Welcome to AresJoxerCupidStrife

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

Title: Revenge
Author: Brandy
Pairings: A/J, J/?, C/S
Disclaimer: I don't own or have any rights or claims to any of the characters in this story.

"Hephie, please! You know I love you." Aphrodite wailed out, tears trailing down her face.

Hephaistos simply shook his scarred head, and limped back to the forge. "If that was true, `Dite, you would have never done this. Perhaps you cared for me, but true love would have never permitted you to do this." He said quietly. Picking up his hammer, he started pounding away at the sword he was currently working on.

"I couldn't help myself! The same thing happened with all my other kids. It's like this urge comes over me, and I have to get pregnant right away."

"And I'm too ugly to ever be allowed a child. Is that it?" Hephaistos swung around angrily. "Get out of here!" He yelled as he banished her from his forge, and sealed it from both her and Ares.

Putting down his hammer, he limped over to a cloth-covered cage. He twitched his fingers and removed the cloth. Another twitch of the fingers released the gag and ropes binding the prisoner. "I'm sorry you had to hear that. I want to hurt them both so badly.... And yet, I still love her. You are the one mortal that is important to them both. By keeping you, they will feel my pain."

"Me?" Joxer squeaked out.

********

"Ares! I know you're here, I can feel you. Show yourself!" Xena shouted out, holding her sword tightly.

Ares flashed into view behind her. Tapping his foot impatiently, he questioned, "Well?"

"What are you up to? Three major armies are converging on this valley. There's not a town worth pillaging in this area, only several poor villages."

Ares cocked his head to the side and contemplated the warrior before him. Moving slowly around her, he rubbed his bearded chin thoughtfully. "Contrary to what you think, Xena, there will be a battle here, but it won't involve those poor villages." Ares said mockingly. "Those three armies are going to compete against each other to find out whose worthy of serving in a very special army I am raising."

Xena looked at Ares, keeping her face blank. Frantically, she tried to discern the true motives behind his latest move.

"Special army?" She finally questioned.

"Yes. All the inferior warriors will die in sacrifice to me."

"You wouldn't make a move like that. It will severely deplete the armies of Greece, making it vulnerable to attack from Macedonia." Xena tried to probe for the truth.

Ares simply cocked his eyebrow at the Warrior Princess. "Sometimes, Xena, even Gods don't have choices." He replied before zapping out.

******

Feeling a presence behind her, Gabrielle whirled around; bring up her staff in a defensive position.

Athena slightly cocked her head and smiled. "Hello, Amazon."

"Athena?"

"Yes. I felt your presence in the valley, and knew that Xena would go off to confront Ares. There is more going on here than it seems."

"What's really happening?" Gabrielle questioned.

Athena silently contemplated the warrior before her. Reaching out her hand, she looked deep inside Gabrielle.

"Your time with the Warrior Princess has trained you well. You will need that training to deal with Hephaistos."

"Hephaistos?"

"Yes. Aphrodite had a yearning for another child. She seduced Ares, and Hephaistos plotted revenge. He took Ares most faithful warrior hostage. As it happens, the mortal is also one of Aphrodite's favorites. Zeus and I have both tried to stop Ares from this competition of his. The only way to stop this massacre is to rescue Ares' warrior."

"Who is it?"

"He is known as Joxer the Mighty." Athena replied as she disappeared, leaving Gabrielle standing there with her mouth open in shock.

"Gabrielle?" Xena tapped her friend on the shoulder, wondering what had put that stupid look on her face. Getting no response, she moved around to face the bard, using her finger to push up her chin. "Don't complain to me if you swallowed some bugs."

Gabrielle shook her head briefly. Still slightly shocked, she looked at Xena. "Xena? Joxer's been kidnapped by Hephaistos."

"How'd you find that out? I've only been gone an hour."

"Athena."

Xena reached out her hand, and briskly tapped Gabrielle on the cheek. "Snap out of it. Come on, tell me what happened."

Gabrielle reached up and caught Xena's hand before she could whack her again. Scowling briefly, she relayed the information that Athena had given her.

Xena furrowed her brow. "She said that Joxer was a favorite of Ares and Aphrodite?"

"Yeah."

Xena started pacing. "So�that's what Ares needs a superior army for." She muttered mostly to herself.

"Huh?"

Xena spun around. "Come on Gabrielle, grab our stuff, we need to move, fast. As it is, we'll be walking all night. I'll explain on the way."

**********

"Uh, Hephaistos? I don't mean any disrespect or anything, but why would I be a favorite of Aphrodite's, let alone Ares? She only likes messing with me, and he's always sneering at me whenever I see him."

"Most gods don't let mortals know how much they mean to them. You probably would have died without knowing how much they need you if I hadn't told you." Hephaistos walked over and sat down next to the cage. "You've been one of Ares most devoted followers since you were a young child. Your ineptitude only caused you to pray harder to Ares. Those prayers feed a god energy. The more reverence in the prayer, the more energy gets put into it, and the more energy the god gets. The frequency you pray to a god only increases the energy that we receive. That's why Ares made sure you didn't progress as a warrior. He gets more power from you like you are. Also, you have a pure and noble heart. That increases the power of your prayers even more. It's extremely rare for someone like you to follow Ares. I suspect that's why you and the Warrior Princess met. Knowing Ares, he knew she wouldn't be able to resist protecting you, thereby unknowingly helping him. Xena's protection of you has helped guard one of Ares most prized possessions. Your prayers to him, as you are now, are about the equivalent of thirty powerful warlords. That's also why you haven't been killed given your ineptitude. There's no way Ares would let one of his main power sources get killed."

"So, every time I pray to Ares, it gives him more power than thirty warlords? He kept me from becoming better?" Joxer asked in resigned sadness.

"Yes. You have all the knowledge that you've acquired through the years of training you received. You just can't put it to use. Most people would have given up, and moved on with their lives. Become a farmer or fisherman. Your dedication to becoming a warrior despite your setbacks is more than likely the reason Ares decided to block your progress at an early age. He saw your potential as a power source. From what Aphrodite has said, you probably should have been dedicated to Athena, and become a mighty hero. As for you being one of her favorites. Your prayers to her about that Gabrielle girl have kept her high on energy for several months. She knows that Gabrielle is destined to love elsewhere, and hasn't helped you get over your infatuation. She and Ares have become addicted to the power you are feeding them through your prayers. By keeping you locked up, I'm denying them access to your prayers. That cuts out a major source of their regular energy supply, leaving them in pain. Not the same kind of pain that I'm in, but it's still pain."

With that, Hephaistos got up and moved back to his tools.

Joxer sat in the corner of his cage, lost in thought. "Hephaistos? What're you gonna do with me?" He asked hesitantly.

Hephaistos turned back to Joxer, looking him over. "I don't know yet."

*********

"So, you're saying Ares is going to destroy Greece over Joxer?" Gabrielle asked incredulously.

"Looks that way."

"Xena, that's ridiculous!"

"Why?"

"Well�it's Joxer! He's so annoying! People don't go to war over Joxer! Well, not to get him back!"

"There could always be a part of him that you don't see, that they do Gabrielle. You know he'd do anything for us. He's got one of the most caring hearts�"

Gabrielle thought for a moment. "Yeah�but, I still don't get it."

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

Joxer shifted around in his cell. Looking over at the Fire God, he wondered if he should risk it.

"Umm, Hephaistos?"

Hephaistos swung around and blinked at Joxer, momentarily forgetting his `guest'. "Oh, what?"

"Sometimes�mortals�well�they need to eat." Joxer blushed and looked down.

"Oh, forgot about that. Here." Hephaistos zapped Joxer some of the offerings that were left in his temple. "Take what you want."

"Thanks." Joxer mumbled through his food.

Hephaistos went back to his work.

***********

"Umm, Hephaistos?"

"What?"

"I need to visit a tree."

Hephaistos swung around and looked at Joxer like he was demented. "What! You pray to trees, too?"

"No. I piss on them."

It was Hephaistos turn to blush.

**********

Joxer leaned his head against the back of his cage, closing his eyes. The rhythmic pounding of Hephaistos' hammer was actually lulling him to sleep. Suddenly, the pounding stopped. Opening his eyes, he saw the Smith God limping towards him.

"Come here." Hephaistos quietly commanded.

Joxer hesitantly moved closer to the front of the cage.

Hephaistos sat down in his chair. "I'm going to put something on your arm. If you promise not to try to escape, I'll let you out of the cage. Alright?"

Joxer leveled a measuring look at the god. "You're not going to hurt me?"

"No. Once I put the armlet around your arm, it will have the same effect as the cage. No one will be able to transport you, and you'll still be blocked from Aphrodite and Ares. I don't want you to try to escape, because you might take a wrong turn and activate one of the traps in the cave. I've decided I don't want you dead, Joxer."

Joxer heaved a sigh of relief, wondering briefly if he was being made a fool of by yet another god.

"Move your arm closer to the bars, so I can put the armlet on." Hephaistos commanded.

After the armlet was in place, Hephaistos released the lock on the cage, and showed Joxer around his home.

**********

"Xena, do you think Joxer's alright?" Gabrielle asked quietly.

"I don't think Hephaistos will kill him. I think he's just starting on making Ares and Aphrodite pay. If Joxer is truly a favorite of them both, then the worst thing he can do, is take him away and keep him."

***********

"Lay down."

Joxer looked nervously from the huge bed, and back at the god.

Hephaistos rolled his eyes. "Lay down. I need some rest, and so do you by the way you were falling asleep earlier."

Joxer blushed slightly. "Oh."

Quickly he scampered across the bed and lay close to the far edge.

Hephaistos shook his head wearily. "Relax, mortal. I'm not going to force my ugliness on you."

Joxer swung around. "It's not that. I just don't know you very well, and I'm not sure if I can trust you. After all that's happened lately�"

Hephaistos looked surprised at this, and lay down on the bed.

Joxer shifted and his armor clanged.

Hephaistos slightly turned his head and the armor disappeared. Replacing it was a soft silken tunic. "That should be more comfortable for you." He murmured as he turned his back to Joxer.

Joxer looked down in surprise. "Thanks."

Joxer awoke in the middle of the night. Looking around he couldn't locate the sound that had woken him. He slowly crawled from the bed and listened. Moving carefully, he made his way back to the forge.

Sitting on the floor in a dark corner was Hephaistos. Joxer watched for a few moments, wondering what he should do.

Hephaistos was quietly muttering to himself and drinking from a golden goblet. Suddenly, he turned his head and stared straight at Joxer.

"She tried to come back. When she couldn't get in, she stood outside the barrier pleading with me. Cupid and Strife had to drag her away." He mumbled before drinking deeply from his cup.

Joxer moved in closer and sat down opposite the fire god.

"If you want to just talk, I'll listen. I know sometimes I just want someone to listen, or keep me company when I feel miserable."

Hephaistos cocked his head at Joxer. "Why would I want to talk to you, mortal?" He uttered quietly.

Joxer simply looked at Hephaistos. "You know, I've never had a wife cheat on me. But, I have been shunned, ridiculed, and made a joke of my entire life. Now you tell me, that the one being I truly love, have loved all my life, MY GOD, has done this to me. I know I should hate him, but I can't stop loving him. It's a different situation, I know, but I think I can empathize, and maybe even understand a little. I think that of all the gods, you are the one who'd understand me, and my life, the most. I've heard all the legends; you can't travel with a bard, and not hear the stories. So, if you want to blast me, go ahead, but if you want someone to just listen, I'm here."

Hephaistos stared at Joxer, lost in thought. Suddenly, he reached out one calloused hand, and grabbed Joxer's chin. Focusing his power, he reviewed Joxer's memories. Hephaistos slumped back against the wall, releasing Joxer's chin. Flexing his power, he conjured another filled goblet. "Here, it's some of Dionysus' special brew."

Joxer scooted over so he was sitting next to Hephaistos and hesitantly sipped his drink. "Ummm, it's really good." He complimented, draining the cup.

Hephaistos nodded and drained his goblet once more. "Call me, Heph."

Joxer threw a surprised look at the drunken god. "You know, ever since I was thrown from Olympus, I kept my distance from the other gods. Sure, they'd still come to me if they needed something. *But, they came to me.* Other than the mandatory summons from Zeus that I had to answer, any dealings were on *my* terms. Then she came along. I'd been in love with her since we were kids. She said she loved me, and I believed her. She said it was what's on the inside that matters. How could I believe that? I married her! Gave her my trust�"

Joxer watched as Heph took another drink. "Why would she lie, Heph? Even is she wanted something from you, she didn't have to marry you. It's obvious you would have done anything for her. She's a Love Goddess, what would she gain from breaking your heart? Hercules and Xena said that gods draw energy from other gods. Surely, hurting you would only hurt her, since she wouldn't be able to draw energy from your love anymore? Now, if it was Discord, I could see her purposely hurting you, but not Aphrodite. I don't think it's in her nature to be *that* vindictive. I think there's something else happening here."

"Discord." Heph started to sob. "She's already gotten her power fix from me."

Joxer perked up at this. He hadn't heard this story before.

"She said she loved me, too. We were together secretly, and going to be married. Then, I tried to interfere in an argument between Hera and Zeus. Zeus threw me from Olympus a second time, and those injuries couldn't be healed. She didn't want to have anything to do with a lame god. That's one of the reasons why I stayed down here, and didn't return to Olympus. I didn't find out until later that she'd had a child. Ares happened to mention it when he came to request a sword. When I confronted her, she swore she'd kill him if I tried to claim him. Besides, who wants to claim a crippled god for a father?" Hephaistos started sobbing again.

Joxer sat there shocked. "Heph, does Aphrodite know any of this?"

Hephaistos shook his head, sobbing brokenly into his hands.

Joxer looked thoughtful for a moment. He reached out and wrapped his free arm around the sobbing god. "Heph? I need you to confirm something for me. Does a god gain power from another god. Is that true?" Joxer asked urgently.

"Yes. It's even more power for us than a mortal follower because all their mortals have supplied them with power."

"Heph, I think I know what's been happing to you and Aphrodite. You'll need to have a long talk with her to see if I'm right. But, right now, I think you need to sleep this off. Come on, let's go to bed." Joxer stood and helped Hephaistos stagger to his feet. He negotiated their way back to the bedroom, and curled around Hephaistos, holding him tight.

Hephaistos shifted, and looked down at the mortal holding him tightly.

Joxer sensed movement and tightened his hold on the fire god even more.

Heph touched Joxer's mind, trying to understand. Not finding any sign of deceit, his eyes widened in wonder.

Joxer's eyes snapped open to see Heph staring at him. "What?" He whispered.

"You truly care about me." Heph murmured.

"Of course, that's what friends do."

"Friends? I don't have many, and none of them are truly close."

"Well, you have me if you want me." Joxer blushed.

Hephaistos leaned down and gently kissed his lips.

Joxer leaned into the kiss, parting his lips.

Hephaistos wrapped his arms around Joxer, thrusting his tongue into his mouth.

Joxer moaned at the heat of Hephaistos' body. Frantically, he deeply massaged the hard muscles in Heph's back, while gently grinding his hips into Heph's.

Heph drew back slightly, and gently stroked Joxer's cheek. "I'm not sure�" He whispered.

Joxer frowned briefly. "Heph, have you ever�?"

"Before I was crippled, a very long time ago, `Herm and I fooled around some, but�"

"It's all right. If you trust me, I can show you."

Hephaistos let a brief smile touch his scarred face. Moving forward, he once more touched his lips to Joxer's.

Joxer continued to massage the muscles of Hephaistos' back, while undulating his hips against the Fire Gods'.

Hephaistos broke the kiss and arched his neck back, moaning. Joxer took advantage, and licked his way down Hephaistos' neck, pausing occasionally to nip and suck.

Hephaistos quickly got rid of their clothes before he lost coherent thought.

Joxer brought his hands around to grip Heph's leaking cock, while his mouth lapped at his engorged nipples.

Hephaistos tangled his hands in Joxer's hair, murmuring words of encouragement.

Joxer grinned briefly against Heph's chest, before swooping down and swallowing Heph's cock.

"Ohhh!" Heph moaned out.

Joxer sucked his way up and down the length several times. Pausing at the tip, he swirled his tongue in the slit, savoring the taste. Darting his eyes around, he wished he had some oil. Suddenly, a small pot materialized next to him. Joxer took one hand off Heph's cock, and coated it with oil. Moving quickly, he reached behind and carefully stretched himself.

"Heph? Are you ready?" He asked, moving up to straddle the Fire God's thighs.

"Oh, yesss." Hephaistos' groaned, as Joxer lowered himself onto his aching shaft.

Joxer moaned low in his throat, as the hot pulsing cock pushed it's way inside. He could feel heat filling him with each thrust. Trying not to rush, he placed his hands by Heph's ears, and slowly rose up on his knees, and pushed back down.

Heph grabbed Joxer's ass, spreading his cheeks wider, and slightly lifted his legs. The next time Joxer thrust down, he arched up.

"Ahhhh!" Joxer screamed, as Heph's cock sent a jolt of heat straight through his prostate. The heat felt as if it filled his entire body.

Hephaistos smiled at the look of total ecstasy on Joxer's face. Taking one hand, he started to slowly pump Joxer's leaking cock.

"Heph, Heph!" Joxer started to sob, as he tried to resume his thrusting.

Hephaistos slowly pulled out, and slammed back inside, groaning as he released his steaming cum deep into Joxer.

Joxer couldn't control himself. Feeling Hephaistos' seed sending out pulsing waves of heat through his body, he lost control. Screaming one last time, he came into Heph's waiting hand. Exhausted, he collapsed onto the Fire God's body.

Hephaistos looked down at his now unconscious friend. "So giving. If I wasn't married to `Dite, Joxer, there's no way they'd ever get you back. As it is, I'm reluctant to give you what you truly want�" He murmured.

"Xena and Gabrielle are outside the entrance to the caves." Hephaistos sadly informed Joxer.

"Promise me you'll talk to Aphrodite."

Hephaistos reluctantly nodded.

"If you need me, I'll come." Joxer hugged Hephaistos close to him.

Heph squeezed fiercely, returning the hug.

"You're one of the only true friends I have." Hephaistos murmured. When he released Joxer, he was now wearing black leather pants, a red silk shirt, and a black vest. On his wrists were black leather gauntlets with silver wrist guards. Hephaistos summoned a slim sword and two daggers, handing them over to Joxer.

"Your wrist guards will block any gods influence over you. The only way they can gain power from you is if you freely give it. All the training and knowledge you've gained through the years should be available to you now that Ares isn't blocking your access. I know you still love him, despite everything, but don't let him push you around or hurt you. Even though you now have access to your skills, you're still a powerful energy supply for him."

Joxer nodded solemnly. Grasping Heph in one more tight hug, he turned and walked out to meet Xena and Gabrielle.

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

"That looks like the cave entrance Iolaus described."

"Yeah, I don't see any guards." Xena replied as she scanned the landscape.

"You think it's a trap?"

"I don't know, Gabrielle. If Hephaistos has gone as far as to kidnap Joxer, there's no telling what frame of mind he's in. He may not have set any traps yet."

"I think he's been too busy keeping me and Ares out to bother setting more than the usual mortal traps." Aphrodite replied from behind them.

Startled, Xena and Gabrielle swung around. Aphrodite was seated on a log, staring dejectedly at the cave. Her face was swollen and puffy, showing signs of recent tears.

"Aphrodite!" Gabrielle jumped.

"Hello, Aphrodite." Xena spoke quietly.

"He won't let me in. I've been trying all night. Cupid and Strife keep dragging me away, but I keep sneaking back, hoping he dropped the shields. He's good at blocking. I just don't know how to fix this!" She wailed.

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged a concerned glance.

"Aphrodite, Hephaistos has Joxer in there." Xena informed the distraught Love Goddess.

"Joxie?"

"We're here to get him back." Gabrielle declared.

Suddenly, Xena cocked her head to listen. "It's Joxer."

"How do you know?" Gabrielle asked eagerly.

"He's singing his song." Xena replied with a slight smile.

Aphrodite slowly stood.

Just then, a figure became visible, emerging from the cave.

Gabrielle inhaled sharply. "Xena, are you sure that's Joxer?"

"It's him. Heph must have somehow blocked all godly influence from him, but I can still tell its Joxer." Aphrodite replied.

"I suspected a god was hindering him after your little episode with the bell, Aphrodite."

"Joxer?" Gabrielle asked hesitantly.

"Hi, Gabby! Hi, Xena!" Joxer replied with his usual friendly smile, before turning to Aphrodite.

"Aphrodite, I think Heph will let you in now. He's promised to listen to you, and I think you need to hear what he has to say." Joxer told her quietly.

Aphrodite leveled one last searching look at Joxer, before disappearing.

"So, what are you guys doing here?" Joxer asked, once more in his cheerful tone of voice.

"We're here to rescue you." Gabrielle replied.

Joxer looked around. "From what?"

"From Hephaistos!" She shouted.

"But, Gabby, he's my friend, why would you need to rescue me from him?"

Xena rolled her eyes at the two. "Come on. We still have to stop Ares. Although, once he realizes you're free, Joxer, I think he'll stop his competition all by himself."

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

"We'll make camp here for tonight." Xena announced. "It's only a few more hours walk to Ares nearest temple, but Gabrielle and I are exhausted. We'll start again in the morning."

While Xena went off to catch supper, Joxer and Gabrielle set up camp.

"So, Joxer. How'd you convince Hephaistos to let you go?" Gabrielle asked nosily.

"He just let me go."

"But, he was holding you hostage against Aphrodite and Ares. Why would he just let you go? Not to mention, give you those clothes and weapons?"

"He's my friend, Gabrielle. The clothes and weapons were a thank you for listening."

"Oh. But�"

"Gabrielle, that's enough." Xena said quietly, as she emerged from the trees. "Some things need to stay between friends."

Joxer threw her a grateful look.

***********

Joxer slowly woke from his deep sleep. He couldn't tell what was wrong, but felt something out of place. Suddenly, he snapped his eyes open to see Ares crouched down next to him, with his hand raised to stroke his face.

Joxer couldn't control the flash of anger he felt, and punched Ares square in the face. The War God flew back, across the camp, and hit a large tree, breaking it in half.

Xena leapt to her feet, sword drawn. Looking around she saw Joxer sitting up staring in astonishment at his fist. Across the camp, unconscious and sporting a bloody nose, was Ares.

"Joxer?"

"Heph said I'd be able to access all skills I had inside now, but I had no idea I'm so great! Oh, wow. I knocked out a god! I knocked out Ares! I knocked out Ares. He's gonna kill me!"

"You did that to Ares?" Gabrielle snorted.

Xena walked over to Ares and slapped him several times on the cheek. "Ares! Ares! Wake up!"

"Uhhh, what?" Ares rolled over and struggled to his feet.

"How'd you do that, Joxer?" Gabrielle asked sleepily, rubbing her eyes.

Suddenly, Ares recalled what had happened. Jerking his head to the side, he looked at Joxer in confusion. "How�?"

*Ares, you are needed for a meeting of the twelve, now!*

"Great!" Ares snarled. Moving past Xena, he walked over to Joxer. "You're not getting away until we talk!"

Not giving Xena or Gabrielle time to stop him, he zapped away to Olympus, taking Joxer with him.

****I have taken some liberties with the argument that caused Heph to get thrown from Olypmus for the second time :)

Ares and Joxer materialized in the Great Hall on Olympus.

"Ares, what is the meaning of this? You know you are not allowed to bring outsiders to an official meeting!" Zeus thundered.

"I was in the middle of something, and since this isn't the usual time for an official meeting, I can either leave, or he stays."

"Fine, let's just get this over with." Zeus muttered. "Everyone take your seats!"

Ares created a small mound of pillows at the foot of his seat. "Sit here, and don't say a word." He ordered.

Joxer looked around wide-eyed, and simply nodded.

"This emergency meeting of the Council of Twelve has been called forth by the joint petitions of Hephaistos and Aphrodite." Zeus began.

"Oh, shit." Ares muttered, sinking down in his seat.

Zeus shot him a glare, before continuing. "Aphrodite, state your petition!"

Aphrodite rose and walked to the middle of the room. "I ask to seek retribution against the House of War."

"Zeus right nut, not another one of these it wasn't my fault seduction pleas." Apollo muttered to Hermes.

Aphrodite threw him a furious glare and lashed out with her power, rendering him impotent for three moons. "Another snide comment, and your sex drive will be gone for a year." She threatened.

Apollo wisely shut up, and tried to ignore Hermes smirking gaze.

"Now `Dite, you can't seek retribution from me, *you seduced me*!" Ares interrupted.

"Everyone shut up! Aphrodite has the floor, comments and questions will be allowed later." Zeus yelled once again.

"The retribution I seek isn't against you, Ares. It's against Eris. She spiked my morning ambrosia with one of her potions. You can still feel her power signature on the goblet."

Aphrodite zapped the goblet into view, and passed it down the line, allowing them to feel Discord's power signature.

"The potion was laced with some of Ares' hair. Anyone who drank the potion would be desperate to seduce you, Ares."

Ares looked speculatively at the goblet.

"Forget it, I'm gonna tell Xena just as soon as we get back." Joxer smirked.

Ares scowled down at him.

"I charge that Eris, Goddess of Discord, gained power from attempting to destroy my marriage." Aphrodite finished, and resumed her seat.

"Alright, any questions? Good. Hephaistos! Your turn." Zeus spoke above the excited babble of voices.

Hephaistos limped out to the center of the room. Looking over he spotted Joxer, seated at Ares feet. He sent a sly wink to him, and quickly turned to face the assembled gods.

"I have two charges to bring. My first charge is against Eris, Goddess of Discord. I charge that Discord was behind the argument that caused Zeus to fling me from Olympus, crippling me. Also, she has attempted to destroy my marriage to Aphrodite. Through both acts, she has gained tremendous boosts in power."

Zeus and Hera exchanged a concerned glance.

"How was Eris behind your fall from Olympus?" Athena asked.

"Eris and I had been lovers for several months. Although I did not realize it, she knew of my secret love for Aphrodite. I had given up on that dream, and moved on. She didn't believe that I loved her, and was jealous of the feelings I still had for `Dite. While making secret marriage plans with me, she approached Zeus and Hera, suggesting Artemis for my wife. That was the argument I interrupted, that caused Zeus to throw me from Olympus. Am I wrong in saying that Discord approached you about finding me a wife?" He looked at Zeus and Hera.

"You are correct." Hera whispered.

"You had an affair with Eris?" Ares stated quietly. Hephaistos turned to him. "Yes. She convinced me that Strife would not want to claim a crippled god for his father, and that if I tried she would kill him. She has been supplied with energy from our continuing argument for centuries."

"Yes!" Hermes shouted, rubbing his hands together. "You owe me your golden harp, Apollo! I told you it wasn't Ares."

Apollo sulked down further in his chair under the combined glares of Ares and Hephaistos.

"Any other questions for Hephaistos on his charges against Eris?" Zeus asked. No one answered. "Very well, move on to your other charge."

Hephaistos nodded, and turned to Ares. "I charge Ares, God of War, with impregnating my wife."

Zeus nervously looked around. "Any questions?"

Again, silence.

Zeus waived his hand, and the cage that Eris was concealed in appeared before all.

"Do you have anything to say in your defense, Eris?" Hera asked.

"You think this is going to hurt me, Heph? It doesn't matter what my punishment is, as soon as it's over, I'm coming after you. Nobody does this to me! You got what you deserved, pretending to love me! Forget about telling, Strife, the moment he finds out you're his father, I'll kill him!"

"I don't think so, Eris. Hades owes me a favor, and for my favor, I requested that if ever Strife is killed, he is sent back." Hephaistos quietly informed the furious goddess.

"Your requests for punishment?" Zeus asked both Aphrodite and Hephaistos.

"We ask that Ares be wed to his most faithful follower, the ceremony to be blessed by both Zeus and Hera, and containing a binding oath that he won't cheat on his consort, upon penalty of permanent mortality. That should be a proper motivation to resist any future threats of infidelity." Aphrodite spoke.

"What! This wasn't my fault!" Ares yelled.

"No, it wasn't. However, you weren't under any sort of spell when you slept with my wife, were you?" Hephaistos ground out.

"All those in favor?" Zeus looked around. "Congratulations, Ares. You will be wed after the meeting."

"This isn't my fault!" Ares snapped out. "Besides, it'll take more time than you're giving me to get my most faithful follower."

Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "Forget it, Arry. It was really convenient that you brought Joxie with you, since Heph and I both know he's the one. You're not getting away that easily."

"Fine, but you're forgetting he's a mortal. Just as soon as he's dead, I'm free of your stupid punishment. And forget about making him immortal, I'm not gonna let you get close enough to do that to me!" He growled.

"Fair enough, Ares." Hephaistos consented.

"Your suggestion for Eris' punishment?" Zeus asked.

"I want Eris stripped of her powers, only allowed to keep her immortality, and banished from Olympus." Hephaistos replied.

Mutters broke out among the seated gods; several gods frowned in disapproval of this harsh a punishment.

"Hephie, I still think that's a little cruel. Why don't we make it for the length of Joxie's life span?" Aphrodite pouted.

Hephaistos thought a moment. "Very well. Now that we're aware of her schemes against us, she won't be able to use us again. I wonder which of you will be next." He smirked.

Several gods shifted uneasily in their seats.

"All in favor?" Zeus looked once again around the hall, again gaining the majority of votes.

*Strife! Come to the Great Hall, now!* Zeus summoned the God of Mischief.

Strife appeared in a subdued flash of light. "I didn't do it!" He shouted, frantically trying to figure out what he'd done to warrant a full meeting of the Twelve.

"Calm down, Strife. Go stand by Ares." Zeus ordered as he walked over to Eris. "Eris, Goddess of Discord, you are hereby stripped of your godly powers for the duration of the life span of Joxer, son of Jonas." Zeus reached out and grabbed her hand, taking away her powers. Producing a small band of gold and a golden apple, he transported her down to Hercules, confident his son could deal with his sister.

"What?" Strife breathed, looking frantically around the room. "What's goin' on?"

"It'll be alright, Strife. Your mother just got caught at one of her schemes, and is being punished. I'll explain everything, when this is over." Ares whispered.

"Now, Joxer and Ares, come forward." Hera commanded.

Joxer looked around frantically, searching for escape.

*Relax, Joxer. Everything will be fine.* Aphrodite smiled at him.

Joxer and Ares moved to stand before Hera and Zeus.

Hera reached out and took both of their hands, twining a cord around their clasped arms.

"Ares, son of Zeus, do you take this man, Joxer, son of Jonas, to be your consort for the rest of his days. Swearing upon the river Styx to be faithful to him for all the days of his life." She asked.

"I, Ares, Son of Zeus, God of War, take Joxer, son of Jonas, to be my consort, swearing upon the river Styx to be faithful to him for all the days of his life." Ares replied.

"Joxer, son of Jonas, do you take this god, Ares, son of Zeus, to be your consort for the rest of his days?" Hera asked.

"I, Joxer, son of Jonas, take Ares, son of Zeus, God of War, to be my consort for the rest of his days." Joxer stated quietly.

"Then, I, Hera, Queen of the Gods, bestow my blessing upon you and your marriage."

"And, I, Zeus, King of the Gods, bestow my blessings upon you and your marriage."

Hera and Zeus reached out and touched the cord, bestowing their blessing. The cord glowed with a brilliant white light. Hera touched the cord once more, and it slowly sunk into the skin it was wrapped around, binding them permanently. "Let all those witness, Ares, God of War, and Joxer, son of Jonas, are hereby bound until death."

"Now, this meeting is adjourned." Zeus decreed and flashed out.

Aphrodite turned to Ares and Joxer. "I think we should go to my temple for the rest." She quietly suggested.

Ares turned and looked at Strife. "Agreed."

*********

*Cupid, I think Strife will need your support in a moment.* Aphrodite summoned her son.

"Are ya gonna tell me what in Tartarus is goin' on, now?" Strife muttered sarcastically.

"Your mother is being punished for using a potion on Aphrodite, and attempting to destroy our marriage." Hephaistos began.

"She got mortality for that." Strife snorted. "Pull tha other one, even I know ya gotta do somethin' really bad for the mortality gig."

"She was also behind my getting thrown from Olympus."

Strife looked at Heph suspiciously, as Cupid moved over to sit beside him.

"We had been having an affair, and planned to be married. However, she was aware that I still had some feelings for Aphrodite. She became enraged with jealousy, and suggested to Zeus and Hera that I be wed to Artemis. I didn't know she was behind their plans, and went to tell them I didn't want to wed Artemis. When I interrupted their argument, Zeus threw me from Olympus. I found out later that Eris had had you. She told me that you wouldn't want a crippled god for a father, and that if I attempted to tell you, she would kill you."

Strife was paralyzed with shock. "Ya're my father?" He whispered.

"Yes."

Strife leaned back into Cupid's arms, processing. "Ya wanted me?"

"Yes."

Strife slowly nodded and let Cupid hold him, while he shook.

"Strife, when Eris gets her powers back, she's threatened to kill you." Ares warned.

Hephaistos smirked. "I wouldn't worry about that, Ares."

"Look, Heph, I know you have that deal with Hades, but Strife needs to know so he can watch out for himself."

"Eris isn't coming back." Joxer said quietly. Ares snapped his head over to stare at Joxer. "Joxer, I hate to break it to you, but just because we're married, doesn't mean you won't die. She will be back."

Hephaistos started snickering, and Aphrodite just smirked at the War God.

"I'm surprised you didn't realize it sooner, Ares. No mortal could have knocked you through that tree. I guess it just slipped your mind because of the trial. Luckily, no one thought to check me before the wedding." Joxer stood up and produced a pair of gleaming silver handcuffs, and quickly snapped them on Ares' wrists.

"You see, Ares. I accidentally gave Joxer some of Dionysus brew." Hephaistos gasped out between sobbing laughs. "We didn't have to make him immortal, he's already a god!"

"I'll see you guys in the morning!" Joxer exclaimed, as he zapped Ares away to the Hall of War.

**********

Strife turned to Hephaistos. "Ya tricked them?"

"Yeah. I wasn't going to endanger you any more than I had to, but I had to break your mother's hold over me. Kidnapping Joxer has to be the best thing I've done in ages. He figured out what was going on, and became my friend. I thought it was only right I give him his fondest desire."

"Wow." Strife breathed. "I don't know how I'll ever top that one, pops."

Strife smiled one last time at Hephaistos, before grabbing onto Cupid and winking out.

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

"See, Hephie, I told you he wouldn't hate you." Aphrodite hugged Heph tightly.

Hephaistos closed his eyes briefly. "We're still a long way from him accepting everything." He murmured.

"Cupid will help him, Hephie."

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

By the time that Ares snapped out of his shocked state, Joxer had deposited him on his bed, quickly securing his hands to the headboard.

"Let me go!" He roared.

Joxer smirked, and sat down next to him. "Now, now, Ares. Is that any way to talk to your consort?"

"Joxer!"

"Tsk, Tsk, Ares, you'd better calm down, or this won't be near as fun for you." Joxer threatened as he moved closer to Ares, caressing a sharp dagger.

Ares stopped shouting and withering on the bed, and watched Joxer warily.

"Heph gave me this dagger. He's says it'll cut through anything." Joxer stated, as he slowly started to cut off Ares clothes. "What do you know, it cuts smooth as warm butter, even through your leathers!"

Ares made a low growling noise in his throat, as his eyes promised death.

"Now, Ares, you know you can't kill me. Heph, told me all about Zeus' rules. He wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into. Of course, that was after I'd already accidentally drank two cups of Dionysus special brew. Heph forgot about it being laced with ambrosia."

Ares stayed perfectly still, watching Joxer carefully.

"I've loved you all my life, you know? Of course you know. When I first laid eyes on you, all I could think about was someday having you to myself. I only tried harder to get you to notice me."

Ares eyes followed Joxer's hand as he placed the knife down beside the bed. All he could think was that he'd never seen this side of the man before.

"That's because this side of me doesn't come out very often, Ares. You just hadn't seen me as mad as I am right now. After I found out what you'd done to me, all I could think about was having you at my mercy. After all, I've been at your *mercy* for years now, haven't I?" Joxer moved quickly and straddled Ares legs.

Ares thrust his hips up in the air, trying to dislodge Joxer.

Joxer only grinned wickedly, and got rid of his clothes. Reaching down, he clasped both of their cocks with his oiled hand, slowly rubbing against Ares now still body.

"You see, Ares, before the night is through, you're going to be begging me to fuck you." Joxer whispered lightly licking at the nipples hiding behind the hairs on Ares chest, deciding right there that he'd better be careful, or he'd end up loosing himself in the delicious taste.

Ares held himself totally still, fighting to control the bolt of lust that shot through his body at Joxer's words.

Joxer raised his eyes to Ares, and lightly blew on his erect nipples, increasing the movement of his cock against the War Gods'.

Ares let out a reluctant groan, and closed his eyes.

Joxer allowed himself another wicked grin, and quickly clamped a cock ring around Ares' throbbing shaft.

Ares eyes shot open. "What?!"

"I did say you'd be begging." Joxer grinned again, and quickly took possession of Ares' mouth.

Ares quickly lost himself in the feel of the erotic gliding of Joxer's tongue and shaft moving against his body simultaneously.

Joxer broke the kiss, and rained little kisses along the side of Ares jaw and neck, before stopping all movement and lifting himself off Ares.

Lying alongside Ares, Joxer urged him to his side with little nips of his teeth.

Ares rolled on his side, wondering how much longer Joxer could keep this up.

Joxer quickly oiled both of his hands and started deeply massaging the tense muscles of Ares back. Starting with his neck, Joxer moved down past his shoulders, and onto his thighs, skipping the tempting ass.

Long, low pleasure-filled moans were escaping Ares throat. Unconsciously, he began arching back into Joxer's caress.

Joxer grinned again, and trailed his fingertips up Ares' thighs, back to his ass. First he started with a light touch, deepening it gradually. Spreading Ares' cheeks, he paused a moment to admire the small pucker. Using both of his thumbs, he massaged the crack of Ares' ass, slightly grazing the pucker with each downward stroke.

Finally, he slipped his middle finger inside, startling Ares. "What?" He jerked away.

"Relax, Ares. As much as I was hurt when I found out the truth, I can't hurt you back. Not purposely." Joxer murmured against the taunt skin of his back.

"Joxer!" Ares growled in warning.

Joxer pushed his finger forward, stabbing Ares' prostate.

"Joxerrr!" Ares howled.

"Yes, Ares? Something you wanted?" Joxer taunted, flicking his tongue across the glistening skin, as he rubbed the hidden nub.

"AHHHH!" Ares screamed.

"All you have to do is say it."

"More!"

"Tsk, Tsk, You know what you have to say." Joxer rubbed again.

"Please." Ares sobbed.

"What?"

"Please!"

"All of it." Joxer demanded.

"Please, fuck me!" He howled, face red, and tears seeping from his eyes.

"That's all you had to say, Ares." Joxer kissed his back briefly.

Moving quickly, Joxer withdrew his finger, and pushed two inside, preparing his way.

"Just do it!" Ares demanded.

Joxer withdrew his fingers, and moved his hands to spread Ares' ass. Lining himself up, he slowly pushed inside, past the tight ring of muscle, gently thrusting his way into the clenching heat of his lover.

Ares tensed briefly in discomfort, only to start whimpering as Joxer started slowly thrusting his large cock in and out, brushing against his prostate with each lingering thrust.

Ares turned his face into the covers, attempting to cover his muttered pleas.

Joxer would have not of that. With a thought, he banished Ares blanket, freeing his cries.

Joxer smiled as he listened to Ares' pleas for release, sobs for more of him. With a groan, he lost control, and buried himself one last time in Ares' ass, filling it with his semen.

Ares was only whimpering one word over and over, "Please."

Joxer kissed his back once more, and reached down to remove the cock ring.

"You're mine for all eternity, Ares." He whispered, and released the ring with one hand, stroking Ares' cock with the other.

Ares came with a strangled scream, collapsing in exhaustion.

"Mine." Joxer slowly withdrew, and placed a gentle kiss on trembling lips.

"She always said he hated me. She said my dad didn't want a lil' freak for a son, and left her. Told her ta forget he existed." Strife muttered against Cupid's chest.

"Strife, you could, like, never believe a word she said. She lied about everything." Cupid stroked Strife's trembling back.

"I always knew she hated me, ya know? When I was little she looked at me like she was sad, but then it'd change and ya couldn't tell she felt anythin' other than hate. After I grew up, she didn't bother tryin' ta hide it. I think if she knew I'd be a rival for her with unc she'd have killed me when I was still little. I don't know why I'm so upset. Unc took good care of me, treated me like his own, he took me away when he caught her beatin' on me�"

"It isn't the same, and you know it. How many times have you told me you just wanted someone to claim you? Heph's a really cool guy. Kinda quiet, but I think that's `cause he's not used to talking to people. She hurt you both." Cupid squeezed Strife in another hug.

"I'm sure once you get to know him, you'll really like him. Besides, he's got a cool collection of knives and other goodies that I know you'll, like, love. I bet you won't even want to leave his forge."

Strife let out one of his high-pitched giggles. "Yeah, plus, he's really good at makin' mischief. Guess I know where I get it from."

"You feeling better?" Cupid murmured against Strife's head.

"Yeah. It's just gonna take a while ta get used ta this. Could'ya just hold me for a while?" Strife snuggled deeper into Cupid's embrace.

"Anything you want." Cupid replied, briefly squeezing his arms that were draped around Strife, as they both drifted off to sleep.

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

Joxer looked down at his sleeping husband. Stiffening his resolve, he carefully left the bed. There were two more errands he had to finish.

With that in mind, he departed to Xena and Gabrielle's camp.

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

Xena and Gabrielle jerked up at the flash of light.

"Hi, Xena, Gabrielle." Joxer said quietly.

"Joxer!" Gabrielle shouted, jumping to her feet, and grabbing him in a tight hug.
Suddenly, she shoved him back and reached out to twist his nose.

Joxer caught her hand in mid-air. "Please don't."

Gabrielle starred in wide-eyed amazement at her captured hand, as Joxer slowly released it. "How?" She sputtered.

"How long have you been a god, Joxer." Xena asked quietly.

Gabrielle stumbled back in shock, as Joxer turned to face the Warrior Princess.

Joxer smiled briefly. "Heph gave me some of Dionysus special brew, forgetting it had ambrosia in it. I didn't want to deceive you Xena, but Ares couldn't suspect anything. I almost blew it when I knocked him through the tree."

"What's happened?" Gabrielle blurted out.

"Ares was punished for allowing Aphrodite to seduce him. He was forced to marry his most faithful follower, and swear an oath that he'll remain faithful until the death of his consort, under threat of mortality. Discord was also punished."

"Why?" Gabrielle butted in.

"She was behind Hephaistos' getting thrown from Olympus a second time. She thought he loved Aphrodite more than her. She threatened to kill their son if Heph told him he was his father."

"Strife's Hephaistos' son?" Gabrielle shrieked, scurrying over to find her quill.

Xena rolled her eyes. "Gabrielle, let him finish."

"Discord has been rendered immortal, and her powers have been taken away, until the death of Ares' consort. She's currently with Hercules and Iolaus."

"But, you're not going to die, are you?" Xena interjected evenly.

Joxer smiled. "No. Only a few of them know that Heph and I cheated. However, soon the others will know. That's why I'm here. I need a favor."

"What?"

"I need you to destroy the last two supplies of ambrosia that are accessible by mortals. Once Eris discovers that I'm a god, she's going to go after it, if she isn't already planning to. The other gods can't give any to her directly, but they can help her get it on her own. All she has to do is convince some warlords that have seen her before to follow her, and with some help, she'll be a goddess again. I can't risk that she'll regain her godhood. Strife is too important to Heph and Ares, and I won't let her hurt him." Joxer reached out and touched Xena's forehead. "These are the last two locations of the ambrosia. It shouldn't take you too long to destroy it; they're located in close to each other. I'll go to Hercules and Iolaus tonight, and ask that they try to keep Eris distracted."

"We'll do it." Xena replied.

"Thank you. I'll try to keep Ares away while you make your journey. I don't think it'll be too difficult, we're going to have a rocky start to this marriage."

Xena closed the distance between herself and Joxer, grabbing him in a strong hug. "Good luck, Joxer. Remember, if you need a friend�" She whispered in his ear.

"I'll remember. Goodbye Xena." Joxer departed in a golden flash of light, off to his next visit.

"Xena? Where'd Joxer go?" Gabrielle asked, hurrying up behind her.

"He had one more stop to make tonight, Gabrielle. Don't worry, I'm sure we'll be seeing him again." Xena replied, turning around and heading back to her pallet.

"Oh." Gabrielle muttered, disappointed.

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

Joxer flashed into Hercules and Iolaus camp, interrupting Eris' screaming fit.

Startled, all three turned to him.

"You! You're a god now! NO!!!" Eris screamed.

Joxer walked over to her. Holding out his palm, he froze her mid- scream. "Listen up. You're never going back to Olympus if I have anything to say about it. Who knows, maybe they'll give your godhood to Aphrodite and Ares new child. That would be rather fitting, don't cha think. You would have created your own replacement." He smirked. "Sleep." He murmured to her, and she collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Hercules caught her before her head banged into the ground, and lowered her to a pallet.

"Joxer?" Iolaus asked hesitantly.

"Hi, Iolaus, Hercules." Joxer sent them his patented grin.

Both heroes' mouths dropped open in shock.

Recovering quickly, Iolaus sputtered out, "How?"

Joxer went on to explain the council meeting, and Eris and Ares punishments to them.

"You're married to my brother?" Hercules exclaimed.

"Ares?" Iolaus croaked out.

"Yeah, I'm sure it'll take awhile for us to get used to each other, but we have an eternity, so." Joxer shrugged.

Hercules and Iolaus abruptly sat down.

"Joxer, what happened to you?" Iolaus asked, gesturing with his hands.

Joxer looked down. "Oh, well, Heph kidnapped me, but we decided to be friends, and he accidentally gave me some of Dionysus special brew, and we decided to get even." He summarized.

Iolaus looked at Hercules in confusion.

"There's ambrosia in the wine." Was Hercules response.

"Oh."

"I'm sorry you guys got stuck with Eris, but I need you to keep her busy a couple of days. Xena's going to destroy the remaining ambrosia that mortals can access, before Eris gets a chance to steal her godhood back."

Iolaus looked at Hercules again, awaiting an explanation.

"Only a mortal can destroy the ambrosia. The gods are forbidden to touch it, since it's a gift to those mortals brave enough to retrieve it."

"Oh." Iolaus muttered again.

"Alright, Joxer, we'll keep Eris out of the way for a few days, but what about Ares? You know he's not going to allow his sister to stay this way for long. I'm surprised he's not here helping her already." Hercules frowned and looked around.

"Oh, well, uh, Ares is currently busy." Came Joxer's blushing reply.

"Doing what?" Iolaus asked curiously.

"He's currently chained to our bed, asleep." Joxer mumbled.

Iolaus simply shook his head, as Hercules face turned bright red.

"Well, gotta get back. Thanks for the help, guys." Joxer winked out, leaving a gag, and sturdy ropes in his wake.

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

Joxer flashed back in to his new bedchamber.

Ares rolled over to face him. "Where've you been?" He demanded.

"I just needed to tell Xena and Gabrielle that I'm alright." Joxer murmured, as he slid into bed, and curled around Ares body.

"Oh."

"Did you ever like me?" Joxer murmured, licking at the curve of Ares neck, before trailing down to his nipples.

Ares was quiet for a while. "Are you going to free me anytime soon?"

"Probably not. I kinda like you like this." Joxer smirked.

"I'll tell you the answer, when you free me." Ares growled.

Joxer growled briefly at Ares reply. Using the tips of his fingers, he ran then lightly over the rippled abdomen, causing Ares to clench his muscles.

Joxer grinned at his response. "You know, it was all I could do earlier not to just lick and suck you all over."

Ares groaned at the image, and thrust up his hips.

Joxer wrapped his hand around the base of Ares' cock, pausing his head over the tip. Flicking out his tongue, he tasted the true essence of his lover for the first time.

Joxer nearly came right there. The taste of Ares skin was only a hint of his true flavor. Joxer quickly took the tip of Ares cock into his mouth, working his way up and down the turgid shaft, as his tongue tried to taste every inch.

Ares was groaning, and wildly thrusting his hips.

Joxer paused at the tip of his cock, sucking vigorously, while his fist stroked the length.

Ares couldn't hold out any longer, and with a low groan, came into Joxer's mouth.

Joxer was in heaven. Swiftly, he tried to swallow all the semen, determined not to let any escape.

"So good." He muttered, as he quickly inserted two fingers into Ares' limp ass. Finding that he was still sufficiently loose from their earlier session, he quickly oiled himself and slipped inside.

Ares let out a startled cry, as Joxer pushed both of his legs back and started wildly thrusting into his ass. Each stroke slammed waves of pleasure through his body, and he vowed to himself that soon Joxer would be the one on his back screaming his name.

Soon coherent thought left, and all Ares could do was hang on as Joxer brought him to release once more.

The contractions shaking Ares' body were too much for Joxer, and with a strangled shout he came once more into the hot depths of his lover, collapsing on his chest.

3 Days Later

*Joxer. It's done.*

Joxer smiled sadly, and sent his thanks to Xena and Gabrielle, before raising his head off Ares chest and looking him in the face.

"I'm going to let you go now." He informed the stunned War God, slowly getting up from his position beside him. Joxer trailed his fingers gently along the edge of Ares' jaw, and placed a gentle kiss on his lips, before unlocking the chains.

Ares quickly pounced on him, throwing the chains across the room, and pinning his arms to the bed. "What? Did you think a few days of your fucking me would make me all soft and loving?" He snarled.

Joxer closed his eyes. "No. I knew you'd still feel the same about me, maybe even worse, when I let you go. But, I had to make sure that all the mortal ambrosia was destroyed so that Eris couldn't come back and hurt Heph."

Ares turned his head to the side; letting his godly vision see the only two remaining places ambrosia could be accessed by mortals. It was gone, destroyed. Quickly shifting his focus, he saw that Strife and Heph were in `Dite's temple getting to know one another, with `Dite and Cupid trying to help.

Ares turned back to Joxer. "What makes you think I dislike you, Joxer?"

Joxer opened his eyes and stared at Ares in disbelief.

"Do you know how long I've watched you? I knew the day you and your brothers were born. Your father came into my temple thanking me with one of the largest sacrifices I'd seen in years. I was instantly intrigued. Imagine, three identical warlords. I could have conquered Greece. With each of you leading an army, no one would be able to track your true movements. Towns would be prepared for one army, one leader, not a triple assault. I decided to visit you immediately, and see my prizes. As soon as I set eyes on the three of you, I knew you wouldn't be the warlords I wanted. I could already see the mark of love upon you, and knew you couldn't become a warlord. So, I decided to protect you. Yes, I got more energy from your prayers than I'd ever received from a single mortal, but that wasn't why I prevented you from becoming a warlord or even a hero."

Ares shifted his hold, so that one of his hands was holding both of Joxer's. He moved his free hand down, and gently rubbed it across Joxer's trembling lips.

"Do you know how long most warlords, or even heroes, live?"

"No." Joxer whispered, tears falling from his tightly closed eyes.

"Every once in a while, they manage about seven years. The majority don't last out the first year. A rampaging monster or disloyal follower will usually bring about the end of most. I know you're thinking about Hercules, Iolaus, and Xena right now. They're different. Hercules and Xena are demi-gods, which has given them an extra advantage. As for Iolaus, how many times has he died, that you know of? The only reason he's been allowed back so many times, is due to Hercules. You were a mortal, with no godly blood. Even if I had personally trained you, I couldn't watch out for you all the time, and I didn't want you dead. So, I turned you into a fool, and sent you to Xena. I knew she would watch over you when I couldn't. Your heart wouldn't allow you to kill, Joxer. You love with your whole being, and that's something you don't find in one of my followers, I wasn't about to loose you."

Ares licked the salty tears from the side of Joxer's face. Tenderly, he kissed Joxer's lips, deepening the kiss when he felt Joxer respond.

"You've been mine since you were a baby, and now you're mine for eternity. `Dite's known how I feel about you for years. Heph knew you were the perfect tool to punish and reward me with. He must be feeling very smug right now. He's got me tied to you for eternity, ensuring I never come near `Dite again, and I feel like thanking him. He's tricked them all into giving me the one thing I could never ask for, you."

Joxer's eyes flew open, and stared into the dark eyes above him.

Ares smiled down at him, releasing his hands, and kissing him once more.

Joxer wrapped his arms around Ares, scared that he was simply dreaming.

"You're not dreaming." Ares reassured him, dropping lingering kisses all along Joxer's neck and face.

Joxer simply hung on, and let Ares show him he cared.

"Joxer the Mighty, indeed." Ares murmured, finally getting a good look at Joxer's long, slim cock.

Joxer blushed.

Ares slid his hands further down to Joxer's ass, and cupped his cheeks in his strong calloused fingers.

Joxer instinctively tried bucking his hips when he felt Ares hot breath over the head of his cock.

Ares flicked out his tongue, tasting Joxer's cum.

Joxer let out a brief moan at the heat of Ares tongue. His moan was turned into a strangled gasp as Ares bent forward and swallowed the top of his cock.

Joxer tried thrusting, wanting more of the delicious heat, but Ares was in total control. His body totally at Ares mercy, Joxer couldn't quiet the whimpers and cries coming from his throat as Ares sucked and licked his cock.

"Ares! Ares! Ares!" Was all Joxer could groan in warning.

Ares backed up abruptly, feeling the pulsing cock in his mouth twitch in warning. He put two of his fingers around Joxer's cock, stopping his orgasm.

Joxer looked up at him in confusion, wondering if he was now going to be cruelly awakened from his wonderful dream.

"I told you it wasn't a dream." Ares murmured, kissing him briefly. "Together."

Joxer briefly closed his eyes in relief, only to open them quickly when he felt one of Ares slick, blunt fingers pushing inside his puckered opening.

Joxer looked Ares straight in the eyes and slowly pushed back on his finger. Ares tenderly touched his finger to the sensitive gland, watching as Joxer threw his head back in ecstasy.

Ares quickly inserted a second and third finger, rushing to be inside, almost forgetting to prepare himself. He entered Joxer far more swiftly than he intended, but the moan he was rewarded with was one of pure pleasure. Ares stayed perfectly still, waiting for Joxer to open his eyes once more.

Joxer opened his eyes, and saw extreme tenderness on a face that hardly ever displayed that emotion. Raising his hand, he once more stroked Ares' cheek, murmuring, "I love you".

Ares placed a fierce kiss on his lips at those words. Pulling back, he lifted Joxer's legs, and proceeded to thrust. Starting slowly, he gradually increased his rhythm, until he was slamming into Joxer.

Joxer couldn't hold out much longer. Each thrust was slamming into his sensitive prostate, filling him with pleasure. Suddenly, Ares next thrust slammed into his prostate, and he lost control. "AHHH, ARES!" He screamed.

Ares was hit with a pure jolt of energy, plus the contractions around his cock from Joxer's body. "JOXER!" He yelled back, sending his energy and release deep into Joxer's body.

Ares started to fall forward, but caught himself before he could crush Joxer.

"What?" Joxer mumbled.

"You prayed to me, sending me energy while you climaxed. It was incredible." Ares kissed him deeply once more, before pulling back and lying next to Joxer.

Joxer rolled to his side and rested his head on Ares' chest.

Suddenly his head shot up, as he looked at Ares in confusion. "I can feel you!" Joxer gasped out.

Ares smiled, and kissed him deeply. "It's the bond we share from the ceremony. One of Hera's little gifts."

"You do love me." He whispered amazed.

"All gods are capable of having other emotions than the ones directly associated with our jobs, Joxer. I can love, and `Dite can hate. It's just harder for us because those emotions are the opposite of what we do. But, yes, I do love you."

*Thank you, Heph.* Joxer smiled.

Ares smiled at Joxer's prayer. "`Dite always said, `it's the quiet ones you have to watch out for,' I guess she knew what she was talking about after all. You and Heph have certainly surprised me." Ares smirked, and hugged Joxer close as they drifted off to sleep.

The End.

**For some reason the ending to the Beverly Hillbillies is going through my mind right now. Thanks for tuning in. :) Hope you enjoyed the romp. I know Strife and Cupid are screaming for equal time, so I'm hoping they'll inspire me in the next few weeks, and I'll write one for them.

I'm going to depart this universe and head for my next one with an attempt at an amnesia fic that popped into my head when I read one of Scorpio's challenges. It's not an answer to the challenge, but was inspired because of it.

Thanks for reading,
Brandy