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Chaotic Actions
Ares sat on a log some half a mile outside the camp of the Army of Callisto. He felt a most uncomfortable feeling, dejection. Never before had he been forced to live an army camp. These last few months as a whole just seemed to have it in for him. First time, he'd lost his powers and mantle because of Chaos, the second time, because of Zeus, and now even the armies of the world don't want him. If Gods have self-esteem, his was low.
In the midst of his emotional misery, a being slowly appeared beside him, at first he was barely there, but as seconds pass, he became more solid until finally his entire body was present with the War God. This action had gone unnoticed by Ares.
In a low whisper as if Ares' own subconscious, the being spoke, "Ares…"
Ares grunted.
"Ares… master of war and weaponry."
"Some master," Ares stated, as if talking to himself. "I've been forced out of an army camp by a mortal. Don't they know who I am?"
A single strand of purple smoke floated around Ares as the being stated, "Well, they most certainly should. Why, you're Ares, the God of War! Breaker of the Gates of Asponica! How foolish of them to cast you out in such a disrespectful manner…"
By now a single purple glow was beginning to appear in the eyes of the former God of War. Ares didn't realize it quite yet… but he was losing a battle.
Ares scoffed, "If I had my powers, they wouldn't dare. None of them, and if they did, I'd crush their throats with a single grasp."
"How unfortunate… But I believe I can relate. For you see, I too have been made powerless, and mortals have come to disrespect my name as well."
Ares smiled as the presence of the being continued to ensnare the former War God in his power. "Mortals, they don't realize just how much they need us. They just cast us aside, oh but when they need us, they call out our names. Oh Ares they say, please save me, and my village, I'll give you everything! But when I'm the one who's got troubles? Where are they?"
Ares stood up fist shaking with rage at the thoughts of being abandoned by the people he's worked so hard to help, "I give them everything! Weapons, men, advice! What fools are they to cast aside the single greatest strategic mind ever to exist! I should crush them, one by one. I have the power yet! I just might!"
The being stood up with him, "And you should! But what if…"
Ares, now completely ensnared in his own anger, and the power emanating from the being beside him, now queried, "What if?"
"What if I were to help you?"
"Who are you to help me?"
The being smiled breathing purple smoke around the form of Ares, "You know well who I am Ares, even in this limited form, I'm a power far greater than your father, and his foolish spawn could ever conceive. Well, not all are foolish… and I'm no fool myself. I would not cast aside such a valued ally as you Ares, indeed not! Who better to help me administrate the will of Chaos but a god like you?"
By this point, Ares was completely lost in the power, "Who indeed? But you are limited as well."
"Ah yes, ever the astute one, aren't we Ares? But I, unlike you, don't depend on the power of a self-absorbed King of the Gods to regain my power. I can reacquire it another way Ares… and that's where you come in."
"What's it worth to me?" Question the God of War.
"Why… complete restoration of your mantle, and then some. You would be at my right hand as I remake the world into my image."
Ares smiled, "What do you need me to do?"
The being smiled, "I have something, a crystal if you will. With it, I could return to power. Problem is, a certain warrior princess possesses it, and I can't get to her it seems."
The power hold of the being that had gripped Ares mind, weakened considerably as Ares replied, "Xena? I will not harm her…"
The being focused with all his energies on Ares, "Did I say harm Xena? That is up to you, I just need the crystal, how you get it is up to you."
Ares stated, "I'm still stronger than a mortal, even if that mortal is Xena, I could acquire it for you…"
"Why don't you get it for me then?"
Ares shot his eyes at the being before him, "I most certainly will."
Chaos replied with a dark smile, "Why… that is nice of you Ares. I'll have to see that you are properly rewarded for that action. When you touch the crystal, I shall know. Then I shall find you, and come to you. Upon my freedom, then you… Ares shall become a being of truly great power, greater than ever before."
Chaos extended his hand, "Do we have a deal?"
The last bit of self-control in the mind of Ares shouted that he shouldn't. Every fiber of his being resisted one last time. But with the power of Chaos now overwhelming him, those instincts were silenced as the War God took the hand of Chaos. Suddenly Ares was in a swirl of purple as he felt energy enter his body.
Ares eyes, now glowing purple answered, "Your will shall be done… my lord."
"It most certainly will…"