An: Okay, as evidenced by the title, the story is going to expand and involve other people and deities. I'll explain more about the whole "concept" of what's happening at the bottom. Well enjoy the chapter and I'll see you at the bottom!


Chapter 7: The Son of Jupiter

How the hell did I get myself into this cataclysmic mess? Well I'll tell you! First, I got kidnapped by this bright beam of light that then teleported me to this new world. After saving two kids and going unconscious, I wake up and am told by a half-man-half-horse person that I'm actually the son of a god. Yeah, that's some crazy talk right there. But I've heard more outlandish revelations before so I wasn't too bewildered (namely that my chakra came from a tree). Soon after, I am introduced to a gorgeous, albeit unreadable, girl named Annabeth who further explains to me about the whole god and goddess hierarchy system thing, and that they label themselves as the "Olympians." She then proceeds to take me on a tour of the camp namely dubbed "Camp Half-Blood." During the tour I meet and interact with several fellow demigods. Of course, the next day I meet the boy I had saved earlier and take him under my wing. During the little game of Capture the Flag, the revealing of both my parent and Percy's occurs. Much to everyone's shock, we have the same dad. Not only that but he's one of the big three. Yep, our dad was a major name in terms of divine recognition. Anyways, after being moved into cabin three and interacting with more demigods (Clarisse and the children of Aphrodite), I meet my mother back at the cabin. Unfortunately, I had no idea at the time she was my mom or else I would have… actually, now that I think about it, I don't really know what I would have done. It seems the typical hug in this situations wouldn't quite suffice. I guess I'd probably just ask her about why she left me and stuff. Moving on, I received some gifts from my mother and used her gifts for my quest. The sunglasses were very useful against that crazy haired lady named, uh, what was her name again? Me-Me-Medusuh? Whatever, the point is that so far in this quest I really haven't learned anything in this new world pertaining to why I am even here. From what I've seen and been told, Percy could have done this quest by himself. But after what Percy has just told us about his nightmares, and that there may be a possibility that Hades might not actually have the bolt, there's definitely something dreadfully more ominous looming in the very near future.

It was sunset when I noticed the beach. I was slightly perturbed at the sight in front of me. "What the heck is all this?" I mentally gasped from seeing all the people and exhibits crowding the beach.

"We're finally here!" Our overenthusiastic driver yelled out before exiting the vehicle.

Percy and I glanced at one another and gave each other knowing nods before following suit and stepping out of the vehicle. We both knew what we had to do, and it involved getting a little wet.

"What do we do about the car? We can't just leave it here unattended. This may be L.A. but I seriously doubt a Maserati is a commonly seen car in these parts." Grover said in worry.

Before anyone could voice their opinions on the matter, the car went up in a brilliant display of sparks before evaporating into several million specks of golden dust that then floated back into the heavens.

"Seriously, what's with the gold dust?" Naruto thought with a deadpanned look gracing his face. It appeared to be a reoccurring motif.

"I guess that answers that. Well, let's go catch some waves." Percy said while beginning to walk towards the edge of the surf. The other three individuals quickly followed his lead and soon all four people were standing at the waters edge.

"What now?" Annabeth asked.

I was just thinking that before my half-brother began to walk into the surf.

"What are you doing, Percy?" Annabeth questioned while gingerly putting her toes into the water. But he ignored her or didn't hear her because he only walked further into the ocean.

"We're suppose to go into the water," I answered while wading into the water after him, "just wait here, Princess." I knew she hated being called that after accidentally naming her that during the long road trip. Honestly, you'd be surprised about the things you learn about your fellow peers when you're enclosed together for several long stretches of time.

"Don't call me that!" The mocked girl shouted back to the now grinning boy. Naruto waved back in acknowledgement before his hand too disappeared underneath the ocean.

Going underwater was really strange to me. I mean, I really never needed to go underwater before since I would usually just, you know, walk on it. But I think actually breathing underwater was a whole new definition of weird for me. Glancing back at my self-destructive brother, I was slightly amused to see the poor boy still holding his breath with his eyes closed. Casually, I walked over to him and slapped him on the back.

His eyes bulged and he let out a gasp before he started yelling at me. Yes, that's what brothers are for, right? He then touched his mouth and seemed to realize he was breathing underwater as well.

"Wow, for being underwater, I can really hear you really well." Percy pointed out.

"Maybe we're not actually talking. What if we're actually just making weird clicks and squeaks to communicate?" Naruto asked. This made them ponder for several moments before something pulled them out of their enlightening theory.

"Whoa, is that a shark?" Naruto asked with excitement in his voice. However, this five-foot-long mako shark wasn't attacking them. Rather, it was looking at them with an imploring gaze while heeling like a dog. It reminded him of a dog waiting for its master to give it a command.

Percy tentatively touched its dorsal fin. The shark bucked slightly, indicating for them to grab it and hold on. Nodding slowly, I grabbed the top of the fin just as carefully as Percy did. Immediately, it jettisoned us to the edge of the ocean proper, where the sand bank dropped off into a huge chasm.

Gulping, I peered down and saw something shimmering from below. It got brighter and bigger as it came towards us. Percy suddenly gasped; I assumed he knew what that thing was. When it eventually got to us, it turned out to be a beautiful maiden. However, it was not the questionable lady appearing from the bottom of the ocean that piqued my interest. It was what she was riding that was intriguing. What she was mounted on was a stallion-sized sea horse. The sea horse gave me a quick wink- seemingly having read my mind before jetting off with the mako shark to play what I guessed to be some sort of underwater tag.

"You've come far, Percy Jackson," She then turned her attention towards me, "you, even further, Naruto Uzumaki." I really didn't know how to respond. So we both ended up awkwardly bowing to the Nereid.

"So, you're the woman who spoke to Percy in that lake?"

"Yes, young one. I am a Nereid, a spirit of the sea. I also serve in Lord Poseidon's court." She explained calmly.

"So, why isn't our dad here? Is he too busy to personally talk to his two sons?" Naruto asked with a hint of bitterness to it. In that moment, a cold current rose from the depths of the huge chasm.

"Don't judge the Lord of the sea too harshly," The Nereid frowned, "he has to prepare for a war. Not only that, but gods are forbidden to help you directly. Apollo should have told you this…" She trailed off.

"How does she know about Apollo's involvement?" Naruto thought nervously. Duh, of course she would know what has happened so far. Their father quite literally begged for his help. And she's one of his personal servants.

"I'm guessing gods can still indirectly aid us?"

The Nereid smiled warmly at the boy's correct answer. "Yes, that's why I am here. I am here to give you both a warning and a gift." She held out her hand. Three whited pearls flashed in her palm. "I know you journey to Hades's realm. Few mortal have ever done this and survived. The few who have survived had great talents. Do you have any of these great talents?"

"Um… I can breathe underwater?" Percy answered innocently.

"Besides that."

"Uh, I can control water?"

Sighing, the woman handed over the three pearls to the daft boy. "You have gifts you have only begun to know. But for now, take these, and when you are in need, smash a pearl at your feet."

"What will happen?"

"That depends on the need. But remember: what belongs to the sea will always return to the sea." She said.

However, Naruto noticed that there was a problem, a very big problem. "There are only three pearls. I don't know if you know this, but we have two more people above on the mainland. That makes a total of four people in all."

"I can count, child." The Nereid replied back with a condescending tone. Clearly she was miffed at the boy's remark. Naruto frantically waved his hands to show that he was sorry for the unintended insult. "As to the reason why there are three, and only three," She glared at the guilty boy before continuing, "is because you, Naruto Uzumaki, are destined to walk a different path."

Percy's eyes popped out at that information. "What? Are you saying he's not going down to Hades with us?" She nodded quietly. "But why? He's probably the most powerful person in the group, and we need all the help we can get!" Percy stated.

"True. I give you this warning," Her eyes flickered with green light, "Go with what your heart tells you, or you will lose all. Hades feeds on doubt and hopelessness. He will trick you if he can, make you mistrust your own judgment. Once you are in his realm, he will never willingly let you leave. Keep faith. Good luck, Percy Jackson." She said while summoning her sea horse.

"Even more reason as to why we need my brother!" Percy added on desperately trying to dissuade the Nereid.

Shaking her head, she gave the boy a confident look. "Like I said, have faith. Have faith in yourabilities, child." She clarified before switching her gaze to Naruto. "Boy, get on the hippokampoi. I'll explain later."

"You had me at hello." Naruto replied excitedly. This made the woman tilt her head slightly at the boy's odd phrase.

"I never said hello."

"It's a common expression."

"Ah," she said out loud before taking on a thinking pose, "I'm still confused."

"Never mind." Naruto waved off much to the Nereid's growing confusion. Looking at Percy, Naruto gave him a grin. "Don't worry seaweed-brain, you'll be fine." He reassured his brother. Percy nodded before giving him a worried look.

"What about you? You'll definitely be doing something as dangerous or more than us."

Shrugging, Naruto scratches his chin before replying, "Eh, can't be that bad. Besides, I've probably fought tougher." Realizing that the sea spirit was still waiting for him patiently, Naruto knew it was time to say his goodbyes. "Percy, I just want you to promise me one thing. Promise me you'll protect Annabeth?"

Raising an eyebrow, Percy understood clearly why Naruto wanted her to be protected in particular. Still, he had to insert a joke, "I promise to protect her but why just her, don't you care about your bro too? Don't you know the phrase, 'Bro's before girls?'"

Laughing genuinely, Naruto shakes his head and acknowledges that he too wants Percy to protect himself also. It seemed like a given, but what the hell. Nodding to Percy, he mounts the sea horse and gives Percy one last look before the sea horse races off into an indistinguishable direction.

Now all alone, Percy sighs silently to himself before kicking back up towards the shore to reunited with Grover and Annabeth.


Naruto, now uncomfortably sitting on a mythically large sea horse, glanced behind him at the woman who now had a disconcerted look on her face. It was a bit unnerving. The woman behind him seconds ago had exuded an aura of confidence and comfort. But now, she was radiating worry and uncertainty.

"So this personal adventure, umm, what does it deal with?" He asked.

The woman took a deep breath before she said anything. "Child of Aura, the quest you will be partaking in is something no one except one other, your dad, and I know about."

Listening closely, he realizes that this quest sounded a whole lot like an S-Ranked mission back home. Biting his bottom lip, he gives his driver a questioning gaze.

"Naruto, you understand that everyone knows that Zeus's Master Bolt is missing, correct?" He answered with a nod. "What no one except us knows is that it's not the only weapon missing…"

He let those words sink in before realization dawned on him. The Nereid's statement practically yelled out that his dad's Trident was missing as well.

"What? His Trident is missing too? How?" Naruto asked with a shocked look appearing on his face.

"We don't know. But it was around the same time as when Zeus's bolt was stolen. However, unlike Zeus, we know where the Trident is located."

"So why doesn't he just retrieve it back then?" Naruto implored.

Frowning again, the woman gave the boy a sympathetic look. "Son of Aura, you should know by now that the big three are forbidden from entering each others territory."

"What?" Naruto almost yelled. Seriously, all these rules and stipulations were driving the boy insane. "Is it Hades territory?" Naruto asked hopeful. If that were the case, then he would be able to reunite with his friends. However, the Nereid shook her head.

"No, the god's dominion we are dealing with is Zeus's."

"Shit." Naruto thought.

"But, Zeus knows of our plight. In fact, this whole Zeus versus Poseidon war is actually a conspiracy. Zeus knows that Poseidon has lost his Trident and vise-versa. Zeus is a fool, but even he is not foolish enough to know that the stealing of the Trident from the Lord of the Sea indicates that he did not steal his bolt. "

Hearing this revelation, Naruto became quite impressed at the intricacy of the whole ordeal. "So what your saying is, that the whole point of this conspiracy is to fool Hades into believing that they will go to war when in actuality they will gang up on him." She nodded, quite impressed at the boy's understanding. "Still, if both gods exchanged weapons, wouldn't you think that they would suspect each other of foul play?"

"Ah but that is not the case. First off, the god's weapon can only be used to its full effectiveness by the hands of the true owner. In that context, both gods would be fighting in a severely weakened state, and with their brother's weapon." Naruto laughed at that picture in his head. Zeus wielding a Trident and his dad, Poseidon, wielding a Lightning Bolt. Both gods frantically trying to make their weapon of mass destruction work right. Yes, it was a very humorous scene. "And the god who would benefit the most from both of them being weakened?"

"Hades," Naruto answered logically. It was all starting to make sense now. "So, why can't Zeus just simply give his brother back his Trident?"

A dark look shrouded the sea spirit's face when Naruto asked that question. Gulping, Naruto knew something very bad was about to be told to him.

"He-he can't quite locate it exactly…" She stuttered, either out of fear or hesitation, he couldn't tell exactly.

"What do you mean the King of the Gods can't locate a WMD- in his own domain no less?" Naruto emphasized critically.

The Nereid then gave the boy a serious look and gazed directly into his eyes. "Boy, there are ancient powers at play here, relics of the past are at work." She then looked up mysteriously at something above the surface. "Primordial beings stir even now, if anything, they stir stronger, louder. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions are all but a mere sample of the powers of the old ones."

"Are you talking about the actual Earth?" Naruto guessed.

"Yes, but I must warn you. Names have power." She told the boy.

"Names? I didn't say anyone's name?"

"No, but the word Earth is derived from her name…" She then spurred the sea horse on; clearly she wanted to get to their destination as fast as possible. "Continuing my earlier explanation, Zeus is willing to let us find the Trident under some conditions."

"They were?" He urged her to go on.

"We had to try to find his Master Bolt first. That meant that we had to offer up a child of Poseidon to aid in his endeavor- proof that we were indeed truly genuine with trying to help him," She explained uncomfortably, "and that's why we separated you and Percy."

"Wait. Are you telling me that Percy is suppose to fulfill the first condition and go on a suicide mission down to Hades to maybe find the bolt?" She nodded slowly in confirmation. "So the second condition I presume is to have me look for my dad's Trident in his domain alone? I mean, sure I'm alone but I'm more than powerful enough to deal with anything in his stupid territory." This sense of confidence made the Nereid knit her eyebrows slightly at the boy.

"I fear the task you have partaken in may very well be even more suicidal than your younger brother's quest. Like I stated earlier, ancient, powerful beings are awakening. And for some reason, they appear to be congregating in a certain spot in Los Angeles." She warned vaguely. "Another thing, child. You will not be alone in this. For Zeus's, rather Jupiter's, second condition, he requested that his son accompany you…"

"Wait a minute, I thought Zeus only had one child?" Naruto questioned confidently.

"Zeus did have one child. Jupiter had one child as well…" Again, the Nereid was being cryptic once more much to the growing headache of a whiskered faced boy.

"What does that even mean? And why are you referring to Zeus as Jupiter?" He asked maddeningly.

"Well, they are the same, more-or-less anyways. The only difference is that one is Greek while the other one is Roman."

"Be. More. Clearer!" Naruto cried out. This was just getting out of hand. He was being bombarded with all this information and frankly he didn't know what was what anymore.

Sighing, it quickly became apparent that this entire explanation would be better conversed at a different time. "Very well. In short, Greek gods came first. Then the Romans adopted some of the Greek gods and made slight alteration with them. For example, the Romans know Zeus by the name of Jupiter. However, the boy, son of Jupiter, who you will meet will have come from another demigod camp."

"You mean there's more than one demigod camp other than Camp Half-Blood?" Naruto was shocked at this.

"Yes, that is why I'm going to ask you this: Do you, Naruto Uzumaki, swear on the River Styx to never share what has been conversed here?"

"Great, another absolute promise." "Yeah, I, Naruto Uzumaki, swear on the River Styx to never share what has been conversed here with anybody else."

Nodding at the boy's promise, she pointed towards the surface. "We will be at our destination very soon. The boy will more than likely find you first. He will ask you for your father's name in Roman. You will say, 'Eímai o gios tou Neptune.'"

Nodding in understanding, he wanted to make sure of one thing first, "I'm guessing the Roman name for my father is Neptune?"

"You seem to be grasping this concept rather well, boy." She complimented. Naruto could only cherish it before the sea horse suddenly broke the surface of the water. "This is where I must leave you. Good luck, Naruto Uzumaki." And with that, the sea horse plunged back down into the depths- leaving the boy alone on the beach.

Looking back towards the mainland, Naruto was appalled at what he saw next. Directly above him was an enormous bridge that seemed to span across the entire sky. "What the hell? Where am I now?" He mentally berated himself. Looking beyond the bridge, he was even more shocked when he saw mass clumps of buildings that appeared to be touching the heavens. Shaking his head with disbelief, he decided that he should probably start walking towards the unbelievable figures.

"So… I was supposed to meet someone here. Where is he?" It was then Naruto was graced with another mindboggling scene. He heard the sounds of flapping above him, and when he looked up, he sees a horse with wings flying down towards him. "Okay, I've seen it all." He mentally concluded. He then saw a boy; he appeared to be sixteen years old in age, riding the majestic animal like it was any other normal horse. However, the boy seemed different than any normal boy. From staring at the boy for a mere moment, Naruto quickly understood this boy was a lot more mature than he looked.

The most distinguishable feature about the boy had to be his electric blue eyes. The boy was tall for his age, probably even taller than Naruto. He also had some weird looking armor that Naruto couldn't identify from studying it briefly. As the boy got closer, he noticed a tattoo with a picture of an eagle with SPQR written on his arm with twelve bar lines. Naruto wasn't homosexual by any means but he quickly realized that this boy must've attracted a lot of females since he was quite handsome. The small scar on the corner of his lips only added to his good looks.

"Cine este tatăl tău?" The boy asked in a demanding tone. He had now landed and was giving the boy in front of him a dangerous look.

Remembering what the Nereid told him earlier about the boy asking for his father's name, Naruto replied back, "Eímai o gios tou Neptune."

After hearing the boy's response, he nodded in acceptance before dismounting the horse. "I'm guessing you've been debriefed about our mission, right?" The now relaxed boy asked.

"Yeah, as crazy as the explanation was, I know the objective." Naruto answered back coolly.

Nodding again, the boy stuck out his hand and waited for the boy to reciprocate his sign of introduction. Noticing this, Naruto did the same and both boys shook hands.

"So, your name is?" Naruto asked.

"Jason," He said in a monotone voice. "Jason Grace, the son of Jupiter, a child of Rome, consul to demigods, and current centurion of the Fifth Cohort."

"Oh, cool, umm, the name's Naruto Uzumaki. Uh, I'm a ninja/demigod, the son of Neptune, and current overall badass!" Naruto stated with passion whilst fist pumping the air. However, Jason gave the boy an odd look before shrugging his shoulder with indifference.

"You're an… odd one." He voiced.

"Whatever, so now that we've met, where are we exactly?"

Rubbing his chin in thought, Jason frowned slightly before responding back. "We're in San Francisco and currently underneath the Golden Gate Bridge."

"Are we near L.A.?" Naruto asked.

"Uh, yeah. We're exactly 381.9 miles north of L.A." Jason replied with mild curiosity. Naruto nodded to this much to the boy's confusion and piqued interest.

"So, where are we supposed to go now?"

Nodding his head, Jason looked off into the distance and pointed to a specific direction. Following his finger north, Naruto sees a mountain in the near distance. "We are going to Mount Tamalpais. There, we will find Lord Neptune's Trident.


~Camp Jupiter One Week Earlier~

A boy wearing a purple t-shirt was sitting alone while inspecting his Ivlivs. He was currently pondering his most recent dream and was trying desperately to understand what it meant. So far, he figured out that his father, Jupiter, was trying to convey to him an important message. However, like any dream, it was getting harder to remember their meeting from the night before. Growling in frustration, the boy ruffles his hair in irritation.

"It seems like you're having a lovely morning." Hearing a feminine voice, Jason peers up and sees one of his close friends, Reyna, walking towards him. She was currently sporting a regal purple toga decorated with gold medals over her golden armor, which indicated to everyone her status of praetor. She then took a seat next to him after he moved over slightly to allow for the extra room.

"More like a nightmare." Jason snorted out with annoyance. This made the girl smile a little at the boy's childish behavior. She always admired her fellow demigod's noble behavior and good self-discipline. That was probably why she was so attracted to the son of Jupiter. Yes, he had all the traits of a great leader and possible lover…

Shaking her head of her crush's polarizing qualities, she thought more about the dilemma the boy was currently in. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"There's nothing to talk about." He countered defensively. But Reyna responded to his reply with a roll of the eyes.

"Jason, I don't even need my two automaton dogs to know that you are lying." She stated confidently.

Shaking his head, Jason looks back at his friend with a look of amusement. "You know me too well, Reyna."

"We are friends after all. And you only play with your coin whenever there is something wrong." She clarified. Hearing a sigh escape the boy, she quickly becomes attentive.

"My father visited me in my dreams last night," He started, "however, I can't seem to remember the details. But I do know it was important if Jupiter had to personally visit me."

"You know the protocols we would usually do in this case, right?" She hinted quietly.

Groaning a little, Jason frowns before speaking, "I know, but I really don't want to talk to that prick again." This elicited a rare giggle from the praetor. Apparently she thought the same of the person.

"Yes, Octavian is quite the weasel. But he is Camp Jupiter's Augur. That means you will have to talk to him eventually since he's the only one here who has the gift of prophecy."

Scowling, Jason gets up suddenly and gazes towards the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus where the conniving demigod could be found. "I guess I should seek the 'teddy bear murder' for a reading." He mutters while beginning to walk in that direction.

Reyna is left alone sitting for several moments before she finally gets up. It wasn't the first time Jason had abruptly left her like he did. These meetings, though, made her heart ache at the boy's dense personality. She always told herself that one of these days she would confess to him. What she didn't know was, that Jason was destined to love another woman…


Walking into the temple, Jason was always amazed at the overall grandiose of the Temple whenever he entered. The marble floor was etched with fancy mosaics and Latin inscriptions. The domed ceiling sparkled gold sixty feet above each time he entered the room. In the center stood a marble altar. A kid in a toga was currently doing some sort of ritual in front of a massive golden statue of his dad, Jupiter, dressed in a silk XXXL purple toga, holding his famous lightning bolt. The kid finished his whatever and turned his attention towards Jason. The kid was tall and skinny, with straw-colored hair, oversized jeans, a baggy T-shirt, and a drooping toga.

When he saw me, he gave me a crooked smile and a slightly crazy look in his eyes, like a person who went on a Red Bull marathon while pulling an all-nighter or two.

After noticing the disemboweled teddy bear in his right hand, Jason couldn't help but to snicker at the funny scene in front of him. Seriously, Jason would have been totally fine with a real life killing of small animals if only for the mere fact that the rituals would be taken more seriously by his fellow peers.

"Ah, why if it isn't the infallible boy who has decided to grace his presence to a loyal servant of Apollo," Octavian mocked while bowing to the now annoyed looking boy, "how can I be of service, Fifth Cohort Centurion?"

Grimacing, Jason takes a deep breath in a weak attempt to control his growing anger before saying anything. "Octavian, I seek for you to interpret my dream."

Raising an eyebrow at the boy's out of the blue request, Octavian beckons for the boy to offer something up in order for him to read the augury. Knowing this beforehand, Jason hands over the pillow he had slept with the night before to a now peeved looking boy.

"Are you upset that it's not a teddy bear?" He joked.

Scoffing at Jason's remark, he ignores the boy's jab and raises his knife toward the altar. He slashes open the pillow and pours its stuffing over the altar. He mutters a few words over the fluff, and turns with a forced smile on his face. "It appears that you need to go to Mount Tamalpais." He declares.

"What, why?" Jason asks very much surprised at the reading.

"I do not know. The will of the gods is always hard to discern." Octavian states with a tired sigh. "Now then, if we're done here, I have other tasks I must attend to, son of Jupiter." He spits out with disdain. And with that closing remark, he goes back to mutilating the other poor teddy bears.

"Huh, this is a strange turn of events." Jason thought before he turned around and left the crazed boy alone once again.


It was around noon when Jason was nearing the mess hall for lunch. Thanks to the Fifth Cohort's damaging reputation, the members were seated in the least honorable spot. Their tables were at the back of the dining hall next to the kitchen. Jason knew there probably weren't too many people in the dining hall since lunch was never much an important time of the meal around here- compared to dinner anyways.

Thinking sullenly, he is quickly reminded as to why his cohort was the worst. The actual reason started way before his time. Now entering the building, the boy looks towards the back wall where the legion's standards were on display. Whenever he looked back there, he was always reminded of the missing eagle that used to belong on the now empty pole. It was a big deal because the eagle is the symbol of the whole camp- a big eagle made of Imperial gold to be more precise. It gave the cohorts all sorts of power, and even more important was that their missing eagle's power came from his dad, Jupiter, himself. In short, the previous members of the Fifth Cohort were pretty much wiped out and most of legion's Imperial gold weapons were lost, including the eagle. Since then, the Fifth Cohort was blamed for everything.

"Hey, Jack, over here!"

Looking towards the direction where his name was called, Jason wasn't surprised to see his friend, Dakota, waving him over. He was also used to him calling him by the wrong name constantly. He didn't know if the kid did it to annoy him or if he was genuinely aloof to these sorts of things. Nevertheless, he signaled back to him that he understood and walked towards the boy.

Sitting next to the boy, Jason couldn't help but to smirk at the boy's vampire-red mouth from his Kool-Aid that was spiked with an insane amount of sugar.

"I would think after knowing each other for a while now that you would know my name is Jason?" He stated while crossing his arms.

"Eh, who cares, like names really matter in the Fifth Cohort. To everyone else, we're just losers." The "drunken" boy retorted while delving back into his ham n' cheese sandwich. "Beswides, ther's no weasn we can't be civil." Dakota says while chewing his food, much to his fellow centurion's distaste.

"Yeah, sure." He simply agreed. Scanning the mess hall, he wasn't too stunned to see the other cohorts snickering at the two of them. He would just usually ignore them. It helped that Dakota never seemed to notice or care what people thought about him in the first place. Maybe that's how they became friends…

Looking over at the praetor's table, he saw most of the senior officers appearing to be in a deep conversation with Reyna. It was clear to him that she wasn't paying much attention to them. If anything, she appeared to be staring at him-

"So, what do you think about tonight's war-games? You think we have a chance?" The son of Bacchus asked halfheartedly, reclaiming Jason's attention once more.

"We always have a chance. It's just that they are never that good." Jason grumbled while one of the aurae became visible- an elfin girl in a white silk dress blew up a dish of baked dormice (chicken drumsticks) and brownies out of thin air. She giggled and winked at Jason before disappearing in a gust. The Fifth Cohort was always used as fodder for the main force whenever they played. They would soften up the defenses even though it was as effective as chucking eggs at a stone wall- messy and completely pointless.

"I heard we get the elephant this time!" Dakota cheered.

"That means we're attacking? Awesome, I'm charged!" Jason exclaimed. He loved being on the offensive since playing defense was always boring and monotonous to him. Just thinking about it made his blood boil with anticipation. "Say, Dakota, have you heard of anything happening in the San Francisco area lately? Specifically, Mount Tamalpais?"

Scratching his chin in thought, the kid shrugs his shoulder showing that he had no idea. "Nothing really. It's been quiet for the most part. Apart from the occasional monsters showing up and terrorizing the local inhabitants, nada. As for Mount Tamalpais, well that place is always creepy. Cuz, you know, the previous inhabitant wasn't on the best of terms with our gods since they did kinda revolt against him." He explained while narrowing his eyes at the boy's very specific question.

"Oh, I was just curious. Thanks anyways." He thanked while quickly hoping to change the subject. "I think I'm going to go." He finalized before getting up and waving his friend a quick goodbye wave.

"Huh, he is acting weird today." Dakota thought before resuming his feast.

After leaving the mess hall, Jason was still pondering his current situation. "Perhaps I should stop by my dad's temple again. Maybe he'll give me a sign or something." He reasoned even though he knew it was unlikely that he would actually have a meaningful conversation with his divine dad. However, at this time, Octavian would have left the temple to do other things outside of it, giving him a chance to possibly talk to his dad alone.

Walking now towards Temple Hill, Jason was interrupted once more by a reoccurring intruder.

"Sorry Don, I don't have any food or spare change to offer up to you." He said while shrugging his shoulders.

Don, who happened to be a faun with an Afro and wearing a Hawaiian shirt with rainbow-tinted sunglasses, gave the boy a look of sadness. "It's cool, man. I'll just sneak into the mess hall during dinner and get some freebies!" The faun announced much to the boy's humor. "Hey, where do you think your going this afternoon, lad?"

"Temple Hill. I have some business I have to do there." Jason answered back vaguely.

"Is that so? Well I guess I'll see you around then. Remember, you're my favorite dude!" He hollered back while sprinting off into the distance.

Letting out a deep breath, the boy peers up and sees the looming hill in the distance. It was time to get some answers.


Entering the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus for the second time that day, he was surprised about the overall change of atmosphere compared to what he had felt earlier when he entered. The air was practically charged with electricity. Looking over the room once more, he couldn't see anything different or out of place. Coming to the conclusion that nothing was overtly wrong, he then walked slowly over to the altar- the remains of a teddy bear in the form of fluff strewn across the altar. Shaking his head, he swept off the remains and kneeled in front of the altar.

"Uh, hey dad. If you're listening, umm can you explain to me what you were trying to tell me last night?" Jason prayed pessimistically. Seriously, this seemed like a huge waste of time. There was no way his dad would actu-

"You mortals and your accursed flaws." A voice boomed directly behind him. Turning his head swiftly, he notices a large intimidating man wearing a purple toga and a mural crown upon his head whilst standing in the back of the room giving him a cold look. Gulping, Jason bows down to him immediately. It was quite clear to him who this person was. "Stand up, child. We do not have much time. And what must be discussed is very important."

Hearing this, the boy tentatively stands up and gives the man his utmost respect.

"Now then, are you prepared to hear what I'm about to ask of you?" Jupiter asked with a dominating tone. Seeing the boy in front of him nod, the Roman god beckons for the boy to come over to him before leaning down and pointing at a specific inscription on the marble floor. Now on one knee in front of the god, Jason squints at the inscription.

"Seven half-blood shall answer the call. To storm or fire the world must fall. An oath to keep with a final breath, and foes bear arms to the Doors of Death." Jason reads out loud. After reading it, he gives his dad a questioning look.

"That prophecy has yet to come to pass. But it is still important nonetheless." Jupiter points out.

"If it doesn't matter now, then why are you stressing me to know this all of a sudden?" Jason asked truthfully.

This made the Lord of the Sky give his son a critical look. "Has this camp taught you nothing? The best strategy needs perfect planning. And in order to plan something, you must first understand what the future entails." Jason, understanding what his dad was getting at, answered back with a frown.

"If that's the case, then what was so urgent that you needed to talk to me in my dreams. And to talk to in person."

"Yes, about that little thing. As the Augur brat stated earlier, you must go to Mount Tamalpais. But first, you must pick-up a certain boy…" Jupiter trailed off.

Noticing this, Jason speaks up, "What's so special about this boy? And why is it necessary to have him with me?"

"He's the son of Neptune." To this, the boy's eyes go wide in shock. The god ignores this and continues speaking, "As for the other question, he has the absolute right to go with you. After all, this is his quest."

"Then why am I even going?" The boy asks.

"You are going because you are the son of Jupiter!" His voiced boomed throughout the entire temple. "You will represent me, and work alongside Neptune's son."

Listening to his dad's statement, Jason is surprised at what he says next. "So, I'm pretty much going to babysit the boy?" This makes his dad raise an eyebrow at the boy's claim. "Whoa, where did that come from?" He mentally asks to no one in particular.

"Think of it as you may. But this quest is important to the both of you. Neptune's lost his weapon…"

"His Trident?" Jason nearly yells out in shock. Things were definitely getting out of control in Mount Olympus.

"Indeed. So I close with this," The god states while giving his son a serious looking expression, "In one week's time, you will meet the boy underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Ask for his father's name in Roman. He will respond with the answer "Eímai o gios tou Neptune."

Hearing this, Jason gets a confused look on his face. "Wait, isn't that Greek?" Seeing a stern nod from his father, he realizes that the question appears to be a touchy subject. Knowing this, he decides not to press on and puts it in the back of his mind for further thought down the road.

*Snap*

And just like that, Jupiter was gone. Looking in all directions, Jason was not surprised to confirm that his dad was indeed gone. Giving out a pained sigh, Jason decides it would be best if he went back to his barracks. When he left, he failed to notice the person hiding behind one of the many pillars within the temple…


~Praetorium~

Lounging back on the seat Jason was sitting in, he sips some water from his goblet. He then sets his drink down and looks at the other people in the room. Currently the entire Fifth Cohort Centurions were congregated inside with him. It might have been a bit misleading since there were only three people sitting around a table.

"I heard you had a busy day," The only female pointed out to the boy who had just taken a sip of water while she shook a pair of tesserae (roman dice)in a cup before eventually tossing them. The pair rolled across the table and both of them landed on a three. "Yes! Ha, you got cleaning duties for the week, Dakota!" The overjoyed girl shouted while cheering mostly to herself.

"Tsk, this is why women shouldn't gamble." Dakota muttered out before grabbing the pair of dice and tossing them.

"Don't worry, I'll help you clean." Jason reassured Dakota much to his relief and gratitude. The pair of dice rolled and lands on a one and four. The boy's forehead scrunches at the useless numbers. He then hands the dice to Jason. "And Gwen, has anyone ever told you to mind your own business?" He asks while turning his attention to the guilty girl.

"Well I'm sorry I asked!" She pouted while crossing her arms and turning her head away. "You know, you've been really mean lately." She countered.

"Have not,"

"Have too!"

Shaking his head, he graces a warm smile towards her direction. "If it makes you feel any better, you were great in tonight's war-games."

"Aw, that's sweet," She says while trying feebly to cover a pink hue across her cheeks. She then puts a finger on her lips in a thinking pose. "And even after offering a kiss on the cheeks to whoever could get over the wall first, I thought that would lift the cohort's spirits."

"Trust me, sweetie, a kiss from me would have done the same to motivate them." Dakota chides while gulping down his Kool-Aid. In turn, Gwen punches the boy's left shoulder in anger, causing the boy to spill a little of his precious drink. "Gah! What have you done?" In retaliation, they both get into a small brawl much to Jason's amusement.

From seeing his fellow centurions interactions, Jason couldn't help but to laugh at the scene. "I don't care what anybody says. This cohort is the best." Looking out the window, he sees the stars twinkling in the night sky. "I have to succeed in this mission." At this thought, he clenches his fist in determination. He had talked to Reyna about the mission earlier, obviously leaving out the top-secret stuff (missing Trident, the boy, the prophecy). He had simply told her he had to go to Mount Tamalpais because his father, Jupiter, commanded him to go personally. The whole approval process went without a hitch and he was allowed to go in one week by the Senate. At one point Reyna had offered to go with him, but he had to deny her for obvious reasons.

"Jason, we're all friends here. Do you think you can tell us a little about your mission to Mount Tamalpais?" Gwendolyn inquired. The two previous scuffling centurions had now recollected themselves and were sitting where they were before the little altercation.

Shaking his head, he looks at his two friends for a moment before rubbing his forehead in thought. "The only thing I can tell you is that it's very important. So important that it may help to restore the Fifth's status if I do succeed."

Both peoples' eyes widen at this revelation. They both look at one another for a couple of seconds before turning back to Jason. It was Dakota who broke the tense silence.

"That means the mission must be suicidal then. Everyone knows anything short of a suicide mission would be necessary for the Fifth Cohort to regain its respect." The girl beside him nodded to this. She vehemently agreed with her fellow centurions observation.

"It is a very dangerous mission. And honestly, I might not survive. But I need to do this, for all of us." Jason added seriously. The two people in front of him gave him a worried look. It was obvious to everyone in Camp Jupiter that, even though there were technically three centurions in the Fifth Cohort, Jason was the undeniable leader for them.

"Then bring us with…" Everyone was shocked when Gwen offered that suggestion. She now was feeling very uncomfortable at being the center of attention in front of the two people she respected the most in the Cohort, as evidence by her now jittery posture. "I- I mean the chances of survival would go up, right?" She reasoned.

"I'm sorry Gwen. I have to do this alone. It's my prerogative." Jason explained. "Besides, the Fifth needs you two to lead them. That is your guys' duties."

"Jason, no offense Gwen but I think you believe in the same thing, but you are the leader of this barracks. If you die, we will fall apart, regardless of us leading." Dakota pointed out- his Kool-Aid drink was now set aside showing to everyone how serious he was now.

Knowing that he had to take control of the situation and make it abundantly clear of his intentions. He had no choice but to act uncharacteristically and become a true Roman Centurion leader. "You will not question me then when I state that I will be going alone on this mission." He declared confidently.

"Bu-"

"No. If you deny my request, then you do not deserve to be called Romans." After hearing this, both people went silent. Not being considered Roman in Camp was the closest thing to being an outcast. No, it was even worse. It was as bad as being nonexistent. Seeing that his message was received, he softened his gaze and spoke up in a gentle tone. "Besides, you two have power. Honestly, I would not have become the person I am now without you two. So man up, erm, I mean grow up and take charge. This is your hour!" Smiling slightly, both people nodded in understanding. Jason was only trying to make them understand their importance and it was their fault that they had made him go so far as he did.

"We understand. We're just worried for you, that's all." Gwen said in a calm tone.

"I know guys. Thank you." Jason said with a warm and thankful look.

"When you come back, mister, we will be sure to throw you a feast!" She declared.

"Yes, yes we'll have all the other Cohorts watch as we celebrate your great victory." Dakota snickered maliciously. Jason laughed sheepishly to this statement.

"It's getting late guys. I think it'd be best if we all went to bed. Squad training starts early tomorrow morning." Jason reveals, much to his fellow peers groans and complaints. After seeing them leave, Jason could only think about the task at hand for the rest of the night before he was finally able to fall asleep.


~The Day of the Mission~

Lunch had felt like a funeral party. Everybody ate. People at and talked in hushed tones. The overall mood was sullen and depressing. The other cohorts kept stealing glances over at Jason like he was the corpse of honor. The praetor, Reyna, made a brief speech wishing Jason good luck. Octavian ripped open a Beanie Baby and pronounced danger and hard times ahead, but predicted the camp to be saved by a strong individual (AKA the Teddy Bear Murder). Afterwards, the rest of the campers left to their afternoon classes or whatnot.

Jason went back to the barracks to collect his backpack, which contained the essential items (clothes, nectar, ambrosia, a little mortal money, and some other minor stuff). As customary, Reyna had given Jason a scroll of introduction that obligated retired legionnaires to aid him when shown the letter.

*Knock* *Knock*

Looking up, Jason is pleasantly surprised to see Reyna in the doorway to his room. "Umm, may I enter?" She coughs nervously. I simply nod and she quickly walks in. She looks around my living quarters with a critical eye. I was getting a little nervous for the mere fact that there was a girl in my room. It wasn't the first time, but it was always awkward. She then glances at the 1963 movie poster of Jason and the Argonauts hung on the wall beside my bed with a sudden look of interest.

"Kind of ironic that your idol's name is Jason, huh?" She murmurs mostly to herself. I couldn't tell if she was talking about my name being compared with Jason in particular or that she thought my name was ironic for some other reason. She then turns her attention back to me and gives me a unusual look. "I just wanted to say my last goodbye before you left."

"Ye-yeah, sure. Thanks, Reyna." I reply back awkwardly. She was acting really differently right now. I couldn't understand why, maybe it had to do with the fact that I may never come back alive…

"Jason, I- I was thinking. Maybe when you- no, when you do come back, that you would be open to becoming the second praetor?"

"… Gee, I haven't really thought about it." I answer back sheepishly. Seriously, where was this coming from? I understand it was a rational question, but the way she asked me was… uncomfortable.

"Oh, well I guess we'll cross that bridge when you get back then." She replies back quickly. She then stands stiffly in place for several moments much to my growing curiosity.

"Is there anything else you wanted to talk about? I kinda have to leave soon." I urge her.

"What? Oh, right, yes you're pressed for time. Very well, I'll make this quick. Uh, what do you think of me?" She asks timidly. Okay, this was getting really, really uncomfortable for me right now. Hiding my look of shock, I settle with staring down at the ground, my face flushed with embarrassment. I had to answer her. Damn, I'd rather fight a Titan than be in this situation.

"Umm, I, uh, Reyna, how should I say this?" I desperately say while trying to delay for answers. "We've been good friends for a long time now, right? And I think, as of right now, I'm in no position to answer that question wholeheartedly." I finish carefully. She has look of mild disappointment but the covers it quickly with a strained smile.

"Is that right? Well it doesn't matter that much either way. You have bigger distractions to deal with right now. I was just curious." She adds. She then walks up and gives me a big hug, much to my shock and awe. "Be careful, centurion." She whispers emotionally.

Recovering from my stunned state, I reciprocate the hug and embrace the hug between two good friends. "I will. You be careful too, praetor." After several moments we break the hug. She waves one last goodbye and walks out the room.

I wait a couple minutes before I too leave the barracks while at the same time saying my goodbyes to my fellow campers.


~Boundary of Camp~

Getting off the elephant, my friend Bobby, a legionnaire for the Fifth Cohort as well, wishes me a safe journey. Hannibal wraps me up with his trunk. Then the elephant taxi service heads back into the valley. I sigh for the umpteenth time and walk towards border patrol.

"IDs, please." The ever-pleasant statue of Terminus appears at the summit of the hill. "Ah, Jason! It's great to see you again!" The statue huffs out with a smile. "Now you know the drill. Come over here so I can pat you down."

"Yeah, sure." I say even though the statue lacks any arms to pat me down with.

After conducting a rigorous mental pat down, he asks me if I have anything to declare.

"Yes, I declare that this is stupid!" I say with a grin.

"Hmph, you quest travelers are going to learn to respect your gods one of these days. SPQR with twelve bar lines indicating twelve years of service in the legion: Jason Grace, the son of Jupiter, a child of Rome, consul to demigods, and current centurion of the Fifth Cohort. Very well, everything seems to be in order." The statue nods to me. "Now, do you need directions for today?"

"No." I answer back simply.

"Just down to the BART station," Terminus said anyways, "Change trains at Twelfth Stree-" A sound of flapping from above interrupts the god's directions much to his sudden ire. Looking up, I was stunned to see Reyna's Pegasus, Scipio floating down towards me. It landed gracefully before walking up to me and giving me a lick to my face. Clearly it wanted me to ride it to my destined location.

"Wha-what the hell is that animal doing here?" Terminus yells out with frustration.

"Sorry, Terms, but I'm going to have to pass on the directions." I tell the infuriated god while mounting the mythical beast.

"Come back here! I haven't cleared that animal to leave yet! I still need to know its medical history, vaccinations, previous owners-" The god's angry shouting soon got of earshot, much to my delight.

Looking forward, I quickly see the bridge coming into view. I lean down to Scipio's right ear, "Let's become heroes. Whaddya say, buddy?" And in response, the Pegasus neighed in response. "That's a good Pegasus." I pet the horse rewardingly. Closing my eyes for a little, I decide to take a quick nap. "Thank you, Reyna." I mentally thought before the sounds of the wind drifting past me lulled me into a light sleep.


Where do I start? The main plot for this fic is still about them returning the items to the gods by the summer solstice. However, the entire premise will be based off loosely from The Percy Jackson Series and The Heroes of Olympus Series. The game changer here is the inclusion of Naruto's own plot and character development and interactions. In doing so, some parts from both series may be mentioned briefly or else entirely forgotten. But I assure you, the key points and conflicts in both series will be included. My overarching plan for The Forbidden Son series is to make it into a trilogy. I believe three fictions will be enough to complete the series. Again, some of you readers may not like this idea or plan. But you have the choice not to read it then.

In light of this, I only ask that the reviewers voice their opinions on what should be added, erased, tweaked, (etc.) or overall share their opinions on how this fic can be better or throw out ideas for the future. Rants and meaningless insults will be ignored. No one wants to read your problems, sorry. I believe that is all. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and are excited for the future and will continue to enjoy the story. Until next time, ciao!