Poseidon's Daughter

Chapter 48 Home

Rhea POV

I received a letter this morning from my father, saying this he will send one of the hippocampi to bring me home to Atlantis. I miss my parents, but I don't want to go. He said that my mom is there as well, I can't go to my mom's house in case we are attacked there. It's safer for my mom in Atlantis for now.

Maybe I should leave, go into hiding where no one can find me. But that's not possible. How do you hide from the gods? Especially my dad. He wouldn't understand. No one understands.

I've been having nightmares since that first night back. It's like a movie playing on repeat. Everyone is dead around me, and then I stab myself. It's my fault.

I know it's not real. It's not. I think, sitting on my bed, rubbing my eyes.

Poseidon's POV

"Uh, um Lord Poseidon," I hear from the daughter of Athena speaking to me from camp Half-blood, "it's Annabeth, I'm friends with your daughter," she says awkwardly. "I don't know if you will hear me or not but I'm worried about Rhea."

That got me interested. It's the first time in a long time when one of the spawn of Athena has contacted me. And it's about my daughter.

"I'm listening," I speak to her in her mind. She startles, but starts speaking.

"Rhea...she..uh..hasn't been the same since we got back from Olympus. I mean, I haven't known her for long, but she has been more withdrawn lately. She avoids us," she says and I wonder if it's because she is annoying my daughter, but I haven't heard much from little Rhea since the lightning bolt ordeal.

Annabeth continues speaking, "I think she's not sleeping well. I don't know what to say but she seems sad."

"Thank you daughter of Athena, I shall speak with her."

I contacted Sally and asked if she has heard anything from Rhea. She had only called twice over the past few weeks to say that she is alive and training.

Sally frowns, "I think that friend of hers was right in contacting you. The last time I spoke to her she didn't sound like herself."

"Rhea can't come to your apartment after summer camp. It's too dangerous, especially for you. The Olympians know not to attack Rhea, even though there are fools willing to try. But they will come after you," I tell her, urging her to move to Atlantis.

"You know how I feel about living in Atlantis. I'm mortal. I'm not supposed to be there," she sighs, "but for Rhea I will."

Full of joy I pick her up and spin her, giving her a chaste kiss on her lips, "You won't regret this."

She looks startled for a moment, but then smiles, "Okay, I believe you."

We sat on her couch in comfortable silence.

"So, when should I pack my bags? I need to give at least a week's notice at my job, and then I can come," she asks.

"I can come and get you next Friday then, you don't need all of your-" she interrupts me.

"-What about Amphitrite? Is she okay with me coming to live with you?"

She wrings her hands, I take them gently in mine, "She knows I have come to ask you to live with us. I still can't believe the two of you get along so well."

"Rhea said the same thing," she answers with a laugh.

I smile kindly at her.

"I will protect you both," I swear sincerely.

I ended up back in Atlantis speaking to Triton and Amphitrite about Sally and Rhea coming home.

I tried to speak to Rhea in her mind but she kept saying she is busy, which she was. I'm not used to not getting what I want. I miss my daughter and not only that, I am concerned for her wellbeing. Her mind. She is still so young, a mere babe in my eyes.

Rhea POV

Saying 'goodbye' is hard, I think, looking at Grover, Will and Annabeth.

"I'll miss you," I tell them sincerely, hugging each one of them.

"We'll miss you too," Annabeth replies, "We'll see you soon."

I get on to the hippocampus and with great speed, comes great responsibility. Just kidding, we were on our way to Atlantis.

It didn't take too long for me to get home. That weight in my stomach got a little lighter as I saw my home, feeling the protection and peace it offers.

Both my mom and dad, brother and stepmom was waiting for me at the palace when I arrived. Getting off the hippocampus I ran to my parents, hugging them deeply.

Triton gave me a side hug, "we have prepared the best dessert for tonight's meal, little sister."

"Let your sister get settled in her room," Poseidon said to Triton. Mom lead me to my room.

Once alone in the room, my mom hugged me again, but this time with tears in her eyes.

"I've missed you so much. I was so anxious when your father told me what happened. I'm also very proud of you."

"Thanks mom," I reply emotionally.

"Are you okay?" she asks, looking at me concernedly.

After a moment of silence, I broke down with, "No, I don't think I'm okay." I fell into her waiting arms and cried, and cried, and cried.