Aquaphobia (Percy Jackson Fic)

Coming Home

A/N: This chapter took me so long to write. Every time I would sit to work on it, I would get a massive case of writer's block. The song attached to this chapter doesn't have anything to do with the chapter itself, but is the song I associate with the death of the Queen. When I heard she had passed, I decided to work in a tribute to her into this chapter, causing it to be postponed even longer. I hope you all enjoy the chapter, see you on the flip side!

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

"You have done well Aria," says a voice. I look around to find the source as Poseidon appears in front of me. "Wait," I say, "are you really here?"

"No, we are in a dreamscape. I am unable to interfere with your quest directly anymore, but I can guide you to where the nymphs are held." I slowly become aware of my surroundings and realise I am in an all-white room. "Aren't dreamscapes supposed to reflect a person's mindscape? Why is it empty?"

"Dreamscapes," begin Poseidon, "reflect a place where the owner feels safe. Many people confuse them with dreams, which are more reflective of the subconscious and can be a place of fear. As for why your dreamscape is white. Only you can answer that." I look around my surroundings. "It is all light, no darkness. The dark of the world can't touch me here, the light is keeping it away."

"And so, you are safe", finishes Poseidon. For once I feel that I am.

"Where is the cave holding the nymphs?" I question.

"I believe they are being held in Don's Cave on Navassa Island. It is a small uninhabited island in the Caribbean that both the United States and Haiti believe they have claim to. The caves are at the islands southernmost point." I nod, memorizing the information.

"I will grant you calm seas as you journey across the Atlantic. I may not be able to interfere with your quest anymore, but the fates cannot tell me how to control my ocean." I give him a look. "If I have learned anything by now, it is not to tempt the fates." Poseidon laughs under his breath. "Yes, that is probably wise." I smile at him, and for once I don't feel anger or resentment; I just feel content. A nice moment with my father. The thought causes a tightness in my chest that I didn't know existed to loosen. "I will allow you to get some proper sleep now. Goodnight Aria." I smile at him. He begins to fade out of existence, and right before he dissolves fully and I get pulled into a dream, I reply, "goodnight, Dad."

🌀 🌀 🌀 🌀 🌀

We set course for Navassa Island the next morning. The seas are extremely agreeable, so we expect to reach the island sometime tomorrow. We are staying on alert for any monsters but have yet to encounter any. I quickly knock on some wood. No need to jinx anything. At the moment me, Greyson, and Elani are all alone in my room. We lay on my bed in silence. "What happened to us?" Greyson breaks the silence. "Everything used to be so simple. We were just friends having fun. Now everything is so confusing."

"We are still friends," I interject, "that hasn't changed."

"And once we get back to camp, we can start having fun again," says Elani.

"I guess," says Greyson.

"Hey," starts Elani, "yeah, this quest has been crazy, and we aren't the same people we were when it started, but that is part of growing up. It doesn't change the fact that we will always be friends. We have found a mismatched sort of family, and I, for one, do not plan on losing it anytime soon." I do not know what to say to Elani's words, so I grab both of their hands and give them a squeeze to show them I do not plan on letting go either. "I am really happy I met you guys" I say. I get a squeeze on either hand in response, and everything feels okay.