Companion, Muse, Lover, Goddess, Chloe

Chloe takes my hand and closes her eyes, in absolute trust.

"Concentrate on Olympus, Chloe," I whisper, as I do the same.

Within mere moments, we are there, without need of Hermes' assistance. I wonder if my powers have grown with my recruitment drive, or with the union I share with Chloe.

Gleefully, we stride into the great hall. I find Zeus and Hera within, along with Aphrodite and Apollo. The gods take notice of us and our respectful bow and curtsey.

"Back so soon, dear Pan?" Zeus attempts to thunder. I can tell he's caught off guard. I can sympathize.

"Yes, great Zeus. I...we have a boon to ask of you."

Aphrodite smiles broadly at us. Were it anyone else, I'd think it a smart-assed gesture. Hey, I know I'd do it, if she were in my hooves.

"We already know, Pan. You wish marriage to your young satyress follower," Hera stated plainly.

"More than that, Hera. I wish to share my power with her." Chloe gives me the first shocked expression I've even seen from her. Just wait'll she hears this next part. "I wish for her to become a goddess, worshipped as I am by all satyrkind."

Zeus and Hera seem flabbergasted (and who could blame them? This is way out of line with my history). Apollo seems his usual stoic self, while Aphrodite looks ready to jump to my defense.

"Well, this certainly is a surprise, Pan," Zeus stammers out. "You know, marriage is a grand step. It has a way of not always working out anywhere remotely as you imagine it."

I try not to snicker as he diffuses Hera's short fuse and killing gaze with a pat of her hand and an "I didn't mean us, dear." I strain even harder when she smiles bashfully, not noticing his rolling eyes. Chloe stirs beside me, fighting the urge as well.

"Two of a kind," Aphrodite smiles. "In all my eternity, I have never seen such pure love. Sensual and carnal, perfectly tempered." She strides gracefully toward us, placing a warming kiss upon each of our lips. "You make a fine couple, and she shall make a fine goddess."

"I concur," Apollo nods solemnly. A man of few words, to be sure, but wise ones. I've learned a lot from him, even if I don't always follow it to the letter.

"So be it, then. Prepare the ambrosia!" Zeus calls out. A plate of divine food is brought quickly to Chloe, courtesy of Ganymede, his personal cup bearer. "Eat, Chloe, and become one of us."

Chloe accepts the plate and golden spoon. "I am deeply honored, Great Zeus." She whispers her love to me, and settles into her divine meal.

As she feasts, Aphrodite and Apollo step forward. "Pan, do you willingly share your powers, your very essence and being, with Chloe, uniting you both for eternity and beyond?"

"I do," and with that, Apollo and Aphrodite guide the union of my powers into Chloe, Goddess of the Satyrs, my wife.

As her new powers assimilate into her divine form, I watch her beautiful body change further. Her horns develop flowery script along their crests and tapers, telling her story in the ancient satyr script. Thick tassels of fur blossom and hang from her ankles over her hooves, and down her forearms. She opens her eyes once more, lustrous as only an immortal could be.

"Chloe," I whisper, taking her into my arms. I'm weak and exhausted, but I've never felt better.

"I pronounce you god and goddess, husband and wife," Aphrodite smiles joyously. "And I know you don't need encouragement, but you may kiss the bride."

We both chuckle, and share our first kiss as matched deities. The goddess of love beams with pride, Apollo applauds, and even Zeus and Hera forget to fight (for once) and share a kiss of their own.

We remain in Olympus for a while, partially for a pseudo-honeymoon (complete with seventy-three or so consummations; I lost the exact count somewhere in the high teens), partially so Chloe can become accustomed to being divine and grow in the understanding of her powers. Finally, we feel ready to return to Earth, and look over my...sorry, our...children.

Boy, will they be surprised to see us.

Somehow, I get the feeling we'll be surprised to see them, too.