Title: The Heirs of Olympus (3/?)
Author: Kate R.
Disclaimer: Own nothing and no one used herein. All belong to their respective creators.
“Joxer!” Gabrielle was saying in her nails on a blackboard voice, “Can’t you do anything right you klutz?”
Ripper Giles had appeared in time to hear that. He was still invisible to mortal eyes but he was on the plain to hear it. When she raised her staff to hit his father, Ripper reacted. He materialized and his hand shot out and caught the staff, yanking it out of her hands. He then proceeded to use it on her in a way that said he knew what he was doing.
She found herself on the ground with a bloody nose and more bruises than anyone could account for reasonably before Xena reacted. The Chackram whistled through the air and his hand shot out and caught that as well.
“You do not deserve this,” he hissed at her. “I don’t know what my Father was thinking when he gave it to you. Dad? You okay?”
Joxer looked at him and when he saw Ripper’s eyes, he grinned and launched himself into Ripper’s arms.
“How are you boy?” Joxer asked as he hugged Ripper. Ripper hugged back and grinned.
“I’m fine, Dad. Been well where I am. Here now because Father is hurt. Gryphon and Darius are back as well and so is The House of Humanity.”
“Who are you?” Gabrielle demanded. Ripper turned to look at her and his lip curled in disgust.
“I’m Ripper Giles, son of Joxer the Mighty and Ares: God of War. I am the Heir of the House of Mortals.”
“Joxer? With a son by Ares? Why would Ares waste time on Joxer? He could have a much better son with me.”
“Oh, I so doubt it,” Ripper told her as his eyes bled with power. “My Father wouldn’t touch you if you were the last Thing on this planet. He chose Joxer because he loves Joxer. I am Heir to Mortals because my Dad is mortal. And I’ll be taking him away from you now. You don’t deserve to have him.”
“Why are you here?” Xena asked in her smoky voice. Ripper looked at her and smiled darkly.
“Because Zeus hurt my father to the point that he cannot sustain his Houses. The heirs come when that happens.”
“Athena should be War now then,” Gabrielle said happily. Ripper laughed.
“No, actually, Cupid’s Twin Gryphon is the Heir of War. And he has the sword now. I think you need to learn a few things. Athena is not War. You are not a humane person. You fall under my jurisdiction and the Jurisdiction of the House of Humanity. Be careful. You’re being Judged as we speak.”
Ripper then took Joxer by the arm and they vanished in a sheaf of silver light. Xena looked at Gabrielle and shook her head.
“Go home,” Xena said. “We’re done traveling together.”
“But Xena!” Gabrielle whined. Xena looked at her darkly.
“Go. Home. We are done. You just seemed happy my Father was hurt that badly. I don’t have the time for someone like you. Go. Home.”
Xena packed her camp gear, mounted her horse and rode off. Leaving Gabrielle to stand staring after her. Xena rode to her father’s temple and dismounted. She went in and knelt before the throne.
“Gryphon, I’m sorry,” she said. “I am sorry for what she’s said and what I said. Is father going to live?”
“Yes,” a voice answered her.