Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
Title: Learning Experience
Author: Brandy
Pairings: C/S, A/J, Auto/Judge (omc)
Rating: NC-17
Category: AU, with humor & angst.
Warnings: I do believe I was a bit graphic, sexually.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters. Just borrowing them
temporarily.
Summary: Judge learns some valuable life lessons
Many thanks to Christine for beta reading this for me. Any mistakes
or errors are solely mine. This is for all the wonderful people who
asked for a sequel to Saving Hermes. Hope you enjoy.
Zeus leaned back in his chair. Lips perused, he watched as Artemis
paced back and forth, waiving her hands around in outrage.
"This is unacceptable, Zeus! That Amazon was one of my favorites! One
of the best hunters in generations! And he just…he just…ahhh!"
Artemis broke off with a strangled cry. Athena walked over to her
sister and guided her to one of the chairs in front of Zeus' desk.
"What Artemis is trying to say, is that something must be done about
Judge."
Frown-lines appeared on Zeus' forehead at that statement. "I was
under the impression that Judge was doing a fine job. I've certainly
noticed a dramatic decrease in complaints and petty squabbles."
"He has been doing fine when it's a straightforward matter. However,
when there are passions involved, his judgments are…" Athena paused
trying to find a delicate phrase.
"Fucked up!" Artemis contributed.
Athena winced and reluctantly nodded.
Zeus' eyes flickered from Athena to Artemis and back to Athena. "So,
Judge is having trouble with disputes involving passions?"
"Yes."
"Do his parents know?"
Athena scowled. "Ares is blind to any faults Judge has. You remember
how he was about Cupid for the first century or so?" Zeus nodded his
reply. "Well, he's even worse about Judge. And, you can't reason with
him right now. His emotions are all over the place from the child
he's carrying."
"What about Joxer?"
Athena frowned. "I think he may suspect. However, he's rather over-
protective of Ares and Judge. I believe that almost losing them both
has clouded his view of the situation."
"Does Judge know you disagree with his resolutions?"
Artemis snorted, but stopped whatever comment she was about to make
at Athena's warning glare.
"He knows."
"I see. What do you suggest?"
"Joxer and Ares are hovering around Judge. They're treating him as a
child, when we all know he's an adult. I agree that he still acts
like a child in some areas, but without gaining experience he will
become stifled and discontent. We all know what happens when a god
becomes discontent with his job."
Zeus flinched at the reminder of Strife's rebellion. It had taken
them a decade to repair all the damage that he'd caused. His personal
temple had never regained its original smell and he still couldn't
eat eggs.
"Judge needs to be shown how to have a good time. How to cut loose
and have fun. He must learn about the strong passions that mortals
have before he tries to pass judgment on them. That's all we ask."
Zeus got up from his chair and walked over to the window that
overlooked the garden. Clasping his hands behind his back, he gazed
blankly out at the flowers. "Cupid and Strife have their hands full
with their baby, Jealousy. Obviously, Ares and Joxer aren't up to it,
or it would have been done already. Aphrodite, well, I'd rather not
overwhelm the child. Apollo's busy with that nasty outbreak in
Thebes. Hermes and Hades are off who knows where on their vacation.
Hum, who else could I get… I wonder if Hercules is busy."
Athena cleared her throat, drawing his attention to her. "I don't
believe Hercules would be the ideal person to help in this situation.
He's rather restrained for what we need."
"He's a stick in the mud." Artemis muttered.
"Then who would you suggest?" Zeus countered.
Artemis and Athena exchanged a frustrated look. They hadn't thought
of suggesting someone to teach Judge. Abruptly, Artemis swung around
towards Zeus. "The thief! You know, Hermes' son."
"She means Autolycus." Athena clarified.
Zeus frowned in concern. "I'm not sure if he'd be suitable."
Artemis threw Athena a look, demanding help.
"I could always keep an eye on them." She offered.
Zeus looked thoughtful for several moments. "Very well then. I'll try
to keep Ares and Joxer distracted for awhile."
**************
"…so, I want you to teach Judge to loosen up and experience some
more of his emotions, you know, gain some experience with mortals."
Autolycus looked at the King of the Gods in shock. "Me?"
"Yes."
"But…but…I can't!"
Zeus frowned. "You're refusing me?"
"NO! No. I just…I just…" Auto looked around in panic.
"Speak up, grandson!"
"Please, your magnificence, I don't want to die." Auto fell down on
his knees. "They'll kill me!"
"Who?"
Autolycus blinked up in astonishment at the King of the Gods. "Ares
and Joxer."
"I'll be keeping them busy while you and Judge are together."
Auto swayed briefly, visions of Ares and Joxer torturing him flashed
before his eyes.
"Stop that!" Zeus snapped, irritated. "You're the best choice for
this. I know for a fact that Judge likes you!"
"That's what I'm afraid of." Auto mumbled.
Zeus rolled his eyes. "Judge!" He summoned.
Judge appeared in a subdued flash of light. "Yes, grandpa?"
Zeus grinned at his favorite grandson. He gave all the credit for
his renewed relationship with Hera to this grandson. Why, his
workload had been cut almost in half, leaving much more time to
devote to his beloved wife. "What's wrong, my boy?"
"Athena and Artemis hate me."
"Ahh!" Zeus walked over and gave Judge a hug. "They don't hate you.
They're a bit upset about the judgment you passed on one of their
Amazons, but they don't hate you."
"But, grandpa, she deserved it! She shot that man and killed him! He
was supporting his mother and four younger siblings! Now they'll
starve! And all because he didn't want to risk having another mouth
to support! I don't care if she was one of their favorites, she was
evil!"
"Judge, you know as well as I how the Amazons breed. It must have
pricked her pride when he didn't give in to her request for a child.
An Amazon's vanity is not something you want to mess with."
"She still had no right to kill him."
"Perhaps. But don't you think her punishment was a bit...extreme?"
Judge scowled. "No. She took away their provider, she can take his
place."
"That's not what I'm referring to."
Judge looked at his grandfather in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Did you have to change her? I think Athena and Artemis would have
agreed to the punishment if you'd let her stay a woman."
"If she was still a woman, she could have gone back to the Amazons.
Being an Amazon's what was behind this whole mess. Don't worry,
she'll change back when the last child is grown. She might still have
a flea problem, but she'll be a woman again."
"I think I'm missing something." Auto spoke up from his place against
the wall.
"Judge changed an Amazon into a dog as punishment for killing a
man."
Autolycus shook his head in dismay. "I guess you do need someone to
help you, if you're turning women into dogs."
"What do you mean, thief?"
"Judge, I want you to go with Autolycus here for a few days. He's
going to help you with understanding some of the more complex
emotions."
Judge threw Zeus a betrayed look.
"Now, now, it's not a punishment. Your parents have been
overprotective and it's stopping you from gaining prospective. That's
all. Athena and Artemis chose Autolycus to help you gain some insight
into mortals, that's all."
"Oh." Judge replied in a small voice.
"Now, have you learned how to disguise yourself yet?"
"No."
"Alright. I want you to think of yourself without wings, clothed in
mortal clothes. Picture that in your mind, then will it so."
Judge closed his eyes and slowly changed.
"Good. Now, remember, if you become too upset, you'll lose control
over the change. It usually takes several decades to learn how to
maintain your shape when your emotions spike."
"Now, I'll drop you off just outside of Corinth. Have fun, boys."
**************
"Alright, now keep your head down, and let me do the talking." Auto
instructed, guiding Judge towards the tavern. "Stay close, and don't
make eye contact with anyone. Keep one hand on your purse at all
times."
"Don't you think you're overreacting, thief?"
"That's another thing, don't call me thief! You'll get us both hung!"
Judge stopped moving and threw Auto a sulky look. "I thought this was
supposed to be fun."
Auto stopped and looked back at the immobile young god. "You know,
kid, Zeus didn't say anything about fun. The way I see it, we go to a
few taverns, I fix you up with a lusty tavern wench, then wham, I've
done my part and I'm back to serving my sentence. A couple of months
and I'm free. I'm not about to screw that up."
"Don't you even like me a little?"
Auto scowled. "I like you fine, kid. Sometimes, I feel like all I
want to do is be in your presence, it's almost like an addiction.
Problem is, I like you a little too much, but you're too young, and
I'm not the guy you need to learn with." *Especially considering who
your parents are.*
Judge looked at Auto in surprise, however, a commotion behind them
drew his attention.
"Stop thief!"
A young urchin was running full-tilt towards Judge. Judge reached out
and snagged the youngster by his tunic, halting his escape.
"Let me go!"
The fat merchant bent over huffing and wheezing next to Judge. "Thank
you! Thank you! Thank you!" He gasped out. He finally reached up and
yanked the pouch out of the struggling child's hand.
"NO! That's mine!"
"Hey, hold on there…" Auto started.
"Butt out!" The merchant snapped back.
"Hey!"
Judge discretely focused a small amount of his powers on the child.
"Auto, the child stole that pouch." Judge said quietly. "Let's just
turn him over to the authorities."
"You know, every things not always solved by peeping!" Auto eyed the
merchant. "Ask him why he did it."
Judge threw a questioning look at Auto.
"Ask!" Auto hissed.
"Why'd you steal the pouch?"
"I didn't steal it! It's mine!"
"It's not yours, boy! Soon the authorities will teach you some
manners!"
Judge frowned at the merchant. He put the boy down and turned him so
he was looking him straight in the eyes. "I know you stole the pouch,
now tell me why, or we won't be able to help you."
The boy's lower lip quivered and tears filled his eyes. "It's my
pa's! I was just takin' it back ta him! He needs it!"
The merchant backed up hesitantly when their eyes flew to him.
"Is that true?" Judge handed the boy over to Auto and grabbed the
merchant before he could bolt. He focused the full weight of his
power on the trembling man, his eyes turning gold.
"Judge!" Autolycus hissed as he watched the disguised god flicker and
start to turn gold. Looking around frantically he dragged the
astonished boy over until they were blocking the view. "You're
flickering!"
"He's a god!" The boy whispered in awe.
Auto closed his eyes and groaned.
"Please, my lord, I wasn't gonna hurt no one!" The merchant
blubbered.
Judge's eyes glowed. "You knew what the bottle contained."
Autolycus had had enough. "Judge! We're on a mission! Turn him over
to the authorities before anyone else figures out what you are."
Judge watched the trembling merchant sag in relief at Auto's
words. "Uncle Apollo. I have something for you." He said quietly,
watching the merchant intently.
"Yo dude, what's up?" Apollo appeared in a flash of golden light.
"This one," He shoved the merchant towards Apollo. "Has been stealing
the healing potions you've been giving out to worshipers."
"No wonder my followers have been dying even after I've left them
some of my most powerful potions." Apollo gripped the merchant
tightly by the neck.
"Lord Apollo?" The boy breathed out in an awed sigh.
Apollo smiled at the child. "Run home to your father, child. I will
take care of this thief. Remember to thank the God of Judgment in
your prayers for helping you."
The boy nodded and turned to run home, clutching the bag carefully in
his hand.
Apollo turned back to Judge. "Why did you give him to me, instead of
simply judging him?"
"We're here on a mission from Zeus, and Autolycus says if I judged
him, it'd blow our cover."
Apollo looked around. "It might have if Zeus hadn't shielded this
confrontation. Can't you feel it?"
Judge scanned the area and noticed the shield for the first time.
*Thanks, grandfather.*
"Well, we need to be off. There's no telling how long Zeus can keep
your parents busy. Come on, Judge. Bye, Apollo."
"Bye, Apollo."
Judge allowed Autolycus to steer him once more towards the tavern.
*****************
"Ares!"
Several moments later, Ares waddled into the room. At Zeus'
questioning look, he replied, "Trying to conserve my power for the
birth."
"Oh, yes, of course. I want you to start a war between Oechalia and
Tricoa. Have Joxer do all the transporting so you save your power."
Ares frowned in confusion. "Oechalia and Tricoa? I thought they were
under your protection."
"Well, they've offended me. I want them taught a lesson. Besides, you
should get enough power from this that you and Joxer can spend some
time at home when the baby comes, and not have to keep rushing off to
build up your stores."
Ares shrugged and waddled from the room. "Fine. Whatever. I'll send
Eris to get things stirred up. It should only take us a few days to
have them bathing in each other's blood. They're overdue for a good
war."
Zeus smirked behind Ares back. Since Ares' marriage and Judge's
birth, relations between them had been growing less and less
strained. He hadn't even had to raise his voice in several months. It
wasn't noticeable unless you looked, but the blending of War and
Peace was having a positive effect on his son and consort. Well,
except for that nasty habit of Joxer's, but Ares did say that he
hadn't actually killed anyone with any of his new knives...yet. Oh
well, one thing at a time. Now, back to his grandson.
****************
"What'll you have?" The barmaid bent over, carefully displaying her
breasts.
"Hello, my dear." Auto leaned back in his chair and smoothed the end
of his moustache. "My young friend and I will have two mugs of the
house special."
"Coming up, right away." The barmaid threw him a sultry look, then
turned and sashayed back to the bar.
"You want to fuck her, don't you." Judge threw him an angry look,
tapping down the urge to do something nasty to the woman.
Auto abruptly snapped out of the pleasant state he'd been in. "Now
Judge…"
"Don't! Just stop treating me like a child, Auto!"
Auto sat up straight in his chair. "Are you jealous?"
Judge drew back in shock. "I think I am." He breathed.
Auto let out an exasperated breath. "Don't worry, we'll get you one,
too. How about her friend over there?"
Judge starred blankly across the room.
"Hello? Judge?" Auto waived his hand in front of the stunned god.
"Unless you want my parents knowing about this outing, you better
skip them. They're all fertile, Auto." Judge muttered absently, still
lost in thought.
"What?!"
"Huh?" Judge snapped back to attention.
"How do you know they're all fertile?!"
Judge looked perplexed for a moment. Finally, he shrugged his
shoulders. "Don't know. I just know. Must have something to do with
being related to Aphrodite. Huh, I guess that'll be useful in the
future."
Autolycus stared at him for several moments. He was distracted when
the barmaid sat a mug down in front of him. He quickly lifted it and
drained it down. "Another, please." He gestured without glancing at
the perplexed woman.
Suddenly, Judge gasped and tried to hide by slumping down in his
chair. "Oh, no! We're in *so* much trouble."
"Judge, that isn't your father, that's Jett." Auto responded,
slinking down in his own seat.
***************
"Everything's been going well, I trust." Zeus announced as he popped
into Athena's main hall.
"Huhm? Oh yes, everything's fine. I had to use your shield once, but
other than that I do believe everything's going well. I do believe
he's making progress."
"Good. Good. I'm not sure how much longer Ares and Joxer will stay
away. I think, perhaps, we should have waited a few more days. Hera
is certain that Ares will deliver at any time."
Athena looked troubled at that pronouncement.
"Well, no help for it now. Let me know if anything happens." Zeus
zapped out.
Athena turned back to the mirror just as Jett walked in. *Well,
nothing's happened…yet.* She mused.
*****************
Jett scanned the room, taking the measure of the occupants in a
glance. Smirking, he headed over to Auto and Judge's table. He
grabbed one of the free seats and sat down, making sure his back was
to the wall.
"So, Autolycus, been looking for you." Jett drawled out, gesturing
to the barmaid for a mug.
"Jett." Auto answered cautiously. "When'd you get out?"
"Oh, couple of months ago. You're a hard guy to track down."
"So, you were looking for me?"
"Yeah. See, I have this little problem with you using Joxer against
me."
"I didn't…"
"Save it. I've had quite a bit of time to figure this out, so
there's no use in trying to deny it. You made sure Joxer tried to
stop me so that you could keep the sword, didn't you?"
"Uh, well that was part of it, but I'm really just not into killing
people."
Judge looked at Auto expectantly, waiting to be introduced. When
Auto didn't take his eyes off Jett, Judge decided to take things
into his own hands.
"Hi, I'm Judge." He held out his hand to Jett.
Jett turned and blinked in disbelief at the hand.
"Name's Jett, King of Assassins." Jett replied, not moving.
Judge's eyes started clouding over with power when he heard the
title. "Assassins?"
Jett looked up and just stared at his, now golden, eyes.
Judge laid his hand out on the table, palm up. "Take my hand." He
pushed his will upon his uncle.
Jett raised his hand and placed it into Judge's, not taking his eyes
away from Judge's.
"Zeus, a shield!" Autolycus whispered frantically.
"You have much of your father in you, Jett. It is what drives you to
kill. I think there's someone you should meet." Judge sent out the
mind call and waited for the figure to appear.
A gray cloud of smoke started to build beside their table, until it
was about seven feet tall. Finally, the shape solidified into a
cloaked figure.
"You summoned me, Judge?"
"This is my uncle, Jett. He is my father's brother and
three-quarter's god. I believe you and he have much to talk about."
Judge turned back to Jett. "This is Thanatos. Be careful not to
touch him or you will shed your mortal life, now go with him and
embrace your destiny."
Jett eyed the god in fascination. Slowly, he rose from the
table to stand beside Thanatos. The smoke rolled and billowed again
until both figures were gone.
"What did you just do?" Autolycus whispered in horror.
"Granted Jett's deepest desire. You didn't think he just killed for
the money, did you? Jett kills because that Hades passed on his love
of death to him. The best place for him is with Thanatos, learning
how to control his desire to kill. I'll check on him in a few weeks,
but I'm pretty sure when Hades makes him immortal, he'll stay on
with Thanatos." Judge tilted his head to the side as something just
occurred. "Oh, Cool! I just played matchmaker! Wait `til I tell
Cupid! He'll be so proud!" Catching Auto's incredulous stare, Judge
rolled his eyes at him. "Would you relax, Jett'll be fine."
"Relax! He wants to kill me and you just gave him to Death!"
Judge rolled his eyes. "Thanatos will make him an apprentice first.
Once that happens he'll fall under Hades' rules. One of his rules is
that we don't purposely kill another god's children without his
approval. Seeing as how your dad is now Hades' main squeeze, I don't
think that's gonna happen. If I did anything, I just took you off
the King of Assassins' hit list."
Auto grabbed Judge's untouched mug and drained it dry.
********************
"I still don't understand why Zeus had you start brewing a war
between Oechalia and Tricoa, only to have me calm them down just as
they're about to kill each other."
Ares let out a low groan as Joxer rubbed a really tense spot on his
back. "The old fart's up to something." Ares breathed out.
"What?" Joxer asked distractedly, rubbing his thumbs in small
circles on Ares' lower back.
Ares let out another low groan. "I don't know yet, and that's what
worries me." Ares replied. "I wish he'd have waited a few more days.
I barely got to see Jeas. She's really beautiful."
"She's gonna be a heartbreaker, alright. I think it's funny that she
looks just like Aphrodite. Well, except for those large green eyes
and those snowy little white wings. I think `Dite's gonna be so
jealous when she gets older." Joxer bent down and placed a kiss on
Ares' shoulder. Relaxing into his husband, he wrapped his arms
around him, resting his hand over the mound of their unborn child.
"Humm. Well, she is the new Goddess of Jealousy…I suppose it fits. I
don't think `Dite will have that much trouble with it though. You
see how she dotes on Bliss. Besides, she misses having a girl around
since Harmonia left to be with her husband."
"I'll have to make sure that `Dite doesn't get too jealous. I detest
cat-fights."
Ares chuckled. "My peace-maker." He lifted Joxer's hand and kissed
it briefly before settling it back on his stomach. "I'll tell Judge
tomorrow that she's here. Artemis said he was on some kind of
mission for Zeus."
Joxer hummed his agreement and nuzzled closer.
******************
Judge stared in disbelief as Autolycus drained his twelfth mug. The
whole confrontation with Jett must have shaken him more than he'd
let on.
"Ya know, Judgie, I do like ya. Maybe in a few years…I assskkked
pops about ya, ya know. Told me ya'd be ready in a coupl'a years….Ya
know, I usssully wouldn't even wait. But, I gotta tell ya, your pops
scare even me!
Suddenly, Autolycus' head crashed down on the table.
"Wow. Usually I can spot tha heavy drinkahs." The barmaid placed
her hand on her hip as she looked down at Autolycus in
disappointment. "We only got one room left. Ya gonna be able ta
carry him by yourself?" She eyed Judge up and down.
"I'll be fine." He replied, dropping his coins into her hands and
hefting the drunken thief over his shoulder.
"Top of tha stairs. Last door on ya're left at the end of tha hall."
"Thank you."
The woman eyed Judge's rippling muscles as he carefully carried his
burden up the steps. "Ya know, I got a room all of my own…" She
trailed off.
Judge turned back to the woman, taking care not to bang Auto's head
into the wall. "I'm sorry, but I need to see to my friend tonight.
Thank you for the offer."
The woman let out a wistful sigh and turned back to the bar.
Judge smiled and proceeded to the room. Closing the door behind him,
he plunked Auto down on the bed. Abandoning his disguise, he flexed
his golden wings. Zeus hadn't said anything about them getting
cramped up from the disguise. Maybe he'd better talk to Cupid about
it sometime.
Auto let out a loud snore bringing Judge's attention back to him.
Judge scowled down at him for several minutes. Heaving a frustrated
sigh, he summoned one of Strife's special potions from his hiding
place.
The God of Mischief was explicit in his warning, if he got caught by
his parents with some of the potion, he was on his own. Ares didn't
approve of drunken debauchery unless he'd been invited, and seeing
as how he was heaving up his guts at the slightest smell of Bacchus'
finest, the War God hadn't been indulging lately. Judge hadn't had a
chance to test if the potion worked or not, but seeing as how Auto
was unconscious, he couldn't put up much of a protest. Besides, if
the stuff worked like Strife said, Auto'd thank him for not having a
horrible headache tomorrow.
Judge carefully sat the potion down on the little table beside the
bed. Going over to Auto he bent down and gently removed his boots,
before turning his legs to rest on the bed. He cupped Auto's head up
and picked up the potion. Tipping the bottle forward, Judge made
sure that only a small amount of the potion escaped into Auto's
mouth. Strife said the stuff was meant to cure a god's hangover, and
Auto was only a mortal.
Suddenly, Auto sat straight up in the bed, hands gripping Judge's
arms. The bottle flew from Judge's grasp and landed on the floor.
Auto's body started to shake and tremble as he tried to claw Judge's
clothes off.
"Auto? Auto, what's wrong?" Judge grabbed a hold of Auto's hands and
held them still, only to have Auto try to twist and wiggle out of
his grasp.
"Great…Strife!"
Several tense moments later Strife appeared without his usual
attire. Clutching the crimson robe tightly around himself, the God
of Mischief scowled at his cousin, only to have his eyes widen in
horror upon comprehending the scene in front of him.
"Strife, help me!"
Strife shook his head and tried to take a step back. "Ya used tha
potion on a mortal?!"
"What do I do?!"
"Unc's gonna kill me!"
"Strife?!"
"Ya never use tha potion on a mortal! It removes their willpower and
makes `em horny as Tartarus. They can't rest `til they fuck it out of
their system!"
"There's gotta be another way!"
"Don't ya think I've experimented with this stuff?!" Strife looked
around the room. "Ya're in a tavern? Fine, I'll get a wench and unc
nevah has ta know!"
"You can't." Judge whispered. "They're all fertile."
Strife stopped and looked at Judge in confusion. "How did …oh forgot
ya got some of `Dite in ya, okay…then I'll get Cupie and have him
zap…"
"No."
"What?"
"No. I'm not going to drag both of you into this. It's my mess. Take
the bottle and dad won't know you're involved."
"Judge, I can't…"
"It's alright, Strife. I think I need to do this. If they find out,
they'll just have to realize I'm not a kid. I make my own
decisions."
"Uh, trust me, Judge. Unc's not gonna take this good. Ya gotta
remember, when Cupie was young, unc tortured Apollo for weeks when
he found out he seduced `em."
"Please, Strife. I have to make my own decisions. They can't always
make them for me. Please."
Strife bowed his head. Judge could be as stubborn as unc sometimes.
Throwing Judge a scowl, he summoned a bottle of oil and tossed it on
the bed. Walking over, he gripped Auto's face and forced him to meet
his eyes. "Ya hurt him, thief, and I'll make sure ya get a close up
view of my torture chamber. Understand?" Once he was certain Auto
had registered the threat he disappeared, cleaning up the spilled
cure and broken glass with him.
Judge turned his attention back to the straining thief. "It's
alright, Auto. I did this to you, and I'm gonna undo it.
******************
Strife directed himself to Zeus' temple. Sometimes Zeus was the only
one who could talk sense into Judge…Well, besides Joxer and Ares,
but he wasn't about to go to them. Not finding Zeus in his temple,
he concentrated on the link with his grandfather and zapped himself
there. He stared in shock as he saw Zeus and Athena watching Judge
and Autolycus on a viewing mirror.
"I'm lettin' ya know right now, if unc tries ta kill over this, I'm
makin' sure you're names are above mine on tha list." Strife zapped
himself home, satisfied that Ares have more reason to go after the
other two gods than him for their part in whatever mess they were
constructing.
****************
Judge let go of Auto's hands.
Several seconds later they were both nude, and Auto was frantically
kissing on Judge's neck.
"Wow, Auto. I guess something good did come out of all those years
of theft. You've got the fastest hands I've ever seen." Judge
breathed in awe.
Auto gripped Judge by the back of the head and kissed him, putting
all the emotions he'd been pushing aside for months into each press
of his lips and thrust of his tongue.
Judge trailed his hands along Auto's back and sides, exploring with
his hands, not quite sure how to proceed.
Auto broke the kisses off and started licking and sucking his way
down Judge's body.
Judge reached behind him and grabbed onto the headboard, holding on
while Auto laved his way closer and closer to his penis. Finally,
Auto flicked his tongue across the tip, grinning at the shudder that
flowed through Judge's body.
Judge's eyes opened wide when he felt Auto's mouth close over him.
The pictures in Aphrodite and Cupid's temples didn't even begin to
translate how this felt. Judge felt Auto's hands close over his ass,
as the thief licked and sucked his way up and down his cock.
Auto pulled back, making one last swipe up the length of Judge's
cock then sat back on his haunches. Placing his hands on Judge's
hips, he pushed them around, directing Judge to face the wall.
Judge turned around and gripped the headboard once more, then looked
nervously over his shoulder.
Auto had the medium sized bottle of oil in his hands. He poured some
on his hands and raised them, rubbing and massaging the oil into
Judge's lower back and ass.
Judge turned back to face the wall, and leaned back into Auto's
arousing touch.
Auto was trying so hard to be careful. Not because of Strife's
threat. Well, not totally. But, because he knew Judge had never done
this before. Sure, he'd probably gotten quite an education, being
Cupid's brother and all, but Judge still had that air of innocence
around him. He paused for several moments, coating his hands once
more. Moving back to Judge's ass, he ran his thumb down the dark
cleft, lightly rimming the hidden pucker with his thumb, before
slipping it inside. When Judge started to tense up, he reached up
with his free hand and lightly stroked the sensitive feathers.
Judge spread his wings; the light caresses sending ripples of
pleasure up his spine.
Auto worked his thumb in and out until he was sure Judge was ready
for more. Making sure he had plenty of oil on his fingers, he
worked two of them in, caressing Judge's feathers when he'd start to
tense. Auto withdrew and quickly oiled his cock. After making sure
that three of his fingers had loosened up the ring of muscle, he
pressed inward, forcing his way past the tight ring of muscle, into
the incredible heat.
Judge fought against the urge to tense up his body once more when he
felt Auto's cock push inside his body. Leaning forward, he pressed
his head against the wall, breathing deeply.
Auto leaned against Judge's back, his nipples tingling from the downy
rub of those golden feathers pressed to his chest. The wings weren't
as much of a problem as he'd always thought. Apparently, when Judge
was excited, he flexed them out. Auto wrapped one arm around Judge's
waist and placed his other hand on the wall. Briefly kissing Judge's
neck, he carefully started tiny thrusting movements, working his way
towards more speed. Soon, he was locked into a smooth lunging stroke
followed by a small thrust that had Judge forcefully arching back to
meet.
Auto's thrusting was driving Judge insane. Small moans and
whimpering noises started escaping his throat. Something inside was
sending jolts of ecstasy straight to his brain and cock.
Auto knew he couldn't last much longer. Shifting his weight so that
the hand braced against the wall maintained his balance, he reached
down and stroked Judge's leaking cock.
Loud harsh cries echoed throughout the room as Judge felt the world
disappear in a film of white. He collapsed against the wall as his
body exploded.
Auto felt the contractions sweeping through Judge's body and heard
his release echoed in the room. Finally, he gave in to the growing
need that had been building all night, and let go.
Auto pulled back, carefully separating himself from his lover.
Pulling Judge down into his arms, he cradled him close to his chest.
Finally, his eyes clear and hazed with lust, he turned to the god.
"Judge…?"
Judge ran his hand along the side of his face. "It's alright. We'll
sort this out later." He hugged the thief close to him, overwhelmed
by the whole experience.
Auto frowned in confusion, but his body had been pushed too far in
one night. Giving into its demands he closed his eyes and drifted off
to sleep, arms wrapped around the God of Judgment.
****************
Ares smiled down as Joxer grabbed his pillow and snuggled around it.
Rolling his shoulders, he headed out of the bedchamber towards
Judge's room. He pushed open the door only to see Judge's bed empty.
Ares frowned with worry. Judge hadn't said anything about staying
with Hades, but maybe something had come up.
Ares concentrated on his link with his son, tracking down his
location. Immediately, his eyes shot open glowing red.
Ares disappeared in a shower of red sparks just as Joxer pushed open
the door.
*****************
A flash of golden red sparks announced the War God's arrival at the
tavern room.
Ares waddled over to the bed. *His baby* was being cuddled against
*that thief's* chest. Reaching down, Ares wrapped his hand around
Autolycus' throat, dragging him from the bed. Slowly his hand
tightened and cut off the thief's air supply.
"Dad, NO!" Judge attempted to untangle himself from the covers and
rescue his lover.
Ares turned his other hand towards his son, in a halting gesture.
Judge couldn't move. Frantically, he tried to break free of his
father's power. *Daddy!* his mind wailed. Joxer flashed into the
room, ready to fight. He'd known when he saw Ares flash out of
Judge's bedchamber that something was wrong. Assessing the situation
with a glance, he walked over to his husband and the red faced
thief.
"Let him breathe, Ares."
"No." Came the growled reply.
"I need to ask them some questions."
"He dies for this."
A low whimpering sound broke free of Judge's throat.
"Ares, Judge is my son, too. I deserve to kill Autolycus just as
much as you do. Now, let me ask him and our son my questions." Joxer
laid his hand on Ares back, sending calming waives of power into his
body.
Ares thrust Autolycus back, sending him flying across the room.
Growling in frustration, he stalked over to a chair and slowly
lowered his bulky frame into it.
Judge jumped from the bed and ran over to help Autolycus sit up. He
cradled the stunned thief in his arms as Joxer moved to stand over
them.
"Judge, how'd you end up in bed with Autolycus?"
Judge looked up at his other father. Standing tall, he proceeded to
outline the events that transpired.
"I see." Joxer said quietly when he finished.
"I know I'm not ready for a life long commitment dads. But…I have
these feelings for Auto. I can't stay naive forever. Besides, he
makes me feel so alive…"
"Stop listening to your cock, Judge!" Ares shouted. "He's nothing but
trouble! He's a user! He stole your virginity and needs to die!"
Autolycus' head snapped up as all the color drained from his face.
Horror was etched in every feature.
Suddenly, the room was illuminated by the glow of two more gods
appearing.
Zeus looked at Autolycus. "Autolycus, son of Hermes, you have been
accused of theft against a god. Since this has occurred before your
previous sentence was completed, you are condemned to the punishment
previously described. You are hereby proclaimed to be the immortal
assistant of Hermes, for eternity. Never again will you be able to
steal." Zeus pointed his hand at Auto and released a pulse of energy
into the thief's body, changing him forever.
"Come on, son." Hermes held out his hand.
"NO! He doesn't leave until this is finished." Joxer interrupted.
"Aphrodite!"
Aphrodite flashed into the room. "Whoops, somebody's been havin'
fun." She giggled.
Joxer and Ares flashed her dark looks, silencing the room.
*Is Autolycus Judge's soul mate? Would they be drawn towards each
other? Or did he seduce my son?*
Aphrodite raised her brows in surprise at Joxer's silent question.
Curious, she walked over to Auto and Judge. Placing a hand on each
of them, she opened herself to their souls.
*Wow. Wonder what the odds are that they'd find each other this
fast. They're a perfect match, Joxie. I doubt they could help it. *
"Thank you, `Dite."
Aphrodite kissed Judge on the cheek before flashing out.
*They're soul mates, Ares. *
"I don't care. I want him to hurt." Ares sulked from his chair.
*Do you remember Cupid's first love? I asked `Dite about it, you
know. *
Ares grimaced.
*Judge needs time to grow some more, but I believe we're looking at
our future son-in-law, beloved. *
"Fine, I won't kill him! But, I want him maimed!" Ares yelled,
trying to clumsily get to his feet, only to have his eyes roll back
in his head as his body flashed to its natural form.
"Oh, Apollo's deformed feet! What's happening!?" Hermes shouted.
Zeus shouted for Hera.
Hera and Apollo flashed into the room within seconds of each other.
"How many times do I have to tell you, it was from those new boots I
was trying! That rash and wart went right away!" Apollo shouted at
Hermes.
Hera took one look at Ares and hurried over to catch her anxious
grandchild. The little ball of dark mauve energy detached from Ares
into her hands. Immediately, Ares changed back into his human form.
Hera handed the ball of energy back to him. Upon making contact with
Ares' skin, the energy changed form, into a small baby girl with
golden wings.
"Oh, Ares, she's beautiful." Joxer choked out, coming up and laying
a hand on his daughter's baldhead.
"Goddess of Redemption." Hera announced.
"Deme, Goddess of Redemption." Ares corrected.
"Now, can I take Auto?" Hermes asked quietly.
Auto pulled himself out of Judge's arms and walked over to his
father.
"Auto…" Judge began, but stopped when Auto turned away.
Hermes took his son's hand and flashed away, Apollo chasing after
them, determined to put an end to the feet remarks.
Judge pulled his knees up to his chest and let the tears run down
his face.
Zeus held out his hand for Hera and the two departed quietly.
Joxer walked over and pulled his son into his arms. "I know it hurts
right now, but I promise you son, it will get better. Autolycus does
have feelings for you, that's what I had `Dite confirm. But, it's
going to take some time for him to get over this and adjust."
"I just want to be alone." Judge sobbed.
Joxer picked his son up and deposited him in the bed. Waiving his
hand over his face, he pressed his will into his mind and forced him
to sleep. "I'll be right back, Ares." He said, as he transported his
son home to his own bed.
Returning once more to the room, he placed one hand on Ares and one
on the baby and took them all home.
Epilogue
382 Years Later
Judge walked down the hall to his room in Asphodel. Hermes and Hades
had decided to take another honeymoon, leaving him to manage until
they got back. He really didn't mind since Ares and Joxer were
feuding with Athena and Artemis again, and the Hall of War wasn't
the place to be right now. Ever since they'd found out who'd been
behind Zeus' idea that he learn from Autolycus, his pops had been on
the warpath. Aphrodite confided that she thinks it'll finally end
when he and Auto get together and he's finally happy, but that
didn't seem very likely. Autolycus sure knew how to hold a grudge.
Actually, one of the up sides to covering for Hades was that
Autolycus had to talk to him. He kept their dealings strictly
business, but these days just hearing his voice was enough. Auto had
had some trouble adjusting to his new life, and he placed the blame
squarely on Judge. `Dite said he'd come around eventually, but
waiting sucked.
Of course, he hadn't stopped learning since Auto had left him.
Cupid, Strife, Deme, Bliss, & Jeas were always teaching him
something new. Even Xena and Pan had tried to strike up a
relationship with him. He'd almost had to resort to force to stop
Xena once. Cupid had to hit her with an arrow so she'd stay with her
bard. Zeus said he thought it had something to do with Hermes' kids
being drawn to his wholesomeness. Recently, he'd been involved with
Jeas. So involved, he'd thought about marriage. Somehow, `Dite
figured out what he'd been thinking. She'd said loneliness wasn't a
reason to get married. That he shouldn't go any further with that or
he'd end up hurting Jeas. He'd told Jeas the next day that they
should just be friends and he didn't want to hurt her. She'd been a
bit upset, but who wouldn't be. Word of advice, don't piss off the
Goddess of Jealousy; she throws a mean right hook. Luckily, Strife
and Cupid had told her before we got involved that I still had a
thing for Auto, or there's no telling what she'd have done to me.
She inherited Strife's fascination with new torture devices.
Judge paused at the door. Sometimes the worst part about being alone
was opening the door and knowing there wasn't anyone waiting for
you. Heaving a frustrated sigh, he pushed the door open and stepped
inside, only to stop in shock.
"Hey kid."
"Autolycus?"
"Yeah."
Judge stared in speechless shock.
"I, ahh, I had a visitor today. Jeas came by to invite me to your
wedding. She really had me going. Especially the whole bit about how
you'd be together forever. I don't think I ever wanted to hurt
someone as much as I wanted to hurt her then. She waited quite a
while before she told me that she'd been lying. Guess she wanted to
see me worked up. I was so relieved I think I passed out. I woke up
to her slapping me around. She told me that if I stayed as dumb as
I'd been all these years, I'd lose you for real…I don't want that."
Auto stood and moved over to Judge. "So, if you want…I'd like to
start again."
Judge closed his eyes and a single tear escaped down his face.
Inhaling deeply, he opened his eyes and grabbed Autolycus in a
fierce hug. "I'm never letting you go, thief."
"That's fine by me, Judgie. But, you have to promise me one
thing…you'll never judge me again."
Judge's body shook with suppressed emotion. "Deal."
Auto wrapped his arms around Judge taking care not to jostle his
wings. Closing his eyes in relief he sent a silent prayer to the
Goddess of Jealousy, thanking her for the swift kick in the pants.
It had taken several decades, but he'd finally forgiven Judge for
taking away the one thing he truly loved, stealing. His father had
actually figured out a way around his punishment. He was still
getting used to it, but the King of Cons and Scams had a nice ring
to it. Not as nice as the King of Thieves, but Hermes assured him
that if everything worked out like he suspected it would, he'd be
the God of Thieves on his wedding day. But, even if that angle
didn't pan out, he still had the greatest treasure in the world in
his arms.
The End