Morning star's Gambit

Both cults was breathless and sore. But all the same they're glad they passed the test. Everyone clapped and cheered for the two victors. The big three flew down from their thrones to the ground to so every member could formally congratulate them. Well, almost every member. Atlas was, unlike the others, feeling neutral. He had a look in his eye which Morning and Swift blade knew all to well: Atlas has another challenge.

Great. Swift blade thought Another challenge? What could Atlas possibly think of?

As if he heard him, Atlas answered.

"Now that the 1st challenge is completed, the real test can now begin!" He boomed.

The audience, as well as the other members of the big three, was shocked at the decree their brother just made.

"Victors will meet in the throne room where they can truly be tested. Don't be late."

Atlas walked off, with Kronos following him leaving Helios on the field with the victors.

"What does he mean by final test?" Swift blade asked.

"Do not worry." Helios said trying to calm the cult. "I don't think it's  Atlas's intention to harm you for no reason. It's just not in his nature."

"Besides, how bad could this be?" Morning said laughing.

Remember this question for it will soon be answered.

                                                                ~~~~~~~~~

The victors meet the big 3 in their throne as promised. But they weren't the only form of royalty there. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had heard about the Battle Brawl Mania and wanted to catch the ending. Celestia sat on a extra throne next to Helios while Luna sat next to Atlas.

"The victors are here. Now Atlas will you, pray tell, inform us on your idea on a final test?" Helios asked.

"Gladly." Atlas said with a smile." My idea of a final test is easy, it will be a test of power. Both victors choose one god to do battle with. If they win I'll agree to their titian ship. If they lose....well I'll send the coffin makers a notice. Simple."

Behold. The answer to Morning star's question

"Brother! You can't possibly expect them to beat a god. Even the weakest one could destroy them easily!" Helios said worrying.

"But do see any weak gods present? No? I didn't think so." Atlas said bluntly. "Now is the time! Victors! Choose your opponent!"

Swift blade didn't now what to do. Each member of the big 3 was powerful and could destroy us in their own way! If we choose Kronos he'll just turn us into dust with his time traveler's magic. Choose Helios and he'll just burn us to a crisp and/or simply vaporize us, but at least he'll be nice about it. And Atlas .... well, lets just say the last guy who challenged him never made it out of the throne room,,,, alive anyway. So any way you look at it the ending result is: we're screwed.

"I can't decide!" Swift blade confessed and closed his eyes. " You pick."

Morning Star already had his answer.

"You!" he blurted out.

Swift blade opened his eyes once more to see who their opponent was and sure enough he was pointing at the last Titian you would to get into a fight with : Atlas. Helios was no doubt shocked at his student's choice.

"M-Morning star! Are you insane! You want to challenge Atlas?!? You do remember what happened to that stallion last time?"

Atlas just smiled.

"They obviously want to prove themselves with a real challenge."

He then started to rise from his throne but Morning star just now realized something: All the gods were not their full size back at the arena. But now they were. And another thing: despite of Atlas being the youngest of the 3, he was the biggest and strongest. Atlas continued to rise but showed no signs of stopping. That's when Morning star noticed one final thing: Big wasn't a good word for him. He was a colossus! In fact he was so tall his horn scraped the ceiling!  His throne must be magic because there was no way it could have contained him if this is his true height. Atlas's throne was in fact custom made from scratch by his own design and raw magic. It was indeed a special type of magic: space distortion magic, One of Atlas's main powers. His horn lit up a blazing white and a giant energy claymore appeared in his giant hand.

"Okay how in the wide, wide world are we going to beat him!?!" Swift blade cried out.

"Like this!" Morning yelled as he charged at the giant with his staff.

Atlas swung his giant blade downwards nearly missing Morning star but instead hit the marble floor creating a giant crater. The aftershock forced the young cult backwards thus landing on Swift blade. The sword was probably 3x the strength of a speeding train.

"Well man, at least you gave it your best shot." Swift blade groaned.

"We're not done yet!" Morning star said as he charged at the giant again.

"I was afraid you'd say that." Swift blade said as he followed.

I hate to admit it but they have a lot of courage to attack me, twice. Atlas thought. They Definitely show promise.

This time they had the 1st strike. Before Atlas could react they both leaped high in the air and with delivered another Stone wall breaking blow toward Atlas's chest. Sadly the best it did was make him step back a few spaces. Never the less Atlas was impressed by the power by the two novices.

I think I saw everything I needed to see. Time to finish this..

Atlas raised his sword once more. Swift blade thought they was going to die. The sword came down and he closed his eyes. He waited for the blood curdling scream of his teammate but instead heard nothing. Swift blade opened his eyes and was happy to see he and his friend were still in one piece. As for the sword Atlas had just planted it into the ground, there was a huge grin on the his face.

"You have passed the test. Congratulations!"

Both Morning star and Swift blade were dumbfounded. Atlas explained that his true intentions were in fact to see what we would do if while guarding their kingdom we came across a dangerous opponent with absolutely no chance of beating him . Would we a) run or b) stand their ground and fight for their lives. Atlas was fairly happy with our choice. The princesses clapped and cheered, the other gods were just as happy as they were relieved.