Zoe and Percy 1

I saw were Zoe had fallen earlier in the battle. Luke was gone, I had taken the sky from Artemis, then she had proceeded to make Atlas crash into me, so that Atlas once again was subdued under the great weight of the sky. I looked toward Zoe, she was still on the ground. I ran to her and performed a quick check to see what injuries she had. I found her side gushing blood. I realized that this wound had been poisoned by Ladon. I lifted her in my arms and carefully cradled her head as I raced towards the pool of water. I quickly vaulted myself and Zoe over the side and into the pool. As soon as the water touched her wound it began healing since she was nestled in my arms. She let out a low moan and pulled herself closer to me. I gazed down at her. Sure, I knew she was beautiful, but her beauty suddenly hit me like a tsunami as I held her in my arms.

Artemis waded into the pool where I was holding Zoe. She gently laid her hand on my shoulder as she gazed down at her most loyal companion. I looked up at Artemis, worried that Artemis would be mad at me for holding Zoe in my arms. Artemis smiled at me, trying to put off my feelings of anxiety. She softly spoke so that only I could hear, "For saving Zoe from a prophecy that predicted her death, she is now in debt to you. This debt will now allow her to give up her vow of eternal maidenhood, but it will allow her to remain immortal and the debt will make you immortal as well. The only requirement is that you both are friends. Through the bond formed by this debt you will rapidly become much closer until you are lovers, then eventually bonded permanently as husband and wife. Upon your marriage you will both become Olympian gods."

I was stunned, I could not think of a response, so I turned my gaze to the beauty resting in my arms. She looked so calm and peaceful.

I looked up at Artemis and finally came up with a response, "Lady Artemis, I am honored to be the one man that will be able to love Zoe. I realized when I saw her lying motionless that I deeply care for her. I will defend her with my life and prove to you that male heroes can be honorable. Zoe told me about Heracles, I will never be like him. I will treat her as my equal and if she will allow it I will worship her as my own personal goddess, she deserves at least that much."

I leaned my head down and softly brushed my lips against her forehead and the very corner of her lips. She smiled in her sleep. I looked up to Artemis again and she smiled fondly at me, "If anyone is worthy of Zoe, I believe it is you. Now although I know you are weary from battle we must all return to Olympus for the winter solstice. During the trip in my chariot and once we reach olympus, you will need to hold Zoe in your arms. For the bond to complete the physical changes it will make to your appearance and the attraction felt between you, you must be in physical contact. This will also inform your partner of important facts about you so that when the bond is complete you will be a perfect couple." At this Artemis smiled sweetly, gazing at her best friend.

"What physical changes will the bond make?" I questioned.

At this Artemis giggled, "As Aphrodite would describe you, you will become the most desirable male on Olympus. It will cure any of your social insecurities as well. You will gain a significant amount of muscle mass and will grow to a height of 6'3". You will attract mortal, demigod, and immortal females. Zoe will grow to a height of 5'9" and will have the perfect curves of a Victoria's Secret model while still being in perfect athletic shape. She too will attract the attention of every male that gazes upon her. But neither of you will notice the attention because both of you will be enthralled with each other." I laughed and said, "How can Zoe get any more beautiful? She is already far surpasses the beauty of the goddesses. No offense, Lady Artemis.". Artemis laughed, "Percy, if you had not said that I might have turned you into a jackalope. You forget that I simply want Zoe to be happy and I can tell that you will love her with all your heart."