Percy Jackson : Gods Annihilation

( Annabeth POV )

The goddess took in the sight before her, never having truly expected the city sitting atop the mountain and its intricate design that her inner architect went into a frenzy over.

Sure, the walk up the rather wide and winding path leading up the mountain had been tedious but in the end she could manage it, even if the wolves following just some meters away kept her on edge. She knew with them there Percy had constant eyes on her, possibly even directly through the sight of his wolves.

Still she moved along and made sure to keep her distance. With the way her last interaction with Percy went, she was liable to get bitten if she got too close to one of them. It hurt seeing such coldness and anger in his eyes as he looked down at her as if she was a bug in his path. She expected it though, just as she knew hoping he'd accept taking care of Cloelia but it was the only way … and she was running out of time.

So with that in mind she marched forward towards a towering gate, massive doors made of a wood she could not identify blocking her path. She glanced up at her sides, seeing battlements at either side though strangely unmanned.

Were it any other place she would call it arrogant, leaving such positions unattended, especially when this was the sole way into the mountain top city she could see. However, the moment she had set foot on the mountain itself she had felt the immense barrier around it, to her senses almost resembling a thick and sturdy dome filled to the brim with varying power signatures.

That very same power that flowed off and around the mountain and clueing her in that the Primordial themselves powered it. At the moment all she could read on it was that it contained anti-flash properties and the ability to detect any entry or exit though she was sure it had far more just waiting to be activated. It was feeling the barrier and seeing the mighty walls surrounding the city at the very top that proved to Annabeth that at least Olympus as it was stood no chance of claiming victory.

With a path and gates like these, any army would be slaughtered trying to get in, the rest of the mountain was too steep and climbing via rope or ladder was plain foolish.

She was also sure that some form of air defenses were in place and that was without even counting on the likes of the winged primordial gods themselves coming out, especially Thalia in that particular case. However her musing were cut short as the gates slowly opened soundlessly hinting at the engineering having gone into their construction before her eyes widened at just who was coming to greet her.

There was another of the missing titans, Atlas of all beings himself. Wearing what resembled a tunic in Annabeth's opinion with trousers, large plated belt around the waist, and thick leather boots, all in dark grey or black with dark green fringes.

Even with the loose choice in clothing the top was stretched tight over rippling muscle of the towering titan nearly reaching eight feet. Surprisingly he held a spear clearly made of Stygian Iron in hand making Annabeth question how considering only Hades his children or monsters have been seen using it before.

However what was most shocking was the fact that Atlas had a dark green blindfold even though he was facing her exact spot and seemed to be 'looking' her in the face. She stood silent, unsure of what to do exactly considering she was standing before a former enemy which technically still was and judging by the power coming off him, nothing short of her own divine form could match him and even that was an if. There also seemed to be something … more about him, but she couldn't place her finger on it.

"Chase," Atlas said with a nod, his voice stern but not hostile like it once was when she met him all those years ago in the war.

"Atlas," replied, unsure if she needed to add anything more but then Atlas turned.

"Come," he instructed as he started to walk at an even pace and the doors beginning to close.

Annabeth barely avoided squeaking as she jumped after him and once passed the doors walked at a pace to match his longer strides, idly noticing Percy's wolves had left.

Now inside Annabeth could see that the city was divided and being on the outermost layer was surrounded by small fields with a large building a distance away and closer to the second wall. She also noted structures similar to aqueducts doting the fields though some seemed larger and were significantly lower to the ground, a mere story or so in comparison.

"The barracks," Atlas supplied as they walked along a stone path that was a little narrower than the one leading up the mountain. "And the others are either aqueducts or transport rails for harvest and supplies."

"But I don't see any motors to take things into the city," she replied, noting that all the rails tilted down towards the lower level they were currently in.

"No need. Many of the satyrs, spirits, and even gods that work the fields are under the patronage of Rhea and are given a minor earth control. Two satyrs can easily take a several ton haul up the rails by simply pushing and willing the stone carts to move in tandem," Atlas answered before resuming his silence as Annabeth simply took in the scenery.

They continued to walk for several more minutes as the second wall came closer, giving Annabeth a clearer view of many towers and tall buildings within the walls. Although as they walked she couldn't help but get more curious as she kept stealing glances at Atlas, wanting to figure out the new puzzle that he represented. Why was he here, what was that odd power coming from him, how'd he get blind, and she just didn't know if she could or should ask?

"Speak goddess, otherwise you'll burst," Atlas' voice cut in making Annabeth jump slightly in surprise.

Blushing in slight embarrassment and adding another question of how did he know, she took a breath before getting on with it.

"So … why and how are you here?" she asked.

"How is simple, Jackson came to me with an offer of freedom with one condition and even though I didn't know it was him at the time, I agreed. Why I am here like this was due to the mercy of my aunt and then being under the absolute patronage of my lady."

"Lady?" she asked as she glanced at a team of satyrs who paused from tilling some field as they looked at them.

"Lady Styx," Atlas supplied much to Annabeth's surprise. Again, somehow Atlas knew or guessed that she was shocked, even going as far as smirking before answering. "Yes, Lady Styx along with the original Phoebe are also new primordial goddesses. Lady Styx of Hatred, Oaths, and the River Styx while Phoebe controls Inevitability, Compulsion, and Necessity."

"And what does being under her absolute patronage mean exactly?" Annabeth asked, finding that particular detail intriguing since she's never heard of absolute patronage before.

"It means that I am vowed to always serve her to the best of my ability. That my life truly is hers and she may command me as she wishes but," he said hearing Annabeth's gasp. "It must be done willingly and in doing so I am both connected to my lady as well as blessed with much of her power and abilities."

"Such as?"

"My skin is nearly indestructible and I have no vulnerable point is a key blessing, however, no power or ability is absolute without a draw back. In my case it was the sacrifice of my sight and even then, just because my skin is perfect armor does not mean I can't be crush or strangled as so eloquently demonstrated to me in a spar against Jackson after obtaining my abilities," he explained, almost grumbling the last bit before continuing on calmly.

"Her waters are a safe haven to me and I am her main Keeper and as such, it is my duty to enforce the punishment of broken oaths. Lastly is my ability to feel the hatred of those around me, to understand it, its source and extent."

He paused as Annabeth took it all in, awed at the strengths and abilities given to Atlas placing leagues above what he once was though Annabeth still wondered how he could 'see' given that he hadn't so much as stumbled around or looked past her any time he faced her. Though she doubted he would elaborate on that considering her role in this war was up in the air at the moment and she was pretty sure there was more to him that what he mentioned, especially considering he hadn't told all that much.

It would only take one successful attack to see he was impervious and she knew they didn't have anyone with enough brute strength to overpower the Titan of Strength and Endurance since the disappearance of Hercules.

Still, that answered as to why and how he was here but what confused her now was how he seemed so … okay with it. Last she recalled Atlas had been frothing at the mouth for freedom and to essentially rip apart everything built up since the fall of the titans. And yet here he was, being her guide and escort on her way to see a council with several former demigods that faced him in battle.

"Um Atlas?" she started, getting an acknowledging grunt from the titan. "… Why do you seem so … happy? Satisfied, generally okay with all this? Didn't you hate Percy, the demigods, us?"

Silence pervaded for some time before Atlas gave a mighty sigh as he stopped a few meters from a second set of gates and turned towards her.

"Saying that I am happy with this and at peace are two different things Chase. Sadly, I do not believe happiness is something I could ever deserve … not after what I've done." Raising a hand to stop Annabeth's questions, he continued.

"You see, a key difference between myself and so many of other deities currently in opposition to the new protogenoi is one thing; the willingness to change. And that all begins at the moment I made my worst mistake since banishing my daughter. I struck her down."

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Don't forget to throw some power Stones, to keep the story going.

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