[Percy Jackson] φονιάς (Foniás)

Chapter 8| The Dark King.

Chapter 8| The Dark King.

*Tokyo, Japan*

|Percy Jackson|

I stared at my friend for a couple of more seconds. For the fiftieth time, I surveyed her outfit, not knowing what to think about it.

"Are you telling me that people actually use that here?", I asked Alisha while raising an eyebrow. She gasped.

"Of course, you ducking imbecile! We are in Japan, what did you expect?! Besides, I think kimonos are cute. And comfortable", she added, and I nodded my head, not seeming convinced.

We arrived to Japan about three days ago, and were currently visiting Tokyo. Alec left to check up on electronic stuff while Evie said she would try out mangas, and try to find one in a language she can actually understand. I didn't know what to do, so Alisha dragged me with her, saying she wanted to take a look at Japanese clothes.

"Are you sure they are not pajamas? Like, people walk in the streets wearing these?", I asked once again. These type of clothing seemed more traditional, used only in specific events, and on our way here, I haven'r seen not a single person wearing any kimono.

"Yes, Percy, I am sure. It is not commonly seen, but people still use it, to preserve their culture. There is a beautiful garden I want to visit later, and I want to use this for when we go there", she explained, while looking down at her clothes.

"Why? Does it have any magic qualities I am not aware of?", I joked, but Lish still gave me a death glare.

"No, because I am going to take a personal defese course and, some reason, it is required that you attend with any traditional clothes. In case you do not remember, Percy, another of our purposes is to learn different types of fighting, from different cultures"

"I didn't forget about it, Lish. In fact, I have been practicing the methods they teached us in France, Norway and Russia more often. And I am planning on learning Japanese style, too", I informed her with a smug smirk plastered on my face. My friend just snored and returned to what she was doing previously.

Alisha walked towards the shop attendant that has been following us around since we arrived.

"What do you suggest I wear for the event I am going to assist? Is a kimono suitable for a tourist like me?", Alisha asked, startling the lady. She blinked a couple of times, assimilating the question just asked. Fortunately, she spoke english, so she did understand us. In less than a second, her eyes lit up, thanking she finally had something to do.

"Well, it is a good thing you ask. Kimonos are used nowadays mostly by the elderly population, or by special type of events or celebrations. If I did not misheard, you are attending a ceremony concerning self-defense classes for young women, and it is required to assist in formal and traditional clothes. There are lots of styles to choose, not only this type of clothing. If you would like to come with me, I can suggest you different ideas", the lady proposed, and Alisha turned to me for comfirmation. I just nodded and took a seat in one of the empty pillows sprawled on the floor.

As always, my mind drifted off to that day just a couple of weeks ago. It still looked surreal, not to mention unfamiliar, that I was able to see my former friends again. When I was informed about the inmortality thing, I wouldn't stop asking questions about it, but nobody dare answer me. I even asked Jason and Piper, but they just exchanged looks and change the subject.

I tried imagining what could have happened after I was gone. Maybe the gods just decided to grant them inmortality and that's it, but everybody looked a bit anxious every time I asked. I don't buy that theory.