BE CAREFUL XENA

Xena wiped a damp cloth over her face and unhooked her armor. It fell to the ground with a clang. While her entire body ached, she knew she had one wound extending from her shoulder down on to her left breast. She wondered if it was worth the leering looks she would get from the healer to bother to even get some ointment for it. It didn't seem that bad, barely more than a scrape. She pulled down the top of her dress ready to wash. . .

"Here, let me do that for you." Ares said with a smooth voice as he appeared before her. He took the cloth, looked at it, scowled, tossed it aside and produced one that was warm and clean. "Using a rag you used to wipe down your horse is certainly going to do you more harm than good. Thought you were smarter than that Xena."

"I'm a soldier not a nurse."

"Even more reason to have someone look at it. It will heal fine, unless of course it gets infected." He cupped his hand under her full breast and traced the line of the cut with his finger, ending at the bud of her nipple.

"And I was considering not having it treated because I didn't want to be ogled by some old healer." She removed his hand and readjusted her dress. "So you gonna tell me how I did today, or what."

"What?" The God-of-War's eyes were hazy, as if he were still thinking about her breast.

"The battle. Today? You glad to see me? How'd I do? Did I remember the things you taught me?"

"Well, you're alive, that's always a good sign. Good to see you're back in Greece, where I can keep my eye on you. Got cut though, should have seen that one coming and ducked. "

"Did you see when I back kicked that guy in the groin. Bet he'll remember me for a long, long time." She smiled at him with an evil grin.

"Effective, for a while, Xena, but while kicks like that disable him for a short time, he will recover and come back at you with vengeance. You’re better off kicking a little higher and breaking a couple of ribs. You’re tall enough, even if it’s not quite as much fun."

"Yah, sure."

"I'm being serious. Broken bones don't heal nearly as quickly as hurt masculine pride."

She drew her sword and began to wipe it with the cloth she had previously used on her face. It was red with blood and brown with mud. She tried to ignore him, turning her back and concentrating on her weapon. He was much more dangerous.

"Those you were fighting were taken aback at a woman warrior. They haven't encountered many women in their previous battles. They don't know how to react to you, but in time you will lose that edge. You have to learn to fight them at their own level ñ the male level."

"I've heard that in the north there is a culture with woman warriors. Might go visit them sometime and learn a few things I didn't learn from the Amazons."

"Not sure that's such a wise idea, Xena. You've got a good mentor here. The reason you didn't learn much from the Amazons because they owe their allegiance to Artemis. The Goddess of Hunting is no match for the God of War. It's good to have you back anyway, Xena."

"I'm back, but you don't have me."

"Then why do you care what I think of your fighting skills? Why did you bother calling me?"

"Just wanted to show off."

"And. . ." his voice indicated that she should continue.

"Maybe get a little feedback."

"I'm not sure you understand the situation here, Xena." Ares continued, "I am not here to give YOU feedback, YOU are here to thank me. Do you understand?"

"Not really." She began to unfasten her dress. "Actually, I suppose I do."

He stopped her. "Actually, and I want to make this really, really clear, I am going to demand the same thanks from you that I ask from my special male warriors. You have to know that, Xena. I am not singling you out. It's not because you are a woman. It's not because I find you attractive, which of course I do. I demand this from old toothless, battle-scared generals. It's not because I find you desirable, and, certainly not because I enjoy it, although I probably am going to enjoy it with you. On your knees, Xena."

"Actually, I'd rather. ." She continued to attempt to remove her dress.

"I quite honestly don't care if you'd rather be playing dueling tongues with Athena. I want the same thing from you that I want from all my warriors, a blow-job, and I said ëon your knees'. "

He had not expected her to be so readily compliant. She was definitely trying. She wasn't skilled enough to take him completely into her throat or able to control her breathing, but she was active and eager and didn't gag. When he came in her mouth she swallowed without being told. The girl would learn; she might make it yet.

"Sorry, Ares, got to get going." She was up and picking the gravel out of her knees. "Going to have dinner with one of the leaders from the group we joined up with today. He has a ship. I'm thinking of joining him."

"Not so fast, young lady. I've got one more thing we need to talk about before you go running out."

"Yea, what's that."

"Sex."

"You got what you wanted. What you asked for?"

"You've got to be more careful, Xena. There are men who use sex as a weapon.

They will look at you not as a warrior, but as a woman, so when you are cut it will hurt even more."

"I'm not a virgin, Ares. Haven't been since I was thirteen. I can handle men."

"Not talking about that Xena. I'm talking about really getting yourself hurt. You have no idea how some men can combine cruelty and sexual enjoyment. They relish the hurt even more than the pleasure they receive from it."

"Yea, you should know."

"I do, just part of my nasty nature, I guess. But not with you Xena. I would never hurt you to pleasure myself. But others, others will try I am sure, this is why I am warning you."

"Thanks, but I think I can take care of myself."

"And one more thing, Xena."

She scrunched up her nose and gave him a 'don't bother me' look.

"I said, one more thing, and I trust that you will listen to me. Xena, a pregnant warrior, is not going to be able to control her troops."

"Yah, sure. Like I want to get pregnant."

She continued to walk away. "Be careful, Xena, please be careful."

McJude

March 2001