AresJoxerCupidStrife - Brandy

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

Title: Redemption
Author: Brandy
Pairings: C/S & Heph/'Dite (snicker, snicker* probably not in a way you're expecting)
Rating: NC-17
Category: AU, with humor.
Warnings: I do believe I was a bit graphic, sexually.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters. Just borrowing them temporarily.
Summary: Cupid and Aphrodite have an altering experience.

"It has to be done. We need the child." Zeus spoke into the silence.

"Then we are agreed?" Hera looked at the other assembled gods.

"Fine, but we don't tell them we're going to do it, until after it's done. I don't want to fight with Aphrodite. She cheats." Hades interjected.

Poseidon rolled his eyes. "You're scared of Aphrodite? Please! She's a creampuff."

Zeus looked at his brother. "You've obviously not tasted her anger in quite awhile. The time she's spent with Ares has taught her much."

Hestia and Demeter exchanged smirks positive they knew just where Aphrodite hit, below the belt.

"Fine, we won't tell them until it's done." Poseidon relented.

"Now are we agreed?" Hera asked again, pissed at the implications of Aphrodite's punishments.

Everyone nodded.

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

*Aphrodite! Cupid! I need to see you.* Zeus summoned.

Aphrodite flashed into Zeus' temple to find Cupid and herself surrounded by the children of Cronos.

"Hey, what gives?" She shouted at the gods surrounding them, when they joined hands and stepped closer.

"The fulfillment of a prophecy." Hera announced.

Cupid looked nervously at the surrounding gods. Hestia, Hades, Poseidon, Zeus, Hera, and Demeter were standing together holding hands. If that wasn't enough to freak him out, they were agreeing on something. Cupid had had enough, concentrating his powers he attempted to leave.

"Mom, we can't leave!" He yelled in panic, feeling the power build among the older gods.

Aphrodite tried to leave and couldn't. "Release us!" She demanded.

"We can't." Hestia said softly.

The elder gods began to glow as they gathered their powers.

*Hephaistos! Ares!* Aphrodite screamed with her mind.

*Dad! Strife!* Cupid added his own cries for help, as both Love Gods fell to the floor unconscious.

**********

Ares, Hephaistos, and Strife flashed into Zeus' temple hall, armed for battle.

The three stood there in shock. In the center of the room was a circle of the oldest gods. In the middle of that circle were Aphrodite and Cupid. Suddenly, the Love Gods collapsed to the floor.

"What have you done?" Ares roared, striding towards the circle. Strife and Hephaistos took up flanking positions and followed Ares. Several steps away from the circle, they were stopped by an invisible wall.

Suddenly, a blinding flash of light erupted from the circle. The older gods collapsed against each other, several staggering. Aphrodite and Cupid were still out cold, but there was something different about them. They didn't feel right.

"'Dite?" Hephaistos shouted worriedly.

One of the figures on the floor stirred. "Oh, zits, you guys are so in trouble." The figure groaned.

Ares and Hephaistos exchanged worried glances.

"Aphrodite? Can you stand?" Ares yelled.

"Stop yelling. Head hurts." Came the muttered reply.

Aphrodite looked over in concern at Cupid. He felt funny. She felt funny. What had they done to them?

`Dite staggered over to Cupid. "Cupie?"

`Dite stopped in shock. Her voice was different. Deeper. What?

Aphrodite chanced a quick look down. Suddenly, a high-pitched scream broke the air.

Cupid's head snapped up at the scream. Turning his head abruptly he spotted a slim man with long blonde hair screaming hysterically. "Stop that!" He snapped.

Cupid froze. His voice was higher, and he felt funny. What the? Looking down quickly, Cupid threw back her head and added her screams to her mothers'.

**********


"Let us out!" Ares roared, slamming his fist against the energy field.

The field shattered at the impact. Ares, Hephaistos, and Strife rushed over to the two hysterical Love Gods.

"'Dite. Dite! We'll get it fixed!" Hephaistos grabbed Aphrodite by his shoulders and shook his, repeating himself until `Dite stopped screaming.

"Cupe! Cupe!" Cupid continued to scream through Strife's attempts at getting her attention. Strife looked around for help. Finally, in frustration, he materialized a bucket of cold water above Cupid's head. "Cupe!" He tried one last time to get Cupid's attention. When Cupid failed to respond, he emptied the bucket over her head.

Cupid choked off in mid-scream. Spitting out water, she looked in shock at Strife.

"Calm down! Unc'll fix it."

"Apollo!" Ares roared, catching sight of his son, errr, daughter? The cold water had only emphasized Cupid's new attributes, and while it was fine for `Dite to go around flaunting herself, no daughter of his was going to!

Apollo flashed into the room and looked around. "Whooa! Somebody has a major case of energy burnout. Make that several somebodies."

"Apollo, get your ass over here!" Ares demanded.

Apollo hurried over to Ares side. There were certain times when you didn't mess with Ares. It had taken a few centuries, but Apollo had finally worked out which tone of voice he could ignore, and which one he should follow for his own well-being. This was clearly one of the latter times.

"Fix them!" Ares ordered.

Apollo looked at the two figures in puzzlement. Cradled in Hephaistos' arms was a slim young man. He had long flowing blonde hair, and a perfect complexion. He was clothed in pink velvet pants, a flowing white silk shirt with a ruffled collar that billowed open exposing his chest, and a pink velvet vest. Next to them was a sodden woman glaring daggers at Strife. She had short blonde hair and full breasts. She was clothed in a pinkish-gold lace body suit that emphasized her assets. Small white wings were gracefully folded on her back.

*Wow, what a hottie!* Apollo licked his lips.

Strife shot Apollo a dirty look, reminding himself to watch the Sun God.

Suddenly, Apollo blanched as he realized who the two figures were. Concentrating his powers on them, he confirmed his suspicions.

"I can't `fix them', Ares. It took quite a bit of power to change them. I doubt if we gathered every god on Olympus right now we could generate enough."

"They'll be like that for about nine months. Then the magic from the spell we performed will wear off, and they'll change back to their normal selves." Hestia whispered, still rebuilding her power supply.

"So, what'd tha two Love geniuses do ta piss ya all off this bad?" Strife drawled out, flashing Cupid dry with a thought.

"The Fates told us that the time of the prophecy is here." Hera informed them.

"Which prophecy?" Ares said dryly.

"The prophecy where we all die." Zeus snapped.

"Apollo was able to foretell who the mother of the child will be." Poseidon added.

"So, why don't we just go kill `er." Strife muttered.

"It's not that easy, Strife." Hera snorted.

"Why not? Tell me who it is, and I'll do it myself." He replied, flipped his knife in his hand.

"The mother is Xena."

Ares took an involuntary step back. "What?"

"Xena will give birth to the child that will destroy us all." Hestia repeated the news.

"We have one chance to stop it. We cannot kill Xena. She has proven that she can cheat death…"

Hades scowled at those words.

"We must end her quest for redemption." Hera announced.

Ares snorted. "Do you realize how long I've been trying to get her back? If Hercules hadn't interfered…"

"Enough! It's done. We must now take steps to correct the problem. She won't rejoin you, Ares, so we have to give her what she does want, before she destroys us." Zeus snapped.

"Why'd you do this to Cupid and me? What do we have to do with this?" Aphrodite snapped out of his shocked state.

"It's not you who are essential to stopping the prophecy, Aphrodite. It's Cupid. Together, he and Strife will create a child. That child will be the God of Redemption." Hera said.

"That child will save us all." Zeus added, smugly.

Ares and Aphrodite looked at Zeus like he was deranged.

"You do realize that Cupid is still married? Remember Psyche? They're happy!" Aphrodite stomped his foot.

**********

Strife observed the conversation with bemusement. *I can't believe this! They want me and Cupe to do tha nasty? Wow. I bet Cupe and `Dite are pissed. A baby? Me and Cupe. Huh. My kid, savior of us all.* Insane giggles erupted from Strife.

Everyone stopped and looked as he clutched his sides laughing hysterically. "Cupe! Cupe! Our kid, savior of us all!"

Cupid tried crossing her arms. Finding it awkward having her hands over her breasts, she shifted them to her hips.

"Strife! Like, this isn't funny, dude!" Cupid scowled.

"We had thought about changing you, Strife. However, we decided Eris as a man was too terrifying to consider." Hera dryly informed the amused god.

Strife instantly stopped laughing.

Ares shuddered, imagining his sister on a testosterone power kick.

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


"Why'd you change both of us?" `Dite muttered.

"There cannot be two senior Goddesses of Love, just as there cannot be two senior Gods of Love, at the same time. It would have created an uncollected surplus of energy on Cupid's part, and an energy drain on your part, Aphrodite. You both would have died as a result. Therefore, you and Cupid had to switch places. We had briefly considered you being the child's mother. However, given how territorial Ares and Hephaistos are, we decided that that wouldn't work. Since Harmonia went married her mortal and followed him in death, that left Cupid. Because there is already love and a previous relationship between Cupid and Strife, we thought this would be the best course. We were trying to think of the child, and everyone else involved. It had to be fathered by the House of War, and mothered by the House of Love. Discord and Strife changing places would have been disastrous for us all. As would Cupid fathering the child on Eris." Zeus replied.

"And Bliss and Psyche?" Cupid asked angrily.

"If she truly loves you, Cupid, she will stand by you through this. Bliss will understand when he gets older." Hera answered calmly.

"Enough discussion! It must be done tonight, otherwise this was all for nothing." Poseidon shouted.

Strife looked nervously around the circle. The older gods had regained their energy, and were slowly closing in on them. "Unc?"

"Quiet, Strife!" Ares snapped back.

Strife tried flashing out, but couldn't. "Unc!" He cried out in alarm.

"What?!" Ares roared.

"Their doin' somethin'!"

Suddenly, Cupid and Strife disappeared in a flash of light.

*********

"What'd you do with them?!" Aphrodite yelled, balling his hands into fists.

"They must create the child tonight. If they don't, then there won't be enough time for Cupid to carry it." Hestia answered.

Ares paled. "What happens if she's still pregnant when the spell runs out of power?"

"Cupid and the child will both die." Hades told him quietly. "We won't regain enough power to perform this spell again for centuries, and you younger gods weren't given the gift by Rhea and Gaia to perform the spell. The children of Cronos and Rhea have to be in total agreement for the spell to work, and as you know, that doesn't happen unless there's a serious threat."

"We must have this child." Zeus informed them.

Ares and Aphrodite exchanged concerned glances.

***********

"Strife?" Cupid called out anxiously.

"Here." Strife spoke quietly behind her.

"Where are we?"

Strife looked around. A large bed dominated the room. There were also two overstuffed chairs by a fireplace. A portrait of Zeus hung over the mantle. The walls were a light cream color. All of the furnishings and bed linens were the finest blue satin. "I think it's one'o Zeus' mortal seduction chambers."

Cupid groaned and fell back on the bed. Closing her eyes, she kept repeating to herself that this was just a sick twisted joke Strife had gotten Morpheus to play. It had to be a dream.

Suddenly, a basket of fruit and a note appeared on the bed. Strife strolled over and grabbed an apple. Biting into it, he quickly skimmed the letter.

"Uh, Cupe?"

"What?" Cupid growled.

"They ain't lettin' us out `til your preggers. Tha note says that if they have to, they'll have your ma hit us with some love potion. Either way we ain't gettin' out." *I ain't tellin' her about the possible death deal. She's freaked out enough, already.*

Cupid groaned. Rolling over she slammed her fist into the bed several times.

"Come on, Cupe. It ain't gonna be that bad. I know it's been awhile, but it's not like we ain't done this before."

Cupid flipped over and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right!" She snorted. "Last time I had a penis too! Since I've never been a woman before, that means we haven't done this before, dude. And, right now, I'm feeling kinda closed to new experiences."

Strife nodded, a dejected look on his face. "I get it. Ya don't want my kid. That's okay. I jest wasn't meant ta be a dad."

"Strife, that's not it! You'd be a great dad! Look how good you are with Bliss. I just can't do this to Psyche! I made a commitment! I told you how freaked out she was about marrying me! She thought cause I'm the God of Love, I'd have to cheat on her like Zeus does to Hera."

"So, even if we all have ta die, you'll still have kept your word? What about Psyche? Heck, what about Bliss! Ya heard what the old goat said, same as I did. We're *all* gonna die if we don't have this kid. *All of us.* Bliss and Psyche, too."

Tears started rolling down Cupid's face. "Gods, Strife! I don't wanna loose my family!"

Strife walked over to the bed, and put his arms around Cupid. Pulling her to his chest, he realized that even as a woman, Cupid was still bigger than him. Strife rubbed his hand up and down Cupid's back, taking care to avoid the wings.

"Cupe, it's like Hera said." *I must be gettin' desperate, I'm quotin' prune face herself.* "If Psyche truly loves ya, she'll stay with ya. And, ya can't loose Bliss. He's part of ya."

Cupid was quiet for several minutes. Finally, she nodded her head against Strife's chest. "Alright." She mumbled

"Huh?"

"Alright! Let's do it before I change my mind."

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


Aphrodite paced back and forth, muttering with worry. Occasionally, he'd shoot annoyed glares at Ares who was sharpening his sword. "Would you stop that!" He snapped.

Ares glanced up at Aphrodite, and ran his whetstone down the blade one more time, staring the new God of Love in the eye.

Aphrodite let out a strangled growl, and formed a pink fireball in his hands.

"Stop that!" Zeus snapped, fed up with their antics. "Ares, you have better things to do than sharpen that sword. Stop annoying your sister…err…brother. Now, while we're waiting on Cupid and Strife to do their part, you need to start planning on how you're going to keep Xena in Greece. She can't be allowed to leave our sphere of influence. I've already got Artemis, Apollo, and Athena keeping constant watch on her. Until Redemption gets here, it's up to us!"

"Boy, that Zeus sure is a motivational speaker." Poseidon muttered sarcastically to Hades.

"Maybe he should take his act on the road." Hades snickered.

"Poseidon!" Zeus snapped.

Poseidon's head snapped up.

"You need to monitor all ship travel. Don't let her get past you." Zeus finished, eyeing his brothers suspiciously.

"Hermes!" Zeus summoned.

Before the final syllable escaped Zeus' lips, Hermes was standing in front of him.

"I want you to keep me apprised of Xena's whereabouts daily. Dismissed."

Hermes disappeared as quickly as he appeared.

Hephaistos shot Zeus a questioning look.

"It never hurts to have more than one person doing a job, especially, if they don't know about each other. That way, you catch the information that would have fallen down the cracks." He smirked.

"So, Ares, you know Xena the best. What's your plan?" Aphrodite asked, placing his hands on his hips, thrusting them forward.

"Uh, well, uh…"

Hephaistos smirked. "'Dite, your flaunting your cock in Ares' face. Step back so he can form a coherent thought."

`Dite looked down and followed Ares line of sight. Snarling, he drew back his leg, and kicked Ares hard in the thigh. "Pay attention!"

Ares rubbed his thigh, trying to stop the stinging from Dite's kick. Throwing an infuriated glare at Aphrodite, he resumed his seat. "I was going to kidnap one of their friends, that way, they'll spend all their time trying to save them, they won't even think about leaving Greece."

Zeus and Hera exchanged impressed glances. The thought had never crossed their minds.

"Who are you going to kidnap?" Hephaistos asked quietly.

"I know just the mortal." Ares smirked.

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

"Are ya ready?" Strife whispered nibbling on Cupid's ear.

Cupid gripped his ass, pushing it forward, in response, thrusting up her hips and rubbing his throbbing cock up and down her slick cleft.

Strife allowed her to edge herself closer to her climax. Deciding she was close enough, he pulled back even further on his next thrust, and pushed his way inside.

Cupid let out a thin cry of pain as Strife breached her virgin sheath.

Strife bent and kissed Cupid once more, while starting to slowly thrust his cock in and out, replacing the pain with pleasure.

After what felt like an eternity to Strife, Cupid raised both of her muscular legs and wrapped them around Strife's wildly thrusting hips. Soon, Cupid felt her climax sweep over her. Strife felt her climax, and let go, filling her with his seed and Olympus' salvation.

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

"It is done." Zeus announced.

Immediately, the majority of the gathered gods departed. Zeus turned to Aphrodite, Ares, and Hephaistos.

"You three. Rest up while you can. This isn't going to be easy for any of you. Oh, and Ares? Please tell your sister what has happened."

Zeus and Hera flashed out.

"Great!" Ares snarled. "Rest up, Ares, but tell Discord she's going to be a grandma. Yeah, right. I'll see you two later, I have to go kill something…slowly."

"Wow, glad I didn't get stuck with that little task." Aphrodite chuckled.

"Let's go home, Dite. I want to start working on a sword for the baby."

"Uh, Heph, he's gonna be the God of Redemption. What's he needing a sword for?"

"Well, she's also Ares grandchild and Strife's child."

Aphrodite looked bemused for a moment. "Good point."

They zapped away to Hephaistos' forge.

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


"Come on, Hephie! I want to take advantage of this body while I can!" Aphrodite yelled over the pounding hammer.

Sighing in exasperation, `Dite flashed away his clothes. Looking down at his new body, he decided he didn't get that bad of a deal. Granted, all the body hair was weird, but a visit to his favorite priestess had taken care of that. *Gonna have to find a way to keep that one. She makes the loveliest potions.*

Heaving a giant sigh of annoyance, `Dite produced a bottle of his favorite oil. Taking a sniff, he wrinkled his nose in distaste. That scent wasn't as pleasant as it normally was. Summoning all his scented oils, he sniffed through them until one appealed to his senses. Finally, a musky scent he'd made for Cupid caught his attention.

Cupping the oil in his hands, Aphrodite proceeded to spread the oil all over his chest.

"Oh, wow." He moaned, massaging the oil into his muscled chest. Having your pert breasts touched and caressed was one thing, but it felt totally different in this body. Using two fingers, he rubbed and tweaked his nipples erect.

Suddenly, Dite noticed there was a heavy feeling between his legs. Looking down, he saw that his cock was semi-erect. Instead of having that heavy throbbing feeling up inside, it was on the outside. Moving his oiled hands down his body, he drew one finger down the slim length of his cock. *Nice size. Firm balls. Ohhh, where was that husband when I need him!* Cupping one hand under his cock, he brought his other up to circle the head. Noticing the wetness there, Aphrodite brought his hand up to his mouth, flicking out his tongue for a taste.

A low groan from behind the bed caught his attention. Twisting his head back, he saw Hephaistos standing there with his hand wrapped around his own cock, staring.

"Get over here stud!" Dite growled, launching himself up and dragging Hephaistos into the bed.

Holding Hephaistos head stationary, Dite proceeded to plunder his mouth.

Hephaistos moaned, and wrested his hands on Dite's slim hips. Dite shifted his hips down so that his and Hephaistos' cocks were bumping and teasing each other.

"Dite, we can't." Heph gasped, when his mouth was released so the rest of his body could be explored.

Dite sat up. "Don't you give me that, Hephaistos! I know perfectly well that you and Apollo had a thing goin' years ago. So stuff it, you're gonna show me this!"

"It feels funny." Heph groaned.

"Feels funny? I've been told that sex with me has been allot a things, but funny isn't one of them!" Aphrodite pulled back, insulted.

"No. Not funny, humorous, funny, strange. It's been so many years since I've done this with another man."

Dite grinned down at Hephaistos. "Aww, babe. You're thinking too much! Just feel!" Dite reached down and cupped Hephaistos leaking cock in his hand. Unstraddling Heph's thighs, he bent over and licked the tip of his throbbing erection.

Heph rolled his head back and groaned, as he felt Aphrodite take him in his mouth. All thoughts of how strange it was having a wife with a penis soon left his mind.

Aphrodite looked up. Making sure that Hephaistos was watching him, he flicked his tongue across the head of his cock. "Are you ready to show me?"

Hephaistos growled and grabbed Dite under his arms. In one swift motion, Dite was on his back with Heph's mouth swallowing his cock.

"Ahhhh! Gods, Heph, why didn't you ever tell me how this feels?" Dite groaned in ecstasy.

Hephaistos practically glowed with pleasure form the compliment. Rubbing some more of the oil into Aphrodite's body, he rubbed his slim buttocks, massaging them firmly with his calloused hands.

Aphrodite let out another low groan.

Hephaistos caught sight of the small vial of oil, and transported it to his hands, coating them swiftly.

Once again, he massaged Aphrodite's bottom, teasing the small puckered opening there. Carefully, he inserted his index finger, twisting it slowly. Withdrawing briefly, he inserted two liberally oiled fingers, making sure to thoroughly coat Dite's channel. Quickly, pushing in three fingers, and rotating them, Hephaistos decided Dite was as ready as he'd ever be.

"More, Hephie. I want more." Dite groaned.

Pausing to swipe his tongue once more across the tip of Dite's leaking shaft, Hephaistos rocked back on his knees. Pushing Dite's legs up and wide apart. Moving forward so that the tip of his shaft rested against Aphrodite's anus, Hephaistos gripped a hold of his spread legs, while slowly pushing his cock inside.

Aphrodite winced in brief discomfort. This new body wasn't as broken in as her old one. However, she wasn't about to complain. Everything Hephie had done so far had been great.

Hephaistos slowly pushed himself all the way in. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah. Get to movin' stud?" Dite smiled up at him.

Hephaistos slowly withdrew and lunged back inside.

Aphrodite inhaled sharply in surprise as the thrust rubbed against his prostate. "What?" He gasped.

Hephaistos grinned down at him and thrust again.

Shocks of pleasure were making their way to Dite's brain. He could only absorb the pleasure as Hephaistos proceeded to hammer away at the sensitive place buried deep insider his new body. Soon, all he could do was sob as the climax caught him unaware.

Hephaistos felt the contractions gripping the tight channel. Completing one last thrust, he surrendered to the pleasure that he'd denied himself in waiting for Aphrodite's climax.

"Oh, stud muffin, we're gonna be spending a lot of time in bed these next nine months." Dite whispered in Hephaistos' ear.

Hephaistos smiled once more, and gently pressed a kiss against Dite's temple.

***********

Cupid stared down at Strife. He was curled up in a fetal position, clinging to the far side of the bed, asleep.

"Oh Strife, I'm so sorry I hurt you. Maybe if things had been different all those years ago we would have made it. We were just too young and stubborn, though. I couldn't control the temper I'd inherited from pop, and you were struggling to separate yourself from your mom. I still love you, cousin, and I'll treasure our child, no matter what happens." She bent down and placed a tender kiss on Strife's forehead.

Cupid took one last look around the room and flashed out.

***********

Strife rolled over and stared at the ceiling of the room for a long time, deliberately keeping his mind blank. Finally, he flashed away to find Ares. He'd work himself into forgetting until it didn't hurt so much.

***********

The messenger handed Iphicles a note. "It was in the usual place, sire." He bowed.

"You weren't spotted?"

"No, sire. I changed disguises four times, and waited two days before retrieving it."

"Good. Dismissed."

Iphicles unrolled the scroll, and decoded the message. It relayed the following:

King Iphicles,

Have vital information. Treason afoot. Please meet me at our usual place.

J.

"Treason. Yes, this does call for a meeting." Iphicles muttered to himself. Quickly dispatching a letter requesting Jason come to Corinth in four days time, Iphicles went and changed clothes. He hadn't had to deal with a treasonous plot yet, and needed the former king's input. He only had two days to get to the meeting place, and it had to be done in secret to protect his spy.

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

Xena and Gabrielle were sitting in a quiet corner of the tavern discussing their travel plans when the scruffy soldiers entered.

"Barkeep! Ale!" The dirty soldier with the long scraggly beard shouted.

The barmaid rolled her eyes, and brought them their drinks.

"Ahh, that hits tha spot!" The one-eyed soldier belched out after draining his cup.

"Yeah, that was a easy mission. I wish Ares would give us somethin' with more ova challenge." The bald soldier griped. "That guy didn't even put upa decent fight."

Xena and Gabrielle stopped talking and started listening to the conversation.

"Yeah, who fights with a bent sword?" One-eye chimed in.

"Oh, come on. The scrap armor was tha best." Scraggly beard interjected.

"Xena, that sounds like Joxer." Gabrielle whispered.

"I know." Xena growled back.

"No, no. Tha best part was that we didn't haveta hear that stupid song anymore." Baldy laughed.

"Oh, he's Joxer the Migh…" Scraggly taunted Baldy. Baldy whacked him in the head, stopping the song.

Xena slowly rose to her feet, and walked over to the table. "Hello, boys. My friend and I couldn't help overhearing. You did something to someone dressed in scrap armor answering to the name Joxer?"

"So?" Scraggly beard sneered.

"So, he's a friend of mine, and I don't like it when my friends are messed with." Xena replied, grabbing Scraggly beard by the collar, head butting him. Scraggly fell to the floor, out cold.

Baldy and One-eye tried to jump up.

Gabrielle whacked One-eye over the back of the head with her staff, knocking him out cold.

Xena punched Baldy in the face, and flipped him over her head. Moving quickly, she lashed out with her hands.

"I've just cut off the flow of blood to your brain. You've got 30 seconds to tell me what you did with Joxer!" She growled.

Blood started dripping from Baldy's nose. "We gave em ta Ares! He wanted `em. That's all I know!"

Xena reversed the pinch.

"Come on, Gabrielle, we need to find one of Ares temples." She ordered, marching out the door.

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


"There, that should hold you." Ares chuckled snapping the manacle in place around the limp ankle.

A low groan sounded from across the room.
"Well, well, well, it sounds like our unexpected guest is waking up."

Ares walked over and kicked the bed, sending a massive shudder though it. The figure on the bed groaned again.

"Whaa..?" Iphicles rolled over and slowly opened his eyes. Taking a moment, he surveyed his surroundings. He was lying on a soft mattress in what appeared to be the middle of a cave. The weight around his bare ankle appeared to be caused by a manacle that disappeared off the end of the bed. A dark figure outlined by firelight was standing beside the bed. "Who are you?"

White teeth gleamed in the darkness. Ares turned slightly, letting the light from the fire accentuate his face.

"Ares?" Iphicles inhaled sharply. "Iolaus always said if I ever saw you, I'd know."

"One would think that your bloodline would be thinned out enough that we wouldn't see such a resemblance in our features, since Zeus's only your great-grandfather." Ares mused aloud, turning back to stare at the fire.

"What am I doing here, Ares?"

"You shouldn't be here. You weren't the one I was after. But, since you are here, you can't leave until it's time. So, I suggest you acquaint yourself with the room, you'll be here for some time." Ares threw a sharp smile at Iphicles and flashed out.

Iphicles squeezed his eyes shut and slammed his head back against the bed. A low groan from across the room interrupted his silent tirade. "Who's there?" Iphicles lifted himself up on his elbow, peering into the darkness.

"Iphicles?" The timid reply came from across the room.

"Joxer?"

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

"Eris!"

Discord appeared in a flash of golden red sparkles. "What?"

Ares looked her over carefully. Seeing no visible weapons, he decided to get it over with. "You're going to be a grandmother."

Eris smirked. "Yeah right. Tell me another one, Arry. We both know Strife's too young to be a father."

Ares didn't say anything.

"Ares? You're kidding, right?"

Ares took a step back.

Eris abruptly plopped down on the floor. "He's too young." She whispered.

Ares took another step back.

"Who is it? Who tricked my boy? He hasn't been serious about anyone since Cupid! I know he didn't do this on purpose! Which one of those manipulative bastards we call family plotted against him? Who did it?!" Eris sprang to her feet shouting. Her body started to glow with power.

"Calm down, Eris."

"Who is it?!"

"Discord! Calm down, now!"

Eris growled and launched a fireball at Ares.

Ares dodged out of the way as Eris proceeded to throw more fireballs at him.

"I want a name!" Eris screamed.

Finally, one of the fireballs hit Ares in the leg, knocking him to the floor.

Ares growled, fed up. Waiting until Eris got close enough; he swept out with his leg. Eris dropped to the ground. Ares and Eris both leapt to their feet at the same time. Forming two fireballs, Ares launched them straight at Eris' chest. Eris flew across the room, and hit the wall. Ares walked over to his sister, slowly forming another fireball. "Now, do I have to hit you again, or are you going to listen?"

Eris stared up at Ares, still seething with rage.

"Strife got Cupid pregnant."

"What?!"

"Quiet! Zeus and the other old fogies switched Aphrodite and Cupid. Cupid's a woman for nine months. Then they locked them together and told them to make the baby. They think there's some prophecy being fulfilled that they need the child for."

"Cupid? Cupid's gonna have my grandchild! He's married now! Where's that gonna leave Strife and the baby?"

"Eris, you know that Strife and Cupid still love each other. They were too young before, but they're older now. They'll make this work, somehow."

Eris suddenly collapsed to the floor, all of her rage gone. "None of us are ever gonna be happy, are we?"

"I've told you before, Eris, we have to take our happiness. No one's going to give us anything. Now, clean this mess up, I've got to call Strife, we still have a job to do."

Eris slowly got to her feet and straightened the room.

"Strife!"

Strife looked up from his pillow, grimacing in annoyance. Heaving a frustrated sigh, he flashed out to answer his uncle's summons.

Ares looked his nephew over carefully. The pale giggling bundle of energy that was usually Strife was gone. In his place was a somber creature that bared more than a passing resemblance to Thanatos. "I need you to follow ahead of Xena. Delay them as much as possible. Hephaistos is making some more of his metal soldiers for us, plus, I've got three armies moving into their path."

Strife nodded his head in acknowledgment of his orders.

Ares scowled at his nephew. Swinging around abruptly, he turned to Eris.

"Discord. I want you to follow along behind Xena. Cause some disagreements between her and the bard. Slow them down as much as possible. Both of you, if Hercules shows up, notify me immediately! Don't let him see you. Now, go!"

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

"Psyche? Are you alright?" Cupid reached out her hand to touch Psyche's arm.

Psyche snapped out of her shocked state. "Don't touch me!" She jumped back.

Cupid flinched.

"You betrayed me." She whispered, tears pooling in her eyes.

"Psyche…"

"No. I don't want to hear anymore. I need some time, Cupid. I'll be back later." Psyche flashed out.

Cupid stared down at the floor. Feeling the heaviness in her chest starting to overwhelm her, she transported to the bedroom. Curling up in the middle of her bed, Cupid hugged the pillow against her chest and sobbed into it.

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

"Hercules. Iolaus. I just got here a few days ago. The palace is in an uproar. Iphicles has disappeared without a trace."

Hercules clasped his arm with Jason, and watched as Iolaus did the same.

"Any idea where he was when he disappeared?" Iolaus rubbed his head.

"Well, one of the palace guard said he received a note from one of his secret spies. He went out to meet the man, and never came back."

"Where's the guard? Maybe he has some idea who the informant is."

"I'm sorry, Hercules. I've already asked him. Apparently, no one knows who the spy is. Iphicles meets him personally. Wherever they meet, it's somewhere to the north of us, about two days journey. That's all the messenger could tell me. I do know Iphicles was worried about having a traitor in his midst. That's why he sent for me. I believe he was hoping I could help him tactfully deal with the matter."

Hercules and Iolaus exchanged a worried glance.

"We'll head north, following his trail, looking for clues. Would you stay here and look after things for Iphicles, Jason?"

"I'd be glad to help any way I can, Herc."

"Thanks, Jason."

Hercules and Iolaus headed out of the castle, intent on finding the missing king.

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

"Iphicles, where are we?" Joxer looked around hesitantly, still gripping his head with one hand.

"Some kind of cave. Ares has us."

"Ares? What'd he want with us?"

"Not us. You."

"Me?!" Joxer started laughing, only to stop and grab his head with both hands.

"Yeah. You." Iphicles scooted up, leaning against the headboard, letting the sheet cover his lap.

"Where are your clothes?" Joxer tried not to stare at Iphicles' broad chest.

"Probably the same place yours are." Iphicles answered dryly.

Joxer looked down, and quickly covered his genitals with the sheet. "I don't get why Ares would want me."

"Have you done anything that would make him angry lately?"

"No, nothing unusual stands out."

"Well, have you stolen anything of his?"

"No."

"Umm, maybe he wants your body?"

"I don't think this is the time for jokes, Iphicles." Joxer snapped out, insulted.

"It's not a joke. I find you attractive, it's possible that Ares does, too."

Joxer snorted. He wasn't about to get involved with Iphicles again. "You know, I do hang out with Xena a lot…"

Iphicles shook his head, used to this reaction from Joxer. During the five years that he'd known his friend, he'd noticed that Joxer didn't think of himself as lovable. The only time he'd even mentioned having feelings for someone, he was treated like the fool he pretended to be. Iphicles wasn't sure if Joxer knew how to be himself anymore. He was one of the best actors that he'd ever met, excluding his brother Jace. It was one of his most successful attributes as a spy. Wondering how he could help his friend, he let the subject drop. "I think Hercules mentioned that Ares was still trying to get her to rejoin him. You think this is about her?"

Joxer was quiet for several moments. "Yeah. It's gotta be about Xena."

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

"Hello, Xena. I hear you've been looking for me."

"Ares! Where are we?"

Dark clouds rushed by the jagged piece of rock that Ares and Xena were standing on. The ground was gone. It was as if the rock floated amid the dark angry sky.

"We're in your dream. Morpheous owes me one."

"Where's Joxer?"

"Safe…for now." Ares started slowly walking around Xena.

"What game are you playing now, Ares?"

"Same one we've been playing all along, Xena. Only this time, I've upped the stakes. You have four months to decide to come back to my service. If you don't, your little tag-a-long dies."

Xena looked Ares straight in the eyes. "Killing him won't get me back."

"Nice try, Xena, but I don't believe you. You've grown to care for him. Treated him with affection. Saved his life, and even tolerated that horrible song. You don't want another soul screaming for revenge in your nightmares, do you?"

Xena flinched inwardly.

"Very well. If you don't want Joxer back, perhaps I can try your bard. I've noticed you two have become exceedingly close over the past couple of years. Some would almost say, sisterly. Then again, she already has a sister, doesn't she? If she doesn't want Joxer back either, maybe she'll want her sister. Either way, you have four months. And, please," Ares brought his hand to his heart in a mocking gesture. "don't bother trying to rescue them. They're well hidden."

Xena jerked straight up on her bedroll, sweating.

***********

"I don't see why we have to save him."

"Because Ares will kill him if we don't?"

"Yeah, right. If everybody who threatened to kill Joxer actually did, he'd have been dead years ago."

"Alright. Because he's our friend."

"He's an annoying pest who won't go away."

"What has gotten into you? I can't believe you'd really leave Joxer to Ares, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle shook her head, feeling as if she'd just woken from a daze. "I don't know, Xena. It's like all the animosity I sometimes feel towards Joxer came bubbling to the surface. You know I really do care about him. He's like the annoying younger brother I never had."

Xena looked around suspiciously. "Something strange is going on. Just keep moving, Gabrielle."

Discord scowled. She was going to have to try harder.

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

Strife looked around the small town. "Ahh, there you are." He giggled, spotting the tavern. Disguising himself as a traveler, he entered the tavern. Mobs were so easy to stir up with the proper motivation.

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

"Ares is playing by his own rules, Zeus. He's only given Xena four months to rescue her friend. We need to slow her down, and take Ares out of the equation before he destroys everything."

"What do you suggest, Athena?"

"I think he'd benefit from a stay with his prisoners."

Zeus smirked. "Agreed."

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


One month later


"There's no more trail, Hercules. We've been over this before. From the look of the tracks that were left when we were here last time, he met up with someone and they were attacked. Two men were knocked unconscious…" Iolaus gestured to the indentions in the dirt. "Then they just disappeared. We've searched every village and farm in between here and Corinth, there's no other explanation. I just don't understand what he was doing this far away from Corinth. The messenger said the meeting place was only two days away."

"So, a god has them. The question is which god."

"Maybe we can help narrow down the search." Xena said quietly from behind them.

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

"Iphicles?"

"Yeah, Joxer."

"Are you cold, too?"

"Yeah. It's too bad these chains are so short or we could huddle up for body heat."

"I'm worried what he's gonna do." Joxer stated quietly.

Iphicles burrowed down in his covers, trying to get warm once again. "I'm sure Hercules is looking for us Joxer. Knowing my brother, he'll arrive in the nick of time." He finished bitterly.

"Yeah, I've noticed Xena has that habit too. But, we've been here too long. They should've rescued us a long time ago."

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

"Iphicles was here meeting a spy?"

"That's what his messenger said. Why?"

"We followed this trail hoping to find a clue to Joxer's whereabouts."

"Joxer?"

"Ares has him." Gabrielle added quietly.

"I think Joxer's going to have some explaining to do when we find him."

"If we find them. The trail ends here. We've been over this area for months with no clues." Iolaus pointed out.

"Past time to call in a favor. Aphrodite!" Hercules yelled.

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

"You've so gotta be kidding me." Aphrodite gasped against Heph's back.

"What's wrong?" Hephaistos groaned thrusting back on Dite's cock.

"Ahhhh!" Dite resumed thrusting, slamming into Heph. Reaching down, he gripped Heph's cock and started stroking it in time with his thrusts.

"Dite. Dite. Dite." Heph started chanting, feeling the mind numbing pleasure cascading over him with each thrust. Heph could feel the tightening in his balls. Throwing back his head he yelled Dite's name one more time and came in his hand.

Dite felt the warm flood covering his hands and the contractions rippling through the tight ass around his cock. Letting go, he flooded Heph's ass with his semen.

"APHRODITE!!"

Snarling, Aphrodite carefully withdrew from his husband and flashed off to see what his annoying brother wanted.

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

"WHAT!?!" Aphrodite snarled, appearing in front of Hercules.

Hercules took a step back in shock.

"Uhh, Aphrodite?" Iolaus asked hesitantly.

"Yes!" The blond god snapped. "What do you want?!"

"You know you're a guy, right?" Hercules stated the obvious.

"If you called me here just to tell me that, I'm gonna fry you, brother or not!"

"We're trying to find Iphicles and Joxer. We think a god took them from this spot. I think it's Ares, but we don't know where he took them. Can you help us?" Xena spoke up.

Aphrodite concentrated on the spot, searching for Ares power signature. Finally finding a weak tendril of residual power, he concentrated on following it. Soon, he flashed away and found himself staring at Joxer and Iphicles.

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

Iphicles came up to his knees, startled at the appearance of a god. On the other side of the room, Joxer peered curiously at the unknown god.

"Grody! Someone seriously needs to give bro some decorating tips!"

Several torches appeared on the now white marble walls. The floors were covered in luxurious rugs. The dark scratchy bed coverings softened into cream silk. The campfire in the middle of the room was transformed into an open fire pit, surrounded by marble. A medium sized table appeared behind the fire pit. Suddenly, it was covered in food.

"Well, that's a little better. So, Joxie, I hear you're on the outs with Ares."

Joxer peered curiously at the strange god. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've met, but I'd swear you're as beautiful as Aphrodite. You could to be her twin!"

Aphrodite smiled and walked over to Joxer. "Ahhh, Joxie!" Bending down he kissed Joxer softly on the cheek. "That's like, the sweetest thing anybody's said to me since this whole mess began."

"Aphrodite!?" Joxer squeaked.

"Yeah."

"But…but…"

"The old fogies swapped me and Cupie around for nine months. Then they made Cupie and Strife do the horizontal mombo. So, in about nine months, you're gonna have Cupid wanting you to babysit both Bliss and the new baby."

Joxer smiled. "A baby?"

"Yeah." Dite smiled back at him. "But, right now, we need to get you out of this."

Joxer hesitantly lifted his ankle. "Ah, I don't think Ares wanted us going anywhere."

Dite touched the chain. "Well, crap. He's got it fixed so only he can unchain you."

Joxer looked down in disappointment.

"So, what'd you do to Arry to make him so ticked at you two?"

"I don't know. He told Iphicles he was after me. The only thing I can figure is he's after Xena again. He dumped us here a long time ago and hasn't been back."

"Xena?" Aphrodite paled; suddenly she realized what she'd stumbled into.

A flash of light was the only warning they had before Ares was standing in the middle of the room.

"Aphrodite? What are you doing here, and where are your clothes?"

Aphrodite looked down and blushed. A quick thought had him once again clothed in his pink velvet pants and billowing white shirt.

"Why didn't you tell us that it was Joxer you were going to kidnap?" He rounded on the war god.

Ares merely raised his eyebrow and crossed his arms. "I knew you'd object. Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt him."

"Not going to hurt him? He's prayed to you his entire life, and you've ignored him. Now you want to involve him in this mess to help Xena. It's always Xena with you, Ares. You totally need another hobby! ZEUS!"

Ares groaned. "Now why'd you have to do that?"

Zeus appeared in the room with a crack of thunder. "What?"

"Ares took Joxer, one of my favorites, hostage."

"He's fine! Besides, he's one of my worshipers." Ares countered.

Zeus looked over at Joxer who hesitantly waived back. Iphicles could only sit on his bed and watch the proceedings in shock.

"Uh, Ares? Could you please lengthen the chains? It gets kinda cold in here." Joxer asked hesitantly.

Before Dite could begin another tirade, Ares lengthened the chains so both prisoners had full access to the room.

"So, Joxer's the one that's going to keep Xena busy for months?" Zeus asked for confirmation.

Ares nodded.

"It's alright, Aphrodite. Why don't you go back to whatever you were doing. I'll make sure Joxer's alright."

Aphrodite waived bye to Joxer and flashed out.

"Ares, you knew Aphrodite would be enraged if she found out you had Joxer captive."

"He's the best one for this. They haven't bonded to anyone else as much as they have to Joxer. He's one of the few they will go through this for."

"Alright. Joxer and Iphicles will stay here until they're rescued." Zeus snapped his hand, flexing his power. A metal chain appeared around Ares ankle. "And you will keep them company."

"What?!"

"You didn't think I knew about your plan, did you? I knew you couldn't resist using this to your advantage, and luring Xena in once more. Well, it's not going to work that way. You'll stay in this cave with Iphicles and Joxer until the others arrive. Aphrodite's made sure you have plenty of food. If you need anything reasonable, Joxer can pray to me for it. Goodbye, son." Zeus flashed out, leaving Ares a prisoner.

"AHHHH!" Ares bellowed in rage.

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

Zeus flashed down and observed the worried heroes for several moments.

"Are we sure that was Aphrodite?" Gabrielle asked for the tenth time.

"Guess you haven't seen her mad before." Iolaus snorted.

Hercules and Xena were scanning the bushes.

"Show yourself!" Hercules shouted.

Zeus stepped out from behind the bushes and walked towards the heroes.

"Father. What are you doing here?"

"Your brother and friend are safe. They are in Ares cave at the base of Olympus. You'll have to convince Ares to release them when you arrive. Strife and Discord are still around. They have orders to delay you, however, since I've imprisoned Ares that should help some."

"Why are you helping us?" Xena asked suspiciously.

Zeus turned and looked at her. "Ares overstepped himself. He took Hercules brother hostage. He was not only trying to get you back in his service, he was attempting to kill Hercules. Ares had been warned that Iphicles was off limits."

"Is Joxer alright?"

"Joxer is fine." Zeus smirked slightly and flashed out.

"Okay, was I the only one worried about that smile?"

"No, Iolaus, it worries me too." Hercules replied.

"Can we rest for the night and start again in the morning?" Gabrielle questioned.

When no one raised any objections, the heroes set up camp for the night.

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

Zeus reappeared in his hall. Hera was there watching the proceedings through two different viewing mirrors.

"Did you have to imprision Ares?"

"Yes. We can't let his personal agenda interfere."

"Discord and Strife are going to have their hands full slowing them down."

"I have an idea that will help." *MORPHEUS!*

*Yes.*

*Nothing but nightmares for Xena and her companions. Xena's must be the worst.*

*Understood.*

"There. Their nightmares will slow them down and help the others."

"Good."

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


Two and a half months later


"He's growing quickly, Cupid. I don't think he'll wait to be born, he's already about eight months along. How are you feeding him all this energy?"

Cupid blushed. "It's not me, it's mom and dad. Mom and Heph have barely left the forge since the change. Hestia's been watching Bliss for us. Dad's been trapped in that cave with Joxer and Iphicles for a while now, and there's nothing else for them to do. All the extra energy's been goin straight to the baby."

"Good. You've been eating extra ambrosia and apples?"

"Yeah, as much as I can. My ankles and thighs are getting a bit bloated though."

"Umm, sounds like you're retaining ambrosia. Mix some nectar in with it, and it should help. Anything else?"

"No, I don't think so."

Apollo stood up and walked around Cupid trailing his finger gently across her back. "You know Cupid, since you're a love god, the more sex you have will help the baby grow too."

Strife flashed in. "Hey, Apollo. What happened ta your stable?"

Apollo stepped back from Cupid. "What are you talking about?"

"Well, looks like ya've got a great big fire going on."

"WHAT?!" Apollo shrieked, flashing away.

Strife broke down in giggles. "What'd you do?"

"Me?" Strife squeaked. "It's not my fault if one of his horses got spooked and kicked a lamp over. Too bad all his chariots were in tha barn."

Cupid smiled at Strife. "Thanks."

"So, how's tha baby?" Strife asked hesitantly reaching out his hand.

Cupid grabbed his hand and brought it to her stomach. "He's fine."

"Strong lil bugger."

"He's rather feisty, like his father. Apollo says he'll be born soon."

Strife sent her a hesitant smile.

"Cupid?" Psyche's voice echoed out into the garden.

"You'd better go." Cupid whispered.

Strife pulled his hand back and disappeared.

Psyche stepped outside and froze. "He was here, wasn't he?"

Cupid reluctantly nodded.

"I don't want you seeing Strife again!"

"Psyche it's his baby, too."

"Fine, then he can have it when it's born and we'll just forget this whole mess!"

Cupid took a step back in shock. *Give up her baby? Never.* "I'm not giving up my child. You'll go first." She said quietly.

Psyche stood there in shock. "We'll talk about this when you're yourself again, Cupid."

"It won't matter. This is my child as much as Bliss is. I'm not giving him up." Cupid disappeared off to see her mother.

"We'll just see about that." Psyche whispered, furiously. Turning back inside, she searched until she found Cupid's goblet. After a moment's hesitation, she summoned a handful of nightshade; one of the few things she knew would cause a god to miscarry. Carefully, she coated the bottom of Cupid's cup with the crushed leaves. "Very soon, things are going to get back to normal around here." She promised herself.

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

"I don't know how much more I can stand!"

"I know what ya mean. I've had my fill of the fab foursome. Though, I did like the trick ya did with tha apple."

Discord started giggling. "Yeah, that was classic. The look on Gabrielle's face when she bit into it was great. I'm definitely gonna have to replay that one in the Hall of Time."

"I nevah say someone turn that color green before."

"Yeah, maybe little miss tall tales learned not to be quite so selfish."

Strife started giggling.

"Hey, what's this about Apollo's stable?"

Strife stopped laughing as a dark look came over his face. "He was tryin ta get Cupie in tha sack."

"What?!"

"Yeah. I've been watchin' all Cupie's appointments with him. He touched Cupe yesterday, and I couldn't take it. So, now I figure he'll be spendin' all his extra time rebuildin' his stable and chariots that when he finally gets free, he'll have ta get all tha termites outta his temple."

"Termites? He'll just use his powers and get rid of them."

"Nope, not these babies. I gave them a little apple leaf before I sent `em ta Apollo's temple."

Discord burst out laughing. "You made them immortal?! It's genius!"

Strife preened.

"So, you think Zeus will really let Ares go when Hercules and Xena make him release Iphicles and Joxer?"

"I don't know. According ta Cupe, `unc's been feedin' him tons of energy, so I guess he's not in there moping over Xena, but we'll have ta keep an eye on him. I think Zeus may keep him powerless `til tha baby gets here and does his thing."

"I've been thinking about that. I think the baby's gonna be like Hermes."

"A thief?"

"No. I think he's gonna grow up overnight, like Herm did. That's the only way he'd have his powers strong enough to take on Xena."

Strife looked thoughtful for several moments. "I'm gonna miss his childhood." He whispered.

"Umm, Strife? I've been thinking. If you want someone to get rid of Psyche for you, I'll do it."

Strife looked up at his mother in shock. "Ya'd do that for me?"

Discord squirmed. "Yeah. Ares said that we War Gods weren't gonna get happiness unless we take it. So, I'll help you take it, if you want."

Strife blinked away tears. "That's tha nicest thing ya've ever said ta me." He reached over and grabbed Discord in a hug.

Discord was still for several moments before she hesitantly returned the hug.

Strife pulled back. "I can't hurt Psyche, though. Cupid loves her. Besides, I can't do that ta Bliss. I'll have our kid, so I'll always be a part of him, but I can't do that ta him."

Discord looked at her son for several moments. Abruptly she stood. "Alright, but remember my offer." She flashed out.

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

"NOOO!" Xena jerked upright in her pallet.

Everyone snapped awake from their own nightmares at her wail.

"Another nightmare?" Hercules asked.

"What else?" Iolaus muttered, watching Xena get up and walk to the river, Gabrielle trailing along behind her.

"I'm not sure how much more of this she can take."

"I know, Iolaus. Everyone's slowing down. These nightmares are relentless."

"I'm worried about that last army we have to get by."

"I've been thinking about that. It'll cost us more time, but I think if we go over the mountain, we can avoid them. It'll take us longer, but we'll end up exactly where we need to be."

"That sounds good. I don't want anyone getting hurt, and right now, I'm not at my peek." Xena said quietly, coming back to her pallet. Gabrielle curled up next to her as everyone settled back down to sleep.

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


Joxer shifted slightly, burrowing closer to the warm body in front of him. Heavily muscled arms lightly squeezed him from behind. Shifting slightly, he felt the stiff cock against his buttocks announcing that at least a part of Ares was awake. Feeling the hard cock pressed up against his ass caused him to shift slightly, grabbing Iphicles by the waist and rubbing his now hard cock against the lush ass in front of him. Joxer twisted his head up and to the side, allowing Ares better access to his neck from behind.

The War God was placing nibbling kisses all along his neck. First he'd lick a small patch of skin, then he'd pull it into his mouth, nibbling and sucking. Ares would eventually get tired of that patch of skin and move on. Joxer was sure his body was covered in pink love marks.

Joxer brought one hand around the front of Iphicles and grasped his cock, gently fisting it up and down. Iphicles groaned and thrust his hips back against Joxer's cock. Joxer lightly bit the muscled shoulder in front of him.

Ares grinned at Iphicles pained grunt. Moving both of his hands down, he spread Joxer's cheeks wide. Grimacing in annoyance, he quickly reached down beside the bed and gathered some sandalwood oil in his hands. Several swift strokes coated his cock, and he was once again spreading Joxer's cheeks. Shifting up, he slowly pressed inside the waiting channel.

Joxer's hands moved quickly back down to Iphicles hips and gripped them tightly as Ares slowly pressed himself inside.

Iphicles took advantage of Joxer's slack grip once Ares was fully sheathed. Quickly he flipped over on his side so he was facing Joxer. Iphicles smiled at the glazed look on Joxer's face. Cupping Joxer's cheek with one hand, he plundered his slack lips, ravishing his mouth.

Ares slowly withdrew and thrust back inside.

Joxer caught Iphicles by the hips again and pulled him flush with his body, placing one leg on top of Iphicles two.

Iphicles reached down and started gently fisting Joxer's cock, still placing kisses all over any available skin.

Ares started increasing the rhythm of his thrusts. Soon, he was slamming into Joxer, stroking his pleasure point with each thrust.

Joxer could only hold onto Iphicles. Incoherent noises were escaping his throat.

Iphicles grinned when he saw Joxer's eyes flash open, warning him of his impending orgasm. Moving quickly, he clamped his hand around the base of Joxer's balls and cock stopping Joxer from coming.

Ares roared Joxer's name as he thrust into him one last time.

Joxer was making whimpering noises in his throat, hands locked in place on Iphicles hips, eyes pleading with Iphicles to let him cum.

Iphicles kissed Joxer once more on the lips and looked back at Ares.

Ares grinned and slowly withdrew. Reaching one hand around, he took over Iphicles place as a temporary cockring.

Ares and Iphicles took their time kissing and nipping Joxer's back and chest, letting him come down some from his pleasure high.

Soon Ares lifted his head and nodded at Iphicles questioning look.

"You okay, Joxer?" Iphicles asked.

Joxer nodded.

"Roll over, Joxer." Ares whispered in his ear, tongue flicking out and capturing his earlobe.

Joxer shifted and rolled over on his side so he was facing Ares.

Ares adjusted his grip on Joxer's cock and balls. Then he leaned in and deeply kissed Joxer while Iphicles oiled up his cock.

When Iphicles pushed inside, Joxer accidentally bit down on Ares tongue. Ares growled low in his throat becoming instantly hard again.

"Oh, Joxer, I'm going to nail you to the bed for that." He whispered in Joxer's ear.

Joxer's eyes widened in alarm at the promise.

Iphicles slipped inside and started a slow gentle thrusting.

The gentle thrusting was driving Joxer wild. Each stroke was rubbing the hidden nub inside. Joxer was afraid if he didn't cum soon, he'd loose his mind. He knew there was no way Ares would let him cum now. Not when he'd become aroused again. Joxer grabbed onto Ares' shoulders to steady himself. Attempting to concentrate, he squeezed he butt muscles on Iphicles next thrust.

Iphicles was caught unaware as the tight heat surrounding his cock squeezed him tight. He buried his face in Joxer's neck as his orgasm gently broke over him.

Ares laughed and kissed Joxer again. "Sneaky, Joxer."

Joxer was panting as Iphicles withdrew and the two once again calmed him enough to be turned. Ares helped him to his knees as Iphicles moved partway underneath, hand once again clamped around his cock and balls.

"You see Iphicles, you were too gentle. You gave him too much time to think." Ares directed as he came to his knees behind the trembling would-be warrior. Ares once again spread his cheeks and slipped inside.

"You can't let him think." Ares repeated, as he began wildly thrusting into Joxer's willing body.

Joxer threw his head back, keening wails coming from his throat.

Iphicles looked up at Ares in concern.

Ares smiled in satisfaction and increased his pace.

Soon tears were streaming down Joxer's face and landing on Iphicles. Iphicles flicked out his tongue and tasted one of the drops.

"Who do you belong to, Joxer?" Ares demanded. He had to repeat the question twice more before Joxer could even attempt an answer.

"AAArrEEEEEESSSS!" Came Joxer's wailed answer.

Ares grinned down savagely at Iphicles and nodded for him to release his hand.

Joxer came so hard and violently that he blacked out and collapsed onto Iphicles.

Iphicles arms came up and embraced him as Ares surrendered to his orgasm once again.

Ares slowly withdrew and trailed his hand down the back of Joxer's back. Lying on his side, Ares drew Joxer up in his arms and held him close. Iphicles tossed the soaked sheet off the bed and took his place on the other side of Joxer.

Ares sighed and nuzzled Joxer's cheek as he stirred.

"Just wait, Ares. Tomorrow's your turn." Joxer promised drowsily.

Iphicles and Ares exchanged amused grins.

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

"What's wrong Bliss?"

Bliss pulled back his hand and looked at Cupid. Pulling his sandaled foot into his lap, he started to rock back and forth. "Deme's sad."

"Deme?"

Bliss stopped rocking and looked suspiciously at Cupid. "Unn huh."

Cupid looked thoughtful for a moment. "Can you talk to Deme?"

Bliss grinned up at Cupid. "Unn huh."

"What's he say?"

Bliss giggled. "Pwomised not to say. Secret."

Cupid smiled down at her son. "Okay."

Bliss stopped giggling and ducked his head. Shyly peeking from underneath his eyelashes he stared at his father. "Deme says you sad."

Cupid sat very still.

"Says you miss Stwife?"

"Yeah, I miss Strife. He's been busy lately and can't come around as much."

"I miss Stwife, too."

"Aww, Bliss." Cupid reached out and hugged her son.

"Mommy don't like Stwife anymore."

"Your mommy's upset about the baby, Bliss. Once Deme comes she'll be better."

"Mommy hates Deme."

"Your mommy's just upset right now, Bliss. She doesn't really hate Deme."

Bliss twisted his foot back up into his lap and resumed his rocking.

Cupid's stomach let out a low growl.

Bliss started giggling again. "Deme hungry."

Cupid looked down at her stomach in frustration. "Yeah, I guess he is." Cupid held out her hand and her goblet appeared. Using her powers, she filled it half full with ambrosia and half full with nectar.

Bliss looked at the cup's contents curiously.

Cupid noticed Bliss' interest. "Want some?"

Bliss reached out and grasped the goblet from Cupid. Cautiously he tipped the brimming goblet back and swallowed a mouthful of the mixture. Cupid reached out and accepted the goblet back from Bliss.

"Well? Do you like it?"

Bliss' face twisted into a scowl. "Yuck."

Cupid looked down at the goblets contents in confusion. She rather liked the mixture. Suddenly, Bliss fell out of the chair and curled up in a fetal ball, wailing.

Cupid dropped her goblet and knelt down to help her son.

"Bliss!"

Bliss started shaking uncontrollably.

"APOLLO!!"

Apollo appeared with a blinding flash. Seeing Bliss, he rushed over.

"What happened?!"

"I don't know! He was fine and then he fell over clutching his stomach!"

Apollo lifted Bliss in his arms and started feeding him healing energy. "Did you see anything touch him, or did he say anything?"

Cupid thought frantically. "He said my drink was bad."

Apollo walked over to the spilled goblet. Still holding Bliss in his arms, he reached out his free hand and held it over the cup. "Poison."

"What?"

"Nightshade. Father, someone tried to poison Cupid!"

Zeus appeared in a flash of lightening. Looking around, he assessed the situation in a glance. Walking over, he picked up the cup, and focused on it, trying to find the identity of the poisoner.

"Is Bliss okay?!" Cupid asked frantically.

"Yes. He must not have ingested much of it. I've numbed him and put him to sleep. He'll have stomach cramps for a couple of hours, but he should sleep through it. He'll be fine by tomorrow morning, but tonight I want to stay close to him so I'll stay here with him."

"Apollo. What would this have done to the baby?" Zeus demanded.

"Cupid would have gone into labor."

"Could the child have survived?"

"Probably. The baby has been growing extremely fast."

Zeus nodded. "Your wife has tried to kill your child, Cupid."

Cupid looked up in shock. "Psyche? She wouldn't hurt Bliss."

"She wasn't trying to hurt Bliss. She was trying to kill your baby."

"Psyche!" Cupid roared.

Psyche came running out into the garden. "Cupid? What's wrong? Bliss! What's wrong with Bliss?"

"Your attempt to kill Cupid's baby has harmed your own child." Zeus accused.

"What?"

"Don't bother to lie! I've dealt with a vengeful wife for millennia, I know the signs!"

Psyche backed up a step.

"Psyche. Did you do this?" Cupid whispered.

"Oh, Cupid. I just wanted our family back. You don't need to have this baby, they'll find some other way to save us. This is just another one of their petty games. Once the baby's gone you'll change back and everything will go back to normal."

Cupid recoiled in shock.

"Strife!"

Strife appeared in a flash at his grandfather's summons.

"Stay with Cupid." Zeus ordered. Walking over he took Psyche by the arm, and flashed away.

"Cupe? What's happenin'?"

"Psyche tried to kill the baby. She poisoned Bliss." Apollo offered.

"Cupe? Hey, Cupe. You okay?"

"No." Cupid whispered. "How could I not see what she was capable of?"

"Oh come on, Cupid. All the goddesses are like this. That's why you'll never see me hitched, dude."

Strife and Cupid shot identical glares at Apollo.

"Uh, I'll just take Bliss to his room." Apollo quickly exited the garden.

"How dare she. How dare she hurt my babies! I gave her total devotion! Had her elevated to godhood and married her. Gave her my child! Remained faithful! All I asked for was a little understanding! She knew that we had no choice but to make this child! She knew I wouldn't willingly cheat on her! And she lashes out at my babies! That bitch!" Cupid felt all the love he had for Psyche shrivel up and die.

Strife tried to remain calm. Inside he was just as furious as Cupid. However, he knew that one way or another he'd have his revenge on Psyche. You had to have patience around Ares. Revenge against a War God couldn't always be instantaneous. Right now, Cupid, Bliss, and the baby were his concern.

"Cupe, you need ta calm down. This isn't good for tha baby."

"Oh, I am calm Strife. My marriage is over. She's never coming near my children again."

Strife's heart leapt at the thought of Cupid being free. "I know ya probably don't want ta hear this right now, but I love ya Cupie. Whatever ya need, I'm here for ya and tha kids, but please calm down."

Cupid looked up at Strife and saw the concern for her written all over his face. Cupid closed the distance between them and wrapped Strife in a hug. Strife brought his arms up around Cupid, and poured all the love and tenderness he had into the hug.

"AHHH!" Cupid started to fall to the floor. Strife caught her, and lowered her to the floor.

"What's wrong?"

"APOLLO!" Hera shouted, flashing into the room. "Quickly Strife, bring her into the bedroom! The baby's coming."

Strife looked down at Cupid in shock. Snapping out of his stupor, he picked Cupid up and carried her into the bedroom.

"How'd ya know?"

"I felt the contraction." Hera responded, moving quickly into the bedchamber. She quickly arranged the bed and moved back so Strife could sit Cupid down.

"I WANT MY MOTHER!!" Cupid wailed.

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


"What are you going to do to me?" Psyche asked, tears streaming down her face.

"I am going to be merciful. I know when Hera has been in your situation I did not want her dead. For her, I will spare you. You tried to kill Cupid's child and harmed his son in the process. He has denounced you and never wishes to see you again. You almost destroyed the one hope we have of defeating the coming Twilight. However, if we had not forced Cupid to create this child he would have remained faithful to you, and this would have never happened. Therefore, I will take away your godhood and memories of us. I am granting you another chance at life, Psyche. Your face and features will be changed so that when Strife, Ares, and Discord hunt for you, they will not find you."

"No! Cupid will forgive me! He loves me!" Psyche tried to jerk away from Zeus' grasp.

"Perhaps he would forgive you, eventually, but he will never forget." Zeus tightened his grip on Psyche's arm and striped away her godhood. Another thrust of power changed her hair to red and reshaped her face. Finally, Zeus stripped away her memories of being a god and her family.

Psyche staggered and collapsed.

Zeus lifted her and placed her on the bed in the corner of the room. Turning he walked out into the main room of his smallest temple.

"Oh, Mighty Zeus!" His high priest quickly bowed down.

"There is a woman in the back chamber. She was involved in an accident. I wish her to be married off by the next moon. Her name is Persephone."

The priest looked up, startled. "Your daughter?"

"No merely a mortal named after my daughter. She was a follower of my wife."

"I shall see to her marriage personally!" Zeus nodded and flashed out.

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

"One final push, Cupid." Hera encouraged the exhausted goddess.

"Come on, Cupie, one more push!" Aphrodite coached from her position next to Cupid's head.

Cupid's grip on Strife's hand tightened and bones smashed together. Together they screamed.

"AHHHHH!!!"

"There we go." Hera murmured in surprise as she lifted the baby. "Apollo, attend the afterbirth."

Apollo took Hera's place as she went to wash and anoint the baby. He placed his hand over Cupid's stomach and focused his powers, loosening the afterbirth. "One last push, Cupid."

Cupid sat up and pushed one final time.

While Apollo disposed of the afterbirth, Hera brought back the baby, swaddled in blankets. "Here you go." She laid the baby in Cupid's arms.

Cupid sniffed back tears.

"What's his name?" Aphrodite asked, peering down at the newest addition to the family.

"Deme. Bliss said his name was Deme."

"Deme, God of Redemption?" Strife tried out the new name.

Hera smirked. "Well, more like Goddess of Redemption."

Strife and Cupid exchanged confused glares.

"But, she felt like a boy."

"I believe that was a trick she was playing on you, Cupid." Hera laughed. "She must have inherited some of Strife's mischief."

"Here Cupid, let me hold her. You need to rest." Aphrodite bent down to take the baby. As soon as he touched the baby, a glow started to surround them.

Cupid looked up at Hera in alarm.

"It's alright Cupid. We suspected this would happen." Hera attempted to reassure the new mother. "Strife you might want to stand back."

"What's happenin'?" Strife demanded, staying where he was.

"Deme's taking the remaining energy from the spell. Cupid and Aphrodite will change back to their normal selves."

"It's not gonna hurt her?" Strife moved back a little.

"No. It's what will help her grow."

Strife watched sadly as his daughter absorbed the remaining energy from the spell. A golden light soon surrounded her, and Cupid and Aphrodite shifted back to their normal forms.

"It will take her awhile to absorb the energy and grow." Hera informed them and flashed out.

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

Redemption

"Your soul cries out for me, Xena of Amphipolis."

Xena turned sluggishly, her chakram gripped in her hand.

A young goddess, who looked to be only around sixteen mortal years of age, appeared in a flash of golden light. She had long silky black hair, stunning green eyes, and small white wings. She was wearing a robe of gray over a black velvet bodysuit.

"Who are you?" Xena asked suspiciously, using her hand to gesture Gabrielle back.

"My name is Deme. I am the Goddess of Redemption."

"There is no Goddess of Redemption."

"There wasn't. My mother birthed me a day ago."

"Who's your mother?" Gabrielle asked curiously.

"Cupid." Deme walked around and perched herself on a large flat rock. "The children of Cronos were told by the Fates that I was needed. They changed Cupid and Aphrodite's sex around long enough to have me."

"What did you mean when you said Xena's soul cried out for you?"

"Your guilt over the lives you ended has increased with each nightmare Morpheus sends. I could feel your need for me while I was still deep in my mother's womb." Deme looked straight into Xena's eyes. "I've come to see if you have the right to request my help."

"Gabrielle, go back to camp. Wait for me with Hercules and Iolaus, I'll be there later."

"But, Xena."

"No. This is something I have to do by myself. Please, just wait for me there."

Gabrielle threw a suspicious glare at Deme. "Xena, I can't just leave you with a strange goddess!"

"It's alright. There's something about her that's calling out to me. Please."

Gabrielle glared one last time at Deme and turned to march back to camp.

"You were wise to send her back to camp. She should not hear this. You, alone, must make the decision."

Xena stared at Deme. "Are you here to kill me?"

"No. I reviewed your life in the Hall of Time before I came here. You have done much evil, but you have also done considerable good. However, continuing as you are, the good you are doing will never balance out all the evil committed. I'm going to offer you a choice of redemption. You are at a crossroads, Xena. Your life could take either path I'm about to offer you, and still make it to the Elysian Fields."

Xena nodded her head and sat down on a log.

"One of the acts a mortal can do to redeem themselves is self- sacrifice. The greater the sacrifice, the more pull it has in your judging. There is a darkness building on Greece's border, Xena. Right now, Hercules and the other heroes keep it at bay, but they won't be around forever. Another hero will be needed in the future. This hero was amongst you once, but Dahak made sure he was killed before he could mature. By killing your son, Dahak has made it possible triumph in the future. As it is, Solon will need the extra strength and abilities that come from being a demi-god to overcome his youth and inexperience. Hades has prepared his soul; all we are missing is a mother. The woman who gives birth to him, will die in childbirth. She will sacrifice her life for his return. You would be saving all of Greece with your sacrifice, thereby securing your place in the Fields. I am offering you a chance give your son back his life, Xena."

Xena sat in stunned silence. "I thought Hercules killed Dahak." She whispered.

"The Fates have foretold that Dahak cannot be killed by anyone who is not descended from the House of War. He is very clever. Several times, he has fooled us in thinking he is dead, only to come back once again."

"My son would face him? Without me?"

"Yes."

"What's the other option?"

"You must raise and train the boy when his mother dies, in addition to performing the acts of good you are currently doing."

Xena looked at Deme suspiciously. "Who would be his parents?"

"Gabrielle of Potedia and Ares, God of War."

"How?" Xena snapped.

"The same way I was made. Locked together until the babe is conceived."

"Why Gabrielle?"

"Because she gave birth to Dahak's child before."

"Who would be the father of my child?"

"Hercules would be granted his godhood for one night to father your child. He will train the boy and prepare him. The Fates have said that a child descended from the House of War will one day kill Dahak for good, and all the gods believe that child was your son."

Xena jumped to her feet and started pacing.

"I will leave you to think. Zeus has reinstated Hercules godhood for tonight. You must conceive the hero before my grandfather is released. My mother prepared this vial if you have trouble." Deme tossed Xena the vial and disappeared in a flash of light, leaving the stunned Warrior Princess in her wake.

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

Strife lay on his back, Cupid asleep on his chest. Cupid shifted slightly in his sleep, burrowing into his warm pillow. Strife tightened his hold and stared down at him, a gentle expression on his face. He lifted his free hand and carefully brushed back the hair that had fallen in front of Cupid's face. Cupid shifted once more and slowly opened his eyes.

"Hey."

Cupid smiled up at him and rolled over top of him, propping himself up on his elbows. "Will you let me love you?" He whispered before placing a tentative kiss on Strife's parted lips.

Strife blinked up at Cupid. For several moments he lay very still, uncertain of what to do. "Cupe? You ain't gonna regret this, are ya? Cause I know ya just had ya're heart broke, and I don't want this ta be some quick fuck ta help ya through. If we do this, it's gonna mean more ta me, and I want it ta mean more ta you too."

Cupid drew back and stared down at Strife, thoughts in turmoil. "I know things have been crazy, but I, like, don't wanna lose you again, Strife. You're mine now, and I'm yours. I'm never gonna let anything come between us again, especially us. I admit I'm still messed us from this whole situation, but I'm sure about this. I love you, Strife."

Strife brought his hand up and ran his thumb across Cupid's bottom lip. "I love you, too, Cupe."

Cupid leaned down and pressed another kiss against Strife's lips. Deeper and deeper they tried to swallow each other whole, caught up in the long forgotten taste of each other.

Strife brought his hands up and traced the outline of the muscles on Cupid's abdomen and chest.

Cupid gasped and shuddered when Strife lightly teased his nipples with his fingernails.

Strife took advantage of Cupid's distraction to lick the side of his neck. "Ya taste so good." He muttered against the skin he was attempting to devour.

Cupid started placing tiny kisses on Strife's neck and shoulders. Suddenly, he pulled back and grinned at Strife.

Strife eyed him nervously as he bent down and placed a kiss on his lips.

Pulling back, Cupid bent down and cupped his cock. One hand wrapped around the base and the other wrapped around his balls, Cupid paused to admire.

"Cupe." Strife whispered, anticipation filling his body and making it tense. Cupid flicked his tongue over the head of Strife's leaking cock. Keeping his mouth over the tip, he swirled and sucked making sure he hadn't missed any of the seeping fluid.

Strife tried lifting his hips, and Cupid moved the hand cupping his balls to his hips, holding him down. Keeping his other hand on the base of Strife's shaft, he opened his mouth and took some more of the length inside.

Strife tried to hold out, wanting to prolong the experience he never thought he'd have again, Cupid's mouth on his cock, but he couldn't. It'd been too long. With a low groan he came.

Cupid milked his shaft until all the spasms had stopped. Gently, he released Strife's member and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.

"Take me, Cupe. I want ya in me."

Cupid placed another gentle kiss on his lips then he quickly dipped his hand in a small bowl of oil he created. He gently massaged some of the oil in Strife's stomach, moving down over his hips and balls, coming under his ass. Using firm, measured, strokes, Cupid took his time arousing Strife once more.

Seeing Strife's renewed erection, Cupid lightly teased his hidden pucker. Pressing inside he quickly prepared his lover.

Strife had his eyes closed and hands clenched in the bedding. Feeling Cupid stop, he opened his eyes.

Cupid was kneeling in front of him wings extended, patiently waiting for him to open his eyes.

Cupid smiled at him once more, and put both of his hands on Strife's knees, pressing them back to his chest.

Strife unclenched his hands from the sheets, and brought them around his knees, pulling them even further back.

Cupid placed the head of his cock at Strife's puckered opening and pressed inward.

He withdrew halfway and pushed back in.

And again.

Thrust after thrust, Cupid built his tempo until he was thrusting in a vigorous rhythm.

Each thrust pushed them higher and higher. Strife's last coherent thought was nothing was ever going to come between him and his featherhead again.

Cupid thrust one final time, biting down on the corded muscle in Strife's throat.

Strife arched his back screaming his release.

Cupid licked the bite in mute apology.

Strife ran his fingers through Cupid's hair and pulled him in for another kiss.

Cupid wrapped his arms around Strife as both of them drifted off to sleep.

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

"What did you do with Psyche?"

"I left her at one of my temples. The head priest will see that she remarries and has a full life."

Hera sat down in her chair and stopped pacing. "The others will not be able to find her?"

"No. I've altered her appearance."

"They will look for her."

"It will not matter."

"Bliss is the one I ache for most."

"Perhaps you could spend more time with him? Try to help ease the ache for his mother." Zeus suggested.

"Yes. Why did you not kill her?"

Zeus looked at his wife. Getting up from his chair, he knelt in front of hers. He reached out his hand and ran it gently down the side of Hera's face. "For you. I knew you didn't agree with the plan, that it was a betrayal of everything you believe in. I know that my cheating and children have hurt you deeply over the years. However, no matter what you did, I did not want you dead, and I believe Cupid will feel the same. I didn't kill her, because I was never able to kill you. She will lead out a happy mortal life, like she was meant to, like I wished I could give you, and you will feel no guilt on her behalf. For your great-grandson, yes, but waste nothing on his mother."

Hera looked down at her husband. Nodding once, she flashed out.

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

"Xena has conceived. The child's soul is gone from my realm." Hades told the assembled gods.

A collective sigh of relief sounded throughout the room.

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

Deme appeared in a flash of light just as the heroes were about to enter the cave.

"Deme? Is there a problem?" Xena asked nervously eyeing her three friends.

"No. I just wanted to be here and meet grandfather. Zeus sealed the cavern until you got here."

"Oh."

Everyone turned back to the entrance and proceeded inside.

"Uh, which doorway?" Gabrielle asked, turning in a circle and eyeing the multitude of doors.

"That one." Deme pointed towards a black door near the back of the main entrance.

"You know, I don't think I've been in a cave with doors before." Iolaus mused.

"It's Ares prison chamber, Iolaus. Each doorway leads to a separate chamber, and some lead to traps." Hercules responded.

Xena moved over to the door and opened it, taking a peek inside. Blushing bright red, she quickly shut the door and turned to face the room.

"Uh, I think we should come back."

"Come back? We've been traveling for months, Xena! What'd you see? Is Joxer hurt?" Gabrielle rushed over to the door and pushed the stunned Warrior Princess out of the way. Throwing open the door, she rushed inside and came to a dead stop.

Hercules, Xena, Iolaus, and Deme followed her inside.

In the center of the room, illuminated by the fire-pit, was a large bed. In the center of the bed were their missing friends. Ares was in the middle. Iphicles was kneeling at the front of the bed, his cock moving rhythmically in and out of his mouth. At the other end, Joxer was slamming in and out of the War God's ass.

No one moved. No one spoke. They simply stared in mute fascination at the spectacle in front of them.

Suddenly, Iphicles threw back his head and let out high-pitched groan.

Ares brought one arm up and pushed Iphicles hips closer to his mouth, holding him in place. Frantic sucking could be heard throughout the room.

One of Joxer's hands crept down the side of Ares' body and wrapped around his cock. Several strokes later, and Ares took his mouth off Iphicles cock and let out his own shout. Joxer's soon followed.

"Wow, mom'll be so proud." Deme broke the silence.

The three figures on the bed froze.

Iphicles slowly lifted his head and stared straight into his brother's horrified eyes.

"Iph…How could you?" Hercules whispered.

"I don't want to hear it, Hercules! You try spending any length of time alone with Ares! You'll see!" Iphicles shouted, angry at the accusation.

Hercules turned to Xena in mute appeal.

"Uh, Sorry, Herc. Been there, done that." Xena turned and walked over to Joxer, hugging him close.

"Joxer…" Gabrielle started.

"I don't want to hear it, Gabby. Iphicles is right. We're not involved with other people, and Ares is irresistible like this."

"Let them go, Ares." Xena ordered, stepping back from Joxer.

Ares looked up from his position on the bed. "Sorry to disappoint you, Xena, but they've been free for quite some time. I'm the one who's a prisoner."

"What?!"

"Well, we couldn't just leave him here! He could've been hurt! Any god who came along could' a killed him!" Joxer defended their actions.

"But, Iphicles, what about Corinth?" Iolaus asked.

"Oh, I knew everything would be alright. I wrote to Jason asking him to help me, so I assume he stepped in for a while. Besides, Zeus told me a few weeks ago that everything was alright."

"Oh, here ya go, grandpa." Deme concentrated and the chain binding Ares broke and fell to the floor. "Zeus said I could let you go."

Ares looked at the winged goddess in shock. Getting up out of the bed, he cleaned and clothed himself and his lovers. Striding over, he stood in front of Deme. Reaching out with his powers, he inspected the tiny goddess before him.

"But, you were supposed to be a boy!"

Deme started giggling. "Gotcha!"

Ares grabbed her in a bear hug twirling her around. Turning to Iphicles and Joxer he said, "I'll see you two later, I need to catch up on things." Ares and Deme then flashed out.

"So, Joxer, how'd you like to stay at the palace for awhile?" Iphicles clasped Joxer on the shoulder as they walked out of the cave.

Hercules, Iolaus, and Gabrielle trailed behind them stunned and slightly shocked at how their rescue turned out.

Xena took one last look around the room. Taking her hand, she placed it over her stomach. "So, this was all about you, huh?"

Turning she walked out the door to join the others.

THE END .

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