Xena drew her sword and swung it left and right quickly before examining it closely. She closed her eyes for a moment as her long black hair rustled in the wind, waving about gently. She felt the breeze gently brush across her face and body allowing it to calm and relax her. Crashing waves could be heard in the near distance and as she opened her eyes, she could see a bright blue sky with some clouds covering the sun, and a gorgeous ocean as blue as crystals. The clouds separated revealing the sun and reflections began shimmering off the water. The mountainous cliff region was peaceful and tranquil to her soul. She often came to places like this to gather herself and spend time alone to think and reflect.

A shimmer of blue light flashed behind Xena, a light that transformed into a man. A man with dark hair, dark eyes, and a goatee. A man who was wearing fitted pristine leather. He seemed to glow immensely and was completely captivating.

Xena staring out into the ocean could hear footsteps approaching from behind her. She clenched her hand around her sword ready to strike in a moment's notice.

She heard the footsteps get closer to her.

Xena leaped into the air and did a backflip, flipping over and behind the man. "Can't a girl just get some peace?" She said after she landed staring at a man she never met before.

The man startled, quickly turned to greet her with a smile.

"Oh, this is gonna be good... Just keeping you on your toes." He said, drawing his sword.

"Who are you?" Xena asked

"You don't know who I am? I'm insulted. You'll know who I am soon... En..." He said before being interrupted.

"Sorry, I don't really care." Xena said jerking her sword at the man. The man dodged it. She then swung her sword at his head, and the man dodged it again. The man smiled devilishly. She swung again but this time the man caught it in his hands.

Xena looked puzzled for a moment and tried to jerk it out of his hands, but the man jerked up and lodged the sword out of her hands and into the air, flying behind him and landing in the dirt sticking out.

She swung a kick at him only to miss. She looked him dead in the eyes, her crystal blue eyes piercing his deep brown ones.

"Come on, give me all you got." He said in his fighting stance.

She began punching in all directions, left, right, center, each attack blocked by his hands, not missing once, until finally he punched her in the stomach and she flew back crashing to the ground.

Xena looked up at the man in disbelief. She rose to her feet holding onto her stomach still feeling the pain from the punch.

"I've never been hit by a man like that before... Who are you?"

"I'm Ares God of War."

Xena's eyes widened as shock came across her face. She was totally taken aback, as she never met a God before only heard of them.

"Ares? Doesn't the God of War have better things to do than pick a fight with a girl? Like maybe being worshipped by them?" Xena said.

"Yes, I was otherwise engaged with my own... Conquest or two, alright, it may have been more than three, but who's counting?"

"What do I owe the pleasure?" Xena said brushing the dirt off her arms.

"During my... Performance," Ares adjusted his belt, "I sensed a change, which is why I'm here."

"The God of war being interrupted during his sexual conquests? By me? I bet that didn't go over very well." Xena said as she smirked.

Ares lowered his head and looked down.

"It didn't exactly go as planned, I just snapped, and they all had their happy ending sooner than anticipated... Let's talk about you, I've been keeping an eye on you" Ares said changing the subject.

"Keeping an eye on me? I didn't realize I was worthy of a Gods attention."

"Yes, I like to keep an eye on people I think are talented, and you definitely have a talent for conquering and slaughter, my kinda gal... You slaughtered an Amazon tribe that we Gods have been keeping an eye on, mind telling me why?"

"I was after something, and I found what I was looking for."

"You found the Ambrosia?" Ares said raising his eyebrows.

"I did."

"Ah! Yes, well, You're a Demigod now Xena. I wasn't sure what I sensed, but now I am. You didn't take enough to turn you into a full-fledged God, but you are stronger, and faster than you were before. The downfall is you're not an immortal. You will continue to age and or be killed in battle."

"Still..." Ares said as he moved closer, caressing his finger down Xena's shoulder, "It suits you."

"Take a cold bath Ares, I'm not interested." Xena said moving out of his reach. The mere thought of where those fingers had been disgusted her.

"As a mortal you were an incredible fighter, filled with bloodlust and a thirst for torture that is truly inspiring. However, as a Demigod... It has potential. Great potential." Ares said looking at a potential opportunity he hadn't had before.

"You should consider joining me, allow me to train you and prepare you for your new role. You will see things, and experience greatness on a scale you never encountered before. Eventually if I think you're worthy, I'll let you take command of my armies."

"Your armies? I have my own plans Aries." Xena said with a smirk.

"Ah, but if we work together, you could reach those goals much faster, and also serve me greatly. My vision for you is something that will have you taking all the glory and power you could ever dream of. I don't ask just anyone." Ares said with a slight grin on his face, seeing a rare opportunity for greatness he hadn't seen in a long time.

"Go on." She spoke.

"I will mold you into what you've always dreamed "The Destroyer of Nations," forget your interest in becoming some petty Warlord leading some pathetic army. You're different now, and your interests... And my interests... align perfectly. Take your place by my side and become what only a God can give. Greatness as my warrior Queen."

Xena was intrigued, she was searching for so long to become the destroyer of nations, a destiny that had been promised and something she wanted to achieve. And with this offering she knew she could fulfill her deep desire for power and further her goals, while serving Ares the God of War.

She stood for a moment pondering whether to accept Ares' offer. She wanted power, wealth, and a fear within men who stood before her. But now things were different, she was made an almost irresistible offer... But deep down she wanted something else that she couldn't describe. Something called her from within, she knew something else was possible, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She brushed the feeling aside and investigated the God of Wars eyes deeply trying to find a flaw or deception, but came up empty.

"Alright, Ares. I will accept your offer."

"Muahahahaha, perfect. You will become my warrior QUEEN. However, you will need more training since your recent upgrade. Are you ready to reach for and become one with destiny that I will lay before you on a silver plater?"

"Yes, Ares. Teach me. I'm eager to learn."

Ares reached out and held Xena's hand as they both disappeared into a blue light.