Secrets, Love and Friendship
Title: Secrets, Love and Friendship 1/4
Author: Stephanie M
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Xena: Warrior Princess or Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, I’m just borrowing them!
There was a flash of red sparks as two people materialised at the small camp. The four heroes could only stare in shock at Joxer standing just in front of the War God. Joxer appeared calm, confident and happy. He was dressed in black; the only colour in his outfit came from the chain on his neck. It was a simple yet beautiful gold chain entwining a sword with a spider on the pommel with a red tear.
Hercules questioned in confusion, “Joxer, what’s happened to you?”
As she reached for her weapon Xena said, “I’ll find a way to make you pay Ares!”
Drawing his sword Joxer said lowly, “Don’t ever speak to Ares like that!”
Xena looked at him unable to believe Joxer The Mighty had just told her off! Or that Joxer the wannabe warrior and idiot extraordinaire was willing to fight her over Ares!
Joxer said happily, “I’ve come to tell you about my marriage.”
‘Who would be stupid enough to marry Joxer?’ Gabrielle thought as she exclaimed, “Your marriage?”
Forming the outline of a fireball, ready to destroy her for her thoughts Ares shouted, “You little bitch! How dare you treat him like that!”
Seeing the white-hot rage building inside the War God Joxer whispered, “Don’t kill her! I’ll deal with it.”
Ares said vowed calmly, “My love, if she hurts you, I’ll kill her slowly.”
“You’re married to Ares? How could you, Joxer?” Hercules asked, unable to believe his friend had actually married Ares.
Joxer replied with a shrug, “We’ve been dating for a while, and wanted to take the next step.”
“Just how long have you been dating our enemy?” Xena asked, having regained her voice.
Leaning against Ares Joxer replied seriously, “Longer than you imagine, over six hundred years altogether.”
Gabrielle spat out scornfully, “Don’t lie to us, Joxer.”
Joxer gave a cruel smirk, “I’m not lying! I was a god. Okay, not a Greek god but a god nonetheless.”
“Want to make yourselves comfortable? This will take a while, and you’re listening to it all.” Ares drawled sitting down, Joxer moving to sit on his lap.
Joxer concentrated and an image appeared in front of the group, he hoped the heroes appreciated that he was revealing his own memories in the hope to salvage their friendship. He decided that he should show his friends how he first met and fell in love with Ares.
*******
Quickly examining the man in front of him, Joxer had to admit that there was something about the mysterious god that called to him. He walked over to the stranger and stopped wondering just how to make his request.
Ares asked bored, “What do you want?”
Joxer swallowed audibly, “My name is Joxer, the Egyptian God of Strategy. I’ve got a little problem. Since you’re War, I figured you’re the best person to talk to about it.”
Placing his hand on Joxer’s shoulder Ares said, “I guess I can talk to you, we can go to my place.”
Joxer smiled widely, “Thank you for agreeing to listen to me. I would have asked Menthu but he’s in another of his moods.”
Three days later Ares was startled when Joxer suddenly flashed into the room unannounced. He couldn’t help but smile when he spied the mischievous grin in the face of his new friend.
Joxer smiled sincerely as he looked up at Ares, “I just wanted to say thanks again, you were a great help.”
“That’s okay, Joxer. I had nothing better to do,” Ares said with a small smile.
Ares smiled inwardly at the happiness radiating off the younger god, amazed that such a small thing apparently meant so much to Joxer.
“Call me Jox, all my friends do. You want to hang out for a while?” Joxer asked nonchalantly.
“Sure, Jox What do you want to do?” Ares said realising that he was in trouble if the butterflies in his stomach were any indication.
Joxer stopped to think for a second, “How about we go out dancing? Then we can start a little brawl somewhere-that’s always fun.”
“You’re on. Call me Res, by the way.” Ares said as the pair flashed out the room.
*******
Gabrielle was confused she had never heard of an Egyptian God of Strategy and anyway there was no way Joxer could ever be a god or even an exiled god. “He’s too stupid,” Gabrielle thought with a laugh.
“Why did you lose your godhood?” Xena asked, knowing it had to be something big for Joxer to be punished to live as a mortal.
“I’ll show you but I’m glad it happened.” Joxer said laughing at the confused look on the mortals’ faces.
*******
A tall slender woman sadly looked at a scroll saying softly, “Son, can you come here?”
A young and happy Joxer appeared looking about twenty-one. He quickly hugged his mother and sat down waiting to find out what was so important.
The woman’s voice was stern and betrayed no emotion, “It’s been brought to my attention that you have disobeyed one of our sacred rules and have lain with a male God. Do you deny this?”
Joxer stuck out his chin and said proudly, “No Hathor, I admit it. I had sex with a male God but I love him!”
Hathor could see what this was doing to her son but she had no choice but to follow the rules set down by Ra himself, “Who is this perverted Greek God?”
Tears flowing down his face Joxer said stubbornly, “It does not matter, mother. I accept the Pantheon’s punishment.”
Hathor looked down at her child a tear escaping her eyes as she declared, “Let it be known henceforth Joxer, God of Strategy is no more. He is exiled from Egypt. Your punishment is to be reborn as a child in Greece where your lover lives. On your sixteenth mortal birthday you will remember the man you love and what he cost you.”
*******
There was a flash of light and the scene changed to that of a war temple. A young, pale man walked in slowly stumbling towards the altar.
“Dear heart, its Joxer. You probably don’t even remember me,” Joxer said as he sat down on the edge of the throne.
Ares shouted as he appeared, “Thank God you’re alive, I’ve been worried sick! How come you’re here and mortal?”
Joxer went to move forward stopping when he realised that he hadn’t seen Ares in over sixteen years. He hadn’t even been given the chance to tell his lover why he was disappearing! Ares must have thought he had simply decided to end the relationship.
Swallowing the sudden lump in his throat Joxer said, “I was punished by the Pantheon. They found out about us and said that I was to relive my life here in Greece. I didn’t remember anything about you or my former life until today, they wiped my mind.”
“Everything will be okay, love. I promise,” Ares said tenderly as he caressed Joxer’s cheek.
Joxer said in shock, “You still love me, even though I just disappeared?”
Ares teased, “I told you, there’s no way you’re ever getting rid of me.”
Looking at Ares adoringly Joxer said, “We need to talk somewhere we won’t be interrupted.”
“We can go to our lake.” Ares said as he wrapped an arm around Joxer’s waist. The couple disappeared in a flash of sparks.
*******
Looking at the floor Ares confessed guiltily, “When you disappeared I figured you had met some woman in Egypt. I’ve always known I’m not good enough for you.”
‘How much would it take to convince Ares of his love?’ Joxer wondered saying, “There can never be anyone else for me, love.”
“How did they find out? I mean, we were careful.” Ares said as he sat down tightly holding Joxer, not intending to let the man go ever again.
Joxer shrugged it didn’t matter to him anymore, “Hathor got a scroll. Someone told her, probably one of my family. They never did like me. I didn’t get a chance to contact you, I was reborn in Greece immediately after the hearing.”
Ares said softly, “They had to get permission from Hades to have you reborn in Greece. I’m sorry. If it hadn’t been for me you would still be a God.”
Joxer said sternly, “Don’t ever apologise for loving me! Egypt doesn’t matter anymore.”
“I kissed you first and my uncle was involved in making you a Greek mortal,” Ares argued trying to make Joxer understand.
Joxer laughed, “I knew what I was getting into and if Hades hadn’t helped my ka would have been destroyed. I love you, ya stubborn idiot!”
Ares smiled-no one but Joxer would ever talk to him like that, “I love you too, Jox. I’m still going to get revenge on uncle H.”
Joxer sighed saying, “If he hadn’t let me be reborn here I never would have met you again, so he helped us in a way.”
Ares said excitedly, “Now we don’t have to worry about your family we can get married! We might have to leave it a while…Zeus is in one of his moods, again.”
Joxer grinned knowing it didn’t take much to upset Zeus, “Is he still on the whole Ares isn’t responsible enough to get married kick?”
Ares frowned saying, “Yeah, and now he thinks I’m going to pick someone who’s insane power hungry with plans to rule Olympus.”
With a calculating smirk Joxer said, “Tell you what, I can play the fool for a couple of years. He’ll think I’m just some idiot and he won’t mind us getting married.”
Ares said shocked, “You sure you want to do that? You’ll have to be like that all the time.”
Joxer laughed bitterly, “I’m doing that anyway. I get the feeling Jonus shouldn’t know what I’m capable of. He just seems to radiate darkness. Jonus has taken to hitting me so that I’ll become a better fighter, not that it’ll work.”
Ares said his eyes flashing with anger and passion, “He hurts you? That’s it I’m going to do something about him!”
Joxer said sincerely, “We have to play it out. Anyway, it won’t be so bad now I’ve got you.”
Ares asked with a gentle smile, “Why do you have to be so logical?”
“Maybe because your not?” Joxer retorted playfully.
“Hey! I can be when I want to be. It’s just that I’m not normally that patient,” Ares said indignantly.
With a fond smile Joxer said seriously, “You were with me.”
“That’s because you’re special and I love you.” Ares said seriously, gently kissing his love.
“What’s wrong?” Joxer asked feeling Ares stiffen suddenly.
Focusing on the temple Ares said, “Jonus is interrogating my priests over your whereabouts. Apparently he wants to punish you for entering a temple he thinks you are unworthy of.”
*******
“You dare to question my priests!” Ares shouted making himself visible to mortal eyes, Joxer at his side.
“I’m sorry my Lord. I was just trying to make sure that someone as unworthy as Joxer didn’t enter your temple.” Jonus said seriously as he roughly grabbed Joxer’s shirt and went to hit his disobedient son.
Using all his control to stop from blasting the warlord to pieces Ares said, “Stop NOW! Joxer was answering my summons. I have selected him for a very important mission.”
“What mission, my Lord?” Jonus asked wondering why his God had picked the worst of all his sons.
Thinking quickly Ares snarled, “That is none of your business, nor are you to ever question Joxer on the matter! He will come to my temple every day at sunset for training.”
“As you wish, my Lord.” Jonus said bowing deeply.
“Jonus, you are to ensure Joxer does not come to any harm. If he does, you will pay with your life,” Ares smiled cruelly at the pure fear on the warlord’s face.
Joxer simply looked up at Ares and nodded his head. He had a lot of experience in making sure his feelings for Ares were hidden so it was an instinctive reaction. He knew that Ares would feel his love and that was all that mattered.
“You mean that was all an act? You’re not really a…” Xena asked trailing off when she couldn’t think of a nice way to voice her thoughts.
Joxer said with a laugh, “Inept idiot warrior wannabe? No, but it served it’s purpose. You should have seen Zeus’ reaction after he married us!”
“You’re not insane or power hungry so he should be happy,” Ares whispered nuzzling Joxer’s neck.
Iolaus mock-glared at the happy couple, “I can’t believe you didn’t even invite me, after everything I’ve done for you!”
Ares said with a laugh, “Quit complaining, Io. We’ll show you everything that happened.”
Hercules looked at the Gods and Iolaus in shock, why was Ares being so pleasant with the hunter? It was almost like they were friends but they couldn’t be! Hercules was sure Iolaus would never be friends with someone as cruel as Ares.
“Io, we didn’t have time. It was one of those now or never things.” Joxer said honestly, maybe they could have another ceremony with their mortal friends?
Xena asked seriously, “What do you mean now or never?”
Ares said with a grin, “It was my birthday present, Zeus and Hera each agreed to grant me one request.”
Joxer grinned widely, “You know he only let us get married because he thought I was an idiot!”
“Yeah, but so did everyone else.” Ares answered, their plan had been so effective that everyone believed it even his own family.
Iolaus said impatiently, “Just show me what happened.”
“Fine, Gods you really need to work on your patience (!)” Ares said as an image formed.
Part 2
Remembering his promise over a thousand years ago Zeus said seriously, “Ares, as a present to you your mother and I will each grant you one request. Think carefully!”
“I request to marry Joxer of Corinth and make him a god.” Ares said determined not to show the excitement bursting through his veins.
“Joxer The Mighty, the one who follows Xena around?” Zeus questioned in shock, he hadn’t known about the relationship.
“Yes father.” Ares answered not wanting to say any more in case he said something wrong.
It didn’t look good for all her eldest son not to be married considering she was the Goddess of marriage Hera thought as she said, “Bring Joxer to us and we will consider your request.”
Ares smiled and flashed out the room only to materialise in a small comfortable room.
“Love, why are you here? I thought you had some birthday celebration with your family,” Joxer asked not looking up from the scroll he was reading.
Grinning Ares said, “That’s the reason I’m here…”
Joxer said with a laugh, “Let me guess, they decorated the room in pink! No, it was something far worse…they forced you to watch one Gabby’s plays?”
“As I was saying mom and dad have each granted me a request and…” Ares grinned, only to be interrupted again!
Joxer finished with a wide grin, “You asked if we can get married and they want to meet me, right?”
Nodding Ares said eagerly, “I don’t want to take the chance that they’ll change their minds so let’s get going!”
“Calm down, love.” Joxer said as he wrapped one arm around the God’s waist.
The pair reappeared in a large room empty apart from Zeus and Hera who were talking quietly. Ares walked over to his parents one hand around Joxer’s waist with a smile.
Ares said with an wide grin, “Joxer, I’d like you to meet my parents.”
Joxer said with a bow, “Lord Zeus, Lady Hera. It’s a pleasure to meet two as noble and honourable as yourselves.”
“Polite boy, maybe he’ll rub of on Ares,” Zeus thought as he smiled at the couple. His son’s reaction was bothering him; he was smiling as if he was in on a secret.
Hera said gently, “Joxer, my son has asked for permission to marry you. I would like to ask some of the other gods about you first.”
Joxer answered with a smile, “If that’s what it takes to get permission to marry Ares.”
Zeus flashed out the room saying, “I’m going to the Halls of Time to over Joxer’s life. I’ll be back soon.”
“Aphrodite, Cupid, I would like to see you now!” Hera summoned the gods, who appeared looking slightly put out.
“Ooh Joxie, it’s great to see you. They’re not trying to hurt you, are they?” Aphrodite said quickly hugging the mortal and glaring at her brother.
“Ares has asked for permission to marry Joxer and I wanted to know what you think of him,” Hera said as she smiled slightly at the jealous look on her son’s face at his sister’s actions.
“Joxie’s great, clumsy but he has a good heart and is loyal.” Aphrodite said looking at her brother in shock.
Cupid grinned, “Jox is cool, he looks after Bliss.” With a pensive look he continued. “He looses him a lot too.”
“Did either of you put a love spell on them?” Hera asked remembering the shock and disbelief on the faces of the love Gods.
Cupid said seriously, “I wouldn’t mess with dad’s feelings like that.”
“Besides there are a lot of people I would pick for Joxie before Ares,” Aphrodite said not noticing the glare Joxer gave her.
Knowing that it would be wrong to split the pair Cupid said, “They are in love, true love. It’s very rare and happens to one couple in a thousand.”
“Now for my decision, I give you permission to marry the mortal Joxer of Corinth.” Zeus said as he appeared. He had been shocked at how the young mortal had suffered, far more than he had imagined for one so young.
They had succeeded so far! Ares turned to his mother hopeful, “Have you made a decision mother?”
“Yes, Joxer of Corinth is to be made a God on his marriage to you.” Hera said looking the couple over.
“Can we get married now?” Ares said not wanting to risk his parents changing their mind.
“If that is what you wish.” Hera said as she materialised a gold chalice.
*******
Solemnly Hera looked at the pair asking, “Ares Son of Zeus, do you take Joxer son of Jonus as your husband for eternity?”
“Yes!” Ares said excitedly, finally it was happening.
Wishing all couples were as excited as her son Hera continued, “Joxer Son of Jonus, do you take Ares Son of Zeus as your husband for eternity?”
“I do.” Joxer said seriously, hoping Ares would quit squeezing his hand so tight.
“Do you swear to be loyal to Ares Son of Zeus from now until eternity?” Hera asked gently seeing the nervousness on Joxer’s face.
“I swear it.” Joxer answered seriously, he would *never* betray his love.
“Do you swear to be loyal to Joxer son of Jonus from now until eternity?” Hera asked quickly seeing that Ares was getting impatient.
“Of course, he’s my Jox. I would never betray him!” Ares answered insulted at the very idea that he could do such a thing.
Her voice echoing throughout Olympus Hera said, “I now pronounce Ares God of War married to Joxer God of Betrayal and Sorrow!”
“What do you mean married?” Apollo asked outraged as he appeared in the room.
Athena shouted before she appeared, “Ares isn’t responsible enough to get married!”
Strife smirked and walked over to Joxer, “Cool, dude! Feel like helping me on a little job?”
“You better treat my brother right or I’ll come after you!” Eris said as she glared a Joxer, hiding a grin as Ares moved slightly in front of his husband.
Joxer said seriously, “I’m never going to hurt him, I love him too much to ever do that.”
“Congratulations on your marriage, young one.” Hestia said smiling at the couple before disappearing again.
“Thanks Aunt Hestia!” Ares said smiling at Joxer.
Hera shouted her eyes flashing angrily, “Quiet! They are married and that’s that!”
“If anyone has as problem with the marriage, I’ll be more than happy to deal with them.” Zeus said calmly, he had finally made his eldest son happy and there was no way he was going to let anyone take that away.
Apollo and Athena flashed out the room in a temper tantrum and unable to believe Zeus had picked Ares over them. Each one resolved to get even with Ares and Joxer for this, even if it took the rest of their lives.
Hera was about to reassure the pair when she felt one of her most dedicated worshipers calling for her. She flashed out the room with an apologetic smile.
“Finally I can get rid of the armour!” Joxer said as he destroyed the armour with a thought.
Zeus thought alarmed, ‘it normally takes a new god at least a month of intense training to be able to perform such an act!’
Looking at the newlyweds suspiciously Zeus asked, “How did you know how do that?”
Joxer said to the room with an impish grin, “I’m the former Egyptian God of Strategy. Nice to meet you, again.”
“You tricked me?” Zeus said in disbelief, they had been so convincing!
Ares said seriously, “Yeah, but there was no way we could get married otherwise.”
Zeus reluctantly realised they were right. If he had known about Joxer’s former Godhood there was no way he would have allowed the marriage. He would have automatically assumed Joxer and Ares were planning to take over Olympus.
*******
“I didn’t even know there was an Egyptian God of Strategy!” Aphrodite commented as she materialised a chair.
The newlyweds looked at each other and grinned, turning back to their audience Joxer said, “Any god who knew was told they would be exiled if they spoke of it and Ra eliminated the knowledge from the minds of the mortals. Well, it took the whole of the Pantheon but it was Ra’s idea.”
“So how long have you really been dating?” Cupid asked, he had never had any clue his father was seeing someone!
Joxer smiled reassuringly, “Six hundred and twenty years. I was turned into a mortal about twenty years seven ago when the Pantheon found out about Res.”
“They made you mortal over Ares?” Eris asked confused that didn’t make any sense.
Joxer said with a shrug, “In Egypt they don’t allow two gods of the same gender to have sex or to be in love. It’s one of the highest rules, created by Ra himself. We were taught it was the worst crime anyone could commit.”
Knowing it had taken a lot of courage for Joxer to go against everything he had been taught Cupid said awed, “You must have been a little shocked when you started to fall for dad.”
Joxer laughed remembering his former life, “Yeah, I was terrified of my feelings. It’s hard to explain but when I met Res and everything just clicked into place. I knew he was the one I was going to spend the rest of my life with.”
“So Arry asked you out?” Aphrodite asked, she loved hearing all the gossip.
Joxer smirked, “Nah, I asked him out. I wanted to spend time with him even if he could never love me. Every fibre of my body was screaming out for me to spend time with him, so I did.”
Cupid looked at the couple seeing for the first time how much courage Joxer had as he said, “That was brave of you. I don’t know if I could have coped being around Strife if I couldn’t love him.”
Joxer just shrugged, “Not really, I need to be with Res as I need to eat. I decided it was better than not seeing him at all.”
“When did ya hook up?” Strife asked wanting to get to the good parts of the story.
Ares gave Joxer an adoring look; “We had been seeing each other as friends for about fifty years when I first kissed him. I knew that the Egyptians said that it was wrong for a man to love another man so I was terrified Jox was going to hate me.”
Joxer said with a laugh, “I could never hate you, beloved. I was practically going insane trying to stop myself from kissing you.”
“Give me all the details on your first kiss.” Cupid ordered he loved happy stories!
Joxer gave a fond smile, “We were spending a couple of months at a little hideout of mine just relaxing away from all the everyday problems. It was a beautiful moonlit night, we were swimming when Res gave me a look of pure love and gently kissed me. I could hardly believe what was happening, part of me thought it was all just a wonderful dream.”
Ares said with a grin, “I couldn’t believe it when you kissed me back, I thought you were going to hit me and never speak to me again.”
Aphrodite wiped the tears from her face and gushed, “That is so sweet!”
Eris asked curious, “So how old were you before you were made mortal?”
Joxer said with a shrug, “Not that much younger than Res. I was 1200 years old but my family still treated me as a child, even my own descendents sometimes.”
“Your descendents?” Cupid asked looking at his father, knowing that he could be quite jealous.
Joxer grinned happily, “I had a brief fling with a mortal once, the children of her line considered me to be their own God. One of them even moved to Greece when I was exiled. She instructed her children and grandchildren to watch over me and make sure that I met up with Ares.”
“I thought all knowledge of you was eliminated from the mind of mortals.” Eris said confused by the contradiction.
Joxer said happily, “That didn’t happen until a month after I was exiled by that time the woman had already moved to Greece so she was out of the reach of the Egyptian Pantheon.”
“So who watches over you now?” Cupid asked going over the faces of every mortal he could remember being around Joxer.
Ares answered with a smirk, “Iolaus, he’s been our friend since we got together. He has helped us keep everything a secret. No one ever thinks he would lie-that’s why it works so well.”
*******
“God of Betrayal and Sorrow? I guess that explains the tear,” Gabrielle said thoughtfully, reaching for her scroll only to be stopped by the glare of pure venom Iolaus gave her.
“You betrayed me!” Hercules shouted at Iolaus unable to believe he had been so easily deceived.
Joxer said quickly, “Io never betrayed you; you never bothered to look beyond the surface. Anyway, if you had been betrayed it would be my duty to get retribution on your behalf.”
Gabrielle asked angrily, “How would you know that?”
Joxer just stared at her and gave her the classic duh look, “God of Betrayal, here (!)”
Hercules snarled, “How can you say he didn’t betray me? He kept you two and his family secret!”
Joxer sighed saying, “I wonder why (!) You’re so caught up in your own narrow-minded view of the world that you never would have understood his reasons. He was just helping some friends, if you wanted to know about him so bad, you should have asked or actually looked beyond the surface.”
Iolaus said angrily, “I never said that I wasn’t friends with Ares and Joxer, you just assumed I wasn’t. I never said my family was all Greek either, I would have told you the truth if you had only asked!”
“Just why are you here? I get the feeling it’s more than to inform us of your marriage,” Xena said narrowing her eyes.
Joxer said calmly, “You could say that! You are going to be the first to be affected by my new Godhood. Gabrielle, you are to be punished for your betrayal of myself and for the sorrow you have caused.”
“You can’t do this to me, I’m your friend!” Gabrielle insisted looking at Joxer pleadingly.
Feeling the falseness of her statement Joxer said seriously, “From this day forth you will experience the pain you have caused others. To ensure that you do not come to any physical harm Xena will be your protector. In one year, if you haven’t betrayed anyone or caused anyone any pain, you will be released from your punishment.”
“You can’t do that to her, she doesn’t deserve to be punished!” Hercules said jumping up, outraged.
“Herc, shut up!” Iolaus could see the growing ire on the faces of Ares and Joxer.
Ares pushed Hercules back down to the ground and said cruelly, “Just be thankful Jox didn’t agree with me, I wanted the punishment to last the rest of her life. Dear brother (!) father interfered so you’re not being punished this time. However if you cause Jox any pain in the future, I will make sure you pay!”
“We’ve got a honeymoon to get back to, so we’ll talk to you later. If you need me Io, just call!” Joxer said as he clasped Ares’ hand and the couple disappeared in a flash of sparks.
Part 3
Sitting down opposite the spoilt hero Iolaus said calmly, “You can sulk all you want Herc, but you should think about why I kept it secret. I couldn’t risk Zeus finding out, and I couldn’t betray them. I have spent my whole life with the knowledge of the suffering they endured. Joxer deserves some happiness after losing both his Godhood and his family in Egypt.”
Dismissing Iolaus’ passionate plea Hercules said, “How can you be friends with Ares? I mean he’s evil and you’ve been helping him!”
Angry that Hercules wouldn’t even listen to him Iolaus said, “Aren’t you a little tired of always seeing Ares as the bad guy? If it wasn’t for him Greece wouldn’t be where it is now!”
“Yeah, Greece would be better off without him!” Hercules retorted stubbornly.
As if talking to a child Iolaus said slowly, “We would have been destroyed without him. Do you honestly think Ares would destroy the country he presides over? He is loyal to his job, even if you refuse to believe it!”
“You’re delusional and evil to help someone like Ares.” Hercules said with a bitter laugh.
Despite all his efforts Hercules couldn’t shut off his feelings for the hunter, but was sure that over time the aching pain his chest would slowly disappear.
Iolaus said with a sigh, “When you’re ready to actually listen to me, call Dite,” looking up at the sky he continued, “Aphrodite! I need your help, please!”
“What’s wrong, Sweetcheeks?” Aphrodite asked as she appeared in a flash of rose petals, staring at the two men she frowned.
“How could you do this to him!” Aphrodite snarled at her brother seeing how much pain Iolaus was in.
“Do what? He betrayed me with Ares!” Hercules defended knowing it would probably be a bad idea to get on the bad side of his sister as well.
Jabbing Hercules in the chest at the end of every sentence Aphrodite said, “Jox and Arry said you’d do this to Iolaus. I said no, you’d remember, you love him! When you’re ready to apologise, I might consider letting you speak to him.”
As she snaked an arm around Iolaus’ waist Aphrodite said, “Let’s go, Sweetcheeks. You can stay with me, after the newlyweds come back you can move in with Jox.”
Hercules just watched in shock as the pair disappeared, wondering how he could have been so wrong about his friend and just how everything had gone wrong so fast.
*******
Ares groaned as Joxer gently inserted one finger into his puckered opening, instinctively grinding his hips, trying to get the finger in deeper. Ares’ moans only increased as Joxer inserted another finger scissoring them, preparing and stretching.
Ares snarled as Joxer stopped suddenly, wondering just what had caused his husband to freeze just as they were getting started. He arched his eyebrows in askance, startled at the tears in Joxer’s eyes.
“It’s Iolaus, his heart is breaking. It’s all my fault! How could I have done this?” Joxer whispered letting the tears fall freely.
Ares quickly moved so that he was holding his mate while the man cried, desperately trying to think of something he could say to comfort Joxer. Sighing, Ares knew the only solution would be to do something to make Iolaus happy again.
Soothingly rubbing circles on Joxer’s back Ares said softly, “Love, it’s not your fault. Hercules is causing all this pain because he’s a self-centred moron. Want to go look after Io? We can make sure he’s happy again.”
“That would be wonderful! I’m sorry about wrecking our honeymoon.” Joxer said seriously, knowing they wouldn’t get any time alone for a while.
As he made their clothes appear Ares said, “I don’t care where we are as long as I have you.”
“You always know the right things to say,” Joxer said as he gently kissed Ares.
“Thanks, love.” Ares said with a grin as he placed an arm around Joxer’s waist and the couple flashed out of the room.
*******
“I’m here now, everything will be okay. It’s alright, child.” Joxer said as he ran over to the distraught hunter.
“He said that…that I’m…evil!” Iolaus sobbed relaxing into Joxer’s loving embrace.
“I’m sorry, Io. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure no one hurts you again!” Ares said as he walked over hugging the two men, ignoring Aphrodite who was watching the scene in shock.
“Iolaus, would you like to live with us?” Joxer asked as he wiped the tears from Iolaus’ eyes.
Iolaus said his voice shaky, “That would be nice. I don’t have to see him again, do I?”
“Only if you want to,” Ares said quickly trying to reassure their friend.
“I’m going to get Io settled,” Joxer said as he wrapped an arm around his friend’s waist and the two disappeared.
“I need your help, Dite.” Ares said quickly as he walked over to his sister, ready to do whatever it took to make his friend happy.
Aphrodite looked at her brother in shock; it wasn’t often that he actually asked for help. Grinning she said, “You want me to set Sweetcheeks up with someone?”
“Yeah, can you make it his true love? Io deserves to have someone who will love everything about him. Not like someone Jerkules who only loves their image of Iolaus.” Ares said not knowing where the words he was speaking where coming from.
“I can do that but it’ll run down my reserves, it will take a lot of power to cast the spell.” Aphrodite said with a grin, she had always liked the blonde hunter.
“Jox and I will give you some of our power.” Ares said quickly not wanting to risk her changing her mind. Despite what mortals believed negative emotions generated a lot more power than positive ones.
“I’ll do it. Don’t forget you owe me!” Aphrodite said as her brother got a distant look on his face.
[Beloved, how is he?] Ares asked worriedly, feeling Joxer’s concern.
Joxer answered tiredly, [Not good. He keeps saying he should have seen what Jerkules was really like.]
[I got Dite to help, but we’ll have to give her some extra power. She can’t do it otherwise.]
Joxer sighed, [I’m going to put Io to bed, then we can talk about it. Can he share our bed tonight?]
Ares just smiled having anticipated the question, [Of course. He needs someone there for him.]
“Come on, Io.” Joxer said gently as he led the emotionally drained man towards the bedroom.
“Thanks Jox. I’m sorry for calling you back from your honeymoon.” Iolaus said not caring to look at his surroundings.
Joxer smiled gently, “Where else would I be when you need me? You can sleep with me and Res tonight.”
“Thanks. Love you, Jox.” Iolaus said as he got into the covers curling into a ball.
“Love you too, Io.” Joxer said softly as he left the room, seeing his friend fall instantly into a deep sleep.
Ares flashed into the sitting room, and took Joxer in his arms smiling when his husband gave a contented sigh. With a flash of power they were on the sofa, with Joxer lying on top of Ares.
“You know what this means, don’t you?” Joxer said looking up at Ares.
“Yeah. Should I break the news to Father?” Ares answered with a smirk.
“Maybe later, when Hera and I can watch.” Joxer laughed knowing Zeus would freak when he found out that Joxer was going to punish Hercules.
Ares said quickly, “I’m going to get some of the others to help. You think Deimos will enjoy hurting Jerkules?”
“Strife and Eris can help as well. Maybe we should get Hades in on it? He’s desperate to find some way to stop you from hurting him.”
“If you want, love.” Ares said knowing that his Joxer had far more experience at planning. Joxer still had all the knowledge and experience of his 1200 years as God of Strategy.
[Strife, Cupid, we need your help.] Joxer said mentally to Gods, hoping they wouldn’t be too upset at him for disturbing them.
“What’s up?” Cupid asked as he and Strife flashed into the room their clothes rumpled.
Joxer said with a grin, “I’m going to punish Hercules and I thought you might like to help.”
“Cool, what’s Jerkules done now?” Strife asked knowing that it had to be something big for Joxer to look so bloodthirsty.
Ready to blow the hero to pieces Joxer looked at new and worried family, “He called Io evil. NO ONE hurts my family without paying for it. Zeus can’t interfere because I’m not seeking retribution for Hercules’ crimes against myself.”
“Don’t he and the hunter have a thing?” Strife asked confused, how could Hercules hurt someone he claimed to love?
“They did have.” Cupid answered knowing that the pair had been involved for a couple of years.
Ares said angrily, “When you really love someone, you don’t hurt them or call them evil. He obviously doesn’t love Io.”
Iolaus’ frantic pleas echoed throughout the building, “No...come back! Jox, Res, don’t leave me alone!”
Without thinking about it Ares and Joxer ran to their bedroom, knowing that their friend needed them. In some ways that could understand the pain he was going through, they had endured the same pain when they had to spend years apart before Joxer’s exile.
“It’s okay, we’re here.” Ares said hugging the shaking hunter, ignoring the gaping looks from Cupid and Strife who were watching the scene from the doorway.
“We will never leave, you. I promise everything will be okay, Io.” Joxer said sharing a look with Ares, wondering how they could help.
[He needs to be comforted - physically,] Ares said knowing there was only one way they could help their friend.
Joxer asked worriedly, [You mean we should make love to him? Won’t that confuse him even more?]
Joxer could do this and would do this for his friend, providing it was okay with Ares and with Iolaus. He loved Ares completely with everything he was but he also loved Iolaus.
Ares said calmly, [No, he needs this. I can do this, as long as it is okay with you. ]
[It’s okay with me. Just remember, I love you.] Joxer said staring straight into his husband’s eyes.
Ares smiled, [Love you too, Jox.]
“You can go now, when we need you, we’ll call,” Ares said looking at the doorway.
Strife asked Cupid in shock, [Are Unc and Jox gonna fuck Iolaus?]
[Probably, it’s the only thing that’ll help. They are secure enough in their relationship to do it, and they love Iolaus.]
“Get out of here, NOW!” Ares said angry at the way they were ignoring him.
“Later!” Cupid said as he and Strife flashed out the room.
*******
Joxer turned back to the bed wondered just how to explain this to Iolaus. They had to ask the hunter if he wanted this, if he didn’t then it wouldn’t happen. They would only continue with Iolaus express permission.
“Io, wake up.” Joxer said gently running his hands through the hunter’s locks.
“You’re safe here, don’t worry.” Ares said as he saw his friend’s pained expression.
“Jox, Res? What’s wrong?” Iolaus said hoping he hadn’t disturbed them.
Ares said softly, “Nothing’s wrong, we have something to ask you.”
Seeing the worry on Iolaus’ face Joxer said quickly, “Would you like to join us for tonight? Let us show you how much we love you, and how special you are.”
“I can’t do that to you, I mean you’re married.” Iolaus said, blushing slightly. It had always been one of his fantasies ever since he had first seen the pair kissing.
“Yes, but we want to do this.” Ares said seeing that Iolaus was worried it would ruin their marriage.
Joxer said seriously, “You’re our best friend, we love you. Please, let us do this for you!”
“Okay, as long as you won’t hate me for it.” Iolaus said with a nod of his head.
“We could *never* hate you, Io.” Ares said with a smile as Joxer moved down the bottom of the bed.
Joxer said gently, “Just relax, Io. Let us make you feel good.”
Iolaus couldn’t believe what they were doing for him. He had never thought anything like this would ever actually happen. He had dreamt about it for over ten years now.
Joxer paused to look at Iolaus pale skin placing small feather like kisses as he moved down the hunter’s body, towards Iolaus nipples. He took one nipple into his mouth, nipping it slightly with his teeth while he gently teased the other one with his hand.
Ares quickly freed himself from the tight confines of his pants, the sight of the two causing arousal to burn through his veins. He moved over and took Joxer’s place moving his mouth across the blonde’s body stopping to dip his tongue into Iolaus’ naval.
“Move onto your side,” Ares directed Iolaus so that he could be inside him, as Joxer sucked the hunter’s cock.
Iolaus smiled quickly and did as directed, Joxer moved so that he was in a 69 position.
Iolaus couldn’t stop his shiver when Ares kissed his puckered anus, before thrusting his tongue inside, teasing the mortal mercilessly. He moved his fingers to Iolaus’ mouth, almost losing all control when the man sucked them, hard.
Ares gently placed one finger into the waiting hole, moving it gently, wanting to thoroughly prepare his lover. Soon he added another finger, scissoring them, laughing gently when Iolaus arched backwards trying to get Ares to move deeper. Ares lined up his impatient, weeping cock and thrust inside.
Joxer expertly unfastened Iolaus pants freeing the painfully hard erection. Joxer paused to take in the beautiful sight before taking the weeping cock into his mouth. As Joxer bopped up and down the hunter’s manhood, the hunter sucked just as hard on Joxer’s own cock.
At Joxer’s nod, Ares started thrusting in and out, gently, angling each thrust so that he hit Iolaus’ prostate. As the hunter’s moans increased so did the strength of Ares’ thrusts, he focused entirely on his friend.
Joxer gently caressed Iolaus’ balls seeing the blonde was close to coming. Iolaus came first, shooting his load down Joxer’s throat, never loosing his rhythm as he continued to suck Joxer’s cock. As Iolaus came, his muscles clenched, causing Ares to cum with a roar. The feel of Iolaus’ cum streaming down his throat caused Joxer to come with a whimper, as he came.
“Thanks, guys.” Iolaus said before falling into a dreamless sleep exhausted after the strength of his orgasm.
Joxer just smiled as he gently flexed his power so that Iolaus was clean and laying comfortably at the top of the bed. Looking over at Ares, he sat up and kissed his husband, unable to express how much what they had just shared with Iolaus meant to him.
The fact that Ares had actually done this spoke volumes about their relationship. Joxer knew Ares hated the idea of having sex with anyone apart from him so he understood just how much the war god must love him and the hunter.
[ I think Io will be okay, now. Love you, Jox. ] Ares said as he lay down so that he was spooning Joxer.
[Love you too, Dearheart. At least Io now knows there are people that love him. ] Joxer replied wrapping his arms around the hunter
Part 4
Shocked that three Gods and a mortal should all venture into his domain at once, Hades asked arching an eyebrow, “What are you doing in my domain with a mortal?”
Before anyone could reply Iolaus threw himself at the God of the Dead, knocking the dark god to the floor. The hunter smirked as he landed, his hands wandering over the dark God’s clothes. Hades absently noticed that the hunter was looking a little out of it and kept muttering something.
“Mine! My mate, mine!” Iolaus chanted not noticing the reaction of the four gods to his statement.
“Your what?” Ares questioned in confusion, having always assumed that Hades’ true love was Persephone after the extreme lengths the older God had gone to for the woman.
“I always wondered why Iolaus kept dying,” Joxer commented noticing the look Hades was giving the hunter.
“See, I didn’t make Curly fall in love with any dead guys!” Aphrodite said, a smirk on her face.
“What have you done to him, Aphrodite?” Hades questioned angrily, while trying to get up. Of course, Iolaus had no intentions of letting go, and only tightened his grip with a leer.
“It’s like a true love potion, and you’re his true love!” Aphrodite said nervously not sure how the God of the Underworld would take her news.
“I’m what? What about Hercules?” Hades questioned in confusion, stopping the hunter’s roaming hands with a glance.
Joxer snarled, “He doesn’t matter. You are *not* rejecting my best friend!” He wouldn’t allow Iolaus to experience any more pain if he could avoid it.
“If you reject Iolaus then you will both die painfully,” Ares said bending the truth just a little.
Willing to do anything for the hunter Joxer said lowly, “We’re not going to let you reject him, Hades! You are going to be with him, even if I have to watch your joining myself!”
Dite quickly cast a lust spell on Hades, grinning when Hades hungrily kissed Iolaus. The lust spell would wear off in a day by that time the pair would be in true love, which couldn’t be reversed. The new lovers disappeared in a flash of sparks, still passionately kissing each other.
Hugging the love goddess Joxer said seriously, “Thank you for helping us, Dite.”
“Don’t worry about it, remember you owe me.” Aphrodite disappeared to attend that little orgy she had planned.
Joxer commented with a smirk, “Looks like Hades will definitely help us get revenge on Hercules.”
“If we can ever get Hades out of the bedroom,” Ares commented with a wide grin.
“Why don’t we follow their example?” Joxer questioned with a leer as he pulled his husband toward him.
“I think I could be persuaded,” Ares said with a laugh as the two Gods disappeared.
*******
Gabrielle was sitting in complete silence three feet away from her friends trying to ignore the small shakes wracking her body. She couldn’t believe how much pain she was experiencing, she had never imagined she caused that much pain to others. Knowing that she had hurt Joxer so much Gabrielle could understand why Ares wanted to kill her, she couldn’t blame the war god. If someone had caused this much pain to Xena, the bard would quite happily kill them, how could she fault Ares for trying to protect his lover?
Xena looked over at Hercules worriedly, the hero had refused to move in the five days since Iolaus’ confession and subsequent disappearance. She didn’t know who to feel worry for Iolaus or Hercules. She knew the demi-god was being an idiot, but surely Iolaus was partly responsible for not telling the truth about his relationship with Ares?
“Do you really feel that way?” Joxer asked with a small grin as he appeared in front of the warrior princess.
“What are you doing here?” Xena had assumed that wouldn’t hear from their former friend again.
Joxer arched an eyebrow at her wondering why she was asking. He thought his reason was obvious, but maybe not. “I’m here to check up on Gabrielle and make sure everything is going as planned.”
“She passed out from the pain two days ago and only woke up about three hours ago!” Xena said angrily unable to believe Joxer didn’t care about causing so much pain to the bard.
Joxer frowned not wanting to hurt Gabrielle too much, she had hurt him and countless other but it went against his gentle nature, “I’m sorry but this is the lightest punishment I could give her without all the other gods interfering. Most of the Pantheon wanted me to torture her and kill her. I believe the most popular suggestion was burning her alive before giving her enough energy to come back to life and letting her get eaten alive by rats.”
“I thought the Pantheon would have been unhappy that you and Ares had lied to them,” Xena commented in a mix of confusion and relief that Joxer hadn’t killed the bard.
Joxer shrugged, “Athena and Apollo said something about getting even with us but we can handle it. The other gods became a lot more easy going when I let them see some of my experiences.”
“Oh. Can you please stop Gabby’s pain? She’s going to be dead soon if this continues!” Xena said hating to see her lover hurting.
Joxer said with a sad smile, “I’ll change the terms of the curse slightly, but I can’t do anything else. Gabrielle will only feel physical pain for seven hours a day, the rest of the time including while she sleeps, she will feel emotional and mental pain.”
*******
“Have you spoken to Iolaus?” Xena asked nervously looking at Hercules.
Joxer said with a flippant smile, “Of course. He was living with me and Res for a couple of days but now he’s living with the love of his life.”
“You mean he doesn’t love me anymore?” Hercules asked torn between anger and pain.
“Nah, he’s moved on to godlier pastures!” Joxer said with a laugh smirking at the pain he was receiving from the demi-god.
“What! He’s with a god? How could he do that to me?” Hercules spluttered unable to believe what he was hearing. Everything was wrong, Iolaus was supposed to be pining over him!
“Get real, you don’t matter!” Joxer said with a cruel smirk as he felt Iolaus appear at his side, Jerkules was in for a shock now!
“Quit acting like you care!” Iolaus said with a low laugh as he appeared in a flash of black sparks.
Hercules said frantically, “Iolaus, I’ve figured everything out! Ares brainwashed you when you were a child and put a compulsion on you. I’ll make sure you’re back with me!”
“I don’t want to be with you, you self-centred bastard! I’m quite happy with my new husband,” Iolaus said pushing Hercules away when the demi-god tried to hug him.
“I promise everything will be okay. I’ll get Zeus to make them remove the spell,” Hercules promised ignoring what Iolaus had said.
Iolaus sighed shouting, “I don’t want you! I’m happy with Hades, he’s everything I could *ever* want!”
“Hades, but he’s married to Persephone?” Xena questioned in confusion.
“She’s with Celeste, it was a ruse to allow her to stay in the underworld.” Hades answered as he appeared in the clearing, one arm around the hunter’s waist.
*******
“Now for your punishment, Hercules.” Joxer said with a wicked smile.
Hercules shouted arrogantly, “You can’t punish me, I’m the son of Zeus!”
Joxer said slowly as if talking to a child, “He knows about it. He’s not to happy but even he doesn’t want to anger half the Pantheon.” Looking up at the sky he continued, “Guys, you ready?”
There were flashes of light as the rest of the team arrived. Joxer has carefully chosen these three out of everyone who asked to punish Hercules. Iolaus had become really popular on Olympus plus everyone had been waiting to get even with Hercules for a while.
“My punishment is easy you will fall in love four times a year but will never have your love returned. You are never gonna have sex for the rest of your life, dude!” Cupid said with a smile.
Ares had waited years for this moment! With a bloodthirsty smile he said, “You will be involved in every war for the rest of ya life, ain’t life a bitch Hercules.”
Strife smirked, “Ya have lost ya sense of balance, so ya are gonna be the clumsiest warrior like evah! Ya will get hurt a lot but nothin’ ta kill ya wouldn’t want to spoil our fun too soon.”
Hades said with a grin, “My punishment, you are going to live until Iolaus decides you have been punished enough. You will never see any of your dead family again, nor are you ever going to the Elysian Fields. No, you are going straight to Tartarus.”
Joxer said with an eager grin, “Now for me…you will spend the rest of your life alone. Now because you dared to hurt my best friend, as an added punishment you will experience the pain you caused Iolaus every day for the rest of your life.”
“Can we go now? Hades has promised to fuck me so hard I won’t be able to move for a week,” Iolaus said with a leer at his husband.
“Don’t forget the baby shower at Unc and Jox’s!” Strife said with a grin, ignoring the glare Ares and Joxer sent him.
Seeing the sparks about to fly Cupid grabbed his husband’s hand, and he and Strife flashed out the clearing. Strife only had a couple more months before the babies were due and Cupid wasn’t going to risk the life of his unborn daughter by being around Hercules.
“Baby shower, who’s pregnant?” Gabrielle asked looking at Joxer suspiciously.
Ares said with a glare, “That would be me.” He had heard enough jokes from his family; he didn’t know what he would do if the mortals started as well.
“And me!” Iolaus finished ignoring the way Hades had moved to stop the mortals from approaching the hunter.
Hercules said staring at Iolaus in disgust, “I thought only male gods can get pregnant? You mean that you’re a god how could you do something so stupid!”
“I’m a really pissed off god with these mood swings, so don’t start!” Iolaus said as he absently threw a fireball at his ex-lover.
“Just what are you the god of?” Xena asked not moving to defend Hercules knowing it would be suicide.
“Justice,” Iolaus answered as he flashed out with Hades’ arm around his waist.
“We’ll be seeing you,” Joxer said as he and Ares flashed out leaving behind three very confused mortals.
THE END
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