Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson or any of the characters except for little Rhea

JP MaShadow: Thank you! I gotta confess that it feels great to know that your work is appreciated... your comment really cheered me up!

TVshowsManiac: I'll be following the book... it's gonna become obvious pretty soon.

Hanna: Yes there will be changes to the canon... cuz face it Rhea is like totally different from Percy! I can't see her doing or saying the same things...

PersephoneJackosn123: I just couldn't stop thinking about your comment so enjoy the results!

Previous chapter:

Watching her peaceful sleeping face pressed against his shoulder, and her fingers grab his shirt in an iron grip; Poseidon pressed her a little closer and dark satisfaction purred tenderly along his soul.

No matter what, Rhea was his alone, and would always be. The God wouldn't allow anything to change that, even if he had to wade through bodies and death to achieve that.

Chapter 21 – Catalysts

I was panicking. It probably wasn't healthy for me to make such a big deal out of it, but I was quite frankly panicking. It wasn't my fault that this thing came at such an inopportune moment.

Ignoring the confused and rather alarmed expression of the inhabitants of Atlantis, I breezed past them, my eyes flickering over the various Mermaids frequenting the halls, all of them bowing as soon as they saw me. I smiled back distractedly, panicking even more when I couldn't find the one mermaid I was searching for.

I swam past another corner into the hallway leading towards a smaller dining hall – why did we have so many anyway? – sagging in relief quite pathetically when I finally finally found the person I was looking for.

''Princess, is everything all right?'' Naraia questioned softly, swimming towards me worriedly as soon as she saw me floating through the door.

I nodded, ''Naraia, are you busy right now?''

She shook her head in the negative, ''Of course not, little Princess.''

I smiled at her in relief, motioning for her to follow me. The older mermaid waved her hand, silently telling the others to continue working, before floating through the door after me. I was aware of the odd little glances the elder mermaid shot me throughout the next minute, but too damned panicked to reply. And embarrassed, couldn't forget that part.

I had gotten to know Naraia rather well during the last few years; she had been a constant presence during my summer here, teaching me what it meant to be a Royal Princess. How to behave and what to avoid, who I could trust and who I should be wary of. She was the only female constant in my life, and although she could never replace my kind and gentle mother, in my eyes she was the closest to one I currently had.

So once I had noticed my little problem, I had immediately sought her out. I opened the door to my private rooms, gesturing the still confused mermaid into the spacious abode.

''Naraia, I need your help.'' I stated quickly, trying not to fidget too much. I knew that she would disapprove of such behavior.

''Of course, Lady Rhea. What happened?'' She kindly asked me.

I coughed, hoping my face wasn't as red as it felt like. ''I… I've gotten my period.''

''Oh…'' the elder mermaid replied, ''…and what seems to be the problem then?''

''I need to go onto land to buy products and I can't because father would ask me why and I can't lie to him but it's too embarrassing to tell him.'' I blurted out; blushing a bright red which wasn't helped by the amused tugging of Naraia's lips.

''I see, and that's why you came to me.'' She clarified, and I nodded, looking at her with wide, hopeful and suspiciously shiny puppy dog eyes. ''Please, Naraia?''

''You will have to tell Lord Poseidon, little Princess. There's nothing I can do. I'm sorry.'' Naraia sounded too amused to be regretful, hiding a small smile behind a wide sleeve.

''Okay.'' I pouted, reluctantly conceding her point, ''Still thank you and I apologize for dragging you away from your work.''

She waved my apology away with nary a thought, and I knew that as her Liege's daughter I could have just easily ordered her to do anything I wished, but that kind of power made me uneasy and Naraia knew that.

''No need to apologize, little Princess. It was my pleasure, now go and talk to Lord Poseidon, he should be in his private study.''

I nodded, and soon swan towards my father's private rooms, frantically wishing that I hadn't left my bed today.

This was just going to be really really embarrassing.

Poseidon scowled in irritation at paper in front of him, scrutinizing the report calculatingly. Ever since Oceanus had kidnapped Rhea right under his nose during the last summer, he had several swarms of sea creatures monitor anything that might have to do with the ancient Titan. It needn't be said that even the mere name of that filth made his blood boil yet again.

The God of the Sea was not going to risk being careless yet again, and just because he could not confront the Titan directly didn't mean he couldn't plan for such a future event. He had a long memory and for him it didn't matter whether it would take days or months or years or centuries or even millennia; he would make him pay for harming Rhea.

And every time she woke up choking with fear, or trembled faintly whenever his name was merely mentioned; he felt that desire to completely and utterly destroy that thing yet again. It was clear to him that Rhea feared Oceanus greatly; she seemed to have projected every negative emotion from those hours onto the Titan.

He couldn't even imagine the fear and the utter hopelessness she must have felt when in the vicinity of that monster completely alone, cut off from the water and his comforting presence when she was only ten years old.

He was interrupted by a timid knock on his door, his eyebrows shot up on their own when he felt his daughter on the other side. His – judging by her emotions – completely and utterly mortified daughter.

His interest and curiosity more than peaked Poseidon didn't hesitate in ordering the water to open his door for him. He blinked bemusedly at the blushing and fidgeting form of his daughter, looking anywhere but him.

Now extremely curious, he made the water give her a little push into the room; and she stumbled awkwardly into his chambers. Truthfully Poseidon couldn't remember being as baffled in a very long time.

''Rhea?'' he questioned carefully, trying not to sound too amused, but it was rather hard.

''Dad…em…well…I…'' Rhea uncharacteristically stuttered, and Poseidon felt his eyebrows – if possible – rise another metaphorical inch. Rhea was not timid, not uncertain; and she did not stumble or fidget or stutter. At all.

''Yes?'' He prompted gently, watching in utter confusion as Rhea averted her eyes yet again.

''I…Igotmyperiodandneedtogoandbuysomestuff.'' Rhea rushed out, crossing her arms in front of her chest in a clearly defensive gesture.

Poseidon prayed that he had somehow heard this wrong. ''What?''

''My period… I got it today…'' Rhea mumbled, determinately not looking at him.

Poseidon rubbed his face wearily, coughing uncomfortably. ''Oh…'' Because what was he supposed to say to that? He was not ready for this conversation, not at all.

''And I need to go and buy some stuff.'' Rhea added, looking at his bookshelf like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

''No need, I'll just create some stuff… yes… I can do that…'' Poseidon waved her off, not intending to let her out of sight during this summer. There were just too many things that could happen outside of her usual surroundings…. no…no …no… there was just no way.

''You don't have to…'' Rhea feebly tried to protest, and the mortification she felt caused Poseidon even in his horror to break into an amused smile.

''Don't worry about it…. I have enough experience…'' He explained uncomfortably, hinting at another topic that he wanted to avoid with his innocent little daughter at all costs.

''Oh…'' she murmured awkwardly, and Poseidon would normally have wanted to coo at the adorable sight a blushing and stuttering Rhea made, if he wasn't hit by a rather frightening epiphany.

''Rhea, you know that you have to stay away from boys, don't you?'' Poseidon cleared his throat. His little daughter was now a woman… in the old days she would have been married off at this age…. just the thought of some boy with his little girl…

''Of course, father.'' Rhea nodded obediently, less embarrassed and more amused now and Poseidon counted that as a victory.

''You know how babies are made, right? I don't have to give you 'The Talk', right?'' Poseidon enquired half awkwardly, half desperately, all the while cursing silently in his head. He may be an ancient God with eons of experience, but there were just some thing's he felt wholly unprepared for.

Rhea made a strangled sound; a mixture of a whimper and a groan of pure mortification which more than answered his question, and this time Poseidon was the one who averted his eyes. God damn was this awkward.

''Good. I'll put the things into your room.'' The Sea God nodded, before his eyes sharpened into a vaguely predatory shape. ''Rhea, I am completely serious. When a boy comes too close to you, break his arm or his leg or kick him where it hurts the most, alright? And then tell me, okay?'' Poseidon smiled brightly - creepily - at his visibly disturbed daughter, the faintest stirrings of pity emitting from her side of the bond.

''Yes, father. I will be careful.'' She once again nodded obediently, making him relax infinitely. He certainly wouldn't mention that anyone with less than pure intentions would probably drown mysteriously rather quickly and violently, while those that had pure intentions would only be traumatized slightly. He wasn't that cruel… Okay he would probably wish to eradicate every single one of them, but at least he wouldn't deprive Rhea of friends… past that it was free game.

Content with his ruling to monitor every single one of the male gender carefully and make the appropriate decisions, Poseidon motioned for his daughter to come closer. With an affectionately smile, the God of the Sea tenderly brushed some strands of hair behind her ear and pressed a kiss on her forehead.

''Now go on. I still have some work to do.''

Rhea smiled at him, still a faint tinge of red on her cheeks, but now visibly less embarrassed; before hugging him tightly. Hesitating for a moment, she reluctantly peered up to him, staring right into his identical eyes. ''Don't kill them?'' She half suggested, half asked; some guilt spilling through their bond, and Poseidon sighed fondly.

Rhea still had morals after all; the Sea God could intellectually understand that she would feel guilty if he randomly started killing humans because they came too close to her. But personally Poseidon thought that it was obvious that she was his, so anyone who came too close to her automatically challenged him.

So what if he drowned some adolescent mortals? Rhea was his priority and anyone who even caused her unease or viewed her in a manner that was less than appropriate deserved a rather painful death in his opinion.

''I will try.'' Poseidon conceded reluctantly not able to resist her pleading expression. Although he was once again rather pleased that she was able to understand and predict him so well, enough to know that he was actually considering killing all those who came too close, and not be afraid of him for that. Yes, he was very pleased indeed.

''Thank you.'' Rhea loosened her hold on him to float upwards, kissing his cheek before leaving him to his planning.

The Sea God knew that he was rather over-protective – understatement of the century – and that Rhea would have to adjust to that. He didn't even wish to imagine Rhea wanting to Gods forbid date anyone, because he was sure he would kill whoever even dared to assume that they could. Which in turn would then cause Rhea to be sad, something he was trying to avoid in the first place.

Maybe he should talk to Artemis and make her convince Rhea to stay an eternal maiden...

Sighing, he decided to wait and see and if necessary rather ask for forgiveness than permission. He just hoped Rhea wouldn't stay mad at him for too long.

Eying the report in distaste once again, Poseidon got lost in his more and more cruelly savage plans to cause Oceanus as much anguish as possible.

Revenge was a dish best served cold after all, and the Sea was patient; waiting until it was time to strike. And strike it would.

Meanwhile Rhea was floating back to her room, trying to get over the awkwardness of talking about her period with her godly father, the King of Atlantis. Now that she wasn't as painfully embarrassed anymore, Rhea could appreciate the adorableness of Poseidon's actions. How the God of the Sea subtly panicked over that particular revelation, and how he immediately warned her away from boys. It was just so cute, if she ignored the fact that the boys around her were now in danger of drowning rather violently.

Opening her door, she blinked and stared. And resolutely stared some more. She really should have expected this. Rhea took in her room, the dozen upon dozen of boxes of pads lying around her room, the organized chaos that seemed to swallow up her whole bed, and sighed.

Yes, she really should have expected this.

Princess. I smiled fondly at the Hippocampus nuzzling my outstretched hand. It had been two weeks since the incident which would never be named again – aka telling my father that I had the period – and both my father and Triton had only gotten busier during that time.

Luckily Hestia had taken to visiting regularly otherwise I would have been rather lonely even with the myriad of servants milling around the palace. Poseidon seemed oddly stressed sometimes and I didn't have the heart to take up any more of his time. My brother was usually busy doing something together with Lord Mersmil for our father, so I had barely even seen Triton during this summer.

When I told Hestia of the incident, the traitorous Goddess spent the next few minutes laughing and giggling, only stopping to tease me about the whole thing. It was strange how Hestia could go from wise and old Goddess to childish friend in less than a second, but seeing as her form was usually that of one, I didn't think too much of it.

There weren't a lot of children in Atlantis, and most of them were too much in awe of me to even contemplate talking to, much less spent time with them. Hestia had no such reservations, since technically I was of lesser station, so once I noticed that she truly didn't mind I stared roping her into spending time with me.

I had already started seeing Hestia as part of my true family, and cherished her. I understood why Poseidon would respect her so deeply; Hestia was humble. She was still a Goddess, still powerful beyond imagination, but there was a true kindness in her actions that none of the other Gods could match. I wouldn't delude myself into thinking that my father was kind. Poseidon Earth-shaker was merely so towards me, not anyone else.

''Think you can take me to the reef, Leo?'' I stroked his head, and I laughed lightly at the affronted look my Hippocampus shot me, as if he couldn't believe that I would have to ask such a thing.

I floated upon his back, tapping his flanks gently. Leo neighed softly, before taking off in a whirlwind of speed through the water. The wild currents felt like the softest silk on my arms and face; and my smile widened involuntarily. I loved this unending freedom that came with being part of the sea, its intoxicating depth that seemed to call out to me.

Leo was a present from my father, and we had bonded over the months I spent here in Atlantis. He was a comparatively young Hippocampus; but he was fast and strong and most of all very loyal. I named him Leo because of proud glint in his eyes and burnt orange body.

Poseidon had forbidden me from going out too far, but the coral reefs were still in the near vicinity of Atlantis; and close enough for my over-protective father to allow me such indulgences. Soon we arrived, and Leo slowly moved to a halt, neighing softly.

The reef's brilliant colors once again took my breath away, and I stared at the raw beauty of the sea in a state of deep awe. Leo seemed to mirror my feelings, for the Hippocampus was unusually quiet, even solemn. The reef was untouched by human pollution, a haunting beauty that ensured my continued visits.

A bright glint drew my attention and I was drawn in that direction like a moth to a flame. Directing the soft currents around me, I floated towards the reef and took in the whispered greetings of the fish all around me. My breath got caught in my throat as I first lay my eyes on the beautiful pearl being swayed gently by the lingering currents. It was beautiful – special – and I did not know why.

Only that it felt like I had found something important.

Wary, but decidedly curious I cradled the little pure white pearl in my small hand; a soft smile on my lips, feeling a pulse of rightness; and then the pearl shone brightly for a fraction of a moment revealing all of its innocent beauty to my widened eyes. So caught up in its brilliance, I didn't notice the currents changing rapidly; becoming icy and cold and frightening.

It was only when I heard Leo neigh loudly in warning that I whirled around, the pearl automatically slipping into my dress folds; and froze at what my panicked gaze revealed to me. The figure looming over my small form like a predator with its prey, instilled inside of me a primal terror that I had experienced only once before.

My nightmare had become reality once more.

Triton knocked on the door of the Sea God's study, briefly glancing back at the retreating form of Mersmil enviously, lamenting the fact that he was the one who had to give the report to his father, Poseidon. The heir to the throne of Atlantis knew very well how much this report would anger his father. Even he himself could barely hold back the anger that was threatening to overwhelm him.

''Enter.'' Poseidon's voice rang out of the room, and Triton took a deep breath to calm himself down.

The God of the Sea was perched on one of the armchairs, frowning thoughtfully at a report grasped in his hand, only looking up at his heir when the door shut close with a resounding noise. ''Triton, I'm assuming you and Mersmil are finished?''

''Yes, Father. I have come to give you our report.'' Triton straightened even further, trying not to fidget under his father's unnerving gaze. ''As per your order we have been searching for traces of Oceanus. From the increasing frequency of his appearances, we have concluded that he has regained much of his strength, and is planning something. We haven't been able to find out what though. We suspect…'' Triton halted, looking at his father anxiously as the Sea God's eyes darkened and narrowed.

''Yes, Triton?'' The King of Atlantis tone of voice demanded complete and immediate obedience, and Triton was not inclined to disobey.

''We suspect he may be after Rhea.''

The silence that followed was deafening and absolute; Triton could feel himself beginning to sweat nervously as the first signs of the God's rage began to show. His father's eyes darkened to a complete black and the water around him seemed to grow heavier in his anger.

Poseidon Earth-shaker tried to contain the wrath that threatened to overwhelm his son, yet he found himself unable to. He had sent out his heir and several of his subjects to monitor Oceanus, hoping beyond reason that there was no pattern to his recurring appearances at this point in time.

But to think that he would dare target Rhea – what was his – once again was unforgivable. Poseidon rage was nearly impotent by now, and he barely took notice of the splintering of wood beneath his fingertips.

How dare he- He would destroy him, rip him apart and throw him into Tartarus until there was nothing left to pollute his sea any longer. A cold feeling of fear curling around his heart like a vice ripped him out of his blind anger abruptly. It took him only a fraction of a second to follow the trail of dread towards his daughter, to feel the single minded terror pulsing through her body in tandem with her heartbeat.

Not hesitating – he could not allow that hollow look to return to her eyes once again or worse – the King of Atlantis instantly uses his considerable prowess over his domain to propel his liquefied form towards his daughter; her fear a palpable reminder of who she was currently confronted by.

Poseidon's darkened eyes took in the scene in front of him, and his whole domain shook in his righteous anger, as his power exploded around his body, and his Trident instantly materialized in his right hand.

This time there would be no mercy.

A/N Ok another chapter done! This ended kinda different from what I expected but well…. I tried to make this chapter a little more lighthearted, and incorporated PersephoneJackson's idea with Rhea getting her period and Poseidon torn between amusement and panick!…. I just couldn't help myself!

Hope you liked it!

C'ya soon

AriesOrion