When the new moon finally came Percia felt the usual mixture of excitement and trepidation she always had before a major quest. She found it humorous how many of her 'cousins' went on and on about quests, which many of them had never actually taken, and how there could be no better thing in life. Personally she thought they were not quite right in the head.
Every quest she had taken had never really been by choice. Sure Chiron said she could choose not to go, but no one would ever dare do that. Not when the fate of the world and all you loved rested on the line. She could admit to being slightly crazy, it ran in the family, but she was in no way stupid.
Now once again she would be going off into the unknown to fight for the survival of not only her brother but also her world. Only this time she had no back up. She really would have loved for Nico, Jason or Thalia to be at her back on this one. She had taken the time to contact each and say her goodbyes, just in case. Granted she didn't tell them about the quest or why she seemed so sad when their visits ended, but she didn't want them to worry. It would be better this way.
Once more she stood on the beach of the enclave. Amphitrite and Triton were there as was Tyson. Boy had her little brother given her hell for her decision, but mostly because she was going alone. He understood why she did this, and he would have come with her if he could, Triton was his brother as well, and Tyson took care of his family.
Instead he spent as much time as he could with Percia. Many thought Tyson was slow, but he knew and understood more than people gave him credit for. The big surprise was Triton's presence in her life. He started visiting her, usually to comment about her deplorable living arrangements. He also commented on her job, her clothes and her cooking. If he didn't constantly scarf down her blue cookies she would think he was being serious, but something told her he just didn't quite know how to communicate with her without the insults. So she let it slide, mostly. Still she couldn't deny it felt nice to act like a real family for once.
Speaking of family, the rest of her father's side was suspiciously absent. Percia would have thought he'd have caught onto this little venture, but Amphitrite indicated he was too caught up with something Trent had done. This bit of news had sent Tyson off into a rant, surprising all of them. Usually the Cyclops was too good-natured to say anything mean about any one, but Trent had managed to anger him. So if she and Triton made a plan for the latter to execute in her absence to repay the brat on behalf of their little brother no one could blame them.
Currently she and Tyson were going over her supplies again, checking everything was in good order. She had some food, mostly power bars, and a water bag, since a bottle would look strange in the world she was traveling too. Apparently it was called Middle Earth, and the gods presiding over it were known as the Valar. At least she had a map to help her get to her destination. According to Janus the stone holding Kora now resided in a mountain under the control of a dragon. Just her luck.
"So are we ready," the roman god asked instead of announcing his arrival. Why the gods thought just popping up was a good thing was beyond her.
"As ready as I can be," Percia announced turning to the newcomer. Unlike the depictions of old Janus chose to only wear one face, but his features constantly shifted and changed from ethnicity to ethnicity. It was a bit disconcerting if you watched too closely.
"Excellent. Now don't worry too much, I've found out another group is going to the same mountain as you, so I'm going to plop you by them so you can join up with their group," he announced jovially. "In their midst is a wizard who will be helpful to you. The Valar have already sent him a dream explaining your coming."
"Great," she responded dryly not really sure if this was a good thing, but would take what she could get.
"Now, take this." He handed her a necklace with a crystal on it. "Once you find Kora break this and state clearly, 'I request the door open to return to Triton his bride'. Once you do a portal will open between our worlds allowing you to come back through. You won't have long though so don't dally. And you only have until the crystal fully lights up after you find Kora to come back. If you don't return in that time frame after retrieving her you'll both be stuck."
Percia nodded seriously committing the words to memory as she hung the necklace around her neck. She slung her pack over her shoulder, shifting a bit so her coat hung comfortably. She wore a pair of tan cotton pants, a white tunic and her leather armor over that, Tyson having refitted it and enhanced some of the sections. Around her waist sat a belt holding her knives and a few pouches of herbs. According to Janus Ambrosia would not work in this new world, so she would have to rely on medicine to heal her. She also wore a pair of dark brown knee high leather boots made for hard travel, the color matching her duster. Riptide was in her pocket and would still find her no matter what happened, its magic not affected by the other world. In all she looked every bit the warrior traveler, and even some of Aphrodite's girls would love her outfit.
Sadly she couldn't take her sunglasses or her Ipod. Modern marvels were a no-no. She would have loved to take Blackjack as well, but he'd been gang pressed into working for Trent. She missed her winged friend.
"Be careful big sis," Tyson demanded as he swept her up into a crushing turbulent, which she returned with as much enthusiasm. "Come back."
"I'll try big guy. You be good. And ask Marla out already," she chided gently. "She'd be lucky to have someone like you."
"As Tyson stated, take care of yourself," Amphitrite advised softly.
"No problem. You keep my brothers in line. They tend to get rowdy," she teased only to find herself swept up in a hug.
"Thank you, Percia," the woman whispered meaningfully. Percia simply nodded and returned the hug.
When she stepped back she found Triton standing before her. "I am sorry that such events have occurred to make me realize the kind of sibling I have in you. I wish I had taken time to get to know you sooner. Perhaps when you return we can continue where we left off?"
"I'd like that," she replied honestly. "Besides there are so many pranks we need to play on people!"
He chuckled softly a smile lighting his face. "Indeed. I know a few advisors who could definitely use it." He held up his hands showing her another necklace. "This is one of the last true Black Pearls of the seas. They only work for those of our royal line. The pearl will help you wield your powers in that world. It will identify you as a Princess of the Seas."
Percia felt her heart swell. "Triton, this is too much…"
"It is not," he told her truthfully. "You have done much for our world and the seas. You are owed far more than this just for your royal heritage alone. Wear it with pride, Princess."
"Thank you," she whispered touched by this gesture. He placed the chain around her neck so the pearl fell in line next to the crystal.
"Take care Percia." The two shared their first hug.
"Stay strong Triton. I will bring Kora back to you," she promised.
"Alright, lets get this party on the road," Janus called out breaking them apart. "Percia, over here if you will."
Standing where directed she watched the god carefully wondering how he was going to do this. With a wave of his hand she could feel the flex of his powers and the air in front of her twisted and swirled until a vortex, similar to the one in her dream formed.
"The Daughter of the Ocean begins her journey."
The sound of the Fates speaking had them all stopping in place, turning to find the three sisters standing only a few yards away.
"Many trials she will face, enemies she will defeat."
"One Calamity to overcome, and the Sea's Heart recovered."
"But choice approaches to which future she will meet."
Upon the end of that sentence Clotho threw a single thread into the vortex, one end still connected to the tapestry.
"Choose wisely Daughter, choose Freely."
The Fates disappeared leaving a sense of uncertainty behind.
"Well that's encouraging," Percia huffed turning to the vortex. "Better get going before they decide to make more ambiguous statements."
Janus nodded emphatically practically pushing her into the vortex. "Watch that first step. It's a doozy!"