AresJoxerCupidStrife - Brandy

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11

Title: Saving Hermes
By: Brandy
Pairings: J/A, C/S, & maybe some more, we'll see.
Sequel: First Dark Bargain, then The Stone.
Disclaimer: I don't own or have any rights to any of the characters who are used in this story.

**I know I said it probably take a while to write this, but I got inspired last night. So, I'm gonna post the first two chapters. I hope the flashback is alright, my head's kinda going goo-goo right now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"'Fix this mess Aphrodite!' As if I didn't already know I needed to do that." Aphrodite muttered as she paced around Hephaistos' forge.

"I think that's the last of them." Hephaistos said quietly as he limped towards her holding a small stack of arrows. Placing the arrows with the others, Heph asked, "Can you tell which ones are missing?"

"Just a sec, stud." She replied as she held her hands over the pile of arrows, while thinking back to the meeting that got her put in charge of this mess.

**********

Yesterday Evening

Ares was sitting in bed, having just given birth to Gabriel. Joxer was curled up right next to him making cooing sounds at the baby. Apollo had his hand over the baby checking to make sure there wasn't any damage from Ares sickness or the Stone.

"Well, you guys are in luck!" Apollo exclaimed happily. "There isn't any damage from the sickness or the Stone. In fact, it looks like the Stone is still feeding him energy. That's why he has the golden glow around him. It's speeding up his growth. I'd say he'll grow about a year an hour until the energy runs out."

"Oh, Gabriel, you're just the best baby. Yes, you are! Yes, you are!" Joxer sang to the baby while rubbing his chin.

"You know Joxer, I think I'm we're going to call him by his title rather than his given name. It just sounds too much like blondie's name. How about we call him Judge?" Ares added as he stroked Judge's tiny wings.

"Alright, Ares. I like that."

"Hermes is my father?" Xena muttered.

"Wow, Xena. That means Autolycus is your brother." Joxer called out in a loud voice.

Xena started to sway on her feet. Hercules caught her before she could collapse to the floor.

"Apollo, I think there's something wrong." He called out anxiously as he watched Eris and Strife start to sway.

Apollo hurried over to look. "It looks like they were poisoned by the Clydiss. If each one of them eats a golden apple, they'll be fine. The juice counteracts the poison."

"Won't that make her immortal?" Iolaus asked worriedly.

"Your choice, immortal or dead. Doesn't matter to me. If she wants to chance it she can only eat half of it, which may cure her, but no guarantees. Now I'm off on vacation. Don't bother calling, I won't answer. If you need anything, call Asclepius." With his words still ringing in the air, Apollo vanished in a muted glow of golden light.

Zeus summoned three apples and handed them out.

Xena hesitated before taking a bite, and eating only half the apple.

"Now, about these experiments…" Zeus started.

"No way daddie o, I'm not saying a word `til the rest of these thieves are gone. Last thing I need is someone stealing some of my trade secrets." Aphrodite replied stubbornly.

"Trade Secrets." Zeus muttered to himself as he turned to face the rest of the gods standing in Ares bedchamber. "Out!" he thundered.

The other gods departed in muted flashes of light, not wanting to risk Zeus temper.

Finally, only Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, Hephaistos, Cupid, Strife, Eris, Hercules, Iolaus, Gabriel, Joxer, and Ares remained.

Zeus turned to Hercules and Iolaus. "Where do you wish to be sent?" He questioned.

Hercules and Iolaus exchanged a quick look. "Corinth." They chorused.

Zeus waived his hand and they were once again back in Iphicles palace.

"I assume you want to go back to your bard?" Zeus asked Xena.

"Yes, but when you rescue Hermes, let him know I want to speak with him." She replied.

Zeus turned back to Aphrodite. "Now, will you tell me?"

"Oh, all right. I was working on a birthday gift for Cupie. Hephie and I were gonna give him some special arrows. But, the spells kept getting amplified for some reason. We finally gave up and decided to scrap the project." `Dite practically snarled out.

"I was going to rework the metal, and use it for a shield. The spells on the arrows wouldn't have had any affect on it. I guess some of it got mixed in with my new batch of practice arrows I made for Bliss." Hephaistos said quietly as he looked down at the floor in shame.

<Not guilty. Accident.>

Everyone's head shot up at that, and looked over to the baby, who now had the appearance of a year old mortal baby.

"Yeah, that was Judge." Joxer grinned proudly.

"Well, the good news is that Bliss only knows how to put one spell on his arrows so far, happiness. So, Hades shouldn't be able to do anything that'll cause Hermes to be unhappy. Hermes is probably robbing Hades blind as we speak." Cupid announced.

Zeus turned to Aphrodite. "You're in charge, fix this mess."

************

"Yes!" `Dite shouted as she finally came out of her reminiscing and realized which arrow was missing. "It looks like I'm missing the super charged lust arrow.

"Oh, crap." Hephaistos groaned. "Don't you remember what happened when you tried those out?"

Aphrodite's forehead wrinkled up as she tried to remember.

"The mortals fucked themselves to death, `Dite."

"Ut, oh! Surely, Hades hasn't killed him yet. Hermes is a god. He can take more than a mortal, don't cha think?" `Dite answered with a worried frown.

"I can't believe how badly that cow screwed up my war!" Ares shouted as he and his two lieutenants flashed into the hall of war. "Months of planning down the drain! AHHHH!"

"Ya'd think she couldn't mess up that badly in a couple `a days." Strife muttered as he collapsed into a chair.

A flash of pink rose petals heralded Aphrodite's arrival in the temple.

"Ares, I need your help. You're the only one that talks to Hades on a regular basis besides Hermes. I need you to come to the Underworld with Cupie and me to distract Hades long enough for Cupid to shoot him with another arrow. We're hoping this one will weaken the spell of the previous one, and allow Hades and Hermes to break the spell."

"Cupie isn't goin' anywhere near the Underworld!" Strife yelled as he launched to his feet.

Cupid flashed into the room upon hearing is name spoken by Strife. "Hey Strife, did you call me?" He asked.

"Ya ain't goin to the Underworld. Hades tries to keep everybody that goes down there, and he ain't keeping you or the baby!" Strife finished by crossing his arms.

Cupid sniffed and tried to stop the tears.

Strife, seeing what he'd done, rushed over and took Cupid in his arms. "Now, Now, Cupie. I just don't want ya to get hurt." He murmured as he gently rocked the emotionally overcharged love god.

"Then you're just gonna have to come with us." Cupid muttered.

Strife paled even more than normal. "Cupie…"

Cupid pulled back and looked Strife in the eye. "Look you're gonna have to get over your fear of large dogs. You were mortal when Cerberus taunted you down in the Underworld. You have all your powers back now, and I'll be with you."

"Okay." Strife muttered uncertainly.

"Now, Arry, will you help?" `Dite asked crossing her arms and preparing for battle.

"I'd like to go see Hades, myself" Joxer added quietly as he walked into the room, with the fully-grown Gabriel next to him.

"I, too, must see grandfather." Judge added.

Ares shot them a cross look. He'd been looking forward to making `Dite beg. "Fine, we'll go." He muttered as he turned towards Eris.

"Eris, I need you to start spreading some Discord through the ranks in Olympia. I need them ready to fight Pisa before the week is out." Ares ordered.

"Aw, Ares, last time you sent me there I missed Strife's resurrection, your wedding, and Zeus torture!" Eris whined.

"Thank Athena, she's the one who messed things up for us." Ares spat out.

"Ut, oh!" Aphrodite muttered. "I'm getting a prayer from Autolycus, he found out Hermes is missing."

"Uh mom, that's my fault. I told him to pray to you if Hermes didn't show up for his meeting." Cupid interjected.

Aphrodite arched a brow at Cupid. "Well, then. You can just come with me to explain."

********

"Are you saying my father is the current sex toy for the Lord of the Underworld?" Autolycus asked incredulously.

`Dite and Cupid exchanged a glance.

"Yep." Cupid nodded.

"That about covers it!" `Dite chimed in at the same time.

Auto slapped his hand to his forehead and started to pace. "You're gonna get him back, right?" He stopped to look at the two gods for confirmation.

"We think so." Cupid answered

"You *think* so?"

"Well, Auto, it's like this. Hades is like under a major double whammy. We're not sure if we can get him free yet." `Dite shrugged.

Autolycus started resumed his pacing. "They're in the Underworld?" He asked.

"Yep. We're gonna go down and try to free him. If uncle Hades won't give him back, we may need you to help us steal him back." Cupid replied.

"Steal from Hades, huh?" Auto murmured as he paused in contemplation, absentmindedly twirling the end of his mustache. "I don't think I've ever heard of somebody stealing from Hades."

"That's cause he fries them, then feeds them to Cerberus, before throwing their mangled corpse into Tartarus." Cupid snorted out.

Auto stopped thinking about the untouched Underworld filled with goodies, and started to back away from the two gods, letting his trusty survival instincts take over. "Well, good luck!" He shouted as he ran out of the temple.

`Dite's voice followed him. "Don't worry Auto, we can find you again if we need you!"


Steam gently drifted up from the hot water surrounding the two lovers.

"We don't have much time before Aphrodite gets back." Joxer sighed as he leaned back against Ares chest.

"Hermes is a sneaky little guy; I'm sure he's fine. Besides, Hades and Hermes were friends before this whole arrow mess. I'm sure that Hades won't hurt him, not matter how strong the compulsion put on him by the arrow." Ares murmured as he soaped Joxer's chest and thighs.

"Oh, this feels so good. We're gonna have to do this all the time." Joxer murmured as he leaned his head back and started kissing Ares wet neck.

With a thought, Ares got rid of the water, not in the mood to go slow.

"Like that, is it?" Joxer murmured as he turned around and started kissing Ares.

"'S been too long." Ares murmured impatiently as he gently kissed and sucked on Joxer's neck.

"Oh, in that case…" Joxer moaned as he thought the oil onto his hands and started caressing and kneeding Ares ass, working his way closer, and closer to his goal.

Ares groaned as Joxer teased his opening with his oiled fingers, before pushing two inside. Scissoring his fingers quickly, Joxer placed the head of his shaft at Ares entrance, rubbing it around tauntingly, before pushing inside.

Ares dug his nails into Joxer's bare shoulders, sobbing with need. How could he stop now? Only the thick head of his penis was inside. He needed more. Ares squirmed trying to force Joxer in deeper.

"Do you want more?" Joxer whispered as he alternated between nuzzling, licking, and sucking on Ares chest.

"More!" Ares groaned out, as Joxer bit down on the skin just below his nipple and started sucking.

Joxer taunted Ares with several shallow thrusts.

"Joxer!" Ares growled in warning.

Joxer looked up at Ares and thrust up, taking hold of the panting mouth while driving his cock deep inside. He kept one arm around Ares and one hand on his weeping cock.

Ares broke the kiss and groaned as Joxer rubbed up against the small protrustion hidden inside.

Joxer put his cheek against Ares, flicking his tongue against his ear, and started a vigerous rythum, making sure to rub against Ares prostate with each thrust.

"Joxer!" Ares shouted as he came, before biting down on Joxer's neck, drawing blood.

"Oh, Ares. I love you so much." Joxer groaned and let go, filling Ares one last time.

************

`Dite and Cupid flashed back to the Hall of War, and looked around.

Strife was teaching Judge how to gamble, and cheat, at a small table. Looking around she didn't spot Ares or Joxer.

"Everybody ready!" `Dite called out cheerfully.

Joxer and Ares walked out of the bathing chamber holding hands.

"APHRODITE!" Came Zeus thundering bellow as he appeared dressed only in his loincloth and new gold necklaces.

Everyone stared in wide-eyed amazement at him.

Zeus was oblivious to their stares. Holding out his hand, a small scroll suddenly appeared. "I told you to fix this thing with Hades!"

"We're on our way! What's the deal!" Came Aphrodite's startled reply.

"Well you better hurry. He just asked to have his marriage with Persephone dissolved, so he can marry Hades. Hades! All Tartarus is going to break out when Persephone hears about this!" Zeus replied as he threw the scroll at Aphrodite.

"Hey, Gramps. Where's Hera?" Strife queried. "I thought you weren't lettin' her outta your sight?"

"She's at home in bed." Came Zeus mumbled reply.

"What! She's not sick is she?"

"No, but she'll be laid up for a while." Zeus replied with a leer before flashing out.

"Ewww! I, so, didn't need to hear that." Aphrodite wailed as she smacked Strife on the back of the head. "Come on, lets go already." And with that they disappeared in a flurry of rose petals.




"It's about time someone showed up ta take care of this mess." Thanatos muttered as the gods appeared in Hades main hall.

Ares looked around at the assorted shades milling about aimlessly. "What's going on? Why are all theses shades out of their places."

"Wow, betcha Hades is havin a fit?" Strife snickered.

"Hades? Hum, Hades? Where do I know that name from?" Thanatos muttered sarcastically. "Oh yeah, the guy that's supposed ta be in charge! Well, seeing as how he hasn't been in here in a month, things kinda slipped around here."

Ares sighed in exasperation. "What about his rules?"

"Rules. What, rules? As far as Hades is concerned, the only rule he has to follow is keeping Hermes happy. All tha poor suckers roaming around are waitin ta be judged."

"Well, I guess you're in luck. We've, like, got the brand new God of Judgment right here." Cupid beamed, and squeezed Judge around the shoulders.

Judge looked around nervously. "Uh, I don't think I'm ready, yet. See, Strife hasn't finished teaching me all the stuff I need to know. I still can't even spot a good card cheater. How am I gonna judge all these souls! And…and…"

Joxer walked over and hugged Judge. "Shhh, it's alright. Calm down. We're not gonna make you do this by yourself. Strife and I'll be with you while the others cure Hades. I'm sure once you start, everything will click into place, that's what happened to me."

"Really?"

"Really son. I'm sure once you tap into your powers and start channeling your followers prayers, everything will be just fine. All godlings are nervous the first time." Ares answered as he walked over and gave Judge a quick hug. "I'm sure once you start, you won't want to stop, the power can be very addictive. Before long, you'll be begging grandpa Hades to have you back!"

**Grandpa Hades? I'm gonna have ta suck up good to this one.** Thanatos tried to straighten his stooped shoulder and grin at Judge.

"AHHH!" Judge screamed, looking at the smiling Thanatos.

"Thanatos! Stop that, you're scaring him." Ares snapped out.

"It's okay, Judge. Cupid was so worried about using his powers he stayed a godling for a couple hundred years." `Dite attempted to reassured him.

"Did not. I just liked being a godling." Cupid muttered with a sullen pout on his face.

Strife looked up at his pouting lover. Growling low in his throat he swung Cupid into a passionate kiss. "Oh man, what your pouting does ta me!" He exclaimed before reclaiming Cupid's lips.

"Could we please get a move on! It's so grody down here, I want to get this done and go home." Aphrodite wailed.

"Alright, Joxer and Strife stay with Judge and start processing these shades. Cupid and `Dite, come with me." Ares ordered.

Judge pulled Strife off Cupid and dragged him after Thanatos and Joxer, who headed for the throne at the center of the room.

"Just wait `til I get ya back to Olympus, Judge, ya don't know what you're missin in the love department." Strife muttered.

"Hey, none of that `til he's at least fifty, Strife." Joxer warned.

Strife pouted and allowed himself to be dragged along by Judge.

"Aw, dad, cousin Strife wouldn't teach me something I didn't need to know!" Judge protested.

"If you want to argue, you can argue with your papa Ares, but you're only eighteen now, and still too young. You need to gain total control of your powers, before you start venturing off in other gods territory. You need to be sure you can protect yourself incase we aren't around to do it for you." Joxer finished as they approached the throne room.

Judge tentatively moved up to the throne and looked around.

"Sit down. Sit down, already." Thanatos gestured.

Judge sat down in the chair as Thanatos tried quite the noisy shades, and make them form a line.

"QUIET!" Joxer yelled out forcefully.

Total silence fell on the room.

Strife let out a long whistle. "Wow, Jox. You're gonna hafta do that sometime on Olympus."

Thanatos shot Joxer an annoyed look for doing what he couldn't. "Line up, and prepare ta be judged."

The shades slowly shuffled into line.

Thanatos pulled out a long scroll. "First up we have.."

"Wait." Joxer interrupted. "Judge, look at him and focus your powers, like Ares and I taught you."

Judge looked at the shade and focused his powers. Suddenly, his eyes glowed golden and he could see everything about the man. "His name is Gordis. He was the leader of a small village. Their crops went bad for three years in a row. Everyone was slowly starving to death. He murdered several large families by poisoning their food, and kept their portions for himself. He was killed by a brother of one of the murdered families, who discovered his treachery."

"Anythin else?" Strife asked.

"No."

"Your judgment?" Thanatos questioned after he double-checked his list with Judge's description.

"Tartaros."

The shade started to wail.

"Quiet!" Joxer muttered in a cold tone.

The shade instantly froze in terror.

"He wanted all the food so badly. Let him have the food. For all of eternity he shall eat and always be full, but unable to stop. Even when his belly fills and threatens to split, he shall still eat."

"Next!" Thanatos shouted as the man disappeared in mid-scream.

**************

"Do you think Judge is ready for this, Arry?" Aphrodite questioned. "He's still pretty young."

"He'll be fine. Joxer and Strife will help him. You know, I always thought this growing up overnight thing had to be the greatest, but seeing what it's done to Judge…"

"Come on, Arry. He's fine. So what if he matured faster in some areas and not others, at least he's alive! You and Joxie came really close to loosing him, ya know?"

"Yeah, pops. Bein a godling's not all it's cracked up to be. I'd have much rather had it like Judge did. Yeah, he grew up fast, but you and Jox made sure he enjoyed every second. Now, he's had a happy childhood and has full access to his powers, AND he's not afraid of them. That's what got me scared, seeing how you and mom had to channel so much power. Judge really didn't get to see that."

"I know, I know, but he's still so naïve about life. If he grew up the regular way, he'd have had time to adjust. I know Joxer and I could teach him to respect and not fear his powers. I wouldn't make the mistake with him that I did with you Cupid. You saw too much when you were little…I'm just worried that Joxer and I won't be able to protect him while he's learning that not everything in life is as simple as he's had it."

"Come on, pops. We all know there's no easy way to grow up a god. It sucks. He'll make it just cause he's got us, like I had you and mom. He'll make mistakes, we all do, but he'll learn from them and become a better god because of them. As long as he's loved, he'll be fine." Cupid ended with a rare hug.

"Thanks, Cupid." Ares muttered, as they finally reached the bedchamber door. `Dite started to reach for the handle, then froze, holding up her hand for silence.

Ares and Cupid exchanged worried glances. Suddenly, they heard what `Dite had, moaning.

"Oh, Hades!" Came the muted cry from behind the doors.

`Dite squared her shoulders and threw open the door, stepping inside.

Ares and Cupid followed her in, freezing in wonder at the sight.

****************

"Last one, boss!" Thanatos announced cheerfully.

A young woman walked up to the bottom of the stone steps, and bent her head forward, hiding her face.

Judge focused his sight on her, and reviewed her life.

"What do ya see, Judgie?" Strife quizzed as he hopped from foot to foot.

"Suffering and pain, with small traces of joy." Judge replied as he slowly moved down the steps and lifted the girls face.

Joxer inhaled a sharp gasp. Standing before his son was Meg.


All around the room were white candles, giving off their soft glow. The room was littered with red rose petals, their smell permeating the air. The walls were a creamy white, matching the silk sheets that were littering the rumpled bed. In their center were Hades and Hermes.

Hermes was manacled, naked, to the bed on his stomach. Hades was equally naked, and straddling Hermes hips. Hades was rubbing his oiled hands in firm strokes all over Hermes glowing back.

"Ohhh, deeper." Hermes groaned "Uhhh, yeah, right there."

"What is going on here?!" `Dite yelled, breaking the mood.

"Um, gee, mom…"

"Shut up, Cupid!" `Dite snarled. "Can't you feel it?" She ended on a moan as she staggered.

Ares reached out to grab Cupid and `Dite before they could fall to the floor.

"What's happening?" Ares asked, as he created a sofa for `Dite and Cupid to sit on.

Hermes turned to face the three gods. "Keep goin, Hades." He commanded, before addressing `Dite. "I would think it would be obvious to you, of all gods what's happening, `Dite. Hades is giving me my daily massage."

"Herm, I want to speak with you, like, now!" `Dite growled.

"Well, speak."

"Without Hades!"

Hermes pouted briefly. "Hades, love, why don't you go and start my supper. Remember, I only want vegetables from the mortal realm, and I know the difference, so no tricks."

Hades scowled at `Dite, before getting up and clothing himself as he walked out of the room, his erection still obvious to the three visiting gods.

Making sure that Hades was gone, `Dite turned on Hermes. "What are you doing!" She shrieked. "I could smell the manipulation from outside the room! You know Hades always had a thing for you. He's so full of repressed love and lust right now that I'm amazed that he hasn't exploded! You've been taking advantage of his love, haven't you?" She ended with a growl, while starting to form a fireball.

"Hello, who carted whom off in chains, remember?" Hermes retorted. "And, Hades doesn't have a thing for me, we just flirt around, always have. Besides, it took you guys long enough to come rescue me! If I hadn't figured out that Hades would do anything to please me, he would'a took me that first night. Do you know how good I am at stalling? And I'm almost out of ideas! Finally, had to tell him that I wouldn't `be with him in endless bliss', as he put it, until we're married. I figured that'd get some action. And, look, here you are." He ended with a sneer.

"Wait a sec! You've been holding him off for a MONTH!" Cupid swore and started to pace.

"Um, hello, you do remember that I work very closely with Hades and Persephone? She finds out he cheated with me, which you know will happen given the way he carried me off, and she'll make his life Tartarus. Then, he'll blame me for letting him, and he'll make my life Tartarus. So, not gonna go there! Besides this is the best vacation I've ever had. Look at this place! He waits on me hand and foot!"

"Herm, didn't you think there'd be consequences of holding him off for a month?" Cupid asked.

"Well…"

"The spell strengthened the longer you held him off."

"Well, just reverse it then."

"We can't." `Dite snarled. "The best we could do was weaken it. But if it's been in force for this long, it's been building up, and becoming stronger. And he does love you! I can feel it!" Aphrodite jumped to her feet and started pacing. "Did you even offer to jerk him off?"

"Um, well, yeah. Give me a little credit here! He was suffering. Just don't tell `Sephie. She can think up some really cruel stuff!" Hermes pleaded.

************

"I see you father." Judge replied with a puzzled look on his face.

Joxer inhaled sharply at the sight of Meg's ruined face. Hurrying down the steps he stopped in front of her, and lifted his hand to caress her ruined face.

"Oh, Meg!"

"Joxer? What're you doin' here?"

"I'm just visiting. What happened to you?"

"There was a fire at the tavern about a month ago. I got caught up in the flames, and burnt my face. After that, no one wanted ta see me. I didn't know what to do. I didn't have anyplace to go, so I started sleeping behind the blacksmith's shop. He was still pretty nice ta me. This mornin' I was walkin' ta the well when I heard a scream. A little girl was in front o' a outta control wagon, and about ta get trampled. I ran over ta save her and that's all I remember."

"She died saving the little girl, father." Judge filled in.

"I'm so sorry, Meg, I wish there was a way I could have helped."

"I was going to send her to the fields, father. Is there something else you wish?"

"I wish she could have another chance, but since she can't, I guess the fields will do." Joxer replied as he held up his hand and focused his energy on Meg's ruined face, making it beautiful once again.

Meg held up a hand and touched her face. "Oh, thank ya, Joxie."

Thanatos walked up and started to send Meg to the fields.

"Wait." Judge told him. "I'm sending her through the void." He informed the startled Thanatos.

"What!? Ya can't do that! It's against the rules. Only Hades can send someone through tha void."

"Well, since I've been doing his job, I'm making an executive decision and sending her through the void!" Judge informed the slightly irate Thanatos.

"What's the void?" Strife questioned curiously.

"It's a portal that allows the soul rebirth." Joxer replied.

"How'd you know about the void, Judgie? And how'd ya know what it does, Jox?" Strife questioned.

"I don't know, I just did." Judge shrugged.

"It just came to my mind." Joxer frowned.

"Oh, must be some dead god thing, ya got from Hades." Strife muttered.

**************

"Zeus blue balls Hermes! You're gonna have to fuck him! The spells too powerful now. If you don't, it's only a matter of time `til all that emotion turns to obsession and rage. After that he'll start torturing you before finally killing you." `Dite resumed her pacing.

"So, Herm, what kind of promises have you gotten out of Hades since he's been in this shape." Ares asked quietly from the corner.

Hermes froze. "Promises?"

"Yep. Remember, I know you little brother. You're the master of trickery and games. So, give."

"Well, I've only gotten a few small ones." Hermes muttered under Ares patented glare.

Suddenly, the room filled with a flash of light as Judge, Joxer, and Strife appeared.

"So, we ready ta go yet?" Strife giggled as Cupid stroked his neck with his feathers.

"Nope. Looks like we've got a bigger mess than we realized." Cupid replied.

"Who's goldie-wings?" Hermes asked from his position on the bed.

"He's my son." Joxer replied.

"Oh." Hermes muttered and turned back to watch `Dite pace. "Come on, `Dite, you know I needed a vacation. You guys run me all over the world. I was about to collapse from exhaustion. And, its not like I could get free." He motioned to the chains.

"Herm? Judge is also my son, and the God of Judgment." Ares smirked.

Hermes whipped his head back around to study Judge.

Judge walked up to the chained Hermes and focused his power, before turning back to `Dite, and whispering in her ear.

`Dite whipped around and focused her power on Hermes, before breaking down in laughter.


"Oh, Hermes, not so good at hiding without your powers, huh?" `Dite smirked.

Hermes started to blush. "I don't know what you mean." He muttered.

"Cupid, look at him." `Dite ordered. "It's probably one of the few times he can't hide from us."

Cupid focused his powers on Hermes, and smiled at what he saw. "So, Herm, how long?"

Hermes didn't bother trying to deny what they saw any longer. "I didn't know myself until he'd married Persephone. Then it was too late. I can't let him touch me `Dite. I won't be able to let him go." Hermes pleaded.

`Dite resumed her pacing.

Hades opened the door and paused briefly looking at the additional people before walking over to Hermes and sliding into bed next to him. "Supper will be done in a minute." He murmured quietly, before placing a gentle kiss on Hermes lips.

Aphrodite paused briefly and focused her powers on Hades. Stomping her foot, she resumed her pacing.

"I've got it!" She shouted spinning towards Joxer.

"Joxie, can you do that freezing thingy that Cupie told me about?"

"Ah, sure Aphrodite."

"Good." She purred. "Freeze them!" She pointed towards Hades and Hermes.

Joxer focused his power and froze the two startled gods.

"Cupid, get out a true love arrow!" `Dite ordered.

"But, mom, that's like, my most powerful arrow." Cupid protested.

`Dite growled and stalked over to Cupid. Reaching into his quiver, she pulled out two arrows, and added her power to them. "Now, shoot them!"

Cupid flinched back and notched his arrows. Pausing briefly, he looked back at his mother for reassurance. Seeing Aphrodite impatiently tapping her foot, and motioning him to proceed, he shot Hades and Hermes with the arrows.

"Now, let's go find some food, and make some plans!" `Dite announced as she stalked out of the room.

************

"So, `Dite, what'd you do to them." Ares asked curiously.

`Dite smirked. "Well, the original spell would have had them fucking like bunnies if Bliss hadn't added his own twist to the arrow. Since the only spell he knows so far is how to bless people with happiness, Hermes must have been trying to stop Hades, and said something about the situation making him unhappy. Hades would have been compelled to make Hermes happy before doing anything else. This only made the lust arrow more powerful. So, when Judgie looked at Hermes, he saw something that he brought to my attention. Hermes is in love with Hades! The little sneak's been hiding it from me. Cupie's true love arrow with my power boost, should fix the problem, and show them the truth of their feelings." She finished triumphantly.

Judge turned to Aphrodite. "But, Hermes loves grandpa. Won't he be hurt when he finds out that grandpa loves Persephone?"

"Hades always loved Hermes. Still does. Apparently, he got lonely and decided that Persephone would be good company."

"What about Persephone? Doesn't she love Hades?" Strife asked.

"Nope, she just likes the attention she got from being fought over, and that's the problem we have to solve."

**********

Hades and Hermes fell back onto the bed after Joxer released them.

"Hades." Hermes moaned as he twisted over pulled the dark god in for a kiss. "Release the chains, Hades, and let me love you."

Hades cupped his hands on either side of Hermes face, starring into his eyes. "You swear upon the Styx that you won't run away from me?"

"I swear upon the Styx I won't run away from you tonight." Hermes swore.

Hades reached up and over Hermes to unlock the cuff around Hermes wrist. As soon as his he was free, Hermes grabbed Hades arms and quickly reversed their positions.

"Hermes, please. I hurt so much." Hades moaned.

Hermes rid the dark lords clothes with a thought. Pressing his lips to Hades, Hermes started to tease the solemn lips with his tongue, while slowly moving his hand down the broad chest and back around the slim hips, until he was squeezing Hades ass and pushing him forward until their cocks met. Moving one hand back around to encircle both cocks, Hermes started a slow thrusting movement. "It's alright Hades, I'll make the hurt go away." Hermes promised as he increased the timing of his thrusts.

Hades couldn't hold out any longer. Finally, a month of waiting was over. Gone were the impersonal touches of the occasional hand jobs that Hermes had reluctantly agreed to. The one he wanted so much was his. With that thought in mind, Hades let go, and erupted.

Hermes stopped his thrusting and leaned down to kiss the still hard god. "It's alright. I'm still here." He murmured.

Hades flicked his tongue out wiping a small tear from Hermes cheek.

Hermes barely had time to breathe, as Hades quickly flipped them, anchoring Hermes head on the pillow with his hands. Hades leaned in and probed the willing mouth with his tongue. Moving his hand to his stomach, he scooped up his semen and spread it all over Hermes chest and stomach, rubbing it in. "Want to mark you as mine." He muttered, before nipping and sucking his way around Hermes tender neck.

Hermes started to whimper in need, as Hades kneaded his hands down his back, to the bottoms of his thighs, opening them wide so he could settle in between. Hades tauntingly rubbed his cock against Hermes, kissing him fiercely when Hermes tried to squirm closer.

"Please, Hades." Hermes moaned.

"Will it make you happy?" Hades teased.

"Ecstatic."

Hades moved one of his hands so that it was at the top of Hermes cleft. Summoning some more oil, Hades proceeded to oil Hermes ass, teasing him briefly with strokes around his puckered opening, but pulling back when Hermes tried to force him in.

Slowly, Hades returned his hand and slipped a finger gently inside. Pushing forward past the ring of muscle, into the hidden depths, loosening his lover, and preparing him for what was to come. Withdrawing briefly, Hades inserted two fingers, scissoring them open for his third. "Oh, Herm, you're so tight. How long?"

"Since I realized I love you." Hermes replied, looking nervously into Hades eyes.

Hades froze. "You love me?"

"Yes." Came Hermes nearly inaudible reply.

Hades reached down and grabbed his cock, placing it at Hermes puckered opening, and gently pressing inside.

Hermes groaned in pain and relief.

Hades rocked his hips back and forth, each movement sending his huge cock deeper inside, until his balls brushed against Hermes ass. Looking down into the glowing eyes of his lover, Hades whispered, "I love you, too." Before drawing back and thrusting.

Hermes sobbed in joy as Hades set up a quick rhythm, his large cock rubbing against his prostate with each stabbing movement.

Hades kissed him, stroked him, and murmured how much he loved him, until all Hermes could do was scream out "HADES!" as he climaxed.

Hades thrust one last time, and let the contractions of Hermes body send him over the edge. "Oh, Herm." He moaned.

************

Judge was sitting at the table eating an apple his paranoid father had given him when he felt the first prayer. Cocking his head to the side, he opened his hearing to his petitioner, forgetting to focus on that one voice.

Suddenly, he screamed, and grabbed his head with both hands.

Joxer and Ares were instantly at his side, trying to figure out what was wrong.

Judge's eyes flashed golden, and they were gone.


Judge reappeared in the middle of a large village square, with both of his fathers still holding onto his arms.

Instantly, the pain receded as the villagers stared in astonishment.

"Judge, are you all right?" Joxer queried anxiously.

"Just tell me who did it son, I rip their throats out!" Ares growled, as he sparked red.

"No. No, I'm all right. They prayed to me, and I forgot to focus on just one voice, and block the emotion. It's okay now." Judge replied as he straightened up, and looked around for the source of the first prayer.

Spotting a terrified man, cringing off to his left, Judge moved over and lifted him to his feet. "You asked for Judgment?"

"Please, please, don't kill us!" The man whimpered out.

Ares rolled his eyes. "Did you ask my son for help, or not, mortal!"

"We asked for help from Zeus. A voice sounded from above and told us we had to pray to the God of Judgment if we wanted help."

"Well, here I am, what did you want?" Judge asked, rolling his eyes at all the bowing the rest of the villagers were doing.

"Six days ago, the diamond of light was stolen from Apollo's temple. The town had the obligation of guarding the stone for the goddess. However, the stone was cursed. If it were ever taken from the men in the village, the women and children would fall into a deep sleep, only to awaken when the stone was returned. If we couldn't return the stone in seven days, they would all fade away, and the men would be cursed to haunt the town forever."

"Sounds like you need a hero, not the God of Judgment." Joxer quietly remarked.

"Oh, no, my lord. We would ask for judgment against the thief. We know there's no way to return the stone by the deadline. We have searched everywhere, and haven't found any clues, other than this scrap of green cloth, to lead us to the thief. However, we wish the person who did this awful deed to us to be punished." The man finished nervously.

Judge focused his sight on the man, and saw the truth of his words. "Very well, you shall have Judgment against the thief." Judge replied as he reached out and took the scrap of cloth from the man, focusing his powers on it, and finding the thief.

Sending out his powers, Judge traced the thief, and transported him to stand next to his fathers.

"So, thief, you'll finally get your due." Ares grinned at the startled Autolycus.

*********

Aphrodite, Cupid, and Strife starred in concern at the place where the gods had just disappeared form.

"He musta forgot ta concentrate on one prayer." Strife told the others. "Usually, only has ta happen once. It taught me ta focus better." Uttered the voice of experience.

"I hope they're alright." `Dite muttered.

"They'll send for us if they need help, mom. Now, what're we gonna do about Persephone."

"Well, it's obvious she has'ta find someone else. But who?" Strife contributed.

"She's always had a thing for blondes." Cupid muttered quietly.

Strife whipped around. "What? That hussy tried ta steal my man?!"

"Come on Strife, stay calm, you know when you're upset, I'm upset, and when I'm upset…"

"No, No, I'm alright, Cupie. You need ta stay calm for the baby. So, when was this?" Strife asked nicely, while seething inside.

"Uh, right after she and Hades got hitched." Cupid answered nervously.

"What?" Aphrodite asked sharply, pinning Cupid with a glare.

"She a, she said that she and Hades wanted a baby, but that he couldn't have one, and told her to find a god who could. She said I was the best choice, being a love god and all. I told her I couldn't do that to a godling of mine, that I'd want to raise it, and not put it in the middle of a battle between Hades and Demeter. She said she understood, and that's the last I heard from her." Cupid shrugged.

"Why would she lie about that? Obliviously Hades knows he can have children, he had Joxie, Jett, and Jayce!" `Dite exclaimed.

"'Cause if she said Cupie raped her, she could start a controversy around her child and gain a whole bunch a attention." Strife muttered. "Think about it. She's a minor goddess who's always under her mama's thumb. What better way ta get attention."

Strife stood up and started pacing back and forth. Suddenly, he stopped and a wicked grin blossomed on his face. "I've got it!" He shouted.

*******

Autolycus looked around nervously at the familiar town square. However, it was the sound of Ares voice that sent a bolt of pure terror through him. Autolycus wheeled around to face the war god. "Ares! Look, I was only borrowing it for a while…"

"My father didn't bring you here thief, I did." Judge announced from behind him.

Autolycus whirled around again, facing the imposing god with the golden wings and eyes that seemed to stare straight into his soul.

"Autolycus, meet my son, the God of Judgment." Ares announced triumphantly.

Auto darted his eyes around, frantically looking for an escape route, but the eyes had him pinned in place.

"Tell these villagers what you did with the diamond, thief." Judge demanded.

"I…I sold it to a rich merchant in Corinth, Crassis, just this morning." Auto blurted out in a rush, unable to stop the words.

The head villager turned to a slim youth in the crowd. "Theis, you're the fastest rider we have, quickly, find this merchant and get the diamond back, and we might still save the village."

"Villager, tell the thief about the diamond's curse." Judge demanded.

"Curse?" Auto squeaked out.

The villager looked at Autolycus with loathing. "The curse says that if the diamond is taken from the temple, then all the women and children will sleep deeply for one week…"

"That doesn't sound like a bad curse, I bet they would like the rest!" Autolycus cut in nervously.

"Continue." Judge snapped at the villager.

"At the end of that week if the diamond is not retrieved by the men, then the women and children will fade away, and the men will haunt the town forever."

"Oh." Autolycus muttered. "Look, I'll get the diamond back! I sneak in there and snatch the thing, and have it back before you know it!"

"Too late, thief." Judge said in a quiet voice that echoed throughout the town.

Auto started to panic. Looking back at Ares, he finally noticed Joxer. "Joxer? Joxer! Help me!" He yelled in desperation.

"I'm sorry, Auto. I can't help you this time." Joxer spoke sadly.

"You know this one, father?" Judge asked.

"Yes. He's one of Hermes sons. When I was mortal, I called him friend." Joxer replied quietly.

"Do you still call him friend?"

"Despite what he's done here, yes."

"Do you wish to plead for leniency?"

"No. I won't keep interfering in your job, Judge. Just because someone is a friend of Ares, or mine you can't always spare them. I think you already know about mercy just by watching you judge Meg. You have to do what you feel is right, son."

Ares started to open his mouth and object, but Joxer kicked him in the back of the leg, and silenced him with a warning look.

"Very well. Autolycus, son of Hermes, for punishment in damning a village, you will serve out a period of one year as your father's apprentice as Messenger to the Gods. However, if you steal anything during this period, you will be doomed to this position forever, and anytime you attempt to steal, the object will become inanimate to your touch. You will be forced to always covet, and never take."

"No!" Autolycus shouted as Judge sent him to Hades dining hall, where the others would keep him until he arrived and turned custody of the thief over to his father.

The villagers just looked on in confusion, not understanding the thief's punishment.

Ares started laughing hysterically as the full weight of Autolycus' punishment finally made sense.

"Ares, it's not that funny." Joxer scolded.

"Yes…yes…yes it is!" Ares hiccupped out. "He'll be in the homes of all the gods, and tempted like he's never been before, there's no way he can last a year! He'll be indebted to Hermes forever, and not able to steal a thing!" Ares howled.

Joxer started to smirk and quietly chuckle.

"Dads?"

"Yeah, Judge?" Joxer answered.

"I think I'm gonna return Xena's chakram real quick and pop in and say hi to uncle Hercules." Judge replied quietly.

"I think he's still in Corinth, Judge." Joxer replied, understanding his son's desire to help. "Go on."

Judge smiled at his parents and disappeared in a flash of golden light.

Joxer turned to the villagers. "When Hercules helps save your village, you shall erect a temple to my son, Gabriel, the God of Judgment." He commanded.

The villagers looked on in stunned amazement as Ares and Joxer flashed from view.

**********

Judge appeared in a flash of light in the small tavern in Amphipolis. The patrons instantly cleared the room.

Xena jumped to her feet, ready to confront the unfamiliar god.

"Rest easy, Warrior Princess. I'm simply here to offer my thanks, and return this to you." Judge held out Xena's missing chakram.

"Gabriel?"

"My papa Ares, insists I be called Judge, but yes, my given name is Gabriel, God of Judgment."

Xena smiled at Judge. "Thank's for this." She held up the chakram. "You don't happen to know if Hermes is free yet?"

"You're welcome. I believe the others have run into some problems, but I will make sure to tell him that you wish to speak with him. Farewell."

"Bye." She uttered softly, still mesmerized by his beauty.


Joxer and Ares return to Hades' hall to find Autolycus in sitting still in a chair at the table, with a shocked look on his face.

"Hey, what happened?" Strife questioned. "He just appeared, and hasn't said a word."

"Oh, Strife, you should have been there!" Ares started laughing again.

Autolycus snapped out of his shocked stupor and snapped at Ares. "It's not funny!"

"That's cause it happened to you, thief!" Ares choked out.

Aphrodite and Cupid looked at the laughing Ares in shock. They'd never seen the War God laughing this badly before.

"The thief stole a cursed diamond, and the villagers asked for Judgment. Judge sentenced him to be Hermes apprentice for a year. If he steals anything during that year, he gets made immortal, and has to do it forever. If he tries to steal anything then, the object becomes inanimate to him, so no more stealing, ever!" Ares finished as Strife, Cupid, and `Dite joined his laughter.

"It's beautiful!" Strife gasped out between giggles.

Hades and Hermes walked into the hall holding hands.

"It's been quite a while since there was laughter in the castle." Hades quietly commented.

"Feeling better, uncle?" Ares smirked.

"Dad! Dad, you gotta help me!" Auto cried out seeing his father, still unable to move from his chair

"Autolycus? What're you doing here?" Hermes questioned, astonished.

"He's not dead, Herm." Hades reassured him.

"That golden-winged god's gone crazy, dad."

"Autolycus, tell the truth!" Joxer yelled from across the table.

"Yeah, thief, tell your daddy how you doomed a whole village `cause you didn't check to see if an item was cursed before you stole it." Ares said with quiet deadliness. "How the men of the village cried out, in a voice so powerful it caused my son pain, for Judgment. Tell you father what Judge sentenced you to, if you dare."

Autolycus shut up, and looked down at the table.

"Judge will tell you of your son's fate, when he returns, Hermes." Joxer told the worried god quietly.

**********

Judge appeared in the main throne room in Iphicles castle. Not wanting to startle people like he had at the village and tavern, he stayed invisible to mortal eyes. Scanning the assembled people, he started looking for his uncle Hercules. Not finding him in the crowd, he moved up to the throne, deciding the guy in charge would probably know where his uncle was. He waited until the man with the crown stopped talking to bend down.

"Pssst. Hey, do you know where Hercules is?" He asked the mortal.

Iphicles jumped up and let out a startled scream.

Judge rolled his eyes and appeared before the mortals. "Gee, I was tryin' to be discreet. Do you know where my uncle Hercules is?" he asked again.

"Who…who are you?" Iphicles stuttered as he tried to regain his composure.

"I'm called Judge. I'm the God of Judgment." Judge replied impatiently.

"Judge?" Hercules called out as he strode across the room.

"Uncle Herkie!" Judge cried out happily, giving Hercules a fierce hug.

"Hell, Judge. Is everything alright?" Iolaus questioned as he quietly came up behind Hercules.

"Uncle Io!" Judge exclaimed just as happily, giving Iolaus a gentler hug.

"Hercules, aren't you going to introduce us?" Iphicles questioned, once he'd stood up.

"Oh, sorry. Judge, this is my brother Iphicles, King of Corinth. Iphicles, this is Joxer and Ares' son, Judge. He's the new God of Judgment."

Several people tried to quietly shuffle out of the hall hearing this. Judge whipped his head around and froze them with his papa Ares' glare. "Don't worry, I'll be seeing you again." He announced to the, now running, people.

One of Iphicles advisors turned to another, attempting to whisper. "Joxer, not that fool who called himself, Joxer the Mighty!"

Judge turned to the man and focused his powers. "No one insults my father! Tartarus for you! I'll decide your punishment later."

"But…But…That was my most trusted advisor." Iphicles muttered turning to Hercules for help.

"Ahh, don't worry, Iph, he was spying on you!" Judge announced cheerfully, before turning to Hercules and Iolaus and clapping his arms about their shoulders. Iphicles shook his head, not sure weather to be relieved or worried about this new god.

"Well, guys, I need a hero! And, seeing as how you're here in Corinth…" Judge proceeded to send the two heroes on their good deed of the day, before going back to check on his thief.

**********

"Who's Judge?" Hades asked.

"Remember tha other guy with wings earlier?" Strife smirked.

"Not really, I only had eyes for Herm." Hades said with a slight smile directed at Hermes.

"He's your grandson." Joxer said quietly, looking at his father.

Hades froze.

"What's the matter? Don't you recognize me?" He taunted.

Hades slowly turned his head and looked at Joxer.

"Joxer?"

"So, you know my name. Well, I am surprised."

"Joxer. So you did survive. Hera said it would be my only chance to know you." Hades mumbled to himself.

"Explain that!" Ares snapped.

"Zeus told me just after my affair with your mother ended, that there would be children." Hades began, addressing Joxer. "He told me that the Fates had warned him of your coming, that you could destroy Olympus, if you married Ares. He had a plan. He wouldn't kill you, if I would promise to send you through the void when he wanted. I agreed. However, I couldn't watch you, or I'd be tempted to intercede. So, I stayed away." Hades paused, lost in the memories. "A while ago, Hera came to me. She showed me what had been done to you. She said she had a plan to allow you to lead a normal life. She didn't know about the Fates' warning, and I doubted Zeus' word after what I saw. So, I let her have a soul, and hoped she'd keep her promise. I was going to look in on you, but got sidetracked by a little arrow. I guess Zeus was lying after all."

Ares snorted. "He wasn't lying. I almost died, and our son with me. Apparently, the whole thing led to another prophecy about Gaea's gift. The gift cured me, and caused Judge to grow up overnight."

"I know it won't be easy for you to forgive me, Joxer, but I am sorry."

Joxer nodded briefly with an angry scowl on his face.

Ares reached over and drug Joxer into his arms, hugging him tight.

Suddenly, Judge flashed back into Hades' hall.

Looking around the table, he spotted Joxer curled up in Ares arms, misery plain upon his face.

"Who hurt my papa!" He demanded, eyes flashing gold.

"Judge, come here." Ares commanded.

Judge walked over to his fathers.

"Your papa just had some bad news, but it was something he needed to hear. He'll be better soon, okay?"

Judge scowled briefly, then reached forward to hug his papa.

The side door banged open noisily, as Thanatos dragged himself in. "Hey Judge, I got that one you sent down, but I need ta know his punishment…Oh, Hi boss!"

"Oh, Thanatos. I suppose you're here to nag me to get back to work." Hades exclaimed tiredly.

"Uh, nope."

"No? Surely we're backlogged?"

"Uh, nope."

"What, nobody's died since I've been preoccupied?"

"Uh, nope."

"Thanatos." Hades growled.

"I'm the God of Judgment, grandfather. I judged all your souls, and sent them on their way." Judge spoke up quietly.

Thanatos threw him a grateful look.

"All of them?" Hades asked softly.

"Yep."

Hades turned to Thanatos. "Did they go to the right places?" He questioned dangerously.

"Sure did boss!"

Hades bowed his head a moment. Suddenly, wild, unrestrained laughter erupted form the Death God. Hades jumped up, and pulled Hermes up with him, dancing him all around the room, laughing and shouting, "I'm free! Free! Free, Free, Free."

Thanatos, Aphrodite, Strife, Cupid, and Ares' collective jaws dropped open in astonishment. Judge, Autolycus, and Joxer simply raised their eyebrows at the strange site.

Finally, Hades stopped his dancing and hugged Hermes. "Don't you see what this means? I'm not stuck here all the time, anymore. I can go with you anywhere you want to go, Herm. We can take a vacation! VACATION!" Hades laughed again.

"Uh, Hades? You do remember I'm the God of Messengers. I'm always working." Hermes muttered sullenly.

Hades stopped laughing.

"Uh, Hermes? I think I took care of some of your problem earlier." Judge hesitantly replied.

Hades and Hermes whipped around to face Judge eagerly. Autolycus just glared at Judge.

"I judged your thief. He's your apprentice for a year. If he doesn't steal anything in that year, he's free. If he does steal, he's rendered immortal, and given the position forever. Anything he tries to steal after that becomes inanimate to him."

Hermes slowly looked for Judge to Autolycus, and back to Hades.

"We're FREE!" He shouted, and resumed dancing around with Hades.

"Well, Hades. I guess that answers the question of whether you want Hermes or Persephone!" Aphrodite shouted over them, instantly killing their glee.

"Oh crap." Hermes muttered, shooting a glare at the Love Goddess.


Hades and Hermes moved back to the table.

Hermes looked hesitantly at Hades. "So, I guess I forgot about Persephone for a while." He spoke softly.

Hades just shook his head in misery. "What am I going to do?" He shook his head sadly. "I can't do this to her. She's been a loyal wife to me."

Strife snorted, and started to say something, until Cupid squeezed his leg in warning.

"Hades, why did you carry Persephone off?" `Dite asked softly.

Hades looked down at the Love Goddess and blushed. "I ah, I was lonely. Herm hadn't been around in awhile, since he'd found a new lover. I'd been flirting with him for years, and he never showed any interest. I didn't think I had a chance with him. I saw Persephone when I was out on one of my rare trips to the surface. She looked so lovely, and I couldn't help myself. I just wanted someone to talk to, who wasn't interested in work. Even when Zeus made the decree that she'd only be here half of the year, I wasn't too upset, it was better than nothing."

"Hades, did Persephone ever ask if you wanted children?" `Dite got up and moved towards him.

"No. We never discussed it." Hades replied with a frown.

"If you had the choice of Hermes or Persephone, who would you choose?"

Hades blushed again. "Hermes, but I can't hurt Persephone." Hades answered softly.

Hermes tried to smiles through his breaking heart.

"Well, Hades, I don't think you should worry about hurting her."

Hades looked at Aphrodite in confusion. "What?"

Strife rolled his eyes. "She's been makin' a fool outta ya!"

Hades turned to the God of Mischief. "What are you talking about?"

"She tried ta seduce my husband!" Strife shouted.

Cupid couldn't take the churning emotions coming from Strife now that he'd lost control. He struggled to stand, and move away from the table. Unfortunately, Autolycus reached out to help, and ended up dripping with the remains of Cupid's dinner.

Ares couldn't help himself, and started laughing.

"Great! What else could go wrong today!" Autolycus moaned.

Judge took pity on the thief, and removed the mess his brother had made, and helped him and Cupid sit back down.

"She what?" Hades quietly asked.

"She tried to get Cupid to give her a child." Aphrodite answered.

Hades threw himself from his chair, and started pacing. "When did this happen?" he demanded.

"Right after you were married, Hades." Ares answered, when no one else would.

"I made her my Queen, and she does this. What else has she done, that I don't know about?" Hades snapped out.

"There's no telling, Hades. She's always been jealous of the other gods for as long as I remember. Demeter has kept her on a tight leash all her life, and she discovered she liked the attention when you abducted her. We can only assume she was trying to create another scandal with Cupid." `Dite told him.

Hades paused and looked at the others. "Were any of you ever going to tell me?"

Cupid looked at his great-uncle. "Why? You were happy, and it was my word against hers." He said miserably.

"I've been so blind." Hades muttered, as he resumed his seat. "There's no way she'll agree to have the marriage set aside, and without proof of her deception, we're stuck."

Strife smirked, and leaned back in his chair, "I wouldn't count on that!"


Judge tilted his head slightly; listening to something only he could hear. Looking over at his fathers, he said, "Uncle Herkie is calling for me. I need to go see what he wants, I'll be right back." And departed.

"So, I guess you're not gonna help me outta this mess, huh pop?" Autolycus scowled dejectedly as soon as Judge had departed.

"No way." Came Hermes enthusiastic reply.

Auto scowled, thinking furiously of a way out of his current predicament.

"Don't even think about it, thief, I'll hunt you down, and your punishment will be even more severe. How'd you like to be Zeus' personal body-waxer?" Judges voice echoed in his mind, even though he wasn't there.

Auto started to slowly turn green at the thought.

***********

Judge reappeared in front of his uncle Hercules. "Hi, unc!" He blurted out, looking around the again prospering village.

"Hi, Judge. Thanks for telling us about this village. There's no reason these people should have died because of a thief." Hercules greeted his nephew.

"It's alright. It's your job to be a hero, and everybody's gotta have a job. It helps bring order to chaos, my papa Ares says."

"Wait, Ares says this?" Hercules replied with a frown.

"Yep. Just think what the world would be like if no one worked. You wouldn't have any more inventions, and everyone would fight all the time over what little food there was."

"Wouldn't that make Ares happy?" Iolaus questioned.

Judge snorted. "No. It'd kill him. We gods channel and use the energy that mortals provide us with. If everyone in the world was fighting, papa Ares couldn't handle all the energy, and it'd destroy him. That's why there are so many gods. As the mortals make advances that support bigger populations, we need more gods to help channel the energy. The twelve still handle the most energy, but the more things mortals come up with, the more gods there will be to help control the energy.That's why papa Ares is always trying to bring order through war."

"Oh." Hercules replied with a thoughtful expression.

Judge looked around at the villagers who were busy constructing a temple. "I'm glad they're okay. Papa Ares says I have too much compassion, but Papa Joxer told him that I'd learn when I needed to use it most, as I grew."

"Well, I think you did the right thing when you helped these people." Hercules told him.

Judge looked at him strangely. "Of course you do, you're a hero."

Hercules wasn't sure what Judge meant by that, but needed to ask his nephew one more question. "What happened to the thief? Every time we try to ask someone they just start laughing."

"He's being punished. By the time I'm finished with him, he'll either learn to control his impulsiveness, or he'll never steal again."

Iolaus wrinkled up his forehead in confusion at the word impulsive. It conjured to mind a certain friend of his. "This thief wouldn't happen to be named Autolycus, would he?"

"Yes."

Hercules groaned. "Judge, Auto's kind of a `look before he leaps' person, but he's never tried to deliberately harm someone."

"He almost destroyed this entire village. He is being punished, and even his father agrees with it. There's nothing you can do." Judge replied as he flashed out.

"Come on, Herc. I'm sure Auto's fine. Judge wouldn't hurt him." Iolaus attempted to reassure the troubled demi-god.

"Are you forgetting that Judge is one of Ares' sons?"

"No, but he's also, Joxer's." Iolaus shot back. "And, Joxer, wouldn't let anyone hurt his friends. Look, Judge didn't have to tell us about this village. He could have judged Auto, then let the village die. I think that shows that he's not without compassion. This is the only thing Auto's done that's been this bad, and it was a mistake! Besides, I don't think Hermes would be agreeing with Judge's punishment, if it involved hurting Auto too much." Iolaus finished.

Hercules nodded his head at the last part. "I hope you're right, Iolaus."

************

Judge flashed back just in time to see his Auntie Eris waving goodbye to him.

"What'd Hercules want, Judge?" Joxer asked from his position on Ares lap.

"He wanted to thank me for telling him about the village." Judge replied as he took a seat at the table.

"Did Hercules ask about me?" Auto asked desperately.

Judge turned to him. "He wanted to make sure the thief who almost damned an entire village was being punished. I assured him that he was."

"But…but...does he know it was me?" Autolycus tried again.

"He knows. He also knows that your punishment meets with your father's approval. There will be no rescue from Hercules, thief."

Auto looked down, and fought back tears of despair.

Judge reached out and lifted Auto's chin. "Don't despair, thief. Remember, if you curb your impulsiveness, you might only have to serve a year." Judge murmured as he rubbed his thumb along Auto's jaw.

Joxer and Ares exchanged an alarmed look at the caress.

"Judge?"

"Yeah, papa Joxer?"

"Was Xena alright when you returned her chakram?"

"She looked okay. Why?"

"Apollo wasn't sure if the half of the apple she ate would be enough, and I just wanted to make sure she's well."

"She was fine Papa Joxer. By the way Hermes, Xena wants to talk to you." Judge informed the happy god.

"Xena…Xena, isn't she one of your Ares?" Hermes tried to bluff.

"Cut the act Herm, Zeus announced to everyone who her father is. I think she's kinda mad a you." Ares smirked.

Hermes groaned. "Any more secrets you want to share?" He asked sarcastically.

"I'm pregnant!" Cupid beamed at Hermes.

Hermes just groaned and shook his head in disbelief.

Suddenly, a scroll appeared in front of Hades. Hades reached out and took the scroll, and then relayed it's contents to the assembled gods. "It seems Zeus wants a full assembly tomorrow at mid-day. Formal robes required."

"Must be a big announcement." Strife muttered.

"It's perfect. Eris should have accomplished her tasks by then, and we'll see how well this plan works." Ares announced. "Hades, do you have enough room for all of us?"

"Yeah, but you'll have to share."


Joxer and Ares stretched out on the small bed they'd been given. Ares flexed his power and increased its size.

Joxer realized that he was more relaxed than he'd been in days. Feeling the peace flow through him, he started to sing quietly.

"Oh, He's Joxer the Mighty,
Son of the Death Lord Hades,
Mess with him and he'll make you pay,
He'll shag you rotten all night and day,
Oh, he's Joxer, Joxer the Mighty!"

"I hope that's aimed at me, and not anyone else." Ares growled.

Joxer smiled sweetly at his husband and placed a quick kiss on his lips. "You and no other." Joxer replied as he twisted his hand, and held up a small white silk blindfold, raising his brows in question.

Ares smiled at him, and took Joxer in a hot, deep kiss.

Joxer broke the kiss panting slightly. Moving up, he placed the blindfold on Ares' eyes, and disposed of their clothes.

Ares leaned back in anticipation.

Joxer grinned mischievously, and formed two small chunks of ice in his hands. Moving his hands so they hovered over Ares nipples, he let the cold drift down to the War God's heated skin, before applying the ice.

Ares let out a startled shout at the contact.

Joxer grinned again, and flicked his tongue after the wet trails all over Ares chest.

Ares arched up his chest when Joxer's hot tongue soothed away the cold.

Joxer reached down and gripped Ares cock in his hand, spreading the pre-cum around the head. Blowing briefly on Ares' navel, he inhaled as much of Ares thick cock as he could.

"Joxer!" Ares shouted in surprise.

Joxer leaned up briefly, "Yes, Ares?" he questioned as he blew lightly on the throbbing cock.

"More." Ares demanded thickly.

Joxer smirked, and twisted Ares body until his legs were lying over the side of the bed. Joxer pushed both legs back to Ares chest. "Hold them."

Ares reached around his ankles and pulled his legs back to his chest.

Joxer placed a brief kiss on the exposed flesh just below each foot. Joxer placed both of his now oiled hands on Ares exposed thighs. Massaging his way inward, he pushed one thumb into Ares.

"Ahhh!" Ares groaned.

Joxer grinned to himself as he withdrew his thumb and inserted two of his fingers, scissoring them briefly.

Ares tried to twist his hips, and force the fingers further in.

Joxer withdrew both of his fingers, and lined his cock up to Ares' waiting pucker.

Pushing inward, he felt the outer ring of muscle give, and eased himself all the way in.

Ares let out a sharp whimper as he felt Joxer's cock brush against his prostate.

"Easy, easy." Joxer murmured as he started to slowly withdraw and thrust his way back in, building up speed with each movement.

Ares quickly caught on to Joxer's rhythm, lifting his hips just a little with each thrust, so that Joxer connected more forcefully with his prostate.

Joxer smiled down at his flushed lover. Seeing that Ares was accustomed to his rhythm, Joxer moved one hand to circle his cock.

Ares' concentration broke only briefly at the contact.

Joxer grinned and quickly bent over taking Ares cock in his mouth, sucking hard, on his next thrust.

Ares let out a strangled scream and came.

Joxer swallowed as much as he could, before drawing back and thrusting twice, before he, too, came.

Ares reached up a heavy hand and removed the blindfold, starring at Joxer in disbelief.

"How?" He choked out.

"What? I had to stay flexible when I was a mortal. Came in handy when I was dodging blows." Joxer smirked.

Ares just rolled his eyes and groaned again.

Joxer withdrew gently, and climbed back up on the bed, cleaning them as he went.

Ares twisted around and spooned Joxer's body before letting sleep overtake him.

********

Cupid and Strife curled up in the center of the large bed they'd been given.

"I'm sorry, Cupie. I didn't mean ta make ya sick." Strife whispered as he clutched Cupid in a gentle hug; briefly reaching down to rub his still unsettled stomach.

"It's okay, Strife. I know it was an accident. I'm sure I'll feel better in the morning. I just wanna get Bliss back from Hephie, and stay home with my family for a while. I wanna make sure the temple's as comfortable as can be for the baby. Plus, Bliss needs to spend some more time with us, before she comes."

"She?" Strife choked out.

"I wanna little girl." Cupid whispered.

"Oh, Cupie." Strife kissed him tenderly on the lips before they both surrendered to sleep.

**********

Hermes hugged Hades tightly to his body. "I'm not letting you go. No matter what happens tomorrow, you'll never get rid of me."

"I've been so blind." Hades murmured.

Hermes squeezed him quickly before placing a gentle kiss on his lips. "It's over. Now we just have to look to the future. You've got your son and grandson here, alive and well. You can show yourself to your other two sons, too. And, we've found each other. This mess with Persephone will soon be over, I feel it inside."

Hades started placing gentle kisses on Hermes neck and face, while running his hands through the slightly shaggy hair.

Hermes quickly banished their clothing and shoved Hades back onto the bed. Hermes smoothly straddled Hades hips and latched on to one dusky nipple.

Hades groaned and raised his knees. Twisting his hips slightly he was able to rub his erect cock along the cleft of Hermes slim ass.

Hermes arched up and groaned before leaning back down and latching onto the other nipple.

Hades grinned savagely and cupped Hermes ass with his, now oiled, hands. Massaging slowly, Hades teased Hermes hidden opening and perineum.

Hermes sat up and tried to wiggle the taunting fingers inside. He looked down into Hades' eyes and slowly licked his lips.

Hades grin widened even more as he pushed one finger slowly inside.

Hermes started slowly thrusting back on the finger, only pausing when Hades withdrew completely to add a second, and then a third finger.

Hades withdrew all his fingers and, and Hermes leaned down for a long, wet kiss.

Hades gripped Hermes' ass cheeks and spread them wide, while slowly raising his hips up. His cock brushed up against Hermes' slick ass as he rubbed it slowly up and inside.

Hermes groaned and sat up once more, now astride his lovers' cock.

Hades started slowly flexing his hips, thrusting up into Hermes, while Hermes would lift up on his knees before thrusting down.

The irregular rhythm caused Hades to only infrequently hit Hermes prostate. Each connecting stroke caused him to moan and quiver when it happened. Hades reached down and started pumping Hermes shaft in time to his thrusts.

Hermes couldn't hold out for long under the tender assault, and soon came all over Hades hand.

Hades, smiling at his lover's completion, closed his eyes and thrust one last time.

*********

Auto, `Dite, & Judge walked into the remaining bedchamber. `Dite wrinkled her nose up in disgust, before briefly redecorating.

"Much better!" She announced as the room was now done in shades of pink, red, and white.

Judge created another bed for him and Auto.

"Ahh, Judgie, your papas will kill me if I let you sleep with Auto." She informed the young god.

Judge rolled his eyes. "But, I have to stay close to him. Until I can get Hephie to make some special shoes for him, he could get away."

`Dite looked around the room, considering her possibilities. "All right, into bed with you."

Judge and Auto climbed into bed.

`Dite leaned down and briefly touched each one on the forehead, whispering "sleep".

"There! Now they can't get into trouble." She muttered to herself.

*********

Sometime in the middle of the night, Judge curled around Autolycus' body.

********

-Early the next morning-

Judge hugged Auto's body closer to him, rubbing his face in the silky black hair.

Auto's eyes flashed open when he felt the erect cock rubbing against his buttocks. Wondering briefly if Joxer or Ares was standing behind him with a fireball, ready to kill him for tempting their son, he tried to wiggle out of Judge's grasp.

Judge just increased his hold, rubbing more frantically now.

Autolycus held very still.

Soon, Judge stiffened and groaned, "Auto." Wondering briefly if he would ever survive his turn of bad luck, Auto sent a quick prayer to Fortune, begging for forgiveness for whatever he'd done to piss her off.

********

Everyone slept in late the next morning. By the time they were all up and ready, it was time to depart for Zeus' temple.

"Remember, you two have to look like the spell hasn't been broken. That's the only way this will work." `Dite cautioned.

"Don't worry `Dite, this is the most important con of my life, I'm not about to mess it up!" Hermes retorted.
The group departed the underworld and materialized in Zeus' hall, where almost everyone else had arrived.

*********

The muses had broken Persephone free of her mother, anxious to share the latest gossip.

"'Sephe, did you hear the latest gossip!" Clio whispered, frantically looking around to make sure she wasn't overheard.

"I haven't been much for gossip since my husband ran off with Hermes. I'm so sick of the pitying looks I've been getting." Persephone muttered darkly.

"Yeah, and by the looks of things, the Love Gods haven't broken the spell yet. I heard that they're not sure if they can. Something about it being a failed experiment. It must be true, too, otherwise Hades wouldn't still be hanging all over Hermes, and Hermes wouldn't still be wearing those chains. Poor Hermes, he looks miserable." Calliope whispered, before throwing Persephone another of those hated pitying glances.

Persephone seethed inside, wondering how she could get revenge on the powerful Love Gods, but knowing inside that it was a lost cause.

"Well, guess what?" Thalia whispered, excitedly. "There's a certain blonde Sun God that has a crush on you!"

Persephone inhaled sharply, and started quickly searching the hall for Apollo. Finding him lounging against a pillar at the side of the hall, Persephone quickly ducked her head. However, Apollo had caught the sharp movement out of the corner of his eye, and was now watching the young girls.

Persephone slyly looked up again, and locked eyes with Apollo.

Apollo, being the accomplished and arrogant flirt that he is, slowly winked at her, wondering if the rumors about her looking for a lover were true.

Persephone inhaled sharply, and ducked her head back down.

"See, we told you!" Melpomene whispered, happily.

"It's too bad you're married. Hera's always taken a dim view on adultery, and now Zeus is echoing her! Zeus! Preaching about faithfulness! I still think we're on the brink of Armageddon!" Erato added her dramatic whisper.

"Yes, it's too bad. Zeus is sure to free Hermes after this. But, if the Love Gods can't break the spell, he'll only pine for him all the time. You may never get him back." Terpsichore finished with a sigh.

*We'll see about that!* Persephone thought to herself as she excused herself and made her way back to her mother.

************

Zeus looked around at the assembled gods and nodded to himself. Waiving his hand he transported Hercules, Iolaus, and Xena to the room. "A month ago you were witness to an attempted assassination of myself by Hera. At this time, I am returning her powers," Hestia and Hecate shoved their way to the front of the room. Both goddesses were showing signs of exhaustion. "and relieving Hestia and Hecate of their burdens."

Zeus bent down and removed the ties he had placed between the two goddesses and Hera's followers.

Hera knelt down. Looking up, she swore, "Zeus, I swear by the river Styx that I will no longer try to kill you or any of your offspring, so long as you are faithful to me."

Well, guess you're never getting that bracelet off, pop. Hercules smirked to himself.

Zeus placed his hands on either side of Hera's head and returned her powers.

*************

"Mother, I think I know of a way to rid myself of Hades." Persephone spoke quietly to her mother.

Demeter had to fight to keep from doing a dance of glee. Finally, her daughter had realized her true place.

**********

Hera stood and faced the assembled gods.

Suddenly, Persephone's voice rang out across the hall. "Goddess Hera! I ask for your guidance and support." She shouted as she moved forward through the crowd.

Hera turned and looked at Persephone. "I'm listening."

It's working! Strife mentally rubbed his hands together in glee.

"Since your imprisonment, my husband has been under the influence of a corrupted love spell. Apparently, the Love Gods have failed to remove it." She cried, gesturing towards Hermes and Hades. "I do not wish to be constantly shamed and pitied! If I cannot have my husband back, I ask for your support in the dissolution of my marriage to Hades, Lord of the Underworld!"

Indrawn breaths could be heard from around the hall.

Hera turned to Aphrodite and Cupid. "You cannot remove the spell?"

`Dite shrugged. "Nope." Can't remove what's not there.

"Hades and Hermes step forward." Hera commanded.

Hades pushed Hermes to the front of the crowd. Hera looked at her brother. "Do you freely grant Persephone's petition for the dissolution of your marriage?"

Hades looked down at Hermes and gently brushed back the hair on his forehead. Hermes cringed away. "I will grant her petition only if she and Demeter agree not to take revenge for the dissolution. Further, I shall release her from serving her time in the Underworld."

Zeus blinked in shock as his brother just offered to break one of his famous rules.

Hera looked at Zeus. "As you know, the dissolution of a godly marriage can only be accomplished by a unanimous vote of the twelve, and the approval of both spouses."

Hera mentally called out to the twelve most powerful gods on Olympus, gaining instant approval from all except Hermes.

Hera walked down the stone steps to stand in front of Hermes. "Hermes, do you grant permission for the dissolution of Hades marriage to Persephone?"

Hermes looked up at Hera and slyly winked. "Yes." He whispered.

Hera shot a look at Hades, trying to figure out what they were up to. "Then I, Hera, Queen of the Gods do hereby announce that Hades and Persephone's marriage is dissolved."

Persephone turned and slowly walked back to her mother, discretely winking at Apollo on the way.

Strife smirked and saw his chance. *Hey, Dem? Ya do know that Apollo's been eyein' your daughter, don'cha?"

Demeter's head shot up, just in time to catch Persephone's wink at Apollo. Touch my daughter, and you'll marry her, Sun God.

Apollo paled, and immediately crossed Persephone off of any lists of possible conquests he'd made during the long meeting.

*********

"Hey, Hephie? Could you make me some special toys for my thief, here? He needs to be able to move around like Hermes, but not able to escape." Judge requested.

"Sure, Judge. Just stop by my forge later."

*********

Xena walked up to Hermes. "Are you my father?" She asked, starring straight into his eyes, daring him to lie.

Hermes briefly closed his eyes, then opened them and whispered, "Yes."

"Why?" Hermes looked her in the eyes. "I was told that if I revealed myself to you, your brother would die. The Fates are never specific, but I could not take the chance. So, I stayed away when you were young. By the time I had heard of your following Ares, it was too late for me to step in and help you."

Xena kept her face expressionless during Hermes explanation. Glancing briefly in Autolycus' direction, she noted how close Judge was keeping him. "So, my brother gets something else I craved… Perhaps it's for the best…I never would have met Gabrielle if not for you and Ares. Please send me back."

Hermes nodded briefly, sending her back. Turning to Hades he collapsed sobbing into his arms.

*********

Ares groaned and attempted once again to pay attention to everything happening all around them. Suddenly, the room started spinning, and his vision blacked out.

Joxer looked over in alarm as Ares started to fall to the floor. Hercules was close enough to catch him, and slowly lower him to the floor. "Apollo!" He screamed, fearing a relapse.

Apollo flashed over, and bent down to look at Ares.

Zeus, Hera, and Judge quickly gathered around, anxious to see what was wrong.

Apollo snorted, and then fell on his butt with laughter. "He's pregnant again!"

Jaws dropped all around the great hall. "I'm gonna be a big brother!" Judge shouted fluttering his wings, and hovering several feet off the floor.

Hercules looked at Ares in surprise. "Well, how in Tartarus did this happen?" He wondered in shock.

Joxer snorted out several chuckles out.

Hera looked at Zeus. "Maybe you should explain it this time." She informed Zeus.

"Well, Hercules, it's like this," Ares sat up and started to sing.

"Oh, He's Joxer the Mighty;
Master of Virility;
He always keeps me on my back;
While thrusting away like a lumberjack;
He makes me cum all night long;
Keeping time by humming his song;
Oh, He's Joxer, Joxer the Mighty!!"

Joxer puffed out his chest proudly, while Judge just blushed and rolled his eyes.

THE END.

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