Introduction and disclaimer:

This fanfic which will take up several chapters is set after the events of Xena, Warrior Princess episode Old Ares Had a Farm, where Xena and Gabriele are riding off leaving a mortal God of War to fend for himself. There are lessons to be learned and well, lets see how well Ares can learn them. This story does contain spoilers from the show and a bit of a twist diverting from the time line established in the remaining shows of the final season. The question stands - what happens when the former god of war faces mortality and the challenges of a lifetime - namely through a new warrior?

I do not own any of the characters featured in Xena Warrior Princess or Hercules the Legendary Journeys. I wrote this story in honor of Kevin Smith who played Ares and was my favorite character on the two shows. He is sorely missed and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him. May his spirit live on through many happy memories.

Peace to you, mate!

I. Leaving the Farm

As Xena and Gabriele rode away from the little farm house, Ares stood on the front porch watching them get further away with each stride their horses took. There was a definite sadness that washed over his strong chiseled features that caught Gabriele off guard. She couldn't help but keep watch over her shoulder as they continued down the long dirt path. Many questions circulated in her mind wondering where life would now take the former war god. Would he manage on his own? Would he stay safe at the old farm house? Would he adjust to life as a mortal while facing the challenges mortals dealt with on a daily basis? The Battling Bard, as Ares liked to call her, began to feel deeply concerned for she always had an incredibly compassionate heart and it didn't take much to wonder if Ares and rural life truly mix. Or, was this a recipe for disaster? Questions sprouted as Xena asked Argo II to pick up the pace.

"Don't you think we are leaving a little too soon?" Gabriele asked. "I think we should stick around a bit longer - make sure he's got this farmer thing down."

A bit stunned with Gabrielle's change of heart and obvious regret in her voice, Xena said "Why are you so worried? He's a big boy. He'll figure it out."

"Xena, do we really need to leave now? Can't we stay a bit longer?" Gabs questioned while prying into her friend's heart.

"I thought you'd be happy to go. Time to get back to what we are good at - helping people."

Gabrielle wouldn't relent. Something had taken over and the Battling Bard wouldn't let up. Leaving Ares behind and vulnerable had her feeling bad. He'd be alone having to learn to take care of himself and stay safe. This left an unsettling feeling deep inside her and she couldn't completely understand why Xena wasn't feeling the same. After all, Xena and Ares had such history together and Gabrielle really thought the feelings were mutual and ran deeper than just two people - one mortal and one formerly immortal - who spent their lives battling each other while in their own ways wanting to be together.

"Xena, aren't you leaving Ares a little too hopeful in promising him our return to visit and check up on him? I mean, you did lead him to believe you cared about him."

Now Xena was becoming rather annoyed. "What is it with you and all the questions? You're making me think you are actually worried about him," Xena stated.

"I am worried about him and I guess I don't understand why you aren't. I mean, after all, he's lost his godhood, which he gave up for you, he's professed his love for you, he's going to live on a farm doing tasks he's never had to do before - as a mortal - and he's going to be spending a lot of time thinking about you coming back to visit. It's a lot to ask of Ares. Besides, I guess I'm thinking of how big a part he's played in both our lives. It's strange. I do feel sorry for him and I'm worried about him making this adjustment all alone."

The Warrior Princess couldn't agree more. However, she knew Ares was smart and would figure things out by himself. He was a survivor - it had been bred into him as an Olympian god. But what did the gods know of mortal life? She tried to shake the thoughts out of her head. Ares would manage, she told herself inwardly not wanting to feel any concern. Damn it, Gabriele! Yes, Ares and Xena shared a long history together and yes, the former god did declare his love for her. But Ares was Ares - always manipulating to get what he wanted and no matter what, Xena would always have trouble truly trusting him. Xena forced herself to keep that in mind. Yet, the question popped into her head. Could the God of War truly feel love when his whole existence revolved around hatred, cruelty, and violence?

He'd be fine, she again thought. They had set him up in a far off location and all he had to do was stay out of trouble. Yes, that would be the challenge, but Xena had faith in the former war god that he'd handle everything else quite fine and she need not be concerned with him any longer.

"I know you won't admit it, but I do think you love him and you're dangling it in front of him like a carrot before a hungry horse. He's been so entwined in our lives I feel like we are abandoning him. Haven't you even thought about the fact that he did say with all honesty that he loves you?" Gabriele pried deeply.

"Ares wouldn't know real love if it bit him on his ass. Besides, you know best of all he shows a moment of temporary sanity and then he's right back to his old selfish self. Gabriele, I thought you knew all of this concerning him."

"I know what he's done to you. I know what he's done to me and a whole lot of people. But that was Ares the God of War. Now, we are talking of a man faced with his own mortality. You really don't care that he gave it all up for you?"

Xena bit down on her lower lip unsure exactly how to respond. "Gabriele, Ares needs time to really consider his place in the world as it is now. The Olympians are finished whether they realize it or not. I could almost guarantee that if he got his godhood back, he'd be looking for the fastest way to rule the world because he wouldn't have any competition from the other gods."

"No thanks to you killing some of them," Gabriele quickly replied with an iciness in her voice. "And maybe Ares wouldn't. Aren't you willing to give him a chance to prove himself?"

"Why should I? He's muddled in my life long enough, Gabriele."

"And despite it all, you keep him on short leash whether or not you realize it. Xena, why promise a visit and get his hopes up if you really don't care?"

Here, the Warrior Princess knew her friend had seen more than she wished to admit. Yes, Ares was left with one final wish and would it be right to betray him at this point in time when he really needed her the most? But he needed no one. That much he made clear throughout her entire life. If he didn't get what he wanted, he carried out threats or moved on - and quickly.

"Oh Xena, think about it. He's tall, dark, unbelievably handsome. Yeah, he's had his share of women but he's pined and raged for the one who stays at arm's length - you. And no matter what he's done to you, part of me thinks you like the idea of him hanging on with even the slightest thread of hope that he'll win you over."

"Alright, enough of this chatter. You'll always be the hopeless romantic, and let me say this as clearly as possible - there will never be an Ares and me. He is and will always be bad for me. That much I will not get over. However, the world unfortunately does need him to survive and that I have tried to make happen. The rest is up to him."

Feeling the heat of her reply, Gabriele thought she should conclude the conversation, however she also knew her friend too well. This was far from over.

"Well, maybe he'll get on fine with Greba just over the hill."

"Don't play the jealousy card, Gabriele. It won't work," Xena replied quickly. Seeing the look of worry on her friend's face, she added "If it bothers you so much, I'll keep to my promise and we'll come back after we take care of our business."

"I'm glad you still have a soft side to your heart, Xena," Gabriele said with a smile, and with that, the pair rode off without further discussion.

Author's Note: feel free to send me feedback. I have several more chapters to this story that I'm working on.