Joxer's Revenge
Title: Joxer’s Revenge 1/?
Status: WIP
Author: Stephanie M wicciangirl51@hotmail.com
Pairing: A/J, X/G (implied)
Disclaimer: Don't own ay of the characters mentioned herein.
Part 1
Joxer trailed behind the two women once again questioning his decision to help Ares keep an eye on his daughter. Ever since he had joined up with Xena, he had been treated like dirt, not that he did anything to the stop the women. But how could he say no to the one person he could honestly call a friend.
A sound nearby caused the small party to stop suddenly. Joxer feeling that something was wrong ignored Xena and Gabrielle and approached the sound. Joxer stopped in a mix of shock and horror at the sight before him.
A man was lying on the ground, although his face was covered in blood Joxer knew the identity of the man. It was Ares, he could tell that Ares was badly hurt but what worried him the most was the fact that Ares hadn’t gone to his temple to heal.
Ignoring the women who had moved closer while he was staring at Ares’ body, Joxer quickly moved forward. Cradling the man’s head in his lap, Joxer brushed the bloody locks from his beloved’s head. Joxer knew that only one man could have done this Zeus, in that moment Joxer made a vow to make the God pay for what he had done. No one was allowed to hurt his beloved.
The anger, rage and hatred in Joxer’s eyes made Xena stop in shock, in that moment she could see that Jett’s bloodthirsty rage wasn’t that far below the surface, obviously Joxer had the same deadly abilities and anger as his brother. At that moment, Xena gulped hard, feeling sorry for whoever was on the receiving end of Joxer’s anger.
As Xena moved closer she could make out some of the words Joxer was whispering, the love in his voice, being tears to her eyes.
“Oh Res, what happened this time? I promise you they’ll pay for hurting you, love. I swear it, my beautiful Res. I’ll look after you. I’m sorry I didn’t get here in time.” Joxer whispered into Ares’ ear, a feeling of guilt sweeping through him, if only he had gotten here just a little earlier.
Joxer turned at the feeling of someone moving closer, ready to protect what was his. Few people saw behind the image of the fool he had perfected which made it all the easier in a fight. Joxer’s smile changed, unconsciously imitating a grin he had seen on Ares’ face shortly before the God had disappeared into battle.
At the bloodthirsty look on his face Xena stilled, she had to get to the man on the floor but she didn’t know what this new Joxer was capable of doing. Moving her hands in a sign of surrender, Xena moved forward careful not to make any aggressive moves towards the man, Res, knowing that Joxer would try to attack her if she did.
Once she had finished dressing the worst of the wounds Xena turned towards Joxer, who hadn’t let go of the other man’s hand the whole time. She realised that Joxer cared deeply for this man and perhaps even loved him just as much if not more than she loved Gabrielle.
*******
Ares was slowly regaining consciousness; a feeling of safety and security was all around him. He knew that he was safe to heal, away from his father. Ares slowly opened his eyes, seeing nothing but Joxer’s concerned face looking back at him. Ares smiled knowing that he was with his friend.
“I found you then, Jox. I’m guessing you know what happened.” Ares stated not wanting to say the words.
“I know, I suppose the only question is how do I get revenge?” Joxer replied, his voice serious, a grin on his face as he thought of ways to terrorise Zeus. Although he knew what he was going to do to Ares’ father he didn’t quite know how he could get the elder God alone.
“I’m guessing that you know him, right Joxer?” Gabrielle asked intruding on the private moment. She pouted as he ignored her, thinking to herself by the Gods he was supposed to be worshiping her.
“Joxer we need to move him, do you know anywhere safe around here?” Xena said softly as she fixed the stranger to a makeshift stretcher.
“Yes, follow me but be careful with him.” Joxer replied, his eyes promising death to Xena if Ares was hurt further.
*******
With one last look back, Joxer walked through the forest, apparently not following any path but with a determination that made the others follow him. After about fifteen minutes Joxer stopped at a tree and moved his hand up to the fourth branch and pulled.
Within seconds there was a hum as a door appeared in the dense trees in front of the group. Joxer walked inside waiting for the others to follow, as he walked towards the bedrooms.
“What is this place?” Xena asked as she placed the prone man on the bed, taking care not to reopen any of the wounds.
“It’s my father’s house now I’m going to call him.” Joxer replied leaving the room, making Xena and Gabrielle stare after him in amazement.
“This can’t be his family home we’ve more than ten days away from Corinth and this place was hidden.” Gabrielle whined at Xena.
“Well I get the feeling that Joxer hasn’t told us everything.” Xena replied remembering the way Joxer had acted earlier.
Both the women jumped as the man on the bed started shouting deliriously, his voice full of pain, “JOX… JOX… NO…JOXER!”
Joxer ran into the room stopping Xena who was moving towards the man. In the blink of an eye Joxer at the man’s side, tenderly stroking the man’s head. “Its alright Res, I’m here, love. Dad’s coming soon, I promise everything will be alright.”
At his touch Ares calmed and fell back into a somewhat restless sleep, Joxer went to leave but found that Ares still had hold of his hand. Ares was burning up; Joxer could feel the heat from his position next to the bed.
“Dad, I need you. Res is hurt. Dad it’s bad.” Joxer said into the room, surprising the women who looked at him like he was insane.
There was a flash of blue sparks as Hephasteus appeared concern on his face. Not looking at the other occupants of the room, he walked straight over to Ares. With a wave of his hand he healed the large gash on Ares’ head and removed all signs of infection. Concentrating he searched for other injuries, anger burning in his eyes when he discovered that Ares had been whipped and beaten. Healing the cuts he turned to his son.
“It’s great to see you dad. I take it you know what happened?” Joxer said, as his father walked over.
“Yeah, it was Zeus but from you’re face I can tell that you’re not too surprised. I think its time to put that old plan of yours into action.” Hephasteus said.
“Cool! Can you get Jett for me? He’s still in prison but since when has that bothered you.” Joxer replied with a smile, he hadn’t thought about the plan for at least twenty years.
“Stop, this must be a joke. Joxer is not the son of a God.” Gabrielle said, obviously holding in laughter.
“He’s my son, and I will not have you upsetting him, you blonde bimbo.” Hephasteus said, angrily.
“Who’s that on the bed then, Ares?” Gabrielle said bursting into laugher.
“Not that it matters but yes, its Ares.” Joxer said as Jett appeared.
The two brothers hugged tightly, Jett moving to stand guard on Ares while the injured God slept, reaching out for Joxer. Joxer held onto Ares’ hand and looked at the startled women.
“You two can stay here in one of the guest rooms. Dad, can you teleport them? I need to talk to you and Jett alone.” Joxer said, smiling as the women disappeared in a flash of sparks.
“I’ve locked them in their room. Now we can plan.” Hephasteus said, grinning widely.
Title: Joxer’s Revenge 2/?
Author: Stephanie M wicciangirl51@hotmail.com
Pairing: A/J, X/G
Part 2
“Are you sure he’s going to be alright?” Joxer asked his father worriedly, Ares looked far too pale.
“He’s going to be back to his moody self in no time. How did you find him?” Hephaestus replied, taking a seat and smirking at the way Joxer kept looking over at Ares.
“Oh, he was in the road a couple of miles away. I should have gotten there earlier, I knew something was wrong.” Joxer said dejectedly.
“He’s going to be fine, chill bro.” Jett said as he sat down, taking a few seconds to just enjoy being with his family.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to get Jace?” Hephaestus asked; he didn’t like separating the triplets, knowing they were stronger together.
“Cupid asked him to help out on a little project, something about getting Iolaus and Iphicles together.” Jett answered, seeing that Joxer was too busy thinking.
“Any idea just how we’re going to do this?” Hephaestus asked thoughtfully, it was a fairly complicated plan.
Joxer said eagerly, “Yeah. Have you made the bracelets?”
Hephaestus smiled at his most impatient son, “They’ve been waiting ever since you first suggested the plan a couple of hundred years ago.”
“Just checking, Dad.” Joxer said rolling his eyes, “Keep an eye on Zeus while we get the rest of our tools together?”
“Will do. You want me to see if your mom can help?” Hephasteus said, he knew she would do anything to help her boys.
“That would be great. I’m going to look after Ares until he’s well.” Joxer said smiling at the thought of spending time with Ares.
“We’ll have to get him to his power centre, it’s on a small island not far away. I’ll take you and him there while we sort everything out.” Hephaestus said, knowing it would take time to organise everything.
“Okay, get the bracelet on Zeus as soon as possible. Then bring him to us, mom and Jett should come along as well.” Joxer said, jumping from his seat as Ares started to moan quietly.
“What about the Xena and Gabrielle?” Hephaestus inquired, groaning when he saw the look on Jett’s face.
“Can I play with them awhile? I won’t hurt them permanently.” Jett said, pouting.
Joxer snarled, “NO! It would upset Ares if you hurt Xena and I don’t want him disturbed.”
Jett retorted, “I was only asking (!) We going to take them with us?”
“We may have too. As long as they don’t hurt Ares everything will be okay.” Joxer said, with a wide grin.
“I’ll have to go, Zeus is calling me.” Hephaestus said with a regretful smile.
“Okay, we’ll see you tomorrow?” Jett answered for the both of them.
“Tomorrow. Try not to cause too much trouble.” Hephaestus said as he flashed out the room.
“I’m going to check I’ve got everything we need. Later, bro.” Jett said as he hugged Joxer tightly before leaving the room.
*******
Ares woke slowly, feeling safe and loved for the first time in centuries. He smiled widely, knowing just whom he was with. He frowned when he remembered what had happened, was Joxer in danger?
“Jox, is that you??” Ares asked his voice betraying his fear.
“Yes, it me.” Joxer said squeezing Ares’ hand to comfort him.
“Where are we?” Ares asked wanting to make sure they were safe at least for the moment.
“Dad’s place. Jett’s next door checking his has everything. We’re going to your power centre to rest for a while.” Joxer said soothingly, trying to calm the terrified Ares.
“You’re up to something. Jox, what are you doing now?” Ares said as he looked at Joxer, seeing the anger, hate and love in the man’s eyes.
“Jett and are just going to have a little talk with someone.” Joxer answered evasively.
“You never just have a little talk, normally you end up torturing whoever it is. Who are you going after this time? Not Zeus? Joxer, its too dangerous!” Ares said, his voice getting louder and louder.
“We’ve been planning this for centuries. He deserves it after everything he’s done.” Joxer said defensively.
“I know, Jox. I just don’t want you to get hurt.” Ares said, softly.
“There’s no way that’s going to happen. Mom, dad and Jett will make sure of that.” Joxer said with a grin.
“When are we getting out of here, Jox?” Ares asked, not wanting to take the risk of Zeus finding them, he knew that his father would probably kill Joxer if he had the chance, and, as a mortal Ares wouldn’t be able to stop him.
“Tomorrow, we’ve just got a few preparations to make.” Joxer said, trying to remember where he had hidden his favourite daggers.
“Okay, you want to help me out of here?” Ares said as he started to move from the bed.
“Stay there Ares! Don’t even think about getting out of that bed!” Joxer scolded Ares as the former god winced at the movement.
“Talk about moody (!) Ya know, I’m going to have to move sometime.” Ares said with a grin, but he lay back on the bed. Thinking to himself that it was kind of nice the way Joxer was worried about him.
“Not until you’ve healed a little more. Dad healed as much as he could, but us mortals need time to rest after we get hurt.” Joxer said with a small smile, trying not to let it show how much it had scared him when he had found Ares on the road.
“I tried to get away from him, but he was too strong. I’m sorry for upsetting you, Jox.” Ares said apologetically, he had noticed the worry in Joxer’s face. He had hurt Joxer, okay by accident but he had vowed never to hurt the man. He had loved Joxer for about two centuries now and had done his best to protect the young man.
*******
“You okay?” Jett asked as he walked out into the garden, unsurprised to fin Joxer staring off into space.
“I’m fine.” Joxer replied flatly.
“You know you can’t lie to me. What’s up?” Jett said softly as he took a seat next to his brother.
“Did you see what he did to Ares? He almost killed him and I didn’t do anything.” Joxer said angrily.
Jett put an arm around his distraught brother saying, “In case you’ve forgotten, we’re mortal now. There was nothing you could have done.”
“That doesn’t make me feel any better. If we had put the plan into practice earlier we would have been able to stop Ares from getting hurt.” Joxer said stubbornly.
“We weren’t strong enough, and Zeus would have been waiting for us. He’s practically forgotten about us, he’ll never suspect anything. Have you told Ares you love him yet?” Jett said with a wise grin, he laughed at the shock on Joxer’s face at the sudden change of subject.
“What am I supposed to say? Oh by the way Ares, I’ve been in love with you for the last three hundred years (!) He’s never going to look at me like that, so leave it alone!” Joxer said with a bitter smile.
Jett said with a grin, “Maybe you should start listening to him.”
“I do listen to him!” Joxer insisted.
“But do you listen with your heart?” Jett retorted gently, knowing that Ares must have feelings for Joxer from the way the Ares acted around his brother.
“Okay I’ll start listening to him, properly. Thanks Jett.” Joxer said as he hugged his brother, taking strength from his brother’s confidence.
*******
“How are you doing?” Eris asked as she appeared in the garden.
“I’m doing okay, a lot better than Ares.” Joxer said as he hugged her.
“Joxer, this is me you’re talking to!” Eris scolded as she let go of him.
“I’m scared. What if I hadn’t found him?” Joxer said, tears flowing from his eyes as he thought about life without Ares.
“You did so stop worrying. Everything will be okay, son. I promise, now lets have a look at him.” Eris said as she took her sons heads and the three walked back to the house in silence.
“You’re looking better than I expected.” Eris said as she looked at her brother who only had eyes for Joxer.
“Thanks, Sis. I’m almost healed. Ares said distractedly as he noticed the tear tracks on Joxer’s face. Turning to look at Joxer he asked, “What’s wrong Jox?”
“Nothing.” Joxer answered, not wanting to admit that he had been crying.
“Doesn’t look like nothing. Come here.” Ares said, opening his arms to Joxer.
Joxer quickly moved into the waiting arms, taking care not hurt Ares. He inhaled the scent he of was pure Ares and relaxed slightly; enjoying the feeling of being held by the one he loved. He looked up, amazed to see his mother and brother had left the room.
“What’s really bothering you? I haven’t upset you have I?” Ares asked worry in his voice.
Joxer smiled at the concern Ares was showing and replied, “You haven’t done anything, Res. Don’t worry about it.”
‘I’m glad its nothing I’ve done. I’d rather die than hurt you, Jox. I wish I could tell you that I love you.’ Ares thought as he held Joxer close.
Joxer looked at Ares, unable to believe what he had “I love you too, Ares.”
Gods, I hadn’t meant to tell him. What if he hates me? Ares thought to himself, stopping to stare at as Joxer slowly said, “I love Ares. Its okay.”
He loves me. He actually love me, okay maybe I should do something, Ares thought. Smiling he bent down and gently kissed Joxer. He smiled as Joxer shivered as their lips met, thinking I did that, he’s shaking all because of me!
Title: Joxer’s Revenge 3/?
Author: Stephanie M wicciangirl51@hotmail.com
Pairing: A/J, X/G
Part 3
“Bro, have you seen my black daggers?” Jett shouted as he walked into the room, seeing Joxer and Ares engaged in a passionate kiss he smirked. Looked like he was going to win that little bet with Strife after all.
“What did you say, Jett?” Joxer asked a dazed smile on his face, as he broke away from Ares to look at his brother.
“I asked if you’d seen my black daggers, the ones with the wolf on. But now I’m thinking I should leave you two alone.” Jett said giggling at the glare the couple gave him.
“Your daggers are in the black box on the second shelf over there. This time, leave mine there, okay?” Joxer said pointing to the east wall.
“Yeah, sure. Oh, mom said that Ares had better look after you or she’ll hurt him.” Jett said nonchalantly.
Joxer grinned it was just like his mom to go all over-protective, “Thanks, Jett. Now go”
“So you love me?” Ares asked after Jett left the room, smirking.
“Have done for the last three hundred years. You’re a little dense sometimes, ya know?” Joxer said laughing at the look on shocked expression on Ares’ face.
“You’ve loved me for that long and you never said anything? I’ve been waiting for some sign you loved me for the last two hundred years.” Ares said incredulously.
“I didn’t think you’d ever look at me like that. As wonderful as this is, I’ve got to check on Xena. She deserves to know what’s going on.” Joxer said as he placed gently kissed Ares’ cheek and climbed off the bed.
“Be careful, she might be a little upset.” Ares shouted after him, sighing when Joxer left the room.
Joxer gently knocked on the door to the women’s room; he didn’t think they would appreciate it if he interrupted them. Taking a key from his pocket he opened the door, ready for anything.
Xena was sitting on a stool next to the bed, sharpening her sword. A part of Joxer’s mind wondered if that was supposed to intimidate him. Like he hadn’t seen worse things in this life (!) Gabrielle was asleep in bed, the covers pulled up to her throat.
“What’s going on, Joxer? Just what have you kept from me?” Xena asked, not worried about waking Gabrielle, the bard slept like the dead.
“I’m a God, my parents are Hephaestus and Eris. I was the God of Wrath until Zeus decided to punish us, about three centuries ago now.”
“So you’re telling me that you’re a god?” Xena asked in disbelief, like she would ever fall for that one.
Joxer shrugged and said, “Yeah, it doesn’t matter whether or not you believe me because you don’t matter. Just don’t try to interfere and you’ll be fine.”
“Why would I interfere? What are you and Ares planning?” Xena asked, glaring at Joxer.
“Actually Ares isn’t involved, he’s not to happy about what I’m doing. Tomorrow, we’re going to a little island to rest for a while. You and Gabrielle are coming with us, as our guests. As long as you don’t get in the way or try to hurt Ares, we won’t hurt you.” Joxer said with a gentle smile.
“Why did Zeus punish you?” Xena asked, feeling that she should know all the details.
“Zeus has these little bouts of insanity where he basically beats up on his kids for no reason. The last time he did that was on mom. Dad, Ares, my brothers and I stopped him, well we kind of locked him up in his temple slowly bleeding to death for a century but he deserved it. Zeus exiled my brothers and I to live as mortals, until he decides to let us back home. He hasn’t had one of these insanity bouts this since then, until today. This time he decided to almost kill Ares and take away his godhood. If it wasn’t for dad, Ares would have died today.” Joxer said, seriously as he sat down.
“Thanks for telling me, Joxer. I’ll tell Gabrielle tomorrow.” Xena said, seeing that she couldn’t do anything to change Joxer’s mind.
*******
Joxer closed the door behind him and walked back to his bedroom, smiling when he saw Ares lying on the bed hugging the pillow. Joxer was amazed at what had happened, a part of his mind insisted it was all a weird dream.
“What are you thinking about?” Ares asked as Joxer walked into the room.
“I didn’t wake you did I? Oh, just the plans for getting even with Zeus. I wanted to make sure, I haven’t forgotten anything.” Joxer said as he walked over to the bed, taking the lit candle with him.
Joxer placed the candle on the tabled next to the bed, and leaned in to kiss Ares. He loved the way Ares looked when he woke up; well to be honest he loved the way Ares looked all time.
”Tell me what you’ve planned and I’ll see if I can think of anything.” Ares said, as he broke the kiss, as much as he loved Joxer he wanted their first time to be special. There was no need to rush they had eternity to love each other.
“I asked dad to make this bracelet that will stop him from hurting any god or one of his children, it can’t be taken off. Dad worked on it with Apollo, they seem to think it will work. Apollo said there’s some kind of curse but can’t think of a way to take it off.” Joxer said, stopping he looked at Ares too see if his love had seen any problems with the plan.
“How are you going to get it on him?” Ares asked, amazed at Joxer’s plan.
“Dad’s going to do that, Zeus likes him so that will make it easier. After we’ve got it on him, we’re going to play with him a little. Then we’re going to get him to return your godhood and let us all go back home.” Joxer said seriously.
“I don’t think it’s going to be that easy. If this bracelet doesn’t work, you could get hurt.” Ares said as he pulled Joxer closer to him.
“Dad wouldn’t let me go through with this plan if there was any chance that the bracelet doesn’t work. Everything will be okay, Ares.” Joxer said patiently, although he loved the concern, he felt Ares was going a little overboard.
Ares yawned as he opened his mouth to explain his worries to Joxer. At his yawn, Joxer gave him a reproachful look and moved off the bed. Ares scowled, was Joxer going away now?
“Don’t worry, I’m just moving so I can get inside the covers. Go to sleep, Ares. Everything will seem better in the morning.” Joxer said cheerfully, he didn’t really believe that but he had to be positive for Ares.
“Night, Joxer. Love you.” Ares said as he moved so that his head was on Joxer’s chest, allowing him to hear the mortal’s heart beat.
“Night, Ares. Love you too. You know, this is far better than I imagined.” Joxer said, looking over at Ares, he was shocked to see Ares asleep. Smiling Joxer closed his eyes, knowing Ares would hear his declaration of love in his dreams.
Continue
Back To Joxer's Revenge Main Page
