The Request
Title: The Request 1/2
Author: Stephanie M
Email Address: wicciangirl51@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: The Xena/Hercules characters belong to RenPics and whoever else owns the rights to these characters.
Notes: This is a result of the plot bunny suggested by Ellen on the JLA list.
Part 1
Joxer hoped he would be able to convince his god to listen to him, and that Ares would grant his request. He couldn’t think of anyone else to ask, and he knew Ares would at least consider his request even if he didn’t grant it. Ares always listened even if he didn’t answer.
“Joxer, watch where you’re going!” Gabrielle growled at the man as he banged into her for the second time in ten minutes.
Joxer looked up dazedly, “Sorry, Gabby. I was just thinking about something.”
“As long as it isn’t another verse for that dreadful song of yours.” Hercules said half to himself not realising Joxer had heard.
Joxer’s face fell at the hero’s words, he knew Hercules didn’t think much of him but he did his best. Surely that counted for something? It wasn’t like he meant to cause so much trouble it was just a gift.
“So what are you thinking about?” Iolaus asked after they had been walking in silence for ten minutes.
Joxer said evasively, “Just things.” He grinned when he felt the telltale itching on the back of his neck signalling a god was near he just hoped it was Ares. He knew he didn’t have long before Aphrodite found some way to use him again.
“Show yourself Ares! I know you’re there!” Hercules shouted arrogantly as motioned for Iolaus to keep an eye on Joxer.
Xena said seriously, “I’m not coming back to you Ares! No one wants anything to do with you!”
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that Xena,” Ares said as he appeared with a grin on his face. The heroes looked at him in shock not used to seeing a happy Ares, sure it was a sign that he was up to something.
Hercules and Xena stiffened as Ares slowly walked over to were Joxer and Iolaus were standing. There looks of anger changed to gapes when Ares actually grinned at Joxer of all people.
Ares drawled, “Hello again Joxer. I believe you want to speak to me?”
Joxer nodded saying, “Yes my Lord, thank you for coming. I was wondering if you would consider giving me protection from Aphrodite.”
“Joxer, what are you doing?” Xena shouted in confusion.
Iolaus said raising an eyebrow at the pair, “Ares won’t help why even ask?” He tried to move only to find his legs wouldn’t move, a look at the others told them they were in the same situation.
Hercules snarled, “Don’t be stupid, you know Ares will just use you to get at Xena!”
Ares smirked, “That’s a strange request. You know there’s only one way I can do that?”
“Yes. I’m probably the last person you want but I figured I could at least ask,” Joxer sighed dejectedly.
Getting a bad feeling Iolaus asked, “Er…what did he mean by that?”
Ares smirked at the heroes saying, “The only way I can protect Joxer is to take him as my consort. Not even my high priests are protected from the other major gods.”
“No Joxer!” Hercules shouted in outrage.
Desperate Xena said, “You know he’s only going to use you!”
Gabrielle snorted, “There’s no point worrying Ares won’t pick someone as stupid as Joxer for his consort!”
Ares smiled at her before turning to Joxer saying, “With this joining of blood I take you Joxer as my consort.” Ares sliced his hand and Joxer’s hand, bringing their hands together and allowing the blood to mix.
Next Ares placed one hand over the mortal’s temple, passing his power through Joxer fulfilling the next stage of the ceremony. Placing his forehead on Joxer’s he said, “With this joining of minds I take you as my consort.”
“I think we should go someplace a little more private somehow I don’t think you want an audience,” Ares said with a leer before the pair disappeared in a flash of sparks.
Gabrielle looked at her friends, “Did that really just happen?”
“We have to stop them before they complete the next stage or Joxer will be bonded to Ares for eternity!” Hercules said determinedly wondering if he should call Zeus.
“What is the next stage?” Iolaus asked with a grin.
Xena said with a scowl, “The joining of the body. By binding them in blood Ares initiated the True Binding. It can’t be reversed once it has been completed, which is when Ares joins them in body and says the last line of the ceremony.”
“Any idea where they could be?” Iolaus asked anxiously not wanting his friend stuck with the cold-hearted god of war for eternity.
Xena nodded as they started on the road. “Ares’ temple is in Thrace, he uses it when he wants to relax. We have to hurry and just pray we get there in time.”
*******
Ares smiled at the man opposite him, “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“There’s no one else I would ever want to marry, I swear. Are you sure Ares?” Joxer said anxiously.
Ares nodded, “I’ve wanted to marry you for years but you were hung up on Gabrielle.”
Joxer sighed knowing he had to explain, “I was never really in love with her to be honest she really gets on my nerves. Aphrodite casts love spells on me every four months. They only last about three months so I spend a month hating Gabrielle before falling in love with her again.”
Ares frowned saying, “I didn’t know she had gotten so bad. Gods can become addicted to a power source, like she is with you. Its rare but it can happen normally with only one follower out of millions. I almost became addicted to you myself when I started hearing your prayers. They are purer than all the others because you are a true warrior in both spirit and heart even if you can’t fight too good.”
“If she is addicted won’t she go after you for taking me away?” Joxer said worriedly. He was positive Ares could handle Aphrodite but didn’t want to be the reason for the war god arguing with his family.
Ares smiled cruelly, “She can try but once we’re married she had no choice but to leave you alone. Anyway you are my follower and always have been, she knows that.”
“How did you know about my request?” Joxer asked wondering if any of the other gods had overheard him.
Ares blushed, “I have a mirror watching you permanently and I check on your thoughts every week. I started after you left home when you were fifteen. I liked being able to make sure you were okay.”
“Wow.” Joxer said with a grin, before moving to capture the god’s mouth with his own.
As they kissed Joxer was amazed that Ares tasted like home, it felt like he had finally found someone he could call home. He hoped Ares wouldn’t find his thoughts too ridiculous.
*Don’t think that. You are beautiful, caring and wonderful.* Ares thought to Joxer as he gently removed the man’s armour.
*I’m not anything special, I’m just me.* Joxer thought to Ares instinctively knowing the man would hear him.
Ares growled a reply trying to make Joxer see how amazing he truly was, *That’s what is so wonderful, you are real and true.*
Needing skin to skin contact Ares removed their clothes with a thought before slowly kissing and biting his way down the warrior’s body delighting in the resulting shivers. With a wicked smile he took Joxer’s nipple into his mouth, Joxer moaned loudly arching into the hot mouth. Ares gently bit down only to almost bucked off by Joxer who was beyond anything but feeling but part of him knew that unless Ares quit playing with his nipples everything would be over too fast.
Joxer gasped out, “Ares…stop please!”
Ares moved off the bed worried that he had somehow hurt the mortal, he didn’t think he had but Joxer had said stop.
Reaching out for Ares his head clearing Joxer said, “Or everything will be over too soon. I want to come with you inside me.”
Ares smiled and gently tugged on Joxer’s lip, his tongue dipping inside the mouth...the kiss started out gentle but suddenly changed to a unquenchable hunger which held Joxer in place as Ares thrust into his mouth only to have his tongue deliciously sucked.
Ares gently coated his fingers in oil gently inserting one into Joxer’s hole. Joxer hissed at the slight burn for half a second when they entered before twisting on them loving the ache.
They were still sitting on the bed, Joxer in the god’s lap being stretched open by Ares’ fingers. Ares cock nudged against Joxer’s opening the feel of Ares wet flesh against the sensitive nerve endings of his ass caused Joxer to whimper.
"Please," Joxer moaned against Ares lips, and Ares withdraws with shaking fingers the god pours oil over his cock, and presses against Joxer.
Joxer surrendered and slowly the head of Ares cock entered his body with tender care. Joxer let out a long sigh feeling Ares inside him completely. For what felt like an eternity, they stilled hardly, breathing, staring into each other's eyes.
Ares hand snaked down to hold Joxer’s cock breaking the spell. Joxer started to slowly move feeling his god’s cock sliding in and out of his body shapes changing against sensitive skin.
On the third thrust, Ares hit the special spot causing lights to flash against Joxer’s eyelids. Ares is just gently petting Joxer’s cock but it is enough and Joxer feels like he is flying.
"Ares!" Joxer shouted wildly soaring out of his body feeling the universe exploding before his eyes. He shudders feeling Ares come inside him, all he can feel is Ares panting and shuddering.
Knowing he had complete the ritual Ares gasped out the last part of the ceremony as he came, “With this joining of the body, I take you as my consort.”
Ares arms tightened around his new husband, Joxer’s face buried against the god’s cheek. For a moment all they can sense is each other. In that moment they are one. Gently Ares lifted Joxer up moving the man so that they are lying face to face.
"I love you," Joxer said breaking the exhausted silence.
Smiling Ares whispers, "And I love you, Joxer. Forever."
Joxer smiles knowing there are a lot of problems to come, and that they have to face the heroes but in that moment it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that he and Ares will face everything together, as one.
Part 2
Tenderly running one hand through his husband’s hair Ares whispered, “Jox, baby? You really should wake up, it looks like we’re going to have company soon.”
“Is the world about to end?” Joxer asked with a groan too comfortable to even consider moving.
Ares laughed, “Not today. There will be a few people arriving soon demanding to see you.”
“I’m up. Where are my clothes?” Joxer asked moving from the bed.
“Let me get you ready,” Ares said waving a hand he dressed them both in black leather pants and black silk shirts.
Seeing their matching outfits Joxer grinned, “You really have a thing for leather don’t you?”
“It feels great and you look edible in leather,” Ares said with a leer.
Joxer laughed, “Arry you’re incorrigible, you know that?”
“Yeah and you love me like this.” Ares smirked before passionately kissing Joxer.
The pair moved to the main room and sat down, Joxer on Ares’ lap. Ares groaned as Joxer started nibbling his ears amused that Joxer though *he* was insatiable.
Joxer grinned nervously, “Arry, can we build a cabin for our home? That way we can have our own place away from everyone else.”
“Of course. We can build it in a glade I know,” Ares said thoughtfully knowing just the right place.
“ARES, let me in NOW!” A man roared from just outside the barrier.
Ares sighed looking at Joxer he said, “Love, I guess you should get up. It looks like there could be trouble.”
Joxer just smirked and pulled Ares up placing a kiss on the war god’s cheek before moving to the side. He gripped Ares’ hand and just hoped they could get through everything with as little bloodshed as possible, he didn’t want Ares to get hurt. It was a little known fact but gods could be hurt as easily as humans.
Ares waved his hand and let the barrier down saying, “Family (!) More trouble than it’s worth sometimes.”
“What have you done to MY Joxer?” Poseidon snarled as he appeared in the room.
“*Your* Joxer?” Ares roared.
Joxer giggled, “You look like two dogs fighting over a piece of meat.” He looked at Poseidon saying, “Dad, chill. We got married.”
“We who?” Poseidon asked hoping his suspicions weren’t right.
Joxer whispered, “Ares and I.”
Eyes flashing with fire Poseidon growled, “I forbid it! No son of mine is going to be married to Ares!”
At that moment the heroes barged in ready to rescue their friend from the cruel war god. They gaped as they heard Poseidon’s words unwilling to believe what they were hearing.
Joxer begged not wanting to be parted now that his dream had finally come true, “Dad, please! I love him and he loves me.”
Hercules snorted, “Ares doesn’t know how to love!”
Poseidon nodded, “Exactly my point! Get away from my son Ares or I’ll kill you myself!”
With that Poseidon threw a dagger at Ares intending to disable the war god so he could get his son to safety.
Seeing the blade heading towards his husband, Joxer pounced knocking Ares to the ground. He fell to the ground with a groan, one hand on his bleeding stomach.
*******
Seeing his husband on the floor Ares ran over, gently holding Joxer ignoring the tears falling from his eyes. The wound was fatal and there was no time to petition Hera for a golden apple or ambrosia.
Joxer smiled up at his beloved, “Looks…” Joxer started coughing up blood but he continued, “…like…we’ll never…build that…cabin…”
Ares smiled sadly, “Don’t say that, love.”
“Ares, let me look at him.” Asclepius said gently having been informed of the situation by Poseidion.
Ares snarled picking Joxer up, “You’re not taking him away!”
“I’m not going to take him. I just want to heal him,” Asclepius answered with a reassuring smile.
Ares nodded and gently placed Joxer back on the floor still holding one of Joxer’s hands noticing the way Joxer’s breathing was becoming difficult.
Asclepius gently ghosted one hand over Joxer’s body groaning at what he was receiving. He prayed someone would be able to protect Poseidion once he informed Ares of his news. He could tell that the mortal was important to the war god.
Swallowing Asclepius looked at Ares saying sympathetically, “I’m sorry. I can’t save him.”
“Get out of here! NOW!” Ares snarled at the occupants of the room wanting to spend the precious minutes he had with Joxer alone.
Coughing once again Joxer said in pained gasps, “Love…you…Ares…forever.”
Ares gently kissed Joxer feeling the man still underneath him. Seeing that Joxer was truly dead, Ares started crying for the first time in millennia. Joxer was gone and he was truly alone.
Cupid flashed into the room alarmed at the distress he could feel coming from his father. Seeing Ares clutching a dead body Cupid sat down opposite his father whispering, “Dad? Dad! What’s wrong?”
Staring into space Ares kept repeating to himself, “Joxer’s dead. I’m alone again.”
“Who was he dad?” Cupid asked seeing he wasn’t going to be able to make his father move.
Crying Ares yelled, “My husband and he’s dead! All because of Poseidon!”
Cupid snarled intending to make Poseidon pay for killing his step-father. Cupid knew more than anyone else that his father would never be the! WHY?” Cupid shouted finding the god of the sea in the war god’s temple.
Poseidon said desperately, “I meant to kill Ares but Joxer jumped in the way. I killed my son!”
“Where is he?” Jett shouted charging into the private rooms of the temple.
Knowing who the man was referring to Iolaus said subdued, “With Ares in the bedroom.”
Jett walked straight to the bedroom to find Ares rocking to and fro cradling Joxer’s body. He said seriously, “Shush. It’s okay, Ares.”
Ares shook off Jett’s hand saying angrily, “Nothing is ever going to be okay again. He’s gone and I’m alone!”
Jett said patiently, “Trust me. Let go of Joxer and everything will be okay. I’d stake my life on it.”
Ares looked into the assassin’s eyes, seeing that the man was telling the truth Ares did as the man asked. Jett gave a grateful smile before reaching down with one hand to remove the dagger with a sucking sound.
Ares stared in shocked awe as the wound on Joxer’s stomach healed within minutes it was as if the wound had never occurred. He looked at Jett only to find the man wearing a satisfied smile.
“Arry? Why are you crying?” Joxer asked in confusion as he opened his eyes.
Ares shook his head capturing Joxer’s mouth in a fierce kiss, placing one hand over Joxer’s heart. Remembering the pain, loss and emptiness from just minutes ago when he thought his husband was gone forever.
Jett smiled at Joxer explaining, “You died, bro. Yes you’re still dead. Congrats you’re the new god of the undead and demons.”
“Vision?” Joxer said in understanding. It explained why his brother knew to come to Thrace at that moment.
Jett nodded, “Yeah, I’ve got a splitting headache. Why can’t the Fates let me have visions without the mind numbing headache for once?”
“Why don’t you ask them?” Joxer said from inside Ares’ arms.
Jett smirked, “I just might. See you bro.”
“See ya Jett.” Joxer answered with a matching smirk as Jett left the temple without a backward glance.
Covering Joxer’s face with kisses Ares whispered, “I love you Joxer. Please don’t ever leave me alone again.”
“I won’t. Did dad really kill me?” Joxer said seriously.
Ares said gently, “Yeah. We can deal with everything later. Can we just get away from here for now?”
“Sure. I feel like celebrating our honeymoon. Let’s go,” Joxer said and the pair disappeared in a flash of sparks.
Part 2b
Six Months Later
Ares smirked at his husband as they got ready for their return to Olympus. They had performed their duties but aside from that no one had heard from the newlyweds since they declared they were going to celebrate their honeymoon, which was how they wanted it.
Granted, six months was a little long for a honeymoon but they had a lot to talk about, and to celebrate. A Today they had been asked politely for a change, to attend the hearing of Poseidon, Joxer’s father and murderer.
Apollo declared, “The Prosecution calls Joxer God of The Undead and Demons to testify!”
There was a flash of light as Joxer appeared with his husband. There was a collective gasp as the Gods took in Ares’ appearance. The god was heavily pregnant, exactly six months Hera judged expertly.
Joxer sat down and waited, he grinned when he spied Jett grinning at him from the other side of the room. Obviously his brother had finished his testimony, otherwise he wouldn’t have been allowed inside.
Apollo said dramatically playing to the audience, “Joxer. Can you please tell us what happened six months ago?”
“Exactly where do you want me to start, Sunboy?” Joxer smirked, at the shock on Apollo’s face.
Hera commanded, “Tell us about your marriage to Ares, child.”
Thinking of the best part of his life Joxer grinned, “I was with friends when Ares appeared. He said that he’d heard that I wanted to talk to him. I told him that I wanted protection from Aphrodite. Arry asked if I knew that there was only one way he could do that. I said yes and he started the ceremony.”
“What ceremony was that?” Hera asked interfering again, not that anyone was going to stop her. The gods may be crazy sometimes but they weren’t suicidal!
Joxer smiled fondly, “The True Binding. We went to Arry’s place and he asked why I wanted protection so I told him. Aphrodite was using me as a permanent power source. She would cast a spell on me every four months to make me fall in love with Gabrielle. It would wear off in three months, I think that shocked her a little.”
“Why was Aphrodite doing this over someone like you?” Apollo asked with a sneer.
Annoyed Joxer snarled, “Arry said she was addicted to the power she got from me. Arry then asked if I was sure I wanted to marry him, I said yes and asked him if he wanted to marry me. He said that he was so we completed the ceremony.”
Trying to get to the point Apollo asked, “What happened the next day?”
“Arry woke me up and said that some people were going to arrive soon who wanted to see me. We were relaxing in the main room when we heard someone demanding to be let in. Ares removed the barrier and Poseidon came in, he was angry that I married Arry. He said that Arry had to get away from me or he’d kill Arry.”
Apollo smirked, “He actually said he was going to kill Ares?”
“Yeah. Poseidon threw a dagger at Arry. I jumped in the way before it could hit Arry. I fell to the ground and then Arry came over. He talked to me, told me that everything was going to be okay. Then I died.”
Apollo said quickly, “You died and Poseidon killed you?”
“Yes but he was trying to kill Arry.” Joxer said seeing that his father was going to be punished rather harshly.
“I’ve finished with this witness,” Apollo said sitting down.
*******
“Would the defense like to question this witness?” Hera asked.
Zeus stood and walked over to Joxer smiling. Joxer groaned knowing a smiling Zeus was a bad sign.
Zeus said seriously, “What is your relationship with Poseidon?”
“He’s my father,” Joxer answered not seeing where this was going.
“Why is it that no gods knew of your parentage?”
Raising an eyebrow Joxer smirked, “One god did know but he swore never to tell anyone. The reason why no one knew is because Poseidon never told anyone and my mother was too ashamed to say anything.”
“Why was that?” Zeus questioned calmly.
Joxer growled his eyes flashing amber as he said, “Poseidon raped her, like he did many other women.”
Wanting to help his brother Zeus said, “Did your father ever speak to you?”
“He used to talk to us when we were younger but once we were dedicated to Ares he kind avoided us.”
“Do you know why?” Zeus questioned mainly out of curiosity.
Joxer said with a grin, “Yeah. He said Ares was despicable and the worst kind of god. That Ares was nothing but trouble.”
“Why are you smiling?” Hera said confused.
“Its weird that a god who raped at least four women that I know of would think of Ares as despicable.” Joxer sneered as he continued, “My gift from my *dear* father is that I cause trouble wherever I go.”
“What did Poseidon say before he threw the dagger?”
Joxer sighed, “That he forbade me from marrying Ares, but the marriage can’t be reversed. He also said that Arry doesn’t know how to love. I guess he forgot that Arry’s son is Cupid.”
“Is it possible that he was just trying to protect you? That he did not mean to kill you or Ares?”
“We are talking about my father, right? He never bothered to protect any of us, just ask my brothers. He wanted to kill Ares but not because he wanted to protect me, but because he didn’t want Ares to have me.”
“What makes you say that?” Hera questioned shocked at Joxer’s conviction.
“My best friend used to look out for me before he died, he found out that Poseidon said he would disown my brothers and I if we had sex with Arry. He told me Poseidon said that he would prefer us to be dead rather than involved with the bastard Ares!”
Zeus asked, “How are you alive if Poseidon killed you?”
Joxer laughed, “I’m dead, man.” Grinning he continued, “When I woke up my brother, Jett, was there and Arry was holding me. My brother explained I had been killed, that I was still dead and that I was the God of the Undead and demons.”
“How did your brother know?” Zeus questioned sceptically believing that Ares had really fed Joxer ambrosia.
“He is a Seer. Normally his visions tell him who to kill to save someone, or who the Fates want to die.”
Zeus questioned, “Can the Fates prove this?”
“Yeah.” Joxer said rolling his eyes.
“This witness can leave.” Zeus said and Joxer joined his husband.
Hera said, “I am going to consider the evidence before giving my decision.”
*******
“How’s Greece’s worst fighter?” A man asked behind Joxer.
Ares growled at the slight to his consort.
Joxer smirked, “How’s Greece’s most disruptive god?”
Joxer turned and hugged the man tightly unable to believe no one had told him that his best friend was back.
“I can’t believe you’re back! Why didn’t you tell me?” Joxer said excitedly causing a few gods to frown at him. They stopped when Ares, Cupid, Strife and Joxer all glared at them.
“Ya where on ya honeymoon! Ya know shagging all day? No way I wanted to get in the middle of that!”
Joxer laughed, “You sick or something? That’s the first time I’ve ever heard you say you’re not interested in something to do with sex!”
Strife pouted, “Not sick, pregnant. Its Cupie’s fault.”
“I didn’t hear you complaining a couple of hours ago!” Cupid retorted rolling his eyes.
Strife giggled, “I’m not complain’ babe. I’m just tellin’ the truth, it is ya fault I’m preggers.”
******
“SILENCE!” Hera shouted smiling when everyone turned to look at her. She continued, “I have made my decision. Poseidon is found guilty of killing a demi-god and attempting to kill a god.”
There were gasps at that announcement, many anticipating the punishment.
Hera said seriously, “In light of his crimes there is only one possible punishment. He is to be stripped of his powers and exiled to earth. Jace is to be made God of the Sea and God of Sensuality. Jett is to be made God of Sea Creatures and God of Prophecy, as the Fates have requested.”
Zeus nodded and held a hand over his brother, taking all of Poseidon’s powers. He waved his hand and Poseidon vanished, as a favour to his brother he placed Poseidon with Hercules, so he could be protected until he adjusted to the mortal world.
“Come forward!” Hera ordered and the two brothers walked forward, not reacting when the power started following into them, instantly making them gods.
Four Months Later.
“I’m going to kill you!” Ares growled as the pain rushed through him.
Joxer just nodded and held his husband’s hand knowing better than to argue. Ares had been really irritable for the last month, Apollo said it was simply because the child was a month late.
Joxer said smirking, “It’ll be fun. You do realise, its no real challenge to you when I wake up a couple of seconds later, right?”
“Next time, you can carry the kid.” Ares ground out as the knife cut into him.
Joxer snorted, like he was going to fall for that one!
“I present Lee, God of Loyalty!” Hera declared as she handed over their child.
The baby was alabaster white like Joxer with piercing red eyes and a small birthmark in the shape of a sword on his shoulder. As they looked he laughed, eyes glowing slightly.
“Hey dad!” Cupid shouted as he, Bliss and Strife appeared, their daughter Isabella, in Strife’s arms.
“Pretty baby. Lee, play with me and Isa?” Bliss asked with a grin.
Ares smiled, “Not yet Sweetheart.”
“He’s a little young to play but your job is to look after him, okay?” Joxer said with a serious smile.
Bliss blushed, “Yeah. He’s pretty.”
The End
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