A/N: Apologies to everyone for the original teaser for this chapter. I confused a lot of people... oops.

This is the stupid chapter. Just going to say it now, this chapter was a lot less stupid in my head. But. I had WAY too much fun with this chapter to get rid of it. XD Also, you might have noticed that this story is no longer "Unending." I've decided on how it'll end!

Headcanons to keep in mind here: Nereus trained Alpheus to take his place as head of the Guardians before he left Alpheus. Alpheus has bionic arms, due to an accident three years prior. Alpheus has implied that he was alone during the accident, but Nereus was there. (Otherwise Alpheus couldn't have survived.)

Briefly: While Finn is grounded, he is picked up by ARIA to care for a sick Alpheus.

Guest reviews:

Guest 2: (Ch1) Thanks! Some people might question my spreading out so much, hehe... Not to worry! -hugs Finn- (Ch7) Thanks! I love writing Finn with the Nektons! Everything else is a secret. ;)

Random Fan: Yes, they are! I got sad while researching... Finn, no. Just... no. XD They basically are, albatrosses are HUGE! Nope, and Finn just needs to accept it.

Guest 1: Ah, yeah, sorry about that. Nobody got it, really... Hey, that's awesome if you decide you want to write! I highly encourage it!

Finn was grounded. Again.

He wasn't sure what he'd even done wrong this time. Everyone had just blamed him for the Nektons catching up to them after the pirates had made off with some treasure from a newly discovered wreck. Finn knew it wasn't his fault; the Aronnax was simply faster!

Not even Pete had seen sense, though. Pete had actually been the one to suggest Finn spend some time away from the crew.

Finn didn't get it. Usually, Pete was the one to take his side. Was Pete starting to suspect Finn's friendship with the Nektons? Did he think Finn had called the Nektons about the stolen treasure?

"Tempting," Finn muttered, eyes on the surf and mind on the events of the previous day. "But that would be way too obvious. Besides, if he thinks I called the Nektons, why would he suggest leaving me alone?"

Finn glanced at his comm, contemplating calling the Nektons. He'd been dropped off on the island at noon, so he likely had until the next day's evening to himself at least. If the Nektons were in the area, he didn't think they'd mind his company.

After a moment's thought, Finn decided to wait. For all he knew, the Dark Orca was waiting just out of sight to see if the Nektons would show up.

"It's just so unlike Pete to side against me like that," Finn said to the island in general as he walked along the beach. "He usually convinces Dad to not ground me. If I didn't know any better, I'd think Pete wanted the Nektons to find me here!"

Finn stopped at the thought, then shook his head. "Nah. Pete's the one who always convinces me to try harder."

Finn continued to wander the beach, lost in thought. Some hours later, Finn decided Pete or his dad weren't trying to trick him. They didn't have that much patience. He was just about to call the Nektons, when a voice startled him.

"Finn, are you there?"

"Yes," Finn said automatically. He looked around. "Who's there?"

"I am Aria.."

"Okay…" Finn turned in a full circle. "Where are you?"

"I am here."

Finn tracked the voice to be coming from the water. His mind immediately went to sirens, prompting him to back up.

"I don't see you," Finn said nervously.

The water surged, startling Finn into jumping further back. Something large rose from the water. As the water spilled off it, Finn realized he was looking at the strangest submarine he'd ever encountered.

The sub kind of reminded Finn of a squid, with its rounded body and four "arms" extending around a glass view port. Behind the glass was a small, empty bridge.

"Here I am," said Aria, her voice coming from somewhere on the sub.

"Okay…" Finn waited, but didn't see anyone. "What are you doing here?"

"I need your help."

Finn raised an eyebrow. "My help?"

"Yes."

"I don't even know you… I don't think. Where are you?"

"I am here," Aria said unhelpfully.

"Where?"

There was a brief silence, then, "Perhaps my information is incomplete. Are you blind?"

Finn sputtered. "Was that an insult?"

"No. I merely wish to have complete information. Are you-"

"No, I'm not blind," Finn interrupted. "I just don't see… you!"

"Perhaps it would be easier if you came aboard," Aria said.

"No thanks, I don't accept rides from strangers," Finn said.

"You did from Nereus."

Finn perked up. "You know Nereus?"

"I do. He has been aboard many times, as have the Nekton family."

"They never mentioned you," Finn commented.

"The Nekton family is… quite busy."

"Yes, I suppose."

"Since we have mutual companions, will you come aboard now?"

Finn shrugged. "Sure, why not? I've got time and if there's one thing I've learned from the Nektons, it's to help people."

The squid submarine turned, then a long tube stretched from the main body to the beach. Finn used the tube to walk inside, then watched the tube retracte and the wall close back up.

Finn looked both ways of the long hall he found himself in, but there was nobody in sight. He tensed a bit.

"Are you still here, Aria?" Finn asked.

"I am always here," Aria said, her voice coming from the ceiling.

"I still don't see you."

"I am the submarine."

"By that, you mean you're the pilot?"

"No, I am Aria, Augmented Response Intelligent Application."

"Okay, ARIA." Finn paused. "I don't get it."

"I am an AI. I am the submarine."

"Wait, you mean literally? I didn't know such complex AIs existed," Finn said, awed.

"I am the only one of my kind."

"That's amazing! Who built you? Are they here?" Finn looked around the hall again. "Do you have a crew?"

"His name was Amos," ARIA said. "He is… dead."

"Oh," Finn said, wondering at the AI's hesitation. It was a very human trait, prompting Finn's, "I'm sorry."

"His son, Alpheus, remains," ARIA went. "Alpheus created me as much as Amos."

"And is Alpheus here?"

"He is." Again, ARIA paused. "For now."

Finn stiffened. "What do you mean?"

"Alpheus is the reason I came to you. He needs assistance, more than I can provide to him."

"Where is he?"

"Turn left."

Following ARIA's instructions, Finn hurried through the sub. Luckily, it was a fairly small submarine, the "arms" making it seem bigger.

Near where Finn guessed to be the back of the submarine, he came to a quick halt at the sight of scorch marks on the wall.

"Where did those come from? Were you attacked?"

"No, that is Alpheus' work."

Finn eyed the marks. "How?"

"Alpheus has bionic arms," ARIA explained. "They have been malfunctioning."

"Is that why you need my help?"

"No. Once I discovered what was wrong, I disabled his bionics of all unnecessary functions."

"Good. I don't want to get my face burned off."

"I will not allow you to be harmed," ARIA assured him. "Now, please hurry."

Finn nodded and continued down the hall until ARIA told him to stop. A door opened automatically, and Finn stepped into a room.

Sprawled on his back in the middle of the room was a young man Finn guessed to be about Pete's age. He was pale and his blue-black hair was plastered to his face with sweat. He wore a dark wetsuit, which had random patterns pulsing gently with light.

Finn rushed to the man and dropped to his knees. He hadn't been expecting to find Alpheus on the floor of what appeared to be a personal workshop.

"Hey! Hey, Alpheus," Finn said, lightly slapping Alpheus' cheeks to no result.

"Please don't hit Alpheus," ARIA requested.

"It's a tried and true method." Finn sat back. "That isn't working. He's burning up, too. ARIA, how long has he been like this?"

"Alpheus developed a fever three days ago. He collapsed three hours ago."

"And I was seriously the closest person you could find?"

"The closest person who would help Alpheus."

"Uh-huh." Finn shook his head. "How many enemies do you have?"

"Too many," ARIA said, not recognizing the question as rhetorical.

"I'd love to ask how, but as a pirate with more enemies than I'd rather think about, I'll ignore that." Finn stood. "You should bring him to the Aronnax."

"I cannot. The Nektons are occupied elsewhere."

"Well, he needs a doctor," Finn said critically.

"Do you not have medical experience?"

"Not enough to figure out what's wrong. I'm not a doctor. You should find the Nektons. Even if they're busy, I know Kaiko wouldn't want to leave Alpheus sick."

ARIA was quiet for a long time. Finn wondered what could have the Nektons so busy that ARIA couldn't bring Alpheus to them.

"Very well," ARIA said. "I will take Alpheus to the Nektons. But it will take time. Can you stay with Alpheus until then?"

"Sure, I've got time," Finn said. "Dad can't track me, and I'll come up with something to tell him if they return before I do."

"Thank you, Finn," ARIA said. "What do you need for Alpheus?"

"Where's your infirmary? I can at least help with the fever."

"On the other side of the submarine."

"Should've guessed," Finn muttered. "If you're going to hide away when you're sick, might as well collapse as far from medical attention that you can get. Don't move, Alpheus, I'll be right back."

"Alpheus is unconscious. He cannot move."

"I guess it's true that AI's don't get sarcasm," Finn said, moving into the hall.

"No, I do not."

"Gonna have to work on that."

ARIA directed Finn to the infirmary, which looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Everything was shining and smooth-edged. There wasn't a speck of decoration or color in the room, though, making it rather bland in Finn's opinion.

With a bit of searching, Finn was able to find a scanner. With it, ARIA told Finn he could take Alpheus' temperature, check for broken bones, and test a blood sample.

Scanner in hand, Finn sprinted back toward the workshop. He'd been disappointed to learn that Alpheus didn't have a stretcher, and wondered if he'd be able to move the young man to somewhere more comfortable.

"Alpheus is awake," ARIA said suddenly, interrupting Finn's musings.

"That's good," Finn said.

"He was very confused before he collapsed," ARIA went on. "When he asks who you are, say you are a Guardian."

"Guardian? What's that?"

"Alpheus' companions."

"Companions who couldn't stop to help him?"

"Guardians are… difficult to track down. But, Nereus and the Nektons are Guardians. By extension, as are you."

"That's not very sound logic, for an AI."

"Just say you are a Guardian. Alpheus will accept your help."

"Why can't I just say I'm a friend of the Nektons?"

"Under normal circumstances, Alpheus will not trust anyone who is not a Guardian. In his condition, a non-Guardian on board will only upset him."

"Is there some ritual involved to be a Guardian?"

"You are a pirate, yet you are afraid to lie?"

Finn snorted. "Got me there. Okay, fine. I guess I'm a Guardian for the day."

Finn arrived at the workshop shortly after. Alpheus was sitting up and looking around with confusion, though he brows drew down in a scowl when he saw Finn.

"Who're you?" Alpheus demanded with a slight slur. "How'd you get on board?"

"Name's Finn. ARIA let me in," Finn said.

Alpheus paused, then tried to stand. "ARIA, what were you thinking? Who is this?"

"Finn is a Guardian," ARIA said before Finn could explain his connection to the Nektons. "I retrieved him to help you."

"I don't need help," Alpheus said, even as his legs gave out and sent him sprawling.

"Sure, you don't," Finn said, used to stubborn pirates. "You're just on the floor because you feel like it."

Alpheus glared. It wasn't really intimidating, though, with his pale and sweat-streaked face and shaking limbs.

Finn went to Alpheus and swept down, grabbing Alpheus' arm and dragging him to a seated position before Alpheus could muster a protest. Even when Alpheus sputtered about not needing help, his body sagged against Finn's.

"You're burning up," Finn said. "You should be at least in bed."

Alpheus grumbled. Finn cocked his head to hear better.

"How'd you get aboard, Otter?"

Finn snickered. "Otter? Who's that?"

"'m not takin' your Dad's awful stuff," Alpheus mumbled, fever-bright eyes rapidly losing focus.

"Alright, buddy, let's get you up," Finn murmured, starting to worry.

Finn stood slowly, letting Alpheus get his weak legs under him. He slung Alpheus' arm over his shoulder and put an arm around the man's waist. They were incredibly unsteady, but Finn was confident he could at least get Alpheus someplace more comfortable.

"ARIA, where's the closest place Alpheus can lay down?"

Finn was infinitely glad for ARIA's ability to control the doors as the pair made their slow way down the hall. ARIA led them to a small room that looked like a study, but at least had a cot against the wall.

"Just a few more steps," Finn grunted when he felt Alpheus stumble.

They barely made it to the cot. As it was, Finn basically dropped Alpheus onto the cot when the young man suddenly went limp.

"That wasn't so hard, was it?" Finn panted, bracing his hands on his knees to catch his breath.

"It looks like it was," ARIA said.

"Sarcasm, ARIA," Finn said, lifting Alpheus' legs onto the cot.

"I see."

Finn retrieved the scanner from the workshop and checked Alpheus. ARIA helped him run through tests, deciding after several hours of scans that Alpheus had gotten himself sick from exhaustion.

Finn did what he could to help lower Alpheus' temperature with wet rags and some medicine ARIA had suggested from the infirmary. With a few days of rest, ARIA deduced Alpheus would be fine.

Nevertheless, Finn insisted on ARIA talking Alpheus to an actual doctor. If nothing else than to ensure Alpheus really had recovered before letting him go back to work.

Finn decided to stick along for the ride. He was already hours away from his island, and it was late enough that Finn figured he was going to be forgotten or ignored for a bit longer.

ARIA directed Finn to another workshop with a cot -did Alpheus seriously not have any bedrooms on his submarine?- and Finn dragged the cot to the study so he'd be nearby if Alpheus needed anything.

It had been a long few hours, so Finn quickly dropped into a deep sleep.

Alpheus was a poor patient.

The next morning, Finn and Alpheus sat facing each other, the latter flatly refusing to acknowledge the glass of water Finn was holding out.

"You're going to get worse," Finn said for the third time.

"What are you doing here?" Alpheus asked, also for the third time.

Finn wondered if Alpheus was feeling worse than he let on. He leaned forward and put a hand on Alpheus' forehead, ignoring his patient's annoyed complaint.

"You're still way too hot," Finn said. "How are you even conscious?"

"It is his bionics," ARIA supplied. "Alpheus runs hotter than most."

"Well, that's incredibly unhelpful," Finn mused, hand still on Alpheus.

Alpheus slapped the hand away. "I'm fine. You can leave."

"Such gratitude," Finn said sarcastically.

Alpheus just scowled.

"Look, you're still sick. I'm not leaving until you're better, or at least with other Guardians."

"I thought all Guardians were grumpy old people," Alpheus sneered.

"Your information is incorrect, Alpheus. There is yourself and Orrin," ARIA said.

"Otter doesn't count," Alpheus said. "He's not Lemurian blood."

"'Otter'?" Finn repeated. "You mentioned him yesterday. Who's Otter?"

"Glaucus' adopted son." Alpheus gave Finn a suspicious look. "How do you not know that?"

"I've never met Glaucus."

Thankfully, Alpheus accepted the excuse. Alpheus was still fevered, but clearly coherent enough to put the pieces together and Finn didn't want to leave Alpheus alone yet.

"Now, if you're done interrogating," Finn said, setting the glass on the floor and standing, "Are you hungry?"

Alpheus stared blankly at him. "What?"

"Are you hungry?" Finn shrugged. "Either way, I am. ARIA, where's the mess hall?"

"Just down the hall."

"You can't-" Alpheus sputtered.

"You, don't move," Finn said to Alpheus. "The sooner you cooperate, the sooner I'll leave you alone."

Alpheus blinked, then stopped his efforts to get out of bed. Finn nodded and left.

"Didn't think that would work," Finn muttered to himself.

Nobody on the Dark Orca knew how to cook, so it was a relief to find that most of Alpheus' food was premade. The premade food reminded Finn of the food on the Dark Orca. Alpheus had more of a variety -he had freezers, so he could store food for longer- but Finn found the similarity amusing.

Finn found some soup and crackers, and hoped Alpheus could manage it. ARIA told Finn that it had been two days since Alpheus ate last, so Finn knew they'd have to be careful.

Finn returned to the study and Alpheus' narrow-eyed glare. Not daring to offer to help Alpheus eat, Finn just handed Alpheus a bowl and spoon, then left to refill the glass Alpheus had emptied in Finn's absence.

Alpheus ate half the bowl before his head started to nod. Finn quietly rescued the bowl, prompting a drowsy glare, then Alpheus was asleep again in seconds.

Finn scanned Alpheus again. His fever was lower, but Finn was still concerned.

"How much longer, ARIA?" Finn asked.

"Not until tomorrow."

Finn sighed. He glanced at his comm. If he didn't get back soon, Finn would have a hard time explaining his absence.

Finn shook himself and stood. He took care of the dishes, then, since Alpheus would likely sleep for a while, decided to explore.

Alpheus' submarine was unlike the Dark Orca or Aronnax. There wasn't a wasted room; most rooms were studies or workshops with projects in various stages of completion.

There also weren't any bedrooms. It took awhile for Finn to realize this, then ARIA confirmed it when he asked. Alpheus simply never had company and slept on the scattered cots and bridge.

The bridge was equally dull. It was empty except for a chair with dozens of controls in the armrest. ARIA revealed the pilot's chair also functioned as a bed for Alpheus most nights.

It was pretty clear that Alpheus lived for work. What the work was, Finn didn't know and ARIA wouldn't reveal. Finn wondered if it had to do with how he apparently had so many enemies.

"Doesn't Alpheus get lonely?" Finn asked as he sat in the pilot's chair.

"He has never said so. Then again, he knows very few people his age. Being alone is simply what Alpheus is used to."

"What about Otter? Or, Orrin?"

"Orrin, nicknamed 'Otter' by Alpheus, is the closest comrade Alpheus has in age."

Finn noticed the use of "comrade." "Do they dislike each other?"

"Orrin does not dislike Alpheus, but Alpheus finds Orrin to be childish."

"How old is Orrin?"

"Eighteen, the same age as Alpheus."

Finn blinked. "Alpheus is eighteen? I thought he was older. How long has he been alone? Well, besides you."

"Amos built my first systems when Alpheus was born. He died when Alpheus was very young. For years, it was only Alpheus and I, until Nereus discovered Alpheus when he was twelve. Alpheus was brought to live with the Guardians, but he has always been independent."

"So, not much of a childhood," Finn deduced. "What about Orrin?"

"Orrin was found by Guardian Glaucus when he was five. Orrin is an orphan, so Glaucus took him in. Glaucus is a very serious man, but Orrin sees everything with wonder. Alpheus sees everything as a test, and so assumes Orrin is irresponsible."

"Where do the Nektons come into all this?" Finn asked. "They've never mentioned the Guardians."

"Typically, nobody outside the Guardian Order knows they exist. Bringing you aboard is against the Guardian's rules."

"So… why did you?"

"My programming to protect Alpheus overrides all commands."

"I see." Finn smiled at the ceiling. "It's good that Alpheus has someone to look after him."

It might have been Finn's imagination, but the bridge lights seemed to glow brighter for a second.

"You aren't a Guardian," Alpheus announced when Finn returned.

Finn, who hadn't even known Alpheus was awake, paused. "What makes you say that?"

"I know all the Guardians."

"Maybe you missed one."

"I couldn't have 'missed one,'" Alpheus said, glaring.

Finn cocked his head. "Okay, you got me. ARIA just seems to think I'd be the right person to help you."

"I don't need help."

"You were collapsed on the floor when I found you," Finn said. "ARIA can't take care of you when you're unconscious."

"I don't need your help."

Finn crossed his arms. "Prove it."

Alpheus swung his feet to the floor. He stiffened, and Finn saw him close his eyes and take a few breaths. When Alpheus opened his eyes and pushed himself halfway to his feet, he was visibly shaking.

"You're going to hurt yourself," Finn said, stepping forward.

"I'm fine!" Alpheus snapped.

Finn dropped the arms he'd started to raise and waited.

Alpheus was still leaning on the cot, so he pushed himself straighter. He proved to be incredibly stubborn as he slowly rose as he shook even more. He was very nearly upright when his face suddenly went white.

Finn jumped forward, shoving the second cot aside and catching Alpheus when he toppled forward. Alpheus' weight nearly sent Finn to his knees.

Both teens stumbled closer to the cot, then Finn pushed Alpheus so the older boy fell back on the cot. Finn looked down at the panting Alpheus, his own heart hammering.

"You aren't okay," Finn said. "Just accept that you need help already."

"No." Alpheus shook his head. "No, I've… never needed… needed help… not starting now."

"Tough luck," Finn said. "Because you aren't getting rid of me until there's someone else here watching you."

Alpheus grunted and closed his eyes. "You'll be... here for… a long… time, then."

"Meaning?" Finn waited, but Alpheus had fallen back to sleep. "Why does Alpheus think he can take care of himself?"

"Because he can," ARIA answered.

"Obviously not," Finn said, waving a hand at Alpheus slumping sideways.

"It is your presence."

"Meaning?"

"Alpheus has suffered worse and made it through alone, but Alpheus needs to know he is not alone."

"But, Alpheus is a Guardian. He's friends with the Nektons. How can he think he's alone?"

ARIA was silent for a long time. Then, "Perhaps the Nektons will explain it better than I."

"What's so complicated about it?" Finn asked. "ARIA?"

ARIA didn't respond.

Alpheus woke up a few more times during the day. He was grumpy about Finn's presence, but he did stop insisting that he was fine. He -very grudgingly- accepted Finn's help in taking care of himself.

Later in the day, Alpheus felt stronger and coherent. He'd stopped asking who Finn was and refused to offer any information on himself.

The submarine, though, Alpheus would talk about. Maybe "brag" was a better term since he'd built the entire thing himself and was clearly proud of it. But Finn preferred Alpheus' chatter over his confusion.

ARIA finally started talking again in the evening, mostly giving Alpheus information on where they were and scans she'd run. Finn listened to Alpheus and ARIA, amused when Alpheus seemed to forget he was there.

By nighttime, both teens were exhausted. They slept deeply through the night under ARIA's watch.

"Finn."

Finn twitched awake at the sound of his name. He blinked at the ceiling for several minutes before recalling where he was.

"Finn."

"Yes, ARIA?" Finn said, stretching.

"How is Alpheus?"

Finn sat quickly up and looked at Alpheus, who was still sleeping soundly. He leaned over and felt Alpheus' forehead.

"He's not hot anymore," Finn assured the AI. "What's wrong?"

"Alpheus has not spent so long in bed for years. It is… strange."

"And hopefully something that doesn't repeat," Finn said with a chuckle. "Hey, if you need help getting Alpheus to take a break in the future, you can probably find me on my timeout island. I've been gone so long, I'm definitely grounded for life."

Finn glanced at his comm. "Strange that Dad hasn't called yet. Oh, well. Where's the Nektons now?"

"We are nearly at their location."

"Do they know we're coming? I should have called them," Finn mused.

"That is not necessary," ARIA assured him. "How is Alpheus?"

"Still fine," Finn said, grinning at ARIA's concern. "He should be waking up soon."

"That is good. Can you go to the bridge? I need to show you something."

"Sure." Finn got out of bed. He glanced at Alpheus. "Don't go anywhere. I'll be back."

Alpheus gave a sleepy mumble. Finn snickered, then left when ARIA prompted him to the bridge again.

Finn trotted onto the bridge. There wasn't much to see out of the main view port, as the water was still dark.

"What did you need to show me?" Finn asked, stopping beside the pilot's chair.

"The Aronnax is just ahead."

"Really?" Finn stepped forward. "Why did I need-"

Finn walked right into a wall of glass he was sure hadn't been there a second before. He stumbled backward into another wall. Catching himself, Finn felt quickly around and found he was in a glass tube.

"ARIA, what is this? What happened?" Finn pushed the glass. "Where did the tube come from?"

"I am sorry," ARIA said.

Finn froze. "Sorry for what?"

"You have been misinformed. Alpheus and the Nekton family are not comrades. Alpheus is not a Guardian anymore, either."

"What are you saying?"

"The Nektons would not help Alpheus because he is their enemy."

"What?!" Finn yelled, loud enough to echo in the tube. "You lied to me!"

"I have to protect Alpheus," ARIA said. "Do not worry, you are not in danger."

"I'd find that more believable if I wasn't trapped!"

"This is not a trap."

Something dropped on Finn's head. He automatically caught it as it fell, and saw it was a black rebreather. He looked quickly up in alarm.

"ARIA?!"

"You will not be harmed."

Vents in the floor opened, causing air to rush upward. Finn jammed the rebreather in his mouth on instinct. The air flow abruptly became stronger, shooting Finn straight up. A second later, Finn found himself propelled into water.

Finn flailed himself to a stop and twisted. He glared at Alpheus' submarine in the murky water below him.

"I was blocking your communicator," ARIA said through Finn's comm. "If you activate your distress beacon, the Nektons will come."

"And lead them into a trap?" Finn thought. He shook his head. "No way!"

"Very well. I will call them myself."

Finn blinked. "Can ARIA see me? Probably."

"The Nektons will be here soon," ARIA said. The submarine began moving away while ARIA continued, "I did not want to trick you, but Alpheus needed help. He has no allies."

Finn rolled his eyes. With ARIA, who would trust Alpheus?

"Alpheus has been abandoned and tricked too many times. He believes he does not need anyone anymore. He must see that he needs allies."

Finn waited, but ARIA had fallen silent. He wished ARIA had let him ask some questions before sending him off. He'd have to ask the Nektons about Alpheus.

On cue, Kaiko's voice came from his comm. "This is Kaiko Nekton of the Aronnax. We received your signal."

Finn looked around, but he couldn't see the Aronnax and he had no way to talk. He decided he needed to get to the surface. If ARIA had really contacted the Nektons, they'd be in the area already. He turned in the direction he thought to be the surface, but the water was too dark to be sure.

Luckily, Finn was used to working in dark areas, since the pirates so often swam in murky water. Taking a deep breath, Finn pulled out the rebreather. The rebreather gave a tiny bit of light, so Finn held it close to his face and blew out some air.

The bubbles went straight out, so Finn put the rebreather back in and repositioned. He swam for the surface, hoping to bump into the Aronnax along his way.

"Is anyone there?" Kaiko called. "Your signal has vanished."

Finn gave an annoyed huff in the direction Alpheus' sub had gone, then paused to activate his beacon.

"There you-" Kaiko broke off, then resumed in a worried tone. "Finn, what's wrong?"

"Did you say 'Finn'?" asked Fontaine in the background.

"It's Finn," Kaiko confirmed. "Will, I have coordinates. It's Finn."

Finn kept swimming, hoping to surface so he could talk to the Nektons, who grew increasingly frantic when Finn's silence stretched on.

"He's moving," Kaiko said. "Finn, what's going on?"

"Ant and I are on our way," Will said, joining the comm conversation.

Finn stopped swimming, figuring the Nektons would catch up soon, anyway. He waited for several minutes, but didn't see anyone.

"He should be right here," Ant said. "You don't think his GPS is broken, do you?"

Finn glanced at his comm. "Well, that would be my luck."

"It's so dark here," Will said. "Anything on sonar?"

"Nothing," Kaiko said.

"That's it, I'm going out there," Fontaine said.

Finn sighed out a hard stream of bubbles, then resumed swimming. He'd have to surface and tell the Nektons what was going on.

Finn had barely started moving again, when something big rushed past, close enough to hit his arm and spin him around. Finn grunted and twisted, and found himself facing the White Knight.

"Finn!" Fontaine said, the worry on her face transforming into relief. "I found Finn. Are you okay?"

Finn gave her a thumbs-up.

"Back to the Aronnax, everyone," Kaiko said.

Fontaine grabbed Finn's arm and pulled him to the Aronnax, which was waiting less than a quarter mile away. They joined Will and Ant in the Rover, then surfaced in the Moon Pool.

Kaiko was waiting, and gave Finn a hand up from the water. Finn clambered to the floor and shook out his hair. He removed the rebreather and glared at it. He tried to throw it into the ocean, but it bounced off the White Knight and into the Rover as the canopy opened.

"Finn?" Kaiko said when Finn grumbled at his lack of success. "What happened down there? Why were you alone?"

"There was a misunderstanding," Finn said. "I think. I've been thinking while you were looking, and I don't really know what happened."

This drew confused and mildly concerned looks from the Nektons, excepting Ant, who'd retrieved the rebreather from the floor of the Rover.

"Hey, isn't this one of Alpheus'?" Ant asked.

"It can't be," Fontaine said.

"It is," Finn said. "His AI decided to kidnap me."

"ARIA?" Kaiko asked. "Why? Was it because of your connection to us?"

"Kind of? Okay, let me start from the beginning…"

An hour later, Finn had told his side of the story, and the Nektons had explained about Alpheus.

Apparently, Alpheus was a former Guardian with an obsession with finding Lemuria and an odd sort of respect for Ant. He was also distantly related to the Nektons. Except for a brief teaming up with another former Guardian named Proteus -who he'd also betrayed and shot through the tubes- the Nektons had never seen Alpheus with any companions.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Nektons chose to not go after Alpheus. Kaiko had even looked worried when she heard about Alpheus' sickness.

What did surprise Finn was his own hopes that Alpheus would be alright. And maybe find some real friends.

After all, Finn knew what it was like to be alone.

A/N: This is the end of Alpheus in this story, but I have a companion one-shot called Monumential Jellyfish of Hallucinations to post, too.

While digging up info on Alpheus, I was shocked to discover he's only eighteen. (Finn's belief on Alpheus being older is based on my own.) Which begs the question... why did Nereus ditch his protege? I mean, okay, he's a little obsessed with power, but he's not even an adult yet! Nereus really set himself up for serious repercussions on that one.

You can thank Cass for Otter! I was telling her that I was naming some Guardians, and she asked if I'd used "Orrin," which means "water boy," and, well, how could I not?

Up next: Fontaine and Pete come to Finn's aid.