Adult-FanFiction.org : Television / Streaming

Strife in my Life	By : AmberDDawn Category: S through Z > Xena Views: 2142 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own "Xena: Warrior princess", or "Hercules: The Legendary Journey" They were produced by Renissance Pictures I am not making money for this fiction.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
Happy Holidays!
Strife in my Life
Chapter 12: Getting Back

News travels fast. Especially when Hermes is involved. The whole pantheon knew about the engagement the before the two gods had even gone to Zeus with their news. Many of Strife's potential suitors were already at the doors to Zeus' Temple before the message had been delivered. There was an uproar and a call by a majority of the men for Zeus to give them a better chance at obtaining the suddenly very popular godling as their spouse. Strife could not go outside his Uncle's temple unescorted for fear of being abducted or attacked.

The biggest complaint from the rabble was that they hadn't even gotten their turn at courting the young god. Surely Strife would have picked one of them if it weren't for Cupid's interference...and that was their second biggest complaint. Cupid! He was almost always there and Ares was nearly always there during their meetings with Strife, but it was always both or either one. So they were bullied and intimidated into toning down their attempts to win the suddenly very desirable young male.

Yes, very suddenly, very desirable. Most didn't know about the potion, only that Strife was something very rare and very...pretty. Each one of them thought they should be the sole and covetous heir to such a treasure. So when Strife and Cupid were both required to meet with the king of the gods, their grandfather, there was a nice big angry crowd of lovelorn males glaring and hissing at Cupid and calling to Strife to reconsider the foolishness of choosing the love god.

"Strife love!" Zelus shouted over the din, ever trying to out do the rest. He was holding a bouquet of deep red roses, shaking it anxiously. He forced his way past the crowd that blocked Strife and Cupid's way.

"Strife, hear me out! Its not too late to change your mind! How can Cupid possibly protect you from the rest of them?" He hiked his thumb behind him to indicate the crowd, "He's just a love god! I'm one of Zeus' enforcers for Gods' sake! I'm perfect for you. Mischief and the spirit of competition! Think of what good strong sons we could make together, think of the fun we would have making those sons. I'm the god of out doing others so you know I'd be the best to please you in bed! Cupid might be a god of love but I'd be the better lover, besides Cupid's no warrior. Who's to say he wouldn't have a tragic accident..." He glanced at the other god, whose eyes were green and whose nostrils flared, but Cupid didn't open his mouth.

Zelus thrust the nearly black roses at Strife, "These are for you darling. They reminded me of your dark beauty."

Cupid was tapping his foot but didn't say anything. Strife looked at his cousin and then back to the primordial god frowning.

"No thank-ya," Strife linked arms with Cupid, surprised how safe it made him feel.

Zelus was not so easily put off though. He gave a false smile and reached for Strife's free arm. When he touched Strife he almost immediately regretted it. Strife had a dagger at his throat, but it was Cupid who was terrifying him. The love god grew pale. Hot air puffed from his nostrils as he picked up Zelus, and tossed him over the other gods. Cupid snarled at the lot of them, taking a menacing step toward the crowd. Strife jumped in front of him and waved his arms, "Calm down cuz!"
Cupid placed a hand (one that Strife swore was more clawlike than human) on his cheek and caressed him. The winged god took a calming breath. Strife felt his heart skip, Cupid really wanted him badly enough to take on half the pantheon.

Strife turned resting his fists on his hips, smirking, "I suggest ya move or Cupes is gonna kick all a ya's asses!" The angry crowd parted and the two gods walked up the steps to Zeus' Olympus temple.

Zeus watched from the shadows, a smirk on his face. This was raher entertaining, and he felt rather proud of his grandsons for handling the situation so well. He knew like the rest of Olympus about the young gods' intention so their visit was purly a formality. It was tradition though and proper protocol.

As soon as they were safely inside Cupid witnessed Strife shrinking from his confident pose to something much more timid. Strife scooted closer to his larger cousin. The god of love knew it was only because he was afraid and not because he really wanted the closeness. Cupid was more a security blanket than a romantic interest at this point. It was his only point to work off of to win the younger god over. As casually as he could he put his arm around Strife's shoulders and led him deeper into the temple and to the main hall.

Joxer's face still haunted him every night in his dreams. He lay awake. The old man had gotten him far north before he was well enough to do anything. Far north and out of Greece before he overcame his bonds and wrested the reigns of the horse cart from the man.

Gallus had blood on his hands. He had not intended to kill Lidus. He only wanted to subdue him and escape but that fall from the cart...the sharp rock. It cracked his head open like an egg. There was blood...blood on the ground...on his hands. He tried to stop the bleeding but it was no good.

Lidus was frowning up at him but in his eyes there was no fear...not for himself at least. His eyes held sorrow and pity. Gallus growled and grabbed the bloody rock that had broken his skull. He finished the old healer with a few enraged strikes.

Joxer haunted his dreams, but it was those pitying eyes that always woke him. Lidus was still watching over him. Gallus felt numb, but his need to see Joxer and have him once more stayed strong.

He got up and started his day in spite of the darkness. He doused the embers of his smoldering fire pit and packed up his meager belongings, stolen or bartered for with the old man's pack. He kept some of the medicine...Stuff he recognized as a healing balm and some dried herbs he knew would make a sleeping draught. He kept the herbs in a water tight pouch under his shirt next to his heart. When he found his beloved again he would do the rational thing, and slip he and his group the sleeping potion. He'd then whisk his beautiful Joxer away. Those monsters had undoubtedly tricked his Joxer or bent his will some how. If he could get him away from them then he could convince his love just whom he belonged with.

Gallus ommited the part he knew...the part about the potion bonding the two. He could take care of that. Kill the theif. Kill the one who stole away his love's heart.

It was still hours before sunrise and Gallus had a long trek south. He planned to head back toward Colyrus and try to pick the trail back up. He hoped he could track them down. It would take time and Joxer might be carrying that bastard's seed (Was carrying it, and he knew it deep down in his heart.) That was ok. Let the little one live. If Joxer couldn't be convinced that he was simply enchanted by the potion. The child would make good leverage.

He rode south, on the cart. Why waste a good horse cart? When he got far enough south though he would have to give it up for fear that the thing be recognized. He would trade it and the tired horse for a fresh one, and a saddle.

Colyrus had seen its share of trouble since the dagger incident, but times were growing peaceful once more. It was almost too quiet the last few weeks, so when the stranger dressed in black led his equally black horse into the gates people were a little on edge. The dark man was very familiar. His likeness had inspired lust but he inspired fear in the guards.

"Joxer?" A short man with an eyepatch approached, "Where are your friends? Where's Xena? I hope everything's alright."

The man turned to him, "You have me mistaken for someone." The man smiled at the shorter. He wasn't bad to look at, even with the missing eye. Maybe because of it. Jett was a dangerous man; he liked scars. Scars showed off toughness. He smirked, "Nice eye patch..."

The shorter man gave a false smile, "Oh thanks...I'm Sosilus, and I apologize for the mistake. You look remarkably like a friend of mine."

"Should hope so, shared a womb with 'im," Jett smirked at the brunette and sized him up. Sosilus straightened up hoping he wouldn't have to show this man out of the gates.

"I didn't know he had a brother," The guard scratched his head and smiled awkwardly, "Much less a twin."

"Triplet," Jett leaned in. The other man was sweating, and it was a turn on for the assassin, "Another brother. Our mother had a hell of a time pushing us out."

Sosilus nodded. Jett stepped closer the horse following him. The Lieutenant stepped back again and looked behind himself. People were pretending to not notice the two of them but he did see the odd passer by glance their way. He didn't want a scene.

"Err, well any brother of Joxer is a friend of mine. How about I buy you a meal. The tavern's stew and mead are fairly good, and its right across the way," He pointed over Jett's shoulder. He wasn't certain weather to trust this look-alike's words. Thinking to keep him in a public place for a while. His captain was on duty and would be occupied for a few hours. Sosilus though he could handle one man.

Jett smirked at the nervous responses. Sure he thought this man was cute and attractive but he had no intentions of forcing anything. It was just fun to tease. Besides if he really was friends with Joxer he was safe...well unless a really high paying client wanted him dead, but he was learning that it was hard to go against his baby brother's wishes as of late. He wondered how his brother was doing, how the child within him was.

Sosilus held his breath as Jett seemed to grow serious and study him. Then he nodded and turned. Sosilus blinked stupidly for a second before following the new comer.

"Oh I didn't catch your name," The Lieutenant nearly shouted.

"I didn't give it," Jett smirked over his shoulders.

"Oh," Sosilus deflated a bit nervously, "Um..."

The mysterious triplet chuckled darkly, "Name's Jett."

Sosilus smiled and nodded. They entered the tavern. It wasn't the nicest place in Greece but they still had nice stew, and their mead was, as always, sweet and refreshing.

Joxer felt lips pressed to his forehead. He smiled and reached up pulling the owner of those lips down into a gentle kiss, "What a way to wake up."

"Feeling any better?" Auto caressed his cheek.

Joxer nodded, his hand slipped to his stomach and rubbed, "Better." He winced as his stomach tightened with a cramp, "Still having pain but much better."

He sat up and tried to scoot off the horse cart so he could join his friends at the fire. Phidais came over and grabbed his arm. Auto took the other and they helped him up.

"You shouldn't strain yourself," The physician admonished him. Auto grit his teeth. He was still not pleased to have the other man with them. Hercules and Iolaus were one thing, this guy though...he kept touching Joxer and fussing over him. Dominating his attention all the time. Sure, he was a doctor and responsible for Joxer's well-being, but Auto just knew he was using that as an excuse to get closer to his husband.

It had been about five months since Joxer had been taken captive by the Gargareans. He was almost five months along, only three months left if the gods were to be believed. Joxer's stomach was becoming noticable, and little Virgil was starting to make his presence known inside his dam.

Joxer took to wearing the colorful cloak when they were around strangers, but the problem was it was summer. Joxer was already overly warm without the added layer of clothing. The group tried to keep him away from strangers. Many men got too interested in him, and everybody else stared at his distended stomach. They were only couple days away from Meg's place, she settled near Corinth. The trip was easier with a horse and cart, it cut their travel time in half.

The pregnant man claimed a seat on a tree stump near the fire pit and rubbed his belly. He grunted in discomfort, "Auto!"

"What is it?" The alarmed thief fell to his knees before his lover. Joxer grabbed his hand and placed it on the side of his belly.

"It's our son...at least I think it is," They could both feel the movement. Something pushing outward.

"Wow," Auto whispered in fascination as he pressed his cheek against the tiny bump.

"Oh, can I feel?" Gabrielle suddenly crowded them. Auto frowned but leaned back. Knowing Joxer well enough that he would welcome the attention. Joxer was so proud of their little offspring.

Joxer sighed quietly and smiled. He nodded and let the woman paw at his belly. She cooed and gently rubbed the spot, but the baby fluttered away from the wall of his stomach. She pouted when the faint thump stopped.

"I think he's probably tired Gabby," Joxer comforted her then winced as the child started kcking his bladder. He pushed himself up and walked hurriedly toward the privacy fo some bushes.

"You ok love?" Auto followed him.

"Yeah just have to relieve myself," Joxer grunted as the child in him seemed to be punching the same spot in his bladder over and over.

Auto chuckled quietly.

"It's not funny," Joxer pouted. He found a nice bush to stand behind and let his bladder loose.

"Sorry love, you're just too adorable," Auto admitted, smirking all the more.

Joxer was tucking himself away when a dizzy spell hit. He started to wobble, but Auto caught his arm before he could stumble, "Come back and sit baby."

"I can't wait till we reach Meg's," Joxer panted slightly as he was escorted back to the tree stump. He sat and let his lover fuss over him.

"Were just about two days ride from Corinth," Xena spoke up as she poked at the fire. She checked on their dinner of roast rabbits, slowly cooking over the flames.

"That's good," Joxer smiled and leaned on auto who had taken up residence next to him on the stump.

Auto wrapped his arm around Joxer's shoulders and lay his head against his lover's. Part of him was looking forward to the comforts of an inn but part of him knew he would have to leave Joxer there. They were running really low on money. After buying a horse and cart they had barely enough money left for supplies. As nice a Meg was, he doubted they could stay on at her tavern for free, not for three or four months in any case.

Cupid and Strife stood before their Grandparents. Zeus and Hera looked down on them from the dias where Zeus' throne sat.

"You are certain about this? I know you had your marriage to Psyche dissolved, but it is rather soon..." The queen stated in a cool voice.

"I know," Cupid started looking in his Grandmother's eyes. She was a formidable goddess and the fact that she was the Goddess of marriage made things worse. He continued anyway, "Neither of us were happy in the marriage. We loved each other, and we love our son, but I was merely infatuated with her. If things had been allowed to take their natural course we wouldn't have married."

Hera looked at her grandson, squinting as she read his heart. She knew his intentions were good but she wasn't certain the outcome would be for the best. Zeus however chuckled and clapped the love god on the shoulder.

"They'll be fine woman," The king of the gods turned to his wife smirking. She shrugged and nodded. She wished she were able to divorce her idiot husband but her godhood and position as the Queen prevented her from that sort of freedom.

"Fine," Hera finally relented, "You will of course be expected to have a proper ceremony this time." The Queen looked down on Cupid accusingly. He blushed and nodded.

"Next week seems like a nice time to hold the ceremony," Zeus added, "We shall have a feast and all the temples will be filed with fare for your worshipers to partake."

"Don't ya think tha's kinda soon?" Strife asked nervousness written on his brow. He rubbed the hilt of the dagger he kept in his sleeve to give him some sort of reassurance.

"Better not put it off, the longer you remain unmarried, and unmated, the more desperate the other gods are probably going to get," Cupid pointed out as he rubbed the other god's back.

Strife shook him off frowning, "This bites!" Feeling a spark of rebellion in his chest, but he quickly deflated, reminding himself he could be a lot worse off. He turned looking through the window overlooking Zeus' courtyard. The throng had not dissipated, but nobody dare enter the temple at least. The mischief god's shoulders slumped, "I guess its tha only way then..." He knew it was but part of him was hoping there was a better way. A way that didn't cheat Cupid or Bliss or force him to perform the duties of a child bearing spouse.

"If we gotta," Strife pressed his forehead into the cool marble. He stood there for a second, still as a marble statue. Then he vanished. Cupid felt panic rising in his throat.

'Pops! Strife took off!' He sent a thought to his father.

'Relax son,' Ares responded, 'He's here. He said he needed some alone time so just give him some space.'

Cupid didn't respond right away.

'Son?' Ares prodded him.

"Yes fine!" He shouted out loud then he vanished to his temple. There were preprations to be made anyhow. Strife was going to need a room and furniture. Sure the god could whip up his own, but the god of love wanted to do something nice for his fiance.

Strife lay face down on the bed in his uncle's temple with his head under a pillow. He wished he could just smother himself.

"Sometimes it sucks ta be a god," He mumbled to himself using more of that future slang. Ares stood at his door watching the mini melt down and Strife screamed into his blankets and kicked his feet. He didn't want any of this. It wasn't fair! All his life he'd been handed the short end of the stick, if that stick had been dropped in nasty wet manure. He screamed a few more times then he rolled over and sat up.

"Feel better?" Ares failed to supress his smirk.

Strife shot him a dirty look and Ares gave him a warning frown. Strife made a gessture he picked up from the future that wasn't very nice.

"Want me to chop off that finger?" Ares warned but his tone was more warm than threatening.

Strife put his finger down and deflated, "It ain't faih Unc!"

"Yeah," Ares came into the room and sat on the bed. Strife scooted over to give him room, "Yes it's unfair, but it's how the loom of fate has directed your life. Cupid will treat you right though."

"I ain't worried 'bout that Unc!" Strife snarled, "I know Cupes'll do everythin in is powah to do right by me. I just...I can't...I...I can't give 'im what he needs, Him and little Bliss. It isn't faih ta them!"

Ares quirked a brow, "I don't see how this is unfair to Cupid....last time I checked he was crazy about you."

"I...Its complicated," Strife hugged himself. He rocked his slender torso, remembering things from long ago. Things that haunted him still, and would for the remainder of eternity. Strife peeked at his Uncle expectantly. Waiting for the god of war, and his guardian, to demand a reason; but Ares was just looking at him...into him almost.

He nodded and stood, "Get some rest. You are off duty until after the wedding. If there's a honeymoon then you have that time off too."

Strife's mouth hung open as he watched his uncle leave the room. He clapped it shut, "Fucking Tartarus?"

TBC
- 11
- 12
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Strife in my Life