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

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Poseidon chuckled fondly, ''Indeed, that I am. Congratulations, Rhea. You have managed to chain a God. Be careful though, child. I will rip apart anyone who dares to infringe upon what I consider mine. So remember what a God's love means, my little one. For it is neither just nor kind.''

His eyes flashed with a silent warning, a dangerous and predatory smirk on his lips that was markedly different from the one before.

I smiled at Poseidon without a single shadow of accusation. It should have unsettled me that I could feel nothing beyond a pleased possessiveness at The Stormbringers wrathful words, but it didn't.

I had already chosen my path, and it was too late to look back and reconsider.

Because the path behind me had already crumbled to dust years ago, and there was nothing left but to go forward.

No matter where that path may lead to.

Chapter 25 – Surprises and Threats

''… and that's enough for today. Please remember to re-read chapter eleven and twelve. There will be a small quiz tomorrow, to see what you've learned during this year.''

Mr. Brunner smiled at our class kindly, moving his wheelchair so that he was directly in front of the blackboard. He had intense brown eyes that sometimes seemed weary and tired, but at the same time hiding strength and wisdom, so even though his attire was always a little scruffy, he was still a very well-liked and respected teacher. His lessons were unorthodox, but interesting enough especially when we played make-believe with plastic swords, and he encouraged us to learn more about old mythological figures – Gods and Goddesses.

Mr. Brunner had replaced our old Latin teacher – an elderly man named Mr. Fletch – a little more than two months ago after the man had for some mysterious reason resigned in the middle of the year. It had been rather obvious to me from the beginning on that Mr. Brunner was not a normal mortal, if not for the covert glances that he threw me, it was the familiarity with which he treated Grover or how much focus he put on the old religion during class, especially the Greek Gods.

My relationship with Grover on the other hand was a little strange. The satyr was uncomfortable with the finer politics of the Academy and since Grover still hadn't managed to get rid of his insecurity, I usually shielded him from the careless cruelty that only children possessed. I liked the satyr and often dragged him around with me, or sometimes tutored him when he looked adorably lost during class. We weren't best friends per se, but still close enough to be comfortable in each other's presence. He was like a shy little brother that I had to protect.

My other friends - too used to me taking people under my wing – didn't even try to stop me. The months passed by rather peacefully and not even the few monsters that found their way close to the Academy were able to interrupt my constant good mood. Their strength was nothing compared to the torture my father called training.

Arashi had become another reliable constant in my life. The little wyvern was rather mischievous, although he always put my safety and well-being over everything else. It was also Arashi that confirmed my guess that Mr. Brunner was not human, but a centaur. Poseidon later told me that Mr. Brunner was most likely Chiron, the trainer of the Heroes and normally stationed in Camp Half-Blood, and that Grover probably called him over to confirm my demi-god status.

Meaning that Grover must have been rather confused about all the mixed signals I seemed to convey to his nature as a satyr. After all while I smelled like a demi-god, there were no monsters that tried to attack me from his point of view, nor did I struggle in school like the majority of other demi-gods. My grades would suggest me being a child of Athena, but on the other hand I had neither blond hair, nor grey eyes.

''Mistress, there are several monsters approaching your current location.'' Arashi's voice broke me out of my quiet contemplation, and I couldn't help but sigh in resignation, ignoring the concerned look Grover shot me. Arashi's ability to sense monsters was incredibly convenient. Still it didn't make the constant annoyances that came with their interruption of my school life any better.

The increasing number of monsters told me more than anything that I would have to go to Camp Half-Blood soon, and while part of me was excited, I also knew that I would have a rather hard time not only adapting to the constant surveillance, but also the jealousy that would no doubt dominate the other demi-god's actions once it became clear that I actually had a good relationship with my godly parent.

''How far away are they?'' I replied through our mind connection, absent-mindedly packing my school books into my bag pack.

''A few minutes away, what do you wish to do?'' The little wyvern tightened his body around my wrist, as if to remind me that he was there to protect me, regardless of the fact that I was more than able to protect myself against a few measly monsters. Really, my father was far more terrifying than any monster could ever hope to be.

''Get rid of them.'' I replied briskly, my mind already whirring with plans and simulations. ''They should not be allowed to linger longer than necessary.''

''As you wish.''

Mind already made-up, I wasted no time in slinging my bag pack over my shoulder, waving a quick good-bye at my group of friends before vanishing into the slowly filling hallway. It only took me a few minutes to inconspicuously sneak out of the school, briefly enjoying the way the summer sun warmed my face, and the pleasant breeze gently ruffled my raven locks.

Not even hesitating in the slightest, I ran towards where Arashi had sensed the monsters; recognizing the directions as the one leading to the forest. It was exactly the place where coincidently I had been attacked and nearly killed by my first monster several years back. Sparing a moment to feel a tinge of amusement at the oddly fitting symbolism, I stopped running as soon as I reached the edge of the woods, the tall trees casting a cool shadow over my slightly panting form. My dominant hand was already rising towards my hairpin – which doubled as my trusty sword – when a startled hiss from my constant companion interrupted my concentration.

''The satyr is approaching, Mistress. And fast. He's heading straight towards us.''

I barely managed to resist groaning in exasperation when the little wyvern whispered that into my mind, already feeling the headache starting to pound inside my head. There was no possible way I could fight the monster with Grover soon arriving at my location. I didn't think he would be able to sense the monster quite as soon. Maybe I had underestimated the timid satyr, or everything was just an aggravating coincidence that was out to ruin my already bad day.

Turning from the outskirts of the forest, while still keeping all of my senses open – no need to unnecessarily invite any danger after all – I wandered back towards the school, not surprised in the least when only a minute later Grover approached me in a fast sprint, looking utterly relieved to see me. I suddenly felt slightly – mind you only slightly – guilt for causing Grover to worry so much.

''Rh-Rhea.'' He gasped out, supporting his upper body on his slightly bent knees as he came to rest in front of me. Sweat was running down his tanned face, and the guilt inside of me increased exponentially. Not that I would ever admit such a thing. Never.

''Grover, are you all right?'' I instead asked when he looked like he wouldn't keel over any second now.

''Y-yeah. I'm fine. Have you seen anything unusual lately?'' He replied, then wincing as if he realized that to someone who had no idea what he was talking about, he would sound rather strange at this moment.

''What do you mean?'' I tried to sound as innocent as possible, shooting my friend a bewildered look while inwardly apologizing to him. Really, it wasn't fair of me to lie to him, but it wasn't like I could tell him the truth either. I'm sure that saying, 'You mean the monsters in the forest. Of course I know all about it, my little satyr friend' would not go over that well. Yep, I could imagine how Grover would react to such a proclamation.

Grover fidgeted on the spot, eyes darting nervously to the forest every now and then, before he seemed to gain a more determined air, as if he had felled an important decision and wouldn't back down now.

''Rhea, do you trust me?''

It took me a moment to answer, but then it was the whole and utter truth – and I wasn't even the least bit surprised at the certainty lacing my own voice.

''Yes, I do.''

Grover grinned at me, sneaking a last look at the forest, before grabbing my hand.

''Then follow me.''

Then a furious roar cut through the silence, and without a second thought, we both started running.

The fruit van that Grover led me to certainly wasn't what I expected. It was a simple unremarkable dirty white with rather delicious looking strawberries decorating the sides in a completely chaotic pattern.

Grover still kept shooting panicking looks at where we came from, urgently tugging at my hand that was still in his slightly larger one. And although the monsters weren't in any way visible, my instincts were still tingling and constantly reminding me that I was being chased. Arashi's displeased tightening around my wrist certainly didn't help either.

So when Grover opened the back doors of the van hastily and quickly climbed in, I didn't hesitate in following him after taking a last long look back at the school where I had spent the majority of the last five years of my life.

It seemed like the last bit of normality would soon fade into obscurity as I closed the doors firmly behind me and as the last light spilled into the van, I could somehow imagine that the click of the van door behind me seemed to be synonymous with what I would be leaving behind.

Still, I had resolved to do this a long time ago; and I wasn't about start regretting the choices that had led me to this moment.

Letting the last vestiges of doubt vanish from my mind, I finally turned around, not in the least bit surprised when I took in the interior of the van.

The faint sounds of the running engine filled the rather awkward silence in the small van as the vehicle drove us towards the Camp. Mr. Brunner being in the van hadn't been a surprise to me, nor the following explanation about the world of Greek mythology. Grover had even shown me his hooves – not like it was necessary, but technically he didn't know that – and Mr. Brunner or rather Chrion had partly lifted himself from the confining wheelchair as proof.

I admitted that I had seen monsters before – my mother could too – so I certainly wasn't that surprised, plus Sally had told me some stories about Greek mythology before. It wasn't even a lie, my mother Sally Jackson was a clear sighted mortal, and had told me stories about the Greek Gods and I could see monsters even back in kindergarten after that one encounter with a Cyclops. I merely let them fill in the blanks that I knew were missing.

Still, I did feel particularly guilty for lying to Grover, because in the months I've known him he had become a friend, someone I could trust now that the 'secret' was out.

''What's the Camp like?'' I instead asked, ignoring the hard wood bench I was sitting on. Really they could have at least added some cushions.

''It's pretty awesome. Well we've god the demi-gods in their cabins, and then there are wood-nymphs and Mr. D, the God of Wine is pretty much the supervisor. He's rather irate, so watch out for him.'' The last part was almost whispered, as if Grover was afraid that Dionysus could hear him even now.

''Mr.D is there because of a punishment. A hundred years, so he will remain at the Camp for quite a while yet.'' Chiron added, looking faintly amused as he smiled at us wryly.

''I see. Then I'll try to not get on his nerves too much.'' I spoke for their benefit, more than aware already how few it took for a God to carry an eternal grudge. I didn't have any intention of upsetting a God who could subtly and slowly turn me mad while I was still unaware of anything having changed at all. Poseidon would undoubtedly notice, but then again I wanted to stand on my own feet, and the whole Oceanus fiasco was already enough for my frazzled nerves.

''Don't worry too much, Rhea. Give him a certain amount of respect and my little nephew will certainly like you well enough.''

The small interior of the van was suddenly filled with a faint ocean breeze, even as three startled sets of eyes came to rest on the God of the Sea at the same time. Poseidon's eyes were filled with mirth as he winked at my still form.

''Lord Poseidon, what are you doing here?'' Chiron's startled exclamation nearly caused Grover to faint while I refrained from showing my exasperation.

''Well Chiron, is a father not allowed to see his daughter off?'' By Chiron's widened eyes he was clearly able to put the pieces together quicker than Grover who was still staring at Poseidon like he had just seen a ghost.

''Then young Rhea is…'' Chiron was clearly grasping at straws in his bewilderment, and I only had to watch those eyes nearly identical to my own to see how much pleasure my father found in springing such a bombshell onto the unsuspecting Centaur.

…my daughter, yes.'' Poseidon finished easily, a deadly sort of possessiveness lacing every single word like an unbreakable threat even as his arm easily moved around my smaller form to herd me closer. It didn't particularly surprise me when his arm tightened around me protectively, and the subtly body heat he gave up warmed my slightly cool limbs. Poseidon could be frighteningly possessive on a good day, and really no one would mention the bad days for a reason. I was only too aware of the fact that the one merman who had been antagonistic towards me when I was eight disappeared the day afterwards never to be seen again.

''Dad…'' I mumbled into his shirt, glaring uselessly at Poseidon. There was really no way he would relent but giving up on trying seemed far too easy to me.

''Hush, little one. I am only here to let Chiron know – because he is rather selfless for an immortal and protective towards his charges – that any harm coming to you is entirely unacceptable.''

Poseidon's eyes sharpened into something predatory, looking for all the world like a tiger lounging comfortably before he pounced on his prey, and his lips formed that familiar little cruel smirk that Poseidon never directed at me. Chiron stuttered a startled affirmative even as Grover passed out from a lack of breathing.

Then the moment was broken and the Earth shaker directed his usual soft gaze full of a possessive sort of adoration at me. ''Call me when you need me, alright? Otherwise Arashi should be enough to protect you.''

Only waiting for my confirmatory nod, Poseidon briefly flickered his eyes dismissively over Grover, a faint trace of amusement in those orbs, even as he pressed a kiss on my raven locks, a quiet sigh announcing his next action.

''My brother will not remain ignorant forever. Be careful, little one.''

I rolled my eyes, too used to his over-protective behavior to be surprised anymore; though I did shoot him an appreciative look when a blue cushion suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

''Thank you, dad. Tell Triton I said hi, alright?''

Poseidon chuckled, ''Of course.'' With another cursory glance at the worryingly still form of Chiron, the God of the Sea promptly disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

While observing Chiron's unnerving surprise – Poseidon's behavior was uncharacteristic, but still – and listening to Grover's quiet breaths indicating that he was still unconscious; I wondered to myself if there was something wrong with me when all I felt about Poseidon's murderous inclinations was a wave of appreciative affection.

But then again, his cruelty and viciousness were merely another part of him, and I had long decided to never be afraid.

Chiron – as an immortal son of Kronos – had a rather well-founded knowledge on how the Gods behaved. And it was that behavior that sometimes nearly tore him apart. Chiron loved the children at Camp often like they were his own, teaching and nurturing them from the moment they entered it. So he was more than acquainted with the hopeless longing that those children had for their parents, the desire to make them proud by accepting quest or becoming as strong as possible. And while some Gods and Goddesses were certainly more supportive than others, none of them had ever shown love towards those children. Pride and sometimes even care – yes – but no love.

When he had been called by Grover Underwood to evaluate a potential demi-god, he had been rather intrigued. For all his timid attitude, Grover was especially skilled at sensing, so for him to be unsure there was something special about that demi-god.

He hadn't been expecting Rhea Jackson.

Demi-gods usually had trouble connecting to their peers – they were to put it simply outsiders – with their Dyslexia and Hyperactivity and more than often difficult home situation. But Rhea Jackson somehow broke all those stereotypes without visibly trying. She was the epitome of a popular student, taking others under her wing protectively, while still getting the very best grades possible. Chiron had never known any demi-god to be in such a well-known and demanding school like the Grade Academy.

Chiron would have thought her to be a daughter of Athena if the child was not so vastly different from any other he had even seen. Plus she had talked to Grover about her mother, so her godly parent had to be her father.

The only Olympian that he was reminded of was Poseidon. Not the easy-going and relaxed version of the God of the Sea, but the one he had witnessed millennia ago when he was still alone and abandoned by his mother. The one who was the incarnation of battle and chaos.

That Poseidon was fierce and unbound, a destructive force of nature that let out his anger on the very world. The God who fought like he was born to, with a startling and most of all frightening intelligence that made him cower at that time. Still, Poseidon never had any demi-god daughters, nor had any of his mortal children ever inherited a fraction of his chilling potential. So Chiron was still trying in vain to comprehend the fact that Rhea Jackson was not only the first daughter of Poseidon, but that the God of the Sea not cared – but loved his daughter.

Chiron had seen the truth in his eyes when he looked at Rhea with hat dark adoration in his eyes that made him fear for her. God's weren't known to be kind, and it was chilling to think what would happen that now that Poseidon would get involved.

So he found it understandable that even as Rhea shortly explained to him that Poseidon had taken her in after the death of her mother, he was still half-lost in his own thoughts.

Because he didn't know if Rhea Jackson realized just what kind of monster she had awoken with her actions.

There was a reason why once upon a time, Poseidon had been so feared.

A/N So sorry for the long wait, but I finally finished the latest chapter. Not a lot of action, but then again the cannon version of events wouldn't work with my story, so I had to improvise a little…

Lately I've been thinking of doing a Reading Princess of the Sea fic, just to see how the cannon characters would react to their unusual relationship. I would start with this chapter and then go on from there. Good idea? Bad idea?

To those who reviewed and favorited or followed, thank you! I will not abandon this story; it's my favorite even if right now I have the rather strong urge to just do a rewrite!

C'ya soon

AriesOrion