Aquaphobia (Percy Jackson Fic)

Out In The Open

A/N: Hey guys, I would say that I am going to try to be more consistent after this chapter, but that probably isn't true. I am more likely to make time to update if people comment though, so please comment. Also, shout out to  Joanna 7832 for voting on every single chapter of my story!

Warning: There will be mentions of self-harm. Everyone's experiences are different, so please don't be offended if this conflicts with your own. If this content could trigger you, don't read it. I am always here to talk.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Percy Jackson franchise (as you probably know ;) ). I only own any characters I create and most of the plot line.

As per camp rules, all of the heads of Cabin attended a meeting at the Big House to discuss the quest. I was allowed to attend, but since no one else was mentioned specifically, I am the only one. "We will send Edris, he is the strongest boy." says Clarisse, head of the Ares Cabin. "Edris is still recovering from the last quest you sent him on." pointed out Annabeth. "Obviously we should send someone from the Apollo cabin," adds Will, "for medical care."

"It doesn't matter" Clarisse continues, addressing both Will and Annabeth, "the prophecy clearly says they all come back." Chiron takes the opportunity to chime into the conversation. "That's where it gets tricky, it says they all come back, that doesn't mean someone won't come back in a body bag." I look at him horrified. He notices and rushes to say, "not that that will happen, of course. The prophecy could very well mean you come back alive." Percy soon interjects.

"But it isn't for sure, so I am defiantly going, no way is my little sister going alone."

"Could never let anyone else have a quest, could you Jackson?" mutters Clarisse. Percy and Annabeth glare at her. "Who are the other three besides Aria and the son of Ares?" questions Conner Stoll, co-head of the Hermes Cabin. "Like I already said, a child of Apollo, Percy most likely will go anyways if we don't let him, and that just leaves one more," says Will. At this point all the heads start claiming that they should, or someone in their cabin should go. "A child of Athena is a must," says Annabeth, "you need someone to be the brains." Derrek, who is beside me, has stayed silent this whole time. He is head of the Nike cabin, but he is definitely the youngest head in the room. "It is obvious who should go," says Derrek. Everyone turns to him with slightly widened eyes. Derrek had told me he doesn't talk in these meetings; sometimes, he skips them all together. "Alright then big shot" its Clarisse who speaks up, "who should go?"

"I should" Derrek says simply.

"Yeah, not happening" says Percy, glancing at his arm which is around my shoulders.

"I'm her boyfriend, I should get to go." Everyone erupts after that. While me and Derrek hadn't been discrete about our relationship, a lot of it occurred in private, so many campers didn't know about it. Those who did know are protesting, saying that it doesn't matter, and that isn't how you pick people in a quest. I turn to Derrek. "I think we should bring Greyson as the son of Ares." He smiles at the we, but frowns at Greyson. "You know how I feel about him Angel." His arm begins to tighten around my shoulders.

"I know," I rush to say, "but it may be better to have someone we know rather than a complete stranger." I anxiously watch Derrek as he thinks over the suggestion.

"Very well" he says, "but you tell them."

"Enough." I nearly shout. Everyone looks at me. "I am the leader of this quest, and I will decide who goes." Everyone blinks, Clarisse opens her mouth to speak, but I beat her to it. "I will be taking Percy, Derrek, Elani, and for the son of Ares, Greyson." Whilst I speak, I keep my eye on Derrek. He grits his teeth at Greyson's name, but doesn't seem to mind the others. Clarisse is about to speak again, but this time Chiron cuts her off. "Then its decided," he says, giving me an approving look. Everyone else begrudgingly agrees, Clarisse looks like she still wants to argue, but after a look from Chiron seems to decide against it. Her and Nymeria, head of the Melinoe cabin, head of to tell their respective campers they have a quest. Derrek gives me a kiss on the temple before whispering, "well done." I feel myself beaming at his approval, and I snuggle slightly into his side. Percy makes his way over to us. "Percy, Aria, Will, may I speak to you three in private." We all nod, and Derrek gives me a quick peck on the lips before letting me go. "Be good," he tells me lowly before leaving. Percy gets a weird look on his face, but I doubt he heard Derrek.