned. "Who did this to you?"

"Guess,mother. Who has the audacity enough to do something like this?" Her voice was clipped and hard.

"Ares," her voice became almost as harsh as her daughter’s. "I'll be right back."

Zariva didn't have to wait long before she heard Zeus' voice. "What are you bothering me for, you should know...."

"Grandfather," her voice pleaded with him.

As usual Zeus melted at the voice of his beloved granddaughter. "Zariva, how in the world did this happen?" he said as he brought the barriers down.

"It was just a game and I lost," was as close to the truth as she was going to tell him. She gave him a big hug and making her voice extra bright, said, "Thanks, I don't think I would have liked being trapped much longer." She smiled at him burying her anger and pain. That was directed toward one person alone.

"Well then if everyone is okay...."

"Yes father, you can go."

"Thank you."

"Watch out the games you play Zariva," he said with an all too knowing look. Zariva looked away quickly as he disappeared.

"Want to tell me about it?"

"There's nothing to tell. It's like I told Zeus, it was a game that I lost."

"Yes I heard that. I know there is more, like what exactly what did you lose to him?"

"More than I bargained for," she said, and left it at that. She couldn't tell Athena what had happened, both because of her pride and because it hurt to think about it. She just couldn't do it.

"What do you want from me?" he demanded.

"I want to know what you think you're doing to Zariva!" Zeus didn't know what had gotten into Ares; he'd never seen him like this.

"I don't have to explain anything to you."

"Tensions are already strained between you and Athena. This is not going to help! I've mediated long enough. You're on your own now."

"Haven't I always been? You've never stood up for me, Father." His last word was filled with derision.

"And just what did you hope to accomplish? She's done nothing!" Athena's harsh voice interrupted. "Yet you had to go and hurt her? She's an innocent in all this, she's a child! A more heartless..." She couldn't go on.

Ares turned to Athena. Despite the war he was waging with himself, he accomplished what he set out to do, more or less, without even trying. "My dear Athena, whatever do you mean? What did your darling daughter tell you? Oh, and she is neither a child nor an innocent, of that I can assure you. At least not any more."

"Ares!"

"Stay out of this Father. This is between me and him." Zeus nodded and disappeared. Athena was furious with him and his implications. "What did you do to her?"

"You mean she didn't tell you? Oh that's a good one!"

"I want an answer Ares!"

"Athena you presume too much!" he sneered. "However, I will tell you that what I did to Zariva was not forced, in fact she capitulated rather well." And with that he departed.

"You didn't!"

"Well you wouldn't tell me anything."

"Maybe that's because I wanted it to be private!" Zariva shook her head. How embarrassing. After Athena described what had transpired, she knew that her theory was correct. Ares had only wanted to use her to get to Athena and Zeus. And she had played her part in his little play to perfection.

"What are you going to do?" Athena could see she had something going on in her head.

"He used me to get to you. Worse, for some bizarre reason decided to trap me in my own home. Who knows how long I would have been there if he'd had his way. He has to pay!"

"Riva, let it drop," Athena warned her, more than a little concerned at the tone in her voice and the feverish glint in her eyes.

"I can't," she said simply.

She wanted to say more but she knew Zariva wouldn't listen. Instead she said simply, "Be careful, daughter."

Zariva dreaded running into Ares but knew she would have to see him. However, he seemed to be avoiding her as much as she was avoiding him. Strange that! She thought he'd be eager to gloat. She'd come up with a good plan to get even with him, at least she thought it was good, but she needed to judge his reaction to her before she put her plan into action. The little part of her that really desired seeing him, she pushed aside and tried to ignore. Still, she couldn't stop her heart beating faster every time she thought she caught a glimpse of him. After a few weeks of this, her nerves couldn't take it anymore. She knew she could find him at the gathering that evening and she could wait no longer.

"Aphrodite, you can not be serious! There is no way I'm going to..." Zariva walked away from the argument Aphrodite and Artemis were having. They were always arguing. She rather liked both of them but couldn't stand the bickering. She was wondering when Ares was going to arrive. Trust him to be late just to make her nervous. It didn't matter that he didn't know she was going to be here.

"Hey Coz! How's it hanging?" Cupid interrupted her thoughts.

"Hi Cuppie," she teased him. She knew he hated that nickname but she'd picked it up from Aphrodite.

He scowled at her, "Okay Zarrie."

She laughed a little distractedly. She didn't know who was going to be her unwitting accomplice but she had a few ideas. "Hey, where's Psyche?"

"She decided to stay at home. This pregnancy is tiring her out."

"Uh huh," Zariva murmured, still looking for Ares.

"Who are you looking for?"

"Oh I'm just trying to put a plan into action and it needs a certain player."

"Ah, Ares." Cupid knew (as half of Olympus did) about Ares' interest in her. He also knew more than she cared him to know about Zeus having to get her out of Ares trap. He was one of her best friends, one of the few she trusted and she often confided in him. This time she wished she hadn't. "What are you planning, Riva?"

"Nothing much."

"Somehow I don't believe you," he laughed. "Well don't look now but he just came in."

Zariva's heart sped up radically but she refrained from whirling around. She took several deep breaths before she casually glanced his way. All her composure fled as their eyes made contact. If she hoped time would dull how she felt about him she was wrong. Zariva quickly turned away. "He's still staring at you," Cupid said, his voice dripping amusement.

She hit him lightly, half giddy still. "Stop that. This is not funny!" He continued to chuckle. "Don't look anymore! Wait, what is he doing now?"

"He just gave me a 'look' and now he's talking to Strife."

She didn't know if she was relieved or not. "Well Cuppie since you don't fit into my plans, I'm going in search of someone who will."

"Zariva..." But she didn't listen to him, she just walked away. The further away from Ares, the better right now. She noticed Hades over in a corner by himself, as usual. When she was younger, she used to see it as a challenge, seeing if she could make him smile. It had been a game for her. She really hadn't seen him much since Persephone had come into his life and that was ages ago. But she'd always had a special fondness for him. She wondered if she could still do it.

"Hi Hades. Off by yourself again I see," she smiled at him. "I thought I'd gotten you out of this habit of always frowning."

"Little Riva." He looked at her a little more closely. "Only not so little anymore."

She laughed. "It hasn't been that long since I've seen you."

"I know but it seems like it. I miss your visits."

"You have your wife now. Where is she anyway?"

"Off with her mother somewhere. It's her time not mine," he said a little morosely.

She smiled at him. "Ah, I see." She had always thought he was attractive in his own brooding way. "It must have just started?" He was normally more moody right after she'd left, or so she heard.

"Yes, just today which is why neither of them are here. And Ares kept me so busy the last few days I had no time with her. I don't know why he decided to make his wars so bloody right now, we usually have an agreement."

She thought that was interesting. "You know how Ares is."

"Zariva! There you are, I've been looking for you."

She groaned and leaned over to Hades and whispered "save me!" as Hermes approached them. That made him smile and she laughed as she finally got that from him. Then she turned to Hermes, "What do you want?"

"I have a message from Apollo."

"And?"

"He wants you to come see him right away."

"He can't walk over here himself?" she asked, a bit annoyed.

Hermes just shrugged. "Don't ask me, just delivering the message."

She turned to Hades and sighed. "I guess I'd best go see what he wants. Cheer up, okay?" She gave him a hug, "and I did get my smile," and walked away.

Ares watched her constantly. He was annoyed at her seeming lack of reaction to him. She ignored him, disregarding him for Cupid. She made Hades smile, no small feat. And when she gave Hades that hug he felt a flash of anger. He didn't like her game and he didn't understand it. He thought she'd at least rant and rave at him or something. But this, was she trying to drive him insane?

Zariva wandered over to see Apollo, who was closer than she'd like to Ares. She stopped for a moment, now here was a golden beauty of godhood. He was almost as tall as Ares and well built of course, golden bronze from head to toe. But what she liked about him was his wit. Zariva loved arguing with him; they often went on for hours about laws or music or something. 'Now he might just work,' she thought. Yes he'd help her put her plan into action without even knowing it. With that in mind, she appeared in front of him and gave a laugh of delight. "Hi! I hear you're looking for me."

"Yes of course." To her surprise he grabbed her in a big hug. "I've missed you! Where have you been?" His blue eyes sparkled with mischief.

She didn't know what he was up to but since this fit right into her scheme, she played along and gave him a big smile. "Not as much as I missed you! And you know, I've been around. You're the one who's been busy." She gave a light laugh, looking through her lashes to see if Ares was paying attention. He was.

"I'm never too busy for you," he said sincerely.

"Oh you are such a tease," she flirted.

"Never that! I'm eager to finish our last conversation...in private," his meaning was clear and for the first time, to his delight, she took him seriously.

"That would be lovely but I don't think now is the time," she said quickly as she noticed Zeus motion to Apollo. This was too perfect.

"As long as you promise me we can continue later," he pulled her along with him so they moved out of range of Ares. He wasn't going to let this chance go by.

"If you're that eager to lose another argument, okay," she smiled at him.

"Well if I have to lose, you're such a delight to lose to."

She snorted, "Apollo, now I know you're nuts! You admitting you might lose?"

"Well if it makes you happy to think you might win," he tried to be serious but the twitching of his mouth gave him away.

"Oh you! Just you wait!" She walked away from him laughing. He was too much sometimes. She won more arguments with him than she lost. She was mulling over the last 'discussion' that was still ongoing, about music and how it affected the world, when she wandered into an empty corridor.

"What do you think you're doing?"

She jumped at the sound of his voice. Her heart slammed against her ribs as she turned. She had not expected him and she had to calm her trembling hands. She took a deep breath, "Ares."

"So?"

"So what?" She stalled, trying to calm her emotions.

"What do you think you were doing in there? What is between you and Apollo?" He took a step towards her and she stepped back, into a wall.

"That is none of your..."

"How many times have you slept with him? I won't have it! You are mine Zariva! I won't let anyone else have you!" He moved so swiftly that she didn't have time to react.

All at once she was caught up against him. "Let me be," she said weakly. He didn't listen, instead his hand twisted in her hair and he kissed her hard. She leaned into him for a moment before she found the strength to push him away. "Ares, no! You have no right."

"I have every right."

She suddenly got angry. He was laying claims on her? She tried to get away from him, away from the wall, but he wasn't letting her go. "Let me go! How dare you! You think just because you wormed your way into my bed? What happens between me and any other man...or god is none of your business," she said coldly. He was surprised by her tone and let up enough for her to push past. Well if she needed further proof that he still wanted her, he'd given it to her.

"You're wrong. You are mine."

"I belong to no one! How dare you make such a ridiculous statement! Besides you made it clear that you were...oh never mind! Just give it up. You got what you wanted from me. You got back at my mother for whatever. You got me to let you into my bed and you got to humiliate me. And why? I did nothing to become involved in this! You will be sorry I assure you!"

He caught her meaning and it infuriated him. "Don't play games with me Zariva. You can't win," his voice was low with warning.

She laughed at him. "Well judging from your reaction, I'm ahead in this game." She shook her head, "Leave me alone. What I do with Apollo, that's my business. You have no say in my life." She was getting worked up again, "I'll sleep with every god on Olympus if I want to!"

His eyes got dark and he growled as he took a step towards her. She realized that wasn't the best thing to say and thought it wise to leave, so she quickly retreated into the main hall, away from him.

She was shaken from the encounter but she didn't know if it was more from anger or pain. She couldn't believe she still felt so strongly for him. Even after she knew exactly why he'd done what he did. She knew her plan would infuriate him, if nothing else. She wasn't quite sure why though. It made no sense why he would care.

Zeus calling everyone together interrupted her musings. She was seated close enough to Ares to feel his eyes on her and to watch Discord doing her all to get Ares attention. The meeting seemed to go on forever. She fidgeted as she avoided eye contact with most of the gods, only glancing up through her lashes covertly at Ares. The minute Zeus was finished, she stood and turned to leave. And she ran smack into Ares. They just stood there neither moving, only aware of one another. Her eyes locked with his and she felt weak. She didn't know what to make of the passion she saw there. Could he really still want her? Her heart did a double take at the thought. Why would he? Then Discords' shrill voice interrupted and Zariva tore her eyes from his and glared at the other goddess. But Ares didn't pay her any attention and Zariva couldn't seem to move while he stared at her. Finally Zeus grabbed Ares attention and Zariva quickly walked away, trying to regain her senses.

Apollo caught up with her. "Ready to continue our conversation, my love?"

She looked at Ares to see if he was watching. He was, so she smiled up at Apollo. "Yes, let us continue." She gave an airy little laugh, never losing sight of Ares and his reactions. She leaned into Apollo and said in a low voice, "I want to prove to you how music and passion can unite."

He raised a golden eyebrow. "Really?" He couldn't mistake that statement

She snuck one more look at Ares and saw his scowl. She gave Apollo a seductive smile, "Yes, really."

Impulsively he grabbed her and kissed her in front of everyone. Zariva's eyes widened as they disappeared out of the hall.

Ares was furious. Zeus hadn't noticed what transpired between Zariva and Apollo until Ares took a step towards the door. Zeus laid a restraining hand on him as if to say it's not your business. "Don't cause any more of a scene." Ares glared at his father but was unable to do anything.

Zariva lay in Apollo's arms. She didn't want to hurt him but this was a mistake. Oh he was magnificent that was for sure and kind and sweet, but he wasn't Ares. How she could have fallen for a ruthless, evil, insensitive god she would never know. But he had been different with her, at first. He'd been tender and loving, and his relentless attention had been flattering. Yet it had all been a game. He hadn't meant any of it, her head told her. She couldn't stop thinking of the God of War. She sighed, trying to gain control over her emotions.

"What's wrong?" he traced his finger up the inside of her arm.

She pulled away. "Nothing," she replied. She didn't feel like making small talk.

"We never got to our conversation you know," he snuggled up to her.

She pushed him away, "Not now. I'm not in the mood for our 'conversation'." She got up moodily.

He scowled at her. "It's Ares isn't it?"

She froze. "What?"

"That's what this is about. You used me to get to him."

She just looked at him for a moment, a bit ashamed. "How did you know?"

His face showed no change but he didn't like that he was right. He really liked Zariva, and she deserved better than Ares and what he would do to her. She deserved someone who could appreciate her uniqueness, someone who could cherish her, someone like him. "The tension between you both is obvious. I am only sorry that our first time had to be overshadowed by him."

"Our first and last. I'm sorry but I can't do this, I just can't."

"You have fallen for him." It was a statement not a question. "I had hoped I was wrong about it, that I could change your mind. He isn't worthy to have you."

She was a little surprised. "Apollo, I..."

"It’s okay," he smiled ruefully.

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry."

"Hurt me? Don't be silly! Besides, I always enjoy a good roll in the sack." Zariva just smiled. She really wasn't in the mood to assuage bruised feelings.

"We can still continue our conversation you know."

"Maybe Apollo. Thanks," she said and then she disappeared.

Being alone didn't suit her mood much, so much had happened yesterday, she couldn't sort it out. She wanted her mother. So she appeared in the hall outside Athena's library, then suddenly had to sit down because she wasn't feeling well. As a matter of fact.... suddenly Zariva didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This was too much! She'd felt like this the last few mornings but since she couldn't get 'sick' she'd thought it was her brooding. But it wasn't. She started laughing uncontrollably until Athena came out to see what was going on. Then she collapsed in her mothers' arms.

"Are you sure?" Zariva just looked blankly at her. "Well are you sure it's his?"

"Mother!" she was appalled she would ask that. "Yes of course I am. He was the first and only. Yes I'm sure it's his."

"What are you going to do?"

Zariva didn't answer right away. "I don't know. I don't know what to do. This is an interesting situation. Do I use it against him? Do I even tell him? So many possibilities."

"Don't make the child a pawn, Zariva!" She just shrugged and Athena sighed. "No matter what I think of him, you have to tell him."

"Do I? Why?"

Athena just gave her a look. She really didn't have time for this but if she didn't try to advise her, Zariva would do something foolish. "Think about it. You can't do anything about this now, it's happened. He's going to find out sooner or later."

Zariva gave a laugh. "No doubt he'll deny it's his."

"Why would he do that?"

"Why would he want to claim a child by me?"

"You know how much he wants a son. So of course he'd cla...." she suddenly looked at her sharply. "Oh Riva you didn't! That was your plan? And I'm sure Apollo was happy to oblige."

"Well I didn't know about this."

"You still have to tell him. Hopefully he won't be too furious about yesterday's spectacle."

She stared at her mother in shock. "You're defending him?" Zariva couldn't believe what she was hearing. "How can you do this to me! You're supposed to be on my side!"

"I am on your side, I just don't want to see a battle ensue if he realizes this is his child and you tried to keep it from him."

She was speechless. Athena defending Ares. It was beyond what she could handle. "No I can't believe this!"

"I'm only trying to do what's best for you! Ares has to know."

"Why? So he can shame me again? Oh what fun he could have with me now!" She was beyond rational thought. "Mother, he has ruined everything. Everything was simple before. Now, because of him and his.... well I don't know what it was or what I did to deserve it, but because of him, everything is destroyed!"

"Don't overdo it. You accomplished what you set out to do, Ares was furious when you left with Apollo and everyone knew. I think you're even now."

"Even? You think that makes us even? He used me! He turned something beautiful ugly. And you want me to hand him the last thing he needs to utterly destroy me?"

"Shhhh," Athena took her in her arms and held her. This was so unlike her daughter. "It's all right."

Zariva pushed away from her. "No, it's not all right. He's shattered everything."

Athena was totally speechless.

"I'm so confused." And she disappeared.

Zariva ©1998 by Surabufix

Standard Disclaimer: The characters of the Gods don't belong to me, they belong mostly to Greek Mythology and some to Universal, Renaissance Pictures, MCA etc. No copyright infringement intended, just having fun.

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