AresJoxerCupidStrife - Stephanie M

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19

Title: Make Love Not War 1/?
Author: Stephanie M
Disclaimer: The Xena/Hercules characters belong to RenPics and whoever else owns the rights to these characters.
Summary: Joxer finds his destiny.
Category: Comedy/Drama.

With a look back at the backs of Xena and Gabrielle, Joxer walked into the one place he thought he would never return, his family home. He knew that he had to see his family but didn't know the reason why. However, the strange compulsion to return to his childhood home was too great to deny.

Walking straight to the temple of Ares Joxer was unsurprised to find his family on their knees praying. Although he knew the Gods were important, Joxer couldn't understand why his father was making his aged Grandmother kneel on the floor when she was clearly ill.

With a determined stride, Joxer walked over to his grandmother and helped her up, escorting her out of danger before his family starting fighting with him. A part of him was unsurprised when he felt Jett grab hold of his neck as soon as he sat her down.

"Trying to make Ares angry with us? You should know better!!" Jett said as he punched Joxer in the ribs.

As the blow hit home there was a spark of light and the distinct smell of ozone as a God appeared in the room.

Sending a ball of energy towards Jett Ares snarled, "Don't touch him." He smiled in satisfaction when the mortal hit the wall loudly falling onto the floor.

Jonus asked afraid, "My Lord, what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to get Joxer. Come here Joxer," Ares said, noticing the fear in Joxer's eyes.

As Joxer walked over to his God, Jonus smiled cruelly assuming Ares was going to punish his son for interrupting their prayers. As Joxer reached him, Ares wrapped his arm, around the startled mortal's waist and teleported from the room in a flash of angry sparks.

As they disappeared Jonus shared a cruel grin with his favourite son who was struggling to stand up, each hoping Ares would do everyone a favour and kill Joxer.

*********

"What do you want with me, Lord Ares?" Joxer said as the pair appeared in a small kitchen.

"I wanted to talk to you." Ares replied, seeing that Joxer was scared.

"Oh…I guess that's okay. Where are we?" Joxer said as he took in his surroundings.

Ares answered with a small grin, "We're at my secret place. Whenever I want to disappear, this is where I come. No one else knows about it."

Noticing that his God looked a little upset Joxer said gently, "Thanks for bringing me here. What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, Joxer." Ares answered, walking out into the garden.

Joxer looked around the room wondering what he should do. He knew from experience that sometimes you needed to be by alone but he got the feeling that Ares spent a lot of time alone. With a determined nod he walked outside to find Ares staring off into the distance.

Not wanting to disrupt the sense of peace and harmony that seemed to flow from the land itself Joxer whispered, "Its beautiful here."

"I'm glad you like it. Would you like to spend sometime here with me?" Ares said, already accepting that Joxer would refuse him.

Joxer said with a wide grin, "I'd love too, as long as you don't mind. Call me Jox, my friends do."

Creating a small table of food when he realised that Joxer hadn't eaten Ares replied, "Jox, you can call me Ar. Have something to eat."

Joxer said eagerly as he sat down, "That would be great. Thank you, Ar."

*******

The pair ate in silence both content to sit with someone they could hesitantly call a friend. As they ate each one questioned the wisdom of their new friendship.

Ares knew that anyone he called a friend would spend their lives in danger, not just from the Gods but also from the mortal world. He had never had a friend before and wasn't unsure exactly what a friend was supposed to do, besides why would anyone want to be friends with War?

Joxer on the other hand was questioning what he had to offer anyone. Ever since he was a child Joxer had been told that he was worthless, he believed it especially when Gabrielle and Xena had reinforced the idea.

Sighing Joxer said, "Why do you want to be friends with me? I'm useless, I always get into trouble and I…"

Ares who couldn't believe the way Joxer was talking about himself. In that instant he wanted nothing more than to find and personally kill everyone who had ever hurt Joxer, starting with Xena and Gabrielle.

Wanting the other man to stop berating himself Ares said, "You're not useless, and there are other things in life more important than fighting."

Seeing Joxer was starting to listen Ares continued, "I've been your God all your life, if anyone knows how important you are its me. Didn't you ever wonder why you lived through all those fights?"

"I thought it must be some kind of joke to the Gods," Joxer replied resignation on his face.

"I've been keeping an eye on you. You are not meant for fighting, Jox." Ares said, looking into Joxer's eyes.

"What am I meant to do now? My whole life has been focused on training to fight," Joxer asked himself, not realising he had spoken his thoughts aloud.

Wondering if Joxer was going to hate him Ares said, "Stay with me until you figure it out."

Joxer said dejectedly, "Thanks for the offer, Ar. I'm sure you have other things you'd rather do than keep an eye on for me."

Ares said with a small smile, "I like you Jox. There aren't many people I can say that about. If you don't mind I'd like you to stay here safe, until you figure out what you want."

Unable to believe that someone actually wanted him around Joxer said, "I'll stay but as soon as I've overstayed my welcome you have to tell me and I'll leave."

Ares was secretly hoping that Joxer would stay for a while; he still had to figure out what it was about Joxer that made him want to protect the younger man. It wasn't the warrior's lack of skills because he seen warriors even worse - not many but some and hadn't even given them a second glance.

*******

Over the next three weeks the pair spent a lot of time just sitting around, not needing to talk all the time. Each one comfortable sitting in silence with someone that actually wanted to be around him, amazed that someone they had never expected to could understand their loneliness and pain.

"I've got to go, Jox. I wonder what Zeus wants to blame me for this time?" Ares said with a sigh as he disappeared in the usual sparks.

Joxer looked around the house and seeing nothing better to do started organising everything. Something he had a lot of experience doing as most people didn't trust him to do anything more complicated. He knew Ares would appreciate the sentiment if not the action.

*******

Hades looked at Ares in worry; the war god was smiling and that wasn't a good thing. The last time he had seen Ares smile he had ended up with a massive backlog of souls to sort out. He prayed this time wouldn't be as disruptive, maybe he could talk to Hera about it?

Knowing his dark son was distracted Zeus asked angrily, "Ares, did you hear what I said?"

"Yes, I'm to arrange a war between Sparta and Corinth." Ares absently answered sending out his awareness to check on Joxer.

Hera said, "Make the arrangements with Athena." She was concerned at the strange warm feeling from her son, almost as if Ares was happy which was ridiculous! Her son hadn't been happy for millennia.

"Okay," Ares said as he flashed out the room and back to Joxer.

*******

Not needing to look up to know the identity of the god Joxer said with a smile, "Hey Ar."

"The place look's wonderful! Jox, you didn't have to do this," Ares looked around the house.

"I know but I wanted to. Feel like going out tonight?" Joxer said wanting Ares to see that life wasn't all serious and boring.

Ares said quickly, "Sure." With a wave of his hand the god removed his facial hair, making him look a lot younger than his 1500 years.

Joxer said with a rueful smile, "Good idea, it would ruin your reputation if people found out that you went out with the least of your warriors."

Angry that Joxer thought of himself negatively Ares said seriously, "If anyone has a problem with our friendship, they'll have to deal with me! I figured a crowd would ruin your plans."

Joxer said with a grin, "It would. What do you feel like doing? There's a celebration in Thebes or we can listen to the music contest in Delphi."

"Why don't you enter the contest?" Ares said having heard Joxer play when he had watched his new friend when the mortal was younger.

Joxer said seriously, "I'm not good enough, everyone would just laugh me off stage!"

"What if we both enter the competition? You play the music and I'll dance to it," Ares wanted his friend to embrace his musical gifts.

Joxer said with a happy grin, "I guess, and I won't be up there alone. Okay Ar, shouldn't we practice?"

Ares shrugged. "If you'll let me, I can take the music from your mind. I'll make the dancing as I go."

"`Kay, Ar." Joxer said concentrating on the music as he felt Ares gently touch his forehead.

"That's a good song. What do you call it?" Ares said as he opened his eyes and changed their clothes with a thought.

Joxer answered with a small smile, "Seduces Me."

"Who's it about?" Ares asked privately thinking that he would kill anyone if they hurt his Joxer.

"A guy, I don't think will ever look at me." Joxer said softly sure he was right.

Ares offered seriously, "You want me to kill him for you?"

"That's alright, Ar. It's not the first time something like this has happened. You do remember the disaster that was my infatuation with Gabby?"

"Yeah. Ready to go?" Ares decided not to mention the massive argument he had with Aphrodite over that little fiasco.

"I hate to ask Ar but can you get my lyre?" Joxer said as he put an arm around the war god's waist.

*******

The pair materialised just a couple of minutes outside town. Looking at his clothes, Joxer was shocked to see they had changed. He was now wearing a white silk shirt with ruffles on the cuffs and a pair of black leather pants. Ares was wearing an outfit the same as Joxer's apart from his brown pants.

"Thanks again for doing this, Ar." Joxer said as they approached the hall, which was covered in banners, so bright that they made Ares feel sick.

"It's no bother. Want me to make sure you win?" Ares asked wondering just why he had asked that question.

Joxer said forcefully, "No! I don't have any chance of winning but it'll be good to play again."

Ares said with a laugh, "With me as your dancer, we're bound to win!"

"That's quite an ego you've got there!" Joxer said punching Ares on the shoulder with a snort.

Ares said in mock outrage, "You mean I'm not the centre of the universe?"

Noticing the bubbles of laugher building up inside Joxer Ares continued haughtily, "Anyway, it's not an ego if it's true."

Joxer laughed, "You should see Asclepius, I think you've finally lost your mind!"

"How about a little friendly bet? That way I can show you how good my dancing is," Ares said an idea forming in his mind.

"Sure," Joxer answered with a grin.

Ares grinned wickedly, "If my dancing wins the competition, you have to tell Blondie and Xena just what you think of them, and of the way they've been treating you."

Not about to back down from a challenge Joxer retorted, "Fine. If my song gets us first place you have to go to the next pantheon meeting in white silk and complain that people should make love and not war."

"They'll think I've gone insane!" Ares said laughing hysterically as he imagined the reactions of the various gods.

Joxer smiled as he said seriously, "They treat you like dirt and take advantage of you. If they think you've lost your mind, they'll see just how difficult your job is. Think of it as a chance to have a long needed vacation."

"Okay, it's a deal." Ares said shaking Joxer's hand. "I've already taken care of the entrance fee so we're ready," Ares continued taking a seat next to Joxer.

"I'll give you back the money as soon as I can." Joxer vowed not wanting to take advantage of his friend.

Ares just smiled as the three judges looked at him and Joxer, indicating that it was time for them to go on stage. They were last to perform as they had arrived a little late. Ares smiled thinking to himself at that least Joxer wouldn't have to wait around.

Joxer smiled at Ares and walked over the stage ready to do this. He couldn't believe he was actually performing in public! He had sworn never to do so, but the pleading look in Ares' eyes had been too great to deny.

Never taking his eyes from Ares' body Joxer played softly setting a sultry mood with the music, his eyes widening as he watched Ares dance. It was as if the War God became the personification of seduction, moving his body with sensual grace.

Expressing in song what he couldn't say, Joxer started to sing
putting his heart into the words, "Everything you are,
Everything you'll be
Touches the current of love
So deep in me
Every sigh in the night
Every tear that you cry
Seduces me.

And all that I am
And all that I'll be
Means nothing at all
If you can't be with me
Your most innocent kiss
Or your sweetest kiss
Seduces me

I don't care about tomorrow
I've given up on yesterday
Here and now is all that matters
Right here with you is where I'll stay

Everything in this world
Every voice in the night
Every little thing of beauty
Comes shining thru in your eyes
And all that is you becomes part of me too `Cause all that you do seduces me."

There was a shocked silence when the song finished as the audience were caught in the spell Joxer had weaved through his music. Then there was rapturous applause as the people stood up shouting for more. Joxer bowed and taking Ares' hand walked back to the table.

"I told you not to worry," Ares admonished as he looked at his giddy friend.

"It was amazing. I've never felt anything like it!" Joxer felt like he could walk on water.

"Looks like we've found your gift," Ares said with a smirk having suspected as much.

*******

A tall woman smiled at the nervous contestants, "I would like to thank all those who entered in the competition. All the compositions were unique and special in their own way."

A slim redheaded man about twenty years old said, "As the high priest of Apollo it is my joy to name the winner of the competition is Joxer and his dancer…I think his name is…Arry. The song was one of the most amazing songs I've heard in my life. It was so alive and passionate! Can Joxer and his dancer to come up and collect their prize?"

The room started clapping and cheering as the two men walked onto the stage. Joxer blushed furiously, not used to being the centre of attention or to being praised. Ares just smiled and stood slightly behind Joxer not wanting to steal any of the praise and attention that rightly belonged to his friend. Joxer accepted the small trophy plaque and the money before leaving the stage with a small bow.

Biting his lip Joxer said pleadingly, "Can we go now? I hate being the centre of attention."

"If that's what you want, Jox." Ares said taking the mortal's arm and walking out of the dance hall.

"I can't believe I won! You didn't use your powers did you?" Joxer said anxiously.

Ares said indignantly, "Of course not, I promised I wouldn't!"

"It's just I never thought I would win anything!" Joxer explained quickly, not wanting to upset the man his best friend.

"You're great Jox, there's so much you could do if you wanted." Ares said gently wrapping an arm around the mortal's waist.

Joxer said seriously, "I'm happy with my life as it is. I've won a prize for the first time in my life, and I have the one thing I always wanted, someone I can trust and confide in."

Ares just looked at Joxer confused as he tried to figure out what the mortal could be talking about. Drawing a blank he arched his eyebrow at his friend asking the question.

Joxer said with a small laugh, "You, of course! I never imagined I would have someone I can trust and count on, like I do with you."

Ares just stared at Joxer in shocked. Looking around he transported them to his hideaway, the place they both now called home.

*******

Gabrielle looked at the scroll in shock unable to believe what she was reading, Joxer had won the most famous music competition throughout Greece! She seriously wondered how she had upset the Muses, there was no other explanation as to how Joxer could win and why she had been informed she couldn't enter. Maybe the muses wanted to help some of the less talented people?

`With my natural talent and abilities I don't need to depend on the Muses!' Gabrielle thought with an arrogant smile.

`Really?' Polyhymnia inspirer of sacred song thought with a grin, sharing what she had overheard with her sisters the nine muses decided that they wouldn't help the annoying Amazon until she begged them. Maybe she would learn to be a little more thankful in future!

"Anyone know where Joxer is? We should congratulate him on winning." Auto said looking at his friends.

Xena shrugged, "We last saw him a month ago when he went back home. He felt that he was needed there."

"He voluntarily went back to his family? Something is *really* wrong here!" Iolaus said worriedly.

Hercules said confused, "What do you mean? Everyone goes to see their parents once in a while."

"Didn't any of you *listen* to him?" Auto said understanding dawning as he remembered what Joxer had confided when the group would sit together by the campfire.

"Of course we did!" Gabrielle protested immediately.

Auto said scornfully, "Right (!) You don't even know enough about him to know why he never goes home."

"Fine, why doesn't he go home?" Hercules said in annoyance.

Iolaus sighed, "His family treats him as a punching bag. The only ones who were ever nice to him were his grandmother and Jace."

"I guess we should go and check up on him then?" Hercules asked with a groan.

Iolaus said glaring at his lover, "If you don't want to go, Auto and I can go."

Hercules said quickly, "Of course I'll come with you. Maybe Joxer just heard that someone was ill?"

"If nothing else it'll be a good break." Xena said with a smile.

The four looked at each other and started on the road towards Joxer's family home. It would take them about six days to get there so they just hoped Joxer wasn't in any immediate danger.

*******

Ares said angrily looking at the laughing man, "I can't believe I agreed to this!"

"A bet's a bet. You know that. Anyway, it'll be fun." Joxer said doing his best to control his laugher.

Ares rolled his eyes, "I'm wearing white silk! You do realise this is going to destroy my reputation."

"Just kill a couple of hundred warriors, and no one will say anything." Joxer said with a shrug carefully looking over the god's outfit.

Ares looked down at his outfit one last time, he was wearing a white silk suit with the top showing his chest hairs. He waved his hand and changed his leather boots to white sandals. He looked in the mirror and groaned, he looked like a love god!

Joxer said supportively, "You look great. You're going to scare the life out of them."

"Thanks. Want to come up to Olympus with me?" Ares said ignoring the thundering of his heart, he couldn't have a heart attack so there was no need to worry.

Joxer just stared at his friend, "Me on Olympus? That's just asking for trouble."

"They'll love you, and if they don't I'll beat them up." Ares said smiling showing his teeth.

"I guess that would be okay. Do I look alright?" Joxer said, he was wearing brown pants and a cream shirt. Ares had made about ten outfits appear saying that Joxer had to have something comfortable to wear.

Ares nodded, "You look great. I'm going to put a block on your mind to stop the others from messing with you, okay?"

"Yeah." Joxer said quickly, he didn't like the thought of becoming the plaything of the gods if he could avoid it.

Ares gently placed one hand on Joxer's head and focused. Within seconds he had created a shield in Joxer's mind stopping any god from entering his mind or reading his thoughts.

Ares asked putting one arm around Joxer's waist, "Do you want to come with me to the meeting or do you want to stay on my home on Olympus?"

"Won't it cause trouble if I come with you to the meeting?" Joxer asked nervously.

Ares smiled, "No. I think my outfit will cause the most trouble. If you come you can see the effects of our little bet for yourself."

"I'll come with you." Joxer said with a sincere smile.

Ares said suddenly, "I've got some more ideas about how to scare the life out of my family. Just follow my lead, okay?"

"Sure, but don't go too far." Joxer said with a smile.

Seconds later the pair disappeared in a flash of blue-white sparks.

*******

"Want to play with my arrow and sheath?" Cupid asked Joxer with a grin. He had always been attracted to the mortal and now Joxer was on Olympus where no heroes could interfere.

Ares overheard the come on and sauntered over to the pair. He smiled and pleaded Joxer, "Come and sit over here with me?"

Ares glared at Cupid but his son just stared back. Finally Ares said slowly, "*MY* Jox. Leave him alone!"

Hades stared open-mouthed at the sight meeting his eyes when he walked into the great hall. Ares was wearing white but more alarming he was wearing sandals. It was scary.

Even more worrying was the fact that he was apparently having a row with Cupid over a mortal. Hades moved closer in time to hear the mortal, Joxer a part of his mind supplied calm Ares.

Joxer said quickly, "Don't worry, he's not going to take me away."

Ares stuck his tongue out at Cupid before escorting Joxer to the main table and sat down, materialising another chair next to him for Joxer.

There were six flashes of light as the remaining gods flashed into the room for the meeting.

Aphrodite took her seat next to Cupid, casting a speculative look at Ares and Joxer. Apollo sat next to Athena. Looking at the mortal the sun god realised it was the winner of the competition in Delphi.

Poseidon sat next to Hades and Demeter hoping the pair weren't going to start arguing again. Hera sat next to Zeus, hoping the meeting wouldn't last too long as she had plans to hurt Hercules.

Zeus looked at the mortal his son had brought with him. He tried to get into Joxer's mind only to be stopped by the shield Ares has created. Shaking his head he started the meeting.

Zeus asked smiling, "Now are there any problems anyone wants to bring to the attention of the Pantheon?"

"Yes, me, me!" Ares held up his hand excitedly. When Zeus nodded at him Ares said pouting, "The mortals are being bad."

"Bad?" Aphrodite questioned wondering why Ares sounded like a ticked off toddler.

Ares nodded emphatically, "They're fighting when they should be making love. Hey, that can be my new order for my armies, make love not war."

Ares smiled looking at Joxer earnestly, "What do you think, Joxiekins?"

"Joxiekins?" Eris shouted in shock looking at her brother who was busy playing with the mortal's hair.

Joxer smiled seriously, "Maybe you need to think about it a little more, Ar."

"But they're being bad!" Ares said stamping his foot and making the room shake. He shouted angrily, "No one ever listens to me!"

Hades' eyes widened when he heard Joxer say soothingly, "People do listen, Ar. I know the mortals are being bad and we'll stop them."

"Ares, are you feeling okay?" Apollo asked looking at Ares in a panic.

Ares said dismissively, "I feel great! Now about those naughty mortals?"

"Don't worry, we'll make sure they're not bad anymore." Poseidon said not wanting Ares to have another tantrum.

"Cool!" Ares exclaimed before flashing out the room and taking Joxer with him.

Zeus looked at the room, "Did that really happen?"

Demeter said smiling, "Yes. Ares has lost his mind."

"Joxiekins!" Eris said laughing, she grinned when Aphrodite joined her.

Zeus commanded, "We'll have to take care of the war Ares was organising. It'll be a disaster if Ares tells his armies to make love not war."

"What are we going to do about Ares?" Hades asked worried knowing that an insane war god would be a disaster.

"Apollo can see him." Hera said before flashing out of the room.

*******

Apollo flashed out of the room to his brother's temple. He was shocked when he arrived to find Ares sitting in a room painting, if you could call it that. Ares was throwing paint at a canvas while Joxer played a tune on his lyre.

Ares grinned, "Apollo? You here to play?"

"No." Apollo answered, seeing Ares frown he continued, "I'll come and play later. Now can I have a look at you?"

"Joxiekins?" Ares said looking at Joxer apparently for instruction.

Joxer said with a smile, "Why don't you let him look you over, Ar? Then you can carry on playing."

When Ares nodded Apollo quickly used his powers to identity any possible illness or injury. Not finding any he was confused as to why Ares was behaving so strangely. Drawing a blank he decided to leave before Ares remembered that he asked him to play.

Minutes after Apollo had left, Ares looked at Joxer and they both burst out laughing. Ares was amazed at how much fun he had playing a little joke on his family. The best part was that they would probably leave him alone for a while so he could spend time with Joxer.

"Ar, why was Cupid hitting on me?" Joxer said after they had both calmed down.

Ares sighed, "He's been lonely since Psyche left him for some Celtic god. I thought you liked guys?"

"I do but I just didn't want to be with Cupid," Joxer said with a smile.

Ares said suspiciously, "How come?"

Joxer shrugged, "I'm not in love with Cupid."

"So you have to love whoever you sleep with?"

After thinking the question over Joxer said, "No, but right now I'm in love with someone. I don't want to sleep with anyone but him."

"I guess that makes sense. If you love someone then you should be with them."

"Even if it seems like everything is against you?" Joxer asked seriously.

Ares said hugging the man, "Yeah. Jox, you deserve someone who can see how special you are, someone who knows how beautiful you are."

"I believe the man I love can do all that but he doesn't love me so there's no point thinking about it."

Seeing Joxer was getting depressed Ares said suddenly, "Time to have some fun. Why don't you show me what's so great about fishing?"

Joxer said seriously, "To be honest fishing is more about relaxing than catching fish, or at least I think so."

"Come on, lets go fishing." Ares said and the pair disappeared.



Part 2

"This whole insanity game is fun. A lot more fun than I thought it would be." Ares smiled over at Joxer who was sitting next to him on the bank.

Joxer grinned, "You say that now but you'll have to act like this for a while if you want your family to leave you alone."

"So? It's a great cover. I can get my own back on them and they'll just think I'm not responsible for my own actions."

"You're scary sometimes," Joxer said quietly.

Ares smirked, "Hey, I think therefore I'm dangerous."

"So who do you want to get first?" Joxer couldn't help but enjoy this. He was causing chaos and he loved it. He could play jokes on people and be himself for the first time in his life.

"I think we should play a little joke on Strife. Did I tell you about the time he left a note at Demeter's declaring my undying love for her? She didn't leave me alone for years."

Imagining Ares trying to fend off his aunt's advances Joxer laughed, deciding not to ask how Ares had got rid of her in the end. Once he had regained control Joxer said, "In Strife's defence, it's kinda expected. He is Mischief."

Ares said wickedly, "Now we'll see how he likes it when someone plays a joke on him!"

"How about we set him up with someone, like he did with you?" Joxer said thoughtfully.

Remembering the way Cupid had behaved towards *his* Joxer Ares grinned seeing the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. With an exaggerated frown he said, "How about Cupid?"

Joxer said worried, "Er…Strife doesn't have feelings for Cupid, right? If he does then it isn't really fair. Just think how you would feel if the person you loved more than anything else declared they loved you only to be told that it was a joke?"

Ares stilled seeing Joxer's point, "He did have before Cupid got married. He and Cupid were involved for about three hundred years. I even thought they would get married then Strife just started avoiding Cupid. They both refuse to talk about what happened."

Joxer frowned, "That doesn't make sense. I think something happened to Strife."

"You could be right. I'll go to the Halls of Time and have a look over his life later." Ares said knowing it would explain everything.

Joxer said seriously, "If we set them up, it could get them back together. Do you think that would work?"

"Well, they were *really* good together. I know they still have feelings for each other. Want to go back?"

Joxer smiled wickedly, "When we get back you should call Strife to you and ask him to give your new orders to your armies.

"You have a delightfully wicked sense of humour, Jox. This is going to be fun." Ares said as the pair flashed out to his temple in Thrace.

*******

"Strife!" Ares shouted sitting down on the floor.

Strife appeared with a flash, "Yeah?"

Strife's eyes widened as he took in his uncle's appearance. Ares was wearing white! Maybe this was all a wicked dream from Morpheus? He pinched himself, satisfied it wasn't a dream Strife looked at Ares suspiciously.

"Er…who is he, again?" Ares asked Joxer with a grin, his face a picture of confusion.

Joxer smiled patiently, "Strife, your nephew. He's God of Mischief and your second in command."

Strife looked from the mortal who was ignoring him, to Ares and back again. Why was his uncle asking a mortal who he was? Was Ares ill or something?

"I've got some orders for you!" Ares said with a smile.

Strife just gaped at Ares, was he really seeing his uncle smile? He shivered at the smile, he could have happily gone forever without seeing that.

"What are they?" Strife said mildly annoyed.

Ares smiled widely, "I want you to give my new orders to my armies." He then started throwing a ball at the wall.

Frowning Ares glared at Strife, "What are you doing here? I told you to give my orders to the armies!"

"Ar, you have to tell him what the orders are first." Joxer said looking up from a scroll he was reading.

Ares frowned at Joxer, "I knew that!"

Looking at Strife Ares continued, "Tell my armies that they are to make love not war. They have to spread the word that they shouldn't fight! If they do then, I'll kill them!"

"What the fuck! Kill soldiers if they *fight*? Unc, you feelin' okay?" Strife said concerned that Ares had finally lost it. Maybe this was the alternate Ares, the love god?

Ares just scowled, "Just go. When you've finished we can play hide and seek."

Strife stared at Ares and shouted desperately, "CUPID!"

"What do you want Mischief?" Cupid drawled as he flashed into the room.

"Fix him!" Strife said pointing at Ares.

Cupid just stared at Strife and said, "What do you mean fix him?"

"He's nuts!" Strife said worried.

"You boys come to play?" Ares grinned manically at them.

"No. We haven't." Cupid said glaring at his father.

Ares winked at Joxer and started crying, "Joxiekins! They don't love me anymore. They won't play!"

Joxer smirked back at Ares before running over to the war god and hugging the man. Loud enough for the gaping gods to hear Joxer said, "It's okay, Ar. They'll come and play later. They've just got to do some stuff first."

Joxer looked up and glared at the pair. Strife found himself admiring the mortal, few people would stand up to him or meet his gaze.

"Joxer is right. We'll come and play later," Strife promised hoping they could fix his uncle first.

Cupid and Strife flashed out the room in a panic.

*******

The pair immediately teleported to Hera's office wanting someone to fix Ares. As they appeared they found Hera, Apollo and Zeus discussing Ares.

Zeus said angrily, "There is something wrong with Ares. Did you see him pull tongues at Cupid?"

"Did you find out what is wrong with my son?" Hera asked Apollo.

Apollo shook his head confused, "I couldn't find any problem but I think its stress. It was bound to happen, he does have one of the most difficult jobs.When I got to Ares' home he asked me to play and he was painting. He kept looking at that mortal to see what he should do."

"Is it possible this mortal has somehow made one of the other gods put a curse on my son?" Hera said searching her mind for a possible solution.

"There isn't a curse on Ares. As far as I can see he's just suffering from stress." Apollo said with a shrug.

"Dad's lost it! Cupid shouted at them hoping someone could do something.

Strife said quickly, "He's crying!"

His voice echoing in the minds of all the gods Zeus said, "All hear me! As of today Ares is only to be approached as a last resort. My son is having a break."

*******

Ares smirked when he heard the announcement, he looked at Joxer who was reading a report of the Troy war and was stuck by the beauty of the man. He wondered just what that strange feeling in his stomach was. It felt like he had the butterflies dancing in his stomach just from looking at Joxer. It was unsettling to say the least.

"What's wrong Ar?" Joxer asked when he looked up to find the war god staring at him with a weird look on his face.

Thinking that he would eliminate his rival Ares said, "Nothing. Can you tell me about this guy you love?"

"He's taller than me and has dark hair. He's just great." Joxer said with a smile.

"What's his name?" Ares asked already planning how he could remove the man without Joxer finding out.

Joxer said anxiously, "Can I keep that a secret?"

"Yeah. I just thought you might want to talk about him." Ares said seriously.

Joxer shrugged, "There's not much point when he's out of my league."

"You think you could fall for someone else?" Ares asked hopefully.

Joxer said quickly, "I think this is a forever love."

"What's his father like? Does he have a job?" Ares asked maybe he could find out who the man was this way?

Joxer laughed, "His father is pretty arrogant but what can you expect from a god? Shit, did I say that aloud?"

Ares scowled as he remembered the thief Joxer travelled with. Auto was dark haired, taller than Joxer but more importantly the son of a god! That must be who his rival was!

"Feel like coming to see someone with me?" Ares said with a bloodthirsty smile.

Joxer swallowed feeling sorry for whoever Ares was about to take on. It looked like whoever it was would probably end up dead.

Joxer grinned, "Sure! I don't want to stay here in case Cupid comes after me."

Ares put an arm around Joxer's waist and the pair disappeared in a flash of sparks.

*******

As they appeared at a clearing Joxer wondered just what they were doing in the middle of the woods. He froze recognising the approaching voices. It was his friends. He just knew there was going to be bloodshed, it was kind of expected when Ares and the heroes met.

"Joxer! We were just coming to see you!" Auto shouted in relief as he spied the man.

Joxer hugged the man, "Hey Auto. I decided to hang out with a friend instead."

Ares started growling at the way the thief was touching his Joxer. No one was allowed to grope his Joxer like that, especially people Joxer might love more than him.

"Ar, quit it!" Joxer shouted with a frown.

Hearing the warrior shout the other heroes to run over in alarm. In their experience a yelling Joxer normally meant trouble.

Hercules stared in shock at the sight before him. Ares, God of War Ares was standing in front of them wearing white silk.

Xena wondered just what spell Ares was under to make the God wear white. She had thought the only colour Ares knew existed was black.

Knowing it would make Joxer listen to him Ares purred, "Joxiekins?" Joxer would assume Ares was just going to play a joke on the heroes, and think he had to pretend to be the voice to reason for the mad god of war.

"Joxiekins? I think Ares is a little ill." Iolaus stated worried about just what the god was going to do to them.

"Yeah?" Joxer asked moving away from the thief causing Ares to smirk.

Ares smiled, "Can I play with them?"

The heroes looked at Ares in alarm. Xena approached her sword drawn, she was not going to let Ares hurt anyone. Hercules wondered just what plan Ares had come up with this time to get back at him and Xena.

"Sure! Remember no killing. They're covered by the rules of Olympus." Joxer said with a smile noticing the looks of shock on his friends' faces.

"Well, everyone but Gabby is." Ares said conversationally.

Auto looked at the hunter in shock, "Since when are you a demi-god?"

Ares giggled, "He's not. I don't want to make Daddy mad by killing his boyfriend, do I?"

Xena exclaimed in shock, "His what?"

"You're fucking my father and me?" Hercules snarled at the shocked hunter.

"What, of course not!" Iolaus protested fervently.

"Boring. I want to play! You play with me?" Ares asked the thief, his lip trembling.

Feeling that Ares was about to start bawling at any minute Auto nodded his head.

Ares smiled thinking that once they were on Olympus he could make sure the man didn't go anywhere near his Joxer. He was sure the thief would only hurt Joxer, anyway Joxer was *his*.

Auto grabbed Joxer's hand and the three disappeared leaving chaos in their wake.



As the three appeared in his home Ares said with a toothy
smile, "Joxiekins, can I play with Auto alone for a couple of
minutes."

Joxer nodded and left the room to explore the temple, something he
never got the chance to do earlier. He just hoped Auto didn't say the
wrong thing and end up missing some essential parts of his anatomy.
After he had left the room Ares turned to the thief with a sadistic
grin on his face.

Ares placed a hand over the thief's neck and squeezed as he said, "If
you *ever* get involved with Joxer romantically or sexually, I will
hunt you down and torture you. I will make the torture last for
decades. I'm good at that. Joxer is *mine* and I won't tolerate
anyone trying to take him."

"Don't worry, Joxer's all yours." Auto said quickly.

Ares smirked, "I know, thief. Now remember my warning."

"Don't worry, I will." Auto said confused. Why was Ares behaving so
insane all the time when he was obviously okay? Well, okay enough to
threaten him.

"Ar, are you going to do that thing we were talking about earlier?"
Joxer asked as he strolled back into the room.

Ares immediately picked up on Joxer's meaning and said, "Coming with?"

"Sure. What about Auto? We can't leave him behind." Joxer said
worriedly.

"Eris will play with him." Ares said as he mentally called to his
sister.

"What's up?" Discord asked as she appeared in the room immediately
noticing that Ares was still ill.

Ares smiled widely, "Look after Auto while me and Joxiekins play?"

"Sure." Discord answered second before the pair disappeared.
*******
"Joxer, What's wrong?" Ares asked concerned as they appeared in the
halls of time. He was relieved that his family were giving him a wide
berth, knowing they wouldn't try and stop him in case he destroyed in
a fit of insanity. It was a lot more fun playing the insane god than
he thought it would be.

"Nothing, Ar. I'm just worried about Auto. Discord won't hurt him,
will she?"

"Nah. Not permanently anyway. Lets go and check on my troublesome
nephew." Ares said with a grin, placing one arm around Joxer's
shoulders.

With a grin Ares made a mirror appear of a couple of months before
Cupid and Strife's break up. Of course the first thing that appeared
was the pair having sex, something they seemed to have spent all
their time doing.

He watched carefully for any sign that something was wrong with
Strife but couldn't find anything. About two weeks before the pair
broke up the mirror went black unable to show him anymore. Ares
growled in annoyance unable to understand why his request was being
denied. Only one person had the power to do limit access in the Halls
of Time - Zeus. Ares started planning just how he would convince his
father to agree with him.

Joxer piped up, "Maybe you should look at what happened after they
broke up? Did Strife act strange, well stranger than usual
afterwards? Maybe that's where the answer lies."

Now that Joxer had mentioned it, Ares realised that Strife had
disappeared for a year right after the pair broke up. It was
worrying, had Zeus somehow threatened his favourite nephew, if so
Ares would stop at nothing to get revenge. He couldn't view that time
either so he focused on after that had happened.

At Ares' request the mirror started playing images from about a year
and a half after the break up. Ares frowned as he saw Strife's
growing loneliness and isolation. As the fiasco with Psyche started
Ares froze the mirror, focusing on the loss and pain on Strife's face
when he first met Bliss.
*******
In his small hidden temple Strife was looking through the mementos he
had of happier times. These were all that remained of his
relationship with Cupid, the one who had managed to take something he
swore he would never give, his soul.

Cupid had just assumed Strife ended the relationship because he no
longer cared for the love god. Nothing was further from the truth, he
had still loved Cupid but had managed to hide the feelings underneath
rage, anger and misery. Once people felt those dark emotions, they
didn't look any further. It was something he had counted on.

How could Cupid want to be with him after what he had done? He knew
everyone would hate him once they knew the truth! How could he ever
tell anyone that he had given up his own child, a child he had
carried for nine months? The answer was simple, he couldn't.

He had been unable to react while he watched his son being abused. He
knew Joxer would hate him for that if he knew the truth. He was a God
and he had been powerless to act. He knew he would have to tell Joxer
the truth soon though, even if it was breaking the curse placed upon
him. As long as his son was happy, it didn't matter. He could cope
with spending eternity away from his family.

Strife had noticed Cupid's reaction to Joxer. He couldn't blame the
love god, it was typical of the way Gods reacted to their
descendents. They were drawn to those that carried godly blood, like
months to a flame. So it was inevitable seeing how Joxer was Cupid's
son. His son had a special destiny though, something he couldn't let
anyone interfere with that was the reason he had given Joxer up.

"Strife, we need to speak to you." Clotho's voice echoed causing the
god to disappear from the room.
*******
As Strife appeared in their room Lachesis said seriously, "We have
discovered that you intend to reveal the truth to Ares and Joxer.
Surely you can see it could cause more problems than it'll solve?"

Strife snarled, "He deserves to know! Besides, you only saw a
possible future not a definite one. Telling Joxer could prevent
everything."

Clotho said sorrowfully, "So be it. Remember Mischief the cost of
telling the truth. Surely you can't wish to spend eternity like that?"

"If that's the cost of helping my child, so be it. Joxer would be
protected from the others." Strife said with an unconcerned shrug,
knowing they wouldn't interfere again after the promise they had made
to him when he gave up his Joxer. The promise never to interfere in
his life again.

"Leave but know your actions could doom us all." Atropos said as she
waved her hand causing Strife to disappear with a poof.

Strife appeared in his temple with a sigh, unable to decide what to
do. Should he go with his instincts and tell Joxer the truth
regardless of the possible consequences or should he remain quiet?
More importantly would Joxer hate him once he discovered the truth?
If he did, Strife could understand it. He had left Joxer alone for
years, never stopping the abuse. What kind of father did that make
him?

Gaia's voice echoed in his head, "You're not perfect, Strife. Just
follow you heart, it'll tell you what to do."

Strife replied with a groan, "Thanks for the advice Grandmother but
this is my choice and I need to think about it."

"Just remember sometimes you have to go by instinct. When the time is
right you will know." Gaia answered before retreating to let his
grandson think alone.



Part 4

Strife took a deep breath and made his decision, he was going to tell
the truth. It was the only thing he could do. With a thought he
flashed into his uncle's temple mentally requesting Cupid and Ares to
join him knowing he didn't need to ask his uncle to bring Joxer with
him.

"What do you want now, Mischief?" Cupid said with a groan as he
appeared in his fathers sitting on a nearby chair.

"I'll tell ya once Unc and Joxer are here." Strife responded ignoring
the way his heart clenched when Cupid called him by his godhood and
not his name. It had been this way for years but every time Cupid
called him Mischief it hurt.

As Joxer and Ares appeared Strife smiled at his son, "Joxer, I have
something to tell you. I'm sorry for not telling you sooner."

"Strife, wait until we're sitting down!" Ares ordered as he pulled
Joxer down onto a nearby loveseat.

"I guess the best thing is to just say it. Joxer, you're my son. Well
mine and Cupid's to be exact, you're a god. You don't have powers yet
because you have to be officially recognised by the Pantheon first.
We created the rule after Callisto."

"How could you take my child and place him in the mortal world?"
Cupid shouted as he blasted Strife across the room.

Brushing the dust from his clothes Strife stood answering, "I didn't
have a fucking choice! The Fates said if I didn't give him up Zeus
would kill him before he was two months old. If I told anyone before
Joxer came to Olympus as the guest of War he would die and never be
reborn. If I told anyone afterwards then I would be the one to pay
the price but I deserve it."

The Fates appeared saying as one, "Strife God of Mischief, you have
disobeyed one of our edicts and must be punished. The punishment is
either death without rebirth or eternal banishment. We will consider
your actions before making our decision."

"Wait! You can't do this!" Joxer shouted as he jumped up unwilling to
see his father be punished for telling the truth.

"Who are you to tell us what to do?" Clotho said scornfully.

Joxer smirked, "Apparently I'm the son of love and mischief. Why did
you say he could not reveal the truth?"

Lachesis sighed, "Because the world is not ready for the son of love
and mischief."

"WAIT!" Gaia shouted as she flashed into the room, "The pieces are in
position. There is no need to punish Strife. He has simply played his
part."

"We must punish him, for he has broken one of our rules. Our
punishment is death." Atropos said sadly.

Strife said resigned, "When will my punishment start?"

"Now." Clotho said as she waived a hand and the God of Mischief died
as Strife disappeared.

"NO! Not my baby!" Discord shouted as she flashed into the room,
tears of pain and loss streaming down her beautiful face.
*******
"You're dead, Strife!" Hades exclaimed in shock.

"Yeah, so when does my eternal torment start?"

Hades grinned impishly, "It doesn't. You are one of my Immortals; The
Fates knew that when they sent you down here. However you are no
longer a god. Now it is time for me to play my part in the grand
scheme of things, I want you to find a man called Methos. He's my
best warrior and works exclusively for me. He will tell you the rules
you must live by, follow them. Tell him Hades sent you to him to be
his shield-mate."

"His shield mate? I'm in love with Cupid!" Strife protested.

"Think Strife! Are you in love with Cupid or the person Cupid once
was? He has changed a lot since you broke up."

"How am I supposed to know? I don't do love!" Strife said angrily.

Hades sighed, "Just go with Methos, he'll help you. He may be brutal
but once you're in his heart, he looks after you forever."

Strife sighed not seeing a way of escaping, "I'll let this Methos
fuck me if that's what my punishment is. Any idea where he is?"

"I'll send you about half an hour from him. Wear this necklace and he
will immediately spot you."

"Later." Strife said as Hades made him disappear in a flash of sparks.
*******
Methos frowned as he felt a strange need to go south, he tried to go
away but every road led to the same place. Withdrawing his sword he
waited only to find the clearing empty apart from a man sitting on a
stone angrily muttering about getting even with The Fates for taking
away his son.

Methos didn't react as the presence of the strange immortal went
through him but he noticed the startled grimace in the new immortal's
face. Keeping his sword visible Methos walked forward and pointed it
at the new immortal.

Strife growled, "Don't tell me this is part of the gig? Hades never
mentioned this! I'm going to fucking kill him when I catch up with
him!"

Methos laughed lowly, "You wouldn't be the first to try and kill
death. Who are you and what do you want?"

"The name's Strife. I'm here because the fucking Fates decided to
kill me for disobeying one of their ridiculous rules."

"You're not dead, you're an Immortal. So what did Hades say when you
saw him?"

"I'm supposed to be your shield-mate. Believe me, I'm only doing this
because I don't have any choice."

Methos grinned, "I don't need a unwilling body to fuck, there are
more than enough willing people. However since Hades has said that
I'm to take you with me, so be it. You must be important for Hades to
send you to me. Who were you before you died?"

With a snort at the man's lack of knowledge of the gods Strife
responded, "The God of Mischief. So where are we heading?"

Looking Strife over Methos said, "Until Hades asked me back here I
was heading for Egypt. How come The Fates killed you? It must be
pretty serious for them to kill a god?"

"I told my son, Joxer, who he was. I had to give my son up to a
mortal family because The Fates said Zeus would kill him if me and
Cupid kept him."

"Cupid, god of love? I thought he was with that Psyche?"

"He is and he hates me." Strife said with a shrug.

"Well maybe you're better off without him. Come on Strife," Methos
said as he got on his horse, reaching down to pull Strife up beside
him.

Hades watched what was happening with a grin, now that his son was
safely with his best warrior, Methos, he could ensure the next part
of the plan worked. His plan would ensure the survival of his son
even if it meant he had to separate Strife from his family. The Fates
had known about his intentions, he was sure of it simply because they
had placed no restrictions on him concerning his son.
*******
Joxer looked over at the angry Gods planning to get even with The
Fates for punishing Strife, his father. It was weird to think of
himself as being the son of both Love and Mischief but it would
explain some of the scrapes he had managed to get himself into.

Joxer smiled at the quartet, "Still planning on torturing The Fates
or have you come up with a better plan?"

"Like you could to any better (!)" Discord said with a laugh wanting
to take the chance to see what her grandson was made of. She knew f
he was anything like Strife, Joxer would never turn down a challenge.

Joxer shrugged, "Firstly speak to Zeus. He must have known what The
Fates were planning if he was willing to let Strife disappear for a
year, not to mention he blocked access to Strife's life. Secondly why
not speak directly to Hades? He might let you speak to Strife then
you could find out if he has any ideas on what to do."

"I doubt he would speak to me but maybe you Cupid?" Ares said looking
at his son.

Cupid growled, "If not, I'll threaten to make him impotent for the
six months he has with Persephone. If that fails there's always
torture."

"What about speaking to Gaia? Grandmothers tend to know everything."
Joxer said thoughtfully.

"I'll do that." Discord said with a nod.

Aphrodite offered, "I'll speak to Zeus. No offence but he might be
willing to listen to me a little more than he does to you guys."

"Jox and I will take care of The Fates." Ares said looking at the
others.

"Nice to see you've regained your mind, bro." Aphrodite said with a
laugh.

Joxer smirked, "Nothing like a family crisis to bring back your
sanity."

There were four flashes of light tinged with anger as the group went
to their assigned tasks focused entirely on getting Strife back. They
were so caught up in their task that they failed to realise they had
left Auto alone in the temple where he was gently helping himself to
a few trinkets.
*******
"I want Strife back NOW!" Cupid shouted as he appeared in his uncle's
home.

Hades laughed, "Cupid, you can't go about making demands.."

"Listen you cold-hearted fuck, I want him back! If I don't get him,
I'm going to get very angry!"

Hades narrowed his eyes at the blonde, "Since when have you cared
about him anyway?"

Cupid snarled, "I've always cared about him or have you forgotten
that we were engaged?"

Hades' eyes flashed with fire as he answered, "I haven't forgotten
but as I recall that relationship ended just over twenty eight years
ago. You left Strife alone and started to play happy families with
Psyche."

"Since when have you cared about how I treat Strife?" Cupid said in
shock.

Looking at the man who had hurt his son Hades said seriously, "He
would sometimes talk to me when everyone started ignoring him. You
broke his heart and now you want me to give him back so you can hurt
him even more? That's *never* going to happen, Cupid. You can
threaten me as much as you want but I won't change my mind."

Cupid gave a wolfish grin, "If that's how you want it. I Cupid of the
House of Love, declare war on the House of Death! The war will only
end when you give Strife back, Hades!"

Hades didn't react when Cupid disappeared from the room not willing
to give the younger God the satisfaction of a reaction. He didn't
know what he was going to do now. There was no way he would tell them
were Strife was, he knew his son would be safer away from the Love
God. He wanted Strife to be happy; that was why he had told the
former god to go with Methos. Methos and Strife were alike in a lot
of ways, he was sure they would be good for each other. Maybe he
could contact Methos and warn him about the danger Strife was in? He
knew Zeus would be out for blood if he discovered Strife was alive.



Part 5

“Its about time you got here, Eris.” Gaia said with a sad smile.

“I take it you know about what happened to my son and why he was punished?”

Gaia nodded, “I know but there is much to be played out before Strife will
return.”

Discord asked in shock, “Do you swear Strife will return?”

“I swear it grandchild. Protect Joxer, now is a dangerous time for him.”

“Why is Zeus so afraid of him? Who is he?” Discord said thoughtfully.

Gaia grinned ruefully, “That young man can bring about the end of the Gods.
His marriage will decide the fate of Olympus. If he marries the correct
person then Olympus will be strong enough to survive the coming troubles, if
he doesn’t we are doomed.”

“Who is it he’s supposed to marry?” Discord retorted wondering if whoever it
was would be worthy of him. Her grandchild was going to marry someone he
deserved no matter what the Fates said.

“Only Moira knows and she will not say.” Gaia said ignoring her
granddaughter’s growl of annoyance.

Discord fumed, “How am I supposed to convince him to marry a stranger to
save people who have essentially ignored him and abandoned him?

“Speak to Hera about young Joxer, she can help.” Gaia said signally their
discussion was at an end.
*******
Ares said angrily, “You killed my nephew and I want to know why!”

“It was his destiny but his son will ensure all is right.” Moira smiled
gently.

“We cannot tell you more, you must trust us in this matter.” Atropos said a
second later.

Joxer said scornfully, “Trust you when you killed my dad? I can tell you
now, that’s never going to happen.”

Clotho grinned, “Maybe but let me give you a piece of advice the man you
must speak to is the living dead.”

“He will bring back your father,” Moira smiled at their shock.

“A baccae?” Ares questioned in shock as he wrapped one arm around Joxer’s
waist and the pair disappeared.
*******
Joxer held onto his friend tightly as they appeared back in the war god’s
temple. Sighing the warrior asked, “Ar, what am I supposed to do now? I’ve
just found out I’m the son of a two Gods one of whom has been killed because
of me.”

Hugging Joxer Ares said softly, “You survive like we all do. You’re not
alone, I will never leave you. Now Cupid knows who you are there’s no way
he’s going to leave you.”

“Thanks. You think there’s anything we can do to help dad?”

Ares said honestly, “I don’t know. Hera will understand the pain Strife went
through when he gave you up. Zeus will be angry, he must have known about
Strife’s pregnancy.”

“If he did then why didn’t he kill me?”

Ares shrugged, “There’s nothing about you to suggest you’re a demi-god so he
wouldn’t have noticed you.”

Anger radiating from him in waves Cupid flashed in snarling, “Fucking cold
hearted bastard won’t give Strife back to me! Hades said all I did was hurt
Strife and wouldn’t give him back because of it.”

Ares said gently, “You did hurt him though, everyone could feel the pain
from him. He hasn’t smiled or laugh in years. You flaunted your relationship
with Psyche in front of him.”

“I was angry. Do you know how he broke up with me? He smiled and said that
he was going to spend a year with an lover of his from Asia he had been
seeing for the last ten years.”

Ares scowled, “That should have been your first clue that something was
wrong! He’s only been involved with you and Apollo.”

Cupid shouted as his father, “How was I supposed to know? I didn’t exactly
ask for his complete sexual history when we got together.”

Joxer growled at his father in disbelief, “I can see what Hades was talking
about! You should have known dad. I might not know much about him but I can
tell he isn’t the kind to cheat on someone.”

The blonde looked at his son for a second before answering, “Don’t presume
to tell me how I’m supposed to act! It’s your fault he’s dead in the first
place.”

Ares growled and lunged a fireball at his son unable to believe the way
Cupid was treating Joxer. He couldn’t believe his own son had become so cold
and that he hadn’t realised. How could Cupid shout at his own son merely
three hours after discovering who he was?

Glaring at the pair Joxer shouted, “STOP! Cupid, I know it is my fault he
died and I want him back. If you’re not going to help then leave.”

Silence reigned for a few seconds before a sullen Cupid said, “Fine, I’ll
help Strife. Even though he did betray me. What did the Fates say, dad?”

“I’ll tell you when the others get here. What exactly did Hades say?”

Cupid shrugged, “He’s never going to give Strife back. I declared war on The
House Of Death in the name of The House of Love.”

“Rescind it! We don’t have time for a war!” Ares said amazed at his son’s
attitude.

Cupid stuck his chin out defiantly, “I told him the war will only end when
he returns Strife.”

Joxer said reasonably, “Threatening him isn’t going to make him agree with
you. He obviously cares for dad and he’s not going to give him back to be
hurt.”
*******
Aphrodite appeared angry, “The Old Goat just smiled when I told him Strife
was dead. He said we needn’t worry as Strife wouldn’t be missed.”

“He probably thinks it will be easier to find Strife’s son now.” Ares
shrugged while he squeezed Joxer’s hand supportively.

Joxer said honestly, “As soon as I’m formally introduced, he’s going to
figure out who I am.”

“Yeah but we’ll be able to protect you then.” Discord said with a smirk
appearing in the room without her usual sparks.

“Thank you for doing all this. What did Gaia tell you?” Joxer grinned at his
grandmother.

“She promised Strife will return and said you determine the fate of
Olympus.”

Joxer said happily, “Dad’s really coming back! That’s great.”

“What did you mean determine the fate of Olympus?” Ares asked suspiciously
looking at his dark sister who was avoiding his eyes.

“If Joxer marries the right person we will survive the Twilight if not then
we will be killed.”

Joxer bit his lip nervously, “Did she say who I was supposed to marry?”

“No, only Moira knows and she refuses to say anything.”

Angry Joxer retorted, “I’m only getting married to the man I love! I’m sorry
but that’s it!”

Aphrodite said seriously, “Joxie, you have no choice in this. You have to
marry the right person. I’m sorry but its about the survival of all of us.”

“NO! You’re not marrying me off to anyone!” Joxer said as he leaned against
Ares, shaking in anger and fear. He knew if they really wanted to, they
could force him.

Ares shouted in outrage, “You’re not taking him away from me!”

Sadly Cupid said, “Dad, this isn’t just about you two anymore. The many are
more important than the few.”

“NO ONE is taking Joxer!” Ares shouted angrily as he flashed out of the room
taking Joxer with him.
*******
Angry Aphrodite shouted at her sister, “Why did you tell them? You should
have waited until we could find out who Joxer has to marry. It might even be
someone Joxer likes.”

“What’s this about you declaring war with Hades?” Aphrodite said
disapprovingly as she looked at her son.

Cupid protested, “It’ll make him give back Strife, I thought you wanted
that!”

Discord nodded, “We do. Its never a good idea to anger the God of the
Underworld, you never know when we might need his help. I’ll go and explain
was just an expression of grief, he’ll let it go.”

Aphrodite nodded, “Its worth a try. Now I’m going to see if I can convince
Moira to tell me who Joxer has to marry.”

“Fine mom, I’ll be with Bliss if you want me.” Cupid said as he disappeared
from the room.

Appearing from behind a pillar Auto enquired, “Aren’t any of you going to
help Joxer? It seems a little unfair that’s he got to deal with all this
alone.”

“He’s not alone. Ares is with him and will take care of him.”

“What are you doing here?” Eris asked worried the thief had heard
everything.

“Ares wanted to play with me earlier. He came and got me when I was hanging
out with Herc and Xena. Could one of you send me back?”

Aphrodite nodded, “I’ll take you. If you tell anyone what happened today I
will hunt you down and show you just how cruel love can be.”

“Okay. The others will be looking for Joxer though, what do I tell them?”

“Just say I promise to take care of him.” Aphrodite said helpfully, it was
the truth.

“Okay but they won’t believe me.” Auto answered as the pair disappeared.
*******
Aphrodite appeared at her bother’s camp shocked to find him and Iolaus
arguing over Zeus while Gabrielle took notes. As the goddess appeared Xena
narrowed her eyes suspiciously as she looked at Auto.

“What’s up bro?”

Hercules answered angrily, “Iolaus has been fucking Zeus. Ares told me so.”

The love goddess shook her head, “Not true. Do me a favour and keep away
from Ares for a while? He’s under a little stress.”

“You mean he’s lost his mind. What has he done to Joxer?” Xena countered not
wanting the man to be in danger, she knew from personal experience how
dangerous Ares was.

Outraged Aphrodite said, “He would *never* hurt Joxer! They’re best friends.
Joxer is a helping Ares recover from the stress he’s under. Have you got any
idea how exhausting it is to do this job for hundreds of year?

Iolaus grinned, “I’ve never thought about it. Can you tell Joxer I’d like to
hear from him sometime. I just want to make sure he is okay.”

“Will do.” Aphrodite said as she disappeared leaving only rose petals in her
wake.
*******
“You actually going to talk to me today or what?” Methos said with a smirk
as he looked at the new immortal.

Strife smiled, “Yeah but don’t expect anything deep. I’m still angry about
what happened. So how long have you worked for Hades?”

“Four hundred years so far. I’m his horseman of death.”

“Do you like your job?”

Methos said honestly, “Yeah. This way I know the people I kill are supposed
to die at that time. The way I see it death is part of the natural cycle and
all I’m doing is taking my place in the cycle.”

“How did he find you?” Strife said wanting to know about the man he was
going to be with for the foreseeable future.

Methos shrugged, “No idea. He just turned up one day and said he had a job
for me. He explained the job and pointed out if I didn’t kill the people
someone else would but this way I could make sure they didn’t suffer. If he
wants someone to suffer he gives them to me, I take care of all the people
with whom Hades has a personal score to settle.”

“Hmm. I did the same for Ares. I was the star pupil of our God of Pain so
people are normally given to me when Ares feels they need special
attention.”

“You like this Ares then?”

“He’s great. He’s been like a father to me, he didn’t even freak at me after
I broke up with Cupid. The featherbrained idiot didn’t bother to try and
stop me. The annoying part is that it was a really weak lie, he should have
known I wasn’t telling the truth but he didn’t.”

“Maybe he didn’t love you, or know you as much as you thought then.” Seeing
the look of contemplation on Strife’s face Methos changed the subject
quickly, “Did Hades tell you about the rules of our existence?”

“No. He just said you would fill me in.”

“Okay, we can’t fight on holy ground of any religion. I saw someone do that
once, when he won his body was literally burnt to ashes.”

“Nice (!) Anything else?”

“We fight to the death, one on one. Decapitation is the only way to kill us.
*No one* can interfere once a fight has started.”

“How long until we meet your friends?”

Knowing he needed to tell Strife some truths about the man’s new situation
Methos explained, “About two months. They’re the other three horsemen. They
are immortals who are doing this because they want to. The others should
leave you alone if I make it clear that you’re mine which means we will be
sleeping together regularly and you are not to address anyone but me. You
are to come with me all the time, I will teach you to fight. I know they are
seriously nuts but being with them helps me perform my job and it stops them
coming after me.”

“I understand. I’ll do what is expected of me. What am I supposed to call
you?” Strife said quickly amazed the Horsemen sounded fairly reasonable.

Methos smiled, “Methos when we’re alone and Death when we’re not. It’ll take
at least four hundred years before they accept you. Every couple of hundred
years we will take a break and retreat somewhere to hideout. At which time
you come with me and we’ll go travelling a while where you can take your
place at my side.”

Strife absorbed the information asking hesitantly, “Okay. Can I ask what I’m
supposed to do when The Horsemen go on raids?”

“You come with us and do as I ask. You haven’t got any weaknesses about
torture, slavery or rape have you because they are very common amongst the
Horsemen?”

“It doesn’t matter if I do because its now my existence. What happens if one
of the others come after me?”

Methos growled, “I will deal with it, in their eyes you are my property.
When we’re alone, we can talk more but in public I will have to be fairly
harsh to you. If they see I’m attached to you then they will come after both
of us.”

“Okay. You know, I’ll never even see my son again. If we ever come back to
Greece, he will probably be dead.”

“You will survive, as we all do. You can always talk to me as long as we’re
alone.”

“Thanks, Methos.” Strife said sincerely as they boarded the boat taking them
from Greece and his family.



Title: Make Love Not War 6
Author: Stephanie M
Disclaimer: The Xena/Hercules characters belong to RenPics and whoever else
owns the rights to these characters.
Summary: Joxer finds his destiny.
Category: Comedy/Drama.
Notes: Seduces Me belongs to If Dreams Had Wings Music Ltd

Part 6

Aphrodite smiled at the scene before her as she appeared in Ares’ place.
Joxer was lying asleep in her brother’s arms, with Ares curled around him
protectively. She had guessed where the God would go; the cabin always was a
place of safety for Ares. It was somewhere he could relax without the worry
of someone taking advantage of his vulnerable state.

Vulnerable was hardly a word anyone would associate with Ares but that was
because no one took the time to get to know the real Ares. Many were content
to paint him as the enemy, even the other gods who knew it wasn’t true.

Ares had never wanted to become war, as a child he had wanted to be the god
of redemption, a godhood, which was still unclaimed. However he was the only
one strong enough to carry the sword of war without going insane. If another
god tried they would quickly be overtaken by insanity before being
incinerated. Any of the mortals foolish enough would only get a painful
death, which would take days.

War was necessary to control the population and to encourage progress.
Although many didn’t see it progress came from war, new inventions and
philosophies were created as a direct result of Ares’ godhood. The other
gods viewed war and therefore Ares, as something that was too primitive to
exist in their world. This resulted in Ares being ignored and openly
insulted by the majority of his family.

“That was a stupid thing to do, bro.” Aphrodite said seriously.

Ares arched his eyebrows, “Really? How was I supposed to react?”

“Not like that, all you’ve done is create problems for the rest of us. How
do you think dad’s going to react now?”

Ares sighed, “I honestly couldn’t care. I’m tired of having to give up
everything because of the Fates and my Godhood. Sometimes I wish I was
mortal, they don’t seem to have all these problems. If they love someone,
they can be with them.”

“Who do you love, Ares?” Aphrodite asked gently knowing how inexperienced
her former lover was in matters of the heart.

Ares laughed lowly, “You mean my sister, the Goddess of Love doesn’t know?
Its Joxer. Not that it matters because he’s already in love with some
demi-god.”

“Really? There’s only one person he’s ever cared about and its not a
demi-god.”

Ares growled, “Don’t even mention that bard of my daughter’s to me! She
doesn’t deserve him!”

“I wasn’t talking about her. Just think, whose attention has Joxer been
trying to get all his life?” Aphrodite asked with a smirk before leaving the
room.

“Want me to tell you?” Joxer asked making the war god jump.

Trying to cover up his reaction Ares stated, “You’re awake.”

“Yeah. Kinda obvious. I repeat; do you want me to tell you?” Joxer smirked.

Taking Ares’ silence as an affirmative answer Joxer said with a grin, “You.”

“WHAT?” Ares gasped out in shock

Amused at his friend’s behaviour Joxer said, “You.”

“Really?” Ares asked hopefully, unable to believe what he was hearing.

Joxer nodded, “Yeah. You are the one I have spent my whole life trying to
impress, the one I love.”

“That’s wonderful. We can be together now. Maybe I shouldn’t have done that
to your thief friend.”

“What did you do to him? It can’t be that bad, he’s still alive.” Joxer
mused aloud.

“Nothing serious. Can I kiss you?”

“Yes.” Joxer said as the god pulled him closer.

They kissed softly, gently exploring each other’s mouths. To Joxer it was
like coming home, like finding a part of himself he didn’t even know was
missing. It was every thing he had dreamed of and more. In short it was
perfect.
*******
From his place near the door Auto commented, “You know it’s probably not a
good idea to upset Ares right now. He does seem a little unstable, just look
at his behaviour earlier.”

“What are we going to do now?” Iolaus said looking at the room covered in
broken furniture and pottery.

Gabrielle shrugged as she dropped a large pot, “No idea but I’m glad I don’t
have to tidy this up.”

Hercules rolled his eyes at the pair, “Simple. I’ll ask father to help.”
Looking up he shouted, “FATHER!”

There was a crash of thunder before Zeus appeared, “I’m here son. Could you
please stop shouting?”

Hercules said quickly, “Sorry. Father, we need your help. Ares has kidnapped
my friend. I went to his temple but he didn’t answer and his priests say he
isn’t available.”

At the reminder of his slightly insane son Zeus frowned, “Your brother is
taking a little vacation. What friend are you talking about?”

“Joxer.” Hercules said in annoyance.

Zeus stopped to think for a moment before saying. “Oh yes, the bard. He’s
perfectly fine. I believe he is showing Ares how to paint or something
trival.”

“So he’s not in any danger.” Xena said shocked.

“I already told you that!” Auto said annoyed. If they had listened to him,
all this could have been avoided. All they had done was managed to capture
the attention of a volatile war god.

“No, your brother is quite found of the mortal. I need you to look for a
woman for me. She will be twenty-seven with dark hair, and a small scar of a
goblet on her thigh. She was born in either Corinth or Thebes.”

“Why is this woman so important?” Xena asked narrowing her eyes at the god.

Ignoring her anger Zeus explained, “This woman is very dangerous. If you
don’t find her, she will bring about the destruction of Greece.”

“How?” Iolaus asked unable to see how one woman could cause such damage.

“She is a woman of godly blood. The only child of the sons of Aphrodite and
Discord.”

Shocked Gabrielle exclaimed, “That would be Cupid and Strife!”

Zeus nodded, “Yes. On her twenty eighth birthday, the child of Love and
Mischief will marry. The fates have declared it to be so. Once the child is
married, she will come into her powers and the destruction of Greece will
begin. A destruction no one can stop.”

Xena said determined, “We will find this woman. I assume, once you have her
you can stop the destruction?”

“Yes. You have only three weeks before the marriage so time is of the
essence.” Zeus said knowing they were running out of time now that Strife
had died.

“I understand Father.” Hercules said seriously as the god disappeared from
the room.

“Lets go, we’ve got a country to save.” Hercules said looking at his
friends.

Seconds later the five left intent on finding the woman, Joxer forgotten by
all but Auto. He knew Joxer was the child of Love and Mischief and that Zeus
wasn’t being completely honest. The thief was determined to have a talk to
Discord to let her know about Zeus’ plan. Surely they could find some way of
protecting Joxer?
Part 7

A week after starting their search Hercules smiled at the others as they
entered Corinth, he was doing what he was meant to do - save the world. Even
better was the fact that his father had actually come to him asking for
help, making it obvious that he recognised Hercules’ importance.

Gabrielle spoke hesitantly, “What will Zeus do once we find this woman?”

“Stop her getting married, I imagine.” Hercules said calmly, positive his
father wasn’t going to hurt her.

‘Like he’s going to stop at that!’ Auto thought bitterly thankful no one
knew Joxer was the one they were looking for.

“She must be evil if the gods are scared of her.” Gabrielle said looking at
the others for support.

Iolaus questioned, “Don’t you think its strange that Cupid and Strife
allowed their to be raised as a mortal?”

Hercules shrugged, “Maybe they just couldn’t look after her. Life is
difficult on Olympus.”

“That doesn’t make sense.” Xena murmured to herself as she looked at Iolaus
who nodded in understanding.

Iolaus asked, “What do you think our chances are of finding this woman?”

Xena responded, “Not very good. We know where she might have been born but
she probably moved and we haven’t got long.”

“So we may not find her in time, Herc?”

Hercules nodded at the hunter, “Yeah. You think we should tell Cupid and
Strife about what their child is going to do?”

Gabrielle grinned, “Good idea. They might be able to talk her out of getting
married.”
*******
Auto broke away from the group anxiously looking around him before saying
softly, “Ares, I need your help. Its about Joxer.”

Ares appeared in a flash of sparks, “What’s wrong?”

Auto said quickly, “The four are after Joxer. Zeus has ordered them to bring
Cupid and Strife’s child to him. they think that they’re looking for a woman
so Joxer should be relatively safe. I thought I should tell you that Joxer
has to get married on his 28th birthday.”

Ares smirked, “Don’t worry, he’ll be married.”

“How is he?”

Seeing the thief was just worried about his friend Ares answered honestly,
“Seeing how Zeus isn’t coming near me we’re safe.”

Auto smiled, “Okay. So are you going to marry him?”

“I do believe that’s nothing to do with you.” Ares said with a dangerous
growl.

Auto stepped back anxiously saying, “Look, I’m just worried about him.”

Ares responded, “I know, that’s why I haven’t killed you.”
*******
Back at the campsite Xena was watching calmly as Hercules set up a
protection circle. She hadn’t seen one of them made in a few years,
travelling with the hero certainly made life interesting.

“Cupid! Cupid!” Hercules called out, quickly becoming angry when the love
god refused to answer him.

Seeing the look of ire on his lover’s face Iolaus said seriously, “Cupid, we
need to talk to you please. Its about yours and Strife’s child.”

Cupid appeared in the campsite quickly wondering just what had happened to
Joxer now. His son seemed to get in trouble all the time at least that’s
what he felt after viewing Joxer’s life in the Halls of Time.

Cupid said suspiciously, “How did you find out about my child?”

Xena answered him carefully, “Zeus told us. Look you have to convince her
not to get married!”

‘Her,’ Cupid thought to himself in shock. Recovering quickly he said, “Why
should I deny my child a marriage?”

Looking at the handsome and clearly angry god Gabrielle said, “Zeus said if
your child gets married then she’s going to cause the end of Greece.”

“Thanks for the warning. Why did Zeus tell you?” Cupid said seriously.

“He’s asked us to bring your daughter to him so that he can ensure she
doesn’t marry.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” Cupid said disappearing from the clearing in a
show of pink sparks. He had no intention of doing anything as the Fates had
told him that he could not influence his son’s decision.

Iolaus looked at the group before saying, “Do you think he’ll be
successful?”

Xena shrugged, “No idea but we should find her anyway. She might listen to
us more than she does a god. From the sound of it the Gods haven’t done
anything but abandon her.”
*******
Joxer slept fitfully lost in a world of pain and darkness. He watched frozen
as all the gods on Olympus disappeared, fading into nothingness. As he
watched Ares die, Joxer screamed out in denial.

“Young One, this is what will come to pass should you make the wrong
decision.” Destiny said slowly as she descended from a long staircase,
moving to sit at the man’s side.

Wracking his mind Joxer said finally, “What decision do you speak of?”

“You are at a crossroad, Young One. The path you take from here will
determine the Fate of Olympus and the gods.”

“When must I make this decision?” Joxer asked sadly.

Destiny said apologetically, “Come to us with your decision on your 28th
birthday. Think carefully before you decide, the consequences are far
reaching. You must look inside yourself and choose.”

As the woman disappeared, Joxer looked around at the empty Olympus absorbing
the full knowledge of the pain he could cause. He didn’t know what to do.
The only decision he could think of was his marriage. If indeed Destiny was
talking about that, what should he do? Every part of him wanted to marry
Ares, to spend eternity with the one he loved. If it were the wrong decision
though, he would be the death of the one he loved and his godly family.
*******
He needed someone to talk to about his decision. Someone who knew the
hardship of having to decide between your heart and your duty. Who would
understand his feelings? Who could he trust to help without taking advantage
of him?

Suddenly it hit him…Hera! The goddess was probably the best one to speak to
as both Queen of the Gods and the Goddess of Marriage. She had made a
similar decision herself when she had married Zeus knowing she was in love
with Hades.

Forcing himself to wake, Joxer looked over at his lover worriedly. He wanted
to tell Ares about the choice being forced on him but somehow he couldn’t
bring himself to do so. Smiling Joxer said, “Ar, can you ask your mother to
come here? I need to speak to her about something.”

Shaking off the hurt at the thought that his lover wouldn’t talk to him
about something that was obviously causing him pain Ares answered, “Of
course. I guess you’ll want to talk with her alone?”

Joxer said reassuringly, “Yes. I’ll talk to you about it later. I just need
to talk to her first. Everything is going to be fine.”

On Olympus Hera was shocked to hear her son politely requesting her presence
in his hideaway. She had only ever been there once; when she had comforted
her son after the death of his first friend. He had been so caring then,
that was before the hatred and scorn felt towards him had made him retreat
into himself, so far that not even she could reach him.

She quickly appeared shocked at finding her son cradling the form of the
mortal bard Joxer. The bard was in agony, she could feel the pain pouring
from him. When he saw her the bard grinned and pushed Ares away. Her son
hugged Joxer before disappearing in a flash of light.

Hera said regally, “You need to talk to me, Joxer?”

Joxer bowed to her slightly before answering, “Yes Ma’am. I need some advice
and you’re the best person I could think to talk to. I have been told that
I’ve got an important decision to make. My choice will affect everyone, even
the Gods.”

“What decision is this?” Hera questioned not knowing how a mortal could be
so important.

“I think it is my marriage. Should I follow my heart or my duty?”

Hera pondered the question before saying, “For a marriage to be successful
love is needed. However it is true that two people can learn to love each
other. If this decision is so important I can only say follow your duty.”

Joxer nodded in understanding, “Thank you for being so honest. How are you
today, my Queen?”

Hera smiled, “I am very well however I am worried about will happen now
Strife has left us. He was a kind if somewhat tortured man. I could sense it
from him, he was always so misunderstood.”

“He was needed though.” Joxer said suddenly.

“Indeed he was. Tell me a little about yourself Joxer.”

Joxer shrugged, “I am twenty eight in two weeks today, I travel around the
country searching for people that need help. However I have come to realise
I am not meant to be a warrior. Ar, sorry Ares suggested I spend time
figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. I know now, I want to be a
bard. I want to entertain and make people think.”

“A noble ambition indeed. How do you feel about my son?”

“I love him ma’am.”

Hera smiled happily, “That’s a relief. I will go and let you think in peace.
If you need to talk about your decision please ask Ares to contact me.”

“I will ma’am. Thank you for helping me.” Joxer said sincerely as the
goddess disappeared.

Ares flashed into the room anxious to find out what the pair had discussed.
When his lover looked at him with gleaming eyes, the god felt helpless. He
was lost inside those beautiful eyes, he could happily spend forever gazing
at his beloved.

Joxer grinned at his lover before saying seriously, “I have made a decision
about my marriage.”

Not liking the mortal’s tone Ares asked, “What decision?”

Joxer smiled, “The only one I could make in the circumstances. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Ares said happily as he wrapped one arm around the man’s
waist. They fell into a comfortable silence, which was now normal between
them. Ares had become remarkably introspective ever since they had declared
their love for each other.

Joxer had briefly wondered if it was to do with his dead father. Hades had
refused to say anything about Strife was saying the souls in his domain were
not to be disturbed by the living. Joxer resolved to keep silent, secure in
the knowledge that Ares would reveal what was bothering him in due time.
*******
In a darkened room Clotho whispered, “Joxer has made a decision.”

“Is it the one we foresaw?” Destiny looked at the woman worriedly.

Atropos said seriously, “Yes. We must prepare.”

Destiny returned, “We will be ready.”

“We have to be.” Lachesis finished the sentence seriously.
*******
Two weeks later Joxer sighed knowing it was time. Even though he and Ares
had only spent three weeks together as lovers, Joxer would cherish those
memories for the rest of his life. The last fortnight had seen the pair just
spending time together.

They hadn’t made love because Ares had said he wanted to wait until they
were married. Joxer could only pray that Ares would forgive him this
betrayal. Even if he didn’t Joxer would be content with the knowledge that
he wouldn’t have to watch Ares die.

With a kiss to the sleeping war god’s head Joxer whispered, “I will marry
whoever the prophecy decrees.”

“Thank you for doing this.” Eris said seriously as she hugged the man. With
a thought the pair reappeared in the Fates’ chamber.

Destiny looked up at the mortal, “Young One, you have made your decision.”

Joxer said sadly, “Yes. Can we just get this over with?”

“Of course.” Atropos said gently as she moved the man forward.

Clotho said, “Discord, leave. You are no longer required here.”

Eris disappeared in a flash of sparks knowing better than to upset the
Fates. If you did, it meant trouble. As she reappeared in her room Eris
wondered the wisdom of what Joxer was doing. She knew the mortal was doing
it to save his family but in doing so he had lost his chance with the one he
truly loved, Ares.
*******
“Joxer the lone child of Love and Mischief, we thank you for your
sacrifice.” Destiny said almost pityingly.

Joxer sighed as a blindfold was tightly placed over his eyes. He stilled
when he felt a god appearing in the room. There was nothing he could do now
that his intended was here. He had lost his chance to be with the one he
truly loved.

Lachesis announced, “Joxer, son of Cupid.”

Clotho said solemnly, “Phobos, son of Ares.”

Atropos continued in the same tone, “Drink and embrace your new path.”

The pair drank the wine slowly, placing all their trust in the Fates between
them. Unnoticed by anyone a tear fell from Joxer’s eyes as Destiny declared,
“Joxer, God of Absent Lovers and Phobos, you are now married.”

Taking off his own blindfold Phobos said shocked “What have you done to
him?”

Joxer was lying on the floor, crying silently. Anger and pain radiated from
the obviously distraught ex-mortal. Phobos was unsure what he could do, he
didn’t even know anything about the his husband. How could he help someone
when he didn’t know what was wrong?

Destiny murmured, “He is simply coming to terms with all the changes in his
life.”

Clotho said quickly, “I recommend you get him out of here. He needs
somewhere he can feel safe.”

Destiny’s voice echoed in their minds, “Joxer, Phobos! You must consummate
your marriage before a day has passed.”

Phobos nodded and gently picked up his new husband. Within seconds they were
inside the master bedroom of his Olympus Temple. He wasn’t happy at their
marriage and from the look of it neither was Joxer. They had no choice
though, there was no point in fighting the Fates.

“Its not that bad!” Phobos said reassuringly as he rubbed the man’s
shoulders.

Joxer said scornfully, “Yeah right (!) I’m in love with your father! I only
married you because all the gods would be killed if I didn’t.”

Realising what this was going to do to his father Phobos said sadly, “Look
I’m not happy either but there’s nothing we can do about it. Who are you?
There’s no way the Fates would be able to make a mortal into a god without
Zeus’ permission.”

Joxer nodded, “I’m the son of Cupid and Strife. I was sent into the mortal
world because Strife was told Zeus would kill me if I stayed on Olympus.”
*******
Two weeks later Hercules looked fearfully at his friends. They had failed
their mission. There was no way to stop Cupid and Strife’s daughter from
getting married and destroying the country.

“What can we do now?” Gabrielle asked worriedly.

Hercules said seriously, “Nothing. We have failed.”

Auto looked at the four wondering whether he should speak up and reassure
them. Suddenly he found himself calling out, “ARES! ARES.”

Ares appeared quickly wondering why the thief was asking for help. Smiling
at the shocked look on the heroes’ faces Ares said, “What’s wrong, thief?”

Auto listened in shock as his voice asked, “Where is Joxer?”

Ares shrugged, “When I woke up he wasn’t there. He’s probably talking to my
mother again.”

Auto said quickly, “You’re wrong! Joxer has agreed to the marriage. You have
to find him before the ceremony is complete.”

Ares couldn’t believe his beloved could do that to him, searching quickly
the god found his lover’s thread. Rage and panic burned through the war god
as Ares disappeared from the clearing intent on rescuing his lover from a
marriage that would break both of them.
*******
Ares appeared in the room, seeing his lover in the arms of his son the War
God screamed his denial. How could this have happened? He and Joxer were
supposed to be married to each other with this in mind Ares quickly grabbed
his love’s arm, only to be thrown across the room.

“AR! Are you okay?” Joxer asked worriedly as he jumped off the bed to tend
to the god. He touched Ares causing pain to burn though both their bodies.

Phobos grabbed his husband’s arm saying urgently, “Joxer, don’t touch him.
He’ll be fine, he was just knocked out.”

Just then Ares regained consciousness immediately focusing on his beloved.
Looking up at Joxer’s face he grinned, “I just had the weirdest dream, love.
You were married to my son and I couldn’t touch you.”

“Its not a dream. Just remember I will always love you, Ar.” Joxer said
crying as he stumbled to his feet.

“I love you too, Joxer.” Ares said in a mix of sadness and rage. With one
last look at the new god, Ares disappeared from the room.

Part 8

Leaving Phobos and Joxer alone in their new home Ares immersed himself in
every little battle he could find. He brutally massacred enemies on the
battlefield in an attempt to rid himself of his rage. It didn’t work. Unable
to bear the thought of Joxer having sex with his son, Ares went to the Fates
to find out exactly why they had been so cruel to him.

“Why did you do this?” Ares asked his voice equal parts anger and sorrow.

“We feel your pain but we had no choice in the matter. It simply had to come
to pass. On the day of Zeus’ triumph over the Titans a prophecy was
announced.”

Ares glared at them, “What is the prophecy? What does it have to do with my
Joxer?”

Not looking at him the most feared women in Greece calmly stated the
prophecy together,
“When He who was resurrected dies again,
This prophecy shall come into play,
The child of Love and Mischief,
Will be forced to choose the Fate of us all.

If the Young One chooses duty,
Fright shall be called to the cave,
They shall be bound together,
Love’s child will bear their daughter.

She is both birth and death,
Aurora shall be her name,
At her meeting with the Grandmother
The gods will disappear from this plane.”

Two undying ones will work with Aurora
These three souls shall bring together,
Three couples of impure blood,
When these Nine stand together,

At the place where He first died,
The earth mother will awaken,
Calling into being the new King
And the Gods shall be renewed.”

Ares spat out angrily, “So Joxer did all this for nothing! The gods are
going to be destroyed anyway!”

Lachesis protested, “If he didn’t do this there would be no chance of the
gods being reborn. He did this so that you could live!”

“What was the other side of the prophecy?” Ares asked as he remembered their
were two possible choices.

Destiny looked at him seriously before saying, “All the gods died while
Joxer watched. He would become insane and allow Dahork to takeover the
world.”

Atropos declared, “You are helping Joxer, your parting ensures he will
survive until the rebirth.”

“Why can’t I touch him?” Ares asked thinking to himself everything would be
okay if only he could take his beloved into his arms. He could have even
coped seeing his Joxer married to another if he could hold him.

Clotho explained patiently, “It is because you are the choice he rejected.
That path is closed to him, for now.”

Destiny said softly, “Do not give up hope. You and Joxer will get through
this.”

“Easy for you to say.” Ares said bitterly as he disappeared from the room.
*******
With a friendly grin Phobos said, “Joxer, what do you say we at least try to
be friends? We’re stuck together and I’d prefer to be with a friend than
with someone who hates me.”

Joxer said seriously, “I don’t hate you, I hate the situation. I guess we
could be friends.”

“Joxer? I’m not going to attack you, lie down on the bed,” Phobos said
soothingly.

Joxer ignored him as he ranted, “How am I supposed to cope now? I burn for
Ar and I can’t even touch him!”

“I know, I’m sorry. Look we’ve only got five hours before the deadline. We
have to er…consummate our marriage or this will all be for nothing.”

Joxer nodded, “You’re right. I don’t want everyone to die, that was why I
did this.”

“I know. Look I’m not going to hurt you.”

Joxer sighed, “Thank you for that. Are you a top, a bottom or both?”

“A top. Look, have you done this before?”

“Yeah.” Joxer said dejectedly.

Phobos said ruefully, “At least that’s something.”

Joxer nodded as they started undressing. He could do this, Joxer reassured
himself. He didn’t know how but he would do it. He closed his eyes as he
felt Phobos move over to him and kiss his cheek gently.

Directing the now naked man to the bed Phobos murmured, “I’m sorry about
this. If it helps, think of dad.”

Joxer heard him but knew he couldn’t do that. It would be a betrayal of his
feelings for the war god. He didn’t know why he was put in this position but
he would do his duty. He fell back onto the bed, opening his eyes the god
looked up at his husband.
*******
“How are you?” Clotho asked the next day as Joxer appeared in the Fates’
Cave.

“Alive. We consummated our marriage, happy?”

Lachesis smiled at him, “Yes actually. Let me be the first to tell you that
you are with child.”

“WHAT!” Joxer shouted shocked.

Phobos appeared looking around for the source of Joxer’s fear, which was
resonating throughout him. Finding nothing he moved to take the man in his
arms to comfort him. Joxer stiffened before relaxing seeing the god was only
trying to soothe him.

Phobos questioned worriedly, “What’s wrong, Jox?”

Joxer laughed bitterly, “I…I’m pregnant with your child.”

“B…but we’ve only slept together once.”

“Once is all it takes.” Joxer said ruefully.

Phobos nodded saying slowly, “I guess you’re right. Dad’s going to freak
when he finds out you’re pregnant.”

“I know. He’ll hate me.”

Phobos protested, “No, he loves you. If anything he’ll hate me.”

Destiny reassured them, “We’ve spoken to him. He understands the situation.”

“Er…what is the situation?” Joxer said seriously, not wanting to be kept in
the dark about something so important.

Destiny said calmly, “Your marriage and thus your daughter ensured that the
gods will return.”

Atropos announced, “Without your daughter it would not have happened.”

“What’s so special about her?” Phobos said worried knowing the women were
keeping something from them.

“She is the end,” Clotho said emotionlessly.

Atropos continued, “And the beginning.”

Lachesis explained reassuringly, “She is destruction and creation.”

Destiny called out, “She is the last of the Olympians!”

“That’s a lot of pressure for a child!” Joxer said worried knowing how
difficult it was to live up to the expectations of others.

Clotho smiled at them, “She will be ready. You will make sure she is ready.”
*******
“Herc! We’ve got to help him.” Iolaus said urgently trying to make his lover
act to no avail.

Auto said sighing, “He’s not going to listen. Joxer’s not going to be happy
to see everyone if they just react like the Big Guy.”

“What makes you say that? Just what do you know about the marriage Joxer’s
agreed to?” Xena asked glaring at the thief.

“I’m a friend of his. When I was with him and Ares on Olympus I heard a few
conversations. Joxer is the child of Cupid and Strife, he only found out
recently.”

“Whoa, how did he take it?” Iolaus said confused. He really hadn’t expected
that.

Auto said thoughtfully, “He was shocked and scared. I think he was worried
about whether it would affect the way people treated him.”

The warrior princess asked annoyed, “And the marriage?”

“He was told that his marriage would determine the Fate of Olympus. He
wasn’t happy about it. He left with Ares, saying he only wanted to be with
the one he loved.”

Gabrielle asked angrily, “Who was that?”

“He never said but I think it was Ares.”

Hercules fumed, “ARES! What was he doing with that murder?”

Auto moved to stand right in front of the hero using his body to stop the
man from moving. With a snarl the thief said, “Look he loves him and to be
honest I think they’d be good together.”

“They’re not together though from the sound of it.”

The thief agreed explaining to the others, “Yeah. When he agreed to this
marriage, Joxer was giving up any chance he had with Ares. He had no choice,
if he didn’t agree to the marriage then Olympus would be destroyed. He
wasn’t going to let the people he loves die, so he agreed.”

“Poor Joxer.” Gabrielle said sympathetically looking at Xena with a grin.

Xena nodded, “Yeah. I wonder who he married?”

“What’s so special about Joxer?” Hercules said wondering just what he had
missed about the wannabe hero.

Auto shrugged, “No idea but he must be important if the Fates forced him
into a marriage.”

Looking at the others Iolaus clicked his neck as he shouted, “ARES! ARES!”

When the war god didn’t respond the hunter looked at his friends in a mix of
fear and worry. What was so important it would make the god ignore this
chance to disrupt their lives. He grinned when Xena shouted, “ARES! Get your
ass down here, we’re worried about Joxer!”

He didn’t know who was more stunned when Ares appeared Xena or Hercules. He
looked at the god suspiciously noting the red eyes, if he didn’t know better
he would think that Ares had been crying.

“What do you want?” Ares asked with a resigned sigh.

Xena ignored the god’s annoyance as she said, “Where’s Joxer?”

Ignoring the flash of pain as he thought about his love Ares replied, “With
his new husband I would imagine.”

“What new husband?” Iolaus wondered aloud.

Ares said softly, “My son - Phobos.”

“What was that Ares?” Auto asked as a look at the others informed him they
didn’t hear the god’s words either.

In a mix of hurt and rage Ares answered, “My fucking son Phobos, okay! Don’t
even think about bothering Jox with your insignificant questions. I’m so
fucking angry I’ll make you all wish for Tartarus if you upset him!”

“Why are you so worried about Joxer?”

Ares snarled, “I just am! Can you please do Joxer a favour and keep quiet
until he tells the Pantheon.”

Looking at the others Xena assured him, “Of course. Some of the gods might
not be very understanding unless everything is explained to them.”

“Thank you. Now you’ve got your answers, leave.” Ares said watching as the
five left his temple in silence.
*******
Ares disappeared back to his room so he could mope in peace. He wanted to be
near Joxer…gods he would do anything just to see him. It was at this point
he got a nervous summons from his love.

“A…Ar, c…can you come and see us. Please, I need to talk to you.” Joxer’s
voice floated into the room full of barely concealed grief and anger.

Ares quickly disappeared from his temple in a flash of sparks appearing
almost instantly in Phobos’ private temple. He frowned when he spied Joxer
sitting next to a large fire, tears flowing from his eyes.

Only the knowledge that touching Joxer would result in pain for his love
kept Ares from taking the obviously distraught god in his arms. Gently the
war god asked, “What’s wrong, love?”

“Phobos and I spoke to the Fates. They said that I’m pregnant with his baby
and they told us why we had to get married.”

“How do you feel about it?”

“Honestly, I wish it wasn’t so. If all that mattered was that I carry
Phobos’ child there was no need to do this to us. I could have slept with
him anyway.”

“That’s not the only reason. Didn’t they tell you about the rest of the
prophecy?”

“No, what does it say?”

“Two Undying Ones will return the gods to power with the help of your
daughter. They said that you’re marriage to Phobos was also about making
sure you survive. Our separation gave you the extra power needed.”

“I can see why. I’m the god of Absent Lovers, fitting seeing how you can’t
get any more absent than you. Sure you’re in the same time, place as me but
you’re not with me. So we’re Absent Lovers.”

“Yeah. I wish I could hold you.” Ares said gently.

Joxer gave a watery smile, “And I you. Its not so bad, I guess. At least
I’ll be able to see you. We should see Hades about getting Dad out of his
domain. There’s no need for more of us to be unhappy than necessary.”

“I’ll see him later. How is Phobos coping with everything?”

Joxer smiled, “He thinks you hate him. He’s taking care of me though. We’ve
agreed to try and become friends.”

Ares moved to place one hand just above Joxer’s saying, “I’m glad you’re at
least married to someone who’s going to treat you right. I can’t believe he
thinks that though, how could I hate my own son? This has nothing to do with
him.”

“I know but you should talk to him. He’s just as confused as I am but he’s
too busy taking care of me to let it show.”

At this point Phobos appeared in the room worry, regret and anxiety burning
in his eyes for a second as he looked at his father. Then the fear god
blinked and the look in his eyes disappeared, making the pair question what
they had seen.

“Dad. I’m sorry about this,” Phobos said trailing off when he didn’t know
what to say.

Ares hugged his son determinedly not thinking about the fact that his child
had taken the virginity of the man he loved. When they broke apart he could
see the relief in Phobos’ face.

“Its okay, son. This isn’t your fault and to be honest, I’m happy that Jox
is with someone who is going to take care of him. Someone who won’t use him
and hurt him.”

Phobos vowed, “I will take care of him, I swear it. He seems like a nice
guy, I’m sure if it weren’t for our marriage we would have been good
friends. Ours can be a marriage between friends, there aren’t many of them
on Olympus and I like the idea of having a friend around.”

“Thank you, son. Have you made plans for telling the rest of Olympus about
your marriage?”

“Not yet, I guess I should call I meeting.” Phobos blushed.

Ares smirked, “Just attend Zeus’ petitions tomorrow. You can petition to
have your temple enlarged and break the news at the same time.”

“That’s a wicked idea, Ar. I love it.” Joxer said with a smile.

Ares said anxiously, “Jox, your little thief has already told everyone that
you’re married. I told them who to. They’re going to keep quiet until you
tell the Pantheon.”

Joxer beamed at his love, “Thanks for taking care of it Ar.”

“You know I’ll do anything for you.” Ares said with a sad smile as he left
the room.

Part 9

Phobos looked over at Joxer who was nervously pacing around the room. He
couldn’t understand why the ex-mortal was so afraid. It wasn’t like anyone
could do anything to hurt Joxer any more than he had already been hurt. In
less than a month his husband had lost both his father and his love.

Phobos reassured him, “It’ll be okay. You know I’m going to take care of
you.”

“Thanks although I’m a little more worried about Zeus.”

“Why?” Phobos asked shocked not expecting that reaction.

Joxer shrugged, “I was left in the mortal world because Zeus would kill me
if I stayed on Olympus. I don’t know if he just doesn’t like idea of my dads
having a child or its because of the danger of my making the wrong choice
and dooming Olympus.”

“Probably both. He was never happy about Cupid and Strife to begin with. It
could be because they had the power to unite two powerful houses; love and
war.”

Joxer remained silent thinking it over, it was a good idea and he was mildly
shocked that Phobos had made it. Like most of the mortal world he had always
felt Phobos was a little less than sane. The thought of the fear god
thinking calmly, rationally and logically had never occurred to him. If
Phobos was as interesting as Joxer suspected he was sure they would become
friends.

“You coming in?” Phobos asked with a laugh as he reached to lightly hold
Joxer’s hand taking care not to make any move that could upset the anxious
god.

Joxer said nervously, “I guess. At least the block Ar put on me will stop
them messing with my head. You think I could see Cupid? He still won’t talk
to me. You think he’s blaming me for him and dad breaking up?”

“I’m sure he’s not. He cares about you but he has weird ways of showing it.”

“Could have fooled me.” Joxer commented wryly seconds before they walked
inside.

Zeus said arrogantly, “The next petition is by Phobos. What so important you
are making a public petition?”

Keeping one arm around Joxer Phobos grinned, “I formally request an
extension for my temple on Olympus.”

“Just what reason do you have for this request?” Zeus said glaring at the
dark god.

“My marriage to Joxer, the new god of Absent Lovers.” Phobos said delighting
in the shock, anger and fear his little announcement caused.

“I forbid your marriage to this child. It will be reversed.”

“No can do, Sorry.” Phobos commented with an unrepentant grin.

Hera asked majestically, “Why not, Child?”

Bowing his head slightly as a sign of respect Joxer answered the woman, “The
Fates performed our marriage, Ma’am.”

“Impossible! Phobos was supposed to marry Strife and Cupid’s daughter!” Zeus
said in outrage if looks could kill the newlyweds would be dead.

Phobos shrugged, “They didn’t have a daughter. They had a son called Joxer.”

Athena accused, “How was it no one detected your bloodline?”

“It was decreed that my true nature would only appear after I was married.”
Joxer said honestly doing his best to keep the replies short. He didn’t like
most of the Olympians, he couldn’t help but want to avoid them.

“Just what does Ares have to say about this?” Eris asked worriedly knowing
her brother was in love with the newly made god.

Ares appeared in a flash of sparks, “I support their marriage. What else did
you expect me to do?”

Hades commented, “If you are so supportive then why are you avoiding looking
at Joxer?”

Ares snarled, “I need some time to get used to it! Do you all think me so
cold-hearted that I wouldn’t be bothered when the man I love is married to
my son?”

A wave of shock went through the audience of shocked gods and goddesses,
most of whom had never imagined they would hear Ares say he loved someone!
Even more shocking was the fact that Ares was admitting a weakness. The war
god had always hidden any sign of weakness from his family.

Ares said seriously, “I am making a petition for access to Strife, formerly
the God of Mischief. I request to see him in the underworld. He has the
right to know what is happening in his son’s life seeing how he gave his
life for his son.”

“So be it.” Zeus said with a regal nod looking at Hades who shook his head.

Hades said arrogantly, “The request must be denied. Strife is not under my
domain.”

Grabbing the God of the Dead by the throat Eris snarled, “WHAT? How can that
be?”

“He is under the control of the Egyptian Pantheon. I cannot help with this
matter.” Hades said with a nonchalant shrug.

There were shouts of outrage asking for an explanation as to why the
Egyptian Pantheon had control over a former god. It made no sense, Strife
was a true Greek god even if his father was unknown.

“SILENCE!” Zeus roared angrily glaring at everyone.

“Can you please explain what you meant by that, Hades?” Joxer asked
politely.

“Just what I said. I do not have the ability to return Strife to you. My son
is no longer under my control.”

“Thank you for telling me, Grandfather.” Joxer said respectfully, bowing
ever so slightly to the pale god.

Hades smiled happy with the knowledge that he finally had the loving family
he always wanted. With a grin he answered Joxer, “It is only what you
deserve. How are you my child?”

“Fine. Can we go and talk now?”

“Sure, Joxer.” Phobos said with a smirk as he and his husband vanished in a
show of black and red sparks.

Zeus could only gape in shock as Hades, Eris, Ares and Cupid all left
without acknowledging him. Just to himself the King of Gods admitted his
power over his family was beginning to slip. Everything was ruined now, he
had lost control over his family and the future. Now the rebirth prophecy
had started, Zeus knew his position as King was doomed. To save himself he
would have to kill Joxer’s child, therefore securing his position as ruler.
*******
Ares, Eris, Hades and Cupid appeared in the underworld to find Joxer being
sick into a bucket Phobos had created. Worried about the well being of his
son Cupid ran over but was pushed back by Phobos who glared at him.

“What the fuck are you doing? My son is being sick for Gods sake!” Cupid
shouted outraged.

Phobos said with a nod, “I know but you’re not going to help matters.”

Eris said thinking aloud, “Normally when a god’s like this…they’re pregnant.
Are you pregnant, Joxer?”

Simultaneously making the bucket disappear and taking a long drink of wine
Joxer turned to look at her. Once he had regained control over his body
Joxer answered with a groan, “Yeah by Phobos.”

Glaring at Phobos Cupid said angrily, “Did he rape you, son? If he did just
tell me and he’s cinders!”

Joxer said frantically, “NO! He didn’t rape me. The Fates said we had to
consummate our relationship or it would be for nothing. I wasn’t going to
let everyone I love be killed when I could avoid it. I got pregnant that
night.”

“Oh. Sorry bro.” Cupid said blushing slightly as he turned to look at his
half-brother.

Phobos shrugged, “Its okay, you were just looking out for Joxer.”

Ares said gently, “Your friends are going to need dealing with, love. I’ve
already told them that you got married.”

“I guess I should see them and make sure they don’t cause any trouble.”
Joxer said with a nod.

“I’ll come with you.” Ares, Phobos and Cupid said together before glaring at
each other.

Joxer smiled gratefully, “Thanks, I might need your help if they get out of
hand. Although, maybe you should stay behind, Ar? Its not that I don’t want
you there but you know how Hercules gets when you’re around.”

“If that’s what you want but one of the others should go with you.”

“Maybe Pops and Hades? They aren’t really on the hit list of the others.”
Joxer said logically.

“Okay. We’ll stay here and wait for you then.” Ares said for those excluded.

Then there were three flashes of light as the chosen gods disappeared in red
and black sparks. In Phobos and Joxer’s temple Ares looked at his son and
sister, seeing their worry for Joxer. He knew the other gods would seek to
take advantage of the new god, but with the support of the houses of War and
Love would go a long way to keeping Joxer safe until Ares could make the
younger god his mate. He had to cling to the hope that one day Joxer would
be his forever, mind, body and soul.
********
Seconds before the three gods appeared at the heroes’ campsite, Gabrielle
sneaked away from the group intent on meeting her secret lover. She knew He
would understand how she felt and would find a way to help her, he had
always helped her when she asked him.

“Joxer, are you okay?” Auto asked immediately noticing the pain and sorrow
coming from the man in front of him. As a man of godly blood, the thief
could feel the emotions of the Olympians more than most mortals.

“Not really.” Joxer admitted slowly.

Iolaus asked worried, “What’s wrong?”

Joxer said sarcastically, “Let’s see, so far my dad has been killed and I’ve
had to marry a virtual stranger even after the one I loved wanted to marry
me. Oh, did I forget to mention that I’m pregnant?”

“Who died?” Hercules asked not wanting to contemplate a world without love.
How would the people survive without Cupid?

Hades said seriously, “Strife. Before you all start celebrating you should
think about how it will affect the other gods. The gods depend on each
other, when another dies the remaining are incomplete. Strife’s godhood was
mischief, which is not only a source of fun but also a source of ideas. A
large number of people including, politicians, inventors and philosophers
get ideas through a little mischief.”

“Oh. I don’t know what to say, sorry doesn’t seem enough.” Xena said sadly
knowing the pain of separation from his love would slowly consume her
friend.

“Yeah. So how is everything down here?”

Hercules said gently, “Quiet I guess. How has Zeus taken the news of your
marriage? He wanted to stop your parents daughter, son I guess from
marrying. He said that your marriage would result in the destruction of
Olympus.”

“He’s not too happy, he feels angry.”

Xena offered, “Do you need some help to keep you safe then, Joxer? You’ve
only been a god for a short time so you probably couldn’t handle a fight
with Zeus.”

“He’s not alone.” Phobos said with an angry snarl.

Hercules said sceptically, “Really (!)”

Anger burning through his veins Hades snarled, “I will protect my grandson,
as will those of his immediate family, and the other godly members of our
houses. Despite what you seem to think the Houses of Death, Love and War can
work together, we will work together to protect Joxer. I protect my family
no matter what the cost.”

“What godhood do you have, Joxer?” Hercules asked noticing that there was a
similar feeling from his friend as there was from Aphrodite.

“I’m assigned to the House of Love, my title is the God of Absent Lovers.
Fitting, don’t you think?”

“I guess. So whenever someone is separated from their lover you get power
from it?”

Joxer nodded, “I’m also responsible for making sure those separated remain
in love with each other, if it is the one they are supposed to be with at
that time.”

“Sounds like a interesting godhood. Does it take a lot for people to remain
in love with each other?”

Joxer shrugged, “Not if it is the right person they are supposed to be with
at that time. If they are with the wrong person then I do not do anything to
make the feelings for the people concerned stay. Pops and Dite then make
sure the people heal and fall in love with who they are meant to be with.”

“Look, we should go. Joxer still needs to talk with some other people on
Olympus.”

Xena nodded at Phobos’ statement saying, “Okay. Can we just call you if we
need to talk with you, Joxer?”

“Yeah. I’ll answer you of I can.” Joxer said as he flashed out with the
other gods following just a second later.

As they arrived at Phobos’ Olympus temple Joxer fell to the floor, screaming
out in a mixture of pain and shock.

Taking one look at the man Hades called for Apollo as Aphrodite called for
Hera. The two summoned gods appeared shocked at the plea from those who had
never summoned them before.

“What’s wrong with him?” Ares snarled as soon as Apollo appeared.

Shaking off Ares’ hand around his shoulder Apollo answered, “I don’t know.
Let me check him out and I’ll let you know.”

“Stop fighting you two, Joxer needs both of you calm and quiet!” Hera
admonished as she placed one hand over Joxer’s body.

“Apollo, come and check something for me!” Hera said anxiously whispering at
the god after he came to her side.

Apollo looked at Hera in shock before stopping to examine Joxer a little
closer. Finally reassured that his findings were correct, he turned to look
at the worried and expectant audience.

Apollo said seriously, “The baby is growing at an accelerated rate meaning
taking more power directly from Joxer, than he has causing pain for both him
and the baby. As the baby grows, it will need more power than Joxer can
give. For both him and the baby to survive without any damage, Joxer needs
more power than he is currently receiving from his godhood. However for some
reason we cannot feed him power, his power must come from a different
source. Neither Hera nor I know how why his body will not accept power from
other Olympians but it will not.”

“So what can we do?” Ares asked wanting to do anything to help rather than
sitting around watching the man he loved die.

Hera said anxiously, “We need to find a way of giving him more power that is
not tainted by Olympians. Either that or we find a way of changing our power
so Joxer might accept it.”

“Well then, that’s what we will do.” Eris said with a snarl.

Hera nodded, “Apollo and I will stay here and watch Joxer. Phobos and Cupid
shall stay with me while the rest of you find some way to help.”
*******
“I’ve been waiting for you. I didn’t think you would come, my love.”
Gabrielle said with a smile as she turned to face her lover.

Zeus kissed the woman passionately before saying, “I’m sorry, my sweet but I
was held up by one of my children. She wanted to speak to me about a rather
worrying matter.”

“Anything I can help with, love?” Gabrielle asked quickly knowing how little
the other Olympians helped their King.

Zeus frowned, “I don’t know. You might not be strong enough to help.”

“I will do anything you need me to, Zeus. Anything at all!”

Zeus said seriously, “I suppose you may be able to help. It turns out that a
new god is trying to take my position and power, thereby stopping me from
divorcing Hera and marrying you as we had planned.”

“Who is it? I’m sure I can find a way to stop them!”

With an exaggerated frown Zeus said, “An ex-mortal. Joxer, The Mighty, or
something like that. He has managed to convince the others that I was
responsible for destroying his plans to marry the one he loved. The only way
he will ever stop will be if he is dead.”

Gabrielle smirked cruelly, “I can solve that little problem for you. Joxer
has always been a annoyance who twisted everything to make people do what he
wants. He managed to twist everything so that I appeared to be a cruel,
heartless bitch just because I wasn’t in love with him. Seeing how stupid
and clumsy he is, he can’t be much of a god. It would be doing everyone a
favour if he was killed, he just causes trouble anyway.”

“I will never forget this, my sweet. Once Joxer is out of the way I can
divorce Hera and marry you as I have always wanted. All you have to do is
stab him with this knife, the Hinds blood will kill him.”

Taking the sheathed knife Gabrielle said reassuringly, “I will take care of
him, my love. Then we can be together for all eternity.”

Part 10

"Stay here Jox." Ares commended as he looked at his deathly pale love lying on the bed.

Phobos nodded saying, "Don't even think about moving!"

"I won't! I'm not going to hurt Aurora." Joxer said seriously before lying back down on the bed.

"They don't mean to shout but we're worried about you, Joxie." Aphrodite whispered not wanting her grandson to get upset over the way the others were treating him.

Joxer smiled softly, "I understand. Now go and do whatever it is you're planning. I'll shout if I need you. Please, I can't stand having people crowding me."

There were flashes of light as Hades, Ares and Aphrodite left the temple in a panic desperate to find some way of saving Joxer. They were not going to let someone they loved die if they could prevent it. All they had to do was find a way of giving Joxer power that wasn't tainted by Olympians, how hard could that be?

Phobos and Cupid disappeared into one of the many libraries intent on going over all the scrolls to find some way to save bother Joxer and the child who would save them all.

"I hope you don't mind if I stay with you." Hecate said as she walked into the room having been instructed to keep an eye on Joxer by Hades. As she was a member of the House of Death she had no choice but to follow the requests made by the head of the House in this case Hades.

Joxer grinned at the dark haired goddess, "Its okay. So do you like your godhood?"

"I find it very satisfying, yes. I couldn't imagine having another godhood after so long."

"I guess once you've fallen into a routine it's difficult to break." Joxer said in understanding before falling into a sudden sleep.

*******

"I'll see if Gaia can think of anything." Hades voice echoed in their minds as he redirected his energy. He knew if anyone could help it would be Grandmother. He prayed she would help by telling them directly instead of using the riddles she was so fond of.

The god of the dead appeared in the Earth Mother's garden, she looked up in greeting clearly having expected him to appear. Before he could speak she gestured for him to sit down and continued tending her garden.

"I know why you are here. I cannot help him but there is one who would be only too willing to help. You need to talk to one in your domain who is alive."

Hades said seriously, "There's no one in my domain who is alive."

Rolling her eyes Gaia said quickly, "Yes there is Grandson. What about Rhea?"

"She wouldn't help, she hates the Olympians."

Gaia gave a long suffering sigh saying, "You don't know until you ask. Go and talk to her, Hades."

Hades simply nodded as he flashed out wondering just why the Titan would help him, the Olympians and Titans had never liked each other and it wasn't like Joxer had any links with the Titans.

*******

Ares had decided there was only one course of action, he had to see if his annoying daughter would help. Maybe she would have some ideas, as much as he hated admitting it Xena had a knack for solving apparently impossible problems.

Appearing in front of his daughter Ares said seriously, "Xena, I need your help. Can you come up ask around for any power sources used by Titians? We need to find a power source untainted by Olympians or Joxer will die."

"Of course I'll help him." Xena said shocked at the very thought that she would refuse.

"Thank you. I'll be with him, just call if you make any progress. Don't tell *anyone* about this not even Gabrielle."

"Okay." Xena agreed seeing if she refused it would just make the war god angry. She smiled as her father disappeared with a confused look on his face.

Xena continued her task of sharpening her sword looking up quickly on hearing her lover approaching. Gabrielle had been distant lately but the warrior princess assumed it was because of Joxer's problems. Maybe the bard was too worried about Joxer to see the wall between them.

"You think Joxer's okay up there?"

"Yes. He's got a whole family of people who like him and look after him. He'll be fine."

"Do you think I could go and see him? I need to let him know that I didn't mean any of the nasty things I've ever said about him. I was just worried that he was going to get himself killed."

"We'll have to ask one of the gods, Joxer's probably still trying to come to terms with his new life."

The Amazon carefully schooled her expression into one of tearful resignation and simply looked at Xena. The warrior princess knew there was no way she could say no now, she could never refuse Gabrielle when the bard gave her that look. She mused silently that perhaps it would be good for Joxer to have one of his old friends up there with him and it would keep Gabrielle safe while she was busy trying to save their friend.

"I'll ask Cupid later, he's more likely to answer than any of the others."

The bard simply nodded mentally going over her plans. Once she was in Olympus it would be easy to kill Joxer and blame it on someone else.maybe Athena. She had never liked Ares or Phobos so it would be a prefect motive plus Athena had been unpleasant to her daring to say the bard had no skill in writing and the intelligence of a bug.

Meanwhile Hades was walking determinedly through his domain intent on seeing perhaps the one person that could help his grandson, Rhea. The Titian was still alive, she had in fact gone into voluntary exile with her husband rather than stay on Olympus. If the woman would transfer her power and life-force to Joxer then there was a good chance the new god would survive.

Walking outside her home just as Hades was approaching Rhea gave an impatient smile, "Hades, I have been expecting you for quite some time. Now which one do I have to save?"

"My grandson Joxer, God of Absent Lovers. His parents are Strife and Cupid. Joxer's pregnant but he does not have the power he needs meaning both he and his child will die. Gaia suggested that you might be willing to help."

"Indeed I might. What sort of god is he?" The Titan

Hades said honestly, "Compassionate, caring. He sacrificed the only chance he had to be with his true love for the good of us gods. He gave up his chance of happiness when he agreed to marry someone the Fates had chosen for him."

"He sounds like a good man. Well then, I will help this young man. I'm happy here in the underworld."

"Thank you, Mother." Hades said respectfully, bowing slightly.

Rhea smirked, "There is no need to thank me. If this grandson of yours is the man you believe then that is good enough for me. Now go and get your Grandson, once he is here I will allow you to transfer my power and life to him."

Hades nodded and left in a flash of showy black sparks. He didn't bother to talk to anyone, he simply carefully lifted Joxer from the bed before transporting them to his domain. He couldn't give Rhea time to change her mind.

The titian smiled at the young ex-mortal her son brought to her, moving carefully she allowed her powers to seek out the mind of young Joxer. Once she was satisfied her gift would be used wisely she nodded, placing a hand on the unconscious god's head the titan let go of all her power and energy. Only with her complete and utter surrender to death could Joxer receive what he so desperately needed to live.

"Thank you Mother." Hades said solemnly as he helped the woman up from the floor.

"It was my pleasure, I guess I now fit in your domain now. You take him back to rest, he needs to get used to this."

Hades nodded and carried his grandson back to Olympus, placing the god on the bed the God of the Dead smiled at the way Joxer snuggled into the covers. With a murmured reassurance Hades disappeared from the room knowing he had to return to his job. Luckily no one had realised he was missing, Hecate had cast an illusion of Joxer sleeping in the room so that his grandson's protectors wouldn't panic.

*******

Hours later Gabrielle and Xena were transported to Olympus by Cupid who realised his son needed his friends around to help him get accustomed to everything. He grinned when Gabrielle immediately started telling Joxer just what had happened in their travels since they had last seen the former mortal. It seemed that the bard truly cared for his son despite all the appearances to the contrary.

"Sis, dad wants to talk to you. Can you come with me?" Cupid said seriously just loud enough for the demi-god to hear him.

Xena nodded before bending down to whisper into her friend's ear, "I'll see you later Joxer."

Cupid placed one hand on his sister's arm before transporting them out of the room hoping whatever his father wanted wouldn't cause any more problems for Joxer, he didn't think his son could handle any more upheaval.

Gabrielle grinned to herself as she took a dagger from her boots, picking up a nearby pillow she placed it over the sleeping god's mouth to stop Joxer from alerting anyone to what she was doing. When he started to struggle Gabrielle lifted the knife and in one smooth move thrust it into Joxer's heart. Using all her strength the Amazon twisted the knife, which made a sickening sucking sound.

With a satisfied smile Gabrielle left the room, heading to the other side of the god's home. No one would suspect her if she had been busy in the other side of the temple. As she walked the bard sent a quick message to Zeus, telling her lover she had completed her task.

Zeus stopped in the middle of his latest seduction to allow a satisfied smirk to come to his face. Now his reign was secured, no one was allowed to steal his position. He was ruler of Olympus and would be until the end of time.



Ares appeared in Phobos’ temple knowing something was wrong with Joxer.
Seeing Joxer lying in the bed with a dagger sticking out of him the War God
called out to Hades, Cupid and Phobos for help.

“Not him! Please wake up! Please come back to me, baby!” Ares screamed out
in a mixture of anger and denial even as he removed the dagger with a loud
sucking sound.

Having received both his Father’s fear and call for help Phobos appeared
panicking, “Dad? What’s happened?”

Spying Joxer Phobos started crying as he cradled Joxer’s prone body knowing
he was doing so for himself and for his father. Who would have done this to
Joxer? Joxer had never hurt anyone. Phobos couldn’t help but feel it was all
his fault. He should have made sure there enough Gods protecting his husband
but naively assumed Olympus was safe. He didn’t react when Cupid appeared
with anger, rage and grief radiating from him.

Wrapping his arms around Phobos and Cupid snarled, “Who dared to attack my
son? I’m going to kill them, they will pay from taking him from me.”

Hades appeared into the room freezing at the sight of Joxer’s lifeless body,
it didn’t make sense. Joxer wasn’t with him and that worried him. Gently he
approached the grieving Phobos and Cupid who were cradling Joxer’s body.

“Joxer’s soul isn’t with me. Are you sure he’s dead?” Hades said as
soothingly as possible.

Ares snarled, “He stopped fucking breathing a couple of seconds after I got
here Hades! Now that means someone’s dead right?”

“I know but please Ares, call Apollo.” Hades said gently seeing how
heartbroken the War God was.

Ares nodded as he called out, “Apollo, can you please help me? Jox…Jox is
seriously injured.”

Apollo appeared in the room knowing it had to be something fatally serious
for Ares to call on him, he could count the number of times Ares had
requested his help on one hand. Spying Joxer he got to work carefully trying
to remove the Hinds Blood poison on the knife from Joxer’s body.

“Joxer’s not alive, he hasn’t been dead long only about fifteen seconds. The
child has to be born now or she will die.” Apollo said apologetically as he
cut into Joxer carefully removing the baby.

Seeing the baby was silent Apollo bit his lip nervously as he couldn’t
detect any signs of life. Suddenly there was a brief spark of light and then
there was the unmistakable sound of crying. Everyone let out a sigh of
relief knowing a part of Joxer would survive. Ares knew Joxer would have
wanted his child to survive even if he had to die.

“Phobos, here is your daughter. What is her name?” Apollo said as he handed
the baby to the shocked, grieving God.

Phobos smiled through his tears, “Her name is Aurora. She’s wonderful.”

Aurora had blue-black wings as was normal for those of the Houses of War and
Death. She had a small amount of black hair. Aurora’s eyes were a beautiful
and bewitching gold, as they watched the colour changed to a flashing red.

Gently Phobos kissed the top of her head saying, “I’m your father Phobos.
Welcome to our world Aurora. We all love you, Sweetheart.”

The room’s attention was drawn to the bed where Joxer was lying when the
dead God started to shake, his body arching from the bed seconds before he
disappeared. Frantically all of the Gods searched with their powers for any
trace of the man but he had simply vanished.

Ares said brokenly, “The Fates said we would be together again! I want Jox
back. I can’t live without him. Can I go and see him, Hades?”

Hades said quickly, “Ares…Ares! Joxer’s not in my realm. I don’t know where
he is. I’m sorry. He’s dead but I can’t feel him anywhere.”

“Who did this to him? I’m going to burn them to cinders.” Ares said his body
surrounded by a red glow of anger, hate and sadness.

Phobos reassured him, “We will have our revenge. We need to get Aurora
settled first. Dad, can we stay in your temple for a while?”

“Of course. I swear that I will do anything for her just as I will do
anything for Joxer.”

Phobos just smiled sadly as they walked into one of the other rooms the baby
giggling softly. Joxer had been ripped from their lives, changing everything
not just on Olympus but in the mortal world. All of Joxer’s family would be
affected by the tragedy meaning the Houses of Love, War and Death. There
would be no peace for the mortal world until their loved one was avenged.
*******
Hera was startled when her eldest son asked for her presence in Phobos’
temple, her relationship with those of the House of War had always been
strained to say the least but she had a feeling something was terribly
wrong. Fearing something had happened to the baby Hera disappeared from her
Garden praying to Gaia that everything would be okay.

“What’s happened, Ares?”

Ares gasped out. “J…Jox was attacked. Someone stuck a dagger coated in
Hind’s Blood into his heart. He’s never hurt anyone…why would they do that
to him? Is it because I love him?”

Cradling her son Hera said soothingly, “Hush, we will find out who hurt him
and see they get Olympian Justice. Did the baby die?”

“No, she’s okay. Her name is Aurora, she is beautiful. Are you coming to see
her?”

Nodding in response to her son’s question Hera said, “Of course, Son. It’s a
beautiful name and fitting since she heralds the dawn of a new age.”

“Her name was chosen by The Fates.” Phobos said as the pair walked into the
room where Cupid was gently cradling the now sleeping baby.

“It is a fitting name nonetheless. She is beautiful, how are you feeling?”

Amazed at her for even asking Phobos glared at her, “I am full of anger,
pain and grief. I want someone to investigate the attack on Joxer otherwise
we will deal with this ourselves.”

Knowing her dark family would leave the mortal world in ruins Hera nodded in
agreement, it was the only way to save the mortals from being completely
destroyed. She cooed at her great granddaughter for a few seconds delighting
in the baby giggles and laughs. The Queen of the Gods froze in shock when
Aurora started shaking before being covered in a purple glow. All the Gods
had to turn away as the light burned their eyes.

When everyone turned back to look at the baby they were shocked to find
Aurora had aged. Aurora was standing before them now a beautiful teenager.
The girl had a slim build; as tall as Xena with a mischievous smirk on her
face eerily similar to Strife’s.

Standing Aurora smiled at them saying, “Its nice to finally be able to talk
to you. Don’t worry about Papa. He will be back, I can feel it.”

“We love you so much, Aurora. My name is Phobos and I’m your other Daddy.”
Phobos said with a nervous smile, laughing when his daughter hugged him
tightly.

The girl smiled, “I know, Dad. Ares, the holder of my Papa’s heart. I love
you Grandpa. I want that slut who killed my Papa to pay.”

“You know who killed my Jox? How?” Ares asked confused by the turn of
events.

Aurora nodded sadly, “I’m an empath. I felt Papa’s shock, confusion and
fear. Accompanying these feelings was a strong image of his murderer. It was
his former friend, the Amazon Bard. I think her name is Gabrielle.”

Ares snarled, “That brain-dead, bitter, bitch! I wish I had killed her when
I had the chance!”

Phobos said sadly, “Jox thought she was his friend. He would have been in a
mood for years if you had hurt her. I can’t believe she would do that to her
friend.”

Cupid explained, “He was only her friend when she could use him to make
herself look and feel better. It gave her a sense of importance to have
Joxer following her around.”

Aurora ignored them all as she called forth, “I Aurora, Goddess of
Destruction call forth The Furies to punish my father’s killer.”

There was a flash of light seconds before three women appeared dressed in
red dresses which left a large amount of their bodies on display. Although
they didn’t appear threatening, these three were feared throughout Greece.

“You called us forth, Aurora. Why do you seek our help?”

Aurora took a deep breath as she explained, “My father was attacked and
killed while in his temple on Olympus. His name was Joxer, God of Absent
Lovers. I was inside him when he was killed and have seen the identity of
his killer. It was a former friend of his, Gabrielle an Amazon Bard favoured
by Apollo. I ask for the Furies to punish his murderer.”

The avenger of murder Tisiphone smiled cruelly, “She will be punished,
Aurora. I vow we will not allow his murderer to go free. We know Gabrielle,
the daughter of Deimos many people have spoken about her crimes. She will be
punished with insanity, it will only pass when she freely admits and repents
her crime.”

“Thank you.” Ares said shocking the others in the room as the war god hardly
ever apologised least of all to the Fates.

“It is fitting in these circumstances. Now we must go and deliver her
punishment.” The three furies said together as they disappeared in a flash
of red.

“I need to go and see Gaia, she’s calling to me.” Aurora said with a small
grin.

Ares looked at his family before saying, “We’ll come with you.”

“I need to do this alone but you should get ready. This meeting I fear will
be the beginning of the end,” Aurora said with a small smile as she
disappeared.
*******
Tisiphone smirked at her sisters as they appeared in Phobos’ gardens where
the Amazon and Warrior Princess were sitting talking. They were going to
give the bard a long over due punishment and no one could stop them.

Tisiphone smiled cruelly as she said, “Gabrielle, Queen of the Grecian
Amazons we have found you guilty of one of the most heinous of crimes – the
murder of a family member. Judgement has been sought and will be delivered.”

Xena snarled, “What in Hades are you talking about? Gabrielle would never
kill anyone least of all a family member.”

The Furies all laughed coldly saying together, “Gabrielle killed her cousin
by marriage. Joxer, God of Absent Lovers. We have a witness to the crime.
Before you think of accusing our witness of lying, we can assure you that
she told the truth. Now your punishment is insanity. You will only be
relieved of your punishment when you confess and truly repent for your
crimes.”

There was a flash of light as The Furies inflicted their punishment before
removing the pair from Olympus, keeping them around would just cause
problems. They wanted the bard to suffer not be killed as the majority of
the Olympians would seek to do.

Zeus watched the scene from his temple. He would have to work quickly to
ensure no one suspected him, his inferior son would kill him if for killing
the man Ares foolishly believed himself to love. At least his plan had
worked partly, the annoying Joxer was dead but the usurper was still alive.
Zeus knew he couldn’t act against Aurora now with the Houses of Death, Love
and War protecting her.




Title: Make Love Not War
Author: Stephanie M
Disclaimer: The Xena/Hercules characters belong to RenPics and whoever else owns the rights to these characters.
Summary: Joxer finds his destiny.
Category: Comedy/Drama.
Notes: Seduces Me belongs to If Dreams Had Wings Music Ltd

Part 12

Aurora grinned as she appeared in the garden that was Gaia's home. The Earth Goddess just looked up at her and gestured for the new God to take a seat. Carrying over a jug of water she poured a glass for each of them.

"How are you feeling Aurora?" Gaia asked softly wanting to know if the young one would be strong enough.

Aurora snarled, "Angry and anguished. My Papa is gone and I need him. I love him and I never even got to meet him. Why did that slut do that to him?"

"She was angry, jealous and obsessed with her search for power. Now are you ready for what you must do?"

"Of course, it is what I was born for." Aurora answered coolly the suggestion that she was incapable stung a little but she ignored the pain knowing she needed to focus on her task.

Aurora turned into her primal form of pure energy, working carefully she sent out her awareness to the mortal world. Carefully she planted the seeds of destruction making the mortals believe the Greek Gods were weak Gods unable to help them. She manipulated them into believing the only Gods with the true answers and powers where the Roman Gods. The seeds of destruction worked quickly as thousands of mortals fervently called out to the Roman Gods pledging their lives and spirits.

Gaia smiled sadly, "Return to your home child. We will all be gone from this world in a matter of hours."

"Goodbye Grandmother," Aurora said formally seconds before she disappeared from the Earth Mother's home.

On Olympus the majority of the gods were asleep not having the power to maintain anything but their most basic function. Aurora gave a sad smile, she had known what would happen but she also knew it was the only chance for survival. They would live again if Strife and Methos were strong enough to survive, without them there was no chance for rebirth. She returned to the House of War where her family was already lying asleep in a massive bed with cream covers. Moving quickly she got into the bed, closing her eyes as the energy followed from her, giving a select few mortals the words needed to summon her and the knowledge of the Rebirth Prophecy.

Seacover Present Time

Joe Dawson watched the scene in front of him with the fascination of someone watching a train crash; he couldn't look away despite the fact that he knew the outcome. He had seen Duncan Macleod do a lot of brave things in the past but this one was truly amazing. Duncan was actually volunteering for the bachelor auction, Immortal or not the man was toast.

Methos said seriously, "I see Amanda managed to corner Duncan again, what does she want this time?"

Taking the beer Methos held out for him Joe shrugged, "She's asked him to in the bachelor auction."

"The one at the museum? I wonder what she's planning to liberate from its owners this time." Methos said with an innocent grin.

"That life is behind me now, I'm just helping out a friend." Amanda said with a glare at the two men wearing watching smirks.

"Of course you are." Methos answered amused at her rapid response.

Duncan was about to defend her when all three immortals felt the unmistakeable humming in their bodies and the headache that indicated another of their kind was near. Duncan looked at Amanda with a small sigh, the bar was their Sanctuary and this strange immortal had violated their sacred place. Looking at Methos he was shocked to see a wide smile on the man's face.

Duncan asked his friend, "Methos, I take it that you know recognise the presence?"

As he entered the bar Nikias formerly Strife God of Mischief smirked, "If he doesn't recognise me then something is seriously wrong. It has been too long, Meth."

"You always say that, love. How long has it been this time?" Methos said tenderly as his eyes raked over the pale from.

Nikias said quickly, "Three hundred years, five months, ten days and seventeen minutes."

"It felt like longer. Gods it is great to see you beloved." Methos said smiling as he opened his arms.

Nikias grinned widely literally running into Methos' arms, running his hands over every part of his lover that he could reach. He hated it when they had to part, he always felt lost without Methos beside him. even knowing the separation was the only way to keep both of them safe from the hundreds of enemies they had Nikias always wished they didn't have to part. When Methos placed his hand on Nikias' chest the younger Immortal coped the gesture before the pair passionately kissed.

"Now enough of that, love. I have a few more important issues to discuss with you." Nikias said seriously before his eyes hardened, stepping back from his lover.

Methos groaned recognising the look on Nikias' face, he was angry. At what Methos had no idea but he knew there was no way of escaping the public showdown, his lover would have his say and nothing would stop him.

Nikias scowled, "I'm in a fucking mood with you, Meth."

Methos questioned, "What did I do this time, Nikias?"

"You did not tell me that bitch Cassandra was after you again!" Nikias said ignoring the others watching the argument.

"I was worried she would use you to get even with me." Methos said honestly even as he reached out for his lover.

Amanda stood her hands on her hips as she said coolly, "Excuse me for interrupting this little lovers spat but my name is Amanda, this is Duncan and the man taking notes over there is Joe. Its nice to meet you, Mr.?"

"It is nice to meet you, Amanda and Joe. I've heard a lot about you Duncan. I've got to say, you are even more uptight than I had imagined."

Only just hiding her smile at Nikias' words Amanda said, "I believe you haven't told us your name."

"My name is Nikias but you can call me Nik." Nikias said with a smile no one but Methos called him by his full name.

As everyone sat down Duncan asked, "When exactly did you die, Nik?"

"A couple of years after The Trojan War." Nikias said carefully.

"You were Death then, Methos?" Duncan questioned not understanding why the horsemen would accept an outsider.

Nikias smiled, "He was but my father trained Methos to become Death. Father left me where Meth would find me, giving me a necklace so Methos would know he sent me. I was given to Meth as his sex slave."

"Your father gave you away to Death to be used as a sex slave!?" Amanda exclaimed in shock, how could someone do that to their child?

Not seeing any problems with what had been a common occurrence Nikias nodded, "Yeah. We spent centuries with the Horsemen, travelling and raiding. Caspian only tried to kill me twice but Meth stopped him. The rest were afraid of what Meth would do if he lost his favourite slave. Over time we fell in love with each other and decided to leave The Horsemen. We settled down to enjoy our lives. Hell we even had children!"

"So how did you end up having children? Methos doesn't strike me as a family man."

Methos smiled, "We were happy together and gradually decided that we wanted to expand our family. Mira was our first child, our little star. She died when she was four after being bitten by an insect. We mourned her but knew that we still wanted children. We decided to take in children who truly needed a home those who were unwanted or abandoned. Most of them are immortals."

Joe asked amazed, "How many children do you have?"

"Twenty five little monsters." Nikias said with a fond smile knowing his husband wouldn't take offence to his words.

Joe ventured, "I've never heard Methos speak of you, Nik."

Nikias shook his head, "It is generally safer for everyone if no one knows about me. Cassandra has sworn blood vengeance because I refused to let her have Methos. She tried to kill me once to get him but I let her go free. I was too soft, I should have killed her."

"That wouldn't be right, killing her just because she was infatuated with your lover."

"Duncan, I didn't come here for a lecture. Methos, do you want to meet our new students?"

"What are their names and how did they die?"

Nikias grinned at his lover's bored tone, "Justin Pendleton and Richard Haywood. Richard died first, he fell from a cliff and a couple of hours later Justin committed suicide. I stole Richard's body from the morgue and managed to get a razor into Justin's cell. I knew what he would do, when he had killed himself I took his body from the prison morgue. I put them in the car and decided to come straight to you, love. Now can we bring them in here then?"

"They've been out in the car waiting?" Amanda said in disbelief.

"Its not like they will notice. They haven't revived from their First Death yet."

"When did they die?" Duncan asked quickly wondering if they had a pair of soon to wake Immortals on their hands.

Nikias shrugged, "About 15 hours ago but I stabbed them both in the chest with a dagger to make sure they didn't wake."

Methos didn't day anything as he picked up the first teenager who had blonde hair and open blue eyes. From looking at him it was obvious the boy had died in a traumatic manner Methos' trained eye could see the man had broken his spine and his neck. It was a quick way to die though it did take a little longer to heal than other methods.

Nikias picked up Justin, gently carrying the man into the back room, thankful that the bar was empty apart from the immortals and watcher. He always hated explaining the facts of life to the newbies, mainly because of all the ridiculous questions they asked.

Settling the pair on the sofa the lovers smiled at each other, removing the daggers at the same time. They watched with satisfaction as the blue spark healed the pair. Methos sat down on a nearby chair, pulling Nikias into his arms while they waited. He grinned when Duncan and Amanda also sat down while Joe covertly got out his tape recorder, switching it on as quietly as possible.

Justin gasped loudly his eyes opening as he shouted, "Rich!"

Justin frantically looked around trying to find Richard, hoping it was all a dream and Richard was alive and well. He couldn't cope if he had truly lost Richard, his soulmate. He couldn't believe how much he had hurt the blonde man, how cruel he had been. It was perfect timing, as when he looked over Richard gasped loudly as his eyes opened.

Looking straight at Justin he said, "Justin, don't cry. I'm okay!"

Justin just nodded at his words, even as he moved closer to Richard who looked at the hand approaching him.

Seeing the blood covering the younger man's arm Richard gasped in shock, "It's a lot lower and messier than normal, Jus. What happened?"

"I cut my wrists open, I was upset. Y.You left me, Rich. You died. I.I killed you."

"You didn't! I remember going to the bluff. The guns felt cold and reassuring in my hands. I gave one to you and then you accused me of wanting to watch you kill yourself. I could never do that you!"

Justin looked into the blonde's eyes, "I know. I hurt you though, just like I always do. You died Rich, I watched as they took your body away!"

Richard said passionately, "You only hurt me because I pushed you too far. I'm glad that you hurt me back, you're becoming more confident. Erm.Justin, if I died and you killed yourself how the fuck are we sitting here alive?"

"Maybe this is Hell, our punishment for killing Olivia."

Methos said calmly, "My name is Methos and I need to talk to you about something very important. Justin and Richard you are both Immortal. That doesn't mean that you can't die permanently because you can by beheading. You will heal from all the other wounds but there is a downside. The majority of Immortals plays the Game; it is a fight to the death. There is only one way to avoid a challenge and that is holy ground. Immortals can never fight on Holy Ground, it doesn't matter what religion. Now a fight is always one on one, no one can interfere."

"What's your verdict on this Justin? Drugs or alcohol?" Richard asked his partner with a small smile.

Justin said confidently, "Neither. It is an hallucination due to severe emotional stress. It's a standard response when you can't handle something, you either have a psychotic break, hallucinate or repress."

"Well to most we're already psychotic, not that I care." Richard said with a laugh.

Duncan frowned on hearing the pair talk, the two boys had killed someone and had openly admitted to being insane. Surely it would be safer for everyone if the pair were killed before they could cause any damage. Looking sideways at Methos caused him to reassess that thought, it Methos could change perhaps this pair could as well.

"What would make you believe?"

Justin said thoughtfully, "One of us dies with the other here to verify it. It wouldn't work if one of you died and came back to life as you are simply hallucinations."

"So be it." Nikias said with a shrug, throwing a dagger so that it landed dead centre in Justin's heart.

Cradling Justin's form Richard shouted, "You bastard! Justin, please don't leave me. I need you, don't die."

There was no response as blood stained Justin's shirt, Richard worked quickly ripping open the top, ignoring the familiar scars as he tried to stop the bleeding becoming horrified when he realised it wasn't working. Richard watched as the man his arms got pale. Feeling for a pulse Richard froze as he realised there wasn't one. Justin was dead and that pale bastard had killed him.

Richard gently placed Justin's form on the chair whispering, "I'll be there with you soon. I'll just take care of that bastard first."

As the blonde moved toward Nikias Amanda said, "Richard, wait. Look at Justin."

Richard looked at her in confusion, why would she ask him to look upon his dead lover again. Why was she so determined to hurt him? A breathless gasp caused him to turn around to find Justin looking at him in a mix of confusion, amazement and fear. Richard didn't think about it as he pulled the brunette into a crushing hug, reassuring himself that his lover was still alive.

"Its okay. I'm not going to leave you again by choice, I promise." Justin whispered while running his hands through the older man's hair feeling the shakes wracking the man's body.

"I swear that if you die, I'll follow."

"Together in this life and the next." Justin said seriously seeing the small nod in the other man's eyes. He shifted so that he was inside Richard's arms but could look at all the strangers at the same time.

Methos coughed loudly to get the pair's attention, "Now you know we are telling the truth there is something important you must know, to the world Richard Haywood and Justin Pendleton are dead. You will have to take on new identities."

"Okay, can we keep our first names?"

Amanda interrupted, "Only as a middle name, which can only be used when you are alone. It's too dangerous otherwise. Are thoughts on what your new names will be?"

"Alex Richard Nichols and Daniel Justin Harris." Richard said speaking for the both of them. Six months ago they had toyed with the idea of getting new identities in case they needed to run and those were the names they had agreed on.

Nikias said soothingly, "We will set everything up for you. Methos and I will teach you how to fight along with a few other skills you will need to survive."

"Thanks." Richard said carefully seeing no other option but to trust the strangers.

"It is our pleasure. Now how about a drink while we get to know each other? Would you like a beer or tequila?"

"We'll both have a beer." Justin said softly.

Joe asked politely, "What would you like Nik?"

"I've got something in my bag." Nikias said with a smirk, lifting out a bottle of whiskey allowing the others to see the name Bowmore and the date 1957.

"What the hell are you doing with a bottle of 38 years old whiskey in your bag?" Duncan exclaimed in shock unable to believe the stranger was so unconcerned about the cost and importance of the bottle.

"It's a celebration for my reunion with Meth. Don't you want a drink, Highlander?"

"Of course I want a drink. How much did this little bottle cost you?" Duncan asked staring at the bottle in fascination.

Nikias shrugged, "£1726.25 online at Eton Viners."

"Is that all?" Amanda said with a small laugh, she approved of someone who enjoyed the finer things in life.

"How about just grabbing seven glasses and we will share the bottle." Nikias said to Joe as the bartender walked towards the bar.

Joe did as asked placing the glasses on the table in front of Nikias, watching as the pale man filled each glass. Holding his glass up Joe nodded at Methos to perform the toast.

"To love, life and friendship." Methos said finally slipping one arm around Nikias' waist. Everyone took a small sip feeling the drink should be savoured. Nikias looked around the bar and wondered if he should reveal the truth to this mismatched group of allies.



Part 13

"What's wrong love?" Methos asked seriously as the pair walked back to his
apartment ignoring the looks Justin and Richard were giving each other. He
was used to the sappy lovesick behaviour of teenagers by now.

Nikias admitted, "Iolaus bumped into me on the way here, in a gas station.
He gave me a scroll given to him by The Fates."

Knowing how much trouble The Fates caused Methos asked somewhat afraid,
"What did it say?"

"Two undying ones will work with Jox's daughter, Aurora to bring back the
Olympians. We have to take three couples to the place where I first died."
Nikias answered wondering what his granddaughter looked like. Did she have
Joxer's eyes and pale skin?

"How do you feel about that?"

Nikias admitted, "Confused. I want my family back but I don't know how they
will treat me. I'm not the same person I was millennia ago and I don't want
to go back to how I was then. I like the man I've become and Jox probably
hates me anyway."

"I love you and that's not going to change. Joxer won't hate you, I'm sure
once you tell him everything he will understand why you reacted the way you
did."

"I hope so. Our students are one of our couples." Nikias answered changing
the subject pointedly.

"I guess that makes it somewhat easier. How did you manage to pick them up?"
Methos said grinning at how Richard was gently kissing Justin's neck as they
walked, hands around each other's waists as if they were trying to make the
most of it before someone caught them together but given their ages Methos
guessed it was normal. There were few high school students who were openly
gay in their hometown.

Nikias shrugged, "It was easy."

Flashback

Nikias worked quickly through his suitcase, picking out his favourite
throwing knives and the standard thieves pack. Taking a deep breath he
worked through the exact details of the plan. He couldn't afford to mess it
up, not know when so much depended on getting it right.

He was in the boring town of Wilmont to pick up a couple of new Immortals.
Richard Haywood and Justin Pendleton, two teenagers who had plotted and
performed a murder to free themselves from the confines of society. It had
been a rather interesting murder as the boys were unmistakably gifted when
it came to planning.

Nikias knew they would have escaped punishment if Justin had not been
overcome by nausea at what he had done and vomited next to the victim. That
combined with their relationship had given the pair away, leading to
Justin's arrest and Richard's murder. Well that and that fact that Cassie
was annoyingly stubborn. Richard had fallen to his death during the attempt
to capture the pair while Justin was arrested and charged with the murder of
Olivia Lake.

Since he liked the pair and they posed a serious threat to the secret nature
of Immortals Nikias had no choice but to breaking into the Wilmont morgue
and pick up Richard Haywood's body. Nikias expertly picked the locks gaining
access to the room holding his new student. Luckily, he had timed it so that
he could retrieve Richard's body before the Immortal revived.

Walking in confidently Nikias opened walked over to the clipboard sitting on
the desk. Finding the correct draw Nikias opened it, surveying the body of
Richard Haywood. From his appearance it was obvious that Richard's death had
been quick and painless as the boy's neck and broken, probably on impact
with the rocks.

Picking up the body in a fireman's hold, Nikias closed the draw with his
foot. Adjusting his night vision goggles the Immortal walked out as silently
as he arrived. Once they got to the car, Nikias placed Richard's body in the
backseat covering it with a blanket while taking care to place a dagger in
Richard's heart, not wanting Richard to revive too early.

An hour later Nikias was ready for duty at the prison Justin Pendleton was
being held until the trial. Anticipating their capture Nikias had arranged
the necessary documents and clothes so he could pass for a prison guard
covering for Mike Seaman who had phoned in sick thanks to a little drug a
lady friend of his had placed in Seaman's beer. It had been fortunate that
no one bothered to check on how Mike was doing, Nikias mused as he concealed
the razor in food he was delivering to Justin.

Justin was on suicide watch as the authorities were concerned that he would
kill himself out of guilt over Richard's death. According to the officers in
charge of the investigation and the other guards Justin had been alternately
hysterically crying or loudly chanting Richard for hours.

"Eat your sandwich Justin. Pendleton, man cannot live freely without
embracing suicide and crime." Nikias said seriously as he placed the tray
through the small slot in the door. He noticed the way Justin stiffened at
his words.

"I know." Justin said as he took the plate his face devoid of emotion.

Justin returned to his curled up ball on the bed, taking the plate with him.
Hidden from the camera Justin quickly uncovered the small blade. He smiled
in satisfaction. Justin didn't know the identity of the guard or why the man
had given him the blade but he would use it. He was going to be free with
Richard, Justin thought to himself as he carefully handled the blade cutting
diagonally across his wrists feeling the blood spill from his body.

One hour later Justin Pendleton was found dead in his cell, the victim of
suicide. His body was carried down to the prison morgue where the death
certificate was signed. Hours later Nikias coolly retrieved the body,
placing it in his car next to Richard.

He drove calmly through the night knowing they had to be out of town before
anyone discovered the bodies of his new students were missing. Thankfully,
he had plenty of experience with getting in and out of places without being
detected.

End Flashback.

"Not another die hard romantic!" Methos drawled in a mixture of disgust and
amusement after listening to his lover's description. He could feel Nikias
fond exasperated look.

It wasn't that Methos didn't have a sense of romance, he did but he had
never seen the point of killing yourself just because someone you loved had
died. He had always considered that the easy way out and held firm to his
view that if you loved someone died then you should live for them so that a
part of them would live on.

"So why are you being nice to us?" Richard drawled as he walked inside the
apartment noticing the number of foreign books adorning the bookshelves.

Sounds like this one has got some sense at least Methos thought answering,
"We are being nice to you because we have a thing for looking after lost
immortals the do-gooders wouldn't look after. We don't care about your past,
what you have done before does not matter to us. You will stay with us while
we teach you. If you agree we would like to take you in as one of our
family. We have 25 other Immortal children some of whom are assassins and
some of whom have adopted a quieter life. So we are not trying to control
you or turn you into the model citizen."

"What do you mean adopt us?" Justin asked suspiciously how did they know the
pair weren't going to abuse them?

Nikias said calmly, "We would accept you as family, that means we will
always be there for you. No matter what happens you can depend on us, and
the family. You remind us a lot of two of our other children, Alex and
Wesley. Alex is a very successful mercenary. He's one of the best assassins
we've seen for the last fifty years or so. Wesley is a watcher who currently
keeps tabs on a vampire called Angel."

"Vampires don't exist!" Justin said quickly.

Having expected the response Methos patiently explained, "You know it has
always amazed me how stubborn Immortals are when it comes to believing in
other supernatural beings. I'm over 5000 years old and I know more about the
world than you can image so, believe me when I say demons and vampires are
very real. The Watchers fall into four branches, which don't really have a
lot of contact with each other. The first branch watch over Immortals,
keeping track of their history and lives. The second specialise in vampire
slayers and the supernatural. The third branch is focused on the wizarding
world and the last branch focuses on mutants."

"We'll think about it and get back to you. Where is our room?" Justin said
while giving his lover a small smile.

Methos said quickly, "Take the bedroom down the corridor on the left, the
bedclothes are in the bottom draw. Leave your clothes in the hall and we'll
wash them for you. There are some black jeans and T-shirts hanging up that
should fit you until we can go shopping."

Watching as the pair left the room Methos turned back to his lover drinking
in the sight of him. Even after being together for millennia he was amazed
at the beauty of his mate, there was a light to him that shined from within.
He had always considered it to be the goodness in Nikias' soul.
*******
Richard placed their clothes in the hallway before walking back into the
bedroom. Making sure to lock the door he smiled widely at the sight of
Justin lying on the bed naked waiting for him. He couldn't believe only days
ago he had thought Justin was lost to him forever. He had Justin that disc
of him and Lisa having sex but it was the only way to make Justin see that
he was the only one who could truly love Justin the way the boy deserved.
Richard loved Justin more than he had ever thought possible and when faced
with the prospect of losing Justin he had gotten desperate.

"What are you thinking about?" Justin asked seriously taking in the mix of
anger, fear and anxiety on his lover's face.

Richard shrugged, "How I almost lost you to that bitch Lisa."

Justin figured this was the time to tell the truth about Lisa. He had never
loved the girl or even liked her all that much, she was a tool for him, a
way to make Richard realise that he was in love with him. Justin had always
known Richard was in love with him but the blonde had refused to say the
words out loud but Justin knew that if he made the man jealous Richard would
realise that it was lust that existed between them but love.

"You never would have lost me, Rich. I wasn't in love with her, I don't even
like her that much but I knew pretending to be interested in her would make
you see how much you cared about me. I used her to make you realise that you
are in love with me."

"It worked. I do love you, Justin I was just afraid you couldn't feel the
same about me." Richard said pulling the other boy down on top of them.

"I'll always love you, Richard and now we've got eternity together as long
as someone doesn't lop our heads off. What do you think of Methos and
Nikias?"

Richard said thoughtfully, "They are interesting and they really love each
other. I can see it in how they look at each other. Do you think we should
accept their offer?"

Justin anxiously bit his lip, "I don't know, from a purely logical point of
view we should. They would give us an increased protection in the immortal
world and provide us with support if we need it. However, I don't know if
they want something from us also it would mean that we have to help them if
they ask us."

Richard finished the thought, "So we should wait a couple of days before we
give them our decision." He laughed wryly continuing, "You know, Nikias and
Methos didn't seem at all disgusted when we mentioned killing Olivia but
that Duncan guy got a weird look on his face as if he wants to kill us. I
know this is a horrible thing to say but in some ways I'm not sorry that we
killed her. If we hadn't killed her then we wouldn't have spent so much time
together and fallen in love with each other."

"I know what you mean. I'm sorry that we got caught and yeah I think it was
wrong to basically kill a woman for no reason other than we wanted to but
I'm also happy because I've got you. Do you think they all realised how we
felt about each other back in Wilmont?"

"I don't know but it doesn't matter, we're free and together." Richard
declared his tone making it clear that the discussion was finished.

"Yeah, I never imagined we would ever be together again." Justin said softly
before pulling Richard down to him doing his best to devour the boy that
mere hours ago he had thought was lost to him forever.



Part 14

Justin grinned as he watched his love fight Methos. The lessons were
interesting even though they normally ended with one of them being run
through with a sword. He didn't know why but he couldn't seem to actually go
far enough to kill his teachers if only temporarily.

"I've had enough of this, Justin! You have got to take this seriously, if
you're not willing to listen then you are going to get Richard killed."
Nikias snarled as he parried with Justin easily avoiding the sword. Justin
couldn't seem to kill, he didn't know if it was because of Olivia Lake's
murder or some twisted morality but it didn't matter. Justin would have to
accept that his new life involved killing other people to survive or he
would be dead in a matter of months.

Taking a deep breath Nikias said menacingly, "Justin, if you can't fight me
then I'll take Richard on instead. At least killing him will be some fun
unlike you, I don't know how I'm supposed to teach an idiot to fight."

Justin growled at the threat to Richard and the insult to him. He started
moving quickly using the methods Nikias had taught him. While Nikias was on
the defensive Justin took the chance to get the dagger from his boots.
Throwing it expertly so it landed in his teacher's throat, making the man
gasp loudly as he fought to take in the oxygen he needed. Justin watched the
man die with a calm detached expression, he didn't want to kill anyone but
Nikias had pushed just the right buttons to make him lose it.

Walking over to his lover Methos pulled the dagger out and passed it back to
Justin with a grin. It looked like the pair still had a few secrets. As the
blue sparks arched in Nikias' throat Methos mentally reorganised their
training lessons. If Justin was that good with throwing knives then they
would help the boy to perfect the skill, you never knew when it could save
your life.

Methos was confident of the pair would get far in the game since they had a
reason to fight beyond survival, they fought for each other. What had most
surprised him was the knowledge the pair had of swordplay. Justin had
explained that for the last year or so the pair had been taking lessons in
secret as it provided them with the opportunity to spend more time together
and made them feel safer.

Nikias stood once he was healed, happy that he had found the perfect way to
motivate Justin into seeing that if he didn't act, didn't kill then whoever
was after him the person would just go after Richard. He was a little
shocked at Justin's throwing abilities, as the boy had never hinted of
having any skills in that area.

Methos said, "There are a few things we need to talk about with the both of
you at dinner."

Now was the difficult part, explaining that they hadn't offered to take the
pair into their family with an ulterior motive despite the fact that Justin
and Richard were two people who could help bring Nikias' family back. He
didn't know if they would believe him, Methos knew in their situation he
would be inclined to assume he was being used.

"That sounds ominous, are you kicking us out or something?" Richard asked
with a wide smile, which made him look like a homicidal maniac since his top
and sword was covered in fresh blood.

"It's nothing like that. Its good stuff really. Why don't you go and get
ready?" Nikias said cheerfully he didn't want to upset his two new children.

"I hope it really is good news." Justin said softly to his lover as they
headed for the shower. He was still a little sceptical of Nikias and Methos'
motives. He couldn't believe the pair would willingly take in a couple of
teenagers who had spent their spare time arranging a murder without having
an ulterior motive.

"Just how are we going to tell them everything?" Nikias said seriously as he
passed his husband a beer.

Methos took a long drink before answering, "We'll wait until they're relaxed
and then tell them. How do you think they will react?"

"They are going to be very angry and I don't know if they will trust us
again but we owe it to them to be honest. They've been honest with us about
everything even about how they felt killing that woman."

Methos nodded seriously knowing just how much the younglings had put on the
line by being honest with them. A quick glance at his watch informed him
that they only had an hour until they had to be at the restaurant. Sliding
his hand into Nikias' the man led the way to the shower. Everything would go
a lot smoother if they were all relaxed and nothing relaxed Nikias and him
like a leisurely bout of lovemaking.
*******
"So what do you want to talk to us about?" Justin asked seriously as he
looked at his teachers unconsciously grabbing his boyfriend's hand.

Nikias said honestly, "To understand everything you need to know about my
life before I became an Immortal. I know this sounds surreal but I swear
it's the truth. I was one of the Greek Gods; my name was Strife God of
Mischief. My mother is Eris, Goddess of Discord and my father is Hades, God
of the Underworld."

"I thought all Immortals were foundlings." Justin asked confused at the
conflicting information.

Shaking his head Nikias continued, "That's not strictly true. The immortals
are descended from the Titans and are the result of sex between two people
who have a certain amount of titan blood. I don't know why but mortals who
have Immortal children forget them when they are born. Anyway I was made
Immortal after I was killed for telling my son who his parents are. I left
Greece with Meth after my father sent me to him and we went to join The
Horsemen. I later found out from an old friend that my family the Greek Gods
had fallen into a sleep and would not wake until a prophecy was completed."

"What does this have to do with us?" Justin asked ignoring the voice in his
head screaming for him to get Richard and leave.

Nikias rolled his eyes at the interruption saying, "After I has picked you
up and was on the way here I stopped at a gas station where a man called
Iolaus was waiting for me. He told me that you are two of the six people we
have to take with us to Greece so that my family can be return."

Richard snarled, "You fucking lied to us! The only reason you asked to take
us in as part of your family was because of this prophecy!"

Careful to avoid anyone overhearing the argument Methos said, "That is not
true! We didn't need you to become family to get you there. If we wanted to
all we had to do was teach you. We asked you to become family because we
like you and we feel a connection with you."

"Suppose we believe you, how do you know we are the ones you need?" Richard
said having deciding it was true since the pair were too calm for it to be a
lie.

"I know Iolaus would not lie to me about it. We are going to a place called
Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Magic to pick up another two people we need
for the prophecy and then we are going to America to get another two."

"How do you know which ones are right?" Richard questioned in disbelief, he
couldn't believe how cavalier the pair were acting, as if it was an everyday
occurrence.

Nikias imparted, "Iolaus said we will know them when we see them. We'll have
to take his word on it but he did say they are all of impure blood."

"What does that mean are they demons?"

"Not really, Richard. All it means is that they are not normal humans.
People with impure blood could either be magical, demonic or immortal."
Methos explained in full teacher mode he missed the small grins the three
shared at his tone.

Justin nodding having assimilated the information he asked expectantly, "Are
these four already couples?"

Taking a drink of wine Methos shook his head, "No, we are supposed to make
sure they hook up correctly. I think they'll probably know themselves who
they are meant to be with. So that'll make our job a lot easier."

"When are we setting off to Hogwarts? Are either of you wizards?" Rich asked
excited at the thought of going into magic world. He had always been
fascinated with magic and the occult, having dreamed of being a wizard
himself as a child.

'I love the way these kids get straight to the point,' Methos thought as he
said, "Tomorrow. I've got all your papers at the apartment. I've arranged
for us to take our swords with us. I've contacted a friend of mine at school
so they know to expect us."

Nikias smoothly answered the second question, "We have a certain amount of
knowledge and power that is mainly due to the our long lives. Since I'm a
direct descent of Hades, a Titan I have a fair amount of power and skill but
we both keep out of the wizarding world because it's a very dangerous
place."

"The plan for tonight is to rest up until we have to leave. Our flight
leaves at 0300 so we best go back and pack." Methos said as before standing.

Justin nodded seeing it made sense a part of him couldn't believe his
mentors were talking about something so sensitive in the middle of a
restaurant but perhaps it was to make sure no one caused any embarrassing
scenes. Grabbing his boyfriend's hand the brunette led the way out suddenly
feeling suffocated; it was all beginning to hit him. He couldn't believe how
much life had changed in the space of a mere three days. At least there was
one good point in his new life and that was Richard. He didn't care what he
had to do as long as Richard was with him, whole and happy.

"What's wrong, Jus?" Richard asked seriously as he grabbed his love in a
tight hug. He didn't like the expression on Justin's face. He wanted Justin
happy again like he was before they had left the apartment.

Justin smiled, "Nothing, babe. I was just thinking about how much everything
has changed and how much I love you. I don't care what life throws at me
because I have you with me."

"I know how you feel." Richard said honestly before pulling the man into a
kiss.

Richard couldn't believe how Justin could taste better every time they
kissed. Every time their mouths met it felt like the first time, comforting,
amazing, scary and passionate all at once. He could happily spend hours just
kissing Justin and had done so on more than one occasion. He knew it was
ridiculously sappy but he couldn't help but marvel at Justin's power to make
him feel alive and free. When they kissed Richard felt like he was floating
in a sea of pleasure when all that existed was the two of them and the
feelings they created in each other. Justin and Richard walked back to the
apartment in a happy daze trusting their friends to keep them safe.

End Part 14


Part 15

Justin smiled widely at his lover as the plane glided through the sky. He
couldn’t believe everything was really happening, he had Richard at his side
and the chance of forever. He wasn’t sure exactly how he felt about Methos
and Nikias, they had lied, but it had been for a good reason. He and Richard
had spent the night talking about exactly what they should expect and how
they felt about their siblings in light of the new information, for that’s
what they both considered Methos and Nikias to be. Neither him nor Richard
wanted another father figure in their lives when their own had caused so
much pain.

"What are you thinking about?” Richard drawled amused as he took in the soft
pensive smile on his love’s face.

Justin blushed, "I was thinking about you and I being together forever. It
is everything I ever wanted I just can’t believe this is all really
happening.”

"Its real, love. We are going to be together until the end of time. I can’t
imagine being without you, I need, love and want you too much to survive
without you.”

Justin felt his heart soar as his partner reaffirmed their connection, he
couldn’t help feeling insecure sometimes, but Richard was making him believe
in happily ever afters. Justin had never believed that people could live
together in harmony, his family life had been awful for as long as he could
remember. His parents had never wanted children and had told him since the
day he could talk that he was a mistake and the only reason his mother
hadn’t had an abortion was because it had been against her beliefs. His life
was full of pain and disenchantment until the day he had met Richard. He had
known right away that he and Richard were important to each other but he
hadn’t realised just how important.

Less than two hours later Justin gritted his teeth as he felt the plane
descend to land. He hated flying and always had. Normally he spent most of
the flight in a wonderful drugged bliss but not this time as he had been
warned by Nikias that drugs would not work on them anymore, Immortality
meant that the drug was removed from the bloodstream almost immediately,
which was a problem

Turning to look at Richard’s head lying on his shoulder, the brunette was
once again hit by the sheer beauty and innocence on his love’s face when the
man was sleeping. Gently shaking his lover, Justin looked over at his
brothers seeing they were amused at his problem since they never had any
problems waking. He supposed it was normal for creatures that were thousands
of years old and used to fighting for their lives; they had to remain
constantly alert for enemies.

"Love, come on wake up. We’re landing now, Rich.” Justin said repeatedly
gently running a hand through the blonde locks.

Yawning loudly Richard said, "I’m awake. Quit nagging me, I fucking hate our
brothers for arranging a flight at such a stupid time!”

Justin decided to ignore the familiar grouchiness knowing Richard was never
in a good mood until he had a large amount of caffeine in his body.
Truthfully Richard hated getting up in the morning, he was more of a night
owl and often went out for a walk around midnight.
*******
"Just who are we meeting here, Adam?” Justin asked quickly as he looked
around at the mass of people. He hated being stuck in a crowd of people who
were all watching and judging him.

Three years ago, a psychiatrist friend of his parents had diagnosed Justin
as having social anxiety disorder. He never felt comfortable unless he was
Richard and that had only happened after he had known the man for six
months. Justin had been shocked and awed by Richard’s determination to help
him cope with his disorder until he was able to speak in front of people by
focussing on the blonde. He had even read out his work in class because he
knew he could concentrate on Richard. The blonde made him feel safe and
comfortable in a way he had never known, his parents made him feel awkward,
embarrassed and edgy. Justin knew he would have to tell Nikias and Methos
about his disorder because he didn’t want them to worry about him if he
acted strangely in front of people.

As the foursome made their way out of the airport Methos answered, "A friend
called Severus who is teaching at the school. He will take us there because
some people have problems getting there. He’s a little aloof and arrogant
but don’t let that stop you from getting to know him.”

"Okay.” Richard said for the two of them, keeping one hand around his
younger lover’s waist.

Richard just knew Justin was feeling anxious about the mass of people and he
couldn’t let his love suffer. Justin was better at dealing with crowds of
people but Richard knew the man hadn’t completely recovered and now that the
drugs the brunette had been taking to help wouldn’t work, which made it even
more important for him to support Justin not that he would ever leave the
brunette to face his troubles alone. He could never leave Justin even if he
wanted to; Justin was too much of a part of him.

"Sev, you’re early!” Nikias and Methos said together with a small laugh
causing Richard and Justin to look up.

Richard coolly appraised the man in front of him thinking their brother’s
description was accurate. He could practically feel the coldness and
suppressed violence contained in the pale, thin, black clothed man with
slightly greasy hair. Severus Snape was wearing a rather expensive Armani
suit tailored to fit him perfectly, showing that the man had a hard,
athletic body to match his cold, hard eyes.

"He is cold and dangerous.” Justin commented lowly to his lover while
smiling at the happy scene in front of them.

Smiling widely Justin realised he hadn’t ever seen the older Immortals act
so carefree, they certainly hadn’t acted so impulsively in Seacover but then
Duncan McLeod had been an uptight idiot who had lectured all of them on the
importance of fighting fair. Of course they had totally ignored the man, all
that mattered was that they survived no matter if they had to use some
slightly dubious methods to kill the Immortal. As a present, Justin and
Richard had been gifted two exquisite long daggers each, which were placed
in their boots so they could be reached quickly.

"Hello Nik, Adam. Are these your new students?” Snape said noting the
nervous look in Justin’s eyes.

Nikias nodded, "They are, they joined us two weeks ago. Professor Severus
*Snape*, this Alex *Richard* Nichols and Daniel *Justin* Harris.” Nikias
said introducing the trio, stressing the names the trio preferred.

Richard regally inclined his head towards the dark haired man, grinning when
Justin did the same. His grin widened when Snape just raised his eyebrow at
the introduction before apparently dismissing them as unimportant.

"The car is outside. I take it you have all your bags.” Snape said taking
the lead as he walked towards the car leaving them no choice but to follow.

As the car glided through the streets Justin took the chance to talk with
his boyfriend. He wasn’t sure what to expect and that worried him. He hated
going into a situation where he didn’t have all the facts, it inevitably led
to pain.

Justin pondered, "Do you think we’ll met the pair right away?”

Shrugging Richard answered confused, "I don’t know. Nik and Methos said they
have a some clues as to the identity of them so we shouldn’t be here too
long.”

"Good. I wish we had stayed home.”

Tightening his grip of the younger man’s hand Richard let his other hand
caress the beautiful locks answering, "Everything is going to be okay, I’ll
be with you.”

"I know, Rich. Do you think there’s a drugstore nearby?” Justin said biting
his lip nervously.

Eyes trained on his lover’s mouth Richard nodded, "Probably but Methos might
know of something else you can use instead. Do you want to ask him later?”

Justin nodded his assent hoping it was due, he didn’t know how he was going
to cope without his medication. He had thought his Social Anxiety had been
cured by his immortality but had quickly discovered it hadn’t when he felt
the familiar feelings overcoming him on a quick shopping trip.

The young lovers gave a shout of confusion as the car suddenly started
flying, gracefully making its way towards an old, beautiful castle. Richard
smiled fondly as he noticed his boyfriend was enthralled with the building,
not that he was surprised. Justin had a great interest in architecture,
which he had planned to continue in college once they had escaped from
Wilmont. Richard contented himself with making the most of a new experience,
watching the ground come much closer as they stopped outside the majestic
building. He noticed there was a grey haired old man waiting that looked
just like every wizard he had ever imagined. At the man’s side, there was a
green robed, spectacled woman, whose black hair was tied into a bun, giving
her a stern appearance. There was also a tired, weary looking man with
greying black hair who was dressed in a shabby robe. The man looked as if a
strong wind would blow him away.

Richard waited until everyone had gotten out of the car to open the door
giving the teachers a friendly smile as greeting. He looked over at Justin
worried about how the man was doing; he was pleased to see a guarded smile
on Justin’s face.

"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am Albus
Dumbledore the Headmaster. This is Minerva McGonagall the Deputy
Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor. The man at my left is Remus Lupin one
of the many highly skilled teachers at this school. I understand you are
friends of Severus?”

"That is correct. I am Nikias and this is my husband Methos but please refer
to him as Adam.” Nikias said politely with a quick smile at the headmaster.

Methos finished smoothly, "These are our brothers Justin and Richard.”

"Welcome again, boys. I imagine this is a rather shocking time for you, I
understand this is your first time in a school of magic?”

"That’s right, Sir. This is a beautiful building,” Justin said quickly as
the group headed inside the school. As he walked inside the man closed his
eyes quickly gasping as images assaulted his mind.

"What can you see, Jus?” Richard said worriedly, what was happening to his
love? Methos had warned the pair that there would be many unusual things
happening once they were in the wizarding world.

Justin smiled saying softly, "I see Salazar laughing with Godric as they
read together. They are in a bedroom decorated in green and red. Godric is
laughing as they are in bed promising to tell everyone they are together.
Now Salazar is angry with Godric so he’s going to make a part of the school
that’s just his away from Godric who has betrayed him. So he builds the
Chamber of Secrets, what’s that?”

"It’s a special part of the school but you don’t have to worry about it.”
McGonagall said seriously after looking at the headmaster.

"If you say so.” Justin said with a shrug, grabbing hold of Richard’s hand
as they headed further into the bowels of the building.
*******
"Sherbet Lemons.” Dumbledore said to his statue, waiting patiently for the
door to open before showing the group inside.

Dumbledore commanded, "Please sit down and then you can tell us why you are
here.”

Once everyone was comfortable Nikias said, "My name is Nikias and I’m
Immortal, as is my husband. We are here because of a prophecy saying that
two people in this academy are needed to help bring back my family the
Olympian Gods.”

"Why would we want the Gods back?” Lupin said eyeing them suspiciously, why
would they help people they didn’t even know let alone trust?

Nikias said passionately, "They will help and this Voldemort is nothing
compared to some of the problems we dealt with back in the old days.”

"Enough about this what is happening to Justin!” Richard shouted unable to
cope with the worry eating at him.

Dumbledore said calmly, "Your friend is a Seer, what he is talking about
actually happened. He is picking up the visions from the building itself.
You, Richard have very powerful blood in your veins, I believe you are
half-elf. It is rare to find an Immortal half-elf but then elves are
descended from the ancient Gods.”

"Rich, calm down. Its okay, love.” Justin said seriously as he turned the
man’s face towards him.

Seeing the confusion on the face of the one he loved, Richard explained
quickly, "I just don’t want you fucking lose you again and I could. What if
you See something about me that you don’t like?”

"That’s not going to happen. I know everything about you. I love you, Rich.
Together in this life and the next, remember.”

"I remember.” Richard said smiling widely as he hugged his lover hating that
he was so insecure but he couldn’t believe Justin was all his.

Eyes twinkling Dumbledore said, "I have assigned rooms in Gryffindor and
Slytherin. Nikias and Methos are going to be in Gryffindor. Justin and
Richard will be in Slytherin. I am sure you will find the pupils in both
houses helpful and friendly. Since you may have to be here for a while to
determine the two needed for the prophecy, the four of you can help in the
teaching of defence classes. Do any of you have skills you could teach the
students?”

Methos decided to answer the question for the four of them since he and
Nikias knew where the younger couple’s strengths lay. Smiling politely he
said, "Nikias and I are skilled in various forms of magic and have
encountered a number of supernatural beings you may be unfamiliar with. We
will teach the students how to fight against different types of opponents,
we both know hundreds fighting techniques. Justin and Richard are both
experts at Karate, Judo, and Kickboxing. Justin is skilled in long range
knife throwing and archery. They can help teach the Muggle defence class, I
imagine most of the students wouldn’t be able to hold their own in a fight
without using their wands.”

Dumbledore nodded saying thoughtfully, "The classes are going to be just for
the sixth years since they ill have to face the dark forces soon. Nikias and
Adam can teach an extra Defence Against Dark Arts class on Tuesday
afternoons while the Muggle fighting methods class shall be held every
Wednesday afternoon until you leave. Now it is time for dinner, please
follow me.”

Dumbledore stood up and quickly looked over the four new guests before
leading the way to the dining hall. The large room was enchanted so that
images of the sky filled the ceiling as the students ate and talked. Justin
smiled widely as visions filled his mind causing him to gasp at the sheer
joy and happiness in the room. He started in alarm when Dumbledore waved his
hand causing four chairs to appear and gestured for the Immortals to sit
down.

Dumbledore said "Students, I’m sure you have all noticed four new faces here
at the Teachers table. These four are here to aid in the battle with the
dark forces. They will be teaching two new classes during their stay here.
Nikias and his husband Adam will be joining Gryffindor during their time
here. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermonie Granger will take them to the
Gryffindor rooms.” He paused and waited for the pair to stand noticing they
endured the questioning looks with an air of indifference.

Smiling reassuringly to the other apparently shy couple the wizard
continued, "This is Justin and Richard, who will be joining Slytherin.”

Once the headmaster had finished Snape stood saying coolly, "Draco Malfoy,
escort our guests to our common room. These are good friends of mine who I’m
sure you will all get on with.”
*******
Draco Malfoy nodded his assent already knowing his Professor’s words were an
order not a suggestion. He took the chance to study the new housemates, he
could sense a lot of magic energy in them, but they appeared to be rather
new to the world of magic. However his own feelings did not matter, they
were friends of Snape so he was going to make sure to stay on their good
side. Perhaps once they were in the common room he could find out about the
pair.

"What do you make of them, Draco?” Pansy Parkinson asked calmly noticing the
pair were ignoring everyone. She was confused at their silence but she could
feel the power inside them and knew better than to anger someone with so
much power.

"They must be our sort to be friends with Snape.” Draco answered
distractedly as he watched the Gryffindor table where a similar conversation
was taking place.
********
"Look, they are friends with Snape!” Ron hissed as he watched Nikias and
Adam laugh at something their potions professor had said. He couldn’t
imagine anyone in their right mind laughing with Snape! Obviously, they were
being saddled with some insane weird couple.

Hermonie said quickly, "Dumbledore wouldn’t allow them to stay with us if
they’re dangerous, don’t you think Harry?”

Harry nodded saying thoughtfully, "Of course. I recognise the one called
Nikias. I don’t know where from though.”

"See they work for You-Know-Who!” Ron said eagerly just as the pair in
question smirked at him causing the redhead to freeze in a panic.

"Of course they don’t. I’m sure they are nice. Now be quiet before they hear
you.” Hermonie said taking another look at Methos and sighing happily.
*******
Richard glared at the blonde approaching him, he didn’t know why but he felt
an instant dislike for the teen. His dislike only increased when the boy
thoughtfully looked at his lover. How dare this weird kid come out of
nowhere and make goo-goo eyes at Justin!

"My name is Draco Malfoy, I’m the leader of Slytherin. What are your names?”
Draco said as politely as possible while noting how attractive the brunette
was, perhaps this one might be worth knowing.

Hoping to defuse the sudden tension Justin said quickly, "My name is Daniel
Justin Harris and this is my boyfriend Alex Richard Nichols. You can call us
Justin and Richard since we have both prefer our middle names. How long have
you been here at Hogwarts?”

"I’ve been here since I was ten, like most of the others. How old are you
guys?” Draco said amazed at how beautiful Justin’s voice was but then he was
always attracted to foreign accents.

"We’re both eighteen. What do you do for fun here?” Richard said with a
quick look at his brunette lover, not liking that Justin was wearing his
expressionless mask again because of Malfoy.

Leading the way to the dungeons Draco replied, "Quiddich is the main sport
but most houses have their own pastimes. Slytherin prefers to party and play
cards Gryffindor loves to play chess and pull pranks. Hufflepuff tends to
prefer artistic pursuits like acting and Ravenclaw tends to love
intellectual pursuits. They never rest.”

The dungeons was every bit as depressing as the couple had imagined it but
strangely there was an air of expectation, as if something important was
about to happen. They listened calmly to the password, which was rather
boringly Purebloods. It appeared the Slytherins hadn’t put a lot of
imagination into creating the password.

The common room was of course decorated in the Slytherin house colours of
green and silver. Strewn around the room in no obvious pattern were emerald
green chairs the room was dominated by the glass and silver table, which was
covered in books.

"How long have you known Professor Snape?” Draco asked seriously as he sat
down, gesturing for the pair to copy him. He was going to find out exactly
how dangerous the pair were before he tried to get Justin. He knew the
brunette wanted him, everyone did.

"We met him today. He is a good friend of our brothers who have known him
for decades.”

"He’s a great teacher, the best Potions Master in the country. I take it
your brothers are Methos and Nikias? So what are your abilities?”

"Yeah. Just why do you want to know?” Richard asked narrowing his eyes at
the boy.

"I was just trying to make conversation. If you are friends with Snape then
you must be very special.”

"I am a Seer and my love is a half-elf.” Justin answered seeing it wasn’t
going to cause any problems but just in case he decided to keep their
Immortality a secret.

"A Seer? Just what do you see, the past or future?” Draco answered seriously
not letting his panic show on his face. Just what had Justin picked up from
him and how much would it cost for the man to remain silent.

Justin said in a bored tone, "I have seen a lot about the students of
Hogwarts from all times but I don’t tell anyone about students of the past
unless it will affect the present or future. Now onto the present, I was
wondering what you thought of Harry Potter? I believe he’s quite the
celebrity here but I know Snape doesn’t like him.”

Pacing around the room Malfoy said angrily, "Talk about the understatement
of the century. Potter always breaks rules but he’s treated as if he can
walk on water just because his mother saved him from dying. Potter breaks
even more rules than I do but no one cares and only Snape ever punishes him
for it. Dumbledore acts as if the sun shines out of Potter’s ass. So what
are you really here for?”

Richard sneered, "You’ll find out if we decide you need to know. Justin and
I will be teaching a class on Muggle fighting methods, which will help
improve your stamina, dexterity, and agility for your spell casting. It was
felt that some of the students might need help so fight without using magic
and since we are experts in that area it was decided we would take the
class.”

"How can you help anyway? There are certain rules to follow in a wizards
duel.” Draco asked hoping that he could get Snape to let him out of the
class.

Richard said unconcerned, "We don’t care about breaking a few ridiculous
rules, all that matters is that the enemy is either killed or incapacitated
so you can get away. One of the most important things for you to learn is
that in a fight and in life all that matters is survival. Snape and Lupin
were talking about who would get the best marks, and Lupin insisted it would
be Potter because he has been in more duels and fights than you. He said
that Potter’s far better than you when it comes to fighting since you have
been spoiled all your life.”

"Potter’s been treated like a china doll all his life! There is no way he is
better than I am! I have been training since I was four years old to become
a wizard. I could take Potter in a fight in no time.” Draco ranted angrily,
although there was a small part of him that admired the raven-haired boy for
being so determined all the time. Just to himself the blonde admitted Potter
had an amazing ability to get out of seemingly impossible situations.

"Well most of the faculty don’t agree with you I guess we’ll see tomorrow.”
Justin said with a smirk, the blonde was so *easy* to manipulate.

Meanwhile in the Gryffindor common room, Methos and Nikias were being
interrogated as to their intentions and alliances. It was amusing to see
three infants trying to out do them and make them slip up, as if it was that
easy. Both had them had been questioned by far more skilled people for years
without saying something anything they didn’t want to admit.

"So how do you Professor Snape?” Hermonie asked seriously as the five sat
around the fireplace.

Nikias shrugged, "I saved his life once and we got to know each other that
way. He was attacked by a Beholder luckily I have a lot of experience with
killing them. He met Adam later on when my love was working over here while
I was in the US. He’s a good friend.”

"I’ll take your word for it. So what classes are you going to teach?”

Nikias said breezily, "We are teaching an extra DADA class on with an
emphasis on the abilities of different supernatural beings we have
encountered. Richard and Justin are going to teach a class on Muggle
fighting methods as most wizards can’t handle themselves in a physical
fight. We expect Draco Malfoy will be the best in the class as Snape said
he’s a very good student and fighter.”

"Harry is a great fighter and can beat Malfoy with one hand tied behind his
back!” Ron Weasley said with an outraged snarl. As if that spoilt,
self-centred ferret could ever be good enough to beat Harry Potter!

Methos shrugged, "We’ll see in class. I’m sure the class is going to be far
more exciting than anything you have ever done before. Justin and Richard
are very skilled when it comes to fighting, they have spent years perfecting
their techniques.”

"How can they be that good when they’re still teenagers? It’s not like they
have spent decades learning how to fight.” Hermonie wondered aloud while
knowing Dumbledore employed only the best teachers.

"They could afford the best teachers. They are very determined to be the
best at wht they do. Their hard work paid off big time.” Nikias said with an
unconcerned shrug, it was the truth and he couldn’t see telling the trio
would cause any problems.
*******
The following day found Justin terrified at the prospect of having to stand
up in front of a class of thirty students and actually teach. At least he
wouldn’t be doing it alone, his love was going to be with him all the time
and that was the only reason the brunette hadn’t suffered any panic attacks.
Richard had insisted Justin was ready for it, since he had spoken to the
classes back home and had even coped with a police interview without
panicking.

The couple felt it was important thing to capture the attention of students
right away. Thus, it was agreed that a demonstration was to take place
within minutes of the class starting. Justin had decided to use his
favourite set of throwing knives for the demonstration while Richard was
going to be unarmed

As the students lined up waiting for the door to open each one could hear
the sound of yelling going on inside the room. Finally, Harry could take the
anger no longer, and fearing the shouting could erupt into violence he
opened the door and gasped.

Looking at the students briefly Justin ordered, "All of you come in and go
stand at the back of the room. No matter what happens you are not to
interfere and there is an anti-magic field in here so your wands won’t
work.”

As everyone moved to comply Harry said, "Is anyone else worried about how
that sounded?”

"Dumbledore wouldn’t let them hurt us.” Hermonie said reassuringly.

Harry explained in an whisper, "Its not us I’m worried about from the look
of it they are going to fight each other.”

At this point Justin smirked and aimed a savage kick at Richard’s torso, not
reacting when the man was hurled backwards. Not bothering to look up Justin
flicked his wrist causing a deadly gleaming knife to hit Richard squarely in
the shoulder.

The room was filled with horrified screams as blood became visible on the
man’s shirt. Pulling out the knife, Richard nodded in appreciation as he
reached down and unfastened the metal chain around his jeans. Lashing out
quickly with his hand, Richard grinned wolfishly as the chain coiled around
his brunette lover’s arm, reducing the blood flow.

Justin grabbed hold of the chain and gave a vicious pull, causing Richard to
come to him. With expert timing Justin let out a sharp kick aimed at the
blonde’s midsection, he was surprised when Richard grabbed the offending
foot and holding the leg up, gave the man a punch to the side. Seconds after
the punch hit home, Justin wrestled his leg free and aimed a sweeping kick
at Richard’s knees making the man fall.

Grabbing hold of Richard’s head Justin held a knife at his love’s throat for
a second before putting the knife down and laughing. Reaching down to pull
the man from the floor Justin took the chance to see how their students had
taken the small demonstration. He was amazed to see the thirty students
looking at them in fear, confusion, and awe.

Richard laughed, "That was fun but I still think we need to run through it
again without any weapons. Are you in the mood for a little kickboxing
later?”

"We’ll see if the bros want to join us. So what did you all think of our
little demonstration?” Justin said addressing the question to the gaping
audience.

Pansy Parkinson gasped out, "You mean that wasn’t real? You don’t want to
kill each other?”

"Of course not. I would never hurt Justin. What the fuck is wrong with you?”
Richard snarled at Pansy insulted and angry that they thought he could hurt
the one person who he loved more than anything.

"Calm down, Mon Coeur. She is just a little shocked. We did just start
fighting in front of them without warning.” Justin said quickly, placing a
calming hand on the irate blonde’s shoulder.

Squeezing the hand for a few seconds Richard calmed down as he always did
when his lover touched him. Justin was the one person who could calm the
angry, killing rage that sometimes clouded his mind.

"Now everyone we are going to tell you a little bit about what you are going
to learn in this class. My name is Justin and this is my boyfriend Richard.
You can call us by our first names. We are going to teach you Muggle
fighting methods, which will also help your magical abilities by increasing
your stamina and agility.”

"Muggle fighting. Why on earth would we want to learn anything to do with
Mudbloods?” Blaise Zabini sneered in outrage. The very idea was an affront
to all wizards, Muggles had done nothing but cause disaster for wizards.

Shrugging Richard declared, "It is a compulsory class but more to the point
because most of you would be killed in no time once you enter the real world
away from Hogwarts. If you want to die then you can leave but if you stay,
we can teach you a few tricks to help you live. We will teach you to listen
to your instincts and use your common sense. Don’t listen to all the
ridiculous myths that it is honourable to continue even when the chances of
you winning are impossible. If you see a chance to get out of a
confrontation, use it.”

"I see they fit right in with Slytherin!” Ron hissed to his friends hoping
no one else would hear him. The last thing he needed was a detention on the
first day of school.

"We do actually. I’ve been wondering what you would do if you had done into
the houses you where destined for.”

"What do you mean by that, Justin?” Blaise said with a grin noticing the
look of worry on the face of Harry Potter. He wanted to know what made the
supposed glory boy react that way!

"I am a Seer and since coming here I have had a lot of visions. The most
memorable are about a few students here. Now you, Harry Potter went to the
wrong house. You were supposed to be in Slytherin but because of a certain
someone’s interfering meant that you did not go to Slytherin as you were
destined. You were supposed to find true allies within Slytherin and a new
family but it wasn’t your fault. You were desperate for friends so you
believed what Ron Weasley said without stopping to think about it.”

"The famous Mr Potter, a Slytherin how scandalous.” Draco drawled in
amusement at the shock and fear on the boy’s face.

Hermonie protested, "He doesn’t have it in him to be in Slytherin. He’s not
evil.”

Justin shrugged, "Slytherin doesn’t mean evil, it means ambitious. True some
people have an ambition for power but you shouldn’t tar everyone with the
same brush. Now personally I am a good match for Slytherin. I am ambitious
and cunning, I will do anything to get what I want. I am also a good match
for Ravenclaw. I love learning and studying, you can normally find me in a
library reading a book. Its true, I have done things in the past that
weren’t very nice but I am no longer the man I was when I did those things.”

"If I was supposed to be in Slytherin there would have been some signs,
right?”

Justin nodded leaning down to whisper in the boy’s ear, "There have been
signs, Harry. I know how ambitious and cunning you are. Hell, you remind me
of myself. I know about those thoughts you have in the middle of the night
that you are ashamed to admit. I know how much you dream of killing your
relatives.”

Harry gasped and moved away from his new teacher, he had never thought
someone would get inside his head like that. What if Justin was right and he
was supposed to be in Slytherin. Even though he detested the Slytherins he
had to admit that he had admired the loyalty, the house gave to one another.
He had to admit that he had never really felt comfortable in Gryffindor but
had assumed it was because of his status as the resident celebrity.

Justin smiled cruelly before saying, "Now we are going to split all of you
into mixed house pairs. Now the pairs are as follows; Neville Longbottom and
Vincent Crabbe, Hannah Abbott and Mandy Brocklehurst. Susan Bones and Padma
Patil, Parvati Patil and Sarah Caldwell. Terry Boot and Justin
Finch-Fletchley, Lisa Turpin and Lavender Brown. Greg Goyle and Ron Weasley,
Pansy Parkinson and Hermonie Granger. Blaise Zabini and Seamus Finnigan,
Dean Thomas and Adrian Pucey. Malcolm Baddock and Ernie McMillian, Katie
Bell and Millicent Bullstrode. Now the last pair is obviously Draco Malfoy
and Harry Potter.”

Ignoring the groans Richard continued his lover’s narrative, "The first
thing you are all going to learn is how to stretch properly, then we are
going to do some running. Everyone line up in pairs and follow us outside.
Do not think about trying to sneak away because we will not be happy when we
catch up with you.”

Complete silence descended as the unhappy group walked outside, pointedly
not looking at their partners. As they walked, Draco wondered just how he
could use the information about Harry Potter to his advantage. He would
never admit it to anyone but he had always wanted to by friends with the
raven-haired boy. Harry's rejection was the reason why he hated the boy so
much. He didn’t know why he was so hurt by Harry’s refusal to be his friend
but he was and had vowed to make Potter suffer for daring to reject and hurt
him.

Once all the students were standing in front of them Richard said, "Now if
you don’t stretch before we work out, you’ll end up hurt. I want all of you
to stretch out before we start running. The running will help get you all in
good shape so you don’t get hurt when we move onto something else. After
that we are going to talk to you all about the class and the wizarding
world.”

"Will you tell us why you decided to come teach here?” Harry asked quickly
knowing he hadn’t been told something. He couldn’t help but feel someone
should have told him the truth, he was always worried about being betrayed
when he didn’t know everything about someone.

"Yes. Now everyone line up in a single row. We are going to jog around the
perimeter of the school only six times since it’s the first class.” Justin
said seriously as he moved to stand at one side of the group.

Everyone let out a sigh of annoyance not looking forward to the first part
of their lesson. They hadn’t expected an afternoon run was on their agenda
but each one knew better than to argue with the teachers. The twenty-six
students lined up in single file and waited for the signal.

One hour later, the run was over and the students were giving the teachers
looks of amazement. The pair were acting as if the run was just a pleasant
stroll in the park while all but two of the students were trying to catch
their breath.

Draco Malfoy looked at his partner and smirked, amused that the boy was
still trying to catch his breath. To think this was the saviour of the
wizarding world! As his best friend approached the blonde smiled sharing a
look of victory, he had bested Harry Potter even if it was only in something
as ridiculous as running.

"As you are all so unfit the homework is that you all have to run around the
grounds at least ten times before the next class I am expecting you all to
shave off at least thirty seconds on your running times. You will also have
a seven-page essay on the philosophy of Karate since we are going to be
teaching it to you soon. Now can you all please walk inside,” Richard said
seriously as he looked at the students who he knew probably wanted to kill
him in that instant.

"Sit down please in the pairs assigned earlier.” Justin said once they were
all standing inside the classroom. As he looked around the man was busy
thinking about what to add to the room to make it feel more like a martial
arts training room.

"Now we know you must have questions for us so please ask away. Just put
your hand up if you have a question and once we call you name you can ask us
anything.” Richard said sitting down on the teachers’ desk next to Justin.

"Yes, Hermonie?” Justin said not surprised in the least that the redhead was
the first to let her curiosity get the better of her.

"I was wondering how you came to know about Hogwarts? I don’t recognise your
names from Hogwarts: A History.” Hermonie said careful not to make her
question sound like an accusation.

"Our brothers asked us to help them with a small problem. We agreed and so
here we are.”

Disgusted at the thought of brothers having sex Pansy asked, "So are you
two brothers?”

Justin exclaimed shocked, "Gods NO! Nikias and Adam asked us to consider
them family a while ago and we agreed. We now consider them our brothers in
heart if not in blood.”

"Harry, what is your question?” Richard asked quickly wanting to get away
from an unusual topic.

"What are you two? You are not human, am I right?”

Richard nodded, "Yeah. I am half-elf and Justin is a descendent of some
Titans.”

"How old are you?” Terry asked seriously confused by the aura of pain and
weariness surrounding the couple.

"We are both eighteen, I’m the oldest although not by that much.” Richard
answered getting a little bored by the routine questions.

"Have you ever killed someone?” Blaise asked with a small laugh.

Solemnly Justin nodded, "Yes we have.”

There was a shocked silence as the information sank in and the teachers
waited for the inevitable questions. More than a few of them were wondering
why Dumbledore was allowing to murderers to teach them fighting, surely
there was a chance that their teachers could attack them? Although they had
been told by Methos and Nikias to be careful, who they told the couple knew
the students would not reveal it to anyone else.

"Can you tell us about it?” Draco asked softly seeing the look of pain in
Justin’s eyes and wanting to help remove that pain.

"She was a woman we saw shopping. We kidnapped her and killed her. Although
she wasn’t killed right away, we kept her prisoner before killing her. She
was a nice looking woman and friendly.”

"Why did you kill her?” Justin Finch-Fletchley asked wanting to understand
what would drive someone to murder another human being.

Justin imparted bluntly, "We killed her to prove our love for each other,
and because we wanted to prove it could be done?”

"Did anyone find out it was you who killed her?”

Richard nodded quickly replying, "Yes, Susan. Due to my fast healing
abilities and the work of Nikias, I’m still here. He was the one who got
Justin out of prison and made sure we were together.”

"Was that before or after you started calling them brothers?” Draco asked
confidently knowing the pair would tell the honest and bitter truth even if
it was something they didn’t want to hear.

"It was before but we feel in our hearts that Nikias and Methos are a part
of us and that we are honoured to include them in our family.” Justin said
staring into the eyes of the students, trying to make them see what he saw
when he looked at his brothers.

Richard said quickly, "I think that’s enough for now. I want you all to come
and sit around us in a circle. We are going to talk about good, evil and
neutrality. You have to learn to trust your partner because you will be
spending every one of our lessons together and probably all of our brothers’
classes as well.”

"Harry, you are known as the saviour of the wizarding world. So do you have
an opinion of good and evil?”

"I think Voldemort is evil. He always has been.” Harry answered confused as
to why the blonde teacher was asking him such a ridiculous question.

Justin retorted, "Tom Riddle is a product of his upbringing really. He never
knew his family and was raised in an orphanage were he was abused. No one
came to help him and he started to believe all Muggles were dangerous and
would only hurt wizards. No one helped him adjust to the wizarding world and
no one punished his abusers. Did you know that he only became Voldemort
after losing the woman he loved? Muggles killed her after they discovered
her powers. He wasn’t able to help her because of the ban on underage magic
and by the time the authorities got involved she was already dead.”

Seeing the boy was starting to listen to him Justin continued solemnly,
"Harry, imagine yourself in his position. You have been raped and beaten by
Muggles all your life but no one came to help you. When you get into the
wizarding, world you are an outsider and no one believes you after you tell
them about the abuse. Finally, you fall in love with a woman called Kelly
who truly understands you. You tell her about what happened but she does not
pity or hate you. She agrees to marry you. One night when you are asleep,
you have a vision about your love being beaten and killed by Muggles. You go
to see your favourite teacher called Albus Dumbledore. He doesn’t help and
says you are just imaging things so you have no way of rescuing her. You try
to leave the school but there are too many anti-magic shields. You are
sedated at Dumbledore’s behest after he says you are suffering from a lack
of sleep and hysteria. After twelve hours have passed you manage to make
someone believe you, you go to the place your love is laying. You arrive in
time to see her die. Tell me, Harry who would you blame for her death? Would
you blame Dumbledore for not believing you and sedating you so you cannot
help her? Is the Ministry to blame for not allowing you to apparate to her
even though you know her location? Would you blame the Muggles who killed
her and took away your other half?”

"I would blame all of them and I would want to avenge her death.” Harry
admitted quickly knowing it was the truth.

"Exactly. Truthfully, he has gone slightly insane but I would probably do
the same in his position. I guess most people would, ” Justin said while
gently squeezing his lover’s hand.

"So are you a supporter of Voldemort?”

"No Sarah, I’m neutral. I can see qualities in both sides that I support.”
Justin admitted ignoring the looks of anger on the faces of the Gryffindor
students, he was shocked to see a look of understanding on Harry’s face.
Perhaps there was hope for the boy to become the man he had the potential to
be.

"Its unusual to find someone who is truly neutral in a war.” Terry said
amazed at their naivety since it was impossible to stay neutral in a war, as
each side would assume on the other’s side.

"We will teach you how to fight but the most important thing we can teach
you is to survive. Richard and I have used some slightly immoral methods to
fight but we didn’t care about using them. I don’t care what you have to do
to survive or the price you have to pay as long as you survive. You are no
good to your friends and side if you are dead!”

Looking up at the pale teacher Harry questioned warily, "Did you tell the
truth when you said I was supposed to be in Slytherin, Justin?”

"Of course, why would I lie about that?”

"Perhaps you are right but how could the Sorting Hat lie?” Harry ventured
not wanting to upset his teacher in case the man refused to answer him.

Rolling his eye at the ridiculous question Justin explained patiently, "You
were desperate to go into Gryffindor and the Hat wanted you to be happy. The
hat told someone what it had done but was told if he would be destroyed if
he told the truth.”

"What would suggest I do now? What if I no longer belong in Slytherin?”

Seeing the strain of teaching was getting to his partner Richard decided to
answer, "Ask to be resorted and the Sorting Hat will place you were you
truly belong. Do not fight the hat this time and open your mind so it can
discover where you truly belong,”

"Harry, don’t listen to them. You don’t belong with those bastards!” Ron
protested angrily while holding onto his friend’s arm.

Giving a Mona Lisa smile Harry calmly proposed, "We’ll see what the Sorting
Hat says. I would have asked about being resorted years ago but I didn’t
know it could be done.”

"Harry, you can come with us after class to see some friends of ours who
will help. Draco, Blaise, and Hermonie are going to join us as well, it
shouldn’t take long. You can have dinner with us.”

The four students nodded while Ron Weasley glared at the two new teachers
feeling betrayed at his exclusion to attend the meeting. He was Harry’s best
friend and the only one who could be trusted to help Harry. He knew the pair
were lying about his friend’s sorting, Harry belonged with him and that
meant in Gryffindor.

"That’s it for today then. You can all leave now but remember to do your
homework. Anyone who doesn’t will be serving detention for one hour with the
two of us.” Justin said commandingly ignoring the dismayed groans. He felt
it was only fair considering the age of the students in question, they had
no reason to neglect their studies.

Once everyone but the four students had left, Justin took the opportunity to
examine the quartet in detail. He wanted to trust them but he felt there was
something he was missing. From what he had been told by Snape and his own
visions these four were some of the most intelligent, creative, and loyal
students in the school but each one had darkness in their soul that was
waiting to be unleashed.

"Pick up your things and come with us. It’s time to talk some people who
might be able to fix the problems in this school.” Justin said seriously,
placing an arm around his lover’s waist as he waited for the students to
sort themselves out.

Minutes later Justin and Richard started walking out of the classroom
leaving the four no choice but to follow. The four students looked at each
other in confusion not knowing why they had been singled out or what exactly
needed fixing. Was there something wrong with each of them? If so could it
be cured?

End Part 15



Part 16

"This is one fucked up dream." Draco Malfoy mumbled as he waked towards the
Gryffindor part of the school, working hard to quell the compulsion to
scream for answers.

The nimble blonde had never imagined there would be a day when he would
willingly walk into the Gryffindor tower but then he had never imagined
having Harry Potter as one of his housemates either. The only obvious
conclusion was that it was all a screwed up dream or possibly a result of
poisoning on the orders of the insane Voldemort.

Draco had freely admitted to himself and his best friend Blaise that he
wanted power but that didn't mean he was going to follow some insane
obviously suicidal wizard. It was obvious the Dark Lord had lost his mind
since the wizard had actually given Harry Potter his wand back during one of
their fights. Even he knew that in a fight to the death you didn't give your
opponent a weapon, you incapacitated them while you had the chance. If
Voldemort had done that to a Slytherin, the idiot would be dead by now but
apparently, Harry had been infected by the noble, moronic attitude of the
Gryffindors or possibly Dumbledore.

Humming the latest Weird Sisters song loudly, Draco shared an amused grin
with his best friend before the Blaise started whistling the same tune. As
Draco had planned it caught the attention of the students lining the
hallways. The students stared perplexed at the sight of the two enemies
Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy walking companionably side by side.

Beside him, Harry couldn't help but worry as he walked towards the
Gryffindor tower. He didn't know how his friends were going to treat him now
it had been revealed that he was in the wrong house. He had suspected as
much for years. Now all he had to do was try to get Dumbledore to let him be
resorted. Now the Gryffindors knew he was a Slytherin at heart his life was
over, he knew his friends hated all Slytherins simply because of their
house.

The only exception was Neville who had been openly dating both Blaise Zabini
and Terry Boot for the last three months. Neville was treated like dirt by
his own housemates, having been tripped up and banged into over fifty times
since his relationship started. Neville had taken it upon himself to learn a
number of healing charms for his own safety. No one knew that Harry had
known about the relationship between the trio, but had kept secret for
months even creating an illusion of Neville in the dorm so no one would know
his friend was sleeping in the Slytherin dungeon.

Harry was still shocked at Blaise's promise to help him if he needed it
saying he now owed Harry a wizard's debt that duty demanded be paid. All
Harry had asked for was for Blaise to make sure Neville was happy; Harry
knew personally how fleeting happiness could be.

While the six walked down the hall, four of them in wary confusion Justin
tried to slow down the visions assaulting his mind. He had to make sense of
everything before it tore him to pieces. There was no way he could tell
Harry or Draco what was going to happen to them but he knew it was for the
best. With a quick glance at his lover Justin grinned happily, looking
forward to spending time with Richard away from everyone.

"We're here. Keep quiet until we've explained the situation." Justin said
sparing a look at the four obviously worried students before knocking on the
door.

Opening the door Nikias beamed at his brothers, "Hey boys."

"These are the two you need, Nik." Justin explained with a brief look at
Draco and Harry.

"Great! Come on in!" Nikias joyously exclaimed as he moved back to let the
six walk inside his room.

"Please sit down and then we can explain everything," Methos instructed from
his seat next to the chessboard.

The living room was decorated in the somewhat stylish black and white style.
The walls were all painted a bright white that made the room appear large.
All the seating was made from luscious black leather while the three tables
were glass topped with silver legs. All the guests stared at the centre of
the room were there was a large table on which sat two swords, guns and a
number of daggers.

Justin sat down on the black leather sofa sitting against the back wall of
the room and reached up to pull Richard down next to him. He watched
impatiently as Draco at down on the other sofa with Blaise joining him with
an unconcerned shrug. Harry and Hermonie took the two unoccupied chairs
close to the door.

Justin said seriously, "Harry and Hermonie are in the wrong houses. Harry
should be in Slytherin while Hermonie should be in Ravenclaw. The Sorting
Hat told Dumbledore but he ignored it. Some other people in the sixth year
are in the wrong house. We need to figure out a way to get the whole of the
sixth year resorted very soon so we can leave and get the other two we
need."

Methos said calmly, "We can arrange for a resorting. All we need is five
teachers, one of whom must be a Head of House to request a resorting. Since
we are classed as, teachers the four of Sev and us should be enough. The
Sorting Hat must announce in the Great Hall that a Re-Sorting is needed."

"What did Justin mean when he said we were the two you needed?" Draco asked
with feigned disinterest.

Nikias said in a bored tone, "Thousands of years ago I was an Olympian God.
I died and returned to the world as an Immortal with the task of finding six
people needed to take over the Godhoods of six Gods who will die in the
Twilight. The Fates gave a select few the knowledge of this prophesised
quest. One of them is an old friend called Iolaus, who told me where to find
the first two. The two in question are Justin and Richard, two Immortals.
All we know is that the six people are all of impure blood, meaning they are
either demonic, Immortal or magical in nature."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"You and Harry are the next two we need. The six people in question are made
up of three couples. Justin and Richard are one; you Draco are half of the
second couple. Harry is half of the last couple."

"Have you thought about going to the hospital wing? Have you just escaped
from St Mungo's?" Blaise commented wryly.

Draco said in an awed whisper, "I think they're telling the truth. It is too
fantastical for it not to be the truth, Blaise. Who would make up something
like that?"

"Of course we are telling the truth. We have far more important things to do
than play jokes on schoolchildren." Nikias said scornfully while glaring at
Blaise who simply glared back.

"I think I'll wait until you have a dose of Veritaserum." Harry said
sceptically.

Nikias nodded understandingly, "If that's what you want. I don't suppose any
of you have some hanging around? I have some but I think you would like some
that you have made yourself."

"Actually, I have some." Hermonie admitted causing Harry to stare at his
friend in amazement having never expected such behaviour from his friend.

"Go and get it then come back here." Methos instructed grinning when the
girl eagerly ran out the door.
*******
"Here you go. Are you both going to take it?"

Nikias gave an unconcerned shrug, "If it will make you believe us then of
course we will."

"It will help." Harry said honestly as Hermonie gave the vial to Nikias.

Nikias swallowed two drops before passing the potion to his lover who
followed suit. Turning together the pair focused their attention on the
sceptical Harry Potter and waited to find out exactly what he needed to
know.

"What are your names?" Hermonie asked looking the pair in the eyes.

Nikias said softly, "My name is Nikias. Millennia ago I was known as Strife
God of Mischief."

"My true name is Methos, the Horseman of Death. Although right now I am
using the name Adam Pierson."

"The potion's working." Richard interjected with a glare at the Gryffindor
pair knowing Methos would never reveal title as Death to a room full of
people they didn't know anything about.

"Where are we, Nikias?"

"We are in Hogwarts School of Magic and Wizardry, Harry. We are in the Staff
Section of Gryffindor in our rooms."

Hermonie nodded saying, "Are the two of you in charge of collecting six
people for a prophecy?"

"Yes we are. It is part of the Twilight prophecy."

Wanting to get it all over with Harry asked, "Who are the six people you
need to collect?"

"I only know the identity of four." Methos said before rattling off the
names, "Justin, Richard, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy."

"Do you know anything about the identity of the other two, Nikias?" Blaise
asked perceptively having noticed the wording of Methos' response.

Nikias admitted, "The pair are in Sunnydale, California. One has blonde hair
and the other is a brunette."

"I think that's enough questions. How long until the potion wears off?"

Draco said quickly, "Seeing they only took a small dose only another thirty
minutes. We should go and see Professor Snape. He'll be in his rooms now."

"That sounds like a good idea." Richard said with a quick look at his
brothers, hoping they could keep quiet. He didn't want the pair to blurt out
something they might later regret.
*******
Opening the door Snape sneered, "What an interesting group (!) Please come
in, I have to know what has Mr Potter working with Slytherins."

As the group walked into the room Nikias said, "They are both needed for the
prophecy. We'll be taking them with us when we leave, Sev. Apparently the
Sorting Hat needs to resort a lot of the sixth year students, they are in
the wrong house but Dumbledore refused to fix the problem."

"Who told you this and how did they know?"

Nikias gave a brief grin answering, "Justin saw it in a vision. Harry and
Hermonie are amongst those who need resorting. Harry is actually a Slytherin
and Hermonie is a Ravenclaw. Will you call for a Resorting Ceremony with the
four of us?"

"I trust both of you with my life so if you feel it is needed, I will."
Snape answered honestly not noticing the way his students' eyes widened.

"Thanks Sev, I'm sorry for intruding on your free time especially with this
kind of problem. What are we going to do with Dumbledore?"

Snape shrugged answering, "He is a man and is capable of making mistakes.
There may be a good reason for him doing what he has done. We will find out
when we ask for a sorting. Do you want to ask now or wait until tomorrow
morning?"

Methos said thoughtfully. "We should do it now and get it over with. I plan
to leave here on Friday since we've found Harry and Draco right away."

"What if we don't want to leave?" Harry said angrily unhappy that these
strangers had taken control of his life.

Methos said seriously, "There is no reason why you shouldn't come with us.
We can teach you anything you will miss here and we won't let either of you
be hurt. You will learn exactly how to stop Voldemort if you come with us
and you will get some powerful allies."

"There's no way I can leave, Lucius wouldn't let me." Draco said anxiously
knowing it was true.

Nikias said honestly, "He'll let you come with us. I'll write and inform him
of exactly who we are. I will tell him that we are going to teach you in the
Dark Arts. Lucius knows how powerful we are and he knows we can make you
very powerful. He wants power and by allowing you to come with us, he can
get closer to the power he craves. Draco, he will not cause any problems."

"Let's go to eat then. Its time for us to call for a resorting. Are you okay
with all this Justin and Richard?"

Richard nodded at Nikias, "Yeah, we're just looking forward to going back
home to be completely honest."

"I just want to spend some time alone with Rich," Justin admitted blushing
slightly at Draco's eye roll. He couldn't help it if the only thing he
wanted was to hold Richard secure in the knowledge that his boyfriend was
going to be with him forever.

"I know how you feel babe." Richard said softly before capturing his lover's
lips and kissing the man passionately.

Coughing loudly to get their attention Hermonie blushed as she said, "We
should go for tea now before we miss it. The rules are fairly strict about
everyone attending meals unless they are excused by their head of house or
for medical reasons."

"Sorry about that we just got caught up in the moment." Richard said keeping
tight hold of Justin knowing just how easily embarrassed the brunette was
with public displays of affection.

"Don't worry about it boys, just enjoy being together." Nikias said
seriously glaring at the others to stop them saying anything. He knew how
important it was to cherish the time you got to spend with your lover even
Immortals had to live with the knowledge that their loved one could die,
admittedly the risk was considerably less than that of a mortal but it still
existed.
*******
Harry ate in silence ignoring the questioning looks from his friends and the
glares from Seamus and Dean. He knew they felt betrayed by Harry's
acceptance that he could be a Slytherin at heart but Harry couldn't change
the way he felt. He hadn't changed but he knew many of his friends would
become enemies once he was resorted into Gryffindor.

Feeling Hermonie squeeze his hand tightly in support, Harry turned to look
at the girl smiling as confidently as possible. He wasn't going to let his
fears show, he believed Justin had only wanted to help and he knew there was
nothing he could do to change his fate. He stared in awed terror as
Professor Snape stood and looked around the Great Hall stopping to focus on
the four new teachers before nodding seriously.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I respectfully request a resorting of the Sixth
Years. The Sorting Hat and my own research has indicated that a resorting is
needed."

"I see. I will consent to a resorting providing your request is supported by
four other teachers. Do you have four teachers willing to support a
resorting?"

"We support a resorting." Nikias and Methos said together causing everyone
to look at the couple that had stood along with Justin and Richard.

"I saw in a vision that a resorting is needed." Justin explained on feeling
the head teacher looking at him.

Richard smiled at his lover saying, "I trust in my lover's visions and
believe a resorting is needed."

"So be it. Professor McGonagall, would you please fetch the sorting hat?"
Dumbledore said seriously causing the students watching to gasp in awe that
they were actually going to see a resorting.

McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on a stool in the middle of the room
before saying, "One by one I shall call your name. When your name is called
go to the centre of the room, please place the Sorting Hat on, and wait for
the Hat to deliver a verdict."

The sixth years nodded as one each worried about the possibility of having
to join a new house and make new friends. Everyone watched expectantly as
Hannah Abbott walked to the Sorting Hat only to be told she belonged in her
current house.

Terry Boot smiled in satisfaction as he sat on the stool waiting to be told
where he belonged. He had a few ideas himself but he wanted to see if the
Sorting Hat agreed.

"SLYTHERIN!" The Sorting Hat announced quickly taking only a minute to
choose the correct House.

Terry smiled happily as he walked over to the Slytherin table, sitting next
to his boyfriend proudly. He was were he wanted to be, he hoped the other
resorted students would be as happy in their new Houses as he was.

Harry watched in shock as Sarah Caldwell a quiet Slytherin was resorted into
Ravenclaw. The next to be resorted was Tracey Davis who was taken from
Slytherin and placed in Gryffindor. The girl did not look very happy with
her new house but Harry wondered what kind of reception she was going to get
from her new housemates. He knew how much the Gryffindors hated Slytherins.

Hermonie walked to the stool confidently already knowing were she was going
to be placed since Justin had told her earlier. She comforted herself with
the knowledge that at least Ravenclaw was friendly with both Gryffindor and
Slytherin.

Snape looked on in fear as Neville Longbottom put on the Sorting Hat, for
the first time in decades he prayed. He didn't want Longbottom in his house;
it was bad enough that Harry Potter was going to be placed in Slytherin.

"I see you have discovered that you do not belong in Gryffindor. I am
pleased to see you have found true love though. Now you are ready for your
true house," The Sorting Hat said to Neville calling out to the room,
"SLYTHERIN!"

Neville grinned happily as he ran over to the Slytherin table where he was
passionately kissed by both his lovers. He smiled at his fellow Slytherins
who murmured congratulations before turning back to the watch the drama
unfold.

Jane Matthews and Adrian Moon were both removed from Hufflepuff and placed
in Gryffindor. The room watched as the couple screamed for joy on realising
they would stay together.

"Harry Potter!" Professor McGonagall called out before giving the dark
haired boy a reassuring smile. She was confident the boy wouldn't be
resorted since he displayed so many of the clearly Gryffindor traits.

The Sorting Hat said sadly inside Harry's mind, "I see you have discovered
the truth. I am sorry for not placing you where you belong but I only wanted
you to be happy. However the time has come for me to correct my mistake."

"SLYTHERIN!" The Sorting Hat called out proudly causing the Gryffindors to
gasp in amazement.

Ron Weasley looked at his former best friend in disgust, it was obvious to
him that Harry was no longer the boy he called friend. Perhaps Harry had
never been his friend since the black haired boy had obviously been lying to
him for years. There was no way he could be friends with a Slytherin, the
whole house was evil. Harry had obviously joined with Voldemort, as his
mother had feared.

Harry ignored the intense whispered speculation as he walked over to the
Slytherin table, warily watching as Draco Malfoy stood. He stared into
Malfoy's eyes knowing this moment was going to determine the nature of their
relationship for the rest of their lives.

"Welcome to Slytherin, Harry. Please take a seat next to me," Draco said
seriously while holding out his hand.

"Thank you for accepting me." Harry said as he shook the offered hand before
sitting down as gracefully as possible.

The remainder of the sixth year students went silently to the Sorting Hat
but only one person was resorted. Dean Thomas was removed from Gryffindor
and placed in Hufflepuff causing, the boy to look around in confusion. It
was obvious Dean had never imagined leaving his friends or house.

"The resorting is complete. All students that have been resorted can be
excused from dinner to take their belongings to their new house. Will one
student from each house please show the new housemates to their new houses?"

Draco Malfoy stood up deciding it was best that he show the new Slytherins
to their rooms. At the Gryffindor table Ron Weasley stood up not looking in
Harry's direction. Michael Corner from Hufflepuff stood silently, as did
Isabel McDougal from Ravenclaw. All four looked at their head of house
before leaving the room, their new housemates following in silence.
*******
"This is great!" Neville said excitedly overjoyed that he was now with both
of his lovers; he hated having to spend so much time away from Terry and
Blaise. At least the Slytherin housemates were more accepting of alternative
sexualities, the Gryffindors had treated him like a pariah because he was
gay.

Keeping one arm around the smaller man's waist Terry nodded, "I know, babe.
At least we won't have to sneak around as we used to. It's weird that the
Sorting Hat placed both of us in Slytherin though. It saves me and Blaise
from having to kill the Gryffindors I suppose."

Once the group arrived at the Gryffindor tower Draco and Terry remained
outside while the two former Gryffindors collected their belongings. As they
waited the pair warily looked around knowing the Gryffindors would be very
angry now they had lost two of their number.

Terry asked hesitantly, "Can Neville and I room with Blaise, Draco?"

"I assumed you would be. Don't worry I'm sure everyone will like both of
you. Harry's the one who might have problems." Draco replied confidently. It
was rare for the Slytherins to accept outsiders but both Terry and Neville
were accepted since the first day the pair had walked into the Slytherin
common room and had made a sincere effort to become friends with the
Slytherins.

"We're ready to go." Harry said causing the pair to look over where he and
Neville stood waiting.

Draco looked them over for a few seconds before saying, "Okay, we'll put
everything in the rooms and then you three will have to see Professor Snape.
He'll go through the rules of Slytherin. After you've met him we will
introduce you to the Slytherin house formally."

"That sounds good." Terry said as he wrapped his arm around his boyfriend
leading the way towards the dungeons in silence.
*******
"Welcome to Slytherin House, Harry, Neville and Terry. There are a few rules
Slytherins have followed for years that I expect you to follow. The most
important is that we do not have arguments amongst ourselves were anyone
else can hear. Slytherins do not put each other down in public; we have to
present a united front. I teach a special duelling and defence class only
for the members of my house. It is voluntary but I think it would be a good
idea for you to join. Since you are in my house I expect all of you to be
good at potions, to that end I've appointed a student teacher for you all.
Blaise and Pansy will teach Neville and Terry, Draco will be teaching
Harry."

"When do you want us to start our classes?" Terry asked taking control of
the situation since his lover was extremely nervous around the teacher.

"The next class is next Tuesday at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. I know the rest of
our house will help you prepare." Snape answered thoughtfully with a brief
look at Harry who he knew wouldn't be there for the extra lessons but then
if Nikias' guesses were correct Harry would be a God once the prophecy was
completed and as such would no longer need lessons in magic.

Nikias had confided that he believed the six people he was supposed to
gather would become gods taking over the Godhood of those Gods who had died
in the Twilight. The Immortal had said it was inevitable that some of his
family would be dead it was just a matter of who. Methos had theorised that
the Gods who died would be the one no one believed in or of who represented
facets of human nature that people no longer felt.

"Now I want you all to go to the common room where Draco will introduce you
to the house and organise your room assignments." Snape said seriously with
a pointed look at the front door.

"We'll see you later, Sir." Neville said respectfully as he walked out of
the room heading to the Slytherin Common Room in a daze his boyfriend next
to him while Harry walked slowly behind them.

Harry was busy thinking about the possibility of having to cope with being
essentially forever bonded to some person he didn't even know. What if he
hated whoever his match was? He couldn't help but envy Justin and Richard
who had obviously been involved before they discovered they were part of a
prophecy. The couple had it easy compared to him and Draco, who had no idea
who or even what type of creature they were bonded to eternally. It could be
some sort of demon and they had no choice from what Nikias had said.
*******
Draco impatiently waited outside the common room for the three teens knowing
their talk with Snape should be over since Snape had a meeting with his
lover who just happened to be Draco's mother, Narcissa. Since the age of
four, Draco had known his real father was Severus Snape and that his mother
was having an affair with the teacher. His mother had told him not to reveal
the truth of his parentage and he had remained silent. Lucius still believed
himself to be Draco's father and if Lucius found out, he would kill Draco,
Narcissa, and Severus.

Since both Lucius and Severus were both, demonic in nature the elder Malfoy
hadn't discovered the true nature of Draco's parentage. Draco had a spell on
him from the time of his birth to disguise him until he reached the age of
seventeen, which would happen in two weeks, as he was one of the oldest in
his school year.

At dawn on his seventeenth birthday Draco would assume his true appearance,
his father had said the changes would be his hair colour changing to black,
his face becoming angular, and his build becoming wirier. Draco had decided
that since he wasn't going to be in Hogwarts when the changes hit he would
have to tell Nikias, Methos, Justin, Richard and Harry the truth about his
parentage so they didn't freak when he changed. He would ask them all to
meet him at seven the following morning giving them plenty of time to talk.

Draco looked up at the sound of footsteps approaching and relaxed on
recognising the footfalls of Harry. He was never going to tell anyone that
he actually recognised the dark haired boy's footsteps but then he would
also never reveal that he had been infatuated with Harry for six months
during the previous school year. It wasn't too surprising since the blonde
had essentially been in heat for six months; it was inherited from his Veela
mother. During his heat period, he had focused entirely on one person, Harry
Potter. Unlike most Veelas, he had been able to control himself to the
extent that he did not actually seduce Harry. Draco had not wanted to take
advantage of the boy knowing Harry wouldn't be able to resist as very few
people had the ability to resist the mating heat of a Veela.

Draco smiled softly at the three, "Welcome back guys. Come inside and I'll
give you a brief introduction to the house before escorting you all to your
rooms."

Draco muttered the password before walking into the common room feeling the
anxious group close behind him. As he had instructed the rest of the house
was waiting in the common room for his speech. He was the unofficial leader
of the house with Blaise and Pansy his second in commands. The room fell
silent as the four walked to the middle of the room.

"Fellow Slytherins, we discovered today that a small number of people in the
sixth year were placed in the wrong house by the Sorting Hat. Today that
grave injustice was rectified when three true Slytherins were placed in the
house they truly belong in, Slytherin! Our three new Slytherins are Harry
James Potter, Neville Longbottom, and Terry Boot. I expect all of you to
welcome them warmly. If you cause these three any problems then you will
automatically face myself in a duel. Do any of you have questions?"

"I have one, how did the Sorting Hat make the mistake in the first place?"
Graham Pritchard questioned suspiciously having been told the Hat could not
be spelled.

Draco answered honestly, "Those placed in the wrong house were either done
so because they already had friends in that house, because they refused to
open themselves up or because the Sorting Hat was working on the information
of Dumbledore. Harry was placed in Gryffindor because he argued with the Hat
refusing to be placed in Slytherin because he had friends in Gryffindor.
Neville fought the Hat meaning it couldn't get an accurate read on him and
Terry already had friends in his old house."

"Myself, Draco and Snape will vouch for all three of them! On another topic
we have to expect a cold attitude from Gryffindor and a possible attack."

After Blaise had finished speaking Draco nodded, "That's right so all of
those in the third year or below are not allowed to go anywhere unless you
are in a group of three. I don't trust the Gryffindors not to attack so I am
running an extra defence class. It will be taught by the sixth years. Just
remember that if you are going to break rules or fight with someone, do not
get caught. Have a backup plan and an alibi ready just in case. If you are
caught take the punishment quietly and do not implicate anyone else. I want
all of you to listen to the rumours and report them back. Blaise, Daphne,
and Millicent are in charge of communication so tell them right away. Pansy,
Gregory, and Vincent are in charge of tactics like normal so tell them if
you hear about any attacks. I am in charge of potions and healing with Helen
as my second. Adrian if you have any visions, write the in your journal and
tell me ASAP. That is it for now, dismissed."

Harry could only gape at the blonde in confusion, never having imagined
Draco essentially ran a war committee of Slytherins in case something could
go wrong. It was rather scary and he wondered what sort of home life the
Slytherins had that meant they could accept this as normal. Was it possible
that the Slytherins had lives as miserable at home as he?

His tone making it clear that it was an order Draco said, "Harry, Neville,
Terry and Blaise all come with me please as we sort out the room
arrangements."
********
"Take a seat and I'll explain the rooming plans." Draco said to the four as
they sat in the boys dorm that was empty apart from the five of them.

Once everyone was comfortable Draco seriously explained, "I assumed the
three lovebirds would be rooming together so I've arranged for you to have
the bedroom Snape had installed for himself in here. It is bigger than all
the other private rooms so it should be perfect for you. All you have to do
is take it the current password is Raven, change the password when you get
there."

"Drake, thank you for doing this. You'll never know how much it means to
me," Blaise said seriously as he kissed the side of his best friend's face,
grinning when both of his lovers copied him.

"Come on, loves. Its time to sort out our room." Terry said while standing.
He waited for Neville and Blaise to do the same and wrapped an arm around
both of their shoulders.

Draco and Harry both watched slightly jealous as the threesome walked out of
the room so obviously in love with one another. The watchers wondered if
they would feel the same about their supposed destined mates.

"Harry, you are going to be sharing a room with me. Once we are in the fifth
year all Slytherins are moved into new rooms that they have to share with
someone. Now I was sharing with Blaise but since he has his own room, you
will be rooming with me. I don't know if Snape told you but we also have a
rule about sexuality. People can sleep with whomever they like in our house.
Normally at least half of the Slytherins in each turn out to be gay or
bisexual. Multiple partner relationships are very common here so don't be
shocked if you hear or see a group of people together."

"That's fine with me. I really don't care who people sleep with me." Harry
admitted shocked at how accepting the Slytherins were since homophobia
seemed to be common in the wizarding world.

"Great, now I have something to ask you. Could you please meet me at
Professor Snape's room tomorrow morning at seven? I have a few things that
you, Nikias, Methos, Justin and Richard need to know before we leave for
California."

"Of course. You aren't ill are you?" Harry asked nervously, not liking the
blonde's tone. It was as if Draco was almost afraid of telling whatever it
was that he needed to reveal.

Draco chuckled answering, "No, but what I have to tell you is very important
and must be kept secret. You'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out what
it is."

"Okay. So can you show me to our room?" Harry said changing the subject in
case it made the blonde uncomfortable. The last thing he wanted was for the
Slytherin leader to hate him, he had just seen the power and respect the
blonde commanded.

With a small nod Draco lead the way to the room stopping on the way to say
hello to a few of the younger Slytherins who still looked decidedly
uncomfortable with Harry's presence. He knew it would take some time for
everyone to get used to the former Gryffindor Golden Boy but he wasn't going
to let anyone abuse a fellow Slytherin while he was the leader of their
house. Reaching the room the blonde whispered the password before walking
inside and sitting on his bed, turning to watch Harry's expression when he
saw the room.

The room was decorated in the Slytherin colours of green and silver but
there were a number of pictures on the walls depicting famous historical
wizarding monuments and sites of famous battles. On the west wall there was
a large bookcase that was completely full, Harry had never seen so many
books together outside of a library. Harry estimated the number of books to
be around four hundred, he wondered how Draco found the time to read all of
those books and still get top marks in most of his subjects. The middle of
the room was dominated by a large round oak table on, which sat a vase of
yellow roses and two black books book titled "1000 Deadly Potions and Their
Antidotes" and "Healing Potions and Magic Throughout Time."

Harry looked at the books slightly worried about what it said about his
roommate. He wondered if it meant Draco had murderous tendencies or if it
meant that the older teen was merely looking for ways to help other people
since the both books could be considered beneficial.

Reaching into his pocket Harry took out the reduced size suitcases and
placed them on the floor. Taking his wand from his pocket the black haired
teen pointed at his suitcases saying, "Engorgio!"

He watched in satisfaction as his belongings returned to their normal size.
He looked at Draco to find out where he was supposed to put everything
smiling when the blonde instantly started talking. It was as if Draco was
reading his mind!

Draco walked over to the table saying, "You can have the wardrobe and
drawers on the south side. If that's not enough room let me know and you can
have the third wardrobe. Right now I'm just using it for storage since I
can't get all my books on the shelves."

"I don't think I'll need another wardrobe but thanks for the offer." Harry
replied before starting to organise his clothes, books, and supplies.

Sitting down Draco contented himself with catching up on his reading wanting
to be prepared in case the quest he was suddenly involved in turned out to
be dangerous. He wasn't going to let anyone suffer because he hadn't
practised his healing magic but since he had been the resident Slytherin
Healer since he was fourteen Draco was confident he had mastered the common
healing spells.

While he was working, the blonde mentally contacted his father, /Dad, can
you ask Nikias and Methos to go to your room tomorrow morning at seven.
Since they like you, they might agree easier than if I ask them./

Severus Snape answered quickly, /Of course. I take it you are going to ask
Justin and Richard yourself?/

/I will go and see them in about an hour once I've finished my reading./
Draco replied before closing the mental connection.
********
Richard was lying on the sofa with his arm around his beautiful brunette
lover as he tried to figure out just what was making him feel so on edge. He
didn't know why but he had a feeling that something was going to happen soon
and whatever it was would be bad. He just hoped whatever it was wouldn't
hurt Justin.

Justin purred slightly at the feel of the well-known hands running through
his hair. He could happily spend forever like this, the two of them so in
sync with each other that they even breathed together. Justin knew he would
have to speak to his brothers about what kind of troubles they could face in
Sunnydale.

What was worrying Justin the most was the chance of Draco and Harry having
to marry some creature they hated. They could be forced to marry an abusive
bastard and there was nothing anyone could do about it. Justin knew he was
lucky because he had been in love with Richard before the prophecy, he
didn't know how he would have reacted had he been in the boys' position.

It was entirely possible that the pair would instantly fall in love with
their chosen mates once they met them as Justin had fallen for Richard. He
had known from the instant they met that Richard was the one he wanted to be
with for the rest of his life. Of course, it had been a lot more difficult
to actually gather the courage to approach the blonde. He thanked whatever
deities looked after terrified, lovesick teens that he had made that move
though.

Justin admitted, "I feel sorry for them. Harry and Draco's whole lives have
been changed without warning and they are losing everything they knew.
Imagine how they must feel knowing they are going to be with someone they
don't even know for the rest of their lives."

Richard nodded in understanding saying softly, "I know at least we loved
each other before all the prophecy craziness started. Draco and Harry will
have to be forever bonded, married whatever you want to call it with people
they've never even seen. Their chosen mates could be some grotesque,
human-devouring demon."

"Yeah but their mates could also be the nicest people in the world. We
should be there for them; it's a scary situation to be in. Remember how
scared we were at first when we found each other?"

Smiling fondly at the memories the brunette's words called to mind Richard
said, "I remember but we didn't have anyone to speak to. I think it made us
closer though because we only had each other to talk with about our fears."

"There is that, love. Do you feel like taking a walk around the grounds?"
Justin stood up stretching slightly before grinning down at his lover who
was still lying down.

Reaching out a hand for Justin to pull him up the blonde drawled, "Sure.
Remind me to ask Methos and Nik about this Sunnydale we are going to. I'm
not going somewhere that could hurt you without knowing about it."

As they were about to walk out of the room there was a loud knock causing
the pair to look at each other. With a sigh, Richard walked over to the
answer the door while the other man took a seat figuring they may be a
while.

"Oh hi, Draco. Is everything okay?" Richard said concerned when he saw the
nervousness in the young blonde wizard's eyes.

"Can I come in?" Draco asked hesitantly not wanting to interrupt at a
special moment.

Richard nodded and moved back saying, "Come in and take a seat. Do you want
a drink or anything?"

Draco sat on the armchair turning to face the pair as he answered, "I'm fine
thanks. I was wondering if you would meet me at Professor Snape's room
tomorrow morning at seven? I need to talk about a few things before we
leave."

Richard looked at his partner seeing the man nod he answered, "Of course
will be there. How are you feeling about the prophecy?"

Draco answered bluntly, "I'm kind of scared about it to be perfectly honest.
I don't want to get married and knowing my look, I would end up with some
abusive asshole. There isn't anything I can do about it is there?"

Justin said sadly, "Not really from what my brothers have said none of us
have a choice, it's the reason we exist in the first place. It could be
worse though, at least you know there's no chance of having to marry
Voldemort."

"There is that I suppose. How long have you been together?"

Justin squeezed his lover's hand tenderly answering, "Nine months ever since
I kissed Rich one day when we were studying together. We've gone through a
lot but I wouldn't change anything. It has made us closer than we ever
imagined being, we feel as if we are one."

Draco drawled dejectedly, "It must be nice to have that. I'm going back to
my room now, I've got a lot to study."

"We'll see you later." Justin said while his love echoed his words saying
goodbye.

Draco nodded at the pair as he walked out the room working hard to bury his
jealously of the pair. He had never loved someone as much as Justin and
Richard appeared to love each other but he wanted that. He wanted someone
that would love everything about him and accept his secrets without hating
him. He didn't think there was any chance of finding it seeing how his
future was an arranged marriage and he didn't think he could love someone
without being friends with them first. He wondered what his chosen mate
would think of it, would whoever it was hate him for ruing their life? It
wasn't as if he actually wanted this, he was quite happy with his life the
way it was. He was going to move in with his father on his seventeenth
birthday, he hadn't spent much time at Snape Manor but he the time he had
spent there was full of joy and laughter unlike the Malfoy Manor he had
lived in for years.
*******
"I want to thank you all for coming. I'm sorry for making you all wake so
early but I didn't want anyone to overhear what I have to tell you." Draco
said as he looked around the room at assorted bleary-eyed people.

Methos and Nikias were sitting together on the sofa wide-awake while next to
them sat the younger immortal couple who were looking decidedly half asleep.
Harry was looking at Draco nervously wondering what was so important and
hoping Draco was okay. Snape was sitting in a black chair calmly drinking a
cup of mint tea.

Draco sighed saying, "To make a long story short my appearance has been
changed by the strongest form of magic blood magic. My mother did the spell
when I was merely days old to protect herself and me from Lucius. My mother
knew once he discovered that he was not my father he would kill all of us."

"Who is your father?" Harry asked suspiciously wondering why Snape, Nikias,
and Methos didn't look shocked at this announcement.

Draco smiled softly saying, "My father is Severus Snape, and at dawn on my
seventeenth birthday in two weeks time my appearance will change. My hair
will turn black, my build will change, and my eyes skin will become a darker
shade. I felt it was the best thing to tell you all so that you don't panic
when I suddenly change."

Harry's mouth fell open in amazement. How on Earth had Snape managed to keep
his son a secret? He wondered what Lucius Malfoy was going to do now when he
discovered the truth, would he kill Draco, Snape and Draco's mother.

"What are you going to do after your seventeenth birthday, Draco?" Harry
asked seriously concerned that the older teen hadn't thought it through.

Draco said honestly, "My mother is leaving Lucius in a week. She will stay
in the Snape Manor and appeal for divorce at the same time. Once the divorce
is final, my father will marry my mother and I will join them in Snape Manor
once I have finished this stupid quest. I will formally inform everyone of
my true paternity as they will know right away that Lucius is not my
father."

"Thank you for telling us." Harry said honestly while wondering how no one
had detected the magic on Draco.

"Its nothing. So what is this Sunnydale like?" Draco said looking at his
father and the Immortals.

Methos said thoughtfully, "Sunnydale is a Hellmouth meaning that there is a
large demonic population. We will probably encounter a number of demons and
the Hellmouth can sometimes cause headaches in wizards. Immortals are in
particular danger on a Hellmouth because there are plenty of demons that
would happily tear the head from an Immortal to get the Quickening from
them. So we will have to be extra careful, I think there will be any major
problems though. There's a Slayer in Sunnydale who keeps the demonic
population under control on the whole."

"What is a Slayer?"

Nikias smirked, "Sorry Justin, I should have explained. The Slayer is a girl
who has supernatural strength, speed, and stamina. She has been given these
abilities because she has been chosen to fight vampires, the Demons, and the
Forces of Darkness. There is only one Slayer at a time, well there used to
be, but after the Slayer called Buffy Summers died for a few minutes,
another Slayer was called. Her name was Kendra and after she died another
girl was called. Her name is Faith, she's still alive but is currently in
prison repaying for her crimes. She murdered someone but then she was more
in touch with the darker elements of the Slayer calling. Each Slayer has
both darkness and light inside her, but she must keep these in balance to do
her duty correctly and live."

"Do you think we'll see her?" Harry asked wanting to meet someone who knew
what it was like to feel the weight of the world on you, knowing that the
survival of all the people you cared about depended on you.

Seeing the worry and excitement on their faces Methos admitted, "Probably
because she will sense our power. She will know right away that we are all
different because she can feel supernatural power. It helps her locate
potential threats."

"As long as she doesn't attack us, I don't really care about her." Richard
said with a shrug knowing that he would kill anyone who attacked his
partner.

"I don't think there's any chance of her attacking. Now I suggest we all go
back to our rooms and relax for a while before breakfast. We'll be in
Sunnydale soon enough." Methos said standing feeling his husband so the same
next to him. With a smile at the others the pair left soon followed by
everyone else making Snape happy, as he hated having to be polite so early
in the morning. He wasn't awake until he had eaten breakfast, something the
other teachers had learnt the hard way.

End Part 16



Title: Make Love, Not War 17/20
Author: Stephanie M
Email address: wicciangirl51@hotmail.com
Website:
Disclaimer: The Xena/Hercules characters belong to RenPics and whoever else
owns the rights to these characters. The characters from Highlander,
Immortality, and the head-taking thing belong to Rysher/Panzer/Davis and the
Sci-Fi channel. Characters from the film Murder By Numbers do not belong to
me, they belong to the scriptwriter and the studio, which produced the
movie. The Buffy characters are property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and
WB Network. All the recognizable Harry Potter characters belong to JK
Rowling, Scholastic Inc, and Warner Brothers.
Summary: A family feud and a strange bet results in Joxer finding his
destiny. Joxer's destiny results in nine people changing forever when the
Fates announce an old prophecy has come into play.
Fandoms: Xena/Highlander/Murder By Numbers/Buffy/Harry Potter
Notes: Seduces Me belongs to If Dreams Had Wings Music Ltd

Part 17

"How do you feel about all of this?" Draco asked the brunette boy currently
studying him. The pair of them where sitting on Draco's bed having managed
to get through the day by sticking with the rest of their house. As he had
ordered there were no complaints about Harry having joined their house, the
Slytherins had made sure not to leave Harry by himself, there was always at
last four of them with the raven haired teen.

Draco had seen the way Harry was treated by his former friends with the
exception of Hermonie and Dean. All the Gryffindors had taken it in turns to
bump into Harry or trip him up. It had taken all of Draco's restraint not to
attack the group himself but he knew all he had to do was bide his time. He
would make them pay, but he was going to do it carefully.

Harry admitted shyly, "I hate it but we can't do anything about it. I want
to marry someone I love one day, not some stranger that I know nothing
about. I'm okay with the life I have now even if I do have Voldemort out to
kill me every week."

"I'd refuse to go if my dad hadn't told me that Nikias and Methos are honest
men who have never lied to him. He believes in them and in their mission, so
I guess there is no reason for me to mistrust them."

"What will you do if you have to be married to some guy? Will you be able to
handle it, Dray?"

"As long as he isn't a complete asshole I'll be fine. I'm gay and always
have been, just like you, Harry." Draco answered coolly before he grinned,
"Since when have you called me Dray?"

Harry said defensively, "It's a nickname, I give them to a lot of my
friends. I didn't think anyone knew I was gay. I didn't want anyone to know,
I've seen how gay people are treating in the wizarding world."

Draco shrugged unconcerned as to how it might sound he admitted, "Few people
watch you as closely as I do. I have a fantasy that you and I get together,
that you fall in love with me. How ridiculous is that?"

"You have feelings for me! Why didn't you say something, Dray?"

Draco laughed hollowly, "When exactly was I supposed to do that? You acted
as if you hated me until this week. I figured it was too dangerous with
Lucius and everything. He didn't care about my being gay but he did say that
he would kill me if I got involved with anyone who was involved in fighting
against Voldemort. He said if he ever heard I was getting friendly with you,
he would use the Cruciatus curse until it killed me. Someone with demonic
blood can stand it for at least seven hours before they go totally insane or
die."

"Can I kiss you, Dray?"

Draco said sadly, "As much as I would love to feel your lips against my
skin, I will have to say no. We already know our fate and it cannot be
changed. If it weren't for our impending marriages, I would happily bind my
life to yours for eternity, Green-Eyes. "

"I feel the same way about you but then you are enchanting." Harry admitted
softly before saying with false cheer, "How about explaining some of this
medical magic to me seeing how we are going to the delightful Hellmouth?"

"It is easy really and it'd be good to have another healer on board." Draco
said with a shrug as he pointed to his chest of potion ingredients and
secret spell books.

The chest slid across the floor, silently causing Harry's mouth to fall open
at the display of wandless magic. He had never realised the blonde was so
advanced when it came to magic, it made him realise yet again just how
little he knew about Draco but that would change. He may not be able to have
the blonde in his bed but he was would have him in his life.

Draco sadly looked at the dark haired man before saying, "To perform the
more advanced healing magic you have to know the human body because you have
to have mental image of the part you are healing. There are a number of
healing spells and potions you can use in most situations without having to
know about anatomy."

"That makes sense I suppose. What's in this thing anyway?" Harry said trying
to ignore the sudden tension between them.

Draco smiled reassuringly explaining, "This chest holds all my healing
potions, ingredients, and books. I have healing potions that will heal any
injury no matter how deadly, however they take a lot of skill and time to
make. In addition to these, I have potions to heal internal bleeding, broken
bones, and punctured organs. I have a number of demonic healing abilities
that you will not be able to learn simply because they were passed to me
from my parents. I can heal almost every injury created by magic, and I can
reverse any poison."

"I had no idea you were so skilled. Have you backed your bags for our trip
to the States?"

"Yeah. I'm just taking one carry on bag since I don't want to take the
chance of something going missing. Since we're going with Magic Air, we can
take our wands and everything. Imagine what it would be like to have to do
without them."

"It would be a disaster, I have having to do without my magic when I go to
live with my Aunt and Uncle. I'm going to see Dad and say goodbye. Have you
told Granger when you're leaving?"

"Not yet. I'll go and see her while you are talking to your dad."

"Okay, I'll take you to the Ravenclaw dorms and escort you back. Even the
sixth years Slytherins are walking around in pairs. I know you can take care
of yourself but I don't trust the Gryffindors."

Harry stopped to think about what could happen before nodding his head in
agreement. It made sense not only for his protection but also for Draco. He
didn't want to take the risk of the blonde being attacked without someone
there to protect him. Standing Harry put on his trainers and brushed his
hair out of his eyes. Nodding his head at Draco, he walked towards the door,
feeling the blonde coming up behind him.
*******
Lucius read the letter he had received from his old friend and grinned
widely. His son was being given the chance to study with two of the most
renowned Dark Magic practitioners, Nikias and Adam otherwise known as Les
Chevaliers de la Mort. He had heard of the pair but had never been good
enough to become their students. In the twelve hundred years the pair were
known by the wizarding community they had only taken on six students, the
fact that his son was now their student was a major accomplishment.

He had immediately answered the letter by saying he gave consent for the
pair to teach his son and remove him from Hogwarts the next day. The school
was one of the best in the world but he knew Draco would learn more from
Nikias and Adam than he could ever learn in a school managed by Albus
Dumbledore.

Voldemort would be pleased at his news; perhaps he would even allow Draco to
take the dark mark before his eighteenth birthday. The Dark Lord normally
insisted all his soldiers were eighteen years old before he allowed them to
serve him but then there was never a boy with such potential for dark magic
as Draco.
*******
"You can leave now, I'm perfectly safe." Harry said with a smirk as he
waited outside the Ravenclaw dorms for Hermonie to appear.

Draco just raised an eyebrow at the attempts to make him leave, "I'll wait
until she turns up, if that's okay with you."

"Harry! What are you doing here?" Hermonie questioned in shock as she walked
out of the common room and stared at her friend in amazement. Harry was
standing against the opposite wall with his arm around Malfoy's waist making
her think perhaps there was another reason why her friend was now in
Slytherin.

"I need to talk to you alone."

"Come inside then, no one will say anything." Hermonie said reassuringly,
watching as her friend looked at the blonde before nodding, at which point
Malfoy started walking in the opposite direction.

"How are you getting along with your new housemates?"

Harry said thoughtfully, "I guess we're starting to become friends. No one
has complained about my joining Slytherin, at least."

"That's great. Most of the girls in my house just want to know what its like
to be friends with you." Hermonie said waiting until they were alone inside
her room to continue, "What's wrong, Harry?"

"I'm leaving in around nine hours, I thought I should let you know so that
you don't worry."

"How long will you be gone for?" Hermonie asked anxiously, not liking the
thought of her friend being alone in a strange country.

"I don't know, just long enough to find this person I'm supposed to marry.
If anyone asks I've gone to an Auror training camp, so I can learn how to
beat Voldemort." Harry said quickly having agreed on the story with
Professor Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore.

Hermonie hesitantly probed, "You and Malfoy are becoming friends. You
haven't developed some kind of feelings for him, have you? It wouldn't be a
wise move since you are both going to be with two other people fairly soon."

"Its not like either of us are ever going to forget. Dray and I are just
friends. I'm going to miss you. Is it okay if I wait here until Dray comes
for me? He made me promise to wait for him."

"It's good to see he's looking out for you. I'll miss you too, Harry."
Hermonie said kissing him on the cheek. She knew the black haired boy would
change a lot during his time away and feared they would not have anything in
common when he returned.
********
"Dad, I don't know if I can do this." Draco confessed whispering his fears
as his father held him tightly.

Snape nodded admitting, "It will be hard my Dragon and there will be many
problems but you will survive. People may scorn the Snape name but we are
survivors, we cope we things that would give normal people nightmares.
Dragon, your mother and I will always be here for you, we will always love
you no matter what happens."

"I know, Dad. I did something stupid earlier."

"What did you and Potter do this time?"

"How did you know Harry's involved?" Draco asked in amazement, how did his
dad read his mind like that.

With a weary sigh Snape voiced his concerns, "He always is when you do
something stupid. Please tell me you didn't confess your undying love to
him!"

Draco laughed, "You don't have to worry about that! I told him that I have
feelings for him, not that either of us are going to do anything about them.
We know it would be a stupid move considering our impending marriages. He
asked if he could kiss me. He was lying on my bed, with his hair falling
just over his scar and smiling at me when he asked. He just said it, as if
it was all he could think about."

"My darling Draco! Listen to me; you cannot be anything but friends with
him. Forget any fantasies you may have about the two of you ever being
together! It's for the best. You're match is a nice man, one who I'm sure
you will like."

"You know him, Dad."

"No but I know a little about him. I wasn't going to send my son off to be
married to some thing I don't know anything about. Methos and Nikias have
assured me that he is honourable and will take care of you. He loves deeply
and passionately."

"At least I know he's not a complete ogre. I'll have to go, Dad. I'm meeting
Harry so we can walk back to the dorms together, I don't want Weasel's gang
to get him."

"Please tell me the fool's not wandering around the school alone!" Snape
said groaned theatrically, making the blonde laugh at his father's
melodramatic tendencies.

"He's not Dad! He is with Hermonie Granger; she will take care of him for
now. Bye dad, I love you." Draco said hugging his father tightly. He grinned
as his dad kissed his forehead before letting him go. He knew no one would
believe how kind and gentle his father was but only a select few got to see
the black haired man's loving side.

Draco turned his face into an emotionless mask seconds before he walked out
of the room knowing better than to let anyone see anything they could
exploit. He trust the rest of the Slytherin House with the exception of his
inner court, Blaise, Vincent, Gregory, Adrian and Pansy. He trusted Neville
and Terry but as a protective measure, the Slytherin Leader had ensured the
pair did not know anything that could make Voldemort go after them. He
didn't want Blaise to lose the two people who had become everything to him,
not knowing how the brunette would survive after such a loss.

Draco stalked silently through the corridors of the school; careful to make
sure he left no trace of his outing. He wasn't supposed to be in the
teacher's quarters after nine p.m., it was a security measures introduced a
few months ago after a girl had accused a visiting teacher of assaulting
her. After two months the charges were eventually dropped. However, by that
time the teacher's reputation was in pieces due to rumours and mistakes from
his past being raked up and aired in public.

Draco was pleased to see both Granger and Harry waiting for him when he
arrived at the Ravenclaw dorms. He politely nodded at the redhead before
smiling at his friend. With a quick look around Draco decided it was safe to
talk to Granger.

"Thank you for waiting with him, Granger. Are you ready now, Green-Eyes?"

"I'm ready, Dray." Harry said waving goodbye to Hermonie as he walked over
to the blonde.

"Look after yourself, Granger." Draco said as he grabbed Harry's hand,
seconds later the pair were covered by the younger teen's invisibility
cloak, silently they walked back to their dungeons now feeling more at ease
with what was to happen.
*******
Justin looked around the plane as he made himself comfortable, the six of
them where sitting in the six-seater business section. He was sitting next
to his lover; in front of him were Draco and Harry, both of whom looked
stressed out by the situation. To Justin's left sat the sleeping Methos and
Nikias, the pair had been asleep for the last two hours, having succumbed
just an hour into the flight.

"Have you ever flown before, Harry?" Justin asked as the plane glided
through the skies. He wanted to make the wizards feel comfortable with him.

Harry looked over at the brunette who was sitting with one hand around his
blonde lover's arm. He smirked when the blonde in question glared at him for
looking at Justin; he couldn't believe how jealous Richard got whenever
anyone paid any attention to his partner.

"No, but I've always wondered what it's like. It is probably not as exciting
as flying on a broomstick. It makes me feel so free when the air rushes
through my hair." Harry said thoughtfully, thinking about how much he loved
flying, knowing he wouldn't cope if that freedom was taken away from him.

"I'll take your word for that. Now how are you both feeling about our
quest?" Justin asked taking it upon himself to get to know the pair. He felt
sorry for them knowing what it was like to lose everything; of course, to
him everything had been Richard. Harry and Draco had lost their support
system of their friends and family so Justin had decided they would have to
become the younger boys' complete support system.

Draco shrugged, "We'll do what we have to. I never expected to be happy
until I was free from Lucius anyway. How about you Green-Eyes?"

"I never thought I'd live long enough to marry anyone. You know what kind of
home life I've had, happiness was an impossible dream."

Justin reassured them, "You'll be happy, I promise. We'll take care of you
forever; you are part of our family now. Nik said we've already got
somewhere to stay, an old friend of his lives there."

"That's one thing out the way. Are you going to teach us some more fighting
moves?"

"Of course we will. How are you two at projectiles?" Justin asked wanting to
know what weaknesses the pair had.

Draco said confused, "I'm okay at archery. Why do you ask?"

Justin admitted, "Knife throwing and karate are my skills. Rich is great at
kickboxing and is a student of The Fighting Scorpion's School. He has been a
follower of the path since he was ten."

Draco couldn't believe what he was hearing The Fighting Scorpion's School
was practically unknown. The martial technique had been around for thousands
of years but no one had ever guessed its secrets. There were only ten
teachers throughout the world at any one time; the teachers only gave up
this position on death when another was appointed in their stead.

To become an initiate of you had to pass a number of potentially fatal tests
of courage, dedication, ruthlessness, stealth, and intelligence. In that
instant Draco knew, Richard was even more dangerous than he had originally
estimated. The school focused on a combination of skill, stealth, and
potions. Anyone who was a student of this way possessed the ability to
secrete an acidic poison from their skin that was fatal regardless of the
inflicted creature's species; this was the Defensive Agony Attack. The name
was perfect as it caused the opponent to feel unbearable pain until it died,
the whole process taking little more than four minutes.

"I heard it's a good school. How come you joined, Richard?"

Seeing the blonde wizard wasn't after his lover as he had assumed Richard
smiled answering, "You can both call me Rich. I joined because my grandma
insisted and my dad knew better than to upset her. She is my grandma on my
mom's side; my mom died when I was six and father remarried in less than a
year. I didn't get on with my step-mom or with my dad so my grandma was the
one who really raised me, I would go and spend months at a time with her but
she died three years ago. When she died my teacher moved to my hometown so I
could continue my lessons. She was a great woman."

"Can I ask which of your parents is an Elf?"

Richard laughed, "Neither actually, Harry. They are not my parents by blood.
I am an Immortal; all mortals who create Immortals immediately forget them
once the baby has been born. I was swapped with the stillborn child my
parents had, only my grandma knew about the switch. She told me when I was
twelve when I asked her about it. However the mortals who gave conceived me
had a large amount of godly blood and after I came back to life as an
Immortal my Elven blood kicked in but I'm getting used to everything."

"It sounds like your life is even weirder than mine. Do you miss your
parents, Rich?" Harry said knowing there was a part of him that could never
be filled. He felt as though he had been cheated since there was never a
chance for him to know his parents.

"I can't remember my mom and I didn't get along with dad. The only member of
my family I ever think about is my grandma."

"Do you know how long our flight will take?" Harry said yawning slightly.

"It'll be around fifteen hours according to Nik, he's taken this route
before. Are you worried about what we will have to do when we get to
Sunnydale?" Justin said taking care to address his question to both of them.

Draco nodded as he said, "In a way, but dad said the guy is honourable. It
means a lot to me because dad has high standards when it comes to people he
accepts. I hope I don't have to go through some bizarre ritual but if I have
to then I will. I've already given my word to do what I have to do and I
will."

In an attempt to reassure the pair Richard offered, "Nik said that you and
your partner will be drawn to each other so at least you should know whom
you are meant to be with. Justin and I are lucky as we were together for
years before we found out about this prophecy. We have been friends for
three years and a couple for almost two. Justin and I knew we loved each
other but I had a few problems saying the words. Everyone I've ever said I
love you to has left me, I thought Justin would do the same. We came up with
the Olivia plan as a way to prove our devotion and it worked."

"I'm surprised you stayed with Rich for so long if he couldn't admit his
feelings." Harry commented engagingly.

Justin laughed admitting, "We were together about eight months when it
started to make me nervous but I knew how his family had been treating him
for years so I figured he was just scared about saying the words. I knew he
loved me so I came up with this plan to make him jealous. It worked. He told
me he loved me a couple of days after he saw me kissing this girl in my
class who had a crush on me. I never even thought about letting him get
away, I knew I couldn't survive without him."

"How ridiculously romantic!" Draco said wryly before adding, "I'm going to
sleep the rest of the way. Can you wake me up when we are about two hours
away?"

"I think I'll go to sleep too. Dray, can you just relax a bit? Now I can put
my head on your shoulder." Harry said yawning slightly, the boy grinned when
Draco didn't complain and did as he asked.

"Go to sleep, Green-Eyes. We're safe here." Draco said seriously absently
running one hand through the smaller teen's hair not noticing the looks of
alarm this caused.

Richard waited until the younger boys were asleep to cover them up in a
blanket. He ignored Justin's amused smirk, he couldn't help feeling
protective of Harry and even Draco appeared to be a decent boy. The one
thing that worried him was that the boys would get too close, he didn't want
them to develop feelings other than friendship for each other, and it was
going to be difficult enough without any complications.

Nikias said softly, "They look so very young sleeping, don't they? You would
never think the world depends on them. Unfortunately it does and I'm worried
about just who they will have to worry. I only know what my dreams and the
Fates tell me. I was told that both their partners are honourable men who
will protect them with their lives. I just wish I knew their names."

"Draco and Harry will handle it, will be here ready to help them if they
need us. Do you think we need to prepare for an attack by Lucius Malfoy?"

"Not yet. Perhaps when he sees Draco has changed it will be necessary. I was
thinking we could call in and see our son Wesley after we have Harry and
Draco's intendeds. Would you like to meet some more of the family?"

"It would be great! Is he the one in L.A.?"

"Yes, in fact those in Sunnydale know him. He was stationed there a while
ago. Now I advise both of you to have a sleep. We need to be at our best for
when we arrive at Sunnydale."

Richard nodded as he gripped his younger lover's hand, grinning when Justin
pulled out a couple of blankets and covered the two of them up. He knew
there was a lot of sense in Nik's words, and he wasn't going to let Justin
spend the flight panicking about what could happen in Sunnydale. He knew
Justin would worry if given the chance but then the man had been that way
since they had met.
*******
"So this is Sunnydale, our partners are here, right?" Draco commented dryly
as he got out of the van stretching his muscles sore from the drive. He
wasn't used to being cramped in the back of van for hours but they had no
other option since Rich and Justin couldn't fly on brooms.

The group had driven for hours from Oxnard to Sunnydale and all Harry and
Draco wanted was to sleep. It was annoying to see the four Immortals
wide-awake and energetic. The wizards had spent the van journey asleep, the
pair lying next to each other and holding hands, something that worried the
Immortals.

Nikias nodded saying lightly, "The six of us will be staying in a friend's
house. His name is Ira Rosenberg. I fought in the war with his father, who
died a couple of years after Ira was born. I taught Ira how to fight and
protect himself. He is a nice guy but I haven't seen him for the last five
years. He always said I should consider his house my own. I gave him a phone
call while we were in Hogwarts, he's away on business, but he gave
permission for the six of us to stay at his home. He has a daughter called
Willow who lives in the Sunnydale University's dorms."

"Everyone back in the van and we'll drive to Ira's." Nikias said ignoring
the groans from Draco and Richard. The pair had spent most of the drive
complaining about how little space there was much to the amusement of the
others.

"Tell me why we didn't just hide out until we're needed, love?"

"I think it was the excitement and we both decided to look after the boys.
It won't be that bad, chances are we probably won't run into anything
dangerous."

"I wish you hadn't said that, Justin. You do not say anything like that on a
Hellmouth, because it inevitably happens." Methos said with a sigh wondering
just what was coming for them.

"Oops. I'll just keep my thoughts about this place to myself." Justin said
quickly as the van pulled up outside a typical suburban home.

Justin only hoped there would be plenty of room, he wanted some space alone
with Richard. The pair of them hadn't had sex together since they had died,
something they had agreed on deciding it was more important for them to
discuss their problems first. It had worked and now a lot of their problems
and fears had disappeared. Both now regarded the insecurity both held that
the other would leave as baseless. The only thing that would separate them
was a true death and even that would not last long.

"That would be a good idea. Dray and I are rooming together, is it okay?"
Harry asked not knowing how his request would be received.

"Yeah. I don't want to upset you but you do realise it wouldn't be a smart
move for the two of you to become intimate so close to your marriages."

"We know, Nik. Green-Eyes and I are just friends. Can we call in that
wizarding shop, Dad recommended, The Magic Box?"

"We will later. It's open until an hour after sunset, which means all of us
are taking our weapons with us. We are not taking the risk of strolling
around this place without any protection. Draco and Harry take your wands
but keep them hidden until you need them. Now everyone go and unpack!"

Everyone nodded at Methos' words quickly running up the stairs in
excitement. Harry grabbed hold of Draco and pulled him into one of the
larger rooms. The room was decorated in light and calming colours making
Draco wonder if the Rosenbergs were as cheerful as the room. He couldn't
imagine Nikias' friend would be so boring as Nikias seemed to enjoy
excitement.

Draco took out a small object from his pocket and placed it on the floor,
pointing his wand at it and murmuring, "Finite Incantatum!"

The chest soon grew to its normal size, causing the blonde to quickly check
through the contents. He was pleased to see nothing was damaged; all one
hundred of his potions were intact. Draco had brought twenty healing potions
of varying strength, ten burn-healing pastes, ten Confusing Concoctions, ten
Draughts of Peace that caused the person who ingested the potion to feel a
sense of peace, ten Forgetfulness Potions, ten Skele-Gro potions to help
bones grow, ten wound-cleaning potions, ten Veritaserum potions and ten
Sleeping Draughts. It wasn't much of a collection but it was designed for
emergencies only.

The young wizard still wanted to make the Hesito potion caused someone to
doubt themselves to the extent that they would not do anything unless you
told them. The spell would wear off after two days had passed. To make the
potion he would need some more Dragon blood and lovage, which his father
said could be bought from a man called Ripper Giles who owned the Magic Box.
Ripper was an old friend of his father's and was the only man to
successfully rescue someone from inside Voldemort's dungeons. With the help
of his father, Ripper had rescued his then lover, Ethan Rayne whose magic
was tainted by Voldemort's torture. His father had revealed Ripper only
still lived because he had cast a curse on himself so that if he died so did
Voldemort. The Dark Lord had such made sure all his followers kept away from
the man. The curse had not existed until Ripper created it with the aid of
Draco's dad.

"It looks like we will have to share the bed. Is that okay, Dray?" Harry
asked lowly after he had returned his belongings to their normal size. It
was rather worrying to think he would have to endure sleeping beside Draco
without giving in to his emotions, at least in Hogwarts they had separate
beds.

Draco said excitedly, "Yeah. It will take me days to make the potions I want
us all to carry. The Hesito potion has to stand for a day before I can add
the second group of ingredients."

"I'll have to take your word for that since I've never even heard of the
Hesito potion. Are you going to owl Snape?"

"I said I'd only owl if I was in danger I don't want Shadow flying so far
unless it's an emergency." Draco said shaking his head before asking
suddenly "Have you any idea why Nik and Methos are so moody today? They keep
glaring at us."

"I'm guessing it's about our marriages. Nik has been waiting for this chance
to have his family back. I know I'd do anything to have mum and dad back."

"I'm sure that wherever they are right now, they are proud of the man you
are becoming. You are a kind, loyal and determined man who is willing to
give up everything for the world your parents loved so much."

"I'm no hero, Dray. I don't want to be the one everyone is looking to for
help, they treat me as if I'm a god! They all think I'm invulnerable and I'm
not. The only reason I'm not dead right now is that other people have
sacrificed themselves because they think I'm more important. I'm just a kid
who makes mistakes and constantly messes everything up"

"You can't change the way the world sees you but have to realise that you
are our best hope. I know you're a stubborn bastard sometimes but I also
know that you have the strength, power, and passion needed to win. Don't
worry, I'll always be here to remind you of your humble roots, Green Eyes."

"Thanks, Dray." Harry said watching as his friend perfected the room with
little more than a wave of his hand. He was still amazed at Draco's strong
wandless magic ability.
*******
Having finished unpacking their bags, Justin was lying on the bed in his
blonde lover's arms wishing he could get rid of the itchy feeling in his
neck. He knew it wouldn't go away completely although he had discovered that
focusing on his feelings for Richard made the feeling abate slightly.

Justin said honestly, "I don't like this, Rich. All I'm getting from this
place is bad feelings. It's as if we are stranded in a sea of evil. This was
a terrible idea."

"What exactly are you getting? Any visions or just feelings?" Richard asked
anxiously knowing he should have insisted on the pair of them staying in the
relative safety of Hogwarts instead of gallivanting around the world.

"Just feelings right now, almost as if we are being tested. It is as if we
are being judged by a higher power, I don't know if this power works for
good or evil. The only thing in this town is death and it is stalking us."

"Do you want to stay here while the guys go shopping? It would be safer and
I'm sure they wouldn't mind. It would give us some time alone, Justin. I'll
tie you up in chains like you've been begging me to do, then I'll fuck you
so hard you will feel me inside you for days."

"Maybe later, babe. Right now, it is important that we go with them; we need
to know as much about this place as possible in case there's any trouble. I
want us to become close friends with Draco and Harry, which means we have to
start spending time with them, just hanging out."

"If you say so though I don't think they'll find discussing murders of the
last three centuries as interesting as we did. I'll pick up some of that
cherry lube you love so much on the way back tonight."

"I can't wait to fuck you. I love the rapture on your face as you ride my
cock. The little moans and whimpers you make are wonderful, I could come
from just hearing you talk easy but then I already have before. Remember
that night I was grounded and you phoned me? The sound of you moaning
hungrily as you touched yourself and the pictures you created in my mind
made me come without even touching myself."

"I remember...I need you so much that night. I had a wonderful dream of you
sucking my cock with that gorgeous mouth of yours, while one of your hands
played with my ass. I just had to phone you up and listen to you, to feel a
connection to you even if it was just through a phone line."
*******
"Everyone got their weapons and wands?" Methos asked looking at his four
young charges, doing his best to reassure them. He knew they were nervous
about this town and he couldn't blame them.

Everyone knew a Hellmouth was the most dangerous place in the world for
immortals and wizards since so many demons resided on the Hellmouth. There
were many species of demons that fed on the quickening of Immortals or on
the innate magic inside every wizard and many of those demons lived on
Hellmouths since the portal gave them a high supply of the energy they
needed to live.

Looking around at his friends Justin nodded, "We are ready, Methos."

"Okay, let's go then. Oh, call me Adam when we are outside." Methos answered
before opening the door.

The six walked in silence through the streets of Sunnydale, each one aware
of the eerie silence that filled the night. What amazed Draco and Harry was
that the few people on the streets walked in silence, their heads down.
Having heard how dangerous the town as both felt it was ridiculous for the
people to be so oblivious to their surroundings. Draco was about to ask
Methos what made everyone so helpless in the town when the man stopped.

Methos looked around gathering his friends closer as he said, "We're here!
Now I have a warning, do not touch anything in the shop. Many of the items
in there can hurt you if you use them wrong. Treat everything with respect
and ask us if you want to buy anything. That doesn't apply to potion
ingredients for you, Draco. I know you are a potions Master in your own
right. Now the lecture is over we can go in."

Nikias decided to walk in first with the wizards next followed by Justin and
Richard with Methos at the rear protecting the group from any attack. The
Magic Box was a typical magic shop; the one unusual thing was the numerous
protection spells on the place. Looking closer Nikias could see there was a
uninvited spell that was keyed to allow two vampires to enter, most unusual.

"Hello. My name is Draco, is Ripper Giles here?" Draco said politely to the
blonde at the counter. He was unnerved by the anxious look the girl gave
him, as if he was a danger. Feeling the girl summoning power, Draco acted
instinctively and waved his hand in Harry's direction, making sure the
brunette was protected.

"Who are you?" The girl asked narrowing her eyes at him.

"My name is Draco Valerian Snape. I am here to buy some magical supplies and
to give a message to Ripper Giles from my father Severus Snape. Can you
please inform him I am here?"

"I'll get him for you." The girl answered not moving from her spot.

Seconds later a man walked out from the back of the shop. The man's posture
was defensive as if he was used to fighting, he had an air of magic around
him that made Draco smile softly. His grin widened as the sandy haired man
walked to the counter and regarded him coolly.

"Hello, Ripper Giles. My name is Draco Snape. My dad recommended I buy my
supplies from here. He said that I was to tell you, your wizard's debt has
been repaid."

Rupert Giles stared at the boy in confusion before saying, "Draco Snape?
Most surprising I thought your father was Lucius. How is Severus?"

"He is good thank you for asking. Dad is still the best potions teacher at
Hogwarts." Draco answered taking three vials of potion from his pocket and
passing them to the man seriously.

"Thank you for bringing these to me. Is this the only reason you are in
town?"

"I am here to get married."

"A most unusual choice of venue, Draco. Can you please introduce me to your
companions?"

Draco nodded politely, "At my side is Harry James Potter. The two men
looking at the candles and oils are our teachers and friends, Alex Richard
Nichols and Daniel Justin Harris. Please call them by their middle names.
Lastly are our protectors Adam and Nik Pierson.

"It's nice to meet everyone. You look a lot like your mother, Mr Potter."

Harry asked in shock, "You knew her?"

Giles nodded, "I did. Lily was a very special woman; she helped Ethan
control his tainted magic. She was the one who made us realise our love for
each other. It saddened both of us greatly to here of your parents' death.
How do you like Hogwarts? What house are you in?"

"Dray and I are both in Slytherin. I like Hogwarts although I sometimes feel
a little trapped. Can we buy some supplies?"

"Of course you can. What do you need?" Giles said snapping into business
mode.

Draco smiled, "I need eight vials of Dragon blood and eight packs of lovage.
Do you have any?"

"I do. What potion are you making, Mr Snape?"

"I'm making a couple of Hesito potions. Do you know anything about the
Slayer? She won't cause any problems for us will she?"

Shaking his head at the blonde wizard's words the Watcher answered, "The
Slayer will not cause any problems. I am her Watcher. My job is to train her
for battle. Can I ask why you chose a Hellmouth for your wedding?"

"It's quite simple. My husband is here as is Harry's. I don't suppose you
know of an honourable demon living in town?" Draco asked hoping it would be
that simple. He really didn't want to be this far from his father so soon to
the day of his transformation.

"Why are you asking?"

Draco admitted, "Green-Eyes and I don't know the identity of our spouses, Mr
Giles. All we know is that they are either magical or demonic in nature."

"I see. How do you feel about this marriage?"

Allowing his anger to colour his words Harry said, "We have no choice.
Either we get married to this strangers or Voldemort will never be
defeated."

"I'm sorry this has happened to you. Please come into the back and sit down,
we can all discuss this in detail." Giles said addressing his comment to the
six before saying to the girl, "Anya, please close the shop."

The six men walked into the backroom, stopping suddenly at the power in the
room. With a look, Nikias gestured for the group to keep one hand on their
weapons. As they stood in front of the door Harry let out a gasp as he felt
his knees weaken, he started to fall only to be caught by Draco.

"I've got you, Green-Eyes. We'll take care of whatever is making you ill. I
promise everything will be fine." Draco whispered as he picked up the older
boy as if he weighed nothing. He ignored the worried looks as he focused
entirely on the man in his arms.

Nikias opened the door silently, looking around at the four people sitting
inside the room. He mentally tagged them as he judged what sort of danger
they were. The blonde girl was a Slayer; the redhead and blonde girls
holding hands were witches. The boy was something amazing, was perhaps the
only incubus consort to a vampire he had ever seen. What bothered him was
the knowledge that this incubus was obviously Harry's match. He could feel
it in his spine.

"Get off the couch now or I'll fry you!" Draco snarled at the girls holding
hands, he didn't care what they thought; the only thing that mattered was
Harry.

The Slayer growled, "Don't you dare talk to my friends like that you blonde
twit!"

"I wouldn't do that if I was you. Now you may be the Slayer but I can kill
you in less than a minute and I will not hesitate. All my young friend wants
is to take care of Harry, he is injured."

"It's okay Buffy, we'll move." The redhead said seriously causing Justin and
Richard to move forward in case the pair had any thoughts about attacking
their friends.

As soon as there was enough space Draco placed his precious cargo on the
soft couch. Placing one hand on Harry's chest Draco whispered, "Medicor!
Excito!"

The room watched in amazement as energy flowed from Draco's hands into the
boy lying motionless. As they watched colour returned to the black haired
boy's face, causing him to stir.

Harry mumbled, "Dray, can't we just stay in bed! Please?"

"What about our marriages?"

"Don't want to marry whoever it is anyway. I only want to marry you! I
really fucking hate prophecies."

"Green-Eyes, we all hate them. Now wake up, Harry. We've got work to do."

"I'm okay. You do have your potions stuff, right? Can we just go back to
bed?"

"We can. The brothers will take care of everything. Hold on tight and we'll
go soon." Draco said seeing the exhaustion on the boy's face. He knew there
was more to what had happened than Harry felt comfortable going into with an
audience but the blonde would find out everything eventually.

"We're going back. Can you find out about our fucking spouses so we can get
all this over with? By the way, I'm going to get a divorce as soon as
Voldemort is dead."

"If you say so, Draco. Now why don't you two leave? Rich, you can take
Justin back but be careful and don't make any detours."

Draco tightly held onto Harry, closing his eyes as he focused on his powers.
Within the blink of an eye the pair had disappeared from the room in
silence. Less than a minute later Justin pulled Richard out of the house
intending on getting the blonde naked beneath him as quickly as possible.

End Part 17




Part 18

"What happened in there?" Draco asked after he had gotten Harry
settled in bed, placing a plate of sandwiches nearby.

Harry sighed, "Someone in there is draining a lot of magical energy
and power. I can't tell who it was or who the target was but my own
power was starting to drain. It made me feel weak; we have to warn
the others. It is only drained when someone walks inside the shop."

"I will. Just close your eyes and rest while I call them. I'll get my
cell phone from my jacket."

"You know, I didn't think you would be so familiar with Muggle
technology."

Laughing lightly as he walked across the room Draco said, "Hey, I'm
adaptable! Its all because of Dad really, he wanted me to have a
balanced view of the world and to become familiar with Muggles in
case I ever needed to hide amongst them."

Keeping an eye on Harry the anxious boy dialled the number marked
Nik. He paced impatiently as he waited for an answer. He hoped their
friends could find out who was the enemy inside the group; he didn't
want some scum draining Harry until the boy was dead. It was rare but
it happened if someone was drained of too much energy too quickly.
*******
Walking away from the group Methos pulled out his phone answering it
smoothly, "Adam here, what's up?"

Draco's worried voice filled the phone line, "It's Draco. Someone in
there is draining magical energy from one of the people in the shop.
The spell didn't affect me so anyone with Veela or Incubus blood is
immune. I'll take care of Harry but I felt you should know in case
anything happens."

"Thanks for calling me and letting me know you made it back in one
piece. Call us again if Justin and Richard don't turn up in an hour."
Methos said plastering a smile on his face as he turned to look at
the strangers.

All five had the power to cast spells but Methos didn't know if the
Slayer had tapped into that side of her power yet. It was rare for
Slayers to reach their true potential, tapping into their healing and
spell casting abilities. He would have to talk to each one alone to
see who was under the spell, all he would have to do then was trace
the spell back to its source.

"That was the boys, they are safe. Harry is just suffering from
jetlag but Draco will look after him." Methos said with a smile at
his love.

Taking a deep breath, Nikias looked over at the group gathered around
the table. He knew they wouldn't be pleased with his news but hey,
shit happens. With practised ease Nikias fell into his teaching mode
saying, "My name is Nikias and this is my husband Methos. We are
Immortals, which means we heal from the wounds that would kill normal
humans. I was born in 4500 B.C. My mother is Eris and my father is
Hades, yes, they are Gods. I died in 1183 B.C., but I came back to
life. Adam and I travelled together for around six centuries before
we fell in love. We discovered later that Adam and I are the central
figures in a prophecy. This prophecy requires us to gather six people
of magical, demonic, supernatural, or immortal blood and take them to
where I first died. When we arrive there the world will be saved from
a great evil with the return of the Olympian Gods."

"My name is Rupert Giles, I no longer use the name Ripper but you may
address me as Giles. This is Buffy Summers, my Slayer. The girls
holding hands are Willow and Tara, two of my students. Lastly we have
Xander, a good friend of mine."

Nikias said amazed, "Willow Rosenberg? I'm an old friend of your
Dad's; I've known him since the day he was born. I last saw you when
you were one, so you probably don't remember me. I normally meet up
with your father out of town."

"Oh. So dad knows about demons and everything."

Nikias nodded laughing lowly, "Your dad is a member of the Magical
Creatures branch of Watchers, meaning he recorded the lives of
witches and wizards. He fell in love with your mother while watching
her; she's a rather amazing witch in her own right. She specialises
in Illusions. Your father rescued her when she was cornered by a
vampire, if not for him she would have been turned."

"Mom said they met when Dad rescued her from a mugger. I suppose they
know about my magic," Willow said thoughtfully not knowing how she
had missed so much about her parents.

"Of course. Your dad asked my advice about what magic books to buy
you just a month ago. He's planning on explaining everything to you
when they comes back from Arizona."

"You were a God?" Buffy asked a sick feeling in a stomach, she
couldn't handle another Glory.

Frowning at the look of disgust on her face Nikias nodded, "Yeah. My
name was Strife and mischief was my job. My mother was Discord and my
father was Death."

"Can you please show me this prophecy?"

"Of course, Giles. This copy cannot be destroyed or damaged so please
feel free to read it. It will come back to both of us within ten
minutes anyway." Methos said taking a scroll from inside his jacket
and placing it in the hands of the watcher. He watched in amusement
as the man got a look of intense fascination on his face.

Solemnly Giles looked around as he intoned, "When He who was
resurrected dies again, This prophecy shall come into play, The child
of Love and Mischief,
Will be forced to choose the Fate of us all.

If the Young One chooses duty, Fright shall be called to the cave,
They shall be bound together, Love's child will bear their daughter.

She is both birth and death, Aurora shall be her name, At her meeting
with the Grandmother, The gods will disappear from this plane."

Two undying ones will work with Aurora, These three souls shall bring
together,
Three couples of impure blood, When these Nine stand together,

At the place where He first died, The earth mother will awaken,
Calling into being the new King And the Gods shall be renewed."

Everyone looked up as Giles read out the prophecy with a frown of
concentration on his face as he was trying to figure out exactly what
it meant, knowing it was very important to the fate of the world. A
feeling of expectation settled in the pit of his stomach telling him
one of his charges was involved.

Nikias announced, "One of the pairs is Justin and Richard. They are
both Immortal, and are very much in love with each other. The pair
were dating before we even met them, we have adopted them into our
family. Draco is half of one couple as is Harry. We know both of
their partners are in this town. Harry's match is in this room.
Draco's partner is somewhere in this town."

"Who is Harry's match?"

"Xander, who looks a lot like my uncle Ares," Nikias said knowing he
would have to make the four get together. He knew it would break
every rule in the book but right now it didn't matter.

Xander shouted indignantly, "Hey! I am not getting married to some
psycho stranger! I am already seeing someone."

"To be honest with you, if you don't get married then the world will
be doomed. Draco and Harry do not want to get married to some
stranger they don't know either."

"Who are you seeing Xander?" Willow asked in confusion having assumed
he was still trying to get over Anya since the demon had left town
saying she was getting back together with an ex-girlfriend over ten
months ago.

"Look what you've done now!" Xander snarled at the Immortals, he
hadn't intended on telling anyone about his new relationship. He
didn't understand it himself.

"Leave now, Kid and we'll take care of everything." Methos whispered
careful to make sure it was at a level only Xander would hear. He
knew the boy had enhanced hearing, smell and healing abilities
because of his Hyena possession.

"I'll see you all later. I've got to leave now or I'll be late for
work." Xander said quickly, with a grateful smile at Methos. On the
way out he "accidentally" trip into the older man, placing a small
card in his pocket. He grinned at Methos' look of amusement as they
both straightened, he hadn't planned on getting the card inside
without the man noticing anyway. He knew someone as old as the pair
claimed to be wouldn't be easily tricked.

"Now we've got to go. We promised to help the boys adjust to life
amongst Muggles." Methos said catching his husband's eye quickly,
knowing they needed to meet up with Xander fast.

"That's quite alright. Why don't you meet us here tomorrow and we can
discuss the prophecy in more detail? I assume Mr Potter will be well
by then."

"He will be, Giles. Draco's the best when it comes to looking after
Harry."

"A…are they involved?" Tara asked shyly knowing how terrible it would
be to have to watch the one you love marry another.

Nikias answered honestly, "No but they do care for each other a lot.
Harry and Draco understand about fate and sacrifice, they will do
what must be done. They are not naïve little children."

Buffy snorted saying scornfully, "What do they know about sacrifice?
They are pampered little kids, who have used magic all their lives to
make everything easy. They have never stared death in the face!
They've never had to go out and face a creature so much stronger than
them that there was no chance of them surviving. They don't know what
its like to lose someone you love."

"BUFFY! Do not make assumptions about people you do not even know."
Giles protested quickly knowing how wrong his charge was. He knew how
much pain and suffering Harry had experienced. Just the knowledge
that Draco had grown up with Lucius Malfoy as his father made Giles
angry. He couldn't believe Severus had let his son suffer so, it was
entirely possible that his friend didn't know Draco's true parentage
until the boy attended Hogwarts. He wondered if Draco had been a spy
for the light side since he had first attended the school if so
Severus had played a very risky hand. Taking on a young spy was
dangerous enough but for that spy to be his son made him wonder how
his dark-haired friend had remained sane.

Nikias' eyes flashed furiously as he announced curtly, "For your
information Ms Summers, Harry is an orphan. His mother and father
died protecting him from a man so cruel, strong and deadly that no
one had ever managed to fight him and live. This man is Voldemort,
and he has far more power than you can imagine. Harry has had to cope
with the knowledge that only he has any chance of defeating
Voldemort, and that those he loves will die if he messes up. Harry
has no one to support him, no one can understand what it feels like
but Draco."

Opting to keep Draco's true father a secret Methos explained Draco's
life to the self righteous Slayer, "Draco's father is Voldemort's
second, Lucius Malfoy. Draco has experienced more pain at the hands
of Lucius than you can imagine. Draco has spent years spying on
Lucius, knowing if the dark side discover him, he will be tortured
for weeks. The light side will never accept him so Draco lives
shadow, his soul and heart breaking as he plays the role of
Voldemort's loyal follower. He watches the torture of his friends
knowing he cannot save them. If he does, thousands will die because
Harry will not get the information needed to save lives that only
Draco can give. Draco had to kill a friend of his since he was four
years old. Kieran intercepted a message he sent detailing the time
and date of an attack by Voldemort. Draco had to kill him and then he
had to give the eulogy."

Methos said seriously, "Harry and Draco have suffered, they have seen
things and done things that no one should ever experienced. Don't any
of you dare think they are pampered little kids! They have more
strength, power, compassion and knowledge than you can ever hope to
attain. Now we are going back to stay with the boys and make sure
they are okay. We will call you tomorrow, Giles and let you know when
we are coming over."

Giles nodded saying seriously, "That's fine. I'll do some research
and see if I can find any honourable demons but I'm afraid that might
be impossible."

Nikias nodded in understanding before taking his lover's outstretched
hand. Silently the pair walked out of the shop, each one thinking
about what was going to happen. Nikias worried the prophecy was going
to destroy the lives of at least three people. He could tell
immediately that Harry, Draco and Xander did not want to be involved
in the prophecy but that all three would do what was needed to save
the world, even Draco who professed to only care about himself would
always put the needs of the many of his own.

Draco always looked for a way out of any problem that ensured his
survival but if left to make his own choices Draco would do the right
thing for those he cared about, which was Slytherin house in most
cases. He had made Slytherin his family and it was the reason why he
got such loyalty from his housemates who knew he would always look
out for them. During his first year, Draco had assembled the
Slytherin Counsel created to protect the house from everyone. He led
the house with dignity, strength, cunning and determination, all the
qualities all Slytherins respected. It only took him a few days to
come up with a plan that ensured all injuries and problems could be
resolved internally since no one trusted anyone in Hogwarts apart
from Snape. With a resident clairvoyant and a group of skilled
strategists there had been no attacks there had been no trouble
Slytherin house had not been prepared for, that was the reason they
were such a danger, the house always stood together and was prepared
for anything.

Once they were down the street from the Magic Box Nikias
questioned, "Where are we meeting him?"

"The Mansion. So what vamp do you think he's involved with?" Methos
said knowing his assumption was probably correct, he had noticed the
high neck shirt the boy was wearing and the Mansion itself pointed
towards a vampire.

"I don't know but we'll be careful. Remember what happened when you
hit on Louis and Lestat tried to burn us alive?"

At the memory, the man's words called to mind Methos laughed
wryly, "I remember, it's the kind of mistake you only make once.
Tomorrow, we need to get each one of those children alone because one
of the idiots has cast a power draining spell that only works in the
boundaries of the shop. It didn't affect Xander because he has
Incubus blood, for that reason he probably didn't cast the spell. He
would be unable to get any energy that way, he'd need to get it
through sex or blood. I don't think it was Buffy, she doesn't appear
to have reached that level. I don't think she ever will become
skilled enough to use magic, Faith might if she continues to
meditate."

Nikias nodded, "Perhaps. What do you think the boys are doing? I hope
Justin and Richard get off their no sex kick, its driving me insane.
Even I can see the sexual tension between them, the last thing we
need is for one of them to be frustrated and lose their temper
tomorrow. You think we should talk to them and find out what's wrong,
Meth?"

"No need. From what I could gather tonight is the night. I hope calms
them down. I can't be done with four love sick children in the house,
Draco and Harry are bad enough as it is. Sometime I wish they'd just
fuck and get whatever it is out of their system."

"They are only children, Meth. Give them some time and they'll relax.
I don't think Draco or Harry would be content with just a one night
stand. Now let's pick up the pace, I don't feel like fighting off a
group of demons tonight."
*******
Xander ran into the mansion crying as he realised what this prophecy
meant for him. He couldn't be with his mate until this was over and
that just felt wrong. He hated his life, he hated prophecies!

"Xan, what's happened my love? Why do you feel so scared?"

"Jesse, I love you!" Xander repeated over and over as he held his
love tightly, breathing in the scent of the man he had come to love
more than anything. He didn't know how he was going to cope with
losing Jesse even if it wasn't going to be for long.

Holding onto his love Jesse said quickly, "I love you, too. Please
tell me what has my Xan crying so much. Has something happened to
your folks or Willow?"

"They're fine but some people turned up in the Magic Box today. Two
are about seventeen, they are wizards. Two others are around twenty
and they are Immortal, the last two are also Immortals however they
are both over 5,000. One of them was a God until he died and was
reborn as an Immortal."

"Did they threaten you love? If they did just tell me and I'll make
them pay. I'm sure I can find some way to kill the so-called
Immortals."

Xander protested quickly, "They didn't. The wizards had to leave
quickly because Harry was ill and Draco wanted to take care of him.
The young Immortals, Justin and Richard left to go and fuck from what
my nose was telling me. Methos and Nikias told us all about a
prophecy. Six people have to marry each other or the world will fall
because of a wizard called Voldemort. Richard and Justin are one
couple and I think they've been together a while. Draco is half of
another couple, he has to marry a honourable demon. Harry and I are
the last couple."

"NO! We are not going to be separated again! I can't cope without
you, I love you." Jesse snarled possessively tightening his hold on
Xander.

Xander sighed, "I want to kill all of them for even suggesting it but…
Jess, we have no choice. I can't let you and my Pack die when I have
the power to stop. My duty is to protect the Pack above all else so
I'll marry this Harry. I can get a divorce after my part is done and
we can complete the Eternal Joining ceremony with Angel as our
witness."

"Will this Harry agree to a divorce? If we do this, will I really get
you back? What will do if he falls in love with you?" Jesse said
fearfully, he had only survived cut off from his family because he
had Xander in his life. Without Xander his existence would be
meaningless.

"Babe, you're not going to lose me. Harry and Draco are as unhappy
about this as we are. Harry is in love with Draco. He said that Draco
is the only one he wants to marry. Draco already said he's getting a
divorce as soon as his part in the prophecy is fulfilled."

"Okay we will do it but you're mine."

"Yours, love." Xander vowed before pulling his lover into a
passionate kiss.

Xander was going to treasure this time now so he had some good
memories while he was separated from Jesse. His one fear was that
something would happen while he was with the six adventurers trying
to complete the prophecy. He knew he was lucky to have Jesse in his
life, since the day he had dusted his love Xander had felt dead
inside until the wonderful day he could cast the one spell he knew to
bring Jesse back to his vampire form. The spell had been a
combination of a soul restoration and a necromancy spell to bring him
back. It was a dangerous spell but it was the only one he could use
given the circumstances.
*******
Smiling wickedly, Justin leaned over kissing Richard, very lightly
just touching their lips together. Richard tried to hide the shivers
from feeling the warm breath against his face as Justin stayed close
just nuzzling and kissing his neck. Slowly the blonde turned towards
his Justin wrapping the younger man's arms around his shoulders,
pulling him into long and hard kiss. Richard loved the taste, smell,
and feel of Justin in his arms; it was something he would never tire
of no matter how long they were together. The tension between them
was almost visible as they realised this was it, this was the night
they were going to give each every part of them. They were both going
to give everything knowing that this was forever, they would not be
broken apart by anyone ever again.

Justin grinned up as he slowly started to remove the clothes getting
in the way, his grin widening when Richard hastily started mimicking
his moves Buttons, belts, zippers, and snaps, beg to be released and
they were with agonising slowness. Slowly the outer shells of cloth
fall away and the pair looked at each other for what could be the
thousandth time. Each knew what to expect but the anticipation of
exploring their lover's body is still present as though they have
never met. Embracing again the heat from the skin inflames the desire
to get closer still.

They pair sighed as they lay on the bed, Richard slightly over the
other man, his hands running the length of Justin's body. His kisses
became more insistent as his desire and need increases, he slowly
parted Justin's lips as they get deeper into each other. Richard
gracefully moved on top of the brunette, wanting to feel that
beautiful body underneath him. Minutes go by unnoticed as the pair
allow themselves to cherish the feeling of just being together, of
feeling so connected to the one they love.

"I love you, Justin." Richard said honestly joining their hands
together.

"I know and I love you. I want you inside me, Rich. I want to feel
you fucking me with all your strength, I want to feel you cock inside
me."

Closing his eyes to regain control Richard said, "God Justin! If you
carry on talking like that I'll come before I even get inside you."

Richard sensually moved down the pale body, taking in a deep breath
as he caught slight of Justin's puckered opening. Licking his lips
the blonde flicked out his tongue just licking ever so lightly,
smirking when Justin shivered. Gently he touched Justin's legs,
causing the man to move his legs quickly onto his shoulders, making
the blonde gasp as the weight of Justin's legs drove home the
realisation that this was really happening, finally he was going to
be inside his love again.

Slowly Richard's tongue widely circled the inviting hole, teasing
him. The circles slowly got smaller until he reached his target,
pushing in slowly. His probing tongue soon slicked Justin up enough
for him to start the preparation. Laughing he reached up, offering
his hand to Justin who took it into his mouth.

Justin sucked hungrily, keeping his eyes locked on Richard's wanting
to see the man's reaction. He swirled his tongue around the invading
finger, his eyes darkening in lust as Richard moved the finger in and
out with painful slowness mimicking what he was going to do to
Justin's hole within minutes.

"It's time, babe." Richard said moving his finger back down to the
puckered opening.

Slowly Richard inserted his finger into his lover's hole stopping at
the first knuckle to give Justin a chance to get use to it before
inserting it all the way. Slowly he removed it almost all the way
before pushing it back in. He finger fucked the pale beauty until he
was loose before adding a second finger and finally a third.

When Justin started thrusting back against him, he knew it was time.
He passed the tube of lube up to his love, grinning when shaking
hands opened the tube. Justin squeezed some into his hands, caressing
it over the hot, stiff cock. Taking Richard's hand in his Justin
squeezed the tube again, gasping when the blonde smeared the lube in
and around his impatient hole.

Justin pulls Richard down into a passionate kiss as he feels
Richard's cock gently pushing inside him. He could feel the head of
his love's cock pushing against his ring asking for entry. Suddenly
it gave and the head entered causing Justin to shiver in a mix of
pain and pleasure. After what feels like hours the cock is finally
inside Justin all the way to the hilt. He smiled at his lover as
Richard waited for him to adjust, running his fingers through
Justin's brunette locks.

After a short time Richard started to withdraw leaving only the head
inside before slowly pushing his cock back in. He continued his slow
thrusts until he felt Justin start to meet his thrusts then the pace
increased quickly as he as hammered that special spot inside of
Justin. Justin's moans as his prostate was hit again and again was
enough to make Richard begin to lose control. Their moans became one
as they moved together, their bodies moving as one. With one last
thrust inside Richard came, still marvelling that their hands were
still joined together, seconds later Justin came, the sticky liquid
falling between them. Richard collapsed onto his Justin, kissing as
they revelled in the feeling of utter contentment. Removing his cock
with an audible plop Richard moved off his lover, reaching down to
pull up the covers around them as they fell asleep their arms wrapped
around each other.
*******
"Thanks for the silence spell, Drake." Harry said embarrassed at the
thought of hearing Justin and Richard together. They were his
teachers and he didn't want to think of them having sex.

"I imagine there was more important things on their mind. I don't
think they've had sex together for a while. So did you get any
impressions on the people we met earlier?"

Harry said pensively, "Yeah. The brunette guy is a demon, I think.
The witches are both very powerful but I think the blonde is
stronger. Her signature frequency feels like Neville's, I think she's
an air elemental like him. The other blonde girl is powerful but in a
different way."

Draco stated, "She's a Slayer, her energy is on a different frequency
to that of wizards. Its like I have a different frequency to you
because I'm demonic. Were you being serious earlier when you told me
that you want to marry me?"

"Yeah. You understand me, there aren't many people who get what its
like to have to kill, to feel your skin and mind burning under
Crucio. I feel comfortable with you, and you're not hard on the eyes."

"Thanks, Green-Eyes." Draco said before startling Harry as he used
the younger teen's first name, "Harry, we have to face the truth. We
cannot be together and to be perfectly honest with you, being around
you is hurting more than I thought it would. I don't know how I'm
going to cope when I have to watch you get together with your match.
Just promise me you won't consummate your relationship here!"

"I promise on the condition that you do the same for me. At least we
can get divorced after we get married, right?"

"I assume so. Now close your eyes and rest, Harry. I'll be there in a
sec." Draco said smiling before leaving the room to brush his teeth.

Harry did as ordered knowing it wouldn't be a good idea to push his
friend when the blonde was obviously in such a bad mood. As he lay
waiting Harry suddenly realised it was Draco's seventeenth birthday
in eleven days and the older boy wouldn't even be able to celebrate
it with his friends. It was sad to realise that Draco's couldn't
spend the birthday with Snape since it would be the first time the
pair were officially recognised as father and son but perhaps it was
for the best since he didn't want Draco to be hurt by an insane,
jealous Lucius.

"What's got you looking so serious, Green-Eyes?"

"I was just thinking about you. Please tell me you're not just going
to wear those for bed!" Harry said as he looked at the pair of
beautiful, black boxer shorts the other man was wearing.

Laughing Draco climbed into bed, "Sorry to upset you but I am, you're
lucky I'm wearing anything! Don't worry, I'm sure we can control
ourselves, I've had plenty of practice. Now close your eyes and
relax!"

Harry hesitatingly moved closer to the enchanting man, unsure as to
whether his attentions would be wanted. He was relieved when Draco
grabbed hold of his hand and pulled him close. Not willing to ruin
the moment Harry allowed his body to lie against Draco, enjoying the
feeling of being held by someone who cared. Harry's childhood had
been amazingly absent of touch, as he suspected was Draco's. Harry
now knew what he had missed, the feel of Draco's slender arms around
his body was comforting and safe. Tilting his head he looked at his
friend smiling fondly when he saw Draco looked at peace and happy, he
had never seen such an expression on the older Slytherin's face
before, to see it now filled his heart with joy.
*******
Knocking three times Methos patiently waited for someone to answer
the door. From the sound of it there were at least three people in
the Mansion and he hoped whoever was inside didn't decide to attack
first ask questions later.

"Hi, Methos and Nik. Please come inside and we can talk." Xander said
smiling, his bright green glowing eyes causing the pair to reassess
their earlier assumptions of the man.

"Thanks. I'm sorry for just dropping the news on you like that but we
don't have a lot of time. I want to get everyone hooked up before
Draco's seventeenth and that's in eleven days."

"I don't think there is a nice way to tell someone they have to get
married to some stranger even when they are already in a relationship
and essentially married to another."

An angry voice flowed into the room, "Love, are these the bastards
that want to take you away from me?"

Xander turned around as his dark-haired lover walked into the room
answering, "Yeah. Nik and Methos meet my husband Jesse Harmon."

"I thought you dusted him." Methos inquired bluntly.

"I brought him back using a spell I got from a friend. She found the
spell and taught me necromancy."

Methos looked at his husband in askance before questioning
Xander, "This friend isn't by any chance called Amelia, is she?"

"No, it was Drusilla. We became friends soon after parent/teacher
night. She calls me her Dark Kitten. Who's Amelia?"

"Our daughter, her love was killed by a Slayer five centuries ago.
Her fondest wish is to bring him back but she needs some of the dust
from when he was staked. The spell requires the ashes of the vampire
you want to bring back, blood of someone who loves the vampire with
all their heart and the dust from the head of the vampire's line."

Listening to Methos' words Xander said sympathetically, "I know what
it's like to lose the love of your life. I was heart broken for two
years until I was finally able to perform the same spell. The only
reason I survived was because I knew one day I would be able to bring
my Jesse back. I had my blood, the dust from when Jesse was first
dusted all along but it took a few years of bartering I was able to
get some of the dust from the Master's bones."

Trying to remove the melancholy mood Nikias smiled saying, "You were
obviously very determined to bring Jesse back. How long have you been
together?"

Jesse shrugged stating, "We started dating when we were fourteen and
we've never been with another person since. The only reason we even
pursued women was because, it was too dangerous for us to be openly
gay in high school. The jocks we went to school with would have
beaten and maybe even killed us if they knew our true feelings for
each other.

Xander added his part of the story, "The women I supposedly dated are
friends. I'm not attracted to women sexually, my dad was disgusted
that his son is a gay Incubus."

Nikias shrugged, "People only think all Incubi are straight because
the majority are. It is just as easy for you to drain a man of energy
during sex as a woman. Your father sounds like he's just a homophobic
bigot."

"He is. Jesse and I have talked about this prophecy. I will do what
you ask because I have no choice. I am not staying with Harry, as
soon as the Gods are awake I will get divorced. I'm in love with my
Jess and that will never change."

"Fine with us, the last thing we need is a homicidal vampire after us
anyway. Would you like to know about what will happen?"

"It would be good." Jesse said wryly making his lover smirk.

Nikias ignored the byplay, "When we've got everyone's partner we will
go to Greece. Once there we will use one of the portals my uncle hid
in the mortal world to get to the temple where I first died. All we
have to do is wake up my granddaughter, Aurora and she will help us
wake up the Gods and the new king of Olympus!"

"Is this Aurora awake now or not?" Jesse asked wanting some idea of
how long it would be before he could have Xander back by his side,
where he belonged.

"She will be when she needs to be. Now would you help us locate
Draco's match? If you do then we can get all this over a lot
quicker."

Xander inquired hastily, "What have we got to go on?"

"It is a blonde, honourable demon that lives in Sunnydale."

After five minutes Xander said, "I can only think of Spike or William
The Bloody. He helps us out occasionally mainly because he thinks
Buffy will go after him otherwise. I could call by his place tomorrow
on the way to the meeting. If I bring him with me, will you know if
it is him?"

Nikias nodded, "I will know there is a change in the magical energy
between two who have been chosen, for a minute or so their signatures
are the same."

"Thanks for explaining, can you now go please? I want to spend some
time with my love before I have to spend weeks or months without him.
Come to bed, Xan. We can deal with us this tomorrow."

"Until tomorrow. I am sorry for what we must ask of you." Methos said
honestly leading Nikias out the mansion. He hoped over time everyone
would forgive them for the pain they were causing with their mission.

End Part 18



Title: Make Love, Not War 19/20
Author: Stephanie M
Email address: wicciangirl51@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.angelfire.com/freak/beyondfriendship/
Disclaimer: The Xena/Hercules characters belong to RenPics and
whoever else owns the rights to these characters. The characters from
Highlander, Immortality, and the head-taking thing belong to
Rysher/Panzer/Davis and the Sci-Fi channel. Characters from the film
Murder By Numbers do not belong to me, they belong to the
scriptwriter and the studio, which produced the movie. The Buffy
characters are property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and WB Network.
All the recognizable Harry Potter characters belong to JK Rowling,
Scholastic Inc, and Warner Brothers.
Summary: Joxer's destiny results in nine people changing forever when
the Fates announce an old prophecy has come into play. Follow the
journey of nine people of magical and supernatural origin as they
seek to restore the old gods and defeat an evil reborn as Lord
Voldemort.
Fandoms: Xena/Murder By Numbers/Highlander/Harry Potter/Buffy
Notes: Seduces Me belongs to If Dreams Had Wings Music Ltd

Pairings: Ares/Joxer, Cupid/Strife, Joxer/Phobos, Methos/Nikias
(Strife), Justin/Richard, Harry/Draco, Draco/Spike, Harry/Xander,
Xander/Jesse, Spike/Cupid

Part 19

"Er…you do have backup copies of your spell books, right Dray?" Harry
asked nervously as he walked downstairs to the living room.

Draco fumed, "What the hell have you done? Ten of them are first
editions! My book collection is worth over half a million pounds. Do
you have any idea how long it took my father to find them and how
long it took me to learn the languages necessary to read them!"

Harry explained blushing, "I was practising wandless magic and they
just went up in flames. I cast a water spell but by that time some
had already been destroyed. I'm sorry Dray, it was an accident. I
wouldn't do that on purpose!"

Cursing under his breath Draco said, "Great, just great! Do not use
my books as targets again, what were you trying to do with them
anyway?"

"Just move them a little. I am sorry, I'll get you replacement books.
I didn't mean it try, don't be mad."

"It's okay, I'm not mad at you Green-Eyes. I've got copies in my
personal spell book that dad's looking after for me."

"Great! I thought you'd be really angry." Harry said quickly before
giving a contented sigh on feeling Draco's fingers playing with his
hair.

"How are you feeling today, Harry!" Justin asked as he walked in from
the kitchen, carrying a glass of orange juice.

"A lot better thanks, Justin. Dray has taken good care of me. Now why
don't we get to know each other a little better?"

"Sounds good to me, just ask us anything you want to know." Richard
said with a smile as he cuddled his brunette beauty. He couldn't
believe how close he had come to losing this forever.

"Okay, why did you say yesterday that you where together for two
years but before that you had said nine months so which is right."

Kissing Justin quickly on the lips, Richard said embarrassed, "We
have been together for a total of two years but we broke up briefly.
I ended the relationship because my parents were getting suspicious
of our relationship. I spent two months making an ass of myself by
sleeping with the school slut, Lisa. I taped the encounter. I didn't
know why at the time, I think I wanted to make myself feel as much
pain as I knew Justin was feeling. Watching the footage, I realised I
was destroying myself to be what people expected and inside I was
broken. When Justin argued with me and started helping Lisa study, I
got jealous. I used the tape to hurt my love. I'll never forget the
look of pain in my Justin's face."

"I've already forgiven you a thousand times over, Rich! I believe we
know the identity of the other two, right Methos?"

Methos answered, "Yeah. Harry's match is the brunette man we met last
night. His name is Alexander Lavelle Harris but call him Xander. He
is an Incubus who is in love with a vampire called Jesse, as soon as
he can Xander plans to complete the marriage ceremony with Jesse.
Xander has told us the one we need is a vampire called William The
Bloody but he normally uses the name Spike. Xander said he will make
sure Spike arrives at the Magic Box so we can check if he is your
partner, Draco. Trust me, he's alright for a vampire."

Draco snarled, "Don't you think it is strange that three of us do not
want to be with our supposed matches. This Xander is as good as
married for fuck sake! Harry and I are not going to fall for these
guys, I've already explained how I feel about my Green-Eyes."

Nikias shouted indignantly, "Hey, I can't help what the Fates have in
store for us! I just know we need you six. Never forget that we are
here for all of you, if you need someone to talk with or even if you
just want someone to spar with."

"Thanks. Now how about some sparing now, since we are on a Hellmouth
I want to make sure both Green-Eyes and myself can handle everything.
I'm probably nowhere near your levels but I have had some training."

Nikias declared, "Okay, Draco. We'll practice, I know there's a
hidden room for us to practice in, Ira and Shelia normally use it for
spells and fighting practice. I don't think they will object to our
using it."

Nikias and Methos started walking towards the room, leaving the
others no choice but to follow. As they walked, Harry threw his arm
around Draco once again wondering how their relationship was going to
fair when the two of them were married. True, presently they didn't
feel any connection to their supposed matches but that could all
change once they spent some time alone with their prospective
husbands.
*******
"What the bloody hell is going on?" Spike snarled at Xander, careful
not to let too much anger show in his tone.

Spike wasn't stupid enough to annoy the mate of a vampire. His
olfactory sense had informed him months ago that Xander had become
involved with a vampire who was clearly of the Aurelius line. He
wasn't going to do anything to hurt Xander since he had essentially
become family, besides there was an aura of danger surrounding the
man, informing him that Xander was no longer going to be seen as a
victim.

Xander explained calmly, "We've got some people in the Magic Box that
you need to meet. They won't hurt you but they do need to speak with
you. I told them I would ask you to meet with them. How about it?"

"I'll do it but you owe me, Xander. What do they want?" Spike said
quickly, liking the thought of the Incubi being in his debt.

Xander laughed lowly, "A prophecy, what else? I think you'll like
them, they have a darkness inside them as we do. They aren't afraid
to do something immoral if it will help them or their cause."

"Sounds like my kind of blokes. What are their names?"

"Draco, Harry, Nik, Methos, Justin and Richard. They'll introduce
themselves to you," Xander reassured as they arrived at the shop.

As they walked inside there was the unmistakable feel of magic, the
sick feeling in their stomachs could be nothing else. Getting out his
knife, Xander motioned for Spike to take the other side of the door
before kicking open the door leading to the backroom.

"Calm down, Xander! What's got you so upset?"

"Someone is doing magic, I can feel it. What have you done to my
friends?" Xander answered glaring at the six outsiders.

"Nothing. We've cast a small reveal spell. We became aware yesterday
that there is a draining spell in here and we are trying to find out
who is responsible. It is draining magical energy and we need to know
why."

"There's no need to do a tracing spell. I am responsible for the
spell." Giles admitted taking off his glasses and rigorously cleaning
them.

Willow questioned in shock, "W…Why would you do that, Giles?"

Giles explained coolly, "I have became aware that you are channelling
too much magical energy. The spell you performed to bring Buffy back
was too powerful for you. It made you come into your powers too
early. You cannot control this power so I managed to siphon off the
energy you cannot control yet. The spell drains the energy of people
over a certain level, who are completely human when they enter the
back section of the shop. If I didn't drain the energy it would start
to make you mentally unstable, and there is no telling what would
happen."

"Oh. It's not that you don't trust me, you just want to protect me!"
Willow said quickly wondering why she had never noticed a binding on
her powers.

"Of course I trust you. You are all my children, I don't want
anything to happen to any of you."

"What would happen if I lost control?" Willow questioned in fear.

Nikias offered an explanation, "I know someone who went through a
similar situation. He didn't have any binding spell on his power, His
power is unstable and causes him agonising pain every two days unless
he casts a big spell and even then it takes violence to get him to
break the connection with the power."

"Oh…thanks for looking out for me, Giles." Willow said tearfully
before running over to the watcher and hugging the man tightly.

"You thought we had problems, Dray. Makes the whole having to get
married thing seem insignificant."

"Not really, Green-Eyes. Now we've settled that how about introducing
us to our new friends?" Draco said looking over at Xander and the
vampire he assumed was Spike.

"You should be dead!" Spike exclaimed in outrage on seeing Nikias.

Unthinkingly Draco and Harry withdrew their wands, the older boy
ready to kill this guy if he so much as laid a finger on one of their
group. He wasn't that keen on Nikias and Methos since they were
basically strangers but he knew they were needed to protect Harry.

Justin moved his arm up quickly, smirking when the Scorpion throwing
star landed in the vampire's shoulder. He knew it wasn't enough to
kill the creature but it would distract him for the time being while
he got out his sword.

"You make one more move and it'll be a stake to the heart, got it?"
Richard drawled as he handed Justin a stake since he had staked the
last vampire, it was only fair to hand this one to his love.

"Stand down, guys!" Nikias commanded as he walked over to the
vampire.

"Sorry about that, Wil. My brothers tend to be a little
overprotective. You feeling okay?" Nikias said smoothly while pulling
the mental star from the vampire and passing it back to Justin.

Justin looked down at his throwing star, wiping it clean before
placing it back in its sheath. The entire time he was doing this, the
Sunnydale citizens were rapidly changing their opinions of the quiet
man who they had wrongly dismissed as harmless.

"It's okay. I know what it like wanting to protect your family. You
were the one who saved my sister from Dru and Angelus!"

Nikias nodded, "Yeah. I heard that your family were turning up dead
so I got your sister on the first ship to the States. I gave her a
new name, Annette St Clair and warned her not to contact anyone from
home."

"You know Nik." Justin stated guiltily, realising he may have been a
little hasty in attacking the vampire. Thankfully, he had become
accustomed to strange situations, at least since joining up with
Nikias and Methos.

The vampire nodded, "We studied law together. His name back then was
Joseph Alden. He warned me about Dru but it was too late. Thanks for
looking after my sister, if I can ever repay you, I will."

Buffy laughed, "Since when do you care about your family! You're the
Big Bad, remember?"

Spike explained coolly, "The only family member I ever loved was my
sister. I have always cared for my family. Why do you think I spent
so long with Dru and put up with Angelus?"

Methos whistled loudly for attention before saying, "Enough! We need
to sort out the prophecy. To make a long story short, Nik and I are
Immortal. We are in charge of collecting six people needed for a
prophecy about the rebirth of the Ancient Greek Olympian Gods. These
Gods will remove one of the biggest threats the world has ever faced,
an insane wizard called Voldemort. We believe you, Spike are the last
person we need for this prophecy. Would you let Nikias test you? All
you have to is stand next to Draco."

"What do I have to do?"

"Why don't we worry about that later, if that's alright with you?"

"Fine, get this Draco then." Spike said in a put upon tone.

Draco looked over at Harry, moving quickly to kiss the boy on the
cheek before walking over to Spike. He knew Methos would only order
him to stand by this vampire was if they already knew it was the
right one.

"He's the one. I'm sorry about this, Harry." Methos said softly, he
could see how much Harry and Draco loved each other.

"It's okay. Now do you want me to stand by Xander?"

"That would be great, Harry." Nikias said gently not knowing how
fragile the dark haired boy was feeling. Nikias nodded half to
himself, "You and Xander are a match. Why don't you six go back to
the house and talk about everything? Meth and I will be there after
we've done a little patrol."

"Cool." Richard said smirking at his lover as he led the way out of
the shop.

The six walked through the streets in silence, Justin and Richard
holding hands as normal. Just as they turned down one of the lowly
lit areas of the street, the Immortals froze feeling a buzzing in
their heads.

Looking at his lover in alarm Richard ordered, "Draco, if we're
challenged get everyone back to the Rosenberg place. We'll come back
soon, remember no heroics!"

A well built black haired man said coolly, "Don't worry I have no
intention of challenging two young pups such as yourselves, I just
wanted to inform you that a Hellmouth is a dangerous place for
Immortals."

"We know but thanks for the warning. What's your name?" Justin asked
politely trying to distract the man so the other four could leave.

"Jason Grassi, at your service." The black haired man answered with a
small bow.

Richard nodded, "It's nice to meet you. My name is Alex and this is
Daniel. We're going to leave town soon."

Jason chuckled, "I don't blame you, I know Immortals who have gone
insane by staying on a Hellmouth. Never, ever take a head on a
Hellmouth, it will cause a explosion that will kill every creature
within 200 miles. I'm leaving today but remember my warning and watch
out for demons trying to steal your quickening."

With that the man quickly headed in the opposite direction making
Justin and Richard let out a relived sigh, they had been worried the
guy was going to issue a challenge. It wasn't like they could refuse
a challenge unless they wanted to be hunted all their lives.
*******
Harry smiled at Justin, "It was nice of that guy to warn you about
the Hellmouth. So how about making the introductions and explaining a
bit more about the prophecy?"

"Everyone take a seat and we'll tell you everything we know." Richard
said, pulling his lover down on the sofa next to him.

"My name is Justin and this is my partner Richard. The blonde with
the attitude is Draco Snape and the black haired man holding his hand
is Harry Potter."

"As in the one destined to kill Voldemort?" Spike said with a weary
sigh, he hated prophecies with the fire of a thousand suns, as Dru
would say.

"Yeah. We are all here because of a Prophecy issued by the Fates
describing the Rebirth of the Olympian Gods. Richard and I were
recruited first since Nik rescued us from the morgue."

"The four of them came to our school and found Dray and I. We are
supposed to be with you, according to the experts. We are quite happy
together so don't take this the wrong way but Dray and I are going to
get divorced as soon as possible."

"Wait, I have to marry Draco?"

Richard nodded stating, "Yeah, Meth is going to perform the ceremony
himself because he has the authority as Hades' High Priest. Once we
are all married, the eight of including Meth and Nik will go to
Greece. Once there we shall go to one of the old temples and call a
Goddess back. After that we can get divorced if we chose."

From his place next to Draco Harry suggested, "Why don't we all share
something about ourselves, something no one else would know? It will
help us become more comfortable with each other."

"I'm a incubus/veela hybrid who will change in around ten days to
look like my real father. I'm a spy working for the Order. Since I
was ten I've been an artist, my paintings have sold for up to half a
million."

"What name to you use?" Harry said shocked that his friend was still
keeping secrets.

"V. P. Sane." Draco said still remembering the look on his mum's face
when she learnt of his deception. All his work was sold exclusively
through his dad, as he figured it was another way they could spend
time without Lucius becoming suspicious. Lucius always thought the
pair spent so much time together practising potions and discussing
dark magic theory.

Xander questioned, "Do you know your real father?"

Draco grinned, "I have since my fourth birthday when my mum told me.
He's the potions teacher at our school, Severus Snape."

"SNAPE! Your father is that bastard!" Spike snarled in rage, not
noticing the sudden in drawn breath from Harry who quickly started
running his hands down his love's arm.

Draco growled his eyes turning black as he looked at the vampire. How
could this vampire sit there and insult his father when he didn't
know anything about him? Closing his eyes, Draco quickly counted to
ten in Latin then Chinese and German as he felt the rage start to
calm. He couldn't kill the vampire. Spike was needed at the moment,
besides he would have to marry the creature so there was no point in
making everything a lot more difficult than he imagined.

"Dray, its not that big a deal. Your dad is a fucking bastard
sometimes, remember?" Harry said honestly. He had hated Snape for
years since teacher appeared to take great delight in pointing out
his faults.

"He is my father, Green-Eyes! He's only a bastard sometime because he
has to be, and well people annoy him." Draco said to Harry before
demanding, "What did my dad ever do to you, Spike?"

"He tried to kill me and my Dark Princess. He was the one behind the
mob that tried to kill us in Prague."

Draco snarled, "You were with that insane bitch? Drusilla killed
children! She wanted to perform a ritual to bring her daddy back that
needed the blood of two hundred innocents."

"I didn't know. I don't kill kids or pregnant women, I never have."
Spike admitted unable to believe his dark princess had kept such a
large secret from him. He knew it was unusual for a vampire to be
specific about what was used as prey but he had always been against
the mindless slaughter of children and expectant mothers. It was yet
another trait that made him a unique vampire.

Richard said sternly, "We have to work together so no more
threatening to kill each other. Xander, why don't you tell us
something about yourself?"

"My name is Alexander Lavelle Harris but everyone calls me Xander. My
father is an Incubus and my mother is human. I'm a skilled wizard
although I never attended any classes, all my magic is self taught."

"How did you manage to cast spells without knowing the theory behind
them?"

Xander smirked, "A lot of practise, Harry. I managed to get a few old
spell books thanks to a few good friends. I had a few lessons from
Jenny Calendar and a few from Dru. I wrote spells whenever I couldn't
find anything that suited my needs."

"My name is Harry Potter, I'm a wizard and have been groomed since
the age of eleven to kill a wizard called Voldemort. I'll do it
because no one else will. No one else realises that to get rid of
Voldemort for good, him and I have to die at the same time."

Draco snarled, "WHAT? I am not losing you, Green-Eyes! You are mine
and I don't give permission for you to die."

"I don't think it works like that, love. I have to die and no one can
do anything about it. At least this way I can see my mum and dad
again."

Rolling his eyes at the behaviour of the two wizards Spike said, "My
name is William The Bloody, I also go by the name Spike. As you may
have guessed, I'm a vampire. My Sire is Angelus although Dru was
actually the one who turned me. She wasn't sane enough to look after
a Childe so Angelus took over."

Justin nodded simply saying, "I'll go next, my name is Justin
Pendleton but I'm now using the name Daniel Justin Harris in public
because Rich and I have died in a very public manner. I'm Immortal.
We are happy to have this chance to welcome all of you into our
family. If any of you ever need anything just come to us and we'll
help."

"Thanks for the offer. So when will we have to complete this
ceremony?"

"We'll probably do it here tomorrow morning so we can leave after
sunset. Oh, my original name was Richard Haywood and I'm now using
the name Alex Richard Nichols. Like Justin, I'm Immortal, although
I'm also half elven."

"That soon?" Harry asked alarmed that they could got even get to know
their husbands to be before the wedding. It didn't seem right to just
get married to some guy they didn't even know but then his life very
rarely went right, there always seemed to be problems and disasters.

Justin said logically, "We felt it best to have the ceremony quickly
so we can just leave town and complete the ritual. Xander and Harry
will share the room Harry has been using. Draco and Spike can have
our room. We have too much planning to do before we leave to worry
about sleep. Xander, do you want to contact Jesse and let him know
you are safe?"

"Thanks," Xander said with a grin as he took the offered phone and
dialled his lover's number. He prayed to every god and goddess he
could think of that Jesse would still love him after his marriage, he
didn't want his love to hate him over something he couldn't control.

"Hey love, I'm at Willow's house so don't worry."

Jesse laughed, "As if that will stop me, I can't help but worry. So
have you met the guy?"

Xander nodded, "Yeah, its some wizard called Harry Potter. He seems
nice a little shy perhaps but that is to be expected. We will have
the ceremony tomorrow morning and leave at sunset. I'll call you
every day and I'll phone the second we arrive in Greece."

"Okay love. Remember I love you and I would never hate you."

"I know. I love you too. Until later." Xander said with a sigh, he
knew better than to say goodbye to his love, he wasn't going to take
any chances on the Hellmouth.

"Later, love." Jesse responded as he ended the call, running into the
gym room so he could work off some of his aggression. All he wanted
to do was find this Harry and beat the life out of him for daring to
touch Xander but he would have to resist that urge.
*******
"So what are we going to do about this, Harry?"

Shocked at the question Harry looked up, "Nothing. Once the gods are
awake we can get divorced. How is your lover feeling about the
marriage?"

Xander shrugged, "We are both angry at having our lives screwed up
but we know what we have to do. How long have you and Draco been
dating?"

"We have never dated. We only learnt the love between us is mutual
just before we discovered our roles in the prophecy. Drake and I
decided it wasn't the best time to start a relationship but we've
talked about the future. When the divorces are final Drake and I are
going to get married, hopefully it will be soon."

"I've already lost my Jesse once, I don't think I could live it I
lost him again. I know sex will probably be involved but all I want
right now is to sleep so I'm refreshed for tomorrow."

"Okay." Harry said wondering how Draco was coping with Spike, he
didn't like the thought of his love having to share a bed with a
vampire of all creatures.
*******
"So how long have you been shagging that Harry?"

Draco smirked, "We haven't shagged and we won't until after we are
both freed from our marriages. You're not going to cause any
problems, are you? We are all a little too worked up to cope with
another crisis."

Spike vowed, "I won't do anything, I'm going to be married to you so
there isn't much point in upsetting you. What will happen after our
marriage?"

"We go to Greece and wake up the Gods. We get divorced then Green-
Eyes and I go back to school followed swiftly by killing Voldemort.
You are more than welcome to come with us. I'll have to heal you
tomorrow, remind me."

"I'm not hurt."

Draco shook his head, "Your energy is wrong so you must be. Could you
sit up and stay silent while I try and figure out what it is?"

Spike did as asked unwilling to let some injury go unhealed, he was a
fighter and couldn't go into battle hurt. It would be too dangerous
for him to stroll around with a possibly serious injury.

Draco cleared his mind before placing one hand just above the
vampire's hand, he ignored the familiar picture of blood, joints,
bones and muscles as he strove to find the problem. On spying a
foreign body connected to Spike's brain and spine, Draco refocused
his attentions. It was a microchip but not the sort of technology he
was familiar with but he could remove it through a simple
manipulation of Spike's matter. He would just have to hold the areas
attached to the computer chip in stasis while the intruder was
neutralised.

Not giving the vampire a chance to react Draco's eyes flashed to
yellow as he set about helping heal his vampire. Draco didn't like
what Spike had said about his father but had to admit the vampire was
the kind of person he could call a friend. The wizard had always been
drawn to people with a taste for violence that were loyal, cunning
and possessed a morbid sense of humour.

"It is done." Draco said smugly as he held out the computer chip, he
would have to ask Blaise what the chip's function was and how it
worked. If anyone could get the answers Draco sought it would be his
best friend, Blaise always had a knack for getting information.

"You've taken the chip out. I can feed again."

"Sure you can but if you start killing innocents myself or one of my
family will hunt you down and kill you."

"You're ruthless aren't you, Pet? I like that in a guy!"

"I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that. Now lets sleep, we've
got a big day tomorrow." Draco said as he stripped into his boxers
before getting into bed.

Spike sat up watching the blonde who had just given him back his
life, he had dreamed of getting the chip removed for years but had
assumed the only way was to let someone cut into him. The only reason
he hadn't pursued that course of action was that he hadn't found
someone skilled to perform the operation that he trusted not to kill
him. Now it was taken out by someone who worked for the light, he had
never thought one of the good guys would be responsible for giving
him back his life and sanity.
*******
Methos smiled reassuringly as he looked at the six people. He could
understand their nerves having gone through the same emotions at his
wedding with Nikias even though they had been dating for centuries
before they married.

"I am going to perform the quick version since I want to get out of
town quickly. Severus will be a witness for Draco and Spike. Giles is
going to be the witness for Harry and Xander, Nikias will be the
witness for Justin and Richard. Does everyone understand their role?"

At the nods all round Methos smiled in satisfaction, he loved it when
a plan came together. At least he didn't have to worry about having
to stop the wedding to tell people what to do as he had done in the
past. Due to the fact that his god was Hades the ceremony would be a
little different to the traditional ceremony.

"Do you Richard, Son of Miles and Julia swear fidelity to Justin, Son
of Ryan and Tiffany from now until the end of time?" Methos said
smiling.

"Yes." Richard answered, looking into his love's eyes, he could see
eternity in Justin's eyes, an eternity spent loving each other.

Methos looked at the obviously scared Justin questioning, "Do you
Justin, Son of Ryan and Tiffany swear fidelity to Richard, Son of
Miles and Julia from now until the end of time?"

"Yes." Justin answered seriously knowing he could never cheat on
Richard, to do so would kill him.

Smiling in satisfaction Methos continued, "Who bears witness to this
joining of lives, hearts and bodies?"

"I, Nikias Son of Hades bear witness to this joining and give my
blessing."

Smiling at his husband Methos continued, "So shall it be. Justin and
Richard, you are now married."

Moving down to the next couple Methos asked, "Do you Spike, Childe of
Drusilla and Angelus, swear fidelity to Draco, Son of Severus and
Narcissia for so long as this marriage lasts?"

"I so swear." Spike said knowing if he said the opposite the group
would just spell him into doing what they wanted, wizards were funny
that way.

Turning to the blonde wizard the Immortal said, "Do you Draco, Son of
Severus and Narcissia, swear fidelity to Spike, Childe of Drusilla
and Angelus for so long as this marriage lasts?"

"I swear it."

At Draco's agreement Methos said, "Who bears witness to this joining
of lives, hearts and bodies?"

Thanking the Gods for the Floo network Severus said, "I, Severus bear
witness to this joining and give my blessing."

"So shall it be. Spike and Draco, you are now married." Methos
announced to the room at large, ignoring the brief look of pain in
Draco's eyes. He knew Draco would do what was required of him without
complaining.

Methos said, "Do you Alexander, Son of Robert and Anita, swear
fidelity to Harold, Son of James and Lily for so long as this
marriage lasts?"

Xander nodded, "Yes, I swear it."

"Do you Harold, Son of James and Lily, swear fidelity to Alexander,
Son of Robert and Anita for so long as this marriage lasts?"

As Methos finished his speech Harry nodded, "I swear."

"Who bears witness to this joining of lives, hearts and bodies?"
Methos said looking at Giles for a second to make sure the man
understood this was his part.

"I, Rupert bear witness to this joining and give my blessing." Giles
said as seriously as possible, he couldn't help but feel sad that
Xander had to marry a stranger because of a prophecy.

"So shall it be. Xander and Harry, you are now married." Methos said
with a smirk before continuing, "I've set up for the reception
inside. We have only got just over an hour before we have to leave so
we can catch our plane."
*******
Buffy snarled, "Are you sure this is a good idea? Call me crazy but
letting a vampire, even a chipped one like Spike walk around in the
sun is just asking for trouble."

Methos shrugged, "We need him. The spell will only last two weeks so
don't worry. One of us will always be with him so you don't have to
worry about anyone dying. Does that make you feel better, Buffy?"

"Not really but it will have to do. If we need him, I suppose I can
always kill him later. I'm going to talk with Xan."

Xander smiled at his blonde friend as she walked over, knowing it
must be killing her inside to let Spike go free, as a Slayer she was
duty bound to kill all vampires that started snacking on the local
population. Passing Buffy a glass of champagne he offered up his
glass saying, "To friendship, love and rebirth."

Everyone drank from their glass of champagne or in Spike's case blood
laced with champagne. He was confused at the length the group he
would be travelling with had gone to so that he would feel part of
the celebrations. The vampire wasn't interested in having any sort of
reception but his objection had not mattered since three of the other
newlyweds had insisted it was needed. He supposed it was inevitable
that Draco would want a celebration since Harry obviously wanted one,
it appeared that the blonde wizard would do anything Harry asked if
it made the brunette happy. Xander had of course wanted a chance to
say goodbye to his friends since it wasn't known exactly how long
their little quest would take.

Spike looked around the room for someone to talk to, before settling
for Justin and Richard who had finally taken a break from kissing.
The young Immortals seemed to be the only ones happy with the
arrangements. Spike had asked Draco about the pair, the blonde had
said the pair had been dating a while and were devoted to each other.
Despite continued questioning Spike hadn't managed to coax any more
information from the wizard.

"Having fun?" Spike drawled as his eyes raked over Justin's body,
taking in the attractive blush of arousal. The vampire was amused at
the glare Richard was sending him, he wasn't scared of some wet
behind the ears kid.

"Of course. Aren't you going to torment the Slayer about your
chipless state?" Justin drawled having been informed of the vampire's
antagonistic relationship with the blonde courtesy of Xander.

"No. I like being undead. So how long have you been shagging?" Spike
said leering at the Justin, before smirking at Richard's growl of
displeasure.

"We have been lovers for almost two years," Justin answered since he
did not feel their brief break-up mattered. He had always known
Richard loved him even when the man wouldn't admit it to himself.

"Lucky you two got to stay together, I suppose. Have you ever been to
Greece?"

"A few times but we have no idea were we have to go, I trust Nik to
give us the information when we need it."

"What is your relationship with Nik and Methos?"

Richard explained quickly. "They were our teachers at first, then
they asked if we wished to join their family. We consented and now
consider them both brothers, we are family in spirit not in blood."

"Nice speech, Pet."

Methos said, "I thought so. Boys, we are not going to call in and see
Wes. He's looking forward to meeting you."

"Okay. It is best for us to finish our task first anyway since we
would then have more time to spend with Wesley."

Methos whistled loudly to get everyone's attention. Seeing everyone
was looking he said, "We have to get going."

Xander kissed each of his friends on the cheek and hugged them all
tightly before leaving the house. He knew if he prolonged the
goodbyes there would be tears all round and he hated seeing one of
his girls cry. As he kissed Dawn, he asked the girl to keep an eye on
Jesse and make sure his love didn't do anything stupid. Dawn was
amazing, the girl had kept his secret for months, having discovered
the pair of them making out just days after he brought Jesse back to
life.

"So how long will it take us to get to Athens?" Xander asked as the
car sped towards L.A. since they would be catching a flight from LAX.

"Fifteen hours and twenty five minutes, Xander. I suggest you get
comfortable fairly quickly when we board." Methos said dryly as he
took out a journal and started writing about their journey so far.

"So how much does it cost to fly eight people to Athens in less than
sixteen hours?"

"$55374 since we insisted on First Class. It's a disaster trying to
squeeze into coach and they had no business class seats."

"Wow, that is a lot of money."

"We can afford it, Justin. People who have a long life tend to
acquire a lot of wealth and possessions. Its nothing to us, besides
we have to get their soon. Don't worry about it."
*******
Four days later Methos looked up from the map he was busy studying as
his friends walked into the tavern. He was feeling a little worried
about how they were going to find a way into the temple without
annoying tourists getting in the way. If they had to, they could
always use some of the potions he had brought with him, they
disguised the drinker from detection. The potion made the drinker
invisible, muting any sounds the individual may make in addition to
neutralising any scents.

"Love, how is the studying going?" Nikias asked sitting down opposite
the man in question.

Methos smirked, "Good, I've managed to find a way inside. We will
have to take the tunnels outside of Thrace and crawl until we get to
the temple. It should be easy enough, hopefully when we get there we
will know what to do."

Nikias shrugged, "There will probably be something to tell us,
knowing the Fates. They were a little obsessive about making sure
people followed their plans to the letter."

"What tunnels?" Harry asked hoping he wouldn't have to spend ages
trapped in another small space, he could handle it after spending
years locked in a cupboard courtesy of his aunt and uncle.

"Just some tunnels we need to take so we can get to the place were I
first died. It won't take long, around four hours since there are
miles of tunnels. They were created so the priests and students could
escape an attack if needed. Once we get at the temple it should be
fairly obvious what we have to do."

"Great, I love dark tunnels(!) I suppose we have to come with you?"

Ignoring the pout Nikias answered, "The eight of us are supposed to
wake up Aurora so yeah I'd say we need you, Justin."

"When do you want to set off on this little adventure?"

"I was thinking tonight after you have eaten, Spike. Is that okay
with everyone?"

"Sure," Draco answered for his husband knowing how much the vampire
loved hunting his prey.

After arriving in town everyone had agreed the best time for the
vampire to hunt was at night. No one could afford the vampire to be
discovered feeding on anyone since it would cause an inevitable delay
in their plans so it was organised that someone would always
accompany Spike on the hunt. The vampire hunted only on criminals his
last two victims were a rapist and a murderer.

Ignoring the brief pain at the easy interaction between the vampire
and his Dray Harry said seriously, "How about we meet at midnight?"

"Good idea." Methos said nodding knowing the others would do as he
suggested, they all wanted everything to be over as quickly as
possible so they could get back to their lives.

"What should we pack for this little trip?" Xander asked, his mind
already on his supplies for the mission.

Knowing everyone still had their weapons since they had used a
magical airline Methos reeled off, "Torches, rope and weapons. Dress
in black so there will be less chance of being caught. I'll give
everyone a potion I created called Vermomming. It will make us
invisible in addition to muting all sound and scent that comes from
us."

"Good potion," Draco said admiringly knowing how much skill was
involved in making a new complex potion.

"Thanks, now why don't you all get a sleep so you are on top form for
the mission."

"Okay." Harry said with a smile before gesturing to Draco that he
wanted to speak with him.

Harry had dearly missed the talks they had shared before arriving in
Greece, now it was rare for the two of them to be alone since one or
more of their friends always seemed to be around, Harry wasn't sure
if it was intentional act on their part. He knew everyone was worried
that he and Dray would not be strong enough to deal with the
separation. What the others did not understand was that simply
knowing that they would be together after the prophecy had been
completed was enough for Draco and Harry at the moment.
*******
"What's wrong, Green-Eyes?" Draco asked anxiously, having noticed the
look of anger and grief in his love's eyes. He hated seeing Harry in
any kind of pain, it made his heart ache.

"Are you and Spike involved with each other?"

"Of course not! I love you and I'm not going to settle for second
best. He is a good guy and to be honest we both needed someone to
talk to about this prophecy. I would have been to see you earlier but
the others keep stopping me from going near you. Why do you think I
would do anything like that to you? I trust you, Green-Eyes so why
don't you trust me?"

"Its not that I don't trust you, Dray. I'm just scared, everyone I
love ends up leaving me and I couldn't cope if I lost you
completely."

Kissing his love's forehead Draco whispered, "Harry, I promise we
will be together soon. It will be a couple of weeks at most according
to Nik. Just think of it this way, in two weeks we can get married."

"I know I miss you, its all your fault for making me feel again."
Harry replied with a smile to show he was joking.

"We should get back and rest up, do you want to sleep in my room.
Spike will probably be too busy planning to sleep anyway."

Harry said excitedly, "Sure but we'll have to make sure Nik doesn't
find out, he's a little worked up about the prophecy. We can pick up
my stuff first so we won't have to make any detours tonight. Are you
going to speak to your dad soon?"

"Maybe, he sent a message yesterday to say that he will be busy so
I'm hoping he will get a couple of spare moments to talk to me."

Harry smirked, "I wish I was turning seventeen in four days but as
fate would have it I still have to live with the Dursleys for ages.
You never know I might get lucky and find some way to make them
behave."
*******
"How you doing, Pet?" Spike asked unnerved by Xander's continued
silence, he didn't know this new pensive Xander Harris and that
worried him. Somewhere along the way Xander Harris had changed and he
had never noticed, or perhaps he had chosen not to notice.

"I'm okay but I'll be a lot better when I am back with Jesse. Have
you ever met him, Spike?"

"No, can't say I would want to either if he is anything like
Peaches!" Spike said scowling at the thought of his Sire.

"He's nothing like Angel, I would stake myself if he was! Jess is a
lot of fun and he doesn't feel any of the freaky displaced guilt
Angel has. Jesse's soul wasn't even there when the demon started
snacking on the local population so why would he feel guilt over the
actions of a completely different entity?"

"That makes sense, mate. I take it Silver and Scarhead are together?"

"Yes. They are lucky to have each other on this trip. Have you agreed
to a divorce once everything is over?"

"I owe Draco for taking out my chip so I've agreed." Spike answered
honestly as the pair walked down the streets towards their hotel. He
wondered what would happen if they could not get divorced. The
vampire didn't want a wizard out for his blood, what if the fool
decided to give him a soul and make him a nancy-boy like Angel? With
a shake of his head the vampire dismissed the thought, there was no
point dwelling on something that would probably never happen.

End Part 19



tbc

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