Pership: Zoë
The labyrinth's entrance loomed before the two, a gaping maw oozing ominous sensation greeted them at the side of the mountain. The air was thick with tension and the only discernible sounds were the distant rumble of thunder and the soft splatter of rain against the rocky landscape.
"Are you sure," a man peered through the entrance, squinting into the darkness, "this is the right way?" Percy's fingers tightened around the pen in his pocket, the familiar weight of the underlying sword proving little comfort in the face of unknown abyss.
Cold silver eyes snapped towards his direction, their pointed gaze unyielding as the owner of the eyes replied, "Do you doubt my skills, boy?" Venom all but dripped from her tone as the icy tone stabbed into Percy, "This is the path that Lady Artemis has shown us."
Percy bit back a retort, aware that any response would only serve to fuel their animosity. If not for the prophecy and the need for the artifact, Percy and Zoë would not even dream of being this close in vicinity. Even Percy had to admit that the requirements for this quest were way too absurd – pairing a Hunter of Artemis with a male demigod alone. Since the start of the quest, Zoë had maintained her distance from him, sparing no opportunity to express her disdain for him. All attempts to bridge the gap were in vain; there was no common ground between them and her icy demeanour did not help in the slightest.
"We don't have the time for this," he said, a forced smile playing on his lips and his fake polite voice that he hoped would not be noticed by the hunter, "Let's keep moving. I want to get this done as soon as you do too."
Zoë didn't reply, merely turned on her heel and strode into the darkness, leaving Percy to trail behind, the shadows seemingly closing in on them. The maze-like labyrinth stretched on for hours, narrow passageways and steep descents present every few meters with no hint of life or light and the air seemed to get colder and sharper with each step.
After what felt like hours, they reached a cavern where the ceiling stretched high above, dotted with faintly glowing crystals. The light cast eerie patterns on the walls, and for a moment, the beauty of the it all stole Percy's breath away.
"We must keep going," Zoë muttered, albeit softly as if in deep thought. Her movements were not the least affected as she continued to stride further with purpose, the scenery not fazing her in the slightest, however, her stern gaze scanned the surroundings and the dark shadows with practiced vigilance, "The heart of the labyrinth lies deeper within."
Percy watched her intently, worried creases etched on his forehead. Zoë was unreadable but he could sense hints of recklessness in her movements. Was this place affecting her? Or maybe, this had something to do with her past.
He wanted to say something, ask her whether his doubts and worries were correct but the words stuck in his throat, refusing to budge and once again, failing to break through the evident barrier between them.
As they continued their descent, the walls grew narrower, the air thick with the scent of damp earth. They heard cracks and rattles of what they hoped weren't bones but as the thought crossed their mind, they heard it – a low, guttural growl echoing through the tunnels.
"Stay close," Zoë commanded, readying her bow and notching an arrow. Percy nodded in response, drawing Riptide and eyeing the direction the noise came in. Silence enveloped them for a second before the growl grew louder and soon, they were face to face with a monstrous creature easily 3 times their size, its red eyes glowing with maliciousness.
Nobody moved a muscle and Percy caught a glimpse of something in Zoë's eyes – a flicker of fear, a trace of vulnerability but it was immediately replaced by her steely resolve as the creature leapt forward. Percy dodged to the side, breaking out of his surprise as Zoë sidestepped and shot an arrow at the creature, lodging it in its shoulder. The creature howled, the darkness coating its appearance making it hard to find but the silver arrow marked its position as Percy rushed forward and slashed repeatedly, not allowing it to prepare another attack. It growled in pain and disappeared in the shadows, reappearing in the distance as it prepared to charge at them.
Zoë and Percy looked at each other, an unsaid signal passing through as they charged together forward. The son of Poseidon sped ahead of Zoë, stepping in front of her such that she used his shoulder to launch mid-air and shoot an arrow at the creature's forehead, the latter attempting to dodge but the tight hallway restricted its movement and the arrow struck between the eyes. It painfully cried out, the walls shaking but had no moment to recollect itself as Percy dug his sword into its chest and turned it. Silence erupted within the hallway, the only noise coming from Zoë and Percy as they struggled to catch their breath. The creature exploded in golden dust, covering Percy from head to toe and earning a giggle from the Hunter of Artemis. Percy looked at Zoë who regained her composure and gave him a glare.
"Zoë," he began, but she cut him off, her voice sharper than before.
"Save it, Jackson. We still have a long way to go."
With that, they began moving deeper into the labyrinth. Percy took solace in the fact that she called him by his name. Despite the darkness, Percy could see Zoë's expression getting darker and he couldn't shake the feeling that they were fighting more than just monsters in the dark. They were seemingly battling their fears, their pasts and the nature as an unspoken bond started to grow stronger with each step they took, an understanding passing through the duo that within this labyrinth, they were just two demigods striving to complete a quest.
Hours felt like days as they delved deeper into the labyrinth, each turn and tunnel blending into a monotonous maze of shadows and echoes. The oppressive silence pressed in on them, broken only by the occasional drip of water from the ceiling and the soft scuff of their footsteps. Percy almost missed the low growl of the monsters because the eerie silence was unnerving and if this was a video game, he imagined the boss music would be playing right about now.
Zoë, on the other hand, wore a mask of concentration and determination, her gaze pointedly staring ahead. Despite her seemingly cool exterior, her slumped shoulders betrayed the weight of responsibility that she was carrying, a burden that was being carried from her past. Maybe the creature they had faced earlier was something recognizable, a symbol from her time. He wanted to reach out, to offer some kind of comfort, but the distance between them felt insurmountable.
They reached a fork in the path, and Zoë paused, studying the two diverging tunnels. She closed her eyes, her lips moving in silent prayer to Artemis, seeking guidance. Percy watched her, feeling a pang of sympathy. He knew the pressure of leadership, the fear of making the wrong choice. Why would the Oracle send them on this mission together? What was the purpose that a Hunter of Artemis and a Son of Poseidon would need to do a mission together?
"This way," she said finally, pointing to the left. Without waiting for Percy, she strode forward, her movement energized.
Percy followed quickly, the tunnel growing narrower and the air colder. He could see his breath now, white puffs in the dim light. He shivered, his orange sweatshirt barely keeping him warm. At this moment, he was jealous of Zoë's parka as his arms wrapped around him in a feeble attempt to retain his body heat.
"Do you think we're getting close?" he asked, trying to distract himself from his cold body, the bones that seemed to be freezing. Zoë peeked back, her hoodie covering the back of her head and slowed down, meeting his pace and walking next to him. Since the tunnel was so narrow, she was practically sticking to his body and while Percy no longer felt as cold as he was feeling before, he could still hear his heart thumping louder than before. Zoë was no different, her face feeling hotter than before but she chalked it up to his body heat, refusing to acknowledge the possibility of being embarrassed due to their proximity. She wasn't a 15-year-old girl to be hormonal and squealing because she was standing so close to a boy.
With her gaze fixed ahead, she replied, "I hope so. This place…" her voice tinged with weariness that was all too familiar to Percy, "its more than just a physical labyrinth. Its playing on our minds, our fears, our insecurities. The more tired we get, the easier it will be for the labyrinth to manipulate us. So, stay strong."
Percy nodded, his thoughts drifting to the faces of his friends, his mom and Annabeth. Their worried faces reminded him of the importance of this quest. This artifact – the Statuette of Artemis – that was lost during the Roman empire and could be used against Artemis during the war by enticing the roman mindset into her and effectively, decapacitating her.
The tunnel opened into another cavern, this one was bigger and a lot more foreboding. The ceiling could not even be seen, just darkness wrapped around the where it would be. Strange markings, more visible than previously, covered the walls, ancient symbols that pulsed with a faint light. In the center of the tavern, a lone pedestal stood, holding a small, intricately carved box.
Zoë approached the pedestal cautiously, her hands grazing her bow and her gaze darting from a dark corner of the room to another. Percy held his pen, ready to uncap if he spotted any movement. It was strangely quiet, not even a single drop of water or rustle could be heard. "This is it," she declared, her hand hovering close to the box, "The artifact that we've been seeking."
However, before she could touch it, a low, mocking laugh echoed through the cavern. Percy spun around, his heart pounding, Riptide appearing in its glory in his hand as he pointed glint of reflected light around. Out of the shadows, a figure stepped out. Their tall stature hidden behind their hood, the only thing visible under the hood were their eyes that glowed like embers.
"Well, well," the figure said, his voice a sinister purr, "The hunters and their pet demigod. How touching."
Zoë's eyes blazed with fury. "Show yourself, coward," she demanded, her bow raised and ready, "Face us."
The figure laughed again, a cold, chilling sound, "Oh, I plan to." With that he lowered his hood and the two stepped back in surprise. In front of them, standing at approximately 20 feet height, a man stared at them with malicious grey eyes, his dark slicked-back hair not budging despite the cold air, his light brown skin barely visible under the hood. His body was clearly muscular and Percy could only imagine the amount of pain a single punch from him would feel. His appearance, however, bore close resemblance to Zoë and he diverted his gaze to her.
"Father," she said as she stared at the man, her face no longer steeled as she stared in shock and fear.
The man – Atlas – glanced with contempt at her and continued, "Firstly, I should congratulate you for making it so far. Didn't think you would be able to make it. Guess you two are certainly something that unnerves Kronos. Lets see if you can actually be a threat to him though. Here's a game for you two. Your fears, your insecurities… I want to see if you can overcome them easily."
Without warning, he raised his hands and the markings on the walls flared to life, instantly blinding the dark cavern. The ground shook violently and the air filled with a cacophony of whispers, voices that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere.
Percy felt a cold hand grip his heart, a rush of fear and doubt flooding his mind. He saw flashes of his worst nightmares – his friends in danger, his mother crying, a gravestone that read 'Percy Jackson', Zoë lying on the floor, her eyes lifeless as she stared at the night sky. He struggled to focus, to push the visions away, but they clung to him, sapping his strength.
Beside him, Zoë staggered, her face pale and drawn. She clutched her head, her eyes wide with terror. "No," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Not again..."
As if on instinct, the grip around his heart loosened as Percy reached his hand out, grabbing Zoë's. "Don't listen to him, Zoë," he said, his voice firm despite the fear gnawing at him, "We are stronger than this. We have to be."
Zoë looked at him, her eyes filled with pain and something else – a flicker of trust, of hope. She nodded, squeezing his hand tightly. Almost immediately, the pressure on them disappeared and the two fell on their knees, breathing heavily, not caring for the chilly air stinging their lungs and noses. They struggled back on their feet, hands still held together as they eyed Atlas, the latter looking at them with mild surprise.
"You think you can break us?" Percy shouted, his voice echoing through the cave, adrenaline pumping through him as he refused to concede, "You're wrong about us. We're not afraid of you."
Atlas and Zoë looked at him, each expressing different emotions. Zoë looked at him in gratitude and smiled at him slightly while Atlas sneered at him, uncertainty flashing behind his eyes.
"You say that but her expression says a whole different story," Atlas laughed as he pointed at Zoë. To her credit, however, she steeled her expression, her hand gripping Percy's tighter as she replied, "He says the truth. You don't scare us, Father."
Atlas sneered at her and said, "We'll see about that." With a roar, he launched forward, a javelin materialising in his hand. With a quick and comforting nudge, Zoë leapt back, notching an arrow. Percy, meanwhile, jumped forward and faced the might of the javelin with his sword. Despite putting his weight behind the defense, the overwhelming strength of the Titan sent him flying into the wall and crashing on the floor. Two arrows shot towards the Titan who merely caught them in his hands and facing the huntress, snapped them in pieces.
Zoë barely dodged the javelin that Atlas threw in her direction and shot another arrow immediately. Atlas sidestepped the arrow and turned around instinctively as Percy tried to stab his back and launched a kick at Percy's gut. Blood erupted from Percy's mouth as his lungs got crushed from the kick and he collapsed on the floor.
"Percy!" Zoë exclaimed as she rushed forward and shot an arrow. Her shout surprised Atlas, an opening that Zoë took an advantage of and managed to lodge an arrow at his knee. Atlas howled in pain as he stepped back, pulling the arrow out. Surprisingly, it did not heal as rapidly as it should have and he noticed the silver glow emanating from the arrow.
"Artemis' power. Goddamn you Olympians," Atlas shouted.
Zoë reached Percy, turning his over to look at his face. His face looked scrunched in pain and his breathing was rapid. Atleast, she noted, he wasn't bleeding anymore. She dug around in her parka and found the last piece of ambrosia and tried to feed it to him but he couldn't take a bite, his breath getting shallow. His heart was beating more rapidly and Zoë figured that he was most likely going into a cardiac arrest.
"You traitor, I will kill you!" Atlas screamed, his knee still healing as he continued to kneel down. Zoë knew she didn't have a long time before he was recovered and she would have no chance of winning alone. Gulping down her inhibitions, she took a bite out of the ambrosia and opening Percy's mouth, force-fed him. It took all her will to not think of how this was basically her first kiss but instead focus on his heart beat which seemed to slow down and return to rhythmically beating.
Breaking the contact, Zoë looked at Percy who's face wasn't scrunched up as badly and seemed to be regaining his colour back. She had to hold Atlas back for a few minutes till Percy regained consciousness.
As if on cue, Atlas launched forward and grabbed Zoë by surprise, who had never felt grateful for her natural instincts as she did just then when she narrowly dodged the incoming punch. "Firstly, you betray us for the child of Zeus!" Atlas yelled as he turned around and blocked the arrows that Zoë shot, forcing him to keep his distance from recuperating Percy, "Then, you joined the cursed Artemis' hunters. Now, you are kissing Poseidon's spawn. Are you that shameless?"
Zoë's eyes flared in anger. How dare he say that? He was the one who banished her for a foolish mistake. Just because she fell for a man once and was betrayed, he banished her, a lone woman, to the wild where she could fall prey to anyone or anything.
"What's it to you? Don't tell me you are pretending to care about me now," Zoë replied as she shot two more arrows and closed distance from Atlas, taking the opportunity to plant a kick in his shin and stab two arrows deep in his forearm. Atlas growled in pain and knocked Zoë back with a shove.
Before he could pull out the arrow though, a sword stabbed through his back, the tip erupting from the middle of his chest. In all his anger towards Zoë, he forgot about Percy who had regained consciousness and taken the chance that Zoë had provided by stabbing at a vital area.
Coughing out blood, Atlas struggled to his feet, "Well done, Son of Poseidon. But, as long as I am alive, you will not make it out alive."
"You wish. Both Percy and I will make it out alive," Zoë claimed as she stood in the distance, carrying Atlas' javelin and pointing it at him. Atlas looked at her in surprise as she resembled him in that moment and for the first time, he felt regret.
Zoë threw the spear at Atlas who sidestepped it easily and laughed, "Was that your best plan?"
"Yeah," Zoë smirked, despite the sadness evident in her expression, "and it worked as it should have. You keep forgetting about Percy."
With wide eyes, Atlas turned around and then the scene began rolling upside down repeatedly. What happened? He saw Percy standing next to his body, holding Riptide in one hand and the oversized javelin in his other hand. What was strange was the fact that Atlas could not see his head on the body and then realised that they had managed to decapitate him.
Atlas laughed. It was truly a pitiful death. With this body's death, he would be returned back to his spot under the sky, serving another millennia holding it and gathering energy to create another body.
Percy gasped heavily as he crashed to the floor, adrenaline running out and pain covering his entire body. Atlas' javelin disappeared from his hand and it was then that Percy realised the intense weight it held. Zoë walked over to Atlas, their eyes meeting and Atlas smiled sadly, "You did good, daughter."
"That's a surprise, Father."
Atlas did not respond to Zoë, the latter looking at him with tears in her eyes. It was too late for either of them to apologize and even if they did it anymore, their ties were far too severed to be able to be woven back together.
With a final smile, Atlas dissipated into golden dust, leaving Zoë to stare at where he was laying. Her body was flaring up with pain, but she gritted her teeth and stumbled to Percy, exhaustion finally registering in her mind. Percy looked at her with a struggling smile and Zoë had to admit that despite his face scrunched up and visible wounds on it, he somehow still managed to look the same as before.
"Thank you," he muttered as she sat next to him, "I almost saw Charon. I don't think he would accept the excuse of drowning again."
Zoë snickered loosely as she helped the unmoving Percy to lie down, "Don't talk too much. Heal first."
Zoë looked at the artifact sitting in the middle of the room, luckily, undamaged and decided to wait and recover before grabbing it. Lying down, she let herself fall asleep, knowing that Artemis was looking over her in this place.
"Zoë," a voice woke her up and she opened her eyes slowly, blinking as she tried to recollect herself. The memories returned and she noticed Percy, looking healed up except for a few cuts and mildly swollen bumps on his face.
She pushed herself up, noticing the pain to have significantly reduced and she noticed the silver glow around them both, the source of the light being the artifact. "Lady Artemis," Zoë knelt towards the artifact while Percy stood at the back, feeling awkward.
Minutes passed before she finished praying and they stepped towards the pedestal. Percy grabbed the box and pulled it out. Despite its aged appearance, the box escaped easily and Percy and Zoë looked at the box. Before they could open it, however, the ground began shaking violently, the walls cracking and the ceiling became visible as it began to cave in.
"We need to get out of here!" Percy shouted, grabbing Zoë's arm.
They ran, the tunnel behind them collapsing into rubble. Percy wasn't sure if it was because they were no longer exhausted but they were able to run out of the narrow tunnels easily, not needing to stop to navigate. Just as they reached the entrance of the labyrinth, a massive boulder fell, trapping Zoë's leg. She cried out in pain, collapsing to the ground.
"Zoë!" Percy screamed, rushing to her side. He tried to lift the boulder, but it was too heavy, "I can't do this alone!" he cried, desperation in his voice.
Zoë looked at him, her eyes filled with tears, "You have to go, Percy. Save yourself."
"No!" Percy shouted, his voice breaking. "I'm not leaving you behind. Not after all we've been through. Come on."
With a surge of strength fueled by his desperation, Percy gave one last heave, and the boulder shifted just enough for Zoë to pull her leg free. He helped her to her feet, supporting her as they stumbled out of the collapsing labyrinth.
They emerged into the open air, collapsing onto the ground, gasping for breath. The entrance to the labyrinth caved in behind them, sealing the horrors within.
Percy looked at Zoë, her face pale and streaked with dirt and tears. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft, filled with concern.
Zoë nodded weakly, her eyes meeting his. "I will be," she said, her voice trembling, "Thanks to you."
Percy held her close, his heart aching with the realisation that Zoë was not someone he considered a mere demigod or a hunter. "We made it," he whispered, his voice soothing her as the events of the quest started to become real. Even while inside the cavern, Artemis' surge of power and calmness could not protect them from the harshness of this quest. Perhaps, it was this similar experience that the Oracle was after instead of the Statuette of Artemis.
As they lay there, exhausted but alive, the stars began to emerge in the night sky, twinkling like tiny beacons of hope. And for the first time, Percy saw in Zoë's eyes not just the fierce warrior, but the vulnerable, caring soul beneath – a soul that he had come to love, despite all odds.
Love? Percy's eyes widened as he looked at Zoë who was staring at the night sky. Her hair sprawled on the grass, the circlet on her head gleaming with the moonlight as her eyes twinkled with the stars reflecting from them. Yes, Percy realised, love.
After a few moments, Percy bandaged Zoë's leg with torn strips from his shirt. Despite the cool breeze, neither of them felt cold as their faces heated up and tension between them remained, a palpable thread woven with unspoken words and shared glances.
He couldn't imagine the pain that Zoë would be in but she continued to move forward, wincing at every movement but otherwise, refusing to show any weakness. Percy had to admit that he admired her strength. Even though he was worried about her injuries, he knew they couldn't stay there long; they needed to find a safer place to rest and regather themselves. The noise of the labyrinth will soon gather monsters and they were not in the shape to fight them off easily.
"You know," Percy said quietly, breaking the silence, "I used to think you hated me."
Zoë turned her head to look at him, surprise flickering in her eyes. "Hated you?" she repeated, her voice soft, "Why would you think that?"
Percy shrugged, a rueful smile tugging at his lips, "You never seemed to like having me around. Always calling me 'boy' and looking at me like I was a nuisance."
Zoë's gaze softened, and for a moment, the walls she had built around herself seemed to crumble. "It is not you I hated, Percy Jackson," she said, her voice tinged with sadness, "It is what you represent – a reminder of the past, of mistakes and regrets."
Percy frowned, trying to understand, "What do you mean?"
Zoë sighed, her eyes drifting to the stars above, "I was once betrayed by someone I cared for deeply. Someone who was supposed to be my friend, my companion. That betrayal led me to Artemis and the Hunters, to a life of sworn loyalty and solitude. Meeting you, a son of Poseidon, brought back memories I had long buried. It was easier to distance myself from you than to face those memories."
"I am sorry Zoë," Percy listened with an aching heart and he grabbed her hand softly.
She squeezed his hand gently, a ghost of a smile touching her lips. "It is not your fault, Percy. You are not him. You are... different."
They sat in silence for a while, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. The stars seemed to shine brighter, casting a silver glow over the landscape.
"Zoë," Percy said finally, his voice hesitant, "back there, when we were fighting... I realized something. I-"
Zoë interrupted him by placing her finger on his lips, "Don't complete that."
"But-"
"No Percy. What awaits at the end of that sentence is pain for both of us. Lets stay the way we are," Zoë finished with a sad smile. She couldn't abandon her family – the ones who took her in. Not again.
Percy nodded understandingly, "In that case, Just... know that you're not alone. Whatever happens, we'll face it together." His voice broke midway through the sentence but he finished it and stood up. Oh how he wished he was born in a different timeline.
Zoë looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions – fear, hope, and something deeper, something that mirrored his own feelings. "Together," she echoed, her voice barely a whisper.
The moment was interrupted by a distant howl, a reminder that the dangers of the labyrinth were not the only threats they faced. Percy stood, helping Zoë to her feet. "We should find a safer place to rest," he said, glancing around warily.
"There is a grove nearby that I spotted on our way here. We can rest there," Zoë spoke, leaning on his for support as they began to walk.
As they made their way through the forest, Percy felt a renewed sense of purpose. The mission had brought them together, forced them to confront their fears and insecurities. And now, despite the uncertainty of the future, he knew one thing for sure: he would protect Zoë with everything he had, no matter the cost.
They reached the grove, a peaceful clearing surrounded by ancient trees. The air was filled with the scent of pine and earth, a comforting embrace after the harrowing ordeal they had endured. Percy helped Zoë to a soft patch of grass, sitting beside her as they settled in for the night.
"Thank you Percy," Zoë said, her voice barely audible, "for everything."
Percy winced from her words, the conversation earlier still digging into his heart, "You don't have to thank me Zoë. We are a team."
As the night wore on, they talked quietly, sharing stories and memories, the barriers between them dissolving with each word. The stars above watched over them, silent witnesses to a bond that had grown from the depths of the labyrinth, a bond that would endure whatever trials lay ahead.
And in that quiet grove, beneath the vast expanse of the night sky, Percy and Zoë found a moment of peace, a moment where the weight of their pasts lifted.
Days passed in a blur as they journeyed back through the wilderness, making their way toward Camp Half-Blood. Taking several breaks to recover from their slowly healing wounds and fighting straggling monsters, the two chatted animatedly about their pasts and stories that might interest the other.
One evening, as they camped near a crystal-clear stream, Zoë sat by the water's edge, her reflection mingling with the stars above. Percy joined her, sensing the turmoil in her heart.
"Zoë," Percy said gently, breaking the silence, "what are you thinking about?"
She looked at him, her eyes filled with a sorrowful wisdom, "I am thinking about the future, Percy. About what awaits us and what must be done."
"What awaits us is victory Zoë. Don't worry."
Zoë nodded, but her expression remained troubled. "There are some battles we must face alone," she said quietly, "Some sacrifices that are inevitable."
Seeing her distress, Percy decided to lighten the mood. He picked up a small pebble and skipped it across the stream. "Bet you can't beat that," he challenged with a grin.
Zoë raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. She picked up a pebble, weighing it in her hand before expertly skipping it across the water. It bounced one more time than Percy's. "It appears you lose, Percy Jackson."
He laughed, the sound echoing through the night. "Okay, you win this round. But I'll get you next time."
They spent the next few minutes in playful competition, the tension between them easing. It was a rare moment of levity, a chance to forget their worries and simply enjoy each other's company. Percy wished that time would stop here, he could be next to Zoë and be free of prophecies and fate.
Unfortunately, they both had lives waiting for them. A life without each other. As they neared the camp, Percy knew their time was coming to an end soon and from the looks of it, so did Zoë as she stepped closer to him, leaning against him closely. He knew that her leg was healed a while ago but he wasn't going to complain.
"Hey Percy," Zoë spoke up, looking up at him and meeting his eyes.
Percy replied, "Yeah?"
"If you saw a girl, crying on the side of a river one day by herself with no one around, what would you do?"
Zoë's expression was unreadable but with how stiff her body had gotten, Percy knew it was something to do with her past and he responded immediately, "Help her. I don't know who that person is but if they are crying, then I will try and help. I won't be able to solve their problems but I can lend them an ear."
Zoë smiled at the response, closing her eyes as she relaxed by his side. Percy stared at her in confusion but seeing as how she wasn't speaking anymore, decided not to question it.
"Can I ask you something different?" Percy asked. Zoë nodded simply and he continued, "If I completed that sentence that day, what would your response have been?"
She opened her eyes and looked him in the eyes, conveying her feelings with the gaze, "Probably the same as what you would have said."
They stood in silence, staring at each other's eyes, their proximity close enough that they could breathe each other's breaths. The tension between them that had been travelling since the labyrinth was ever-growing and was hurting them both.
That day, a demigod stole a kiss from a Hunter of Artemis. It could be written in history for the first time where he managed to live after that as well. The moment was magical. Maybe it was the fact that after they reached Camp Half-Blood, they would not meet each other again, have nothing to do with each other. This quest would become a distant memory as they went on their lives but in that moment, they belonged to each other. For both of them, they might not have been the first loves but they were definitely the ones that they wished were first and last ones.
A/N: This is the biggest one-shot I have ever written and it was a request from TheGracefulHuntress. For those that don't know, she is the one who uploads all my fics on AO3 because I cannot comprehend the tags and what they do but she does it for me. Because of that, I decided to write this for her as her reward for her hard work. Y'all should give her a read because she is an amazing author.
On another note, I will be writing the next chapter for Zombie Apocalypse and then Mysterious Swordsman of Betrayal soon so stick with me. And as usual, don't forget to follow, favorite and of course, gib me sum reviews.