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Ares Interlude #3
This is the second story in a series involving KSWS (KS withdrawal syndrome). This has been long overdue. (Since June, can you believe it!!) But my Ares’ muse had gone away but it’s back. I can’t believe it’s back. So here’s Journey south, dedicated to my friend, Star. My buddy, my sis. Enjoy. And well it’s a God of War tale with a little Sov and Herk on the side.
******
Journey south: an alternative therapy for KSWS part one
Star was staring at the ceiling of her office. Her head was pounding. "Oh, I have a headache the size of Olympus" she whispered. Turning her attention back to the pile of files on her desk, she sighed.
"Oh, how many more KSWS cases can I process? I’m near the end of my rope." Shaking her head then stopping abruptly, she did not care for nausea, Star began talking to herself. "Okay, Star. Shake those blues away. You’re the professional here. You have the strength to go on . What would it look like if the KSHQ resident medical specialist came up with a very bad, acute, out of control, totally INSANE CASE OF KSWS!!!!"
Star’s voice had gotten up an octave or two during that little monologue. She was unaware of being watched though. She attempted to go back to her work. Ares was watching this one very closely. His first try at luring away one of his brother’s faithful amazon had not met with the expected success. But this one looked very promising. He smiled and waited for an opening.
Star opened this first file on top of the file. "Okay, Iris. Second week of treatment. Noted improvement. Recommend limited release with a daily dose of a selected taped episodes The Apple, Hammer and And fancy free in a non ending loop. Next, Danaan. First time KSWS. Recommended treatment: repeated exposure to the Hercules X*** trilogy with a heavy dose of the Unchained heart love scene." Star processed the whole pile of files. She was exhausted. Her head was now weighting a ton. She put her head inside her hands and tried to rub away the pain. Ares decided this was the right time to make his move. He appeared, sitting on the window’s ledge behind Star and was about to speak up when Star’s office door flew open. Very loudly.
*******
Gazelle came in. And in her arms files. Many many files. Star looked up at her visitor and her face became even whiter. Gazelle’s attention was focused on not letting go of those files. Star’s voice got a "help me I’m drowning " tone. "No, not more KSWS cases. Please tell me those are grape addiction cases or better yet, and I’d never thought in a zillion years I would say this… lemonade obsession cases. Pleassse." Star was hoping for a miracle that would not happen. Gazelle let out a little chuckle and put the files on Star’s desk. Finally looking at Star, Gazelle did a double take. Ares gave her a sly smile and put his finger on his lips instructing Gazelle not to say anything. Gazelle smiled back at the dark God.
"No, unfortunately Star, all of these are KSWS cases. I’m sorry. Maybe you should take a break and have something to eat. I’ll close up your office. Ares’ eyebrow lifted up. And he gave Gazelle a murderous look. Star let out a big sigh and said "No, that’s okay. I won’t be able to eat anything at all. To tired. I’ll finished those now because if I stop I’ll never do them. Oh I wish I could just be done with those…" Star’s voice had now a monotonous, hopeless tone. Gazelle saw she would not get a shot at the God of War, smiled at Star and left but she gave her friend some enigmatic parting words. "Be careful, my friend. Sometimes wishes come true and they are not what we expect them to be."
Star was staring at the door, trying to make sense of Gazelle’s last words. Glancing at the new huge pile of files, Star was even more tired and shook her head. "Ouch. I knew that would hurt. Okay. Breathe. Deep, long, restful breath." Star was still very pale and was now feeling a little queasy. "Maybe if I do a little meditation I would be able to face the urgent cases."
Ares tilted his head. "This could be interesting" he thought.
Star, still talking to herself out loud, got up from her chair, walked in the middle of her office and started to stretch. Slowly loosening up the tense muscles of her arms and legs. But her neck and shoulders were still hurting something fierce. Star sighed. "Well, maybe if I got SHerk to massage my neck and shoulders.." Star paused then added "No, too distracting. I would never be able to go back to work. So okay, just do your relaxation exercises. Just be the good, smart lady you know you are. Good and smart but a tad insane." Star added after a chuckle.
So Star sat down on her polished office wood floor, crossed her legs in the meditation position she liked best, put her hands on her knees and closed her eyes.
After a few seconds, Ares decided to go and sit directly in front of Star, on the floor. He had a mischievous look in his eyes. "Let’s see if I can get you to jump side" Ares was about to speak up when Star without warning started to recite her relaxation mantra.
*****
At KSHQ Café
Gazelle was sitting at one of the tables, staring at the wall. Kelly walked in. She had a big mug of coffee in one hand. A very large binder in the other and three pencils in her hair. Kelly threw herself in the big, comfortable, plush chair next to Gazelle.
"What’s up, friend? You look like you just witness an accident. Inquiring minds want to know?"
Gazelle looked around. "Oh, nothing important." Thinking to herself she added " No way, am I going to make Ares angry at me." "So that’s Sov’s bio? Is it coming? Is that the uncensored, unedited version you have there, sis?" Gazelle made a move as if to grab the binder on the table. Kelly’s reaction was swift. She snatched her binder. "No you don’t get a peek." Then Kelly smiled wickedly. "Unless you have something to trade."
"Trade?" questioned Gazelle.
"Yeah. Trade. You know. You give me something. I give you something. So what’s up?" asked Kelly and then noticing Gazelle’s blushing she leered " Or should I say, who’s up?"
Gazelle shook her head then said. "Do I get the exclusivity of this peek?"
"Yes you do. Unless what you are trading is not juicy enough but I doubt it. You have the look of the car who swallowed the canary. So?"
"Well, I delivered some file cases to Star a little while ago. And guess who was with her? You’ll never guess but try anyway."
"Oh, a quiz. How fun." Kelly rolled her eyes. "I have one question for you. Was Star aware that the person was there?"
Gazelle let out a whistle. She was surprised to say the least. "Why do you ask that? How did you know…"
Kelly smiled, opened her binder in the middle. " Here, read the part that chronicles the time Sov took over Corithn and kicked Jason out with a little help from Cupid. A nice quiet read. <Yeah right. I can’t wait to read it cousin. LOL Note of the author>
Gazelle was dumbfounded. " You don’t want to know who it was?"
"I know who it is, Gazelle. And I’m not sure he won’t succeed in his quest this time. Star is not Melite. She has a weakness for this big, bad, sneaky, dark , handsome god. It will be interesting to see what develops." Kelly took a sip of her cappuccino.
"What do you mean what develops?"
"Well, Gazelle, when ever the God of War is recruiting mayhem usually follows" replied Kelly.
****
Back in Star’s office
Star was using the method of relaxing mental images. Reciting out loud : " A sunny day. A river. Nice quiet stream. It’s warm, I’m on the bank and Hercules is waist deep in the water. Shirtless. Yeah. That’s the ticket." Star smiled. " Now he’s fishing. Our dinner. I’m admiring the view."
Ares was a tad ticked off at that point and was about to make Star notice him when Star’s smile disappeared. "And Nannyboo and Hestia join me." Star sighed. "Rats. That one is not working anymore. This is the relaxation scenario I gave Nannyboo and Hestia last week to ease up their KSWS.
Rolling her shoulders and neck to ease the tension, Star puts her hands back on her knees. "Let’s try this again."
Ares was now more interested than angry so he waited. A big cat stalking a tiny mouse. "This is going to be easier than I thought." he said.
Star started to talk out loud again. " A stable. A hot fire. Clanking sounds. Pounding sounds. A forge. I enter. My eyes slowly adapt to the darkness. Drops of sweat on Hercules’ chest. I follow them with my eyes. Hercules continues to pound the steel." Star was relaxing now. Ares lifted an eyebrow " Well maybe not that easy…" Then Star shook her head. " Baucis and Voluptua come into the barn with fresh towels and cold water to wash up Hercules. Gee. This is totally hopeless. That’s the fantasy I gave them to cure their KSWS. What am I going to do to cure mine!" Star had raised her voice an octave or two.
Again Star tried to relax her neck and shoulders. Too no avail. So still with her eyes close she tried to conjure up a relaxing scenario. Herk by the camp fire. No. That’s Becca’s. Herk ballroom dancing. No. Astrild’s. Herk covered with chocolate syrup. That’s Danaan’s. But wait chocolate syrup. Why does that sounds familiar?"
Ares smiled. "Oh I guess, Kelly has been taking about me."
Star was not one to give up. "Okay, chocolate syrup. Syrup? Who did I help about syrup? Freya? No. Whip cream and Sov. Melite? No caramel and SHerk. Calico? No. Marshmallow and PHerk. Syrup? Corn syrup?!!!" Star stopped abruptly.
Ares was now alert and listening carefully.
"Corn syrup. Chocolate syrup. Chantal. Kelly. And…. Ares."
Ares smiled and said out loud "Bingo. You are such a smart lady, Star. That’s what I like about you."
******
Part two
<In Star’s office>
Star was staring directly into Ares’ eyes. The dark Lord of War smiled lazily. "Having problems relaxing, dear? Sore muscles keeping you from your work? Believe it or not I’m here to help you."
Star was only mildly surprised at the presence of Ares. Melite had come to her for advice after her running with the God of War by the waterfall. <Note of the author: if you want to know about *that* story it’s called Trekking North >
Star had not expected to be the next target but she was kinda flattered she was. She ought to be careful and wary though because the God of War was one devious and wicked individual.
"Help me?" asked Star. "How?"
"As I understand it you are helping everyone with something you call KSSW…"said Ares
"KSWS" corrected Star.
"What ever, dear and nobody helps you." Ares replied, putting his hand on her right shoulder.
"Oh, you are so tense."
Star’s eyes closed briefly and she slightly moved toward Ares only to pull away very abruptly.
"No, no, no. I would not do that if I were you. I could really make you feel a whole lot better. If you let me. But you have to ask me." Ares pulled her back close to him. Much closer than she had been before. They were facing each other. Inches apart. Star’s heart beat speeded up. "What are you really doing here?" she asked.
"Oh, Star. I really do like you. You are some special lady. Smart, beautiful…" Ares was now whispering in her right ear. "Courageous, somewhat devious…" Ares softly kissed her neck. "Ingenious, sharp…" Star tilted her head to the left to give Ares better access to her neck. "Cunning, inventive…" Star felt Ares’ smile on her throat. And then she felt her blouse coming off her shoulder. She had to stop this but it felt so good…" And now… you’re mine" added Ares.
That brought Star back to reality. Fast.
"Oh, I don’t think so." Star pulled away in a hurry. She stood up and put some space between her and the God of War. Suddenly the door opened.
*****
At KSHQ Café
Andulasia was walking by Gazelle’s and Kelly’s table. She noticed Gazelle reading this "book". Very intense reading. Looking at Kelly, she saw her waving her to sit down.
"Andi. Come. Take a load off." Andulasia sat down and examined Kelly’s face. "You look hyper. What’s going on?"
"Oh not much. Just waiting for the fireworks to begin."
"Fireworks?" Andi was now confused. "Gazelle did you plan some celebration I did not know about."
"Huh?" Gazelle looked up from the binder. "What did you say? Andi? When did you get here?" Gazelle was a tad distracted. <Must be some reading <g>>.
Kelly burst out laughing. "Andi, don’t mind Gazelle. She’s beta reading some stuff of mine. And the fireworks displays are going to be of the war kind."
"Ares? Who is he after now? Deeva? Kendaa? Nyxx? Me?" asked Andulasia with an hopeful tone.
Kelly turned to Andulasia with a curious look. "You? Oh my gods. You’re a closet one aren’t you? Well, welcome into the open my friend. But be careful. Our walking bad attitude Lord of War is not for the fainted heart."
Andulasia softly laugh. " Oh, I think I can handle a little danger, a little excitement. Don’t worry. So who is it?"
"Star. It’s Star" said Gazelle closing the binder. "Great stuff, Kelly. So when can I read some more?"
"Don’t push your luck, sis." Kelly took the binder and got up. "Are you coming? Don’t want to miss the fireworks displays, now do you?"
Gazelle and Andi shrugged but tagged along.
******
<In Star’s office>
Suddenly the door opened. Star jumped away from Ares putting even more space between her and the God of War. Ares looked annoyed, reached out and pulled her back to him. He was now holding her very tightly by the waist.
Becca looked inside and saw Star struggling with… nothing. "Star? What’s wrong? Why are you fighting with nothing?"
Star raised an eyebrow and stopped trying to weaken Ares’ hold on her. "Bright girl" he said kissing her hair. She stared at Becca. "You mean you can’t see him?"
"Him? There’s nobody here but you and me Star. Maybe you should get some rest. But then again I have all these faxes and emails from Amazons that are away from Sorboland and in desperate need of some release from KSWS." Becca was weaving a pile of faxes in front of Star.
Star became paler and would have certainly fallen to the floor under the shock if not for Ares’ arms around her. Becca curiously looked at Star " You really should consider taking a few days off, Star. You look dreadful. We’ll I’m off. I’ve heard there is going to be some fireworks tonight. And I’m meeting GHerk. Best cure you ever recommended, Star. GHerk really knows how to chase away the KSWS blues." Becca was blushing and giggling like a school girl. "Maybe you should take some of your own medicine" added Becca as she was leaving the room.
Star was now furious. Take some of her own medicine. All she even did is give away her own medicine. Now she could not even use any or her remedy. Nothing was working. She had given all and there was nothing left for her to use.
"See, I told you. Nobody helps you" whispered Ares to Star. "You have a lot to learn, little one. And I humbly offer my services." Ares said in between nibbling, kissing and biting her neck.
Star’s eyes were getting glazed, her resolve crumbling away. "How long have you been watching me?" she asked softly.
*****
Kelly, Andulasia and Gazelle were on there way to the front lawn. I t was a nice evening. Not a cloud in the sky only a blanket of stars.
Upon arriving the three friends noticed a few people lying on the ground staring at the sky, enjoying the night full of shouting stars.
"Here’s another one SHerk. Make a wish" giggled CJane. "Yes, a wish and you get a kiss" purred Tedras. "Oh okay. But you have to make a wish too" replied SHerk holding CJane and Tedras close to him.
Apollena, Josée and Angelika were cuddling with Kull and learning about star navigation. "Here’s the constellation of Orion" pointed Kull. "See you can tell now far…" Kull stared but then noticed that his audience was not looking at the sky but at him. "Ladies, you are a joy to me. Ap, my dear" Kull brushed his fingers to her lips, "Josée, sweet Josée" Kull put his lips on top of her head and "Angie, luv, you all make my heart glad." "Really" asked in unison Angie, Ap and Josée. "Really" replied Kull with a smile even brighter than the stars.
****
<Back in Star’s office>
"Since, hum… awhile dear, awhile" Ares turned Star around to have her facing him. With his hands cupping her face, Ares pulled her even closer. "Oh, I’ve been looking forward to his. For a very, very long time" whispered Ares. Star was now biting her upper lips to stop herself from crying out loud.
Star was crushed against Ares’ chest. She could feel the pounding of her heart, the hard muscles pressed against every inches of her body. She was about to lose it. Completely. Then she felt the pressure of his lips to her mouth. The kiss was long, deep and soul searching.
Finally, Ares set her free. Star had to hold on to him to stand still. She could only let out a small sign "Oh my."
Ares smiled " My thoughts exactly."
*****
<Back on the front lawn>
Kelly, Gazelle and Andi passed Hilara who was resting her head on Robert’s chest and scribbling on a piece of paper. "You know, I think we could probably make a go of this. "A night under the stars with your favorite hero, catered food, champagne and blanket included. What do you think?" asked Hilara. "I think you think too much" replied Robert in his so charming accent and then he made sure Hilara had not a coherent thought for the next few minutes as he showered her with kisses.
Further east, Sov was holding court. Freya, Danaan, KalliSta, Cokie and Hygea were giggling and laughing. "Here’s another one Sov. Get ready" said Freya. "On three ladies… Three" shouted Danaan as she zoomed in on Sov’s lips.
"Oh you little …" cried KalliSta.
"Not fair, you cheated… again." Hygea was now pouting.
"Yeah, you always get to kiss him. But then again we get to bite…" Cokie finished. Freya, KalliSta, Hygea and Cokie then proceeded to bite some of the Sov’s expose flesh. (Note of the author : I would even begin to think on what part was exposed. <eg>) .
"This is really nice. A picnic under the stars, you never cease to surprise me. YIolaus." Castalia was snuggling with her favorite hero under the pine tree and was not really interested in star gazing. "See, that’s Andromeda and there’s Perseus." YIolaus was pointing to the sky. "Hum, YIolaus, the only star gazing I’m really into is gazing into your blue eyes" said Cas. YIolaus smiles, shrugged and said " Fine by me." Castalia replied "Good. Now come closer."
****
<Back in Star’s office>
Star was shaking. This was a shattering experience. Being on the receiving end of the God of War desire was quite an exhilarating rush. She had been kissed before but not with that much fury. It had been a deliberate seduction.
The dark gaze of the God of War went over her coolly, absorbing every nuances of her reaction to him.
"So I guess you and I do have something to talk about, little one."
Star was numb. Her mouth was dry. She looked at the tall dark stranger holding her. He was holding all the cards. Or so it seems.
"Maybe, maybe we can come up with some sort of arrangement…"started Star.
Ares raised an eyebrow. "Arrangement? Fine but on my terms" his voice was now thick with desire.
"Power. Raw power. That’s what I’m reacting to" Star told herself. She needed air. "Breathe, you idiot." Star berated herself silently.
Ares was watching her intensely. "Now shall we go somewhere more appropriate and … talk" Ares was now stroking her throat with his hand. Her heart missed a few beats. Star shivered. She had to get back into control… somehow.
*****
<Back on the front lawn>
Kelly, Gazelle and Andi finally reached Hercules. He was sitting with a few Amazons. Melite, Ann and Shauna were holding out glasses of lemonade. Each waiting for Herk to be thirsty. Atala, SQ and Kevfriend were waiting their turn for hand feeding him grapes.
Dropping to the ground, Kelly, Gazelle and Andi asked "See any fireworks yet?"
Donna looked at them, distracted a few second from the shoulder massage she was giving Herk. "Fireworks? You mean shooting stars, right. And we’ve seen a few of those"
Nyxx and Mystalia who had been watching were curious "Fireworks, why would you expect fireworks?" asked Mystalia.
Nyxx’s inner alarms went off all at once. She sprung to her feet and said coldly "Because there is going to be some" And Nyxx looked up at KSHQ, searching. Her eyes stopped on the only widow with light.
****
<Back at Star’s office>
Ares was playing some kind of game with her. She knew it. But did she care? She was supposed to be the cool one. The smart one. The one that cured everybody. But who was going to cure her?
"Tell me how you feel, Star" asked with a low voice Ares.
Star’s inner voice finally kicked in. "You mess with him you’re asking for trouble girl. He’s dangerous, he’s deadly."
With her blood pounding in her head, Star stepped back.
"Forget it, Ares. I won’t be pawn in your little war against Hercules. Never."
Ares chuckled. "Taking this a little personally, aren’t we? " He pulled her back to him. "You are afraid. Danger excites you. And I’m somewhat dangerous. Why don’t you take a chance. Stop playing it so safe."
Star’s face flamed. "Safe. Safe. That would not be the word I would use. Practical. Level headed, serious…"
"Boring, dull, busy body…" Ares replied with a cynical smile.
Star saw red and lost it. She pulled back from him, stepped a few feet away stopping when she felt the window’s ledge at her back. She raised her arm and slapped him across the face.
Star instantly became very still. "Oh my gods, what have I done. I’m dead."
Ares’ hand went up to touch his cheek. Almost in disbelief. Then anger and fury came directly towards Star.
"I am Ares, God of War. I will not let you puny mortal be a force in my battle against my half breed brother. I should strike you right where you stand." Ares’ voice was low and menacing. Ares closed the gap between them " but then I like spunk in a woman. When you realize what you really need, call me."
Ares threw a thunder bolt at the window, shattering the glass and exploding outside into tiny fireworks. A instant later, the dark God vanished in a burst of flames.
****
Nyxx saw the little display, she turned to Kelly and looked at her with a questioning gaze. Kelly smiled. "Why are you staring? Do I look like the Oracle at Delphi?"
"Well I guess, it’s round one to Star" mumbled Gazelle.
"What then" asked Andi.
"Then… he coming after one of you" replied Nyxx.
Andi thought to herself "Oh please, let it be me…"
******
Chantal
"Because the alternative is unthinkable" HL "Timeless"
Disclaimer: Some lines were taken from the X*** episode "Forget me not" one righteous Ares episode and from the HL episode "Not to be".
