A/N: Thanks for the support about my dad. He is fine, he just have multiple bone fractures that need time to heal.

I'm glad everyone was pleased with how I had Naruto ride the Hellhound in the last chapter. Too be honest, I was deciding whether to have Naruto kill it quickly or ride it toward the campers, and I figured if I had Naruto ride the hellhound it will create some foreshadowing.

Percy Is Offered a Quest

…Olympus…

Zeus was in a foul mood. Poseidon broke his oath and had a son, and now Zeus is all but certain the child stole his symbol for his father, and that Poseidon was out to over throw him again.

It's not only just his nephew that was on Zeus' mind. It was the boy his daughter and son both defied him to bring to this world. He was fully aware of what is sealed in the child. In fact he had to stop his own children from breaking ancient laws to bring the boy to their world from the day he was born.

Zeus was paranoid about the fox, that was for sure. If it wasn't for the fact that the beast itself was dangerous, it's how much dangerous the boy could be if he mastered the beast's power. If the boy learn how to master it's power, he could gain the power of the big three, if not even more powerful.

However before he can do anything about it, he needs to deal with the problems he has at hand, and something he will threaten war if it's not taken care of.

…

If there's one thing Naruto hate more than bullies, it's the cold stares. The day after the Hellhound incident, Naruto joined in with Hermes Cabin, noticing the loathing looks and the whispers didn't help

"He had to summon it, he said he could."

"That's probably why he tried to gain our trust." Another said.

"Yeah, to destroy us."

Only Chiron, Annabeth, Travis, Connor, Luke, Beckendorf, Percy, Katie, and Grover seemed to believe him when he explained what a summoning jutsu was and that he couldn't summon a hellhound. Clarisse seem to believe Naruto too, but she didn't say anything.

Unfortunately Percy had the worse luck after the game. From the moment he was claimed, the poor guy was immediately moved into Cabin Three and treated like he was a plague or something.

Annabeth and the rest of Naruto's aunts and uncles from Athena Cabin started treating Percy like he was their sworn rival or enemy due to the rivalry between Athena and Poseidon.

Unfortunately for Naruto, that made him the outcast of Cabin Six. Since Percy was one of the first friends he made in this world and the fact Percy stood up for him after the Hellhound was killed, Naruto wasn't about to let his grandmother's rivalry with Percy's dad end it.

Luckily for Percy, Grover and Luke seemed to keep their friendship with him as well. Luke even give Percy private sword lessons, although that's mostly because none of the other Hermes kids and unclaimed wanted to train with the guy who beaten three more Ares kids at once than Naruto.

The last thing they need is to have a horrible dream, which of course meant they had it.

Naruto and Percy was on a beach during a storm, only Naruto seemed to be observing things as Percy was trying to run along the beach in a storm. There was a city in the distant, but it wasn't New York.

Los Angeles, Naruto thought.

He had no clue how he knew it, but his senses told him he was right.

About a hundred yards down the surf, two men were fighting. They looked like TV wrestlers, muscular, with beard and long hair. Both wore flowing Greek tunics, one trimmed in blue, the other in green. They grappled with each other, wrestled, kicked and head-butted, and every time they connect, lightning flashed, the sky grew darker, and the wind rose.

Percy tried to run to them, but the wind blew him back, until he was running in place.

Naruto tried to run to his friend, but found himself unable to move.

Over the roar of the storm, they could hear the blue-robed one yelling at the green-robed one, Give it back! Give it back! Like a kindergartner fighting over a toy.

The waves got bigger, crashing into the beach, spraying Percy and Naruto with salt.

Naruto struggled to help Percy but it felt as if he was under Shikamaru's Shadow Possession Jutsu.

Come down, little hero, the voice crooned to Percy. Come down!

The sand split beneath Percy, opening up a crevice straight down to the center of the earth. Percy's feet slipped, and darkness swallowed.

Naruto was freed but before he could go to his friend he sense something watching over him.

Naruto turned and saw a beautiful woman with long black hair and intenes gray wearing a silvery white women tunic under a complete set of armor.

Be wise of how you help your friend, Naruto, she said.

…

Naruto woke with a start in Cabin Six. Judging from the snoring from his cabin mates, Naruto guessed he was the only one awake, which isn't that uncommon. Naruto decided to get up dressed for another early morning training.

However, Naruto didn't get the chance as the moment he got out of the cabin, he saw Grover and Percy both leaving Cabin Three, and judging from Grover's worried look, it wasn't a good thing.

"Hey!" Naruto said running up to them.

"Oh, hey Naruto," Percy said.

"What's going on?" Naruto asked.

"Chiron has summoned Percy to the Big House," Grover said with a slight worried.

"Probably so Mr. D can kill me for existing," Percy muttered.

"But it's not Percy's fault that Poseidon broke his oath to have him, right?" Naruto asked.

"Maybe so, but Mr. D has bad history with children of Poseidon since Theseus," Grover said

"Why would—Oh right Ariadne," Naruto responded as he suddenly remembered the story of how Dionysus married Ariadne of Crete after she was abandoned by Theseus on an island. "I better go with you guys."

Percy had no clue what his blonde hair friend was going on about, but he was glad Naruto decided to stay with them. Grover wanted to protest since Chiron and Mr. D wanted only Percy, but he knew once Naruto make up his mind, there was no changing it because even if they leave Naruto, he would most likely sneak around to gather info himself.

Over Long Island Sound, the sky looked like ink soup coming to a boil. A hazy curtain of rain was coming in their direction.

"You think we need an umbrella?" Percy asked Grover.

"No," he replied. "It never rains here unless we want it to."

"I don't know," Naruto said looking at the sky, "It doesn't look like it's planning to pass around us."

Naruto wasn't the only one worried about the storm. At the volleyball pit, the kids from Apollo's cabin were playing a morning game against the satyrs, and in the strawberry fields Dionysus' twin son were walking around in the strawberry fields, making the plants grow, like normal business, but Naruto and Percy, they were eyeing the storm.

Grover Percy and Naruto walked up to the front porch of the Big House. Dionysus sat at the pinochle table in his tiger-striped Hawaiian shirt with his Diet Coke, just as he had on both of their first days. Chiron sat across the table in his magical wheelchair. They were playing against invisible opponents—two sets oo cards hovering in the air.

"Well, well," Mr. D said without looking up. "Our little celebrity. Come closer. And don't expect me to kowtow to you, mortal, just because old Barnacle-Beard is your father."

A net of lightning flashed across the clouds. Thunder shook the windows of the house.

"Blah, blah, blah," Dionysus said.

Chiron feigned interest in his pinochle cards. Grover cowered by the railing, his hooves clopping back and forth.

"If I had my way," Mr. D said, "I would cause your molecules to erupt in flames. We'd sweep up the ashes and be done with a lot of trouble. But Chiron seems to feel this would be against my mission at this cursed camp to keep you runts from harm."

"Spontaneous combustion is a form of harm, Mr. D," Chiron put in.

"Nonsense," Dionysus said. "Boy wouldn't feel a thing. Nevertheless, I've agreed to restrain myself. I'm thinking of turning you into a dolphin instead, sending you back to your father."

"Mr. D—" Chiron said.

"Oh, all right," Dionysus relented. "There's one more option. But it's deadly and foolishness." Dionysus rose, and the invisible players' cards dropped to the table. "I'm off to Olympus for the emergency meeting. If the boy is still here when I get back, I'll turn him into an Atlantic bottlenose. Do you understand? And Perseus Jackson, if you're at all smart, you'll see that's a much better choice than what Chiron feels you must do."

Dionysus picked up a playing card, twisted it, and it became a plastic rectangle security pass.

He snapped his fingers and the air seemed to fold and bend around him. He became a hologram, then a wind, then he was gone, leaving only the smell of fresh-pressed grapes lingering behind.

"Well that was—weird," Naruto said.

Chiron gave them a tired and strained smile. "Sit, Percy, please. And you too Naruto and Grover."

They did.

Chiron laid his cards on the table, a winning hand he hadn't gotten to use.

"Tell me, Percy," he said. "What did you make of the hellhound?"

Percy blinked before answering, "At first I was scared until I noticed that it was trying to shake Naruto off it's back."

Naruto chuckled at the memory, "I think I scared it more than it scared everyone else."

"Yes, well, Percy will have to meet far worse before he's done," Chiron said.

Percy and Naruto looked at each other, both confused.

"Done… with what?" Percy asked.

"Your quest, of course. Will you accept it?"

Grover was crossed his fingers with hope.

"Um, sir," Naruto said, "You haven't told Percy what it is yet."

Chiron grimaced. "Well, that's the hard part, the details."

Thunder rumbled across the valley. The storm clouds had now reached the edge of the beach as the sky and sea were boiling together.

"Poseidon and Zeus," Percy said. "They're fighting over something valuable… something that was stolen, aren't they?"

Chiron and Grover exchange looks.

Chiron sat forward in his wheelchair. "How did you know that?"

"Well for one thing—" Naruto started off, "The sky and sea seem to have been fighting since Christmas."

Percy nodded. "Then I talked to Annabeth, and she'd overheard something about a theft. And… I've also been having these dreams."

Naruto fought the urge to say he has been too. Thankfully Grover interrupted by saying, "I knew it."

"Hush, satyr," Chiron ordered.

"But it is his quest!" Grover's eyes were bright with excitement. "It must be!"

"Only the Oracle can determine." Chiron stroke his bristly beard. "Nevertheless, Percy, you and Naruto are correct. Your father and Zeus are having their worst quarrel in centuries. They are fighting over something valuable that was stolen. To be precise: a lightning bolt."

Percy laughed nervously. "A what?"

Naruto whacked Percy in the back of the head. Clearly this wasn't a laughing matter.

"Do not take this lightly," Chiron warned. "I'm not talking about some tinfoil-covered zigzag you'd see in a second-grade play. I'm talking about a two-foot-long cylinder of high-grade celestial bronze, capped on both ends with god-level explosives."

"Oh."

"Zeus's master bolt," Chiron said, getting worked up now. "The symbol of his power, from which all other lightning bolts are patterned. The first weapon made by the Cyclopes for the war against the Titans, the bolt that sheered the top off Mount Etna and hurled Kronos from his throne; the master bolt, which packs enough power to make mortal hydrogen bombs look like firecrackers."

Naruto whistled in amazement before asking, "And it's missing?"

"Stolen," Chiron said.

"By who?" Percy asked.

"By whom," Chiron corrected. "By you."

Percy's mouth fell open.

"At least"—Chiron held up a hand—"that's what Zeus thinks. During the winter solstice, at the last council of the gods, Zeus and Poseidon had an argument. The usual nonsense: 'Mother Rhea always like you best,' 'Air disasters are more spectacular than sea disasters,' et cetera. Afterward, Zeus realized his master bolt was missing, taken from his throne room under his very nose. He immediately blamed Poseidon. Now, a god cannot usurp another god's symbol of power directly—that's forbidden by the most ancient of divine laws. But Zeus believes your father convinced a human hero to take it."

"But I didn't—"

"Patience and listen, child," Chiron said. "Zeus has a good reason to be suspicious. The forges of the Cyclopes are under the ocean, which gives Poseidon some influence over the makers of his brother's lightning. Zeus believes Poseidon has taken the master bolt, and is now secretly having the Cyclopes build an arsenal of illegal copies, which might be used to topple Zeus from his throne. The only thing Zeus wasn't sure about was which hero Poseidon used to steal the bolt. Now Poseidon has openly claimed you as his son. You were in New York over the winter holidays. You could easily have snuck into Olympus. Zeus believes he has found his thief."

"But I've never been to Olympus!" Percy argued.

"It's true. I was with him during the winter holidays, and we never been in the Empire State Building," Naruto said. "Not to mention we had no clue where Olympus was much less knew it was real until Annabeth told us."

"Maybe so, but it wouldn't be the first time Poseidon tried to unseat Zeus," Chiron said.

"Wasn't that because Poseidon wanted Zeus to be a better leader?" Naruto asked.

"Yes, but Zeus didn't see it that way, and ever since then he never trusted his brother. Of course, Poseidon denies stealing the bolt. He took great offense at the accusation. The two having been arguing back and forth for months, threatening war. And now, you've come along—the proverbial last straw."

"But I'm just a kid!" Percy argued.

"Percy," Grover cut in, "if you were Zeus, and you already thought your brother was plotting to overthrow you, then your brother suddenly admitted he had broken the sacred oath he took after World War II, that he's fathered a new mortal hero who might be used as a weapon against you… Wouldn't that twist in your toga?"

"But I didn't do anything," Percy said, "Poseidon—my dad—he didn't really have this master bolt stolen, did he?"

Chiron sighed. "Most thinking observers would agree that thievery is not Poseidon's style. But the Sea God is too proud to try convincing Zeus of that. Zeus demanded that Poseidon returned the bolt by the summer solstice. That's June twenty-first, ten days from now. Poseidon wants an apology or being called a thief by the same date. I hoped that diplomacy might prevail, that Hera or Demeter or Hestia would make the two brothers see sense. But your arrival has inflamed Zeus' temper. Now neither god will back down. Unless someone intervenes, unless the master bolt is found and returned to Zeus before the solstice, there will be war. And do you know what a full-fledged war would look like, Percy?"

"Bad?" Percy guessed.

"Imagine the world in chaos. Nature at war with itself. Olympians forced to choose sides between Zeus and Poseidon. Destruction. Carnage. Millions dead. Western civilization turned into a battleground so big it will make the Trojan War look like a water balloon fight. And you, Percy Jackson, would be the first to feel Zeus' wrath."

"Dang," Naruto responded.

It started to rain. Volleyball players stopped their game and stared in stunned silence at the sky, and it didn't ease Percy's mood.

"So I have to find the stupid bolt," Percy said. "And return it to Zeus."

"What better peace offering," Chiron said, "than to have the son of Poseidon return Zeus' property?"

"If Poseidon doesn't have it, where is the thing?" Naruto asked.

"I believe I know." Chiron's expression was grim. "Part of a prophecy I had years ago… well, some of the lines make sense to me, now. But before I can say more, you must officially take up the quest. You must seek the counsel of the Oracle."

"Why can't you tell him where the bolt is beforehand?" Naruto asked.

"Because if I did, Percy would be too afraid to accept the challenge."

Percy swallowed. "Good reason."

"You agree then?"

Percy looked between Naruto and Grover. Naruto was concern, but Grover was nodding encouragingly.

"All right," Percy said. "It's better than being turned into a dolphin."

"Then it's time you consult the Oracle," Chiron said. "Go upstairs, Percy Jackson, to the attic. When you come back down, assuming you're still sane, we will talk more."

Percy reluctantly nodded and headed into the big house.

…

Its been five minutes since Percy had left to consult the oracle and he hasn't returned.

Naruto started polishing the bronze on his headband and sharpening his celestial bronze ninja weapons. One thing he learned in camp was how to clean and sharpened celestial bronze weapons so they will always be in top shape for the next monster they fight.

Naruto wasn't sure if he will be allowed on the quest, but he wanted to be ready just incase. The oddest part during the wait was that every once in a while Naruto would noticed the air behind Chiron shimmered.

Finally Percy came out and he looked as if he was hit by a truck.

"Well?" Chiron asked.

Percy slumped into a chair at the Pinochle table, "She said I would retrieve what was stolen."

Grover sat forward, chewing excitedly on the remains of a Diet Coke can Dionysus left. "That's great!"

"What did the Oracle say exactly?" Chiron pressed. "This is important."

Percy was rather reluctant as he spoke. "She… she said I would take three west, a friend's dangerous secret will be put at rest. the true enemy will be revealed, only with a friends help what was stolen be retrieved."

Naruto had a feeling that Percy was leaving out something. Chiron must have sensed the same thing because he asked, "Anything else?"

"No," Percy lied. "That's about it."

Naruto gave a look to Percy that said, We'll discuss this water.

"Very well, Percy. But know this: the Oracle's words often have double meetings. Don't dwell on them too much. The truth is not always clear until events come to pass."

"Okay," Percy said, anxious to change the topics, "So where do I go? Who's the god in the west?"

"Ah, think, Percy," Chiron said. "If Zeus and Poseidon weaken each other in a war, who stands to gain?"

"Somebody else who wants to take over?" Percy guessed.

"Yes, quite. Someone who harbors a grudge, who has been unhappy with his lot since the world was divided eons ago, whose kingdom would grow powerful with the deaths of millions. Someone who hates his brothers for forcing him into an oath to have no more children, an oath that both of them have now broken."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Wait, you don't mean Hades, do you?"

Chiron nodded. "The Lord of the Dead is the only possibility."

Even Grover seemed scared by the possibility.

"A Fury came after Percy," Chiron reminded them, "She watched the young man until she was sure of his identity, then tried to kill him. Furies obey only one lord: Hades."

"Yeah, but—but Hades hates all heroes," Grover protested. "Especially if he has found out Percy is a son of Poseidon…"

"A hellhound got into the forest," Chiron continued. "Those can only be summoned from the Fields of Punishment, and it had to be summoned by someone within the camp. Hades must have a spy here. He must suspect Poseidon will try to use Percy to clear his name. Hades would very much like to kill this young half-blood before he can take on the quest."

"Great," Percy muttered, "That's two major gods who want to kill me."

Naruto wasn't so convinced. It seemed to fishy. Sure, Chiron was right about the Fury being a servant of Hades, and the hellhound too. But he also remembered what Mrs. Dodds said when she was trying to kill them, or rather demanded. Mrs. Dodds was looking for something not someone.

"But the quest to…" Grover swallowed. "I mean, couldn't the master bolt be in some place like Maine? Maine's very nice this year."

"Hades sent a minion to steal the master bolt," Chiron insisted. "He hid it in the Underworld, knowing full and well that Zeus would blame Poseidon. I don't pretend to understand the Lord of the Dead's motives perfectly, or why he chose this time to start a war, but one thing is certain. Percy must go to the Underworld, find the master bolt, and reveal the truth."

Percy seemed to be full of anticipation and desire for revenge, but at the same time hesitant at the idea of going up against a god.

Grover was trembling. He'd started eating pinochle cards like potato chips.

Naruto decided to speak up, going with their theory. "Look, if we know it's Hades, why can't we just tell the other gods? Maybe my grandmother will listen to reason if she knew that Zeus and Poseidon are being set up."

"Maybe so, Naruto, but suspecting and knowing are not the same thing," Chiron said. "Besides, even if the other gods suspected Hades—and I imagine some does—they couldn't retrieve the bolt themselves. Gods cannot cross each other's territories except by invitation. That is another ancient rule. Heroes, on other hand, have certain privileges. They can go anywhere, challenge anyone, as long as they're bold enough to do it. No god can be held responsible for a hero's actions. Why do you think the gods always operate through humans?"

"You're saying I'm being used," Percy said.

"I'm saying it was no accident Poseidon claimed you now. It's a very risky gamble, but he's in a desperate situation. He needs you."

Percy seemed to be mixed with resentful grateful happy and angry all at once.

Naruto turned to Chiron. "You've known Percy was Poseidon's son all along, haven't you?"

"I had my suspicions. As I said, Naruto… I've spoken to the Oracle, too."

"So let me get this straight," Percy said. "I'm supposed go to the Underworld and confront the Lord of the Dead, find the most powerful weapon in the universe, and get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice, in ten days."

"That's about right," Chiron agreed.

"Did I mention that Maine is very nice this time of year?" Grover asked weakly after eating the ace of hearts.

"You don't have to go," Percy told him. "I can't ask that of you."

"Oh…" He shifted his hooves. "No… it's just that satyrs and underground places… well…"

He took a deep breath, then stood, brushing the shredded cards and aluminum bits off his T-shirt. "You saved my life, Percy. You and Naruto both did. If… if you're serious about wanting me along, I won't let you down."

"Me too," Naruto said. "After all, I do have experience with missions from back in the Elemental Nations that has proven to be resourceful against the monsters in this world."

Chiron nodded in approval.

"Thanks guys," Percy said. "So where do we go? The Oracle just said to go west."

"The entrance to the Underworld is always in the west. It moves from age to age, just like Olympus. Right now, of course it's in America."

"Where?" Percy asked.

Chiron looked surprised "I thought that it would be obvious enough."

"Um Chiron, up until over a week ago, Percy didn't know the gods were real and he never left the state of New York," Naruto reminded him.

"Oh, right," Chiron said forgetting about it. "Well, the entrance to the Underworld is in Los Angeles."

"Naturally," Percy said, "So we just get on a plane—"

"No!" Grover shrieked. "Percy, what are you thinking? Have you ever been on a plane in your life?"

Percy shook his head.

"Percy, think," Chiron said. "You are the son of the Sea God. Your father's bitterest rival is Zeus, Lord of the Sky. Your mother knew better than to trust you in an airplane. You would be in Zeus' domain. You would never come down again alive."

Overhead, lightning crackled. Thunder boomed.

"Okay," Percy said trying not to look at the storm, "So, I'll travel overland."

"That's right," Chiron said. "Also, under normal circumstances I will only allow Naruto and Grover go with you, but since the Oracle prophesized it, you must have a third companion in this quest. Fortunately, someone has already volunteered, if you will accept her help."

"Gee," Percy said, feigning surprise. "Who else would be stupid enough to volunteer for a quest like this?"

The air shimmered behind Chiron once again.

Annabeth became visible, stuffing her Yankees cap into her back pocket.

"I've been waiting a long time for a quest, seaweed brain," she said, "Athena is no fan of Poseidon, but if you're going to save the world, I'm the best person to help keep you from messing up."

"What am I? Chop liver?" Naruto asked.

"If you do say so yourself," Percy said. "I suppose you have a plan, wise girl?"

Her cheeks colored. "Do you want my help or not?"

"Ninjas in the Elemental Nations normally go on quest of three or four," Naruto stated.

"Fine," Percy said, "Four will work."

"Excellent," Chiron said. "This afternoon, we can take you four as far as the bus terminal in Manhattan. After that, you're on your own."

Lightning flashed. Rain poured down on the meadow that were never supposed to have violent weather.

"No time to waste," Chiron said, "I think you should all get packing."

"And then off to get Zeus Toy of mast destruction," Naruto thought.