Chapter 10

MOUNT OLYMPUS

Artemis sat on the couch in her temple. She had been waiting for the right moment in order to claim Naruto as her son. She decided that today was the best time to do so.

She looked at the screen. She saw her son quickly dispatch a hellhound about to attack his friend. Though, she was disappointed that her son wasn't using a bow and arrow for himself.

On the screen, she saw that all the campers were staring at Naruto.

"Here goes nothing." She said to herself.

She closed her eyes focusing her energy on her son.

All around her, she felt spikes of energy coming towards her temple. The other gods have already learned of this. Definitely, they were coming over to ask her what happened.

The first to arrive was Apollo, her twin brother. He was screaming outside her temple, "LITTLE SIS! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!"

Next to arrive was Aphrodite. She was also screaming, "IT'S FINALLY HAPPENED! TELL MEEEE!"

One by one all the other gods began to arrive, even Hera, surprisingly. Now there was a commotion outside her temple. Artemis went out to meet them.

"I know, I know. I have a lot to explain, but there are a few others would want to hear this."

She snapped her fingers. In a flash of bright light, the Hunters of Artemis appeared in Olympus just outside her temple.

When the hunters came to, they realized that they were not in their camp anymore. They looked around and saw the gods, including their mistress present. As soon as they saw Artemis, they started to swarm her. They were yelling and protesting about what they just saw.

"Girls, enough." She said. "I will explain myself."

She took a deep breath before saying, "First of all, Aphrodite, it's not what you think."

Aphrodite groaned.

"As you are aware, there is a young boy from the Elemental Nations right now in Camp Half-Blood who I claimed as my son. As you know, I seldom visit this world to hunt some of their animals that are not even found in this world. In my first visit, I sensed these masses of energy in the form of huge creatures."

"The tailed beasts." Hermes said.

Artemis nodded.

"During one of my visits, I decided to see these animals for myself and hunt them down. I appeared in a forest near some high walls of a village. Surprisingly, I sensed one of those beasts inside the village, so I disguised myself as one of the maidens and entered the village. I tracked down the beast down in a house. I entered the house unnoticed, but I couldn't see the fox anywhere. All I could see were humans inside."

She paused for a bit.

"Oddly, though, I could sense the beast coming from the woman in the group. I sensed that there was a seal keeping the beast at bay. So, I decided to enter the seal myself. Once inside, I discovered that the beast inside the seal was a fox, a huge fox with nine tails."

Gasps were heard from the hunters.

"What I didn't expect as well was that the woman was carrying a child. The fox wasn't too happy about this. In fact, he was bitter for being sealed inside humans and used as a weapon. But that's not what I was explaining. Anyway, we had a chat, so I stayed there for quite a while. I didn't know that the fox, inside the seal, was influencing how the child would look like. During my time in the seal, my essence was transferred to the child, just like the fox."

"So, that's why–" Athena said.

"Yes, what he inherited from me is there, but it's subtle. I'm surprised you noticed. You won't even notice it if you don't pay close attention. So, in a way, you could say he's my child too."

"But, why is he here?" One of the hunters asked.

"Thirteen years later, I went back to the Elemental Nations to hunt again. I was following my prey through a forested area. I kept following it until it led me into a waterfall with two big statues on both sides. I could see that a big fight has recently occurred in the area. Below the cliff, I noticed an orange figure lying on the ground. I decided to investigate. At first, I was disappointed because the white figure I saw was a boy."

Groans could be heard from the hunters.

"I studied him before going to leave him there to die. I decided against that idea when I noticed subtle auburn streaks in his hair. There were whisker marks on his cheeks which reminded me of the fox I hunted in the past. When I knelt down to touch him, I felt my essence coursing through him. I sensed him as the same child that the woman I saw, all those years ago. Because of that, I decided to take him in."

"Won't they be looking for him?"

"I went back to the area where I found him and saw a man looking for him. I approached him and talked to him. I learned about his horrible past which explained the bitterness and resentment the boy was harbouring. We went back to the village and I talked to the village leader, who surprisingly was a woman. Basically, after some tests, they concluded that we were related, and they allowed him to come home with me after making necessary arrangements."

"And he's a Jinchuriki, right?" Athena asked.

Artemis nodded. "Father's going to be paranoid about him again."

"He's always like that." Hera said.

"But, little sis," Apollo said changing the subject. "You still didn't answer my question. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because, I know you would overreact like that as usual. "Artemis replied.

Ares also spoke up. "The little punk ain't bad. Could make a good challenge."

Artemis shot him a murderous look. "Don't you dare."

Aphrodite had scowl on her face. "I thought you took my advice about finding someone.

Artemis shook her head. "Never, Aphrodite, never. You know I have an oath."

Aphrodite's face lit up when an idea lit up in her mind. She squealed, "I'm going to give him a great love life."

She just looked at Aphrodite and sighed.

"I knew it." She thought.

She looked over to her Hunters. They were shuffling nervously at their seats clearly they didn't know how to take this all in.

"Girls," She said getting the girls' attention. "What do you feel about this?"

Zoe spoke up for the group. "My lady, we are relieved that you have still kept your oath. We really thought that you have broken your oath when you claimed him as your son. As for your son, he being a boy already puts him in a bad light. We just don't know. We have to meet him ourselves for us to judge him properly."

Artemis nodded accepting their answers.

"Do you all feel this way?" She asked.

The hunters nodded.

"I think this is much excitement for one day. I believe it's time for us to leave." Hera said. "We came here for an explanation and we were given one. Plus, after Poseidon's claiming, Zeus would probably be in a bad mood."

One by one the gods walked towards her and congratulated her before going out on their own ways. The last one to leave was Apollo and Hephaestus.

"I was not expecting for me to have a nephew from me sister, so I'll try to keep an eye on him." Apollo said before leaving.

"Thanks," Artemis replied.

Apollo patted her head treating her as his little sister much to Artemis' great dislike.

Hephaestus handed Artemis a ninja pouch similar to that of Naruto's.

"Here, I just finished your order. I believe I understand who it is for now." He said.

"Thank you."

"Anytime."

After that, Hephaestus made his way back to his forges.

Artemis turned to her hunters, "Thank you for understanding girls. I know this is all of a sudden for you."

One of the hunters spoke up, "Since he had inherited some parts of you, he may not be so bad." There were murmurs of agreement from the other hunters.

"Though he will have to prove himself to us." Zoe said.

"Thank you girls." She said gratefully. She then clicked her fingers and the hunters disappeared in a flash of light.

CAMP HALF-BLOOD

Naruto sat on a bench in the centre of the cabins looking at his mother's cabin. Just a few minutes ago, Artemis claimed him as her son, though it is still unclear to him. Beside him was his best friend, Percy, who, just like him, was claimed by his father.

All around them, the campers were staring at them. They were staring at Naruto like he might be a mistake, even though Chiron already told them that the gods don't make mistakes when it comes to claiming. For Percy, many were shocked that Poseidon claimed him as a son. This meant that Poseidon has broken the pact between the big three. It definitely was a bad sign.

"So, I guess we aren't roommates anymore." Naruto said breaking the silence.

"I guess not." Percy replied.

Naruto looked at the campers who were staring at them. The last time he was stared at like this was when he was a little kid. Thankfully, these stares were not hateful stares, unlike the villagers of the Hidden Leaf. And unlike the last time, he was not alone.

Naruto continued to talk to his friend so he could try to ignore the stares. Taking in the moonlight that night definitely made him feel better.

Chiron trotted towards them.

"Those were some surprising claims. The whole camp has still been reeling from that. Now, though, we have to move you in to your parent's cabin." He said.

"Percy, you will go to Cabin Three." He said pointing towards the cabin that looked like it was made of sea rock.

He turned to Naruto, "And you Naruto, you will go to…Cabin Eight." He said hesitantly pointing to the cabin glowing in the moonlight.

"Now go get your things from Cabin Eleven."

Percy and Naruto went on their way. They didn't forget to thank Luke for helping them on their first days and for taking them in when they didn't know their godly parent yet. On their way back, Chiron pulled Naruto aside.

"We have a little problem about your cabin. The Hunters of Artemis come over once in a while, and they stay at the Cabin when they are here."

"Urm…" Naruto thought, "is there any chance that any of the cabins would take me in while I am here?"

"That should be acceptable; just make sure to ask permission from the head counsellor. It would be acceptable if you make an offering during meal times to the god's cabin you want to stay at."

Naruto nodded.

Chiron looked around and saw that the other campers were still outside their cabins and staring at them.

"Alright everyone," he said. "Go inside your cabins now. It is way past your curfew."

"Well, I guess I will see you in the morning Chiron."

Chiron smiled and trotted away.

Naruto looked at Percy and said. "Well I guess I will see you tomorrow too."

"I'm still bummed out that we aren't roommates anymore."

"Well it can't be helped.

Percy took a look at door for a while and entered.

"I guess it's my turn." Naruto thought as he stared at the doors of the glowing cabin.

Naruto thought that after Chiron ordered the campers to enter their cabins, they stopped staring at him. He noticed many campers were still looking out their windows to see if he would get vaporized or get turned into a jackalope.

He sighed.

Naruto, then, entered the cabin. The others watched with bated breath waiting for something to happen. A few seconds later, silence permeated through the night. Nothing happened. The campers then called it a night.

Inside the cabin, the first thing he noticed was the scent. He picked up the scent of the outdoors, just like the forests he loved to camp out in. It reminded him of the forests outside the leaf village. A smile crept up to his face.

He looked around. The walls were painted dark green with silver vine like designs going along the top and bottom of the walls. Painted along the walls were pictures of different animals from bears, deer, and wolves. Alongside the animals were the images of people wearing long hoods and cloaks and carrying bows and arrows.

He saw that there were around twenty beds that had silver duvets and pillows covering them. Beside each bed was a set of drawers where the hunters could leave their equipment.

"Where do I sleep?" He voiced out his thoughts. He definitely didn't want to sleep on the beds that a bunch of man-hating girls.

At the moment he spoke up, a bright light shone in the backside of the cabin. When the light died down, a door formed on the back wall.

"Woah," Naruto said. He went straight for the door and opened it. When the door was opened, it revealed a room.

The room contained a pair of cabinets on the left side of the room. Facing the cabinets, there was a big bed, more than big enough for him. Beside the bed, there was a night stand with drawers and a lamp on top of it. On top of the bed, there was a ninja pouch that looked like his own. On the bed's headboard, there was a note stuck on it just like when he first came into this world.

He went over and sat on the bed. He plucked the note from the head and read it.

Dear Naruto,

I know you are surprised to find out that you are my son, but please know that despite my reputation, you are the exception. So do not think that I don't care about you.

The main cabin is used by my hunters, so I had this part of the cabin specifically made for you. I know that if you stayed with my hunters, they would feel uncomfortable if they have to share with a boy. But, you have every right to stay in this cabin as my hunters. However, I have been told that your apartment back in the Elemental Nations has always been a disaster. I just want to remind you that you should keep this room tidy. There will be cabin inspections every afternoon.

Anyways, I heard you got a Minotaur horn after your battle with the Minotaur. I have provided you with a cabinet for you to place your spoils of war. Treat it like a trophy case.

Also, I heard that you don't feel like using a sword as your weapon. In the pouch, you will see kunai just like those you use back at home. The difference is that these kunai are made with a combination of chakra metal and celestial bronze. These kunai are enchanted to return to the pouch after a few seconds so you don't have to worry about running out.

Lastly, this is not the right time for us to meet. Just know that until the time we meet, look up to the sky at night. I will always be watching you under the shine of the moonlight.

Love Mom.

PS. Why don't you try using a bow and arrow? I am sure you have discovered that you have inherited marksmanship from me.

Naruto smiled. He looked up and saw the trophy case his mother was talking about. He saw the Minotaur horn already in there and a tooth lying beside it. He figured it came from the hellhound he fought a while back.

Beside the trophy case, there was a cabinet. Inside there was his old jumpsuit and a green flak jacket. There were also different clothes that hung beside it.

He smiled and wiped a stray tear formed in his eye.

Since he had been claimed, a voice was nagging him in his head. It had him thinking if his mother really wanted him since he knew his mother's reputation. But, seeing this, the nagging voice was silenced. He knows that his mother loves him.

Sitting on the bed, he let out a huge yawn. Definitely, the games he played today and the training he did in the morning were catching up to him. He was feeling tired.

He took a shower and went to bed with a big smile on his face.

MOUNT OLYMPUS

In the throne room, sitting on head of the Olympian thrones was a man wearing a dark blue pin-striped suit with long dark grey hair and electric blue eyes. This is Zeus, god of the sky and king of the Olympians.

He was definitely in a foul mood. He just learned that Poseidon too had broken his oath, and he was almost certain that the child has stolen his weapon. Also on his mind, there was Artemis' son. Despite the ancient laws, she still brought her son here into the world. Plus, he feared the beast that was sealed inside of him. He was paranoid that the boy with the help of the beast had enough power to challenge him.

He could have smitten the boy the moment he was here in this world. But, he didn't want to risk the beast rampaging in New York if he did. Also, he didn't want to anger his mother, Artemis.

Just then, another man entered the throne room. The man had black hair, a deep tan and sea green eyes. He was wearing Birkenstocks, khaki Bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. This was Poseidon, god of the Sea.

The moment he entered, the tension in the air thickened. The two started arguing about Poseidon's son stealing Zeus' weapon. All around the world, thunderstorms, earthquake, and storms hit various countries answering to the anger of the two brothers.

THE NEXT MORNING

Naruto stretched as he exited the cabin. As usual, he woke up earlier than the other campers. Though he woke up so early, he still felt refreshed after having one of the best sleeps in his life. The bed his mother gave him was definitely very, very soft and comfy.

He went around camp for his usual jog.

Towards the end of his jog, just before breakfast, the other campers were already awake. As he was going for a shower, he noticed that many of the girls were staring at him with blushes on their faces.

"This is going to take some getting used to." He thought.

After his shower, the conch horn blew right on schedule. Campers all around the camp made their way to the dining pavilion.

Naruto went to his new table. He will definitely have to get used to eating by himself. In the past few days, he had people eating with him at the Hermes table. Now, being the only son of Artemis, he was alone on the table.

After the usual offerings, everyone had a hearty meal. For Naruto, well, his appetite never failed to amuse the other campers. They watched as plate after plate stacked on his table. Despite being alone on the table, it looked like a whole cabin sat on the table after he finished.

After breakfast, he caught up to Percy.

"It's sad that we have to spend breakfast alone." Naruto said to his friend.

"Yeah, just when I thought I was fitting in." Percy replied with a sad look on his face.

Naruto understood his friend. The other campers were avoiding him now like he had some kind of disease. It reminded him of the villagers in the Hidden Leaf when he was young.

He patted his friend on the shoulder. "Cheer up, Perce. Think of it this way; at least you have a whole cabin to yourself."

Percy's face lit up. "Yeah, sleeping at night doesn't kill my back anymore."

Both of them laughed.

As the two walked, thunder boomed in the distance. Grover had told them that bad weather never found its way into camp, yet the clouds above camp darkened and the ocean was getting wild, with the waves reaching meters high.

The duo was looking up at the sky when their satyr friend made his way over to them.

"Hey Perce!" Grover called out. "Mr. D wants to see you."

"Why?" Percy asked.

"He wants to kill... I mean, I'd better let him tell you." Grover replied.

Naruto did a double take on what Grover told Percy. "Wait, did you say kill?"

"N-no." Grover stuttered.

Grover's expression told him that he was hiding something.

"If Percy is in trouble in any way, I'm coming too." Naruto offered.

"Y-you can't. Mr. D specifically asked to bring Percy only."

"Oh." Naruto said. "Oh well. I guess I'll see you later, Perce."

Grover then left with Percy leaving Naruto alone.

A FEW MINUTES LATER

Naruto was sitting on a bench near the cabins. It started to rain. The rain clouds looming over the camp didn't pass around as Grover had said.

He sat there thinking. The satyr's words didn't leave his mind.

"He wants to kill…I mean, I'd better let him tell you." Grover's words were spoken in his mind.

He was worried that his friend might be in some kind of trouble with Mr. D. He was told about the pact of the Big Three after World War II. He was not supposed to be born. He thought that Mr. D was calling him because of this. This made him curious.

A grin made its way into his face.

"I will find out what is going on." He thought.

He stood up and made his way to the Big House.

When he got to the Big House, he noticed that Percy and Mr. D were not there anymore. Only Chiron and Grover were visible in the area sitting on his fake wheel chair cards in hand and chewing coke cans respectively. Visible is the operative word here. He sensed someone else was in the area, only he couldn't see where he or she was.

He tried to pinpoint where this other person was. When he was almost certain where he or she was, he put up an illusion and went in. As fast as he got in, he got out just as quick.

Struggling in his arms was an invisible human shaped mass he couldn't see but could hear and feel.

"Shhh," He said in a whisper. "You don't want us to be found out, do you?"

The invisible form in his arms stopped struggling and took of something on its head.

"How did you know I was there?" The form who was revealed to be Annabeth asked, also in a hushed tone.

"Oh hey Annabeth." He greeted first. "I sensed you skulking around the area."

Annabeth frowned.

"So, what are you doing there, Annie?"

"Just the same as you," Annabeth whispered. "And, don't call me Annie."

"Whatever you say, Annie."

Annabeth growled at Naruto.

"So, where's Percy?" Naruto asked.

"Oh, he went up to the Oracle to get a prophecy for his quest."

"What?! He asked a bit loudly but still made sure both of them weren't heard. "He couldn't even defend himself here at camp."

"Wow, way to have confidence on your best friend." Annabeth commented.

"I'm just worried about him." He said. "So, what's it about?"

"Uhm, basically, Zeus is missing his master bolt, his symbol of power, and he's blaming Percy for it."

Naruto remembered the stories about Zeus' weapon, the first weapon made by the Cyclopes for the war against the Titans. He remembered that Zeus used it to sheer the top off Mount Etna and hurl Kronos from his throne.

Naruto sighed. "Let me guess; Zeus is paranoid that his brother, Percy's dad, is plotting to overthrow him. And, he's blaming Percy even though we were together all this time and we have never been to Olympus."

"Pretty much." Annabeth shrugged.

"Why am I not surprised?" Naruto sighed again. "Was there even a time when these two were not fighting?"

Annabeth just nodded.

Just then, they heard footsteps approaching the area.

It was Percy. He had just finished his audience with the oracle. He sat down on his chair by the Pinochle table and slumped.

Grover had his fingers crossed like he was wishing for something to happen.

Chiron asked. "Well?"

"Uhm… She said…"

TO BE CONTINUED

A/N: Sorry for the cliff hanger. The quest is going to be started in the next chapter and I didn't want to stuff this chapter.

Shout out to DarkShadowRaven. Thanks for the idea on Artemis' explanation to the other gods.

Thanks for the response this story is getting. Don't forget to read and review. Sorry if I took longer than I usually take to produce a chapter. I was having writer's block.

Till next time