Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson or any of the characters, except for little Rhea
Warning: blood, some torture, more adultish themes
Previous chapter:
''I am so proud of you, my daughter.''
Blushing bright red, in the embrace of my father, I thought that I could get used to this life, living in Atlantis and helping govern the people.
But every summer must come to an end, and at the end of the day, I was still mortal, and they were not.
It were days like this when I despised this side of me, and the red blood flowing though my veins.
Chapter 13 - Icy eyes
Stepping through the tall gates into the grounds of the Academy, I took a deep breath and smiled.
I never thought that I would miss air so much, miss how the earth and fresh rain and forests smelled, miss the wind blowing through my hair and the gentle caress on my face.
But I did, and I only realized such a simple fact once I had actually felt those sensations again.
The farewell to the people of Atlantis and especially my family was hard, my dad held me tightly, refusing to let me go at first, trying to change my mind, but we both knew that it was better this way. I was part mortal, and I could not just hide away in the Sea, running away from my normal every-day life.
The summer in Atlantis was like a dream, having my father there every day, letting him kidnap me randomly to visit a part of his kingdom that he wanted to show me. Coral reefs, shining in the sunlight, fish and plants that I was sure the mortals did not know about; the raw beauty of the Sea. I fell in love with it, with the currents, the colours, the feel of the water all around me, and the certainty that nothing could possibly ever harm me there.
I once mentioned to my father that I wanted a small mountain of pillows in my room, to relax and have fun and throw around. When I came back to my room that evening there were several dozen in a pile, stapled in the corner of my room. We spent hours on those just talking or having pillow fights in our part of the palace.
I felt guilty for forgetting my mother's death so easily, to let her memory lay at the back of my mind. Poseidon was quick to persuade me other wise though.
''Rhea, it's completely normal for you to be over her death already, your very core and soul is basically saturated with my love for you. There is no space to mourn a dead women in your heart anymore.''
If I did not know he was right, and that it was his own form of kindness, I would have probably hit him for that callous comment, but instead I thanked him. He really screwed up my view on what was normal and right, but I grew even closer to him, he really did occupy most of my heart and soul. He was the first thing I saw and felt in the morning when I woke up in his arms, and the last thing I acknowledged when he hummed me to sleep.
He was my anchor.
Shaking those rather emotional thoughts out of my mind, I instead concentrated on listening to the exited chattering of my friends/little sisters. Susan had a little brother that would soon go to school, and she spent at least half an hour talking about him. It was really cute, I always wanted a younger sibling, someone to care for, but I did not think that it would happen. Poseidon seemingly wasn't the least bit interested in an affair right now, so I wasn't expecting any half-siblings.
To be honest I was selfish enough to say that I did not wish to share him either. Triton was the exception.
Between the long lessons, and demanding extracurricular activities, I was soon exhausted, desperately wishing for the dinner to end soon, so I could jump onto my fluffy bed, and dream sweet dreams.
Like that days passed, turning into weeks and at last months.
I had not seen any monsters this year either, although I would have like to test my archery skills against them. It was remarkable what long hours of practice could do to one's skill. I ignored my father's knowing smile, and the laughter that shined bright in his sea-green eyes, making his crinkles along those stand out even more.
It was nearing the last days, and the only thing separating me from another summer in Atlantis was the annual ball my school held, and for some reason I had let my friends convince me to attend.
Gods, was I turning all soft and mushy inside?
I certainly hoped not.
Entering my room I at first did not notice the large rectangular package on my bed, I only did when I nearly crashed on it while diving on the comforter. Sensing my father's amusement at my not so graceful landing, I forewent blushing and instead reached out to open the package that I was now sure came from Poseidon.
I gasped, when I removed the cover. Inside was a beautiful dress, with matching shoes and I could even spot earrings and bracelets sitting innocently to the side. Several moments later I was still stunned into silence, slowly, hesitantly, I grasped the fabric with my hands. It was not a Greek, but modern cut made out of the same silk or material used in Atlantis.
''Thank you, dad.'' I whispered, too touched to say anything else. A moment later, he was sitting beside me, an armed wrapped around my shoulders, kissing my forehead softly.
''You're welcome. Have fun, Princess.'' he murmured, disappearing only moments afterwards.
Grinning I went into my bathroom, it seemed like the ball would not be as bad as I thought.
The dining hall was decorated with lavish buffets and bright crystal lights, plants giving it a less clinical image. It was not as distinguished or beautiful as Atlantis, but I thought that for a school event it was still rather impressive.
I was distinctly aware of the boys looking at me, I did not wish to sound vain, but I was beautiful even with my ten years of age, not cute or adorable as young girls normally are, but stunning. I couldn't wait until I developed curves and was all grown-up, feeling only faint stirrings of pity for the boy or man who would catch my attention.
I did not believe for one moment that my father and Triton would make it easy for him.
It would be highly amusing and mildly irritating at the same time.
''- and where did you even get that dress, Rhea?'' Amelia, a blond-haired girl with dark brown eyes asked me. She was one of my closer friends, and another one of my little sisters.
I smiled at her, unaware that this action caused some of the boys watching me to choke on their drinks.
''My father sent it, he spoils me too much sometimes.'' the corners of my mouth twitched, even as I accepted a glass of orange juice from one of the bartenders.
''We're all so happy for you that you get on so well.'', at the beginning of the year, Poseidon had used the mist to change my documents showing that he had guardian ship over me. The death of my mother was common knowledge, although curiously everyone though it was a robber who shot her. I was glad that no one knew about Gabe, that stinking swine.
He had also somehow bought me new clothes when I wasn't looking, all high quality and expensive. At a school like this where brand clothes were known so well, I was instantly bombarded by questions, where I told everyone the cover story me and my father had made up during a game of monopoly (I hate that game, he always wins).
''Yes, he's great. He immediately came once he knew that I existed, I still don't know why mother did not tell him that she was pregnant. He's just so... awesome.'' I grinned, nearly gushing receiving amused and happy smiles from my friends.
''You're so lucky, Rhea. You really deserve-'' Susan stopped, looking wide-eyed at something behind me. Frowning I whirled around, confused why I did not sense anyone coming up behind me.
''Dad.'' I exclaimed, surprised and pleased, happiness obvious in my voice.
He gave me a hug, and only then did I realize that he was actually wearing a suit of all things, an elegant simple black with a green ties, making his eyes stand out even more.
''Daughter.'' he gave me a quick kiss on the forehead and a fond smile. ''Mind saving the first dance for me?''
I quickly nodded, having seen several fathers dance with their daughters. ''Of course.'' I waved my friends, and let myself be guided to the dance floor, among the other participants who were already twirling more or less gracefully across the dance floor.
The height difference made the dancing a little awkward, but as the first beats of the new song settled soothingly across the floor, my feet began to move, gliding over the dance floor following the larger ones. And then we were twirling in a rush of movement, black against silver white and it was exhilarating, completely effortless and I smiled brightly, not having had so much fun in months.
My father was a great dancer, tugging me along gently, movements full of grace and power. It was fluid, experience mixed with natural talent, and then the song slowed down, the beats less fast and slightly breathless but smiling widely we stopped, and I blinked when I saw the empty circle around us, the dancers having stopped long before us, pausing to instead watch.
I blushed bright red, and my father casually motioned me closer, looking annoyed, protective and somehow reluctantly amused at the same time, as if he couldn't decide whether he should mind or not. Ignoring the smattering applause, he guided me through the parting spectators who somehow seemed to realize that standing in his way was akin to suicide, like jumping in front of a running train.
The terrace was empty when we closed the door behind us, and somehow I knew it would stay this way. If he wanted to my father could demand respect and obedience like no other.
''That was... fun.'' I chuckled amusedly, getting over my initial embarrassment.
''Yes.'' he agreed, mouth twitching into a reluctant smile, ''Haven't danced like that in a long time. You're still too short though.''
I snorted, remembering that talk from long ago. ''I'm ten years old, old man.''
He choked, muttering old man under his breath, horror evident in his voice. I laughed, breathing in the fresh air, and felt free. ''Hey dad, I didn't know that you had any fashion sense.''
His eyebrow was twitching, a fact which I expertly ignored. Annoying him was so much fun after all, it was like a hobby.
He sighed exasperatedly, ''I do have fashion sense, but everything else is so constraining, besides what's wrong with Bermuda shirts and Khakis?''
Looking at him with a blank expression, I shook my head before smiling sweetly, making his face colour pale rapidly.
''Daddy.'' he gulped, ''we're gonna go shopping this summer, alright?'' I informed him, still keeping my slightly creepy smile up.
He nodded somewhat fearfully, horror written all over his face, before he suddenly grinned, and with an exaggerated and flourish bow he winked at me. ''As you wish, my Lady.'' I laughed, hand clutched over my mouth, even as he joined me, creating the harmonious sound of laughter and fun and absolute freedom.
It took a while for us to calm down, still chuckling occasionally, and then he gave me a hug, before disappearing with the wind, leaving the smell of ocean behind.
My good mood remained for the whole evening, even as I had to escape occasionally from persistent boys who wanted to dance with me. I really really did not wish for them to die because they offended my father.
In less than a week I would be home after all.
My feet touched the ocean and I instantly relaxed, feeling like I finally arrived at my front door. Poseidon had told me that I would have to wait for a moment since he had a spat with Amphitrite right now, sitting down in the warm sand I let my feet feel the cool water, flopping back contentedly.
Suddenly I lurched to my feet before even realizing that I had done so. Something in me was screaming at me to get away, run run run and not look back. Trusting my instinct I whirled around, but before I had even taken a step, a shadow fell over me, my muscles were twitching, tense and ready, but before I could jump away I felt a cold hand wrap around my wrist with bruising force.
And somehow I knew that whatever I did, it would not work, could not work.
Because that was not a monster, icy blue eyes stared right into my widened sea-green ones, and I could see, could feel that like my father he was just more.
A god?
No, he felt different, even older, just ancient. I shivered, feeling so incredibly young and insignificant beneath his gaze, automatically I took in his long grey hair and beard, and the serpent around his shoulders, and I knew.
''Oceanus.'' I whispered in horror.
His grip on my wrist tightened and I flinched. ''Good.'' he purred, looking pleased with my recognition of him.''A smart one.''
I did not answer, trying to somehow figure out a way to escape, or just stall and wait until my father arrived.
He laughed, and the sound sent shivers down my spine, it was cruel, none of that warmth that my father had even in his anger was present in that sound. ''He will not come. He is busy.''
I cried out when he suddenly tightened his grip even further, a crack clearly audible from my wrist, and then we were gone from the beach, leaving only footprints behind.
Seconds later, a wave full of cold and malicious water, swept even the last evidence away.
Then there was silence, the animals sensing the presence of something evil and ancient and dangerous, stayed till, cowering even minutes afterwards.
It was to that silence that Poseidon broke through the waves.
The first thing I noticed when I woke up was that I was strangely uncomfortable, and that my right wrist was in pain.
Followed by the realization that something was incredibly wrong, I ripped open my eyes and took in my surroundings even as my memories slowly returned, aided by the bruise on my wrist and the metal around my hands and feet.
Oceanus.
A titan had kidnapped me, a titan that absolutely despised my father. A titan that stood tight before me, looking completely relaxed while I was close to having a panic attack.
Pushing my fear away (it wouldn't help) I observed my surroundings out of the corner of my eyes.
It was dark.
Only little rays of light illuminated my cage, giving it and even more eerie feeling. It was still beautiful though, carefully built with marble stone, strange symbols etched into every surface, I could only guess but it was probably to contain and shield. This was a prison after all.
It somehow made it even worse, that I was surrounded by beauty, built by a man, who had none in his heart.
I could see it in his icy blue eyes, he was rage and destruction, an icy fire that seemed to glow even underwater, an ancient feeling of bitterness pervading this whole structure.
I could not fight, could not escape, I could only hope that my father would find me.
I had never felt as helpless, as weak in my father's domain as in that very moment. I hated it, despised and resented it with a passion that I had never even realized.
And the Oceanus laughed, looking at me with a savage glee, and suddenly I was filled with fear.
More than fear, a primal terror seemed to spread though my very being, very soul, my very instincts screaming at me, like at the beach to run run run.
And against all logic I began to struggle, I needed to get away, needed to breath and be free, and I did not even register the blood running down my arms, seeping into the salt water all around us.
As suddenly as quick as the feeling came, it was gone again, only a muted echo reverberating though me, and I whimpered when I suddenly felt the pain of my raw wrists and ankles, still stuck in the restraints that seemed to siphon my strength.
Oceanus just continued laughing at me, not even pausing when I glared at him with all the strength I could muster, instead it seemed to amuse him even more.
''Thank you for being born. Officially I am neutral as my favorite daughter married the new Lord of the Seas,'' he spit my father's title out, like it was poison to his tongue, ''so unfortunately I can't kill you or hurt you too badly, but I still think we are going to have a lot of fun during the next few day. I don't want my beloved nephew to become too happy, do I? So what do you think, Rhea?''
He caressed my bruised? fractured? broken? wrist gently with his finger tips and with a savage snarl he just grabbed and there was an ugly crunch, and I screamed along with his laughter.
''Let's begin, grand-niece, shall we?''
A/N Ok so the blood and rage will follow next chapter, it won't be too explicit or bad, you will see what happens next chapter. And I hate rape scenes so I will never ever write one! Just in case someone is wondering.
The kidnapping by Oceanus is going to play a key part in the relationship between Poseidon and Rhea (the father-daughter one), I always thought that it was unrealistic that the free Titans did not do anything before the start of the books, and since Oceanus despises Poseidon it is only logical for me that he wants to pay him back. And Rhea is a convenient target.
Regarding the pairing it is awesome that I got so many reviews and suggestions and I'm a really happy author right now. So I decided to leave out the romance in the war, and just leave him as an overprotective, very possessive father for now.
I'll just write a sequel after I finish the war and in that sequel there will be a pairing and romance (probably Poseidon/Rhea), so if anyone does not wish to see Rhea paired up with Poseidon or anyone else, then they can just leave out the sequel. In this story there might relationships betw. other characters, but Rhea won't date anyone due to the fighting and her advanced mental age.
Hope everyone is fine with that, she would be too young for a serious romance before the end of the books anyway.
Over 100 reviews, just wow and thanks!
I will most likely update on the weekend, this week is just really really busy, but I think I still spoil you anyway.
C'ya soon.