"I want your understanding. We gods are
beings of light and darkness. But because we are gods, our light
tends to shine more or our darkness tends to swallow up any light
that is present. There is very little middle ground with us; when
we love, we love all the way; and when we hate, we do that with
vigor as well. You should understand that better than any human
alive." He let go of her hands. "And maybe in time, you
can forgive."

"I don't know about that. Right now,
my main concern is getting back to Amazonia and being there for my
friends."

Ares looked at his daughter. "Can I ask
you something? What is it about that girl? My two best chances at
conquering the world throw it all away for an irritating
blond."

Sophia smirked. "Watch it Ares. I have on
good authority that Xena and I are not the only ones fond of
Gabrielle." She motioned for her father to come closer.
"And if you are not careful, she will get under your skin, and
you won't be able to get her out of your heart." She
showed off her Chester cat grin.

"I'll have you know that my interest
in her is purely business. She would be great as my chosen one. She
knows when to fight and not to fight. And now that I know that she
is Apollo's daughter…"

The smile completely disappeared from
Sophia's face. "Back off Ares. She will never be yours.
She is too good for the likes of you. Besides, she will become your
chosen over Xena's and my dead bodies."

"This has nothing to do with
you."

"If it concerns Gabrielle and Xena, it
concerns me too. I will not allow you to hurt them. If you do, I
swear there will be no place in Mount Olympus, on Earth or in Hades
that you will be able to hide from me."

Ares frowned. "Why would you fight for
someone you can never have? What are you getting out of
it?"

"I guess you will never truly get it
Father. Gabrielle has the ability to bring out the best in people.
She did that with me. When my life seemed the darkest, she was
there bringing the gift of light. So if you think I'm going to
abandon her just because I can't have her or because you have
designs on her, think again."

Ares smirked at his daughter. "Love makes
people do the strangest things. That is why I have nothing to do
with it." With his signature smoke and light show, the God of
War disappeared.