Disclaimers: Ares, Hercules and Iolaus are not mine (I could only dream) and I promise to return them when I am done. All other characters are mine. No copyright infringements are intended. This story contains sexual explicit material between two consenting adults. If you are under 18, turn back now.

A quick note about this story. It basically takes place in the Hercules universe before Xena, possibly between the last movie and the first episode of the series. It shows a side of Ares we have gotten very brief glimpses at but one I believe is there.

***

The rain pounded down across the countryside, turning the hard dirt roads into giant stretches of mud. One of the Gods was obviously upset at someone and took it out on the mortals. People in the surrounding villages of Martek and Armann gave up any hope of traveling until the deluge stopped. Only one person braved the treacherous roads. On a large black horse, the cloaked rider galloped along a winding road leading around a hillside.

Finally, the rider reached their destination, a large dark temple. Slipping inside, the rider pulled off the cloak and shook out her long golden blonde hair. Rain was not her favorite traveling weather, but she didn't have a choice. She had been summoned.

The inside of the temple looked much like the outside, dark. Black and silver dominated the color scheme. At the front of the temple was the altar. A large elaborately decorated chair rested prominently in the center, flanked by various types of weaponry. A black statue stood silent and imposing across from the altar. All along the walls were drawings of warriors and destruction.

This was the temple of Ares, the God of War. It was Ares who had summoned Althea in the early morning hours. Knowing not to keep the God waiting, she had quickly dressed and borrowed a horse from the stables. Some people would consider it stealing, but Althea had every intention of returning the mount when she returned.

Now, she stood in the middle of the temple waiting. And waiting. It was just like him to call for her and then make her wait. Yet another test for her, she thought. She strolled onto the altar and ran her hand along the arm of the chair. Chair was, perhaps, too simple a description. It was a throne, bold and elaborate and dark. Just like Ares.

Tired of waiting, Althea decided to do something to get Ares' attention. She sat in his throne. If any other mortal had done this, Ares would have killed them on the spot. Or, if he were in a good mood, he would just make them wish they were dead.

Althea was different though. Ares liked Althea. He made no effort to hide it from her and she would, on occasion, take advantage of this. This was one of those times.

No sooner had she swung her legs over the arm of the throne, Ares appeared. He glowered at her for a moment. "You really need to learn some respect. Now move."

Althea obeyed. When Ares had seated himself, she knelt down in front of him. She may be able to get away with things others could not, but there was still protocol even she had to follow.

Ares leaned back into his throne. He had been in a bad mood all morning didn't want to play her games, at first. But the sight of her flowing hair and silken skin lightened his mood some. He left her in the kneeling position a bit longer than he normally would have. It was his way of telling her to be careful this morning. "Up."

Althea lifted her head to look at Ares. When his eyes met hers, she rose slowly. "Not exactly a beautiful day for traveling."

"Yes, well, that's not my department."

"I know. I'm sorry." She paused. Stepping up to him, she carefully touched his hand. "What is troubling you, my lord?" She'd known Ares for a very long time and recognized this mood.

He returned the affection by stroking her hand and then quickly stopped. "I just received some very - unsettling news."

"It must be for you to call me so early and to put you in such a bad mood."

Ares drummed his fingers on the arm of his throne. "My brother is on his way to Armann."

"Your brother? As in Hercules?"

Ares scowled.

"Of course it's Hercules. No one else would grump you out so much. So what's the problem with that?"

Ares rose and began pacing. "He'll be arriving there today."

"That could be a problem," Althea cringed. "Will there be enough time to convince him that overthrowing King Aron is good for the village?"

He stopped in front of her. "You'd better hope so. Or you'd better figure out a way to keep from spoiling our plans." He traced her jaw line with the tip of a finger.

As Ares' finger reached the corner of her mouth, Althea turned her head. She kissed his fingertip. Lightly licking, she slowly started to draw it into her mouth.

Ares resisted the urge to take her right there in the temple. He had plans for her and it just wasn't time yet for this part to happen. He pulled his finger away from her mouth and waved it in front of her. "No, no," he scolded gently.

Althea pouted.

"Stop that. It's not becoming of you. I've told you before, there is and will be a time for everything, including that. Taking you into my bed now will only distract you from your goal." He bent down and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. "Be patient."

Althea grinned and chuckled. "You're hardly the one to talk about patience."

Ares returned to his throne. "Never have I let impatience lose a battle or ruin a plan," he growled. "Remember that."

"Yes, my lord," Althea said with a bow.

"What's your plan for handling Hercules and his friend?"

"His friend is mortal and should be easy enough to handle with a few choice herbs and roots. Hercules himself, however, may require a bit more."

"I can't do anything to stop him."

"You can't do anything to physically stop him but you can provide me with the tools I will need to do so."

"What kind of tools?"
 

When Althea rode into Armann, the sun had broken through the clouds. The streets of the city started to hustle and bustle with the activities of daily life. As quickly and discretely as she could, Althea rounded up the leaders of her small army into the local stable. The stables provided a quiet place for a quick meeting since the stable owner was one of her army. She pulled her bow and arrows and sword from the mount before placing him in a stall, then turned to the group.

The five men knew something was up when Althea called this last minute meeting. All were former leaders of the Armannian army before King Aron had King Krom assassinated. Though no one could ever prove it was Aron, it was something the man would never outright deny.

Theiss had been Krom's advisor and would become the new king of Armann when Aron was overthrown. Though not physically impressive, only five feet ten inches tall and slender, the man had great intelligence. And he knew how to persuade people. Except for Althea, that is. No matter how many times or how many different ways he offered her the queenship, she declined.

Paxton was the man standing in Althea's way. He wanted to take over Armann's army. He possessed not only strength, but also a fair amount of intelligence. He knew what Althea wanted. And he also knew there was only one thing, beside himself, that stood in her way, the fact she was a woman. Had Althea been a man, Paxton had no doubt Theiss would appoint her general. But, she wasn't and no man in his right mind would appoint a woman to lead his army, no matter how good she was. Paxton knew of only one great army led by a woman. That woman being Xena. Everyone knew how that turned out.

The last three men, Vargo, Clayton and Slater, all were good strong warriors but lacked the smarts needed to be a true leader. They took orders not gave them.

The men gathered around a makeshift table of hay and waited for Althea's announcement. After a brief conference with Theiss, Althea began. "I know this is a sudden meeting and it's not wise to meet in the city but I've come upon some news which could affect our plan. Hercules and his friend, Iolaus, are on their way into town. They should arrive anytime now."

"How do you know?" asked the always-skeptical Paxton.

"Do you doubt me?" Althea leaned across the bale of hay.

Paxton leaned away slightly. "No. I'm just curious as to how you know."

"Do you have sources, Paxton?"

"Of course I do."

Althea stood back up and grinned. "So do I and maybe mine are better than yours."

Theiss could see where this was leading. It certainly wasn't the first time Paxton and Althea had been at each other's throats and it wouldn't be the last. "Look, it doesn't matter how she knows, the fact is, she does. And we need to do something about it." Theiss turned to Althea. "You have a plan?"

"Several just in case one doesn't work. Plan A is talking. If I can convince Hercules that overthrowing Aron is good for the people, we may get his help with this."

"And if you can't?"

"Then," Althea pulled a piece of parchment from the pouch hanging from her belt, "we go with plan B." Spreading out the parchment, she pointed to it. "This is Martek, this is Armann and this is the meadow and forest in between. Hercules has a traveling companion, Iolaus. He should be easy to take care of with a special potion I have. It won't kill him but it will knock him out for a night."

"You're just going to hand it to him and say drink up?" Vargo asked.

"Don't be silly. If I can't convince them, I take them to the inn before sunset and buy them a drink. Iolaus drinks and I ask to talk to Hercules alone. We take a nice stroll into the woods where you, Slater and Clayton will be waiting to rob me."

"There's no way I'm fighting Hercules!" Slater announced.

"You're not going to fight him. Just rob me and run away leading him to this spot in the forest. There's going to be a nice little trap set up for him there."

Paxton chuckled. "What kind of trap can hold him?"

"This one will. Vargo, Slater and Clayton, you three need to go out there. You'll find everything you need to set up the trap. Paxton, you'll need to go with them." She dug into her pouch again. "Here are the instructions for the trap as well as when to set them up for the fake robbery. Follow them to the letter. If you don't and Hercules gets free to ruin this for us, it'll be your head."

As much as Paxton despised Althea, he knew he had to follow her orders. Luckily, he told himself, it won't be long until she's following mine.

"Theiss will wait at the inn so Hercules can talk to the leader of the rebellion if need be. Everyone clear on what needs to be done?" She saw all the men nodded. "Good. I've only got a few hours to convince Hercules or we have to implement plan B."

"How will we know?" Clayton asked.

"If we need to use plan B, I'll hang a red cloth on the stable door by the time the sun is three quarters of the way through the sky. Now get going."

Paxton and his men slipped out of the stable, leaving Theiss and Althea alone.

Althea shook her head. "I hope Paxton doesn't screw this up out spite."

"He won't." Theiss gripped her shoulder reassuringly. "It means as much to him as it does to us." He gently turned her towards him. "Now, one last time, will you please be my queen?"

Althea smiled and sighed. "How many times do I have to say no, Theiss? I appreciate the offer but I'm a warrior not royalty. A queen should bear children for her king and - can you really see me with children?" It wasn't that she disliked children. But, there was only one Althea wished to bear children for.

Reluctantly, Theiss nodded. "I had to try one last time. There is one more thing though."

"What's that?" Althea picked up her bow, arrows and sword placing them in their proper places on her person.

"Since royalty is not to your liking and when this campaign is successful, I want you to lead the army."

"You mean all of Paxton's stories about women leading armies hasn't scared you?"

You're different from ever-other woman I have met, Althea. You're smarter than any other man I've known. You know how to shoot an arrow and wield a sword. And," he added. "I know who your source is."

Althea stopped packing up her things. "What do you mean?"

Theiss sat down on a bale of hay. "I can't count the number of times I've seen you go to Ares' temple during all this."

"So?" Althea shrugged. "Maybe I like to pray."

"No. I don't buy that. Ares is on your side. With him and you leading my army, nothing will stop me from taking over Martek or any other city."

"And," Althea folded her arms across her chest. "If you're wrong?"

"I'm not." Theiss walked out without another word.

Hands on her hips, Althea stared after him.

"Arrogant son of a bitch, isn't he?" came a voice from behind Althea.

Though startled, Althea didn't jump. She knew who it was. "I didn't realize he'd been spying on me."

"If we play it right, it just might work to our advantage. After if this is done, it might be time for me and Theiss to have a little heart to heart."

Althea glanced back at Ares but said nothing.
 

An hour later, Althea walked into the inn and, as expected, Hercules and Iolaus were inside eating. She went to the barkeeper and ordered mead while waiting for them to finish. When they did, she had a barmaid deliver mead to Iolaus and fruit juice to Hercules, since the man did not drink. They raised their glasses in a mock toast to her. She took that as her cue and went to sit with them.

"Thanks for the drink," Iolaus said with a smile. "Great way to wash down a meal."

"You're welcome. But, I have to be honest, it's sort of a bribe."

"A bribe?" Hercules asked.

"I know who you are and that you help people. And I need your help."

"I knew it," Iolaus interjected. "Never trust a pretty woman with a drink."

"Never mind him. What kind of help do you need?"

"It's not so much me as the whole town."

Hercules listened as the young woman told of the tyrannical ruling the current king undertook and how a small band of rebels from the previous king's army hoped to overthrow him. "And how do you fit into all this?"

"I'm part of the rebel cause. And, while I have faith in the army, every bit of help we can get will improve our chances. Especially if it's your help."

Hercules nodded. "Can you set up a meeting with me and the leader, Theiss I think you said?"

"I think so. That's him by the end of the bar. I'll talk with him and find out when and where." Althea joined Theiss at the end of the bar. "Things are going good. We may be able to do this the easy way."

"Good. Then he's going to help?"

"He wants to meet with you first."

"Tell him when the sun is directly overhead to meet me in the stables."

"Okay." Althea cheerfully returned to Hercules and Iolaus. "He says to meet him at the stables when the sun directly. Do you know where the stables are?"

"Yeah," Iolaus replied. "We passed them on the way in."

"Great. I'll see you there then. I'd better go before someone gets suspicious."

"See you later." Hercules waited until she was out of the inn before leaning over to Iolaus. "Something's not right."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. It's just a feeling." He swallowed the last of his juice. "Stay here. I'm going to follow her."

"Sure." Iolaus shrugged and knew better than to question one of Herc's feelings.

Althea found the black horse still in its stall and saddled it to ride out to Ares' temple. Once there, she tied the horse around the back of the temple so it would be harder to see and ducked through the back door.

Ares was waiting for her, looking none too happy. Once she was knelt down in front of him, he grabbed her by the back of her hair and pulled her up, twisting her neck in an awkward and uncomfortable position. "You're getting sloppy!"

Althea's look of happiness quickly turned into a look of fright. It was rare that Ares would get mad enough at her to inflict pain on her. Her eyes welled up with tears. She knew better than to try to escape his grip. "Wha - what did I do?"

"Take a look!" He waved his free hand. An image of Hercules watching over the temple appeared.

"He followed you!" With a snap of his fingers, the picture disappeared just as quickly. Pulling her head backwards, he forced Althea back to a kneeling position.

"I'm sorry, my lord," Althea cried.

"Sorry won't do you any good if Hercules ruins this. You should know better than to underestimate him."

"Maybe - maybe it won't change his mind."

"Of course it will! If he thinks I'm involved in any way, he won't help!" Ares was furious. They had come so far. He looked down at Althea's tear streaked face. Her eyes held more sorrow than fear. Long ago he found that the best punishment for her was for him to show disappointment in her actions. She only wanted to make him happy. If she failed, her conscious punished her more than any physical pain could. He finally let go of her.

Althea immediately dropped her head. "I will not let him stand in our way, my lord."

"You'd better not," Ares growled, circling her like a predator circles its prey. "I have great plans for you, Althea. I want your name to known as great warrior, a great leader, someone who would be worthy of being by my side and bearing my children." He stopped at near bowed head. "Our children will lead armies all over the world."

"I will not disappoint you, my lord."

Ares gently pulled Althea to her feet. With the back of his hand, he wiped the tears from Althea's cheek, but she still did not look at him. "Now, go and deal with Hercules. Let him come to you about you're being here and tell him whatever you feel is best at the time." He lifted her chin and kissed her before disappearing.

Althea stayed in the temple for a few moments to collect herself. It never ceased to amaze her how gentle he was with her. She had seen him strike down men for mistakes smaller than what she had made. That was no doubt the reason he rarely discussed their business in front of others. As cliché as it may sound, he had a reputation to protect. Seeing the soft side of the God of War would make him appear weaker to most men, immortal or otherwise.

When she felt composed enough, she went outside, mounted her the horse, and rode back into town. After stabling the horse, she hung a red cloth from the doors, just in case.

She expected Hercules to come looking for her immediately so, she made sure she could be easily found. She went to the inn to eat then strolled through the marketplace. But, he never came to her until it was time to meet with Theiss.

After a brief greeting, she led Hercules and Iolaus through the back of stables to where Theiss waited. He rose and walked over to greet them.

"Theiss, this is Hercules and Iolaus. This is Theiss."

"Thank you for offering your help, Hercules," Theiss said, shaking both men's hands.

"Well, I haven't exactly agreed to help yet. That's why I'm here to talk to you."

"Then, have a seat," he motioned to some bales of hay, "and let me start from the beginning."

Once again, Hercules heard the stories of King Krom, Aron, the assassination and the tyranny spread by Aron when he claimed the crown. Everything about it sounded truthful and it sounded like they could use his help. One thing still bothered, Hercules though, and that was Althea's little trip to Ares' temple. If he's brother was involved somehow, there had to be more to it. He doubted Theiss was involved with Ares' side of the plan, just Althea.

"So," Theiss summed up, "will you help us?"

Hercules didn't want to say yes or no right at this point. "Why don't you take Iolaus and show him what you've got as far as weapons. It shouldn't take too long. When you're done, go to the inn. I'll meet you there."

"Thank you, Hercules. And you too, Iolaus."

Iolaus smiled. He didn't know what Hercules was planning so he just played it by ear. "Come one, let's go take a look at what you've got."

"Thank you for meeting with him," Althea said when the other two men left.

What does Ares have to do with all this?" Hercules wasn't going to beat around the bush on this subject. She looked taken aback, but he couldn't tell if it was because of his abruptness or the question itself.

"What do you mean?" Althea decided to start out by playing innocent.

"You went to Ares' temple after talking to me. What for?" He hoped for the young woman's sake, she wasn't involved with Ares.

"Well, no with disrespect to her, what good would it do to go to Aphrodite's temple to pray for success in a battle?"

Hercules crossed his arms and leaned against on of the stalls. She did have a point about that. "I know Ares and this is something he'd get involved with."

"What do you expect? He's the God of War."

"There's more to this, though," he argued. "And, there's more to your involvement."

Althea turned away slowly, trying to hide her frustration. Why did he have to be so damn stubborn? "I don't know what else to tell you."

"Try telling me the truth." Hercules pushed himself away from the stall. Walking up behind Althea, her put his hands gently on her shoulders. "You're smart and young and beautiful. Why is Ares forcing you to serve him?"

Something about Hercules' touch sent a chill down her spine. She had never been touched in a caring fashion by anyone other than Ares. "You seem to know all the answers," she replied quietly. "You tell me."

"Whatever he's offering you to do this, it isn't worth it. Forget about him and go back to the people who care about you." Hercules waited but she said nothing. "I'll help your cause but only if you tell me what Ares has over you and I'll help you get away from him."

"Can I have some time to think about it?"

"You have until I meet Theiss at the inn. And that's not long."

"I'll have an answer by then." She watched Hercules leave knowing she didn't need any time to think about his offer.
 

She left the stables a short time later and waited for Iolaus and Theiss to return to the inn. Hercules entered right after them so Althea followed. Before heading to the table the three men were sitting at, she purchased mead and a fruit juice. Cautiously, she slipped the potion of roots and herbs into Iolaus' drink. It would be tasteless and within an hour, he'd be sleeping like a log. She took the drinks and went over to the table. "I trust everything went well?" She set the mead in front of Iolaus.

"Thanks." He sipped the drink. "I'd say they went just fine."

Theiss gave her a discrete nod indicating he knew to follow the plan.

"Good. If you don't mind, there's something I need to talk to Hercules about." She turned to him. "Would you care to go for a short walk?"

Hercules got up. "We'll be back."

Althea began leading him out of the city. "It's best if this is not discussed where someone might overhear."

Once they were several yards into the forest, Hercules asked, "So, what's your answer?"

"You said I should go back to my people, the ones who care about me."

"Yes, that would be the best thing."

"Ares is my people. He's the only one who's ever cared about me."

"Ares doesn't care about anything or anyone but himself, Althea. Can't you see that?"

"Let me tell you a little story, Hercules, a story about a little girl who was born in a small village. Her parents died when she was an infant and no one else wanted her, so she lived in an orphanage. "

"And the little girl was you?"

"That's right. When I was maybe 4 or 5, an army came and destroyed the village. I was on my way home from working in the stable when I passed by Ares' temple in the village. Something I could not explain drew me into that temple. I went in and shut the door. That's when I started hearing the shouts and screams and the smell of burning wood and burning flesh. I hid in a corner of the temple until it was dark and not a sound came from the village. I went outside and there was nothing left but piles of ashes and, of course, Ares' temple. I didn't know what else to do so I went back inside and he was in there. He told me I was special and that he would take care of me. And he did. He took me to one of his armies. They raised me. But, he saw to it I was never hungry and that I knew how to protect myself. He taught me how to string a bow, make the arrows and how to use them. When I mastered that, he taught me how to wield a sword. By the time I was ten, I could beat most boys who were years older than I was. I was fifteen when he said it was time for me to leave, to travel and to learn about others. That's what I did. Whenever I need something, he was there. Whenever I made a mistake he was there to correct me. I arrived in Armann and he told to stay there because that was where I would met the next part of my destiny."

"Theiss?"

"Yes, him and the rebels. I proved myself as a warrior to Theiss. I worked hard to prove I would be an asset to him and the cause. It was because of me they have the plans to King Aron's castle."

"Because of Ares, you mean."

"No, because of me. Ares opened no doors for me. I broke them all down. I got the plans and I returned with them. Granted, I would have never been able to do so if Ares hadn't been my teacher. And now, once Aron is overthrown, I will rule the army of Armann and be another step closer to my ultimate destiny with Ares."

"Don't you see, you make your destiny, not Ares or any of the other Gods."

"No, Hercules, it's you who doesn't see." She stopped walking when she came to the right spot.

Before she said another word, three men jumped out of the trees. They grabbed her money pouch and ran. "Stop them!" By the time she had taken three steps, Hercules was well after them and on his way to the trap. She raced after him and heard the startled shout when he fell into the pit. A loud metal clang echoed through the forest as the cage door sprung shut. Stopping at the edge of the pit, she looked down. Vargo came up next to her, handing her the money pouch and a large, thick lock. "Go and get ready for the attack. I'll take care of things here and meet you at the rendezvous."

The men nodded and ran off.

Althea hung her money pouch back on her belt. Clamping the lock around the top door of the cage, she said, "You see, Hercules, I owe Ares my life. And I will repay him with my love, my loyalty and my children. It's nothing personal but King Aron has to be overthrown and I can't risk you stopping us. Once it's done, you'll be released." She turned to walk away but stopped and turned back. "Oh, and don't bother trying to get out. The cage is made from the steel of Hephaestus. You can't break out." Althea now turned and left with Hercules shouting to her that it wasn't too late to turn back.

Althea and her small band of men fought hard. They fought long. When the sun rose the next morning, Theiss was King. While the town celebrated, Althea sent one of the townsmen to free both Hercules and Iolaus knowing they would not harm the innocent man.

Part way into the festivities, Theiss climbed up onto the throne in the castle to make an announcement. "I'm sure many of you are wondering just who I will appoint my advisor and who I will appoint commander of the army." He waited a moment as murmurs in the crowd died down. "It was a long and tough decision but I have made up my mind. Althea will lead my army and . . ."

Paxton jumped up from his seat at the table. "What?! A woman leading an army?"

"Yes and you will be my advisor."

Althea made her way down to where Paxton was. "Theiss has made his choice. Do you wish to challenge me for it?"

Paxton reached for his sword. Something made him change his mind though. Maybe it was the fact he had seen her fight. Or maybe it was that he was somewhat drunk. Maybe it was both, but in any case, he removed his hand from the hilt of his sword. "No. Not today."

"Wise choice, my friend." Althea returned to Theiss. "I have to leave for a while."

Theiss grinned. "Yes. Go celebrate our victory with Ares. Be back soon though."
 

Althea found Ares sitting in his throne in the temple. She approached and knelt down. "We were victorious, my lord."

"I know," Ares said, standing up. "You did well and deserve to be rewarded." Reaching to her, he brushed the side of her face. "Rise."

Althea stood. She trembled as Ares pulled her against him. His hands went around her to undo the leather bodice.

Ares stepped back as the bodice fell to the floor. It was rare for him to indulge in mortal pleasures so he enjoyed every moment it. With Althea, he enjoyed it even more. Never had he felt this way for any woman. As his eyes scanned up her body, he noticed something in her eyes. "Does this frighten you?"

Swallowing hard, Althea closed the distance between them. "What frightens me, Ares, is that I may not please you."

Ares took her hands and guided them to his vest. "You have nothing to be frightened of. You already please me."

Following his lead, Althea pulled the vest open. Placing her hands against his stomach, she pushed them upwards, over his chest, to his shoulders, and slipped the vest off.

"See, you're a quick learner." He snapped his fingers and transformed the altar into a bedroom. The lavish bed included a canopy and sheer curtains all around. A table holding a bowl of fruit, a goblet and a jug of wine sat next to it. Sweeping Althea off her feet, he swept a curtain aside to lay her on the soft bed. Her poured some wine into the goblet and settled himself next to her. He tilted the goblet allowing a small amount of the red liquid to fall between her breasts.

Althea jumped at the touch of cool liquid. It flowed down her chest and along her ribs. She looked at the grinning God. This obviously pleased him as he bent down to lick up the sweet wine.

Running his tongue along her ribs, up to her stomach, then between her breasts, Ares felt his long suppressed urges quickly mounting. Returning the goblet to the table, he pulled off his pants. He climbed back onto the bed at Althea's feet. Not bothering to remove her boots, he placed his hands between her knees. Easing her legs apart, he slid his hands down her inner thighs to her waiting mound. He circled it with one finger and carefully brushed his finger down between her lips. She was hot and wet and very ready. Without warning, he slipped the finger inside.

Althea's back arched into the air as she gripped the bed. She'd never felt anything like it before. The feeling of Ares' finger inside her sent electric jolts through body. Just as they subsided, Ares' tongue pressed against her. She screamed in pleasure as the jolts doubled in intensity.

Ares pulled his finger from her. He pushed himself up the length of her body. Touching the finger to her lips, he commanded, "Lick it."

Althea needed no further prodding. She not only licked it, she took his finger into her mouth, sucking on it like a baby on its mother's nipple.

Ares could not control himself any longer. He began to guide himself into her. He pressed against her and felt her tighten. "Relax, it'll be easier."

Althea tried to obey, but every movement he made, her body convulsed uncontrollably. Her heart was pounding and she could barely catch her breath.

With one deep shove, he was inside her. She screamed and pushed herself against him, making him go even deeper inside. He groaned and brought himself down on his elbows. Althea grabbed his back, racking her fingers down his spine. Pulling himself almost all the way out, Ares set a slow and steady rhythm, which Althea easily duplicated. As they moved together, Ares quickened the pace, thrusting deeper and hard when her screams and moans grew louder. He released himself with her and eased himself down on her as the climax faded.

Lovingly caressing her cheek, he whispered into her ear, "You pleased me greatly."

Suddenly there was a pounding on the door to the temple. "ARES! Ares, I know you're in there!"

With a snap of his finger, the altar was restored, he and Althea were clothed, and his soft and loving mood disappeared.

More pounding and the door burst open. Hercules rushed in. "I thought I'd find you two here."

"What do you want, Hercules?!" Ares snarled.

"I want you to let her go."

"What are you talking about?" Ares stepped down into the center of the temple, toe to toe with Hercules.

"Release her from whatever vow of servitude she's made. Give her the chance to live a normal life."

"She's made no vow to me! She serves me of her own free will. And even if she had, I wouldn't let you have her." He gave Hercules a shove. "Now get out of my temple!"

"Not without her." Hercules rushed him.

Ares easily tossed him across the temple into the stone wall. He whirled around to Althea. "Get out!"

"I won't leave you!" she cried.

"I said get out!!" he snarled as Hercules slammed into him.

Althea ran to the back door but couldn't bring herself to leave. She huddle in a corner watching as the two brothers kicked and punched and threw each other into the walls. She cried not know if Hercules could truly kill Ares.

The walls of the temple shuddered and began to crumble as the men's body slammed consistently against them. Blocks from the roof and top of the walls fell to the ground.

Ares grabbed Hercules and threw him into the wall within arms reach of Althea. Hercules bolted forward as the roof and walls above Althea crumbled. She didn't have a chance to run as the heavy blocks crumbled and fell on top her. In moments, she was buried.

Ares and Hercules had stopped the fighting when they heard her screams.

"ALTHEA!" Ares ran to the pile of rock and began tossing them aside as if they were pebbles.

Hercules joined him and between the two, the rocks were quickly cleared away. Their actions, however, were not quick enough.

Ares scooped up Althea's lifeless body and set her in the middle of the temple. He knelt down beside her. "Hades!" he called. "Hades!! I want her back!"

The Lord of the Underworld appeared. He looked down at Ares and Althea and then to Hercules. "I can't bring her back," he said apologetically.

Ares jumped up, grabbed Hades and slammed him into the statue. "You have to!"

"I can't!" Hades pushed Ares aside. "She was mortal and your actions killed her. It's against the rules to bring back a mortal that a God has killed."

"I was just as much at fault as Ares was," Hercules said, joining the men. "Can't you break the rule?"

"I'm sorry." Hades started to walk away. "If it's any consolation, she will not go to Tardarus. Her love and devotion to Ares was as pure and true as any could be. That is not a crime." Hades disappeared, returning to the Underworld.

Ares shoved Hercules out of his way, walking back to Althea's body. He dropped to his knees. She didn't deserve to die. She could have had such a great future as a leader and as Ares' queen. Ares turned to Hercules with a look of pure hatred and pure anger. "I will not forgive you for this - brother." Once again, he picked up Althea's body and vanished into the air, leaving Hercules to his own guilt and conscious.

*** The End ***