IX- I'M GOING JUST BECAUSE I'M NICE

While Annabeth and Grover hurried over to Artemis to make a detailed summary of their misfortunes up to now, Naruto and Percy awkwardly stood by the side, watching the scene unfold.

"Hey thanks for swallowing your pride there", said Percy while rubbing his neck. He still had yet to recover from Artemis's intimidating display and frankly, he thought that Naruto was never going to back down and that they were going to kick the bucket right then and there.

"Yeah it was the sane thing to do", said Naruto absent-mindedly, "Annabeth is right, Artemis could smite us if she wanted to, so let's be glad she settled for just an apology". Percy simply nodded, the relief still clear on his face.

"But what brings you around these parts Goddess?" asked Grover rather loudly, drawing Percy's and Naruto's attention back to the conversation. "It's just that you don't usually hunt these types of creatures unless they are causing mayhem and as bad as it can be, the Caledonian boar tends to mind its own business".

Artemis sighed before answering the question, a worried expression creeping on her face.

"Some of my hunters, they're in trouble", she said in a quiet tone. Naruto shifted, a bit uncomfortable at how subdued the Goddess had gotten, "There's been a rogue group of demigods wreaking havoc lately, they capture other demigods to offer them up to monsters in exchange for valuable items, protection and allegiance. I had sent some of my hunters to track a few monsters who had spawned back from Tartarus and were actually dangerous. They ran into them and the demigods".

"That's awful, isn't there a way to free them?" said Annabeth in shock. Chiron had told her that not all demigods were good and some actually used their talents to do horrible things but she never knew that some half-bloods would stoop so low.

"They have been hidden from me", answered Artemis with a frown, "They are probably being backed by some really powerful monsters or someone who is good enough to conceal them from me. Besides they aren't dead yet and therefore it's not a direct offense against me".

"I'm sorry but what does that mean?" enquired Percy who had gotten closer, following the new development.

"It means that Lady Artemis cannot engage against the demigods unless they engage against her first" explained Annabeth while rubbing her necklace.

"It's not an issue, I won't let anything happen to them", retorted Artemis with determination. "I will free my hunters, even if I had to do it under his nose".

Annabeth simply pointed toward the sky when Percy opened his mouth to ask who "he" was. Percy understood that it must have been a reference to Zeus.

"If we can be of any help, Milady- " started Grover excitedly before Annabeth whacked him on the head.

"We have a quest, remember goat-boy", admonished Annabeth who looked apologetically at Artemis.

"Yes, I know all about that", said Artemis with a little smile. She was one of the first Zeus sent on that search for his bolt. She had come up empty handed so far and she doubted a bunch of inexperienced demigods would best her at it. But she wouldn't totally underestimate them, after all, demigods unlike gods are not limited in their actions which meant that they could virtually go anywhere they wanted.

A lightbulb went off in Artemis's head as she looked back toward the little runt who had dared insult her earlier. She had heard quite a few rumors from reports on camp half-blood that he was unusually strong for a demigod… and he owed her his life now.

"Say son of Hades", she said solemnly while looking at him with a serious look. "Do you truly wish to earn my forgiveness?". Everyone turned to Naruto. He sighed.

"Yes lady Artemis", he said while internally hoping she wasn't about to make him do something embarrassing. Artemis looked at him silently for a moment before she opened her mouth again.

"I will need help finding my hunters, as I told you, my actions are limited as a god, but you can go anywhere you want". As she said this, Artemis was internally swallowing all her conceptions about men in general. She would have gladly taken the Annabeth girl but she felt that the girl was essential to this quest. The satyr was useless and the son of Poseidon wasn't even an option. Besides, she had seen the way he had avoided the Caledonian Boar which is a fast creature for its size. He carried himself like a soldier and had good instincts, he was the best choice at her disposal. But obviously he wasn't going to agree straight away.

"What?" said Naruto as soon as he registered what she said, "I'm sorry but why me? Why not-why not your other hunters, they could help you?".

"The summer hunt has begun, their celestial duty is more important", said Artemis.

"The summer what?"

"The summer hunt Naruto, It's an annual event where at the beginning of summer, Artemis and her hunters go after the most dangerous monsters that are currently roaming the earth to send them back to Tartarus. It's an effort to limit the expansion of monsters and prevent the most powerful of them of growing stronger", explained Annabeth.

"You mean they'd rather hunt than save their friends?" wondered Percy aloud.

"It is our duty we do not make the rules nor have a choice in the matter" dryly shot back Artemis. Percy fidgeted under her annoyed gaze.

"Still, I'm sorry" intervened Naruto, "But we already have a quest and-"

"Erhm- Naruto I don't really think you have a choice here" said Grover with a sheepish look, "We'll be fine, you'll be with Lady Artemis, it shouldn't take too long and then we can get back together".

Annabeth nodded. Naruto was a big part of their team and had saved them from a lot of trouble but for Artemis to make this request out of him, he wasn't really in a position where he could refuse. Besides it would be a test for her, to see if she was ready for the real world. They would be alright without him.

Naruto looked around to the other two who were agreeing with Grover. To tell the truth, he didn't care much for the quest, he was only in it to protect his friends. But going with Artemis would give him the chance to actually fight a lot more and let loose. Ever since his conversation with the fox in his stomach, he was really eager to find out more about what he was capable of and what better way for that than kicking the asses of some kidnappers. Besides, there was a good chance Artemis knew about the world he came from. Maybe she could tell him about it.

"Alright fine goddess", he finally said after a good minute of thinking, "but I'm only going because I'm nice" he concluded with a smirk.

Artemis rolled her eyes, at the boy's antics. 'This should be interesting', she thought to herself.

Naruto and his friends parted ways in the forest, after them assuring him that they would be alright without him.

"You're the one that has to be careful Naruto" said Annabeth while giving him a hug, "You're going to be fighting actual demigods and they're a lot smarter than monsters".

"Don't worry wise girl", reassured Naruto before releasing her, "I'll kick their butts, save the hunters and be back here before you can miss me".

"Yeah whatever Skull boy", said Annabeth with a little smile.

Naruto hugged Percy and told him to take care of himself, he then shook Grover's hand and said one last goodbye before leaving with Artemis who gave a short nod at the others.

UNDERWORLD, LOS ANGELES, USA

Grace was pacing around in the throne room. Ever since her Lord Hades had called her back to the underworld to help with the day to day activities, she had been a little bored. Don't get her wrong, she was happy to be back to working for her Lord and to finally be able to embrace who she really was in front of her Master Naruto, but she kind of missed their old life, where it was just the two of them. Most importantly, she missed Naruto and had yet to see him apart from her little spying sessions with the help of her good friend Iris the goddess of rainbows. Naruto seemed to have grown even stronger and she was happy. He would finally be able to truly be who he is, the prince of the Underworld.

The door behind her flew open and her Lord Hades walked in, looking regal as always. He did love dramatic entrances. She stood still until he sat on his throne and then came to bow in front of him.

"You called for me my Lord" she said while still looking down, one knee resting on the ground.

"Yes I did, It's about Naruto", said Hades. Grace instantly perked up at this. Was her master in trouble? No, if he was her Lord Hades wouldn't be that calm, but then again, Hades wasn't one for big emotions.

"Is he in any trouble?" She finally asked.

"Well at first I thought he was because my spies reported seeing his quest members without him", started Hades which made Grace's breath hitch, "But turns out he's okay and he's been seen with Artemis of all people", quickly added Hades.

"Lady Artemis?" Inquired Grace, calming herself down now that she knew that Naruto wasn't in any danger. Her Naruto hanging around with the Man-hating goddess, what an odd pair up. "What do you need me to do, my Lord?"

"Kushina recently suggested that I mend my relationship with my son", said Hades while shifting in his throne. "I was going to do it as soon as they reached me here, but turns out I don't know if he will be part of the group that will arrive here to confront me".

Hades got up from his throne, and started pacing around himself. Grace watching him intently.

"I want you to carry a message for me", he finally said, stopping his frantic pacing.

TWO DAYS LATER IN A RANDOM FOREST IN NEW JERSEY, USA

Naruto had to say, Artemis wasn't the most talkative of travelling companions but she wasn't that bad to be around. She had of course provided Naruto with a separate tent for his sleeping arrangements and while she was distant, they did have some insightful conversations during their dinners, which mainly consisted of Ambrosia and Nectar. Of course Naruto expected her to be distant, he was a boy after all, but he was glad that she wasn't as bad as the rumors made her out to be.

They had covered a lot of ground in these three days, mainly following Artemis's connection to her hunters. She had trouble picking up their scents, like it was there but it was hidden by a heavier and much more potent scent. This wouldn't pose a problem for too long though, because she had enlisted the help of one of the best trackers she had ever encountered. She had sent the signal earlier in the day, and all they had to do now was wait.

"So-", started Naruto, deciding on striking up a conversation, "Since you're a god I figured you must know about the elemental nations?"

Artemis turned to him with a knowing look. She had figured the subject was going to come up sooner or later. For a demigod, Naruto was impressive, outstanding even for a boy. But still, he barely had any knowledge of where he was from and seems to be determined to seek answers.

"I've… been there", she started in a slow voice, Naruto perking up at the reveal of Artemis's presence in his homeland, "It was during Hades's stay there. He had left open a dimensional rift between the two worlds and that allowed people with enough strength, to come and go between the two worlds without much hindering".

"How is it?" asked Naruto with sparkles in his eyes. Artemis chuckled a bit at the excitement displayed by him.

"It's really similar to this world", she answered with a smile, "The humans there, have more natural abilities thanks to a genetic mutation called chakra, but apart from that, everything else is alike this world".

"That sounds amazing", said Naruto with a dreamy look.

"Well It is but it also had a lot darker aspects", added Artemis with a frown, "The power possessed by these people created a lot of conflicts between them and they waged terrible wars that brought destruction upon them".

Naruto smile lessened but the light did not leave his eyes.

"Is there… Is there any way I can ever return there?", he asked. Artemis gazed at him, an empathetic look in her eyes. The boy desperately wanted to know who he was but the fate had already severed that part of him.

"Unfortunately the fate closed all the passages from this world to the elemental nations when your father Hades went and brought you back eleven years ago", she said with a sigh.

Naruto got a faraway look when he realized that he would never see the place where he was actually born. Artemis shifted uncomfortably, unused to seeing him so withdrawn.

"Well I mean, it's not like they have cheese burgers and pizza there right?" Joked Naruto with a dry smile, "I bet they don't have monsters and demigods to kick there".

Artemis smiled. Demigods, no they didn't, but monsters… they had some terrible ones.

"Anyway", pursued Naruto aiming to change the subject, "Shouldn't your best tracker already be here?".

Artemis got up to look at the sky.

"As a matter of fact, he's already here", she said pointing up.

Naruto looked up himself and saw shape flying through the sky at really high speed. The shape got closer and closer and Naruto started to distinguish wings.

"Is that a…"

He didn't get the chance to finish his sentence, the being landed on the ground with a loud thud. Naruto finally got a look at the creature. It was a falcon. It was around 4ft tall and had claws as big has hands. Its fur was grey and its golden eyes were shining with wisdom.

Artemis went inside her tent and came back out with a ripped grey jacket, probably belonging to one of her missing hunter.

"You took your sweet time getting here Argyll", she said while stepping closer to the giant Falcon, "I know I called you out of the blue but I'm a little desperate".

The Falcon bowed, it's beautiful grey fur shining nicely in the sun.

"My apologies goddess, when you called on me I was leading a search in the Arctic for some lestrygonians who have recently escaped Tartarus, I came back as soon as I could".

The Falcon then turned toward Naruto.

"May I enquire on the identity of this young fellow?" asked the bird. He sounded awfully polite but somehow Naruto felt the bird was not to mess with.

"His name is Naruto, he's a demigod and he's here to help me find my hunters", answered Artemis as curtly as possible.

Argyll looked at Naruto, making him feel as if he was seeing through him. The falcon then nodded and turned back to Artemis.

"You know the procedure goddess", he said while looking pointedly at the jacket Artemis had in her hand.

She extended her arm toward Argyll who got closer to her, so that he could smell the jacket. Naruto tensed a bit. The air around them suddenly got heavy as the bird stayed hunched over the jacket. Argyll suddenly raised his head, his eyes shining with a yellow light. He looked on ahead, as if there was a path only he could see.

"Do you sense her?" asked Artemis with a hopeful gaze.

"The scent is faint my lady, but it's there", answered Argyll, "something else is mixed with the scent…it…it seems to be trying to suppress it".

"Then we have to hurry", concluded Artemis. She went back into her tent, probably with the intent of packing. Naruto himself went inside his tent to retrieve his backpack and his sword.

He came out of the tent to see Artemis all packed and ready to go and standing next to Argyll. She waved her hand and the tent collapsed on itself, shrinking down to the size of a small box. Naruto picked it up and shoved it in his backpack before joining his other two quest members.

"How fast can you move?" asked Artemis.

"Fast enough", answered Naruto with confidence. Thanks to this energy he had in him, he could move fast and if he focused hard enough, stick to some things.

Artemis raised an eyebrow at the answer but refrained to comment. She turned back to Argyll who was waiting on them. They exchanged a nod.

"Argyll is going to follow the scent he caught of Tara my hunter", she explained to Naruto. "We don't know what to expect when we reach there, I am an Olympian so I can say that this should go well, but we can never be too careful so stay on guard, we cannot use my chariot because it's not discreet enough, we'll move on foot to try and preserve stealth".

Naruto nodded silently and finished strapping his backpack to his shoulder. He then took a big breath, trying to calm his heart that was starting to beat faster. Argyll let out a soft cry, then started flapping his wings, elevating slowly from the ground.

"I will slow down so as you can keep track of me, but please do try to move fast, time is of the essence here", he said as he got higher and higher in the air. When he was high enough, he suddenly shot forward in a burst of speed.

Artemis herself got in a running position, Naruto quickly imitating her.

"Do try to keep up", she said as she quickly flashed forward herself. Naruto simply chuckled before pumping as much energy as he could into his legs and following her in a trail of leaves.

Artemis had to admit, she was impressed by Naruto's abilities. Not only was he able to keep up with her and Argyll, he didn't even seem to put that much effort into it.

'must be thanks to that energy they have', she thought referring to the elemental nation's inhabitants.

She looked ahead, focusing on her steps as they hoped from one tree to another. This was a method of traveling that she had first witnessed in the elemental nations, when she observed shinobis jumping from tree to tree as a way to move faster when they were in a forest. This method covered ground faster, took less steps and allowed a higher field of vision. It also helped them keep track of Argyll who was moving above them, following the scent of Tara.

"I have to admit you surprised me, even the best of my hunters would struggle to keep up with me the way you are right now", she said looking to her right where Naruto was hoping alongside her.

"I've always been able to push my physical abilities to the farthest because of this energy I have inside of me", said Naruto, "to be honest I have yet to test how far I can really go".

"Well now sounds like a good time to test that out", said a voice in Naruto's mind. He was so surprised that he almost lost his footing but caught himself before falling.

"What, who was that ?!"

"No need to be frighten young one, it's me Argyll", said the voice with calmness.

"Whoa, dude how did you get in my head?", thought Naruto while focusing back on their current method of travelling.

"It's one of my many abilities", replied Argyll "It's what makes me so useful at recon, I can observe and report back without uttering a single word".

"So wait… we're all connected right now?" asked Naruto while glancing at Artemis who was skipping a little ahead of him, her own gaze focused on the path before them.

"Well not exactly, I can talk to all of you at once but I can choose to specifically connect with someone. Right now I'm only talking to you".

"Oh okay, good…I wanted to ask then, Artemis, do you think she's okay?", Mentally enquired Naruto. He looked up at Argyll, who had made no sign that he had acknowledged his question, but Naruto knew that the bird had heard him and was just thinking of how best to answer.

"Lady Artemis is alright enough, for someone who has lost people she calls family", finally answered Argyll, "but, we don't exactly know what's waiting for us out there and I have a feeling she will need your help. Please watch out for her, she's very strong but even the strong need helps sometimes".

"Of course", thought Naruto. As ridiculous as this might sound, he was going to do everything in his power to protect Artemis and help her recover her missing hunters.

They had been travelling for two hours straight, neither of three showing any signs of tiredness. A few minutes ago, Argyll had warned them about their destination coming up and they had gotten more focused on their surroundings, watching out for anything unexpected.

"the scent is getting stronger; I think they're 1 or 2 miles from here",thought Argyll while slowing himself down a little and flying lower to use the trees as cover.

"Okay, do we have some kind of plan?", asked Naruto while matching Argyll's pace and starting to mentally prepare himself for the upcoming unknown challenge.

Artemis, who had been running ahead of him all this time slowed herself and Naruto finally took a look at her face. She harbored a determined look, the one of a soldier going into war.

"It depends on what we find there", she finally answered through the mental link, "Depend on the place where they are keeping them, our tactic will adjust. The most important here is the element of surprise. They know that I'm coming but not how many I've brought with me and most importantly what they can do".

Naruto nodded. It all made sense so far. He settled on being patient and trusted Artemis judgement for when they reached the spot.

"we're almost there", thought Argyll while flying a little ahead and stopping on the third highest branch of a tree. Naruto and Artemis joined him.

Naruto's eyes widened.

"What the fuck?", he thought before he could stop himself.

In front of them, right in the middle of the forest, stood a Hotel. A full blown hotel with at least twelve stories and a pool. It was painted white and a bunch of expensive cars were parked out front.

"How the hell did we not see that from afar?", Asked Naruto to Argyll.

"For such a structure to go undetected by me, it must have been built with really ancient magic", he answered. "Lady Artemis we should…".

"LITTLE ARTEMIS, YOU CAME!".

The voice resounded out of nowhere and made Naruto and Artemis draw their weapons.

"WHO ARE YOU, SHOW YOURSELF YOU COWARD", Artemis herself yelled.

"OF COURSE, OF COURSE", answered the voice. Suddenly the hotel gate opened, "COME INSIDE NOW, IF YOU WANT TO SEE YOUR HUNTERS AGAIN THAT IS".

Artemis fists balled and she jumped down from the tree.

"Goddess…", started Argyll but Naruto stopped him.

"We don't have a better option", he said while jumping down himself, "if he invites us in, he doesn't plan on attacking us just yet. He wants something. Best we can do right now is follow along".

Argyll sighed then shrunk to the size of a regular falcon and followed Naruto and Artemis who were making their way to the hotel's gate.

"I have a bad feeling about this".

Hello everyone, here is chapter 9. I know, I'm as irregular as ever but I haven't given up on this but ever since starting college I have less and less time. Hope you enjoy this one.

Lunkman.