Chapter Thirteen

"Did you make that Chakram? It's beautiful."

"No, it was a gift."

"Boyfriend? Lover?"

"Ares gave it to her," Gabrielle said.

Despite her skepticism, Buffy played along.

"Why would the god of war give you a gift like that?"

"I'm not really sure. He never said. He just showed up one afternoon and handed it to me. I guess it was to keep me loyal. Or maybe as a reward."

"I think it's because he has a thing for you," Gabrielle added.

"He DOESN'T have a THING for me," Xena growled.

Gabrielle didn't answer, but smiled and nodded to Buffy that he did.

"A reward for what?"

"For making war, and winning. Ares finds the most ruthless and cold blooded warlords, recruits them, and then makes sure they are loyal to him."

"So you had an army?"

Xena nodded.

"A good one?"

"We were undefeated. And the only time we ever fought to a draw was against the centaurs."

"Centaurs, too, huh? Well, he did a good job on it. I guess he's pretty handy when it comes to making weapons."

"He didn't make it. I think Haephestus did."

"I know that name, but I can't place it."

"He's the god who forges the weapons of the gods, including Zeus' thunderbolts. I suspect Ares stole it from him."

"So if Ares gave you the Chakram, then you two must be pretty close."

"We were, at one time."

"Any chance I could, you know, meet him?"

"Why would you want to do that?"

"Why wouldn't I? You do know how to get in contact with him, don't you?"

"All she has to do is call out his name," Gabrielle volunteered. "He always shows up."

"Like, in a puff of smoke?"

"More like a flash of light."

"So, how about it?"

"Other than proving to you he actually exists, I really don't see any reason to."

"Isn't that reason enough?"

"I don't think you realize that a god, any god, and especially a war god, isn't someone to call on just to be doing it. Ares is a VERY dangerous god, and he angers easily."

"So you're afraid of him?"

"Hah! Me? Afraid of Ares? Not likely."

"Then – call him. If you don't mind."

Xena shook her head, then yelled out, "Ares! A-r-e-s!"

There was a bright flash of light, tinged with red, that disappeared almost instantly. In it's place stood the God of War, dressed in black leather, a black goatee, and sporting a very large and very dangerous looking sword.

"Xena! You're looking well."

Ares glanced at Gabrielle then back to Xena. "So what can I do for you today," he asked, the sarcasm dripping like honey.

"Want you to meet someone, or, rather, someone wants to meet you. Ares, this is Buffy."

Ares turned to Buffy, then hesitated, staring at her.

"You have power," he said. "And strength, a lot of strength, for a mortal. I'm not quite sure about you. You're not a god, or a demi-god. But you're not just a mere mortal, either."

"I'm a Slayer, a vampire Slayer. And I received my powers when the Slayer before me was killed."

"Vampires? Disgusting creatures"

"Well, that's my job, my Calling – to hunt down and kill as many of them as I can."

Ares, ignoring Buffy, turned back to Xena.

"You know, Xena, she's stronger than you are."

"Really."

"Maybe twice, three times as strong."

"So?"

"I can make you stronger."

"Forget it, Ares."

"In fact, I can make you as strong as Hercules. Even stronger."

"It won't work."

"Excuse me here, but I think I had the floor," Buffy said.

Ares turned back to Buffy.

"Did you WANT something?"

"Actually, I did. You're a god, right? I mean, you can do anything, anything at all?"

"Of course I can. What's your point?"

"Well, I'm not from around here. I'm not even from this time. I'm from the future, a couple thousand years in the future."

Ares took another look at her, analyzing her.

"There is something different about you. Something out of place."

"Exactly! And I was thinking that since you ARE a god, it should be easy for you to send me back to my own time."

"And just why would I want to do that?"

"Well, you see, where I come from you gods have been supplanted by another god, a single supreme deity, creator of all things in heaven and earth. And you gods have been relegated to mythology. Just stories of a past long gone. But since I've met you, and know you're really real, then if you send me back I can spread the word that you really do exist."

Buffy paused for a few seconds.

"Although, come to think of it, I wonder where all of you went?"

"No followers, no gods," Xena said. "Just that simple."

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