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


Previous chapter:

''She understands more than you might think. She knows how cruel I can be, what kind of being I am. Rhea still loves me.'' Poseidon heard the slight wonder in his own voice, and couldn't help but press an affectionate kiss to the crown of her head. The Sea God was still in awe of how such a small girl could know him so well, and still love him without reservations. He had thought when Oceanus placed all of those images of Poseidon's early acts of cruelty inside her mind - that he would lose her. Yet, Rhea had simply matured enough to understand - regardless of the fact that she had to change her own soul to do so.

His own soul had sought to replace that devotion, and he knew that if she were to ask, Poseidon would simply lay the world at her feet.

Hestia merely hoped that in the end that devotion would not lead to their destruction.

Love could be such a cruel emotion after all.


Chapter 28 - Daughter of Poseidon


The following time passed surprisingly peacefully. Even though there seemed to be a tense air in the Camp at some moments, other things managed to distract me quite successfully. Except for Mr. Brunner, or rather Chiron and Grover I had never actually met and conversed with any beings connected to Greek Mythology apart from my father, Hestia, Triton and other sea inhabitants.

It was strange for me to talk to other demi-gods. To hear the hope and bitter longing mixed with an endless disappointment when taking about the gods while knowing that I had what all of them desperately wished for.

It wasn't like my father had forbidden me from mentioning that I lived in Atlantis, nor that they actually had a proper father-daughter relationship – but every time I listened to them, I could not bring myself to shatter their fragile delusions.

The Hermes cabin was a place full of contradictions – cheerful laughter mixed with heavy despair.

I liked the children of Hermes, generally a very fun bunch with a penchant for pranks and mischief. Especially the twins Travers and Connor Stoll who upon realizing that I enjoyed pranks as well, immediately began to rope me into exchanging ideas with them.

The only one I had no real opinion on was Luke, the cabin counsellor. I didn't know why but every time he talked to me there was this faint feeling of danger I couldn't help but notice, a constant itch in the back of my mind that seemed to warn me. Even though he seemed nice enough, I couldn't help but raise my guard every time I spoke to him.

After the one time I defeated him during my first sword fighting lesson, Luke had never fought with me again, instead Clarisse was my main opponent whenever I fought with anyone. She never won, but I could feel that every time we sparred, she improved a little bit more.

Clarisse and I had become surprisingly good friends – she was the opposite of my other friends at the Academy but our different personalities strangely seemed rather compatible. Behind her aggressive exterior, she could be a surprisingly considerate person.

That is why I felt regret for not being able to accept her invitation for the game of capture the flag. The other demi-gods had no luck finding out who my godly parent was. Since my archery was actually pretty passable due to my bitter practice, and I was more than proficient with a sword, some people leaned towards Ares being my father. Other campers were convinced I was either a daughter of Aphrodite or even Athena, because of my looks and aptitude for learning Greek.

It was pretty amusing to watch them guess. Grover hadn't told anyone, and I was in no hurry to do so either. I held no illusions about what would happen once it became known that one of the Big Three had a kid.

My days of relative peace would be over in an instant.

Capture the flag was apparently similar to a mock war. This time the Athena, Hermes and Apollo cabins had made an alliance against the rest of the cabins.

To be honest, I did not want to be on one team with Annabeth, but since for now I was part of the Hermes cabin, I had little choice.

I watched curiously as the whole spectacle began. It seemed to be a sort of highlight, because when Annabeth and Clarisse ran into the pavilion with their silk flags trailing behind them, there was raucous cheering coming from every camper, the noise disturbing the previous silence.

Soon Chiron approached, his hooves clashing against the marble as he quieted all of us in a heartbeat.

''Heroes!'' He called, ''You know the rules. The creek is the boundary line. The entire forest is fair game. All magic items are allowed. The banner must be prominently displayed, and have no more than two guards. Prisoners may be disarmed, but may not be bound or gagged. No killing or maiming is allowed. I will serve as referee and battlefield medic. Arm yourselves!''

Chiron spread his arms, a wide grin tilting his lips as suddenly all kind of weapons, armours and shields covered the tables. Not hesitating in the least, I grabbed some leather protection that looked close to my size. It was dark brown and felt coarse but seemed sturdy enough.

There was no way I would let metal armour and shields drag me down.

''Here, you still need one of these.''

I looked to my right where Luke was handing me a helmet with a crooked grin. As I grabbed the piece of metal, I couldn't help the fait grimace twisting my face as I looked at the eye-catching blue horsehair plume.

It looked utterly ridiculous. My eyebrow twitched dangerously as I saw Luke trying to hide his amusement at my expression. Still I couldn't help but admit that this was the most childish I've felt in a while. It was rather relaxing.

''Thanks, Luke.'' I grinned back at him, and quickly put my equipment on. Together we followed Annabeth towards the forest.

''Since this is your first capture the flag, you're on border patrol. That's what Annabeth suggested at least. And children of Athena usually have some sort of plan. Be careful, alright?'' Luke informed me quietly as we entered the woods.

''So I should stay by the creek?'' I clarified, and saw Luke nod out of the corner of my eye.

I glanced at the daughter of Athena that was walking several feet in front of us, and couldn't suppress a small smile.

Bait, huh? How very amusing.

The creek we soon arrived at was small, and a seemingly idyllic place. The moonlight illuminated the small area and the quite gurgle of the water soothed my mind. I would not mind staying at this place at all.

As I saw my team sprint away through the woods, I tossed away my helmet with a small sigh of relief. It would only hinder my vision and movements.

I wasn't anxious. I was pretty sure that Annabeth placed me here as both bait and distraction, so I would get to work off some of my pent up stress.

''Should I bite that impudent girl for you, mistress?'' Arashi announced himself sleepily, a vicious tone colouring his usually clear voice.

''No need.'' I mumbled quietly, ''Though I'm quite curious about why she's focusing on me so much.''

''The reasons matter little to me. I am your shield, and if that girl dares to bare her insignificant fangs at you, then I shall retaliate.''

Arashi tightened his small body around my wrist protectively, and I stroked his small scales absentmindedly.

Before I could answer, I heard the distinctive sounds of twigs breaking beneath someone's feet, and my eyes focused on the spot where only moments later five kids from the Ares cabin burst out into the clearing. Clarisse actually muttered unhappily as she was me, not daring to take me lightly. She already knew from our many spars that I was far stronger than she was.

With a quick command, those five demi-gods spread out, surrounding me from all sides. Clarisse held her spear tightly, her stance more secure than the other four sword and shield wearing half-brothers of hers.

My sword was in my hand a fraction of a breath later, and I easily slipped into a long familiar stance.

My father would drag me off for some more training – or rather torture – if I couldn't even defeat a few kids my own age. It was motivation enough.

I didn't pause to give them any opportunities, before I abruptly flung myself at Clarisse, the obvious leader of the small group. The sword in my hand already a blur of light as it easily passed Clarisse's defence and struck at her armour. The sound of metal clashing against metal filled the clearing, and Clarisse stumbled back awkwardly, grimacing in pain.

There was no pity in my heart as I struck again. Right now she was my enemy and showing mercy meant death. Clarisse cursed violently as she righted herself up, her spear flying towards me, a faint sound of electricity buzzing in my ear. I changed the direction of my swing, striking the side of her weapon, and Clarisse stumbled in response.

The other four children of Ares were only now attacking me, still I burst forward again and with a small twist of my wrist disarmed Clarisse, before pivoting on my right foot to quickly beat the other four demi-gods as well.

They were far easier to beat, and less than a minute later all five members of the Ares cabin were sprawled on the ground, holding their wrists in pain. Protection or not, precise hits could still cause enough damage to take them out of the game permanently.

''Sorry, Clarisse. Can't let you guys pass here.'' I shrugged, wearing a faintly apologetic expression when she snorted in disbelief.

I knew that the reason she stayed on the ground was not because her injuries were too severe, but that she knew the difference in strength and was not foolish enough to risk more serious injuries when I had already soundly beaten them.

''Sure, sure…'' She muttered unhappily.

Clarisse's unhappy mumbling was interrupted by yells of victory from the direction the rest of the team went to. I saw Luke running though the forest with the banner of the opposite team, flanked by several of his half-siblings and children of Apollo, holding back children of Hephaestus from taking back their flag.

''So you succeeded then.'' I looked straight at my right at seemingly nothing. The air shimmered a moment later, and Annabeth stared at me with a somewhat disbelieving expression on her face.

I could sympathize. Normally no demi-god should be able to so easily locate her when she was invisible, but Arashi had no such limitations. Or perhaps she was merely surprised because I saw through her plan to use me as bait so easily.

''But how did you…'' She asked helplessly.

I was about to answer when a howl echoed in the forest. It ripped through the cheers instantly, leaving a tense silence behind.

I barely heard Chrion's yell, I was too focused on the beast standing threateningly on the rocks above us. Its red eyes were boring right into mine, and I instantly calculated it's trajectory as it prepared to pounce.

It brought faint feelings of nostalgia to my mind, as I thought back to the first monster I had killed which coincidently was also a hell-hound. I wasn't particularly worried, so I realized a little too late that the others had no reason not to feel any fear.

I nearly cursed, as I saw Annabeth trying to step in front of me, right at the place where the beast would land. That foolish girl…

I instantly abandoned my previous plan of dodging as with a small burst of speed I cut in front of the daughter of Athena, already preparing to summon water from the creek in order to avoid any fatal injuries, because I realized that the beast was only several feet away from us. There was no time for me to get Annabeth to safety.

Time seemed to slow down as the beast flew through the air like a dark blur.

One heartbeat…two heartbeats and suddenly I felt the small constant weight on my wrist disappear abruptly.

For the first time since Poseidon had given him to me Arashi moved away from my body and blurred towards the hell-hound at impressive speed. I only felt a thrum of familiar power as Arashi unceasingly enlarged himself several dozen and hundreds of times.

His scales shimmered translucently in the moonlight and his body seemed to consist of a mix between flesh and water that was strangely beautiful.

It did not even take a second for Arashi to completely surround the pouncing hell-hound with his body. The wyverns claws ripping into its fur covered body mercilessly.

It was a one-sided massacre. The hell-hound had no chance to retaliate, and when with a last miserable yowl it finally died, Arashi wasted no time and roughly let the hell-hound fall to the ground before returning back to his size, fitting himself snugly around my small wrist again.

There was utter silence in the clearing, as if nobody could believe what just happened. The hell-hound quietly melted back into the shadows and disappeared from Camp Half-Blood.

I closed my eyes in resignation when merely a moment later the eyes of the Campers were draw above my head. The green trident – my father's symbol of power - was displayed proudly for all the world to see, spinning slowly in the air.

Of all the times…

''It is determined.'' Chiron announced solemnly, and one by one all the campers kneeled before me.

''Poseidon.'' Chiron said, ''Earthshaker, Stormbringer, Father of Horses. Hail, Rhea Jackson, first-born daughter of the Sea God.''

Standing in front of the lowered campers, their faces not daring to look at me, I suddenly felt very very lonely.


I moved into cabin three the same night. It wasn't like I had many belongings in Camp Half-Blood, so it didn't take long for me to leave the Hermes cabin.

I ignored the somewhat unsure and frightened glances as I walked into my own cabin. I was sure that tomorrow every being in the Camp would know what happened during capture the flag. I wasn't too bothered by that.

But I knew that now the easy camaradie I had with most of the campers would disappear. There was a difference between Rhea Jackson and the daughter of Poseidon.

I went to bed without unpacking anything, choosing one of the lower bunk beds and burrowed myself under the blanket. I was surprised at how upset I was, but maybe I shouldn't have been. It was the first time I had friends that I didn't have to keep so many secrets from, so I had enjoyed the few days here.

I shut my eyes, desperate to ignore the world around me. I knew that everything would be better in the morning.

Despite all, sleep came to me surprisingly easily.

When I opened my eyes again, there was the sound of waves all around me, the feeling of sand beneath my feet and a gentle wind carassing me face.

The moon shone brightly in the sky, illuminating the beach I was standing on and the figure sitting only a few feet away from me.


Poseidon was waiting calmly in the dream-world he had created with merely but a thought for his daughter to fall asleep. He was deep in thought, troubled about what had happened only hours before.

He had never been naive enough to think that camp Half-Blood was completely safe, but still for a hell-hound to appear within camp borders it meant that someone had summoned the beast specifically.

The Sea God had some speculations about what this might mean. It obviously showed that the one who had stolen the lightning bolt was not only a demi-god who was present in the Camp last night, but also a demi-god that was backed by someone of at least strong enough to compare to him and his brothers.

The list of such beings were rather short.

Otherwise no demi-god would dare to offend two of the strongest gods without powerful enough protection. It would be utter folly to do that.

Poseidon was interrupted out of his contemplation by the arrival of his daughter. The instant he saw her face, and felt her emotions brush against his mind, the King of Atlantis wanted to destroy something.

Anything to make that miserable expression on her face go away.

It was instinctual by now. Poseidon easily gathered her in his arms, pulling his daughter on his lap as he brushed an affectionate kiss to the crown of her head.

Rhea instantly realxed as she listened to Poseidon's familiar hearbeat. Its steadness a sought for comfort. Rhea couldn't help but press a little closer as she realized that she hadn't actually seen her father in several days.

''Missed me?'' Poseidon teased her quietly, not daring to disturb the silence.

Rhea couldn't help the embarassed blush spreading over her face, but did not deny her father's assumption. She had missed him. Greatly so.

''Good.'' Poseidon couldn't help but sound rather pleased. For someone as posessive as him letting Rhea leave his immediate protection was already difficult enough. Not being able to see her as much as the Sea God wanted, made the King of Atlantis rather irritable as well.

It also significantly raised the amount of people dying for some reason or the other in his domain. Poseidon was pretty sure he had sunk at least two ships in a fit of temper by the second day.

He was also sure the death tolled far outstripped the hundred mark by now.

The God did not care.

What he cared for was nothing but the small girl cradled against his chest. Everything else paled in comparison.

''Rhea...'' Poseidon began, wishing to make those lonely and uncertain feeling disappear from her mind. ''You should not let their actions affect you so greatly, child. Those who cause you pain should disappear from this world. That's all there is to it. Why would you need them?''

Rhea knew how cruel an angered and posessive Poseidon could be. If she was not careful, he would simply destroy those demi-gods, and she did not wish for that either.

''I just liked the easy camaradie there. I'm fine, dad. They'll calm down soon enough.'' Rhea wasn't sure who she was trying to convince, but it did make her feel slightly better to speak her thoughts out loud.

Poseidon chuckled, all to aware of what Rhea was doing. ''Don't worry too much, right now killing little brats isn't worth my time with all the complications going on.''

''So what exactly is going on?'' Rhea asked, closing her eyes as Poseidon's hand comfortingly brushed through her slightly tangled hair.

Poseidon's gaze was dark. Dark and posessive as he regarded his daughter. Yet his voice was light and teasing. ''How much have you found out by yourself, hm?''

''Not much...'' Rhea mumbled quietly, aware that her father could still hear her regardless. ''Only that something important got stolen, and has to be returned soon. I figured that's why I hadn't seen you in the last few days.''

''That's correct.'' The Sea God sighed, ''My little brother's symbol of power got stolen at the last solstice, and now he's accusing me of having orchastrated the deed. The fact that you have just entered the Camp obviously supports his little conspiracy theory from his point of view. I'm not too worried about Zeus, but since I know that Hades would not have done it either, I'm wondering who would be so bold enough as to steal from Zeus. There are few suspects that would fit... and I don't like the fact that you got dragged into it.''

Poseidon was worried about the prophecy. Usually those involved with them would live a life of danger and pain, their actions directed by the will of the Fates and the Sea God loathed the fact that he was powerless to stop it.

The God's eyes flickered to the peaceful looking face of his daughter and remembered the scene of that hell-hound tearing towards her, and her actions afterwards.

''Little one.'' Poseidon practically growled, and it made Rhea instantly look at his face, her eyes wide as he saw her father struggle for control. ''Never ever jump in front of anyone again, do you understant me child? Don't risk your life for somethingh that worthless.''

His words were harsh, but the grip around her small form still unfailingly gentle.

Rhea couldn't dispute the intention behind his word even if she could not agree with the order itself, so she nodded obediently.

''My aologies, little one but to me your life is the most important, alright?'' Poseidon felt slightly guilty for taking that tone with Rhea. Still if Arashi hadn't moved in that moment, Poseidon himself would have teared apart that hell-hound for daring to attack what was his to protect regardless of the consequences.

''Alright, dad. I'll be careful.'' Rhea promised instantly. There was guilt in her heart, but not enough to refute Poseidon's request. She knew there would come times when she would regret having promised this, but it was difficult to care when her she was cradled so carefully within her father's arms. ''How's Triton?''

''He is well.'' Poseidon answered shortly, a small frown on his face. ''Before I forget, little one. Stay away from any of the male gender, alright?''

Rhea could only nod, utterly mortified. She peered at her father's face and couldn't help but curse in her mind when she saw the unconcealed amusement lightening up his expression.

''I know already dad, so please stop talking about that.'' She pleaded, flashing him her puppy-dog eyes for good measure. As always, the Sea God looked away after a few moments, visibly caving in.

Rhea flashed him an innocent smile, and Poseidon could only mutter something uncomplimentary in resignation.

''Anything else I should pay attention to?'' Rhea eventually ventured, yawning when her exhaustion momentarily overtook her.

Poseidon shook his head, and suddenly there was a blanket covering her small form. Rhea pouted but didn't protest, it was true that she was still exhausted from the long day.

''Are you going to stay?'' She mumbled sleepily, cracking open one of her eyes to peer at the Sea God.

Poseidon only smiled tenderly. ''Of course, I will.''

Moments later, Poseidon heard the even breathing of his daughter and chuckled warmly. His little daughter was just too adorable. The Sea God carefully relaxed his body to rest on the beach, and let his daughter use him as a pillow.

Slowly the smile faded from his face as he thought about the whole situation. None of the possibilities were good, and Poseidon was only too aware of what would follow if his thought were to be proven true.

Because there was one possibility that was more likely and more terrible than all the others.

Sighing, the Sea God simply concentrated on the even breaths of his daughter, calming his rising temper instantly.

Now he only had to decide what to do about all the happenings... He wasn't lying when he said that right now he had better things to do than kill some demi-gods, but wasn't killing all better than letting one escape? If the one responsible for actually stealing the bolt was at Camp Half-Blood, wouldn't it be worth all the hassle afterwards?

Decisions...decisions...

''So troublesome...'' Poseidon murmured as he continued running his fingers through Rhea's hair. But to Poseidon that option was not available because the God of the Sea wanted to avoid anything that could cause his daughter any harm or pain, physically or emotionally.

It seemed like Poseidon had to interfere a little. Regardless of his current location, Poseidon was still aware of everything happening in his domain. His eyes flashed open, and in the next moment his mind firmly connected with his son's.

''Triton, contact your uncle won't you... We have some things to discuss.''

The God seperated the connection immediately afterwards, his expression cold and cruel. The waves in the dreamworld crashed against the shore with increasing ferocity, and the previously clear nightky was quickly covered in dark clouds. In contrast his movements as he pressed his daughter closer were exceedingly gentle. Poseidon would teach those that dared to harm what was his the price for such actions.

''Then... let's see what you have planned. Right, father?''


A/N Ok, I'm kind of speechless right now. I still remember when I first started writing a year ago and was able to dish out one or two chapters per week and thought that authors who don't update for months on end are just plain lazy and cruel.

Congrats to me, I now feel like a hypocrite.

Finally...finally I was able to give you guys another chapter! I am totally and utterly sorry about how long it took. Thank you guys for being relatively patient with me!

I'll try to update more often from now on... my life is on a regular schedule again, so it should work out better!

Well, this was extra long for you guys... Hope you like it!

C'ya soon,

AriesOrion