Author's Note: So I forgot to mention that I imagine Solan as the original boy that played him! As well as Julian Garner playing Hephaestus. Hopefully this chapter elaborates on everyone's new look! I know there's not a lot of action right now but that will change in the coming chapters. Right now I kind of have to show how things are abruptly changing for Xena and Gabrielle. And boy are they not going to be happy! lol NAUTINESS AHEAD! Warning! WARNING! M rated for sure.
Gabrielle and Xena had spent the next few hours scowling at the back of Armand's head and at each other as they continued to travel down the trail down through the Alps curving down towards what would one day be Croatia. Both worried that Armand might actually be right. Both unwilling to admit that Joxer could make an advance on Elaine...and she would only encourage it.
It was gnawing at them both. The idea that Elaine could be touching him at that moment and that he was allowing it.
"What's taking them soo long?!" Xena all but growled. Her thoughts weaving between Joxer and Elaine and her son being around not just Aphrodite but Apollo.
Oddly she wasn't as worried for her son after Hera and Hades actually granting him life again, which in and of itself was beyond odd in Xena's opinion. It absolutely made no sense. Why? Why would either of them care. Especially Hades.
Hades couldn't stand her!
Yet Elaine had managed to talk him into it.
Xena shook her head. She just couldn't wrap her mind around it. All of the God's treated her like...an equal. It made absolutely no sense.
None of it made sense!
It made absolutely no sense that Elaine was in love with Joxer of all people!
In that moment her mind played back the noises she heard Joxer make that morning and her body reacted quite drastically to it. Her eyes closed and her back straightened as a thrill went up her spine.
Her eyes jerked open and she would have shaken her head violently to dispel the sensation when she was bombarded by the remembered feel and sound of his breath against her neck as he panted in pain. Evily her mind conjured images of making him produce those noises herself and the thrill that went through her body should have downright disgusted her.
She had held him that morning because he was in pain, and her hormone driven body was manipulating those intimate moments with him into something perverse!
She had to stop it! Stop the thought of him being inside...
Xena smacked herself which caused Gabrielle to look over at her with a question on her face.
"Bug." Xena quickly lied, not even looking at Gabrielle. Disgusted by herself she tried to reassure herself that it had nothing to do with what was happening with Elaine and Joxer and everything to do with her hormones going insane because she was PREGNANT.
And her baby had Callisto's soul!
Out of everything and anyone she could have imagined...it was her!
In one moment she had been horrified when Gabrielle had told her, and in the next...she had been at peace with it.
It had been her fault that Callisto had lost everyone she loved, so she would be the one to give her a family.
Family.
Her family.
A family that she knew was being torn apart.
But they had a plan now. However long it took...they were sticking with it!
Just then Aphrodite popped back with Solan who was looking up at Aphrodite with a huge grin and then his eyes were turning to look at his mother. Xena's heart soared from the despair of moments ago at the look of happiness on her son's face. And then she noticed the haircut and the new clothes and Xena couldn't help but smile widely.
"I think mom approves of the new look sweetums!" Aphrodite said with a huge smile on her own face.
And Xena did indeed. Though the clothes were...different than anything she had seen...Solan looked incredibly adorable and...fresh.
Aphrodite had agreed with Elaine to dress Solan in more sustainable modern clothes so that he was more comfortable. He wore a pair of long dark blue jeans and dark brown leather boots that gave him a little height and looked more roman than greek. His shirt was white linen with long sleeves, almost looking like Joxer's shirt when he was enchanted to respond to the sound of bells. On top of the shirt he wore a high collar brown leather jacket with what looked to be openings where he had stuck his hands into.
"He looks...like a little man." Xena felt such pride roll through her as she looked at her little boy who was on the cusp of truly becoming a man.
"Wait till you see Amarice momma! She looks really pretty!" Solan said as he looked at Armand who now had raised eyebrows.
"Well she's already beautiful to me Solan. I don't think any..." Armand was wanting to say that changing the way she dressed wouldn't change that - when all of a sudden she was beside Aphrodite, and his mouth dropped open as he looked at her.
Gone was the red hair and instead a blonde haired woman stood with her curls still intact. From the calf high black boots to the tan cloth pants that were slightly baggy but still formed around her curves Armand's eyes traveled. Then to the black tank top with a black leather jacket that extended down to her calves.
And when his eyes landed on her smiling eyes and huge smile...he knew he had never seen anyone more beautiful in his entire life.
Aphrodite just smiled widely and bumped her hip against Solan who's smile was barely contained as he looked at Armand.
"See! I told you she looked really pretty." Solan said and then looked at Aphrodite and gave her a little wink, which Aphrodite gave back.
After both Xena and Gabrielle's shock over Amarice's transformation left both immediately thought the same thing.
"Where's Joxer?" Gabrielle asked.
"Oh um...Apollo and Elaine were discussing Joxer's clothes and well...looks like we had more than two makeovers today!" Aphrodite said trying to keep the laughter out of her voice.
Joxer looked...well...WOW. It was incredible to her how modern clothing from Elaine's mind and her powers and...wow the man actually cut an extremely fine figure. Of course she knew that from past experiences but...Elaine knew just the thing to make him look...edible!
She had actually been tempted for a few seconds...but...one look at Elaine as she looked at Joxer with more than just lust and...she knew she couldn't do it.
Just then Apollo appeared with another man who's back was to them and Elaine who now wore more suitable clothes for the weather and much sturdier shoes.
It was only when the man turned that both Xena and Gabrielle's hearts dropped to the bottoms of their feet and they suddenly weren't breathing.
He looked nothing like the man they had been traveling with for the past five years...and yet it was his face.
Brand new black boots under a dark blue denim pant that slimmed down his figure were slightly bunched towards his boots and yet made him look anything but lanky. The equally dark blue jacket he wore made of a cloth that looked like cotton had the ends of it's sleeves rolled slightly. Bright copper buttons that had three top loops on the opposite lapel to close up to the mandarin collar accented his frame and made him look broad shouldered. The remaining copper buttons would barely be seen if closed as a flap of fabric covered them. The open jacket revealed a brushed cotton white slightly collared shirt.
His hair was parted down the center, nothing done differently than normal...and yet...
Gabrielle and Xena's slightly widened eyes couldn't look away from him.
He looked...
He looked...
"So what do you think Solan?" Elaine asked as she posed to show off her outfit, not paying any attention to either of the female warriors on their horses.
Elaine had on black boots and dark blue pants like Solan had on, with a deep maroon 'v' neck shirt that showed some cleavage but not much. Closing her jacket she modeled that to fight the cold, a dark soft brown leather jacket with a fur edging all the way up and down could be cinched down by the brown belt that could be tied high on her waist.
Elaine had gone for practical instead of sexy, which Aphrodite had said nothing about, making Elaine know that Aphrodite was STILL siding with Xena and Gabrielle. Elaine wasn't stupid, but honestly she had hoped that Aphrodite would give up on trying to 'fix' the situation.
"I think you look beautiful." Solan said with a huge smile showing all his newly whitened teeth. Apollo couldn't help but agree with the boy.
"Why thank you good sir!" Elaine said giving a playful curtsy and gaining a laugh from Solan.
"Joxer! You look really good! I think Apollo was right. Dark blue looks better on you than brown." Amarice said as she looked Joxer up and down. Truly impressed and wanting to show him that she really didn't think he was not attractive.
"Yah think so?" Joxer questioned as he looked down at his clothes still unsure of the new clothes, causing his slightly floppy hair to flip slightly.
Amarice stole a glance at the two warrior women and fought a laugh as their eyes had not moved from Joxer since they had showed up a minute ago. Both with their mouths that were slightly parted as they stared at him.
Feeling like she owed Joxer for her earlier comments and also startle both her female mentors into finally moving she quickly said, "I'd make out with you." A little shrug of her shoulder and a huge smile at him and Joxer blushed profusely and immediately ducked his head.
Of course Armand looked at her with shock and she gave a quick little wink at him and then turned her head to look at Xena and Gabrielle and her smile immediately dropped.
Xena was giving her a death glare and Gabrielle looked completely pissed to the point of holding the reigns so tightly Amarice knew she wanted to strangle her.
Wow! Now she knew exactly how Elaine felt!
Armand would have laughed if he didn't know it would land him with Xena's chakrum in his chest.
"Yeah but then Armand would kill Joxer...and that sure as hell isn't going to happen on my watch." Elaine said as she gave an amused smirk at Amarice and then turned and pushed herself up into a kiss with Joxer which he reciprocated and then actually elongated the kiss causing both Xena and Gabrielle to tense. Both of their insides suddenly feeling like someone was grabbing their hearts and squeezing tightly.
Solan looked at his mother and saw the same look as earlier and knew he was right.
Feeling a little sad that his mother was...afraid...of doing or saying something to show how much she cared for Joxer he frowned. Solan knew he needed to talk to Elaine about what he thought he was seeing.
Because he couldn't imagine his mother being...a coward...about how she felt.
It just didn't seem possible.
Maybe if he talked with Elaine she could make him understand the way she had when Apollo was explaining the...galaxy to him.
Elaine had been honest with him about everything so far. He knew talking about his Uncle Joxer would be no different. She had told him as much earlier.
"Hey munchkin you ok? You look worried about something." Elaine immediately noticing Solan looking sad from the extreme happy he had been just a few seconds before.
"You wanna talk about it pumpkin?" Aphrodite tried to block Elaine from Solan since she knew exactly what Solan had been thinking earlier. Honestly to read people's minds constantly was extremely draining and she needed a spa day of her own.
"Umm...Elaine...can I talk to you about something?" Solan asked nervously as he looked between Aphrodite, Joxer and Elaine.
"Of course. Anytime about anything." Elaine immediately said and walked over and hugged Solan as she looked over at Xena, telling her with her eyes that it might be a serious discussion.
Xena didn't hesitate and immediately dismounted Argo and went over to her son and turned him from Elaine's embrace to look at her.
"Solan you know you can talk to me about anything sweetheart." Xena said sincerely as she looked at her son's baby blue eyes.
"I...I don't know if I can momma." Solan whispered to his mother. Truly uncertain if his mother could say anything to him with Joxer right there.
"I'll tell you what. How about you talk with me and if I think it's a discussion you should have with your mom and not me...we'll come and get her. Is that ok Xena?" Elaine asked with a sincerity from her heart.
Xena knew that when it came to Solan that Elaine pushed herself to the side and made sure her son was taken care of first. She had done it multiple times in the span of two days.
Xena just looked at Solan and could see he was uncomfortable to try and talk with her and with that she turned her head and gave a nod to Elaine.
Aphrodite looked torn, but knew that Elaine wouldn't be cruel to Solan. Especially since she was the reason the boy was alive again.
Elaine took Solan in a half hug and walked him down the road to be able to talk in private. Xena watched and when she saw that Solan seemed to be able to talk to Elaine, relaxed.
Then she looked over at Joxer and she found she couldn't say anything as his eyes locked with hers and he was actually staring into hers.
"Elaine loves him Xena. She...she's a good person." Joxer said haltingly, his heart hurting as he looked at her and his eyes without wanting to looked at Gabrielle who was looking at him oddly. He quickly looked away and then back at Xena.
When his eyes looked into hers again Xena felt a wave of sadness, she saw pain in his eyes as he looked at her.
Gods damn he looked like he knew that what Elaine said about Gabrielle and her was true when it damn well wasn't!
She...she loved Gabrielle. With everything in her! Yes! But...but they weren't...
Joxer looked back to where Elaine and Solan were and Xena felt her heart in her throat.
Trying to stop the hammering in her heart and fighting through the clog in her throat she finally was able to say, "You look nice."
Which honestly was putting it mildly. Up close he looked ten times better than when she had been on Argo.
What Amarice had said had caused an instant anger in her that she couldn't explain. Joxer had always just been Joxer to her.
Yet ever since yesterday when she had collapsed, she felt as if he had been taken away from her. Ever since she had woken up - from that moment on - she couldn't stand the way Elaine was always touching him.
But again...it was Joxer.
"Um...thanks. Elaine picked everything out. They're comfortable." Joxer shrugged and continued to not look at Xena.
Xena's eyes glanced down the road at Elaine and Solan and her mind brought her back to that morning.
Joxer in pain was nothing new. Joxer even flirting with other women had never even given her pause.
Yet hearing Elaine pleasure him had made her beyond enraged. And she couldn't for the life of her understand why!
It wasn't as though she had ever been attracted to Joxer!
Alright well maybe that wasn't completely true but...she had never seen Joxer like that! Ever!
As her eyes scanned his profile as he looked at Elaine, she realized she had just never allowed herself to even think anything like that towards him period. Seeing him dressed to a perfection in clothes that Elaine had picked showing that ELAINE had most definitely always seen him that way, it annoyed her and...
And the jealousy that coursed through her at the thought of her seeing him that way was just not normal.
It wasn't.
Something had happened to her yesterday. And she couldn't for the life of her shake the feeling that she would never see him the same way again.
Apollo was finding it amusing as he read Xena's thoughts but he didn't show it. If anything he kept looking at Aphrodite whom gave him a scathing look that told him to keep his mouth shut.
Apollo wasn't stupid enough to go against Aphrodite. If anything he knew all too well how her wrath outranked all of their family's.
It was interesting though, to say the least.
His own eyes were drawn to Elaine and his own heart expanded in a way he himself had never experienced before.
Elaine's intelligence and humor had ensnared him in a way that no mortal ever had before. Though not as flamboyantly beautiful as the many women whom had shared his bed, Elaine's beauty seemed to shine from the inside out. And he couldn't help but be attracted to anything that shined. After all...it's who he was.
Seeing her upset face from a distance he knew something had been said by the boy to change the sunny disposition that she had had nearly the whole time he had been with her. Then he watched her say something to Solan and the boy's face broke out into a huge smile which thankfully placed one on Elaine's face. Elaine gave Solan a nod and then took Solan's hand and made a few gestures with both of their hands and looked pointedly at Solan who then without Elaine repeated the gestures causing both to laugh.
"Well it looks like whatever it was, Elaine's helped ease Solan's mind." Apollo said looking over at Xena who finally had torn her eyes away from Joxer and looked at Apollo.
"Looks like it wasn't as serious as it could have been." Apollo said casting his eyes towards Solan and Elaine that had started to walk back making Xena finally realize that whatever had caused Solan not to be able to speak with her wasn't as bad as she imagined it could have been.
"You ok munchkin?" Joxer asked causing both Elaine and Solan to smile widely at him.
Of course it instantly caused Xena to look between the three. Not understanding why Joxer was using the word Elaine used earlier.
"I think I will be." Solan said and then looked at Elaine and then over at Xena.
Without needing to be told by Elaine he launched himself at his mother and wrapped his arms around her. Xena instantly wrapped her arms around Solan and kissed his head.
"I love you mom." Solan whispered against Xena's neck and Xena instantly felt like crying at hearing her little boy say those words.
"Ok. Now since originally you went to Yakut because of Eve...I think we should still go to the Amazon tribe and then head towards Chin. Apollo offered to have us taken there so you don't have to travel on horseback as much Xena. Plus...Gabrielle can check in with the tribe and maybe start writing again."
Gabrielle finally snapped out of her stare at Joxer and looked at Elaine at the words.
How in Tartarus did she know that she hadn't been writing lately?!
"Plus mother wants to make sure if this...Alti...person tries anything that she can be there to protect the baby." Apollo said as he pointed at Xena's waist.
Xena had never trusted the God's or their intentions before, but oddly when it came to Hera now she knew without doubt that the Goddess held no ill will towards her. Xena knew deep inside her that Hera never wanted to cause her or her baby any harm.
It was unnerving.
"Alright. Just don't..." But before Xena could complete the warning all of them found themselves in the middle of the Amazon village.
Apollo just gave Xena a toothy smile. "Oh I'm sorry you were saying?"
Xena glared daggers at Apollo who only smiled wider and then disappeared in to thin air.
"Show off." Aphrodite rolled her eyes and then looked at Elaine who immediately walked over and hugged Aphrodite who returned the gesture without a hesitation.
"I know you have to go and do 'godly duties' but how about you, me, Discord, and Artemis hang out in the steam room later? Have a girls night...sort of." Elaine said as she pulled back at looked at Aphrodite.
Aphrodite immediately smiled brightly. "Heck yeah! I'll bring wine and some snacks to munch on!"
"Sounds great! Oh...and maaaybe invite your mom?!" Elaine gave one of those fake toothy grins.
Aphrodite's face fell but then the pout that Elaine gave was a low blow since she understood how Elaine saw her mother as the only maternal figure she had ever really had.
"Oh alright...but it's not going to be as much fun with her you know." Aphrodite then pouted herself.
"You don't know that! Seriously! When was the last time you actually hung out with your mom?" Elaine asked putting both hands on her hips and a titled head stare.
Aphrodite opened her mouth and pointed a finger and then suddenly stopped as she realized...
It had been hundreds of years.
"See!" Elaine said.
"Umm...guys!"
Joxer's scared voice finally got to Aphrodite and Elaine who had not noticed that the Amazons had suddenly surrounded them with weapons raised...at Armand, Joxer, and Solan. Joxer had immediately grabbed Solan and hugged him close to protect Solan from some of the long spears directed at them.
"If I were you all I'd put those weapons down right now before I get upset." Xena's growl startling some of the young Amazons, but Xena was in no mood for excuses when her son had weapons pointing at him.
"Xena!" Yakut suddenly appeared from one of the homes and immediately with a one hand gesture told the Amazons to lower their weapons.
"Yakut! I'm sorry how we just...showed up here unannounced..." Xena began but Yakut immediately shook her head.
"You are always welcome here Xena...even if you have brought men with you." Yakut then looked at the men and then to the Amazon women who were ready to pounce on the men.
" Xena...they can not stay in the village...it's forbidden." Yakut said softly.
Elaine rolled her eyes. "Fine! Then we'll leave the village. Anyone who doesn't welcome someone based on the genitals they have are sexist! And that in and of itself goes against the 'Amazon' way!" With that Elaine moved from standing near Aphrodite and made her way over to Solan and was about to grab Joxer's hand to move them when none other than Artemis showed up behind her.
"There will be no need for you to leave!" Artemis said and all of the Amazon's mouthes dropped and Yakut immediately kneeled at the presence of her goddess. It took a few seconds for the other Amazon's to follow suit.
"Artemis." Yakut said out loud even as the need to was pointless.
Elaine turned and put her hands on her hips. "You know how I feel about this Missy! In no way do I agree with anything that the Amazons stand for! Especially since some tribes KILL thier baby boys or leave them for dead. I'm not going to cave on my morals because these are your warriors. No way! No how!" Elaine said and then looked at Amarice who had said those exact words not but a few hours ago under different context. But in that moment Amarice understood that Elaine wasn't holding her tongue on this matter.
"What are you talking about?" Gabrielle asked stunned at what Elaine had said. Quickly dismounting from Amber Gabrielle went to Elaine and jerked her to look at her. "What are you talking about! Amazons would never..."
"Oh for all that is...Gabrielle use the grey matter in your brain and THINK! You know about the mating seasons and you never stopped to think how Amazons dealt with having a boy child?! REALLY?! What? Did you think they all found loving homes for their male children?! Do you think Ephiny would have been accepted by your tribe if she had brought Xenan? Forget the fact that he's a centaur...he's a male! They went to Athens to be accepted because the Amazons could never accept a married woman! Did you never stop to think that AFTERWARDS why she didn't go back?!" Elaine just looked at Gabrielle as if she expected her to be more intelligent than what she was demonstating.
"The boy can stay with his father outside the village..." the young Cyane said as she felt the urge to keep with tradition and was immediately caught off guard when Artemis turned her stunning blue eyes on to her.
"The boy...and his father... are welcome on all Amazon land by my decree! As well as any friend they deem worthy to step on Amazon land." Artemis said with anger clearly seen on her face.
Cyane immediately knew that if the Goddess Artemis was all but saying that the men could stay...they would stay.
Solan felt a tingle at hearing the word father in reference to Joxer, and with his conversation from earlier held tighter to Joxer who wasn't letting up on his hold of Solan for anything.
Xena moved towards Solan and Joxer. "If you don't accept my son I leave with them."
"Your son?" Eris asked shocked as she looked between the boy and the man and then looked at Xena.
Yakut finally rose up and found Elaine in her face immediately.
"Just please tell me you haven't attempted to use Alti's bones!" Elaine asked without preamble.
Yakut stared at Elaine in curiosity. "How could you know that I was going to do such a thing?"
"Because she is Elaine. She knows the future." Artemis said with a smirk and looked over at Joxer and gave him a small wink.
Joxer finally relaxed and returned Artemis' smirk.
Solan felt Joxer lessen his hold across his chest and not press him back against him as tightly. He didn't feel as scared as before as soon as he had seen Artemis...or Missy as she had told him he could call her.
At first Artemis had been standoffish to him until she had watched the boy with Discord. As much trouble as Discord caused it had been...strange to see a boy take to her sister without an alterior motive than thinking she was beautiful. Then Elaine had been bold and had introduced herself, Solan, and...Joxer. All three had called her Missy since then.
Joxer had most definitely changed her mind on all men.
He was...sweet. Not simple minded as everyone thought but...good. Descent in that what he thought he said. It...was refreshing.
And he was endearing to her to hear how quickly he had asked if he could help.
So he and Solan would be accepted no matter what tribe they visited.
"In that case...no I have not." Yakut answered making Elaine let out a huge sigh.
"Good. Now her bones can just be destroyed and YOU," Elaine pointed at Yakut, "can actually stay alive and not fight whatever damn wars with the Semite Nomads. Which kind of reminds me of something..."
Elaine turned and looked at Armand, Joxer, and Solan. Then looked at Artemis.
"Do you mind calling Apollo back...I need to ask him to do me a...um...big...favor." Elaine winced as she thought about what she was about to ask and knowing about the time period how unusual the request was going to be.
"My brother was on Amazon land? Really?!" Artemis asked in slight shock.
"Some reason he wouldn't be allowed here?" Elaine asked with an arched brow.
"PLEASE! Twins they may be but fight constantly is a way of life for them!" Aphrodite said rolling her eyes at Elaine.
Artemis rolled her eyes at her sister and then moved towards Joxer and Solan.
"Be assured, all three of you will be safe here. A home will be made available to you so that the Amazons have some semblance of security since there are many who are not use to a man's presence."
Joxer nodded his head and looked over at the faces of women looking at him with either hate or distrust. He swallowed and then looked over at Artemis.
"Thanks Missy." Joxer said, and it caused an instant blush on Artemis' cheeks, which all of the Amazons saw and no one dared say anything about.
After gaining control of herself Artemis nodded her head.
"BROTHER!" Artemis screamed out and no sooner had she screamed that Apollo was there.
"No need to scream!" Apollo said with a shit eating grin at his twin sister who merely glared at him.
"Apollo I need a favor and um...I really need you to do it since it has everything to do with the men's hygiene." Elaine said quickly while looking at Apollo.
Apollo furrowed his brow at the way Elaine was wincing as she looked at him. "What?"
Elaine looked around and then walked over to Apollo and cupped her hands around his ear which caused him to flutter his eyes for a second at the feel of her breath and lips on him...but then his eyes went huge and he quickly turned and stared at Elaine in complete shock.
"HYGIENE!" Elaine almost screamed as she looked over at Solan.
"Oh come ON that's just cruel and unusual!" Apollo exclaimed himself loudly.
"What's going on?" Xena asked looking between her son and Elaine who had obviously asked something that made a GOD shocked.
"Look I'm from the future and I know with out antibiotics the risk of infection is HIGH! And in all honesty with all of the LACK of hygiene I'm seeing it's a way to insure the three of them don't get anything that can seriously hurt them!" Elaine argued with Apollo.
"Fine, valid points...but come on! There's no reason to..."
"Apollo if you do it there won't be pain!"
"Oh they'll be pain afterwards for sure!"
"Apollo!"
"HEY! Do you both mind discussing it with the people you want to do something too?" Armand startled the two who were arguing with each other.
"Ahhh..." Elaine didn't know how to say it in front of all the women and luckily didn't need to when Apollo held up his hand and without another word an energy emitted from his hand and all three men dropped onto the ground screaming out.
"DAMN IT APOLLO!" Elaine screamed as the group of women surrounded the men in their party immediately were beside them on the ground to see what had been done to them.
Artemis and Aphrodite's eyes widened as they understood immediately what Apollo had done and then both winced and stared with pity at the men.
"Even I would not have done something so cruel." Artemis said as she bent down and placed a hand over Solan's hand where he covered his private area as Xena held on to her son looking for all the world like she was going to commit murder.
Aphrodite was immediately by Armand and trying to ease his pain as well.
"Apollo!" Elaine kept herself from screaming again and Apollo rolled his eyes and went to Joxer who was being cradled by Gabrielle and Elaine and also eased the pain.
"What in Tartarus did you do to my son?" Xena barely kept herself from screaming as finally Solan stopped thrashing and looked as if his pain had eased.
"A bris." Apollo answered leaving Xena even more confused and Elaine glaring at him.
"Hey you asked me to do it!" Apollo said as he continued to help ease Joxer's pain.
"I didn't mean right now!" Elaine said angrily.
"Well you didn't say that!" Apollo quickly argued back.
Aphrodite rolled her eyes as finally Armand stopped writhing in pain as Amarice cradled his head. Seriously Apollo falling in love with Elaine like Ares was seemed to be more of a problem soo far than she thought it was going to be...especially since she could feel Apollo's interest in Elaine growing.
They even fought like a couple.
Aphrodite rolled her eyes again as they continued to bicker.
"Why do you keep jumping the gun on things before I can finish explaining things?!"
"ENOUGH!"
Everyone turned and stared as Hera was suddenly there yelling. Quickly the Amazons parted and stared in wonder as the Queen of the Greek Gods whom some never thought they would ever see was suddenly there.
Moving towards Joxer and Solan she stared at her son who finally looked ashamed as his mother's eyes threw accusation at him.
"She asked..." Hera held up her hand stopping her son from saying another word. She then moved to where Joxer and Solan lay and quickly helped ease the pain that Joxer felt as it caused a ricochet effect since he was still soo sore from Apollo healing him earlier and Solan who was unfamiliar with any such pain as this.
"There now. The pain will pass." Hera said as she concentrated and tried to ease the pain of both.
"Mother I never expected you would come to see my warriors." Artemis said, almost shocked that Hera was there.
"Though I would love to say it was of my own volition, the protection I have over Joxer was triggered and I immediately came to see who would dare hurt those under my protection." Hera stood and smoothly looked over at her son.
Apollo looked at his mother and then down at the ground and then up again.
Hera let out a huge sigh and shook her head. "In the future...before you attempt something else of equal stupidity...inform me first."
"Yes Mother." The three deities said, and knowing better than to argue.
"Hera...why is it that Xena thought the Greek Gods wouldn't come here?" Elaine asked as she realized that four of the Greek Gods were technically in Siberia.
Hera looked at Elaine and then Yakut and gave a half nod to the shamaness.
"The people of these region worship a...rival of mine." Hera had no sooner said then suddenly another female appeared out of thin air.
"How dare you come here!" The older woman with golden hair said with yellow eyes that stared back at Hera.
"Holy shit!" Elaine said at the sight of the obvious goddesss. Something in the back of her mind remembered Turkish mythology and how it commingled with Norther Asian mythology and immediately knew who was now squaring off with Hera.
"Altay!" Yakut yelled out almost in ecstasy at seeing the divine goddess of her people and immediately fell down to her knees again.
Hera rolled her eyes and then looked at Elaine. "This is whom I assumed you had been talking about who would harm Eve when you said the name Alti."
Elaine's eyes widened and then scrunched together as she finally understood why the showrunners had used the name Alti for the ultimate evil. Which would be the exact opposite of what the goddess Altay was about in mythology.
"Ok that makes sense now." Elaine said as Altay walked closer to Hera.
"You dare come into my domain and think I would not come and show under who's authority my people live by?!" Altay said making Elaine suddenly tense as she saw that this was about to become a physical fight. Quickly and without regard whatsoever for her safety Elaine quickly placed herself between this new Goddess and Hera.
"HEY! BACK OFF LADY! You're not laying a finger on her!" Elaine yelled and Hera quickly even shocked grabbed Elaine and pulled her back from Altay and held Elaine from the waist against herself as Joxer had done with Solan.
Altay stopped her advance and stared at Elaine for a few seconds and then with widened eyes of her own looked at Hera.
Hera only stared back and gave a slight nod.
Altay's eyes widened and stayed that way as she looked down at the girl.
"How have you come to be here child?" Altay said in perfect English causing Elaine to jerk her head back and stare at this higher being.
"Two wormholes linked together. Look! Hera meant no disrespect but she only came here because my boyfriend was in extreme pain and...well...she swore her protection to us. And none of us meant any disrespect by it...but I'm not letting you fight her because she was just trying to heal us." Elaine said switching to English without missing a beat and staring at the 'Goddess' without a shred of fear.
Altay seemed to relax her posture and suddenly a small smirk played across her lips. The clear display of protecting Hera showing that the girl cared deeply for the Greek Goddess. It was...almost endearing, if not unusual.
Then what was unusual became downright miraculous as suddenly a small boy stood in front of Elaine and quickly Elaine pulled him back against her as she snapped into protective mode at the sight of Solan in front of her and this new goddess.
"She was just trying to help me..." Solan stopped and looked back at Joxer who had finally managed to stand up with Aphrodite and Gabrielle's help, " and my father from the sudden pain we experienced. Please don't hurt my family!"
Altay straightened and stared at the boy and knew instantly that this child had suffered in a much more horrible way and felt her anger drain from her. Being a goddess of childbirth herself...she protected children...and from what she saw this child had suffered without it.
Taking a deep breath Altay looked up at the bright blue gaze of Hera and gave a side nod. "It looks as though you have tied my hands this time."
Hera said nothing as the instant reaction to Solan's words had been to place her free hand on the child and hold him by his shoulder to keep him from doing anything that could anger Altay.
Altay surveyed the many people there and looked at the other god and goddesses that were there.
"This child seems to think you are his family, which means while you are here you will not be harmed...unless you harm my people." Altay warned.
Artemis gave a nod to the goddess, clearly understanding though these were Amazons...the area was protected by Altay.
Xena was suddenly there behind Hera and stared down this unknown goddess which caused Altay to tilt her head and stare at this woman, and unfortunately her gaze then went to Hera and Altay froze.
"No harm will come to your people by us. But you could also guarantee it by actually protecting them from wars they wage!" Xena said and moved to stand almost beside Hera.
Altay said nothing as she stared into Hera's eyes not moving, almost as if the two were having a conversation that noone else could hear.
Then her yellow eyes flicked back to Xena's. "It seems dear...Xena...that you have caused more wars than any other here."
Xena stiffened at hearing of her past deeds but Hera's arm immediately went from Solan's shoulder to across Xena to keep her from advancing on Altay.
"Look not to be rude but I never saw you on this show. As far as I'm concerned you didn't exist in this realm! I never would have asked to be brought here if I did! So please accept my apology and don't take it out on anyone else, but on me if you have to." Elaine said in ancient Greek once more while looking at the golden goddess.
"Elaine no!" Solan looked back at Elaine scared that the goddess would do just that.
"That won't be necessary." Altay said as she looked between Elaine and Xena. Intrigued at this little intrusion of sorts.
"I assume Zeus is still infatuated with you as ever." Altay said as her eyes went from Xena to Hera.
Hera stiffened as did Xena and Elaine, both of the younger women immediately understanding the implication in the statement.
"Yes and no." Hera answered as she kept her anger in check. Now was not the time for her anger to get the best of her.
"You've got to be joking." Elaine said and rolled her eyes and then looked back at the yellow eyed goddess. "As far as I'm concerned if you're one of the women he cheated on her with...you can damn well have him! She deserves to be treated ten times better than he ever treated her!"
With that Elaine pulled away from Hera and looked at her directly into her stunning eyes.
"I swear how that man has earned the respect of humans in this dimension I will NEVER understand! He's as faithful as a lion in heat!" Elaine said and then grabbed Solan as she shook her head and walked away.
Xena noticed that Hera's arm had not come down from across her waist and found Altay was not staring into her eyes, but staring at her waist, and suddenly Elaine's words from the day before made the hairs on the back of Xena's neck stand up.
The goddess was trying to see her baby.
"I've never feared a child in my existence...and here I stand before another like I who is protecting the very child that can end us." Altay said still not moving.
"This child is an innocent and holds no fault in its existence." Hera said with such a smoothness that Altay actually smiled.
"I must say Hera you do surprise me. I never thought you had it in you." Altay looked back at Xena and then at Hera. "You are welcome in my home Hera...as are your...children. Do not make me regret this invitation."
Hera said nothing but gave a slow nod.
Altay continued to stare at Xena, almost as if she was marveled at what she saw.
"Until we meet again." Altay said...and then she was gone.
Everyone seemed to relax at the exit of the yellow eyed goddess.
"I can't believe Zeus cheated on you with HER! No offense to her but you're ten times the knock out she is!" Elaine immediately growled out with her arms crossed looking pissed.
"I agree." Xena said and when Hera looked at her funny at her agreement Xena shrugged her shoulder. "You have classic beauty...she's just..."
"Flashy." Gabrielle supplied as she moved to be on the other side of Hera as she oddly felt the urge to also join in on the defamation of this new goddess they had just met. "She doesn't have your grace either." Gabrielle looked at Hera and Hera gave a small smirk to Gabrielle.
"Are you trying to make me feel better about my husband's infidelity?" Hera asked intrigued that Gabrielle of all people seemed to suddenly be defending and even complimenting her.
Gabrielle looked startled for a second but then she looked back at Joxer and then at Xena and then the Goddess saw it in the woman's eyes why.
"You're protecting my family...I'm grateful." Gabrielle said simply.
Hera said nothing and simply smiled softly.
"Why did you have us brought here?" Amarice asked as she helped Armand stabilize himself as he stood.
"Because Yakut over here was going to release Alti's spirit...who would have attacked Eve's soul." Elaine explained as she continued to be pissed off about Altay and her arms remained crossed as she shook her head at the audacity the 'goddess' had.
Xena twirled and look at Elaine. "What?!"
"It's alright, she didn't start...because of me we're earlier and she hasn't released Alti's spirit. It means you won't have to deal with her in this lifetime again!" Elaine finally uncrossed her arms as Solan moved to hug her as he could tell that she was still upset.
"I'm sorry munchkin." Elaine said as she rubbed Solan's back up and down as he hugged her.
The Amazon women watched the boy be affectionate towards the woman and were slightly shocked by it.
"Don't ever do that again! You scared me." Solan turned his head to look at Elaine face to face.
Elaine just smiled. "You trying to tell me you love me or something?"
"Yeah." Solan simply said looking up at her with wounded eyes as if the answer was obvious.
Elaine smiled widely and engulfed him in a much tighter hug. "I love you too munchkin."
"Awww." Rhea said as she watched the scene. Her heart expanding at the sight.
"What did Apollo do to them?" Amarice asked as she saw that Armand was still wincing slightly.
"Umm..." Elaine opened her eyes and suddenly hoped she wasn't hurting Solan at all. Pulling back she looked at the little boy. "How are you feeling."
Solan winced. "I think I need to go to the bushes."
Elaine nodded her head. "Ok but I think your Uncle Joxer and Armand should go with you. Maybe afterwards go bathe."
Solan's brow furrowed. "But we just bathed this morning."
Elaine grimaced. "You might want to after you go...trust me."
Solan's brow remained furrowed but he nodded at Elaine.
"Are you ok Joxer?" Artemis asked as she saw him closing his eyes and his face scrunched together as if he was still in pain.
Hera noted how her daughter showed concern for the man, which in and of itself was an incredible thing, but also the fact that she was showing a nurturing nature she had only ever shown young girls as a protector of sorts.
"I...I can barely stand up straight right now." Joxer managed to say, which caused Xena, Gabrielle, and Elaine to be by his side almost immediately.
Though the new clothes were nice, they were well fitted to his frame, which made stretching in the clothes a bit difficult to begin with. Add to the fact that Joxer was stiff because of Apollo mending his broken bones and you had a human man trying to withstand pain that normally would be sedated for days.
Of course Hera was soon there and placed her hand on Joxer's face and tried to find where the exact pain was and was almost shocked when she realized his spine was what was hurting him the most.
"Xena hold him steady, this is going to hurt him and I don't think he'll be able to stand." Hera instructed as her hand went to just between his shoulders and her hand began to glow.
Xena barely had time to brace Joxer.
Instantly Joxer's legs gave out and he began really gasping as if he couldn't breathe.
"Xena!" Joxer managed to gasp out as if seeking her help from the pain and Xena's eyes instantly glared at Hera who merely focused on Joxer's back.
"She's healing him Xena! Don't kill the healer!" Apollo said as he watched from a slight distance as Aphrodite moved to see what her mother was doing, her own concern for Joxer rising with each second her mother continued to heal him.
Joxer moved his legs as if trying to escape the pain and Xena held him tighter as his head once again fell between her shoulder and neck.
"I'm right here Joxer! I'm not going anywhere!" Xena swore as she held on to him with the strength she had when he was trying to get to Damian with. And then she felt the tears on her skin and everything in Xena suddenly went mad at feeling him cry.
"ENOUGH!" Xena screamed as she continued to hold Joxer and both Elaine and Gabrielle were suddenly there by her sides trying to see what had caused Xena to snap and help her hold Joxer.
"Almost finished." Hera said and closed her eyes to concentrate despite being yelled at.
And then a huge pulse from Hera's hand shot out and out of all the things that could have happened, Xena wasn't ready for what Joxer did.
Because it caused the exact opposite reaction in her.
Joxer's teeth sank into her neck and screamed into her flesh.
Xena almost passed out as the orgasm that shot through her caused her insides to dance in a way they never had before as a feeling spread through her body and she had to keep herself from screaming out herself.
Aphrodite's eyes widened as she watched and knew EXACTLY what had just happened to Xena - and Aphrodite fought with everything in her not to have her mouth drop open in complete shock.
The surge she had felt from Xena was like a tsunami, and quite frankly it made her need to visit Hephaestus right away.
Hera's eyes turned to see the closed eyes of Xena and saw the twitching of said eyes under their closed lids along with her gaping mouth. Hera's shocked eyes turned to look at Aphrodite who gave her a side look and a small smile. Hera's right eyebrow arched and she stiffled a smirk.
Joxer gasped loudly once more and his teeth withdrew making Xena open her eyes blearily and see a barely contained smirking love goddess in front of her.
Xena's eyes widened comically as she realized what had happened and would have immediately thrown Joxer to the ground if he didn't begin shivering as his legs suddenly did give out.
Xena was strong, but Joxer was not a light man, and if it were not for Elaine and Gabrielle who grabbed Joxer by his sides they would have both sank to the ground.
"Joxer!" Elaine exclaimed as she noticed that Joxer had passed out. Her eyes went up to Hera. "What was wrong with his spine?"
"He had three compressed discs. It looks as though he either fell from a great height, or someone dropped him from one." Hera said as she kept her eyes on Elaine and kept the woman's eyes on her as Xena blushed a very telling red as Aphrodite stared as Gabrielle's hands passed through Joxer's hair as her heart was in her throat at hearing him in such pain again.
Gabrielle knew that she would tweak Joxer's nose or hit him upside the head but...this was completely different. This was excruciating pain that she knew he wasn't faking.
Xena finally allowed the words to register and wanted to slap herself. SHE had dropped him from a height a few years ago. Suddenly she felt extremely ashamed of herself for an entirely different reason.
Had she caused the injury to Joxer?
"He needs to rest. That's two major surgeries in a day for a normal person, and both you and Apollo fixed more than any doctor could have." Elaine said as she looked at Joxer's passed out face and caressed his face.
Apollo felt his chest tighten, but knew he had no reason to feel jealous. After all...he was a god.
Well...as far as everyone else BUT Elaine was concerned.
The next few minutes no one spoke as everyone began to move to lift Joxer up and take him into one of the homes. Armand took Solan's hand and half hugging him walked with him. Armand knowing without being told that Solan wanted to stay by Joxer. Amarice was beside them, her own loyalty to Joxer also having her follow.
Gabrielle and Xena, who had managed to compose herself, along with some of the Amazons who had watched in shock and wonder also helped clearing the way and the home to accommodate the new visitors.
Elaine stayed back and looked between all of the 'gods' and knew this was one of the few times she needed to speak her mind.
"Look, the only reason Gabrielle and Xena even considered staying here originally was that she thought the Greek 'Gods' wouldn't come here. But now that I know that a goddess that has a connection to Zeus protects this area...we need to figure out a way to keep Xena and Eve as far away from Zeus as possible. By reading my thoughts earlier you all know that the Twilight will happen. The fates will tell him that it's Eve's birth that starts the Twilight...but it's really not. But if we can keep Xena and Eve away from Greece long enough for Eve to be born...he'll see that trying to kill a child wasn't the answer. No one needs to die! Especially his stupid adulterous ass!" Elaine said crossing her arms and shaking her head as she rolled her eyes.
Hera fought the laugh Elaine's last words caused but the amusement on her face was seen by her children, whom rarely ever saw their mother even remotely happy.
"And where do you think would be a good place for her to hide?" Artemis said and Elaine immediately shook her head.
"Hide? Xena?! Yeah that's going to happen! I mean Xena still NEEDS to repent for what she did. Honestly I was thinking of going to North America and traveling to South America. I KNOW there are going to be Mayan and Aztec 'Gods' but I'm hoping you all can smooth over us dropping in over there. I'm pretty sure out of all the 'dieties' they are the ones who care the least about the Greek ones. And there's plenty of people that need help over there. Even as far back in history as we are!" Elaine said as she looked at Artemis.
"The problem lies in the fact that Xena's path can not be altered altogether. Things do happen for a reason, despite what Hercules and Xena think! And not all of the paths are created by...us...as you know." Hera said in the most politically correct way she could.
This time Elaine smirked. "You are one smooth woman Hera."
Hera smiled then. "I do have my moments."
Hera's children laughed as did Elaine.
"Well...I think it's pretty obvious by now that I'm willing to place you all under my protection," Apollo began, "which will help if you do end up in South America. I have a good connection with one of the so called gods there." The smirk Apollo gave Elaine making her tilt he head as she looked at him.
"Friends with the Turquoise Prince huh?!" Elaine said with a raised brow.
"As a matter of fact...No!" Apollo smiled widely as he said the last word causing Elaine to scowl at him.
Aphrodite shared a quick glance with Artemis, which Artemis thought nothing of until her eyes followed Aphrodites and saw the way her brother was smiling at Elaine. Her eyes widened and immediately went back to her sister Aphrodite who gave the slightest of nods and caused Artemis' eyes to widen further and then look back at her brother. Now wanting to watch him interact with Elaine more closely. It was beyond rare for a God to fall in love with a mortal as Cupid had...and it was even rarer for her brother to even look at woman that had an extremely high intelligence that could rival his own.
"Do you still want me to bring by those other clothes for Joxer?" Aphrodite asked as she felt the tension between Apollo and Elaine rise.
Elaine finally looked away from Apollo. "Oh um...yeah if you could. I'm gonna start training Joxer as soon as he recovers a bit."
"Train him?" Artemis asked suddenly intrigued with what Elaine wanted to train Joxer to do.
Elaine smiled widely. "Yep! Gonna teach him karate so he can defend himself! Then I'm gonna help him bulk up. He's gonna be dead sexy!" Elaine bounced her eyebrows at Artemis who promptly blushed and Aphrodite laughed.
"I swear Missy you're missing out with that chastity thing! Not to step on Elaine's toes, but Joxer would most definitely be one of the few humans that I would sooo approve you having some fun with!" Aphrodite said smiling evilly at her sister.
"Aphrodite please don't start this again!" Hera tried to stop the fight she knew was coming when Artemis shocked all of them.
"He's the only one I've ever considered a possibility." Artemis said with a bright red face as she looked away from everyone.
Everyone's mouth was dropped open including Hera's.
"Hey now...can I just say that I love him and...as much as I like you Artemis...I don't like the idea of you using Joxer like that. I mean...he cares about you...a lot. That would definitely mess with his head. And right now between me and Gabrielle...I don't think Joxer could handle it. Not unless you really were willing to make a commitment to him and him alone." Elaine said as she thought about how confused Joxer would become if Artemis did try anything with him.
Aphrodite turned shocked eyes to Elaine. "You mean you'd be ok with Artemis being with Joxer if she was willing to JUST be with him?"
"Well...if she loved him like that...I couldn't imagine a woman that would fight more for the man she loved. Artemis has never been with a man or showed interest in any man. The fact that she's even saying anything means it's a pretty strong feeling she's having." Elaine said matter of factly with a shrug.
"You truly love that dope don't you?" Apollo face showed how shocked he was at how Elaine was speaking.
Elaine first smirked and then it became turned into a full on smile. "Yeah. I only want what's best for him. And if that's not me...I'll do anything I can to make it happen. And he's not a dope."
Artemis didn't know how to feel with what Elaine had said. In many ways Elaine was right, but in one way she wasn't. And that secret would stay with her for all of time.
Sighing out Artemis raised her head and looked directly at Elaine. "I'm not saying that I love him. Not like you do. But...I do care for him. And I'll protect him as my mother does from this day forth."
Elaine smiled. "I'd like that very much."
"Elaine!" Amarice called as she approached, still weary of the gods Elaine had somehow become friends with.
Elaine turned and looked at Amarice.
"Umm...Armand is kind of freaking out right now. Something about running to the bushes while Solan stayed with Joxer." Amarice said looking between all of the faces surrounding Elaine.
"Oh ah...I'll be right there! Aphrodite..."
"Ro! If we're going to hang together you can call me Ro like my siblings did when we were little." Aphrodite said with a little shrug and a wink at Elaine.
"Ro? REally?" Elaine asked smiling widely.
"Hey!" Aphrodite shrugged, "It's a long name for a kid."
Elaine laughed. "Yeah it is. Ok! Let's postpone the girls night till tomorrow. Oh! Hera will you come please?! A girls night with your daughters! I know it's been forever and a day!" Elaine said as she began to back up but still face the group.
Hera actually giggled. "I wouldn't miss it."
Elaine smiled widely at that and gave a little jump of excitement. "Excellent! Ok! See you guys later! OH! Apollo! Talk with your friend and see if their ok with the arrangement! Just in case we have can figure out another plan."
"Consider it done." Apollo said with a smile none of the women who had known him his whole life had ever seen.
"Great! Bye guys!" Elaine said and finally turned and followed Amarice to where Armand had gone.
"You are sooo head over heels for her I even see it!" Artemis said to her brother then looked over at her brother who's smile faded as he watched Elaine leave.
"I'm soo screwed." Apollo said and then disappeared.
Aphrodite shared a laugh with her mother and sister.
"I like her. Quite a bit." Hera said as she finally watched Elaine disappear from her sight.
"Mom...remember who you're talkin' with." Aphrodite smiled at her mother, knowing full and well that her mother had started to look at Elaine as another child of her own.
"It would seem as though Apollo is not alone then." Hera sighed as her inner thoughts plagued her on what she knew what was to come.
"No. Not alone at all." Artemis said as she gave a little shrug to her mother.
Hera reached out and caressed Artemis' tresses and for the first time in soo long Artemis felt love for her mother.
Aphrodite felt her heart fill with a warmth she hadn't felt in a very long time.
Elaine was definitely causing a lot of things to change.
Author's Note: If anyone is reading this...leave a review! I need a little pick me up! REVIEW PEOPLE! Tell me what you thought!