AresJoxerCupidStrife - Brandy

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

Title: Marrying War
Author: Brandy
Rating: NC-18
Pairings: A/J, E/?
Disclaimer: I don't own or lay claim to any of the characters
depicted in this story.
Warning: Contains spoilers up to God Fearing Child, which has been
altered in this story. Meaning, I pretty much warped, twisted, and
abused it `til it did what *I* wanted. :)



"What do you mean, `Ares has to do it first'?" Eris snarled.

Hera looked calmly at her enraged daughter. "Ares is your father's
heir. He must be the first of Zeus' *legitimate* children to marry."

Eris let out a frustrated scream through her clenched teeth and
started pacing around the garden. Hera simply sat back and waited for
the next barrage.

"What if he doesn't want a woman, what then? Don't you think I should
be married, and have legitimate children, just in case?"

"If your brother doesn't want a female, then he would have to rely on
the ability that Zeus has passed on to all his godly sons.
Regardless, your brother will carry on the succession to Olympus if
anything should happen to Zeus or myself."

Eris stopped and turned back towards Hera, hands fisted on her hips,
as she waited for further explanation.

"All of your father's sons are capable of carrying children, just as
you and your sisters are capable of fathering them. Insurance that if
we are gone, Olympus will still be held through his bloodline, no
matter the sex of the ruling couple. You already have the ability to
change forms; I blessed the thunderbolt after my marriage to insure
that it will make you fertile in a male form. It will merely add a
few extras to your brother, or whichever male that touches it. You
already know that if your power levels get too high you can create a
child yourself, but that is rare, and can't be relied upon."

"Oh." Eris was a bit put out that she'd never come across that
particular piece of information before. She'd known the bit about
being able to create a child yourself, after all, she'd done it with
Strife after the war with the Titans. However, that kind of power
boost was very rare.

"There was no need for it to ever be mentioned before. If something
happened to your father or myself, the knowledge would have come to
Ares when he inherited the thunderbolt. One touch, once Zeus is dead,
and it will activate the hidden piece of your brother, triggering
untold knowledge. However, it will only allow the legitimate ruler of
Olympus to touch it. Anyone who tries to use it without permission
will be blasted back to the elements. That's the only reason Athena
can touch it now. However, if anything happens to your father, it
will go to the next strongest and legitimate godly heir, your brother
Ares."

Eris frowned as she thought through the ramifications of her mother's
words. "What would happen if there wasn't a legitimate heir left?"

"Then it would be a battle between the strongest gods remaining. The
bolt takes all of your energy, only to magnify it, and return it to
you. Only the strongest gods on Olympus could handle a drain and
surge of energy like that, and even then there's a chance they could
die in the attempt. That's why your brother must be married first. As
war, he is the strongest god on Olympus, after your father, so he'll
have the best chance of surviving. His consort, whom anyone who tries
to take the thunderbolt must have at the time, can increase his odds
of surviving the energy surge. However, if a consort tries to help,
they also open themselves to death."

Eris eyed her mother suspiciously. "Why are you telling me this?"

Hera was silent for several minutes. During that time, she looked her
daughter over carefully. "I feel something coming…It's no secret that
I didn't want to marry your father. However, it is done. My sacrifice
will not be in vain. My children will reign if Zeus falls. That's why
I've tried to make you and your brother strong. I know you won't
betray him. All the petty squabbles you've had are nothing. When one
of you is challenged, you stand together. *That* is what it will take
to rise above the others. You, especially, have seen what happens
when one god conspires to hurt another. My other children don't have
it in them to emerge victorious from a sustained assault. You and
Ares do. Hephaestus and Hebe will lend what help they can, but in the
end, Ares must emerge victorious against Zeus' bastards. Besides, is
it so inconceivable to you that I'd want my children to have a chance
at happiness, when I didn't? I do love you, even if I don't betray my
weakness by showing it."

Eris resumed pacing, trying to think of another tactic. "You let
Hephaestus and Cupid marry!"

"It's only after all the children born legitimately to two parents
have tried, that those born to individual parents could try. Since
your father bore Athena himself, and is the senior god in our
marriage, she would get to try before Hephaestus. She's too
intelligent not to figure a way of claiming the bolt, besides her use
of it has made her familiar to some of its properties. She has an
unfair advantage over the rest who would try. I told Hephaestus that,
and we struck a bargain.

Your father's eye was beginning to roam towards Aphrodite when
Hephaestus asked for her. Heph swore to me on Styx that he would
support my children if it came to a fight for the thunderbolt, and
that he would help during their reign.

Cupid is, as you know illegitimate. That means all of Zeus' bastards
would have died before he even had a chance at claiming the throne. I
also made sure Aphrodite knew the cost of tying her son to his ex-
mortal wife. If he'd married Strife, as they'd planned all those
years ago, then he would have moved up in succession order, since you
had Strife yourself, making him legitimate. However, Psyche doesn't
have a vocation, so she has no power supply other than what Cupid
gives her. She's not used to channeling power, and would be
obliterated if she tried to help Cupid tame the energy from the
thunderbolt. I don't believe Cupid will allow that to happen to
Bliss' mother.

You will find that any god or goddess who has married has some type
of bargain in place. Your brother *will* inherit his father's throne,
despite Zeus' maneuvering to place Hercules there.

Speaking of which…If something does happen to your brother, and it's
your turn to try and claim the throne, I'd advise you to marry one of
Zeus' bastards. Apollo may be the best choice. Either way, they would
be the strongest chance you have of surviving. The only thing I ask
is that you make Hebe marry Hercules. I know you despise him, but
your sister secretly wants him…she should have a little happiness.
That way, if you succeed, she will be your staunchest supporter…and
if you fail, she will have a chance of surviving. I may hate Zeus'
bastards, but they are my children's best hope of ruling Olympus.
Besides, they will be the weaker god of the marriage, and that
pleases me to think of one of his bastard's serving one of my babies."

Eris was quiet for some time, sorting through her mother's shocking
confessions. "I still don't get why I have to wait on Ares to marry!
I want a husband and my son back!" Inwardly blocking the whole bit
about marrying Apollo.

Hera raised one eyebrow. "Because I'm your mother, and I said so."
Came the calm reply as the Goddess of Marriage turned back to her
roses.

Eris' frustrated scream echoed throughout Olympus as a flurry of
flames erupted around her, signaling her departure.

Hera briefly turned back to the spot where Eris had stood. Sending
out a brief flicker of power, she restored the scorched roses and
earth to their former condition. Shaking her head in disproval, she
turned back to her pruning, muttering "Children!" under her breath.

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


Eris reappeared in her temple, pacing back and forth. "This isn't
happening! I finally find someone again, and I can't marry him until
Ares is married. Well, I'm not letting this one get away! There's
gotta be a way to get Ares hitched…"

Eris stopped and cocked her head, sure she'd heard something. Little
scratching sounds soon captured her attention. Stalking quietly over
to the drapes, she reached out her hand and whipped them back.

"EEEEEKKKK!!" Bliss screamed, jumping out at her.

"AAAAHHHH!!" Eris jumped back several feet, hand clutched to her
chest as Bliss giggled in delight.

After several moments, Eris finally calmed down enough to turn back
to Bliss. Bending down to his level, she asked "Bliss, honey, what're
you doing here?"

Bliss smiled at Eris, turning on the charm. "Pwaying."

"Oh. What're you playing?"

"Scware."

Eris smiled sadly, tears coming to her eyes. Strife had invented the
game when he was little. He'd loved jumping out and scaring everyone.
He'd told her when he was older that he'd gotten a charge every time
he'd scared someone. Apparently, he'd passed the game onto Bliss
before he'd died. Suddenly, what she had to do smacked her straight
in the face. "That's it!" Eris jumped to her feet, tossing Bliss up
in the air.

Bliss squealed in joy as she caught him and hugged him tight.

"Come on, babe. We need to see your grandma."

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


Eris and Bliss flashed into Aphrodite's temple in a puff of gray
smoke.

Aphrodite looked up and scowled at Eris, before opening her arms for
Bliss.

Bliss flew across the room and let his gran' `D hug him, letting him
nuzzle close to her soft breasts.

"You were supposed to be napping, young man. Ares is looking all over
for you."

Bliss' eyes teared up at the scolding.

"Stop that. It only works on your grandpa these days." Aphrodite
kissed him on the forehead, and walked over to the little bed in the
back of her workroom. "Now, sleep." She commanded, sending a small
tendril of power to make the small godling drowsy. Making sure he was
asleep, she transported him to his bed in Ares' temple, silently
sending a message to Ares that that's where Bliss was now.

Aphrodite turned around, and went back to her worktable, resuming her
mixing.

Eris rolled her eyes in annoyance. Quietly, she cleared her throat.

Aphrodite looked up, and tossed another scowl at the Goddess of
Discord. "You're still here? What do you want, Eris?"

"I want to find a consort for Ares."

"What?!" Aphrodite accidentally dropped the small vial in her hand.
It cracked open and mixed with the rest of her ingredients causing
the mixture to make a minor explosion.

Eris watched with some amusement as putrid fumes wafted up from the
potion's remains, clinging to Aphrodite.

"Oh, you're gonna pay for that!" Aphrodite growled, quickly cleaning
up the mess, and trying to get the smell off her skin.

"What for? It's not my fault you're clumsy."

"Clumsy!?"

Eris groaned under her breath. This wasn't going like she'd
envisioned. "Look, I didn't come here to fight with you." Eris
gritted her teeth. "I need your help."

"What?" Aphrodite gasped out, collapsing to the floor in
laughter. "MY help?" More giggles erupted.

"Fine. If you're not up to the challenge, I'll find a love god who
is. *Or*, better yet, I'll do it myself. Oh, wouldn't that be
something, Discord succeeding in finding Ares a consort, where
Aphrodite failed."

Aphrodite abruptly stopped laughing, and pulled herself to her
feet. "Why do you want Ares married?"

"Hera and Zeus decreed that none of their children can get married
until Ares does. After all, he's the oldest. I thought you might be
up to the challenge of finding him a consort, but since you obviously
have better things to do, I'll find him one myself. This way, the
next time I find someone I want to marry, I won't loose him before
the wedding."

"You're serious? They won't let you marry until he does?" Aphrodite
was frowning, trying to figure out their reasoning.

"Hera said allota things, but I get the feeling she's worried. When I
asked, she volunteered more information than she's ever given me
before. She must think something's coming."

"It must be something big if she's worried." Aphrodite muttered,
pacing.

"Look, are you gonna help me or not?"

Aphrodite eyed her sister for several tense minutes. True, they never
got along for long, but that's because their nature's opposed each
other. "I'll help you, but you're gonna owe me."

Eris stared at Aphrodite suspisciously. "What do you want?"

"I want you to have Strife again. Cupid misses him."

Eris stared at Aphrodite for several minutes, inwardly jumping for
joy. This fell straight in with her plans. "Done."

Aphrodite picked up a jeweled dagger off her table. "You won't mind
taking a blood oath and swearing by Styx on it?"

Eris smirked. "You first."

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


"All right, here's how I figure it. We need someone who knows her way
around a battlefield…" Eris began.

"Who's loyal."

"Courageous."

"Beautiful."

"Intelligent."

"Not afraid of his temper."

"Who can put up with his scheming *and* hasn't already been screwed
over by him."

"*And*, can stand the sight of blood."

"We've just described Xena, pre-Hercules." Eris snapped out.

Aphrodite let out a frustrated growl. This was going to take all her
patience she just knew it.

******************
Several Frustrating Hours Later

"Who's left?"

Aphrodite scowled. "What about Nike?"

Eris looked at Aphrodite in disbelief. "She's one of Athena's best
buddies."

"So?"

"So, Arry and Athena have that whole rivalry thing going. Where've
you been?"

"Oh, I don't pay attention to those petty little arguments between
Ares and Athena."

"Petty little arguments!"

"Pish, posh. Who's left?"

Eris' face scowled up in frustration. "That's it! We've been through
every goddess, and demi-goddess there is." Throwing her hands up in
disgust, she collapsed back into a frilly pink chair.

"Huh…Well then, we'll just have to move on to the fellas."

Eris scowled as she hunkered further down into her chair.

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

"Apollo?" Aphrodite offered after several moments of contemplation.

"Too bright. Asclepius?"

"His patients are his first priority. Hermes?"

"Too busy. Besides, the first time he tries to steal Arry's sword,
he'd skewer him…Poseidon?"

"Duh, *Acclipe*. Besides, he's married, remember? How about
Dionysus?"

"He's always drunk.

"Helios?"

"Big-Mouth."

"Pan?

Eris grinned evilly. "Ares once ate a goat in front of him. He was
trying to make a point, so Pan would stop rubbing up against him when
he turned his back, now he won't go around him anymore. Hey, what
about Thanatos?"

"I guess they are friends…but his first loyalty would always be to
Hades. Same with all the Underworld and Seagods."

The volley of names and rejections ran on, until eventually they
moved onto demi-gods.

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

Bliss crept closer to the two exhausted goddesses, and hid behind
Eris' chair. Grandpa Ares hadn't noticed him slipping out; he was too
busy spying in his mirror again. Auntie Eris was just glowing with
joy, but she was hiding it. Maybe he could help. He'd just listen
like his daddy taught him, and then he'd figure out what was going on.


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

"What about Iolaus?"

"You've gotta be kidding!"

"What've you got against Sweetcheeks?"

Eris eyed Aphrodite with disbelief. "He's Hercules' best friend!"

"So?"

"So?! He hates Ares!"

Aphrodite smiled mysteriously.

Eris' mouth dropped open. "You're kidding."

"You of all goddesses should know; love and hate aren't that far
apart."

"He's been involved with Iphicles for the past three years."

It was Aphrodite's turn to stare in shock.

"Caught them christening Corinth's throne." Eris smirked.

Aphrodite scowled, and made a mental note to yell at Cupid later for
keeping her out of the loop. Maybe that's why she thought Iolaus was
drawn to Ares. The family resemblance between them was striking, even
after several generations. "Alright, what about the warlords? You'd
know them better than I would."

Eris scowled as she thought through all the warlords currently high
in Ares' favor. She didn't trust any of them enough to become Ares'
consort. Whomever it was had to be totally loyal to Ares, once they
were made Ares' consort, the others would try their best to subvert
them. "No. I don't think there's one of them who could stand the
temptation."

"Priestesses or Priests?"

Eris leaned back and mentally sorted through her brother's
priestesses and priests. "Everyone I think of is too old."

Aphrodite heaved a frustrated sigh, and created a refreshment tray
with two goblets and some of Dionysus' special blend. She quickly
drained half her cup, watching Eris do the same. Inwardly, she
wondered if she'd set herself up to look like a fool. True, she'd
never really tried to match Ares up with anyone, he was the best baby-
maker around, but now it was looking like she might have been
subconsciously avoiding failure. NO. That wasn't an option. She was
going to find Ares' consort, get him married, and make Eris live up
to her side of the bargain. Cupid had been just miserable since
Strife died, and *dammit* her baby was going to get happy if she had
to make Ares a consort!

"Happy." Aphrodite muttered, words slightly slurring. Suddenly, she
snapped straight up in her seat, startling Eris. "That's it! Happy!
We need to find someone who makes Ares happy! We can help them learn
the little stuff. We just need to narrow the search down to happy and
loyal!"

Eris looked at Aphrodite doubtfully. "Happy and loyal? For Ares?"

Bliss peeked around Eris' chair. This was something he knew. "Ganpa
happy now."

Both goddesses looked around at him.

"Bliss, honey, you're supposed to be with Grandpa Ares..." Aphrodite
scolded.

"What do you mean, Ares is happy now?"

Bliss smiled, and scooted around to sit on one of the chairs. "Him's
happy now."

Eris grinned evilly at Aphrodite. "He's happy now."

Aphrodite started her own crafty grin. "Well, we'll just have to see
what's got him so happy, won't we?"

Bliss started smiling happily. Grabbing his toes, he started rocking
back and forth in the chair, humming.

Aphrodite tried to produce a mirror to spy on Ares, but he had his
temple secured. "I can't peek in."

Eris tried to produce her own mirror, but she too was blocked.

"Let's try together."

Both goddesses tried combining their energies to subtly push their
way past Ares' shielding, but nothing worked.

"He's got a really strong shield in place for just spying." Eris
muttered, once more collapsing back in her chair.

"Errruff." Aphrodite threw herself back in her own chair.

Both goddesses were quiet several moments as they tried to think of
some way around the shielding.

Aphrodite leaned her head back and rubbed her finger along her
temple. Bliss' quiet humming eventually caught her attention. "Bliss?
What are you humming?"

"Happy song."

Aphrodite's eyes narrowed suspiciously. She knew that song. "Would
you sing it for me?"

Eris turned her head, about to ask Aphrodite what she was up to, when
Bliss started singing.

"Josser the Middy.
Roam through the counshryside.
Never need a pwace to hide.
With Shabby as his sidekick.
Fighting with her liddle stick,
Josser…Josser the Middy"



Aphrodite grinned at Eris. "That's it! He's spying on Joxer!"

"Joxer?" Eris frowned, trying to place the name.

"Yeah, you know…*Joxer*." Aphrodite grinned, waiting on Eris figure
it out.

"You've got to be kidding." Eris replied flatly.

"Nope. He's got all the qualities we've been looking for, plus, Ares
is interested in him!" Aphrodite squealed.

Bliss clapped his little hands, basking in his grandmother's joy.

"He's not a warrior." Eris sat up straight, the light of battle
coming to her eyes.

"I made him one once, so I know he's got it in him. Just a little
fine tuning, and he will again. Then, he'll be perfect."

Eris sat back once more. For now, she'd let Aphrodite take the lead.
After all, love was her thing. Besides, if she screwed this up, Eris
would have blackmail material for decades.

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


"Hey, Joxie!" Aphrodite appeared at his side, causing him to jump.

Joxer jumped straight up and back, tripping over a log, and landing
on his back. "Oh! Uh, hi, Aphrodite."

Aphrodite smiled at him as he pulled himself to his feet. She quietly
looked him up and down several times, walking around him to take in
all the sides. Finally, she smiled sweetly at him and got straight to
the point. "So, Joxie, what exactly do you want out of life?"

Joxer looked at Aphrodite in disbelief. Something strange was going
on.

When Joxer just stared at her, Aphrodite let out a huge sigh. "You
remember that vow you took on my altar in Thessaly?"

Joxer nodded, not sure what Aphrodite was truly up to.

"Well, I've decided it's time to help you complete that vow."

Apprehension showed on Joxer's face. "Nnnow?" He squeaked.

Aphrodite's grin got bigger. "Yep. I finally figured out whom you
were meant for. Now, all we need is a little fine-tuning, and we'll
be set."

Joxer's brow wrinkled. "You're sure this isn't another trick…like you
did with the bell?"

"Cheer up, Joxie! By the time we're done with you, you're gonna be
family!" She squealed and grabbed him in a quick hug.

"Family?" Joxer mouthed the words. Suddenly, understanding arrived.

Aphrodite scowled down at his unconscious form sprawled out on the
ground. First thing's first, need to get him shock proofed.


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

*Remember, stick to the plan!* Eris projected silently to Aphrodite.

Aphrodite rolled her eyes at Eris, showing her exasperation.
Personally, she thought Joxer could handle the truth, but Eris had
convinced her that they couldn't take any chances. They only had one
shot. Fortunately for them, Apollo and Athena were always plotting
against Ares, so their story was believable.

Joxer stretched out, nuzzling his face deeper into the softest pillow
he'd ever felt. Gradually, he became aware that something was off.
Turning so he was on his back, he stretched once more, groggily
opening his eyes. He smiled sweetly at the two beautiful women beside
the bed, then jerked straight up in bed; eyes fixed on the two
goddesses.

"W..what's going on?" He stammered.

Aphrodite smiled down at him. "It's alright, Joxie. I brought you
here so Eris and I could explain things."

"*He's* gonna help us save Ares?" Eris snorted in disbelief.

"Save Ares? What're you talking about?" Joxer asked sharply.

Aphrodite let a sympathetic expression cross her face. "Well, you see
Joxie, it's like this. Ares needs some help, and Eris and I think
you're the one who can help him."

"Why? What's wrong?" Joxer's head was spinning. They couldn't
possibly have the right guy.

"Apollo and Athena are trying to kill Ares so they can take his
powers."

"Kill Ares?" Joxer's voice trembled, face flooded with apprehension.
What help could he be against two gods?

"Quite a bit of help, actually. Ares needs to be stronger, that's
where you come in." Eris stated bluntly.

Joxer started to hyperventilate.

Aphrodite scooted over to the bed, and started rubbing circles on his
back. "Shhh, shhhh, it's alright."

"I don't understand! Why me?"

"Aren't you one of Ares' followers?" Eris began, while Aphrodite
stayed quiet, still rubbing Joxer's back.

"Yes." Joxer frowned in confusion.

"Are you loyal?"

"I try to be." Joxer answered honestly. "Sometimes, when I'm with
Xena and Gabby, it's hard."

"Are you a blood innocent?"

Joxer looked down in shame. He'd never really thought about killing
someone, until Callisto ordered him to kill Gabrielle. He knew then
that he didn't have what it took. "Yes." He whispered, knowing
whatever task they needed fulfilled, and he'd failed their
qualifications.

"You haven't failed. You simply aren't a warlord deep down inside,
you're a hero."

Joxer looked up at Eris sharply, certain he'd misunderstood.

"Usually, the heroes worship to Athena or Artemis, however, you
worship Ares. That makes you one of Ares special worshipers. I'm sure
someone told you that the gods can only bring out what's inside a
person?"

"Xena did." Joxer whispered softly.

"Well, we're going to bring out the hero inside, permanently. I just
need you to answer three questions."

"What?"

"Do you love Ares? Desire him? Would you sacrifice yourself for him?"

Aphrodite stopped rubbing his back, waiting for his answer. Joxer's
willingness to admit this to himself was vital to their plans. Unless
he could admit the truth to himself, he couldn't admit it to Ares.

"Yes." Joxer answered softly, face turned away so they couldn't see
his hopeless expression. Not even these two goddesses could make Ares
love him back.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that, Joxie. With Eris and I working
together…we can accomplish anything."

Aphrodite and Eris sat with their arms forming a loose circle around
Joxer. A gentle glow started to engulf the trio. Soon, the light was
so bright, it was impossible to distinguish their forms. Finally, the
glow subsided, as the two gently laid Joxer back down on the bed.

Stepping back to watch Joxer's sleeping form, Aphrodite and Eris
shared a grin. The plan was working beautifully.

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

"Alright, remember, stick to the plan, and everything will be fine."
Eris hissed.

Joxer nodded distractedly as he shifted once more in his new clothes.

Eris frowned at him, and grabbed his hand, taking them to the hall
outside her bedchamber in Ares' temple. She purposely bumped into a
pedestal causing the small statue to rattle against the wall,
confident that Ares would come and investigate the noise.

"This'll be our bedroom…" Eris opened the door, gesturing widely with
her hand.

"Bedroom?" Joxer whispered, as he peered inside, eye's wide with
shock as he took in the chains and whips lining one wall.

"Bedroom." Eris repeated firmly, wrapping her hands in Joxer's hair
and pulling him in for a scorching kiss as she spotted Ares turning
down the hall.

"WHAT'S GOING ON HERE!?!?!" Ares yelled, his hand flashing out and
gripping Eris about the throat, and yanking her away from Joxer.

"E…E…Eris…was just showing me where we're gonna live!" Joxer
stammered out in a rush.

"Live?"

"When we're married."

"MARRIED?!"

"We're getting married." Joxer repeated firmly.

"You're not marrying her! You're mine!"

"You…you want me?" Joxer whispered, astonished.

"You're mine, Joxer, and nobody steals my worshipers." Ares growled,
hand tightening around Eris' throat.

Joxer took a deep breath, and gathered all his courage. "Just because
I'm your worshiper, or something more?" He boldly asked.

Ares scowled in response, but his face still betrayed him.

"You never said anything."

"I was waiting for you to wise up about Xena's bard. Took you long
enough."

Joxer ducked his head, blushing slightly. "Well, if you want me, I'm
yours." He murmured, his heart thudding against his ribs.

Ares tossed Eris across the room, and moved to embrace Joxer.

"No way, Ares! Eris was going to *marry* him! You can't have him
unless you do the same!" Aphrodite yelled, appearing in a flash of
flaming red rose petals, showing her temper.

"He's my worshiper, I can do what I want!" Ares roared.

"Well, he made a vow to me, and that stands!" She snarled back.

"What vow?"

"His virginity goes to his spouse when I unite him with his true
love." She answered smugly.

"He's not a virgin!" Ares laughed in her face.

Aphrodite grinned smugly. "Wrong!"

"But, all those women at that tavern, what's it's name…Megs! They
fawn all over him! He can't be a virgin!"
blushed, and turned away, ashamed that Aphrodite had brought
this up in front of Ares.

Aphrodite put her arm around Joxer and turned him towards
Ares. "Joxie, honey, why don't you tell Ares about the girls and boys
when you were growing up."

"They didn't want me." He whispered.

"Why?" Ares bluntly demanded.

"Jett was usually first choice, but if they didn't want Jett, they
wanted Jace. I couldn't compete. They offered to help me find
someone, but I wanted to do it myself. I thought once I left home,
the competition would be gone, and I'd stand a chance, but then I met
Gabrielle. I thought I'd found my true love, so I made a vow to
Aphrodite that I'd wait until my true love and I were married. I
found out later that Gabby only likes me as a friend, but she really
thinks I'm hopeless."

"But, those women at Meg's!"

"I, ah…I have really strong hands. They all fight over who gets the
first massage. They say I'm the best in the land. I can press in
really deep." Joxer blushed.

`Really deep.' Ares mentally let go of that picture, and focused on
the argument. "That Meg woman always has her hands all over you!"

"She's hard to resist." Joxer muttered.

"I had a little talk with her when I saw how she tried to seduce my
Joxie. She knows the kissing is alright, but nothing else." Aphrodite
giggled. "I guess Joxie got her so worked up she had to start the
tavern."

"Oh, yeah, well I still say *you* haven't united him with anyone!"
The vein in Ares' temple started to throb.

"Oh, but I think we did, didn't we, Eris?"

Eris walked up beside Aphrodite and looped her arm around the Love
Goddess' waist. "Yeah, looks that way to me."

"You were only using me?" Joxer' eyes filled with tears.

Ares grabbed him in a hug, glaring at the two goddesses.

"So, what's it gonna be, Arry. A wedding, or do I take him back?"

Ares glared at the two goddesses, mentally vowing a little revenge
for their plotting. It wasn't wise to let Discord and Love remain
allies for long. "A wedding." He snarled.

Aphrodite beamed with joy.

Eris grinned, then bellowed for her mother.

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


Hera looked Joxer over. "He's the one you want?"

"Yes." Ares answered.

She lifted Joxer's chin, looking him in the eye. "Do you love my
son?"

Joxer trembled, but remained steady. "Yes, ma'am."

*So, he's chosen a mortal. Well, as long as he's happy…I'll just have
to think of a way to make his mortal more powerful.…* Hera rose from
her seat, and walked down to Joxer's trembling form. "Very well."
Hera held out her hand and summoned a golden apple from her tree.

*Cupid, bring Bliss to your father's temple…Heph, Phobos, Deimos, I
need you in Ares' temple.* Aphrodite mentally called the family
members closest to Ares.

The summoned gods appeared quickly, startled by Aphrodite's call.

"Josser!" Bliss cried out excitedly, trying to launch himself out of
Cupid's arms.

"So, that's how they knew." Ares murmured, understanding lighting his
face.

"Shh, Bliss, you can visit with Joxer later. Right now, it looks like
he's going to marry grandpa Ares." Cupid reassured his son.

Joxer nervously eyed the other gods. Glancing at Deimos, he had the
strangest sense of recognition, however, Hera quickly reclaimed his
attention.

Hera loosely wrapped a golden cord with sharp golden tips on the ends
around Joxer and Ares' clasped forearms, then nodded to Joxer to eat
the apple. Once he was finished, she started speaking while the cord
tightened.

"Bound by blood,
Bound through death,
Bless their union, and
Let no being come between."

When the final word was spoken, the golden tips deeply pierced their
skin. Blood from the wounds traveled the length of the cord, until it
mixed and passed, flowing into each other's veins. Eventually, the
blood stopped traveling through the rope, and it once more turned
golden. The tips quickly retracted showing the skin healing over,
leaving a small scar on each wrist.

"Before these witnesses, let it be known, that Ares, God of War is
eternally married to Joxer, The Mighty." Hera grasped Joxer's hand
and gifted him with her wedding present…strength equal to Hercules.

Ares grabbed Joxer from his mother's grasp, and kissed him deeply, as
his family watched in astonishment.

"Alright, that's enough! It's my turn now." Eris turned to her
mother.

Hera smiled at Eris. "You've done well, Eris. Bring me your chosen."

Everyone watched in confusion as Eris disappeared, only to reappear
with a mortal identical to Joxer.

"Well, I suppose that it makes sense that my twin would want one of
your brothers, like I want you." Ares murmured to Joxer.

Aphrodite frowned in confusion. "Wait a sec! You already had someone
lined up? I thought you just wanted Ares married so you could look."

Eris smiled at Aphrodite. "If you knew I already had someone picked
out, you might not have cooperated. Don't worry, I'll fulfill my end
of the bargain as soon as possible."

"You mean you just wanted Ares married so you could get married? What
about the plot to kill him that he needed me for?" Joxer asked,
confused.

Ares looked at his sisters. "Plot to kill me?"

"Oh, well, we needed to strengthen Joxie's resolve, so we told him
Athena and Apollo were trying to kill you. You just needed a little
push to help you settle your nerves, Joxie. We gods aren't supposed
to *kill* each other." Aphrodite shrugged.

Joxer looked on in wide-eyed shock as his brother, The King of
Assassins, was married to the Goddess of Discord.

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


"My brother married your sister." Joxer muttered for the thousandth
time.

Ares heaved an exasperated sigh, leading Joxer into the bedchamber.
Directing him over to the bed, he slowly undressed Joxer, taking
delight in flicking the silky material of his shirt over his body.

"Where'd you get the clothes?" Ares murmured.

Joxer snapped to attention at the question. "Uh, Eris. She said you'd
never believe she'd be interested in me if I was still wearing my
armor. Then Aphrodite said it needed to be tight, and kind of see-
through, so…"

Ares smirked. "They're right." He bent down and flicked his tongue
across Joxer's right nipple, drawing it into his mouth.

Joxer started, but Ares' hands embraced him in a loose hug, holding
him in place. Not sure where to put his hands, Joxer threaded them
through Ares' hair, gently massaging the back of his neck with his
thumbs.

Ares groaned, and leaned back into Joxer's hands. "Wow, you weren't
kidding about strong hands."

Joxer smiled, and kissed Ares' slack lips, tongue delving out to
taste, hands mapping out the muscles of his back.

Ares kissed his way around Joxer's chin, pausing over the pulse point
in his neck. Flicking out his tongue, he pressed it against the skin,
loving the feel of the blood pounding through Joxer's skin, and
throbbing against his tongue. Ares kissed and sucked Joxer's chest
and neck until it was so sensitized he was tingling.

Briefly, he pulled back and eyed Joxer's pants. Smiling, he carefully
unlaced the drawstring pants covering Joxer's erection.

"Drawstring pants." Ares murmured, grinning wickedly. He placed his
hands under Joxer's slightly lifted hips, cupping his ass, and
running them between the leather pants and the skin. Bending down, he
grabbed one of the leather laces between his teeth, and pulled.

Joxer cried out sharply. Ares' hands were pressing his body forward,
forcing his cock against the front of the pants, while the leather
tie rubbed through the pants, directly against his erect cock.

Ares spit the now loose lace out, and used his hands to pull the
pants the rest of the way off.

Joxer lay back on the bed, eyes closed, panting as he tried
frantically to stop from coming right there.

Ares grinned down at Joxer's panting form. Shimmying up between the
slightly parted legs, he let his eyes travel up the length of Joxer's
erection. Keeping his eyes on Joxer's face, he flicked his tongue out
over the tip. Wrapping one arm around his waist, and lightly circling
Joxer's cock with his other hand, Ares leaned down and took the tip
of Joxer's cock in his mouth. Swirling his tongue around the head,
tasting the pre-cum, Ares proceeded to suck his way up and down
Joxer's cock.

Joxer's eyes opened wide at the first touch of Ares' tongue. The
pleasure was incredible from all the licking and sucking…Then, all
coherient thought left his mind as Ares proceeded to practically
swallow his cock whole, sucking fiercely. Joxer came with a strangled
cry, pulsing down Ares' throat.

Ares gently licked Joxer's cock, laying it gently on his
stomach. "You alright?"

Joxer opened his mouth, trying to form some kind of response.

Ares smiled down at Joxer's amazed features, and pressed forward for
a deep kiss. "Ready for more?" Ares whispered, sliding his hard cock
against Joxer's softening one.

"More?" Joxer whimpered.

"Oh, yeah." Ares growled, claiming his mouth for another deep kiss.

Joxer wrapped his arms around Ares and held on.

Ares continued distracting Joxer with kisses, while his hands ran
under his buttocks, cupping them lightly. Quickly, he oiled his
hands, and massaged the cheeks of Joxer's ass. Gradually, he
teasingly ran his fingers down the cleft of Joxer's ass, delighted
when Joxer clutched him tighter, shivering in response. He lightly
circled the hidden pucker with his middle finger, coating it
liberally with the oil. Ares pulled back slightly and looked into
Joxer's eyes as he pressed his finger inward.

Joxer stiffened, feeling something filling his bottom.

"It's alright, Joxer. This may be a little uncomfortable at first,
but I promise, it'll be even better than a few minutes ago. Just try
to relax."

Joxer fought against the urge to tense up, willing himself to relax.
The finger felt huge, but he kept repeating to himself that this was
Ares, and he'd promised it'd be good.

"That's it." Ares praised as he pushed past the ring of muscle into
the tight heat. He paused for several moments, allowing Joxer to
adjust to the sensation, finally pushing in farther when he moved
back against it. Carefully, he rubbed his finger along the walls of
the tight tunnel, searching for the hidden nub.

Joxer's grip on him spasmed as he threw back his head and let out a
low groan.

Ares took advantage of his distraction to press two fingers inside,
gently scissoring them. Grinning at Joxer's glazed expression, he
once more stroked the nub, this time using the distraction to add
another finger, trying to open Joxer as wide as he could in
preparation for the next step.

Ares placed a quick kiss on Joxer's lips. "Are you ready?" He
whispered, dark eyes burning.

"More."

Ares withdrew his fingers, and guided Joxer's movements, until he was
on his hands and knees with Ares behind him. Then, he felt a finger
return, once more sending jolts of pleasure through his body.

Ares stroked once more, and quickly withdrew his finger. Making sure
his cock was liberally coated he pressed inside.

Joxer started to tense up once more at the larger intrusion, but Ares
grabbed onto his cock, slowly stoking.

"Push out, Joxer. It'll make it easier."

Joxer did as Ares instructed, breathing out deeply when he felt Ares
slide even further inside.

Ares leaned down, Joxer's back was flush against his chest, his hands
threaded through Joxer's. He carefully withdrew a little, only to
thrust back in. He repeated the movement until he was withdrawing
further and further, increasing the momentum of his thrusts.

Joxer rubbed his cheek against Ares, and pressed back against him,
increasing the arch of his body so that Ares' cock pounded against
that magic spot inside.

Ares kept rocking, repeatedly driving deep and sure. He could feel
himself getting close, and Joxer's jerky movements and incoherent
mumbling reassured him that he wasn't far behind.

Ares unclasped one of his hands from Joxer's, and wrapped it around
his leaking cock. He quickly stroked it in rhythm with his thrusts,
grinning savagely at Joxer's strangled cry of completion.

Lifting up, he gripped Joxer's hips in his hands, and thrust once…
twice…then roared his climax.

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


Hera watched Zeus rant about Xena, disinterest apparent in her eyes.

When he failed to get a response from Hera, Zeus blazed out,
determined to take care of the problem himself.

Hera grimaced, and turned back to her mirror. She could feel the
impending birth approaching. Ever since Zeus had decided that Xena's
baby had to die, she'd been watching. Her timing would have to be
perfect.

Looking around her sitting room for the last time, she left to take
Hercules to the rib of Cronos'.

**************
Several Hours Later


Joxer walked through the garden, humming softly to himself as he bent
to smell the flowers.

Suddenly, a bright flash of light caught his attention.

"Ahh, Hera? I can leave!" Joxer stuttered, still intimidated by his
mother-in-law.

"Come, Joxer, take my hand." Hera smiled gently at her son's husband.

Joxer hesitantly placed his hand in hers.

Hera turned and created a portal into the mortal world. Turning back
to Joxer, a brilliant charge of light glowed around their joined
hands.

"W..What's happening?" Joxer asked, as he grabbed Hera up in his arms
before she hit the ground.

"I gave you my godhood, dear. Take good care of my children." Hera
brought her hand up and caressed his face. Then she got to her feet,
turned, and walked to the portal to meet Zeus.

"I don't understand!"

"I must go to my husband now." The portal disappeared behind her.

Joxer threw a panicked look around as the sky over Olympus went dark,
and the ground shook.

"ARES!!" He screamed.

Ares appeared in a brilliant flash of light, clutching his
chest. "Mother!" He groaned, collapsing against Joxer.

"Ares, what's happening?"

"Zeus killed Hera." Just then tremors shook Olympus, and flashes of
lightening illuminated the sky. "And, Hercules has killed Zeus." He
whispered, once more feeling the pain hit.

"She said she gave me her godhood."

Ares closed his eyes and steeled himself. "Come, Joxer, we must go to
Zeus' hall."

Joxer laid his hand on Ares' shoulder, as he transported them to his
father's hall.

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

Zeus' Hall

Joxer and Ares appeared in Zeus' throne room, apparently the first
ones there.

Ares eyed the thunderbolt hovering over his father's chair. "Joxer…"

Joxer walked to stand in front of Ares. "I know you have to do this…I
love you." He fiercely grabbed Ares behind the neck and pulled him
into a deep kiss.

Ares broke the kiss and hugged Joxer fiercely to him. "I love you,
too." Wrenching himself away, he walked up to the thunderbolt, hand
hovering over it, feeling the energy pulse. Steeling himself, he
grabbed hold of the thunderbolt with both hands, sagging as it
drained him of all his power.

Joxer watched wide-eyed, not noticing that the other gods were
filling the hall, their eyes upon the War God.

Suddenly, Ares' body started to glow. Before long, a brilliant light
surrounded his body as the thunderbolt fed the energy back into him.
Tremors started to shake his body.

Eris watched her brother, tears rolling down her cheeks. Suddenly,
she noticed Joxer standing next to the conference table. `Your father
and I are two half's of one whole.' Her mother's words echoed through
her mind. "Joxer, you have to take some of the power from him into
yourself! It's the only way to save him!"

Joxer threw her a confused look, before quickly rushing up to Ares,
hands gripping his waist. Instinctively, his body started to draw the
power overload from Ares' body. Not realizing yet what he was doing,
he channeled the power into his godhood, spreading fertility all over
Greece.

Joxer and Ares sagged against each other, brimming with power.

Abruptly, Joxer turned and looked straight at Deimos. "YOU! You're
the father of Xena's baby!"

Deimos let out a high-pitched giggle, and tried to escape.

Artemis lashed out with foot, knocking him to his knees, while she
and Apollo restrained the struggling god.

Hephaestus limped over and quickly restrained Deimos until they could
figure out what was going on.

"First thing's first!" Eris yelled, eyeing the crowd. "Hail Ares,
King of the Gods! Hail Joxer, Royal Consort!" She shouted, bending on
one knee to her brother.

Aphrodite, Phobos, Hephaestus, Cupid, Psyche, Demeter, Hestia,
Asclepius, Hebe, Dionysis, Hermes, and all the remaining gods with
the exception of Apollo, Artemis, and Athena quickly mirrored her
actions, showing their support.

Apollo, Artemis, and Athena remained standing.

Suddenly, a brilliant flash of blue appeared to the left of Ares and
Joxer. Poseidon looked out at the assembled gods then turned towards
Ares.

"Hail Ares, King of the Gods." He bowed his head in recognition.

"Hail Poseidon, King of the Seas." Ares returned the nod.

Just then, a flash of black appeared to the right of them, revealing
Hades.

Hades too, looked over the assembled gods before turning to Ares and
Joxer.

"Hail Ares, King of the Gods. Hail Joxer, Royal Consort." Hades bowed
his head in recognition.

"Hail Hades, King of the Underworld." Ares returned, gently prompting
Joxer to do the same.

Joxer calmly returned the greeting then turned to Poseidon to repeat
the same.

Hades looked at the mutinous gods. "Why are you standing? Ares was
Zeus' heir, and Hera gave Joxer her godhood before she died,
approving their reign. They have survived the transfer of power,
completing the transfer of the throne. Kneel, or die."

Athena turned to Ares, looking him in the eye. Lifting her chin, she
shouted the acknowledgement, and bent on one knee.

Apollo and Artemis quickly followed her lead.

"Hera is with Persephone and Strife awaiting me. Zeus is in Tartarus,
trying to *explain* to Cronos." Hades nodded once more, and departed.

Poseidon looked around the hall once more, then he too, turned to
Ares and nodded his leave.

Ares looked out at his family, inhaling deeply. "Rise." He commanded.

Everyone rose up, with the exception of Deimos.

"Joxer, what did you mean, that Deimos was the father of Xena's
baby?" Ares asked.

Joxer trembled slightly, feeling everyone's eyes upon him. Turning to
stare at Ares, he ignored the others. "I…I thought I recognized him
at our wedding, but I didn't remember from where. I guess Hera had
her godhood tuned into Xena's delivery?" He looked questioningly
around for confirmation.

"She could do that." Eris confirmed.

He nodded his thanks then turned back to Ares. "When the baby came it
felt familiar, that's when I remembered where I'd seen him before. I
don't know why I couldn't remember before, but he was in our camp
months ago. I woke up, and he was kissing Xena on the cheek. Then he
saw me, and…I don't remember anymore." Joxer looked at Ares in
confusion. "But, when the baby came, I realized whose it was."

Ares turned to his son. Striding down the dais, he stopped directly
in front of Deimos. "Did you impregnate Xena?"

Deimos refused to look up.

Ares grabbed him by the chin, and forced his face up.

"Did you impregnate Xena!?"

Deimos flinched back, but refused to speak.

"I can take it from your mind if I have to."

Deimos flinched back once more. "Yes. You let Discord lead the raid
against Pasicus' army! So, I decided to have a little fun with your
favorite. When she went to sleep, I made her think I was her lover
Borias. She never knew the difference, thought she was having a
flashback. Joxer saw me, but I wiped his memory. Then, when Zeus
started this whole `kill the baby' deal, I stayed out of it. I've
been getting flooded with power for months, thanks to the old coot.
How was I supposed to know Hercules would actually kill him? I
figured I'd wait `til the baby was born, then tell him. I knew Xena
wouldn't let anything happen to it." He finished muttering.

"You've instigated the deaths of the King and Queen of Olympus!" Ares
roared.

Aphrodite turned and buried her face in Hephaestus' chest, crying
softly.

"Deimos, God of Fear, you are hereby stripped of your powers and
sentenced to mortality for no less than twenty years. If you manage
to survive, I shall see what you've learned, and possibly return your
godhood."

Deimos panicked, looking around for support as Ares grabbed his hand
and took his godhood.

Ares looked around the room, eyes finally settling on Hermes. "You
have a son currently living among the mortals? The one who likes to
steal?"

Hermes shifted nervously, anxious for his child. "Yes?"

"If he shall instruct Deimos in mortality for three months, he shall
be rewarded. Tell him he has no choice, and take Deimos to him."

Ares turned, and strode back to the dais, lowering himself for the
first time in the throne. "Jett!" He called Discord's husband.

Jett looked up, startled at the call.

"Come."

Jett approached the dais.

Ares produced his cup, and ordered him to drink. Once he'd drained
the goblet, Ares reached out and grabbed his free hand, transferring
Deimos' godhood.

"I present to you Jett, Royal Enforcer, Minor God of Assassins, and
acting God of Fear, until such a time as Deimos pays for the deaths
of Zeus and Hera…Now, Jett, you and Eris get busy bringing Strife
back. She can't do it by herself right now; there's not a big enough
war. The rest of you, to your followers, they'll need reassurance!"

Ares grabbed Joxer's hand, and flashed down to the tree where Xena,
Gabrielle, and Hercules were standing.

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

"Ares!" Three shouts of dismay echoed throughout the clearing.

"Joxer, what are you doing with Ares?" Gabrielle asked suspiciously.

"He's saving Xena's baby." Joxer replied.

"What?" Xena looked at him sharply.

"What's going on, Ares?" Hercules crouched into a fighting stance,
clearly not believing his brother.

"It's alright, Hercules, Ares isn't here to hurt anyone." Joxer tried
to reassure the hero.

"Your baby has a father, Xena." Ares informed her, looking her
steadily in the face.

"Nice try, Ares! We all know Xena's baby was made by Callisto."
Gabrielle sneered.

"Gabby, just listen, please. You've been fooled by a god." Joxer
pleaded with her.

"We have *not*! Eli's shown us the way to the God of Light!"

"Gabrielle, please, I want to know what this is all about."

Gabrielle shut up, but took a militant stance at Xena's words.

"Now, Xena, your child is my grandchild…" Ares began.

"So you're admitting you're my father?" She asked incredulously.

"I am, but her father is also my son." Ares replied.

"Ewwww!" Gabrielle wrinkled up her nose.

"Explain!" Xena snapped.

"Deimos. He pretended to be Borias, and came to you in your sleep.
Joxer saw him, but Deimos suppressed his memories of what happened.
He's been messing with you for months to perpetrate the belief that
your child doesn't have a father, that she'd bring about the
destruction of us."

"Where's Deimos?" Hercules growled.

"Punished. I just wanted you to know you and your child are safe."
Ares replied.

"Yeah, right. You gods never get punished." Hercules snorted in
disgust.

Ares turned to his brother. "Yes, we do. Unfortunately, you were
Zeus' golden child. You were protected from him, and could do no
wrong. Guess he knows better now, huh?"

"So, what, you're here to try to kill me?"

"No. Hera didn't want that." Joxer replied. "We're here to take you
with us."

"Joxer?" Xena looked at him questionly.

"Before Hera's death, she passed her godhood to Joxer. After Zeus'
death, with Joxer's help, I claimed the thunderbolt, and now rule
Olympus. My mother's one goal at the end was to make sure her
children were happy. I'm here to fulfill Hebe's wish. You will come
to Olympus, assume the godhood of Guilt and Retribution, and marry
Hebe. Otherwise, you will be tormented by the Furies then go straight
to Tartarus for killing your father."

"Hercules, not everyone is happy that Ares and I now rule. I can't
guarantee that I can protect Iphicles, Iolaus, and Jason if you don't
come with us. You're still needed. Please, think of this as Hera's
giving you a second chance." Joxer said quietly.

Hercules looked sadly down at Xena and the baby. "I understand…I'll
go."

"Good. Now, Joxer and I have a War God to make, so let's go."
Finished giving his orders, Ares grabbed Hercules' and Joxer's hand
and flashed out.

"Uh, Xena?"

"Yes?"

"Since when did Joxer and Ares become involved?" Gabrielle asked in
disbelief.

"I don't know, Gabrielle, we'll have to ask him the next time we see
him."

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

"Ah, here you go Hercules, you can wait in the main hall for awhile."
Ares turned and tossed Joxer up over his shoulder, carrying him to
their bedchamber.

"Okay." Hercules muttered quietly, face awash with disbelief. This
day kept getting stranger and stranger.

Joxer peeked back at him. "Think he'll be alright."

"I really don't care. He'll be Hebe's problem soon enough." Ares
growled, swatting Joxer's ass.

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

Ares tossed Joxer in the middle of their bed, crawling up over him.

"You know, I always thought Jace would be a queen, but never myself."

Ares chuckled, and quickly stripped their clothing. "Royal Consort."
He corrected.

Joxer pressed Ares' body against his own, gently rubbing his thumbs
in small circles on his pectorals, feathering his fingers through the
hair there, occasionally passing a teasing brush against his nipples.

"So, how does the `Royal Consort' make a new War God?" Joxer nuzzled
against Ares' neck, licking the skin, then sucking it into his mouth.

"Umm. He does…ah, right there…what we did last night, only reversed."

Joxer stilled as Ares' words registered. "I can't!" He squeaked,
trying to move away, only to have Ares hold him still.

"Why?"

"I might hurt you!"

Ares smiled and gently kissed Joxer's lips. "You won't hurt me.
You'll see. Trust me."

Joxer slowly relaxed under Ares' drugging kisses. God, his lips were
so soft…and tender…and *hot*.

He pushed his hands under Ares' vest, mapping the muscles in his
back. Eventually, he became frustrated that the clothes were blocking
his access to more of Ares' body, so he tried out his new powers, and
wished them away. Quickly glancing down, he came to the conclusion
that he was going to love these new powers.

Ares rolled over on his back, bring Joxer over the top of him.

Joxer kissed and explored his way down Ares' body, pausing hesitantly
over his cock. He looked up to Ares for reassurance, but only saw
hunger burning in his dark gaze.

He wrapped one hand around the base, lifting it up. Once more he
looked up, not completely sure how to do what Ares had done to him
last night.

"Just keep your lips curled over your teeth." Ares whispered quietly.

Joxer looked back down at the hard cock in his hand. The head was
seeping. Using the thumb of his other hand, he swiped it across the
tip, bringing it to his mouth. Flicking out his tongue, he tasted
Ares' essence.

Ares let out a low groan at the sight, and arched his hips up.

Joxer threw him a startled look, then bent and hesitantly flicked his
tongue across the head of Ares' cock. When that move prompted another
groan, he rolled his lips over his teeth, and sucked the tip into his
mouth, licking and sucking on the head.
A hoarse cry escaped Ares as Joxer took his throbbing cock into his
mouth. He felt Joxer's forearms settle along his hips, helping to
keep his balance.
Joxer took more of Ares' cock in his mouth while he rubbed his thumb
along the base. He started slowly moving his head up and down
flicking his tongue all around the length.
Ares cried out his protest when Joxer pulled away from him. "How…?"
Joxer started, only to start violently when Ares' hand came up and
clasped his head, filling it with images. "Oh." Joxer sighed. Once
more taking Ares' cock in his mouth, he levered back slightly, and
coated his thumb with oil. Simultaneously, he pressed the tip of his
tongue against the vein running to the head of Ares' cock, as he
pressed his oiled thumb into Ares' puckered opening.

Ares gave a harsh shout, violently coming in Joxer's mouth.

"You're…you're a natural." Ares gasped.

Joxer grinned up at him as he pushed two oiled fingers inside,
stretching his way.

"Hurry, I want you in me."

Joxer pushed Ares' knees up to his chest where Ares wrapped his arms
around them, holding them in place. Coming to his knees, he quickly
oiled his cock, and lined it up. He looked up into Ares' eyes as he
pushed forward, into the tight heat.

Ares let out a low sigh as Joxer pressed all the way in.

Joxer slowly withdrew and thrust back in, starting a rhythm.

"That's it…right there." Ares groaned, slowly arching up into Joxer's
thrusting hips. "Ohhh! Harder!…Ohh, yeah!"

Joxer grinned at the pleased sounds Ares was making. Now confident he
wasn't hurting his lover, he picked up his pace.

"Harder."

"Deeper."

"Joxer."

Joxer grinned and wrapped one hand around Ares' cock, carefully
imitating what Ares had done to him the night before.

Ares' eyes flashed open as he roared Joxer's name.

Joxer felt the spasms shuddering through Ares' body, and squeezing
his cock.

Ares felt Joxer slam against him once more as a hot gush of fluid
flooded deep within him.

Joxer carefully withdrew and collapsed down on Ares, drained.

Ares slowly lowered his legs, and wrapped his arms around Joxer,
holding him close.

Suddenly, Joxer tensed. "Can you feel them?" Joxer asked in a hushed
whisper, eyes filled with awe as he placed his hand over Ares'
stomach.

"If you help me." Ares brought his hand down and laced his fingers
through Joxer's. "Now, feel them again, and I'll feel them too."
Joxer focused once more.

"Incredible." Ares breathed.

Joxer smiled up at him, the happiest he'd ever been in his life.
*************


Ares looked over the assembled gods once more filling his new
hall. "We are gathered here so I can make a few announcements to
everyone. No need for gossip to distort the news." Ares flashed an
ironic glance at Helios. "First off, I'm sure all of you will be
relieved to know, Strife is on his way back…"

Groans filled the air muted by Cupid's triumphant, "YES!"

Ares smirked. "I'm sure Strife will be pleased by your enthusiasm.
Joxer and Jett's brother Jace has volunteered to be the official
immortal nanny, and entertainment director, therefore, Cupid should
not be pressing everyone to baby-sit Bliss anymore." No one objected
to *that* announcement.

Ares grabbed Joxer's hand, and pulled him up beside him. "Now, Joxer
and I are pleased to announce that the new God of War is on his way.
His name will be Mars." Ares paused and threw a smirk at
Joxer. "Also, the new God of Peace is on her way. She shall be called
Pax."

"Those are Roman names." Athena pointed out.

"Yes, they are. We all know how vague the Fates can be when they're
sprouting prophecy. Well, I think I finally figured out the prophecy
that got Zeus killed. The Fates said that Xena's child would bring
about the end of the *Greek* gods, however, I believe that's because
our power center is shifting."

Mutters broke out from the gods.

"Quiet! Hear me out! I know many of you've noticed the migration and
expansion of our followers. They may call us by different names, but
we still hear their prayers. I've asked," Ares nodded towards Apollo
and Athena. "Apollo has prophesied, and Athena reasoned, that the
Greek people will soon be swallowed by their Roman brothers. They
still worship us, just call us by their names for us, as they do now.
Therefore, from now on, I propose we don't limit ourselves to Greece.
We embrace the Romans, become known as the Roman Gods, build temples
there, and survive. If what Apollo has foreseen is true, the Roman
people will reach out and conquer our Greek worshipers. We must make
sure that we embrace the Roman people, and not let another pantheon
bless them, and destroy us in their quest to conquer."

Suddenly, a flash of light to the side of the hall lit the room.

"And lo, the end of the Greek Gods has come," Lachesis began.

"Bathed and renewed by their parents' sacrifice," Clotho smiled as
she gently spun the threads.

"The Roman Gods emerge." Atropos ended.

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

Ares and Eris lay on their backs, floating in the warm pool of water.
Lately, the babies had placed a strain on their lower backs. Joxer
usually tried to take turns massaging them, but he was busily looking
after all the delivering mothers lately. Apollo, in a gesture of
goodwill, had suggested the pool.

"You know, mother always was tricky." Ares mused to his sister.

Eris frowned, not sure which plot Ares was referring to.

"She gave Joxer her godhood."

"Yeah, so?"

"That means she was mortal when she died."

"And?"

"She can request that Hades allow her to be reborn as a mortal. Live
a happy life. Experience what she never got as a goddess."

Eris inhaled sharply. "She knew all along." She breathed out slowly.

"Yeah. That's what I think too. I guess Zeus pushed the Hercules
issue one time too many."

Eris smiled, rubbing her hand over the mound that housed Strife.
Silently, she vowed that her mother would get to live a happy, mortal
life, full of love, and laughter. After all, it was the least she
could do for her sacrifice.

The End.



Once more I express my thanks to my lovely beta, Christine. As always
any mistakes found within, are my own.
Thanks for reading,
Brandy

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