Fated Lovers

Author: Kaitelynn

Parts: 11 - 20 (End)

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~Part: 11~

"What do you mean, you know why you're here now?" Xena asked Buffy, still shocked over what had just happened. 'Joxer and Ares,' Xena thought. 'Impossible. What would Ares want with Joxer? It has to be a trick. Some plan of his to get to me and Hercules.'

Hercules seemed to be thinking the same thing, but added to his concern over what Ares had planned, was his amazement over the fact that Iolaus, his best friend, seemed to approve of it. And that the blonde hunter was now a welcome guest on Olympus by none other than Hera herself. The Goddess that had killed Hercules' family and had even was the cause of Iolaus' death once or twice.

"The prophecy that Giles found," Buffy reminded everyone about their earlier conversation. "The one about how the love of two innocents to two immortals brings back the ancient Gods. Willow and Xander must be those innocents while Angel and Spike would be the immortals. I mean, they are vampires and all."

"And maybe them being together here somehow makes so that the Gods of Olympus somehow survive the coming of Christ and remain powerful," Riley concluded, pleased with himself over his deductions.

"Well, its apparent that the Gods have already taken them under their protection," Forrest angrily stated, upset that Willow and Angel were so wrapped up with each other that not even the fact that they are in a different time with no explanation didn't quench the lust they felt.

"That may be only because they ran into them first," Giles replied. "Just as Hercules, Xena and Gabrielle came to our defense. The Gods only know one side of the story."

"So we need to get them to hear your side somehow," Gabrielle supplied. "But how? The Gods have never been known to willingly listen to something they didn't want to hear."

"We'll just have to make them listen, but first things are first," Hercules told everyone. "Now we know that Iolaus and Joxer are with those bastards that call themselves my family. As are your friends. We're going to have to think of a way of rescuing them. There is no way that I trust the Gods with anything that they say." Hercules bristled at the thought of what exactly Zeus and the other Gods had in store for the unwitting mortals.

"Well, we know that Aphrodite is out, since it appears she lied to us in the first place when she said that she didn't know anything about what had brought you here," Xena observed, remembering how the Goddess of Love had denied knowledge of the time travelers. "And Zeus has also apparently befriended them. And we all know how Hera feels."

"And somehow I have a feeling that there isn't really another God that we can turn too," Anya complained, worried about what was happening to her Xander. True, she had been the one to leave the teenager, but that didn't mean she didn't love him. And knowing that he was involved with Spike left her feeling cold and wishing again that she had her powers once more.

"No, unfortunately I think you're right," Hercules agreed, conceding that it might not be as easy as he had hoped to retrieve those he saw as innocents in some game. With Zeus apparently against him and Xena, for the first time since Hercules was able to remember, his avenue to Olympus had been effectively cut off. "We're going to have to think of some way of making them come to us, since we can't go to them."

"And how do you propose we do that?" Buffy demanded, worried about Xander and Angel, while not really caring what happened to Faith, Willow or Spike.

"Aphrodite has a temple not to far from here," Hercules suggested. "What say we go pay it a little visit?" There was something about the way that the hero said that that caused Buffy to smile evilly at the thought of what might be about to happen.

***

Meanwhile, up on Olympus, Iolaus and Faith were making their way back to the main room of Aphrodite's temple. Luckily for them, Zeus and Hera had taken it upon themselves to remove the scrying mirror, so the two mortals didn't have to listen, or watched, the lovemaking of the couple in the time bubble. The couple had been quiet since Hera had brought them back to the temple, neither sure of what to say after the confrontation with the people that had meant so much to them at one time.

"Are you going to be okay?" Iolaus finally asked. "I mean, it must not have been easy having Buffy and the others yelling at you for something you couldn't have any control over." Faith looked over at the blonde hunter, surprised at how caring he was. No one had ever considered how she felt about something before.

"I'll be fine," she told him truthfully. "I mean, it's been a long time since I've needed B's approval for anything. I'm more concerned about you. They are your friends and all and it was apparent, at least to me, that they were not of the happy over the fact that you didn't do anything to stop Aphrodite." Iolaus shrugged as he remembered his friends' reactions.

"I guess I'll be okay about it," the blonde hunter told her. "Hopefully. Herc and I grew up together. We've been best friends for as long as I can remember and I think this is the first time that I've ever really done something that he didn't agree with. It's just going to take some time getting used to. Hopefully he'll calm down and won't do anything too rash."

"Not with B around," Faith chuckled. "Trust me. Common sense and that girl are definitely not together.

"I kinda noticed that." Iolaus joined in with Faith's laughter. "Did you see their faces when I told them about Joxer and Ares?"

"Did I? I thought they were going to faint dead away,' Faith's laughter got louder. "And then when I told them about Red and the others, damn I thought they were going to go through the roof."

"That one guy almost did," Iolaus reminded her, as he pictured Forrest's angry face coming at Faith. "He looked like he was ready to kill you when you said that Angel and Willow were together."

"That would be Forrest. The only muscle he doesn't use is the one in his head," Faith said. She then remembered something that had happened, and she hadn't mentioned to the others. "Oh damn, this will be priceless."

"What?"

"I just forgot something that will not make B and the rest happy," Faith answered.

"And that would be what?"

"That Angel and Spike are human. Boy are they going to be pissed."

~Part: 12~

It had taken Xena, Buffy and the rest of the weary travelers two days to reach Aphrodite's main temple in Corinth. They had decided to go there to try and speak to the Goddess, figuring that their chances were better that she would answer. The conversations along the journey had been brief and stilted, neither group quite sure what to say to the other. The only thing they could agree on was that they needed to rescue their friends and stop whatever was supposed to happen according to the prophecy.

"Wow," Buffy exclaimed as they entered the main area of Aphrodite's temple. Pink silk and chiffon were hanging from the walls, while statues and busts of the Goddess' likeness adorned the temple. "I've never seen anything like this."

"Are all of the Gods' temples like this?" Riley questioned, going over and examining the ornate altar in the middle of the room.

"No, only their main ones," Hercules answered. "This is Aphrodite's home away from Olympus and it's where she hears most of the prayers to her." The group from Sunnydale could hear the disdain in the blonde hero's voice at the mention of people praying to his sister.

"Well, I can see why she would come here so much," Anya muttered, picking up some jewels that had been left as an offering to the Goddess. "Look at some of this stuff."

"I've seen it all before," Xena mentioned, looking around the temple to see if there was some way to gain the owner's attention. "So, Hercules, any ideas on how to get her attention?"

"One," the blonde strongman replied, at the same time he smashed his fist through one of the columns that held the temple up. Luckily, it wasn't a major necessity so the structure didn't collapse. "She hates it when people mess up her place."

"Oh, well then, I guess I should put this down," Gabrielle commented, dropping the marble bust she had been holding. It smashed as it hit the ground.

"So, you're telling me, if I do something like this," Buffy pushed one of the giant statues of Aphrodite until it too had smashed into the ground, "she wouldn't like it."

"Exactly," Hercules grinned. "So I would suggest you not do that again."

"Ummm, okay," Buffy agreed, all the while looking for the next thing that she could smash. Before any more destruction could be brought against the sacred temple, a bright pink flash appeared.

"What do you think you're doing?" An irate Goddess of Love yelled as she took in the destruction of her temple.

"We wanted to get your attention," Hercules said innocently.

"A simple, can we talk, would have worked, bro," Aphrodite fumed. She couldn't believe that Hercules and his bumbling friends had taken it upon themselves to destroy her temple; hence ruining the wonderful time she had been having with Hephaestus. The two Gods had been getting to know each other again when she felt the disturbance and had gone to check it out. "So what is so important that you needed to desecrate my temple anyway."

"Joxer and Iolaus," Xena answered simply.

"What about them?"

"We want them back," Gabrielle stated.

"And we want Angel and Xander," Buffy added. Aphrodite didn't miss the fact that the blonde Slayer had only mentioned two of the five people that were currently enjoying themselves in her home.

"And what if they don't want to be given back?"

"Then we'll take them back," Hercules growled, grabbing his sister's arms. "Now. Where. Are. They?" Aphrodite disappeared out of Hercules' hands and reappeared behind her altar.

"Relax Herc. Last I saw, Ioluas was having a grand ole time with that girl Faith. The two of them are really sweet together," Aphrodite loved the look of disbelief that crossed the demi-God's face and the mention of Iolaus and the brunette Slayer involved. "As for Angel and Xander, I believe they are busy with Willow and Spike respectively, if you know what I mean. After all they are staying in my temple."

"And what about Joxer? Faith said something about him and Ares being together," Gabrielle dared to say, hoping that the Goddess would deny the coupling. The bard didn't even want to think that the man that had devoted his life to serving her because he loved her was in the arms of the God that had tried to kill them all. 'He's mine. Even if I don't want him, that doesn't mean he can go to someone else.'

"Damn, I almost forgot," Aphrodite, swore. "It's time I let those two out of that time bubble. Thanks for reminding me, blondie."

"You mean its true?" Xena demanded to know. "Joxer and Ares?" 'It can't be. That's ridiculous.'

"Oh yeah, its true." A dreamy smile crossed Aphrodite's face as she thought of the power the love between the two men had been giving her. "And let me tell you, they are a great couple together. I've never seen anything like it. Joxer just brings out this something in Ares that I didn't even know existed. I'm glad your friends pointed it out to me that they had the hots for each other."

"Our friends?" Giles questioned. "You mean, Willow and the others?"

"You know it," the Goddess smirked. "They're a great group of kids. Can't wait to get to know them better. In fact, I think I'll go check up on them now. If ya want, I can see if they are willing to see you all." 'But I wouldn't be surprised if they said they would rather meet a Hydra.'

"Yes please," Giles said.

"Tell Willow I love her and that I'm here whenever she decides to come back to me." Aphrodite smirked at Forrest, already knowing that whatever relationship the man wanted with Willow was only going to happen in his head.

"Whatever." With a flash of pink and a shower of flower petals, the Goddess disappeared.

"Okay, was it me, or did we just miss something?" Buffy asked. As she looked around the temple, she realized it wasn't just her.

***

"I'm telling you, if Zeus doesn't do something about Hercules, I may just have to kill him myself, rules be damned," Aphrodite swore as she reappeared in the dining hall of her home on Olympus. Even though she hadn't let it show when she was in her temple, her anger at the audacity her brother had shown in destroying her temple was very real.

"What did he do?" Willow asked from her seat on Angel's lap.

"He and his friends decided they would tear apart one of my temples to get my attention, all because Joxer and Iolaus were here," Aprhodite answered, already calming down as she felt the love that flowed from the three couples in the room. "And they weren't alone."

"Let me guess, slutty and family were there," Faith smirked. Aphrodite nodded at the brunette. "And did they have anything to say?"

"They wanted to know about Angel and Xander," Aphrodite told them. "Wanted to make sure they were okay." The Goddess didn't bother passing along Forrest's message to Willow, figuring it didn't matter anyway. "They weren't happy when I told them what they were doing."

"I bet they weren't," Spike smirked, imaging the images that might have been going around the Slayerettes heads. "Bloody wankers never did know when to give up."

"But that's why you love us," Xander pointed out. Spike grinned before taking the boy into his arms and placing a deep kiss on his lips. Xander ground his hips into Spike's, both feeling the other's erections. Even though they had just spent most of the past two days in bed together, making love, they never could get enough of the other.

"Aphrodite, could you please pour some cold water on them," Iolaus teased, causing the couple to reluctantly pull apart. "So, what did you tell Hercules about me and Joxer?"

"The truth," the blonde admitted. "That you and Faith were falling for each other and that Joxie and Ares were extremely happy together. Which reminds me." With a wave of her hand, Aphrodite removed Ares and Joxer from the time bubble. Luckily, it was during one of the brief moments when the two were not making love, so they were both fully dressed.

Joxer grabbed onto Ares as he felt himself teleported from their previous locations. Both men looked around at the assemblage of people that now surrounded them. Ares saw his sister and marched over to her.

"Aphrodite, I should kill you for what you just did," he swore. "How dare you put me in a time bubble. What were you thinking?"

"That you and Joxer belonged together," Aphrodite replied. "And the two of you more than proved I was right."

"Wait a minute," Joxer said meekly. "You wanted us to do what we did? Why?"

"Because it was obvious to everyone that you two were in love with each other but too obstinate to admit it," Aphrodite explained. "All I did was push you two along a bit. Don't be mad." Aphrodite truly did care for the mortal and hoped that he wouldn't be angry at what she did.

"I'm not," Joxer told her. "I just don't think it was right for you to force something upon Ares that he didn't want." Ares looked back at the mortal that he had just spent the better part of two days getting to know, both physically and mentally, and was surprised at how Joxer just assumed that Ares hadn't wanted what had happened. He went over to Joxer and took him in his arms.

"Who said that it wasn't what I wanted?" He gently asked his lover. "As much as I hate to admit it, I have fallen in love with you." Ares leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Joxer's lips. "And I want to spend the rest of eternity proving it to you, if you'll let me."

"No arguments here," Joxer sighed, allowing his God to engulf his body in his huge arms. "Nope, definitely no arguments here."

~Part: 13~

"Are you sure you want to do this, Kitten," Angel asked again. "Its okay to say no considering how they've been acting the past few months. No one would hold it against you."

"No," Willow shook her head, "I think we need to see them. I mean, there has to be a reason why we all were brought here and I think it would be better if we tried to figure it out together."

"Bloody hell, pet," Spike swore. "There is no way that slutty and her boy toys will be able to help us figure out anything. They don't have a brain between them." Everyone assembled in Aphrodite's dining hall laughed at the truth behind Spike's statement.

Aphrodite had informed everyone about her conversation with Hercules and his group after finally releasing Joxer and Ares from the time bubble. That is, after they were able to part the two new lovers from each other because Ares was determined to make Joxer realize that he didn't regret anything that had happened. After that was done, Aphrodite mentioned that Giles asked if they could possibly see the Sunnydale group. Willow and Xander quickly agreed, over the objections of their mates. Finally, when it became clear that the teenagers would not allow themselves to be persuaded to not go, the two former vampires decided to go with them.

"Be that as it may. Spike," Willow stated, "we still need to figure out why we came here. There has to be a reason."

"Maybe we came just so Ares and Joxer could get it on," Faith grinned, causing the wannabe warrior to blush. Ares chuckled at his lover's shyness.

"You know, we need to make you blush more," Ares told him. "I like it on you." Aphrodite couldn't help herself and smiled at the new pair.

"Man, just wait until Cupie sees his dad like this," the blonde goddess said. "Then he'll finally understand why I fell in love with you all those years ago."

"I already knew why you did mom, I just didn't understand it," Cupid teased as he and Strife appeared in the great hall. The winged god and his consort smiled at seeing Joxer in Ares' arms. "Way to go, Dad. About time you had someone in your life. I was beginning to think you would be all alone and that just would not do for the God of Love's image to have his dad alone."

"Don't make me clip your wings boy," Ares threatened, but Cupid could hear the laughter in his voice.

"Try it and see why they call me the God of Mischief," Strife joined. "No one lays a hand on Cupid except for me."

"Why is it, I don't think a hand is what he actually lies on," Faith muttered to Iolaus, causing the blonde hunter to laugh.

"Look, can we please get back to what we were talking about before," Willow begged, wanting to get the upcoming meeting over with since she had a good idea that it wasn't going to be pleasant.

"So, what were you talking about before?" Strife asked, walking over to the table and grabbing a handful of grapes.

"We were talking about Hercules and the others," Aphrodite growled out her brother's name. "He and those bothersome women he likes to hang out with have run into Willow's friends. Seems they came from the future too. And they aren't exactly happy knowing about Joxie and Arry hooking up. Or sweet cheeks and Faith." Cupid looked over at Iolaus and noticed the closeness between him and the brunette Slayer.

"Way to go, Blondie," Cupid grinned. "Damn, and I had to miss all the fun."

"Not like you weren't having fun of your own," Faith pointed out.

"You know it, babe," Strife agreed.

"Hello, remember us. The ones that have to go down there and deal with Buffy and the others," Willow yelled, suddenly tired of dealing with everything. Everything that had happened in the past couple of days had finally taken its toll on the red headed hacker and Angel took her in his arms trying to calm her.

"Willow, I don't think its such a good idea going down there, yet," the dark haired man told his mate. "Its obvious you aren't ready for this and we all know its not going to be easy."

"It will never be easy, Angel," Willow pointed out. "It never has been and never will be. Buffy hates us together and she had done everything in her power to break us apart. I'm not so naive to think that anything's changed. But I also know that we were brought here for a reason and I want to find out why." Angel looked down at the girl that he had fallen in love with and saw that she would not be persuaded away from her chosen course. The only he could do was give her the support that she needed.

"Then let's get it over with, shall we?" Angel nodded over at Aphrodite and then felt himself being teleported somewhere else. He looked around and saw Willow, Xander, and Spike all there. Faith had decided to stay behind, partially because she had already dealt with Buffy and the others and partially because she wanted to get to know Iolaus better. "Everyone okay?"

"Fine, Deadboy," Xander joked. "Nothing like some interstellar transportation to get the blood pumping."

"Now I know how Captain Kirk feels when he beams out somewhere," Spike commented, causing his mate to laugh.

"Beam me up, Scotty."

"Aphrodite said that the others were just outside of her temple," Willow reminded everyone, wanting to get the meeting over with. Angel could see her apprehension and grabbed her hand.

"Just remember that I love you," he whispered to her, giving her a kiss to show her just how much. "No matter what, it's you and me together." Willow nodded and the two couples made their way into the harsh sunlight. They looked around the surrounding area and quickly spotted the others from their time, who had yet to notice their appearance.

"Looky what we have here. It's the Slayer and her commando boys," Spike taunted upon seeing those that had captured him. "What, were you just in the neighborhood and just decide to stop by."

"Can it Spike," Buffy growled. "Hello Angel."

"Buffy. Dite told us that you wanted to see us so here we are," Angel's voice was polite, nothing more.

"We wanted to make sure that you were all right," Giles volunteered, trying to make sure that tempers didn't flare up. He had just spent the past hour trying to calm down everyone in his group and he didn't want any fights to break out. He went over and gave Willow a brief hug, glad to see the hacker was okay. He then did the same with Xander, before just nodding to Angel and Spike. Despite everything that had happened, Giles was grateful that they seemed to be all right. "You are okay, aren't you?"

"We're fine, Giles," Willow assured the librarian. "Aphrodite and the others have been wonderful hosts. They've given us more that we could ever hope for." Xena and Hercules both snorted at that. "You don't believe me, Hercules?"

"How did you know who I was?"

"Duh," Willow rolled her eyes. "Let's see, since I know all of the other men here and Iolaus described you to a tee, I would say the answer to that one was easy. Even for you."

"Willow," Giles reprimanded his former charge.

"What? You want me to be civil?" Willow asked. "Ain't gonna happen. I heard what they said about Iolaus and Faith being together. Not to mention Joxer and Ares. They're just like you guys. Just because someone doesn't do what you want, you all think you have the right to judge them. And the last time I checked you're name wasn't Judge Judy."

"That's it Willow," Buffy sneered. "Show your true colors. Let the all see what a conniving little bitch you are." Willow stormed over to Buffy and hit her. Buffy's hand flew to her cheek in surprise.

"I'm not the bitch, Buffy. You've got me mistaken for a certain blonde Slayer that thinks she's the center of the universe and every man's fantasy," Willow told her angrily. "You just can't stand the fact that Angel chose me over you."

"You tricked him," Buffy shouted. "There's no way that Angel would willingly leave me for you."

"But he did and it's killing you."

"Willow, I think I've found out why you and Angel are together. Along with Xander and Spike," Giles tried to intervene before things got even more out of control. "There's a prophecy that says two innocents will fall in love with two immortals. And we have reason to believe that would be you and Xander."

"Not anymore mate," Spike muttered and that's when it hit the others. Well, at least one of them.

"How are you out in the daylight," Graham questioned, causing the others to look at Spike and Angel, noticing that they were actually in the path of the sun. "You're vampires. You should be dust by now."

"Not anymore," Angel grinned. "With a little godly intervention, we're back to being human."

"What?" Buffy shrieked, unable to believe what she was seeing. 'Angel human. We can truly be together.'

"Hades took out demons to the Underworld. Seems he didn't like the idea of having the undead wandering about up here," Angel explained.

"Fascinating," Giles, the consummate Watcher exclaimed. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," Angel answered. "So, as you can see, we can't possibly be the ones the prophecy talks about. We're no longer immortal."

"Then who else could it be?" Suddenly Willow had an idea and smiled. "Aphrodite, we're ready to leave now," she called to the Goddess, wanting to discuss her idea with her friends, away from the condescending looks of the others. And before anyone could protest, the two couples disappeared in a flash of light.

~Part: 14~

"Angel's human," Buffy whispered, although all of those present knew exactly what was going through her mind. They were all stunned by the revelation that the two men that they had all known only as vampires were now fully alive and breathing human beings made them rethink how they felt about them. Giles found that he could no longer truly justify his dislike of Spike, or even Angel, since they were no longer the demons that he had always know. Graham was fascinated by the concept of someone actually being made human again after being a vampire for so long. Forrest still had his hatred for Angel, since he felt that the older man had done something to make Willow fall in love with him. The same went for Anya. Riley was scared of what Buffy would do, knowing that the blonde Slayer was still in love with Angel. And Buffy was stunned and ecstatic over the news that the man she loved was now a human and that they could share all of the things that had been denied to them for so long. She was not convinced that she and Angel belonged together, no matter what and that it would only be a matter of time before Angel realized it too.

"Is it truly possible that what they said was true?" Giles inquired, looking at Xena, Hercules and Gabrielle. He figured that they would be the best source of information as to what the Gods would do, since they had experience with dealing with them firsthand. "Would Hades do something like taking the demon away while leaving Spike and Angel human?"

"It's possible," Hercules answered. "Hades had been known to actually perform acts of compassion. Especially since he fell in love with Persophone. But, as to whether he would do something like this, I don't know."

"If he did do it, I wouldn't put it past him to have had a good reason for it," Xena sneered. "The Gods have never exactly been known to be selfless beings. They only do things to please themselves."

"No one else matters to them," Gabrielle finished. "And the fact that Ares has somehow convinced Joxer to become involved with him can only mean trouble. Not to mention Iolaus."

"Isn't it possible that Joxer and Ares could really care for each other?" Giles asked. Everything he had believed had just been turned upside down and all he could do was try and accept that everything that had happened had done so for a specific reason. Including Joxer and Ares being together, no matter what his friends were saying.

"No way," Xena shook her head. "Ares could never care for anyone other than himself, and especially not someone like Joxer. Joxer is everything thatAres hates in a person. He's clumsy. Not exactly intelligent. And he can't fight to save his life, which is saying a lot."

"So then why do you hang out with him?" Anya questioned. She might not have been human for that long but she knew enough to know that true friends didn't diss each other like the way Xena was to Joxer. `But that's exactly how everyone was treating Willow and Xander,' she reminded herself. `Why are you surprised that others would treat their friends the same?'

"Because Joxer needs someone to look out for him," Gabrielle explained, as if it made perfect sense.

"And Iolaus?" Anya wanted to know. If they felt this way towards one friend, why not another. The similarities between the two groups were becoming more and more apparent to her and it made her understand why they ended up with the people they had. "How do you all feel towards him?"

"Iolaus is my best friend," Hercules stated. "He and I have been through a lot. He knows what the Gods are capable of and that they can't be trusted. There's no way he would willingly align himself with them. If he did, he must be under some kind of spell."

"It didn't look like he was under anything," Forrest muttered. He was sick and tired of all of this whining about who had done what and who is capable of something. All he knew was that Willow was still involved with Angel and he wanted that man dead. It didn't matter to Forrest whether Angel was a vampire or not. All he cared about was that the dark haired man stood between him and what he perceived as his. Willow.

"Trust me, he had to be," Hercules reiterated. "Iolaus might not be the brightest of people, but he is not someone who would become involved with someone like Faith. No matter what the circumstances."

"All I know is that your Gods have taken it upon themselves to interfere in our lives and the lives of the people that we love," Forrest retorted angrily. "And I, for one, am sick of it."

"Forrest, man, calm down," Graham tried to calm his friend. "We're doing everything we can to try and find out what's going on but..." Forrest batted away Graham's hand.

"We haven't done anything," he yelled. "All we've done is manage to piss off a couple of Gods and find out that a couple of vampires have someone managed to become human again. But is Willow here yet? No. She's somewhere with that monster and all we can do is sit here on our asses and mope about what has happened. And I'm sick of it."

"What do you plan to do?" Gabrielle questioned. "Take on the Gods?"

"If that's what it takes to get Willow back, damn right," he answered. "Willow is mine and I don't let anyone mess with what is mine."

***

"His," Willow barked. "What the hell gives him the right to think I'm his?" Willow, Angel and the others were sitting in Ares' assembly room, watching what was going on among their former friends. They were not happy to hear what was going on. "Arrogant son of a bitch."

"Here, here, Red," Spike cheered. "That's telling him."

"Screw off, Blondie," Willow growled.

Angel went over to his mate to try and calm her. He had never seen her so angry as she was now as she listened to the way her former friends had reacted to everything that had happened. It made her finally realize that there truly was no hope to salvage her friendship with them. "Sweetling, its going to be fine," he murmured in her ear, taking her into his arms. "They can't do anything about what's happened and its making them say things that they normally wouldn't."

"Don't you dare go making excuses for them, Angel," Willow told her mate. "All they are doing is finally saying the things that they've been feeling out loud."

"Well, let them bitch Red," Faith told her friend. "Hell if anyone has a right to be pissed about what's being said, I would say it would be Joxer and Iolaus. You at least had an idea of how the egotistical group felt about us."

"Oh Gods, I'm so sorry, I totally forgot," Willow apologized, completely aghast at how her new friends must be feeling. Faith was right, she had at least some clue that Buffy and the others only saw her as someone to be looked out for, but Joxer and Iolaus thought their friends had truly cared for them. "Are you guys okay about all of this?"

"I never imagined that they could be that way," Iolaus muttered. "I mean, Herc and I have been through so much and this is how he really feels. Like he's one to talk. He killed his damn family. That hypocritical bastard."

"I'm sorry Curly," Aphrodite said from her seat. She always knew her little brother was a selfish man but she never imagined that he could treat people he supposedly cared about as carelessly as he had. Her heart went out to both Joxer and Iolaus. She just hoped that they would be able to get over the hurt of knowing how little your friends truly thought of you. "I can't believe my little brother said what he did. You have more brains in your little finger than that blonde idiot has in his entire body."

"Thanks, Dite," Iolaus smiled at the blonde Goddess. "I guess it is better that I know about his feelings now. Saves me from having to deal with him later."

"Well, if you want, I'll kick his ass for you," Faith volunteered, causing the blonde hunter to laugh and place a kiss on her lips.

"Thanks, but that's okay."

"Well, the offer's out there if you ever want to take me up on it. And that goes for those two bitches too. Xena and Gabrielle," Faith added. "I don't let anyone talk about my friends the way they were talking about Joxer."

"No, Faith, they're mine," Ares told everyone. "If anyone is going to hurt them for their callous attitude, it will be me." Faith smiled at the God of War. She knew how hearing Hercules' words had hurt Iolaus and could only imagine what Joxer had to be going through. He had never had anyone care about him before Xena and her friends had come along and now, hearing how they really felt, it only had reinforced his low opinion of himself. The wannabe warrior was now sitting next to Ares in a near catatonic state.

"How's he doing?" Willow asked gently, moving her head to indicate Joxer.

Ares shook his head. "Not good," he answered sadly. He pulled his lover closer to him, trying to get Joxer to respond in some manner. "And I don't know what to do."

"Let him know you love him, bro," Aphrodite replied. "That's the best thing to do."

"Take him back to you room," Angel volunteered. "Show him how much he means to you."

"Shag him senseless," Spike grinned. "That should work."

"It always does for him," Xander added. "Then again, he was a bad ass master vampire so go figure."

Ares thought about their suggestions and decided that they were right. He and Joxer needed some quality time alone together. Time that wasn't forced upon them by meddling siblings. With a blue flash, the two new lovers disappeared.

"I hope Joxie's going to be okay," Aphrodite sighed.

"He should be," Xander informed her. "In fact, I have a feeling he's about to find out exactly what he means to Ares." Xander than remembered something that had happened right before they had disappeared from the other group. "Hey Wills, you said you had figured something out. What did you mean?"

It took the red head a minute to remember what she had been talking about. "Oh yeah, I figured out part of that prophecy that Giles and the others were talking about. The one about innocents falling for immortals."

"And what did you figure out, sweetling," Angel inquired. "That one of those couples had to be Joxer and Ares."

~Part: 15~

"Joxer, are you going to be okay?" A concerned Ares asked his new lover. He knew how much it must have hurt the wannabe warrior to hear the way his friends truly felt about him and Ares wished there was some way that he could take away the pain. "Jox, say something. Anything, please." Joxer remained quiet, which6 only caused the God of War to become more and more concerned. It wasn't like the mortal to not talk.

"Why?" Joxer whispered, so low that Ares had barely heard him.

"Why what?"

"Why did they let me think that they cared about me when all this time they thought I was nothing more than a fool?" Ares watched helplessly as Joxer continued to try and hold together whatever composure that he had left. "I thought they were my friends. Friends don't treat other friends that way." And with that simple declaration, Joxer finally broke down. Ares wrapped his arms around his lover, supporting his weight as Joxer's legs gave out under him.

"I wish I could tell you why they act the way they do, but I can't," War tried to console the man in his arms. "The only thing I can tell you is that they don't deserve your tears. They're nothing but a bunch of spoiled brats who need someone to kick their respective asses since Father never saw fit to punish them for any wrongs they might have committed." Ares felt more than saw the smile that had taken over Joxer's face at the mentioning of the others getting their asses kicked. He felt it as Joxer got himself back under control.

"Don't let me stop you," he told his lover. Ares looked at him in confusion. "Kicking their asses. Just make sure I'm around when you do it."

"Considering I would be doing it because of the way they've hurt you, you will have front row seats to it," Ares promised, relieved to see the smile on Joxer's face. "Are you feeling better?" Joxer nodded his head.

"Can I ask you a question?" Joxer requested. Ares nodded his approval. "Why do you care? I mean, not that I don't appreciate it and all, but why me?" Ares thought a moment as he searched for the right way to tell Joxer why he felt the way he did. Ares realized that for once, he couldn't easily explain something, so he did the best that he could.

"I care because, with you, I feel that I can truly be myself," he started to explain. "You've prayed to me your whole life and then, when you finally met me, you stuck up for yourself and your friends, even if they didn't deserve it. You were scared but you refused to let it get to you. And now, you see me more as a man than as a God and that's what I need. Hell, I didn't even know I needed it until you gave it to me and for that I will be eternally grateful."

"Then is that what this is, gratitude?"

"If it was, I wouldn't feel this overwhelming desire to go out and kill my little brother and sister for hurting you the way they have," Ares stated. "I wouldn't want to take you into my arms when you hurt and help ease the pain any way that I could. I wouldn't find myself losing myself in your eyes whenever you look at me. I wouldn't feel this overwhelming need to take you in my arms and kiss away any doubts you might still have about my feelings for you until you were so breathless you couldn't do anything but agree with whatever I said."

Joxer's heart began to beat faster at the things that Ares was saying. No one had ever said anything even remotely similar to him and he couldn't believe that Ares, the God of War, was the one that was actually saying them. Joxer knew deep inside that Ares wasn't acting the way he was because he felt he owed Joxer something, but Joxer had opened his heart up to be hurt so many times that he was afraid of doing it once more with someone that he never thought he had a chance of getting.

"I believe you," Joxer finally said, "but I'm afraid." `And there it is," Ares thought. The reason that Joxer was in so much doubt about him. He thought Ares would be like everyone else. Ares took Joxer into his arms and placed a gentle, but loving, kiss on his lips.

"I know you are, but you don't have to be," Ares assured him. "I love you, Joxer and that will never change, no matter how many centuries go by. It might have taken us a long time to get to this point, and our relationship might not make sense to a lot of people, but you are who I want to be with. I've searched my whole life for someone who can give me what you do and I won't give you up for anything."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." Ares placed another kiss on Joxer's lips, this one more demanding and insistent than the last. The God of War felt Joxer melt into him as his arms wrapped around the taller man. With a thought, both men were naked. Joxer broke the kiss as he felt a cool breeze run over his body.

"That's an interesting trick you have there," he teased Ares.

"One of the perks of being a God."

"Any others I might find interesting?"

"How about this?" Joxer suddenly found himself lying on top of a huge bed that he instantly recognized as Ares'. His lover was by his side, staring down at him. "Do you have any idea of how truly magnificent you look in my bed?" Joxer blushed at the look of lust and desire that had clouded Ares' gaze. "And from now on, this is the only bed you're going to be sleeping in." Ares lowered his head and crushed Joxer's lips with his in a bruising kiss.

Joxer felt as if he was losing himself in Ares and he welcomed that feeling completely. He wanted to be owned by the God of War, and to own him. With a strength he didn't know he possessed, he forced Ares to his back and knelt over the God of War. Joxer alternated between kissing, licking and nibbling Ares' skin. He listened as Ares seemed to purr under his ministrations. He made his way from the God;s mouth, down his throat, to his chest where Joxer took in one of Ares' nipples, suckling it until it hardened under his talented mouth. He felt Ares squirm under him, desperately trying to get some much needed friction against his cock.

"Let me do this," Joxer requested of his lover, who merely nodded his acquiescence. Never had Ares allowed himself to be the complacent one. He was always the aggressor, but with Joxer he was willing to give away the power. He trusted him that much. Once Joxer knew that Ares was going to allow him to continue, his mouth moved from the one nipple to the other, while his hand made its way down the flat stomach of his lover and reached the curls that held such wonderful things. Joxer followed his hand with his mouth, pausing as he took in the wonderful sight before him.

Joxer dropped his head, darting his tongue out tasting the moisture that had leaked from Ares' hard cock. Ares groaned as his hips thrust towards Joxer's mouth. Joxer grinned as he flicked his tongue against the straining cock.

"Joxer, please,"

"Please what?"

"Suck me," Ares begged for the first time in his life. Never had a lover, mortal or God, made him feel like this and all he wanted was for Joxer to take him into his mouth and suck him.

"Never let it be said that I didn't obey my God." Ares bucked his hips as Joxer took in his cock. Ares had never felt anything so good as the warmth that surrounded him and he knew that, no matter what happened, there was no way he would be able to give Joxer up. The God of War moaned as he felt Joxer scrape his teeth along the underside of his cock. He glanced down at the dark head bobbing up and down between his legs, only to see Joxer looking up at him, pleasure clearly evident in his eyes.

Joxer continued sucking on Ares' cock, relaxing his throat muscles to enable him to take in more of the length of his God, until his nose brushed against coarse hair. Joxer reached one hand behind Ares, running it over Ares' ass, before placing one finger between the crack. He felt Ares stiffen at the intrusion. The God had never allowed anyone to take him before, but his tension quickly subsided as Joxer gently began to pump one digit deep inside of him. Ares allowed himself to give in to the sensations that Joxer was giving him and barely flinched when Joxer added a second finger and then a third. Ares screamed when Joxer hit his prostrate, causing him to spill his seed into Joxer's waiting mouth. The mortal swallowed everything offered to him before moving up and kissing Ares, allowing the God to taste himself on Joxer's lips.

"I want to make love to you," Joxer whispered. "Let me." Ares looked up at Joxer. While he had to admit the feeling of Joxer's fingers in his ass had made him feel quite good, he wasn't sure that he would be able to allow another man to take him. Then he saw Joxer's expectant face and realized that he couldn't let another man take him, only Joxer. That, for Joxer, he could and would do anything.

"Make me yours," Ares acquiesced. The smile that lit up Joxer's face indicated just how much it meant to the mortal to have Ares' love. Joxer kissed Ares once more as his fingers found their way to his ass. With his other hand, Joxer smeared some lube onto his cock. He helped Ares put his legs over his shoulders and Joxer couldn't help but moan at the sight of his God in such a state. He lowered Ares down until his cock was at the untouched entrance. He looked at Ares once more and War nodded for him to go ahead.

Ares moaned as he felt himself being filled by Joxer. He had never imagined that it could feel this way and was glad that Joxer was the one who had finally given him this intimacy. Ares couldn't imagine allowing any other man to do this. Joxer began a soft, easy rhythm, allowing Ares time to adjust to having himself filled . Those thrusts became harder and stronger once Joxer felt Ares begin to meet them. Ares screamed as Joxer maneuvered to hit his prostate with each pounding thrust. Joxer wrapped his hand around Ares' erect cock and pumped it in time with his thrusts.

"Ares, Ares Ares Ares," Joxer repeated, feeling the tightness of the God's muscles around his cock.

"Gods, Joxer, yes," Ares screamed as he came for a second time. The muscles of the God's ass clenched around Joxer's cock, causing the mortal to cum, spilling his seed deep into the body of the man he loved. Completely drained and sated, Joxer collapsed on top of Ares, who took him into his arms, placing light kissed over Joxer's sweat soaked face. "I love you, Joxer."

"And I love you, Ares."

~Part: 16~

"Okay, Wills, what's the plan?" Xander asked. The five people from Sunnydale, along with Iolaus, were sitting in one of Hera's gardens, snacking on some food that the Goddess had left them. The other Gods had left them alone, having to take care of their petitions and, in that case of Ares, monitoring a war. The mortals had been left on their own, told that they had full access to anything on Olympus. Iolaus couldn't believe that these were the same Gods that Hercules always ranted about.

"Plan for what?" Willow questioned back, between bites of the apple that she had picked from one of the trees in the garden. A bit of juice dribbled down her chin which Angel was more than happy to clean up for her, tasting the sweetness of the apple along with his love.

"For getting us home," the boy answered. "You do have a plan don't you?" Willow shook her head.

"I have no idea how we got here, let alone how we get back," the red head told him. "It must have something to do with that prophecy that Giles and the others were talking about."

"But if that's the case, what are we supposed to do?" Iolaus brought up. "You've already figured out who the first couple was and they are together."

Everyone grinned as they thought of just how together Ares and Joxer were. "But whose the second couple?"

"And that's the sixty four thousand dollar question," Faith quipped. "Maybe its up to B and her crew to discover the other couple. I mean, there has to have been a reason for them to show up here too."

"You mean other than the usual being pains in the arses," Spike commented.

"Well, yeah, other than that," Faith grinned. "Because if that was the case, just the thought of them is enough to give me an ulcer."

"Guys, come on," Willow admonished the duo, all the while smiling at the pair. The friendship between the brunette rogue Slayer and the blonde formerly bad ass vampire was just one more thing that showed how unusual their group was. "We need to start trying to figure out what we're here to do, and that includes Buffy and the others. There has to be a reason and as much as I like it here, I would like to get back to LA. If anything, just to see Delia's twins being born." At the mentioning of the former cheerleader's name the group fell silent. No one had been able to explain why the Wyndham-Prices had not been brought back to the past with them, although they did assume that it might have been due to the fact that Cordelia was quite pregnant at the time.

"She must be worried," Angel mentioned, thinking of the young girl who had weaseled her way into his heart, despite everything, and the formerly inept Watcher. I wonder what they're doing."

"Probably trying to figure out what the hell happened," Xander answered. "Cordelia hates when something interrupts her party. Especially when she's in the middle of getting presents." Everyone chuckled at Xander's description of his ex's reactions to their disappearance.

"And the bloody Watcher is probably getting all flustered about his boss disappearing," Spike added.

"Spike, Wes isn't all that bad anymore and you know it," Willow said, defending the friends that had been there for her when her other friends had turned their backs on her for her relationship with Angel. "Hell, whose idea do you think it was to lock you and Xander up together in the first place." Spike and Xander looked at Willow in disbelief.

"Are you telling me that it was the nancy boy's idea to put me and Xander in a room together," Spike growled. "I thought it was your idea, Red." Willow smiled widely as she saw how flustered the blonde became at the thought that it was Wesley that had come up with the plan that had brought Spike and his mate together. Especially since Spike loved to do nothing but torment the former Watcher whenever he could.

"Sorry, Spike. It was all Wes," Angel grinned, also loving the discomfort in his childe's face. It was nice to know that, even after so long, he could still get to his childe.

"I don't believe I was bested by that whipped wuss," Spike continued to groan.

"Are you sorry?" Xander questioned. Spike looked at his mate and saw the fear on the teenager's face and berated himself for putting it there. He, above anyone, knew what Xander had gone through as a child and the thought that Xander might think that he was upset at the thought of the two of them together bothered him. He thought he had proven to him that he loved him. Spike went over and took his lover into his arms.

"I will never be sorry for being with you," Spike told Xander. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Even my becoming human doesn't compare to the feeling I had when you first told me that you loved me." Spike watched as Xander's eyes went from fearful to loving and kissed the boy's lips. "I love you, Xan-pet and if it was the Watcher's idea to get us together, than I owe him one huge thank you present."

"Thanks, Spike," Xander said, glad to once again be sure of his mate's feelings towards him. It wasn't that he doubted Spike, but there were times that he doubted himself. Spike telling him how much6 he cared went a long way to healing there pain that his parents had inflicted on him growing up.

"Okay, its official. Blondie and Xander are the most nauseatingly sweet couple there is," Faith quipped. "Even my sugar tooth can't handle all the sugar the two of you throw off." Laughter broke up the room as everyone took seats near their respective partners.

"What's this, a party and we weren't invited," Cupid joked as he and Strife materialized into the garden. Cupid quickly noticed what Willow was eating and smiled. "Is that apple any good, Willow?"

"Best I've ever had," she told him between bites. "Wish I could take some home with me. That is, if we ever get home." Angel put his arm around Willow's shoulder.

"Don't worry, sweetling, we'll get home," he reassured her. He then turned back to the two Gods. "So, has anyone figured out what's going on?"

"Nope," Strife answered. "Every God that we've talked to have never heard of any mortals just suddenly traveling through time. Unc even had Hades ask the Titans but they were no help either."

"Are you really in that much of a rush to get back home?" Iolaus asked everyone, although it was apparent that he was really talking to Faith. The brunette Slayer smiled at him.

"Not like we don't like it here," she told him. "I mean, you guys have been way cooler than I would have figured you for, but the idea of being stuck someplace that has never heard Eminem just really freaks me out."

"Not to mention Ben and Jerry's," Willow added. "Who can live in a world without Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough?"

"Personally I'm missing my Saturday morning cartoons," Xander put him. "Need my weekly fix of the X-Men."

Hey, I need to catch up on my Passions," Spike informed everyone. "Who knows what delicious trouble Tabitha and Timmy have been causing since we've been here."

"I just want some good coffee," Angel said. Strife, Cupid and Iolaus just looked at the five people that were discussing what they missed most about their world, complete confused about their conversation and wondering exactly how much had the world changed between the present and the future.

"And I guess there would be no way to try and convince you to stay?" Cupid asked. "I mean, you guys are like a total breath of fresh air and I know we would all hate to see you go and that includes Grandmother and father. For some reason they've actually taken a shine to you all."

"I'd really like it if you would stay," Iolaus whispered to Faith. She cupped his cheek and looked at him, her features soft.

"I'd like that too, Iolaus, but I don't belong here," she gently told him. "This isn't my time. I'd be out of place here, just like you would be out of place if you went back with me," she quickly added as she saw him about to interrupt. She hadn't known him that long, but she had a good idea of who he was. "Your time is here and now and mine is in LA."

"That doesn't mean that I'm going to stop asking you to stay," he informed her. "I just found you and I'll be damned if I'm going to give you up." Faith smiled as she kissed the blonde hunter.

***

"Giles, can Anya and I talk to you," Graham asked. Giles looked up at the two teenagers that stood before him.

"What is it?"

"We were wondering something about this prophecy," Anya started the conversation. "About the innocents falling in love with Immortals."

"Yes?"

"Well, we've been assuming that Angel and Spike were the immortals and that Willow and Xander were the innocents," Graham explained. "What if they were the friends that were supposed to push together the couples."

"That is possible," Giles thought about it. "But who would the two couples be?"

"According to everything Xena and the others have been saying about that Joxer guy," Anya said,"I would definitely consider him an innocent and, as a God, Ares is definitely immortal. And, with the help of Willow and the rest, they are now together."

"So you're saying that they were brought back in time to unite Joxer and Ares," Giles reaffirmed. Graham and Anya nodded. "It would make sense, but why were we then brought back also? We have yet to do anything."

"We haven't figured that part out, but I think it may have to do with Xena and the others," Graham told him. "It would make sense since there seems to be a division between their friendship the same way that there is one between ours and the others."

"Yes, it hasn't escaped my notice that the two members of their group that they constantly criticize are the ones with those that we did the same," Giles agreed. "Not that they are willing to push aside that friendship because they feel that Joxer and Iolaus have betrayed them by not doing what they wanted them to."

"Sounds a bit like what we did when Buffy declared Willow persona non gratis," Graham finished. The trio thought back to the circumstances that had finally divided the original Slayerettes and their respective parts in it.

"If that's the case, then we must accept that Xander and Willow belong with Spike and Angel," Giles gently said, knowing how much Anya had wanted Xander back.

"I know," Anya told him. "And I think I'm coming to terms with it. Seeing how that chick Gabrielle went all ballistic at the thought of Joxer and Ares together kind of helped me realize that you can't fight love. Xander's with Spike, who is now human, and they are happy together. And, I can't believe I'm about to say this, they actually make a good couple. It's time for me to move on with my life and find someone for myself. It'll take awhile but I think it's something I need to do." Giles smiled as he took the former demon into his arms and gave her a hug.

"I'm proud of you, Anya," he said. "And I have no doubt that you will find someone that will make you very happy."

"Thanks," she smiled. "But there's still a problem. If Joxer and Ares are the first couple, whose the second and how do we get home?"

The Fates looked at the two groups of people contemplating what had to be done. They smiled as they all realized that the first couple had already been united and were trying to figure out who the second was.

"They have done well."

"Everything is going as it was foretold. The immortals and innocents are together."

"But there is still a chance that they could be separated. We must make sure that does not happen or all will be lost."

"That is why the others have been brought. They will insure that the second couple is strong enough to withstand their enforced separation."

"And the children?"

"They will discover their history and with that, give birth to the next generation of Gods."

~Part: 17~

"I don't know why you want to go down there and deal with those annoying little friends of yours," Aphrodite said, looking over the odd assembly of mortals that stood in front of her and Ares. "I mean, you've like already seen what their reaction to everything is. Why would you want to deal with them again?"

"Dite, we don't have a choice," Willow explained. "Its just a feeling. Something that tells me that if we ever want to find our way home, we have to deal with Buffy and the others. And Xena and Hercules need to see that Joxer and Iolaus are okay. That you haven't done anything to them." Ares smirked and Joxer blushed at those words. "Well, that they didn't ask you to."

"So you think that the reason you have been brought here also has to do with them?" Ares asked, drawing Joxer closer to him. The God of War didn't like the idea of Joxer facing the same people that would rather see him dead than in the arms of the God. Ares knew first hand what the wrath of Hercules and Xena could bring, having been on the receiving end of it many times. It was something that he had hoped he could protect Joxer from having to deal with.

"As much as we hate it, it makes sense," Angel answered. The former vampire could see how worried Ares was for Joxer's safety and felt sorry for the God. He knew what it was like having to deal with emotions like love for the first time in centuries and he wished there was something he could do or say that would make it easier for the God to deal with everything. "Look, Ares, I know you're worried about Joxer `s safety but you have my word that he will be safe. We won't let anything happen to him."

"Ares, I think I have to go," the wannabe warrior said from his lover's side. "I think they're right. We have to deal with the others before we can actually move on. Look at how much trouble they've been causing because they've been thinking that you've been holding me against my will. They won't believe that I'm okay until they actually see me for themselves." Ares pulled Joxer to one side, wanting some privacy. The God of War was still getting used to caring for someone and he didn't yet feel comfortable with doing it in public. Even though this particular group had seen him and Joxer do some things that shouldn't have been seen.

"I just don't want them hurting you any more than they already have," Ares told Joxer. "They're going to try and make you stay with them. TO try and convince you that what's happening between us is wrong. That I'm using you for some plan against them."

"You aren't though, are you," Joxer stated, not questioning the feelings that the God had for him. "I know that and I want them to know that." Joxer cupped Ares' cheek with his hand, offering his lover the assurance that he was looking for, even if Ares couldn't say it. "I am coming back, you know. I love you." Ares smiled as he heard that. Until Joxer, no one had ever told the War God that they loved him. Well, other than Cupid and Harmonia when they were younger, but he didn't count his children.

"I love you too," Ares confirmed. "That's why I don't want you to go. I don't want them to do anything to you." Joxer could see the worry in his lover's eyes. While Joxer could tell Ares that no matter what Xena and the others wouldn't be able to stop him from returning to Olympus and his God, Joxer knew that there was a very good chance that the mortals would try to do just that. Joxer knew how much Hercules and Xena loathed their older brother, never having been able to understand why his job was so necessary. All they saw was that Ares caused the death of men that they felt could have been prevented. Joxer held no such illusions. As naive as he was, he had seen the harm that an overpopulated country could cause. The starvation and death, and not just of grown men who had chosen to fight. Most often it was the women and children that suffered from a winter where there hadn't been enough food.

Joxer leaned over and gave Ares a deep, passionate kiss that left no doubt as to the feelings he had for his God. Ares wrapped his arms around Joxer, pulling him closer, unwilling to think of what might happen when Joxer left. All Ares knew was that he didn't like having to risk losing the one person that had finally provided the volatile God with some sort of stability. The one person that accepted Ares for who and what he was. Suddenly the God could understand why Angel and Spike had been so concerned about their mates, and he felt a sudden kinship with the former vampires that had to fight for their right to be with the ones that they loved.

"You're coming back," Ares said firmly once they broke apart. They held their heads together, reveling in the other's presence. "If you don't, I'm coming to get you."

"I'm going to hold you to that," Joxer replied. Finally, after another minute, the two walked back to the others, hand in hand.

"Is everything okay," Faith asked.

"Fine," Ares replied. "Let's just get this over so Joxer can get back here sooner."

"Second that motion," Xander quipped. The teenager didn't like what they were about to do and was afraid of what the reaction's to their appearance might be, but he agreed with Willow. This was something that had to be done. He just hoped that this didn't turn out to be as extremely a bad idea as he thought it might be.

"Don't worry luv," Spike told his mate. "Nothing will happen." Xander smiled at Spike, glad that he was by his side. Spike wrapped his arm around Xander's waist and placed a kiss on his nose. "Love ya Xan pet."

"Love you too, Spike."

"Okay, let's get this over with," Willow stated, seeing that everyone was as ready as they were going to be. As soon as everyone was prepared, Ares and Aphrodite transported them to where they knew the others were. "You know, no matter how many times we do that, I don't think I'll ever get used to it."

"Willow," Forrest yelled as the others noticed their arrival. The commando ran over, intending to separate Willow from her friends, but he was stopped by Angel and Spike both standing in his way. "Let me by, you bastards. Just because you're human, it doesn't mean I won't hurt you if I have to."

"Try it boy," Angel sneered, sounding remarkably like Angelus. "See how successful you are."

"Forrest, leave Willow alone," Giles ordered from behind the trio of men. He approached the group, making sure his movements were not misinterpreted. "It's good to see you all again. I didn't think I would considering the way the last meeting ended."

"Giles, we've decided that we all have to work together if we want to get home," Willow answered, going over to the man, who surprised her by giving her a hug. When she pulled back from him, she noticed his eyes were wet with unshed tears. "Giles?"

"Can you ever forgive a stupid old man?" He inquired. Willow smiled as she realized that Giles was finally accepting her relationship with Angel. "I've been a complete and utter ass to both you and Xander just because you fell in love with two vampires."

"Nothing to forgive, Giles," Xander stated, coming up to join Willow and Giles. "I mean, I wasn't any better to Willow before Spike came along. Let's just say its in the past and be done with it."

"Umm, does that include me too," Anya asked quietly. Xander looked over at his ex-girlfriend. He smiled at her, realizing that if it hadn't been for her watching him sleep and telling him to follow his dreams, even if it meant away from her, that he wouldn't be with Spike today.

"Anya, you had every right to be angry with me. I took your love and threw it away," Xander said.

"Not without a little help," Anya argued. "I mean, I am the one who said that you needed to go and figure out what you wanted. I just didn't think it would take you so far away from me."

"There's nothing that says we have to stay that way," Xander informed the former demon. "I mean, sure we can't go back to what we were before, but what's to stop us from just becoming friends?"

"Friend." Anya rolled the word around. "I think I can handle that." Xander smiled at Anya, hugging the girl to him, until a growl from Spike separated them.

"Don't worry, Spike, I know he's yours," Anya teased as Xander went over to stand by his mate. Anya joined Giles, who was standing by Graham. The commando didn't say anything, but his positioning with the other two made it clear how he felt.

"What the hell is going on here?" Buffy yelled. She couldn't understand what she was seeing. Giles and Anya were apparently accepting Willow and the others presence. Not only their presence, though, it was the relationship they were in. "Giles, why were you hugging Willow?"

"I was apologizing to her for the way I acted," Giles informed Buffy, patiently. He knew that the blonde Slayer would be upset over his change of feelings towards the other group. He just hoped she would see past it so that they could all work together to get home. Buffy's look told him otherwise.

"Thank the Gods, Joxer," Gabrielle screamed, stopping Buffy from saying whatever she was about to. The blonde bard ran over to the dark haired warrior, jumping on him. "Thank the Gods you're all right. We've been so worried about you. How did you get away from Ares? Don't worry we won't let him hurt you again. We'll make sure he stays away."

"Hey Red, she babbles just like you," Faith teased her friend as Joxer tried to extricate himself from Gabrielle's grasp, without much success. It wasn't until Xena made her way over to check for herself that he was okay that Joxer was finally able to manage to break free.

"Is it true," Xena asked, once she was sure that Joxer was okay. She pulled Gabby to one side. "Is it true what Iolaus and the others said." Joxer didn't even pretend to not understand what Xena was asking. He nodded his head.

"It's true."

"It can't be," Gabrielle cried, not able to believe that Joxer had truly given himself to Ares. "You're lying. He's done something to you to make you say that He's using you to get to Xena. Come on, Joxer, even you should be smart enough to know that."

"What the Tartarus is that suppose to mean?" Joxer snapped. "Even I should be smart enough to see that."

"Nothing, Joxer," Gabrielle back tracked, not used to seeing Joxer's anger. She didn't like it. It made him look a lot less like the naive fool that she knew and more like the brother that she had helped put in jail. "I was just saying that you shouldn't trust anything that Ares tells you. He'll only hurt you."

"You mean, as opposed to my friends," Joxer's voice stated, his voice dripping with sarcasm, which the bard completely missed.

"Exactly."

"Why, Joxer,' Hercules asked, joining the others finally. "Why did you feel as if you had to become Ares' consort. What did he promise you?" The contempt the strongman felt for his brother was obvious in his voice.

"Back off, Herc," Iolaus ordered his long time friend from his place by Faith's side. The blonde hero looked over at Iolaus, noticing his proximity to the brunette Slayer.

"You too, Iolaus," Hercules sneered. "You fell under their spell too."

"No spell, Herc," the hunter answered. "Nothing to fall under. What happened between Ares and Joxer was natural. They make a good couple. *You* would see that too if you were willing to open your eyes to it."

"All I can see is Joxer falling for whatever line it was that Ares fed him," Hercules shot. "And you thinking with your second brain." Iolaus bristled at his, nor former, friend's comments. "She's a killer, Iolaus. And here you are, snuggling up to her like she's your one true love."

"I do love her," Iolaus stated, not even noticing what he was saying, just replying naturally. "As for her being a killer. Faith's killed one person and she regrets that and it was by accident. But who are you to be such a hypocrite. You've slept with Xena, knowing her past. That she's been responsible for hundreds of deaths."

"She's changed," Hercules argued.

"So, Xena's the only one who can change," Iolaus threw back at the blonde. "Doesn't exactly seem fair does it? Or is that your rules? Why is it that everyone has to react to things the way you want them to? Not everyone lives by your rules. Your moral standards are way too high."

"What are you saying Iolaus," Xena inquired. "That you would rather stay with Faith and her friends than with us? That you approve of Joxer and Ares being together?"

"So what if he did?" Willow demanded at the same time Faith asked a question of her own.

"You love me," she whispered, barely being heard by Iolaus. The blonde hunter turned to her, taking her face in his hands.

"Yes. With everything I am," he answered sincerely. "I know that there's a good chance that I'm going to lose you and probably sooner than I would like. I just want you to know that, even in this short amount of time, that I have fallen for you in a way that I have never loved a woman. And that, no matter what, I will find a way to get back to you. That, you and I will see each other again." Faith smiled at the man she had just met a few days before, but whom she had already felt closer to than any other person she had ever met.

"I love you too," she answered. Iolaus grinned as he kissed Faith, the two completely forgetting about the fight that was going on around them. When they finally broke apart, their hands found their way to the others. "And I'm gonna hold you to that promise of coming to find me." The broke apart as they heard someone scream. They watched as Buffy went to attack Willow. Faith rushed to her friend's defense, pulling the irate blonde from the witch.

"Back off, B," Faith ordered, throwing Buffy towards the area where Forrest and Riley were attacking Spike and Angel, knocking the two men off their feet.

"Thanks, pet," Spike said, rushing over to look over a dizzy Xander. Faith had no idea what had just happened, but she wasn't happy.

"What happened?" she questioned.

"Damn chit got it in her head to attack Red. She must have been planning it with the commando. They caught us off guard. Knocked down Xander and went after us," Spike explained as he checked on a recovering Xander. Anya joined him as did Graham.

"He'll be fine," the former commando stated, using his training from the military to examine the boy's injuries. "He's already healing. How you feeling Xander?"

"Like a truck hit me," the mortal replied. Spike helped Xander sit up. The boy saw where Buffy was being held back by Faith and stared at the girl that had been his friend. The girl that he had a crush on once and tried to remember what he had ever seen in her.

Joxer looked around the clearing that had been turned into a battlefield between former friends. He knew that whatever happened here was going to affect the future. HE wasn't sure how he knew it, he just did. He watched as Xander stood up on shaky legs with the help of Spike. He looked on as Angel took Willow into his arms, whispering words of comfort and love into her ear. He saw Iolaus and Faith force Hercules, Buffy, Forrest and the others away from those that he had grown so close to and he realized that he didn't belong here anymore. Not with those that he had once considered his family. He had a new family now, and even though he was sure he was about to lose quite a few of them, he knew he would see them again someday. And he could wait for that because they would all be happy.

***

"It is time then."

"Yes, they have done their job. They have passed the test."

"The two couple are together. The strength they need to succeed has been proven."

"Then all shall return."

***

A flash of light engulfed the clearing, blinding everyone that was there. In a minute it was gone. Joxer and Iolaus blinked their eyes, clearing the spots that had formed, only to see that the others were gone. Those that had traveled back have returned. Iolaus felt sorrow at the fact that he had lost Faith so quickly, but knew that he would see her again someday. Joxer just wanted to return to Ares. Xena, Hercules and Gabrielle just wanted things to go back to the way they were.

"They're gone," the bard stuttered. "Where did they go?"

"They went home," Joxer answered. "They've done their job, so they left."

"Then that means that things can back to normal," Hercules stated, glad to see the strangers gone. He blamed them for what had happened. Iolaus shook his head.

"Nothing can go back to normal, Herc," the hunter said. "Things can't go back to being the same."

"Ares," Joxer shouted. The God of War quickly appeared next to his mate. "They've gone."

"I know. We felt it on Olympus." Ares turned to Iolaus. "Are you going to be okay?" Iolaus nodded his head.

"Yeah, for some reason I have a feeling that won't be the last we see of them."

"I have a feeling you're right, at least according to the prophecy."

"Ares, I was kinda wondering something," Iolaus began to say. "I mean, I pretty much know that Joxer is going to be living on Olympus with you from now on and I was kinda hoping that maybe,"

"You were thinking that maybe you would like to live up there too?" Ares finished. Iolaus blushed at how Ares knew what he wanted. He nodded his head. "Yeah, I think that can be arranged. Besides, seems that my son and nephew have a soft spot for you. According to Strife you are one of his best worshippers." In a blink, all three men left, leaving behind a confused trio of heroes wondering just when it was that they had lost control of those around them.

~Part: 18~

One minute Willow was standing in a clearing, Angel at her side, glaring at Buffy who was being restrained by Faith. The next, a flash of bright light appeared. Now, as she looked around, the red headed hacker noticed that she was standing in the middle of the lobby to the Hyperion Hotel, home of Angel Investigations and where they had all just left. Decorations were still hung up from the baby shower that they had been in the middle of. Even the food and drinks were still set out on the counter. It literally appeared as if they had just left.

"What the hell happened to you guys," Cordelia screamed as she entered the lobby from the upstairs. Everyone turned around to see a worried rogue demon hunter and an extremely agitated pregnant ex cheerleader practically running towards them. "Damn it, you just disappeared, in the middle of my party no less. We couldn't find you. What happened?"

"Delia, its so good to see you," Willow exclaimed, throwing her arms around her friend. Cordelia's face showed her surprise at Willow's reaction to her, although she couldn't help but return the hug. She and Wesley had been so worried when the others had disappeared. They looked all over the hotel, hoping for some clue as to what had happened.

"What happened?" Wesley repeated his wife's question. The former Watcher noticed where Angel and Spike were standing. "Angel, you're standing in the sun and you're not turning to dust.. Where in the world did you disappear to?"

"You'll never believe us," Angel said, making a motion indicating that everyone should sit down. Once everyone was seated, Angel began his story. Cordelia and Wesley listened with rapt attention to their tale of finding themselves transported to Ancient Greece and their association with the Gods of Olympus. They listened as Angel and Willow told them about the way they had gotten Joxer and Ares together. This also brought on a begrudging thank you to Wesley from Xander and Spike for the idea in the first place. The pair that had been left behind couldn't believe everything that their friends had been through. They seemed kind of envious that they had missed out on such an adventure.

"So you and Spike are human now," Cordelia sighed. "That's so great. I mean, I know that prophecy of Aberjian said you would be, but wow, I didn't really think I would see it happen. Not this soon at least."

"Nor did I," Wesley agreed. "So, you're sure that somehow the prophecy got fulfilled, but you aren't positive as to the details. Correct?"

"We don't even know who the second couple is," Willow stated. "All we could figure out was that Joxer and Ares were the first one. We thought that Buffy and the others were responsible for getting the second one together."

"Maybe the second couple is supposed to be from this timeline," Cordelia theorized. "That they're supposed to get together now?"

"Maybe," Willow admitted. "I just wish I knew what happened after we left." Suddenly Faith stood up and headed towards the staircase.

"If you'll excuse me guys, I think I'm gonna head up to take a shower and get some shut eye," the brunette Slayer told everyone. "This whole thing has been rather exhausting, especially dealing with B and those other Grecians hero wannabes. Kinda takes a lot out of a girl."

Willow looked over at the girl that had gone through so much, realizing that, out of anyone, the time shift had affected Faith the most. Willow, Angel, Spike and Xander still had the ones that they loved. They were together with their chosen mates. But Faith had finally found someone that she cared about, and that had cared about her, and now he was gone. The witch knew how much Faith must have been hurting over the fact that she had to leave Iolaus behind just as the two were discovering their feelings for each other. She went over to her friend.

"Are you going to be okay, Faith?"

"Five by five, Red," Faith quipped, but Willow could tell that she didn't truly believe that.

"I know that you cared for Iolaus," Willow said. "He loved you, you know." Faith nodded her head. "It was obvious by the way that he looked at you."

"Yeah, I know. Kicker is, he had just told me that too." Faith smiled as she thought of the blonde hunter that was long dead. "For someone that had to hang around that idiot Hercules, Iolaus was pretty cool. I'm gonna miss him."

"Oh, I don't think you'll have time to do that," a male voice called from the entrance to the hotel. Everyone turned, gasping at the sight before them. Three men, two brunette and one blonde, and one gorgeous woman stood before them. Faith actually squealed when she saw them.

"Iolaus," she cried as she ran over to the blond hunter. She launched herself at him and he caught her easily. "What? How?" Iolaus laughed at Faith's reaction, his happiness at finally seeing her again apparent on his face.

"The what and the how are kind of the same," Iolaus said. "I'm Immortal."

"Immortal? How?" Willow squeaked as she greeted the new arrivals. Faith couldn't stop herself from smiling and had yet to let go of the man that had accepted her for who she was. Even having gone so far as to choose her over his friends.

"Mother," the other three people said at the same time. They looked at each other.'

"Hello, remember us?" Cordelia piped in. "The two that didn't get to go on the time travel adventure of a lifetime."

"Oh my Goddess, I'm sorry Delia," Willow blushed. "Cordelia, Wesley, I would like to introduce you to Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. Ares, God of War, Joxer and Iolaus." Each of the Immortals nodded their heads at the introduction.

"Cool," Cordelia sighed. "Goddess of Love, I could go for that. Especially the look. Oh to have that figure again." The brunette smiled wistfully at the slim blonde woman in front of her, who matched her smile with on of her own.

"Don't worry, sweetie," Aphrodite said. "You'll be back to yourself in no time. And, trust me, when I say that after you're twins are born, it will more than make up for the look."

"Thanks."

"Ummm, guys, Iolaus, Joxer, still here," Xander interrupted. "You were going to explain to us as to how that was possible.

"Well, it seems that Mother and Father took a liking to the two of them so they made them Gods," Dite replied absently as she felt something in the air.

"You're a God?" Faith exclaimed. "Cool." Iolaus smiled. He wasn't sure how the brunette Slayer would take it, knowing that he wasn't exactly the same. "Of what?"

"Absent Lovers," came the reply.

"Seemed to make the most sense," Ares explained. He looked over at his sister, trying to see what she was up to. He tried to communicate via their link but she refused to answer him. "Considering the fact that he had to wait a couple millennia to see his love, it was only natural to make him in charge of all the lovers that had to be separated for one reason or another."

"And Joxer," Willow wanted to know.

"Peace," the younger God answered.

"The perfect consort for the God of War," Ares added, putting his arm around Joxer's waist, giving the younger man an affectionate squeeze.

"SO what ever happened with the bloody prophecy?" Spike wanted to know. As much as he enjoyed his new human status again, knowing that it meant that he and Xander would grow together, he didn't like the idea that his life had been turned upside down yet again for something that he didn't know about.

"Yeah, did you guys ever figure out who the second couple is?" Xander asked. Iolaus looked over at Faith, smiling at the girl in his arms.

"It's us," was all he said. Faith looked at him confused. "We're the second couple," the blonde elaborated.

"Us?" Faith whispered. "But, you weren't immortal when we met. And I certainly wasn't an innocent." Spike snorted, earning himself a elbow in the ribs from his mate.

"The prophecy wasn't specific," Iolaus explained. "The Fates finally told us about it, after some major cajoling from Ares and Dite. Seems they meant innocent as in innocent in love. Which, I guess they figured you were. And the immortal part, well, here I am."

"Yup, here you are." Faith kissed Iolaus, deeply, telling him in that single moment everything that she felt for the new God. They completely lost themselves in the moment, forgetting that there were others in the room until a few coughs brought them both up for air. "Upstairs, now." Iolaus only nodded his head. Neither person looked back as they went upstairs to make up for any lost time, whether it be years or minutes. Everyone watched, smiling at the happiness that was apparent on their friend's faces.

"Okay, there is so something I never thought I'd see," Cordelia muttered. "Faith actually happy, as in not the let's kill something kind either."

Aphrodite stared at the brunette seer, finally putting her finger on what had been bothering her. `Damn, I don't believe it. How did this happen?'

`Ares,' Aphrodite called to her brother, mentally.

'What Dite? What's been bothering you?'

`I think we need to call Hades and Persophone.'

`Why?'

'Feel the air.' Ares did as the blonde Goddess instructed and was unnerved by what he felt.

`What is it? Whose it coming from?'

`Cordelia and Wesley.'

`But they were never supposed to..'

`I know. And I have a feeling that their children are the ones that the Fates were talking about, but I'd have to double check with Hera about that.'

`No, you're usually right on. Damn, I never thought...'

'I know. Better call the others.'

"Ares, what is it?" Joxer asked his husband. It hadn't escaped his notice that something was going on between him and Aphrodite. Ares saw the concern on Joxer's face and gave his lover a kiss.

"You'll see in a minute." Ares sent out a mental request to his uncle, asking him to come to Los Angeles with his wife. The ground shook as Hades and Persophone appeared. Hades noticed that the same group that had faced him so long ago was once again assembled.

"What is it Ares," Hades growled at his nephew. By his side, Persophone stood quietly, looking at the two strangers. she walked over to Wesley, who stood nervously, not knowing what was going on, but knowing that it must be important if the God of War called in the God of the Underworld. Hades noticed where his wife's attention was focused and tried to see into her thoughts. What he saw shocked him.

"Is it him?" Persophone nodded.

"Its both of them," Aphrodite answered. Finally Joxer understood what was going on between the other gods.

"They're together. That wasn't supposed to happen," the former warrior said.

"But it did," Ares replied. Finally, Persophone reached Wesley and Cordelia. Her hand went to touch Wesley's cheek and the Watcher found that he couldn't seem to move. The couple didn't know what was going on anymore than their friends who stood entranced by the sight of the Gods interest in the friends that they didn't know.

"What wasn't supposed to happen?" Angel demanded. "Who do you think they are?"

"Our son," Hades and Persophone replied.

"Our daughter," came the answer from Aphrodite and Ares.

"Together." Added Joxer.

~Part: 19~

"What?" Came from a chorus of voices.

"Cordelia is our daughter," Aphrodite repeated, going over to Cordelia and putting her hand on the pregnant girl's stomach, checking on the twins. "And she's going to be the mother to two very strong Gods, if what I'm feeling is any indication."

"But how," Wesley stuttered, trying to grasp what he was being told. He wanted to go to his wife, who looked over at him. He could feel her confusion and fear and wished that he could calm her. Unfortunately, Hades had joined Persophone at his side and he couldn't get away from them.

"It's a long story," Joxer replied, seeing that the other Gods were too involved with examining their long lost children.

"We've got time, so tell," Angel demanded. Joxer made a motion that indicated that everyone should take a seat. The assembled mortals and Gods went over to the area that was still decorated for the party, taking seats near their respected mates, although Hades, Persophone, Ares and Aphrodite didn't move far from their children.

"Okay, I guess I'll be the one to explain this, since I'm not one of the parents," Joxer began. "Do any of you remember reading about the twilight of the Gods?"

"I remember reading something in regards to that," Wesley said, feeling increasingly uncomfortable under the constant stares of his "parents." "Supposedly the Gods had lost their powers, those that weren't killed that is. Didn't it have something to do with Xena?"

"Yes," Joxer nodded his head. "Xena had thought she had found a way to get rid of the Gods. And, because of what we had learned from your visit, we knew that they modern world believed us to be myths. Legends. So we understood that it was important that she believed that she had succeeded in destroying us. To that extent, Zeus allowed Hercules to kill him." At the gasps that had escaped those that had met the King of the Gods, Joxer explained. "Zeus isn't really dead. In fact, he and Hera are currently enjoying their, gods know whatever number, honeymoon in Majorca. Xena also believed that Ares was now mortal. It was necessary because we knew that we were meant to become nothing more than stories."

"So you allowed yourselves to fade into the background?" Angel questioned.

"We had to. We couldn't risk destroying the fabric of time," Ares answered, finally drawing his attention away from Cordelia. He took up the tale from his mate. "Xena, Gabrielle and Hercules were obsessed with destroying us after you left. The fact that not only Joxer, but Ioluas, had chosen us over them seemed to have pushed them over the edge. Nothing was too far for them in their efforts to kill us. Even some innocents were lost to their quest for destruction, including one of Joxer's best worshippers. Eventually we decided that it would be better for the world if we allowed them to believe that we had been destroyed, so we allowed them to 'kill' us."

"But, in doing so, we ended up doing more harm to ourselves than we thought we would," Joxer went on. "Without worshippers, we lost a major source of our power. Granted, we were still powerful, there have always been those that prayed to us no matter what name they gave us, but we weren't nearly as strong as we used to be. And our children that were born after the twilight had taken place were even weaker than us. They had never had a power base to begin with so there was nothing for them to draw back on."

"So, it was decided that any children that were born to the Gods were to be raised as mortals. To live and die like those that had once worshipped us," Aphrodite took up the tale. "It was a difficult decision. To know that any child of ours would be taken from us, their immortality stripped and then replaced with a mortal child that had died. Speaking as a mother, it was the worst thing imaginable. I was so glad that both Harmonia and Cupid were already strong enough that they would be able to withstand the lose of believers. As it was, it was touch and go for Bliss. We almost lost him a few times."

"Is he...?" Willow couldn't finish the question, afraid of what might have happened to the child that had stolen her heart with his antics. The young winged god had reminded her a lot of Xander when he was a child.

"He's fine, now," Aphrodite assured her. "But, as you can imagine, the Goddesses were afraid to have other children. They didn't want to go through the pain of losing them just as they were being born. But, that didn't mean that children weren't born."

"A few of us did give birth," Persophone began. "We could have stopped the pregnancy when we first discovered we were going to have children, but we chose not to. Instead, as soon as they were born, Hera took out children and replaced them for mortal children that had died in childbirth, thus giving them a mortal life. Because we never drank ambrosia while we were pregnant, our children never were granted their godhoods. And Hera never told us where she placed them, so we never saw our children again."

"I can't even imagine what that must have been like," Cordelia said, wrapping her hands protectively around her stomach. Just the thought of never seeing her children after they were born was enough to frighten the young girl.

"It was difficult," Persophone agreed.

"But you said that Cordy and Wes were your kids," Xander asked. "How?"

"Like we said, just because we weren't going to be able to raise our children, it didn't prevent us from having any," Aphrodite continued. "In fact, I had five children after it was decreed that we weren't going to be able to keep them. The last, a daughter, was a little over nineteen years ago."

"And I had three. My youngest son was born approximately twenty five years ago," Persophone added.

"But that doesn't mean that it's us," Wesley protested, not sure how he felt about the possibility of being the son of the God of the Underworld. "You said that you never saw your children and that they never received their god hoods so how do you know that we are your missing son and daughter?"

"Even without their god hoods, each of the children will emit a small amount of power," Ares explained, taking it away from an overcharged Aphrodite. Ares drew upon Joxer's love and strength as he was faced with the daughter he had never thought he would see again. "Each of them would be slightly different than regular mortals." Cordelia and Wesley looked at each other as they thought of the things that had separated them from their friends. Wesley's was his innate sense of being able to translate most languages with only a small amount of studying, while Cordelia had taken over the vision thing from Doyle. They began to wonder if maybe this was because of them being the children of Gods.

"That's only one reason," Ares continued. "None of the other children have ever met, their lives having bee n very far apart. In some case, it was centuries between the births of a full God. You are the only two that have ever lived in the same time frame as another child. And the fact that, not only have you met, but married and are now pregnant have increased your powers. Have you ever noticed that things just appear now when you think of them."

Cordelia nodded her head. "Yeah, that happened the other day. I was thinking that I really wanted some mocha chip ice cream but knew we didn't have any. Then I found some in the freezer."

"And have you ever noticed how the two of you seem to know what the other is thinking?" Ares questioned.

"Of course, but we always assumed that it was because we knew each other so well," Wesley answered.

"That's part of it," the God of War told them. "Gods have the ability of communicating mentally. It allows us to be in constant contact if we need any assistance."

"So, you're saying that I'm your daughter," Cordelia commented, pointing to Ares and Aphrodite. "And that Wes is your son." This time she pointed to Hades and Persophone, all of whom nodded. "And that we are gods that never got our god hoods." The former cheerleader thought about everything that she had been told. "But, if Wes and I were born to Gods, what does that make our children?" She looked fearfully at her husband. There was no way on earth that she was going to give up her children. Not if she had anything to say about it. Aphrodite and Persophone recognized that look, having been where Cordelia was now.

"They will be Gods, just as you are," Persophone answered.

"I won't let anyone take them away from us," Wesley stated flatly.

"I'll kill whoever goes near them," Cordelia threatened, reminding everyone who her father was by the hard look on her face.

"Count me in," chimed Willow.

"And me," added Angel.

"Don't forget us," Xander contributed, speaking for himself and Spike. The two couples formed a protective ring around Wes and Cordelia, showing their solidarity.

"I think its time we called Hera," Joxer offered, trying to diffuse the tense situation. "She should know about what we've discovered."

"That's a good idea," Ares quickly agreed. "Mother." Everyone waited for the tell tale signs that of a God appearing. They didn't have to wait long. Hera appeared in a flash.

"What is it, Ares?" She asked her son. She looked around and saw everyone that was gathered. She had known that Ares, Joxer, Aphrodite and Iolaus were going to see their friends that had time traveled, but she hadn't expected to see her brother or sister-in-law. "What's going on?"

"Mother, we would like you to meet your granddaughter and grandson," Ares said. "Cordelia and Wesley Wyndham Price." Ares pointed towards the couple. Hera looked at the two strangers, feeling the energy that was coming from them. She gasped when she realized who they were.

"This isn't possible," she muttered. "I put them on two separate continents, with two completely different families. How did they meet?"

"We met when Wesley came to Sunnydale, where I lived, to be a Watcher to the Slayer," Cordelia answered.

"We met again when I came to town and began working for Angel," Wesley added. Hera nodded her head as she thought about what she was feeling.

"Then everything is in place," she finally said.

"What do you mean, in place," Hades demanded.

"The prophecy is fulfilled. The time of the Gods has returned," the Queen of the Gods stated. "The world will once again know of us."

"Mother, what are you talking about?" Ares questioned. Hera walked over to Cordelia and Wesley, placing her hand over the girl's protruding stomach.

"What I am saying, my son, is that we are witnessing the birth of the next generation of Gods," she replied. She looked at Cordelia, kindness on her face. "You fear that we will take your children away from you, just as we did with your parents?" The couple nodded their heads. "You have no fear there. Your children will be raised as Gods, on Olympus. And I have a feeling they will only be the first of many. Once word spreads that there will be no more need to separate the children from their parents, I'm quite certain that a few Gods will be ready to have children again."

"What about Cordelia and Wesley," Willow asked.

"They will come to Olympus too," Hera announced. "They are Gods and it is time that they take their rightful place among us. It has been long overdue."

"Wait a minute," Cordelia interrupted. "Are you telling me that Wes and I are going to be Gods? Wow."

"I can just picture it. Cordelia, Goddess of Shopping," Xander quipped, drawing a chuckle from those assembled.

"Hey, that's a title I can live with," Delia replied back.

"Wow, Delia, we just get back from an adventure, and now you're going on one," Willow said, going over to her friend. "You will come back to visit, right?"

"Oh, there won't be any need for that," Hera told them. "We've a place for all of you. Zeus and I have agreed that if you wanted, you can all come to Olympus. The next generation of Gods will need teachers, as will the old generation. We believe you will be invaluable in that."

"You mean, you're making us Gods," Spike said in awe.

"You're already immortal, thanks to the apples that you ate while in my garden," Hera smiled. "Its only a small step from their to God hood. So what do you say?"

"Where do we sign up?"

~Part: 20~

"Today, we are going to continue our study of the ancient Greek Gods and what, according to myth, led to their downfall," the professor droned on. It had been two weeks since their return to the present, and Buffy, Riley, Graham, Forrest, and Anya were all sitting in the one class they all had in common. Greek myths and legends. It was a class that had since become passe to the five students who had so recently met the Gods they were now learning about. They didn't know if the others had returned also. When Giles had tried to call the numbers that he had been given in case of emergency to reach any of them, all he had received was a recorded message saying that they were no longer in service and not giving a new number.

"Now, the assignment on the syllabus had you reading the chapter of the so-called twilight of the Gods," the professor continued. "Who can tell me about what they read? Michael?"

"The twilight of the Gods refers to the fall of the Gods, beginning with Zeus, who was killed by his son Hercules, who was protecting Xena and her daughter Eve. Many of the Gods were killed. One exception being Ares. It was rumored that he was made mortal and lived the rest of his life among those that had once worshipped him," the brunette junior answered. The teacher nodded his head.

"Very good. Glad to see at least one person did the reading." The teacher dimmed the lights at the same time a picture flashed onto the board behind him. "Ares, was supposedly in love with Xena, and she with him. That was why she didn't have the heart to kill him. It was even said that he was the father of her child."

"Please, as if I would ever allow that woman to carry my child," Ares muttered from his seat at the teacher's desk. He looked around at the assembled students that were there supposedly to study his family. He saw the people that had caused his friends so much pain, and right behind them, Angel and Willow who were sitting in the supposedly empty seats behind them, invisible to those around them. Next to Ares was Joxer.

"I know, but this is only myths. They're bound to get things wrong," Joxer tried to explain.

"Still, doesn't it mean they should have some truth to them," Ares sneered. "Gods, just the thought of me and Xena having a child together. Damn, it was bad enough when people thought that she was my daughter instead of Zeus."

"Umm, Professor Scott," a young woman had her hand up. "I read somewhere that Ares was supposed to have taken a mortal consort. Is this true?"

"Ahh, yes, you must be thinking of legendary Joxer," the teacher smiled. Said Joxer looked over at his husband and mouthed the word legendary. "For those of you who didn't do the reading, which I'll assume is most of you, Joxer was a friend of Xena and Gabrielle. He was considered a hapless warrior by many, although it was said that he came from a long line of warlords and assassins. In fact, his brother Jett had attempted to kill Cleopatra but was stopped by Xena."

"Yeah, like I had nothing to do with that," Joxer grumbled.

"Don't worry, Joxie, " Aphrodite chimed in, appearing near her ex and his consort. "We all know who really stopped Jett, even if the history books get it all wrong." Joxer smiled at the blonde Goddess.

"Hey, if you guys don't mind, we want to learn all about you," Angel said smiling over at his new family, who quickly shut up.

"Ares is said to have taken Joxer as a consort as a way to hurt Xena and Hercules, although other stories have the God of War actually caring for the mortal they are considered very unreliable," the professor continued. "Although there are those of us who believe that the God of War would not be willing to make immortal someone just to piss off his half brother and sister, others believe that he would go to any lengths to annoy them."

"You know, you would figure after two thousand years, people would be willing to admit that maybe I actually did love Joxer and that I choose him to be my consort because of those feelings," Ares nearly bellowed as he appeared in front of the mortals, causing many to gasp and/or scream.

"Ares," Buffy sneered as she stood along with Riley and Forrest. Anya and Graham continued to stay in their seats, wondering what was about to happen. "What are you doing here?"

"Ummm, going to school," War smirked, unable to resist teasing the blonde Slayer that had once been his daughter's friend. "I wanted to learn about myself and I figured I would pop in.

"And why aren't you dead," Riley asked, as the trio approached the Gods, as Joxer and Aphrodite had both materialized by Ares' side, wanting to calm him before he did anything to rash. It had been over two thousand years since he had any true contact with mortals and they weren't sure what he would do. "Didn't Xena kill you? Not to mention Eve killing Joxer."

"Oh please, like that little girl would have been able to hurt me," Joxer sneered. "She didn't have it in her. She was nothing like her mother, who would be more than willing to kill without a second thought if it so pleased her, despite everything that she might have said."

"No, Xena only killed those that deserved it," Buffy denied. "She was nothing like the murdering bastard that you say you love."

"Whatever blondie," Aphrodite waved off the Slayer. She noticed as Professor Scott broke from his trance at the entrance of the Gods and approached the new arrival.

"You're real," he muttered, unable to form any other sentence. "You're really Ares."

"I am and might I present my consort, by choice," Ares added, "Joxer. And my sister Aphrodite."

"It is an honor Lord Ares," the teacher said, humbled by the presence of the Gods that he had been fascinated with since his childhood. "Might I inquire as to why you have chosen my humble classroom to make an appearance in or as to how you know some of my students."

"It's a long story," Joxer replied for his husband. "We just came to see what they wanted with our children."

"We don't want anything to do with them," Forrest spat, seeing the Gods before him as another reason why Willow wasn't with them. He still remembered that it was one of them that had made Angel human and finally able to give Willow anything that she might have wanted. The commando despised them for keeping the woman he loved away from him.

"Really, then you haven't been trying to contact Wesley or Cordelia?" Angel suggested, appearing directly behind Forrest, causing the other man to actually jump. When Forrest turned to face Angel, the ex-vampire only smiled at him as Willow joined him.

"Giles has been trying to contact you guys," Anya said, breaking the staring contest between the two men. SHe could smell the testosterone coming from both of them. she also noticed that something was different about Willow and Angel, her memories of her demon days coming to her, although she couldn't quite put her finger on it. "He hasn't been able to get through. It said the line was disconnected. We were getting worried."

"Some of us were that is," Forrest muttered.

"We've been busy getting settled into our new home," Willow told the former demon. "Not to mention our new jobs." Anya looked confused at Willow's statement, then replayed what Ares had just said about contacting their children. "Wait a minute, Cordelia and Wesley are the children that you were talking about, aren't they?" Willow nodded as understanding crossed both Anya's and Graham's features at the same time.

"Cordelia is the daughter of Ares and Aphrodite," Joxer explained. "She is now resting comfortably at her new home on Olympus, with quite a few Gods around her making sure that everything is going okay with her pregnancy. "

"And what's Wesley doing?" Buffy questioned. "Just doing nothing as usual."

"Actually, Wesley is learning his new job," Ares stated. "He is working with his father, honing his skills and learning to control his powers."

"And what exactly is his new job?"

"He is the God of Demons and the Undead," Ares said proudly. "And, before you ask, Cordelia is the Goddess of Shopping, as suggested by Xander. It seemed appropriate."

"Hey, now the Goddess of Shopping is someone I can worship," Anya awed. "If she needs any priestesses or anything, tell her to call me." Ares scanned Anya's mind, trying to detect any sign that she was not sincere in her offer. When he couldn't find one, he smiled at her.

"I'll pass it along."

"Gee, Wesley in charge of Demons and the Undead," Buffy sneered, going back to the previous conversation. "Whatever will the Watcher's Council think about that?"

"Probably that it's extremely appropriate considering the fact that his dad is Hades and his mom is Persophone," Willow answered.

"Why is it I can actually see that from what little I know of the man?" Graham muttered. "I'd say he's had plenty of training already on how to deal with his followers."

"Lord Ares," Professor Scott questioned, "I have a question." When Ares indicated that the teacher could say what was on his mind, he continued. "If there are two new Gods now, and you are making your presence known to all of us here, does this mean that the Gods are going to announce to the rest of the world that you are back."

"That is our intention, sweet stuff," Aphrodite answered for her brother. "But it isn't only two new Gods. There are quite a few new members of our family. All of whom are going to take their rightful place on Olympus and help integrate us all into the twenty first century."

"Who else is a God?" Buffy asked, almost afraid of the answer. There was a gleam in the blonde Goddess' eyes that frightened the Slayer just a bit.

"Well, two would be Xander and Spike, who are helping Discord and Strife, and let me tell you. They are loving it. Those two are perfect for their line of work as mischief makers," the Goddess of Love explained. "They've come up with some stuff in just the past week that even Strife would never have thought of in his heyday."

"And the others," Riley questioned, looking over at Angel and Willow who smiled serenely at the commando. "You're Gods now."

"Yup," Willow grinned. "Isn't that great. I mean, talk about some really powerful stuff."

"What are you the God of," Buffy sneered. "Sluts and whores."

"Be quiet," Angel roared at his ex, who backed away from him a bit. "I will not have you talking to my wife like that. You will show her respect, just as she has tried to do to you. Its time for you to get over this little fascinating game you have going about how Willow took something that was yours. I haven't been yours in a few years Buffy. You've moved on but you refused to allow me to do the same. Well, no more. Willow and I are together and will be for eternity. Learn to live with it." Angel and Willow disappeared in a flash of light, leaving behind their former friends who just stared at the spot where they had once been standing.

"Okay, I so want to learn to do that," Anya muttered. Joxer, Ares and Aphrodite turned their attention to the three people that had tried their hardest to separate their friends from their loved ones.

"Okay, here's the deal, Slayer," Aphrodite began. "We're back and we're here to stay. Deal with it. No more trying to go after Angel because now you'll have the whole of Olympus on your cute little ass faster than you can say bottled blonde. They didn't name me the Goddess of Love for nothing. I refuse to let anyone mess with what I put together. Understand?" Buffy nodded her head and Aphrodite vanished in a flash of pink light and flowers.

"Umm, well, now that that's over, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry we interrupted your class," Joxer apologized to the students who were grateful that nothing had been done to them by the powerful beings that had appeared before them. "Hope we didn't ruin your class too much but after all, this was a class where you learned about us. Now you know more than anyone else and you can spread the word. The Gods of Olympus are back." Joxer and Ares disappeared in War's customary deep blue flash leaving behind a bewildered group of students and a trio of friends who had finally realized that you couldn't fight the Gods. They would always win.

End

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