"So let me get this straight: this trip was just a ploy by your father to help a goddess find a monster that's capable of destroying cities?" My mom asked, incredulously.

"That about sums it up." I said, taking another bite from my tuna sandwich.

The sun was glaring above us brightly as we ate our lunch on a bench, the damp sea air stuck to my skin, rejuvenating me.

The leftover sleepiness I had as a result of being up all night faded away with my proximity to the sea. I thought back to earlier this morning, when I was caught sneaking back in by my mother and Paul. I ended up telling Paul that I decided to go on an early morning walk to get used to the area, which he thankfully bought.

When I returned from my escapade with Benthesikyme, I hadn't had the chance to explain what actually happened to my mother. Mostly due to my need to catch up on my sleep.

Paul was in the restroom now, though, so I used the moment to explain to my mother everything that happened.

My mother pursed her lips at me with a concerned expression, disapproval was written all over her face.

Once upon a time, she would have disagreed and tried to stop me from risking my life for this quest. But after so much time in the center of the divine world, we both knew that I'd end up caught in the middle of this one way or another.

"I don't think I'll be able to explain this to Paul." My mother said.

I winced, I didn't consider him in all this. My mom's boyfriend, Paul, wasn't aware of the reality of our situation, and we definitely didn't want his first experience with the mythological world to be a major conflict.

"You won't have to worry about that." A voice from behind me stated.

I turned around and saw Benthesikyme looking at me. She was nearly unrecognizable from yesterday night. The deity was wearing simple grey shorts and a t-shirt with the letters CCMI embroidered on the front.

Her current form was a few inches shorter in height than me, and her skin was lightened enough that I would've thought she was a random mortal if I hadn't seen her before.

"Luckily for you two," she started, "there's a great, three day, marine biology program that's open to kids your age." She said, sitting down next to me and handing my mother a tacky pamphlet.

My mother looked at the paper quizzically, before turning to me. The question clear, yet unspoken.

Do you really want to do this?

I nodded my head at her, before turning back to the deity.

Benthesikyme met my gaze, "Head to Stingray City at dusk." She said, "The next step should be there." With those words, she vanished in a swirl of mist.

The mist dissipated into the air, leaving us alone once more, a heavy silence settled over us. My mother glanced at me with concern, her eyes reflecting the weight of the situation we found ourselves in.

"Percy," she began, her voice soft but filled with worry, "Are you sure about this? I mean really sure this is worth risking your life over..."

I understood her concern. After all the battles we've been through, all the dangers faced, she just wanted me to have a break, a chance to be a normal teenager for the little time I had before summer. But I couldn't ignore the call to action, and I doubt I even could if I wanted to.

"I know, Mom," I replied, trying to convey reassurance in my tone, "But if there's something threatening the lives of innocent people, I can't just sit back and do nothing. Besides, I've faced worse odds before, right?"

She sighed, a mix of resignation and acceptance crossing her features. "I know, Perce," she said, reaching out to squeeze my hand, "Just promise me you'll be careful. And try to enjoy the rest of our vacation while you can, okay?"

I nodded, giving her a small smile. "I promise, Mom."

Paul emerged from the restroom just then, looking slightly puzzled at the serious atmosphere that hung over us. My mom quickly flashed him a reassuring smile, making up some excuse about discussing our plans for the day.

After finishing our lunch, we decided to explore the resort and enjoy some of the comforts it had to offer. Despite the weight of our conversation, I found myself able to relax and enjoy the moment, playing frisbee with Paul and enjoying different attractions. I soaked in the sun and enjoyed the sea breeze, the damp air sticking to me as if trying to store up enough energy for the challenges that lay ahead.

As evening approached, I couldn't shake the anticipation building within me. It was time to heed Benthesikyme's words and head to Stingray City. My heart began beating faster, and I began feeling less confident.

Don't get me wrong, I'm usually quite confident in my abilities, between my swordsmanship and control over the water. Yet, I was still just a half-blood, while my foe was capable of overpowering the protective wards of a sea goddess, who also happens to be my divine half sister. I bit my lip as the sun began lowering, before discreetly glancing at my mother. She nodded to me.

"Well, Percy, isn't it time for you to head out to that marine biology thing?" She asked.

I nodded, trying to keep my nerves in check. "Yeah, it's time," I replied, forcing a smile.

Paul must've misinterpreted my nervousness, as he looked at me with a reassuring smile. "I know you'll do awesome Perce." He said, "Maybe you can start a marine biology club at Goode."

I couldn't help but appreciate his optimism, even if it added to the weight of the charade. "Yeah, it should be interesting," I said, hoping my voice sounded convincing enough.

As we settled into the car, Paul's excitement seemed to rub off on me, if only for a moment. I confidence swell in my chest as I glanced at my Mother and her boyfriend.

As long as they were on this island, I'd fight to keep it safe.

Eventually, I was dropped off on a sidewalk nearby the beach. With a heavy heart, I watched as they drove off, leaving me alone on the shore. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for what lay ahead.

Making my way down to the shore, I found a secluded spot where I could slip into the water unnoticed. Without a second thought, I dove beneath the surface, the familiar embrace of the sea welcoming me.

I swam out towards Stingray City, the fading light of dusk casting an ethereal glow over the water.

Stingray City was a shallow sandbar no deeper than a regular swimming pool. Dozens of wild stingrays congregated, attracted by the fish scraps left behind. The water was crystal clear, allowing me to see the graceful creatures gliding effortlessly through the shallows.

I extended my senses, trying to feel anything out of the ordinary swimming through the water. I frowned. Not only was there nothing here other than stingrays and mortal trash, but the water also felt perfectly normal. It moved like it should, it responded to me without problem, there was no tension.

I swam throughout the seabed, trying to find anything out of the ordinary. I frowned when I realized I should have made a plan. I didn't even know what I was looking for.

I continued to swim aimlessly, hoping that something would catch my attention. But as minutes went by, it became increasingly clear that I was no closer to finding any clues.

Frustration gnawed at the edges of my mind. I should have thought this through more carefully. Now, I was just wasting precious time swimming in circles.

I sat down on the sand as I berated myself for not having a plan.

"Have you seen anything weird, have you, buddy?" I asked a stingray swimming by.

It shook its head, a comical sight from a stingray, and darted away without saying anything.

I watched its fleeing form in confusion, when suddenly I felt a distortion in the water. My neck tingled, my muscles tensed, and I darted out of the way.

I turned around and saw the rock I was sitting on moments ago cleaved in half, a trident impaled where I was sitting moments ago, the water twisted and sand was floating everywhere.

As the water settled, I found myself face to face with a nereid, her bright blue eyes blazing with fury. "You dare to return to our domain, Titan?" she hissed, her voice laced with venom.

I blinked in confusion. I've been called a lot of things in my life, but being mistaken as a Titan was a new one.

"Listen," I started, raising my hands up. "You've got me mixed up with someone else, my name is Percy Jackson–"

"Enough of your lies" the nymph spat, "You destroy my home, cut down my children and sisters and dare feign innocence" she hissed with more venom than a Hydra.

"I shall vanquish you and rid the seas of your foul presence." She said coldly, raising her trident at me.

She lunged forward, intending to run me through, but I moved out of the way. The currents propelling me at incredible speeds.

"I'm not a titan–" I tried to explain, but she lunged at me again, sweeping at me with her trident.

I sighed, realizing that diplomacy was futile. With a swift motion, I drew Riptide from my pocket and uncapped it, its celestial bronze blade shimmering in the dim light.

The nereid lunged forward, her trident flashing through the water with deadly precision. I parried her blows, each clash sending shockwaves reverberating through the ocean. I weaved around a stab from her trident, and went for a strike of my own.

The nereid was no slacker, though, and met my blow. But despite her skill, it soon became clear that she was outmatched. With a swift strike, I disarmed her, hitting the base of her weapon with the flat of my sword, sending the trident spinning out of her grasp and the tip of Riptide pointed at her undefended chest.

The nereid met my eyes, her face mixed with loathing and defeat, I felt a pang of guilt.

I lowered my sword, and tapped its hilt on my palm. It clicked as it reverted back into pen form.

The sea spirit widened her eyes and backed up a few feet. She looked at me with apprehension.

I crossed my arms and looked down at the nereid, "Do you believe that I'm not a titan now?"

"Who are you?" She asked, her hands balled up into fists, and body tensed, ready to dart away at a moment's notice.

"My name is Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon" I stated, the water spirit looked at me in surprise.

"Percy Jackson," she repeated, as if testing the name on her tongue. "Son of Poseidon…"

The nereid's expression softened slightly, her posture relaxing, but the suspicious look in her eye remained.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking, "I am Nerissa, granddaughter of Nereus and Doris. I am a guardian of these waters."

Nereus, huh? I thought. My mind wandered to my fight with the old man of the sea. I wonder if she could shapeshift too.

"If what you say is true," she continued, "then you are not the one I seek. But our meeting here is clearly no coincidence. What business do you have within these waters?"

"I'm looking for a threat," I blurted, "I mean, I'm looking for something, I'm not sure what exactly though. I was sent here by Benthesikyme, she told me there would be something here."

Nerissa's posture relaxed, and her face softened as if everything suddenly made sense.

"Very well, Percy Jackson," she said, "Follow me, I will take you to a place where we can talk more freely."

She picked up her trident and holstered it on her back, before darting off with me right behind her.

A/N

The reason it took so long for me to publish this chapter is because I was re-writing the previous ones. Future chapters will (probably) not take as long as this one to come out.