Games

by: Eternal Light

Disclaimer: All characters in this story are property of MCA,Universal Studios, and Renaissance Pictures. I am using them for my story, so PLEASE don't sue me. I just wrote a story for The Ares/ Xena shippers outthere. :-)

The night was colder than usual. Xena was lying camp-side with Gabrielle, Eve and Virgil. She pretended to be asleep, knowing that soon, both Eve and Virgil would disappear into the wilderness. Not long after she thought it, it was happening. They thought they could fool her. Gabrielle knew and hadn’t told her either. What she got the name Xena Warrior Princess by being stupid? Xena waited for them to leave before she got up. Gabrielle was sleeping soundly. So Xena tried to make no sounds, she sat thinking over the recent incidents.

Suddenly a presence draped over hers. But as soon as it had appeared it was gone. Xena got up and swiftly like a cat made her way around to where she thought her enemy would be. Xena’s instincts were right. The enemy knew her mind well though, because he had deceived her. Xena was where he had wanted. He smiled as he stepped into the moonlight.

“Ares… what do you want?”

“Why hello Xena, nice to see you too.” Ares said as he rubbed his hands together.

“What? Are we still playing these games?” Xena asked annoyed.

“I wanted to show you something.” Ares said softly. His games hadn’t worked before. He was going to do the only thing that made Xena’s heart soft to his. He held out his hand and waited for her to take it. Xena could feel the energy flow from their bodies, and was afraid that she would do something she would later regret.

But Xena couldn’t help looking in his eyes. The sincerity, something that was all too new to her. Something that made her powerless against him.

“Why are you so afraid of me?” Ares asked, letting a bit of pain leak out in his eyes. Xena said nothing and relentlessly took his hand. As their hands met, electricity ran through their bodies. Ares took her deep inside the cave, he walked over to a wall and moved an object, a door swung open. A stone staircase led them to a secret room. Xena eyes marveled as she beheld the room that the steps had led them too.

“My secret temple.” Ares said. “Not as good as Mt.Olympus, but hey, it will do.”

“You brought me to see a room?” Xena asked as she tried to project a hard exterior. Xena turned around and began to walk out the door.

“You are running away, the Xena I know doesn’t run away.”

Darn, she thought angrily. He knew how and where to push her buttons. She knew that she couldn’t let her guard down and make him think she was weak. Xena turned around and Ares stood with a satisfied smirk on his face. She knew she wasn’t going anywhere, and what scared her is that so did he.

“You haven’t said anything since Mt. Olympus.”

“You brought me hear to talk?” Xena said as her anger grew.

“No to show you…”Ares voice trailed. “Take your clothes off.”

Xena laughed, he had to be kidding. There was no way that she was undressing in front of him. Her clothes on, was an edge she needed against Ares.

“Xena…” She turned around and looked into his eyes. Xena found herself undressing, against her will. Ares began to undress as well. When they were both naked he took her hand and led her to a mirror.

“What are we doing?” She asked bewildered.

“What do you see?” Ares said as his eyes fixated on her body. It was making Ares a little weak, but he continued. Xena rolled her eyes. It was too easy to take a hit, but she did.

“Do I really have to explain?” Xena said as she felt herself regaining control. Ares made an angry pout. Xena could tell he was becoming angry, but he kept his cool.

“What do you see?” He repeated. His composition faded. Xena was trying very hard but didn’t know what Ares was getting at. She looked at him with sarcasm in her eyes, waiting to be enlightened. “ I used to see a god and a warrior. Two people chained by their duties, their obligations. Playing games with their minds and their bodies. Neither one would conform to the other. Or so I thought.” Ares lowered his head slightly.

Xena realized at the moment how great his sacrifice had truly been. Xena’s eyes fixed on his. The intensity grew between them.

“Now”, he said as his voice lowered, and the realization that they were naked hit them both, “I see a man …and a woman. The woman *I* love. Love…” he chuckled slightly. “A word that became alive in me because of you.” Ares said as he stood before her no longer as god of war, but as a man.

“I…” Her voice trailed. Xena gave a half smile,unsure of what she should do.

“And I don’t want you because you are grateful…when I have you, it will be because you love me.” Ares said as he left Xena standing alone in the mirror.

Part 2

Xena walked back to camp. A million thoughts went through her mind. She tried to shake the thought of a naked Ares from her mind but couldn’t. He was in her blood; her heart knew it, even if her mind denied it. Gabrielle woke up to find Xena sitting on a log.

“Xena. Hey Xena.” Gabrielle said waking up. “Earth to Xena. Come in Xena.” Gabrielle was surprised that her friend wasn’t talking to her. She got up and walked over, right in front of her. “Xena!” Gabrielle shouted.

“What?” Xena said as her thoughts drifted back to reality.

“What is wrong? What were you thinking about? It seems as though you were miles away.” Gabrielle questioned Xena, obviously worried.

“I was thinking about…”Xena’s voice trailed off. She couldn’t tell Gabrielle she was thinking about Ares. Xena couldn’t tell any one for that matter. “Nothing.” Xena said looking down.

“You know don’t you?” Gabrielle said pointing to Virgil and Eve.

“Know? Yes I know.” Xena said playing along.

“Virgil and Eve, she knows.” Gabrielle said with a smile. Xena was in no mood for games that morning. She got up and walked away from camp. The others stood behind wondering what was wrong. Xena hoped that they wouldn’t follow her. She quickly wandered over to a small pond far away from the camp. She knelt down beside the pond and threw the cold pond water over her face. “Stop thinking about him.” She muttered to herself. She screamed out aggravated, and hit the water.

“Stop thinking about who?” A voice from behind her asked.

“Ares. I can’t stop- Xena stopped herself. She realized it was Ares who had asked the question. She saw his smiling reflection in the water. “Go away.” Xena grumbled.

“So I see you aren’t a morning person.” Ares said as he knelt down beside her. “So who were you thinking about?” Ares said as he slowly brushed her hair from her face. His hand slowly brushed up against her face. Electricity went through her body. Her eyes connected with his. Her body was moving closer to his. Their lips met. Ares cupped his hands over her face. Both Ares and Xena savored the kiss, each wondering if it would be their last.

“Xena! Hey guys I think I see some one over here.” Virgil cried.

“Ares…”Xena said with her eyes closed. To her surprise when she opened her eyes he was already deep in the forest. Her eyes followed him as her quivering hands touched her lips. She was taking short deep breaths, her mind spinning.

“Mom! Over here.” Eve said as she ran to her mother’s side. “Mom what’s wrong, your shaking?” Eve asked worried.

“I just needed some Are-, I mean air. I needed some air.” Xena said quickly correcting herself. “I just really feel like being alone.” Xena said as she got up.

“No way. We just spent an hour looking for you. Tell us what is going on!” Gabrielle demanded.

“Is it because of us? Your mad at us?” Eve said sadly.

“No honey. I actually have known for weeks.” Xena said trying to smile. Seeing she didn’t convince them that she was happy. “I am extremely happy for you.” Xena said as she hugged Virgil and Eve.

“So everything is fine?” Gabrielle asked still not convinced. “For a moment there I thought Ares kidnapped you or something.” Gabrielle said jokingly. All the color drained from Xena’s face. “Xena?”

“I just need to be alone.” Xena said as she walked off into the direction Ares had run to. “I’ll be home after dark.” She called back to them. “I just need to be alone.” Xena stated firmly as she marched off. Xena entered the woods. She slowly tried to remember her steps from the night before.

“Over here.” Ares called as he saw Xena. “What took you so long?”

“I just came here to tell you that I am not going to play your cat and mouse games anymore.” Xena said regaining control. Ares looked a little hurt. He lowered his head. Xena smiled triumphantly. She turned to leave, but her eyes caught a glimpse of Ares walking towards. Xena’s body froze.

“Look into my eyes and tell me our kiss meant nothing to you.” Ares said approaching her.

“It meant nothing.” Xena said turning around her eyes looking at the ground.

“I said look into my eyes and tell me.” Ares said as he lifted her head. The sexual tension between the two was over whelming for both. Ares waited. Xena couldn’t say it. “I thought so.” His eyes flickered with pain. Her heart ached to see him in pain. Xena slowly put her arms around him, trying to comfort him. She rested her head on his shoulder as he held her in his arms.

“I am not sure what it meant. But at the moment, it was more than I can put into words.” Xena said softly. Her heart was winning the battle. In his arms her mind was defenseless. Ares’ knees were trembling.

No woman had made his knees tremble. He stood holding her in his arms. Every time he defined his love for Xena, she took it to another level, he didn’t know could be reached. That made his passion for her greater. Time went by much to fast. Before they knew it, it was dark. And their quiet after noon was over.

“I love you Xena.” Ares said as he let her go. Xena looked up at him. She couldn’t tell him that she loved him. She wasn’t sure just yet. He wanted to kiss her, but stopped himself. Xena couldn’t stop herself from kissing him. Her lips wanted his. She kissed him passionately.

“I…”Xena said looking at him. “I will be back tomorrow.” Xena said as she took a deep breath.

When Xena returned to camp she noticed a presence draped over Eve. The body stood up. Xena went into battle mode.

“Xena it is me. Virgil.” Virgil said as he looked at Eve sleep. “She is so beautiful.” Virgil said as he looked down at Eve. “Funny that I fell in love with her.”

“Why funny?” Xena asked. Her motherly instincts kicking in. If he as so much insulted her daughter, he was dead.

“I mean because a few months ago I wanted to kill her. And now, my heart can’t live with out her.” Virgil said as though he had a special window to the past. “That saying is true. We don’t pick who we fall in love with. Our hearts do. Even if our minds try to fight it. In the end, our hearts always win.” Virgil said as the glow of the campfire illuminated his face.

“I love you too Virgil.” Eve said as she looked up at him sleepily. “So mom are you better?” Eve asked as she lay with her eyes closed.

“I think I am in love with Ares.” Xena spluttered out. Eve shot up. “I think I am falling in love with Ares.” Xena said again.

Part 3

Eve looked at her mother. Eve’s mouth opened but words could not flow out of it. Xena looked at her daughter, unsure of what her reaction would be. The silence was unbearable. Then Virgil spoke. “I am happy that after all these years, you have finally found love.” Virgil said as stroked Eve’s hair. Eve looked up at him surprised. “When love finds your heart, and destiny has determined your heart to belong to someone, nothing, absolutely nothing can change it.” Virgil said as he bent over and kissed Eve’s forehead. He got up and walked away. Eve knowing it was more for her benefit, than her mother’s.

Eve took a deep breath and stared at Virgil as he walked off into the woods. She thought of how they fell in love. It was written in the stars, he told her. A million times, he had tried to fight it, but the love he had for her was stronger than all of time. Eve smiled; she could still hear his words. The happiness he brought in a single smile was more than she ever thought she deserved. “Follow your heart mother, because in the end, it is all that truly matters.” Eve said as she followed Virgil into the woods.

Xena sat, trying to put her feelings together. Her heart ached for Ares. Xena slowly lifted her hand to her lips and closed her eyes. The imprint of his lips was still there. She bit her lip. Xena stood up and began to pace. For the first time in her life, she was uncertain of what to feel. She heard a noise and stopped dead in her tracks. Gabrielle sat up. Xena turned around and looked at her friend. Gabrielle shook her head in disgust. “You can’t be in love with Ares.” Gabrielle said as the campfire flickered over her face. “You can’t be in love with him. You know what he is.” She said as she stood up.

“And what exactly am I?” Ares said stepping in to the picture. His eyes glared with anger. Gabrielle warped into battle mode. “So you want to dance?” Ares said laughing slightly. “Sorry no can do, I just came to bring Xena a present.” Ares said smiling at Xena sweetly showing her a little box. “There is no way you can be in love with him! None at all!” Gabrielle screamed as her anger grew. “It’s Ares! Ares!” She screamed again. Gabrielle stood not knowing what else to say.

Xena took a deep breath, her eyes not wanting to meet Ares' eyes. Her heart belonged to Ares; she knew it. She opened her mouth, but words did not come. Xena looked down. Gabrielle and her had been through so much. They were sisters, not just friends. Her heart was wondering what would life be like with Ares. He has shown me how gentle he can be. In a stare alone, he made her feel what no other man had ever made her feel.

Ares stood strong as a wall, on the outside. On the inside, his heart was shattering. He was certain Gabrielle would make Xena choose; she did. If he stood whatever they could have had was over. If he fought Gabrielle, Xena would hate him. He did not speak, he just watched from the side as Gabrielle destroyed his life. He wore an angry smirk, knowing his life with Xena would be over in a few moments. He took a deep breath and walked over to Xena. He embraced her. His strong arms trying to shelter her from the pain they were both feeling. She looked up at him. Their eyes met. Then their lips locked. They lingered in the kiss; both knowing it would be there last. Ares softly kissed Xena’s forehead.

“I promised myself that if I ever fell in love,” Ares said holding the box in front of her, “I would give her this.” Ares said as he smiled quickly at her. His voice began to crack. “No one else has ever even seen it. A jewel I made myself.” Ares said as he slowly kissed her again. “For you Xena, my warrior princess. My love.” He took her hand and placed the box in it. He looked like a defeated warrior. Ares slowly dragged his feet away. Xena opened her mouth; again, no words came out. Xena looked at Gabrielle. Gabrielle still angry stormed off.

Xena plopped down on a near bye log. She slowly opened the box. Inside, there was a diamond, carefully crafted into a heart. It was brilliant. The most exquisite jewel that her eyes had beheld. She looked at it and tears began to cloud her vision. Ares had given her his most guarded possession, his heart.

“What’s going on mom?” Eve asked as she took deep breaths. “I ran as fast as I could, what is going on?” Eve asked as Xena sat on a log. “Mom??” Xena walked passed Eve and Gabrielle.

“Your mother has lost her mind!” Gabrielle screamed. She has lost it totally, she thinks she loves Ares.”

“Because she does.” Eve said through her teeth. Her eyes became enlarged, her fury was evident in the ice cold stare she sent Gabrielle. Eve took a deep breath and began walking away.

“Eve you are not serious, are you?” Gabrielle asked. “She was going to be with Ares, a man even you have slept with.” Gabrielle threw at Eve. Eve turned around. Eve grabbed Gabrielle’s arm. “Let go.” Gabrielle said as she threw Eve’s hand off of her arm with a shake.

“We are not done.” Eve said as she put her hand on her sword. “I have always wanted to dance with you.” Eve said as she drew her sword out. “Now I finally have a good reason to do so.”

“EVE! EVE!” Virgil cried as he ran holding his side. As he ran near them, a leather vest was in his hand. It was bloody. “They hurt her! They took him! Her body in the creek.” Virgil said as he collapsed.

“What? Mom? Where?” Eve asked as she put her sword away. Before he finished, Eve and Gabrielle were off.

***********

“What happened?” Xena asked in a very scratchy voice.

“You were attacked by the Nami Sabu’s.” Virgil answered. Both Gabrielle and Eve were sleeping. “Xena they have him.” Virgil said in a very low voice. Xena stood up.

“How long have I been out?” Xena asked holding her head.

“A few weeks now.” They arrows we found in you, contained some type of poison. Gabrielle managed to mix a few herbs to keep you alive.” Virgil stopped and sighed deeply. “They have him.”

Xena’s eyes widened. She held her head again and made expressions of confusion. “How did they get Ares? I was fighting them, not him. I was on my way to…”Xena’s voice trailed off. Virgil eyed her. His suspicions were correct. Xena had gotten Eve and Gabrielle to think she was going in the opposite direction of Ares. In reality, she was heading right for him.

“He traded places with you. I over heard one guard telling another guard what went down. They don’t know Ares isn’t a god. They happily agreed to exchange him for you. The Namu Sabi’s believe that Ares had taken them to a magic potion that kills the gods. That was the only explanation for him bleeding.” Virgil took out the bloody leather vest and placed it on her lap. Xena looked at it and took a deep breath. She inhaled his scent.

“Ares…” Xena said his name in a whisper. “Do you know where they were taking him?” Xena asked.

“I do. For the weeks you have been asleep, I have found their name, their location. All we are waiting on is your word.” Virgil said again in a soft tone, almost whisper. “We might not win.”

“But what the heck, we should try? Shouldn’t we?” Eve asked as she got up and stretched. “I mean it isn’t every day that a man gives, his life to save the woman he loves. On second thought, isn’t this the second time Ares has given up his life for you?” Eve asked as she stared at Gabrielle who had also gotten up.

“We leave now.” Xena said.

*********

Xena and the rest of the gang made their way to the Namu Sabi’s camp ground. As soon as they arrived, Xena found Ares. He was chained. He looked a bit thinner. He was covered in mud, and the guards laughed as he carried some sort of boxes. One guard pushed him and Ares fell. The box collapsed on his foot. They then began kicking him. And sneering remarks. Then another grabbed a bucket and poured water over him. Xena had to hold her self back with all that was in her.

Xena’s eyes filled with tears. She promised herself that she would repay him, for every humiliating moment he was enduring for her. Xena wasn’t going to let them keep hurting him. She called her action to plan. In her hiding place she knelt down. A whistle interupted her thoughts and she looked up. It would begin.

BOOM!!!!

A near bye tree exploded. And then another. BOOM! A chain reaction of explosions. The Namu Sabi’s all drew their swords and ran to the fire, forgetting about Ares. Xena, slowly made her way around until she was near him. He had gotten to his feet. He was trying to escape.

Xena, in disguise, swiftly ran to him, and helped him into the woods. Xena and Ares escaped safely, as the trees continued to explode. She helped and Ares sat on the floor both out of breath. He laid his head against a tree and closed his eyes. He thanked Xena, not knowing it was her. Xena uncovered her face. Her eyes filled with tears, as he watched how broken and shattered he was. He slowly opened his eyes and sighed deeply.

“My visions of you, my Xena, will haunt me for the rest of my life.” He held out his hand and began to stroke her face. Ares eyes widened. “I must have died, or be dreaming, I can feel you.” Ares sat up, and slowly placed his lips to hers. She kissed him back with all that was in her. “Xena….” Ares whispered as he took a deep breath.

“I love you Ares.” Xena said as she kissed him again, hungry for his touch.

“You came back for me? I thought after all these weeks you had left me here, and-

Xena kissed him again. “I would never leave you. I love you Ares. I love you.” He kissed her back, letting his desire be extingushed by her lips.

Part 5

“Cat…mouse….Cat…..mouse……..” Sirena the Namu Sabi’s sorcerer shrieked these taunting words. She smiled gleefully as her caldron boiled and bubbled over. The heat from with in the pot overflowed, and the potion dripped into the fire. A huge flame appeared. Suddenly a cold wind moved through the air, and the fire under the caldron dimmed. A bright light appeared, and the black of the forest turned into bright day.

“Hello.” The goddess of love said as she stepped out of her white chariot. “Now…now, old woman, is that any way to play?” Aphrodite said as she stared the old woman down. “Let’s make this game more interesting.”

Aphrodite had grown into her new powers, leaving behind the old Aphrodite and embracing her new image as queen of Mt. Olympus. She had worked hard to restore what was left of it, and this had made even the most powerful of the mortal realm respect and fear her.

“Raising the stakes Aphrodite?” Sirena asked as she stared back at Aphrodite. “The one coming for the potion asked for nothing extra.” Sirena said trying to disguise her fear.

“Let’s just make it our little secret.” Aphrodite said. “Or are you scared of the competition?” Aphrodite asked as she snapped a finger and a chair appeared for her to sit in. “Being goddess of love and all, and Ares being my brother, I say I get a chance to make this concoction of yours interesting.”

“Scared would never be an option when I face you, Aphrodite.” Sirena said as she smiled evilly. “Annoyed is more like it.”

“Sirena, Sirena, now, do you really think that I need your permission? We can do this the hard way, or we can make a deal. It would be our secret. Remember you owe me big for keeping your old butt alive. What is rest of the Namu Sabi’s despise the ground you walk on. I can lead them to you.” Aphrodite rose. “Then they can play a game called burning at the stake.” Sirena looked down and nodded her head slowly.

“Good.” Aphrodite said as she stood and the chair disappeared. “But I will add the ingredients.” Aphrodite waved her hand and the mist from the caldron spun like a tornado. “If what Xena feels for Ares, and what Ares feels for Xena is true, this potion will intertwine them for life.” With that Aphrodite disappeared.

A few moments, later the old woman extended her arm as hand reached for the crystal bottle. “It has been made. The games will begin.” Sirena talked into the night.

“Then all is well.” The shadow said as it moved back into the darkness. “All is well. And the games have already begun.” The shadow disappeared back into the night. The old sorcerer stood alone. A cold breeze sent chills up her spine. “Yes they have Gabrielle. Yes they have.”