The tea house bustled with activity as Percy gracefully weaved through the tables, carrying a tray of steaming tea pots and delicate cups. His attire had transformed over the past six months, now adorned in a traditional attire that befitted his role as a waiter in the teahouse. The serene ambiance and soothing aroma of tea had become a familiar and comforting presence in Percy's life.
If someone told him six months prior that he would end up working as a waiter in a teahouse, he would most likely think that person was insane. But this is actually what ended up happening, and Percy could say he was extremely satisfied with his new life.
Over the past six months, Percy had fully immersed himself in the vibrant community of Kurohime Village. As he settled into his role as a waiter at the teahouse, he found solace in the simple yet meaningful interactions with the villagers.
Percy had developed a close friendship with Emi, his fellow worker at the teahouse. Together, they navigated the daily routines of serving tea, engaging in lighthearted conversations, and sharing stories of their pasts. Emi's warm and welcoming nature had quickly made her an important confidant for Percy, someone he could rely on amidst the unfamiliarity of his new life.
The village itself had gradually opened up to Percy, embracing him as a member of their community. He had forged connections with the locals, learning their names, their stories, and their aspirations. They, too, had come to accept him as one of their own, recognizing his dedication and genuine interest in their lives.
In his free time, Percy would often explore the nooks and crannies of Kurohime, discovering hidden gems within the village. He would visit the local market, observing the vibrant colors and scents that filled the air. Occasionally, he would sit by the tranquil river that flowed near the village, finding solace in the serenity it offered.
The villagers had welcomed Percy into their festivals and celebrations, giving him a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage. He had witnessed traditional dances, listened to folk tales passed down through generations, and even tried his hand at various village games. Each experience deepened his connection to the village and its people, leaving an indelible mark on his heart.
Percy's attire had also changed over the last six months. The centerpiece of Percy's new wardrobe was a finely tailored kimono made out of silk. Its fabric boasted a deep navy blue hue. Elaborate patterns adorned the kimono, showcasing intricate designs of ocean waves, symbolizing his heritage as the son of Poseidon.
Layered over the kimono, Percy wore a haori, a loose jacket that provided an additional layer of warmth and elegance. The haori featured wide sleeves that swayed with his movements.
Complementing the kimono and haori, Percy donned traditional tabi socks and woven straw sandals. The tabi socks, made from soft, black fabric, embraced his feet, allowing for comfortable movement while maintaining cultural authenticity.
As the months passed, Percy's understanding of Kurohime grew deeper, and the once unfamiliar village had become a place he called home. The teahouse, with its tranquil atmosphere and the aroma of freshly brewed tea, had become a sanctuary where he found respite.
Emi called out to Percy from across the room. "Percy, we have some new customers at the corner table. Could you attend to them, please?"
With a nod, Percy set down the tray and made his way towards the table where a group of newcomers had just settled.
"Good afternoon," Percy greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome to our teahouse. How may I assist you today?"
The clients exchanged glances before one of them spoke up, a middle-aged man with a friendly demeanor. "We've heard great things about this place. We'd like to sample your finest tea and perhaps indulge in some of your treats."
Percy nodded, his gaze shifting briefly to Emi, who stood nearby, preparing another tray. "Certainly, sir. Allow me to recommend our signature tea blend, infused with hints of jasmine and lotus flowers. It's a favorite among our regular patrons."
As Percy expertly poured the fragrant tea into their cups, the group expressed their gratitude, savoring the delicate aroma that filled the air. Percy's movements were graceful and precise, a reflection of the calmness he felt in his work.
Percy made his way to the bustling kitchen of the teahouse, the air filled with the fragrant aroma of freshly brewed tea. As he approached, he overheard the tea makers engaged in a concerned conversation. Their worried voices carried across the room, discussing the nearly empty water supply.
"The water is running low again," one of the tea makers said with a sigh. "Looks like we'll have to make a trip to the river to fetch more. I hope we still have enough to at least finish the day."
"Low water supply? I think I can help with that," though Percy, concentrating on the barrels. Creating water was something that took a lot of focus and drained a lot of energy, but he knew he could do it. Closing his eyes, he pictured one of the barrels being filled to the brim, panting slightly as the strain made him sweat. When he opened his eyes again, a trail of tea cups awaited him. Retrieving them with a sense of fulfillment, Percy carried the cups to the awaiting customers.
The tea makers, unaware of Percy's hidden abilities, continued their discussion, oblivious to the magic that just unfolded before them. Percy made a silent note to himself to go to the river and replenish the barrels fully after his shift ended, sparing them the arduous trip.
As the day wore on and the evening approached, Percy's shift at the teahouse finally came to an end. The vibrant colors of the sunset painted the sky, casting a warm and gentle glow over the village. It was time for Percy to fulfill his promise and venture to the river to gather water for the tea makers.
Under the cover of night, with a cart that carried the nearly empty barrels, Percy made his way towards the tranquil riverbank. The moon's luminous light illuminated his path, casting long shadows in its wake. Crouching down by the water's edge, Percy carefully positioned the barrels, ready to complete their replenishment.
However, in the midst of his task, a prickling sensation Percy hadn't felt in months crawled up his spine, urging him to be vigilant. His instincts sharpened, a sixth sense warning him of impending danger. Without hesitation, he swiftly rolled to the side, narrowly evading a thunderous attack from an imposing figure.
A humanoid creature materialized before Percy, a formidable sight that sent chills down his spine. Its grotesque visage was a fusion of twisted, demonic features and monstrous proportions. Towering above him, the creature possessed a hulking, muscular frame, its sinewy limbs covered in coarse, dark veins that seemed to shimmer in the moonlight.
The creature's face was a haunting sight, its elongated, fang-filled maw contorted into a menacing grin. Its bloodshot eyes glowed with a sinister light, a reflection of its malevolent nature. Horns, sharp and jagged, adorned its head, curving backward in a fearsome display of power.
As adrenaline surged through Percy's veins, confusion mingled with awe at the sight before him. The sheer ferocity and monstrous presence of the monsters left him momentarily stunned, his mind racing to comprehend the encounter.
"What the Hades? What type of thing is this? Are there monsters in this world as well?" thought Percy, his mind racing to process the his situation. He instinctively reached for his right pocket, feeling the familiar shape of Riptide in its pen form. Gripping it tightly, he prepared himself for the unexpected battle that lay ahead.
The Oni, momentarily taken aback by Percy's nimble evasion, snarled in frustration. Its bloodshot eyes narrowed, assessing the human before it. With a guttural growl, it lunged forward, razor-sharp claws slashing through the air.
Percy's heart pounded in his chest as he reacted swiftly, his years of training and instincts kicking in. Channeling his inner strength, he tapped into the power that coursed through his veins. Focusing his thoughts, he commanded the nearby river to respond to his will.
As the Oni closed in, Percy thrust his hand forward, a surge of water erupting from the river's edge. A powerful jet of water shot towards the Oni, crashing into its monstrous form with tremendous force. The impact sent the creature stumbling back, momentarily disoriented.
Seizing the opportunity, Percy swiftly closed the distance, his grip on Riptide tightening. With a deft movement, he uncapped the pen, transforming it into a gleaming sword. The blade shimmered with an otherworldly light, its bronze shine joining the moon's own in lighting the night.
Engaging in fierce dance, Percy unleashed a flurry of calculated strikes. The sound of steel cutting flesh echoed through the night, the sound mingling with the roars of the creature.
Percy's heart pounded in his chest as he withdrew his blade from the creature's now open chest. He felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, mingling with a mix of triumph and confusion. The battle had been intense, far more than he had anticipated when he set out to fetch water for the tea house.
In the brief respite, Percy took a deep breath, his mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts. He had thought his days of fighting were behind him, that he had found solace in the peaceful routine of his new life. But this encounter shattered that illusion.
"Did the gods know about these creatures when they sent me here?" Percy mused silently, his eyes scanning the surrounding darkness. He wondered if the gods were aware of the existence of these beings, whatever they are. Did the gods send him to this place knowing there would still be more fighting?
As Percy's thoughts swirled with contemplation and uncertainty, he was abruptly jolted from his introspection by a disturbing sound—the sickening squelch of moving flesh. He spun around, his gaze fixating on the scene unfolding before him. The demonic creature, previously wounded, was gradually regenerating, its monstrous form slowly reforming.
"You may be strong, human," the Oni growled, its voice laced with both arrogance and surprise, "but you don't have the means to kill me. That sword of yours is useless against me! I'll kill you and eat you before sunrise arrives."
Percy's eyes widened in disbelief as the demon's gruff voice reached his ears, piercing through the night air. The fact that this thing, whatever it was, possessed the ability to speak, articulating its thoughts and taunting him, sent a shiver down Percy's spine. He had encountered monsters capable of such communication before, but he wasn't in his world anymore, and it added another layer of complexity to the already enigmatic creature.
Percy's mind whirled with a mixture of astonishment and confusion, his eyes fixed upon the form of the Oni. The question burned on his lips, demanding answers from the enigmatic creature before him.
"How did you even... what the hell are you?" Percy asked, his voice portraying his visible bewilderment. The strike he had unleashed with Riptide had been fatal, a blow that had ended the lives of countless monsters in the past. Yet, here stood this weird creature, defiant and unyielding, surviving what should have been its demise.
The Oni, its monstrous features twisted into a wicked grin, chuckled in response to Percy's perplexity. "Me? I'm an Oni, of course, you dumb human," it sneered, its tone dripping with malice. "What else did you expect?"
The words hung in the air, the creature's mocking retort amplifying Percy's astonishment. He had heard of the Japanese therm for demons, but did not expect them to be real, even in this new world. But this encounter had shattered his preconceived notions of their existence. It was a disorienting realization, forcing him to question the extent of his knowledge and understanding of the world he now found himself in.
Without wasting another moment and focusing on the fight once more, Percy interrupted the Oni's monologue and lunged forward, his movements fluid and purposeful. The sound of steel cutting flesh echoed through the night once more as his blade met the demon's resilient body. Blow after blow, he relentlessly attacked, his strikes fueled by a fierce determination to overcome his enemy.
As the battle intensified, Percy realized that a mere wound wouldn't be enough to stop this resilient creature. Gathering his strength, he focused his energy on delivering a devastating blow - a cut aiming for most of the creatures' weakest spot.
With a burst of unwavering resolve, Percy aimed for the Oni's head, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. The resounding impact reverberated through the night as the demon's head was cleanly severed from its body.
Time seemed to stand still as the Oni's form wavered, its body starting to disintegrate, its presence fading away. Even in its final moments, the demon couldn't help but express its astonishment.
"How... how did you kill me?" The voice of the Oni resonated with disbelief and incredulity. Its words echoed through the air, carrying a mix of astonishment and disbelief that lingered in the silence. "You lack a Nichirin blade. It shouldn't be possible. IT SHOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE!"
Percy stood amidst the dissipating essence of his vanquished foe, his eyes wide with surprise and uncertainty. The demon's final utterances echoed in his mind. What is this Nichirin blade he was talking about? The very foundations of the world he thought he was starting to know quivered beneath the weight of this revelation.
As the last remnants of the Oni dissipated into the night, Percy stood firm, his gaze fixated on the fading creature. He wondered how many more of those Oni existed, and if all of them attacked humans like this one. He also wondered how come he never heard of them until now, and made a mental note to ask the villagers about these demonic beings.
Walking back to the village carrying the cart with the filled barrels, Percy's mind buzzed with a cascade of thoughts and emotions.
The moon above cast a soft glow on the winding path, illuminating the way forward. The rhythmic creaking of the cart's wheels provided a steady soundtrack to his contemplation, punctuated by the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. The village laid ahead as a beacon of familiarity and refuge.
As he traversed the path, the dimly lit windows of the villagers' houses flickered like distant stars. Percy couldn't help but wonder how many of them were aware of the existence of Onis. Were they all blissfully ignorant, their tranquil lives untouched by the horrors that haunted the darkness? Or did they know and lived in fear for their lives, unable to walk freely during the night?
As Percy approached the outskirts of the village, the cart's wheels rolled over the cobblestones, producing a comforting rhythm that mirrored the beat of his heart. The warm glow of lamplight spilled onto the path, casting elongated shadows that danced in harmony with his purposeful strides. The familiar sights and sounds of the village enveloped him.
With a final push, Percy guided the cart to its rightful place, the tea house that had become his haven and sanctuary.
Weary from the night's events and the weight of his discovery, Percy arrived at the doorstep of the modest house he had called home for the past few months. The moon's gentle glow cast a serene aura over the surroundings, as if nature itself whispered words of solace and tranquility to his still shaken mind.
Entering the humble abode, Percy closed the door behind him, shutting out the outside world and the echoes of the day's encounters. The air within was still and quiet, inviting him to find respite in the embrace of his humble home.
Making his way to the bedroom, Percy found comfort in the familiar sight of his modest bed. Its simple frame and well-worn sheets welcomed him with open arms, promising a haven of rest and rejuvenation. With a sigh of relief, he surrendered himself to the softness of the mattress, allowing weariness to wash over him.
As his body settled into the gentle contours of the bed, Percy's mind gradually quieted, the relentless stream of questions and uncertainties fading into the background. He made a conscious decision to set them aside for the night, recognizing the need to replenish his spirit and gather energy for tomorrow.
Lying in the darkness, Percy closed his eyes, surrendering himself to the embrace of slumber. Thoughts of the enigmatic Oni, the mysteries of the Demon Slayers, and his own burgeoning powers danced on the periphery of his consciousness, but he gently pushed them aside, vowing to explore them further in the light of a new day.
It was the middle of the afternoon in the serene tea house, and Percy gratefully embraced his well-deserved break, having tirelessly served a multitude of clients throughout the day. The familiar fragrance of steaming tea leaves and the gentle melody of porcelain cups delicately clinking against saucers permeated the air, creating a soothing atmosphere that lulled the patrons into a state of relaxation. Percy, finding solace amidst the harmonious ambiance, allowed himself a moment to bask in the tranquility that the tea house offered.
As he sat, his mind still reeling from the encounter with the fearsome Oni the previous night, Percy couldn't help but carry the weight of his harrowing experience. His expression betrayed a lingering unease, which caught the perceptive gaze of Emi. With a worried expression on her face, she approached Percy during his break, offering him a smile that conveyed both empathy and curiosity.
"Hey, Percy," Emi said softly, her voice carrying a gentle concern. "You seem a little off. Is everything alright?"
Percy hesitated for a moment, his thoughts racing as he considered whether he should reveal the details of his encounter with the Oni. He wasn't sure if these monstrous creatures were common knowledge in this world, or if sharing his experience would only cause unnecessary alarm for Emi. But as he met Emi's gaze, her eyes filled with empathy and concern, he found himself unable to keep his guard up.
"I... I'm not sure myself," Percy finally confessed, his voice tinged with hesitation. "Something happened last night... I had an encounter with a strange creature I've never seen before. It called itself an Oni. It was... intense, to say the least."
Emi's eyes widened, and her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "An Oni? Near Kurohime? And I thought Kurohime was far away from society that Onis wouldn't come here. How are you even alive?". There was a hint of desperation and fear in her voice.
Percy took a deep breath, relief evident in his eyes. The fact that she believed him put him at ease. "I... I managed to kill it," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of tiredness. "It wasn't easy, but I fought with everything I had. I'm quite capable at swordsmanship. I've been training since I was 12."
And that was putting it lightly. Percy was very confident in his sword skills, which were way better than "quite capable". He did win against the god of war with only a few months in training, but he didn't want to brag.
Emi gasped, her hand covering her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes. "Oh no... I understand the terror they bring all too well," she whispered, her voice laden with grief. "An Oni took my mother away from me. I was right in front of her when it happened. If not for a Demon Slayer appearing just in time to save me, I would've died as well. It happened years ago, and after her death, I've traveled for months, trying to escape from these horrible creatures. I traveled as far as I could until I found Kurohime. It's isolated here, and there hasn't been an Oni attack that I know of. But it seems I was wrong. If there are Onis close to Kurohime… I honestly don't know what to do".
At this point, the tears in her eyes were starting to fall. Percy's heart ached as he listened to Emi's painful revelation. He felt empathy for her, the weight of his own losses resurfaced, the memories of his friends and his beloved girlfriend haunting his thoughts. He knew the depth of sorrow that losing loved ones could bring, and it brought him closer to Emi in that moment.
"I'm so sorry, Emi," Percy murmured, his voice filled with empathy. "Losing the ones we love is never easy."
The weight of his own losses resurfaced, and Percy couldn't help but open up to Emi, sharing his own experiences of sorrow and mourning. "I... I lost friends, people I cared about, during my years of adventuring," he confessed, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and regret. "And... I lost my girlfriend too. I couldn't save them, and sometimes I feel guilty, like I could've done more to protect them."
Emi listened attentively, her eyes filled with compassion. She gently placed a hand on Percy's arm, offering him comfort in her presence.
"I know the feeling," Emi said softly. "The weight of guilt and the pain of losing loved ones... it can be overwhelming. But remember, Percy, you can't blame yourself for things beyond your control. Sometimes, all we can do is carry the memories of those we've lost and honor them in our own way."
Percy nodded with a grateful smile, his gaze meeting Emi's with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "Thank you, Emi," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "Your words mean a lot to me. It's good to know that you understand me. And I am carrying their memory in honor, and trying to live a happy life because it's what they would have wanted. I feel really good living in Kurohime, even for such a short time. I met you and made other friends in the village, and I don't feel as lonely anymore"
Emi mustered a gentle smile, her eyes shimmering with empathy. "You're never alone, Percy. We all carry our own burdens, but it's through sharing our stories and finding common ground that we can find strength together. But, Percy, how did you managed to kill an Oni by yourself? They are very strong and can't be killed by normal means, the fact that you survived alone should be a miracle. Are you a member of the Demon Slayers?"
Percy got a confused expression on his face. "Demon Slayers? No, I don't even know what this is. Can you tell me? Oh, and I learned swordsmanship from a few private instructors during my years of traveling. They were... unique individuals, but they knew their stuff."
Emi's curiosity piqued, her eyes filled with intrigue. "Private instructors? That's insteresting. Who were they?"
Percy paused for a moment, thinking of Chiron's guidance at Camp Half-Blood and even Luke's complicated mentorship. "Well, they were people who had their own experiences and knowledge. They helped me along my journey, guiding me in perfecting my skills with the sword."
Emi nodded, absorbing the information. "It must have been quite an adventure, learning from such skilled individuals. But let me tell you about the Demon Slayers," she continued. "They are an organization dedicated to eradicating demons and protecting humanity. Their members possess extraordinary skills and wield specialized weapons crafted to fight these supernatural beings. The Slayer that saved me also said to keep what happened a secret, as the Demon Slayers are not recognized by the government. Most of the people are ignorant to the existence of Onis. But how did you manage to kill the Oni? I heard only the swords made from special steel and the sunlight could kill Onis, but since you killed one without it, that must be just a myth, right?"
Percy placed a hand in his pocket to feel Riptide's pen form. He remembered the Oni's last words, how it shouldn't be possible for Percy to kill him because he lacked a Nichirin blade. Was this what the Oni was talking about? Maybe Riptide's magic annulled the requirement of this Nichirin blade? He didn't know yet, but promised himself he would soon find out.
"They must be incredibly powerful and brave, to risk their lives like this," he remarked, a genuine admiration in his voice.
Emi nodded, her expression serious. "Indeed, they are. But their path is filled with danger and sacrifice. It takes a lot of dedication and loyalty to join the cause."
Percy's curiosity was piqued, and he leaned in closer, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Tell me more about them. How do they operate? Do they have a central base or training grounds?"
"Well, I don't know much," she admitted. "But I know they have several members spread across the country, and each of them are assigned missions to protect us from Oni activity in an area."
As Percy absorbed Emi's words, he did feel a bit of admiration for these Demon Slayers building within him. To always be risking your life for people you didn't even know, not knowing which battle could be your last… Percy could relate with that feeling all too well.
As they continued their conversation and went back to work, the tea house bustled with activity around them. The fragrant aroma of tea and the gentle clinks of cups served as a backdrop to their discussion. In that moment, Percy's connection to the larger world beyond grew, even if only a little. He wondered what other types of secrets were hidden from him, vowing to discover them.
Percy was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that the memories of his lost loved ones would guide him and the bonds he formed along the way would sustain him.
