The first week took some adjusting, to say the least. Xena was taken back to Ares' temple, after a promise from Zeus and Athena that they would be watching over her to make sure she was playing the part of "the good little Chosen" to perfection.

Well, Xena had never promised anything. It was a deal Ares made, perhaps even on her behalf, but without her consent. She knew he was only trying to save her, and that she wouldn't have a head should she try anything, but still, all of this seemed a win-win for the God of War.

He had Xena wrapped around his finger, and even if he didn't plan to use his new-found hold on her against her, Xena wouldn't bet that, once again, he would be selfish when it came to her.

The first day came with new rules. Xena couldn't leave the temple, not without Ares' consent. She also couldn't fight back. One wrong action and the Gods would have her head. And his as well, perhaps. It was Ares who insisted, after all, that Xena could obey the Gods.

That morning Ares had dressed her exactly the way he wanted, in a short, forest-green, battle-dress. She wasn't given back her old armor, her sword, or even her chakram.

"That was a gift, Ares."

She had insisted, the memory of him giving it to her for her birthday still fresh in her mind.

"Wouldn't want to tempt you to take another swipe at me, now, would I, Princess?"

He said, and Xena shot back,

"I could kill you right now with my bare-hands. No need for a weapon."

The God of War chucked.

"Careful, Xe. As much as I admire your...spirit... I can't place you in such a...compromising...position. At least, not that type anyway."

He flashed a grin, and it didn't disappear even after Xena glared.

"You mean you can't place yourself in that type of position. What are you afraid of, Ares?"

She asked, raising a brow and lifting her breakfast knife at him threateningly.

"Me? Oh, nothing. You on the hand, my beautiful, gorgeous Chosen, oh, you, have found yourself in quite the..predicament."

"And let me guess? The only one who can save me is you?"

Xena asked, going back to her plate of food.

"Hmmm let me see, I could do something on the matter. But that kind of spoils my fun. No, see, I kinda like you right now. Played completely into my hand, tied at the end of a string. Everything mine for the taking."

His fingers started to walk up Xena's arm, but she flimched away, all earlier playfulness gone.

"You son of a Bacchae! I knew you would do this! I thought you would try to help me, no strings attached. Well, just as always, you were selfish. You were selfish, with me, Ares."

"Is that really the way you want to do this? I wouldn't have to make you do anything, Xena, if only you weren't so Gods damned stubborn!"

"And yet you are going to force me to do your will. Aren't you, Ares?"

He didn't respond, not looking into her eyes.

"Aren't you, Ares?"

She spat once more, and his gaze finally met hers.

"You'll die if I don't. The Gods will figure out—"

"That's an excuse and you know it."

Xena said, sharply.

"Fine. Maybe it is. Maybe I enjoy having you like this. Like a little doll for me to play with. Is that what you want to hear Xena. Huh?!"

Ares finally yelled, a flash of something coming over his dark eyes.

"Fine. If this is the way you are going to do this Ares, then so be it."

"Oh, and I can assure you, Xena, I'm going to enjoy every minute of it."

And with that he left, storming out the door and leaving Xena with what was left of breakfast. She had suddenly lost her appetite.

Xxxxxxxxx

He had left her alone for the rest of the day. After their argument, Xena had been left to wander the temple. No one would talk to her, the priestesses were all too scared of her reputation.

She had worked so hard to redeem herself, traveling alongside Gabrielle to clear her name, and if Ares commanded Xena to lead his armies again, she would rather die. He knew that she had abandoned her old life; knew about the nightmares of her past misdeeds. And yet she didn't doubt that he would use his new-found power against her. He had practically promised to use it against her. All Xena knew was that if it came down to it, she would throw herself on her sword rather than become the monster she used to be.

Xxxxxxxx

The second day had seen no Ares, and Xena, despite herself, found that she missed his company. He probably wouldn't be able to stay away for too long; he never could.

The third day was the worst. Ares had returned, he had dragged Xena out of bed in the early morning, his "hurt feelings" from their fight seemingly hidden away. He had dressed Xena in all black, in what was probably the most scandalous dress he had picked yet. The others had all been battle dresses. This one was not. It was made of fine lace, low cut and tight, flowing down to her ankles. Xena had started to braid her hair when Ares said,

"Leave it down."

He offered no farther explaination, and simply took her hand and pulled her into the aether in a brilliant flash of light.

They appeared by a road, where sunshine filled the trees. The fresh air filled her lungs, but Xena wouldn't allow herself to enjoy it.

"Where are we? Ares?"

She asked after he didn't appear to be paying attention to her. He was peering down the road, and shuffled himself and Xena into the tree-line when a figure came down the dirt- path.

It was a woman, riding a golden horse.

"Gabrielle."

Xena whispered to herself, and she saw Ares' full attention was on her now. He leaned down close to her ear. He started twirling a strand of her onyx hair.

"Please, Ares, don't involve her in this. Don't use her against me!"

Xena nearly begged him, but all the War God did was hush her.

"She's looking for you."

Ares said,

"I've watched her since your trial. She's been all over Greece."

Xena didn't like where this was going.

"I'll go back with you, Ares, just don't make me do something you'll regret. I won't hurt her. Just let me go and say goodbye, and then I'm all yours."

Her eyes brimmed with water.

"No."

He said, and Xena grabbed his arm.

"No? I'm giving you everything you've ever wanted."

"You can't give me what you already have. No, no, a goodbye isn't gonna cut it. Tell her."

Xena raised a brow at him, she was refusing to let a tear fall.

"Tell the annoying blonde you're mine. Tell her that for the rest of your life, you'll belong to me."

He seemed dead serious.

"That's cruel, Ares. Don't tell me you're so jealous. Let me tell her I'm on a mission or something, I'll make it good, please—"

"I could make it worse. I could command you to draw your sword, rough her up a little bit—"

"Fine."

Xena growled, and exited the tree line, leaving Ares to stand and watch. She didn't even want him to toy with the idea of harming Gabrielle. She imagined he had masked himself from Gabrielle's eyes.

Xena ran onto the road, where Argo stopped in front of her.

"Xena!"

Gabrielle yelled, cheerfully, as she jumped down from the horse and embraced her friend in a hug.

"Oh Xena, I've looked all over Greece for you. I thought I'd never see you again, I thought—"

"Shh. Shh. It's alright, Gabrielle."

Xena comforted her friend, patting her golden hair. When she finally released the girl she pet Argo, who neighed in appreciation.

"Where have you been? And why are you dressed like that?"

She asked, green eyes flickering in the sunlight.

"It's a long story, my friend, and I'm afraid I don't have much time."

"Xena? What's going on?"

She asked in a small voice, clearly afraid of the answer.

"It's Ares, Gabrielle. I can't explain why, but I have to stay with him. At least for some time."

"Xena, I don't understand. Is Ares black-mailing you, is it a spell or—"

"I can't say. Just know that I love you; you're my best friend and you always will be, no matter if our travels together have ended or not. Now, there's something I need you to do for me. Go back to Potedia, you'll be safe there until I can come back for you."

"What? No! Xena I'll find you, I'll help you get away from him."

She insisted.

"No, Gabrielle. You'll only get yourself killed. Let me handle Ares."

"Xena, I cant leave you. Not with him."

The bard almost whispered.

"I'll be fine, Gabrielle. Just so long as I know you're safe."

She hugged her fiend once more, and from the corner of her eye Xena saw a flash of blue.

No, no, I was just leaving, she thought, pulling away from her friend.

"Ares."

Gabrielle growled. Xena's brow furrowed.

"You can't do this to Xena, you can't—"

"Oh, Gabrielle, but I can. Xena isn't your concern anymore."

Ares pulled Xena to his side, one arm wrapped around her.

"You'll never get away with this! Xena will stop you!"

The bard shouted, raising her staff.

"You heard her, Xena, stop me."

Ares dared her, knowing she couldn't do anything to stop him. He held her chin as he brought his lips to hers in a possessive kiss. He was putting on a show; staking his claim.

"That's what I thought."

He said as he pulled away, taking in the shocked look on Gabrielle's face and the sorrowful one on Xena's.

Xena looked down in shame, not wanting to meet her friends' eyes, before she and Ares disappeared from the scene.

Let me know what you think will happen next! Love your comments and reviews, Thankyou!