The God Within 5/?
Title:The God Within 5/?
Author: Wildannuette
Fandom: Herc/Xena
Email: Auxilary25248891@aol.com
Website: http://www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=wildannuette
Rating: FRT-13
Summary: Joxer is kidnapped by Cupid and the Green eyed monster comes out.
Warnings:mpreg
Notes: Part of Series based on plot bunny on mpreg archive, found at http://beyondcanon.brain-insane.com/viewstory.php?sid=2663 plus a big thanks Jo! *hugs*
Joxer wasn’t a fool; he knew Cupid was far stronger then he was and any resistance or defiance would lead to a lot of pain.
Joxer wasn’t a fool; he knew Cupid was far stronger then he was and any resistance or defiance would lead to a lot of pain. He didn’t brace himself for Cupids attack or hold his ground, instead as the God’s body began to glow the same emerald green as his eyes Joxer dived to one side to avoid him. Unfortunately as Joxer dived Xena tossed her chakram at Cupid. It was only a warning shot which should have whistled past the God’s head and struck the trees just past him but ended up heading straight for Joxer. The mortal barely had the time to register the chakram heading for his face before the green glow clouded his vision temporarily blinding him for an instant. Joxer staggered back, blinking away the spots in front of his eyes he heard a strange squishing noise that rooted him to the spot and a terrifyingly unearthly screech that set his teeth on edge.
Before Joxer’s vision could clear he was hit him hard from the front with enough force to knock the wind out of him. Before he could fall to the ground strong hands encircled him and held him close, he felt his stomach lunch as his feet left the ground. Joxer blinked back black spots and clung to the arms around him, he could hear Xena screaming his name but the sound was becoming fainter and fainter as wind whistled harshly in his ear, Joxer’s stomach lurched and he tried desperately not to be sick as the realisation dawned on him that he was flying. Or more specifically Cupid had to be flying and carrying him. Joxer was unwilling to let go of the deathgrip he now had on Cupid but his vision was blurry so he rubbed his eyes quickly against his arm when it cleared he blinked a few times and looked up expecting to see Cupid holding him; instantly he froze. Joxer stared up at the green scaly face of the monster and let out a cry as he wriggled; panicking in the God’s grip “Let me go, let me go!” He knew the green monster had to be Cupid (having heard a few tales from Strife) but he couldn’t see anything of the God in the monster. In his desperation Joxer forgot they were in flight and struck out at the creature. It stiffened at the blow, letting out a cry then dropping slightly as Joxers hand caught its eyes and almost dropped the mortal. Terrified, Joxer stared down at the dizzying green below him; despite wanting to get away self-preservation kicked in and Joxer gripped the monster around the neck trying not to slip as it rubbed its wounded eyes.
Hanging like a limpet around the monster’s neck Joxer wrapped his legs around its body and looked up fearfully into its face. It hissed at him in anger its eyes slightly bruised than it completely contradicted itself by wrapping it’s arms protectively around the man as it beat it’s powerful wings *flying us to Zeus only knows where* Joxer thought as he stared up at the creature. Something nagged at him, the monster; Cupid, the green glow and Joxer frowned as he stared into the creature’s eyes. They didn’t look the same but they seemed the same, it felt the same. He wasn’t sure that even made sense but everything screamed at him that the green monster was Cupid; he still clung on tightly despite the arms around him and asked cautiously “Cupid?”
The green eyes glanced down at him for an instant and then flicked back up. Joxer kept quiet he could see grin determination in the monsters- in Cupid’s face. He didn’t know why the God had turned into such a creature though he had heard rumours that Cupid had a dark side; something to do with Psyche and Hercules as far as he could remember. Joxer just hadn’t expected the normally handsome Love God’s dark side to be so ugly; he also couldn’t see what ‘Cupid’s dark side’ as he dubbed the monster, wanted with him or what it had been doing at their camp. Joxer had expected to see Ares with his hands wrapped around Gabrielle’s throat one day but he’d never expected Cupid to be one to attack her, especially as the woman was almost always nauseatingly flattering to Cupid in all her writings. Joxer glanced down as he felt Cupid slow and start to descend, instinctively he gripped him tighter. The stomach lurching dips weren’t helping his nausea any and watching the ground rapidly coming towards him just increased the problem. Joxer knew one thing; he really really hated flying. He clenched his teeth along with rest of his body as he felt the jarring jolt as Cupid landed.
Opening his eyes warily Joxer looked around; he’d expected a much harsher landing then that especially considering the hostile looks Cupid seemed to be giving him; he blinked and peered behind Cupid at the huge elegant building surrounding them. The monster form of the love God kept Joxer firmly held in his arms as, despite Joxer’s renewed struggles; he carefully carried him across the Temple floor. As the mortal tried to pull away Cupid hissed and tightened his grip making Joxer dry-heave as his stomach twisted violently in protest. Joxer glowered at the monstrous face above him but stopped struggling; he was in no hurry to be squeezed again though a part of him briefly entertained the idea of vomiting all over the God if he tried it again.
Cupid dumped Joxer unceremoniously on a pile of blankets on the floor, which knocked the wind out of him again; he rolled onto his side fighting the remaining nausea from his ‘flight’ and glowered at Cupid. Joxer watched as the green monster glowed brightly before fading into the Love God; as the glow cleared Joxer sat up scathing remarks at the ready until he saw Cupids face. Joxer paused unable to looks away; it was like walking past a battle whether you jumped in or not you had to have a look and once you saw the horror in front of you, you were unable to look away. Never before had Joxer seen such abject misery and bitterness on anyone’s face especially not Gods. His breath caught in his throat cutting off the questions that immediately came to his mind and he had to (ashamedly) push back the spiteful thought that came to his mind *I hope Cupid’s finally feeling something about Strifes death*
“You look like death,” Joxer spoke flatly finally hitting on a neutral comment; he managed to ignore the slightly less neutral ones as he looked at the God. He wasn’t surprised when Cupid turned towards him but he was shocked to see the tears building in Cupid’s eyes, tears the God seemed barely able to hold back as he wrestled between heartache and fury. “What’s happened Cupid, are you all right?” Joxer wasn’t quick enough to stop the words from coming out but he couldn’t berate himself over them; although he knew Cupid had hurt Strife greatly it didn’t stop him feeling pity for the love God. Even if Cupid had put Strife through hell Joxer was unable to hate him; he felt only compassion for him.
Cupid looked away and breathed deeply concentrating on grounding himself and his emotions; the last thing he wanted was another reappearance of the creature inside him and to feel the brief insanity he’d felt before he got to Xena’s camp.
Cupid had wanted to know the truth about himself, Psyche and Strife; he had tried to stay calm to try to twist the answers he so badly needed out of Aphrodite but she’d started pleading and pouting at him as she tried to take his mind off the questions he had. Cupid had felt a cold brittle feeling spread across his lower body and his mother had gasped in pain he hands on her own abdomen. For a brief instant their eyes had locked and he had seen confusion and anger in her eyes as it dawned on him that they’d been cursed. Before he’d had time to see who would dare curse another God, especially not two powerful love ones, he’d felt something snap inside, then it had been as if a dam had broken, releasing a torrent of pain, heartache and rage. Cupid had barely even been able sort out one emotion from other; the pain had almost crippled him. He neither heard Aphrodite’s shrieks and screams nor felt her race to pick him up as he collapsed. His fury had brought out the worst in him, much more so then the pain he’d felt. Everything had begun to make sense and fall into place; his Mother’s teatime drinks, his lack of feeling for Strife, his far too obsessive love for Psyche that rapidly faded after Strife’s death… and then it had overwhelmed him.
Cupid didn’t remember much he had been reacting on instinct, his brain overloaded by suppressed emotion; he had been looking for Strife, desperately searching for his former lover and soulmate. Cupid had torn through Olympus leaving devastation in his wake; Aphrodite’s temple had exploded around them and the others nearest to it had been shattered and broken from the fallout. He’d wrecked Ares temple in a fit of fury when he couldn’t find any remnants of Strife, even his room had been bricked over and he’d almost torn Discord apart when she’d started screaming at him about a curse. Finally he’d descended to Tartarus and terrified the dead in his insane search, his Uncle had tried to stop him once but after almost being eviscerated had finally resorted to shouting at Cupid through a shield of his power. Hades hadn’t wanted to hurt his young nephew and had guessed what Cupid was after. Pleased that finally someone was interested in Strife other then Ares, Hades had unhappily blasted Cupid from behind his shield and told the God what he wanted to know. That Strife wasn’t in Tartarus or the Underworld at all and that he (Hades) hadn’t seen his dead nephew or even felt him near. Hades had sadly had to conclude that the Hind blood had condemned Strife to oblivion.
Cupid hadn’t taken the news well; in fact Tartarus now looked almost as wrecked as Olympus. Without Strife Cupid would quickly have become so unstable the God would have in all likelihood destroyed himself, condemning his soul to the oblivion that had tried to claim his exlover. But Strife was being reborn inside Joxer; his signature was weak and slightly altered but it was enough to draw Cupids attention. Cupid had flashed to Xena’s camp feeling a tiny surge that he’d recognised as Strife’s mischief. He hadn’t said a word to Xena of Gabrielle just looked around for him lover, part of him unable to accept that he was gone. Lost in his emotion and need Cupid unknowingly repeated Strife’s name over and over as he stared around the camp. Only Gabrielle’s scathing comment on “the useless mischief God” had permeated his brain and he’d reacted rather then acted. Cupid had slammed Xena out of the way and thrown Gabrielle against a tree, one hand had gripped her neck and he’d started to squeeze not comprehending that she was only mortal and that he was killing her. All he had seen was red; Gabrielle became the sole focus of his rage, his fury against his mother and the other Gods who had assisted her leaving Strife to die alone and Cupid to not care, the bitch who’d destroyed his lover and most of all himself.
The person who’d betrayed Strife the most; Cupid knew by turning away from his lover and immersing himself in self-pity he’d turned everyone else against Strife. He should have believed his lover, trusted him enough to actually get to the bottom of the Psyche business. Cupid couldn’t help the guilt and self-loathing, intensified by years of repression. Somehow Joxer’s words had drawn his attention away, had stopped Cupid from throttling Gabrielle. Cupid wasn’t sure what had done it but as he’d focussed on the mortal he’d felt an unmistakable bond on him, Strifes bond.
The feeling had intensified as Cupid had stepped closer and though he had seen Joxer, Cupid had felt Strife. In feeling that, an incredible sense of fury and jealousy had swept through him, Cupid hadn’t even felt the change from God to monster as he stared at Joxer. Joxer wearing Strifes weak signature could only mean one of two things to his emotion-fried brain; that either the mortal was Strife’s child which Cupid knew couldn’t be true as Joxer was one of triplets and neither of his brothers carried Strife’s signature or that Joxer had been Strife’s lover. As the last thought had struck him Cupid had lunged for Joxer, intent of ripping the man apart. Registering Xena’s chakram heading for the mortal Cupid had been overcome by an extreme need to protect Joxer and had leapt in front of it letting the weapon hit him. His need to protect Joxer had intensified as he’d held the man and instantly Cupid had spread his wings and flown away, still carrying him.
Cupid rubbed his head and turned to look at the mortal, he felt a strange hysterical desire to laugh bitterly at the concern on Joxer’s face. If Joxer had realised what Cupid was like the love God knew he’d never have seen that sympathetic look. Unbeknownst to him Joxer had a pretty good idea of the hardships Strife had had to endure because of Cupid, the love God would have been shocked and confused to discover it didn’t stop Joxer’s compassion.
“Cupid, are you alright?” Joxer repeated himself growing more apprehensive by the minute, he felt a small measure of relief as Cupid turned to him “You don’t look to well and you are acting really strange. Maybe you should call one of the other Gods?” he asked hopefully. Though he’d turned his back on them maybe they would take Cupid away and let him find his way back to Xena. Joxer jumped as Cupid let out a harsh laugh.
“Who should I get Joxer?” Cupid laughed again “My Mom who in her infinitely stupid wisdom thinks I can’t take care of myself and I should do what she thinks is best. Who even goes so far as to stop me feeling what I want to feel, who thinks she has the right to take away who I want to love and hurt over!” The last part was shouted at the ceiling and Joxer flinched as the words echoed around the temple. “Or how about my Dad, the great God of War who’s more comfortable in battle then actually helping people through things. Who took back the one person who hurt me the most and saw him as more of a son then he ever saw me!” Cupid didn’t stop the tears from escaping as they trickled down his cheeks.
“Or how about the rest of my wonderful family? Who helped make sure I never got a second chance with Strife? Who put spell after spell on me to get me to fall in love with his own daughter, Psyche! Just to rub things in a little bit more.” Cupid ran his hands over his face and through his hair “to make me forget I even cared about him so when he…. When he…” he tried to get the words out but his mouth failed him.
Joxer stared at the miserable God and his heart went out to him, at least in part. He truly felt sorry for Cupid; he doubted Strife did cheat on Cupid and father Psyche but he guessed someone must have tricked the Gods into believing he did. Or else someone must have forced Strife to sire Psyche on the woman without his consent and knowledge. Cupid was a mess, literally and emotionally the God could barely stand up straight under the weight of his returned emotions. It explained a lot to Joxer although there were more then a few gaps for him to fill in; at least now he understood why some of the other Gods seemed to hate Strife so much though Joxer wasn’t sure where Ares (who’d taken Strife back after it) and Discord (who rallied against her own son) fitted in to everything.
Joxer rubbed his head; he was glad his nausea had faded but the overload of information was beginning to give him a headache. He stared at Cupid who was trapped in his self-loathing and felt a surge of irritation. Joxer felt sorry for Cupid and what had been done to him; Joxer knew what the other Gods had done was akin to rape but whilst he knew it had to be massively traumatic for Cupid to be suddenly get his repressed emotions back Joxer couldn’t help but feel angry at the God. Cupid wasn’t as guilty as some of the other Gods especially Aphrodite but Joxer felt he did have his part to play in it. He wasn’t sure why he felt so strongly about Cupid, the anger that was slowly rising inside him was almost as if it was he (Joxer) had been the one to be betrayed by the Gods. Joxer took a few deep breaths ignoring Cupids rambling and bitter laments as he tried to fight down the fury; not knowing why the emotion was so intense was freaking him out.
Finally Joxer couldn’t take it any longer his head ached and he felt like he had joined Cupid on the wild emotion ride “Could you please just shut up!” the words came out a little harsher then Joxer had intended and he winced at the resulting silence around him. His eyes focussed on Cupids and he saw pure shock there. Cupid was more dumbfounded that Joxer had even spoke to him in such a tone then he was at the words themselves but as the words slowly sunk in Joxer saw anger begin to creep into Cupid’s eyes. His heart plummeted as he realised he’d directed the God’s anger onto himself but as Cupids eyes narrowed on him Joxer stood up. He stood by what he thought; despite what Cupid was going through and had gone through he had to snap out of it. If anyone could get the Mischief God brought back from the dead it was Cupid; the God definitely had the connections.
“Stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something about it.” Joxer’s eyes narrowed “So the other Gods have treated you like manure? What do you think they do to us all the time?” Joxer could feel himself getting worked up as he spoke but he couldn’t stop the words tumbling out, he couldn’t help the bitterness that seeped into his voice “You regret Strifes death? Fine, go and get him back and tell him yourself. Why complain to me about it? In fact why bring me here at all?”
Cupid stared at Joxer more in confusion then anything else. It was as if the mortal had a deathwish. It was bad enough that Joxer was standing in front of him feeling like Strife but now he was talking back at Cupid, telling Cupid to sort himself out? What right did Joxer even have to speak to him like that? He felt the fury rush over him again and he glared at Joxer, his hands clenching and unclenching as he lunged at the mortal determined to teach him a lesson and work off some of his anger.
Through some amazing feat and using some unknown skill Joxer managed to throw himself to one side, rolling onto his stomach. He easily evaded Cupids first lunge but the God turned, fury on his face and even more determined to teach Joxer a lesson then before. As Cupid lunged again Joxer rolled onto his back and scrambled to get up; this time he wasn’t fast enough and Cupid caught him a glancing blow on his shoulder which spun him back onto the blankets. Joxer forced himself to sit back up and grimaced clutching his arm; the look on Cupids face was frightening, it was as if the God wasn’t even paying attention anymore he was just beating on the first thing he could, Joxer. The man felt a keen sympathy for Strife as he realised that this was how his friend must have lived most of his life, maybe not with Cupid but with Discord at the least. Pushing himself back as far as possible Joxer’s hands crossed over his belly unconsciously protecting the life within as Cupid reached for him; in the instant before the God grabbed him it briefly crossed Joxers mind that Cupid was very much like his father.
Cupid was too far-gone to force himself to stop; it had stopped being about ‘punishing’ Joxer, thrashing him to within an inch of his life, it was now about payback. He was paying back everyone for what they’d done, what they’d taken from him. Cupid didn’t even see Joxer cringing before him anymore or feel Strife’s signature all he saw was red. He reached down to grab Joxer and as his hands connected with the mortal’s arms Cupid felt white hot shocking pain lance up them into his head. He screamed and let go of Joxer letting the mortal roll to one side as Cupid dropped to his knees clutching his head.
Joxer looked up at Cupid; his hands still clutched over his belly he watched as a silvery glow appeared in front of the downed God. The glow quickly formed into what appeared (from the back) to be a very petite Goddess in a simple white toga. Joxer couldn’t see the expression on her face but as Cupid managed to look up, Joxer watched bewilderment cross Cupid’s face right before the Goddess lifted a hand and propelled him back slamming him into the far wall with her power.
Joxer tried to sit up but the Goddess turned to him with a noise of distress; she moved quickly to Joxer’s side and pushed him firmly back down, her fingers dancing over Joxers head and abdomen an extreme look of concentration on her face. Joxer thought it better not to argue; he lay passively while she checked him over, his eyes darted to Cupid who was groggily sitting up and he jumped slightly in worry.
“Shh, it’s okay. Relax Joxer,” The soft voice of the Goddess instructed him; something about her voice seemed familiar and Joxer instantly calmed, still watching Cupid. The earlier flare of fear gone, replaced by the certainty the Goddess would protect him. He wasn’t sure whom she was or what she was checking for but she’d protected him from Cupid, sent the love God flying, something that seemed almost amazing when he looked at her. The Goddess looked no older then late teens, though Joxer knew they could appear much much younger then they truly were, the Goddess had a strange softness about her as though she herself was very young. Her dark brown hair was curled and pinned so it was half up, half over her shoulders, she had no weapons on her and her toga was very modest and simple, it showed just enough flesh to intrigue you. Not that Joxer was in any position to be intrigued. He couldn’t help but smile though at her happy exclamation although he did find it very bizarre when she kissed his stomach.
“Who are you?” Cupid spoke the words, still slightly dazed, the tiny Goddess packed one hell of a power punch and although she was unmistakably Olympian he couldn’t remember seeing her before. She’d knocked him across the room and almost unconscious with one blow. She’d also briefly distracted him from his rage that he was more then grateful for, it was quickly dawning on him how badly he’d lost himself in the moment. Had he managed to grab Joxer he could have accidentally killed him. Cupid was rewarded by a scowl from the Goddess, her eyes flashing in protective fury.
Asyinnitos was having difficulty keeping her temper in check; she’d spent the last few hours having to explain her actions to Hera who unsurprisingly wasn’t happy. Though Hera wasn’t cursed herself she was severely irate that Asyinnitos had gone above her and cursed half the Pantheon, Hera hadn’t been able to see Asyinnitos’ reasoning and the younger Goddess had found herself embroiled in a furious shouting match with Hera. Asyinnitos had got so carried away she’d only realized Joxer was being attacked when she felt Foetus-Strife obliviously use his powers to defend himself and Joxer from Cupid. Without a word to Hera she’d flashed straight to Joxer; she hadn’t needed to read the mortals mind, Cupid had obviously been subjected to Strife’s defense and was whining on the floor whilst Joxer was curled on his side, unknowingly protecting Strife. She’d lashed out, instantly and without holding back; she’d thrown Cupid as hard and far as she could before reaching to check on Joxer and Strife. Thankfully Joxer had only a bruised arm and Strife was more then adequately protected.
Asyinnitos looked up at Cupid; not surprised he didn’t recognize her. Despite sitting on the ground she made no effort to get up but merely glared at him in ire and disappointment. “I expected better of you, Cupid,” she spoke softly and he quailed under her gaze, even his Mother and Hera couldn’t make him feel as guilty as the young Goddess was. He bit his tongue and squatted down next to them, he made no effort to touch Joxer sure by the look in the Goddess eye he’d be sorry if he did.
“Is he okay?”
Asyinnitos glanced at him and spoke sharply “His arms bruised but that will pass, you could have done more damage then you realize. You could also ask him yourself.” She raised an eyebrow at the Love God appearing cool and collected though her heart was racing. With the exception of a few Gods she’d barely said two words to the others since their time in the womb.
Joxer was silently rooting for the Goddess over Cupid but when the God spoke he could see sincere regret and embarrassment in Cupids eyes as he spoke “Sorry Joxer,” the words came easily to him making Joxer believe he was indeed genuine. Joxer couldn’t quite brush it off with ‘never mind then’ but he did offer Cupid an answering nod that mollified the God slightly.
Asyinnitos kept her hand protectively on Joxer silently challenging Cupid if he was to think of trying again but the look he gave her placated her. The young God was embarrassed and slightly horrified by what he had done, what he could have done. Her gaze softened slightly though her body language made it clear she would protect Joxer if Cupid tried again. Asyinnitos saw the pain in Cupid’s eyes and she felt herself soften even more; the God was miserable and in obvious deep turmoil and whilst she knew Cupid had his part to play in what had happened to Strife but he was by no means the truly guilty person. That was reserved for the older Gods, the ones meant to protect and guide the Godlings through their mistakes who should have helped Cupid and Strife not alienated them from each other, the ones meant to continue her own job once the babies left their wombs and for the God responsible for Psyche. Asyinnitos knew Strife wouldn’t have strayed from Cupid which meant one way or another someone else was responsible; Asyinnitos had shared enough with him whilst he was still in the womb to know that Strife had a wicked sense of humor and a nature akin to his Godhood but he had a good soul. She knew that intimately having spent so much time keeping him alive with her own power, whispering to him to grow and be nourished.
Asyinnitos laid a hand on Cupids arm; he was no more responsible then anyone else yet underneath all his rage was a deep guilt that he was the one to blame. She felt slightly saddened by it; Cupid had demonstrated very emotional behavior even before he was born but he’d always been compassionate, often picking up on his Mother’s moods and reacting with his powers. The empathy and compassion he had displayed then was at the root of his problems now and ironically only his wife had the best Godhood to help work through it. The only other thing she could do was to calm him as best she could, unfortunately the older the God got the less well her powers worked on the, and whilst she would have no problem in calming Bliss it was harder to do so with Cupid. Still the time she spent with Godly babies was greater then with any others and whether he recognized her consciously or not he did allow her to calm him.
Asyinnitos smiled, she watched as Cupid relaxed under her touch. She had a soft spot for all those she’d taken care of before birth especially the Godly babies, she smiled again wondering how Cupid would react if he knew she thought of him as a ‘baby’ especially as she was only a few hundred years older then him.
Joxer made a slightly noise and blushed as both Cupid and the Goddess looked at him “I’m sorry I’m just a bit uncomfortable.” He blushed deeper and shifted slightly “Um not to be rude I know you’re obviously a Goddess but who are you?” he asked Asyinnitos; he didn’t recognize her and if Cupid didn’t recognize her he wasn’t sure what was going on.
Asyinnitos smiled slightly and patted his stomach lightly sensing the foetus within Joxer stir “I am Asyinnitos, Joxer, Goddess of Pregnancy and the Unborn.” She saw the flash of confusion that clouded his face and her fingers gently caressed his stomach. The gasp behind her told her everything she needed to know and she looked at Cupid who seemed to be caught between turmoil and hope. She smirked slightly at the young God enjoying his confusion, he was too young to put it all together but the idea had occurred to him. “Cupid I want you to protect Joxer,” she lifted her chin and focussed on his eyes neither confirming nor denying what Cupid thought “Put your own feelings aside and vent them in private but when I can’t keep my eye on Joxer I want you to be able too. I have the feeling this may be more therapeutic for you than my curse will be.”
She smiled at the startled look in his eyes “My curse, yes, designed to punish those which failed before,” a look of sadness momentarily crossed her face as her hand passed over her own belly “all those who failed before.”
Joxer frowned; shifting onto his side he watched the two. Cupid seemed torn between desperate hope and deep self-loathing but Asyinnitos to be having a promising affect on him. The God no longer had the wild desperate look of someone on the edge, now he seemed more focused though Joxer wasn’t sure why they were talking about protecting him. There was no reason for him to need protection, he wasn’t important enough for the Gods to worry about. As if catching his thought Asyinnitos turned back to him “I know this is hard for you to understand Joxer and I will explain it to you in time but I have to find somewhere safe for you, somewhere we can take you and protect you. I can shield him until then but I need you to watch over him.” She addressed Cupid now “Can you imagine if Discord found out?” her tone suggested she already knew the answer and Joxer watched Cupid turn pale. Joxer was growing more confused by the minute but something about the Goddess told him she had his best interests at heart. Asyinnitos looked thoughtful for a moment, “You can get your second chance later Cupid but for now I need you to help me by checking him every now and again I also want you to go back to Olympus and confront those you need to. For your own sake and Joxer’s; he doesn’t need a turbulent guardian even if it isn’t all the time and you need to sort yourself out. Get the answers you need, all the answers.” She sighed “My curse is now in full affect; they’ll be a lot of problems up there and a lot of chaos. Just the right thing to keep peoples minds off what’s going on down here don’t you think?”
Cupid glanced at her sharply her meaning becoming crystal clear. He had to admit he needed to sort things out on Olympus though now he was loathe leaving Joxer’s side especially after what he had almost done; it didn’t bear thinking of. If Asyinnitos hadn’t got there in time Cupid could have killed Joxer and Strife, the guilt weighed heavy on Cupids mind but the idea that Strife was alive if not yet kicking filled him with hope, something he had to keep to himself until there was no option but to reveal. He had to admit he was impressed by Asyinnitos plans but he felt pity for Joxer; the man obviously didn’t understand what was going on but unwittingly had given them all a second chance, Strife included. He just hoped the idea didn’t bowl him over too much; mortals were such fragile things.
TBC
Author: Wildannuette
Fandom: Herc/Xena
Email: Auxilary25248891@aol.com
Website: http://www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=wildannuette
Rating: FRT-13
Summary: Joxer is kidnapped by Cupid and the Green eyed monster comes out.
Warnings:mpreg
Notes: Part of Series based on plot bunny on mpreg archive, found at http://beyondcanon.brain-insane.com/viewstory.php?sid=2663 plus a big thanks Jo! *hugs*
Joxer wasn’t a fool; he knew Cupid was far stronger then he was and any resistance or defiance would lead to a lot of pain.
Joxer wasn’t a fool; he knew Cupid was far stronger then he was and any resistance or defiance would lead to a lot of pain. He didn’t brace himself for Cupids attack or hold his ground, instead as the God’s body began to glow the same emerald green as his eyes Joxer dived to one side to avoid him. Unfortunately as Joxer dived Xena tossed her chakram at Cupid. It was only a warning shot which should have whistled past the God’s head and struck the trees just past him but ended up heading straight for Joxer. The mortal barely had the time to register the chakram heading for his face before the green glow clouded his vision temporarily blinding him for an instant. Joxer staggered back, blinking away the spots in front of his eyes he heard a strange squishing noise that rooted him to the spot and a terrifyingly unearthly screech that set his teeth on edge.
Before Joxer’s vision could clear he was hit him hard from the front with enough force to knock the wind out of him. Before he could fall to the ground strong hands encircled him and held him close, he felt his stomach lunch as his feet left the ground. Joxer blinked back black spots and clung to the arms around him, he could hear Xena screaming his name but the sound was becoming fainter and fainter as wind whistled harshly in his ear, Joxer’s stomach lurched and he tried desperately not to be sick as the realisation dawned on him that he was flying. Or more specifically Cupid had to be flying and carrying him. Joxer was unwilling to let go of the deathgrip he now had on Cupid but his vision was blurry so he rubbed his eyes quickly against his arm when it cleared he blinked a few times and looked up expecting to see Cupid holding him; instantly he froze. Joxer stared up at the green scaly face of the monster and let out a cry as he wriggled; panicking in the God’s grip “Let me go, let me go!” He knew the green monster had to be Cupid (having heard a few tales from Strife) but he couldn’t see anything of the God in the monster. In his desperation Joxer forgot they were in flight and struck out at the creature. It stiffened at the blow, letting out a cry then dropping slightly as Joxers hand caught its eyes and almost dropped the mortal. Terrified, Joxer stared down at the dizzying green below him; despite wanting to get away self-preservation kicked in and Joxer gripped the monster around the neck trying not to slip as it rubbed its wounded eyes.
Hanging like a limpet around the monster’s neck Joxer wrapped his legs around its body and looked up fearfully into its face. It hissed at him in anger its eyes slightly bruised than it completely contradicted itself by wrapping it’s arms protectively around the man as it beat it’s powerful wings *flying us to Zeus only knows where* Joxer thought as he stared up at the creature. Something nagged at him, the monster; Cupid, the green glow and Joxer frowned as he stared into the creature’s eyes. They didn’t look the same but they seemed the same, it felt the same. He wasn’t sure that even made sense but everything screamed at him that the green monster was Cupid; he still clung on tightly despite the arms around him and asked cautiously “Cupid?”
The green eyes glanced down at him for an instant and then flicked back up. Joxer kept quiet he could see grin determination in the monsters- in Cupid’s face. He didn’t know why the God had turned into such a creature though he had heard rumours that Cupid had a dark side; something to do with Psyche and Hercules as far as he could remember. Joxer just hadn’t expected the normally handsome Love God’s dark side to be so ugly; he also couldn’t see what ‘Cupid’s dark side’ as he dubbed the monster, wanted with him or what it had been doing at their camp. Joxer had expected to see Ares with his hands wrapped around Gabrielle’s throat one day but he’d never expected Cupid to be one to attack her, especially as the woman was almost always nauseatingly flattering to Cupid in all her writings. Joxer glanced down as he felt Cupid slow and start to descend, instinctively he gripped him tighter. The stomach lurching dips weren’t helping his nausea any and watching the ground rapidly coming towards him just increased the problem. Joxer knew one thing; he really really hated flying. He clenched his teeth along with rest of his body as he felt the jarring jolt as Cupid landed.
Opening his eyes warily Joxer looked around; he’d expected a much harsher landing then that especially considering the hostile looks Cupid seemed to be giving him; he blinked and peered behind Cupid at the huge elegant building surrounding them. The monster form of the love God kept Joxer firmly held in his arms as, despite Joxer’s renewed struggles; he carefully carried him across the Temple floor. As the mortal tried to pull away Cupid hissed and tightened his grip making Joxer dry-heave as his stomach twisted violently in protest. Joxer glowered at the monstrous face above him but stopped struggling; he was in no hurry to be squeezed again though a part of him briefly entertained the idea of vomiting all over the God if he tried it again.
Cupid dumped Joxer unceremoniously on a pile of blankets on the floor, which knocked the wind out of him again; he rolled onto his side fighting the remaining nausea from his ‘flight’ and glowered at Cupid. Joxer watched as the green monster glowed brightly before fading into the Love God; as the glow cleared Joxer sat up scathing remarks at the ready until he saw Cupids face. Joxer paused unable to looks away; it was like walking past a battle whether you jumped in or not you had to have a look and once you saw the horror in front of you, you were unable to look away. Never before had Joxer seen such abject misery and bitterness on anyone’s face especially not Gods. His breath caught in his throat cutting off the questions that immediately came to his mind and he had to (ashamedly) push back the spiteful thought that came to his mind *I hope Cupid’s finally feeling something about Strifes death*
“You look like death,” Joxer spoke flatly finally hitting on a neutral comment; he managed to ignore the slightly less neutral ones as he looked at the God. He wasn’t surprised when Cupid turned towards him but he was shocked to see the tears building in Cupid’s eyes, tears the God seemed barely able to hold back as he wrestled between heartache and fury. “What’s happened Cupid, are you all right?” Joxer wasn’t quick enough to stop the words from coming out but he couldn’t berate himself over them; although he knew Cupid had hurt Strife greatly it didn’t stop him feeling pity for the love God. Even if Cupid had put Strife through hell Joxer was unable to hate him; he felt only compassion for him.
Cupid looked away and breathed deeply concentrating on grounding himself and his emotions; the last thing he wanted was another reappearance of the creature inside him and to feel the brief insanity he’d felt before he got to Xena’s camp.
Cupid had wanted to know the truth about himself, Psyche and Strife; he had tried to stay calm to try to twist the answers he so badly needed out of Aphrodite but she’d started pleading and pouting at him as she tried to take his mind off the questions he had. Cupid had felt a cold brittle feeling spread across his lower body and his mother had gasped in pain he hands on her own abdomen. For a brief instant their eyes had locked and he had seen confusion and anger in her eyes as it dawned on him that they’d been cursed. Before he’d had time to see who would dare curse another God, especially not two powerful love ones, he’d felt something snap inside, then it had been as if a dam had broken, releasing a torrent of pain, heartache and rage. Cupid had barely even been able sort out one emotion from other; the pain had almost crippled him. He neither heard Aphrodite’s shrieks and screams nor felt her race to pick him up as he collapsed. His fury had brought out the worst in him, much more so then the pain he’d felt. Everything had begun to make sense and fall into place; his Mother’s teatime drinks, his lack of feeling for Strife, his far too obsessive love for Psyche that rapidly faded after Strife’s death… and then it had overwhelmed him.
Cupid didn’t remember much he had been reacting on instinct, his brain overloaded by suppressed emotion; he had been looking for Strife, desperately searching for his former lover and soulmate. Cupid had torn through Olympus leaving devastation in his wake; Aphrodite’s temple had exploded around them and the others nearest to it had been shattered and broken from the fallout. He’d wrecked Ares temple in a fit of fury when he couldn’t find any remnants of Strife, even his room had been bricked over and he’d almost torn Discord apart when she’d started screaming at him about a curse. Finally he’d descended to Tartarus and terrified the dead in his insane search, his Uncle had tried to stop him once but after almost being eviscerated had finally resorted to shouting at Cupid through a shield of his power. Hades hadn’t wanted to hurt his young nephew and had guessed what Cupid was after. Pleased that finally someone was interested in Strife other then Ares, Hades had unhappily blasted Cupid from behind his shield and told the God what he wanted to know. That Strife wasn’t in Tartarus or the Underworld at all and that he (Hades) hadn’t seen his dead nephew or even felt him near. Hades had sadly had to conclude that the Hind blood had condemned Strife to oblivion.
Cupid hadn’t taken the news well; in fact Tartarus now looked almost as wrecked as Olympus. Without Strife Cupid would quickly have become so unstable the God would have in all likelihood destroyed himself, condemning his soul to the oblivion that had tried to claim his exlover. But Strife was being reborn inside Joxer; his signature was weak and slightly altered but it was enough to draw Cupids attention. Cupid had flashed to Xena’s camp feeling a tiny surge that he’d recognised as Strife’s mischief. He hadn’t said a word to Xena of Gabrielle just looked around for him lover, part of him unable to accept that he was gone. Lost in his emotion and need Cupid unknowingly repeated Strife’s name over and over as he stared around the camp. Only Gabrielle’s scathing comment on “the useless mischief God” had permeated his brain and he’d reacted rather then acted. Cupid had slammed Xena out of the way and thrown Gabrielle against a tree, one hand had gripped her neck and he’d started to squeeze not comprehending that she was only mortal and that he was killing her. All he had seen was red; Gabrielle became the sole focus of his rage, his fury against his mother and the other Gods who had assisted her leaving Strife to die alone and Cupid to not care, the bitch who’d destroyed his lover and most of all himself.
The person who’d betrayed Strife the most; Cupid knew by turning away from his lover and immersing himself in self-pity he’d turned everyone else against Strife. He should have believed his lover, trusted him enough to actually get to the bottom of the Psyche business. Cupid couldn’t help the guilt and self-loathing, intensified by years of repression. Somehow Joxer’s words had drawn his attention away, had stopped Cupid from throttling Gabrielle. Cupid wasn’t sure what had done it but as he’d focussed on the mortal he’d felt an unmistakable bond on him, Strifes bond.
The feeling had intensified as Cupid had stepped closer and though he had seen Joxer, Cupid had felt Strife. In feeling that, an incredible sense of fury and jealousy had swept through him, Cupid hadn’t even felt the change from God to monster as he stared at Joxer. Joxer wearing Strifes weak signature could only mean one of two things to his emotion-fried brain; that either the mortal was Strife’s child which Cupid knew couldn’t be true as Joxer was one of triplets and neither of his brothers carried Strife’s signature or that Joxer had been Strife’s lover. As the last thought had struck him Cupid had lunged for Joxer, intent of ripping the man apart. Registering Xena’s chakram heading for the mortal Cupid had been overcome by an extreme need to protect Joxer and had leapt in front of it letting the weapon hit him. His need to protect Joxer had intensified as he’d held the man and instantly Cupid had spread his wings and flown away, still carrying him.
Cupid rubbed his head and turned to look at the mortal, he felt a strange hysterical desire to laugh bitterly at the concern on Joxer’s face. If Joxer had realised what Cupid was like the love God knew he’d never have seen that sympathetic look. Unbeknownst to him Joxer had a pretty good idea of the hardships Strife had had to endure because of Cupid, the love God would have been shocked and confused to discover it didn’t stop Joxer’s compassion.
“Cupid, are you alright?” Joxer repeated himself growing more apprehensive by the minute, he felt a small measure of relief as Cupid turned to him “You don’t look to well and you are acting really strange. Maybe you should call one of the other Gods?” he asked hopefully. Though he’d turned his back on them maybe they would take Cupid away and let him find his way back to Xena. Joxer jumped as Cupid let out a harsh laugh.
“Who should I get Joxer?” Cupid laughed again “My Mom who in her infinitely stupid wisdom thinks I can’t take care of myself and I should do what she thinks is best. Who even goes so far as to stop me feeling what I want to feel, who thinks she has the right to take away who I want to love and hurt over!” The last part was shouted at the ceiling and Joxer flinched as the words echoed around the temple. “Or how about my Dad, the great God of War who’s more comfortable in battle then actually helping people through things. Who took back the one person who hurt me the most and saw him as more of a son then he ever saw me!” Cupid didn’t stop the tears from escaping as they trickled down his cheeks.
“Or how about the rest of my wonderful family? Who helped make sure I never got a second chance with Strife? Who put spell after spell on me to get me to fall in love with his own daughter, Psyche! Just to rub things in a little bit more.” Cupid ran his hands over his face and through his hair “to make me forget I even cared about him so when he…. When he…” he tried to get the words out but his mouth failed him.
Joxer stared at the miserable God and his heart went out to him, at least in part. He truly felt sorry for Cupid; he doubted Strife did cheat on Cupid and father Psyche but he guessed someone must have tricked the Gods into believing he did. Or else someone must have forced Strife to sire Psyche on the woman without his consent and knowledge. Cupid was a mess, literally and emotionally the God could barely stand up straight under the weight of his returned emotions. It explained a lot to Joxer although there were more then a few gaps for him to fill in; at least now he understood why some of the other Gods seemed to hate Strife so much though Joxer wasn’t sure where Ares (who’d taken Strife back after it) and Discord (who rallied against her own son) fitted in to everything.
Joxer rubbed his head; he was glad his nausea had faded but the overload of information was beginning to give him a headache. He stared at Cupid who was trapped in his self-loathing and felt a surge of irritation. Joxer felt sorry for Cupid and what had been done to him; Joxer knew what the other Gods had done was akin to rape but whilst he knew it had to be massively traumatic for Cupid to be suddenly get his repressed emotions back Joxer couldn’t help but feel angry at the God. Cupid wasn’t as guilty as some of the other Gods especially Aphrodite but Joxer felt he did have his part to play in it. He wasn’t sure why he felt so strongly about Cupid, the anger that was slowly rising inside him was almost as if it was he (Joxer) had been the one to be betrayed by the Gods. Joxer took a few deep breaths ignoring Cupids rambling and bitter laments as he tried to fight down the fury; not knowing why the emotion was so intense was freaking him out.
Finally Joxer couldn’t take it any longer his head ached and he felt like he had joined Cupid on the wild emotion ride “Could you please just shut up!” the words came out a little harsher then Joxer had intended and he winced at the resulting silence around him. His eyes focussed on Cupids and he saw pure shock there. Cupid was more dumbfounded that Joxer had even spoke to him in such a tone then he was at the words themselves but as the words slowly sunk in Joxer saw anger begin to creep into Cupid’s eyes. His heart plummeted as he realised he’d directed the God’s anger onto himself but as Cupids eyes narrowed on him Joxer stood up. He stood by what he thought; despite what Cupid was going through and had gone through he had to snap out of it. If anyone could get the Mischief God brought back from the dead it was Cupid; the God definitely had the connections.
“Stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something about it.” Joxer’s eyes narrowed “So the other Gods have treated you like manure? What do you think they do to us all the time?” Joxer could feel himself getting worked up as he spoke but he couldn’t stop the words tumbling out, he couldn’t help the bitterness that seeped into his voice “You regret Strifes death? Fine, go and get him back and tell him yourself. Why complain to me about it? In fact why bring me here at all?”
Cupid stared at Joxer more in confusion then anything else. It was as if the mortal had a deathwish. It was bad enough that Joxer was standing in front of him feeling like Strife but now he was talking back at Cupid, telling Cupid to sort himself out? What right did Joxer even have to speak to him like that? He felt the fury rush over him again and he glared at Joxer, his hands clenching and unclenching as he lunged at the mortal determined to teach him a lesson and work off some of his anger.
Through some amazing feat and using some unknown skill Joxer managed to throw himself to one side, rolling onto his stomach. He easily evaded Cupids first lunge but the God turned, fury on his face and even more determined to teach Joxer a lesson then before. As Cupid lunged again Joxer rolled onto his back and scrambled to get up; this time he wasn’t fast enough and Cupid caught him a glancing blow on his shoulder which spun him back onto the blankets. Joxer forced himself to sit back up and grimaced clutching his arm; the look on Cupids face was frightening, it was as if the God wasn’t even paying attention anymore he was just beating on the first thing he could, Joxer. The man felt a keen sympathy for Strife as he realised that this was how his friend must have lived most of his life, maybe not with Cupid but with Discord at the least. Pushing himself back as far as possible Joxer’s hands crossed over his belly unconsciously protecting the life within as Cupid reached for him; in the instant before the God grabbed him it briefly crossed Joxers mind that Cupid was very much like his father.
Cupid was too far-gone to force himself to stop; it had stopped being about ‘punishing’ Joxer, thrashing him to within an inch of his life, it was now about payback. He was paying back everyone for what they’d done, what they’d taken from him. Cupid didn’t even see Joxer cringing before him anymore or feel Strife’s signature all he saw was red. He reached down to grab Joxer and as his hands connected with the mortal’s arms Cupid felt white hot shocking pain lance up them into his head. He screamed and let go of Joxer letting the mortal roll to one side as Cupid dropped to his knees clutching his head.
Joxer looked up at Cupid; his hands still clutched over his belly he watched as a silvery glow appeared in front of the downed God. The glow quickly formed into what appeared (from the back) to be a very petite Goddess in a simple white toga. Joxer couldn’t see the expression on her face but as Cupid managed to look up, Joxer watched bewilderment cross Cupid’s face right before the Goddess lifted a hand and propelled him back slamming him into the far wall with her power.
Joxer tried to sit up but the Goddess turned to him with a noise of distress; she moved quickly to Joxer’s side and pushed him firmly back down, her fingers dancing over Joxers head and abdomen an extreme look of concentration on her face. Joxer thought it better not to argue; he lay passively while she checked him over, his eyes darted to Cupid who was groggily sitting up and he jumped slightly in worry.
“Shh, it’s okay. Relax Joxer,” The soft voice of the Goddess instructed him; something about her voice seemed familiar and Joxer instantly calmed, still watching Cupid. The earlier flare of fear gone, replaced by the certainty the Goddess would protect him. He wasn’t sure whom she was or what she was checking for but she’d protected him from Cupid, sent the love God flying, something that seemed almost amazing when he looked at her. The Goddess looked no older then late teens, though Joxer knew they could appear much much younger then they truly were, the Goddess had a strange softness about her as though she herself was very young. Her dark brown hair was curled and pinned so it was half up, half over her shoulders, she had no weapons on her and her toga was very modest and simple, it showed just enough flesh to intrigue you. Not that Joxer was in any position to be intrigued. He couldn’t help but smile though at her happy exclamation although he did find it very bizarre when she kissed his stomach.
“Who are you?” Cupid spoke the words, still slightly dazed, the tiny Goddess packed one hell of a power punch and although she was unmistakably Olympian he couldn’t remember seeing her before. She’d knocked him across the room and almost unconscious with one blow. She’d also briefly distracted him from his rage that he was more then grateful for, it was quickly dawning on him how badly he’d lost himself in the moment. Had he managed to grab Joxer he could have accidentally killed him. Cupid was rewarded by a scowl from the Goddess, her eyes flashing in protective fury.
Asyinnitos was having difficulty keeping her temper in check; she’d spent the last few hours having to explain her actions to Hera who unsurprisingly wasn’t happy. Though Hera wasn’t cursed herself she was severely irate that Asyinnitos had gone above her and cursed half the Pantheon, Hera hadn’t been able to see Asyinnitos’ reasoning and the younger Goddess had found herself embroiled in a furious shouting match with Hera. Asyinnitos had got so carried away she’d only realized Joxer was being attacked when she felt Foetus-Strife obliviously use his powers to defend himself and Joxer from Cupid. Without a word to Hera she’d flashed straight to Joxer; she hadn’t needed to read the mortals mind, Cupid had obviously been subjected to Strife’s defense and was whining on the floor whilst Joxer was curled on his side, unknowingly protecting Strife. She’d lashed out, instantly and without holding back; she’d thrown Cupid as hard and far as she could before reaching to check on Joxer and Strife. Thankfully Joxer had only a bruised arm and Strife was more then adequately protected.
Asyinnitos looked up at Cupid; not surprised he didn’t recognize her. Despite sitting on the ground she made no effort to get up but merely glared at him in ire and disappointment. “I expected better of you, Cupid,” she spoke softly and he quailed under her gaze, even his Mother and Hera couldn’t make him feel as guilty as the young Goddess was. He bit his tongue and squatted down next to them, he made no effort to touch Joxer sure by the look in the Goddess eye he’d be sorry if he did.
“Is he okay?”
Asyinnitos glanced at him and spoke sharply “His arms bruised but that will pass, you could have done more damage then you realize. You could also ask him yourself.” She raised an eyebrow at the Love God appearing cool and collected though her heart was racing. With the exception of a few Gods she’d barely said two words to the others since their time in the womb.
Joxer was silently rooting for the Goddess over Cupid but when the God spoke he could see sincere regret and embarrassment in Cupids eyes as he spoke “Sorry Joxer,” the words came easily to him making Joxer believe he was indeed genuine. Joxer couldn’t quite brush it off with ‘never mind then’ but he did offer Cupid an answering nod that mollified the God slightly.
Asyinnitos kept her hand protectively on Joxer silently challenging Cupid if he was to think of trying again but the look he gave her placated her. The young God was embarrassed and slightly horrified by what he had done, what he could have done. Her gaze softened slightly though her body language made it clear she would protect Joxer if Cupid tried again. Asyinnitos saw the pain in Cupid’s eyes and she felt herself soften even more; the God was miserable and in obvious deep turmoil and whilst she knew Cupid had his part to play in what had happened to Strife but he was by no means the truly guilty person. That was reserved for the older Gods, the ones meant to protect and guide the Godlings through their mistakes who should have helped Cupid and Strife not alienated them from each other, the ones meant to continue her own job once the babies left their wombs and for the God responsible for Psyche. Asyinnitos knew Strife wouldn’t have strayed from Cupid which meant one way or another someone else was responsible; Asyinnitos had shared enough with him whilst he was still in the womb to know that Strife had a wicked sense of humor and a nature akin to his Godhood but he had a good soul. She knew that intimately having spent so much time keeping him alive with her own power, whispering to him to grow and be nourished.
Asyinnitos laid a hand on Cupids arm; he was no more responsible then anyone else yet underneath all his rage was a deep guilt that he was the one to blame. She felt slightly saddened by it; Cupid had demonstrated very emotional behavior even before he was born but he’d always been compassionate, often picking up on his Mother’s moods and reacting with his powers. The empathy and compassion he had displayed then was at the root of his problems now and ironically only his wife had the best Godhood to help work through it. The only other thing she could do was to calm him as best she could, unfortunately the older the God got the less well her powers worked on the, and whilst she would have no problem in calming Bliss it was harder to do so with Cupid. Still the time she spent with Godly babies was greater then with any others and whether he recognized her consciously or not he did allow her to calm him.
Asyinnitos smiled, she watched as Cupid relaxed under her touch. She had a soft spot for all those she’d taken care of before birth especially the Godly babies, she smiled again wondering how Cupid would react if he knew she thought of him as a ‘baby’ especially as she was only a few hundred years older then him.
Joxer made a slightly noise and blushed as both Cupid and the Goddess looked at him “I’m sorry I’m just a bit uncomfortable.” He blushed deeper and shifted slightly “Um not to be rude I know you’re obviously a Goddess but who are you?” he asked Asyinnitos; he didn’t recognize her and if Cupid didn’t recognize her he wasn’t sure what was going on.
Asyinnitos smiled slightly and patted his stomach lightly sensing the foetus within Joxer stir “I am Asyinnitos, Joxer, Goddess of Pregnancy and the Unborn.” She saw the flash of confusion that clouded his face and her fingers gently caressed his stomach. The gasp behind her told her everything she needed to know and she looked at Cupid who seemed to be caught between turmoil and hope. She smirked slightly at the young God enjoying his confusion, he was too young to put it all together but the idea had occurred to him. “Cupid I want you to protect Joxer,” she lifted her chin and focussed on his eyes neither confirming nor denying what Cupid thought “Put your own feelings aside and vent them in private but when I can’t keep my eye on Joxer I want you to be able too. I have the feeling this may be more therapeutic for you than my curse will be.”
She smiled at the startled look in his eyes “My curse, yes, designed to punish those which failed before,” a look of sadness momentarily crossed her face as her hand passed over her own belly “all those who failed before.”
Joxer frowned; shifting onto his side he watched the two. Cupid seemed torn between desperate hope and deep self-loathing but Asyinnitos to be having a promising affect on him. The God no longer had the wild desperate look of someone on the edge, now he seemed more focused though Joxer wasn’t sure why they were talking about protecting him. There was no reason for him to need protection, he wasn’t important enough for the Gods to worry about. As if catching his thought Asyinnitos turned back to him “I know this is hard for you to understand Joxer and I will explain it to you in time but I have to find somewhere safe for you, somewhere we can take you and protect you. I can shield him until then but I need you to watch over him.” She addressed Cupid now “Can you imagine if Discord found out?” her tone suggested she already knew the answer and Joxer watched Cupid turn pale. Joxer was growing more confused by the minute but something about the Goddess told him she had his best interests at heart. Asyinnitos looked thoughtful for a moment, “You can get your second chance later Cupid but for now I need you to help me by checking him every now and again I also want you to go back to Olympus and confront those you need to. For your own sake and Joxer’s; he doesn’t need a turbulent guardian even if it isn’t all the time and you need to sort yourself out. Get the answers you need, all the answers.” She sighed “My curse is now in full affect; they’ll be a lot of problems up there and a lot of chaos. Just the right thing to keep peoples minds off what’s going on down here don’t you think?”
Cupid glanced at her sharply her meaning becoming crystal clear. He had to admit he needed to sort things out on Olympus though now he was loathe leaving Joxer’s side especially after what he had almost done; it didn’t bear thinking of. If Asyinnitos hadn’t got there in time Cupid could have killed Joxer and Strife, the guilt weighed heavy on Cupids mind but the idea that Strife was alive if not yet kicking filled him with hope, something he had to keep to himself until there was no option but to reveal. He had to admit he was impressed by Asyinnitos plans but he felt pity for Joxer; the man obviously didn’t understand what was going on but unwittingly had given them all a second chance, Strife included. He just hoped the idea didn’t bowl him over too much; mortals were such fragile things.
TBC