Aquaphobia (Percy Jackson Fic)

Sometimes you have to Die to Live

A/N: So, it took me way longer than I thought to write this. I just haven't had any inspiration. I just feel kind of empty lately, but I managed to write this over a week. Hopefully the next chapter will be out in August, but I am sorry if it isn't.

Warning: Death.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Percy Jackson franchise. I only own any characters I create and most of the plot line.

I have no clue what to say. I have never even heard of a demigod being stripped of their abilities, but if the gods can do it, why haven't they done it to the rest of us? Why make us live not knowing if we would make it to adulthood? The only explanation I can think of is that they need heroes. I think the others are just as surprised, as they haven't really spoken about the subject.

"Let's go downstairs," says Percy, taking charge. We all slowly make our way below deck to sit on the couches and chairs in the common room. "I'm going to the bathroom," I declare. Instantly Elani stands, "I will come too." I am a little surprised by her outburst but nod my head for her to come nonetheless. We walk in a comfortable silence towards the only communal bathroom on board. "I can't believe that just happened," whispers Elani, not wanting to completely shatter the peaceful atmosphere. "I know, it seems too harsh." Elani stops walking and grabs me by the shoulders. I flinch in surprise. Elani's face is completely serious. "If anything, Aria, it is too little. What Derrek has done is despicable, and he never had any right the treat you half as bad as he did. Me and Greyson knew something was wrong, but not to this extent. If we knew we would have stopped this. I am sorry, I am so sorry." She starts to cry, and I freeze. Just as I was considering pulling her into a hug, she begins to cling to me for dear life. "Shh," I say as I stroke her hair, "you have nothing to be sorry for. You have been a wonderful friend, nothing you do could ever change that." She just keeps crying as I rub her back comfortingly. I guide us to the bathroom, before using a tissue to wipe the tears from her face. She eventually stops crying, so we both use the bathroom. Finally, I really needed to go.

The moment we walk in Greyson eyes are on Elani's face, probably noting her puffy eyes, but he doesn't comment on it. "I was thinking we could have a sleepover in here tonight," says Percy, "for a change of pace." Me, Elani, and Greyson look at each other before shrugging and agreeing.

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And so, we did, and we did the next night as well. It felt like, no matter where I went, I was never alone. I needed to go to the bathroom? So did Elani. I wanted to go on deck, Percy wanted to see the water. I wanted to go to my room, Greyson needed my help with something. It was starting to get ridiculous. "I'm feeling tired, I think I will go take a nap." Me and Elani were in her room, sitting on her bed as she braided my hair. "You can sleep here," she replied.

"No. I'm going to my room," my tone sounded a bit irritated, but apparently Elani didn't notice. "It's no trouble, I like the company." I internally sigh, as I try to find a way out.

"I need to shower too, and I don't have any clothes here." Elani opened her mouth, probably to tell me I could bother hers, but I was already dashing out the door and into my room. I sighed with my back pressed against the door. Alone at last.

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I did take that nap, and the shower too. The shower wasn't as bad as it normally is. I was a lot calmer, even enjoyed the warmth for a few seconds before I caught myself. The water still caused me so much pain before, it was not to be trusted. Knowing that someone would soon be at my door to drag me out of my reprieve, I decided to change into my dance clothes and head into my mini studio. I wanted the freedom to move and express myself, something which I hadn't been able to do in a while.