When her day off finally came she left early in the morning traveling to one of the many state parks that held more secluded enclaves from the sea. All the while she wondered if her stepmother, Queen Amphitrite would even respond to her call. She hoped so.
While she knew the Queen didn't care for her, mainly as a living reminder of her husband's continued infidelity, she knew she cared for her children very much. Percia had hoped she would even come to care for her over time, but learned it was a ridiculous notion and finally let it die, much like her hope of her mother finally telling her she was loved.
Percia had never blamed the woman for her feelings. It had to be hard to see the results of Poseidon's affairs, and according to the history books he'd had many. Though everything she had ever read or heard about Amphitrite indicated she was far more forgiving of those children than Hera. At least she didn't go out of her way to kill them. So hopefully she'd be more receptive to Percia calling on her.
It took a good hour to hike to a good location once she reached the park. Finding an out of the way place she kneeled towards the water holding her hand over it. Using a small pocketknife she pricked her finger to allow a drop of blood to hit the water.
"Queen Amphitrite I, Percia, humbly request an audience," she stated clearly.
Nothing happened. When she had called for her father in the past he'd come immediately, but then her questions were for quests that usually benefited him in the end. At least he didn't pop up to ask why she was here. Something told her he would be against this venture and she had learned to trust her instincts.
Puffing out a breath she sat in the sand, letting her feet get washed by the shallow waves. Perhaps she had made a bad decision? Well, she'd wait an hour and if the Queen still hadn't shown she would try to get answers elsewhere. The Mermaids down near the Keys always liked to gossip, and they knew some of the most obscure information.
The sun bathed her in warmth as she waited almost causing her to nod off. She had to admit of all the places to move to Florida was a good choice. The warm weather and easy access to the beaches appealed to her.
Just before the hour spent the water in the center of the small enclave bubbled and cascaded up and out as a tall form appeared from the water. As the water rushed away her features became clearer. Dark black hair sat styled upon her head, held back by an ornate crown of coral and pearls. Her skin was a light green color, flawless and smooth, much like her features. She was a beautiful woman, or goddess, even with the frown marring her face when she locked her golden eyes on Percia.
"Why have you summoned me here, demigod," she sneered clearly irritated.
Percia stood quickly bowing in respect. "I apologize for calling you, your majesty, but I thank you for coming. I was told you could give me the information I seek."
One fine eyebrow rose in sarcastic derision. "And what information do you think I would willingly share with you?"
Percia felt nervous not really sure how to respond so she finally just blurted her question out. "Is Triton dying?"
The question clearly surprised the woman as she stared in shock at her. "Why do you say that," she whispered angrily though a touch of fear colored her voice.
Still slightly panicked that she had pissed off a goddess Percia just launched into an explanation. "I had this dream and Triton was there with this woman then fighting this bad guy, then back with the woman, then they were in Atlantis and the bad guy had Triton pinned and then he took the woman and turned her into some kind of stone thing and threw her in this vortex and he was gonna kill Triton but something made him run, then the dream changed and Triton was older and unhappy, then he was dead and Atlantis was in ruins and I woke up and I was upset so I got some tea and when I turned around the Fates were there and they said the Sea was dying and only the Daughter of Ocean could save him but it seemed really unbelievable because this is Triton and he's way too strong to be dying but they said to talk to you so here I am." When the words finally stopped she took a deep breath and stared at the other woman. With her luck her babble had lost the Queen completely. Annabeth had always chided her about her bad habit of rambling when nervous.
When the Queen finally did speak she was far calmer than Percia expected. "The Fates came to you after you had this dream? What did they say exactly?"
Without hesitation Percia reiterated the phrasing exactly. The Queen mulled over the words, clearly coming to a decision.
"Triton is dying," she admitted tiredly, her form seeming to cave in on itself.
Percia felt like she'd been punched in the chest. "But… but he can't die! He's Triton! King of Atlantis! He just… he can't…" Tears stung at the corners of her eyes. Sure she knew some of her family would die, but only the mortal members. Never did she even contemplate the immortal ones facing such an end.
Amphitrite's eyes seemed to get softer as she allowed her form to shrink and joined Percia on the shoreline. Still she towered over the girl, who'd been unable to break the 5'2" height line, mostly because of poor nutrition growing up.
"But he is dying. Unlike Poseidon, Triton is a merman. They only truly love once, and often mate with the other half of their soul. Some never find a mate," she explained quietly. "Triton though found Kora early on. I was thrilled for him, as were most of our people. However, there was one who conspired to overthrow his throne. A merman named Urchin. They fought against each other in many battles, with Triton coming out the victor every time. Until finally Urchin, in a cowardly move, struck Atlantis much like a terrorist would strike one of the mortal cities. In the chaos and confusion he snuck into the palace attacking Triton and placing a spell on Kora sending her to another world completely. He could not kill Triton because your father and I had arrived with more forces, and Urchin would not be able to defend himself against Poseidon. So he fled, but the damage was done." She paused lost in memory of that day. "We searched for years trying to find which world Kora was sent to, but had no luck. Slowly over time Triton has begun to fade, his heart losing its grip on life, as his soul remained unfulfilled. It has recently begun to get worse. Your father does not understand. How could he? He is free to love as many as he wants. Triton is not."
"Yeah, a little too freely," Percia muttered darkly missing Amphitrite's considering look. "But the Fates said a Daughter of the Ocean can save him. So either one of Poseidon's other daughters or I can help. Right?"
"While it is true Poseidon and I have daughters, none of them would be able to truly help," she corrected. "I am sad to say many of them are too selfish to do so, and those that are not have no true knowledge of survival. And while you would be a good candidate, your father would never allow it."
"I haven't heard from or seen dear old dad for over a year," she snorted. "Besides he has a new favorite mortal child and I am an adult. I can choose to go where I want. And this is too important to worry about one of his hissy fits. If Triton dies, Atlantis dies and that Urchin idiot destroys the oceans!" Soon though, the wind went out of her sails. "I just don't know how to get to where she is and get her back…"
"I… have an idea, but I will need to check on some things first," Amphitrite advised softly. "Meet back here in a week's time. I should have more answers by then."
"Okay. I'll try to get some supplies together too. I have Riptide, but I'm going to need some good clothing," she murmured more to herself than to the other woman, her mind going through a check list of items needed for a quest. She knew she would need more than usual, as she would be going into an unknown world.
As she turned to leave Amphitrite called her back. "Thank you."
She shook her head bashfully. "Don't thank me yet. I've got to find Kora and bring her back first."
"But at least you are willing to try," the goddess stated before she returned to the sea.
Percia stood there for a long moment, then forced herself to move. She had a quest to plan.