Updated: The God Within 7/?
Updated the God Within with chapter 7.
Title: The God Within 7/?
Author: Wildannuette
Fandom: Herc/Xena
Email:auxilary25248891@aol.com
Website: lj
Rating: FRT
Summary: Ares isn't impressed with being out of the loop and goes straight to the source of the problems- Joxer.
Warnings: mpreg, beginning of slash
Notes: Thanks for betaing for me Hallie :)
Joxer stared at Ares, his face white as he swallowed back the giggles and almost choked in his haste. Seeing the God of War glare so coldly was enough to kill anyone’s good mood and had Joxer been drunk it would have sobered him up in an instant.
Joxer stared at Ares, his face white as he swallowed back the giggles and almost choked in his haste. Seeing the God of War glare so coldly was enough to kill anyone’s good mood and had Joxer been drunk it would have sobered him up in an instant. He hesitated; still lying across the bed propped up slightly by his elbows Joxer was unsure of what to do. A part of him screamed to get up and stand in front of his God, *ex-God* he thought reminding himself, to apologise for leaving his service even if he had been a useless warrior. The other part (which was still furious over Strife’s treatment) wanted to glare as coldly back and demand what Ares was doing in his room before throwing the War God out on his backside. Unfortunately for Joxer his mind then took the opportunity to remind him that Ares could read thoughts which didn’t help his decision making and left the mortal staring silently at the God in confusion; Ares, who wasn’t in the best mood, took Joxer’s expression and silence for defiance.
His mouth still set in a grim line Ares stood up intent on showing the mortal how to properly respect his God when something caught his attention that he’d overlooked before; he couldn’t sense himself on Joxer at all he could only sense Asyinnitos. His expression wrinkling into a frown Ares strode over to Joxer and taking the man’s shoulder, the God pulled him up into a sitting position so he could scan deeper. All he could sense was Asyinnitos’ signature on Joxer; his cousin seemed to have coated the mortal in it blocking off all other’s (though Ares couldn’t tell why) except for Cupid’s mark which, although faint, was also there. Ares was pondering many different scenarios none of which appealed and all of which annoyed him, so he telepathically probed Joxer’s mind picking up on the first thing Joxer was thinking about,
*Is he angry because I don’t worship him anymore or because of this thing with Asyinnitos and Cupid? * Joxer couldn’t help his current line of thinking especially when Ares was mystifying him; not only had he not thrown Joxer from the bed and pounded into him but the War God merely stood beside Joxer’s bed holding him upright as he stared intensely at him for what reason Joxer had no clue.
Ares eyes narrowed at the thought of his son and cousin having anything to do with someone the God had considered one of *his* mortals but he released Joxer’s shoulder letting the mortal slump back against the bedsheets. Far too calmly Ares walked to the end of the bed and thought up a chair that he sat on keeping his gaze firmly fixed on Joxer.
“What thing would that be then Joxer?” The War God raised an eyebrow keeping his annoyance at bay, “Do you worship them now instead of me?”
Ares couldn’t really see that happening; Joxer was too clueless for Cupid to have as a worshipper having spent far to much time mooning over Gabrielle and there was no way he could work in Asyinnitos’ service. The only way Ares could see that could possibly link Joxer, Cupid and Asyinnitos together was to assume both God’s were recruiting the mortal in some manner- the only likely reason they would be doing that was if they intended to start a baby boom with Joxer as (in Ares opinion) the very unsuited stud. The idea was extremely far fetched but it had been done before, though under completely different circumstances for many complicated reasons. Ares had to reject the idea; Cupid was far too unstable at present to even think of such a venture besides Ares knew Aphrodite and Hera tended to work very closely with Asyinnitos on those such matters. Whilst Ares doubted his Mother would gossip he knew Aphrodite wouldn’t have been able to keep such a plan to herself.
Ares found the idea that Joxer had left his service deeply insulting; although the man had been an incompetent warrior or hero he had been a source of amusement for Ares. Only now Ares wasn’t amused and Joxer wasn’t acting like a fool, which both intrigued and annoyed Ares. The God wasn’t sure whether Joxer had left his service for a specific reason or was just feeling suicidal but the man was obviously struggling to find an answer, one Ares was positive wouldn’t satisfy him.
Joxer’s face twisted slightly in confusion at Ares questions but he automatically answered, “I don’t worship anyone anymore.” He clenched his fists waiting for Ares to blast him into tiny pieces but when the God merely frowned as if just as baffled, Joxer found new strength in being on a slightly more equal footing. “I gave up on the Gods over a month ago. Cupid and Asyinnitos are the only one’s I’ve seen since then,” Joxer continued finding it very insulating that it had taken Ares over a month to realise that he was no longer worshipping him; Joxer wondered if all the tributes he’d made were redundant, had Ares never listened to the prayers Joxer had faithfully made each night? He felt a nasty feeling settle in the pit of his stomach as it dawned on him that obviously Ares hadn’t considered him in any way at all; Joxer could see now that, to Ares, he wasn’t worthy of anything at all. Rather then depress the mortal- it infuriated him; now Joxer’s fists were clenched for another reason,
“and since when are you so bothered about who I do and don’t worship? Did turning my back on you hurt your pride?” he asked annoyance beginning to show on his face, “Or did it just piss you off that I dared?”
Ares stared at Joxer in disbelief, a mere mortal was questioning him and rudely at that, something the God wouldn’t tolerate. Feeling anger rise in him at Joxer words Ares stood up stalking back over to the bed, he had every intention of teaching the man a lesson he would never forget when he picked up on something else around Joxer, something that flickered briefly amidst Asyinnitos signature. He lunged at Joxer grabbing him by the shoulders and pinning him to the bed as the mortal tried to pull away; Ares concentrated on the tiny abnormality within the mark surrounding Joxer and focussed his power on it, pulling it out to examine it. The answer hit him full in the face and he staggered letting go of Joxer and collapsing on him as finally he sensed it- Strife.
Shaking slightly, Joxer resisted the urge to poke the War God who was lying on top of him; Joxer had been sure, the instant outrage had flooded the God’s face, that he was due a one way ticket to the Underworld. Despite holding his ground the mortal had started shaking the instant he’d answered Ares and it had only intensified when the God had seized him. Joxer tried to shift slightly, extremely uncomfortable because of Ares proximity; not only was the God lying across him in a position only his dreams knew about but he was also lying directly on Joxer’s chest and bladder- the former of which was sore, the latter full. Joxer shifted again trying turn the God so his head was no longer in the nape of his neck and to get a look at Ares face to see if the God had actually passed out. Instead the movement pushed Ares slightly to one side so that his leather vest scraped Joxers sore chest, the thin material of the mortal’s vest barely protecting his tender nipples. Joxer yelped, pushing more against Ares as the God stirred and propped himself up his elbows either side of Joxers chest. Biting off a sigh of relief Joxer stared up at Ares; confusion was on the God’s face for a second before he pushed himself up and jumped up trying to exude a semblance of calm whilst he moved back to his chair.
Hesitantly Joxer sat up and seeing the God watching him decided to take a chance. “I need to um, you know, um go,” he looked at Ares trying to convey his meaning and when the God nodded Joxer managed to stand up on his shaky legs. Making his way to the door, he passed Ares chair and the God’s hand shot out grasping Joxer around the wrist and barring his way; despite the forceful grip Joxer kept his eyes on Ares willing the God to let him go, his bladder was filled to bursting and he knew better then to try to hide from the God besides even if he did try to run away Ares would only find him later.
Slowly Ares let go of Joxer’s wrist not seeing the fingermarks he’d left behind; he allowed the man to pass him but used his senses to keep an eye on him. Ares was slightly surprised to find Joxer actually was outside relieving himself and not trying to run away. He wasn’t sure what the other God’s were doing to the mortal but he was starting to get at least one idea even if, unbeknownst to him, it was the wrong one. When Ares had sensed Strife’s familiar signature amongst the others around Joxer he’d been instantly bowled over by the feelings that arose in him. Grief had threatened to overpower him; Ares had had to concentrate and block the signature from his mind, which had caused him to collapse on Joxer. The idea that he’d collapsed on a mortal was embarrassing enough but usually the mortal in question would be threatened until he didn’t dare reveal to anyone Ares brief weakness. Ares could only assume that finding Strife’s very faint signature on Joxer meant the mortal had either been Strife’s lover (which he doubted because of Aphrodite’s impotence curse) or his child, something he hoped wasn’t true because it would reinforce the idea that Strife could have cheated on Cupid whilst they were together.
Ares snapped out of his musings as Joxer hesitantly walked back into the room, carefully closing the door behind him; Ares was impressed the mortal hadn’t considered waking Xena or Hercules but he didn’t let it show. The God wasn’t sure why but the mortal bothered him; it wasn’t just because he thought Joxer could be Strife’s son or because Joxer left his service, that was only a small amount of it, the mortal just made him uncomfortable and Ares disliked being uncomfortable. He noticed the bruising around Joxer wrist as the man dubiously sat down, trying hard not to rub at his wrist.
“Does it hurt?” Ares asked raising an eyebrow as Joxer looked at him in bewilderment, “the wrist, is it sore?”
Joxer was bewildered more then anything else; there was something almost surreal about the slightly psychopathic God he was attracted to asking him if his wrist hurt. He shook his head, “No, not really.”
Slightly relieved though he wasn’t sure why, Ares put his behaviour down to guilt over Strife’s death. The God guessed he was overcompensating with Joxer because he believed the mortal was Strife’s son, after all there was no other explanation why Joxer would have Strife’s signature imprinted on him. Ares sighed, “Let’s start again shall we?” he asked as he leant against one side of the chair “I won’t read your thoughts again but I do expect honest answers.” He kept his eyes fixed on Joxer’s, “How did you know Strife and what are you doing with Cupid and Asyinnitos?”
Feeling an involuntary belly lurch at the mention of Strife, Joxer swallowed hard and struggled to find an answer; finally he settled on one which he, very softly, told Ares, “Strife was my friend; he was one of my best friends since I was a child.” He wasn’t sure where Ares had got Strife’s name from though briefly it crossed his mind that maybe Ares could sense something that Joxer couldn’t; he was uneasy talking about his friend especially when he guessed Strife also had something to do with the other God’s protecting him.
Ares considered this, nodding slightly as it confirmed his theory that Joxer was a child of Strifes. Whilst the knowledge that the Mischief God had cheated on Cupid more then once infuriated him Ares couldn’t help but remember Asyinnitos’ words about someone forcing Strife to father Psyche without his consent. The idea made Ares think, it definitely had merits; he’d been guilty of believing the worst of Strife throughout most of the Godlings life, now his death had proven to Ares that he was determined to not let that happen again. One way or another Ares would find out who forced Strife to father his children and somehow make it up to the God; Ares had only realised once his nephew had died how fond he was of him. The War God disliked using the word love but he had a definite fondness for Strife, the same as he had with all his own children. He’d all but raised Strife as a young Godling and taught him as best he could; Ares regretted standing by whilst Strife was persecuted by the other God’s for something he wouldn’t have done and resolved to not only clear his nephews name but to also work harder on getting Hades to find Strife and bring him back. Ares started slightly out of his musings as he realised Joxer was speaking to him; the mortals voice was soft but focussed,
“Why do you care what happened to Strife? You left him alone when he was dying and then you left his body for anyone to get their hands on. Wasn’t he even worth coming back for?” Joxer willed his voice to remain steady, something about Ares expression made him want to shake the God roughly and force him to see what he had lost; the mortal was unprepared for the sadness that clouded the War God’s face and the shame that followed seconds later.
“Yes I did,” Ares answered, his voice calm not betraying the turmoil he felt within not only at the new revelations or the mention of his dead nephew but at the part he played in Strife’s death. Ares had been so intent on getting what he wanted and what he thought was best that he’d never worried about his nephews’ safety. Even though he’d known that Hinds blood could kill a God Ares had, in his arrogance, assumed that death would only be temporary until Hades and Zeus would concede that the God was allowed back. Ares had been compelled by guilt to ask them to bring Strife back but when neither had been able to locate Strife and reinstate him as a God, the War God had had a very unwelcome epiphany.
“I’m not going to explain my actions to you, the relationship Strife and I had was very …difficult,” Ares searched for the right word, “But I did care for him and I will do everything in my power to bring him back. I miss him.” He admitted, not noticing the effect his words had on Joxer.
Joxer had felt a deep rage at the arrogance of Ares first words but the fury had tempered slightly at his last admission, “So why didn’t you come back for him then?” Joxer decided to push his luck; he wasn’t willing to take ‘I’m a God I don’t have to explain’ as a reason he wanted to know the truth; he felt like he owed Strife to find out. “I know most of the Gods hate him but no one came back for him not even you or his Mother.” Joxer paused, “And no one seemed to mourn him either, not until Cupid,” he avoided mentioning just how he had found out that Cupid grieved for Strife and what the Love God had discussed with Asyinnitos merely adding, “the last time I saw him he was going ballistic over Strife’s death.”
Ares tried to quash the relief he felt at hearing Joxers explanation; only a small part (to his shame) was from the knowledge that Strife hadn’t been alone when he died and that, Ares presumed, Joxer had been the one to give him a Warriors funeral. He ignored the fact that Strife’s death had undoubtedly been the thing that made Joxer forsake his faith; the War God also didn’t want to examine why he was feeling relieved over his son’s motives for seeing Joxer and putting his protection on the mortal. “Well I didn’t really think you were Cupids type.” He paused not willing to go into the relationship between Strife and Cupid or Olympian politics, “I’m guessing he noticed what I can see, it makes sense why he would go slightly crazy.” Ares rubbed his neck, not only was everything starting to connect he was beginning to feel more confident about what to do next. It was almost a shame that he (unknowingly) had things connected so wrong; noticing that Joxer was about to start asking more questions Ares hurriedly added,
“As for Asyinnitos, I would hope you aren’t sleeping with my cousin. Her naiveté, despite her age, far outweighs your own. However the soft spot she had for Strife doesn’t mean she can let her heart rule her head and embrace you in an attempt to get him back; besides you aren’t her type.” Ares wasn’t sure why he added that and he swiftly moved on, “no wonder she’s cursing everyone; I must admit I never believed she would be the one to punish everyone for their mistakes with Strife but I suppose it’s in her blood.” The War God smirked slightly as Joxer blushed deeply and shook his head obviously denying a relationship between himself and the Goddess.
“No I’ve never slept with a Goddess before or God for that matter,” Joxer shook his head again trying to stop the blush coating his cheeks from deepening, “And she’s young, much to young for me.”
Ares warded off the urge to smile at Joxer and merely moved closer to tower over the flustered mortal as he babbled more denials; leaning down until he was face to face with Joxer he was slightly amused by the mortals ability to talk, Ares was almost tempted to grab him by the shoulders and instruct him to ‘breathe’- he was positive the mortal would pass out before he gave up on explaining himself.
“I’ve never slept with anyone with even a hint of Godly blood.” Joxer added as he tried to emphasise his point; he wasn’t sure why he was so adamant Ares believed him but he had an inkling that it was because of his attraction to the God.
“Pity,” Ares murmured as if in answer to Joxer’s words which cut off the man’s chatter mid sentence leaving both mortal and God staring at each other, their faces only centimetres apart. Joxer, unsure of how to react when the object of his fantasies was so close to him, stared up into his ex-God’s eyes. Ares eyes remained fixed on the mortal wondering why he invoked such a response in him, he was torn between kissing the mortal and flashing away; never one to take the coward’s way out Ares made the first move and leant forward pressing his lips firmly against Joxer’s. When he felt the mans lips part slightly as he responded to the kiss, Ares deepened it slipping his tongue into Joxer’s mouth to tease the mortals own.
Both men were so engrossed in their kiss they didn’t notice the bright flash that lit up the room but Ares definitely noticed the power that ripped him from Joxer making him stagger back.
“Pig!”
Ares grimaced at the small fist that planted itself in his back; though the punch hadn’t been hard by any standards he was slightly put out that someone had dared punch him and turned to glare at his cousin who pushed passed him to check Joxer over.
His lips slightly swollen from the kiss, Joxer blushed deeply as Asyinnitos ran her hands over his upper body scanning him anxiously. Seemingly satisfied the tiny Goddess twisted around to face Ares matching the War God’s scowl with an almost identical one, “How dare you attempt to block me from him?” Asyinnitos hands went immediately to her hips as she attempted to out-glare the War God in front of her, “What in Zeus’ name are you even doing here?”
Ares licked his lips, still tasting Joxer on them he resisted the urge to smile; his anger at his cousin had faded the moment he’d seen her concern was that of a mother not that of a lover. Knowing that reinforced his belief that Joxer was Strife’s son and made Ares more determined to get back to Olympus to start clearing Strife’s name and find a way to bring the dead God back. Holding up his hands in apology Ares answered her, not going with his traditional ‘I’m the God of War line’ and trying not to smile at the look of furious indignation on her face, “I apologise. I was a little concerned over the relationship between you, Cupid and Joxer.” The bewilderment that flooded Asyinnitos face fuelled Ares belief that she’d never considered any relationship and was just fond of Joxer, not in love with him, and the God continued,
“I won’t try to block you again and I won’t bother Joxer either,” Ares looked towards Joxer and smiled, unable to resist adding, “Unless he wants me to of course,” before he flashed out of the room leaving behind an extremely confused mortal and irate Goddess.
Title: The God Within 7/?
Author: Wildannuette
Fandom: Herc/Xena
Email:auxilary25248891@aol.com
Website: lj
Rating: FRT
Summary: Ares isn't impressed with being out of the loop and goes straight to the source of the problems- Joxer.
Warnings: mpreg, beginning of slash
Notes: Thanks for betaing for me Hallie :)
Joxer stared at Ares, his face white as he swallowed back the giggles and almost choked in his haste. Seeing the God of War glare so coldly was enough to kill anyone’s good mood and had Joxer been drunk it would have sobered him up in an instant.
Joxer stared at Ares, his face white as he swallowed back the giggles and almost choked in his haste. Seeing the God of War glare so coldly was enough to kill anyone’s good mood and had Joxer been drunk it would have sobered him up in an instant. He hesitated; still lying across the bed propped up slightly by his elbows Joxer was unsure of what to do. A part of him screamed to get up and stand in front of his God, *ex-God* he thought reminding himself, to apologise for leaving his service even if he had been a useless warrior. The other part (which was still furious over Strife’s treatment) wanted to glare as coldly back and demand what Ares was doing in his room before throwing the War God out on his backside. Unfortunately for Joxer his mind then took the opportunity to remind him that Ares could read thoughts which didn’t help his decision making and left the mortal staring silently at the God in confusion; Ares, who wasn’t in the best mood, took Joxer’s expression and silence for defiance.
His mouth still set in a grim line Ares stood up intent on showing the mortal how to properly respect his God when something caught his attention that he’d overlooked before; he couldn’t sense himself on Joxer at all he could only sense Asyinnitos. His expression wrinkling into a frown Ares strode over to Joxer and taking the man’s shoulder, the God pulled him up into a sitting position so he could scan deeper. All he could sense was Asyinnitos’ signature on Joxer; his cousin seemed to have coated the mortal in it blocking off all other’s (though Ares couldn’t tell why) except for Cupid’s mark which, although faint, was also there. Ares was pondering many different scenarios none of which appealed and all of which annoyed him, so he telepathically probed Joxer’s mind picking up on the first thing Joxer was thinking about,
*Is he angry because I don’t worship him anymore or because of this thing with Asyinnitos and Cupid? * Joxer couldn’t help his current line of thinking especially when Ares was mystifying him; not only had he not thrown Joxer from the bed and pounded into him but the War God merely stood beside Joxer’s bed holding him upright as he stared intensely at him for what reason Joxer had no clue.
Ares eyes narrowed at the thought of his son and cousin having anything to do with someone the God had considered one of *his* mortals but he released Joxer’s shoulder letting the mortal slump back against the bedsheets. Far too calmly Ares walked to the end of the bed and thought up a chair that he sat on keeping his gaze firmly fixed on Joxer.
“What thing would that be then Joxer?” The War God raised an eyebrow keeping his annoyance at bay, “Do you worship them now instead of me?”
Ares couldn’t really see that happening; Joxer was too clueless for Cupid to have as a worshipper having spent far to much time mooning over Gabrielle and there was no way he could work in Asyinnitos’ service. The only way Ares could see that could possibly link Joxer, Cupid and Asyinnitos together was to assume both God’s were recruiting the mortal in some manner- the only likely reason they would be doing that was if they intended to start a baby boom with Joxer as (in Ares opinion) the very unsuited stud. The idea was extremely far fetched but it had been done before, though under completely different circumstances for many complicated reasons. Ares had to reject the idea; Cupid was far too unstable at present to even think of such a venture besides Ares knew Aphrodite and Hera tended to work very closely with Asyinnitos on those such matters. Whilst Ares doubted his Mother would gossip he knew Aphrodite wouldn’t have been able to keep such a plan to herself.
Ares found the idea that Joxer had left his service deeply insulting; although the man had been an incompetent warrior or hero he had been a source of amusement for Ares. Only now Ares wasn’t amused and Joxer wasn’t acting like a fool, which both intrigued and annoyed Ares. The God wasn’t sure whether Joxer had left his service for a specific reason or was just feeling suicidal but the man was obviously struggling to find an answer, one Ares was positive wouldn’t satisfy him.
Joxer’s face twisted slightly in confusion at Ares questions but he automatically answered, “I don’t worship anyone anymore.” He clenched his fists waiting for Ares to blast him into tiny pieces but when the God merely frowned as if just as baffled, Joxer found new strength in being on a slightly more equal footing. “I gave up on the Gods over a month ago. Cupid and Asyinnitos are the only one’s I’ve seen since then,” Joxer continued finding it very insulating that it had taken Ares over a month to realise that he was no longer worshipping him; Joxer wondered if all the tributes he’d made were redundant, had Ares never listened to the prayers Joxer had faithfully made each night? He felt a nasty feeling settle in the pit of his stomach as it dawned on him that obviously Ares hadn’t considered him in any way at all; Joxer could see now that, to Ares, he wasn’t worthy of anything at all. Rather then depress the mortal- it infuriated him; now Joxer’s fists were clenched for another reason,
“and since when are you so bothered about who I do and don’t worship? Did turning my back on you hurt your pride?” he asked annoyance beginning to show on his face, “Or did it just piss you off that I dared?”
Ares stared at Joxer in disbelief, a mere mortal was questioning him and rudely at that, something the God wouldn’t tolerate. Feeling anger rise in him at Joxer words Ares stood up stalking back over to the bed, he had every intention of teaching the man a lesson he would never forget when he picked up on something else around Joxer, something that flickered briefly amidst Asyinnitos signature. He lunged at Joxer grabbing him by the shoulders and pinning him to the bed as the mortal tried to pull away; Ares concentrated on the tiny abnormality within the mark surrounding Joxer and focussed his power on it, pulling it out to examine it. The answer hit him full in the face and he staggered letting go of Joxer and collapsing on him as finally he sensed it- Strife.
Shaking slightly, Joxer resisted the urge to poke the War God who was lying on top of him; Joxer had been sure, the instant outrage had flooded the God’s face, that he was due a one way ticket to the Underworld. Despite holding his ground the mortal had started shaking the instant he’d answered Ares and it had only intensified when the God had seized him. Joxer tried to shift slightly, extremely uncomfortable because of Ares proximity; not only was the God lying across him in a position only his dreams knew about but he was also lying directly on Joxer’s chest and bladder- the former of which was sore, the latter full. Joxer shifted again trying turn the God so his head was no longer in the nape of his neck and to get a look at Ares face to see if the God had actually passed out. Instead the movement pushed Ares slightly to one side so that his leather vest scraped Joxers sore chest, the thin material of the mortal’s vest barely protecting his tender nipples. Joxer yelped, pushing more against Ares as the God stirred and propped himself up his elbows either side of Joxers chest. Biting off a sigh of relief Joxer stared up at Ares; confusion was on the God’s face for a second before he pushed himself up and jumped up trying to exude a semblance of calm whilst he moved back to his chair.
Hesitantly Joxer sat up and seeing the God watching him decided to take a chance. “I need to um, you know, um go,” he looked at Ares trying to convey his meaning and when the God nodded Joxer managed to stand up on his shaky legs. Making his way to the door, he passed Ares chair and the God’s hand shot out grasping Joxer around the wrist and barring his way; despite the forceful grip Joxer kept his eyes on Ares willing the God to let him go, his bladder was filled to bursting and he knew better then to try to hide from the God besides even if he did try to run away Ares would only find him later.
Slowly Ares let go of Joxer’s wrist not seeing the fingermarks he’d left behind; he allowed the man to pass him but used his senses to keep an eye on him. Ares was slightly surprised to find Joxer actually was outside relieving himself and not trying to run away. He wasn’t sure what the other God’s were doing to the mortal but he was starting to get at least one idea even if, unbeknownst to him, it was the wrong one. When Ares had sensed Strife’s familiar signature amongst the others around Joxer he’d been instantly bowled over by the feelings that arose in him. Grief had threatened to overpower him; Ares had had to concentrate and block the signature from his mind, which had caused him to collapse on Joxer. The idea that he’d collapsed on a mortal was embarrassing enough but usually the mortal in question would be threatened until he didn’t dare reveal to anyone Ares brief weakness. Ares could only assume that finding Strife’s very faint signature on Joxer meant the mortal had either been Strife’s lover (which he doubted because of Aphrodite’s impotence curse) or his child, something he hoped wasn’t true because it would reinforce the idea that Strife could have cheated on Cupid whilst they were together.
Ares snapped out of his musings as Joxer hesitantly walked back into the room, carefully closing the door behind him; Ares was impressed the mortal hadn’t considered waking Xena or Hercules but he didn’t let it show. The God wasn’t sure why but the mortal bothered him; it wasn’t just because he thought Joxer could be Strife’s son or because Joxer left his service, that was only a small amount of it, the mortal just made him uncomfortable and Ares disliked being uncomfortable. He noticed the bruising around Joxer wrist as the man dubiously sat down, trying hard not to rub at his wrist.
“Does it hurt?” Ares asked raising an eyebrow as Joxer looked at him in bewilderment, “the wrist, is it sore?”
Joxer was bewildered more then anything else; there was something almost surreal about the slightly psychopathic God he was attracted to asking him if his wrist hurt. He shook his head, “No, not really.”
Slightly relieved though he wasn’t sure why, Ares put his behaviour down to guilt over Strife’s death. The God guessed he was overcompensating with Joxer because he believed the mortal was Strife’s son, after all there was no other explanation why Joxer would have Strife’s signature imprinted on him. Ares sighed, “Let’s start again shall we?” he asked as he leant against one side of the chair “I won’t read your thoughts again but I do expect honest answers.” He kept his eyes fixed on Joxer’s, “How did you know Strife and what are you doing with Cupid and Asyinnitos?”
Feeling an involuntary belly lurch at the mention of Strife, Joxer swallowed hard and struggled to find an answer; finally he settled on one which he, very softly, told Ares, “Strife was my friend; he was one of my best friends since I was a child.” He wasn’t sure where Ares had got Strife’s name from though briefly it crossed his mind that maybe Ares could sense something that Joxer couldn’t; he was uneasy talking about his friend especially when he guessed Strife also had something to do with the other God’s protecting him.
Ares considered this, nodding slightly as it confirmed his theory that Joxer was a child of Strifes. Whilst the knowledge that the Mischief God had cheated on Cupid more then once infuriated him Ares couldn’t help but remember Asyinnitos’ words about someone forcing Strife to father Psyche without his consent. The idea made Ares think, it definitely had merits; he’d been guilty of believing the worst of Strife throughout most of the Godlings life, now his death had proven to Ares that he was determined to not let that happen again. One way or another Ares would find out who forced Strife to father his children and somehow make it up to the God; Ares had only realised once his nephew had died how fond he was of him. The War God disliked using the word love but he had a definite fondness for Strife, the same as he had with all his own children. He’d all but raised Strife as a young Godling and taught him as best he could; Ares regretted standing by whilst Strife was persecuted by the other God’s for something he wouldn’t have done and resolved to not only clear his nephews name but to also work harder on getting Hades to find Strife and bring him back. Ares started slightly out of his musings as he realised Joxer was speaking to him; the mortals voice was soft but focussed,
“Why do you care what happened to Strife? You left him alone when he was dying and then you left his body for anyone to get their hands on. Wasn’t he even worth coming back for?” Joxer willed his voice to remain steady, something about Ares expression made him want to shake the God roughly and force him to see what he had lost; the mortal was unprepared for the sadness that clouded the War God’s face and the shame that followed seconds later.
“Yes I did,” Ares answered, his voice calm not betraying the turmoil he felt within not only at the new revelations or the mention of his dead nephew but at the part he played in Strife’s death. Ares had been so intent on getting what he wanted and what he thought was best that he’d never worried about his nephews’ safety. Even though he’d known that Hinds blood could kill a God Ares had, in his arrogance, assumed that death would only be temporary until Hades and Zeus would concede that the God was allowed back. Ares had been compelled by guilt to ask them to bring Strife back but when neither had been able to locate Strife and reinstate him as a God, the War God had had a very unwelcome epiphany.
“I’m not going to explain my actions to you, the relationship Strife and I had was very …difficult,” Ares searched for the right word, “But I did care for him and I will do everything in my power to bring him back. I miss him.” He admitted, not noticing the effect his words had on Joxer.
Joxer had felt a deep rage at the arrogance of Ares first words but the fury had tempered slightly at his last admission, “So why didn’t you come back for him then?” Joxer decided to push his luck; he wasn’t willing to take ‘I’m a God I don’t have to explain’ as a reason he wanted to know the truth; he felt like he owed Strife to find out. “I know most of the Gods hate him but no one came back for him not even you or his Mother.” Joxer paused, “And no one seemed to mourn him either, not until Cupid,” he avoided mentioning just how he had found out that Cupid grieved for Strife and what the Love God had discussed with Asyinnitos merely adding, “the last time I saw him he was going ballistic over Strife’s death.”
Ares tried to quash the relief he felt at hearing Joxers explanation; only a small part (to his shame) was from the knowledge that Strife hadn’t been alone when he died and that, Ares presumed, Joxer had been the one to give him a Warriors funeral. He ignored the fact that Strife’s death had undoubtedly been the thing that made Joxer forsake his faith; the War God also didn’t want to examine why he was feeling relieved over his son’s motives for seeing Joxer and putting his protection on the mortal. “Well I didn’t really think you were Cupids type.” He paused not willing to go into the relationship between Strife and Cupid or Olympian politics, “I’m guessing he noticed what I can see, it makes sense why he would go slightly crazy.” Ares rubbed his neck, not only was everything starting to connect he was beginning to feel more confident about what to do next. It was almost a shame that he (unknowingly) had things connected so wrong; noticing that Joxer was about to start asking more questions Ares hurriedly added,
“As for Asyinnitos, I would hope you aren’t sleeping with my cousin. Her naiveté, despite her age, far outweighs your own. However the soft spot she had for Strife doesn’t mean she can let her heart rule her head and embrace you in an attempt to get him back; besides you aren’t her type.” Ares wasn’t sure why he added that and he swiftly moved on, “no wonder she’s cursing everyone; I must admit I never believed she would be the one to punish everyone for their mistakes with Strife but I suppose it’s in her blood.” The War God smirked slightly as Joxer blushed deeply and shook his head obviously denying a relationship between himself and the Goddess.
“No I’ve never slept with a Goddess before or God for that matter,” Joxer shook his head again trying to stop the blush coating his cheeks from deepening, “And she’s young, much to young for me.”
Ares warded off the urge to smile at Joxer and merely moved closer to tower over the flustered mortal as he babbled more denials; leaning down until he was face to face with Joxer he was slightly amused by the mortals ability to talk, Ares was almost tempted to grab him by the shoulders and instruct him to ‘breathe’- he was positive the mortal would pass out before he gave up on explaining himself.
“I’ve never slept with anyone with even a hint of Godly blood.” Joxer added as he tried to emphasise his point; he wasn’t sure why he was so adamant Ares believed him but he had an inkling that it was because of his attraction to the God.
“Pity,” Ares murmured as if in answer to Joxer’s words which cut off the man’s chatter mid sentence leaving both mortal and God staring at each other, their faces only centimetres apart. Joxer, unsure of how to react when the object of his fantasies was so close to him, stared up into his ex-God’s eyes. Ares eyes remained fixed on the mortal wondering why he invoked such a response in him, he was torn between kissing the mortal and flashing away; never one to take the coward’s way out Ares made the first move and leant forward pressing his lips firmly against Joxer’s. When he felt the mans lips part slightly as he responded to the kiss, Ares deepened it slipping his tongue into Joxer’s mouth to tease the mortals own.
Both men were so engrossed in their kiss they didn’t notice the bright flash that lit up the room but Ares definitely noticed the power that ripped him from Joxer making him stagger back.
“Pig!”
Ares grimaced at the small fist that planted itself in his back; though the punch hadn’t been hard by any standards he was slightly put out that someone had dared punch him and turned to glare at his cousin who pushed passed him to check Joxer over.
His lips slightly swollen from the kiss, Joxer blushed deeply as Asyinnitos ran her hands over his upper body scanning him anxiously. Seemingly satisfied the tiny Goddess twisted around to face Ares matching the War God’s scowl with an almost identical one, “How dare you attempt to block me from him?” Asyinnitos hands went immediately to her hips as she attempted to out-glare the War God in front of her, “What in Zeus’ name are you even doing here?”
Ares licked his lips, still tasting Joxer on them he resisted the urge to smile; his anger at his cousin had faded the moment he’d seen her concern was that of a mother not that of a lover. Knowing that reinforced his belief that Joxer was Strife’s son and made Ares more determined to get back to Olympus to start clearing Strife’s name and find a way to bring the dead God back. Holding up his hands in apology Ares answered her, not going with his traditional ‘I’m the God of War line’ and trying not to smile at the look of furious indignation on her face, “I apologise. I was a little concerned over the relationship between you, Cupid and Joxer.” The bewilderment that flooded Asyinnitos face fuelled Ares belief that she’d never considered any relationship and was just fond of Joxer, not in love with him, and the God continued,
“I won’t try to block you again and I won’t bother Joxer either,” Ares looked towards Joxer and smiled, unable to resist adding, “Unless he wants me to of course,” before he flashed out of the room leaving behind an extremely confused mortal and irate Goddess.