Make Love, Not War

Title: Make Love, Not War
Author: Stephanie M
Email address: wicciangirl51@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.angelfire.com/freak/beyondfriendship/
Disclaimer: The Xena/Hercules characters belong to RenPics and whoever else owns the rights to these characters. The characters from Highlander, Immortality, and the head-taking thing belong to Rysher/Panzer/Davis and the Sci-Fi channel. Characters from the film Murder By Numbers do not belong to me, they belong to the scriptwriter and the studio, which produced the movie. The Buffy characters are property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and WB Network. All the recognizable Harry Potter characters belong to JK Rowling, Scholastic Inc, and Warner Brothers.
Summary: A family feud and a strange bet results in Joxer finding his destiny. Joxer's destiny results in nine people changing forever when the Fates announce an old prophecy has come into play.
Fandoms: Xena/Highlander/Murder By Numbers/Buffy/Harry Potter
Notes: Seduces Me belongs to If Dreams Had Wings Music Ltd

Part 1

With a look back at the backs of Xena and Gabrielle, Joxer walked into the one place he thought he would never return his family home. He knew that he had to see his family but didn’t know the reason why. However, the strange compulsion to return to his childhood home was too great to deny.

Walking straight to the temple of Ares, Joxer was unsurprised to find his family on their knees praying. Although hew thw the Gods were important, Joxer could not understand why his father was making his aged Grandmother kneel on the floor when she was clearly ill.

With a determined stride, Joxer walked over to his grandmother and helped her up, escorting her out of danger before his family starting fighting with him. He was unsurprised when he felt Jett grab hold of his neck as soon as he sat her down.

“Trying to make Ares angry with us? You should know better!” Jett said as he punched Joxer in the ribs.

As the blow hit home there was a spark of light and the distinct smell of ozone as a God appeared in the room.

Sending a ball of energy towards Jett Ares snarled, “Don’t touch him.” He smiled in satisfaction when the mortal hit the wall loudly falling onto the floor.

Jonus asked afraid, “My Lord, what are you doing here?”

“I’m here to get Joxer. Come here Joxer,” Ares said, noticing the fear in Joxer’s eyes.

As Joxer walked over to his God, Jonus smiled cruelly assuming Ares was going to punish his son for interrupting their prayers. As Joxer reached him, Ares wrapped his arm around the startled mortal’s waist and teleported from the room in a flash of angry sparks.

As they disappeared Jonus shared a cruel grin with his favourite son who was struggling to stand up, each hoping Ares would do everyone a favour and kill Joxer.
*********
“What do you want with me, Lord Ares?” Joxer said as the pair appeared in a small kitchen.

“I wanted to talk to you.” Ares replied, since Joxer was scared.

“Oh…I guess that’s okay. Where are we?” Joxer said as he took in his surroundings.

Ares answered with a small grin, “We’re at my secret place. Whenever I want to disappear, this is where I come. No one else knows about it.”

Noticing his God looked a little upset Joxer said gently, “Thanks for bringing me here. What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing, Joxer.” Ares answered, walking out into the garden.

Joxer looked around the room wondering what he should do. He knew from experience that sometimes you needed to be alone but he got the feeling that Ares spent a lot of time alone. With a determined nod, he walked outside to find Ares staring off into the distance.

Not wanting to disrupt the sense of peace and harmony that seemed to flow from the land itself Joxer whispered,s bes beautiful here.”

“I’m glad you like it. Would you like to spend sometime here with me?” Ares said, already accepting that Joxer would refuse him.

Joxer said with a wide grin, “I’d love too, as long as you don’t mind. Call me Jox, my friends do.”

Creating a small table of food when he realised that Joxer hadn’t eaten Ares replied, “Jox, you can call me Ar. Have something to eat.”

Joxer said eagerly as he sat down, “That would be great. Thank you, Ar.”
*******
The pair ate in silence both content to sit with someone they could hesitantly call a friend. As they ate, each one questioned the wisdom of their new friendship.

Ares knew anyone he called a friend would spend their lives in danger, not just from the Gods but also from the mortal world. He had never had someone he could call a friend before and was unsure exactly what a friend was supposed to do, besides why would anyone want to be friends with War?

Joxer on the other hand was questioning what he had to offer anyone. Ever since he was a child Joxer had been told that he was worthless, he believed it especially when Gabrielle and Xena had reinforced the idea.

Sighing Joxer said, “Why do you want to be friends with me? I’m useless, I always get into trouble and I…”

Ares who could not believe the way Joxer was talking about himself. In that instant, he wanted nothing more than to find and personally kill everyone who had ever hurt Joxer, starting with Xena and Gabrielle.

Wanting the other man to stop berating himself Ares said, “You’re not useless, and there are other things in life more important than fighting.”

Seeing Joxer was starting to listen Ares continued, “I’ve been your God all your life, if anyone knows how important you are its me. Didn’t you ever wonder why you lived through all those fights?”

“I thought it must be some kind of joke to the Gods,” Joxer replied resignation os fas face.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on you. You are not meant for fighting, Jox.” Ares said, looking into Joxer’s eyes.

“What am I meant to do now? My whole life has been focused on training to fight,” Joxer asked himself, not realising he had spoken his thoughts aloud.

Wondering if Joxer was going to hate him Ares said, “Stay with me until you figure it out.”

Joxer saidecteectedly, “Thanks for the offer, Ar. I’m sure you have other things you’d rather do than keep an eye on for me.”

Ares said with a small smile, “I like you Jox. There aren’t many people I can say that about. If you don’t mind I’d like you to stay here safe, until you figure out what you want.”

Unable to believe that someone actually wanted him around Joxer said, “I’ll stay, but as soon as I’ve overstayed my welcome you have to tell me and I’ll leave.”

Ares was secretly hoping that Joxer would stay for a while; he still had to figure out what it was about Joxer that made him want to protect the younger man. It was not the warrior’s of of skills because he seen warriors even worse - not many but some and had not even given them a second glance.
*******
Over the next three weeks, the pair spent a lot of time just sitting around, not needing to talk all the time. Each one comfortable sitting in silence with someone that actually wanted to be around him, amazed that someone they had never expected to could understand their loneliness and pain.

“I’ve got to go, Jox. I wonder what Zeus wants to blame me for this time?” Ares said with a sigh as he disappeared in the usual sparks.

Joxer looked around the house and seeing nothing better to do started organising everything. Something he had a lot of experience doing as most people didn’t trust him to do anything more complicated. He knew Ares would appreciate the sentiment if not the action.
*******
Hades looked at Ares in worry; the war god was smiling and that wasn’t a good thing. The last time he had seen Ares smile; hd end ended up with a massive backlog of souls to sort out. He prayed this time wouldn’t be as disruptive; maybe he could talk to Hera about it?

Knowing his dark son was distracted Zeus asked angrily, “Ares, did you hear what I said?”

“Yes, I’m to arrange a war between Sparta and Corinth.” Ares absently answered sending out his awareness to check on Joxer.

Hera said, “Make the arrangements with Athena.” She was concerned at the strange warm feeling from her son, almost as if Ares was happy which was ridiculous! Her son hadn’t been happy for millennia.

“Okay,” Ares said as he flashed out the room and back to Joxer.
*******
Not needing to look up to know the identity of the god Joxer said with a smile, “Hey Ar.”

“The place look’s wonderful! Jox, you didn’t have to do this,” Ares looked around the house.

“I know but I wanted to. Feel like going out tonight?” Joxer said wanting Ares to see that life wasn’t all serious and boring.

Ares said quickly, “Sure.” With a wave of his hand, the god removed his facial hair, making him look a lot younger than his 1500 years.

Joxer said with a rueful smile, “Good idea, it would ruin your reputation if people found out that you went out with the least of your warriors.”

Angry that Joxer thought of himself negatively Ares said seriously, “If anyone has a problem with our friendship, they’ll have to deal with me! I figured a crowd would ruin your plans.”

Joxer said with a grin, “It would. What do you feel like doing? There’s a celebration in Thebes or we can listen to the music contest in Delphi.”

“Why don’t you enter the contest?” Ares said having heard Joxer play from watching his new friend when the mortal was younger.

Joxer said seriously, “I’m not good enough, everyone would just laugh me off stage!”

“What if we both enter the competition? You play the music and I’ll dance to it,” Ares wanted his friend to embrace his musical gifts.

Joxer said with a happy grin, “I guess, and I won’t be up there alone. Ar, shouldn’t we practice?”

Ares shrugged. “If you’ll let me, I can take the music from your mind. I’ll make the dancing up as I go.”

“`Kay, Ar.” Joxer said concatinating on the music as he felt Ares gently touch his forehead.

“That’s a good song. What do you call it?” Ares said as he opened his eyes and changed their clothes with a thought.

Joxer answered with a small smile, “Sed Me. Me.”

“Who’s it about?” Ares asked privately thinking that he would kill anyone if they hurt his Joxer.

“A guy, I don’t think will ever look at me.” Joxer said softly sure he was right.

Ares offered seriously, “You want me to kill him for you?”

“That’s alright, Ar. It’s not the first time something like this has happened. You do remember the disaster that was my infatuation with Gabby?”

“Yeah. Ready to go?” Ares decided not to mention the massive argument he had with Aphrodite over that little fiasco.

“I hate to ask Ar but can you get my lyre?” Joxer said as he put an arm around the war god’s waist.
*******
The pair materialised just a couple of minutes outside town. Looking at his clothes, Joxer was shocked to see they had changed. He was now wearing a white silk shirt with ruffles on the cuffs and a pair of black leather pants. Ares was wearing an outfit the same as Joxer’s apart from his brown pants.

“Thanks again for doing this, Ar.” Joxer said as they approached the hall, which was covered in banners, so bright that they made Ares feel sick.

“It’s no bother. Want me to make sure you win?” Ares asked wondering just why he had asked the question.

Joxer said forcefully, “No! I don’t have any chance of winning but it’ll be good to play again.”

Ares said with a laugh, “With me as your dancer, we’re bound to win!”

“That’s quite an ego you’ve got there!” Joxer said punching Ares on the shoulder with a snort.

Ares said in mock outrage, “You mean I’m not the centre of the universe?” Noticing the bubbles of laugher building up inside Joxer Ares continued haughtily, “Anyway, it’s not an ego if it’s true.”

Joxer laughed, “You should see Asclepius, I think you’ve finally lost your mind!”

“How about a little friendly bet? That way I can show you how good my dancing is,” Ares said an idea forming in his mind.

“Sure,” Joxer answered with a grin.

Ares grinned wickedly, “If my dancing wins the competition, you have to tell Blondie and Xena just what you think of them, and of the way they’ve been treating you.”

Not about to back down from a challenge Joxer retorted, “Fine. If my song gets us first place you have to go to the next pantheon meeting in white silk and complain that people should make love and not war.”

“They’ll think I’ve gone insane!” Ares said laughing hysterically as he imagined the reactions of the various gods.

Joxer smiled as he said seriously, “They treat you like dirt and take advantage of you. If they think you’ve lost your mind, they’ll see just how difficult your job is. Think of it as a chance to have a long needed vacation.”

“Okay, it’s a deal.” Ares said shaking Joxer’s hand. “I’ve already taken care of the entrance fee so we’re ready,” Ares continued taking a seat next to Joxer.

“I’ll give you back the money as soon as I can.” Joxer vowed not wanting to take advantage of his friend.
*******
Ares just smiled as the three judges looked at him and Joxer, indicating that it was time for them to go on stage. They were last to perform as they had arrived a little late. Ares smiled thinking to himself at that least Joxer wouldn’t have to wait around.

Joxer smiled at Ares and walked over the stage ready to do this. He couldn’t believe he was actually performing in public! He had sworn never to do so, but the pleading look in Ares’ eyes had been too great to deny.

Never taking his eyes from Ares’ body Joxer played softly setting a sultry mood with the music, his eyes widening as he watched Ares dance. It was as if the War God became the personification of seduction, moving his body with sensual grace.

Expressing in song what he couldn’t say, Joxer started to sing putting his heart into the words, “Everything you are,
Everything you’ll be
Touches the current of love
So deep in me
Every sigh in the night
Every tear that you cry
Seduces me.

And all that I am
And all that I’ll be
Means nothing at all
If you can’t be with me
Your most innocent kiss
Or your sweetest kiss
Seduces me

I don’t care about tomorrow
I’ve given up on yesterday
Here and now is all that matters
Right here with you is where I’ll stay

Everything in this world
Every voice in the night
Every little thing of beauty
Comes shining thru in your eyes
And all that is you becomes part of me too
`Cause all that you do seduces me.”

There was a shocked silence when the song finished as the audience were caught in the spell Joxer had weaved through his music. Then there was rapturous applause as the people stood up shouting for more. Joxer bowed and taking Ares’ hand walked back to the table.

“I told you not to worry,” Ares admonished as he looked at his giddy friend.

“It was amazing. I’ve never felt anything like it!” Joxer felt like he could walk on water.

“Looks like we’ve found your gift,” Ares said with a smirk having suspected as much.
*******
A tall woman smiled at the nervous contestants, “I would like to thank all those who entered in the competition. All the compositions were unique and special in their own way.”

A slim redheaded man about twenty years old said, “As the high priest of Apollo it is my joy to name the winner of the competition is Joxer and his dancer…I think his name is…Arry. The song was one of the most amazing songs I’ve heard in my life. It was so alive and passionate! Can Joxer and his dancer to come up and collect their prize?”

The room started clapping and cheering as the two men walked onto the stage. Joxer blushed furiously, not used to being the centre of attention or to being praised. Ares just smiled and stood slightly behind Joxer not wanting to steal any of the praise and attention that rightly belonged to his friend. Joxer accepted the small trophy plaque the the money before leaving the stage with a small bow.

Biting his lip Joxer said pleadingly, “Can we go now? I hate being the centre of attention.”

“If that’s what you want, Jox.” Ares said taking the mortal’s arm and walking out of the dance hall.

“I can’t believe I won! You didn’t use your powers did you?” Joxer said anxiously.

Ares said indignantly, “Of course not, I promised I wouldn’t!”

“It’s just I never thought I would win anything!” Joxer explained quickly, not wanting to upset the man, his best friend.

“You’re great Jox, there’s so much you could do if you wanted.” Ares said gently wrapping an arm around the mortal’s waist.

Joxer said seriously, “I’m happy with my life as it is. I’ve won a prize for the first time in my life, and I have the one thing I always wanted, someone I can trust and confide in.”

Ares just looked at Joxer confused as he tried to figure out what the mortal could be talking about. Drawing a blank, he arched his eyebrow at his friend asking the question.

Joxer said with a small laugh, “You, of course! I never imagined I would have someone I can trust and count on, like I do with you.”

Ares just stared at Joxer in shocked. Looking around he transported them to his hideaway, the place they both now called home.
*******
Gabrielle looked at the scroll in shock unable to believe what she was reading, Joxer had won the most famous music competition throughout Greece! She seriously wondered how she had upset the Muses, there was no other explanation as to how Joxer could win and why she had been informed she couldn’t enter. Maybe the muses wanted to help some of the less talented people?

‘With my natural talent and abilities I don’t need to depend on the Muses!’ Gabrielle thought with an arrogant smile.

‘Really?’ Polyhymnia inspirer of sacred song thought with a grin, sharing what she had overheard with her sisters the nine muses decided that they wouldn’t help the annoying Amazon until she begged them. Maybe she would learn to be a little more thankful in future!

“Anyone know where Joxer is? We should congratulate him on winning.” Auto said looking at his friends.

Xena shrugged, “We last saw him a month ago when he went back home. He felt that he was needed there.”

“He voluntarily went back to his family? Something is *really* wrong here!” Iolaus said worriedly.

Hercules said confused, “What do you mean? Everyone goes to see their parents once in a while.”

“Didn’t any of you *listen* to him?” Auto said understanding dawning as he remembered what Joxer had confided when the group would sit together by the campfire.

“Of course we did!” Gabrielle protested immediately.

Auto said scornfully, “Right (!) You don’t even know enough about him to know why he never goes home.”

“Fine, why doesn’t he go home?” Hercules said in annoyance.

Iolaus sighed, “His family treats him as a punching bag. The only ones who were ever nice to him were his grandmother and Jace.”

“I guess we should go and check up on him then?” Hercules asked with a groan.

Iolaus said glaring at his lover, “If you don’t want to go, Auto and I can go.”

Hercules said quickly, “Of course I’ll come with you. Maybe Joxer just heard that someone was ill?”

“If nothing else it’ll be a good break.” Xena said with a smile.

The four looked at each other and started on the road towards Joxer’s family home. It would take them about six days to get there so they just hoped Joxer wasn’t in any immediate danger.
*******
Ares said angrily looking at the laughing man, “I can’t believe I agreed to this!”

“A bet’s a bet. You know that. Anyway, it’ll be fun.” Joxer said doing his best to control his laugher.

Ares rolled his eyes, “I’m wearing white silk! You do realise this is going to destroy my reputation?”

“Just kill a couple of hundred warriors, and no one will say anything.” Joxer said with a shrug carefully looking over the god’s outfit.

Ares looked down at his outfit one last time, he was wearing a white silk suit wihe the top showing his chest hairs. He waved his hand and changed his leather boots to white sandals. He looked in the mirror and groaned; he looked like a love god!

Joxer said supportively, “You look great. You’re going to scare the life out of them.”

“Thanks. Want to come up to Olympus with me?” Ares said ignoring the thundering of his heart. It was impossible for him to have a heart attack, so there was no need to worry.

Joxer just stared at his friend, “Me on Olympus? That’s just asking for trouble.”

“They’ll love you, and if they don’t I’ll beat them up.” Ares said smiling and showing his teeth.

“I guess that would be okay. Do I look alright?” Joxer said, he was wearing brown pants and a cream shirt. Ares had made ten outfits appear saying Joxer had to have something comfortable to wear.

Ares nodded, “You look great. I’m going to put a block on your mind to stop the others from messing with you, okay?”

“Yeah.” Joxer said quickly, he didn’t like the thought of becoming the plaything of the gods if he could avoid it.

Ares gently placed one hand on Joxer’s head and focused. Within seconds, he had created a shield in Joxer’s mind stopping any god from entering his mind or reading his thoughts.

Putting one arm around Joxer’s waist Ares asked, “Do you want to come with me to the meeting or do you want to stay at my home on Olympus?”

“Won’t it cause trouble if I come with you to the meeting?” Joxer asked nervously.

Ares smiled, “No. I think my outfit will cause the most trouble. If you come you can see the effects of our little bet for yourself.”

“I’ll come with you.” Joxer said with a sincere smile.

Ares said suddenly, “I’ve got some more ideas about how to scare the life out of my family. Just follow my lead, okay?”

“Sure, but don’t go too far.” Joxer said with a smile.

Seconds later the pair disappeared in a flash of blue-white sparks.
*******
“Want to play with my arrow and sheath?” Cupid asked Joxer with a grin. He had always been attracted to the mortal and now Joxer was on Olympus where no heroes could interfere.

Ares overheard the come on and sauntered over to the pair. He smiled and pleaded Joxer, “Come ant ovt over here with me?”

Ares glared at Cupid but his son just stared back. Finally Ares said slowly, “*MY* Jox. Leave him alone!”

Hades stared open-mouthed at the sight meeting his eyes when he walked into the great hall. Ares was wearing white but more alarming he was wearing sandals. It was scary. Even more worrying was the fact that he was apparently having a row with Cupid over a mortal. Hades moved closer in time to hear the mortal, Joxer a part of his mind supplied, calm Ares.

Joxer said quickly, “Don’t worry, he’s not going to take me away.”

Ares stuck his tongue out at Cupid before escorting Joxer to the main table and sat down, materialising another chair next to him for Joxer.

There were six flashes of light as the remaining gods flashed into the room for the meeting.

Aphrodite took her seat next to Cupid, casting a speculative look at Ares and Joxer. Apollo sat next to Athena. Looking at the mortal the sun god realised it was the winner of the competition in Delphi.

Poseidon sat next to Hades and Demeter hoping the pair weren’t going to start arguing again. Hera sat next to Zeus, hoping the meeting wouldn’t last too long as she had plans to hurt Hercules that needed toput put in action.

Zeus looked at the mortal his son had brought with him. He tried to get into Joxer’s mind only to be stopped by the shield Ares created. Shaking his head, he started the meeting. Zeus asked smiling, “Now are there any problems anyone wants to bring to the attention of the Pantheon?”

“Yes, me, me!” Ares held up his hand excitedly. When Zeus nodded at him Ares said pouting, “The mortals are being bad.”

“Bad?” Aphrodite questioned wondering why Ares sounded like a ticked off toddler.

Ares nodded emphatically, “They’re fighting when they should be making love. Hey, that can be my new order for my armies, make love not war.”

Ares smiled looking at Joxer earnestly, “What do you think, Joxiekins?”

“Joxiekins?” Eris shouted in shock looking at her brother who was busy playing with the mortal’s hair.

Joxer smiled seriously, “Maybe you need to think about it a little more, Ar.”

“But they’re being bad!” Ares said stamping his foot and making the room shake. He shouted angrily, “No one *ever* listens to me!”

Hades’ eyes widened when he heard Joxer say soothingly, “People do listen, Ar. I know the mortals are being bad and we’ll stop them.”

“Ares, are you feeling okay?” Apollo asked looking at Ares in a panic.

Ares said dismissively, “I feel great! Now about those naughty mortals?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure they’re not bad anymore.” Poseidon said not wanting Ares to have another tantrum.

“Cool!” Ares exclaimed before flashing out the room and taking Joxer with him.

Zeus looked at the room, “Did that really happen?”

Demeter said smiling, “Yes. Ares has lost his mind. I always knew it would happen.”

“Joxiekins!” Eris said laughing, she grinned when Aphrodite joined

Zeus commanded, “We’ll have to take care of the war Ares was organising. It’ll be a disaster if Ares tells his armies to make love not war.”

“What are we going to do about Ares?” Hades asked worried knowing that an insane war god would be a disaster.

“Apollo can see him.” Hera said before flashing out of the room.
*******
Apollo flashed out of the room to his brother’s temple. He was shocked when he arrived to find Ares sitting in a room painting, if you could call it that. Ares was throwing paint at a canvas while Joxer played a tune on his lyre.

Ares grinned, “Apollo? You here to play?”

“No.” Apollo answered, seeing Ares frown he continued, “I’ll come and play later. Now can I have a look at you?”

“Joxiekins?” Ares said apparently looking at Joxer for instruction.

Joxer said with a smile, “Why don’t you let him look you over, Ar? Then you can carry on playing.”

When Ares nodded Apollo quickly used his powers to identity any possible illness or injury. Not finding any, he was confused as to why Ares was behaving so strangely. Drawing a blank he decided to leave before Ares remembered that he asked him to play.

Minutes after Apollo had left, Ares looked at Joxer and they both burst out laughing. Ares was amazed at how much fun he had playing a little joke on his family. The best part was that they would probably leave him alone for a while so he could spend time with Joxer.

“Ar, why was Cupid hitting on me?” Joxer said after they had both calmed down.

Ares sighed, “He’s been lonely since Psyche left him for some Celtic god. I thought you liked guys?”

“I do but I just didn’t want to be with Cupid,” Joxer said with a smile.

Ares said suspiciously, “How come?”

Joxer shrugged, “I’m not in love with Cupid.”

“So you have to love whoever you sleep with?”

After thinking the question over Joxer said, “No, but right now I’m in love with someone. I don’t want to sleep with anyone but him.”

“I guess that makes sense. If you love someone then you should be with them.”

“Even if it seems like everything is against you?” Joxer asked seriously.

Ares said hugging the man, “Yeah. Jox, you deserve someone who can see how special you are, someone who knows how beautiful you are.”

“I believe the man I love can do all that but he doesn’t love me so there’s no point thinking about it.”

Seeing Joxer was getting depressed, Ares said suddenly, “Time to have some fun. Why don’t you show me what’s so great about fishing?”

Joxer said seriously, “To be honest fishing is more about relaxing than catching fish, or at least I think so.”

“Come on, lets go fishing.” Ares said and the pair disappeared.

End Part 1