Fish Out of Water!

It's here people.

'Sup people, DF here!

I may or may not be writing this while listening to The Little Mermaid soundtrack… XD

I'm soo excited for you guys to read this! I love any fic with Merman!Percy and it really makes me happy that I'm finally putting one of my own out there! I spent a few days drawing him out so that I could have a visual when I describe him to you guys. Dr. Paint saw it and said that she's never seen one like the one I designed so that makes me even more excited to share it with you peeps!

I should probably shut up now and add the disclaimer:

We, demonicfate616 and Dr. Paint do not own Uncle Rick's PJaTO or HoO series.

"Let me get this straight." Finn the orca paused dramatically, "These malls of yours are giant shopping centers?"

"Yup."

"Sooo…" drawled Squirt the sea turtle, "Do they like, totally kill each other while they shop n' stuff?"

Percy blinked, "Kill each other? Oh! You're thinking about the other meaning right?"

"There are two meanings to the word?" asked Finn.

"Radical! How're they different?" Squirt asked in awe.

"Uhh…" Apparently Finn and Squirt had forgotten that demigods were notorious for their dyslexia. "They're spelled differently...I think... but 'mall' is another word for shopping center alright?"

"Kay!" the sea turtle happily agreed.

"This doesn't answer my previous question though," Pouted the killer whale, "You were talking about escalators, elevators, and stairs."

"What about them?"

Finn suddenly halted his swim and turned around so sharply that he accidentally smacked Squirt with his tail, "Why have three ways to go up when you really only need one?" he started tugging seaweed from the ocean floor in agitation, "There is simply no need for the other two!"

Percy rubbed the back of his neck, "Gee Finn, I really don't know."

Finn was a very pessimistic and unusually serious young orca; the complete opposite of his laid back and lazy companion. Squirt's motto went something like: Just go with the flow dudes! Which brought a twitch to Finn's eye every time he said it (Perhaps he's been spending too much time with Delphin.)

Finn huffed, "Surface dwellers are so odd."

"I dunno," Squirt swam to Percy's face, "I sorta like that they give 'em options."

He smiled back weakly, "Good to know."

Percy didn't know what to think when his father suddenly handed him two personal servants. He'd been uncomfortable with the idea at first, but gradually, he came to accept it. Then again, they did come in handy when it came to asking questions about the undersea life. Sometimes they could get a bit overwhelming, especially Finn; that guy was a serious stick in the mud.

'Hmm, I guess that's why Squirt's there.' he mused, 'To tone him down a notch.'

Percy glanced around his surroundings, they were currently in the outskirts of Atlantis; his father's palace was far off in the distance and was about as big as his thumbnail.

"Hey guys, why don't we go and-" a sudden bout of dizziness made him keel forward and he would've faceplanted into an anemone if it weren't for Squirt clamping his mouth on the back of his chiton.

"Whoa! Man down!"

"Good gracious!" Finn swam underneath the downed demigod and settled him on his back, "Your Highness are you alright?!"

Percy groaned, "Put me down." he started to rise but Squirt pushed him back down. "Guys, really, I'm fine!" His insistence fell on deaf ears.

"We need to get him back to the palace right away!"

"On it!"

Before they set off, Percy rolled off Finn's back and swam a few feet ahead of them, "Would you listen for just a second?" He took a deep breath, "I swear I'm fine, see?" He spread his arms apart to show that he was indeed okay. "Honestly, all I did was get a little dizzy, it's nothing to be worried about."

Finn huffed, "Your little dizzy spell certainly didn't look like nothing."

"Seriously?"

"Uh, yes, seriously," Squirt drawled, "You almost sucked faces with that anemone."

The Sea Prince pinched the bridge of his nose, "Look, I appreciate the concern, but we really don't have to go back and make a huge deal out of this." At the skeptic looks he received he added, "If it makes you feel better, I'll even take a breather right here." He sat in the middle of a large reef with his legs crossed and placed he hands on his lap. "Happy now?"

Finn and Squirt gave each other a look.

"Yup."

"I suppose so." Reluctantly agreed the orca, "Though, I've noticed that this isn't the first time this has happened."

Percy froze, "What do you mean?"

"You also haven't eaten as much as you should lately." The sea mammal turned his sharp gaze towards his charge, "Your Highness, I'm really concerned for your health."

"You're just overreacting-"

"No, he's not."

The demigod cast a surprised glance at his normally laid back companion, "Squirt?"

"We're just worried 'kay?"

Percy fisted the folds of his light green chiton, he knew exactly what they were talking about. Around a month ago, he'd started to feel uncomfortable in his skin, like it was too loose or sometimes too tight; especially while he was sleeping, it felt like he was having an out-of-body experience. There were times when his mother would send him on errands on land to collect items and upon breaching the surface and taking a step onto the sand, he would start to feel woozy and sick, like he had eaten one too many slices of blue cheesecake. This had happened several times and each time he went out, he made sure to get done faster than the previous venture so he could quickly dive back into the comforting feeling of the surf. He'd been able to keep these symptoms relatively at bay until just a few days ago when he taught Jason how to swim, and holy mother of gods…

Percy swore he'd never felt so nauseous in his life.

It didn't start till after he went back into the ocean. While walking through the forest, he felt the usual sickness start to creep into his gut, but held it back and put on a composed mask for Jason. (And if he was honest, the Roman looked like he needed all the help he could get, so he couldn't afford to look unwell for his already nervous pupil.) The feelings subsided completely when he stepped into the soothing waters of the lake, and boy, was it heavenly. And after almost being turned into another furry animal, he felt completely at ease sitting on the cliffs with Jason. It was only when Finn and Squirt came to collect him that the sickness came back, and with a vengeance. Percy remembered exactly what went through his thoughts the moment he dived back under:

Ohh schist.

Everything just went downhill after that. His vision went in and out of focus, patches of skin on his shoulders and sides started to prickle and sting, his sea magic was all over the place (Random objects spontaneously exploded around him-a statue of Triton was his latest casualty) and last but not least… his legs. Sometimes they would feel like rubber or get really heavy, just yesterday he nearly had a heart attack, they had stopped working completely. After sparring with some guards he went back into his quarters to take a power nap and upon waking up, with horrible realization, his legs refused to move. He spent ten whole minutes trying in vain to make them work again and only stopped when he heard his doors burst open…

•••Flashback!•••

"My Prince, are you alright?"

'Stupid legs!' Percy cursed, flailing about, 'You're supposed to move!'

No matter what he did, the appendages just wouldn't budge, it was like they weighed a ton each or totally died on him completely.

Percy was starting to lose it, he was ready to cut them off in frustration. Why weren't they working? One of his useless legs kicked down his wardrobe and it landed heavily on the floor.

CRASH!

"Your Majesty?!"

Completely oblivious to the rapping on his doors, he threw one of the delicate glass mantle pieces against the wall in a rage, 'Why. Won't. You. Move?!'

Shatter!

"Perseus!"

The mermaid busted the outer doors open and swam frantically across the room and just about tore the bedroom doors off its hinges. What she saw made her heart freeze. The once magnificent room was in shambles, furniture was overturned and destroyed, articles of clothing were strewn across the room, deep gouges-that she hoped were from a sword-were carved into the walls, and sitting in the middle of it all was the shallow breathing, extremely ashen faced Prince on his side, clutching the floor as if it were his last refuge.

Gina clasped her face in horror and shrieked, "Prince Perseus!"

•••End Flashback•••

It took him a while before he could convince the poor mergirl to calm down and not rush out in a panic for help.

Percy felt terrible for making Gina worry so much about him while he was throwing a tantrum. He remembered staring into her coral pink eyes and reassuring her it was nothing more than a cramp (a severe and dead weight cramp) and asked that she bring him something to alleviate the pain and nausea. Being the loyal and caring servant she was, she guided him towards a pile of gossamer sheets that weren't ruined and set him there before making her way out for a medicine.

Upon her return, she presented him with a bottle and instructed him to drink it all. The effects were immediate and the last thing he remembered before passing out was Gina gently stroking his hair and set about repairing the room herself. When he woke up the next day, his legs were working again and the bedroom was fixed and was as immaculate (the servants cleaned it constantly) as it was before he destroyed it.

Percy shook his head and when he looked at the faces of his reptile and mammal companions, he saw worry and concern etched on them.

He sighed, "Okay, yeah, you're worried. I get it." He wrung his hands, "I just thought that a swim around the city would help y'know?"

Finn chirped loudly, "You could've eaten something before dragging us out of the palace. I didn't see you eat a thing before coming out here."

Squirt swam to Percy's stomach and placed his head to his belly, "Nope, I don't hear a thing in here."

The son of Poseidon smiled and shook his head at the sea turtle's antics, "I didn't feel very good this morning and cut that out, it tickles." He gently nudged him out of the way, "Tell you what. Why don't you guys head back to the palace and bring some food? I'm in the mood for a picnic."

The orca seemed to perk up at the idea, "That can be arranged!" He swam around eagerly, "Do you have anything in mind?"

"Hmm," he tapped his chin thoughtfully, "How about some hydra meat sandwiches, plankton pudding, and kelp cookies?" Finn was going to suggest something to drink but was interrupted by a very excited sea turtle.

"Kelp cookies! Those are awesommme!" with that, Squirt sped off towards the palace.

"Oh no you don't!" Finn raced after him, "Those cookies are for the Prince!"

Percy watched them speed away until they were only specks in the distance, he exhaled through his nose, "Finally, some alone time." He got up and swam further across reef. After passing some colorful coral, he found an enormous open scallop shell-this thing was as big as a king sized bed-and settled himself atop the fleshy mass.

Lately, it wasn't just his body that was arousing his concern, it was also the memory of what his father said on that fateful day on the shore.

How would you like to see what being a prince is like?

He wasn't a full-fledged prince, not yet, he had to have a coronation first. Although, the fish and merfolk around him would beg to differ. To them, he was already Prince Perseus Achilles Jackson, and it was starting to scare him a bit. They all treated him like he was perfect, that he could do no wrong, and with the utmost respect-not that it wasn't appreciated. He could see the twinkle in their eyes whenever he passed by or the waves of genuine awe that would roll off them when he spoke. Percy was just afraid of what would happen if he were to let them down, somehow he couldn't bear the thought.

Think of it as an extended family vacation of sorts; a chance to bond with your other family.

Never in a million years did Percy think that his stepmother would warm up to him as much as she has now. If someone had told him three months ago that his father's immortal wife would fawn over him like a doll and make him clothing, he would've personally escorted them to Dionysus and ask that he cure their obvious insanity!

And Triton… it gave him a headache thinking how far they came along as well. His brother could barely stand the sight of him at first, he wanted absolutely nothing to do with him, let alone bond. It wasn't until he was ready to rip his stupid green fins off that their father sent them on a quest together that they finally started finding common ground (It turns out that almost being mauled by a giant sea monster really brings people together, and in their case, it really helped them a lot.) Now, whenever Triton had free time, he would insist on spending it with him (This didn't happen until a month after their quest) it really wasn't bad at all, though they still had the occasional disagreement, he was turning out to be someone Percy could really count on.

Surprisingly, it was his Father that turned out to be the biggest challenge, he had absolutely no idea how to approach the guy. Whenever he neared him, he got timid and unsure, how was he supposed to talk to one of the Big Three? Their silence went on for two painfully awkward weeks until Percy had finally complained-blurted-out loud how they weren't any closer to each other than they were in the beginning. He remembered how relieved his father had looked and how he laughed himself hoarse saying,

And here I thought I was the only one that was nervous!

It turned out that Poseidon was just at unsure how to talk to him as he was! It was then that Percy realized that not only was his father one of the Big Three, but he would still always be his dad first.

Percy lay down on his side and nuzzled the smooth flesh beneath him, "Wow, this sure is comfy."

I thank you for the compliment My Prince.

The Sea Prince bolted upright and looked around wildly, "Who's there?" his hand inched towards the side pocket of his chiton where he kept Riptide.

I am here.

The deep and ancient voice was echoing inside his head, "Where is here?"

Look down My Prince.

Percy did as the voice instructed but all that he saw was the giant pink bed of- "No way." He got up and swam towards the front lips of the giant shell, it was there that he saw two large beady coral red eyes shaped like rhombuses, "Are you the one speaking?"

Yes, and it's a pleasure to finally meet you face-to-face.

He reeled back in shock, "Holy-you can talk?"

In a sense, yes, I am able.

"Oh, um, hello." He greeted awkwardly.

Hello My Prince, I am pleased to know that I can be of service to you.

Percy blushed, "I'm uh, sorry I just laid down on you like that."

My Prince can do what he wishes, so long as he is content.

Percy cringed inwardly, this is the exact kind of thing that made him uncomfortable with the whole 'Prince' gig, "Gee thanks." He sat back on top of the sentient mass, "Do you have a name?"

I am not in possession of one.

He blinked, "Would you like one?" it seemed kind of odd if he continued to speak to the giant scallop without knowing what to call it.

It would be an honor to receive a name from My Prince.

"Okay, how about…" he knew he wasn't as good as Annabeth when it came to this sort of stuff, but he felt that he came up with the perfect name, "How about Sheldon?"

Minutes passed and Percy gulped, had he come up with a bogus name? He was going to suggest another one when he felt a deep rumbling come from the round pink body.

I have a shell, therefore it is only appropriate that my name bear it as well. Yes, my name will be Sheldon.

'Was he laughing?' Percy thought incredulously. He crawled towards the front to meet up with the large beady red eyes, "You really like it?"

Very much so.

Relief flooded the demigod, "Alright then, your name is Sheldon!" Percy couldn't help but laugh alongside his new friend.

Their laughter drew in fish around them, but Percy was more than used to ignoring their chatter. Again they spoke of him, practically singing praises; he turned to his side and nuzzled Sheldon's body, "You don't mind if I take a nap here, do you?"

I do not mind in the slightest, in fact, it is probably safest to be near me when you are so far away from home. So please, rest to your heart's content.

Percy smiled sleepily, "M'kay, thanks." Lightly humming a tune to himself, he slowly closed his eyes and let his mind wander.

Since waking up that morning, he felt almost completely back to normal, whatever Gina had given him last night really worked wonders. He sighed contently, finally at ease for the first time in a while. His back and shoulders no longer ached, his skin felt like the right size, and his legs didn't feel like deadweights anymore, they started to feel incredibly light. So light in fact, he could barely even feel them anymore. His entire body seemed to buzz, and he could hear something like fabric tearing, but at that moment, all the sleepy Sea Prince cared about was finally being able to relax…

Too bad the fish around him wouldn't shut up.

'He is absolutely magnificent!'

'His voice is wonderful-'

'My goodness! Look at what's happening to him!'

'He's changing!'

'Wow! He's really amazing!'

'So sparkly and blue!'

'My Lord! My Lord! Please wake up and see!'

'Yes! Please wake up!'

'He has TWO fins!'

'WAKE UP!'

The Sea Prince turned irritably to his other side to confront the pesky fish, rubbing an eye he groggily said, "Can't you guys see I'm try to take a…nap…here?"

His hand was blue and webbed.

Percy blinked. Thinking that someone painted him blue, he brought his other hand to wipe off the paint, but his other hand was blue and webbed as well!

"What the?" There were barbed fins on his arms! Upon further inspection, he saw that his shoulders had speckled gold scales, "Huh!" He could barely make them out but he could swear he could see something filmy and pointy on his back-dorsal fins?

He tried to stand up but his legs seemed to not want to work again, he groaned, "Not again!" he flipped to his back and froze at what he saw. Instead of two feet with five toes on each foot, he saw…two shiny fins attached to a…a tail?!

"Wha-? What's going on?!" he blocked out the chatter above him again and scrambled around to find anything with a reflective surface, ignoring the torn pieces of expensive fabric surrounding him, "Hey Sheldon, you wouldn't happen to have a mirror would you?"

You can use the reflective interior of my shell.

Percy turned around and swiped at the shiny abalone, what he saw made him pause dramatically. He saw a really fancy looking merman that had a striking resemblance to him-

"What?"

The merman seemed to copy his movements, they both leaned forward to place a hand on the…reflective surface…

"No way…" This couldn't possibly be him! This was certainly one of the most bizarre dreams that his head ever thought up. He gave himself a good pinch and expected himself to wake up from this incredibly realistic dream.

Nope, still dreaming. The regal merman was still there in the reflection, so he pinched himself again, a bit harder than before.

One more time.

…Nothing happened.

With a dawning realization, he was rapidly coming to the conclusion that the MerPrince in the mirror was in fact him!

His previous calm was quickly being overridden with rising panic, he couldn't get enough air in his lung-what air? He was a fish! Ha ha! With two fins! Like his brother Triton!

He was a fish.

He turned into merman.

He pulled a reverse FREAKING Ariel!

He was a very distressed teenage demigod, and when distressed, there was only one logical way to deal with a situation such as this…

He screamed at the top of his lungs.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"

End of Part One :D

It's finally here, you've read it and now I WANNA SEE SOME REVIEWS! I cut this off a bit earlier than what I had originally planned, so Triton's part will be coming up next!

Again, a thousand apologies for the tardiness! Better late than never, right?

Got any questions? Feel free to ask :3

~Love&hugs from me! DF

Paint here,

I don't really have much to say other than DF should be a costume designer because chitons with pockets? Take all of my money!

So yeah, reviews. Reviews are always welcome, please review :)

And Paint out!