"Does this remind you of anything, goddess?" Atlas grunted in a condescending tone, ripping the arrow out of his shoulder then flexing. Artemis' attention snapped back to her opponent. Listening to Triton talk to his brother, her friend, distracted her. A fatal mistake, but one Atlas took advantage of in another way. But she didn't completely disassociate.

"What are you talking about?" Artemis' eyes darted from side to side confused.

"Well Percy of course! You say that you share a bond through shared imprisonment. Does that make this wound, a bond between your boyfriend and I? Or you and I?" Atlas mocked while flexing his fingers over his javelin.

"He is not my boyfriend! You vile atrocity! There is no bond, between us, or you two. There is absolutely nothing we share." Artemis spat getting ready to launch another volley.

"Oh don't tell me you forgot the scar you placed on him? The one just above his heart? It is so much like the wound you have so kindly have given me. But his was aimed to kill, wasn't it?" True to his words, it was almost exactly where Percy had been shot the last time they encountered him. Just above his heart and a kill shot for most if not tended to quickly. But Percy was different... is different. Yet the bastard before her is making a mockery of it all.

"Unlike yours, Percy didn't deserve his." She drew her bow. As did Zoe. It is time to just put an end to it. The last week has been brutal.

"A deity admitting a mistake!? Oh how you have fallen! HA, this is precious." Atlas continued to mock. Behind Artemis Triton stopped whispering to his brother.

"You have no right to pervert such an experience. How do you even know about that? Neither he nor I would flaunt such details."

"And you know because you two are so close... Eh, it doesn't matter how I know. Just know that I do." Atlas laughed a little, clearly hiding more. Atlas rolled his shoulders making himself relax a little. "But, you are right. Who am I to talk about it? That discussion is something better discussed between the two of you. So, I'll let you two play while I have a nice long chat with my daughter." Atlas laughed again turning his back towards Artemis.

"Percy and I said all that we needed to. There is nothing left to discuss." Artemis scoffed letting loose an arrow. However, it never hit her target. As she was letting the arrow fly, Triton grabbed her shoulder and tugged. Her arrow flew far left.

"I believe there is." Triton glared, unafraid. He may be considered a minor god and she Olympian, but that hardly matters. The wind picked up once more. The moon brightened, illuminating the darkened sky. Clouds gathered around him and the forest whispered to her. A clash of divinity.

"Triton, move." Artemis snipped slapping his hand off of her, glaring right back through her silvery eyes. She can still make out Atlas's figure slowly moving away.

"No. Not until you explain yourself." Triton stepped out in front of her gripping his trident tightly already clad in his armor. He was planning on getting what he wanted. It does not matter how, just that he does.

"There is nothing to explain. Now, move. Or I will make you." Artemis didn't have time for this game. If she let's Atlas get his way then, the casualties after tonight would be far too great. They need to plan for war and the best people for that on this mountain.

"Try me. By then there won't be much to save." Artemis barely processed what he said before pinning him to the ground with her knee on his chest and an arrow pointed directly at his face. He lay flat on his back, but his expression only grew hardy. The insinuation was all to clear. There is no way she'd allow one of her hunters to die such a way.

"Don't play games with me boy! We need Zoe to save Percy!" Artemis spat staring coldly at him. She glanced up, but could no longer see Zoe or Atlas for that matter. Damn it! If she fools around any longer Triton's threat would turn into much more than mere words. She stepped off Triton about to run to where she believes they went. But, the water messenger grabbed her ankle before she could take another step.

"You should have thought about that before you almost killed my brother!" Triton squeezed tight pulling her back to him. Well Artemis wasn't having it. She spun around and with her free leg stomped down on Triton's face. Yet, his grip didn't falter. She kicked at his ribs, but he was stubborn. Unmoving. Unflinching. The only thing that changed was the sneer on his face.

That's it! Artemis slung her bow on her back and withdrew her long hunting knives. Ready to do what is needed in order to after Zoe and Atlas. She struck right where his arm clung to her ankle, but instead was met with a shower of sparks. Triton brought forth his trident, stopping her from taking his arm. Artemis knocked his trident to the side with one knife and attempted to strike again with the other. Well Triton wasn't gonna let that happen. Before she got close to break the skin, he tugged at her foot, shifting her body forward a little.

Not much, but enough to get her divert her strike. Taking the chance, Triton rolled onto his stomach and pulled with incredible strength. Artemis's body moved once more and now she sat with her legs doing the forward splits. He dropped onto his hands and spun his heels around ready to kick her directly in the face. However, he didn't count on her flexibility. She bent backwards dodging the strike. With her legs free she kicked his hands out from under him, letting him fall.

"That wasn't my intent!" Artemis shouted now standing. Any more words would be useless. He's barely listening. Little did she know was those words being fuel to his fire. Triton grunted, gripping his weapon tightly. He took in a deep breath and flipped himself to his feet. Without warning Triton drop kicked Artemis in the stomach. Yet, with millennias of experience she anticipated in and jumped back. Perfect.

"Don't lie to me! You don't miss, so how did my brother almost die by your hand! Explain that!" Triton was getting sick and tired from worrying again and again. His brother has been keeping more from him and the goddess in front of him knows something. And by the gods was he gonna get it. He threw his trident with unbelievable precision.

Artemis couldn't dodge it completely. One of the prongs caught her in the shoulder, letting the blood of the gods flow freely. She looked at the cut and tsked at her own carelessness. While Triton called his weapon back. It seems as if this is going to go as easy as she hoped it would. Or as short. Damn it! She needs to find Zoe. And the other's perhaps. Maybe he'll listen to reason.

"You are really going to listen to the Titan!? You are letting him play you! Pitting us against each other!" Artemis shouted hoping that he'd understand they are being played. But all she got was a low growl from him. His crystal blue eyes pierced through her. He didn't care. Not after the truths he learned. No, this little scuffle didn't matter to him. It is just a way to get what he needs.

"Then deny it! Deny his claim and settle it! Without lies!" "You can't, can't you!? Because it is not a lie!" Triton rushed forward and began his attack. With quick strikes Triton poked and prodded with the three prongs. Artemis however didn't seem fazed, she ducked, weaved, and deflected with ease. Which was odd because she knows that he is great in battle. Yet, he is going easy. Something is wrong.

Artemis, not wanting to miss the chance, tried to speak again, "Triton listen to me-" He lunged forward and uppercut her lower jaw. With the new opening Triton kicked her in the chest towards his brother. Yes, the mortal apparently in the center of it all.

"Shut up! Quit playing coy and tell me why my brother has to pay for your sins!" He was enraged as he pointed at his brother then back to her. Why did his brother continue to have a such a parulis life? The tides stalked towards the moon, spinning his weapon, drawing her bow. All other sounds blown away. "Why!?" Triton charged and Artemis immediately opened fire. She struck him thrice in the shoulder and once in his knee, but he wouldn't fall. Already close enough, Triton thrust with his trident forcing Artemis to whip out her knives. "Why isn't it you baring the burden!?"

It became a dance of lunges, sidesteps, thrusts, and slices. Neither giving an inch of ground. Not anymore. The seconds grew to minutes and Artemis couldn't let this continue. With a swipe of her knives Artemis knocked away his trident exposing his midsection. She punched Triton's open ribs pushing him back. But Triton was being stubborn. "Why should he continue to suffer!? All his life has become broken shambles of glass! Why grind the pieces?" Triton breathed heavily, as did Artemis. They stood a few feet from each other posed for another round.

"He chose this, even when I begged him not to. So, I will do whatever I can to save him! Not fight amongst ourselves when we can actually be doing something." Why does it always come out this way when it comes to emotions? Never can one take a breath and take a step back to look at the whole picture. Emotions are powerful and moronic. Especially when gods are involved. Artemis didn't want to have to do this. She didn't want to fight him. They really need their strength in order to fight Atlas and save everyone. Triton lowered his defenses causing Artemis to do the same.

"...No." Triton growled. He was stressed. Stressed that things couldn't go any more wrong. What else is he supposed to feel? And now an Olympian believes that she can right a wrong that is anything but simple? Hell to the no. She lost that right the moment she chose her own skin over his. He didn't deserve any of this!

"No?" Artemis questioned, eyeing him carefully. It wasn't her fault. She has never met anyone so damn stubborn as to risk their own life over someone else. Maybe he did see something she couldn't in that moment. Like the fact that she would have a better chance at fighting. And preparing for the whole war in the future. Abandoning someone is not something she can just... do.

"Yes. You don't get the right to do anything anymore." Triton gripped his weapon tightly ready for the moment things turned sour yet again.

"Please, do tell, why that is so." Well, he didn't expect her to be so calm. That is for certain. Or have that statement laced with sarcasm. This day is just full of surprises.

"Do you need me to spell it out for you? Have you even seen the state Percy is in right now!?" His calm attitude burst the bubble of growing frustration. And this time Triton lunged barely missing her face. Artemis sidestepped, kicking away his chance at striking a second time.

"Of course I have. I was forced to watch for crying out loud! But Percy-" She tried to respond, but Triton cut her off with a swift sweep to her ankles. She leapt into the air, but Triton foresaw that. Closing his open palm, he send gale force winds to push her even further away. Though gods rarely fight, power usage was limited due to mortals fearing the elements. Yet Triton, broiled in a cauldron of mixed emotions didn't think twice about it.

"But nothing!..." Artemis was shocked, her eyes grew wide, she slid, and Triton was seething. Up until now, this could have been considered a sparring session. But, good ole water boy went a little too far. "You could have kicked him out, forced him away-" Well, Artemis has had enough.

"Just so that I can watch those villains kill him!? Percy saved me, broke the shackles, and for that he used the last of his strength! Do you think I enjoyed watching day after day, night after night, the constant torture inflicted upon him!?" She stomped her feet as she slowly approached Percy, barely paying any attention to the one that forced her patience. "I would have loved to simply snatch Percy away from all this and not look back! I would have loved to fight till I could no longer stand! There were so many if's that I nearly drowned from the possibilities! But, I waited. Biding my time."

"Why?" Triton scoffed. Such a simple word, but hardly ever yields a simple answer. Such a stupid questions because the answer is never what they want to hear. Artemis stopped directly in front of Percy and bit the inside of her cheek, sighing.

"...I couldn't let the only man I respected tortured all the more for my being gone. No. Heavens no." The scar just above his heart, the one she inflicted, glowed slightly brighter in her eyes. Even after all the hurt, he was still strong enough to laugh and be a sarcastic little shit. Only stopping when he traded his life for hers. Basically.

"But that's not all. Is it not?" Triton shifted on the ball of his feet to properly she what she was doing. Something about it didn't feel quite right. Maybe his own paranoia.

"...No, it seems not." She stretched out her hand and gently moved his ghostly white hair from his eyes. Why? Not even she can tell. It felt... right.

"Hmph, he has caught your eye, hasn't he?" She stopped mid stroke and dropped her hand back to her side.

"In a way, I guess he has." Something was seriously wrong if she was willing to admit so much.

"...You should have said so from the start." Triton scoffed crossing his arms over his chest. Acting as if nothing has happened between the two deities.

"And you shouldn't have let your emotions take over so carelessly! Tch." He kissed his teeth; "We need a plan." Well, she certainly wanted to punch him in the face again. The nerve of some people.

"I already have one..." 'Probably some half-assed one that is closer to a concept than a plan.' Artemis thought. "Care to make a wager?" She lifted her brow, wondering why he was becoming so, what's the word? Nice? Yea, nice with her all of a sudden.

"Oh?"

"It is something Percy and I always did. Call it good luck." They would always make a good wager before a things became really hairy. Which reminds him, he needs to collect on that dinner his little brother owes him.

"Then let's."

This is bad. Really, really, really bad. She has split off from everyone and has no means to communicate. She isn't worried about her mistress, gods no, its just she knows she has no chance of defeated her father. Ugh, even saying that left a bad taste in her mouth. And he has a vendetta against her.

Traitor. She didn't like being called that. Yet, to someone like him she will never be anything else. That's okay though. Artemis saved her from the depths of despair and gave her something that bastard never could. A family. Cliché, she knows, but there is no other way to put it. And now she is being stalked by her deadbeat dad over a grudge.

So she did what she does best. Hides and fights from a distance with him being none the wiser. Or so she thought. Because every time she thinks she finds a good spot, he finds her instantly. She can't fight him alone, though she believes it could be cathartic. She doesn't know how things are going with the others. So she must bide her time. Just like... Artemis did. Damn, the parallel is uncanny.

"Come on, why are you so shy all of a sudden? Don't you want to chat with your father?" Zoe jumped from behind a pillar, making her way up to a higher vantage point. Which has to be proved fruitless. Because the stony freak was twenty feet tall to begin with. But, she must be unpredictable, "Have you forgotten who your father is? I know you! I know where you'll hide or ambush before even you do! So stop playing these little games and say hi." Oh my gods. What a narcissistic little ego barer.

Though she can admit he does seem to find her with incredible precision. Absolutely sickening. She is getting tired of this.

She must find a way to make her way back to Artemis. Who knows what that vile, sea choking messenger, is trying to do now.

"Found you." She could feel his breath causing her to shiver. She jumped down from a tree as the top was cut in half by ridiculous sized javelin. Zoe gracefully fell as the crown of greenery pursued her. The moment her feet struck the ground, she rolled right, narrowly avoiding the crunch of an age old conifer. Quick to her feet she knocked three arrows at once and fired through the foliage. Right at the base of her so called father's neck.

In which he roared and kicked, sending Zoe flying. The kick was so sudden and strong all the air was knocked out of her lungs along with fresh blood and bits of her dinner. Zoe rolled and bounced dozens of feet before slowly managing to stop.

She could feel it. The sharp pain plaguing both of her knees, forcing her to constantly shift her body weight from one side to the other in the desperate hope of finding some temporary relief. Damn did it make watch she was trying to far more difficult. Ignoring it would only lead to worse repercussions. But nothing can dull the pain now. It'd probably take a simple and obvious decision to either give up or keep going at this point, but giving up is only the cowards way out. And Zoe is no damn coward. She grunted as she attempted to stand, shifting from one leg to the other.

The first bounce against the tuff soil was on both of her knees and thus sent her rag-dolling the rest of the way. Scratches were everywhere, bold purple bruises now forming and Zoe still needed air in her lungs. This was not ideal. Ugh that really hurts. "Just give it up already. I want to finish this quickly so I can finish off the gods. If they haven't done each other in so already! HAHAHAA!" Atlas laughed.

"Is this some sort of sick game to you?" Zoe called out, hiding the pain from her voice.

"Of course it is! Though this isn't my style much. And Yet, it is oddly satisfying watching my prey watch all their efforts prove in vain before the battle starts." Atlas's footsteps rumbled as he began his approach. "Oh how beautiful is it when the masks of courage rot in the face of true fear!" Atlas cackled.

"You're a sick sick man." Zoe countered trying to shuffle away. It was a weak attempt to ruffle his feather's, but she was too busy trying not to grunt in pain. It wasn't going too well. A quick idea entered her brain. It was worth a shot. "Is that how Percy's," Ugh she didn't need to lower herself to say his name so casually, but Zoe needed to sell it, "face fell when he realized the predicament he was in?"

"Not yet." Atlas chuckled darkly. That through her in for a loop. How could he not? What with all the pain he so obviously endured. He should be a broken man. Yet, her earlier suspicions proved right. "His façade will fall when he wakes and see the corpses that lay before him. I yearn for that day. The day I can proclaim I broke Olympus's hero!"

Zoe rolled her eyes and ducked behind a bush as silently as possible with no evidence. With any luck she can slip past him with out him being none the wiser. A long shot? Yes. Possible? Also yes. Likely? No.

...

Well hell be damned! Lady luck smiled on her this very day. Atlas crouched down to where he thought Zoe was to be laying and found nothing. Her breathing stalled and peered through the leaves. She has a shot. A short window too. But, he'll expect it no doubt... Not if she does this. Zoe knocked one of her *Ahem!* special arrows and aimed at the back of his bent knee.

All she has been doing is running, trying to get back to the goddess. He won't expect her to fight back so brazenly after running for so long. She fired. The arrow whistled as it soared. The arrow head is as thin as a needle, designed to sink in. But that's not all. Once penetrated, it has a time delay of about three seconds then poof.

The arrow struck right in the pit of his knee without him feeling a thing. One.. Two... Three... *BOOM!* The arrow exploded showering the immediate area in a fine golden shroud. Smoke poured from the open wound. Trees creaked and cracked from the shock wave.

This was her chance. Zoe took it. Fleeing from the spot. Ignoring the pain blistering in her own knees. Ignoring the shrill cry of pain from father. Fighting this raged beast would kill her faster than jumping into Tartarus buck naked with cell phones dialed in. It wasn't easy ignoring the loud roar of anguish Atlas gave, his echo nearly ruptured her ear drums. But, she proceeded to run away.

Do the unexpected. Which is run. A vital blow like that one would be perfect for a counter attack. All her instincts told her to go for it. Yet, she relented. She would surely die in a one on one. And to be honest, she wants to live. She may have found a capable replacement, but now is hardly the time for seeking death. Not when the world is getting interesting again.

Zoe teetered and tottered through the brush and mess of run down buildings. At least she figured out the trap. It wasn't meant for them in particular. It is all a ploy to break the, believed to be, hero Perseus Jackson. And how can a Titan resist the temptation of taking down a renown goddess at the same time?

Of course it was a trap. Obviously it was a trap from the get go. But, they were so entangled in their own delusions of heroics they were blinded.

Now they are split up. Two gods dueling. A huntress trying to not to die. Two demigoddesses fighting an old friend. And one goat boy making his way back to camp with a monster that can very well destroy them all... Things are looking great! Absolutely great! Nothing wrong with this set up. Not to mention the the royal f up with taking a rookie with her. Then having her killed.

Yea... Things are just... great...

"Luke, why? You can still come back to camp. It can be just like the good ole days." Annabeth was stuck between having to fight and assay reason. She feels stuck between a rock and a hard place. Luke took her in, looked after her, cared for them, and nearly died for them too. She can't just give up on him so easily. There might still be a chance to save him.

"No it won't." Luke scoffed while taking steps around the two ladies. Backbiter gently gripped by his pale hand. Almost like he is to weak to get a proper grip. "I mean come on, you're going out trying to make a name for yourself. The gods all want me dead, with good reason. And Thalia over here couldn't care less about me." With his other hand Luke pointed directly at Thalia. Along with a cold look.

"That's not true!" She felt insulted. Of course she cares! "Why can't you see that?" She tried the reassurance route, but Luke only tilted his head to the side. Same cold stare, same loose grip. Almost robotic.

"Oh yeah? Then why the shift in allegiances?" The girls eyes grew wide and in that oh so precious moment Luke smiled. Creepily. Like a psychopath would. "Aw you didn't think I'd notice. The aura. The attire. The blessing. Why else do you think we hardly tried bringing you to our side?" Luke raised his arms to his sides in question, almost dropping backbiter.

"You did more than enough." Thalia crouched with Aegis covering the majority of her body with her spear resting on top of it. Luke's jaw clenched hard the moment she open up Aegis. Not even demigods are immune to it's effects. Annabeth and Thalia got to witness that first hand when Luke seemed to have lost it. He stumbled backwards grasping his forehead like he got headache.

Purely on instinct Annabeth reached out to give him a hand. But Luke denied it with a swing of Backbiter. He grunted in pain before clenching his teeth even harder that they were sure they were gonna crack. Luke shook his head and stumbled back a couple of steps. He almost collapsed so he propped himself up with the conjoined blade.

Either he is overreacting or playing at something. Cause Aegis doesn't cause physical harm. Unless someone was bashed over the head with it or body slammed. And that didn't happen to either of their knowledge. Annabeth looked over at Thalia to which she just shrugged. This was quite peculiar.

"On the contrary, we could have done much more. But I pleaded for them not to. This is my last shot... It's either you come with me or..." He sounded so weak. His voice barely above a whisper. It is nothing like he just was. Suddenly his body convulsed bringing him down to one knee. Luke's breathing grew heavy. He used both hands to hold himself up while sweat oozed from his pores. Another second passed and Luke took in a slow deep breath and sighed. His creep of a smile returned and he looked directly at the two through his loose hair that drooped over his forehead, "drop dead."

"Luke, what's the matter with you?" Annabeth had to ask.

"A lone person can be swayed quite easily, but once they set anchor... Well let's just say you weren't the only ship with no flag." They say cartoons imitate life. Which is obviously true because how else are they to explain his almost possessed actions he clearly showed? The awkward sway, the lunatic smile, the weird shift in behavior, the weird stumbling way of standing up, and let's not forget acting like nothing happened. Ugh, Annabeth and Thalia shivered.

"What in the hell does that even mean!? And what's with the sailor metaphors?" Annabeth shouted, wanting to move on from that creep fest.

"The company was really keen on it." Luke eyed backbiter with a little hum. The two ladies got nervous and got ready to fight. Again.

"Just so you know, Percy already carries a flag. And it isn't yours." Annabeth said. He'd be a fool if he believed otherwise.

"Are you sure about that?" Luke chuckled. "It's been a long week." He remembers when Percy planted the seed of doubt in him. Now it's time to return the favor.

"We're sure." They both agreed.

"Okay. If you say so." Luke did a practice swung "But don't say I didn't warn you."

"And you better not go run crying to your little master when we whoop your ass!" Thalia was done. Annabeth was done. They should just get Percy and go.

"Try me." Luke mocked.

Whatever the Titans did to him, whatever tasks they made Luke do, this wasn't the boy they once knew. Maybe they can still save him, but time is not on their side so they are left with one option. To fight.

Thalia took the initiative and charged. Aegis open and her spear at the ready. She sprinted right up to him and leaped high into the sky south a shout. Her spear already pointed towards the heavens calling upon her birth given right. Lightning clapped with streaks of white spreading through the clouds above like fingers. Thalia gave one more shout releasing her grasp of her electronic prowess. Lightning struck the ground with multiple forks plaguing the area. It became a flash forest of lightning strikes.

Well that was strange. Thalia for a second looked at her spear in confusion. 'That's never happened before.' She thought. She was planning on a single strike, but that clearly didn't happen. Annabeth had her mouth gaping open. And Luke's eyes widened immensely while he jumped from back attempting to dodge the strange electrical storm. "Awesome!" Thalia is happy. She doesn't know why this happened... or how. But, why waste an opportunity?

Annabeth, too, took the chance and rushed forward, daggers at the ready. With this they will have a much better chance of getting this done fleetly. Though it didn't go nearly as planned. Thalia shared the same qualities of someone in charge. She has control. This is fantastic. With a counter like this Luke can irrefutably be saved.

Thalia became so enthralled with her creation that she felt free. So much power. It felt glorious! The ability pulsed through her nervous system, she felt every strike and thud. There is just so much! Why hasn't this manifested before? Or why now? She didn't care though. Because now they have a real shot at finishing it all.

But as most things in life, it isn't that simple. With so much let loose Thalia felt her grasp of control slip and fumble from her grasp rather quickly. Yet, that hardly mattered. Just look at the pathetic, almighty Luke struggle to stay on his feet. She is the daughter of the god of lightning! It is awesome!

As Annabeth moved the storm became unpredictable and began targeting random things. Annabeth couldn't take any more than a couple steps without having to sidestep or roll out of the way. "Thalia! Turn it off or something!" Annabeth shouted through the claps of thunder. Though her voice didn't carry that far.

"This is awesome!" Thalia joyfully shouted. With a hop skip she made her way over to the struggling Luke. Who only barely managed to stay unhurt from whatever the hell this is.

"Thalia!" Annabeth screamed. She can't go anywhere.

Yet, Thalia didn't hear. She just stalked forward towards Luke.

"THALIA!" Annabeth eminently screamed.

"WHAT!?" She swiveled her head and shouted back, her high from power running lower. She saw her friend fleeing for her life. "oh."

"Turn it off! Do something!" She shouted as she rolled left. "Control it!" Her friend nodded back.

Since she summoned it, she can surely control it in their favor. It should be a cinch. Right? Thalia was confident in her capabilities. She has summoned lightning before. What is a few more? She felt the control. She felt the overwhelming urge of not holding back and took head to those words. Ah the rush! But her friend is trouble because of it. So, backtrack.

Poor ole Thalia thought the answer was simple. She felt as if her body was being tugged in all directions with bucking broncos. She hadn't noticed before, but it was tiring. She felt drained and heavy. It has hardly been even a few seconds and the rush is already wearing this. As is her energy... That's okay. She can do this. Just reign them in. Grab a hold of one, don't let go, then move on to the next one. Simple, right?

Wrong!

With her strength suddenly flushing down the drain, she can barely grab even one. Every time she thinks her grasp is strong, she feels kicked to the ground. She doesn't want to let go of the power. With this she can protect, she can save, she can fight.

Thalia reigns one in, then gets another one. Though her strength nearly cut in half with every new things she thought grabbed hold of. She can do this. For the sake of everyone back at camp. The new family she joined. Her friends... She can. Annabeth is stuck so she must. Thalia has no choice... Thalia must...

...

She can't... It's too much. Too much too handle all at once... Thalia can't control it... Simply can't... Wh-what now? Annabeth is counting on her. So's Percy...

Maybe she can stop it? Make the storm leave... or something. But. 'There is no but!' Thalia screamed within herself. It maybe awesome, dope, extravagant, awe inspiring, thrilling... but that means jack if you kill someone important because of it. What she needs is control.

Thalia scrunched her face as she concentrated and began pushing back. Her ears popped, her mouth ran dry, sweat wore her, and her hands tingled. Damn, did she feel lightheaded. And just plain light.

...

As quickly as it came, it left. Be that as it may, that shouldn't be possible. She felt the push back, the way the storm kept going. Then suddenly vanished? What the shit? That's not... not right? Oh gods did she feel sleepy. And drained.

Thalia could barely lift her finger; her head lolls and the muscles of her face relax, releasing the tension of... whatever the hell just happened. Her knees collapsed beneath her. Gods, that was something. Her palms shook. Everything is woozy... Someone is calling her name, but can't make out anything other than the ringing. Why was it ringing?

With a shaky hand she brought her hand to her ear trying to rub the ringing out. Which proved to be impossible. Was something wrong with her hand? That must be it. She checked and low and behold. Blood. Her own. Along with something warm dripping from her chin. More blood? Ugh, everything around her became so disorientating. Her stomach spun. Her eyes would not focus.

BOOM!* The two gods jerked their heads right to where they heard the explosion. "That's Zoe!" Artemis shouted then turned tail and ran that way.

"How do you know?" Triton followed, but not nearly as energetic.

"Trust me!" Triton hates it when people say that. Like come on, just give an honest answer and he won't have to bring it up ever again. He would trust them more if they gave him a straight answer. So, Triton shrugged and tagged along.

Running was living, it was feeling the power to leave anytime she needed to, to escape the confines of walls and feel the open road. Running meant a purpose, either a destination or a target. It was always gratifying when she and her hunters were whisked away by the thrill of the hunt. Now, the desire to run is no different. A different purpose perhaps, but a purpose all the same.

Every blessing comes with a curse. That can be with one person or split between two. Assholes take the blessings and pass the curse onto others, that's power abuse. Good people take on their fair share of curse or more in order to bless others. Another way to say this is the good shepherd the crook - it's the only way this can work.

The blessing here is knowing that Zoe is clearly alive. The curse is Atlas's rampage. Artemis and Triton can clearly hear Atlas tearing up the area in search for Zoe. Good. That means she's okay. Hopefully. The bad news is now they have to deal with the curse knowns as Atlas. Two gods on the verge of battling each other again against one rampaging Titan? This should be good.

Now that Triton has found the plus sized Titan, he burst forth manifesting his armor and weapon. Leaving Artemis behind. He is ready for payback. He will pay that toerag back in full. That is the truth. As if these words were written in blood from the tips of angel wings pulled out by force. Now is the moment to pluck out his eyes. Curse this whoreson! Damn the consequences. Atlas will know pain. What the hell, go to Tartarus, fade, see if he cares. It doesn't matter how this fight ends. Just the obvious way. After everything is paid back in full.

"ATLASS!" Triton roared demanding his attention, "IF YOU WANT A DEATH! I'LL HELP!" Triton leaped over obstacles, gaining more ground by the millisecond, "Why don't you meet him personally!"

"Back off Poseidon's lackey! I have a score to settle!" Atlas responding while swinging his javelin around, knocking down everything in its path. Still no sign of Zoe.

"Well I wasn't actually asking!" Triton relayed, before closing the distance between the two.

Triton ducked low to the ground and lunged forward with his trident. Aiming directly at Atlas's knee. But Atlas was no fool. Atlas stepped back avoiding the strike. He was beyond enraged now, aiming for his bad knee after what that little brat did!? They'll just have to all die! Screw the order. Because now the corpses will pile.

The mad Titan sent Triton flying back in the direction he came from without missing a heartbeat. His kick was powerful enough that Triton felt it through his armor and it no doubt caused damage to his midsection. But that's not all. No nonono. Artemis witnessed the whole thing and couldn't help but smirk at his misfortune. That's what he gets. And all it took was one good hit. Lame. Now mister mad ego is approaching.

Artemis took out her hunting knives, using this chance to fight close range. All the while Atlas's figure shimmered brightly as his battle armor enveloped his body. "This won't end well for you." Atlas seethed. His anger obviously showing.

"We'll see about that." Artemis responded unaffected.

Atlas wasn't one for patience so he charged. The sound of his feet hitting the ground thundered across the peak. Artemis braced herself. The mad Titan swung his javelin wildly in front of him with ease forcing Artemis to jump over it. Yet, his momentum continued to carry him into the air born goddess, taking her along for a ride with the same power as a freight train.

Atlas bent over digging his shoulder into the ground in an attempt to flatten Artemis. But, her prowess wouldn't allow it. With a quit stab to a chink in his armor, Artemis used that momentum to pull herself out of the way in the knick of time. She wasn't going to make this easy for him. Now that she was free, she got into her stance slowly taking a step back at a time. She needs to be prepared for anything.

As inconvenient as a tree is to an avalanche, the freak of a Titan climbed out of the hole with ease, cracking his neck. A grimace holding on to his face. "Do you really think you stand a chance now that you are alone?" Atlas wondered.

"Against someone as vile as you? Of course." It's safe to say that the big man didn't take that all that well. The poor bastard charged with a new vigor.

"What's I'm done with you, I'll hunt down that accursed daughter of mine. Then your little boy band. And as you've taken my old burden, you'll helpless watch as they die before your eyes." Atlas swung down right where Artemis was just a second ago, creating a fissure, "Slowly." Atlas roared with laughter when Artemis's face became beet red.

Atlas began stabbing and slashing. Artemis docked, hopped, and sidestepped while slashing wildly to keep his heavy arms away from her. Yet, Atlas continued to press on. Even beginning to push her back to where Triton was when he was sent flying. With unbelievable grace Artemis would flip away from upcoming attempts. Much in the same way animals would find ways to evade being eaten by predators.

Then when the chances tore open, Artemis would become one of those predators slashing into her prey. Yet, she was still being pushed back. Even while changing form to help suit her needs, Atlas pressed on. Gaining more and more ground. Her face gave her away, the slight purse of her lips and twitch in her eyebrows gave her away. She was struggling.

She was agile and powerful in her own right, but Atlas was incredibly strong. Most hits she would have to deflect or avoid completely. Even though he was clearly injured, that didn't put a stop to his brute strength. Artemis flipped out of the way of an incoming jab, and feinted a slice at his exposed arms. Atlas fell for it and withdrew his weapon.

Artemis, quick to plan, grabbed a hold of the wide pole using it to carry herself closer to him. Atlas tried to slap her away but, before he could Artemis leapt forward slashing at his left eye. Golden ichor; the symbol, lifeline, and divinity of gods and Titans alike oozed from his face.

The Titan screamed out in pain, slapping away Artemis hard. The goddess crashed into the ground then bounced a few times before crashing into a stone that finally put her to a stop. She felt it everywhere. Her body ached and gave off that strange feeling of being sick. When in all reality is she isn't. But damn! Can he hit hard. Her vision gave a quick in and out as she focused on something behind her. Yes, it was in fact Percy. Still humming. Did she already get this far back? That was quick.

Atlas covered his eye with his left hand trying to wipe away the pooling ichor with little success. "That is it! Do you think you can get away with this!? I'm a Titan! Second in command! And I will no longer allow anyone to sully my name any longer!" Atlas practically screamed. His shout was heard by the approaching army that was quickly approaching.

With speed that didn't match his physique or strength, Atlas seemed to appear out of thin air right in front of the down Artemis. With no direction to go, other than up Artemis pounced onto her feet. He feinted with the tip of his javelin and Artemis dodged. Atlas's javelin swept around and knocked Artemis's legs off the ground. She fell, and Atlas brought up his javelin tip for the kill. This wasn't looking good. "Now, to spill old blood in a new war!" His triumphant day is upon him. Atlas thrust his javelin down.

As fast as thought, Triton appeared out of nowhere grabbing the javelin shaft, as did Artemis. It hit the earth right next to her and they pulled backward, using the javelin like a lever, kicking the Titan Lord and sending him flying over them both. They knew what was gonna happen and it wouldn't be pretty. With the force of two gods and an ego soaked Titan, it was all too easy.

Atlas rammed into Percy sending his limp body flying as far as it could go. Which wasn't far. The chain wrapped around his legs had no give. He stopped midair with an ugly pop! His hips dislocated through the sheer power behind the sudden go then stop.

"NNOOOOO! NOT AGAIN!" Atlas bellowed loud enough it shook everything around. The crushing weight of the sky was his curse to bare once more.

"Percy!" Triton and Artemis shouted rushing over to him. They bent over him quickly trying to remove the cuffs and chains. This was bad. Percy wasn't moving, his chest barely rose, it was pattern less, and his pulse was extremely weak. His wounds looked far worse than before... Percy was not humming either. Not a peep. His pale complexion ragged body was comparable to a corpse.

Atlas bellowed in rage, but the two gods completely ignored him. "We need to go now. Apollo will know what to do." Artemis was frantic in checking Percy's injuries. But, she couldn't do much. Neither could Triton. They planned up till now, but now what? Triton didn't respond, all he did was carefully pick up his little brother princess style. "Let's find the others and go." Artemis placed hard emphasis on go. They really have no time to waste.