DISCLIMER: IN LIFE I OWN NOTHING…. IN MY DREAMS ARES IS MINE
What if someone warned Ares that he would one day lose Xena back when they first met, and they made him realize his feelings for her? This is an AU story kind of set during Young Hercules…. Ares and Xena Forever
What Could Have Been
Chapter 11
It was just past mid-day before Ares made it back to the Halls of War. He was so tired of these useless Generals he used to make up his army. While they were still the top warriors in Greace they were always useless when it came to planning or thinking quick.
The patteren was always the same, great warrior proves himself to the war god. war god allows him to use his name in battle, they call on him for help when things get tough and follow everything he says no matter what changes during the battle.
Than they were always asking for proof to show their men that he was on their side. If they wouldn't keep them men in line without the God of War behind them than they had no right being a leader.
A small part of him feared that Xena would also fall into the trend of relying on him more than her own mind and skill.
A larger part of himself laughted loudly at the small voice inside him for underestimating his chosen in such a way . For the short time that they have been together, Xena has not cowered, or bowed before any of the God that have been in her near her. In fact she stood up to them as if they were nothing but bullies that needed to be put in the place.
Also she did not take kindly to him telling her what to do. He knew that he would get one hell of ear full from Xena if he ever should tell her how to run her future army. The War God also knew she would never ask for a sign that he was on her side. First it would hurt her pride to much having to ask for such a thing from him. Second should any of her men ever become brave enough to question her to would love to watch the beating she would give them.
Deciding he had spent enough time dwelling on his thoughts and cooling off his anger he went to seek out his chosen.
From their bond he could tell she was still in the same room he had left her in. As Ares approached the door leading to his personal library he hears a high pitched laugh that he knew did not belong to Xena.
He rushed into the room and the sight that greeted him was not what he was expecting. His sister was sitting on a pink fluffy throne like chair that clearly was out of place in the dark room, as his chosen sat on a normal chair looking at the Love Goddess with a clearly amused expression.
"Why do I get a feeling I have missed something" he said as both women turned to look at him.
"Well hey there big bro. We were just having some girl time." Aphrodite said as she stood up to give Ares a hug, which he did not return as usual. Even though she was the only member of his family he could stand it was rare he shows any affection towards her outside of being polite.
He was also confused on how his sister managed to get into the Halls of War without him knowing. "How did you get in here?" he asked getting straight to the point.
The Goddess could tell from her that while he was not mad at her he was not happy she was here, she took a step back from him and put a hand on her hip. "Remember you gave me a free pass to enter because got you got tired of me knocking"
He had completely forgotten about that since it had been centuries. He knew Strife and Discord had the same access but he had limited them so they could only access the main chamber without his permission, but he didn't put the same limit on Dite the only place she couldn't enter was his bed chamber.
He looked passed his sister at Xena. Forgetting things like that could easily get her killed. While he knew Dite would never hurt her it was possible for a God to sneak in when some one entered. It was how Artemis got in with Strife and Discord. He would have to make some changed to the security if he was going to be leaving Xena surrounded by enemies.
Xena was staring at them amusement still clean on her face. Ares raised an eyebrow at her in question. She just shrugged her shoulders and shook her head in response.
Xena could see Ares tense posture and wondered what was the cause. It was easy to see he was surprised to see her and Aphrodite sitting together.
She knew Ares did not trust other Gods around her, and from the what she has seen from the interaction between Ares and other Gods, what he has told her and the rumors that dite just told her that were flowing around Olympus she could understand why. Ares was not a favorite among the Gods it made sense his chosen would also be hated.
She remembered Ares telling her when he came back angry from seeing some of his family that she was the talk of Olympus but she thought he was exaggerating. She thought Gods would have better things to do than talk about a mortal.
Some of the rumors Aphrodite had told her were very funny others made her feel very angry. They seemed to range from her being fake, that Ares was jealous of others chosens, or she was an innocent child that the evil war God had decided to corrupt and was forced to become his Chosen.
The last rumor pissed her off the most. How dare they talk about what they know nothing about? How dare they underestimate her and assume this whole thing is some kind of joke. This was no joke to her and she believed her job also took this seriously.
Fortunately for her it was hard to get mad around the bubbly Goddess. Normally Xena avoided being around people like Aphrodite as if they had some unknown disease, but she found the Love Goddess company enjoyable.
Aphrodite caught the silent conversation between her brother and his chosen. She knew he would not have approved her visiting his chosen with out his permission, but she couldn't resist officially meeting the only women who captured the Great War God's instrest outside of being his sex toy. "Well I have to go now. I have a hot man with magical fingers waiting for me. Tootles." and with a gold and pink glow she was gone.
Once his sister was gone Ares gave Xena a questioning look asking her what that was all about.
" You have an intrusting sister" Xena said in reply to to Ares look. "She sure does love her gossip" giving Ares a small smile.
Ares took Xena's good moos as a sign that at least Dite didn't upset her. "Dite always loved getting into everyone else's business, but she's smarter than most give her credit for. Hard to plan something against someone who talks to everyone"
Xena raised an eyebrow at Ares. She still found it odd that of all the Gods on Olympus the one that was closest to the God of War was the Goddess of Love.
She could see Ares logic behind Aphrodite's love of gossip, but from just talking to her that it wasn't the only reason.
"So what did you ladies talk about" Ares asked curious. He changed Dits's pink chair back into its original for and mimicked Xena's position with his feet on the table.
Xena paused and wondered how much she would tell him. She knew that some of the rumors were going to anger him, but it was probably better he hear it from her instead of him getting into trouble for blasting another God, if he didn't already know.
"Mostly the different rumors going on about me. I guess I should feel flattered that so many God s's' are talking about me. " She joked not wanting things to become tense.
Ares was not sure whether he should be mad at his sister thank her " I see" he said his tone emotionless" What rumors did she tell you about"
He knew that many were talking about his Chosen but he has yet had a chance to hear what was being said. ...Or tell them to shut up before they get hurt.
" From what Aphrodite told me you Gods have quite an imagination. There's everything from you just wanting to get out of trouble for having a mortal here to making me your chosen as a deal with one of your generals. There's was even one about me being some ugly barbarian women." she let out a laugh as she finished talking.
"We will have to think of a way to put a end to these pathetic rumors as soon as possible." he replied in a very serious tone.
"There not so serious. None of them are even close to the truth and what do I care what a bunch of gossiping say about me. " She replied.
A smirk went across Ares face. There were definably not many mortals that would dare to insult the Gods never mind calling them 'a bunch of gossiping idiots'... Not sane ones anyway. He loved she had no fear of the Gods but he needed her to be watch full of them.
With a heavy sigh he started to explain one of the reasons that it was so important they ended these rumors as soon as possible. " Xena it is dangerous if they do not believe you are my chosen. I have many enemies, there's barley a God on this mountain that I have not pissed off one way or another. It only takes one of them who does not think the Chosen protection order does not apply to you, and tries to use you to get back at me."
Ares could understand why his other self would hid Xena in this kind of situation. When he heard that rumors had started already about Xena his first instinct was to his her. Along with throwing a couple fireballs at some members of his family.
Xena's eyes widen at Ares words. She did not think of that and she cursed herself for being so stupid. She gave a quick nod of understanding to Ares. "What do u think would be the best course of action" she asked him. She knew Ares would have more knowledge what to do, but that did not mean she wanted to give him complete control. If this was going to work they had to be partners.
While her posture was calm and relaxed, Ares did not miss her eyes hardening slightly. He was not sure if it was because of the potential threat or she was expecting him to something to really anger her. He understood the wording of her question perfectly and knew she was expecting him to say leave it all to him or something else like that. Well she was in for a surprise " I think we should make some sort of public announcement at one of the many parties they throw. While I normally avoid them it is probably the best and the quickest way to get the message out there."
Xena simply nodded her head again. She could see the logic in this plan and was very pleased that he wasn't just planning on hiding her away and threatening them all away from her. " When id the next party" she asked.
Ares snorted at her question. " I'll have to ask Dite since I don't bother even to learn when they are, but I'm sure we won't have to wait ling. Most Gods or Goddesses spend more time celebrating themselves than mortals do celebrating them.
Xena gave a disgusted look at the arrogant picture he had painted in her mind. While Xena had never truly feared the Gods of Olympus. If they wanted her dead that was the end no matter how much of a fight she was planning on putting up. She always did respect and the jobs they did to manage the mortal would. A respect that was quickly depleting.
She remembered back to when she was a child. Her and her brother had been very young when their father had gone off to fight and their mother had sent them to love at their grandparent's house so she could run the tavern.
It was a small farm cottage away from any other village or town. To Xena it was a magical place where anything was possible. She loved to explore the surrounding woods, but her favorite part of all was the stories.
Every night before bed, her grandmother would sit in her old rocking chair and tell them stories about the Olympian Gods. While some showed how cruel the Gods could be many were just about why they do certain jobs, how they came to be, and how they work to make life better which is why mortals thank them with offerings. Part of her hoped Ares was exaggerating due to his hatred of his family, but from the things that she had seen and heard since being on Olympus she was beginning to doubt it.
Ares could see through Xena's expression that his words had made an impact on her, but he still could see no fear, only anger and determination. Ares reached and brushed a stray hair from Xena's face " What is going through your head princess"
Xena raised her eyes to meet his. The fire in her eyes took his breath away. "It's head when you find out that the beings you, your family, friends, everyone works so hard to worship are not much more than selfish, arrogant, power hunger creatures. I don't know any other than you, your flunkies and Aphrodite, bit if my impression of them is true than expect for their powers I don't see how they differ form mortals" Xena ranted than quickly looked away hoping she didn't insult Ares.
Ares could see that this was really bothering Xena. He knew if he just changed the subject these thoughts would still pelage her mind. While normally he didn't defend his family he decided to explain how some things works. Ares gently cupped her chin and brought her face back so he could meet her eyes. "Over time the Gods have become more arrogant. Some Gods like Aphrodite, their simple existence does their job for them, without her there would be no love in the world. Others like Uncle Hades and I have to work hard in order to keep our domains running smoothly. For the rest just doing little things here and there works for them, and they spend the rest of their time doing what they wish. There is not a God on this mountain who does not see mortals as creatures below us."
"Even you" Xena, asked staring her God down.
Ares was about to be caught in that word trap " Yes even me" Xena expression turned into rage and was about to interrupt till Ares kept talking " Accept for you. Xena I have never met a mortal that had no fear in them. I can not respect someone that starts to quake in their boots as soon as I walk in the room."
Xena stayed quite for a moment working over Ares words. Finally after what seemed like forever to Ares Xena finally relaxed into her chair. The room remained quite for a moment longer till Xena spoke " So feel like training" She said with a bright smile
Ares smiled back at her happy that he wasn't in the doghouse for his comments, but he knew the question that was going through both of their minds. In the future when they begin to reshape the world, bringing peace through Xena's rule, what are they going to do about his family?
I know not a lot exciting happens in this chapter. I am setting things up for the future. More fun stuff next Friday. Reviews please let me know what you thing and suggestions are welcome.
xentrya- I'm so sorry I was gone for so long. Thank you so much for my only review.
