Disclaimer: I don't under any circumstances own the characters of Xena Warrior Princess or Hercules. (I only wish I could own them). If the idea of Xena and Ares in love is upsetting do NOT read this story. I really have to say that I only see Xena and Gabrielle as good friends.

Author's Note: Post Fin, Cupid is still alive (it was never clear if he survived the Twilight or not). Personal thoughts and flashbacks are in italics, thoughts being conveyed are in ''. Enjoy. This was sort of based on the song "Ghost" by the Indigo Girl's. The lyrics are at the end. This is a complete story. My first Xena fanfic… please don't kill me.

In Love With Your Ghost

She could feel the pain, the pain of the forty thousand souls she had given her life for when she defeated Yadoshi, when she'd redeemed herself. For a lie, she thought. Her soul wasn't free, not like Akemi had promised. Her soul was trapped and tortured. She wished she could contact Gabrielle, but no the blonde bard had been in agony over her decision. Anyway, the blue-eyed warrior thought, she wouldn't have the power to set me free. Only a God could do that…And Xena knew that there were few Gods that were still powerful enough.

Her mind drifted to thoughts of leather clad, tall, dark, handsome, God. Her heart broke a little more. As his chosen, his warrior princess, she shared a bond with the God of War, and this was the first time she hadn't felt its presence. Trapped here, she'd had a lot of time to replay their past, from her Destroyer of Nations, to her God slaying day, all the good and the bad, his tricks and plots, her pain and paybacks.

"I want you as my warrior queen."

"My son is dead you soulless bastard"

"So what are you going to do about it?"

"Just out of curiosity... What would have happened here today if I'd really been asking for your hand in marriage, no strings attached?"

"Guess you'll never know."

She knew if she ever saw him again, if by some miracle he asked she'd say yes, not to save her friend, but to save her heart. Course she'd have to forgive him and he would have to do the same.

"A dagger? You're going to have to do better than that."

"Dagger of Helios, so no, I don't."

"You would condemn the women you love to death?"

"No, but I'd condemn her daughter."

"You're not going to kill me are you."

"Why ever not?"

"Because I love you. Yeah I love you."

"You healed them without my blessing"

"I gave up my immortality to save them."

She had realized he was serious from the time he stalked her in Tartarus, right before her daughter was born, but she didn't understand her own feelings, they had been suppressed for so long. She came awake though, after that day on Olympus, he had given her everything that time, though she still denied him, denied them, still fought herself.

"Xena...is there even a chance we could be together one day? I don't know. Maybe...one in a thousand?"

"More like one in a billion"

"So you're saying there is a chance!"

"It's what I do."

"And I wouldn't have it any other way."

That had been the last time she'd seen him. He'd given a mock bow and disappeared, she knew he took her heart with him. After he'd said it, she understood, finally what he wanted. There was no more Destroyer of Nations, Warrior Queen, bloody bitch, there was only Xena left after that, and that was what he wanted.

She'd gone off to Japa, aware in the back of her mind what was going to happen. She didn't say goodbye. She wondered if he knew she was dead, she wondered if he still cared. Her thoughts traveled back to a green-eyed friend, she had finally passed on the last of her skill, the famous pinch.

"If I only had thirty seconds to live…"

She had lied. His words had come back to her in those moments.

"I'd rather die in your arms, than live a thousand years without you in mine."

That was what she'd wanted, to die in his arms, after she confessed everything. She'd died, as she knew he would have wanted, one against a thousand. She could almost hear his voice whispering praise. She allowed a brief smile, but it was short lived. Akemi approached her from the side and she'd have given anything to be able to throw her chakram once more.

"Xena, enjoying eternity?"

"Akemi, you got everything you ever wanted. What more do you need?"

"Not everything dear Xena, but just about. A certain blonde bard just arrived in Greece. She's staying in some old temple dedicated to Love."

"So?"

"So? Don't you know, the Bard couldn't help but tell a story, and Love took it pretty bad. He's mourning."

"He? There's a Goddess of Love, she's the powerful one," Xena answered. At least, that's where she assumed Gabrielle would go, to Aphrodite, their friend.

"Oh your Love Goddess knows alright, but that's not who I meant. Now I knew you'd fallen for someone of importance, but the God of War? Oh well, maybe he'll have a blood bath in your name," She laughed and strutted off.

"Ares," she whispered, knowing he couldn't hear her, knowing this time he wouldn't come.

The Halls of War looked like a battlefield, courtesy of the War God's rage. Again she was gone, his whole world. When Aphrodite had appeared with the irritating blonde he'd known. The chakram only served as more proof. His heart broke a little more and fire flew from his hands. The two blondes had vanished before they could be destroyed.

He now sat trying to find her. She wasn't in Tartarus; she wasn't with her son in the Elysian Fields, all he could think about was that the foreign Gods must have their own underworld. Aphrodite had already said she wouldn't come back, but this was his princess, she had cheated death before and there was no doubt she would do it again. Unless, he pondered, she has nothing left to live for. Well than Ares, God of War was just going to have to give her something, by force if necessary.

He appeared in the Japa underworld and asked for the God in charge, attempting to play nice before he started blasting fireballs. The God had come to him and tried to talk down to him, but Ares wasn't going to be intimidated. His powers may have been drained, but he was going to fight for her, or join her.

"Greek God of War, you have no place here."

"In fact I do," Ares replied. "There's a soul that belongs in my underworld here and I intend to take her back."

"Ah yes, Greek Warrior Princess. She is serving for her own crimes, crimes that no doubt will outrank your own claims," The foreign God answered.

"Crimes caused by one of your own, a girl named Akemi, I believe she calls herself."

"Akemi has no business in this matter."

"She caused it! She created Yadoshi, not Xena!" Ares exclaimed trying to keep his cool. He was trying to stall now; he was trying to use his bond to find his princess. He felt her faintly, but she seemed to be in pain, the pain caused his focus to shift to her, and not to the battle. The foreign God forced him out of the underworld.

Ares found himself in his destroyed palace, but all he could do was smile. She'd felt his presence, he had to believe that the voice was her's, but of course he couldn't be sure. A burst of pink light broke his trance.

"Bro, I know you're upset but…"

"But what 'Dite? I'm going to get her back. She didn't deserve this," He said quietly, trying to control his anger.

"Totally agree, but you can't fix this. She's theirs now, we have no claim."

"I won't believe it. She's my chosen! She…" He didn't finish as something struck him from behind. Cupid appeared moments later.

"We had to subdue him Mom. I just knocked him out, he'll be okay," The God of Love assured his trembling mother.

"I know Cupie, but this isn't going to stop him."

"He really loves her." Cupid stated deadpan.

"And she loves him, but now, I'm not sure if love is enough. He'll have to settle for loving her ghost, his memories."

Xena felt the tingle down her back, she knew exactly what it was, it was faint, but it made her want to scream for joy. She kept calling to him; kept trying to find him, running in the direction she thought he was in. Than it had stopped, his presence was gone, and she thought for a moment that she'd reached him and called his name once more. She rounded a dark corner only to hear her name.

"Xena will remain here to stand in my place," Akemi's distinct laughter broke through the darkness. Another person, a God most likely was also there, but it wasn't her God.

"Even this God of War won't stand in our way," the other voice replied. Xena backed away slowly. She wasn't going insane. He HAD been there!

Well she wasn't about to be toyed with. If Ares had come for her, she'd find a way back to him. She retreated to a dark cave and began to summon all her energy. She focused on him, ever touch, every fight, every smile, every time he'd held her, using that newfound strength she tried to crossover.

When she opened her eyes, she was pretty sure she'd screwed up. This didn't look like any of Ares' temples or the Halls of War; it looked like a war had swept through, and than she felt it. The deliciously seductive tingle that would usually have her blood racing now continued down her back. She saw him, lounged in his throne, defeated. Not a look or word she would usually associate with him.

"Ares," She called. No response. "Ares!" She said a little louder. Slowly she approached him, trying not to startle him, knowing she might cause some serious damage. "Ares, as your chosen I demand you answer me!" This seemed to get a reaction. He looked up briefly, but did not see her. He could feel her, the bond was back again, still faint, but stronger than before almost like she was right there with him.

"Why am I being tortured like this?" he asked aloud to the room.

"I don't know, but if you don't starting paying me some attention I'm going back to the underworld!" She snapped at him. This time he most definitely heard her and stood from his throne. She was standing there, in the middle of his palace, only twenty feet from him.

"Xena?"

"Yea, you look like you've seen a ghost."

"You're…I mean…" He faded off, not quite believing it, pinching his arm to make sure he was awake.

"Oh you're awake, at least I think you're awake."

"You're dead."

"Yea, well its not fun." He laughed. He couldn't help it; she was standing right there in front of him, as if this was a common day occurrence. He slowly came towards her and reached out for her hand. Surprisingly, it was solid. "Look, I really have no idea how much time I have here, this was sort of a trial, wasn't sure I'd get to you."

"Why Xena?"

"Why? Oh well, you know Akemi was saying some stuff and I…" He grabbed her chin softly and forced her to look at him.

"No, why did you go?" he asked quietly. She just stared at him.

"Didn't Gabrielle…"

"Oh Gabrielle told me some story, and I believe her, but I don't have to like it, or understand it and I want to hear it from you, right now."

"Ares, I can't. I just…look there were a lot of things left unsaid and I…"

"Oh don't you start that line, you are coming back to me, don't think for a moment I'm letting you go without a fight. I already held your dead body twice and I am…"

"Ares, I…this wasn't what was supposed to happen. Akemi, she lied about it all." She finally explained sobs breaking into her speech and tears would have flown from her eyes if she could still cry. He wrapped her in his arms and although she was whole, he felt no warmth. "Ares I came here, because…because I felt your presence. I didn't think it worked that far."

"I don't know how you do that, I still haven't figured it out, but I wasn't that far from you. I went to Japa this morning. Cupid and Aphrodite than proceeded to knock me out when I got back."

"Dite is only…"

"Doing what she thinks is best, yea, yea, Cupid said the same thing, but I'm getting you back, if I have to take on all the Gods of Japa." She smiled at this and pulled away slightly to look into his brown eyes, pools that she could just drown in, this time they held nothing but love, and pain. She stood on her tiptoes for a moment and kissed him just a faint kiss, almost as if she was fading. Which Ares soon realized she was, he broke the kiss quickly. "Xena what's going on?"
"Akemi! She's pulling me back, I don't know how she…forget it, Ares the scroll, I threw it into the Aegean it's in an underwater cave with another scroll find it!"

"Scroll? Xena what scroll?" But it was too late she had faded completely. He cursed loudly and launched him. A scroll? He racked his brain trying to think of what she was talking about. It felt like it was just there, but he couldn't quite grasp it. Well the bard writes all the scrolls, maybe she knows what Xena's talking about. And so he flashed out.

Xena fell backwards on to her butt and looked up to see Akemi laughing evilly. Akemi reached out and backhanded her and it sent her flying. All her strength had been zapped in her contact with Ares and she knew that she wouldn't be getting another chance. Not if Akemi's evil glares were any indication.

"And just who was the little Warrior Princess trying to contact? A knight in shinning flowers? A babbling bard? Hm? Tell me Xena, who was so important?" Xena took pleasure in this, if Akemi didn't know who she'd contacted than it would still be a surprise. One that even Akemi wouldn't be able to avoid.

"No one, just testing out what this spirit thing can do for me." Xena replied indifferently.

"No one? I find that hard to believe. All those people, your horse, your daughter?"

"You leave my daughter out of this, and the horse."

"Your precious Eve is protected, don't you worry. It happened rather suddenly, but its not just her God of Eli, but another force too. A force from Greek itself, but that's very ironic wouldn't you agree? Since it was her fault the Greek Parthenon is gone." Xena didn't rise to bait. She just stared Akemi down until she finally left. Collapsed and exhausted all Xena could do was simple and thank the Gods, one particular War God, that her friends and child were safe.

Gabrielle had gone to Amphipolis, to lay Xena's ashes in the crypt that held her brother and mother. She knew that was what she had wanted. So it was a surprise to her when she and Argo arrived that the God of War was standing there waiting.

"Ares?" She inquired, more than confused with his presence.

"Hey bardie, look I know we don't get along to well…"

"That is an understatement. Look if you want the chakram back you can have it," assuming that this could be the only thing he wanted, some reminder her of his great Warrior Princess.

"No, actually, you can keep it. She would have wanted you to have it. I'm actually here to ask you if you know anything about a scroll?" Ares asked.

"A scroll? You want a scroll about Xena?" Gabrielle questioned in disbelief.

"Not exactly, see Xena said something about a scroll that she threw into the Aegean and…"

"Xena said? You mean you've seen her? Ares, don't you mess with her. She's redeemed herself," the blonde threatened.

"I…I haven't seen her. Look she mentioned something to me the last time I saw her, the thing with Eve and the Amazons, a scroll or something, ringing bells?"

"Did she mention one in particular?"

"She just said that she put it in the caves in the Aegean, and that well you know I'm just interested in what was so important that she had to hide." Ares remarked his voice taking on its sarcastic macho tone. Gabrielle rolled her eyes at this. So far she was surprised that Ares hadn't started a few wars to help him deal, but she knew for a fact that Xena had never gotten rid of any of her scrolls. Although, there was that time, when Joxer was drunk and rambling about…what was it?

"If she really did that, its not one of mine. All of mine are accounted for, well except one."

"Which one?" Ares asked. Gabrielle stared at him. She was trying to figure out his motives, but Ares always had them. The only scroll she could ever remember losing was the one that she had only written a line or two on, the one before she and Hope and fallen into the lava pit. The one that was to explain her deal with Ares, but even if Xena had found that scroll, why would she hide it? She didn't know about all the conditions of the deal.

"It wasn't finished, it just had a few lines on it. Xena was never meant to see it." Gabrielle began.

"Gabrielle, which one?" Ares demanded.

"The one about our deal, the thing with Hope and my…" Ares who had been staring intently started to put the pieces together. If that scroll has the details of Gabrielle's soul, the scroll must have the new contract with Xena's soul! That minx! She did take it!

"Your soul! Thanks Gabrielle." He replied hesitantly than vanished. Gabrielle stared at the space the God of War had just occupied, trying to understand what was so important. If Xena found that scroll, she must have hid it to protect me. Yea that's probably what it was, but than why would Ares want it? Somewhere in the back of her mind, was a scene she'd replayed over and over again, Joxer had been drunk and joking about how Xena would have to be desperate to get marry. Gabrielle couldn't help but wonder just how desperate Xena would have to be to marry the God of War.

Aphrodite was sitting on her throne trying to figure out what her brother wanted with the Blonde bard she called a friend, when he appeared in her palace.

"Aphrodite!"

"Bro, no need to shout, I can hear just fine thank you!" Aphrodite replied. He seems to be in a better mood, maybe he was just reminiscing with Gabby.

"Dite, do you think a marriage in front of the fates, might be enough to get those Japa…"

"Ares! We went through this! Xena is not coming back, I don't know what else to do here. I know you're hurting bro, but this has got to stop. Go start a war or something." Dite exclaimed.

"Dite, just answer the question," Ares growled his voice going low and dangerous.

"Ar, even if it was enough, you and the warrior babe, well unless you did it before she changed sides, there's no…" She stopped noticing that her brother wasn't there anymore. Now where did he go? She looked into her mirror to try and find him, but he was covering his path through the ether and she was just too tired to try and undo it. Not seeing another option she called for her son, who came immediately.

"What's up Mom?"

"Cupie, Ar has lost it! He seems to think that if he marries Xena or something he could get her back! I thought you knocked him out!" Dite complained.

"Look Mom, I did, but he's powerful, maybe it wasn't enough. Where is he know I'll trying again," Cupid replied. The Goddess of Love sighed, and ran a perfectly manicured nail through her beautiful blonde locks.

"That's just the thing Cupie, he's hiding. I can't find him anywhere, but maybe, we should just let him be. I mean its not like he actually married the warrior babe or anything, so he'll eventually give up."

"I didn't think defeat was something War Gods practice," Cupid added quietly. Aphrodite just stared at him and said nothing.

Ares stood along the cliff overlooking the Aegean. He knew there were caves that ran for great distances underneath the rock face, and he was contemplating where to start looking. He remembered that day, another one of his plots to get her back, only this time it had really worked. A marriage in front of the fates, even though she hadn't said 'I do' during the ceremony, he'd gotten her to the altar, and if he ever got her back, he was going to make it real. She out played him; he should have seen it coming. He knew how devoted Xena was to the blonde, and how much it angered her that he'd called in his debt to her.

Gabrielle was the best bargaining chip, if he possessed her, Xena would do almost anything to get her back, including marry him. Course that was before he admitted that he was in love with her. Maybe than he wouldn't have asked to trade, he would have just given Gabrielle back, but no, he had to force her into it. He remembered returning after sharing their kiss, and realizing that the document was gone. He figured he find it later, and use it to do something rather terrible, course than she'd gotten herself crucified and came back as Slayer of the Gods, so he'd forgotten about it. Now he wondered how much of that kiss had been for real and how much was a distraction. It surprised him now to wonder why he'd never expected her to take it, but than again, his princess continually surprised him.

He spread his hand out and let blue lights spring from them. Towards his left he heard the bubbling of water and a blue vase finally emerged from its mist. It hovered in the air and up the cliff side to his outstretched hands. She was smart, she hid it in a place where he would never dream of looking, mainly cause he didn't get along with Poseidon to well, well I just hope this it.

He popped open the cork and reached in.

Gabrielle placed the urn on the shelf of the crypt. Close enough to the other members of the family that she would have been proud. You're home now Xena, no one will disturb you now, she thought. She stared at the small urn, and her hand ran over the sharp edge of the chakram. The mighty Warrior Princess was finally at peace. Gabrielle walked out into the sunlight and headed towards the town. Perhaps someone had taken over the tavern or the town had a new one where she could find a bed and something to eat. A pink flash of light blocked her path.

"Hi Sweet pea," Aphrodite greeted in her sweet musical voice.

"Aphrodite, hello."

"Oh cheer up, you did what she wanted you to do, she'd be happy with you," Dite remarked. Gabrielle sighed.

"I just wish there was something more I could have done."

"Well I wanted to ask you something about my favorite warrior babe, is that okay?" Aphrodite asked. She knew she had to be very careful. Chances were if Xena had been married to her brother, she might not have shared it with her best friend.

"Sure, I'll try to answer."

"Do you know if Xena was married?"

"WHAT? Why would you want to know that? And aren't you the Goddess of Love, wouldn't you know if she were married?" Gabrielle inquired. Aphrodite laughed.

"Well I would, if it was any normal person, but Xena was far from normal."

"Well there was…"

"Yea the mortal I know about him, I meant someone a little more dangerous."

"Like who? She wasn't married to Borias, I don't think she ever got married."

"Are you sure? Cause I mean this could be kinda important," Aphrodite continued. "Cause you know if she were to have been married to you know a God or something…"

"A God? Like who?"

"Um…maybe a God of War," Aphrodite hinted.

"Ares?" Gabrielle laughed. "You're kidding right? I mean yea she may have liked the mortal Ares, but the God Ares, forget it!"

"Maybe she had a tempting offer?"

"I don't think any offer could be that…" Gabrielle drifted off. "Does this have something to do with your brother asking me about a scroll?"

"Um…I knew Ar came to see you, I don't know what he wanted, but sure maybe. Was there something in this scroll about the two of them?"

"Well, no, it was about the whole Dahok thing, and the deal I made with Ares to protect Hope, but I…"

"Hope? You mean when tossed yourself into the lava pit and Xena was convinced you were still alive? That incident?"

"Well yea, I mean I never finished the scroll it was missing, when I met up with Xena again. I never asked her what happened in between. She didn't want to talk about it."

"What about Joxer?"

"What about him?"

"Well was he with Xena during that time…"

"Look Aphrodite, Xena would never under any circumstances marry Ares, especially back than!" Gabrielle snapped, finally losing her patience. Aphrodite sighed; she knew this was going to be tough. It's so hard to convince someone who doesn't want to believe in true love, no matter how wrong it might seem.

"Maybe Gabby, but what do you think she would do to get you back?" Aphrodite vanished in a puff of pink leaving the blonde bard to consider just how well she knew her best friend.

Xena came to in the darkened cave, unaware of how long she'd been out. She found she had been chained to a wall by her wrists and ankles. All she could do was sit, her legs were stiff, and her mood worsened from the faint happiness she had felt. What if he's already come? Not that she thought he would leave without her, but she had been counting on being able to move on her own to go to him. Now he would have no choice but to find her on his own.

She wondered if he was serious about getting her back. He certainly seemed like he was, like his feelings hadn't changed. She sighed replaying their conversation. He'd sounded hurt when she wouldn't tell him why she'd done it. It wasn't his responsibility, it wasn't something he could understand, or could he? She had replayed the mission a thousand times, and still she couldn't find any other way to save the souls. Now she was being selfish wanting to return because the afterlife wasn't what she thought it would be? That hardly seemed right to her, but she tried not to dwell on it. As far as she knew the souls had been freed, and if something happened to hers, well than Akemi would finally get her just desserts.

Trying to force her mind to happier thoughts, she tried to picture Gabrielle and what she might be doing. She was probably still upset. Xena knew Gabrielle wouldn't have agreed to her plan that was why she hadn't said anything. She had to do this, where once she had the call to destroy now it was to save. She had gone into battle full aware of all the consequences. She also knew Gabrielle would not be able to revive her through the Fountain, even if she had thought she wanted to come back. For the first few days after she was dead, she thought she had the right thing, but no longer. She began to realize that because the wrong person had been punished for the crimes, she would suffer eternally till the right person was forced to take responsibility. It hardly seemed fair, but than again, there were always prices to pay.

Even if Ares, couldn't revive her, maybe he could take her back and put her in the Greek underworld, maybe than she could see her son, her brother, and her mother. She would wait the time for her best friend and daughter. Xena smiled at that, Eve, her precious daughter, no matter what anyone thought, Xena was quite certain that had the Gods left well enough alone, they would still be alive. But no, they had to hunt her from the time she was born, and than when she 'reappeared' having done nothing in twenty-five years, they still thought she had to die. Xena could still remember plunging the sword into Athena even after all this time. She wished there had been another way, but it was her or Athena at that point. Now all she wanted was to watch over her daughter, watch her mature but now it seemed that would be taken away to. She hoped Gabrielle would send a message to her. She had the right to know.

When Akemi had brought the news that her daughter was being protected, she wasn't surprised. The second Ares had heard, it was probably what he'd done; well maybe it was after he blew his bedroom to pieces. She laughed quietly, after all these years; she was going to finally get what her heart wanted most. To this day, she wasn't sure why she never went back to him. They had been engaged when she changed her ways, when she broke her own heart, just because she couldn't live with her deeds. In some ways, she wanted to make Hercules suffer for what he'd done to her, she was never truly happy in any of her other relationships, but she was happier with herself. It took her a few decades to finally figure out what she'd known all along, but now she wasn't concerned with what Hercules thought. He only sees in black and white, but there are so many shades of gray. A kick to her stomach broke her trance.

Akemi was standing above her, laughing. She kicked out again and Xena could do nothing but grunt. It was funny, even though she was dead, she could still feel pain. She could still feel in general.

"What's the matter Xena? Not so strong now, are you?" the girl taunted.

"Akemi, don't you have anything better to do?" Xena asked through clenched teeth.

"Why Xena, I'm crushed! You don't want to spend time with me? Well don't worry we've got eternity to rectify that!" Akemi giggled. For some reason she couldn't help but compare her to Discord, she found Discord was ten times better.

Ares finally managed to unravel the scroll. It clearly changed handwritings. There was Gabrielle's fine script at the top and than a botchy strong font for the rest of the scroll. He found that Joxer had written the rest. It was a detailed if not slightly exaggerated account of the events including the wedding of one Warrior Princess and one God of War. As he continued to unroll another scroll was found hidden inside.

The Contract! Ares smiled recognizing his thumbprint and that of his princess' on the bottom. Well this will do, he thought. Surely no one would dispute this, she had given him her soul, no matter what crimes she committed she was his to do with as he pleased. This included getting her out of the hell that was the Japa Underworld. Truly these were not the plans that he had intended when making this contract, in fact now he considered it one of his lowest points, right up there with sending the furies after her and framing her for murder. Yet now he was ecstatic, what had started out as a curse for her was going to save her life. The irony, he smirked and vanished in blue shards of light.

Reappearing in the dreary Japa Underworld, he was again greeted with the same guard. He asked once more to speak with the God in charge. This time immediately trying to reconnect his bond with her and find her. He made a faint connection, just as the guard was returning to lead him somewhere, but he could feel nothing but pain from it. He tried to reach out to her mind, not having tried this for a while he was unsure what he might encounter. He had also never tried it without looking at her; this was certainly a testament to their bond if he could do this.

Ares followed the guard down deeper into the darkness to what looked like an old house. When he walked inside the difference was astounding. It was richly furnished, with rugs, and lovely serving girls. He noticed a girl sitting at the table batting her eyelashes at him. He didn't look twice. He already had his heart's desire, and he wasn't about to screw up any chance he might have with her, and besides, nothing could compare with perfection, and that was what his princess was. He was seated at a table and told the God would be along shortly. In the silence he kept trying to feel out her mind, searching for it and than he heard it.

"Ares?"

She felt the tingle down her back. Fainter than usual, but there was no mistaking it. Her God of War had come for her, and she'd be damned if she wasn't going to help him out at least a little.

"Ares?" She called. There was no response. Chances are, she thought, that he probably has to talk to someone and you know get this whole thing with Akemi out of the way. And than… She felt it. Someone was trying to enter her mind. She immediately began to think of Eve and Gabrielle, hoping that those thoughts might disguise her true ones. And than she heard him:

'I came all the way from Greece to get you out of this dump and your thinking about the irritating blonde.' He was reading her thoughts. Damn bastard, when did I let him do that!

'Ares?'

'Of course Sweet, who'd did you think Apollo?"

'Well I was hoping for Hermes,' she giggled in response.

'What with the winged feet?' She waited patiently and upon getting nothing else, she inquired:

'Ares where are you?'

'Somewhere in the underworld, where are you?'

'Chained to a wall in a cave somewhere,' she thought back with little emotion. She suddenly felt a rage go through her, but realized at once that this was not her feeling it was his.

'Wait till I…"

'Ares let it go, did you find the scroll?' She heard laughter ring through her head.

'Oh I found it alright, you know I'd been wondering where it disappeared to.'

'I'm sorry did you have plans for it?' she thought a little bitterly.

'Hey you can be angry all you want, this thing might actually save you and it also wasn't easy to find. You could have said that the irritating blonde didn't know anything.'

'Oh Ares, you didn't!'

'Hey I didn't know what you were talking about, so I inquired if you'd dumped any of her scrolls into the Aegean and the only one that she couldn't account for was an unfinished one about her deal with me, that's all I needed to jog my memory.'

'You don't remember our wedding?'

'Oh no that I remember it was the part where you tried to kill yourself Sweet. I try not to remember those incidents.'

'I had a good reason.' When no response came she thought for a moment he had abandoned her, that maybe she'd pushed back one to many times. But he's still here.

Ares had not answered her, not only because of the bitterness he felt rising up in him, but because of the appearance of the foreign God. A lot of Gods could read minds and although Ares was skilled in making sure no one could get into his, his powers were depleted and he couldn't risk them finding out he had a connection with her. He kept his temper down with the fact that he could still feel her she wasn't to far away.

"Ares, Greek God of War, you have returned to this land, unwelcome once more," the God began.

"Unwelcome that I may be, I come bearing legal documentation for a soul that is in your possession," Ares replied evenly.

"The Warrior Princess is serving for her crimes."

"Serving for a crime she didn't commit. But that is not the basis of this document. It is a legal agreement. Xena gave her soul to me. It is mine to do with as a I please."

"May we see the document?" Ares handed it over.

"Don't bother trying to destroy, not even your top God can do it. I initiated it, only I can break it."

"That does not give this mortal her free will."

"She made the agreement of her own free will. Ask her if you don't believe me," Ares remarked. A girl walked in silently, coming to stand behind the God. Ares eyed her suspiciously, although she had the body of a child there was something about her, that was distinctly evil, like Hope, he thought.

"Ah Akemi, this is the Greek God of War," the God said. Akemi bowed her head politely.

"And what does this foreign God want, my lord," she inquired. The foreign God showed her the contract. "The Warrior Princess, Xena. Have you informed him that she cannot be taken from this land?"
"It is my understanding, Akemi, that Xena is being punished for a crime she didn't commit," Ares remarked upon hearing the girl. "That document is legal and binding and was made long before Xena was killed here."

"You will not take Xena from me," Akemi snapped angrily. Oh still very much a child indeed, Ares thought.

"My thoughts exactly," He answered. The Japa God watched the exchange silently. The Greek Parthenon although less in numbers now, was certainly not a force to mess with, and this God of War, seemed willing to do anything to get this one soul back. The question is why.

"Not to seem rude, God of War, but I am interested in knowing why you want this one soul back. Surely you have plenty of warriors and heroes alike, why is this one special?" Ares glanced from Akemi to the Japa God, he certainly wasn't going to admit that was madly in love with the Warrior princess, no, he had to keep his cool.

"She's the best. She could have conquered the world, and when she changed her ways she became a great adversary. I take great pleasure in strategy and she is the only one that comes close to my skill. Not only that but she is mine to begin with, I trained her, I own her soul, she belongs to me."

"And that is all?"

"That is all," Ares lied. Akemi laughed at this.

"What makes you think Xena will come back to you?"

"She has no choice, she freely gave up her soul," Ares remarked.

"You do not wish to bring her back to life?" The foreign god inquired.

"I plant to make her immortal, she is to take her rightful place at my side as the Warrior Queen, so it was written, so it will be."

"You plan to turn this weak warrior into a god?" Akemi giggled. "I don't think Xena would agree to this!"

"And since when did you care what Xena agrees to, unless of course it's to save your own tail." Ares answered. "I don't have time for games, I have legal documentation, now I want her soul, or shall I call upon your other gods, surely they will uphold the laws." The foreign God stood.

"I'm afraid War God, that we can only negotiate with the ruler of the Olympian Gods, and since Zeus is dead…"

"Since Zeus is dead, I am the ruler of the Olympian Gods, just because I have not formerly accepted my place, does not mean I shouldn't be treated with the respect."

"Zeus is dead because of this Warrior Princess' child," Akemi added.

"And this has relevance how?" Ares demanded.

"Surely my lord, you would not us risking a Slayer of Gods becoming immortal, she could destroy all the Parthenon's throughout the world," Akemi explained. Damnit, Ares thought. They had to bring that up.

'Had to bring what up?' A voice resounded in his head. He paused a moment.

'Xena?'

'Who did you think? Aphrodite?'

'Say about those God slaying powers?'

'Michael took them away when we went to Rome, to get Aphrodite, remember?' He didn't reply to her, but refocused his attention on the foreign God and Akemi.

"Those powers no longer exist. The Archangel Michael removed them from her, while she was in Rome attempting to save a Greek Goddess I might point out." Ares replied. Akemi's smile fell. The foreign god knowing the War God's patience would soon run out, decided it was best to deal with the situation properly, he could always find another pretty girl.

"Your request is granted. The soul of the Warrior Princess will be returned to you."

"WHAT?" Akemi shouted. "How could do that?"

"He has the right to her soul, Akemi, its time you stood up for your crimes."

"You have no idea what you're messing with! Neither of you do, Xena is mine." And with that she disappeared. Ares didn't wait a moment longer, he quickly focused all his strength into the bond and followed the link.

'Xena, Akemi is coming.' He said to her. She didn't respond. 'Xena you listen to me, what ever she says, don't believe it. The Gods here are letting me take you, don't believe her.'

'Trust, got me into this in the first place you know.'

'I will never understand how you trusted her when you won't ever trust me, but what you don't realize is that you do trust me.'

'Oh do I? I trust you to look out for your possessions.'

'That is Akemi talking and you know it. You trusted me that day on the beach, you trusted me to come and stop you from running yourself through. You trusted me to pull you out of the water when I thought I'd killed you. And you trusted me to come back for you.'

'I know.' And with that she blocked him out. This only caused him to speed up his pace. He'd be damned if he'd come all this way just to loose her forever. That was not a possibility. He pressed his hand against his vest and felt the treat he had for her. She would eat this, she would give another to her best friend, and than she would be his. He replayed their previous conversations, she had told him she was in a cave, and when he rounded the corner and heard the vicious squeal of Akemi he knew he'd found the right one. He was almost mortal, he would barley have enough strength to get her out, if he had to fight Akemi on top of this, and than a pink glow surrounded him. He heard the soft laughter of his sister ring through his head.

'Bro I can't believe you used Gabrielle to get Xena to marry you! But boy am I glad you did! You just get to the warrior babe, I'll make sure you get home!'

'Dite?'

'Duh! Sheesh how many sisters do you still have alive?'

'Only my favorite.'

'Aww, you're sweet, but Bro if you screw this up I am never helping you again. This is my last shot for you two,' and with that her bubbly voice was gone, and the God of War felt rejuvenated as he bolted through the entrance of the cave. Ares came into the cave and took in his bearings. Akemi was standing over a body, a body with raven locks, and Ares felt his breath catch.

"Akemi get away from her," he shouted. The girl stepped back slightly, only to show him the unconscious state of his princess. He wasn't quite sure how a spirit could be unconscious but he also didn't really want to know. "Akemi, she is mine, you tricked her into this and its time for you to pay for your crimes."

"You know War God, I would think you'd be happy. I mean I was the cold-hearted one that you so longed for in a Warrior Queen. Vicious and manipulative, strong and beautiful…"

"True, but you're missing the blue eyes. And see here's the deal Xena is perfection, you're just a second rate copy." Now that got her mad, but it also distracted her enough that she didn't notice Xena's weakened hands grab her ankles and so she fell to the floor. Ares kicked the little bitch and made sure she was far enough away to not interfere with his rescue. Xena could barley move and so he reached down to her and used what little he had of his powers to release the chains. He than leaned down and scooped her up into his arms. This time she wrapped her arms around his neck. He was relieved. To many times it seems he had to hold her lifeless body in his arms.

"What took so long?" she asked. He laughed; this was his princess all right.

"I had to arrange for transportation. Aphrodite!" He called. A pink cloud appeared and encircled them. When Xena could see again they were in a very pink room and there was the love Goddess herself reclining on a divan.

"Warrior Chick!" She squealed. "I'd get up but you know getting you guys from Japa was so not easy!"

"Well thank you Aphrodite, though I suppose now you'll send me to the Underworld here," Xena replied.

"Not on my Godhood." Ares remarked swiftly. Although still a spirit she was in a solid body, her body from her head to her feet and in her worn leathers. She looked up to him from the place in his arms and was surprised at the seriousness and his face.

"Ares, I'm dead in case you hadn't noticed."

"Oh I noticed Princess, but you're not staying dead." He sat her down next to his sister who promptly threw her arms around her. Ares reached behind him, his powers returning and from thin air pulled a golden apple and the contract of her soul. "See I own your soul, now I can break that contract, but I need to have a very good reason to do so."

"Ar…sorry to interrupt your little deal making but this is sooo not the way to go about this." Dite turned to Xena and looked her dead in the eye. "Xena, my brother is in love with you, and you can deny it all you want, but I know you're in love with him. Now I'm going to go see a favorite bard of mine, and when I bring her back, there are going to be no new deals made with soul ownership and such. You're threads have already been so twisted together I'm surprised its taken this long." With that the blonde goddess vanished, only to reappear with the added warning "Oh and by the way, you're both locked in. See ya!" And disappeared again. Ares stood there ready to blow his top and Xena was close to hysterics.

"Well I'm glad you find this amusing."

"You have to admit, she has changed into a more demanding love Goddess," Xena laughed at his expression. She sobered up though as he set the golden apple on the table next to her and joined her on the divan.

"Look Xe, this…"

"What was the new deal you were offering?" Xena asked quietly, calming down.

"I'll destroy it, if you eat the apple," he replied.

"That's it? No strings attached? What about Gabrielle?"

"Oh I suppose I could find an apple for the blonde, but I think Dite actually has that covered, she's been watching over your friend since everything that's happened and this would make it easier."

"And what's in it for you?"

"Still thinking I have a plot."

"I am a bit curious," she replied.

"You usually figure out my plans and foil them." She just laughed a little.

"Well usually you give some hints."

"Well I would have all of eternity to check in on those chances, how are they looking by the way?"

"Well seeing as I'm dead, they're not looking good, but if I were to be alive, I suppose those odds would be more in your favor," she replied. "Maybe one in five million or so." She paused again. "Any other reason?"

"Well I would be able to safely bet on not having to hold your lifeless body anymore. It's getting to be a bit much," he answered quietly.

"And why is that?" She inquired. She'd be damned if she was going to let him wiggle out of this one. If she was going to eat that Apple, than she better have a few reasons to do so. He didn't answer her. He looked down at his hands trying to figure out how to tell her, what he'd only said a few times, and how to make her believe it. As if going all the way to the Japa Underworld to get her was enough. "Ares, why did you come after me?"

"Look I know you don't want to hear this again, and I know you don't think I'm capable of it, but I do…"

"Do what?"

"I love you." He answered. He almost missed her reply.

"I know." She said it so quietly he wasn't sure he heard her, but he looked towards her face. She looked tired, if ghosts could be tired. "Ares, I had a lot of time to think, well I was there. I had time to look at every mistake I ever made, including betraying you in the first place."

"You never…"

"I did, I broke my oath to you, when I switched sides. You had every right to kill me, and you didn't, even when you tried, I don't think you would have done it."

"I know why you had to do it, this is what you were meant to be. The Destroyer of Nations was a phase, for lack of better word, but now I really don't think you were ever meant to be that. Quite honestly I think I like you better this way."

"I know."

"You do?"

"After the whole thing with the Amazons, what you said, that's when I figured it out."

"What did you figure out?"

"Ares, I…I always cared. Even when I had the chance to kill you after Eli's death, I don't think it was just him stopping me, that's why it made everything so much harder. I remember how you were before I switched sides; I do remember everything that happened. Can you…can you bring Argo here?"

"What?" he asked with surprise. That was not what he'd been expecting.

"Can you bring Argo here, or at least her saddlebags, please?" She asked hesitantly. He waved his hand and Argo went to his stables and the leather saddlebags appeared next to her feet. She pointed next to the bag closer to her. "Open that one, there's a small black bag in it."

"You can't…"

"I for what ever reason can't touch things. I couldn't even touch my chakram." She sighed. He did as she'd instructed and found the black bag no problem. "Open it." She said looking away from him. She heard his intake of breath as the item fell out. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him finger the diamond pendant.

"I thought you'd gotten rid of it," he said almost inaudibly. She shook her head.

"I tried, believe me I tried. Especially after the little furies incident, and I thought about putting it with the scroll and sticking it in the Aegean, but I couldn't do that either. I tried to forget about it, I tried to suppress everything."

"Just what were you suppressing?" he asked hesitantly. Trying to believe the sight in front of him.

"You. You see Ares; I wasn't lying when I said you got to me. You did and still do, and…and I…"

"What?"

"I love you too." She replied. The two sat there for the moment and then he pulled her towards him and kissed her forehead.

"I've been waiting for a long time to hear you say that." She pulled back from the embrace.

"But you see Ares, I need to know if this is really worth it. I need to know that you're not going to find some other pretty girl."

"Pretty girl? You're kidding right? Why would I ever want anything else when I have perfection right here?"

"You understand than War God, that there is no forgiveness this time. I will torture you for eternity if you so much as look at another."

"Hey if its means you're going to be here, there won't be a reason, I won't let you go. Not to anyone, do you understand that?" Ares inquired.

"If you're referring to your half brother, stop being jealous. He never had a chance."

"That is not what…"

"And let me guess Discord told you." Xena interrupted.

"Well…I mean that was before I knew about her jealousy," Ares stumbled trying to remember why he'd believed Discord in the first place. Xena leaned into his embrace again.

"I always loved you, and I always will. Everyone else is just going to have to deal with this, but make no mistake War God I am not leading any of your armies, and your wars are going to be having less civilian casualty. Clear?"

"Crystal. So you gonna bite that apple because I'm having trouble remembering what this looked like around your neck." He whispered in her ear.

"I can't…" She faded off he reached over and held it to her lips. She took a breath and got ready to take a bite, when the apple was pulled away.

"Wait."

"What?"

"You might not just become immortal, Xena…the apples are…"

"What do you mean?"

"The apples can sense the missing pieces of Olympus, the apple might use you to…"

"To become a Goddess, well it is better than the Japa underworld and I could see Solan, right?"
"I'll take you to him, we have weekly meetings."

"You do?"

"Yea, I mean he likes to hear about you, and you're my favorite subject so…"

"Did you…"

"No. I checked Elysia and when I saw him and he wasn't with you I knew something was wrong. So we just talked, I was going to tell him the next time," Ares answered.

"Well, than we'll go talk to him later. So can I have the apple now?" He laughed and held it out to her again like she had done for him so many months ago. As she bit down a pink light filled the room followed by a flash of gold. When the light cleared, Ares was holding the apple core and Xena was standing in front of him in a black dress with slits up the slide. She was his perfect companion. As Ares looked around the room he saw Aphrodite standing there with her hand on the bard's shoulder. Gabrielle's jaw was hung open. Xena opened her eyes feeling life and power rush through her veins. She looked towards Ares only to find his gaze had shifted slightly. She glanced over and saw Aphrodite and Gabrielle. Aphrodite broke the silence with a squeal of happiness.

"Warrior Babe! Yes! I knew you two would work it out! You look great and oh is it going be fun having you around!"

"Thank you Dite," the newly formed Goddess replied. "Gabrielle, you look like a fish."

"Xena?" came the faint response.

"Yea, I'm back."

"But I thought…I mean the souls, what about the souls?" She inquired. Ares stood next to his Goddess and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Their taken care of," he replied.

"Ares what did you do to her? She was at peace!" Gabrielle shrieked.

"Gabrielle, stop it!" Xena snapped shutting her friend up. "I was not at peace. I was tricked. It was all Akemi's doing. Ares helped me get out of there, and Dite helped us get home."

"But you're a Goddess, that just doesn't happen on its own." Gabrielle stated.

"No, I ate a golden apple. It was to…"

"Xena how could you! You gave the apples back to Odin, I thought you were over the power trip."

"Wow! Chill out sweet pea," Dite interrupted. "Warrior babe here had to eat the apple or she would have stayed a soul forever. There was no body to put her in, and we can't chance it with the ashes, which are now gone by the way, I made sure there wouldn't be two Xena's wandering around." Xena stared at the once ditzy Love Goddess with a newfound respect.

"I guess I owe you a lot of thanks than Dite," Xena replied leaning in to Ares' chest, in response he wrapped his arm tighter around her. Xena refocused her attention on her best friend. "Gabrielle it was my choice. I knew that there was a chance the apple might turn me into a Goddess, I accepted that. I am not going to be evil again."

"Xena, you can't be serious. I mean Ares…"

"Ares saved your life remember?"

"Well fine, but still I don't trust him. One selfless…"

"Well if you don't trust me than I guess we'll just have to keep you around, make sure I'm not converting Xena, now won't we?" He said nodding to Aphrodite who pulled out another golden apple.

"Are you kidding?" Gabrielle asked. Xena shook her head.

"Gabrielle if you don't believe Ares you can eat the apple and join us here, or not. It's your choice."

"Can I be the Goddess of the Amazons? I mean you know I can do a lot more for them that way I suppose."

"Sure they're all yours," Ares laughed.

"What about Eve?" Gabrielle asked taking the apple from Aphrodite's hand. Ares waved his hand. Eve appeared in blue light.

"Um… how did I get here?" Eve looked around, noticing her mother and Ares she almost laughed and the screamed for joy. "MOTHER! You're alive! I mean Ares said that…"

"Yea I've only been back for a little bit," she replied moving from Ares to hug her daughter.

"And you're a Goddess?" She questioned in disbelief.

"Well yes, but Eve its…"

"No mother, don't you see?"

"See what Evie?"

"This is what you were meant to be!" She exclaimed.

"But you are the messenger of Eli and the God of Love and…" Xena faded off.

"Yes, I am, but I always knew you were meant for more. That's why you were brought back before. This is your final stage. When I die I am to join my other mother Callisto as an Angel. This is to be your final stage so that you won't have to worry about me, than it will be my other mother's turn." Eve explained. Xena just laughed and hugged her daughter. Gabrielle ate the other apple and her clothes changed to an Amazon Queen outfit in the finest leather possible. Cupid appeared in that moment.

"Hey what's going on, I just felt this intense power surge through Olympus."

"Cupie!" Aphrodite giggled. "We've got some new Goddesses, Xena Goddess of Warfare and Strategy, formerly the Warrior Princess and Gabrielle Goddess of the Amazons and Bards, formerly the Battling Bard of Potadia."

"Alright! Xena you're a Goddess, oh wars going to be more fun to watch now." Cupid laughed.

"Just don't hit any of the warriors with arrows and we'll be just fine," Xena warned. "You can also bring Bliss home, I know he's been away since the Twilight."

"Yea, I'll bring him home. He'll like you," Cupid replied and flashed out.

"Well Mom it's been wonderful, do visit me, but I was in the middle of doing some stuff so if you don't mind…" Eve didn't finish her sentence as Ares waved his hand and sent her back to where she'd come from. Aphrodite came up to Gabrielle and grabbed her in a tight hug.

"Come on Amazon Goddess, I'll take you to your quarters and teach some stuff, than you can go check out your girls! Bro, Warrior babe, catch you later. By the way Xe, always loved that diamond!" She giggled and flashed out with Gabrielle. Xena looked down at her neck to see that Ares had put the pendant on her without her noticing. She looked up at him and smiled.

"So, can we go home now?" She asked.

"Oh I think I've had enough pink for one day." He held her tight and they appeared in the destroyed Halls of War.

"Well I guess we should fix this up hm?" He looked at her with a sly smile. She knew what that meant.

"Maybe I should let you do that, I mean let's see I rescued you from Japa Underworld, brought Eve to you, just accepted the fact that the irritating bard will be here for the rest of eternity, and…" she kissed him passionately and his thought process stopped. All he could feel was her lips against his and he crushed her into him. He never ever wanted to let her go. When they finally broke off he held her close. "On second thought, I could do most of it."

"Much better answer," she replied. He smiled at her and even though she was a Goddess and completely in control she felt her knees weaken and her heart race. He waved his hands and the room appeared in tact, but it had been changed from his usual bachelor pad, and more suited for both of them. He picked her up again, taking pleasure in her warmth.

"You know, eternity is not looking so bad anymore," he laughed. She smiled up at him and tilted her head up to catch his lips once more. They were interrupted by flower petals and green leaves and green leaves swirling around them.

"Hiya!"

"Dite!" they both whined.

"Sorry, sorry, look Gabby and I just got back. We wanted to know if you guys wanted to get his whole I do thing over with?" Dite inquired. Xena looked up at Ares and nodded slightly. "Great so, just stand next to each other. CUPIE! Mommy needs you!" In a flash of gold Cupid was standing there looking a bit worried.

"Yes?"

"I need you to witness this for your Uncle and Gabby you witness for Xe. So let's just cut to the chase I know you two went over this. Since the fates are like no more, I have all that binding power they had, it was a nice transfer actually, but anyway this works the same way as a marriage in front of the Fates. So Ares God of War, do you take Xena, Goddess of War and Strategy formerly Warrior Princess of Amphipolis, to be your wife, Goddess, and Queen for the rest of eternity?"

"I do."

"And Xena, Goddess of War and Strategy former Warrior Princess, do you take Ares, the God of War and new ruler of Olympus, to be your husband, God, and King for the rest of eternity?"

"I do."

"I Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, do hereby bind your threads of fate together. To betray your spouse is to betray yourself, always love and cherish what you two have. Do you Cupid, God of Love on Olympus witness this union?"

"I Cupid, God of Love do witness."

"And Gabrielle, Goddess of the Amazons and Bards, former Bard of Potadia do you also witness this union?"

"I Gabrielle, Goddess of the Amazons and Bards, former Bard of Potadia do witness."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife, God and Goddess, King and Queen. You may kiss the bride." Ares did so at once. Aphrodite was so high she set off bursts of flower petals from her hands. Xena and Ares laughed as Dite was taken by Gabrielle and Cupid and flashed out. Love was certainly in the air that day.

"So I finally got you as my wife, Queen, and Goddess, and this time I didn't even try to plot it."

"Isn't it amazing what a little honesty gets you? Well I finally got you as my husband, a few decades later than originally planned but hey, now we have all the time in the world. So what do you want to do first?" Before Ares could respond Gabrielle flashed in. Ares just grumbled something about irritating blondes.

"Xena before I forget, I think you should take this back," Gabrielle said holding out her chakram.

"Gabrielle I…"

"It's yours Xena, it was the signature weapon of the Warrior Princess, it befits the Goddess of War, don't you think Ares?" Gabrielle inquired. He nodded surprised that the bard had asked his opinion. Gabrielle held it out to her friend who picked it up and surprised them by throwing. It ricochets off the walls and came flying back to her, her hand caught it.

"Oh yea, thanks Gabrielle." Xena replied flipping the chakram up and letting it catch on her hip. Gabrielle merely nodded and flashed back out. "So…about doing something?"

"Oh I don't know, thought maybe we could practice, you know, want make sure your still in shape after being dead and all." He remarked in his usual cocky tone. Happy to see that her God was finally back to his normal self, she pulled a sword from her behind her back and lunged. He quickly defended himself with his blade and so it began. The two parried each other throughout the Halls of War all the while exchanging comments and remarks. Ares who had been used to going a little easy on Xena when she was mortal soon found out that being mortal was the only thing that had kept her from defeating him, and now that she was a Goddess, he'd have to outsmart. Course he would have to stop being distracted by her blue orbs shinning back. Noticing that she was distracting him she managed to get in and knock the sword out of his hand. He had never been disarmed before. Not even another war good had managed that one. There was a reason she was his Chosen. She did forget about his strength, in general he was stronger and so he did manage to disarm her pretty quickly. She took out his legs and fell on top of him trying to pin him down. He used his strength and flipped them so that she was under him and he quickly grabbed her wrists.

She was drowning in the brown pools that were his eyes and was highly aware of his body on top of hers. She couldn't think of anywhere she'd rather be. She tried to roll them back over but he was just that much stronger, so it was surprise when she found herself on top of him. She looked down at his eyes that tried to cover up the mischief with a look of innocence. She laughed, and he was pretty sure he was in Elysia.

"So do you admit defeat?" She inquired.

"How about a truce?"

"I can live with that," she replied leaning down to kiss him. He pulled her face closer to his and held her tightly. "You know I think we may need to move," she said against his lips.

"Hm…well you can do that."

"Hm? I can, can't I? And if we end up in India?"

"I hear they have nice beaches." She laughed at him and thought long and hard about where she wanted to go and suddenly she found herself lying on the big bed with the satin black sheets and him right next to her. "Good job," he whispered in her ear.

"I had a good teacher." She remarked. She leaned up to kiss him once more and although she wanted more, she drained. The whole dying thing was really tiring her out. He felt her strength slowly zapping. He figured she'd be tired for a while and so with a thought she was dressed in a silk nightgown and he in silk baggy pants. She smiled at this and curled up against his him pillowing her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. Yep this is Elysia.