Ares waved his hand and the image in the god-forged mirror rippled and vanished. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he contemplated the situation, Xena was pregnant, and the child was...was the child of his half-witted, half brother. A smile slowly broke out on his face. This gave him just the opportunity to destroy Hercules and bring Xena back into his fold...once and for all.

Xena found herself humming as she groomed Argo. The rythmic notes of her song blending with the motion of her hands as she gave Argo a good brushing.

"So what do you think girl?", Xena asked her horse. Most people thought she was crazy to talk to a horse and the first time Gabrielle caught her she had made Xena lie down for the whole day because she thought the warrior princess was coming down with something.

"I've really dug myself a deep hole haven't I?", Xena continued looking at her mare, "I guess I shouldn've just got rid of the baby when I found out but, oh I don't know, I guess, in spite of everything, I WANTED to carry his child. The risk, the pain, it'll be worth it all just to know he was a part of me. I hope he's happy....", Xena shook her head and continued to brush Argo as a pair of strong arms encircled her waist.

"Don't worry, I'm overjoyed", a voice whispered in her ear. Xena spun around in shock.

"Hercules! I...", Xena began but she was cut off abruptly at the realisation that it wasn't Hercules how was with her.

"Ares", Xena said, her voice dripping with annoyance, "What do you want?"

"What I've always wanted", the god of war told her, "And this time, I'm going to get it."

"I'm never coming back to you", Xena said vehemently pushing Ares away from her.

"Oh? We'll see about that." With that Ares threw back his head and laughed before disappearing with a flash of light that left Xena blinded. The warrior princess bit her lip as she put down Argo's brush. Just what exactly did Ares have in mind? Xena gave Argo one last pat before walking out of the stable, Ares' laugh still ringing in her ears.

Hercules spotted Xean as she emerged from the stables, her black hair shining in the early morning sun. Taking a deep breath he made a beeline for her. He walked up right behind her and bent close to her ear.

"Hello there gorgeous", he whispered. Xena gave a small cry of alarm and spun around. Hercules spread his arms.

"Hey, it's just me", Hercules assured her. Xena visibly relaxed at his wordes.

"I know", she said softly and a small half-smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Hercules looked at her just in time to catch eyes flicker.

"What is it?", Hercules asked worriedly, "Please tell me."

"It's nothing, I just had a little run in with Ares."

"What did HE want?"

"It was nothing, don't worry. I'm fine, I can take care of myself."

"I have no doubt you about the fact that you can look after yourelf but I can't help worrying about you." Xena reached up and gently touch Hercules' cheek.

"I know", she whispered, "But trust me, it was nothing." Hercules looked skeptical but said nothing as Xena took his hands and led him back to Alcemene's house.

Chapter 9

Ares held his breath as he slipped into his dungeon. The god of war snapped his fingers and instantly all the torches in the room lit themselves. Ares let out his breath and surveyed the room in stisfaction. He stalked over to the centre of the of the room where a straight steel board was. Unbreakable chains hung limply on either side like sleeping demons just yearning to be woken up. Numerous chains littered the ground and manacles lay discarded in a pile. Despite the fact that the room was lit up by an ample number of flamming torches the chamber had a dank, dark feel about it and the the strong mouldy odour of death hung about in all the nooks and crannies. Taking up a chain in his hand, Ares savoured the feel of the strong metal in his hand. Yes, this was going perfectly.

*****

A small smile appeared on Xena's lips as she leaned into Herculers. The demi-god wrapped his arms around Xena's body.

"Mmmm", Xena mumbled as Hercules slid a hand across her stomach and planted a soft kiss on her neck.

"This is a beautiful place for a picnic", Xena commented to her companion.

"I discovered this place when I was young. Iolaus and I used to go fishing here all the time."

"Thanks for showing it to me."

"The honour was all mine. Xena..." Hercules never finished his sentence, for at that moment Xena disappeared. Right out of his arms! In her place was a long, curved sword...stained bright red with blood.

TO BE CONTINUED...