Aquaphobia (Percy Jackson Fic)

The Tide Will Bring You Home

A/N: Did it take me over six months to write this........ yes, yes it did.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Percy Jackson franchise, *sighs in envious authorness*.

I only own any characters I create and most of the plot line.

"I take it you were successful," says Chiron, with no question in his voice. I nod anyways. We are in the big houses 'meeting room'. He smiles down at me in a fatherly way. "You have done well Aria. Clearly, the qualities of leadership run in your family." He winks, as if letting me in on an inside joke. I smile at him tiredly. "I imagine you are antsy to get back to the others, so I won't keep you long. Give me a quick rundown of what happened, you can give me a more detailed report later." I smile at him gratefully and launch into a censored and abbreviated version of what happened during the quest. My efforts are in vain, however, as Chiron still has a crease between his eyebrows with worry at the end of the monologue. I can tell he wants to demand more details, but he restrains himself. Instead, he gives me a tight- lipped smile. "That sounds..." he trails off, and I nod in understanding. "I won't keep you," he decides, "go, run along, but we will have to talk at some point in the coming days." I thank him and rush out, wanting to see camp again.

The Poseidon cabin looks as beautiful as ever. The smell of sea salt fills my senses as I step onto the porch. I stand before the door and take a deep breath. I relax as I finally feel safe. I step through the door, and as expected, there is Percy on an Iris message with his mom. He sticks out his arm and motions me over, not even looking over at the door. I roll my eyes at his lack of hello and walk over. He tucks me under one arm as we both give Sally Jackson our full attention. "Aria!" she greets enthusiastically.

"Hello Ms. Jackson," I say with a smile on my face.

"Just Sally dear," I nod indulgently even though I know I will be sticking with Ms. Jackson.

"Percy was telling me about your quest, although I know he is trying to make it sound better than it really was," she gives him a mock glare, "but he also says you made an excellent leader." I smile and blush under the praise. "You two are to come see me this weekend," Sally states. It's not a question. "Will do mom," says Percy.

"Sally?" Shouts someone in the background.

"One moment please," she turns to me and Percy, "I have to go, but this weekend, okay? Both of you." We each give our agreements and Percy ends the IM.

"How did it go with Chiron?" Percy asks.

"It was fine, he wants to do a proper debrief later, but he let me go for now." Percy pulls a face. "He never let me do that." I smirk

"That's because he likes me better." Percy gasps in mock offence.

"You little brat," he reaches out to give me a noogie, but I dodge under his arm, "come back here!" We run outside as Percy chases me, all the way to Hestia's hearth. The goddess is nowhere to be seen as we run around. Thunder rumbles in the distance and Percy pauses. I stop too, looking at him curiously. Lightning flashes, surprising me as the sky is clear as ever, but Percy pales dramatically. I reach out to grab his arm and ask what's wrong, but I jump back when Nico comes tumbling out of the shadow of the stones surrounding the hearth. "I told you; you would be in deep shit Percy." I look at him incredulously, wondering what in the world is going on. Nico ignores me and continues, "for the record, I contacted Hazel too. She and Jason were already on their way to see Annabeth after they found out you went on a quest. Frank stayed behind to look after Praetor duties in New Rome. They should be here soon, in fact." I didn't think Percy could get any paler, but he loves to prove me wrong. I step closer, ready to catch him if he faints. I turn to Nico, "what is going on?" Nico only smiles at me. "Family reunion."