Bitter Sweet

“I told you not to pick her up again,”

Despite his exasperation, Joxer looked amused; he watched his lover pacing up and down their bedchamber as he tried to soothe their screaming daughter. Joxer knew he wouldn’t be as amused when the infant stayed up the rest of the night but for now, Joxer enjoyed his brief victory.

Ares let out a long suffering sigh which somehow managed to be louder then the cries from Leonie; he paced up the room, stroking the infant’s back as he cradled her against his chest, praying silently to his great-grandmother for guidance. “She just sleeps a lot more then I expected,” he answered, adding the small confession, “It worries me sometimes, I have to check she’s alright.”

“She’s fine.” Joxer shook his head slightly, the soft smile still on his lips, “Apollo said new-borns sleep a lot for the first few days and that Leonie would sleep for longer, being born so early.” It wasn’t that Joxer didn’t share Ares’ worry over their daughter’s safety, he did; but after everything they’d been through, Joxer had finally come to the conclusion that Leonie, though small for her age and even unable to lift her own head, had a lot of power behind her.

Sometimes the idea and reminder of that power both humbled and concerned Joxer, as he was sure it did Ares, but Joxer had the feeling it would be doing more then just protecting them- it would be saving everyone.

“She’s nearly three weeks old.” Ares frowned, the baby’s cries had quieted to muffles as she quickly fell back to sleep; the screaming, courtesy of Ares pulling Leonie from pleasant dreams, had died quickly as the baby exhausted herself. Gently laying her in the insulated crib Hephaestus had made her, Ares walked the few steps back to their bed and flopped down next to his smirking lover. “Fine, you were right, I won’t wake her again.” He grouched as he watched Joxer’s grin widen.

It was odd how quickly they’d adapted to life with the baby. Despite Ares and Joxer only having been a couple for months, they’d settled quickly into a relationship as a family; not only did Joxer now live in Ares temple with the baby, but it was now seen as ‘their’ temple not just Ares’. Sometimes neither Joxer nor Ares could believe they’d made it so far, got through so much together, but seeing their daughter brought it all back to them; she wasn’t the one thing that held them together but she was a reminder that they’d nearly lost each other-as well as an added bonus, of course.

“She’ll catch up in a few months,” Joxer was sure of that. He’d already had talks with Hera, which had reassured him about the baby and himself. The first few days after Leonie’s birth had been surprisingly uneventful, in fact Joxer had spent most of the time asleep recovering after the traumatic labour. Whilst Joxer had been recovering, Ares had been left to care for Leonie with Hera’s help-when she could spare the time. At the same time Ares had also been co-ordinating with the other Gods, the demigods and his mortal followers; all the time trying to keep ahead of everything, lest the creature try to attack again. Which it hadn’t, though Ares had likened their brief respite as ‘the calm before the storm’

When he’d finally been well enough to share in looking after Leonie, Joxer had found it difficult to do so; she’d cried when he held her, howled when she put him down and sobbed until Ares appeared. That had stung Joxer but under Hera’s guidance, he’d slowly relaxed into the role and reformed the bond he’d had with the baby, when she’d been inside him. It had taken time but now Joxer was starting to place all her cries and learn all her wants, just as Ares could.

“I know,” Ares sighed, as he stretched himself out on the bed; lying comfortably beside each other, neither of them needed constant touches to reassure them of their love for each other, they were already convinced. “Besides if she doesn’t sleep now, she’ll be grumpy throughout the ceremony.” He added almost as an afterthought.

“Ceremony?” Joxer propped up on one elbow and groaned, “That’s today? I completely forgot. I was meant to visit Strife today and Athena-”

“Both of them will be getting ready for the ceremony too. ” Ares interrupted; he didn’t want to go any more then Joxer did but it wasn’t for them, it was for their recently godly additions. *All eight of them.* Ares didn’t hide the smile that the thought gave him. It should have only been for the seven new infant deities, since the eighth symbol’s birth was not predicted for a millennia, but there were eight new Godlings. The seven godly symbols, and Evander.

*Evander.*

Ares smile grew as Joxer kept quiet, seeing the joy on his lover’s face and guessing the reason behind it. Ares’ demigod son had been supposed to return to Greece; since all the demigods, save those in training for the upcoming fight, were being sent back down to Greece it only stood to reason that Evander would have had to as well. Zeus had decreed that Xena or Hercules were to take care of the toddler, something that had infuriated both Ares and his family. Only Athena’s quick thinking and logic had saved a rather nasty civil dispute from ripping the Pantheon in two; Athena had privately argued with Zeus and convinced the God to bestow a Godhood on Evander, which the King had done only minutes before Leonie's birth. It was a good loophole; Athena had reasoned that since the decree stated no more Gods were to be born after Leonie’s birth they had an , admittedly limited, window of opportunity-which Zeus had seized.

“Do you know what he’s the God of yet?” Joxer asked, his fingers idly drumming on Ares’ arm.

The other God shook his head, “No, Zeus is keeping it well under wraps. He’s definitely enjoying all the drama that deifying Evander at the last minute brought and I think he’s secretly pleased that Athena found a way to do it. I know I am.”

Joxer nodded slowly, “After the Ceremony will Evander come back here, live with us?” He had no problem with it, was willing to raise Evander alongside Leonie but Joxer had sensed that Ares wasn’t as keen to be in an active parental role to Evander as he was with his other children.

“No.” Ares answer was quiet but his tone was firm. “Anteros is going to raise him. He’s been doing it for over a year now; helping Nemesis take care of him, romancing her and Psyche-“ he paused briefly thinking back on the odd Triad, they had formed-Anteros, Nemesis and Psyche. Ares hadn’t realised how close they’d all been until Nemesis was killed and Psyche hurt, it was then Anteros had shown how deep his love for them had been-pouring his grief into anger. Evander becoming a God had come at exactly the right moment, pulling Anteros back from his depression and deep anger to focus on the child of the woman he’d lost-the child he’d been a Father to for so long.

“I won’t take that from Anteros. Psyche’s coma gives him hope but Evander keeps him sane, and Evander wants to stay with him.”

Joxer felt a small measure of guilt at the relief he felt at Ares answer, even if it didn’t show in his expression. There wasn’t much he could say in response to Ares unhappy choice, however right they both knew it was.

It was a sweet relief that Zeus took that moment to remind each of them, through mental communication, that his Temple in Greece was almost ready and that they should prepare.


****

Joxer wouldn’t deny that he felt completely exposed, being away from the safety of Olympus; even if Zeus’ Temple did have just as much, if not more, protection around it. Joxer was still uneasy and it was obvious he wasn’t the only one. All the other Gods and Goddesses looked ill at ease, and the babies were picking up on it.

The older ones were more obviously unsettled. Bliss, who was leaving behind his toddler years and Evander who was just entering his, were both restless and fidgeting in Cupid and Anteros’ arms; whilst the younger babies were either sucking on something to keep them quiet or whimpering softly. The only one who didn’t seem too bothered was Leonie. Joxer held her close to him, his nervousness apparent to all but her; unlike the other babies, Leonie had taken an unfocussed look around and obviously felt the world around her lacking as she’d fallen asleep within minutes.

“Think this’a take long?” Strife was sat next to Joxer, rubbing Damien’s back as the baby fussed quietly in his arms. “I don’t remembah mah wun but Bliss' was all day. Zeus’ shouda made this wun shortah, I hope. Ah can tell, nah wun wants tah be out here fah long.”

Joxer shook his head softly, his eyes travelling round the Pantheon. The layout of the temple demonstrated the caution they were taking. Zeus’ temple opened out for all to view the ceremony, be they mortal, immortal or something else altogether. The Deities were protected on all three sides save the front. Several trusted guards were stood along the sides and manned the front. The Gods and Goddesses sat upon simple soft seats, only the Higher Gods like Hades and Poseidon, opted for marble thrones; Zeus and Hera had their own thrones, though tasteful they were more ornate then any others in the room pointing out (not so subtly) their own high status. Joxer had Ares standing at his side and he could sense if not see, other Divinities behind him.

As the mortals massed, pushing each other for a closer look at the new Godlings, a loud boom shook the temple signalling the arrival of Zeus and Hera; the latter who shot her dappy husband a glare as the youngsters, both mortal and godly, wailed in fright at the sudden noise. Trying to hide his blushes and ignore the glares he was receiving from all sides, Zeus quickly delivered his speech. Unlike other times, this ceremony was to be quick and to the point.

“People of Greece, today is a very momentous occasion indeed. Today we reveal to you, on mass, your newest Deities.” Zeus paused obviously having more planned since he usually tended to waffle on about the greatness that they were bestowing on mere mortals by revealing their precious children to them. A none to discreet nudge from Hera had him hurriedly continuing,

“Without further delay let me introduce you to them, as I give upon them their power and position.” The words were purely for Zeus’ benefit since it made him appear even grander to the mortals, bestowing such power and responsibility on such fragile children.

As Zeus nodded to Hades and Persephone to leave their chairs and move towards the centre thrones, Joxer arranged the silken wrap encircling Leonie. All the children were dressed in some kind of fancy attire, even if Strife had dressed Damien in black silk much to Zeus’ disapproval (it was lucky Cupid had talked him out of leather).

Taking the baby carefully and with ease suggesting centuries of practice, Zeus held the baby up for the audience to see. “This God is to be worshipped to as Xanthos, son of Hades and Persephone, God of Change and rebirth.”

Though none of the Deities were surprised, their audience was and showed their appreciation for their new God by applauding whilst both Hades and Persephone’s priests graciously accepted gifts and tribute.

Just as carefully handing the baby back to Persephone (under Demeter’s careful gaze), Zeus held up his hands and silenced the audience in a moment. When the happy parents sat back in their chairs Zeus called for the next child, naming each in turn and revealing their Godly position.

Getting more and more nervous by the moment, Joxer heard Zeus’ words though his eyes weren’t really focussed on the proceedings.

“Pay tribute to Malon, son of Athena and Caplet, God of Perseverance and focus.”

“Praise Hesperos, son of Apollo and Melpomene, God of compassion and courage.”

Immediately after his son’s coronation, Apollo disappeared back to Olympus- Melpomene and the infant in tow. The God of Medicine was constantly keeping watch over Psyche, monitoring her progress or lack of, and he wasn’t about to leave his child and Melpomene alone even if the rest of his family was present.

Without batting an eyelid, Zeus continued,

“Honor Alexis, son of Ares, Hephaestus and Aphrodite, God of Passion and hope.”

“Adore Kaethe, daughter of Eris and Asclepius, Goddess of guilt and forgiveness.”

“Revere Damian, son of Cupid and Strife, God of friendship and adversity.”

It was only when Joxer heard Strife’s name did he notice that his friend was no longer sitting next to him; instead Strife and Cupid were both being handed back their small son from a very disgruntled Zeus who was shooting Strife suspicious looks whilst wiping baby mess off his arm, flashing it to the Gods only knew where.

Joxer felt Ares arm at his elbow, gently nudging him up and in the right direction. It was just as well he was because Joxer’s legs were refusing to work properly, his nervousness in front of such an audience obvious to all. Zeus smiled gently as he took the still sleeping Leonie instilling a moment of anxiety and panic in Joxer, who’d grown accustomed to the reassuring weight of his daughter.

“Favor Leonie, daughter of Ares and Joxer, Goddess of Hope and Imagination.”

Zeus’ words boomed across the audience startling the baby into waking; she let out a loud squawk of indignation, waving her fists furiously at her grandfather as he passed her back to Joxer. Cradling Leonie against his chest, Joxer blushed as he felt her rooting against his chest, in search for food. Whilst he couldn’t feed her, the sensation against his still-sensitive nipple was uncomfortable and Joxer let Ares hurriedly move his back to their seat.

The crowd seemed ready to kick of the celebrations in true Greek style; with the finest food and wines. Only Zeus raised hand stilled the celebration as he arched an eyebrow at them and glanced back at Anteros. The young God took in a deep breath, still grieving and obviously wanting the ceremony over with; Anteros didn’t notice the silence and Zeus’ beckoning until Ares appeared at his side, guiding him on stage. It was obvious to all the Divinities in attendance that Anteros was unsure where he and Evander lay in Ares life, but when the War God presented his elder son to Zeus and stepped back things became clear.

Ares was giving not only his approval and blessing to Anteros but also his once-mortal son, to raise as Anteros’ own. The hurt and upset could still be seen on Anteros face but as Zeus took Evander from his arms, the God of Mutual and unrequited love’s face softened; his eyes lighting as his brow unfurrowed from its recently-etched frown. It was Zeus’ words that brought a shaky smile to Anteros face, which in turn brought about a grin on Ares.

“Give your prayers to Nemesis, once Goddess of Vengeance, recently departed Mother of Evander.”

Compassion rippled through the crowd at Zeus’ words as they sombrely viewed the confused toddler in Zeus’ arms. Many Deities in the stands, especially Hades who seemed to get the largest amount, heard their followers praying to them in Nemesis’ name; giving tribute and condolences in the only way they could. After a sobering, silent minute, Zeus added,

“Behold Evander, son of Anteros and Nemesis, God of Platonic love.”

The noise only the Gods could hear from the silent prayers was topped by cheers and applause as many mortals wrestled up whatever tribute they could to offer the newest God; the God none had been expecting.

Ares clapped his hand on Anteros shoulder, earning a brief smile from his son as he took Evander back into his arms; the lost look faded from Anteros eyes as the young Godling giggled, though it was barely heard over the cheers. As a tender smile stole over Anteros face and Zeus proclaimed the celebrations to begin, Ares offered his son and newest Grandson a brief hug before rejoining Joxer.

“That was a really nice thing.” Joxer’s words were quiet, his gaze upon Anteros still.

“It was the right thing to do.” Ares corrected him; his hand was unconsciously massaging Joxer’s shoulders as they looked out upon the festivities.

The mortals and demigods were getting into the swing of celebrating; Joxer could even see Hercules smiling in the back with Iolaus in tow, both enjoying the brief peace and good news of Evander. Xena and Gabrielle were also with them, though Gabrielle was furiously scribbling on parchment intent on writing her own takes on the proceedings. It had been so long since Joxer had spoke to them, that he longed to now; he missed them all, even with all the unpleasant times they’d had.

Several of the baby-burdened Olympians had left the celebrations to return to the safety of their home, only Joxer, Strife, Aphrodite and Eris remained with the infants in their arms. Joxer was about to suggest to Ares, the possibility of talking with his former friends when a bright flash appeared in from of him, surprising even the most alert of the Gods.

The bewildered yet, ecstatic smile on Apollo’s face, that seemed to appear even before the God himself did, was attention grabbing. But it was Apollo’s words, that took everyone’s focus,

“Psyche’s awake.”

****

As the general sense of joviality grew and cheers from mortal and God alike filled the air, there was one who did not celebrate. Or did not appear to. Invisible to any eye, shielded from the Gods by its master, the creature watched the proceedings with mounting anticipation. The power and energy generated by such a mass of God and half Gods, tormented and tempted the creature; only the power of its master held it back from gorging on the sweet, enticing power.

The creature’s eyes gleamed at the arrival of another God; as the sense of joy grew it snapped its jaws around the unprotected neck of a young woman, drawing in energy and draining her soul in a moment. As the woman breathed her last, the creature dropped her body, the act it had committed not bothering it in the slightest. For the creature itself had no soul and could only borrow, from time to time, the rich deliciousness which the soul offered.

As the creature’s body twisted and shaped into the supple limbs of the young woman it had just consumed, it stared down at the corpse regret and guilt only briefly surfacing, pushed back by the Master who used it. The creature borrowing the woman’s body pulled on her clothes, the traditional garment worn by a Priestess held in the highest regard. One who could get close to the Gods on stage and more importantly their offspring.

A smile lit upon the woman’s face as she ran her hands over her body, believing the Master’s words that once the unclean were purged she would have power that she could now only dream of. Power to get her revenge and power to get herself a soul of her own.

With hungry eyes she made her way towards the temple, where confusion and joy reigned, as the parents of the young Godlings were distracted-leaving the infants vulnerable.