Chapter Text
Atlas is decently sure he must have pissed off some deity in a past life. Maybe he used to be the devil himself. Maybe he was one of those people who took up too much space and was far too loud. Maybe he just happened to be a jerk to the wrong person.
Whatever it was, he sure as hell is being punished for it in this life. He must be, and whoever is punishing him must be insane.
Why else would they make him of all creatures the Trollhunter?
Atlas was just minding his own damn business walking with Zeke to school. That's it. That's all. Then he heard it.
Atlas...
A voice, strong and deep, calling to him. It raised alarms. He stood up straighter, he looked around, he froze for a brief second, not long enough for an enemy to notice but just enough time to allow himself to think.
Isn't this near where Kanjigar died?
Have the fools at Trolllmarket discovered the truth of his nature?
Were they there for revenge?
Atlas...
Atlas jumped right before Zeke shoved him. "Dude! Pay attention. There's a big pile of rocks..." Atlas drowned him out as he looked to where he was pointing.
Remains. The former Trollhunter's remains.
This could be his chance.
Atlas has started walking without thinking. He could've brought the amulet to the Janis Order if it hadn't been collected yet.
Instead, as soon as he saw it, it pulsed.
Atlas.
Hence his current predicament. Somehow, he's managed to go the entire day while keeping up the act as if he's not panicking on the inside.
What should he do? What can he do? He's dead meat if the Janus Order finds out. They'd use him to do who knows what, and he'd be considered as lesser than even his fellow changelings as he did it. He would be humiliated and then slaughtered at the hands of Gunmar once he's freed. No, this requires tact. He needs to deal with it covertly, which has unfortunately never been Atlas' strong suit. Maybe he could run away? No, they'd find him easily. Maybe if he confesses quickly, they'll allow him a painless death? No, no...
"... atlas. Young Atlas!"
Atlas startles and looks around, realizing his dad's classroom is empty. "Oh, fuck..." he mutters, gathering his stuff. Even Zeke left without him. Traitor.
"Language. What has you so lost in thought, Mr. Lake?" His dad picks up a pen he dropped, handing it to him carefully. "Has something... personal occurred?" He gives a look that tells Atlas it isn't so much a question as it is a demand to be told what's distracting him.
Fuck me, he can't help but think as he hesitates for a moment. Of all people he could possibly tell... No, it's too risky. He's still a higher up. Though, his distaste for Bular is so obvious...
"Atlas." His voice breaks Atlas from his thoughts again, firmer this time. "Do we need to go to the office?" He raises an eyebrow as he finally manages to zip up his backpack. Atlas knows he means the hidden office behind the principal's seat. Maybe there they could talk freely... All he would really need to do is show him the amulet in his pocket...
No.
He can't. Not yet.
Sorry, Dad. You would do the same thing.
"No, Mr. Strickler. Everything is alright. I'll catch you up later." Atlas gives him a small smile before hurrying out, not giving his dad a chance to prod more.
The rest of his day passes in a blur of anxiety. He goes to the house across the street from Zeke at the end of the day, anxious. He hides himself in the basement, thinking about what to do, contemplating every possibility. He feels like he's close to driving himself crazy when two large surprises make themselves known to him.
Oh, you have got to be kidding.