There is a third story I have planned for this, and a short fourth one that's already written to wrap things up and give the whole arc a more uplifting feel. (Because if that third one is ever written I fully intend for it to leave the reader feeling like they've had their heart ripped out and stomped on.) But I'm not going to make any promises in that regard. If it happens, great. If not, well, there's a couple other unfinished stories posted that I'd like to work on again.
This story isn't quite the trip to maudlin-ville the first one was. I made some effort to add a bit of humor and a more involved story line. That's probably why I had more fun with this story, and why it's my favorite so far.
On an historical note, I tried to stay as close to the facts as I could here. Every place I mention by name existed, however, my knowledge of politics and ship craft in Ancient Greece is extremely slim, so don't look for accuracy there. The two main city-states that play a part in the story are very real, as were the tensions and conflicts between them in ancient times. I just used that as a jumping off point. I'm providing a map on my site if you're curious about exact locations or possible ship routes.
The end section of the story is the first time I've written Ares
since
Kevin Smith's death, and although I still greatly mourn the fine actor
he was, I didn't find it as difficult as I'd thought it might be. I
suppose
I'm looking at it as a way for what he did in the role to live on. And
it always will. Whether it's reruns or conventions or all of us writers
who were inspired by his character; we'll always remember and honor him
in our own way.
Sequel to Broken.
Pairing(s): Joxer/Strife
Warnings: R for violence and not much else. An allusion to m/m, but nothing that could be even remotely confused with explicit.