Godly Intervention
Title: Godly Intervention
Author: CaliaDragon
Fandom: Xena/Buffy
Disclaimer: Not Mine.
Pairing: #470 Xander / Ares
Xander walked through the ancient temple, lost in his own thoughts. Today was Solstice, but he was in Greece alone. His friends were all together, but he made an excuse not to be with them this year.
They all thought that he was still in Africa, but he needed a break so he came here; to the place of the ancients that he and Willow still worshiped. He wondered if Willow had made the offerings and prayed to the goddess this evening. He knew that Kennedy wasnt much of a believer, but Xander hoped that Willow ignored that and still worshiped.
It was on days like this that he missed Tara the most. He loved her, not because of Willow, but because of her. She had given him something to believe in, a gift of faith when he had begun to lose it.
Tara introduced him to the ancients and showed him who to pray to in battles and to call on in times of need for magick. Perhaps that was why he was in the temple of Ares when he should be with his friends and family.
Anya had taught him respect for old religions, though she worshiped the Nordic gods. Xander wondered what the two women would have made of the temple, how they would have acted as they walked through it.
I have a feeling they would have preferred a different temple, A voice said from behind him.
Xander spun to face the voice and was shocked by the overwhelming power radiating from the man in front of him. Xander knew who the man was by the pictures that he had seen of the god in Taras books.
Ares, Xander whispered.
Yes, I felt you enter my temple. Why are you not with your family? Ares asked as he walked to the boy.
Xander lowered his head and shrugged. I just felt like being alone.
Ah, being alone wont bring them back. You should be with your family. Ares told him gently.
They dont need me, Xander told him.
Are you sure of that? Ares asked amused.
Xander looked up at him, Im not sure of anything anymore. Xander admitted. Though he was wondering why he wasnt panicking over being in the presence of a true god.
They do need you. Even Andrew has been mopping since they found out that you werent coming home for Solstice, Ares told him calmly.
I dont think they would want me around if they knew how I feel, Xander told the god.
Ares raised an eyebrow and walked to Xander putting a hand on his arm and sweeping them both away from the temple. When they reappeared, they were standing in a room. Where are we?
At a portal to Elysian, here you can see Anya and Tara and how happy they are. Go to that mirror and look, Ares told him.
Xander did as he commanded and watched through the mirror as Anya and Tara walked down the street hand in hand laughing and whispering to themselves. When you come to Elysia your pain and death memories are taken from you. They still remember all of you, but instead of remembering painful break ups, they believe that they broke up with you and Willow to be together. They think they moved away from the hellmouth and are happy together living in a small town where no one and nothing can hurt them. Ares told him calmly, before blacking the mirror.
Xander turned back to face the god, and then broke down sobbing. His greatest fear had been eased. Ares walked across the room and lifted the boy into his arms. You have a life to lead Xander; Ill make sure that you live it. The God told him before disappearing with Xander.
The next time Xander was aware of anything he was laying on a soft bed staring at the ceiling. Go downstairs and be with your friends, Ares told him as Xander sat up.
Why? Xander asked, wondering why Ares had come to him.
Im a god, I dont need a reason. Go, Ares ordered before disappearing.
Xander looked at the space that Ares had filled before slowly standing and making his way out of the room.
Ares looked down into the pool and sighed as the boy walked down to greet his friends. His lover went to his side and hugged him. You did a good thing Ares, Joxer told him.
I know, but I wish there was more I could do. He has to be there for the next apocalypse, but I wish he didnt Ares told his lover.
I know Ar, but without him they will lose and the Darkness will win. He will find love, its only a matter of time. Joxer told him as he pulled his beloved away from the portal. Ares allowed himself to be led away. As they were leaving they could hear Xanders friends happily greeting him with good wishes.
The End For Now