The waves of the ocean continued their rhythmic crashing against the walls of the Atlantean palace, a sound that had become almost comforting to Percy. But today, that peace was shattered by the prospect of facing a different kind of challenge-one that involved politics and the surface world. It was barely morning when an Atlantean guard knocked on the grand doors of the throne room, delivering a summons from Gotham's mayor.

"You've got to be kidding me," Percy muttered, reading over the letter. He couldn't believe they were being summoned like this, as if they were just another diplomatic party.

Thalia raised an eyebrow, leaning over to read the letter with him. "Mayor of Gotham, huh? And they want to meet us on the surface. I guess word of a new sea god travels fast."

Nico snorted, lounging in a coral-carved chair off to the side. "Yeah, I'm sure the Justice League had nothing to do with that. They probably told him we're a threat or something."

Piper sighed, brushing her fingers through her hair. "Well, it's not like we can avoid the surface world forever. If the mayor of Gotham wants to meet, we'll have to make an appearance. It could help with diplomacy between Atlantis and the land."

Jason crossed his arms, glancing between them all. "And we'll probably run into the Justice League again. They won't pass up an opportunity to interrogate us more."

Percy grimaced, but he nodded. "Yeah. But if we have to do this, we do it on our terms. Thalia, Jason, Nico, Will, Piper-you're all coming with me. We don't face them alone."

Thalia smirked, her eyes sparking with a mixture of mischief and determination. "Wouldn't have it any other way, Your Majesty."

With that decided, they made their preparations. Thalia and Percy donned their regal attire, the sea-inspired crowns resting lightly on their heads, while the others wore their advisor and warrior garb. They had to look the part, even if they didn't feel entirely comfortable in the roles they'd been given.

---

By the time they reached Gotham, night had fallen, and the city was awash with neon lights and shadows. The Atlantean escort led them through the dark streets, guiding them toward the mayor's office. It felt surreal-one moment they were under the ocean, and the next they were back on the gritty, crime-ridden streets of Gotham.

They entered the mayor's building, a stately structure that seemed out of place amidst the chaotic sprawl of Gotham City. Inside, the air was cold, and their footsteps echoed down the marble halls as they made their way to the mayor's office.

The mayor, a middle-aged man with a stern face and thinning hair, sat behind his large desk, flanked by a few aides. But they weren't alone. Standing at the back of the room, partially hidden in the shadows, was the unmistakable presence of Batman. He stood with his arms crossed, his cape draped around him like a shadowy mantle.

Beside Batman stood a few other members of the Justice League-Wonder Woman, Superman, and Aquaman. The room seemed to tense with their arrival, and Percy felt the weight of all those eyes on him and his friends.

"Welcome, King Perseus, Queen Thalia," the mayor greeted, forcing a formal smile. "And to your advisors as well. Thank you for agreeing to this meeting."

Percy dipped his head in acknowledgment, doing his best to maintain a diplomatic expression. "We're here as requested, Mayor. What is it you wish to discuss?"

The mayor's smile tightened, his gaze flicking nervously to the Justice League members before turning back to Percy. "There are... concerns about the presence of a new power in the ocean. Atlantis has always had a delicate relationship with the surface world, and with you taking the throne, we need to establish... guidelines for how this relationship will proceed."

Thalia's expression was cool, almost unyielding. "Guidelines? You mean rules you expect us to follow?"

Before the mayor could respond, Batman stepped forward, his voice cutting through the room like a blade. "What he means is that the surface world needs to know what kind of power it's dealing with. Your sudden ascension has raised questions-questions about control, about the security of Atlantis and the surrounding oceans."

Percy met Batman's unyielding gaze, refusing to back down. "We're not here to threaten anyone. We just want to protect Atlantis and maintain peace."

Wonder Woman, who had remained silent until now, spoke up, her tone gentler than Batman's but no less firm. "Peace is what we all desire, but it must be ensured that no power is abused. Atlantis holds considerable influence over the seas, and with you as its ruler, the world needs to know your intentions."

Nico stepped forward, his dark eyes flashing. "Our intentions are none of your business. Atlantis answers to itself, not to Gotham, and definitely not to the Justice League."

Aquaman raised a hand, as if trying to ease the tension. "Nico, they have a point. The transition to a new rule is always uncertain. But we must find a way to work together, for the sake of both our worlds."

Percy turned his head slightly toward his friends, catching Thalia's eye. He raised an eyebrow, a silent question about their next move. Thalia gave him a small nod, understanding his cue.

Percy started speaking in Greek, his voice low but clearly audible to the others. "Should we even consider working with them? They seem more interested in controlling us than actually cooperating."

Thalia answered in Greek as well, her voice just as quiet. "It's a risk either way. But if we refuse, they might make things more difficult. We could end up with more enemies than we can handle."

Piper leaned in, also switching to Greek. "We should play along for now. Let them think we're willing to cooperate, but don't give away too much."

Jason joined in, his tone thoughtful. "We keep our options open, but we have to stay vigilant. If they cross us, we pull back and cut ties."

Nico's lips curled into a faint smirk. "I'd rather deal with a Hydra than these guys, but fine. We play nice. For now."

The mayor, who clearly didn't understand a word of Greek, looked increasingly uncomfortable with their whispered conversation. The Justice League members, however, seemed more suspicious, especially Batman, who watched them with a sharp, calculating gaze.

Percy turned back to the mayor, slipping back into English with a polite smile. "We're willing to work with you to ensure peace. But understand that Atlantis remains sovereign, and our people's safety is our priority."

The mayor seemed to accept this, albeit with a strained expression. "Very well, King Perseus. We'll draft a formal agreement. Thank you for coming."

With that, the meeting concluded, though the tension lingered in the air. As Percy and his friends made their way out of the building, they exchanged wary glances, knowing that this encounter was only the beginning of a much larger struggle.

Thalia caught up to him as they left the mayor's office, her voice low. "You did well, Percy. You stood your ground."

Percy managed a small, exhausted smile. "Thanks, Thalia. But I get the feeling this is just the start of a whole lot of headaches."

Thalia snorted softly. "Welcome to being a king, Seaweed Brain."

And with that, they left the building, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead-both from the surface world and from the depths of the ocean they now called home.