Percy calmed down enough to relax his posture by drooping his shoulders slightly and letting his fists unclench, something that not only a few noticed. Apollo opened his mouth to speak up, but Percy cut the god off, "Anything else?" He asked like nothing just happened. Usually it'd be considered blasphemous to cut a deity off like that, but honestly who cares? Not Percy, that's for sure. Anything is better than this topic.

There's always something else to hide when blood is the price. However, since Apollo didn't call him out on anything Zeus decided now to dwell even deeper into Percy's time on the Titans' mountain, "You still didn't fully answer the question, boy. What happened on that mountain?" Zeus forced, not satisfied with just the testimony of his son. It's not like he trusts his son after being played by a titan so easily last time.

"I arrived and the first thing I noticed Atlas trapped just like he was supposed to be. Up until Luke stepped forward-

-"Well? What do you think?" Luke asked while walking around Percy casually, unafraid that he'd attack. It's true that they'd agreed on him coming willing, but that doesn't mean he will try something once actually there. Still, neither actually tried anything. A silent agreement that now won't be the time for a scuffle. Plus he doubts all the sideliners would be kind enough for a one on one dual after slaughtering so many brethren of theirs. Even if Atlas or Luke gave the order not to. Revenge is just a part of them, so better not to give them a reason.

"I think you need a new a decorator. Or at least some color to add spice to the whole black edgy monster vibe you're going for." He answered back eyeing the monsters drooling at the new piece of meat in town. Don't they ever think of anything else? Percy doesn't like this idea.

"Yea, it may not be my style, but I make do." They were chatting like old friends, or at least old friends who only knew how to small talk after so long. Although they obviously couldn't stand the sight of each other. But a deal is a deal no matter what. So play nice.

"Well come on you little bastard! What are you waiting for!?" Atlas bellowed drawing Luke and Percy out of their conversation. He shifted his body in a way that he could easily slip out from underneath the sky in a moments notice. After all, that is the reason he came here willing. Luke shrugged off the big statue of a man as he made his way to the edge of the rebuilding ruins.

"I want to make sure you won't try anything silly you big leotard." Percy sassed with an obvious duh at the end. Do they think that he's stupid to give up just like that? "I mean I know we had an agreement, but I had something else in mind." He shrugged off the titan's attitude like he wasn't dealing with some immortal raged infused meat head that hated his guts.

"Oh you slimy little f-" He cursed... a lot. The army, or rather what was gathered at the time, drew their respected weapons and snarled at the lone enemy in the center.

"Jeez, your mother seriously needs to shove some soap in your mouth with that kind of language you are spouting," Percy scratched the inside of his ear once Atlas actually finished his wave of insults, completely ignoring the flush of red pulsing through the titan's face, "Anyway, I'm sure you'd like what I'd have to say." Percy mock bowed in front of everyone.

"It doesn't matter what you have to say. You'll still end up right where we want you, boy," Atlas spat the last part derogatively. Of all the times he decides to act brash, now is simply too late for the kid. Really, what does he think will happen?

Percy looked up at him and smirked, "I challenge you to a dual. I win, I get my freedom and big boy Atlas remains trapped in his prison for the forceable future. And no one dares lay a finger on my family, ever." Atlas knew exactly what he was talking about. The little lake of nymphs and naiads, plus the few he shares a bond with outside of them. How naïve of him to think they won't be caught in the war anyway.

"And what about when you lose?" Luke butted in wanting to make sure they got a fair trade in the matter. The friendly attitude from earlier vanished completely.

"I take my place under the sky and will do absolutely nothing to attempt to escape myself. I'll basically be at your entire mercy hehe," Percy laughed it off, completely believing that'll he will come out of this ordeal on top. It was too easy to ignore the part about when because that just won't be the case. Not if he has a say about it.

"So basically all you are fighting for is the chance to get out of our little deal," Though the sky still pressed into his body, the bastard still managed to show his teeth with an awkward smile, "To be honest I was expecting more from you, Son of Poseidon. However, I can't say that it is all too surprising considering your reputation," Atlas shifted his body only slightly, sliding his hands around to get a better gander at the brave fella, "It's funny actually, that all you want is freedom, yet you're stuck in Fate's clutches."

"It's all about perspective, you know that," Percy tried to look completely at ease, but that's not so easy when his perspective shows a deity that wants to end everything he knows, "Just look what you managed to figure out even though you haven't stepped foot off this mountain in a few millennia." His smile was nothing more than forced. Luke, Atlas, and Percy all knew it.

"Yea, your folks must be seriously worried about you," Atlas remarked riling up Percy all the more before he finishes this, "I wonder what they'd think of you now. If only they could see this." Percy knew that Atlas had every right to sounds so damn cocky, but damn it all if he was going to make it easy for the overgrown rat.

Percy's eyes turned steely, his care free attitude vanished, "Don't-"

Atlas cut him off, "I won't. I may be many things; a monster, strong, general, battle hungry, but I am most definitely a deity that keeps their word. No one shall know once I'm released from my confines. That was the agreement. Though I doubt you thought this through."

"What can I say, I'm mortal. I can challenge who I want, go where I want, do what I want, with no holy power giving me any consequences in this life. A perfect recipe for not thinking it through, don't you think?" Percy steeled his nerves as the seconds ticked down. Every step Luke took felt like minutes, the tickle of sweat making down his neck felt like proof that he didn't think this through. The monsters grew more antsy, adding to the tension building within Percy's muscles. This is it.

Luke made his way over to the titan doubting every muscle in his body that he'd actually be able to hold such a load. And even if he could, it wouldn't be for long. Just imagining the weight is almost making him out right refuse. But there is no way that Atlas would lose. Not to the brazen brat in front of them. There is no way they'd let such a prize body slip their fingers a second time.

Percy honestly expected some grand switch between titan and demigod, or something rather awkward, but a kick shift of weight from one person to the other was all it was.

However that didn't appease young Percy's heart as the sight before him was far more treacherous. Instead of a safely tucked away titan he could easily talk smack to, there loomed a free deity holding a massive grudge. The second in command titan in all his glory finally relieved of his forced undertaking. There was no hiding or running now. Just the challenge in front of him. He admits that he was intimidating earlier, but now? Hell, there isn't a thing about him that isn't intimidating. Even his low voice sounds even worse.

Percy subconsciously took a step back as Atlas rolled his neck. He consciously gulped back the fear brain forced on him. It wasn't his own fear, but that of instinct that kept warning him. A twenty foot tall general that had the muscles to match. His veins poked through the upper layer of skin Though unlike on a mortals body being bluish purple, his glowed golden with the ichor of immortals. This added to the already dreadful situation. Not only that, but he also still wore Greek armor as if this fight was an inevitability. Atlas's stone grey eyes glowed through the gaps in his helmet while tuffs of his dark slick hair escaped through the bottom of it.

His aura permeated through the air, crushing Percy's lungs with anxiety. Percy felt fear, true death bringing fear for the first time. The second most powerful titan is his opponent, built like a freight train with powers meant to kill. But, there is an upside to all of this, he just got free. That has to mean he's weakened somewhat. Atlas put a palm on his own neck and bared his teeth at Percy, "If you're thinking I am tired or weakened, then you're dead wrong!"

Percy felt pain in his chest, he felt pain in his arms and he felt pain pulse in his mind. Panic slowly took over as, for a moment, a way out of this pain began to seem more and more unrealistic. The pain kept flaring in and out, it was the only thing that he could possibly think of. It was difficult to focus between the moments of pain and the voices telling him to stop what he's doing, but he could only press through it. There was no amount of focus that'd be enough to block it out.

It felt like his chest crumbled in itself as he was thrown back, all the air he held was completely knocked out. He knew he punctured a lung. There was blood in it, leaking through. His arms didn't even stop his landing, just took the damage. Definite fracture. Percy choked on his own coughing, not enough air seeping through between heaves.

He wasn't ready, he underestimated Atlas... He overestimated himself. This is a true representation of an immortals capabilities. This isn't a story where the mortal hero is someone grander than his immortal enemy. That's just unrealistic. And this was the price he paid for it, "Did you forget!? I'm the Titan of endurance!" Atlas stood right where Percy was a second ago, his fist still enclosed floating right where his body should have been.

Percy arose, swaying heavily, Riptide already transformed in one hand, the other dislocated and hanging. He charged, gargling little bits of blood as he roar his war song. The second he lifting his arm he knew there was no hope of winning. There'd be no strength in his swing, nor will to finish it. Just like he cursed, in this moment, right when he'd need it, it won't happen.

Atlas stomped his head into the ground as soon as he got close. He didn't even see it. Percy rolled onto his back screaming as sharp marble dug into his head. Percy's hands grasped his head and covered his eyes, desperate for some form of relief from the sharp, head splitting pain within. The pain became disorienting and it started to affect his judgment, but despite this or perhaps due to this Percy still continued onward. He gently rubbed his injury and, with eyes staring at his hands, tried to figure out a way to relief himself of this pain. But it didn't matter, Atlas struck again.

A sickening pain shot through his stomach and his arms tried wrapping tightly around it. It was all Percy could do to not collapse and wither in misery on the floor. His teary eyes darted all over, desperately searching for a way to relief his body from this miserable feeling. For a moment they thought about everything they might lose if they give in to the pain and everything that would come of it. Maybe he shouldn't have looked, maybe it only added to the flaring pains. A spear impaled within his belly. Percy squeezed their eyes shut tight and his face turned to a grimace. Swallowing the pain and ignoring it the best they could was his only option. But they felt sore all over, the injury was clearly taking its toll on his entire body.

The spear withdrew. More pain electrified his nerves, almost impossible to bare.

Percy tried to stand, "Damn you bastard! Damn you Ares! Just give it already!" Percy screamed falling onto his knees, crashing into the ground a few feet away from Atlas. "I've proven myself plenty since then! SO GIVE IT TO ME!" Percy smacked the ground with the hilt of Riptide in frustration. "This isn't fair..." Rage soaked into his core, "Just watch you unforgiving meat bucket. Just watch and I'll show just how big of a mistake you made." He knew he was here, knew that this it.

All the flare and gusto from before pummeled up in seconds. Without a chance to even fight back. So this is the second in command.

Percy felt his body float through the agony, "Here, let me make it easier for you!" The wind whistled past his ears before smacking into something softer than the ground.

The second Percy noticed where he was and what was next, he wished he could have just taken more of a beating. Both his shoulders dislocated the millisecond the sky touched his body. He messed up. This was it. Atlas was stronger than he thought, and faster too.

His body hurt all over. His legs shook in the strain, his arms crumbled under the pressure, the elastic of his underwear hurt and even the nails on his feet hurt. But nothing hurt as much as his chest. Every part of his being ached for an answer to this feeling of misery and any answer that could bring relief was one worth considering. One deep breath followed another, surely this pain could be ignored if they tried. At least that was what he was trying to tell himself.

Percy's entire body was trembling now. Weak and exhausted it costed them all their remaining strength to keep fighting. There was nothing manageable about the pain or situation. It spiraled so quickly. He swallowed the pain and screamed with all his might, longing for the night and the bed that waited for him. If he didn't die before then.

"Thanks for letting me vent my frustration sea boy. I may have gone overboard a bit, physically at least." Atlas mocked throwing a bucket of water onto Percy. Adrenaline surged through his muscles as it soaked into his wounds, reinvigorating him. Then Atlas signaled the rest to follow. He didn't want him to die so soon. No, they have much more planned. After all, they all have frustrations that need to be vented.

Luke looked on, pity for the kid.

"It was over before it even began," Percy relayed remembering just how badly he was beaten, "I didn't stand a chance going at it alone." Percy's dead tone sounded harsher than any sassy remark.

"Then what?" Zeus pressed on, every single detail was what he was after. Some gods looked at him pitifully, but did nothing to stop it. Probably for the best.

"What else? They had a prime victim to beat on whenever they wanted. Add water and presto someone else had a go at me," How could someone make torture sound so nonchalant? Seriously, how much did they do before he begged for his life? Why exactly did he endure so much?" "The only break I got was Luke's ever present company, you know, just in case they got a little too rough. And Artemis's discussions whenever she felt up to it."

"What did you tell them?" It felt more like an interrogation than a meeting.

"Nothing." Percy proclaimed.

Before Zeus could retaliate, three voices spoke up. "We vouch for him," Apollo, Ares, and Artemis spoke in unison. Apollo didn't detect any lies, while Artemis and Ares new from firsthand experience, so to say.

Poseidon stared at his son and began to wonder, what if he didn't meet Sally? Or rather if she had accepted his first offer? Would his life still be so difficult? Or would he have been happier? Safer even. Just how much suffering would have vanished if he could have looked after his son? It's sad, but even he looked at his son with pity filling his irises.

His brother and sister didn't know what to say. As much as they would love to go and protect him from every danger he could possibly face, they know they can't. Not as gods anyway. It would be so much easier if Percy had been born as an immortal. Life to a demigod may be cruel, but exactly do you call it when the line of cruelty is so far behind you you can't even see it?

Percy looked around the Olympian Hall seeing all of their expressions. And he hated it. All of there stares of sorrow, pity, sadness, or whatever the hell they claimed it to be, he despised it. Though he didn't outwardly show it, there was something very wrong about the whole thing. He didn't practically sacrifice himself to this life only for them to look down on him. He may be tired and wish for the sweet release of death, but it is nothing more than a wish. Percy dove into this lifestyle headfirst, not once did the bad slow him down. Yet, all he gets is their damn pity wherever he looks. It's infuriating. Pity is for the weak.

"Hmm, what of the Ophiotaurus? How did you come across it?" Zeus, the real go getter just kept on yapping.

"I saved it from a shipwreck, wouldn't leave me the hell alone after that. Only reason it didn't follow me was because of Grover. Not sure why or how and frankly I don't care..." Percy shrugged off the accusation because Bessie made it damn difficult to fend off monsters, "Must be the empathy link or something. Though, just know I didn't kill Bessie or try to."

That was odd because the power that thing holds is tempting enough to have even gods and titans lust after it, "Why not?" Athena questioned, "With that power-"

"Yea I know... Honestly anyone with that power would just become a slave. I don't exactly do well in chains, if you hadn't noticed," Percy jabbed back at the gods for their lack of foresight, "Just know that I'll kill anyone who kills Bessie." Again, there was no slimmer of green shimmering in his eyes. Only a deep cold calculating blue. Then the kid relaxed his breathing and turned his back on the meeting, already heading towards the exit.

"Don't threaten us, boy!" Zeus sprung up from his seat, thunder bolt in hand. He's getting sick and tired if his brother's son doing whatever the hell he wants whenever he wants! If it weren't for the threat of a third world war and the current war brewing, he'd have killed him twenty times by now. Consequences be damned.

"I don't threaten. I promise," As if it'd be so easy to kill a god, but hey some died so there has to be way, right? "Now if that'll be all, I'm going to go. If you want a more detailed relay of my vacation then just talk to either Artemis or Ares. I'm tired," Even though he was already heading away from everyone with his hands in his pocket and hair reflecting what once was innocent.

"Last question," Hera, the queen of the gods, stopped Percy and her husband dead in their tracks. Her arm stretched out stopping Zeus from acting rashly, while her calm, soft voice reached Percy. It reminded him of someone, "Is there anything else we need to know?"

Percy turned to face her, then made eye contact with Ares, followed by Artemis, Zoe, Apollo, Athena, Annabeth, Triton, Khione, then finally settled on his father. "No."

He lied.